CHAPTER SEVEN
She forced herself up once the sound of her phone went off—frantically looking through her unkempt blankets as the ringer continued to go off. Just by how dark her bedroom was, she could just assume by the lack of daylight outside that she slept most of her day away. Looking under her pillow, she found it tucked within the pillowcase and sighed as she pulled it out. Brightly it read Otsu, Toneri—though she studied his name before deciding with herself to answer his call or not.
She went to sleep exhausted because of the man, did she really want to wake up to his ways again? Before she could decide, the ringer suddenly stopped as his face disappeared. She loved him and wanted nothing but for the two of them to work out their differences and get through this rough patch in their relationship together, but she had no energy to deal with him right now despite just waking up. Throwing her legs off the side of her bed, she took a moment in the darkness to gather her thoughts.
Not knowing the exact time, she just wanted to eat. Feeling quite weak and starved from just headed straight to bed—she picked her phone up and saw the time along with multiple missed calls and messages from Toneri, causing her to sigh. It was a quarter till nine and for the past five hours he's been calling periodically along with one missed call from— "Sasuke…" She whispered out, accidentally clicking on the man's name but thankfully hung up before he could possibly answer and accidentally opened up an unread message from the raven head that read;
Hey, how's the baby? I wanted to check in today
She stared at his message for a minute, surprised that someone was actually checking up on her child—thinking of a reply for a minute because if anything the baby was unhappy. They haven't eaten, they hardly had anything to drink today, all they really did today was sleep the day away. She knew in just a few days' time she was about to hit eight weeks, but just couldn't find herself embracing this time stress-free. She was nauseous most of the time, and simply stressed from everyone trying to end her pregnancy. She just wanted support and someone to help her prepare for these next few months to come, but instead, she was getting more food on her plate.. and not the kind neither of them wanted!
Replying, she typed; Hey we're okay, just about to eat now… How r u?
As she went to get up. They needed to eat and get together for bed or—her phone began to ring, and for some reason, her heart skipped as she thought, 'Sasuke?', but she stressfully ran her fingers through her hair once she saw Toneri's name once more and answered, "Hello?". They needed to figure their bickering out and needed to come together emotionally before her father forced them together through marriage. If her father forced this marriage onto them a year ago, she would've been over the moon because it wasn't like she didn't love him, and it wasn't like she didn't want to be with him.
She did want to be with him and she did love him!— she just didn't want to be with that angry man inside of him. "Hinata! Why haven't you been answering my calls?!" He replied angrily, causing her to frown as she made her way towards the kitchen. "I was beginning to worry-
"I-I was just sleeping, Toneri." She cut him off, sighing to herself as she found nothing appetizing in the fridge. "Sorry to make you worry, I'm just waking up." She reassured him in case of an outburst, causing him to apologize.
"I see, I'm sorry. Well, since you've been asleep, I've calmed myself down with some meditation and even spoken to my mother about everything.
Have you?" She asked, somewhat taken aback at that as his mother loved her but judged her more than anyone in her family did over anything. "And what did she have to say about everything?" She questioned causing him to gently chuckle to himself that made her tense up. It couldn't have been that bad?
"Well, she wants us to get married. Though she's upset about the child not being mine-
I see…-
Though she seemed more upset once I mentioned us aborting the thing or putting it up for adoption. She sees the baby as a part of you and told me to accept the child as my own and to raise this baby as husband and wife." He finished, getting silence as a response as Hinata was quite taken aback. It took his mother to get through to him despite Neji saying those similar words not even twenty-four hours ago?
"So… what do you think about her words?" She asked, hoping within that they were on their way to better days. "Well I agree with her, I guess.." He answered, "Though I still want to meet the other man. I want us to marry before meeting him though as if this child will be raised by me, they are having my last name." He clarified, causing her to nod as she found herself agreeing to these newer terms. She was one hundred percent more comfortable with this arrangement. Her husband meeting the father of her child, as she was sure her father would appreciate them all sharing the same last name—It would work out fine.
"I'm okay with that. We're supposed to be getting married and becoming a family, and I believe we should focus on the household we must prepare for the baby before the two of you meet." She agreed, causing him to agree with her words as she then made her way thoughtlessly out of the kitchen. "I'm nearly eight weeks, and I've just been so stressed by father and because of the baby... I just want everything to fall together before the baby is here-"
"And it will my love." He reassured her, causing her to sigh as she could only hope. "I say we move back in together and start preparing the spare room as a baby room." He suggested, causing a frown to appear on her lips that she was beyond happy he couldn't see through the phone. "I could take care of the two of you, make sure you've eaten and massage you as you begin to swell up. My love, it'll probably be even better for us to come back together during this time as well... I miss you, I miss us-"
"I miss us too-
So what do you say?" He asked, patiently waiting for her response as she contemplated everything. What all he was saying sounded amazing, and when she said she missed them she wasn't lying, she really did miss how they were when they lived together in their own space.. but—
"I-I really want to move back in, but you can-cannot drink anymore around me-
I promise I won't, I've one hundred percent cut drinking out of my routine-
I-I mean it, Toneri… I also would need you to.. to go into another room when things get too heated between us—No more outbursts and yelling at me outside of my-my name and cursing. I-I really can't take that anymore." She explained to him, making her way back into her bedroom. Was it a good idea to fully move back in with him? She could never be one hundred percent sure, but she knew she loved him too much for them to continue going through this rough patch.
"I promise I won't yell and curse at you anymore—it shouldn't have been a thing to begin with anyway-"
"It-It really shouldn't have." She agreed with him as the conversation continued to drag on with his promises that she could only hope he wouldn't break again. It felt nice at the end of the day though to conversate and laugh with him again, it was like they overcame a bump or a hill more like it. Apart from her personally wanting to talk with his mother she knew that would probably never happen with the woman and her busy schedule.
She'd be shocked if she even showed up for their wedding, which they even chose to discuss. Her father wanted them to elope as soon as legally possible so when she got further in her pregnancy it wouldn't have stirred any confusions to the media that her father cared oh so much for. But if she was going to marry the man she loved, she didn't want to elope, she honestly wanted a small get-together with a reception. She wanted to choose the right dress and enjoy shopping for the necessities. She didn't want her child and children to come to look at their wedding pictures and it didn't have a memorable story behind it. Toneri agreed to try and go all out for their big event, but even then.. that wasn't what she wanted.
It was going into nine o'clock and they decided to meet up to grab a bite to eat. He suggested that she brought a change of clothing with her so they could get used to spending the nights together again, to which she agreed upon doing. They got off the phone and she began to gather clothes for a quick shower, feeling quite sweaty from sleeping all day. After that phone call though, overall she felt hopeful for the next few months to come. The baby wasn't due till a couple more months, and here they were trying to overcome these difficulties now.
She didn't want Sasuke and Toneri meeting any time soon either, so it was even better for her this way also. She began to pack her sleepover bag, finding it somewhat comical that they were back to this stage in their relationship again. It was for reason, but after four years of being exclusive with each other— she had to make light of it in order to get past it. Suddenly, it was a light knock on her door that gently got pushed open. She gasped as she turned, "Oh, Ta-Tamaki-"
"Hey, did I scare you?" The brunette greeted with a gentle wave. Hinata shook her head,
"No, just caught me a bit off my guard.. that's all.." She assured the woman as she went back to packing her bag for the night. "I thought you were sleeping, sorry if I woke you." Hinata apologized, shooting the woman a small frown that she waved away, making her way more inside.
"Nah, I was just on a video call with Kiba—He was bathing Akamaru, so I decided to let him be and then I heard you talking to yourself." She laughed, plopping herself on the bed as Hinata too laughed. "So, I decided to come and talk with you, what's up? I feel like despite us being roommates, we hardly get to talk and know what's going on in each other's lives." She whined, causing Hinata to pout as she agreed.
"Me too, but honestly, it's nothing much. I-I've just been stressing over my father and his demands along with well… being pregnant." Hinata made conversation, zipping up her backpack as Tamaki looked her up and down. "How about you... though?" She stopped herself, looking up to catch Tamaki looking at her sideways. "Wh-What?" She asked, confused.
"Well, I would call bullshit on that as earlier Toneri seemed quite upset that the two of you are supposedly getting married, which doesn't seem like anything. But where are you going?" Tamaki asked, gesturing towards the woman's backpack. "Are you trying to run away before your father forces the two of you to tie the knot officially?" She asked with a small laugh but frowned once Hinata looked away from her with a small frown of her own. That thought didn't cross her mind at first, but to debate running away now saddened the young woman of all its possibilities. "Come on, this is what I meant about hardly knowing what's going on in each other's lives-"
"I-I'm not trying to run away, I-I was actually just getting ready to get picked up by Toneri. We- uh, we were just talking about moving back in together before the baby comes, and he suggested me spending the night to try and get used to being back in our penthouse-"
"Wait, you're planning on moving out?" She asked, widening her eyes as Hinata hesitantly nodded at that. "And moving back in with him?!" She questioned but before she could even get a response, continued with the tone of her voice rising. "But didn't you literally move out because of a seriously fucked up reason? Hinata you really need to just drop the guy and move the fuck on. You have a baby on the way and should be focusing on getting together for that! Not going back to him and back to that place that you said yourself you never wanted to return to, what the hell is going on with you right now?" Tamaki questioned, causing Hinata's eyes to widen as she took in the woman's words. She heard her loud and clear, but her emotions took everything differently.
She was being yelled at for trying to be happy, for trying to make it work, for trying to appease her fathers' wishes— She understood to Tamaki, this child was like a little niece or nephew to her, but she didn't see where that justified the woman to yell at her like she had a place to. To say she wasn't focused on getting life in general together felt like a huge fuck you to Hinata, to which she yanked her backpack off the bed by the strap and made her way towards the living room. Tamaki sighed, jumping off the bed and after the woman who then turned towards her.
"I-I am trying, that is what's going on with me." Hinata clarified, staring deep into the woman's honey-brown eyes as she continued. "I-I don't need to-to be attacked for that!" She gently yelled, "I need support, I-I know what I said, and what you don't know Tamaki is what's recently been said... He's apologized numerous times-
Apologies mean nothing Hinata, actions do and his actions all today clearly shows you need to steer clear from that man-
But I'm not because he's becoming my husband in a few weeks' time, Tamaki!" She voiced, dropping her backpack to ease the tension with her hands. "He and I need to come together as a couple before my father forces us together. I don't want to feel forced, or-or trapped. I want to feel in love and happy. I have a baby on the way, and he's willing to be a father to them and is willing to make this work with me.. this is my growing family you're arguing with me about right now." Hinata tried to explain to the woman, biting her lower lip in order to fight back tears. "If-If he's becoming my husband, do I really have a choice to-to just drop him and leave?" She croaked out, looking away from Tamaki as that decision she was scared of would never leave the back of her mind.
"Of course, you do Hinata, you could leave him at the altar and I'd be the driver to get you the hell away from that man!" Tamaki threw her hands on Hinata's shoulders, gently shaking her. "You don't see you when you're around him, you aren't yourself. He makes you angry, he makes you anxious. I don't know what all has happened between the two of you, but he isn't the right one for you!" She tried her hardest to get through to her friend, but Hinata just shook her head.
"I-I love him and have always wanted a family with him. We've been through things, but all couples go through things... We'll be okay." She assured the woman, placing her hand on the woman's shoulder as a knock on the door suddenly abrupted through the air. "I'll get it!" Hinata chimed, throwing her hands up in defense before running towards the front door, to which Tamaki caught notice of her wrist. One pale as always while the other seemed… bruised? She made her way towards the woman who at that moment was wrapped around the tall and notorious Toneri Otsu—Tamaki glared up at him, watching as he embraced her tiny friend with a bouquet of flowers in hand.
She didn't know all that Hinata's been through with this man, but she couldn't shake the feeling he was nothing but bad news since this morning when she thought she caught him snooping. If that were a bruise on Hinata, it could have only happened by one person. And so, she crossed her arms and cleared her throat, looking the man up and down once he opened his eyes and removed himself from Hinata's embrace. She watched as Hinata held herself closely, making sure to block her wrist—which only left Tamaki more suspicious.
Was Hinata really being abused this whole time, or was she just starting to trip because she disliked the man? "Hello,
Hello." Tamaki greeted back with disgust, causing the man to look at her sideways before looking back down at Hinata with a small smile. "So, are you ready to go princess?" He questioned, causing the young woman to nod with a smile of her own. She was dressed in the clothes from earlier, and badly wanted a shower but figured what better way to get comfortable back at her old place than to shower in her shower again. "Good, we don't want to catch the movie late." He mentioned, causing his woman to gasp,
"A movie?" To which he nodded, "Oo, what movie are we going to see?" Hinata asked as she made her way back towards her backpack. "You'll see." He left for surprise, causing her to smile once more. Tamaki chimed in,
"So, Hinata what happened to your wrist?"
It was sudden. Very sudden, it took Hinata back a bit. Toneri's eyes glued to Tamaki then as Tamaki smiled and gestured towards her own, briefly sharing eye contact with Toneri before turning her attention to Hinata as Toneri did the same. "Wh-What?" She questioned, looking down at her wrist before pulling her sleeves down over them. "My-My skins been quite sensitive lately.. and Ton-Toneri gave me a bracelet the other day th-that broke me out-"
"Oh? Is that so?-"
"Yeah." Toneri clarified for her as Hinata made her way back towards him shyly. "Well, we're about to go before we miss the beginning of the movie." He said, taking Hinata's hand in his with a smile at the woman who frowned. "So, bye." He dismissed himself, making his way out the door as Hinata began to say her goodbyes,
"I'll be back later on tomorrow, goodnight!" She farewelled herself as the man practically pulled her out the door with him. She waved her goodbyes as she then closed the door, leaving Tamaki in nothing but a distressing discomfort. Something just didn't sit right with that man, and she couldn't understand why it seemed like she and Kiba were the only people to sense that off him.
She decided with herself to call Kiba again and tell him everything that just transpired because she knew if Hinata wasn't going to listen to her, she'd listen to Kiba. She and Kiba were like brother and sister, if Hinata was scared to leave this man alone, Kiba could protect her—she just wished Hinata could see her help before she truly needed it.
It was on his way home when he decided to text Hinata to see how she and the baby were doing when Sakura called asking him when she could come and pick up the rest of her things—Making him make a detour towards the liquor store for some kind of soothing remedy for this little visit. Lately, the bubblegum-haired woman has been blowing up his cellphone all throughout the day, irritating him enough that he gave in allowing her to come to get her things instead of him giving them all away at some thrift store.
He bought himself a couple of bottles of sake, a pack of cigarettes, and a pack of gum—not wanting to come off as grungy as he felt. He was just getting off work and wanted to shower and freshen up—it was the first day of his new position that his father assigned him to, and all he did today was lift box after box onto some blacked-out truck, and drive back and forth throughout town delivering these boxes to warehouses. His dad liked being evasive, so it wasn't like he knew what the hell was in those boxes or what was happening inside those warehouses after he drove off, but his dad promised his checks would be looking a lot better than the ones before, and that's all he cared about at the moment; money.
Once he made it home, he kicked off his work shoes and threw his coat on the coat hanger without a glance. Throwing his house keys on the end-table he made his way towards his bedroom to strip. It was going on nine o'clock and he told Sakura to give him thirty minutes to get himself settled—so first thing first, he wanted to shower. She was his ex, and if his father taught him anything sort of useful during his boyhood days it was to never let depression within control what others see on the surface.
He could care less what others thought and saw him as, but Sakura couldn't see him at his lowest. Drinking till he blacks out, and not showering until absolutely necessary. He's just been drinking, sleeping, working, and repeating the same cycle until something came up, or someone forced social interaction with him. Stripping down to his boxers, he decided to light a quick cigarette to ease his nerves.
A part of him didn't want Sakura to even enter his apartment, but a part of him wanted to talk with her to see how she was doing… He really didn't want to admit that out loud though, enjoying being single deep down. It wasn't arguments every day for no reason, or times he had to justify himself for being out longer than his "usual" times. Hell, after work he could actually go to the bar to clear his mind and come home and sleep! Sakura would've locked him out, making him have to drunkenly unlock the door and get in only to also have him locked out of his bedroom, so then he'd have to sleep on the couch or sometimes outside the bedroom door in the hall—he wasn't ashamed, just fed up.
He walked towards the bathroom and turned the shower water on, taking the last couple of drags of his cigarette before putting it out and jumping in. The water soaked his hair, causing him to close his eyes as it rushed down his face to his chest and lower abdomen. The warm water did wonders to his sore muscles as he found himself tuning out his thoughts and embracing the solitude for the time being. He didn't want to think about Sakura or what was to come in the next few minutes. She liked to talk about the baby yet seemed to dislike talking about Hinata—which he could understand.
They've been together for years and even experienced this same joy together before... Sakura was only pregnant, what? Two years ago now? It was an accident, but they were overjoyed nonetheless. He wanted a baby boy, while she wanted a daughter, but only three weeks after finding out the great news, Sakura woke up one early morning bleeding heavily. She had a miscarriage, completely devastating the young couple then.. so he could understand how it would upset her talking about Hinata and their baby, but it wasn't like he liked talking about either subject with her to begin with.
It was nice to have someone to talk to about this though as no one in his family knew except for Tamaki, really—and even then, he didn't want to talk to her about all of this because she was roommates with his baby momma, as though that made anything better. He wanted to know how Tamaki was connected with Hinata as he never met the woman at any family gathering, yet they seemed close enough to live with one another—it rubbed him wrong, but he figured it was good for now considering she was carrying his child and how Tamaki could keep an eye on the midnight-haired woman until he can stably do so himself.
He wished he could go back in time, but alas… everything seemed to be happening for a reason. He stepped out of the shower, wrapping a towel around his lower region as he then made his way out the bathroom and towards his living room—He needed a drink, but not before slipping his house shoes on. He twisted the cap off, and without hesitation began to down the bottle of sake.
It was nice and chilled, just how he liked it though he didn't care how his alcohol was given to him at the end of the day, he just wanted to feel at ease. He leaned against the back of his couch, brushing his wet strands back with his free hand as he went to take a swig. As he went towards his room for clothes, it was a light knock on his front door that he decided with himself to ignore for now until his shorts were at least on, and so he proceeded to get changed as the visitor decided to then call his phone once more.
He sighed, hearing as his ringtone went off in the living room to where he yanked his shorts up and stormed up towards the front door. "I heard you knock the first time." He said to the woman once he yanked open the door. She rolled her eyes at that, hovering her hand over his chest as though she was going to push him out of her way. "Sakura." He greeted, stepping to the side for her to enter as she then said,
"Sasuke."
He made a quick glance at her before finishing off the first bottle of sake. She had her hair curled up, how she knew he liked it—her nails painted green, as her lips were glossy red. Taking her coat off revealed what she had underneath and to say it was an outfit for this weather would've been considered a joke. He couldn't help but think, 'No wonder she was eager to get inside, she didn't want to catch frostbite.' She seemed to have been wearing a floral green corset and some knee-top boots over some black leggings. She looked appealing to him, but he ignored his urges when he gestured towards the back room.
"Your clothes are in the back room." He clarified with her, though she stepped up towards him. They made eye contact as she took the bottle of sake out of his hand and placed it on the end table near them. 'Hn.. here we go again.' He thought to himself, reluctantly placing his now free hand on her cheek as she gazed deeply into his glazed-over eyes. With every breakup of theirs, comes their breakup sex—
"Well do you want to follow me in there?" She asked, but before he could reply she placed a hand over his chest and traced it down to his shorts. "I might need some help." She told him seductively, kissing at his chest till he raised her chin and connected lips with her. He figured with all that he had to deal with during this breakup of theirs, he deserved to take this moment for himself. She moaned within the kiss, wrapping her arms around his neck as he gripped her sides, lifting her off the ground. Her legs were next to wrap around him as he placed her on the spine of his couch.
"Yes, take me right here!" He practically growled as he kissed up and down her neck and bit on her collarbones. He would take her right here, and right now—till his phone dinged. Looking up from her neck, he looked over towards his coat till she yanked his attention back towards her. "Whoever it is can wait. I want you now!" She ordered from him, causing him to give in as he threw his lips back onto hers and yanked her off the couch. Smacking her ass as she ground on him and he walked them towards the back room.
She dug her hand in the popcorn bowl as she intensively stared at the movie screen. Toneri got them tickets last minute to see a movie premiere, and she found herself glued to the screen as he found himself intensively watching her as though she was his own personal movie. He found himself feeling bad after indeed bruising her wrist, yet he couldn't figure out within himself how to make up for that. He planned their night out while he was on his way.
He'd buy her some flowers and they'd catch the premiere of this movie, head back to his—well, theirs and he'd let her have their bedroom for now until she was ready for him to sleep with her again. He knew that there would be no sex tonight, if not for a while since he bruised her. He needed to gain her trust despite not knowing how to achieve it again. He couldn't be forceful with her, and his mother advised him to be there for her and supportive of her decisions and opinions. It wasn't a difficult thing to do, but he felt as though they were back to square one in their relationship again and it bothered him a little if he was being honest with himself.
She looked over at him and smiled, causing him to give her a small smile back before turning his attention towards the movie. He was a bit bothered by that friend of hers as well, questioning them about her wrist as though he was abusing her, psh. If he were to ever hurt her, it would never be on purpose like an abuser would inflict on their victim. He loved her! And in time, everyone would know just how much at this wedding that he was going to throw for the two of them.
Hinata was his princess in his eyes becoming his queen—She deserved nothing but the greatest, and he was determined to give it to her with such a short time frame. Blinking himself out of his thoughts, he felt as Hinata intertwined their hands trying to gain his attention—he focused on the movie screen and noticed the rolling credits then looked down on her and smiled. "Did you enjoy that?" He questioned as he began to gather their things. She shrugged as she did the same,
"Hmm, I-I don't really know how I feel about it. I-I liked the beginning—" She went on to explain, "But the ending kind of made me cry. He was all alone; his wife left him, his kids hated him, and even his dog ran away... That part really made me sad." She said, wiping her eyes as they made their way out of the movie theater and he placed a hand over her back. "But alas, what are we about to eat? I-I could eat a horse." She laughed out, causing him to chuckle with her as he debated within his mind.
"Mm, I don't know. We could catch a bite to eat at the restaurant downstairs? Or if you aren't feeling quite up for that we could head back to mine and I could fix us some mean spaghetti and meatballs?" He suggested, causing her to blush behind her scarf as headed back to his sounded appealing, but was she ready? Right now they were surrounded by crowds of people, if they were to head back to his… 'We'd be all alone..'
He wouldn't try anything now that she was pregnant… right? She couldn't fully rule that thought out, but the only thing her thoughts were telling her now was how it was too late to debate that. She already packed her night bag, already argued with Tamaki about giving him this chance, and she was already holding his hand as he walked them downstairs. "I-I don't mind grabbing a bite to eat down here." She answered, getting a small nod out of the white-haired man as he then walked them towards some Hawaiian stop.
She ordered herself a teriyaki bowl with steamed vegetables and rice, a sprite, and one separate bowl of rice as he got himself some shrimp curry with a cup of water. They got themselves a seat and waited for their meals that she decided to eat there, thinking how if they were supposed to head to his after this, she wanted them to take their sweet time. It was easier said than done giving him this chance and sort of starting anew. She escaped this place, and here she was willingly going back in hopes of better—but she couldn't help herself for being a little doubtful. He bruised her wrist—and she lied to Tamaki about it!
She didn't want that as her future! So she found herself worried—and he could tell. "What's wrong, Princess?" He asked, reaching for her hands though she freaked and pulled away—instantly regretting it. He frowned, "What's on your mind? Are you feeling like this was a bad idea?-"
"Wha-? N-No!" She quickly held her hands up in defense. "I'm just.. lost in thought th-that's all." She excused herself, reaching for his hand as though to reassure him yet she could tell it did nothing to soothe the man of his own thoughts.
"Thoughts like what?" He questioned as he leaned more into the conversation; fixing his seat and posture as he briefly scanned the room for any prying eyes or ears. She bit back a frown, resting her chin on her now entwined fingers. He noticed as she was holding her sleeves up in each hand, covering her wrist. He was pleased by this yet couldn't shake the guilt that slowly risen as she gestured towards that bruise.
"I… I just don't want to end up like my parents." She admitted, closing her eyes as she recalled her childhood— "My fa-father was abusive-
I know… you've told me before-
Yes, bu-but you've never bru-bruised me-
Listen Hinata, I'm nothing like your father—I would never abuse you!" He gently yelled in defense, causing her to squint her eyes before opening them to meet his narrowed orbs. "It was an accident that will never happen again. Your father would just abuse your mother because of control—I don't want to control you, princess... I want to marry you and grow old with you." He tried to reassure her, causing her to reach for his hand that he gladly accepted. "I'm sorry I bruised your wrist." He apologized, lifting the sleeve up to kiss it better.
"It-It's… okay, just… don't pull on-on me like that again." She forgave him, smiling as he nodded and went in for a kiss. Their eyes closed as she placed a hand on his cheek, melting away into the kiss until the woman at the counter called for their table number. Toneri pulled away to go retrieve the food, feeling a bit more hopeful for this night and plan to go smoothly.
It was when he awoke to a nightmare of his cellphone ringing and it being Hinata on the other end that he jumped up in his sleep, causing the pink-haired beauty next to him to groan as she turned over in her slumber. He looked down upon her and smirked, not being able to help himself as she lied there naked with her hair a mess and her breast reddened by his kisses and smacks.
He looked around his bedroom and sighed, looking at the swept-up picture frame and glass behind his door along with the hole in his wall yet couldn't seem to find his phone in the disarray of clothes everywhere. He wanted to know what time it was, and well if Hinata was doing alright.
Was he supposed to feel like a dick for wondering about this woman after getting laid? He wasn't sure enough to give a damn, but to say it didn't feel weird would've been a lie. Deep down, he wished for the midnight-haired woman to be in his bed right now instead of wherever she was. She was a one-night stand he accidentally got pregnant—he didn't want that kind of relationship for his child, he wanted to be with the mother of his child/children. He wanted to get to know her, take her out, see how the two of them could get along romantically yet for the first time in forever he didn't know how the hell to do that.
The woman seemed like she'd rather throw up and die than to spend longer than an hour with him—and that was shredding it lightly as the last time they met up, she insisted on having no conversation on their way to his. She was a mystery, truly. Getting up, he began to look around for his shorts. He put them on and made his way towards his living room. He had a bag of sake, cigarettes, and gum on his end table that tempted him, but he refused to give in to the sake—though picked out the pack of cigarettes before reaching in his coat pocket for his cellphone.
It was 10:28 pm and he had one missed call from Sakura, three missed calls from Tamaki, one missed call from Hinata? And one message from Hinata. Despite him being curious why Tamaki would call him so many times, he clicked on Hinata's message which read;
Hey, we're okay, just about to eat now… How r u?
He blinked, 'How am I?' he thought, sliding her message to the side to examine when she sent this message. "8:46 pm…" He read out loud, thinking to himself how that was a bit late to be eating for two.
I'm fine, U should eat at better times for the baby.
He replied, tapping the side of his phone as he patiently waited for a response in seconds—though fell disappointed when she didn't reply back fast enough and decided to message her once more.
Ur probably asleep now, but from now on don't hesitate to text me updates. I don't care what time it is.
He turned his phone off at that and tucked it away in his pocket, pulling a cigarette out of the pack as he made his way back towards his bedroom. This was probably toxic to have his ex naked in his bed, but he couldn't help himself getting back in bed with her to collect his lighter from his dresser. He'd light the cigarette up, take in a nice deep hit, and would exhale with Sakura reaching her hand up for a hit.
"Hn, I thought you were asleep?" He questioned as he handed her the lit cigarette and she sat up. "You got up." She said groggily, taking a puff as she flipped her hair out of her face. "Mm, what time is it?" She asked as she exhaled and passed it back towards him. He looked at her then down at the lit cherry.
"Time for you to go home?" He asked, not really wanting to spend the night with Sakura tonight. The lay was good, he needed to let some steam off, but he didn't need or want his emotions to get whirled up in Sakura's games right now. She looked up at him and scoffed into a chuckle—
"Of course… It wouldn't be break-up sex if you didn't try to kick me out after your nut." She deadpanned, making her way out the bed in search of her clothes once she shoved the cigarette between her lips. "What is it? The next day?" She asked, causing him to rest his head in the palm of his hand as he sighed.
"It's around ten-thirty to eleven, take this as me doing you a favor cause don't you have work tomorrow?" He questioned back, deciding with himself to light a new cigarette for himself as he watched the woman smoke his first one away. "I do", She replied, squatting and throwing clothes to the side in order to get to her corset.
"You know, it would've been nice if you didn't throw all of my clothes out the closet onto the ground, Sasuke-"
"Well, you lied to me- so…" He shrugged at her complaints, causing her to pause and glare at him. He took a drag off his cigarette as he threw her one more shrug. She went to open her mouth to argue about that fact, but instead rolled her eyes and threw on whatever she picked up next. "You know this can't be a consistent thing, right? You coming over, us sleeping together-"
"Look, Sasuke. You say that now like you say always after a breakup-
Yeah, but this time I actually mean it—I have… a relationship on hold-"
Sakura scoffed at that once she stood to her full height— "Psh, a relationship on hold? To who that whore you knocked up?" She questioned, causing him to roll his eyes as he scoffed and took one last hit of his cigarette before putting it out in a fit. "You can't be serious, right? Are you even one-hundred percent sure that baby is even yours?" She asked, also putting the butt out before crossing her arms.
They stared at one another for a minute before he looked away and growled, stressfully running his fingers through his hair as she scoffed once more— "See, I take it you don't-"
"Honestly, just get the hell out already." He shooed, not wanting to hear or deal with this right now. "Pregnancy isn't a gamble, Sakura, where I get to choose to ignore it because I'm not sure she's telling the truth—I really just have to trust her words since our actions line up with the consequences in front of us-"
"Okay, so what? You're just going to throw our relationship away, throw your future, your happiness, your whole life's plan away because this woman, this random woman you hardly even know is telling you to-
She's not telling me to do shit, Sakura." He cut in, looking her dead in the eyes as he continued. "She specifically told me she didn't need anything from me—and that's why I'm doing this. Because whatever the hell you told her that day, she believes it, so I.." He stopped himself, looking away from her once more until she asked-
"Is this because of our miscarriage?" It was as though within that instant, he felt someone punch him in the gut. "No" He breathed out, but she continued on. "You-You say that, but it was only after our miscarriage that these little.. fangirls of yours would come out the woodworks saying they were pregnant by you-
Yes, but that was only because we broadcasted our pregnancy to everyone-
Yeah… I just felt like every time a woman would do that though, you'd seem hopeful at another chance of fatherhood." She admitted, causing him to furrow his eyebrows. "Because it's not like I didn't suspect you of sleeping with some of those women, but I just never thought you'd leave me for one of them... I thought since we lost one baby, you'd want to try again with me-"
"Sakura, that's all I wanted for us in the future." He made clear with her, fighting back a frown as he continued to defend himself. "It's not like I intentionally got Hinata pregnant, or wanted this period. I was content with not being a father at this time in my life with you, those women were all just small flings whenever we'd break up over dumb shit. Never, would I slip up and knock one of those women up-"
"Then explain to me Hinata, and how you suddenly have a relationship on hold with her?" She asked, causing the young man to sigh as it seemed as though they were just going in circles here. "Because that time we were broken up because-
Because some random guy was in your phone-?
Hm, mostly because of some dumb shit, but we're not talking about that-
Yeah, of course, we're not." He spat out, rolling his eyes as he decided with himself that this conversation had reached its endpoint. "Do you need help gathering all these clothes? Like a bag?-
"No, I'm good. Thanks." She half-heartedly thanked him, throwing him a forced-up smirk before she began yanking up the clothes he left on the ground specifically for her to pick up. He smirked as he watched, tapping at his chin as he decided to ask; "You know what, how is that man? You know, the one you were exchanging nudes with before our last breakup?" She paused in her tracks. "Now, back then it was considered cheating, but I mean now? You're completely single, so how's that relationship you had on hold going?"
She looked up at him before throwing an article of loose clothing at his face. "Fuck you, Sasuke." She jabbed, causing him to snicker. "Nothing was on hold, and nothing was exchanged-
"Oh, but it was. You can delete messages, but once you click the information on one of your contacts, all of the exchanged pictures tend to pop up." He explained to her, causing her to twitch. "That time when I dumped you, I never should've stooped low enough to take you back after sleeping with Hinata-"
"Sasuke, out of all of the women and fangirls you had and have slept with during our relationship and during our breakups, me exchanging nudes where I was mostly covered! It's a breaking straw for you? Are you serious?!-
First of all, I never slept with any of those women during our relationship-
Psh-
Secondly, you call yourself posing in your bra and panties mostly covered?" He questioned, causing her to roll her eyes as she stood to her feet. "Me taking you back after a stunt like that was your final chance with me, and you blew it after lying to me about Hinata. So when you find yourself wondering why this is happening to us and happening to you and why I'm so cold towards you now, think about this instance." He told her as he too stood to his feet. "I'm done with you Sakura, done. And if you want some dick, how about you go message that asshole you chose behind my back again?" He suggested,
"Because lastly, what I decide further on in my life has nothing to do with you or what we've been through." He finished, crossing his arms as he then gestured for her to leave out of his bedroom. "Now goodbye, Sakura, and don't ever call me the fuck again." He dismissed her, causing her to scoff at his words as she found there was nothing more to say to him, let alone argue with this man about. Usually, after their break-up flings, she'd usually leave a little thing or two here and there for a later return, but even he noticed when she double-checked and made sure she had everything in hand before leaving his apartment.
He was sure she was most likely done with his ass as well, which in all honestly, he didn't have a problem with at all. He was truly done with Sakura, wanting to start his intentions on Hinata as soon as he could get the chance. It wasn't because of sex if anything that was the last thing on his mind with that woman—but he really wanted to get to know her now that he had Sakura one-hundred percent out of his brain and out of his way. He wanted to take her on a date, maybe even travel with this woman—just so he can know the ins and out of her. What did she fear? What did she like? Hell, he had a few shared qualities from both of his parents, so he could only figure this baby of theirs would be like the both of them.
It was time to make his move—hoping deep down that doing this would ease those pesky thoughts Sakura did trigger within him... Like if this baby was one-hundred percent his or not.
He guided them into the front door with their takeaway in one hand, and Hinata's soft hand in his other, twirling her inside as she giggled. The car ride home was magnificently filled with corny jokes and laughter, filling his insides with hope for the night as he placed their leftover food in his fridge. Hinata stood near the doorway for a minute, slowly taking her coat off as she looked around her surroundings. It all looked the same. She took in a deep breath, keeping her anxiety at bay along with her thoughts as she decided to look towards Toneri and smiled.
He wanted this future with her, he wanted to make this work and he still wanted to grow happily old with her—those shared goals were still there and, in her heart, real. She couldn't expect these upcoming years to be without tear-shed and hard times, but she could only expect that they'd get through it together without running away from one another.
"How are you feeling?" He suddenly asked, resting his frontal body on the kitchen counter as he watched her take in her surroundings. "You know you're beautiful, right? Glowing with beauty." He complimented, causing her to blush as she brushed his words away and made her way towards him.
"No, no...
Yes, gorgeous." He insisted, reaching for her hand that she gladly gave him. He gently pulled her closer to him, wrapping her up in his arms. "How does it feel to be back home, my princess?" He rephrased his first question, causing her blush to darken as she looked up at him, then down towards the ground until he raised her chin. "Tsk, tsk.. don't be shy." She bit her lip at that, not really wanting to be shy, just couldn't seem to find the right words to describe how she was feeling right now.
It's not like she was feeling anxious, and hopeful was close, but it just… didn't fit. She was content for right now, though feared in the back of her mind for his nice-guy persona to fade over time. She still doubted after this pregnancy he'd keep it up, feeling safe now but was definitely on edge for later. She really wanted to trust this though, and trust him again. He knew what drove her away last time, and swore off drinking, so that was a start as it was a start to everything. Thinking about all the times he'd have his way with her forcefully, it was never a time he didn't smell like he bathed with liquor, so she believed him swearing that off was the first step to brighter days.
"It feels… like the first step to greatness for us, my love." She answered honestly, smiling up at him as he smiled down and reached in for a kiss that she gave without hesitation. She could kiss him all night, just… couldn't sleep with him yet. He broke away, kissing at her cheeks then neck and collarbone that ignited a small moan she didn't want to give, but she had to admit—it's been a while since he kissed her there in such a soft way. He inched his mouth back up to the back of her ear and breathed, sending chills down her spine that made her breath hitch.
"I work in the morning." He whispered, getting a small nod out of her as he went to continue. Grabbing at her hand, he asked, "Where am I sleeping tonight?" Causing her throat to dry. They agreed with him sleeping on the couch in the living room until she grew more comfortable sleeping in the same bed with him all alone, so to hear this question come out of his mouth only intimidated her more than it turned her on like she was sure he wanted it to do. She knew all those times he seemed intoxicated when he forced himself onto her, but she didn't want to take any chances!
"It-It's too soon." She told him, taking a small step back that at first his grip on her hand didn't seem to let up, but he quickly released her with a small nod as he cleared his throat. "Right," He said, looking over towards the couch before looking back down on her. "I should start preparing it then." He told her, getting an awkward nod in response as he then made his way out of the kitchen. "You could um, stay while I'm working—Which I'm sure you already know-"
"I-I might, it's not really like I have anything else better to really do other than sleep on my days off." She admitted as she slowly made her way out and towards the door of that bedroom she once called theirs. It was a small fear to enter this room again, but with boldness, she eventually did upon exchanging goodnight with Toneri. It was weird to see the bed made up, and the floor spotless. Blinking, it was like she could see it as it was the night she left… a mess.
She was just asleep on that bed when he burst in and… To say he raped her was a hard pill to swallow, as deep down she still fought with herself about the incident. 'Because was it really rape..? I mean, come on Hinata…' She thought with herself as she stressfully ran her fingers through her hair. It was time for bed, but her mind seemed wired. So she decided with herself it was time for that shower she's been wanting for the longest. She'd lock the bedroom door, check it twice by twisting the handle, and would strip there in the room, leaving her dirty clothes there before making her way into the bathroom and starting the warm shower.
She could only hope for the warmth of the water to wash away her unwanted thoughts and problems, but even then, she knew it wasn't that easy to run away from everything. The only thing she could do at this moment was to prepare for all that was to come tomorrow.