Theme and Variation
Pairing: Sasuke x Hinata
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: Nothing is mine!—This disclaimer shall apply for the rest of the fic…Cuz I'm lazy…
Momo-kun-chan: Sorry for the delay, I was on a three-week break from school, but I hope this extra long chappie will help. =) A few manga spoilers from the latest manga chapters in here too, for some warning.
When Sasuke awoke again, no birds sang and the sun made tall streaks across the walls, signaling its height; the ripe hours of morning were evidently long gone. Sasuke thought of moving, stretching tight muscles, but his body resisted.
He hadn't slept this late during the day in such along time, only when he was sick when was younger, which wasn't that often. He wasn't sick now though, but merely basking in the simple peace of the moment. It may seem like a small task to some, but it was a hard thing to accomplish with the tarnished past he'd held for so long.
It distanced him for a long time, making him colder and colder over the years. He eventually grew to like it, love it, like a bittersweet drug. There was its sweet high, power and without the burdens of others, then the sour low, his brother.
Was he becoming what he hated most?
'To be powerful, you have to become isolated and arrogant.' Itachi told him.
Sasuke didn't understand what his brother meant until later in life, and decisively planned not to turn out that way. But as time went by, Sasuke realized another thing, he was that way.
Was there any escape?
A gentle yawn poured through the cracks of silence, making Sasuke aware of Hinata's presence again. Blowing through her nose sweetly, she pulled the fabric of his robe to her cheek and buried her face into the warmth of his chest. Sasuke doubted Hinata even knew what she was doing, but he honestly didn't care.
This was the cure to his plague. Her warmth drove out his cold, and gave him that placid joy that no one had filled in ages. Serenity was no longer out of reach, but literally within his grasp.
Screw it.
With his daily routine of 'early riser' already gone, Sasuke's plans of getting up are thoroughly ditched. He should really sleep in more often, only with a certain bedmate of course.
"...Sasuke..." Hinata murmured into the comforter of the bed.
Her eyes immediately cut into meager slits as they began to tear by the light's sting, the vision blurred from the bright shades of warm goldenrod invading her pale orbs.
Searching blindly across the bed with her fingers, Hinata only came to a tangled imprint of sheets; its soft heat hinted it was occupied not too long ago.
Where did Sasuke go?
Hinata could remember last night very clearly, not that she would forget anytime soon. Comforting her, holding her hand, something Hinata didn't expect at all, but a very welcome surprise all the same, as if a great weight had been lifted off her body and mind. She truly shouldn't keep things bottled up like that; it wasn't good for her health, both mentally and physically.
Hinata poised on her elbows as the loose fabric of her robe fell off her shoulder, forcing herself to be more aware of her surroundings.
"Sasuke?" Her voice lower than normal from lack of use. "Sasuke?"
The lavish room lay bare.
Hinata instantly found herself trying to remain calm when no one answered, the house eerily too quiet. Or was her imagination getting the best of her again?
"Sasuke?!"
"What?" A fuzzy outline appeared in the bathroom's doorway, Hinata's vision still along the grainy lines.
The Uchiha stood there, half-puzzled, shirtless with a towel flowing around his neck, and a blue toothbrush hanging out the side of his mouth, and perplexity written all over his face, mostly staining the brows.
"What?" He repeated, a little louder, more definite. He sounded funny due to the foam in his mouth.
Trapped between awkwardness and amusement, Hinata nearly forgot what she was doing. What a sight to see Sasuke in the morning—a part of her wished she'd had a camera.
"Um...well, I just wanted to know where you were..."
"You didn't think I would leave you or something, did you?" He held that you-can't-be-serious kind of expression; it was nowhere close to carefree like it would be in a joke.
Hinata looked aside, ashamed of her behavior. "...Yes... I'm sorry..."
"I made promise, and I plan to keep it, so you don't have to worry about that anymore."
You could hear him spitting in the sink, and the facet splashing.
"Its not that I'm worried, it just takes some time to get used to..." She had to speak up to be heard over the high running water.
"Use to what?" He asked with that familiar composed self, finishing from the bathroom.
"Oh... being helped willingly... Besides Kiba-kun, Shino-kun, and Kurenai-sensei, and sometimes Neji-niisan, that's it."
Her sadness wasn't hard to miss.
"I'm sorry to hear that..."
"Don't be Sasuke. I...don't mind, I would rather not be a burden." Hinata smiled weakly.
Sasuke knew she was lying. She did mind; he could practically see it clawing away in her eyes. But Hinata didn't like people worrying over her, which was understandable. Although, Sasuke couldn't help but frown; sometimes she was just too kind for her own good.
"You're not a burden." Sasuke began, snaring Hinata's attention. "You worry so much about other people, give someone else a chance to worry about you."
Hinata could feel her mind go blankly like a television being unplugged. The next thing she knew, Hinata was blushing happily to herself and poked her fingers together inside the lengthy sleeves of her robe.
"...Thank you, Sasuke. I appreciate it... Really..." Hinata replied after recovering from her lost for words.
No one has ever offered themselves in that way to her before, and needless to say, Hinata was beyond flattered.
"You get enough sleep?" Sasuke asked, taking out the quickly infamous roll of bandages from a place Hinata couldn't see from where she was sitting.
"I think so…What time is it?"
"A quarter past noon." He let out a short laugh, if one could call it that; it was more like one of those 'self joke' things that nobody else got.
We did get to bed late yesterday... Hinata thought while blankly watching Sasuke wrap his legs, it stringing her attention to the white on his back. Her eyes lit up as if someone had flicked on a light inside her mental attic.
"Oh. Did you... want me to check your back now? I can if you don't mind." Hinata asked, kneeling behind him.
"Go ahead."
Hinata proceeded gently plucked the cottony dressings—good thing she use the waterproof ones.
I'm glad I did make that medicine, it works really well. She smiled proudly to herself and checked more on Sasuke's healing process. There was no sign of infection or anything; Hinata was so appreciative her medicine making skills had improved.
"I think I have enough for this now..."
"Enough for what-"
"Please don't move Sasuke."
Her hands began to glow with blue chakra after performing a short range of seals.
Hinata placed the tip of her finger to the top of the cut and slowly ran down. She could sense the Uchiha watching her with dark eyes shimmering the reflection of aqua blue, but she had to stay focused. It looked easy, but this was a level five technique, and even more difficult for her when she was being watched.
Finally pulling her finger away, Hinata sighed fairly disappointed.
"What was that Jutsu?" Sasuke asked, genuinely curious. He's never seen a skill quite like that in action.
"That was the Healing Hands technique Tsunade-sama showed me a few months ago. I don't think I've mastered it just yet. I left a scar."
"Don't worry about that too much."
"But, I didn't do my best. Or at least, not as good as I'd hoped."
"Its not big deal. Every shinobi has at least one of those, some more than others."
Hinata noted his tone's oddity, a touch serious than before.
"...I have a feeling... you weren't just talking about the physical ones...?" Hinata had detected that too, but Sasuke didn't answer; it was then the Hyuuga realized that she may have crossed an invisible line. "Ah, forgive me Sasuke, I didn't mean to pry..."
"You worry too much, Hinata."
It took the kunoichi a second to decide whether she should say something. Sasuke was so hard to read sometimes, she didn't want him upset. Hinata never meant to be so rude.
"...I-I guess you're right." She replied timidly, not sure if she was treading in dangerous territory.
Sasuke only sat in silence, relieved he'd managed to steer Hinata's inquiries in elsewhere. Sure, he wanted Hinata to know his past, even the darkest parts of it, but he felt she wasn't quite ready. By Hinata's constantly meek personality, he wouldn't want to scare her off. Things like this needed more time, and the right moment. It would be foolish to rush into something without thinking; it's like being a good shinobi, but far more delicate. Love is one of those things that could make you or break you.
"I'm going to go get dress." Hinata announced and pulled the front of her robe together before sliding to the edge of the bed.
Before she could fully stand, her eyes caught hold of a dark mark peeking from underneath the steamed towel on Sasuke's left shoulder.
There were three seeds, a lot like a Sharingan, surrounded by a ring of black symbols, all seemingly chosen in particular. Hinata peered closer, making sure not to move the bed around so much. The marks looked similar to some of the seals she'd studied before at Konoha's main library, but there was something... strange about these. The order didn't add up to the regular elemental jutsu, but something different. She thought and thought, and it clicked.
Oh, I remember. That's it! It has to be. That's a mark from a Kinjutsu... Hinata brought her finger to her mouth in rising concern for both her and Sasuke's well-being.
She knew because they told her to be on the look out for these in her medical studies. Hinata never came across any in person until now, and she already wished she'd never seen it.
When or where did it come from? Did Sasuke even know? Should she say something about it?
But what if he did, what would that mean? Did he do it himself?
No no. I can tell it's from somewhere else, and it's very complicated too. Probably a level six technique... Hm, I wonder...
Something from way back when had came to mind. There was this big mission going on. Hinata made sure to follow up on it since Naruto-kun was involved, and not to mention her teammate and cousin. Neji almost lost his arm because of it, and Kiba was out of the field from their team's assignments for almost half of the year.
It all seemed to be centered on Sasuke too.
Hinata only heard about that part from the Branch house gossip, Hinata's main source since she wasn't intentionally trying dig up info, just things she'd happen to overhear while walking by. The strangest part was everything else stayed hush-hush from the village, and shinobis that were involved tried not to mention it.
Did that have anything to do with his seal?
I-I think I better not mention it...
Besides, what did she know? All she had was 'here say' from years ago. But then again, Kinjutsu of all forms were dangerous, for all Hinata knew. They were forbidden, and most likely for a good reason.
Before she could truly decide what to do, a knock was heard from the main door; the silence echoed the taps through the hall and to the bedroom where the two Leaf Nin's sat in wonder.
"I'll get it."
Sasuke rose from the bed as Hinata made a slow reaction of nodding. Her mind wasn't on the door, she'd only heard it just now, but more on the seal. How can she ask Sasuke about it without being rude? It wasn't a matter of obsessing over it, but the plain fact of curiosity; her questions temporarily over rid any fear she may have held.
Hinata shook her head pitifully while brushing some wild hairs from her eyes. Since when did she become so nosey?
In the hall, Sasuke made his way to the door, tucking the last end of the stretchy fabric into place. Who ever it was probably had a key to make it up to the second floor, unless it was an intruder. Sasuke doubted that. Who would knock before breaking in? And wait until someone opened the door?
Well, maybe an idiot, or a genius... Who knew...
"Who are you?" The Uchiha looked down upon a shriveled old man, littered with deep wrinkles and massive liver spots.
"I'm from the Raikage's congregation. This is for you." He dug into the deep pockets of his rusty grey coat and withdrew an ivory colored scroll in his hand.
The old man was taking a little too long with handing it over for Sasuke's taste, so he grabbed the scroll himself and quickly shut the door, but not without mumbling a barely audible 'thank you' first; yes, he was raised with manners. Besides, his thick smell of medicine -and moth balls- was almost enough to make Sasuke gag. The Uchiha swore to never let himself go that bad.
Why did old people smell anyway? Was it bodily decay? Not all the elderly smelled though. The Fifth didn't -probably because of her Jutsu- but the Third did.
Hm?
Why Sasuke was even thinking about the variety of scents of the elderly was beyond him—most likely the fault of having nothing else better to do.
Tearing the gold seal from the scroll, Sasuke unrolled it and read as he returned to the haven of their bedroom. It said the Raikage wanted to see them, the message finely printed above the words "Right Away".
Great. I wonder what this is about.
He tossed the scroll onto the bed -that he'd now noticed was made- and tossed the damp from around his shoulders onto the door knob with perfect aim. Sasuke didn't bother to call Hinata; he could hear the water running in the shower just fine, no need to rush her. On the other hand, he could "accidentally" let himself in to tell her about the message, but he wasn't in the mood to possibly be slapped.
Sasuke couldn't resist a sweet smirk at that mental image though.
"What's wrong?" Sasuke asked as he and Hinata walked down the stone path of their guesthouse.
"Nothing's wrong."
"Then what are you thinking about?"
"Nothing really..."
"Why are you ignoring me?"
"I-I'm not ignoring you. It's nothing..."
"Stop saying that." Sasuke frowned, his voice with unwavering yet moderate demand. "Why do you keep saying 'nothing'? You've been acting really strange all of a sudden, and I want to know why."
Sasuke stopped walking, hands in his pockets, and waited firmly for an answer. What caused such a change from this morning? He didn't have a single clue what it could be.
Before he'd even filled Hinata in on the note, she began acting very peculiar, something Sasuke obviously didn't miss. She started giving him one-word replies or nods, as if her mind was in a completely different place. And when he handed Hinata her forehead protector, she hesitated like a frightened animal checking out a stranger before taking its offering, like she was unsure and waiting for something more to happen. Even now, she stood warily, eyes glazed with partial confusion and uncertainty.
"It's not the Cloud shinobis, is it?" More of a statement than a question.
"No." Hinata looked down and poked her fingers together, not in the shy way, but filled with doubt. "I... when I was examining your back, I wasn't trying to look, but I saw... a mark from a forbidden technique."
Her eyes widened with a little nod on the word 'forbidden', trying subtly to stress the point.
Sasuke reached up to the tall collar of his shirt and pulled the fabric down with his index finger, his expression still plain. "This one?"
Hinata nodded quickly to confirm. "Yes. Did you know of it? It could be dangerous."
She brought her hand to her chest as the Uchiha remained expressionless. Hinata thought she saw a tiny twitch in his face when she asked did he know, but Hinata wasn't so sure now.
"Sasuke...?"
"Yes I did know. I was hoping you wouldn't notice yet." He spoke deep and hinting, sending all types of signals to the Hyuuga of unspoken plans.
"What do you mean?"
Sasuke walked closer, to the point their fronts nearly touched. Hinata found herself frozen like one of those girls in a horror movie, right at the part when they find out one of their friends was the killer in disguise. On top of that, no one was around for a few good miles; Sasuke could do away with her without anyone having a clue.
Oh, I shouldn't have said anything.
"I mean, I was going to tell you." He said honestly, noting her fear. "Hinata, the seal... it's a very long story. I didn't mention it before because you weren't ready to know, just like you aren't right now."
Hinata suddenly felt very silly, blushing with unbearable humiliation of her questions. "Oh..."
"So, you're going to have to trust me until I do. If that's not too much to ask."
"Oh no, Sasuke. I apologize. I'm so sorry for being so nosey. It's just that... I was worried about you. I didn't want you to get hurt." Hinata lowered her head. And I was worried about myself too...
Sasuke could barely believe what he was hearing. Hm? Worried? Really...? It didn't necessarily mean she felt the same way about him, so he didn't let himself get too blinded with hope before he truly knew. "I see."
Sasuke swerved to walk up the path again as Hinata steadily followed.
"Are you upset? I mean, you've never given me a reason not to trust you, but I immediately thought it was something wrong..." She asked, trying to look at his expression without staring too hard.
"I'm not angry with you."
Hinata stifled a sigh, her hand over her heart, relieved.
"I would like to keep this between us though."
"Of course." Hinata agreed. "Does that mean… no one else knows?"
"I wouldn't exactly say that." Sasuke looked as if he was remembering something he'd rather not. "Only a couple of people do, other than that, no."
"Ah." Hinata nodded.
He wants to tell me, even though not many people know about it. Hinata looked at her partner, his course and composed expression looking ahead, and nearly smiled. I guess if he trusts me that much, I can have some faith in him too.
"Um Sasuke?"
"Hm?" They had just reached the large path that lead into town.
"…How… do you know which way to go…?"
"…"
The Uchiha could feel a slip of sweat fall by the side of his face; the sun above all of a sudden felt smothering.
One hurdle after another.
He had about as much as knowledge she did on the winding roads of the Cloud, but he couldn't let that fluster him. It wasn't in his character to let himself waste energy with panicking, but he had to rethink—maybe he shouldn't have closed the door in the old man's face so fast.
Thanks to its reasonably tall height -about four stories- it was easy to see the Raikage's building, even from the middle of town. Sasuke had insisted they didn't need to ask directions earlier, not like they would've gotten help anyway. People of the Cloud, mostly its shinobis, acted very hostile toward the pair, mainly glaring at Hinata—for her being a Hyuuga. This lead Sasuke to go on the defensive. The Leaf Jounin made sure to keep his hand steady by his shiruken holder if need.
Yet, upon entering the courtyard of the Raikage's building, strangely, not a Cloud ninja was in sight.
"Sasuke, where is everyone? It looks as if no one is here." Hinata put her finger to her mouth, taking in the person-less landscape.
"I know. I don't sense anyone outside either."
Hinata slowed her steady pace. "Do you… think we should still go in?"
"They won't try anything." Sasuke stated as cool and confident as he could without sounding like some over acting super hero.
Hinata nodded and tried to remain unruffled. If something did happen, it would only be them… against the whole freaking village.
Those are some great odds. Hinata laughed nervously in her head.
There I go, thinking of the worst-case scenario already. It'll be fine. I hope… Hinata thought anxiously, poking her index fingers together as she followed Sasuke up the brick steps of the entry.
Their footsteps echoed dully inside as they walked across the marble-floored lobby. There were still no people in sight, even while the two reached the service counter nearing the back of the first floor.
Hinata couldn't help admiring all the fine golds, silvers, and bright paints making up the interior-like some sort of mansion. "Look at this design. Our Hokage's building doesn't look like this."
Sasuke snorted unimpressed. "It's probably just a front. They try to steer their weakness away with materialistic things."
"But it's still very beautiful." Hinata smiled at Sasuke with light grin before looking back to the elegant ceiling.
Sasuke shrugged casually rested his elbows upon the well-polished counter behind him. "You're the only beautiful thing I care to look at."
Before Hinata could reply, -what did he just say?- a hobbling old woman shuffling slowly their way grasped her attention.
"I thought I heard someone down here." The old woman's voice was raspy with age as she scooted beside the two Leaf Nins.
"Ah, yes. We heard that the Raikage sent for us." Hinata said, stepping up beside Sasuke, who had arose from his previously relaxed position.
"Oh about that. The Raikage won't be here to greet you for about another day or so."
"A day or so?" Sasuke instantly snorted a sulked. This is what they sent for?
"Yes, I'm afraid." The old woman added feebly. "His stay with the Mizukage took longer than he'd expected so he requested that you stay for his arrival, if you don't mind. Raikage-sama would like to thank you personally for your trouble."
"I…" Hinata hesitated her response. What did Sasuke want to do? "I don't mind if you don't mind, Sasuke."
He simply shrugged an answer. "If you want." He didn't care to go back to Konoha so soon anyway.
"Excellent. We will send for you again as soon as he arrives." The old woman bowed thankfully, her shaking hand gripping her cane to stay standing.
"You're welcome… I suppose…" Hinata bowed too, for the act of being polite. "Did you want to go now Sasuke?"
"Yeah."
Hinata nodded and bowed again to the old woman as she tipped over to her descending teammate.
Walking toward the exit, Sasuke noticed a small flyer posted on a wall. Normally, he would've passed on by without the least hint of interest, but he suddenly had the thought to take a look. Without risking a chance to slow down, he pulled it from the thumbtack with a light flick of the wrist.
Although, Sasuke didn't actually read the sheet until about an hour later, after he and Hinata returned to the guesthouse. Unfolding the pastel colored paper from the safety of his pocket, he'd discovered there was supposed to be a festival this week for the Cloud village—something about honoring one of their past historical leaders.
Reading over it again, his thoughts ran as he began to prod the possibilities of it.
They were two people with nothing to do until sometime tomorrow, and the night was still relatively young. He wondered how Hinata would feel if he'd asked her to go to this festival with him. She probably wouldn't decline, and if there was any chance Hinata was still worried about the Cloud Nins, they could wear something a little less saying, "I'm a foreigner."
"Hey, Hinata…"
"Yes?" The Hyuuga gave him her full attention. She had been sitting in the middle of their bed with her one of her legs drawn up and the other folded underneath it.
"There was this thing in town. I was wondering if you wanted to go with me." This time, Sasuke didn't try to hide his face, but looking directly at Hinata as he spoke.
By her expression, Sasuke could tell she was thinking about it.
The Hyuuga did notice on the way back the hateful shinobis no longer littered the streets, but instead ordinary townspeople. Tying lanterns and setting up stands, it didn't look like the normal everyday bustle of a market place; it was more like preparations for something. Hinata didn't bother to comment on it, not knowing if Sasuke cared or not. Nevertheless, Sasuke did have some interest, and so did she.
"Okay."
"Good. Oh, you might want to change into something else."
"Why is that?" Hinata sat more to the edge as she asked, the bed squeaked under her movement.
"Just so that we can have the chance to be something other than shinobis for once."
Hinata didn't exactly understand what Sasuke had in mind, she could tell he was planning on something, but she decided to follow along anyhow. This could actually be fun.
After unearthing the outfit she'd stuffed into her bag, -she might've had to go undercover for something- she dressed in a white shirt with slight ruffles around the collar's seam, which pulled together with a denim drawstring, and a denim skirt that followed after to match.
When she was done, Hinata sat in the living room to wait for Sasuke, and pull on her sandals. She couldn't imagine what he would wear. Hinata rarely saw him without his training clothes, but for the most part, that's what he did back in Konoha.
Memories seeping through like a spill on a cheap napkin, she could still remember the night at The Dancing Leaf quite intensely. That was the first time she'd even seen Sasuke in normal clothes, and she had to admit, he looked pretty damn good.
"Hinata, you ready yet?"
Sasuke was rounding he corner as he spoke, his deep voice radiating into every corner of the nearly empty apartment. Hinata's body heat must've increased a good ten degrees upon Sasuke's entrance.
With low-slung jeans hanging barely on his thin hips, his form fitting black shirt raising just a hair when he stuck his hands into his pockets, revealing the milky firm skin of his stomach, Sasuke could have very well passed for a model in some pricey fashion magazine.
"Y-yes I'm ready, Sasuke." She couldn't help but grin bashfully when she had the courage to look up. Hinata didn't even realized she was looking down until then.
No wonder the girls were in such a tizzy fit every time the Uchiha came around. He was definitely a tempting piece of eye candy to behold. It made Hinata wonder why she never watch so intensely before; well, she was always too busy watching Naruto.
Sasuke smirked all of a sudden, and bent toward her, his hand reaching to the side of her face as his eyes lowered to her neck. Hinata froze as her heart began to hammer. You could practically taste his manly sweet scent by his closeness.
"Sasuke…"
"Looks like you forgot something." He laughed teasingly, amused, and held her untied forehead protector in his right hand.
"Oh, I wonder how that happened…" Hinata blushed, poorly hiding her embarrassed, and took the strap in her hand.
"Come on." He held out his hand and helped her off the couch.
As she stood, Sasuke got a nice glimpse of Hinata's inner thigh, all thanks to the slight slit in the front. He could barely rip his eyes away. If he was a weaker man, he may have very well gotten himself wound up by her coy beauty. But really, the girls in Konoha had nothing on her. His stare traveled upward. Needless to say, Sasuke was pleased Hinata shed her coat for this mission. Who knew the shyest kunoichi had the most to look at? Somehow, Sasuke knew Hinata could be wild if she wanted to be. What a thought! Good girl gone delightfully bad… Jesus…
"Sasuke! Your nose is bleeding!"
The next thing he knew, Hinata was reaching up to his face. He sniffed and indeed, there was blood.
"Air must be dry." Sasuke concluded, abruptly regaining his lost composure as he rubbed the back of his hand across his nostril. That was the fastest thing he could think of without it sounding too much like a lie.
"Maybe we should get some fresh air." They moved to the door. "Are you sure you're alright?"
"I'll be fine."
What was the matter with him today? He'd been slipping a lot, first Hinata picking up on the seal and now this. He'd never gotten that excited before over something so small. Maybe Naruto was right, he was turning into a pervert.
On the other hand, he probably just hung around Kakashi too much, even Naruto for that matter. He knew that issue of Icha Icha Paradise would come back to haunt him. To this day, Sasuke still didn't know how the fox boy managed to coax him into looking at it. Then again, maybe it wasn't that. When was the last time he'd eaten anything anyway? Yesterday? That's what's doing it…
"Hinata, let's eat before we do anything else." Sasuke said. They were at the crossing of their pathway and the main street.
"Alright."
Hinata could feel her stomach tighten at the mention of food. She hadn't even noticed she was hungry he'd mentioned it.
Walking up the main strip, people of all shapes and sizes flooded the streets. Little children were running around like lunatics -howling, yelling, and squealing with glee; their parents looked tired already just watching them. Hinata noticed some of them were carrying fireworks in their bulging, candy-filled pockets. It was far too bright out to shoot them off now, not even the lanterns were lit yet.
"Where did you want to go?" Sasuke asked, taking in consideration all of the stands had lines about a mile long—each.
"Ah… we could always find a Ramen stand…" Hinata laughed quietly by Sasuke's side.
The Uchiha didn't look in the least bit amused. In fact, he nearly retched at the notion. Ramen had been one of the foulest things he'd ever tasted. Besides, noodles wouldn't fill him up now, he needed something more like meat.
"How about there?" Hinata pointed toward a huge complex only a few blocks away. People around their age, maybe a bit younger, were rushing into the front door of it.
Sasuke wasn't one for lots of people hanging around, but it didn't look as crowded as the other places, so he agreed. All the same, Sasuke had also noticed the people were particularly excited about something in there. Perhaps they had something other than just food. Yet on the inside, it looked nothing more than just a regular, old fashion restaurant. It leads one to wonder where all of the people that came in went.
To the far left, an older man grumpily cleaned the counter, mumbling to himself, something about 'back in my day' and 'these kids today'. No matter how incoherent the man was, Sasuke wasn't going to go back outside into those lines to stand in one spot for an hour.
"Hey, are you open?" Sasuke called, waiting in the doorway with Hinata silently by his side.
The man stopped, looking around alarmed. "Are you asking me?"
"Who else?"
"Well it's about time I got some customers! Come on! Come on!" The man waved his hands toward the seats at the counter.
"Ah… what do you mean by 'customers'…? We just saw a lot of people come in this way…" Hinata's curiosity had taken the best of her about time she and Sasuke took their seats.
The man frowned grudgingly to himself before he answered.
"You see that there." He pointed toward the rear of the restaurant, and directly to a curtained off section. It unusually looked newer than the rest of the place. "That is taking away all of my business."
Hinata looked confused. "How so…?"
"During this time of the year, the festival brings attractions from all around. That door is an extension they wanted to bring for the young folks."
"What is it?" Sasuke raised a brow and asked.
"Bah! Some kind of new hippy dance room, waste of time..." The man wiped his hands on the worn-out towel across his shoulder. "But it's nice to see some people appreciate my business. So what will you have?"
"Oden, and some Tonkatsu." Sasuke already knew what he wanted, but Hinata took her time a little more.
"Ah… I don't know really… Hm…"
"She'll have the Sukiyaki." Sasuke said as the owner nodded.
"Alright. That's going to take awhile…" The man replied, tying on his orange apron.
"It's fine." Sasuke waved his hand carelessly. They had the whole night ahead of them; there was no need to rush.
"Sasuke, how did you know what I was going to order?" Hinata asked; not that she was mad about it, in fact, she hadn't had any in good while.
"I know it's one of your favorites, just like I know some other things you like."
"Oh." Hinata didn't know why she was blushing.
Thinking of the situation, an ideal struck him in an instant. "Speaking of which, how about we do something to help the time fly by faster?"
"Huh?" Hinata's train of thought was evidently not on the same track as his. She wasn't completely sure of his intentions either, they didn't necessarily have to be negative.
The Uchiha was standing now as Hinata became aware of her partner's plan. He was headed for that extension the man told them about.
"Sasuke…?"
"What? I thought you liked to dance." His eyes glistened playfully like sun reflecting on a rippling pool, repressing a mirthful expression.
"But…"
Was there a real reason to stop? Not really. The only qualm she had stemmed from the last time they danced. Hinata was secretly hoping that Naruto would come over, but surprisingly -and pleasantly-, Sasuke made her forget about him. The way her mind flipped by his presence was both peculiar and comforting—it freighted her. Despite Hinata inviting Sasuke that time, it was clear, even after her self-doubt, there was more to it.
Except, what did that have to do with now? Naruto wasn't even here—again.
Searching for a different excuse to stall for her uncertainty, she looked back to the man cooking away, unaware, in the kitchen. Hinata truly felt sorry for the poor fellow, but Sasuke did say they would come back…
"But… we shouldn't be gone too long…"
"We'll be back in time." He held the curtain open for her, before following behind inside the steel passageway.
It zigzagged for a couple of meters until black replaced the shiny silver tunnel-cutouts of stars filtered neon lights to see. The passage ended at the greeting of another burgundy drape to expose the extravagant dance club.
Just as you would expect, it was nothing but young people there-the young people from earlier. Some were drinking at the bar, most of which looked totally out of place, a few people playing the vast range of videos games-this place reminded Hinata a little of the club back home.
Apart from that, the colossal dance floor took up most of the ground. That was where most of the action played at the moment. The majority appeared to be having a fine time, laughing good-heartedly as their friends played and such, and there was always a few that got frustrated and stormed out; Hinata couldn't help a snigger as that certain scene instantaneously unfolded. The music was turned down, barely thumping the speakers which appeared it could handle a lot more bass.
Walking up the landing, Hinata followed beside Sasuke who stopped at the edge of the floor, just waiting for the right song. They stood patiently as the current track came to the stop, taking a break from his block of playing. Some people moved from the floor to rest or get a drink, while the others filled the transition time for the CDs by chatting amongst themselves. Since this place had an automatic controller than a DJ, it didn't take that long.
Stepping out, Sasuke turned to Hinata, the main lights dimmed around them. "Ready?"
Hinata smiled bashfully and agreed, moving by his side where Sasuke lead her to a spot he'd already picked out. It was close to the center but not too closer, and not too crowded.
"Hey, why don't you start?" Sasuke smirked.
"Ah…Okay…"
Hinata instantaneously nervous as the Uchiha waiting eyes watched her. She didn't know why but she wasn't really inspired right now. Sasuke picked on her tiny chagrin and used this time to take the reigns.
"Or I could. It doesn't matter."
Hinata let Sasuke pull her close from behind, red immediately blooming into her face like an opening rose. And in the same minute, he began to rock with her, matching the upcoming sounds of the rondo. Hinata couldn't help her bubbling beam, Sasuke was always so warm.
The song's intro soon increases as the funky, electronica hits played more profoundly. People hooted and howled at the sound of the familiar tune. The flashing lights came on above, making the place appear extra spacious than before. It really was a lot like the Dancing Leaf.
At last, Hinata let her muscles relax against Sasuke's touch, laying her arms over his. She titled her head as Sasuke lent into the crook of her neck, the lower half of their bodies swaying and rotating together along with the ascending rhythms. Hinata swayed like a willow in a majestically wild wind, her hips sashaying and shoulders dipping and rising. She rocked her head, twirling around so that she and Sasuke were chest to chest dancing. Lifting her arm, Hinata held onto the Uchiha's shoulder, letting her thumb catch one of the loop of his pants. Sasuke began to reeled her in closer; his nose dipping into the scent radiating from the hollow of her neck as busy hands searched its way around soft curves.
Enjoying every second of this opportunity, he was presently boosting the smuggest smirk in the history of expressions. Sasuke meant to dance with Hinata tonight, for some reason he had that urge. It worked well the first time around, why not use something familiar to pick up from?
Good thing that nobody he knew was there to see them; he didn't feel like explaining himself to anyone. No Sakura, no Naruto and no room full of staring eyes, and most importantly of all, to Sasuke, a certain redheaded Sand shinobi wasn't around this time either.
The beats pounded in a dome around the dance floor, using full potential of its speaker's bass boost. Spinning and flashing lights washing around like whirlpool, Sasuke and Hinata inside the unblinking eye. Somehow, they'd moved to the center of the area, and magically, no one else was around for miles, countries, the only two on the planet.
They blended. One was two and back again.
Escaping, forgetting… everything except each other. Instead of questioning Sasuke's effects, Hinata discovered she was welcoming it.
Opening her eyes, they landed on the taller shinobi. The combination of their flowing rhythm and switched on air conditioning, an artificial breeze glided over them, blowing their hair in the stream. His ebony bangs sliding delicately over his strong, calm face, and the prismatic lights illuminating his pallid skin, Sasuke looked absolutely gorgeous.
Escaping her own little world, Hinata became aware the music stopped, and so did they, Hinata holding on to Sasuke's arms and his hands grasping comfortably around her back. To her, it seemed like time had just caught up to its normal speed, as if everything slowed down just now.
A small crowd was clapping on the sidelines, cheering a bit too. The two Leaf Nins weren't even aware they had an audience, not that they were looking for one either.
Sasuke then turned his attention back to his female counterpart; she was trying to leave the floor. He wasn't going to let that happen just yet.
"Where are you going?" His arm looped tenderly around Hinata's waist again.
"What?" Her eyes glittered cheerfully. "I thought we weren't going to stay long."
"We aren't. I just wanted to do one more song." Sasuke squeezing her side, his tranquil eyes inviting her to stay. "Hey, don't make me beg."
He was in a playfully mood, but Hinata knew Sasuke seriously meant not to start pleading. The Hyuuga finally let a light smile pass and gave in; she could have sworn he almost used puppy dog eyes.
"We shouldn't be too long, Sasuke."
"I already told you we won't. I thought you were going to trust me." The Uchiha cajoled.
Hinata laughed. "I never said I didn't."
She hung her arms loosely around his neck and pushed up a little on her toes to reach his height, her face landing on to the top of his chest. His heart beat heavily in her ear, and his body released a lot more heat. It felt good to her. When she would usually be sweating, Hinata was actually chilly and invited the heat.
A new song started on its player, this one at a slower pace, still with that cozy techno charm; another thing Hinata took in gratefully. She always turned out exhausted after dancing with Sasuke, losing grip of her strength with blissful fatigue.
Hinata slanted the top of her head against the bottom half of his cheek, thinking.
'Thanks for the dance, Hinata. Ja.'
Those words lingered in her mind. What exactly did they mean? Why couldn't she let it go?
"Sasuke?"
"Yeah."
"Why… did you dance with me before?"
She felt him slack under her arms.
"Why? Did you enjoy it?" He was whispering softy in her ear, pleasurably.
Hinata never answered him, but sighed comfortably into his shirt.
That was all the response Sasuke needed.
Leaning his head on top of hers, he began listening to the song dwindling away in the background.
I might not be the right one
It might not be the right time
But there's something about us I want to say
Cause there's something between us anyway
I need you more than anything in my life
I want you more than anything in my life
I'll miss you more than anyone in my life
I love you more than anyone in my life
It was like they were singing about them, about the way he felt. Sasuke could only wondered if Hinata noticed yet.
"Thank you, Ritoki-san." Hinata wiped her mouth daintily with the napkin before straightening her shirt.
"You're very welcome young lady!" The chef grinned with gratitude-who could resist courtesy?
Sasuke dug in his pocket and placed a nice amount of bills on the counter top. One wouldn't think Sasuke carried so much money around with him at once.
After Hinata and Sasuke dance to not only one, but two more songs, they returned to the restaurant. By then, they were beyond famished so that ate quickly, even Hinata wasn't so timid about it, and eventually ordered seconds.
So far, Hinata was having a wonderful time. The fact this was indeed a mission slipped her mind; she could only hope to have another one this entertaining.
Speaking of entertaining, an unusually enjoyable thing happened while she and Sasuke was eating. She was just about to finish off her last fishcake when she felt something move by her foot. At first, it might have been an accident but then it happened again-this time, more round the ankle. She looked over to the Uchiha, who was still eating and not showing any sign of paying attention, and grinned knowingly.
What was he trying to do?
Sasuke did order some sake and gave her some too, -clearing five bottles- so maybe, the both of them was a little out of it; Hinata never drank sake before. Sasuke didn't appear to realize what was going on-until he looked over to her, his eyes shining from the small frosted light of the counter, and drank his sake flirtatiously. Hinata honestly didn't see the harm in his little game, the sake had gotten Hinata partly drunk before she'd knew it, so she let him do as he pleased.
"Where did you want to go now?" Sasuke began as Hinata walked by his side, the alcohol painting her cheeks scarlet. The sake continued to make her sluggish so she suggested they walk around a while.
The lanterns were glowing like oversized fireflies in the ascending daylight; the sun started to set while they were inside. The whaling children are noticeably tamed, and every villager was moving toward the docks.
"Shall we go down there, Sasuke?" The dark-hair girl nodded in same direction as the people.
Sasuke nodded his head to comply as they made their way through the crowd.
Getting closer, the sounds of thunder and colored lights spilled from their destination. Entering the docking area, the noise of thunder revealed to be the roar of roller coasters, the source of the lights pouring from the attractions too. Hinata stopped and looked at one in particular called the Shooting Star. It didn't look too fast, but electrifying all the same.
"You want to ride it or something?" Sasuke asked, the mischievously challenging smirk on his features.
"Sure." Hinata couldn't help but smile at her foolishness; she would regret it later.
Within the following minutes, Sasuke and Hinata were in line for the ride, and Hinata began to reconsider her choice.
Oh well, we're already up front...
"Next!" The coaster conductor called out to the next dozen or so people.
The villagers all got in quickly with unbridled enthusiasm, chatting merrily away about how exciting this would be; even a couple of people were racing to get the first seat. Though Hinata wanted to ride, she wasn't that eager for a thrill, so she persuaded Sasuke to sit somewhere in the middle-this wasn't too hard of a task for the Uchiha to submit to.
The air-chilled silver bar lowered into their laps before an extra staff person came around to check if everyone was locked in. No need of anybody flying out.
"Clear!" The conductor yelled as the coaster started.
You could always hear the clanking of the chains below like a cuffed man being lead to the death chair; the inevitable waited ahead, but there was nothing to be done.
Hinata instantly felt butterflies dance around on the inside, the people in front and behind her gasped aloud in anticipation.
"Ah Sasuke, may I hold your hand?" Her eyes quivered with apprehension.
Sasuke, who had been sitting relatively calm beside her the whole time, looked over with placid surprise. After a fast recovery, he'd taken her frailer hand in his own.
"If that's what you really want…" Sasuke said as easygoing as he could.
"Thank you Sasu- WAH!"
Instantaneously, everyone screeched as the carts plummeted down the steep slope. They flipped and twisted; even most of the men were shrieking and turning green by now; all except for Sasuke who was nonchalantly laughing at them for their weakness. The ride wasn't even that fast-but a sudden flip changed all of that.
Sasuke winced mournfully as his stomach jumped around like a washer on the spin cycle. How quickly he had forgotten he'd just eaten a lot. However, the unexpected clutch of Hinata on his left arm made him feel better faster than you'd imagine.
I didn't think Hinata had a set of lungs on her like that. She could probably rival Sakura in a screaming contest. Sasuke thought to himself-that's something else you wouldn't except from such a quiet girl as her either.
For a two-minute ride, it sure seemed longer than that when it was over. Hinata walked off first, wobbling along with the others as if they had all taken a hit of some kind of drug. Sasuke made sure to keep whatever sick feeling he had down as he caught up with Hinata.
"I'm sorry for grabbing your arm like that… and screaming in your ear, Sasuke…" Hinata said, greatly embarrassed to the point a new shade of red was discovered.
Sasuke only rolled it off his shoulder. "Meh, don't worry about it."
Hinata nodded, and then put her finger to her mouth. "It was just so scary."
"Che, it was okay…"
Forever cool.
Walking around the docks again Hinata and Sasuke passed by another cluster of rides. Her enchantment could no longer be suppressed. Even though that last ride was terrifying, it was mostly stimulating.
"Sasuke…" Hinata had to keep herself from laughing like a giddy child as she smiled brightly. "I… I want to ride another one!"
Sasuke was nearly startled by her outburst; he'd never seen this side of her like he'd seen today. "Alright, alright, which one?"
"That one." Hinata virtually yelled as she hinted toward the taller coaster on the right.
It was even strange to her that she was so enthusiastic about the fast rides, and yelling wasn't all that bad either-no wonder Kiba, Naruto, Ino, and countless others did so back in Konoha. It was good to let loose, and Hinata was so relieved Sasuke did try to judge her behavior.
The next coaster had a shorter line than the other one. There were no little kids this time, so Hinata used this opportunity to choose a seat for them closer to the front and less from the middle. Once this particular ride had started, Sasuke soon learned it had much more flips and went about twice as fast, his stomach still paying the price. By the end of it, Sasuke was official one shade whiter than his usual blanched skin tone-not that he was scared, just sick.
"Sasuke, can we try that one?" Hinata asked him after he'd masked his queasiness again.
He honestly didn't feel well at all, but since Hinata was enjoying herself, something he didn't see very often, and they were rarely alone... Sasuke agree.
I will make it through one more ride. This is the last one after all; I just need to suck it up. I've been through a lot worst that some stupid speeding cart… Sasuke thought confidently to himself. He had pushed himself to the limit many times before, and he wasn't the complaining type either.
The final ride, Kaze, and judging by the stumbling fools basically falling off the coaster, it was a good name for it, but Sasuke didn't back down. Hell, he was an Uchiha! Once the strongest clan in Konoha. He couldn't crumble now-although his gut said otherwise.
"Hinata, we're sitting up front." His tone was demanding and confident.
The Hyuuga concurred timidly, reverting halfway back to her usually serene state at the nature of his voice; she nearly forgot how serious her partner could be. By the way Sasuke nearly pushed people down to get that front seat, you would think he was going off to a fight—something else Hinata didn't understand about his sudden mood swing.
"Clear!"
The ride pulled off at most likely 80 mph; it would only get faster as they rolled along. Hinata could barely see what was going on, thanks to her head buried in Sasuke's shoulder, while the Uchiha himself gritted his teeth and bared through. By now, he could just about do a great impression of an active volcano.
Hinata suddenly wished she didn't get on this ride at all, this was way too much. What was she thinking?
Immediately after the ride ended, -the faster coasters usually ran for a shorter time- Hinata swore she would never drink sake again, or anything type of drink other than tea or water. It made her do very strange things.
So caught up in her own decisions, Hinata didn't even notice Sasuke lagging behind, until she didn't feel anyone beside her.
"Sasuke?"
His face was turning sea green as he staggered toward her. Sasuke had won, he'd made it.
Stupid coaster. Sasuke thought smugly, but he couldn't hold his lunch down anymore, and the extra gagging and belching by his fellow riders made him feel even worse; his insides rumbled like a geyser, ready to blow. Ah dammit…
"Sasuke?" Hinata called again as the dark hair boy stooped over.
The chunky mix of colors splashed moistly to the ground. Hinata gaped and ran by his side, the least she could do was hold his hair back since it didn't look like it would stop anytime soon. It just kept flowing out like toothpaste from a tube. This set a chain reaction of "oh's" and "ah's" from the crowd. People that were walking along, and unfortunately buying food from the surrounding stands, either quickly changed their minds, or followed Sasuke's lead.
"Way to go!" somebody yelled in the midst of the crowd. Evidently, someone was thrilled to see somebody freak out the people.
One loud child, more to the front, pointed to them and cried out, "Mommy look at that! Whoa! He's the Puke King!"
Hinata felt sweat dripped down the side of her face. She really should have just stuck to green tea.
"Are you okay Sasuke?" She asked, rubbing his back. The immense feeling of guilt pressed down on Hinata. Poor Sasuke. If she'd stopped to really made sure Sasuke wanted to go, this wouldn't have happened.
"I'm… better now." Sasuke spat to remove the lingering acidic flavor. Too bad the pork didn't taste as good coming up than when it went down.
Hinata used this moment to find a place to sit down away from everyone else, and much to their luck, a spot near the beach was currently unoccupied.
"I'm so sorry, Sasuke. I shouldn't have pushed you to get on the ride." Hinata confessed as they sat down on an empty bench.
"No, don't think it's your own fault. I could have still chosen not to go if I really didn't want to."
"Then why did you?"
Sasuke draped his arm on the backrest and titled his head back too, looking up into the gradual starry atmosphere. "Because you were enjoying yourself."
"Oh no, I could have done without-"
"No you couldn't." Sasuke's wouldn't let her finish because he knew what she was doing to say. "In Konoha, I always see you… You never smile but when you do, I can still see it's not real. It's shallow, sad even. And you're so scared to be yourself, so you tend not to let your true self out. All because you don't want them to judge you… Right?"
Sasuke lifted his head and looked at Hinata, the golden sun tipping on the horizon highlighted the silver tint in her eyes. They were wide and wet like freshly filled swimming pools.
"You're very perceptive, Sasuke." Hinata didn't answer in a so-you've-been-watching-me kind of way, playfully and such, but she wasn't even thinking about that. It was more in a you-can-read-me-like-an-open-book way. "Yes, you're right. I worry so much about what other people might say… what they would think. The only reason I became a shinobi was to do what someone else expected of me. It's stupid actually. I imagine they don't even care that much about me anyhow. I'm probably the last person anyone considers."
Hinata clinched her fingers around the course fabric of her skirt and looked out to the foaming waves ahead. "I know what you're thinking, 'why am I telling you this?' You're the most popular ninja of our class, I'm sure you don't have my problem…"
"That doesn't mean they know me."
"What do you mean?" Hinata didn't understand.
"The only reason the other's back in Konoha even look my way is because they want to challenge my Uchiha bloodlines, and the rest, well I'm sure you know about the girls."
Hinata blushed. "Y-yes…"
The waves clapped onto shore, filling their momentary pause.
"They only know of my abilities and they way I appear, but no one truly knows me. And honestly, none of them are worthy."
Worthy? Hinata tried to piece together his meaning without the risk of asking the same thing twice.
"Is that why… you distanced yourself like that?" Hinata wondered if she was saying too much.
"Part of it." Sasuke answered simply.
Hinata could tell he was holding back something, but she didn't feel the need to ask right away. Instead, she actually let out a small giggle. "All this time, I thought you were just mean."
Sasuke smirked at her light expression, knowing she was joking, so he decided to play along. "Oh really?"
"Hm, you're scowl is quite intimidating, Sasuke-kun." Hinata giggled again. The mood was a lot lighter than when the conversation first started.
"It didn't intimidate you." He inquired in a half-question.
"Well, a bit." Hinata confessed. "There was like this wall you put up, but now I think I understand... Just a little anyway."
"Hm."
Sasuke titled his head back again, letting his smirk fade, as Hinata lent back on her side of the bench too. The waves continued to crash in a saccharine symphony, their minds on nothing. Hinata found it amazing how relaxed they were around each other.
Tonight, she'd uncovered a few things she had no idea about before. It was like a great mystery unfolding right in front of her eyes, connecting tiny pieces to a vast puzzle; it actually made her want to know more. A chance that many may never know about. So unusual how she was actually interested in the Uchiha. The Hyuuga soon discovered many weird things happened when he was around, her heart and emotions greatly inflicted, but it wasn't in a bad way either.
Very odd.
"Hinata."
"Yes?" She looked up from faded sunset were her eyes currently made residence, and turned to her partner.
"Since when did I become Sasuke-kun?"
That infamous smirk of his resurfaced with a vengeance.
Oden
A nabe dish prepared with various fish cakes, daikon, boiled eggs, konyaku and kombu seaweed, boiled over many hours in a soya sauce based soup.
Sukiyaki
A nabe dish prepared with thinly sliced meat, vegetables, mushrooms, tofu and shirataki (konyaku noodles). The pieces of food are dipped into a raw egg before eaten.
Tonkatsu
Tonkatsu are deep fried pork cutlets. Tonkatsu is usually served with shredded cabbage or on top of cooked rice or with Japanese style curry rice.
Song used: "Something About Us" by Daft Punk
Momo-kun-chan: Finally! I got this freakin chapter right. I rewrote it six times and now I'm glad. The longest chapter I've ever written too. Over ten thousand words! Yay! (Have u ever notice the site shaves off the real number of words when u up load it? 0.o)
Anyway, I know I wrote a dance scene b4, but I had to do another tiny one with just Sasuke and Hinata. =) I mean, Sasuke begging? Kawaii! X3
Anyway, much more fluff and stuff later on. Yes yes!
Fufufu, I loved the ending! XD WAH!
Promo If u like and/or support SasuHina, or any kind of underrated pairing or characters of Naruto, plz join my 2 clubs; one for SasuHina, and the 'Under The Stars' club for the underrated ppls and pairings. Go to the homepage link of my profile. Any questions email me. They're coming soon!
Plus, be on the look out for 2 more Sasu/Hina fanfics by me called, Door On The Ceiling and Sun-Kissed. Complete listings of all upcoming fics are in my profile too. Thanks. =3
Laterz! X3