Author's Note: Hey guys! I'm back it's been a minute I know and to be honest wasn't sure if I was coming back. But if there's anyone out there looking for some NaruHina content I got you. I wrote this a while ago and decided to revisit and clean it up a bit. So here's this is and who knows maybe you'll love it...or not lol.

My blankets once again held me willingly captive.

No, not the chirping birds or the sunlight peeking in from the blinds were a match for its cozy embrace.

I had just about convince myself that, maybe missing one day of work wouldn't be so bad after all.

I flipped over on to my side, slipping back into a deep sleep, when I suddenly realized there was a lot more space in my bed then I remembered.

This was a game I had played several times before, yet I still felt that sinking feeling in my gut.

My eyes peeled open and I sat up with a deep sigh.

As I expected, a hand written note on a scrap piece of paper laid next to me.

" Let's see what his excuse is this time" I mutter to myself as I lazily picked it up.

Sorry princess I had to leave for work. I have the early shift today, but I promise I'll make it up to you. Let's have dinner together at that restaurant you like. My treat.

I shook my head, " Yeah fucking right!"

I crumbled up the note, chucked it across the room then flopped back against my pillow.

He did it again.

I couldn't remember when these exchanges began, it was all a blur. One day he was my childhood friend and then suddenly we're tearing each other's clothes off in a drunken frenzy.

Pre-existing feelings muddled and before I knew it I was in love.

If only I could blame that on the alcohol.

Soon one lonely drunken night turned into two then three and now.. now I wasn't even sure what we were anymore. All I knew was I was waking up naked and alone a few too many times a week and these little notes were getting old.

My eyes met with the clock on my night stand.

7 am.

I guess I was going to work after all.

—-

Crimson Corp. One of the largest and booming electronics and engineering companies in Japan and it didn't have that title for nothing. The work load was heavy and strict, everyone was expected to be on their A game, the text book definition of perfection.

To be honest I wasn't sure how a stuttering and clumsy mess like myself even managed to get a job here.

" You look like you definitely need this" my coworker and best friend said handing me my daily dose of caffeine.

" You have NO idea, thanks Tenten " I responded, just before taking a sip of my usual vanilla latte with a double shot of espresso.

The office was loud and bustling as usual, people yelling orders to one another, phones ringing, papers flying, the type of environment that just made you want to move fast and get your work done ASAP.

" By your under eye bags and inside out shirt I think I have a clue" Tenten said as we made our way to our desk.

I looked down at myself and cursed. My shirt was not only inside out, but wrinkled, stained and to top it off I was wearing mismatched socks.

I rubbed my eyes, " If that clue starts with the letter K you would be right," I then threw my briefcase on my desk and collapsed in my chair with a defeated sigh.

I could feel Tenten giving me that " really " face expression and I didn't dare look back at her.

I knew a scolding was on its way.

" Again? You know Hinata I really REALLY didn't want to be right about it this time, but good lord you never seem to prove me wrong. I mean how many times must you go through this with this idiot-"

My lecture was interrupted by a deep male voice that commanded my attention.

I felt myself trembling with anxiety, there was no doubt who the voice belonged to and it certainly wasn't a voice I could afford to ignore.

I looked up at the big CEO himself ; Sasuke Uchiha.

He stood tall with a professional stature over my small cubicle. He was deathly handsome, sharp features, shiny black hair, broad shoulders but his stern face and cold personality was off putting. His energy reeked of intimidation, a great tactic in the business world, maybe not so much in the social world.

" Hyuga drop whatever it is your doing and follow me to my office. I need your assistance" he said, his brow ticking with impatience.

Tenten gave me a knowing look as I let out a sigh.

My day was about to get even BETTER.

" Now Hyuga."

" Y-yes of course sir."

Like the good lap dog I was, I followed him to his office feeling a bit angry at myself for allowing him to continue to talk to me like that.

At 23 you'd think I'd have a little more confidence, a little more self respect, but after being kicked out of your own home at the age of 13 and being bullied basically your entire childhood, let's just say my self esteem and confidence wasn't exactly developed properly.

Oh and he was my boss let's not forget that.

" I need you to submit these forms to the board of directory for me. I have a meeting to attend" Sasuke said facing the big bay window of his office rather then me like he hadn't a care in the world.

" No problem I c-can do that for you sir."

" Also when you get a chance I need you to mail out that contract for the new building in China."

" Of course s-sir."

" Oh and that reminds me. Lunch. Get Kana in room seven to schedule lunch with the Akihito's I have some business plans I need to discuss with them."

" Yes sir."

" And Ms Hyuga," He finally turned his head to look at me.

His onyx eyes stared back at me with a sternness that made you want to stand up straighter.

" Don't disappoint me."

My voice got caught in my throat as a rush of adrenaline hit my body. " I-I wouldn't dare Mr Uchiha" i responded sheepishly.

" Good." He then approached the door I was standing next to.

I was quick to move out of his way.

" Is that my coffee?"

I didn't even have a chance to respond when he removed the only thing that was going to get me through my shift from my shaky hands and placed it to his lips.

His face contoured in disgust. " Ugh, what is this sweet garbage? Black Hyuga I like my coffee black."

My soul nearly left my body when he then tossed it into the trash bin.

" Guess I'll have to grab some during the meeting. This girl..." he muttered under his breath leaving me alone in his office.

Some one get me a crown because I was the queen of pushovers.

—-

" And then he threw it into the trash."

I was now in the bathroom dabbing my eyes with toilet paper while Tenten listened to me rant.

" Hey now, don't cry he's not worth it. He may be our boss but that guy's a real ass" Tenten cooed. She patted my shoulder and gave me a cheerful smile.

" Don't worry I'll buy you another coffee."

I blew my nose loudly and threw my tissue away. " I'm not even his assistant, god I hate this job, I hate being this way and I hate my life."

" Hinata. I keep telling you, you can't allow yourself to be anyone's doormat even if it is your boss. You've got to speak up. I know it's tough but your gonna keep getting taken advantage 're better than that."

I let out a sigh. I knew very well she was right. But It was a struggle. I'd been a yes sir yes ma'am girl since I was little. Rather then a daughter I was a servant, I weighed on my fathers hand and feet from a very young age and when I was of no use to him out of his house I went. I ended up living with other family members until I was 18. I can barely remember his face.

Being a door mat in a way was how I survived.

It was engraved into my very being.

Tenten looked down at her watch and then back at me. " We should go we have a lot of work to do."

I nodded my head and followed Tenten out of the bathroom.

" Hey Ten wanna get dinner later? " I asked.

Tenten looked at me with a sorry smile. " I'm sorry I can't I've got a date... rain check?"

" Yeah that's fine."

That's when HE flashed in my head along with his note.

There was tightness in my chest.

Was I a fool for secretly hoping he'd call? Even though he had proven to disappoint me several times? I wanted to believe that maybe, just maybe he'd keep his promise to take me out tonight.

It was stupid and went against everything, after all we just talked about me not being a door mat. But HE was special. Sure he could be a flake and sure where we stood wasn't exactly black and white, but I couldn't deny the way he made me feel. For the first time in a long time I felt needed, I felt beautiful, like I wasn't just Hinata the boring office bimbo.

I felt bad going against my best friends wishes, but she just didn't understand our relationship.

Sure there's a ton of bad but when it was good it was REALLY good and I didn't want to just throw away one of the only things that made me feel like my father wasn't right about me.

Luckily the extra workload made the day go by faster, though I was exhausted. I stumbled to my blue car and pulled my hair free from its bun. I stared back at the building, looking at each letter of its sign with distain. Crimson corporation. I had been an office clerk there for just a little over a year.

I told myself it would be a temporary thing until I finished my degree in education but when that didn't work out here I stayed. It was a tough job but, it payed the bills.

It seemed like a theme for me. Things not happening the way they were supposed to in my life. Constant disappointment, differed dreams a vicious never ending cycle. I couldn't say with confidence I was living.

I was surviving.

I had just started the engine of my car, when I felt my phone vibrate in the pocket of my pencil skirt. I pulled it out and read the message very quickly.

Text messages weren't something I got very often, in fact phone calls or any type of messages was a rare thing for me.

Hey you still on for dinner tonight?

I curse myself for the smile that creeped on my face after reading his message.

Don't respond right away. Make him wait. After all he got what he wanted from you and left you alone yet again. You're not a door mat. You're not a door mat!

My fingers seemed to have a mind of there own.

Within seconds I responded.

Yes I am.

My heart was loud against my chest as the 3 dots popped up on my screen. He was responding and fast. That was a good sign.

Great I'll pick you up at 6.

I felt heat flood to my face and I smiled so big it stung my cheeks a bit.

I slammed my foot on my gas petal.

There was no denying it. I was an idiot.

In my apartment I was quick to shower. I had my favorite radio station blasting through my speakers. I practically danced as i sprayed that fruity perfume I knew he liked on my body.

He didn't forget, he'd keep his promise. I was so happy.

Hair, make up and half an hour later I was ready. I struggled to zip up my little black dress reaching behind my back like I had an itch I could not scratch. Looking in the mirror i spun around pleased with my choices. I left my hair out and wore black stilettos to match my figure hugging dress.

It wasn't my type of look if I was being honest, but I knew it was his, so I was willing to compromise.

This outfit needed something else. Lip stick. I pulled out a red tube label velvet in fancy

letters. Then I spread its bright red contents against my lips. Leaning back, I examined myself in the mirror.

Again it wasn't me, I looked like I was getting ready for my shift at the red light district, but anything tight and form fitting was bound to catch his attention right?

I could hear my phone ringing from my bed room under the bubbly pop music echoing from my bathroom. I half jogged over to it in excitement.

He was early. He was never early.

" Hello" I said trying to contain my excitement.

" Hey."

His voice sounded nervous and groggy.

My stomach dropped and a sickening feeling of nostalgia fell over me.

" What's wrong" I blurted out. I knew bad news was coming and I didn't want to play this suspenseful silence game.

" i fucked up I'm an idiot."

" Talk to me" I responded with a frown.

I slowly sat on my bed and began taking off my shoes.

I already knew what was going to happen.

" I forgot I promised Shino and the guys I'd watch the game with them tonight."

I heard him inhale sharply through his nose as if he was mad at himself.

I rolled my eyes.

Here we went again.

" Hinata I'm sorry I keep doing this to you and you're always so nice about it too. I'm a horrible guy and even a worst friend."

Friend? Now that hurt more than the cancellation.

" Hinata?"

" It's okay don't worry."

I could kick myself. I was doing it again. I caught myself in the reflection of my mirror. Tears were threatening to spill out of my eyes.

" I had a long day at work I'm sort of tired anyway" I said forcing myself to chuckle.

" Oh that damn Crimson Corp had you slaving away huh?" he responded teasingly.

" Yeah but I'm strong I survived." I smiled despite the tears falling onto my bed sheets.

" That a girl. You show them what's what. I've gotta go. Next time okay?"

I swallowed hard at those damned meaningless words.

" Sure."

" Okay again I'm sorry talk to you later."

I didn't respond because I knew he wouldn't. I hung up and threw my phone across the room, it miss the sofa completely and landed face down on the ground. I was sure it cracked.

I yelled out in frustration releasing all the tension in my body.

I was tired. Tired of this pathetic excuse for a life. I was 23 living like a 60 year old. I had no boyfriend barely any friends and nothing to look forward to.

I wanted to be different.

I wanted to change.

I wanted to start living.

I hopped out of my bed and put my shoes back on.

Fine he couldn't take me out and sure Tenten had also denied me, but I wasn't going to spend another night crying in my Pj's sinking into my self pity.

I needed to go out.

I didn't need to be with someone to have fun, I would find fun myself.

Slinging my purse over my shoulder I picked up my cracked phone and headed out the door of my condo.

In my car I zoomed down several streets, with no idea of where to go. Probably should have did a little research before hand. Feeling like a complete idiot, I rested my head on the steering wheel of my car when I got to a red light.

" Maybe I should go home " I said to myself.

The loud laughing of a group of girls passing my car caught my attention. They walked arm and arm into a bar called Nindo. I had never seen it before yet judging by the amount of people going into it it was popular. I decided I might as well check it out since I couldn't think of anything else to do.

I found parking and with an anxious heart entered the bar.

Inside screamed old Japanese aesthetic from the mini water fall filled with coy fish, to the scrolls and old ink paintings that decorated the walls.

It was like I stepped into a time machine.

I liked it.

The loud clinking of my shoes and tight dress brought a lot of unwanted attention to me as i wondered around. It was surprisingly big for a bar.

After I received a couple whistles from some drunk guys, I decided it was time for me to sit down. All that confidence I had as I was getting ready had completely disappeared.

Settling into a stool I tried to regain my composure.

" Hello what can I get for you sweet heart?"

I looked up at the bar tender. She was gorgeous. Her eyes were such a deep brown color that they almost appeared red, she wore red lipstick to complement them and her jet black hair framed her pretty face.

I struggled for words thrown off by this older woman's beauty.

" I-I'll have an old fashion" I said meekly.

" Coming right up."

I wondered if he would have skipped the game if I looked like her.

I could hear the guy a few stools away from me snicker with his friend.

" Now that's a bit strong you sure you want to get that? Poor thing probably just googled a drink " I heard him say to his friend who laughed in response.

" Don't worry if she gets too drunk i'll be there to comfort her afterwards" the other man said clinking his drink with the other drunk.

Assholes.

It was a pretty decently strong drink that I've had several times, but hearing them laugh did something to myself esteem.

Maybe coming here was a bad idea?

I mean forget the drink look how I was dressed, add alcohol to that and who knew how this night would end.

Second guessing myself I opened my mouth to change my mind on the drink, but someone spoke before I could get a word out.

" Hey mind your own fucking business will ya? She can drink what she wants. It's a bar."

It was like he read my thoughts.

My eyes met with the back of my savior. He was tall. Really tall. His hair was unruly and blond, sticking out in all directions.

He turned to look at me.

God he was good looking and he had the bluest eyes I had ever seen in my life.

" You're just mad because a pretty girl dared not to look in your direction" he said winking at me.

Every orifice of my body blushed.

The drunk slammed his drink down on the counter in an angry fit. " What was that boy? Why don't you come here and say that" he slurred.

The blue eyed beauty looked back at him like what he said meant nothing and began to approach the man.

That's when the bartender stepped in grabbing the blond shirt.

" Stop it before I throw both of you out. No fighting at my bar."

The blond smiled cheekily at the bar tender " Sorry Kurenai."

He then settled down into the seat next to me.

" Then I'll have what she's having" he said pointing at me with his thumb.

Our eyes met and i felt electricity shoot through my veins.

" Some people are real jerks huh. Are you okay?" he asked.

For like the 10th time today I struggled to open my mouth.

I managed to squeak out a " Y-yes thank you."

He smiled and I notice two dimples appeared under some whisker like marks he had lining his cheeks.

He some how got more handsome the longer I looked at him.

" That's good."

The two old fashions were presented to us and wanting to desperately get rid of the anxiety sitting at the base of my stomach I quickly brought mine to my lips.

I felt his eye on me as I chugged the drink.

" Rough day?"

Rough was a nice way to put it.

I nodded my head. The Liquor warmed my stomach and throat and I felt my mind clear.

I immediately wanted another.

I raised a finger to the bartender signaling one more. Glancing at my handsome neighbors drink i saw he had barely touched his. Instead he was looking dead at me, with concern written all over his face.

" You know I get you don't know me, but sometimes talking to a stranger is just what you need when you're down" he said. He reached over and grabbed a few napkins and handed them to me.

I didn't even realize I was crying.

" So Miss stranger, if your down I'm all ears."