SHIBARI: Bound

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

Music:

'(10.1) Fluctuant – AK

'(10.2) Yamanooto – Satxri

'(10.3) Shaku – Satxri

Note: The YouTube Playlist link can be found on my PFP.

Chapter 10

The Girl Who Fought with Snakes

Present (Late Summer 5 AN) – Konoha

Hinata felt instant relief at the vacant space Sasuke created when he stood upright. That relief was soon replaced by shock as recognition crashed over her like a bucket of ice. They had stopped at the open entryway of the Yamanaka Flower Shop. She gawked at the familiar yellow structure.

Sasuke took a few steps towards the entrance, before hesitating to ask, "Are you coming?"

Her feet rooted to the pavement. There was no way she could go in there without being reminded of why she knew the place like the back of her hand. That she was a favorite customer for spending half a fortune every chance she got to pay proper respects to Konoha's fallen heroes. Hinata's eyes dropped, appearing intent on shooting black flames from her byakugan. "N-no." Mental snap. "I'll wait out front."

Sasuke observed the veins stretching up the sides of her downturned face. With a grunted "hn" he proceeded into the shop with Koji and Jin.

Shino slinked to her side- shaded eyes trained on their departing backs. The flat monotone of his voice reflected concern. "Is everything okay?"

The Aburame was always good at reading her. She knew, even though his eyes were fixed on the shop, he didn't have to watch them to follow their movements.

He was saving her pride.

She offered a reassuring smile that didn't reach her eyes and responded, "Yes. I can still see them from here. Thank you, Shino."

He nodded his acceptance. Taking the opportunity to redirect, he unnecessarily notified, "They are all being tracked by my kikaichu as well."

When he did not move from his position, she knew what his words truly meant.

He would stay with her.

Kiba, flanking her other side, crossed his arms over his green flak jacket and added haughtily, "Yeah? Well, I can still smell and hear them from here so I'm not going anywhere either."

This time, her smile did reach her eyes and a light chuckle erupted from deep in her chest. Shino beamed warmly and Kiba howled with laughter simply because it felt good. He nudged his shoulder into hers and she shook her head with mock disapproval. A soft grin settled on her face as they patiently waited for the Uchihas to return.

The minutes ticked by slowly under the bright sky and still warm air, barely a breeze to disturb the potted flowers sitting along the storefront.

When Sasuke exited with a long stride, he barely acknowledged his new team before pivoting towards their next destination. Hinata jolted forward after him.

Jin came out next with a nod, and wordlessly made his way over to the Uchiha head as well.

Shortly after, Koji appeared, burdened by a few large flower arrangements awkwardly sitting in his arms. He paused in front of Shino who gave him a dull look and swiftly left to follow the others. Koji then turned to Kiba, who squinted in confusion, and dumped the bunches clumsily into his open arms.

Kiba fumbled for a moment, trying his best to not crush anything. With a repulsed growl he shouted, "What the fu-!?"

"Thanks man! You're a real lifesaver," Koji hastily cut him off, slapping Kiba's upper back, a playfully wide grin stretching his face. With a hearty laugh he darted away, leaving a fuming Inuzuka behind in the dust.

"I'm not getting paid for this 'ya know!" He yelled after the young Uchiha. With a few muttered obscenities, he too chased after the departing party.

The entire day was spent drifting from shop to shop. Everywhere from construction contractors to general appliance stores. Utility providers to textile shops. Produce stands to blacksmiths.

Somehow, Kiba's burden grew with each stop. Scrolls, groceries, and other goods piled on as they progressed through the market- courtesy of a sly nineteen-year-old. Koji joked and laughed each time he received a severe tongue lashing from the Inuzuka.

By dinner, the two men were the only ones in the group carrying anything. Koji had reacquired the flowers that he originally passed off. When Hinata noticed how awkward Kiba's load was getting, she tried to take them upon herself. Her efforts were immediately thwarted when Sasuke retrieved the florals and shoved them back to Koji.

Team Eight sat on cushions directly across from their counterparts in the corner of a sushi and tea cafe that was well known for their lunch rushes but much less crowded during dinner. A low, rectangular table splintered the group.

The infuriated Inuzuka chewed on a piece of yellow tail sashimi without tasting it, working his jaw like it insulted his mother. For the entirety of their meal, he shot a single, constant, speechless glare across the table at a smug looking Koji.

Lightly sipping on her steaming green tea, from the corner of her eye Hinata cast worried glances at her friend. She shifted in her seat, trying to get comfortable.

It didn't help.

Her discomfort wasn't exactly physical. She looked across the table at Koji who held his head high and grinned stupidly, and then Jin who was completely focused on creating a paper tent to hold his chopsticks, and finally centered on Sasuke… who was staring directly at her with an unreadable expression.

Her hands trembled and a small drop of tea missed her lips, falling onto her chest. She looked down at the spot and gulped.

Sasuke perked a brow and tilted his head a degree.

There was no way she was going to wipe the spill with him watching. Instead, she ignored the hot liquid that burned her bosom along with the flush that burned her face and set her tea back on the table.

Picking up a piece of onigiri she lasered in on Sasuke's own plate of onigiri. She mused on the fact that they ordered the same thing, except he requested a side of tomatoes and she asked for a side of red bean soup.

Feeling the discomfort of the situation she quickly swallowed the morsel, washed it down with a sip of tea, and forced herself to break the terse silence. She looked back at the riddle, who studied her with his eyes, and boldly expressed her curiosity, "I was wondering… why all of the deliveries and… purchases?" She waved an open palm at the various items acquired that sat against the wall. "Are you redecorating?"

Without batting an eye, Sasuke nonchalantly replied, "I'm rebuilding in the Uchiha District." His eyes fell as he paused to drink a glass of water before adding, "We're also working on rebuilding the Uchiha name. To do that, we need to earn back trust. The simplest way to earn trust is by learning about someone's interests and using it to your advantage. Most people are interested in money. You'd be surprised at how much trust a small fortune will buy."

His pulse was steady. Along with the flow of his chakra. Hinata pondered his response when his dark gaze found hers again. He's telling the truth, she realized.

A pregnant silence filled the air. Although everyone at the table continued to raise and lower their chopsticks to their mouths, no one was fooled. They were all absorbed in the conversation, waiting with bated breath for the next words.

The sole female gave a slow, curt nod in understanding. Thinking out loud she admitted, "I did not realize you had the funds to undertake such an effort. Where did this money coming from?"

A smirk appeared on the eldest Uchiha's face. Incredulity threaded in his tone. "The Uchiha were once as wealthy and respected in Konoha as the Hyuga, or did everyone forget?"

Slightly horrified at the implication she defended, "No, of course not. Please forgive me, I did not mean any disrespect. It's just that when your alleged death was recorded, as the last known living Uchiha, the Uchiha fortune went back into the treasury."

"Ah, yes." A hand raised, gesturing towards himself. "As you can see, I'm very much alive. Those records are being annulled as we speak. It is my right to reassume the full estate. To get council approval, however, Kakashi had to put in certain stipulations about paying it in installments over the next five years." An eye roll accompanied the last statement as he plucked a rice ball into his mouth. His eyes darted off into the distance.

Caught up in her thoughts, the Hyuga female almost gagged on her own rice when she heard a familiar voice greet, "Hinata-sama!"

She coughed and looked up at the man standing at the end of the table. The classic Hyuga traits adorned his features. Sporting the bandage wrapped forehead of the branch house, waist length brown hair tied at the nape of his neck, and a flat expression, he was the epitome of a Hyuga male in the cadet branch.

"Ohayo, Hajime-san," she courteously choked out.

All eyes at the table shifted to observe the lean twenty-something Hyuga. All utensils, save the pair in Hinata's clammy hands, abruptly found a home on the table surface. Suddenly, she felt claustrophobic and had to fight against the urge to tug at the hem of her short kimono.

Hajime glanced around at the seated group with quietly assessing eyes. The only indication of his nerves was his skittering chakra that most would not detect.

Hinata did. It made her all that much more anxious.

He offered a polite bow and addressed the party, "Forgive my rude interruption. I'm Hyuga Hajime of the cadet branch."

Then directing his attention back to Hinata, he added, "I was passing by and saw you through the window. It's been months since you went on your mission, so I thought I'd come inside to say hello." His ivory stare slowly roamed the faces of the Uchiha as he continued, "I did not realize you were so preoccupied. I will be on my way, but it is good to see you Hinata-sama. You look well."

With another small bow, which she politely returned, he took his leave.

Shino looked at Hinata and she smiled, waving him off to continue eating his nigiri and soba noodles. Other than Kiba's derisive snort at Hajime's odd behavior, everyone around the table resumed their activities as if the interruption had never occurred.

Everyone except Hinata.

Whose head lowered to hide the apprehension on her face. She knew this could result in a confrontation with at least her father. She could only hope the encounter would not reach the ears of the elders.

And except for Sasuke.

Whose eyes settled on Hinata. As he felt a staticky sensation beginning to stir in his chest, a crease formed on his brow. The discomfort on her face was evident and it bothered him more than he cared to admit. Her mere presence disrupted his carefully curated control over himself as if it were nonexistent. For the first time in years, he felt unsure of himself.

The miso and tea sat cold and untouched on the corner of a large bamboo desk. Neji was busily poring over the various scrolls and documents he promised Hiashi he would complete before morning when a sturdy knock broke his concentration.

"Yes?" Neji asked.

"Neji-sama, I bring news," came the familiar voice from the other side of his door.

"Come in," Neji announced.

Hajime entered the room with a bow. He had been Neji's personal assistant for the past two years. Growing up together in the branch house, he was also a trusted advisor and friend.

Neji picked his head up from the stack of papers and gave Hajime his full attention with an expectant gaze.

"I just returned from running those errands you requested."

Neji hummed and lowered his chin approvingly. "Arigato, Hajime. You may retire for the evening."

Hajime hesitated, causing Neji to eye the slightly shorter man.

"I'm not sure if I should say…" Hajime started.

"What is it?"

"I ran into Hinata-sama." A pause. Neji perked at hearing the name. The sudden spark of interest in his eyes spurred Hajime to continue, a look of concern crossing his features. "She was having dinner with her team… and the Uchiha."

For a moment, it appeared as though Neji did not hear any of the words Hajime said. There was no outward reaction, but a dangerous gleam flickered across silvery eyes for a split second before he turned to the other man and calmly instructed, "Report this to no one."

Hajime nodded in support.

Neji's eyes shifted away in thought, then added, "Follow her, but be discreet. I would like to know exactly what Lady Hinata is up to."

"You like her," Koji teased, a wily grin stretched across dimpled cheeks.

Swinging his cloak over his shoulders, Sasuke shot the younger man a threatening glance but said nothing.

The young Uchiha's eyes widened with excitement as he proclaimed, "You do like her."

Sasuke's tepid reception of the accusation only served to instigate additional unwanted commentary from the younger man. "She is really hot. And she tries to keep them covered, but you can tell, she has really big…" Koji looked down at his cupped hands that rose and hovered a few inches from his chest as his voice trailed off.

His head turned in hopes of agreement from Sasuke. Instead, the Uchiha head's features twisted into mild disgust and judgment. Koji's eyes then cut over to Jin, who was casually leaning against the wall, cleaning his flute. Jin looked up at Koji and snorted with a disapproving head shake before he resumed his focus. He offered no assistance.

With his arms shoved back down at his sides, his brows shot up and he doubled back. "No? Not a boob man? That's a shame. Anyway, she reminds me too much of my mom and that's weird. Don't you think? Sakura on the other hand, looks nothing like my mom."

With a face full of apathy, Sasuke sighed and tipped his head back, closing his lids. He let out a deep breath and muttered to himself, "I should have never agreed to bring you along."

"What? You don't mean that right? You love me, we're family!" Koji encroached on the taller man's space with worry brewing on his tongue.

Shifting his head forward, dark locks fell across his dark eyes. He smiled at the nervous looking teen. Raising his right hand, his index and middle finger tapped the center of Koji's forehead. He casually remarked, "You're standing too close, idiot."

Rubbing at the spot on his head, Koji took a step back. A bashful apology was expressed equally on his face and on his lips. "Sorry, Sasuke."

Sasuke's smile stayed on his face when he announced. "They're here. You both know what to do?"

Jin and Koji nodded their heads. Jin with a curt incline, Koji with more aggressive bobs.

"Good. Let's go."

As soon as the Uchihas set foot outside their property that Tuesday morning, their paths began to diverge. Hinata, Shino and Kiba exchanged anxiously confused looks but eventually separated to join their assigned partners.

With bare hands, Sasuke held two sets of the flower arrangements purchased the day before. His hair was tied back in a low bun for the task he had planned. Noticing Hinata's reluctance, he patiently lingered while she watched the departing backs of her comrades for longer than necessary.

'(10.1) Fluctuant – AK ( /piBwxa6NsZ4)

When her eyes lifted to meet Sasuke's, she felt the warmth of his stare. With a roll of his head, he gestured her over to him and she complied.

They took off at a leisurely pace.

Hinata's gaze rose to admire the fluffy white clouds in the bright blue sky. A flock of birds flew overhead. It always reminded her of Neji. She inhaled deeply through her nostrils and allowed the delicate scent of the fresh morning air to fill her lungs. It was going to be another sunny day.

Sasuke's voice broke her out of her reflections. "What are you thinking?"

Her nacreous gaze flicked over to the dark clad man who stood almost a head taller than her and stared intently at his cloak. "It's going to be warm today. Does the heat not bother you?"

"It does," was his simple response.

"Why wear the cloak then? Are you planning to run again?" Her question, though mocking, was good natured in its intent.

When he turned his head to look at her, she wore a bright, self-satisfied smile. He couldn't help the slow grin that spread across his face. He looked away from her teasing eyes and pushed back the emotions bubbling in his chest. "No. I wear it to cover my chokuto. I don't want to make civilians uncomfortable."

Thick lashes swept down and back up as Hinata gave him an appraising glance. Finally, she remarked, "You should get rid of it."

He scoffed. "Kusanagi stays with me."

"No," she clarified, "I meant the cloak. I'm sure people already assume you're carrying a weapon. Not knowing what you're hiding underneath is even more threatening. Don't you think? A sword-"

"Chokuto," he corrected.

"-a chokuto, will not cause alarm in Konoha. We live in a shinobi village after all. Besides, people are more afraid of our dojutsu than any weapon we could wield with our hands." She tapped a finger gently against her temple, her lips lifted at the corners.

He smirked. After all that life had thrown at her, she hadn't really changed. Deep down she was still endlessly thoughtful. "I will consider your advice."

She nodded happily and spent the rest of their journey wordlessly at his side.

When they arrived at a nursing home, she paused in front of the structure with awe drawn on her face.

"Come on," he encouraged.

After handing one of the flower arrangements to the male receptionist, they were directed to an open lounge where the elderly inhabitants ate breakfast, watched television, and played games.

The two of them spent the entire morning volunteering their services, which were in high demand. As soon as they finished helping one person, another found them.

At one point, Hinata couldn't help the giggle that escaped her mouth when a wizened old female attempted to thank Sasuke for his help with a forceful kiss on the mouth, which he politely averted.

The flowers Sasuke gave to the receptionist earlier were now separated into small vases that decorated every table in the lounge. It brightened the room significantly.

Sitting on a padded chair in the lounge, Sasuke listened without complaint as 'Granny Shimura' prattled on about her past and how much he reminded her of a son who passed away. The lady was so old, she had to be pushed in a wheelchair and had eyes so squinted, they appeared to be shut.

A wistful smile found itself gracing Hinata's lips.

Perhaps I misjudged him…

When their card game ended, the elderly female gave a toothless grin and pulled out two pieces of wrapped candy from her pocket. She dropped them into Sasuke's waiting palm and muttered some words.

The Hyuga tilted her head sideways curiously as he approached.

Upon reaching her, his eyes drifted back to the beaming Granny who urged him with a wave and a nod.

Turning to Hinata with dodged glances, he gave her the sweets. She smiled and bowed to the elder in gratitude.

Sasuke reticently relayed, "She said they're for my girlfriend."

With wide eyes, her enflamed face snapped to Granny Shimura who cackled loudly while being wheeled away. When she looked back at Sasuke, he had already turned to leave, but not before she saw that the tips of his ears matched her reddening cheeks.

When she caught up to him, she handed the second set of flowers back to him.

Without meeting her eyes, he recovered the blossoms.

The thoughts that had been gnawing at her all morning came out. "That was really nice of you to help out. I had no idea you had a soft spot for the elderly."

"It's sort of a hobby I picked up when I was travelling."

He did not elaborate but that didn't bother her. Volunteering to help others always put Hinata in a good mood. She was surprised to discover that she was enjoying herself.

He glanced at her and asked, "Are you hungry?"

"A little," she shyly responded. It was a stretch. Hinata felt ravenous.

"Good," he gave a curt nod. "I'm visiting with the owner of a popular restaurant and tea house next."

"Okay." A small smile cracked her lips as they walked in companionable silence. Her mind was caught between replaying scenes of Sasuke with doting grandmothers to torturous thoughts of cinnamon buns and red bean soup.

It made her stomach rumble.

Snapping out of her daze, her grin faltered when she took in their surroundings and realization dawned at the course they were taking.

She spoke slowly, sounding unsure of her own words, "We are going to the Pleasure District?"

Sasuke's eyes cut over to her perplexed face before looking ahead and providing a curt response, "Yes."

'(10.2) Yamanooto – Satxri ( /4aKxMHroYs0)

She fell silent as they approached the large gateless entrance to the district and unconsciously drew closer to his frame.

As soon as they passed under the wooden arc that spanned across either end of the dirt street, it was like being transported to a different world. To the standard onlooker, the place would appear to be paradise.

Painted wooden signs and waving sigils adorned entryways with words like 'Tea House' or 'ryoutei' for the especially elegant entertainment venues. The further into the district they travelled, the more elaborate the buildings and the women became.

Beautiful girls dressed in colorful kimonos smiled at would-be companions behind pasty white faces. They delicately fluttered their fans over crimson lips and played their instruments with deft fingers. The smells of incense, perfume, and various delicacies danced enticingly on the breeze.

To the more trained eye, the vibrant silks and drawn smiles were stripped away to reveal sad eyes, songs of lament and bones that poked through the skin of malnourished bodies. Except for a small number of high-class courtesans to the nobles, most of these girls did not choose this lifestyle for themselves. Their only hope to escape indentured servitude was marriage or death.

It made Hinata feel sick. She hated being there without any power to help.

She leaned towards her partner and opined in a hushed whisper, "We should not be here. This is not an honorable place."

For me to be seen…

The rest of her thought went unspoken.

Hinata's head turned left and right at the whispers and giggles of young women gawking at her male counterpart. Some blushing shyly while others gave outright lustful glances. Their forward behavior made her own blush spring to her cheeks. She lowered her eyes and fought the impulse to lower her head as well.

A Hyuga lowers her head to no one.

Sasuke remained unaffected by the anxious stares of enthusiastic maidens and spoke with a low rumble, "That may be true, but I still need the support of as many influential citizens as possible."

After a moment of silence, she tilted her head in his direction and inquired, "What's your plan?" Inwardly she prayed he was not there to fulfill his baser desires. Her eyes continued to scan the crowd warily for a threat or someone who could recognize her, she wasn't exactly sure which. The two might as well have been the same.

For a weekday, the district was flourishing with eager males willing to pay handsomely for the company of a talented courtesan. Many arrived in groups of two or more for business discussions over lunch.

Even with her gifted eyes, she failed to notice her own admirers among the masses.

The leering gazes, however, did not escape Sasuke's concealed scrutiny. The unexpected sting of possessiveness seared in his chest and coursed through his veins. With some effort, he tempered his initial reaction to blind the men.

His jaw worked and he grunted. "We're going to the most prominent okiya and ryoutei in all of Fire Country- Okasan's."

"Okasan?" She blinked. Staring blankly into the distance, she considered his words and knew them to be true. Still, she preferred to disassociate with this district as much as possible.

Soon, they stood in front of the looming three-story, wooden structure of Okasan's. The sweeping, sharp angles of the dark tiled roof contrasted with the light exterior and bright foliage gracing the front.

Even Hinata had to admit that the elegantly situated building was impressive. As soon as they entered, they were immediately greeted by a hostess wearing expensive silks. Her lined eyes flickered to the Hyuga with a glint of curious fascination, but her shaded lips quickly quirked up at noticing the Uchiha.

With her full attention on Sasuke, she reverently lowered her head and greeted, "Welcome to Okasan's! Do you have a reservation?"

Sasuke gave her the floral arrangement in his hands and cryptically responded, "Flower fees."

Grasping the bouquet with both hands, she gave a tight-lipped smile and said, "Chotto matte, kudasai. I will return shortly." With a bend at the waist, she scurried away, blossoms in hand.

Hinata's eyes followed the painted woman as she exited into a hall that was separated from the foyer by an ornately beaded curtain. She bit the questions swirling in her head and tucked them away for a more appropriate locus.

How odd.

She stood patiently, clasping her hands low in front of her, unconsciously trying to minimize her presence.

Sasuke took up residence against a darkly colored wall facing the hallway that the hostess disappeared into. Arms folded and leaning back, he practically faded into the background.

The echoes of merriment grew louder as a well-dressed male accompanied by two geisha on either arm exited the grand hall. The girls tittered as they emerged into the foyer. The man looked up and halted his steps as soon as he saw Hinata.

She stilled, as though she were in the presence of a snake poised to strike.

Tojiro.

The sly grin on his smooth face spread wider. The geisha loosened their grip of his biceps, and he took the opportunity to close the distance between himself and the female Hyuga.

"Hinata-sama. What an unexpectedly pleasant treat it is to run into you here. Has Hiashi-sama approved of this visit?" His smooth voice was glazed with affability.

Hinata saw past the deceit.

Her blood pricked at the subtle derision. This Hyuga elder would not make her cower the way she would have a few years prior. She locked a challenging stare to his silvery irises with a smile of her own. "I could ask the same of you, Tojiro-san."

Like a true Hyuga, he appeared impervious to the emphasis she placed on his honorific. He smiled sweetly. A manicured hand lifted to lightly run his fingers through her silky strands. He spoke in a lecherously low tone, "Your tongue has grown sharp. It's a shame our engagement fell through. I would have thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of our marriage."

She wanted to vomit.

While plenty of women would have jumped at the chance to be in his bed, she did not find herself within those ranks. For all his looks, wealth and status, it did not make an honorable man. She truly believed that he was a coward who worked in the shadows and stabbed people in their backs. That was what made him such a successful elder. He was not only Neji's nemesis, but his antithesis.

A dark shadow fell over her. Literally.

A silky baritone spoke from behind her, "I don't believe we've been properly introduced."

Oh, dear Kami.

Hinata internally supplicated to the Gods that this interaction would be peaceable. Maybe they would shake hands, have drinks together, and share a laugh about the people who eat rugs.

Tojiro eyed the tall, dark Uchiha with mild suspicion. "No. I don't believe we have, Uchiha-san."

"Sama," Sasuke rectified tersely. "As the current Uchiha clan head, it's Uchiha-sama to you, Hyuga-san."

Tojiro's mouth twisted slightly with distaste. Tojiro stiffly drooped his head in a contrite act, "My apologies, Uchiha-sama. I am Tojiro of the main house and Hyuga elder."

Dropping the deferential pretense, his demeanor swiftly spun into one expected of his status. "Please, enlighten me. How is it that you know Lady Hinata-sama?"

Sasuke smirked and informed, "We're teammates." His head inclined arrogantly to look down on the Hyuga elder.

With slight downturn of his lips, Tojiro's attention turned to the Hyuga female, who followed the interaction with a guarded stare. "Hinata-sama, I will need to bring this new development to the elder council for discussion. Additionally, this establishment is no place for a lady of your stature. I insist you return to the Compound with me at once."

Tojiro's hand moved to grab Hinata's wrist, but before his fingers could graze her flesh, his hand was stayed by a firm grip. Sasuke held Tojiro's forearm and leveled him with an insipid stare.

"She isn't going anywhere with you," Sasuke hissed.

Tojiro's eye's slitted murderously and his bloodline limit flared, veins threading alongside pupilless orbs.

"Gentlemen," a boisterously chipper voice called out, "please forgive my delay!"

Hinata watched as a distinguished, lavishly draped woman floated over.

Sasuke released his grip, dropping a still clenched hand to his side.

Tojiro's veins crept back, and he erased all signs of stress from his features.

The two men respectfully bit out, "Okasan" in acknowledgement while Hinata bowed.

"This is a place of enjoyment! Let's have none of that in my house." She smiled largely at the group with wide arms. Her eyes zeroed in on Hinata under raised brows.

"Lady Hinata-sama," Okasan tilted her head down respectfully and continued, "I'm afraid your presence is bad for business."

The older woman wrapped a gentle arm around Hinata's and directed her away from the blustering men.

"But…" Hinata started.

With her eyes now trained on the two geisha standing in the foyer, Okasan interrupted, "Aimi, please take Lady Hinata-sama to the Ohana room. Aiya, please escort Tojiro-sama to the daimyo's table for a round of sake on the house. I will escort Uchiha-sama, personally. We must discuss the details of membership."

The girls promptly attended to their orders. Okasan looked at Hinata with a wicked smile and declared, "We are all in for a rare delight. Shirayuri has returned for a special performance this afternoon!"

Hinata's face fell with a gulp as she took one final uneasy glance at Sasuke. His onyx eyes stayed locked on her until she vanished behind the beaded curtain with Aimi.

She closed her eyes…

… and focused on her breathing.

Her heart was beating too fast.

Her palms felt sweaty.

Her skin was itching under the cakey white mask clinging to her face and neck.

The weight of her kimono was heavier and less comfortable than the normal silks she wore.

Although her hunger was now long forgotten, every other discomfort was unforgivingly intensified.

Shirayuri was only a cover for missions. Intelligence extraction.

Okasan was aware of this.

Somehow her elusive appearances, exotic eyes and extraordinary chakra talents made her a celebrity among the geisha community.

Now that she was here, however, Okasan intended to use the occasion to diffuse tensions and turn a profit. The older woman was connivingly intelligent. Hinata always admired her business acumen and enterprising spirit, but at the moment she was cursing them.

She could have insisted to stay with Sasuke, but one does not simply say 'no' to one of the most powerful civilians in Konoha. Not even a Hyuga heiress (or ex-heiress in her case). Okasan held enough influence to impede future undercover missions by her team and others. All ANBU knew, there was no better establishment for intelligence gathering than Okasan's.

Besides, between her byakugan, sensory abilities and Shino's borrowed kikaichu, tracking the Uchiha did not require physical proximity.

One other benefit was it removed her from a tenuous situation without it needing to escalate further. She neither had to return to the compound nor argue with Tojiro about her reasons to stay without revealing her mission. The mission came before any discomfort she was feeling right now.

The lights dimmed.

The show was beginning.

Sasuke sat on a cushion on one side of a raised platform made of dark wood. Aimi sat seiza at his side and poured his tea. An assortment of small dishes was splayed on the low-lying table in front of him, but they were left untouched. His attention was busily absorbed with glaring at the self-gratified, simpering male sitting on the other side of the stage.

Tojiro happily indulged in the free sake and meal presented to him. Aiya refilled his anxious cup with a dainty smile, listening to his jokes and laughing at the appropriate times.

Aimi attempted to distract the Uchiha from his brooding. "Have you heard of Shirayuri, Lord Uchiha-sama? They say she is the only geisha to have refused a danna. I did not know that was possible. Offers from all over have been made to Okasan. They are rumored to be the highest bid for any geisha in history. She is the most sought-after geisha in all of Fire Country. I have never seen her myself and thought she may be a myth. It is an honor to attend this performance."

Sasuke continued to stare daggers at the Hyuga elder, ignoring Aimi.

The geisha offered, "Perhaps some sake would help to ease your mind."

She poured a cloudy sake into a separate cup and brought it to his lips. He quickly downed the drink and set the small piece of ceramic heavily on the table.

A shamisen player near the back of the stage finished her performance, lowering her head to the light applause of the crowd. She exchanged her instrument for the two sticks of the hyoshigi while another geisha appeared beside her with a shakuhachi flute.

The lights dimmed and soft overhead lights were concentrated on the center stage.

'(10.3) Shaku – Satxri ( /nRxARTkUnbs)

A slow melodic tune began whistling through the holes of the shakuhachi while the hyoshigi called for the audience's attention, its tempo gradually increasing.

Sasuke could not help but be drawn in.

Emerging from the darkness was a lissome and curvy figure. The bright red of her kimono matched her crimson lips.

His eyes grew wide at the revelation that Hinata was Shirayuri.

Holding a silk ribbon in one hand, it twirled in the air above her before curling delicately before her bodice.

Aimi whispered, "This dance is about a girl who fought with snakes."

Hinata shifted, pulling back the skirt of her kimono to reveal a bare thigh.

A bead of sweat formed on Sasuke's forehead.

He was mesmerized.

Hinata unsheathed a small dagger strapped to her leg.

In a room flooded with testosterone, it leaked into Sasuke's bloodstream and stoked a jealous ember along with his desire to possess.

"Any man skilled enough to catch a snake without it being cut is granted a private audience with Shirayuri… if he can afford it."

Leaning back on his haunches, he brought a fist to his mouth in thought. With a blink, he exposed glowing sharingan eyes.

With a fluid sweep of widespread arms, a dozen silk ribbons fluttered across the room. Skillfully nimble hands whirled knife after knife through the air, seeking and slicing cleanly through their targets.

Tojiro held a ripped piece of silk in his hands, which he threw to the floor in frustration. Several other men bemoaned their disappointment with groans, jeers and surprised laughter.

All except one.

Onyx eyes admired the unblemished silk and dagger caught with a single hand. A playful curl danced on Sasuke's lips as he watched Hinata halt in her dance with astonishment.

Hushed whispers grew into congratulatory cheers.

She offered a gracious smile he knew was counterfeit. His own smile grew- his curiosity was piqued. Just what did a private audience with Shirayuri entail anyway?

With sultry steps, Hinata approached the edge of the stage towards Sasuke. Gingerly, she kneeled in front of him, pulled her sleeve above her wrist and held out her hand.

The crowd whooped excitedly.

Aimi offered, "You are to bind her wrist with the silk, to claim her as your prize."

He leaned towards her and paused to ask, "May I?"

With a lingering smile, her brows dipped with confusion.

He clarified, "Do I have permission to touch you?"

"Oh," She breathed. The memory of her words floated back to her.

Never without my permission.

Her tongue darted out, wetting her lower lip before her teeth sunk into the flesh.

The innocent gesture was distracting. When Sasuke's eyes lifted back to hers, they were raw with predatory hunger.

She released her bottom lip and swallowed hard. With a blink she nodded coyly. She burned with anticipation.

Sasuke gently turned her palm over, revealing the tender underside. His fingers brushed delicately against the inside of her wrist, tracing her drawn seals. It sent a ripple of electricity shooting up her arm and down to her center.

Her breath hitched causing him to snicker. Deftly, ending the torture, he wrapped the silk around her wrist and tied the knot firmly.

Gripping the fabric, he tugged her closer, his warm breath fanning across her ear. The applause of the crowd drowned out his next words that were just loud enough for her to hear. Speaking in a deliberately in a low tone, he asked, "What shall I do with you, Hinata?"

Her name was said in a slow and tantalizing way that made her heart flutter like bird trying to escape from its confines. At the mention of it, her eyes scoured the room for anyone who may have caught the slip. No one heard. Her identity was safe.

Then it dawned on her.

He said her name.

Her cheeks heated under the heavy powder. It bordered on a level of intimacy, and he knew it. She was certain, had it not been for the uproar from the cheering spectators, he would have heard the pounding in her chest.

Not knowing what to make of it, she pulled away. Though her eyes swam with uncertainty, she plastered a considerate smile to her face. Everyone was watching.

Mechanically, she lowered her head in parting and stood from her spot.

The dance was over. Hinata bowed politely to the sea of onlookers, driving them wild.

As she moved to depart, a hand grabbed at her and tore the silk from her wrist.

She gasped and stared in disbelief as Tojiro scrunched the tattered fabric in his hand.

Okasan calmly reprimanded, "Tojiro-sama, geisha are to be admired but never touched."

Ignoring the okiya mistress, the normally refined Hyuga snarled out, "The Uchiha cheated!"

Affronted by the accusation, Sasuke stood from his place and huffed, "You are mistaken, Hyuga."

Tojiro jerked Shirayuri closer to him. "This geisha is Hyuga. As a Hyuga elder, I'm entitled to decide this woman's fate. She's coming back to the Hyuga Compound where she belongs!"

In the blink of an eye, a loud crack split the air.

"Uchiha-san!" Hinata harshly reproached.

The Hyuga elder collapsed on the stage. He was knocked out cold. Sasuke towered over the prone form, obscuring a stunned Hinata behind his back.

#####

A/N: Welcome back, you awesome fellow SasuHina shipper! This chapter and the next focus heavily on moving Sasuke and Hinata's relationship (*ahem* attraction) forward. Sasuke's interest in Hinata has been fairly direct up to now, but Hinata has been ignorant to it and closed herself off to any advances. It was time to change that. ^_^

We're almost to the halfway point of this story so the action will start to pick up again soon!

Behind the Curtains:

Hinata's geisha name, Shirayuri, means "white lily" in Japanese and is associated with purity. The first data book mistakenly wrote that "Hinata" means "pure white lily" and was corrected in subsequent publishes. However, she continues to be associated with the flower as evidenced when she places white lilies on Neji's grave in Boruto.

Since the Narutoverse is a blend of old and new, Hinata's geisha dance is more provocative than a conventional geisha dance. The knife throwing is a talent I made specific to her. Geisha dances do tell stories though. So, her performance is a cross between burlesque, a carnival sideshow act, and traditional Japanese dance. XD

I did take some creative liberties when writing about the Geisha world, but Kishi also took liberties when writing about the shinobi world so…

Geisha are not seductive mistresses. They are entertainers. However, they DID take on a danna (sexual benefits optional), some DID choose to secretly sell sexual favors, and there WERE non-geisha prostitutes (yujo/oiran). While being a geisha was sometimes like being a celebrity, many of the women were essentially slaves who often died from STDs and failed abortions. It was not as glamorous as the dreams they were selling. T.T

Fun facts:

- The shamisen is the most well-known geisha instrument.

- Hyoshigi are instruments typically associated with kabuki theater.

- Typically, you must be personally introduced into an okiya before you can visit a geisha.

- Geisha costs are sometimes referred to as "flower fees," "incense fees," and "jewel money."

- Some of the earliest geisha were men!

Thank You to all my readers and to Amritasingh1608, anbuhina444, Angel Maria 15, Beautifulhowler0711, emberbyun, HyugaSecondYoungMaster, JokerAtWork, Kurapika2K, OriSweatshirt, writer0fdeath14, xcotejosex, and Azkipi who followed and/or favorited since my last publish. Glad to have you here! :)

A response to my lovely reviewers!

Bexbluedragon76: Sweet! I'm so glad we are on the same page with Sasuke's reaction to being babysat. And you are right as usual! Kakashi planned to fill Kiba's vacancy with Sasuke as soon as the Uchiha's returned. He knew Sasuke would likely accept after experiencing the alternative first. ;) Sneaky. I'm so glad you enjoyed the SasuHina tension last chapter. Your review had me rolling! XD Also, thank you for appreciating my spin on the ANBU tattoo and for all the love and support you return!

Sommernacht: It's a relief that the SasuHina chemistry is coming across! It makes me really happy that you are loving the characters I'm spotlighting, including Koji! I wrote in an extra scene this chapter showing his relationship with Sasuke. I hope you liked the unplanned moment. You were right! They are redecorating/rebuilding. I also feel bad for Sasuke's situation. He's treated like a criminal. T.T Thank you for everything… really, you rock star! ;)

LB Cat: I like NaruHina too but am obsessed with SasuHina! XD I'm so happy you liked the twist and dialogue. I hope you stay safe as well.

Angel Maria 15: Muchas gracias y bienvenido a mi historia! :D

xpastelberriesx: You're back! It's nice that I could surprise you- twice in Chapter 8! I'm so glad that you like the way Neji is depicted and that you've picked up on his fixation with Hinata. It's exactly what I was going for. I hope I can continue to surprise you. Thank you for reviewing and I'm looking forward to what you have planned as well! ^^

Thank you to everyone who has ever shared a comment with me! Reviews truly help when I'm doubting my writing ability and the benefit has been faster updates. Love you all!

Reading Rec Corner If you have any recommendations, I'd love to hear them.

Madness of an Enchanting Obsession by AnnaDax: Complete in-universe. Hinata tries to capture a rogue Sasuke and her plans quickly turn on her. In case you're one of the few who hasn't already read this popular fic, I would suggest you remedy that situation.

Runaway by InkChild: Complete Modern AU. Hinata is Naruto's widow with two young kids. She moves to Japan to escape her past and meets Sasuke who is also running from his past. It's angsty, it made me cry, and I loved it. Kiba is the real MVP here.

Nightmares by Fher: Incomplete Post War. Dark fic. Slightly unhinged Sasuke helps abused and blinded Hinata cope, which also helps him. Their relationship development is so good. I wish I could write like this.

Prey for the Hunted by Airyo: Incomplete Fantasy AU. Hinata is a banished Princess accused of murdering her father. Now a bounty hunter, she's hired by Sasuke to collect the bounty on herself and uncovers a deep plot affecting all kingdoms. Strong Hinata but still in-character. Awesome read.

Pluck by pianocoat: In Progress Fantasy AU. Hinata can physically see people's problems clinging to them and has the ability to 'pluck' them away. With her life in danger, she's assigned bodyguards, one of whom is covered with problems. Lots of twists and turns that surprised and delighted me.

*Bonus Rec* Divinity by TranquilWriter: Incomplete ItaHina Gods and Demons AU. If SasuHina is your OTP, this fic will give it a run for its money. It's that good. Hinata is one of four mortal goddesses. Their primary duty is to protect human life from the demons led by Madara. She saves and befriends the demon Itachi as a child. As eventual war draws nearer, their relationship becomes something neither of them expected.

Sorry this A/N got so long (1K words! O_O). Thank you for reading! Until next time, stay safe and be happy. :)

LEA