Author's Note:
Finally! I'M BACK! :) Yes, yes, YES! You all don't know how happy I am to be writing and publishing again - days without writing was like an artist without paint. It was so hard, but I did it! It's 12:00 something a.m. on a school day! I have to get to do this homework before I hit the sack.
Anyway, thank you all for being patient for this chapter. I hope that it's good - I really tried hard. I had lost so much inspiration for this fiction when I started school and I was so upset about it. I thought about it and I prayed about it and the good Lord gave me INSPIRATION! It was like a breath of fresh air and all of a sudden I was writing. It took me about a week to write this. This chapter is about 13,306 words. I hope this brightens someone's day today. Please pardon my spelling errors...
On a final note, I want to tell everyone something that I feel I need to say - follow your dreams. No matter what may come in your way or no matter how many people try to put you down, just believe, and your dream shall come true. I will follow my dreams now...
Enjoy.
Chapter 26: Pep-Talks
No. Don't give up hope just yet. It's the last thing to go. When you have lost hope, you have lost everything. And when you think all is lost, when all is dire and bleak, there is always hope."
― Pittacus Lore, I Am Number Four
When he stepped from her and started back to his little speech down the row, she couldn't help but roll her lavender eyes at his moving figure. Just what the hell was his problem? Did he like putting her on the spot and embarrassing her? He had humiliated her enough when he publically proclaimed his love to his fiancé – well, ex-fiancé. He then practically made it one of his life goals to bring her down and make her fell utterly useless and pathetic in their marriage.
Did he have a grudge against her? Or did he just hate to see her doing something other than catering to his needs? He was just confusing to her; like Sudoku, she didn't know what to do with it next…
Hinata puffed nosily, making Haku look down at her.
"You okay?", asked the tall model beside her. Hinata looked up at her and nodded.
"Y-Yeah.", she answered timidly, a light blush coming onto her face as she stared up at the tall model 'Haku'. Haku smiled back down at her and nodded before turning her head towards the talking Uchiha, her long, ebony hair swinging lightly behind her.
God, was Haku beautiful. Hinata blushed a bright red as she continued to stare at the model. She had never seen anyone so beautiful in her life like Haku; sure Sakura was gorgeous, but Haku took it to another level of beauty. She looked so plain with her dark hair and eyes, yet her facial features made her look so unreal, ethereal almost.
Hinata sighed blissfully as she stared at the woman beside her, her mind becoming fuzzy and her chest becoming hot. If only she was as half as beautiful as Haku…
Yamato coughed a bit into his arm, shattering the awkward atmosphere that had been created by the brooding Uchiha, who was now looking over the Sabaku group, more so at Sasori, who was smirking with mock at Sasuke.
Hinata couldn't bear to watch what would happen down there, so she averted her gaze to the director and tried to put on her 'serious' face.
The director sighed a bit, now a smile on his face. "Now that that's out of the way, we will begin roll call. When I call your name, I will specify exactly which lines you will be modeling for based on your entry forms and conformation from the designers. After you have heard your name and information, please pick a lane and wait until I am finished so that we all can begin practicing. Everyone got that?", Yamato spoke as he scanned the relatively small group over.
Hinata nodded while the rest muttered their understanding, and soon the director nodded and began to call roll.
"Darui – 'Ibisu' , 'Uchiha's Phoneix', and 'Matarashi'."
The Hyuuga watched as a tall, dark-skinned male slid past her and towards one of the five runway lanes. She apprehensively let out a breath as names began to be called, and decided to yank at her long hair, debating on whether it was time to get it cut again; the bang was getting a little longer than she liked.
Sasuke likes long hair… Hinata frowned. I'll get it cut soon…
"Sakura – 'Uchiha's Phoneix' and 'Matarashi'.", Yamato called, and looked towards the tall woman. Without kind of recognition of the director, Sakura stepped off the stage and towards the occupied lane, clad in jeans and tall high heels. Hinata couldn't help but gawk at how the woman stepped down the stairs, not even bothering to hold onto the railing beside her for support.
She could already tell; Sakura was one of the best.
Hinata gulped in intimidation. How could she compete with that? The girl slumped sluggishly, her mind in deep thought as of how to walk in heels on a runway that barely had enough room for three people and try not to fall flat on her face in front of hundreds or thousands OR millions of people…
And people said modeling was a piece of cake…
The bluette curiously watched as the woman sat down; she wondered if she had covered the bruises or not…
"Hinata – 'Ibisu', 'Flower Petals', 'Matarashi', 'Blanco', and 'Myoko'.", the director called, and soon mutters came up within the small group, making the Hinata blush from the attention.
She didn't know she had signed up for that many; she would be walking all night on the runway tomorrow. So it was guaranteed that she would fall once or twice. Damn…
With a nod towards Yamato, she started towards an empty lane and slowly sat down on the edge of the runway, her feet dangling off a bit.
Hinata wearily rubbed her eyes, trying to knock the sleepiness that was creeping up on her, and pulled out her phone. She was curious as to what the texts held; Sasuke barely texted her at all anyway.
She numbly ran her thumb across the message icon before tapping it. What if they were threatening messages? Should she tell someone, maybe Ino? She didn't respond to threats well; she would want to file a restraining order immediately.
What if he wanted her back? The Hyuuga raised her eyes towards Sasuke; he was speaking to a few women on one of the lanes, a small smirk on his lips as he eyed the one with the dark-red hair. She was drop-dead gorgeous, just like all of his mistresses had been.
Her heart dropped for the second time that day when she saw him and the model walk towards another portion of the lane to get some 'privacy'. Judging from how the woman was blushing like a school girl, the mighty Sasuke was flirting with her.
Hinata rolled her eyes and moved her bang out of her view.
And I fell in love with that? What an insensitive douche bag. She was determined on avoiding him more than ever at this point.
Her lavender orbs slid over to Sakura to see her reaction and what she saw made her anger disperse into pure astonishment.
Sakura watched with saddened eyes as Sasuke tucked a strand of hair behind the model's ear. Hinata warily observed before turning back to the phone in her hand, not noticing the glance Sasuke threw her.
Why didn't he acknowledge others' feelings? It was like Sakura was nothing to him, like she was just another woman he'd slept with. From what Hinata had heard from the store incident yesterday, he and Sakura were together since the marriage had occurred, meaning that he had been in a relationship with the pinkette from day one, exactly two years, just like Hinata had been. The only difference was that Sakura obviously got more privileges; she got the gifts, the love, the affection, the sex –
But in the end, what did Hinata gain? A one-sided, fake marriage, lies, empty-promises, and a low-self-esteem from the one person she trusted with her heart. Sasuke Uchiha.
But maybe it was her fault for being so trusting; she felt that she would never be able to trust anyone ever again, and it hurt to know this because she knew that there were other people that deserved her trust so much more than Sasuke did.
Like Ino, Konan, Tenten, Sasori –
She wouldn't let them in, because she was afraid of being hurt again.
She made a silent promise to herself the day she threw her wedding ring back to him that she wouldn't be the trustful person she once was; this time would be different.
She would guard her heart, no matter the circumstances...
Hinata let the solemn feeling pass through her while she tapped the message icon and watched his name pop up. The first message was seen:
We need to talk.
Received: June 15
The locks have been changed. Have Suigetsu let you in.
Received: June 15
Hinata shook her head in disbelief. So it wasn't their house after all. She decided that she would read them all to get it over with.
You should be getting the divorce papers soon – when you get them, sign them. Save us both the hassle.
Received: June 12
A Hyuuga Advisor came by and dropped off your things from the office. Qi has put them with the rest of your things in our room. Your things will remain in place until you feel the need to get them.
Received: June 9
Hinata snorted.
Mother wants to see you – she might call you.
Received: June 8
…
I'm sorry.
Received: June 3
She blankly stared at the last message, which was the first one she received. She couldn't conjure up what to feel by looking at those letters. The only word that popped into her head was Guilt.
So Sasuke could feel, did that change anything that he had done? One simple apology, delivered via text message…
He was heartless.
Hinata powered off the phone and slid it in her pocket, not wanting to read anything else. She was tired of him already.
None of his actions made any sense; before any of this ever happened he had never really responded to her much, just the simple 'Good Mornings' and the 'I'll be late coming home' type of talk. Let's not forget the silent 'I Love Yous' he would tell her whenever he wanted something done for him, like the sorting of his paperwork or the heating up of his food.
She had been a tool for him since day one, but she had mistaken it for love.
It made her sick to her stomach almost; she had been one of those fan girls to him all along, or he had treated her like she was one. She had honestly believed that he had loved her.
God, I was a fool… She should have known better.
She wanted to talk to someone about this, but like she had said before, she wasn't going to trust anyone. Who would?
Hinata pursued her lips while looking around, trying to get rid of the thought of him running through her head. She decided to focus on something more important…
She smiled down at her boots; she loved them, a lot. They were unique to her, an alternate personality of her own. It screamed 'rocker' and 'bad girl', which made her laugh at how strong and independent 'boots' were to herself. Weird.
She had heard that in reality, 'pretty' girls didn't become models. The weird ones won most of the time in the modeling industry. Weirdness to most meant 'strange', 'uncool', and even 'stupid', but from just hearing the designers that had given her the forms, weird was strange, but it was also 'unique', 'striking', and 'beautiful'. To be weird was to be 'one of a kind'; not just another pretty face.
Hinata let her eyes slowly look up from her boots to the pinkette sitting on the other runway, her gaze set on her wristband, an unreadable look in her eyes.
Now that Hinata thought about it, Sakura was famous because she was 'weird'. Who in the world had naturally pink hair with green eyes? It was like she was the female version of a human 'Sakura' flower; the name fit her. No matter how the bluette looked at it, Sakura was one of the most beautiful women she had ever seen, despite the woman's actions yesterday. That crucial fact hurt the most.
Sakura was beautiful and unique; Sasuke had left her for Sakura, someone who was unearthly gorgeous. To have your husband leave you for someone who you thought to be so much more prettier than you hurt. It made you feel like dirt, like you were nothing. It crushed your self-confidence and made you depressed. It made you question God even…
Hinata let her gaze shift back towards her feet and soon she let out a shuddering breath. "Why do you do this to yourself, Hinata?", she questioned herself in a whisper. "You're b-beautiful, too. She may be pretty, but so are you. G-Get your act together, right now."
"Do you usually talk to yourself?"
Hinata jumped and was about to fall off the stage before a pair of arms caught her by lifting her up by her armpits, which made her blush in embarrassment. She prayed that she didn't sweat when she was nervous. She couldn't even look up at the model as a deep laugh came to her senses.
"Sorry about that. I didn't mean to startle you.", Haku spoke, trying to hold back chuckles to Hinata's surprise. Since when did girls chuckle?
"I-It's okay.", the former-Heiress spoke quickly as Haku came and sat next to her. She started to grow nervous as she felt some of Haku's hair brush against her hands; it was so soft.
She blushed and looked back towards Sakura, who was now stretching from her position on the floor.
"You and Sasuke have some major problems going, huh?", Haku asked as she took some gum out of her pocket. "I had never seen him act like that – want some?"
Hinata let out a breath and nodded while grabbing a piece.. " S-Sasuke and I – nothing is wrong.", she muttered as she tried to keep herself from staring into her eyes. She didn't want to think of Sasuke; she was getting sick of hearing about him.
Haku snorted. "I don't know about that.", she stated quietly and turned her gaze to the pinkette in front of them.
They both stared at Sakura, who just quietly sat down on the lane and stared down at it, her long rosy hair covering her face. Hinata idly scratched her nose while trying to push back a few tears she was holding in.
She didn't want to feel sorry for Sakura, but she couldn't help but pity the girl. She hated that she cared for people who hurt her, but that was who she was. She just couldn't be angry all the time; yesterday was a first for her.
Sakura was going through the same thing she had gone through; the public humiliation and seeing the person who you had fallen in love with move on so quickly. Even though the pinkette kind of deserved it, Hinata questioned whether or not she could handle it in a proper way without doing something regrettable. It was like Karma coming back; this was Sakura's Karma. She would feel the same way the bluette had felt and would only have to take it because this was her fate.
Hinata sighed. Any normal person wouldn't care about their husband's mistress…
A loud chatter sounded on the stage, making the Hyuuga and Haku turn to see the source of it. It sounded like they were talking about her; Haku was mentioned a few times in the talk, but the negativity was focused on the bluette.
Hinata blinked a little. Why would they be upset with me siting with Haku?
The three girls rudely gossiping on stage were getting annoying, so annoying that Hinata whipped her head back around and gave them a pointed glare.
They all stopped and froze when they saw her staring at them, and soon casually waved over to her, a smile on their faces. The bluette looked them over a bit before raising an eyebrow and turning back around towards Sakura.
Haku rubbed her hands on her pants while looking at Hinata. "Don't worry about them; they're just intimidated by you. You are going to be the only girl walking that is going to be represented as an icon of 'sex'."
Hinata paled when she heard that. "W-What does that mean?"…Anything that has 'sex' in it made her stomach queasy.
Haku sighed before turning towards the bluette and grabbing her shoulder. "Most of the designers today didn't just go for the pretty models; they went for the ones who were popular among the media. Having someone like you modeling their clothes would increase their sales. Your body is going to increase their popularity among the public."
Hinata let it sink in for a minute, her mind wandering. "I-I still don't get it.", she finally said, which made Haku chuckle again, to her amazement, and pat her on the back.
"Okay, let me see…", Haku's brown eyes scanned around for a while before it stopped on a particular Uchiha. "Look at Sasuke for a minute."
"Why?", Hinata dully asked, but complied anyway and looked towards the tall male, who was talking to a group from 'Blanco'. She wanted to turn away to stop previous thoughts from clouding her head, but Haku threw an arm around her neck and leaned in towards her, which made her stay still.
"You see that shirt he's wearing?",Haku asked. Hinata nodded; there was only a few men that could wear red and not look overly vivid in it. One of them was Sasuke. "You see how good he looks in that shirt. Sexy, isn't he?" She would never admit that though.
Hinata blushed a bit in embarrassment at the question, noting how good Sasuke really did look in that shirt. "I-It's okay.", she muttered as she watched Sasuke turn and walk towards the next group, the red-haired woman from before close behind him. Now he was overly vivid.
Haku smirked, her brown eyes glinting. "Would you buy that shirt?", she asked. Hinata started run her finger over her lips while musing over the question.
Would she buy it?
She squinted her lavender orbs in thought as she stared at the Uchiha's shirt, unaware that his crimson gaze was now on her.
The shirt looked nice; 'Ed Hardy' was a beautiful and artistic style of clothing, but if she had a choice to buy it, she would decline. Only because the shirt looked expensive and she didn't have any money right now.
She shyly looked at the model beside her and blushed again at the close contact. "It looks…p-pricey. I probably c-couldn't fit it in my budget." Once again, a round of chuckles came from Haku.
"You're too funny – okay, if you had all the money in the world, would you buy the shirt?", Haku rephrased the question.
Hinata 'hned' and went back to the red shirt, still unaware of the unreadable look Sasuke was giving her. "Y-Yes.", she finally said, a small smile on her face when Haku nodded and patted her back again.
"Why would you buy the shirt?", Haku asked another question, her eyes sliding to the Uchiha.
The former-Hyuuga gave him her an odd look. "Because i-it's…pretty?"
"And?"
Hinata gave Haku another strange look. "And because…I like 'Ed Hardy'?"
…
The model sighed. "Okay, Sasuke was a bad example - What is your best friend's favorite celebrity?"
"Inuyasha.", the bluette answered immediately while taking her eyes off of Sasuke's shirt."
Haku nodded. "Imagine Inuyasha in that same shirt. Would your friend and many others buy this shirt?"
Hinata nodded as well. "Yes, s-she would."
"Why?", the Haku asked with a smirk as she leaned further into Hinata.
The former- Heiress thought for a moment. "Because he's her idol and many others…may think he looks good in the shirt?", Hinata said and soon her eyes widened. "W-Wait, so by using celebrities to model the clothing, sales increase? So publicity m-matters as well?"
Haku's smirk turned into a smile as she flipped some hair over her shoulder.. "Exactly. Your fans are going to buy everything that you wear tomorrow night. It's kind of like you're sponsoring these designers in a way, really. But I guess it's all good since fifty percent is going to the families affected in the bombing.", she stated. "If you're popular, then your clothes will sale. If not, then they won't sale. That's just how it is.
"Oh.", Hinata dully responded, her eyes getting cloudy as she thought about that night.
It was hard to think that she could have died that night, both her and many others. She had been clouded with so many emotions that she had forgotten that many families were hurt by the bomb, both inside the hotel as well as many people outside of it that night. So many were grieving their loved ones while some were praying for the remaining victims to survive surgery; many couldn't even afford surgery…
An overwhelming amount of guilt hit her. She had thought her life was bad while many others were fighting for theirs.
That's why I have to try., she thought as she clenched her fists on her jeans. I can't give up on them. They need the funds for their families…
They were her drive; they pushed her to try. Yes, she would be nervous, and yes, she would mess up.
But she wouldn't give up.
"Nice dog-tag. That must've been really expensive, eh?", Haku asked as she pulled the chain from Hinata's blouse and examined it, long fingers running across the gold-in scripted letters on the sterling silver chain. "Kukla? That's really cute. It fits you.", she smiled and let go of the chain, letting it go back to its original position on the Hyuuga's chest.
Kukla? Hinata grabbed the tag and held it up, letting the gold letters shine and contrast with the tag itself. The letters were in Russian, a language that the bluette didn't know, but had seen a few times on paperwork her father had done. Kukla fit her well?
What did it mean?
Yamato came back onto the center of the stage soon."Okay, now that that's out of the way, everyone find you a partner – male and female!", Yamato yelled to all of the models on the stage and lanes. "I want passion, chemistry! You may not know each other, but I want to see that attraction! Lust, love, this is what it's all about! Connect with you partner as you walk; make it seem believable!", he yelled to the scurrying people as they got into position on the many lanes.
Hinata nervously slipped the chain back into her shirt and stood up, anxiously trying to find a male who was available.. It was like trying to find a partner for a project in High School; you would feel left out and embarrassed when everyone got their partner. She felt a sadness come over her when she saw male models rush over to Sakura, who only offered them a small smile.
The bluette sighed was about to walk back to the stage, but felt a hand on her shoulder.
She looked up at Haku who smiled down at her. "Y-Yes?"
"You mind being my partner?", Haku asked, that smile still on her face.
Hinata smiled although she was feeling insecure inside. "I would l-love to, but Yamato-san said only a girl to a boy– "
Haku cut her off with a surprised smile. "Wait – I already know what you're going to say. I forgot that this is the first time you've met me.", she said, that smile still on her face.
Hinata tilted her head. "Huh?"
She chuckled. "Hinata-san, I'm a guy."
…
The bluette rubbed her ear and stared at the 'man'…
Haku laughed awkwardly. "I thought you knew. It's okay though – many others have had the same reaction and just thought that because I looked feminine that I was a female. It used to happen all of the time but…people know now…except you of course…", he finished off as he watched Hinata's mouth open in awe.
The Hyuuga analyzed the man's face for a quick second before snapping her eyes to his chest. The shirt was flat, but she still had doubts. Maybe she was joking; a lot of people had a weird sense of humor, like herself.
Haku looked down at his shirt before looking back towards Hinata. "Oh, you're still not sure…well…do you want a hug?"
Hinata quickly nodded, trying to hurriedly rid herself of her doubts of him being a male. She awkwardly opened her arms and gave off a nervous laugh as she walked towards him and hugged him.
She paled when she laid her head on his chest and didn't feel any cushion. With determination to prove her point, she snuggled deeper and started to rub her face into his chest. Still nothing – What she felt instead was a broad chest. She sniffed his cologne and sighed before stepping back and bowing her head.
This ethereally beautiful woman was a man?! He was prettier than Sakura…
"I-I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to – ", she started, but Haku waved it off with a nervous laugh.
"It's okay, but if you really want to apologize, be my partner for the show.", Haku stated as he sheepishly scratched the back of his head.
Hinata, still in regret, nodded and started back towards center stage with Haku, a blush on her face from the awkward tension in the air.
Still, she couldn't help but look back and stare at Sakura.
God…
She felt her heart restrict when she saw a stray tear fall from her dull, emerald orb…
Without a second thought, the bluette spared her a glance for a moment before slowly turning her head forward, leaving the pinkette to battle with her inner demons…
Which would soon devour her – mind and body…
Why the hell is she here?, is what Sasuke asked himself each and every time he looked her way; this was the fifth time he'd asked himself this, but he yet to find his answer.
She was a distraction and, to him, a total nuisance to the show he was trying to create. Why couldn't she just stay put? Why did she put these thoughts and feelings into his head? She was making him confused.
He hated being confused. Sasuke had brought together and asked fashion companies to join him in raising money for the families affected by the bombing. Yes, he knew that some of the people that he disliked (hint hint – Itachi) may be there, but he was willing to hold it in until after the show.
Now, he wasn't so sure about holding it in and there was a reason why.
If Hinata was here, that meant that she was a part of a fashion company – meaning that what he had heard about that Hyuuga attending the meeting of his nemesis may have been true – and that also meant that that Hyuuga could, possibly, be a part of Sabaku already.
"There's a rumor going around that Sabaku and Akatsuki are going to launch a line so popular that they'll even have Milan calling for orders." Sakura's words popped into his head then, and he couldn't help the glower expression that came onto his face, or how the pen he was holding in his hand snapped in two.
Gaara…
The Uchiha let the pen fall from his hands and wiped the messy ink onto the side of his black pants.
Just the thought of her working with him made the Uchiha's anger seethe to another level.
He just wanted to hit something, anything…
Suigetsu suddenly showed up, sweat dripping from his forehead as he sighed tiredly and took a sip of drink. He held up the large Subway bag, holding a sandwich and cookies inside. "Turkey sandwich with no turkey, no mayo, no lettuce, extra tomato and vinegar with the top layer of the sandwich cut off and set to the side with three chocolate-chip cookies.", the personal assistant called out from the receipt attached to his shirt, an exhausted look on his face. "My question is, wouldn't it be a tomato sandwich instead of a turkey sandwich? There's no turkey on it whatsoever, which confuses me as to why you wanted a turkey sandwich, but without turkey?"
Sasuke raised an eyebrow at Suigetsu and stared at the cup in his hands. "What kind of drink is that?"
Suigetsu sipped it again. "Sprite."
"Your zipper is open."
Suigetsu looked down at his pants. "Really? Not aga – "
Sasuke knocked the cup out of his hands, making it fall to the ground and splatter around the two. He looked at the personal assistant's mortified look for a moment before snatching the bag of food out of his hands. "My bad.", he stated with obvious sarcasm as he stepped over the mess, leaving the poor man to glare at him from behind.
Now that that was out of the way, he could think clearly.
With a scratch to his dark hair, the Uchiha went towards the end of the stage and jumped off, starting his walk toward his blond companion.
He hadn't heard from the loud-mouth all day; a day without the blonde's blabbering was, in some sense, a bad omen for Sasuke. He (Sasuke) was supposed to be the silent one.
Naruto was throwing off the neutral balance in their friendship.
He soon reached the young man, who leaning back in his seat, eyes closed and earplugs in his ears.
Sasuke stopped and glared openly at him, annoyed at not being noticed yet. "Dode."
Naruto peeked open – Sasuke still stood there, the glare still in his eyes…
The Uzumaki sighed and pulled out the plugs, his gaze going to the bag in the Uchiha's hands. "I'm hungry…"
Sasuke threw him the bag before taking the empty seat next to him as well. Soon, silence appeared, cloaking the thoughts and feelings weaving into the space between them.
After five minutes of the silence, Sasuke glanced over at Naruto – the blond silently picked at the wrapper on the sandwich, an unreadable look in his dull, blue eyes.
There was something wrong.
Sasuke looked over at him, still silent and emotionless. He knew that there wasn't anything he could do for the blond until he told him what was wrong.
They had been friends since the first saw each other in kindergarten; it was like fate had brought them towards one another. They were different, the perfect example of Ying and Yang, the darkness and the light –
They introduced each other to their world, not afraid to confess neither their secrets nor their past. It was rare to find someone who had the potential to be your other half in life…
They were brothers –Naruto was more brother to Sasuke than his own brother, Itachi. That's just how things were –
So when there was something bothering the other, they would try to be there for one another. Like now.
Naruto let out a deep breath and leaned his elbows against his thigh, the sandwich still in his hands, still wrapped up in the colorful décor.
"I thought you said you were hungry.", Sasuke stated solemnly as he stared at the man.
Naruto shrugged. "I thought I was – here.", he offered back the sandwich, his gaze still straight-forward.
"Keep it.", the Uchiha stated and leaned forward right next to him.
He knew that the blond would come out soon, around this time he always had anyway –
"Today just isn't my day, teme.", the unusually quiet man spoke, his voice low and raspy.
"I can see that.", Sasuke muttered quietly, watching as a worker ran by, a box of light bulbs in his hands.
Naruto glanced over at him slowly before looking back at the stage. "I've just been thinking about my life…"
"And?", the dark-haired male questioned.
"Paris…"
"Hn…"
Silence came over them once again as the thoughts from that fatal night plagued their minds, stained with the devastation and the heavy-burdened guilt that it brought…
"She pushed me out of the way."
Sasuke looked back over at him, confusion in his eyes. "What do you mean?"
Naruto looked him in the eye them, his blue eyes now a dark indigo, no traces of light in them. "The chandelier – it was above my head. When the bomb went off…it started to shake above me – I saw it shaking, yet I couldn't move. It was so huge…I knew that I was gonna die, teme – no one could live after getting crushed by that thing.
"I thought I was I going to die, but she – Mama, pushed me out of the way…", Naruto shook his head a little, an unreadable look on his face. "She saved my life – she actually thought that my life was more precious than her own."
"Do you wish she hadn't saved you?", Sasuke suddenly asked.
"I don't deserve to be saved."
"Don't you think that's being a little harsh on yourself, dobe?"
Naruto shrugged. "It's the truth – I don't deserve to be saved, teme, because I've done some horrible things in my life!"
Sasuke leaned back a little at the outburst, but stayed quiet, letting his best friend vent out his feelings.
The Uzumaki stood up, his face turning into a frown as he glared . "I've hurt people teme! I've done drugs, played with girls feelings, stole a-and cheated! I lied to my mother and my father about who I really am! They think that I'm their precious son who could do no wrong, but I'm none of that! I'm not responsible, and I'm not smart! My mother saved me – a bad guy!", he yelled, ignoring the looks he was getting from people on the stage.
Sasuke smirked a little and leaned back.
Naruto continued his rant. "I tried thinking of a reason as to why I'm here, living – but I haven't came up with anything. I don't remember helping anyone, bringing joy to a life since I've been here! I've only brought misery and sadness the person who cared about me – probably freaking loved me for God's sake!"
Sasuke furrowed his brow a little; the conversation was taking turns. Who's he talking about?
"I didn't know about her feelings for me – not until today anyway! She finally confessed how she used to feel about me, now I can't stop thinking about her and her hurt! I feel so bad and stupid, because now that I know how she felt about me, I can finally see her fully – and you know what teme? She's the most caring person I've ever met, but she doesn't want to even see me, teme! She hates me! She doesn't want any kind of contact with me unless it is about my mother, who she is caring for! She's the nicest most selfless person, teme! And I hurt her, all because of a stupid choice that I made! I should have never did that to her – I left her when she needed someone the most!"
"She sounds dreamy.", Sasuke said as he reached for the sandwich. "Who is she?"
Naruto's frown suddenly dropped, replaced with a look of shame as he stared at the Uchiha.
Sasuke unwrapped the food and looked up, his obsidian eyes innocuously peering at the blond with a bit of curiosity. "Well?"
The blond laid a hand on his lips, as if the words he had confessed were forbidden. Before Sasuke could question him again, Naruto quickly walked away, his face flushed.
Sasuke watched after him until he exited out the back door, and shrugged before biting into his sandwich…
And spitting it back out altogether while having a slight coughing fit. He looked down at the red mess on the wrapper.
"Red peppers. Damn you, Suigetsu.", he muttered, his coughing still consistent due to the fiery mess that was stuck in his mouth.
Worried looks were being thrown his way, especially from the women near. Sasuke quickly looked around, trying to calm down and look for something, anything to drink –
"Sasuke-kun, are you okay?! You're as red as your shirt!", a screechy voice exclaimed, making the burning Uchiha look up and meet with ruby orbs, covered with glasses.
Just my fucking luck… He had been trying to avoid her all day.
His eyes then lowered to the drink in her hand. Taco Bell? Sasuke looked up at her, a look of disgust crossing his face. He didn't just drink after people…
Karin gave him a smile and offered him the drink. "Want some? It's coke – you like coke don't you?!"
Sasuke gave off a weak smile to the woman, trying to cover up his disgust. "Yeah." Just as he was about to take the cup from her, it was taken out of his reach, which made him looked back up at her.
"What's my name, again?", she asked innocently as she held the cup up above her head, a smile on her face…
Sasuke narrowed his eyes. "Seriously? I'm dying.", he deadpanned.
"I'm waiting! You only get three chances!", Karin spoke.
The fiery flame in his mouth was diminishing slowly, but he still needed something to get rid of the taste.
He tilted his head a bit as he looked at her smiling, hopeful face. "…Kirin."
She shook her head.
"…Karmen…"
Karin gasped a little. "You're so close, Sasuke-kun – just think about it for a minute!"
Sasuke stared hard at her as he tried to remember…the name then popped into his head.
"Kir…men?", Sasuke said, his face expressionless as he watched Karin's smile drop and turn into disbelief.
She shook her head. "T-That's not right, Sasuke-kun."
The Uchiha looked around a minute before he settled in on her face. "Is it the other way around? Menkir, because that would…make more sense…"
Karin pouted sadly at him and turned away, making her way to the back door, her drink in her hand.
Sasuke watched her walk away while contemplating on whether to run after her or not - she was the daughter of a famous business tycoon in France after all. He had found that out after he told Suigetsu to throw her out; it's good that she didn't find anything suspicious when he asked her to come with him here…
"She'll get over it.", Sasuke muttered, and cleaned his mess up before shoving it in a male model's arms, who was passing by. "Throw that away – and while you're at it, throw away that ridiculous bandana. It's hideous.", he snatched off the furry cloth and threw it in the male's pile, ignoring the glare he got from him.
These rookies would be the death of fashion…
Sasuke stuffed his hands into his pockets and looked up at the models on the stage, his gaze stopping on the woman, or girl, of his problems…
He snarled when he saw her blush at something Haku, a former-nemesis of the Uchiha, had said.
His mind then went to the hickey that he had saw on her neck that night…
He glared harder at her.
She hadn't told him who had given her that hickey. At the ball, he was just trying to make her upset – he had known she knew nothing of sex and that she would never cheat on him…
But that hickey told a different story. What if she really did sleep with someone from the Akatsuki? Sure she had told him that she didn't sleep with anyone, but any normal person would think otherwise if they saw that that person had such a mark on such an intimate place. She didn't even try to make up an excuse – she had basically said what it was -
That's none of your business, Sasuke! I didn't ask you were you got your hickeys and lip-stick markings from during our marriage did I! – those words were killing him.
Who could it have been? A dark thought crossed through his head as he started to try and piece some things together.
Gaara…What if he had given it to her? It made sense – Sasori was his cousin; he wouldn't have any relations to someone who wasn't dealing with Gaara.
What if she was a part of Sabaku?
He needed to find out.
Sasuke let his obsidian eyes glance around for a moment before they spotted their target – Yamato. The director was busy looking at a clipboard and subconsciously looked up to see Sasuke staring at him, a small smirk on his face.
The director paled and quickly looked back down at the clipboard, not wanting to be the next target of the Uchiha's 'bullying'. Too bad he didn't have a choice.
Sasuke let a small grin come onto his lips as he walked across the stage towards Yamato, his walk devious, almost demonic. Strangely seductive.
…
A co-director suddenly stopped his scolding and stared at the Uchiha, admiration in his eyes. He then snapped a harsh gave at the men models, who were also staring at the Uchiha. "Take notes, you imbeciles! That is what I call a walk!"
…
Yamato gulped nervously and turned his back, covering up the clipboard from the Uchiha's view.
Sasuke casually laid a hand on the man's shoulder, making the director shudder from the dark aura coming around him. "Y-Yes, sir?"
The Uchiha smirked. "How's everything going?"
Yamato carefully moved away from the man, making the hand slid off his shoulder. "Everything is fine – everyone is paired up and ready to go. All we have to do now is get some of the girls some proper shoes."
Sasuke nodded, satisfied with the answer, and looked over at the clipboard in the man's hands. "Everyone in order?", he asked curiously, his dark eyes pooling into red.
He really wanted to see that list…
Yamato sighed. "Sasuke-san, if this is about Hinata-san, all you need to know is that she is to be treated like a model, not your wi – GIVE THAT BACK!", he screeched as the Uchiha snatched the clipboard from him and scanned over the names. "Sasuke!"
Sasuke pushed the director back as his red eyes skipped over the first names to the 'H''s. "Hold on – I'm almost done.", he bit out and continued to tousle with the man until he saw what he was looking for.
Hinata Hyuuga- Uchiha : Unknown
Ibisu
Flower Petals
Matarashi
Blanco
Myoko
…
Sasuke scoffed and shoved the clipboard back into Yamato's hands. "Her workplace is unknown? She can't model if she doesn't have a company that is representing her.", he stated, his eyes narrowed as he stared at Yamato, who was currently brushing out the wrinkles that the Uchiha had created in his rant.
The director sighed before giving Sasuke a mild glare. "A company is representing her – she requested on her form that we not release information concerning her career or workplace, since she is just doing this for charity – "
The Uchiha cut him off with a dark look. "That information is a must. She cannot model without us knowing that she is legit.", his voice was laced with malice, yet his voice came out smooth.
Yamata snorted with dull eyes. "Really?", he asked with a mysterious tone, which made Sasuke second guess himself. "Hm, interesting notion.", the director said and started to walk away, but the Uchiha grabbed him by his shirt.
Sasuke glared. "What the fuck is that supposed to mean, Yamato? Is there something you aren't telling me?", he spat.
Yamato sighed and turned around to face the seething man, a blank look on his face. "It appears to me that you aren't as smart as people say you are."
The Uchiha eyes intensified. "What did you say to me?"
The director shook his head in disbelief of the situation before turning back to the young man in front of him. "Sasuke-san, you are completely right about all of our models needing their companies to confirm for actually being legit – Hinata, however, doesn't need any conformation whatsoever."
"Why the hell not?", Sasuke shot back.
"Because she's Hinata Hyuuga-Uchiha, she doesn't need to clarify that. She can practically run this show if she wanted to! The only problem is that she doesn't know that she can!", he stepped closer to the shocked male. "You need to lose that bad attitude of yours before you end up losing all that you have to someone who doesn't even know they have power. Get it together, Sasuke-san." With that, Yamato stepped past him towards the crowd of models, leaving Sasuke to stare after him, his face still twisted in a shock-filled expression.
His eyes then went to the bluette, who was shyly standing next to her partner, but there was something different about her that made Sasuke slightly nervous…
Determination was marred into her eyes.
His eye twitched. She doesn't know how much power she has…
She could destroy him – he found it very hard to believe it.
Sasuke scoffed. "As if she could ever have more power than me – she's nothing.", he muttered, trying to convince himself.
But in the back of his mind, a little voice was panicking.
She's not stronger than me and she never will be. She's weak – I run her. She's mine…
He sighed irritably and took out his phone before punching in a number.
She'll be nothing more than mine…
For a slight moment, his eyes went back to her; as she was looking forward, the tall model beside her was staring at her, his cheeks blushing red.
When the divorce is final on Monday, it will be a no-holds barrier… Those words taunted him.
And for only a slight moment, his eyes went up and met with emerald green orbs, orbs that were filled with hurt, apology, and plead for him. He let their eyes connect before he broke the eye-contact and turned away, hearing the lawyer's voice come through the phone.
"What?"
Sasuke looked back over at Hinata, his red eyes swirling. "Have you talked to Ino yet?"
"Give me the first five pairs – get in order!", Yamato yelled and stepped back, letting the models get in their position. When the music starts I want to see legs moving – this has to be perfect! This is our intro – I want to see emotion!"
Hinata looked down at her paper, which had the directions of when she would come out on each line. Right now, the director was directing models, and Hinata was nervous as to why slow, seductive music was being played quietly in the background…
"Do you want to go on and try first? So that we can get it over with?", Haku asked as he leaned down towards her to get her answer; Hinata blushed from the close contact and stepped back a bit to look up at the 6'2 male.
She looked out at the long lane for a moment before letting out a shaky breath. "Y-Yeah, sure.", soon answered, and folded the paper in her pocket and walked toward the lane with Haku.
Each step she took towards the lane, her stomach got heavier and her heart beat faster. So many thoughts went through her head a once, but only one was clear:
She was afraid of falling.
Would they laugh at her? What if she wasn't cut out for this kind of job? She had never been the one to stand out and shine in her life; what if she just made herself look stupid?
Soon the pair stopped, which allowed Hinata to look up at length of the runway…
This fashion show would definitely be the one that no one has ever seen before…*
It was safe to say that Hinata would be cautious of where she walked, the only problem would be that, for some odd reason, she was afraid of heights now.
"Oh G-God…", she muttered under her breath and lightly stepped forward…
The music suddenly got louder, and the fast-paced song became clearer. It was a…nice song. Very catchy..
Hinata started to pat her hand against her thigh to the beat and looked up at Haku. "W-Why is the music fast?", she asked as her foot started to tap.
Haku gave her a strange look and smiled, which made her blush. "I'm guessing to make it difficult?", he shrugged and faced forward.
The bluette stiffened at that, and quickly looked up at him to speak, but was cut off by Yamato when he yelled out orders.
"You all have five minutes to practice – after that, you will be evaluated!", with that, he left and headed towards a back door.
Worried mumbles and nervous squealing erupted in the room, making Hinata get more anxious than before. The room suddenly became crowded and loud as models scurried around, trying to get in place behind others, some shedding a few tears due to their bad nerves, because they all knew that once Sasuke Uchiha sat down in the audiences' seat that he would tear them limb from limb.
Some of the models here were new, some old, but they were all treated the same. Like objects that the Uchiha could throw away. This was some of the models' big break; this show could either make them or break them in the fashion world.
I'm beginning to feel sick… Hinata held her stomach in pain of the gurgling and the churning it was doing; she was so nervous that it was making her sick.
"Den Teufel nicht an die Wand malen.", popped into her head suddenly. 'Don't assume something will go wrong when it isn't guaranteed'
Her eyes widened.
It wasn't guaranteed that she would mess it; it was all a matter of what the mind thought. If she thought she would mess up, then she would. But if she believed…
"Things could turn out okay…", she finished, and soon her anxiety stilled and was replaced with resolve.
She would try and she wouldn't give up, like she had said before.
So she didn't flinch when Yamato called out that time was up, or when the runway lights lite up and the slow music started to play…
Or when the devil himself came and set before the stage, his eyes settled on her.
For once, they were obsidian, and for once, she could read them.
Black: Sensuous. Secretive. Mysterious.
That was all she could pull from him once he sat down in his seat and propped his leg up on the seat in front of him.
She sighed and looked down at her boots; her laces weren't tied up. With another sigh coming from her lips, she bent over and quickly tied it up before standing up and looking back down at the Uchiha.
"E-Excuse me, Hinata-san!", she heard Haku squeak, and before she could turn and look at him, he was gone.
She looked on after the tall male as he opened the back door leading to the restrooms and slammed it shut, but not before shoving a certain blonde out.
Naruto shook his head out of stupor and hit the door. "Hey man – THAT WAS RUDE! I WAS TRYING TO TAKE A DUMP IN THERE! Sheesh, models these day! 'Think they're so high and mighty just because they look A LITTLE good!"
The music was cut off, and soon Yamato came onto the stage, a light blush on his face as he power-walked towards the confused bluette.
Hinata looked up at the blushing man. "I-Is Haku-san okay?"
"He's, uh, fine", he stuttered, "Just a minor nosebleed – nothing the med team can't fix. You don't have a partner, so we are going to let you walk out after the first two couples have gone."
The bluette furrowed her brow, but nodded. "O-Okay."
Yamato nodded as well, the blush still on his face. He stepped back and was about to walk off the stage, but Hinata suddenly thought of something and grabbed his arm.
"Yes?", he asked, his blush still apparent on his face.
She lightly blushed in embarrassment. "Just w-what am I supposed to do?", her question was undetailed, which made the director give her a strange look.
"Walk?", he said with uncertainty, but stopped when he say her shake her head.
"No – I mean, what am I supposed to do?", she asked once again, putting emphasis on a particular word.
Yamato raised an eyebrow at her question before he realized what she was implying. "Oh. Well…", he scratched the side of his face idly and ran through a mental list in his head. "Make sure to put your hands on your hips when you walk – only at certain points though, and make sure to …look forward, I think? It's been a while since I've directed a runway show before. Forgive me for my loss of commemoration, Hinata-san.", said while giving her a sympathetic look.
Hinata gave him a light smile as she pushed her nerves aside. "N-No, it's okay. Thank you.", she said and turned to walk to the third lane, the middle.
"Finally, we can get something done now…"
The bluette paused in her walk and looked down at Sasuke, who was staring at her in annoyance it seemed.
"Hurry it up, Hyuuga. We don't have all day.", he spat out, his voice bitter.
Hinata wanted to roll her eyes, but instead continued her walk towards her respective lane and stopped, her eyes straightforward. The light that Sasori had talked about was right in front of her, bright and big, bigger than before actually.
Speaking of Sasori...Where is he?, she thought, and started to scan for her red-haired companion.
When she looked down to the right, she saw him standing there on the side of the runway, in all of his glory…
Right next to the dark-red haired woman that Sasuke was flirting with earlier.
So she's his partner…
The bluette unknowingly narrowed her eyes at the woman before looking down at the audience section…
And there, she also spotted a red-haired woman, this time with glasses, coming to next to the brooding Uchiha, who was openly ignoring her.
"Hinata.", a voice called from behind her. Hinata sighed and turned to face Naruto.
"Y-Yes?"
The blond looked down at the box he was holding and looked back towards the girl. "You're 5'5?", he asked.
Hinata nodded, not really wanting to talk to him, and grabbed the box he was offering her. "W-What's this?", she asked, wary to open the box.
Naruto rubbed the back of his neck nervously as he stared at the ground. "Shoes. You have to be at least 5'10 to walk on the runway, so that you can have an even height with the others. "he whispered carefully.
Hinata gave him a suspicious look as she opened the shoe box and pulled out the tall, black shoes. "T-Thank you.", she answered slowly, her eyes narrowed as she watched him jump off the lane and jog toward the audience section to sit next to Sasuke.
She eyed the heels for a minute and sighed before sitting down on the floor.
A loud, impatient sigh came from in front of her, which once again cause her to pause in removing her boots. She glanced up and saw that it was, once again, Sasuke, acting like a bully again.
"Here we go again…", she heard him mutter and heard a word of agreement from the woman beside him.
She soon decided that she had enough.
Hinata slipped off her first boot and threw it on the other side of the lane. "The least you can do is be patient, Sasuke.", she muttered hotly, as she started on the second boot.
"What was that, Hinata?"
The room became dead silent when the tension in the room became thick.
The bluette rolled her eyes and started to put on the heels. "I don't like repeating myself.", she said, and threw him a small smile. "It would be a waste of my time, since you don't tend to even listen to what I say…", she buckled the last strap on her shoe and bounded up, careful not to make any fatal turns.
She didn't have to look up to see that Sasuke's eyes were already turning that color.
"Impudence, especially from someone of your caliber, will not be tolerated, Hyuuga.", the Uchiha stated, a smirk coming onto his face and his eyes swirling with an unreadable look.
A murmur started up on the stage.
Hinata didn't know why, but she didn't mind the stares she was getting from the others around because she was pissed off. She had never said/thought that before, but this situation was yelling for it.
She looked down over towards her right and caught Sasori's eye for a moment; she let out a breath and closed her eyes.
Apparently she still had some of Itachi's 'energy' because some of her anger that tried to build up vanished. She opened her eyes and nodded towards the Uchiha.
"Yes sir.", she muttered, trying to calm herself.
But , of course, Sasuke was a persistent man at times.
Sasuke sneered and leaned forward with a devious expression on his face. "You seem like the perfect person to make an example out of." , he pulled out his clipboard and his pen soon before looking up at her. "How about you demonstrate the proper way to walk, Hinata, since you have so much sass in you today – oh, or maybe you can direct the show in proper order – better yet, why don't you come down here and judge these professional models despite having any experience in modeling at all, since you think that you're so much more better than I am at managing the time.", he spat, his red orbs hard and piercing.
The silent giggles upon the stage came, along with some laughter from the others. To Hinata, it felt like High School all over again…
Hinata stared down at him, her mind becoming cloudy and her eyes becoming glossy.
This wasn't what she had gotten married for. These bitter arguments, this mock – it wasn't what she had wanted at all. He was becoming unbearable and awful each day; he would never change, like she had said before.
She wanted to walk in the fashion show, but was listening to him pick and nag at her worth it? It was called 'bullying' no matter how small it was ; Hinata never responded well to bullying, which was why she was always silent – she tried to avoid it. Being the target was never good; it brought down one's confidence and destroyed their self-esteem.
Instead of dealing with it, Hinata would decide to remove herself from the situation…
She looked back over at Sasori, who was staring at her with his doll-like eyes from the bottom of the runway. "I-I don't want to do this anymore.", she whispered, her voice shuddering from the emotions surging inside of her.
"You sure?", he asked silently, ignoring the look the dark-red-haired woman was throwing him.
Was she sure? Hinata looked down at Sasuke; his smirk was evident on his face. It was one of victory.
The bluette looked away from him and back towards the waiting ginger. "I-I don't want to give up though…", she drawled as she quickly wiped a tear that wanted to fall from her eye.
"Hitomi and the other designers aren't going to be pleased, Hinata. Are you sure about your decision?", he asked once again, patiently waiting for her answer.
Hinata wrung her hands together and started to think, but everything that she wanted to say went blank in her head. She didn't know.
She looked back down at the redhead, not knowing what to say.
Sasori nodded and started his walk back to center stage. Hinata sniffed and turned, ready to leave, but his voice stopped her.
"Why are you leaving?", his voice was so irritating; it was filled with mock and triumph.
She hated it; to let him control her emotions made her feel pathetic and weak, two things that she was trying to get rid of about herself…
She'd be damned if she let him get the last word.
Hinata looked back at him, her eyes in a cynical glare. "Because you aren't worth it.", she answered.
…
He watched her walk after the redhead with a glare; her words stung his chest…
His eyes slid over to his right toward the blond beside him. He had expected for Naruto to be looking at him with a reprimanding look…
Instead, the blond was looking at Hinata with an unreadable gaze…
Who do you think told me about your ridiculous behavior? It couldn't have been Naruto…
Right?
Karin rubbed his arm fondly and gave him a light smile. He inwardly sighed and looked up at the remaining models on the stage. "Get in position – "
His phone rang out, disrupting him from his command. He sighed tiredly and answered it.
"What?"
"I have some news for you." , Shikamaru uttered through the phone.
…
Sasuke patiently waited.
" – I have a doggy named Pin, a bunny named Angel, and a doll named Rapunzel!", the little blonde girl squealed out as she fondly rubbed the tabby's fur, making it purr loudly in the nearly empty room. "Daddy says that I can play with them only in my room though – he says he's alergtic!"
Tenten smiled from her seat across the room as she watched the affectionate display. From hearing the conversation alone, she had picked up the little girl's name ; it was Aira, a beautiful name for a beautiful girl.
Tenji blushed. "I don't have any pets…"
Aira gasped dramatically while squeezing the cat to her chest, making it squeak. "You don't?! That's implausible!", she leaned forward toward the little boy. "You can have Angel! She likes making new friends and boys with pretty hair! – Oh, but I'll have to ask Daddy first!"
They were so cute. And so innocent.
Tenji shyly petted Saon as his a curious look crossed his face. "Don't you have to also ask your Momma? Daddy says that I always have to ask Mommy and him the question."
The little girl stopped her petting and looked up at Tenji. "What's a mommy?"
Tenten's heart dropped when she heard that and so did her smile.
Tenji thought for a moment before a thought came to his head. "A Mommy is a lady that kisses your cheeks, gives you hugs, makes your bed, pushes you on the swing in the park, bakes you all the cookies you want and tell you that you are the most precious kid in the whole wide world!", he exclaimed happily, waving his hands all around.
Aira's widened at every phrase he expressed, her large magenta eyes standing out behind the blonde bang that covered her forehead; she was in awe, like it was the most interesting thing she had ever heard.
Then the words that he had said about this 'mother' donned on her, and the little girl's smile slowly dropped, being replaced with a light pout and sad eyes.
Tenten looked down, not wanting to see the scene before her unfold.
She knew what would come. Those sad eyes would reveal a pain that the little girl had never experienced, like a closet door opening, revealing the demons of the dark…
While she listens to Tenji, she would only be hearing, instead thinking of a time she had a mother, only to find out that in her short life that she could not find that female figure. She would then look at her surroundings, finally seeing that missing piece in her life that her father (Tenten assumed) can't seem to fill. She would see parents, set of two, walking with their child or children. She would see the little girls walking with their mothers, laughing and admiring their parent. She would see the little boys squirming to get away from their kissy-faced mothers…
And she would get a sullen feeling inside, a feeling of sadness and abandonment.
She would then grow up, her curiosity growing each day, wondering just who her mother is or was…
She would want to know the truth.
Tenten lightly bit her lip. Of course she would know this feeling...
I hope she doesn't become me…
Because no one would care or understand, no matter how much you wanted them to…
That's just how life was.
"You can share my Mommy if you want to. She's really nice and pretty."
Tenten's brown eyes widened when she heard her son's voice.
Aira was knocked out of her gloomy daze by the boy's decision. "R-Really?", she asked, her eyes as wide as saucers as she stared at him in incredulity.
Tenji rubbed the back of his head idly as he blushed at the girl's look. "Of course – you can be my Imōto!", he cheerfully said, his smile growing wider when he saw her gasp and happily and clap her hands.
The little boy smile was still on his face as he watched her squeal, but it quickly dropped when Aira threw her little arms around his neck. A look of shock passed his face before he turned red…
"You're so nice, Tenji-kun!", Aira squealed while burying her face into his long, brown tresses. "You're the bestest Ani ever!"
Tenji stared down at the girl, still red from before. He then slowly wrapped his little arms around her, shyly returning her hug."…you too, Aira-chan.", he muttered, his blush getting deeper…
That's how love starts… Tenten thought. And they don't even know it…
Just like she didn't know…
But now she does…
Why can't love be like this? Innocent and fleeting without a care in the world? Why do we fight more than we love? So many unanswered questions floated around her in that moment.
And suddenly, she became afraid.
She suddenly wondered if their love would ever last? Would he get his heart broken – or would the little girl, Aira, have her heart broken by him? There were so many things that could taint this love that was slowly developing.
Just seeing Tenji grow up scared her; she wanted to protect him, shield him from the dangers of the world – but would he ever learn if he never saw the dangers? Could he handle them? In a way, love was a danger; it could hold you and enclose you in this ball full of warm, fuzz feelings, or it could banish you to the soulless, bottomless pit in your heart…
She sighed and looked down at her phone. 10:30. It was past Tenji's bed time, which meant that she was waiting for them. Tenten let out another sigh.
Time sure does fly when you're having fun…
The sound of a door opening and closing caught Tenten's attention, and she looked over at the entrance in time to see Hinata emerge from it, quiet and blank-faced along with that ginger, who was on the phone at the moment, his eyes on Hinata as she walked over to a chair and started to pull off her shoes.
Tenten stood and looked towards the bluette. "How was it? Were you so badass that they had to escort you off the stage?", the brunette joked, but her expression became solemn when Hinata looked at her with misty eyes. "What's wrong?", she quickly asked as she looked between the redhead and Hinata.
The bluette shook her head and gave a shaky smile. "I-It's nothing. Ready to go?", she asked.
"Hinata.", Tenten stated slowly. "What's wrong? Tell me what happened."
Hinata shook her head and ran a hand through her hair. "I need to get my shoes."
"I'll get them.", Sasori said, phone still on his ear, and left back out the door.
Tenten could tell that the girl was distressed; she kept wringing her hands together. "What's wrong? Tell me what happened.", she repeated, worried at how hard Hinata was gripping her hands, as if they were going to run away from her.
She watched the girl sigh and wrap her arms around herself, much like a child, as she leaned forward.
"I can't be around h-him right now – it's too much.", the bluette mumbled, frown coming upon her face. "He keeps picking o-on me – I d-don't know what to do.", she quietly stated, her eyes down casted to the marble floor. Her hair pooled around her face, making her look like a sad child…
The brunette glanced up at the children, who were currently playing with the fat tabby, and slowly sat down in the chair beside the distressed bluette. "You mean Sasuke?", she whispered, lowering her voice so that it wouldn't put the girl in a more distraught state.
Hinata spared her a glance before looking back down at the floor. "I don't k-know what to believe, Tenten. I-I just can't understand him. He isn't the person that I dated in High School…"
Tenten sighed and gave the girl a small smile. "People change, Hinata. No one stays the same after High School..", I would know…
The Hyuuga didn't make a sound of acknowledgement; she just slowly looked up at Tenten, a confused gaze in her eyes. She suddenly blinked, as if remembering something, and turned back to her sullen position.**
"Right…", the girl said, but to Tenten, it sounded like she wasn't believing it, like she was detached from the small conversation going on.
"So what are you going to do? Are you going to walk or not?", Tenten asked, determined to get the conversation back on track. And to find a way to get that sad look out of her friend's eyes.
Hinata sat up then, looking like she was also questioning herself as well. "I-I don't know…I just c-can't deal with him – "
"Then don't.", the brunette stated simply while giving her a stern stare. "Why do you do this to yourself, Hinata?"
"What do you mean?", Hinata asked.
"Why do you give up so easily?", Tenten asked. "Just because someone is putting you down doesn't mean that you don't get up – You keep trying. There will always be people who will want to bring you down, it won't just be Sasuke.
"There are going to be models, designers, fans – a lot of people will bring you down, but that doesn't mean that you have to listen to them. Sure, it is good to walk away sometimes, but to suck it up and get the job done shows just how strong you are.", the brunette spoke, watching as the bluette stared at her, listening.
She knew that Hinata wasn't strong, and that was why they fit so well together – Tenten was strong while Hinata was weak. But inside, Tenten knew that Hinata was stronger than her.
The Hyuuga's heart was rare; when she cared for someone, she would put in a lot for them, trusting them enough to let them in. Tenten, however, had built a wall throughout her life, shielding herself from getting hurt…
Because of how strong her heart was, the Tenten knew that it was time for the girl to see the real world and its 'dangers'…
Little did she know, Hinata knew a lot of 'dangers'…
Tenten grabbed the girl's shoulders. "I want you to go in there and try, Hinata. I know you don't want to give up. Don't you want to help those families? They need you, Hinata. Think about them and I guarantee you that Sasuke won't even matter."
Hinata's eyes widened, recognition coming through.
Tenten smiled, but inside of her it was bitter-sweet.
Because it was sad how someone that was so beautiful didn't know it, and that that someone would put others above herself.
Hinata didn't seem to do anything for herself – but she would work to help everyone else…
But she didn't know that.
Suddenly, Sasori came back in, the shoes in his hands as he walked to the bluette. He extended the boots out to the girl, a blank look on his face but a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Here you go.", he stated dully, as if uninterested in the shoes. When the bluette took the boots, he stuffed his hands in his pockets and leaned back. "So…you ready to go?"
Hinata gave him a small smile before leaning over toward her feet. "Well…", she started as she grabbed the stray 5'inch heel off the floor and started to slip it on. "I'm a-afraid I'm going to have to say no."
Sasori's smirk widened. "Why the sudden change?", he playfully asked as he mocked a shocked expression.
Tenten smiled when Hinata looked straight over at her.
"I-I just needed a little inspiration is all.", the bluette answered, giving the brunette her biggest smile.
Thank you.
Tenten then stood up from her chair, brushing off the invisible dust on her butt. "I'm afraid that it's time that I go – Tenji's way past his bedtime.", she stated as she looked over at the boy, who was still chatting with the little girl.
Hinata pouted a little, but nodded in understanding . "O-Okay – me and Sasori can drop you of-"
"No, missy, you're going to stay here.", Tenten cut her off, giving her a reprimanding look. She then looked over at Sasori. "You too, doll-face." Sasori squinted his eyes.
"H-How will you get home?"
The brunette smirked. "I have connections.", she then opened her arms. "Give me some love, Ms. Badass." Hinata pouted at the name, but quickly rushed into the tall woman's arms, giving her a proper goodbye.
Tenten closed her eyes patted her indigo tresses down as she squeezed the girl. "Go out there and show them who's the champ.", she whispered, and felt the girl nod on her chest.
She then opened her eyes and saw Sasori standing from afar, smiling at the scene. Tenten narrowed her eyes at him, causing him to give her a questioning glance…
She stuck out her tongue and flipped him the bird quickly before Hinata let go and stared at her. "Catch you later, Hinata.", she finished.
Hinata nodded happily and backed away before turning around and walking towards the door that lead to the stage, Sasori close behind, but not before he threw Tenten a small smirk…
Tenten rolled her eyes as he stepped out. "Psh, he's nothing like me.", she stated and turned only her heel to get back to the children…
Only to find a rather tall, platinum haired man standing near them, holding on to the little girl's hand.
The blonde girl sadly stared up at the man as she held Tenji's hand. "BUT HE'S MY ANI, DADDY!"
The man shook his head patiently as to avoid the little girl having a temper-tantrum. "No, Aira, Daddy doesn't remember having a flocking son. Daddy is pretty Jam sure that he would know if he - "
"BUT HE'S MY ANI, JAM IT!", Aira yelled, still clutching Tenji's hand. Tenji nervously stared up into the magenta eyes of the platinum-haired gentleman…
Tenten sweat-dropped. Like father, like daughter I guess…
She decided to enter the situation…
"I'm glad you changed your mind.", Sasori confessed as they walked back down the steps to the runway, side by side.
Hinata glanced over at him and gave him a smile. "I am, t-too.", she agreed. "I can't j-just let things get to me – I have to help those families. I may not be good, b-but I'll try my best.", she stated, her smile still on her face.
Sasori stared at her with his lidded-eyes. "Deidara called a few minutes ago."
The bluette's eyes lit up as she suddenly stopped. "What did he say? H-How is he?", she asked enthusiastically.
Sasori smirked at the girl's sudden change of attitude. "You're really excited about how Deidara is doing?"
Hinata nodded quickly before waiting. The redhead sighed, but soon spoke.
"He says that his life has taken an…interesting turn for the better…" Hinata smiled widened. "His mother and his real father are engaged – his mother's still sick, but it's gotten better. He says that he and his brother – "
"Tamaki.", Hinata said.
Sasori smiled at her. "Yeah, he and Tamaki have been hanging more though. He's says that his brother and he have some qualities alike, but are completely different – He's says that Tamaki somehow classified him as the 'Bad-boy rocker' while he himself is the 'Princely' type.", the redhead said, making a weird face at the 'types'.
Hinata cooed. "T-That's so cute. They've already made names for each other."
"You find such weird things cute, Hinata.", Sasori pointed out, but continued. "In conclusion, he's really…happy. He sounded happy. He talked about the tour he had coming up for his album that will be debuting I think a couple of weeks from now. His single just dropped today."
The bluette gasped. "O-Oh my God, that's great! I want to hear it!", she said with excitement of the situation. She suddenly pulled out her phone -
"Most of the conversation was revolved around you, though."
Hinata paused from her fumbling and slowly looked up at Sasori, a nervous look on her face. "W-What did he say?"
Sasori gave her a half smile as a mischievous glint came in his eyes. "He had a lot to say about you, Hinata, his petite poupée***. "
Hinata gave a furrowed brow. "W-What does that mean? I-Is that French?", she was not good at that language and did not even want to think about it; it made her head hurt. "What does it mean?" ,she asked again.
"He says that when he gets back that he wants to talk to you, one on one.", Sasori replied, finishing the 'Deidara' talk. "Come on, we have to go."
Hinata pouted. "O-Okay.", and they started back on their walk to the stage; a shiny object, however, caught her view. She looked at the dog-tag around her neck before suddenly remembering something.
She looked over at Sasori. "Sasori, what does 'kukla' mean?"
The redhead's posture stiffened. "Where did you get that word from?", he asked, his gaze still forward.
The bluette looked down at the dog-tag before looking back up at him. "H-Haku-san read t-the dog-tag and said that it was 'kulka'. What does it mean?", she asked again, waiting for him to answer.
They both stepped up on the stage and began walking toward the middle, not noticing the obsidian gaze that was following them.
Sasori glanced at her before stopping and facing her. He leaned down closer to her.
"It's Russian for 'doll'.", he soon twirled a piece of her indigo hair, watching as she stared up at him in surprise of the revelation. He then bent down toward her ear and whispered, " 'Guess you're not the only one that is referred to as that, neh?", with that, he stepped from her and gave her a smirk before heading back over to the 'Akatsuki' group with the others, leaving the bluette to stare after him.
"Back so soon, Hyuuga?"
The deep voice brought her from her trance; she took a deep breath, trying to calm down any nerves that started to move, and turned to face her husband, Sasuke…
Who's glare was a reflection of his jealously and of his possessiveness…
And she looked over to see Naruto, staring at her with big, hopeful blue eyes…
Hinata nodded, her face in a small, unsure smile. "Y-Yes, sir. Excuse my previous behavior.", she responded and quickly bowed before hurrying over the pile of models, who were getting directions from a co-director.
Just as she slipped in the group, a hand made its way on her shoulder. She looked up and saw that it was Haku; a blush was evident on his face.
"I'm sorry about - "
Hinata smiled up at him. "D-Don't worry about it - it happens to the best of us."
Haku smiled a bit before scratching the back of his head. "Is it okay if I'm your partner...again?"
"O-Of course.", the bluette answered, and moved over to give him a spot in the circle...
Yamato smiled and nodded in approval at her behavior and looked over at Sasuke. "She's something, isn't she, Sasuke?"
Sasuke scoffed and leaned back into his seat while staring at the indigo-haired girl. Her face was concentrated as she leaned in and listened to the director; each move he made she watched, looking determined to nail the runway her first try…
She had brushed him off…
The Uchiha glared bitterly at her as he stared at her fully and realized something -
She was slowly slipping from his grasps…
* - If you would like to see the runway, go to the link on my profile. It was kind of hard describing it..
** - Tenten does not know about the things that happened within Hinata's marriage; she only thinks that he cheated on Hinata with Sakura..
***- French for 'Little Doll'.
OAN: Sasuke is having a complex - can you figure it out? ;)
I will admit, that I'm a bit nervous about posting this; I pray that my writing style hasn't changed that much. It's been a long time since I updated.
I'm once again sorry for the late update! I've been so busy with school that it's hard to write a chapter every day. I will put FAQs in this chapter when I get back from school tomorrow. I have to go - it's 12:39 a.m. and I have homework to finish! D: I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Please review, like I said before, it gives me inspiration to push forward. :) -
FAQ
Sooo..., exactly how many lines are Hinata modeling for?
She's modeling for five lines; how it works : She models two outfits or more per line, meaning that after she models two sets of clothing that she will have to transfer to the other designer and get dressed in their clothing. Each designer will have their time on the runway. Ex: Blanco - 9:00 - 9:20 ; Ibisu - 9:25 - 9:45 Like this. Hinata will have enough time to get dressed for all of them ;)
What pictures did Sasori and Hinata use for themselves for contact picture? ( I hope the one from Paris)
They didn't use any contact pictures because they didn't have enough time to take one - but if you really want to know, Sasori's icon on Hinata's phone is of a puppy while her icon on his phone is of a bunny (they chose these icons themselves) ;)
Is Hiashi crazy?
I don't know, is he? ;)
Who does Tenji like more, Sasuke or Sasori?
Hmmm...in earlier chapters, you all heard in the 'Paris' arc about Sasuke giving Tenji the picture of Anne Sophie, who was in a rather devastating state. Before any of this happened, Tenji was fond of Sasuke; he thought of him as a 'cool' guy, but after how he saw his mother (Tenten) react, he's getting the picture that hanging out with Sasuke is a no-no. Despite this though, Tenji hasn't really gotten to know Sasori; he only thinks of him as a really nice and funny guy. He likes them both evenly.
But he likes Lee more than both of them.
Will Itachi participate in the fashion show as a model or will he attend as a spectator or a critic?
Itachi will participate in the fashion show, but he will be with the people in the background. He isn't much of a showey person unless it is his duty to model. Oh, and a lot of you are wondering why Itachi pulled out of Uchiha Corp; that will be coming up soon. ;)
Will there be a fight between Sasuke and Sasori ? Or any other guy for that matter?
I can't say whether or not there will be a fight between Sasuke and Sasori (unless some major trivia and confrontation about a subject comes between them). However, I will say that Sasuke has fought a lot of people; from the 'Paris' arc, you can see how aggressive he can be when someone crosses him wrong. Remember him and our old character Mondine? Chapter 18? Sasuke can get pretty aggressive...
Maybe there will be a fight - I can't just tell you can I? ;)
Didn't Naruto pull out of the joint corporation with Sasuke and the others?
Yes, he did. This is a charity thing though, so everyone is pitching in to help the families and others affected by the bombing. See how Sabaku, Uchiha, and Akatsuki are working together? Isn't that sweet?
If you all have anymore questions, feel free to message me or put it in a review.
God Bless you all.