A/N: I'm um…real sorry for the delay, I can hardly call it that. I took a bit of a hiatus and lost myself in a number of other life related things. But I'm back and focused, I swear.
Plan. Execute. Evaluate.
"Tsk tsk Sasuke-kun. I thought we were on better terms given our…common goal." The pale mans thin smile spread across his face as his guest made his way to the seat opposite him. Sasuke's dull disinterested look betraying his subtle body language. The Uchiha was primed for a fight, despite the undoubtedly civil nature of their meeting.
"Presumptuous as always." He returned stoically, as he checked his timepiece. Hinata's meeting was most likely well into its examination of her counter proposal by now, if she used the tools he'd given her. "Our goals merely intersect, their "commonality" is virtually non-existent."
"Well, perhaps I'm mistaken then." admitted Orochimaru, a chuckle passing his lips as he clapped his hands, almost instantly summoning a scantily clad waitress with a bottle of liquor and glasses in tow. "I thought you asked for this meeting to discuss what we would do with Sarutobi moving forward."
"That is what you want." Sasuke kept his eyes trained on the man across from him; if Orochimaru intended to curry favor with a half-clothed woman and his favorite whiskey, he was sorely mistaken. He refused the drink, his eyes hardening for the task at hand. Hinata had done her part, now he needed to do his.
"Hmm. Your wife then, is it?"
"Fiancée." He corrected, dropping his stoic act momentarily to feign anger. The plan he and Hinata worked up was simple enough but hinged on their respective patsies believing there was not just a rift between them, but a chasm.
"I see. Not living up to her surname, is she?"
"Quite the contrary. She's excelling." Sasuke could tell Orochimaru was being coy. He knew Tayuya was keeping tabs on Hinata, and he undoubtedly was well informed of all she did outside of their home. He was being cautious; and he was wise to do so. Perhaps it would be harder than previously thought. "Her influence grows each day, and not just with Sarutobi. Hanabi has taken an interest as well."
"Two Hyuugas could be problematic…"
"And should her father join the fold, they'll dwarf my own influence easily." Sasuke leaned forward and rested his chin against his balled fists, "Hinata will be out of my control, and yours."
"And we can't have that can we?" cooed the snake-like man, his eerie grin growing as he sipped his drink. Despite the sickening feeling Sasuke had being in the very presence of the man, he had him right where he wanted him, believing they were both at risk and in desperate need of cooperation. "So tell me, how should we proceed with our little Hyuuga?"
"I've gained wind of a board meeting, naturally Hinata is taking her non-disclosure agreement as gospel and I haven't the faintest idea what this meeting is about. It may not bode well for either of us." Sasuke swallowed his pride and sickness to sell the lie. He needed to test the untrustworthy man before setting him down a path of ruin of his own design.
"I've heard this as well but wasn't able to find out much. Had I such luck, I would have informed you and our dearest Hinata of what we planned to do about it." His fork-tongued words would have worked on most and had Hinata not gifted Sasuke with her own knowledge it may have worked on him as well.
"Hn, it matters little now. We must act." declared the young executive.
"Indeed." The pale man took another sip of his drink and peered off into the distance, his amber eyes glowing in the dimly lit room. He was doing his best to sell his own lie as well it seemed. His gaze returned to Sasukes own dark one, the corner of his thin lips struggling to stay in place as he internally stroked his ego, "Suppose Sarutobi plans to change direction; embark on a new more modern investment strategy. How would you proceed, Sasuke-kun?"
"Simple. Inverse their positions." He responded without hesitance. He'd prepared for all possible permutations the conversation could take. No doubt he'd done the same. A game of financial chess they'd played dozens of times before.
"And assuming they employ a strangle strategy to hedge against possible stagnation…?" Orochimaru could no longer contain his smirk. Despite years of being at odds with the Uchiha's, he relished the idea of being behind, if not right beside the heir to the throne.
"Targeted market manipulation. Force their hand in either direction. The losses will force them to abandon their positions. The board questions Hinata's judgement, and the Hyuuga's as a whole, should they be fool enough to back her. Sasuke remained stoic as his counterparts eyes lit up in delight in response.
"A large enough inverse position could crush Konoha. Cripple them irreversibly." He was practically salivating now, licking his lips after another sip. "Quite the devious plot, Sasuke-kun. Not to mention a costly one."
"But a sound one nonetheless."
Silence prevailed as the shadow broker pondered the endeavor, Sasuke's heart picking up speed as the world around seemed to slow to a near halt.
"I will advise my team to begin digging up information on Konoha's new strategy. Once it's uncovered, I will put up the capital." Sasuke quirked an eyebrow at his offer, it was the one thing he hadn't expected. "It's only right I assume the risk after all you've done, Sasuke-kun."
The Uchiha wrinkled his nose at the hidden barb. Orochimaru must have known his wallet was stretched to it's breaking point after buying Sarutobi's loyalty. Were the man not driven by fanatic like hate for Hiruzen, he'd be wise to eliminate him as well in his weakened state.
"Hn. Very kind of you, but there won't be any risk involved. We can't fail." The dark eyed man did his best to remain stoic, all the while exuding confidence in a plan that threatened to come apart at the seams at the slightest hiccup.
"There is always risk, Sasuke-kun. Nevertheless, I'll have Kabuto keep you abreast of any developments in the meantime." Sasuke wasted little time rising once their parley had been concluded, "Give Hinata-chan my regards."
Sasuke bit his tongue, peering over his shoulder briefly before existing the room in an effort to put some distance between him and the duplicitous man. Though he was hardly two steps outside the building when he came to a full stop. His eyes hardened at the sight of the suited woman lounging on the hood of his car, her lit cigarette illuminating her face and giving her scarlet hair an otherworldly glow, "Get off my car."
"Hello to you too, asshole." she greeted with a grin as she hopped off his hood and sauntered towards him. She stopped just a half step away from him, her elbow rested in the palm of her hand as she looked up at his dark gaze, "What would your wife say if she knew you were out getting your cock sucked in place like this?"
"Fiancée, and you know why I'm here. Why else would you show your face?"
"Tch! Pompous, presumptuous prick." She spat, taking a long drag of her smoke before tossing it to the ground and blowing it in his face for good measure. She could see the two sentries at the door eyeing their interaction closely. She roughly grabbed his collar and pulled him closer, whispering, "Meet me around the corner in a few minutes. We need to talk."
His eyes narrowed at her order, zeroing in on her chocolate-colored pools as they subtly motioned towards the men behind him. He took her meaning well enough, deciding to go along with it, for now. The Uchiha swatted her hand away, sending her a deathly glare, more so for the onlookers to notice, before brushing past her and getting in his car.
He did as she ordered, waiting a block or two from the seedy establishment for several minutes. Eventually she emerged, rounding the corner and approaching at a steady clip and with a stern face. The redhead entered and slammed the door, much to his dismay, "Drive."
Sasuke's patience with her was wearing thin, but he listened, nonetheless. Whatever reason she had for being so serious must have been good, at least, good enough for all of the cloak and dagger. So he drove, aimless and in silence. It was actually quite soothing, until it wasn't.
"What's going on in that fucking head of yours Sasuke?" She asked seemingly to no one as she watched the passing lights from her window. Under normal circumstances he would brush off the crass question, but he could hear something beneath the coldness of her tone. She was scared, if not simply concerned.
He remained silent however, wishing to see if his ears had simply deceived him.
"Meeting with Orochimaru…plotting against your own fiancée. What's your endgame?"
"The only end I seek is your boss'." The grim response snapped her head in his direction, eyes widening in the darkness of the vehicle.
"Even if you succeed…he won't go quietly. He'll hunt you, hurt you—"
"You mean make you hurt me, no?" he interjected sharply.
"What do you think?" she sneered.
"Tell me, what does Orochimaru think of my plan?"
"He thinks you will either succeed and be every bit as vilified as he is, or you will fail and end up more of a pariah than your brother."
"So he thinks he is safe. Good."
"Are you fucking listening to me?" she returned with an annoyed glare, unnerved by his aloofness at such a dire situation. "No matter the outcome, he wins. You lose."
"No. The only victors will be me, and you."
"W-what? What are you talking about?"
"You're right to believe Orochimaru will hunt me when I bring him down. But he won't be able to. Not with you in charge." His steady voice rang as clear as day as he pulled over onto a dark side street and turned to face her.
She stared in shock, and Sasuke couldn't help but smirk. For once she was speechless, a nice change of pace.
"When the time comes, I expect you to take his place. You know his business inside and out, and you alone command the respect of his minions."
"I told you before, I don't want the fucking throne." She bared her teeth at him, the sudden feeling of being used setting her blood on fire.
"Then shatter it for all I care." He returned harshly, only backing down when he saw in her eyes that she would not. He sighed heavily and leaned back in his seat, staring at the ceiling, "I…I wouldn't ask this of you if I saw any other way to…"
"Protect Hinata." finished the redhead, joining him in reclining. She shook her head and chuckled softly in the darkness. "You really fucking love her huh?"
"What I feel for her isn't so different from what you do for Kin." he countered, noticing how flustered she instantly became.
"Piss off! W-we aren't fucking each other like you two!"
"But you'd do anything in your power to see no harm come to her, ever." His stoic façade slipped for a moment, giving way to his signature Uchiha smirk, "She was all the reason you needed to blackmail me after all."
"Tch! Had I known you were such a cocky asshole beforehand; I may have solicited the Hyuuga first." She joked of course, even going as far as to laugh at her own wit. "But you're right…we do crazy things to protect the people we care about."
"Suicidal things, more like." He returned, feeling a sense of understanding with the rebellious woman for the first time.
"Speaking of…do you know Hinata has been paying Kin visits?"
"Hn. Counseling by the sounds of it."
"Whatever it is, it's working." again she surprised the Uchiha, though it was doubtful she could see his raised eyebrow in the darkness. "She's sober for the first time in a long time. Hell, even picked up her guitar again."
"Hinata has that effect on people." As small smile coming to his lips at the thought. Most women would've run at the first sign of trouble, his wealth or good looks be damned. But she stayed; fought for what she believed they had, for what they could have, and done so by his side. In many ways she had become stronger than him, capable of overcoming hardships that brought him to the lowest points in his life.
Tayuya could see him daydreaming, most likely about his fiancée. She scoffed at the idea of him ever loving anyone, but deep down even she could see the change in him. He was still a cold, callous asshole, but one with a heart. "I'll handle the fallout. Not for you, for Hinata. As thanks for what she's doing for Kin."
"I'll be sure to give her your thanks."
"Whatever, just take me back to the whorehouse. Left my bike there." She rested her cheek on her closed fist as she turned away and stared out the window, most like to hide her blush.
The duo drove in silence back to the corner where they first rendezvoused, but as Tayuya moved to leave, Sasuke quickly captured her wrist in his hand, "What the hell—"
"Thank you."
She blinked at the serious look on his face, the sincerity of his words sinking in and causing her face to flush. "Tch! T-thank me when we take the bastard down for good."
He nodded in agreement and lessened his hold on her, before she left him, slamming the door with a smirk as she disappeared into the night. The dark-haired executive released a sigh of relief, as his mind turned to less serious concerns. It was late, and Hinata had most likely beaten him home. He retrieved his phone from his blazer pocket and spotted the missed call and message from more than an hour ago.
You never called.
When are you coming home?
Despite the somewhat upset tone and usage of punctuation in her text, Sasuke smiled. She was home waiting for him, and the days events hadn't completely drained her of her fire, she still had some for him. It behooved him to not keep her waiting any longer.
The strong rev of his engine propelled him through the streets closer and closer to her, his haste cutting his travel time down considerably. Eventually he was waiting in the ascending elevator, now only a dozen or so steps from seeing fiancée's comforting smile.
"Sasuke-san." greeted Hanazaki with a nod as the other sentries stood at attention.
"How was her meeting?" inquired the Uchiha stopping briefly despite the need to just hear her voice that urged him to continue on.
"Hinata-san ordered me to wait in the vehicle, but she told me it went "fine"." He explained noting the deepening frown of his employer.
"I see. Thanks." He returned, continuing towards his front door.
"Goodnight, Sasuke-san."
Sasuke pushed open the door into his home, the rush of warmth setting his mind at ease as he ventured on. He could smell the enticing fragrance of whatever she had cooked wafting into his nostrils, "Hinata? I'm home."
It didn't take long for him to find her when he received no response. She lay on the couch covered partially in a makeshift blanket made of documents, sighing softly in her sleep. While it wasn't the way he expected to find her, he smiled all the same. Carefully he freed her from her paper prison and began gathering her in his arms.
"Anata…" she stirred slightly, her brow furrowing as she nestled closer to his chest.
"Hn. I'm home." He cooed, keeping his voice low as to not completely wake her. He stared down at he as he slowly made his way to the bedroom; she was still wearing the clothes she left the apartment in, she must have waited up for him and fell asleep.
"Meeting…?" she murmured.
"Fine." he answered softly, doing his best to not disturb her more, lest she see the frown on his face. "It's late. We can talk about it tomorrow."
N-no, I'm awake." she protested weakly, opening a single pearl colored eye to peer up at him in the darkness of their bedroom. Sasuke swiftly, but gently relieved her of her stuffy attire, slipping her between the sheets. The soft, supple fabric replacing her protests with a content sigh.
He shed his own corporate armor as well and joined her in the bed, sighing as Hinata unconsciously snuggled up to his body. In her arms he found the comfort he sought, a calmness that quieted his mind if only for a few hours.
Hinata woke with a start, her eyes flying open as her body shot upright into a seated position. She didn't remember going to bed last night, yet there she was, sans Sasuke nonetheless. She could tell she hadn't been alone judging from the disheveled sheets on his side of the bed, but where was he, and what time was it?
She fumbled around her bedside table for her phone, groggily eyeing the illuminated screen. Her mouth hanging open at the time, "No no no no!"
The heiress threw the sheets off of her and catapulted out of the bed, rushing for the bathroom. She was late, so late she doubted she could even make it to the university in time for her review. She must have forgotten to set her alarm before she passed out, and Sasuke couldn't have known, both of them had been totally immersed in other business.
She rushed through her routine, struggling to apply makeup, shrug into her blouse, and step into her pencil skirt all at once. She barreled down the hallway bouncing about as she attempted to slip into her heels, when suddenly the smell of something burning reached her nose. There Sasuke stood over a smoking pan with a sour look on his face as he attempted to salvage the charred remains of whatever he was cooking. Had it been any other day under any other circumstance, the sight would have been amusing. His head snapped in her direction at the sound of her heels, a look of embarrassment flashing briefly before returning to his works, "Morning."
"W-what are you doing?"
"It was supposed to be breakfast." grumbled the Uchiha as he transferred the possibly once edible "food" to a plate and presented it with a twisted frown. "Omelet."
Hinata eyed the dish at length, bewildered by how her fiancé could manage a multibillion yen financial firm but couldn't cook an omelet. It was a sweet gesture, nonetheless. "Ano…I wish I had the time Sasuke-kun, but I'm late enough as is."
He quirked an eyebrow at her refusal, not that he blamed her, but he didn't know why she was in such a rush. Typically, her classes didn't start for at least two hours, but judging from her frantic milling about it was something more pressing. "Am I allowed to ask what it is you're late for?"
"My capstone review with the department heads. I have to go Sasuke-kun!" she called back in a rush as she left with a bundle of papers gathered in her arms.
Sasuke frowned at the sound of the door shutting, none too keen on how little time they spent with one another as of late. But they agreed it was a necessary evil for the time being, she however had been dealing with the change far better than he was. She had places to be most days, he would just wander around the penthouse reading papers or staring at a screen. He was beginning to go stir crazy without the office. Never in a million years did he expect to be without the noise of the bullpen, or Suigetsu's risky investments that bordered on gambling, or Karin's general annoyance.
But today wouldn't be the day he made his triumphant return to the office. He had an appointment he'd been dreading for some time, but again, a necessary evil. He discarded his failed attempt a cooking, sparing his own taste buds the pain, before taking a look at his phone. Best not to delay.
He dressed himself smartly in a obsidian suit and alabaster shirt, leaving a few choice buttons unbuttoned and foregoing a tie, having almost forgotten how to properly tie one during his sabbatical. Slipping into his shoes and grabbing his keys, he was out the door and in the elevator. Though he didn't make it very far before he spotted a familiar figure approaching.
"Jugo? Is something wrong?" he questioned sizing the large man up with a quirked eyebrow. Surely, he'd have no reason to see him in person unless it were a sensitive matter.
"I cannot say for sure, Sasuke-san. But there's been a development of sorts." He explained, uncharacteristically indirect. "I continued surveillance on Tayuya's residence as requested, but noticed I wasn't the only one."
"Who else then?" inquired the Uchiha, his chest tightening at the new development.
"An officer."
"I see. Think nothing of it Jugo. The building is home to all manner of unsavory characters." Sasuke's rationalizing was more for the towering man than it was for himself. The last thing he needed now was another wrinkle adding to the already complex situation.
As the dark-haired man moved to brush past the messenger, he stopped him with a firm hand on his shoulder and a stern look in his eyes, "It was Naruto's ward, Konohamaru."
At this he paused. He told Hinata involving her sister even in the slightest bit would be a mistake, and now it could very well be their downfall. The timeline was already accelerated, there was nothing more he could do but hope this didn't bite him in his ass at the worst possible moment. Though, there was something oddly calming knowing that this was one loose end he hadn't the time or mental wherewithal to fix. "Stay the course, Jugo. This will all be over soon."
"Sasuke-san, if the police—"
"The situation is being handled. Trust me." While his words were not the most convincing, Jugo believed them all the same. He had changed, the cockiness he once had about the precarious situations he got himself into had disappeared. Perhaps it was because this was the most serious he'd ever faced, or maybe he was just not sure he'd see the other side of it. "Trust us."
The burly man's eyes softened at the veiled mention of Hinata. It was her involvement that changed him. No longer could he engage his financial foes with vicious tactics, the blowback would reflect on both of them and their families. Whether Sasuke believed what he was doing would work was irrelevant, it needed to work, for both their sakes.
Jugo nodded in silent understanding, releasing his employer's shoulder and allowing him to go on his way, watching as he drove off, a deathly serious look on his face. Jugo could only wonder what grim rendezvous he was off to that already soured his mood.
Sasuke jammed his hands in his pockets as he followed the suited man and his assistant through an elegant venue his mother recommended. It certainly fit the bill, though he paid less attention than he probably should have, his brilliant mind struggling to comprehend everything the host attempted to relay.
"As you can see the ballroom is quite spacious, capacity between eighty and one hundred occupants, depending on seating plan." Explained the quite enthusiastic man, his demeanor the polar opposite of the somewhat stuffy hall. Pageantry didn't have much use in his field, so the fanfare was lost on him. "Surely that will be adequate for both you and your fiancée's families?"
"Hn. Yes, my fiancée has a rather lengthy extended family." He answered fully, breaking away from the two to inspect the space himself. Cream colored walls with high ceilings, chandeliers, gilded crown molding and accents. The room may as well have been built for a modern day Hyuuga coronation ceremony.
"Of course. If I may ask, have you chosen a venue for the ceremony that can also accommodate your respective families?"
At this Sasuke quirked an eye, turning to face the man. "I haven't."
"Well while we can't provide a traditional ceremony of a shrine, we do offer a more modern one in our indoor garden, if that interests you?"
Sasuke had never given the actual ceremony much thought, and somehow he didn't think Hinata had either. It would undoubtedly be convenient, and with what little planning he had done and services he'd secured, it certainly would be a great weight off his shoulders.
Not to mention Hinata's family had always been sticklers for tradition, and even his parents had gone a similar route judging from the photos he'd see of their wedding. Though he'd be a fool to make such a decision without Hinata's blessing. "An interesting proposal, something I'll have to discuss with my fiancée."
"Of course, my assistant can show you the garden if you'd like or we can discuss a few options in my office."
"She'll want my opinion on that as well I'm sure." Sasuke could sense the urgency in the proprietors voice, but he wouldn't let that sway his decision to consult his other half.
"Very well. Yugito, please make sure Uchiha-san sees all he needs."
"Hai." The tall assistant bowed lowly as the man left, regarding her charge with a smirk. Sasuke's eyes hardened on her momentarily as she gestured curtly with her head for him to follow her. There wasn't much to her, early thirties, lengthy blonde hair bound and braided tightly in a low ponytail, though the Uchiha couldn't help but stare quizzically at her well maintained fingernails as they absently tapped her clipboard. They looked as if they'd been filed for lethality, far more suited for an assassin as opposed to a mild mannered assistant.
"Not many men are brave enough to do something like this alone. Or foolish enough, now that I think of it." she chimed, her voice even yet playful, complimenting the smirk plastered on her fair face.
"Hn." he responded flatly, unfazed by the ribbing. He made sure to keep a few steps behind the atypical assistant as she pushed open a pair of double doors, revealing a lush evergreen oasis. Needless to say Sasuke as surprised. They stepped forward and descended the few steps until they no longer walked on pristine hardwood but weathered stone pathways, each large slab connected by slim rivers of gravel and grass, like a horticultural circulatory system. The winding pathways were flanked by moss covered boulders, towering trees, and massive shrubs with all manner of colorful wildflowers growing from them. All leading to a wide open space with a large crop of crooked cherry blossom trees hanging over an artificial pond. In an instant he could see Hinata standing there draped in all white, smiling her brightest smile at him. To make that vision a reality would make everything worth it.
"I think your fiancée will like the option of a garden ceremony, a pseudo springtime wedding of her very own." Sasuke listened to the pitch, not that it was needed, the space spoke for itself for the most part. "Other than being beautiful, the space offers…a modicum of privacy—of secrecy should those who need it seek it out."
Sasuke frowned deeply, and his nose wrinkled at the thinly veiled flirtations of his guide. Even on the cusp of his nuptials, the fairer sex saw fit to try and tempt him. "Listen…"
"Secrecy is something both the Hyuuga's and Uchiha's value a great deal. Though, it is something my little brother has yet to master." The cool sound of the familiar voice snapped Sasuke's head in it's direction, his eyes focusing on the suited figure standing just outside the periphery down a semi hidden pathway. As he approached, Sasuke could spot a shift in his usual demeanor, while he remained as stoic as always there was something more underneath, a quiet fury only his keen eyes detected. Stiff gait, tense jaw, predator-like gaze as he stalked towards them. "Thank you for your discretion however, Yugito."
"Think nothing of it, Itachi-san." she returned, bowing low before turning on her heels to leave, but not without a parting smirk at the youngest Uchiha.
"Who is she?" asked Sasuke, his eyes still narrowed and trained on her retreating form, anyone who knew and associated with his brother must be resourceful to a point, and duplicitous to a fault.
"A friend of Konan's who alerted us to this little appointment, but ultimately unimportant in regards to the matter at hand." Itachi stood before him, peering down with the same dark eyes that looked up at him. "I warned you about dealing with Orochimaru. For you to go back and—"
"Do not presume to know my business, or my mind. One dinner between us does not dissolve years of distrust."
"Question me all you want, but do not question my desire to save you and our family from ruin."
"For once in my life I am not doing this for our family…but for my family."
The former Uchiha heir remained silent as he regarded his brother. He could detect no lies, only unabashed sincerity. An interesting new tool he'd apparently added to his arsenal. "I see. Then tell me your plan."
There in the quiet serenity of the garden Sasuke laid his plan out for his brother. Explaining how he planned to lay the insidious man that plagued him low. How he had no other play than to bluff Orochimaru into believing he genuinely feared Hinata's rise to power and it was in their best interest to sabotaging her professionally before she became too insulated by her own family and Sarutobi's firm.
"The one caveat being I can't bankroll the play, and Orochimaru knows it. And we both know that—"
"He who controls the money, controls the outcome." finished Itachi somberly, Sasuke could spot the minute downward twitch at the corner of his lips. "Even with Hinata's cooperation, you cannot sway the market with misinformation and deception alone. This doesn't bode well for either of you, little brother."
"Do you think the only reason I'm humoring this conversation is to be mocked?" spat the young Uchiha, jamming his hands in his pockets to punctuate his distaste for his brother's tone. "There is a way. There always is a way. I just can't see it."
The two brothers stood there silently contemplating the countless possibilities and running through each permutation, each diverging thread that could manifest. For a moment it seemed futile even to the elder of the two, "Forget it Itachi, you can't help me or Hinata."
"What if I could?" he offered softly, his dark eyes following the descent of a stray blossom before if came to a rest on the still pond. He watched the ripples build and build until crashing quietly against the ponds edge. When Sasuke only eyed him confusedly he elaborated, "The money. What if I could get you it?"
"Too risky. Orochimaru would smell that something was amiss. He'd know I had a backer or suspect collusion between Hinata and I." Sasuke turned his own eyes to the tiny body of water as if to catch a glimpse of what had offered his brother his epiphany.
"Secrecy, Sasuke." he reminded with a smirk as he stepped forward until he was beside him, placing his hand in his shoulder. It was then that Sasuke noticed the silver ring embossed with black kanji against a scarlet backing on his ring finger. Strange, his brother had never been one for jewelry, perhaps it was Konan's doing. "I have back channels I can use to undermine Orochimaru's plot. All we need to do is point them in the right direction."
"We?" questioned the young executive; years of learned distrust forcing him to eye his brother warily, "Why help at all? What is it you stand to gain from all of this?"
"Would you prefer I scold you for being foolish enough to get in bed with Orochimaru? Should I do the same for that woman as well?" When Sasuke attempted to pull away, Itachi held his shoulder in place with a firm grip. "That's right, I know. It took me some time to uncover the scar you left on your relationship with Hinata."
"Don't you dare…" warned Sasuke through bared teeth, his brother wearing his welcome out quickly.
"And should you fail against Orochimaru you'll leave and irreparable wound on yourself, your fiancée, and her family for—"
"Urusai!" he could contain himself no longer. He roughly slapped the hand from his shoulder and bore down on his elder brother, practically breathing fire and fully prepared to hit him in his impassive face. He'd love nothing more than to release the pent up anger of years of struggling to step from beneath this man's shadow…but he couldn't. Not when he smiled down at him, touching his forehead just as he used to when they were children.
"You and I are flesh and blood. I'm always going to be there for you, even if it's only as an obstacle for you to overcome. Even if you do hate me. That's what big brothers are for."
Sasuke's demeanor softened and his mouth dried as he opened it to speak, but nothing came out. He would never cease to be in awe of him—like he was that little boy all over again who wanted nothing more than for his idol to notice him.
Itachi's fingers pushed on his stunned siblings forehead softly, jostling him from his stupor as he retrieved a card and slipped it into Sasuke's chest pocket, patting it before stepping around him and retreating. "When the time comes Sasuke, I'll be there. For you."
Hinata paced back and forth in the hallway just outside the university's largest lecture hall, papers in hand, mumbling to herself as if she was suffering from a delusional schizophrenic episode. In all of the plotting, planning, and preparing she had neglected her thesis most of all. So here she paced in the hallway, studying, working up the nerve to face the music. She could see it now, her standing at the lectern, sweaty palmed and stuttering like she used to, the very thought alone made her feel faint. And while this review was little more than a check-up to make sure she was still on track, she was Kurenai's protégé, so much more was expected of her. But that was what this was all about, after all.
External stimuli battling for space in our crowded psyche. Family, friends, coworkers, lovers…ever at odds with the Self for real estate. The thought would have naturally brought more panic to her already stressed mind, but oddly enough it calmed her. It wasn't just her experience, or Sasuke's experience, it was the human experience. Unique yet universal at it's core in every possible way imaginable.
Having found her courage and steadied her racing heart she approached the door, gingerly gripping the handle and quietly pushing her way inside. Without a sound she slipped inside, watching from the top of the stairs of the lecture hall as another graduate student pled their case to the department heads. There were a few other spectators in the hall, most likely others waiting their turn, or there for support, if not to gain some perspective on their own works. Hinata walked down several rows before settling in , patiently waiting until it was her turn.
Nervously she checked her phone for the time, noting that barring any hiccups her turn was coming soon. She shuffled about some papers in preparation, paying little attention to the professors who were all but interrogating the grad student before them. Suddenly she felt a hand come to a rest on her shoulder, sending her head swiveling to the sight of several soft smiles.
"S-Sakura-chan? Tenten-chan? What are you doing here?" she asked wide-eyed and in a hushed whisper.
"Kurenai-sensei told us you had a review today, so we decided to come support you." returned the brunette with a toothy grin as they settled in beside her. Hinata couldn't help but smile brightly; even as when she was days away from giving birth her mentor was still looking out for her.
"I-I don't know what to say. Thank you so much, that's so thoughtful." Hinata could feel her heart swell and tears threaten to well in her eyes. It had been so long since she'd last spent time with anyone other than her students, or Sasuke, or even Hanazaki.
"It's what friends are for, Hinata-chan." Sakura placed a gentle hand on the heiresses own and giving it a soft squeeze. "You're going to do great."
"She's gonna do better than great!" cheered Tenten a bit too loudly, earning a swift "shhh" from a nearby student.
"Hyuuga Hinata?" called one of the professors through a microphone that made Hinata's heart jump into her throat. Hastily she gathered her things, trying her best to compose herself while her friends offered words of support. As she waded into the aisle she spotted the door open from the corner of her eye and an obscured figure enter, but she could see the glint of their eyes through it.
"Sasuke-kun…" she whispered so lowly she doubted he even heard her as she faced him and he approached. "How did you…?"
"I went to your office, they told me you were here." He answered simply, reading the stress on her face as easily as he would a book, "Sorry if I'm late."
"N-no no, it's fine I…"
"Hyuuga Hinata." called the professor again, this time louder as all eyes turned to her and her lover.
She began opening her mouth to apologize before leaving, but her lips never parted. In one swift movement he lifted her chin and captured her lips in a gentle kiss. His paralyzing touch was enough to make all of her worrying a distant memory. As he pulled back she could see the love and support in his eyes, and the cocksure smirk of his lips before they parted and whispered, "Show them what an Uchiha can do."
"Ms.Hyuuga! If you'd like to forgo your review for your boyfriend, I suggest you take it elsewhere."
"Fiancé." she retorted, not caring if they heard her or not, only for the smile he produced at the sound of her words.
The dark eyed man mouthed for her to go and sent here on her way, full of confidence and zeal for the task at hand. She knew now that she could not fail, not with all of those who had built her up to the strong woman she was today behind her. The heiress descended the steps with such poise and grace that she gave off the air of having more power than her judges.
"Nice of you to find time for us Ms.Hyuuga." the lanky bespectacled lecturer had a sour face on as he usually did. Of all her teachers he always seemed to have an issue with her.
"Apologies, Takamura-sensei. My fiancé only wanted to wish me luck." It was a token apology, this was after all about academics not her personal life. She placed her documents on the lectern and organized herself.
"Well that may be, but if you've prepared for this properly you won't need luck." The snide remark was almost enough to pierce the high she'd gotten from Sasuke and her friends but she refused to let a few backhanded comments sour her mood. "Wherever you're ready."
Hinata inhaled deeply as she sized up her scrutinizers, adjusting the podiums microphone before looking thoughtfully at her notes and addressing the judges. "The focus of my thesis builds upon the theme of personality development hypothesized by the likes of Maslow, Bandura, and Freud. Today I will explain how personality and it's formation, while fluid in nature, can be defined, illustrated, and explained by my theory of developmental cornerstones."
Sasuke took the seat Hinata had relinquished and settled in beside Tenten and Sakura to listen, he was after all a topic of discussion in her hypothesis. She looked in her element even more so than when he sat in on her class what seemed like forever ago.
"How have you been Saskue-kun?" asked the pinkette quietly not wishing to draw any more attention to their group.
"Busy." a simple response to a simple question, though he could see from his periphery that his answer was no less than she expected. They had a sordid history when it came to what "busy" exactly meant, usually work. "I've been planning our wedding."
"R-really? That's great." Sakura was genuine in her surprise, their looming nuptials had clearly changed the both of them for the better. Both heir and heiress had found ways to supplement their social and emotional deficiencies in ways their friends and family could not. And even though a small part of her still longed to be the vehicle for that change in the dark haired man beside her, she couldn't argue the apparent results. "I'm happy…for the both of you, really."
"Yeah, me too." He didn't hesitate to express it, though when he spotted the misty eyed looks of the two women on either side of him he regretted it immediately, doing his best to hide the light flush that crept to his cheeks. The embarrassed executive was quick to steer the focus back to the woman they had all shown up to support, if only to save himself from the countless questions they undoubtedly had.
"My theory of cornerstones sets a framework for many of the personality forming milestones and experiences we as human beings are exposed to throughout the course of our lives. External stimuli, as Bandura explored plays a large role in development as it makes up the majority of those experiences. From the initial exposure to the cornerstone of Family, to that of our everyday social interactions. They are forever at odds with the cornerstone of the Self as theorized by Freud. However, my thesis dissects not only this contentious relationship, but also the innate and natural symbiosis between that which we experience and who we believe ourselves to be. The hope of my hypothesis is to prove definitively that all of these act in tandem as the dynamic building blocks for personality and it's development as we know it."
"Very good, Ms.Hyuuga. You seem to have given this much thought and consideration. I have no questions." Hinata released a small sigh of relief at Professor Kameda's praise. She was a diminutive woman who she'd known since she was an undergraduate. She always had a level head and a keen appreciation of psychosocial dynamics.
"Yes, a novel approach to understanding such a complex study. I can't wait to read the finished product." The boisterous voice of Professor Toro was a welcome one for once.
"I agree." Professor Takamura's seal of approval took the opal eyed woman by surprise however, he had always had something against her at one point or another. "However, I'd like to know what real world examples you've used to bolster this theory, other than those of Freud and Maslow."
At this Hinata could feel her mouth go try. She knew already where he was trying to lead her. Perhaps she was too quick to accept his endorsement. "Ano…I have yet to perform my own scientific research on the matter. The inspiration came from my own experiences with my family…and my fiancés."
"Hm, I see." Hinata's heart sank at the somewhat foreboding tone. "When we meet next please do have more concrete and impartial support for your theories, Ms.Hyuuga. Without quantitative metrics this is purely conjecture. Remember, this is a thesis, not a book report."
Sasuke released a throaty growl at the man's insult, nearly rising to his feet to let his disdain for the way he spoke to her be known. For him to try and tear down whatever his untrained mind found insightful and supremely astute…
"Understood, Takamura-sensei. Thank you." Hinata had to swallow her pride as she bowed before the review board. As she gathered her things and turned on her heels she heard a smattering of claps from the gallery. Her eyes widened and heart swelled at the sight of her friends and fiancé on their feet leading the chorus. She was greeted to hugs and supportive words once she reached them, taking the small celebration outside to not incur the wrath of Takamura.
"You were amazing Hinata-chan! I mean, I only understood some of it but, wow!" praised the brunette, throwing Sasuke a cheeky grin and an elbow to his ribs, "Brains, beauty, and killer Judo skills. Really hit the jackpot, eh Sasuke?"
He winced at the overzealous strike and shot her a glare, not only for her friendly jeering but for her lack of tact. This was the first time he'd been around Sakura since the marriage announcement, and he still wasn't completely sure how amenable she truly was with the situation. But when he saw her trap Hinata in a Naruto-esque bear hug he knew she was more mature than he believed.
"I thought Tsunade-sensei was a tough nut, but that Takamura is something else." The cherry headed girl did her best to sweep the small unpleasantness of Hinata's review under the rug, seeing it souring her triumphant moment somewhat.
"Thanks Sakura-chan. He does have a point though. I have so much more work to do…" the heiress' lips twisted in thought at the task in the near future. Her eyes locked with Sasuke's briefly, but broke apart before she found herself trapped, "Thank you—all of you. I appreciate it, truly."
"Ne ne, think nothing of it. But spill it already! Tell us when the wedding is!" beamed Sakura clasping her hands between her own.
"Yeah! Have you picked a dress yet? A maid of honor? What about your bachelorette party?" before she knew it she was besieged by the two women and with no answers to their bombardment.
"A-ano…" thinking quickly she sent her silent distress signal to Sasuke begging to be saved, though judging from the look on his face, he was enjoying the spectacle entirely too much.
"Hinata and I have yet to pick a date, but sooner rather than later." He finally spoke up once he'd seen her squirm under the intense interrogation of the duo for long enough. He approached and placed his hand on the small of her back, his eye twitching in annoyance at the glares they shot him when he tried to pry her from them. "Don't worry, your invitations won't get lost in the mail."
"They'd better not!" they exclaimed in tandem as he led a relieved Hinata away and down the hall.
"Sakura has a point, you know." The flippant tone he took caught Hinata off guard, as did the smirk on his face. When she only stared up at him curiously he finally peered down at her, never missing a stride, "You should pick a maid of honor."
"W-what? Like you said, we haven't even picked a date yet." She contested, noticing that his smirk only grew larger.
"True enough. We haven't picked a date. I picked several, for the ceremony as well."
So he had been busy as well today, and not just botching breakfast foods it would seem. "Several? How did you manage that?"
"I may have mentioned how a certain family would be grateful in the future if they reserved a few dates."
"I suppose this family wasn't your own, was it?" she asked, her lips already forming a pout as he shrugged nonchalantly, "Anata…"
"Look at the bright side. We're that much closer to putting it behind us."
"Though we have bigger issues…" Sasuke watched as her pout turned into a full blown frown, his own lips following as well.
"I may have found a solution to that as well." Thankfully that bit of hope was enough to return the light to her eyes, . By now they had reached the quad, the winter winds reminding them of the hardships ahead, "I'll tell you all about my day once we get home. The good, and the bad."
"Can we trust him? I don't mean to be rude Sasuke-kun, but…" the heiress stirred her tea nervously, her opal eyes focused on the man at her side as they sat in the breakfast nook. The sounds of what would have been snow on a colder day pitter pattering against the windows behind them.
"I don't blame you for your hesitance, I have my own reservations as well." He sipped his steaming beverage, still mulling over if he was making the right move informing her of whatever Itachi promised. The man was as duplicitous as he was mysterious, after all.
"But there's no other way?" she could hear it herself. She sounded just like him now. That bleak tone he took when supremely focused on a task.
At this he only nodded, staring solemnly into his cup of tea. "My meeting with Orochimaru went almost as planned. He intends to move against Konoha, and you, but with his own money. You can see why this is a problem."
"You think he will double-cross you." she could surmise as much by his grim demeanor. "I have money, maybe we can—"
"No." he cut her off, unwilling to let her be any more involved than she already was. What happened next was a hairs length away from illegal, he couldn't risk something like that, not with her. "Neither of us has the money or the means to do this without alerting him."
"Itachi-san…he's willing to accept the risks and help us? Why?" the reemergence of her fiancés sibling was no coincidence, and she had no doubt he believed the same, but even so he seemed less reluctant now more than ever.
The corner of Sasuke's lips twitched as he recalled his brothers words, finally craning his head to look her full in the face. "He said it was because we're flesh and blood.
The notion made the heiress think about her own familial situation. Her and her father had yet to reconcile their last interaction, but if Sasuke and his estranged brother could, maybe there was hope. "Family is what's most important, I suppose."
Sasuke's keen eyesight picked up on the change in her demeanor as the conversation switched tones. He draped an arm over her shoulder and drew her close, "You're thinking of your father, aren't you?"
She nodded silently against his shoulder, her eyes peering up into his own, "Can I even call him that anymore?"
"Families can be…obstacles at times. But that doesn't change what they mean to us…what we mean to them." Hinata's lips parted slightly at his openness, he'd never been one to be so adamant about his feelings on family, especially his own. "Besides, the only reason I picked the largest venue was for your family. It would be a shame if all that extra spaces wasn't filled with white eyes boring into my soul."
She couldn't help but chuckle at his aloof delivery of the would-be joke, finding comfort in the looming awkwardness of their families mingling at their wedding. "Hopefully with Itachi-san's help we'll be able to enjoy the day without our worries hanging over us."
"Hn. Hopefully." he concurred with a rare smile before planting a soft kiss on the crown of her head. Though, even in the serenity of the moment his mind wandered, his eyes focusing on the gloomy skies outside the penthouse. He had no doubt there would be time for their happiness in the future, one day soon, for better or worse.
What a fucking day.
Tayuya grit her teeth as she bound off of her motorcycle and stepped into an ankle deep puddle, she would be soaked from head to toe if not for her helmet. Hastily she ran from the parking lot towards the door and shouldered her way inside the building. She tore off her helmet, hoping for one thing to go her way that day as she eyed the elevator in the lobby, pressing the call button with hope only to be disappointed when there was no response. She growled in anger and punched the controls, probably adding to the current damage before she began her trek up the stairs with sloshing boots.
By the time she reached the apartment her seething hatred for everything about the day had dried her somewhat, but not completely, and the shrill sounds she could hear bleeding through the door didn't give her much hope for a reprieve from her sour mood. Nevertheless, she all but kicked the door open knowing Kin had undoubtedly forgotten to lock it yet again only to be met with a rush of air and piercing chords. The metalhead maiden had it cranked to eleven.
"For fucks sake Kin!" exclaimed the redhead her voice being drowned out and presence going unnoticed by the dark haired woman thrashing about with her obsidian guitar, all too focused on the fingering of her frets. It wasn't until she slammed the door shut with her helmet that her ward took notice and came to a feedback filled halt. "How the hell can you stand that racket?!"
"Nanda yo?" she questioned annoyingly, pulling out her earplugs as she regarded her flatmate with a confused look. Though judging by the way she furiously glared back, she figured righteous indignation was not the best course of action. "S-sorry Tay. I didn't think you'd be back until late tonight."
"Well, I'm fucking here." She snapped dropping her helmet to the floor haphazardly as she began shedding her soaked clothes, leaving a trail all the way to her bedroom.
"I just cleaned the floor ya know!" she shot back angrily, placing her trusty guitar down and grumbling under her breath as she cleaned up after the woman. When the redhead returned clad in dark shorts and a loose gray tank top she was in no better mood, making her way to inspect the fridge. "What crawled up your ass today?"
"Same as everyday." She responded dully, retrieving a glass and a bottle of whiskey. She poured heavily and drank the same, releasing a deep sigh before regarding the dark haired girl. The world was moving around her in ways she didn't even know, but effected her all the same. To be blissfully ignorant was such a gift. Though, the time was coming where if things went sideways she'd be caught in the crossfire.
"What more could Orochimaru have you doing?" she questioned, idly tweaking with her amp.
For a moment she contemplated brushing her off like she usually did, but the walls were closing in around them whether she knew it or not. She sighed heavily again and retrieved a second glass carrying it and the bottle to the coffee table. "Take a seat and I'll tell you."
She did as she was told and joined her on the couch, eying her pour warily, "Hinata says I—"
"Forget about what she says. You'll need this." Tayuya asserted, pushing the glass in her directing as she topped off her own. They shared a brief glance before she turned away and took a more measure sip of her beverage. "It's coming down to the wire now."
"What is?" questioned Kin, her tongue numbing as the liquid invaded her mouth, the familiar rush of endorphins giving her certain urges.
"Orochimaru, Konoha, that damned Uchiha and his bride-to-be. It's all coming to a head." She confessed harshly, gritting her teeth at the mention of her annoyances. Her life had never been an easy one, but she'd worked tirelessly, suppressed the now minute voice in her head that had tried to steer her from her ruthless impulses, all to build a life of her own. Even so, she still was at the mercy of her betters; those with better pedigrees and influence pulling her strings for their own benefit. And now she had a chance to sever those ties, or risk being strung up by them. "I don't know how it's going to play out. It could be bad."
Kin had seen Tayuya stressed from her duties to the shadow broker before, preferring to drink about it rather than talk about it. Whatever was hanging over her head must have been a new beast entirely, and it filled her with her own sense of dread. She'd be lost without the crass redhead—hell she be dead if it wasn't for her. "How bad is "bad"?"
"Depends. Is the possibility of serving a new master preferential to death, or just a delayed one?" her dark tone was only made more ominous by her curt chuckle as she reached for her glass only to be stopped by a pale hand, "Kin…"
"What the fuck have you gotten into Tay?" the concerned tone and look in her dark eyes was enough to make the enforcer think about everything that was on the line. "I thought this was a simple blackmail scheme…"
"It is…it was." she admitted ruefully, her chest tightening as she traced her own missteps in it all. All she had to do was hang the photos of her night with Sasuke over his head and follow through with getting Kin the help she needed, but he got caught in her employer's clutches, and she got caught in her feelings. Whether it was love or just the best sex she'd had for the better part of a year didn't matter anymore, he'd made his choice and manipulated her, all the while dangling the only thing she wanted more than him before her. "It's more now. Sasuke and Orochimaru are on a collision course, and I'd be wise to pick the winning side."
Kin unconsciously scratched her arm, the rising tension filling her with anxiety, making her skin feel like it was covered in ants and her brain screamed for the relief it had known and been deprived of. But she resisted, focusing on her breathing as Hinata had taught her and turning her mind to the obstacle before her rather than avoiding it. She placed her drink down and grabbed a stray pack of cigarettes on the table. The former idol smiled sadly as she retrieved the last one in the pack, "You never abandoned me when I was a mess…not when I didn't have a cent to my name or a future in sight."
"What's your point?" Tayuya eyed her quizzically as she inspected the stick of tobacco.
"Even when I was down on my luck and a losing bet…you didn't let me take the easy way out. I won't let you either." her voice was light, somber, but slowly grew her smile tenfold as she placed the cigarettes between her pink lips and lit it. She took a long drag, tilting her head to the ceiling as she exhaled the plume. Carefully she placed the smoke between two fingers and offered it to her closest friend and protector, "Beneath it all you're a good person. A softie who's loyal and protective of the people you care about. Whether they're junkies or rich assholes with nice cocks."
Tayuya flushed a bright red as her counterpart erupted into laughter. Angrily she grabbed the cigarette and inhaled if only to keep herself from lashing out; she was right after all. If she sided with Orochimaru because it was safe and double crossed Sasuke, he'd hunt her to the ends of the Earth, as would Hinata. If he didn't make her life a living hell, the guilt would. For a moment the fear of it all made her forget why she was doing any of this. For freedom, for hers and Kin's. And Sasuke was her only shot at that.
Tayuya joined the dying laughter as she passed the smoldering cigarette to her confidant and smiled, a real smile. "You're a real fucking bitch you know that?"
"Yeah…doesn't make me wrong though." she returned, the laughter beginning anew. She laid the smoke in a nearby ashtray and picked up her forgotten drink, "But hey, no matter the outcome…I'm glad I have you as a friend."
"Yeah…me too." The sound of their glasses colliding filled the space as they toasted, "To one last ride, ne?"
"To many more." she countered with a devious smirk as they shared the oaky, sweet liquid. Kin kicked her feet up onto the table, her grin still wide and beaming, "Maybe we should take one last good look at those pictures before we have to get rid of them…"
"Kin what the hell--!" the redhead couldn't tell if she was joking or not, but she blushed all the same.
"I'll just go and get them…" pointing in the direction of Tayuya's bedroom, making her eyes go wide at the realization.
"Y-you know where I hid them!?" Tayuya exclaimed in shock horror.
"Hey! I get lonely sometimes too!" she defended as she quickly got up and sprinted towards the bedroom.
"Damnit Kin! Get back here!" she yelled, bouncing off the couch in pursuit of the woman.
Welp there it is! Drama heavy chapter with a bit of fluff, everyone involved could use a bit of a break. Its all coming to a head now. Will Orochimaru emerge triumphant? How will our lovers weather the coming storm? Technically I know, but you will as well soon enough! I hope you all enjoyed this chapter God knows I spent more time on it than any other, mostly fleshing out Hinata's thesis and Orochimaru's plot. Let me know what you think, praise, critiques, anything; I can take it I swear. I will do my damnedest to get the next one to you the people ASAP.
Next Chapter: Love and War
Until next time! Sayonara!