A/N: Wow, Wasn't expecting such a warm welcome, considering my very very very dated user name. I figured most would think I was a troll just like my very first reviewer, Skr11, had in the beginning. But, I'm learning that the community is quite open minded, and very complimentary. I appreciate it all! But enough talk, onto the next chapter!
The Father
"Itachi..."
"I know, it's been some time. It's good to hear from you as well." cooed the older man on the other line, his lips curling in a diminutive smile, he could could practically hear his younger brothers surprise. "Though, I do wish it was under better circumstances."
Sasuke hadn't heard from his older brother for several months. He didn't doubt that he was the only one that had for that matter. The man had abandoned the family business years ago with little in terms of an explanation and fortune enough for a lofty lifestyle far away. He hated him for what he had done, but the man was still his brother, and still held some brotherly love towards him. Enough to keep his sporadic conversations with him a secret between the two. If Fugaku gained wind of their correspondence the man may outright disown him for such a betrayal of trust. Such was the tale of each generation of Uchiha. Betrayal, lies, and mistrust.
"Circumstances? Has something happened? Are you in trouble?"
"Calm down, little brother. It is not me who needs your worry." he explained flatly, pausing momentarily as if searching for the proper words. The younger Uchiha would be considered a hothead by comparison with his zen like elder. "I have reason to believe our father is plotting again."
"Were it another hostile takeover I would have heard of it by now."
"You may be falling out of his favor, Sasuke." his voice turned less cheerful, if you could call it that, and took a more serious timbre.
"I'm not surprised." scoffed the brash man, returning his attention his alcohol, having already decided that whatever their father planned would be of little consequence.
"You take him too lightly, Sasuke." warned Itachi, his soft voice biting enough to snap the boy out of his cocky attitude. "He's had a meeting with Hiashi-san."
"I'm sure he was just assuaging his worries. The Hyuuga's are compatriots of Sarutobi after all. And if you know what father is doing then you know what I've done to offend our allies."
"Hn, indeed. You always were more reckless than I when it came to fathers finances. You were more reckless in most things now that I think about it." chuckled the elder Uchiha briefly. "But still..."
"I did what needed to be done for the family. Sarutobi threatened us." Sasuke staunchly defended. In a sense he felt vindicated for his actions against Konoha Asset Management to preserve his family business. He put their survival above any personal grudge he may have had over the old man reneging on their agreement. He could have ruined the man if he had the mind to do so.
"And now I fear father is going to do the same to you." his tone was final, and this time, not met with a reflexive rebuttal from the more immature Uchiha. "His discussion with Hiashi had solely to do with you. I've even heard rumblings from both companies that he means to marry you off to one of his daughters."
"An arranged marriage to one of the Hyuuga's heiresses?" chuckled the dark haired executive, now Sasuke knew he's had a bit too much to drink, that, or his brother had developed quite the sense of humor in his exile. "Hiashi should offer me both, as assurance that his firm lives to see the fourth quarter."
"You jest, but I would not contact you over baseless gossip." This, Sasuke knew to be true. Despite whatever love Itachi may have had for him, typically it never compelled him to keep in touch, or be so deathly serious. "I'd advise you to watch the man."
"I prefer a preemptive strike to lying in wait." mused Sasuke, his interest in the new development piqued. He never felt truly challenged at work, most hedge fund managers were predictable, and thus, easily manipulated. He'd learned how to handle most situations from his father, and even more from his brother. The obsidian eyed man's eyes gleamed at the idea of battling wits with his father, especially if it was to decide his marital status.
"As bold as always, and as foolish as ever as well, little brother." sighed the elder, feigning defeat. It was a rare occurrence that he heeded his wise council, unfortunately, this would not be one of those instances where the advice stuck. "Perhaps Father does have the right of this. Maybe one of the Hyuuga's will finally set you straight."
Sasuke had heard enough. He hung up abruptly and returned to his drink, downing the dregs in a single gulp before thinking back on his brief encounter with his brother. He didn't need to be set straight by his father, nor his own brother. Tch, as if he was some rebellious child. The man never minced words, maybe cryptic at times, but he was more often than not a straight shooter with him. Maybe that was what made him their fathers prized operator when he was the company's EVP. It was more than that, it was so much more, and Sasuke knew that. He had always lived in Itachi's shadow, even after his departure, to an extent. After all he'd done for the family, his father still wanted to control him, take the freedom and life he'd built with his own abilities. Sasuke had no intentions of allowing him to dictate who he would rose to his feet and made for his bedroom to retire the night, all the while formulating his own plan. He would placate his father's desire for control by playing along, but he would make the decision in the end.
Now, he just had to pick a Hyuuga. The true heiress, Hanabi, would be his best bet, though he had heard that she was off in America dealing with her father's overseas interests. Showing up and courting her would be too bold, even for him. It may even tip off both patriarchs to his insider information. That left Hinata as his most inconspicuous option. Hopefully his fake courtship would not fly too far under the radar for his father to notice. Assuming Fugaku took the bait, there would be no reason for him to call for an arranged marriage as long as his son had the right woman on his arm for the time being. It was manipulative and a potentially harmful lie, but it was what Uchiha's did.
"No."
"Mikoto-"
"I said no. Sasuke is his own man and would never-"
"That is why it is arranged. The boy won't stop his foolishness unless he is forced to."
"You can't possibly force him to marry a woman he hardly knows!"
"He works for me, he is my son. He will do what I tell him."
"Exactly, Sasuke is our son!" cried Mikoto, forcefully slamming her hands on the kitchens marble counter tops. "He is our son first and foremost! And you want to drive him away just like-"
"Enough!" he countered, his own voice rising to meet his wife's. "I do not do this without hesitation. I do this for the good of our family."
"You mean for the good of the company." he voice shrank in comparison, knowing full well after many years together that a shouting match would never end amicably. She decided to appeal to the only thing he cared for as much as he did his business, "When will you realize that the family comes first?"
Her heartfelt rebuttal was met with silence for some time. His only the response was to grab his blazer and make his way out of the kitchen, but not before stopping once he finally found the words, "Sasuke is not his brother. He will do what is required of him."
"Or else." thought the flustered Uchiha matriarch, her pout and furrowed brow doing little to convince her husband to reconsider his position. When he departed, Mikoto wanted nothing more than to scream in frustration and pull her hair out, choosing to do the latter instead. The few strands that followed in incensed her more. She was too young to start losing her hair! The planning for this supposed wedding hadn't even begun, but at this rate she'd end up needing a wig for the day!
Though, it didn't take much for her mind to wander to the idea of her son dressed sharply at the end of the aisle beside his bride. In her haste to reject the arrangement she neglected to inquire exactly which Hyuuga he was supposed to marry. She had just assumed it was to be Hanabi, it only seemed appropriate if the arrangement was to truly be little more than a business transaction. Both of Hiashi's daughters were beautiful in their own right, surely her son wouldn't scoff at that fact. But, Hanabi was only twenty-one and just as much of a wild child as Sasuke had been at her age. Make no mistake however, she was every bit a genius, otherwise she wouldn't be the heiress to a multi billion yen firm. And Hinata, there was no sweeter girl on the planet. She shared her deceased mothers temperament and grace, were she more of her father's child like Hanabi, she'd still be the rightful heiress. But Mikoto had no horse in that race. All any mother wanted for her children was to be happy and healthy, and for their children to have the same. Now she was really getting ahead of herself, "I'm too young to be a grandmother!"
Sasuke sat comfortably at his desk, quite bored however. The market was performing as expected, his subordinates were in good spirits and Karin was most likely seated at her desk surfing the internet or adding odd cut outs to the "Future Mrs. Uchiha" scrapbook she believed to be well hidden in her desk. The woman was obsessive, and that was putting it mildly. To think he believed it was a good idea poaching her expertise from Orochimaru at one time. Foresight told him that having knowledge of the seedy mans operations may aid him in the future, but he grew skeptical each day she eyeballed him dreamily. His mind was drawn back to the plot to marry him off and how best to thwart it at the thought of the future . He spent the majority of the morning pacing back and forth his office to pass the time all the while mulling over his soon to be executed plan. Hinata was to be the target. The woman was easily coercible so getting her to allow him the pleasure of her company wouldn't be hard at all. All he needed was to figure out the proper time and place to do such a thing. Usually he would get one of his more stealthy footmen to do the work, like Suigetsu, but she was a high profile target, who's to say she wasn't surrounded by security. The Hyuuga's and all their pomp weren't immune to the public eye any more than the Uchiha's, in fact they lived a far more visible life than his own family. You could blame the young Hyuuga heiress for that.
The restless man gazed aimlessly outside his office window and at the reaching skyline, his eyes finally landing on the grandeur that was Tokyo University off in the distance. If his memory served him correctly, he remembered that she was working at the institute on her masters or something or other. Perhaps he would pay her a visit. It had been sometime since he gathered information on his own, the last time probably being when he interned for his brother briefly. Perhaps the adventure would help him better formulate a plan, then again, playing it by ear was a nice change of pace. Break the monotony of the day. To think that he'd do so by spending his lunch break with Hyuuga Hinata. "Karin."
"Eeep! I-I mean, yes Sasuke-kun? How can I assist you?" the startled woman yelped, quickly jamming a pair of scissors and notebook into her draw.
"I'm taking my lunch, hold my calls." he toned unenthusiastically, feigning blindness for a second at how she was spending her free time.
"Yes, of course. When can I expect you back?"
"When I feel like it." he responded impassively as he buttoned his blazer and made for the exit. Cruising through the streets to his destination, he pondered how best to broach the subject of their fathers plot. It was doubtful that she was privy to the backroom dealing, exposing her to it would only muddy his half baked response. He was running the show, like it or not. By the time he reached the university the bulk of the student body was also taking its lunch, creating quite the spectacle of his arrival when he pulled up in his sports car. Students and instructors alike snapped photos, pointed, and gawked as he strolled through the quad and into the main buildings atrium.
"Well well, the prodigal son returns." chimed a voice not far behind the suited man, causing him to peer over his shoulder. A gray haired middle aged man dressed in a plain dark green dressshirt and dark slacks greeted him, his face partially obscured by a medical face mask but beneath it he could imagine the smile. "Back for more thrills through higher education?"
"Kakashi. I figured you'd have been fired by now."
"Nonsense. In fact, I've got tenure now, so they'll have to drag my lifeless boy out of this place." joked the usually jocular man.
"I can see you're enjoying your tenure." mused the Uchiha, quickly scanning the stack of books underneath his old teachers arm, "Tell me, is that part of your curriculum now?"
"Oh this?" he questioned as if pretending to not know he was carrying one of his adult novels around plain as day. "No, it's for my own private reading. But back to my question. What's a hotshot like you doing here skulking around?"
Sasuke's lips curled downward at the way his old instructor painted his presence, though he knew he meant no harm with his words. He paused momentarily, questioning whether or not sharing his intentions with the man could alter the outcome. The literary buff was an enormous gossip but even he knew Sasuke prized his secrecy above all else. "I'm here to speak with Hinata."
The silver haired man blinked several times in disbelief and confusion. His former student was never one for jokes, sarcasm sure, but never something of this caliber. "Hinata? Hyuuga Hinata?"
"Hn. My firm is interested in hiring a psychologist to keep the analysts at the top of their game. It could garner some goodwill with her father." He'd come up with the lie on the fly, but even he had to admit it was pretty good at face value.
"Hm, I'm sure Hiashi would look favorably on you hiring his daughter, the unlicensed behavioral psychology student. She'd pay off her student loans before she even graduated with a gig like that, if she had any that is." He mused innocently. Though, Sasuke didn't take it as such.
"Just tell me where I can find her." he growled lowly with teeth bared, clearly peeved that even after all these years he could not fool his old sensei.
"Well…" Kakashi began, casually glancing at his watch, "Assuming she isn't taking her lunch in the social sciences office, she may be teaching a class in the East Wing."
With that, Sasuke made his way in the direction Kakashi pointed him, grumbling a small "thanks" before walking off. When he reached the wing of the university he was somewhat unnerved by the silence of the halls, the sound of his leather Oxfords against the linoleum being his only company. He patrolled the halls for some time, peeking inside of classrooms through each of the doors glass partitions before he finally found his quarry. He almost hadn't recognized her from her new manner of dress. He examined every detail he could through the frosted glass, dark heels that contrasted starkly with the exposed alabaster skin of her legs, a slim skirt that clung to curves he never knew she possessed, and her blouse and blazer seemed to only draw the eye to her most pronounced feature. She was different from the woman he sparsely knew who wore oversized clothes even during the summer and cowered before most social interaction. Yet here she was seemingly having a heated debate with a… pregnant colleague?
"Kurenai-sensei, again I appreciate the offer but there's n-no possible way I can cover your classes for you. My research-"
"It isn't an offer, Hinata. I'm too far along to keep this up and need you to take over my lessons." explained the crimson eyed woman as her hand absently rubbed her engorged belly. "Who else's hands can I put my students future in if not my own aide's?"
Hinata's hands twitched at her side as she fought against her nervous tick, choosing rather to ball them into fists and stiffen her back. "You flatter me, sensei. But I have enough on my own plate at the moment. I-I couldn't…I can't do this. My research, my thesis, I need to f-focus on them."
"And a glowing review from me could help you get farther with the department heads at your evaluation. It will help far more than a few extra hours could." a slick smile found it's way to the older woman's face as she stared up from behind her desk at the younger woman's flustered face. She could see a litany of emotions flash across her soft features in an instant. Confusion, sadness, humiliation, even anger.
Before any of those emotions could surface more vocally, Hinata took in a deep breath and closed her eyes briefly. As she exhaled she realized she had been shaking slightly, her tense fingers relaxed and she placed her palms on the desk between her and her instructor before looking her dead in her eye. If Sasuke didn't know any better he might have assumed she was going to curse her out for her haughty remarks, if not outright strike her.
"N-n-no, I..." her anxious stutter growing to a fever pitch before she swallowed hard and steadied herself. "I'm sorry, but I can't. And while I would greatly appreciate your support…my work will speak for itself, Kurenai-sensei."
"I see. Very well, I respect your decision." sighed the older woman, her rouge colored lips pursed in mild frustration as she rose to her feet and walked around her desk. Kurenai held out her hand, which Hinata hesitantly took. To her surprise, she was pulled into a gentle hug. "You've come so far, Hinata. I'm so proud."
"Kurenai-sensei…"
"I'm sorry for being so cruel, I just had to be sure."
"Sure? Sure of what?" questioned the Hyuuga, her emotions still roiling from what apparently was just a test.
"I had to be sure I wasn't leaving you high and dry once this little one came. I know now that you're going to do just fine." She explained, releasing her ward from the hug and wiping a stray tear that had escaped. "Nobody walks over Hyuuga Hinata."
Hinata giggled lightly at the positive affirmation she received. "I guess not."
"Damn right they don't. Now, take these files and teach my class. It starts in...ten minutes."
"Sensei!"
"Oh come on, it's just this one class, and you can teach Thorndike in your sleep." Kurenai begged, attempting to garner sympathy by rubbing her stomach. "Please, I need to feed the little one."
While Sasuke couldn't make out the entirety of their conversation, he was somewhat of an expert when it came to body language. Though he had no time to internalize what he'd just witnessed, Hinata was rushing towards the door at quite the clip. It looked like she had accepted whatever the other woman was trying to goad her into. Quickly, he moved out the way just as the door swung open.
"Hinata." his call was soft, but in the silent hall it may as well have been a shout. Though she met it with no response as she rushed down the hall, papers loosely ruffling in her arms.
"Hinata."
No response again. His lips curled into a frown, not enjoying being ignored on any level. He began following her in an attempt to close the distance so she could realize she was being called. Not even the sound of his shoes could draw her attention, chalk it up to the drum of her own heels.
"Hyuuga Hinata." this more forceful call finally drew her attention, her long, thick black-blue hair flourishing to the side as she looked back in his direction, her pure as snow eyes meeting his dark gaze.
"S-S-Sasuke-san? What are y-you..." she stammered in shock, briefly stopping before shaking her head and continuing on, "I-I'm sorry but I don't have the time."
"I need to speak with you." though his voice was soft and even, his frustration with the woman was mounting. Few woman brushed off his attention, and even fewer fled at the sight of him.
"C-can it wait? I have a class to teach." she shot back as he kept up with her hurried pace, only glancing momentarily up at him. She hadn't seen him in some time, well, not in the flesh at least. What possible reason could he suddenly have to speak with her?
Sasuke released a small huff of annoyance and shoved his hand in his pockets, "I suppose."
When he followed her to the door of the classroom, she had no choice but to regard him. She looked up at him, slightly unnerved by the way he stared at her. Impassive, but not without purpose. Uchiha Sasuke never did anything without a reason, doubtful he'd seek her out otherwise, "M-my class, Sasuke-san..."
"That's what I wanted to speak about, actually. I'd like to observe." he explained, noting how she flinched slightly when he reached past her and grabbed the door handle, "If you don't object, that is."
"Ano...okay. Please j-just sit in the back." she responded meekly, a light blush rising to her cheeks when he opened the door for her, a smirk gracing his lips in response. The tiered lecture hall was packed with roughly sixty students, all whom continued their chatter even as their instructor sauntered in and greeted them. It didn't fall completely silent until the enigmatic executive strolled in behind her and made his way to the highest and furthest free seat. Whispers, murmurs, and even swooning broke the brief silence as he ascended and took his chosen spot.
"Good afternoon class. Some of you may know me, for those who don't, I am Hyuuga Hinata, but you may call me Hinata-sensei. Kurenai-sensei had...some pressing business so I will be filling in for her today." when her improvised greeting did little to draw her students attention her eyes found the reason. Narrowing slightly at the stoic man watching impassively, his hands intertwining as he leaned forward, as if this was some theatrical performance to him. Sasuke had a knack for sapping the confidence of those around him, as if he needed more for himself. But this was her class and she was in charge, Kurenai's words resounding in her head, "Nobody walks over Hyuuga Hinata." She pursed her lips and stiffened her back before raising her voice to a level most had never heard, "I can assure you students, your grade in this class is not in the hands of that man."
That was enough to pull the students gaze to the front, even Sasuke's own ears perked up at the dominant display. He was careful to take in the stern look on her face, though it was hard to visualize anything other than the soft sweet features of her face. Not long after gaining her demanded attention, her face did indeed soften an pursed lips were promptly replaced with a smile. "Now let's begin. Kurenai-sensei tells me you're learning about Edward Thorndike. Exciting."
Sasuke watched and listened with vacillating interest, despite the eloquent manner in which she conveyed each theory and principle. His real interest was in her after all. This woman was to be his wife, but he'd yet to work out the exact reason why. She was an objectively intelligent woman with beauty for sure, even if she was not necessarily Sasuke's cup of tea, though, few were. Perhaps he could use her own teachings to assess her role in their fathers plot. If the laws of effect were to drive their thinking, or behavior rather, what caused this reaction, and why did they believe it would draw the most satisfying effect? The obvious answer was Sasuke himself, or his extracurricular activities rather. A simple stimuli that his father found annoying, but his manner of dealing with it was different from the other times. Few things satisfied Uchiha Fugaku that Sasuke knew of, other than control. Any person desired a modicum of control over their own lives, but he coveted far more than most, and practically craved control over others, especially his family. If that were true, what did the Hyuuga patriarch desire? It couldn't have been control, he was all but relinquishing what power he had over his eldest to him. Where Sasuke held more significant power in his family, she held none, for lack of better reasoning, she was a pawn in the game. Though even pawns played an important role. The musing brought his mind to his old economics lessons. They were both pawns on an uneven playing field, but being controlled by cooperative players. Asymmetrical game theory. Before he could dive any deeper into his thoughts the students began to mill about, he was so enthralled in finding a rationale for it all the class had passed by quicker than he thought. As the student's filed out and the few that lingered took their leave, Sasuke made is way to the instructor, "I learned a lot today, Hinata-sensei."
The confident woman who stood before several dozen students just moments ago suddenly disappeared under the cocksure teasing of her observer. She blushed at the sly remark, choosing to focus on retrieving her papers rather than humoring his ego, or his perfect face. She could sparely remember a time when they'd spent time alone, but even in a group setting the mans playboy-esque bravado was often unnerving, "T-thank you, Sasuke san. I'm glad you e-enjoyed it."
So, her stutter had returned. Did he unsettle her so much that her pedagogical prowess became a distant memory? When she made to leave with not so much as a goodbye he reached out and gently grabbed her arm. Noting how much redder her face grew at the physical contact, he immediately removed his hand and shoved both in a pocket, "Are you hungry?"
When she only blinked back in confusion, her mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water, he asked again. This time more specifically, "That is, would you like to have lunch with me?"
Her mind was swimming. Was Uchiha Sasuke asking her on a date? No. Not possible. The man dated models, and J-Pop stars, not adjunct student-teachers! Not even those from a well off family. Now the gears were turning in her head, like a steam engine come to life, using the heat in her cheeks to analyze the situation more clearly. This was probably how he captivated most women, confused them with his silky smooth voice and sharp suits to entice them into whatever he wanted. "I appreciate the offer, b-but I couldn't possibly take more of your time."
"Nonsense. Think of it as my way of thanking you for disrupting your class." he countered almost instantly. Before she could even answer, he moved to open the door for her, feigning chivalry.
"Maybe another time, Sasuke-san." replied the slightly flustered woman stopping at the vestibule, not wanting him to take her exit as silent agreement.
"Just Sasuke is fine, and I insist." she had single-handedly broken the record for refusing his company in a day in just a few hours, and it irked him to no end, though he didn't show it. He either intimidated her too much or she was simply immune to his usual charms. If the latter were true, his mission would be far more difficult than previously thought.
His tenacity rivaled Naruto's own at times, albeit a far more entitled form of such. Having not yet mastered her willfulness to placate others to avoid conflict she reluctantly agreed with a nod and half-hearted smile, much to his delight judging from the haughty smirk he displayed. "It's just lunch between acquaintances. It's not a date. It's not a date." she told herself internally as they walked side by side through the halls. Surely Sasuke was thinking the same, but what if he wasn't? Now that she considered it, what were his motives? He was as pragmatic as a person ever could be, so much so that he seemed to care little for friendships that didn't further his desires. Desires. The thought only put herself back into a heightened state of embarrassment, which didn't go unnoticed by the enigmatic man. Thinking quick she decided to distract him from her rosy cheeks, "S-so S-Sasuke, how have you been? We haven't seen each other since N-Naruto-kun's graduation."
"Aa, busy. I'm sure you've been as well." he responded flatly, being sure to take note of her mention of the blond buffoon. He had failed to make him part of the equation. The man's very existence only added another wrinkle to the developing corporate intrigue. He wasn't nearly as blind to the adoration Hinata had for him as the lawman was, if this grew into a full blown "love" triangle the tabloids would have a field day with it.
Silence again. But sometimes silence was a nice thing, just typically not with the brooding heir to the Uchiha fortune. He never was talkative, unless challenged in some sort of way. But she was already too mentally drained to battle wits with the man after a day of having eyes on her all day. "Hai. My lectures..." she trailed off knowing full well he had no interest in the dull goings on of her life, "It's not i-important. Boring, really."
Sasuke's eyebrow rose at this, "You had quite the audience. I doubt it was boring for them. Enlighten me." at this Hinata was taken aback. While there was no logical reason for him to take an interest in her work, she could help but feel he was being sincere in his curiosity. He always was the inquisitive sort, during their college days they'd often cross paths in the library. She regaled him, or tried to, with broad strokes of her studies as they made their way to a quaint cafe. She was so enthralled by the attention that she hardly noticed the looks they received from onlookers on the street.
"Have you thought about what you will do with your degree, once you graduate?" inquired Sasuke, preferring to fill the lull in conversation as they waited for their meals in a booth.
"No…I-I mean, not much. Between my research and thesis I don't have much time to think about that sort of thing." she admitted, casting her eyes downwards as she fingered the rim of her green tea. Sasuke watched the movements critically; was she mortified by her own answer? Did she feel it wasn't an adequate enough response, or was there something else? Her face was not flushed, but she tried to hide it all the same. Not embarrassment, no, shame. She was going to get her graduate degree, most likely with high honors if her performance in the classroom was any indication, and she was acting as if it was a disgraceful thing. His observation only pointed to one conclusion. Hiashi. The man's disapproval of his eldest's choice of occupation was no secret. Sasuke couldn't help but smirk inwardly, proud of his own cunning at the revelation. So, the old man still had a soft spot for her well being, why else pawn her off on him? Who could provide for a pampered princess better then he? Though, he could think of other ways to provide for her without putting a ring on her finger. Working for him would give him easy access to her, not to mention some degree of control over her father. "I s-suppose I could always teach with K-Kurenai-sensei?"
With her eyes still focused on her beverage, Sasuke made his move. His hand carefully approached her own across the table, lightly covering the smaller appendage and holding it in place. The action alone was enough to draw her attention and a cute gasp from her parted pink lips. Her ghostly white eyes widened marginally as they darted between Sasuke's hand and his face. For a brief moment he took in the sight of her beauty, and had he a mind to court the Hyuuga in earnest, now would the perfect opportunity, "Hinata..."
Before the display could go any further, a catchy tune drew the two back to reality and Hinatas hand out of his own as she reached for her cellphone in her blazer pocket. Without hesitation she answered, clearly grateful for the timely interruption, "H-h-hello?"
While Sasuke could not hear the voice on the other line, he could make out a sole word she uttered, seemingly with equal parts dread and surprise.
"Otousan."
What impeccable timing, the protective patriarch must have implanted her sort of proximity sensor in case any men got to close to her. Had such a thing existed he wouldn't put it past him. Judging by the brief but tense phone call, she must've been summoned for whatever reason. This assumption was only confirmed by the hurried way she gathered her things, momentarily forgetting the man now staring at her blankly. She locked eyes with him in turn, her mouth opening to apologize or whatever response she believed their moment deserved. Though, nothing came out. Choosing rather to leave and spare them both the awkwardness.
Sasuke scowled as he watched her retreating back. He refused to be out flanked by Hiashi. Quickly he slapped down a more than adequate amount of money on the table and followed, much to his surprise she was more than half way down the next block. Apparently she was quite fast for a woman in heels. Thinking quickly, he made his way back to his forgotten vehicle in an effort to give pursuit. Though, something stopped him just as he turned the ignition. Pursuing her further would only complicate things, especially if her destination was the Hyuuga manor. "Another time, Hinata."
As he drove back to the office, seemingly on autopilot, he internalized the exchange he had with his estranged acquaintance. The first rule of corporate espionage was to never attach emotion to the information acquired. Well, actually the first rule was, don't get caught, but regardless, he was already breaking it. Though it was hard to compartmentalize it like that, even for him. It had been sometime since he commiserated with anyone in a non business setting, and despite her apprehensiveness and subdued personality, he enjoyed it. She proved herself to be quite the cunning linguist, having conveyed the early beginnings of modern day behavioral psychology in the most eloquent and thoughtful manner, even he learned a thing or two. Her voice, was much of the same, so calming to the point he could not, or rather did not want to focus on anything other than that as a means to bring clarity to his hectic life. He shook his head at the thought, pressing heavily on the gas, using the engines purr to drown out his atypical train of thought. He'd done such a good job that he hardly realized he was now sitting in the the parking garage. He stayed their for some time, motionless, flexing his fingers against the supple leather of the steering wheel, inadvertently comparing it to her skin. Sasuke scowled at the thought, smothering the ghost-like sensation in his closed fist before finally exiting the car. She was a means to an end, an asset, capital in the game his father and her father were playing. He would not allow himself to be the same, even if it meant using her in the same fashion. The young Uchiha's brain fought against itself as he made his way towards the elevator and to his office. Lobe against lobe. Pragmatism versus sentimentality. It would seem her very existence was causing more of a bother than the actual plot that surrounded them.
"Oi, Sasuske!" called a voice from the depths of the office bullpen. He peered over his shoulder and spotted the cerulean haired ma approaching with files in his hand. "I've got a hot tip. I'm talking paying for my mistresses mistresses plastic surgery hot. I just need you to sign off on this trade."
Any distraction was welcome, he supposed. Briefly glancing over the offered files, Sasuke couldn't help but frown at the supposed "hot tip", "They sell steak knives, Suigetsu."
"Not just any, these are the hottest steak knives in this hemisphere, and they're going to announce their IPO tomorrow!" he exclaimed, doing his best to enthuse his boss about the prospect. "I'm thinking 10,000 shares."
"I'm thinking this is a dud, Suigetsu." he responded flatly as he examined the files more closely. Luckily for his employee he was somewhat off his game given a certain Hyuuga distraction, "Cover 5,000 shares. If the cat dies, wait a day for the bounce and sell immediately."
Suigetsu took the go-ahead with glee, scampering off to make his fortune off of steak knives of all thing. As Sasuke approached his office he could already see the harried look on Karin's face, reflexively pinching his nose to head off the headache.
"Sasuke-kun.. you should know-"
"Yes it was a long lunch, I have Kami knows how many calls to return, and-"
"Your father's here." though her word reached him far too late as he crossed the threshold into his lair and was face to face with the aforementioned man, sitting in his seat nonetheless.
"Son."
"Father." he returned making sure to mask his surprise, and his disdain. Sasuke closed the door behind him and took the seat opposite the perpetually frowning man. His arrival was more than foreboding, if he didn't strike preemptively, all would be lost. "You'll have to excuse my absence, Karin didn't inform me that you had...graced us with your presence. I was out to lunch with a friend."
Sure enough Fugaku took the bait, leaning forward in the seat and quirking an inquisitive eyebrow, " A friend, you say? Do you always regard our clients as such?"
"No, Otousan. I was taking my lunch near the university when I ran into Hyuuga Hinata" he couldn't help the smirk that graced his lips as he adjusted his blazer, "You'll have to forgive me if I was absent for too long. We were enjoying each others company."
"I see." he responded, seemingly unfazed by the revelation. Sasuke may have had an impregnable poker face, but his father was a-whole-nother beast. The man could make Death himself crumble under his gaze if he was inclined to do so. "Tell me, how did you spend your time with the girl?"
The young executive kept his cool under the scrutiny, even going as far as to kick his feet up on his own desk. It was an unspoken challenge, if he was to have any clout amongst his employees he could not wilt under his fathers questions. "I observed one of her classes. She's a skilled orator to say the least. I'm considering hiring her as the office shrink once she is certified. I think she could be a great asset to us."
All he needed was for his father to agree in anyway and he would have turned his own plot inside out and on himself. It would just take luck and then some to convince him that their meeting more than a coincidence. A very romantic, public coincidence between friends. Though, the public would not see it as such, they would gossip and speculate, reading into each innocent touch he made or the respondent blush she produced. They would all believe what he wanted them to.
"An asset. Is that what you see her as?"
"...I won't lie to you, Father. This is not the first time I've seen Hinata." he lied, feigning discomfort by avoiding his piercing gaze and focusing on his bookshelf of financial statues and literature. "My interest in her is more...personal."
"Hn." the response was neither damning nor a glowing approval of his involvement with the Hyuuga princess. But Sasuke didn't need him to approve necessarily, just believe that he'd been seeing the girl. The two Uchiha's bore down on each other with impassive stares, neither willing to back down or disclose what they were thinking. They stayed like this for some time, until the eldest made the first move. He rose from his seat the buttoned his suit, "I suppose this means I wont find you in the morning paper with any other woman but her then?"
Sasuke nodded, somewhat begrudgingly, rising as well as his father walked around the desk. It wasn't that he desired different women, just that he enjoyed his freedom. But, if this farce was going to be enough to dissuade his father from taking drastic measure he would make the small concession. He was somewhat taken back when Fugaku rested a large hand on his shoulder as he passed, stopping only briefly, "You are my son, you are an Uchiha."
To any other son the words may have come off as encouraging, maybe even loving to an extent. But had heard them many times over the years. They were both words of encouragement and a warning. Do not disappoint me. "Hai."
"Your mother would like to hear from you more often, she asked me to let you know." he reminded on his way out of the office, business first as always. Sasuke clenched his fists as the door closed behind him. He could not be sure that the act had been convincing enough, and if it hadn't, he'd be bound to Hinata for the rest of his natural life. As long as Hiashi kept the scheme between himself and the Uchiha patriarch he wouldn't have cause for concern, otherwise he would have to warm up to the idea of Uchiha Hinata.
"Hinata-hime, it is so nice to see you again." greeted a woman clad in a dark traditional kimono, the silver lilacs embroidered on her garb gleaming from the setting sun as she bowed deeply. Hinata was somewhat unnerved by the greeting, she hadn't even touched the door before it swung open to reveal the family maid. Rumor has is that many in her family could see through walls or had a sixth sense about that that sort of thing. Hinata had no such luck with that trait however.
"Natsu-chan! I-it's nice to see you as well." she returned, bowing as well. The attendant ushered her inside through several corridors of the manor, passing a few other maids and attendants in the process. The place had always been too large for her family, even when she and her sister were children, but the it was their ancestral home and tradition was tradition. Hinata inadvertently released a diminutive giggle as she recalled how in her teenage years her sister would refer to tradition as peer pressure from the dead. The small noise caused Natsu to incline her head towards her charge with a questioning look that Hinata dismissed with a shake of her head, "Will m-my sister be joining us for dinner tonight?"
"Oh, you haven't heard? Hiashi-sama sent her to America in his stead. Business dealings and the like." she explained outside a pair of oaken double doors. "Your cousin will be joining you and Hiashi-sama tonight however."
Before the words could pass her lips the doors opened and she was greeted by the sight of her father and aforementioned cousin, "N-Neji-kun!"
"Hinata-san." returned the older man, clad head to toe in an expensive black suit, he could be her fathers son to the untrained eye. The lavender haired woman took a step inside, doing her best to stifle her glee at the sight of her long lost cousin in her father presence. Had he not been observing her so closely, she would have commemorated the reunion with a hug. Returning her attention to her father and his piercing gaze she bowed lowly, doing her best to focus on her breathing and the spotless floor of the dinning room, "Otousan."
"Thank you, Natsu. Please, bring us some tea before we begin dinner." spoke the patriarch, regarding the help with more urgency than his own daughter. The pang of sadness that bore into her chest threatened to tear down the demeanor she manufactured solely for her father. Sometimes she wondered if he did it consciously, as if he constantly wanted to test her resolve, not so silently wishing she would stand up to him. But such a thing would practically be familial suicide for her, after all, she wasn't the heiress, just another daughter. "Hinata, I hope I did not take you away from any pressing...business."
"No, of course not Otousan." the word flowed from her freely, she surprised even herself sometimes. While she wouldn't technically call her lunch with Uchiha Sasuke pressing...just the thought of not disclosing such an event was an implicit lie. Almost instantly she could feel her chest tighten and her head begin to swim. If she lied to her father about the meeting, she would have to lie to Sakura, or at the very least embellish some facts. Like his touch, the way he said her name, his attentiveness...
'Hinata-san, can I take your bag for you?" offered Neji out of the blue. Silently the doe eyed girl thanked him for the distraction, but refused his offer, setting her attaché beside the chabudai table when Hiashi gestured for her to take a seat. Quickly she nestles herself against the plush tatami mat, careful to tuck her legs underneath her.
"How are your studies?" inquired Hiashi, his interest largely forced. As Hinata formulated her response Nastsu returned with a retinue of other maids in tow, all toting tea and an assortment of finger foods for the first course.
"They're going well. Kurenai-sensei has appointed me as her personal adjunct teacher. A-a great honor for a graduate student." she explained eagerly sipping her pipping hot tea, doing all she could to turn her thoughts away from her meeting with Sasuke.
"Hm. You seem to be doing quite well for yourself. I will have to give Kurenai my thanks for taking such good care of you." his tone expressed everything he was too refined to vocalize. Her achievements were never her own, they were always the culmination of anthers influence. She resented the idea. He had no right, she worked everyday to pay for all she had despite the allowance he deposited into her bank account as if she were some pampered child. But she could never say such a thing, never stand up to him and boldly declare that she was her own woman, with our without his influence.
"H-how have you been, Neji-kun? I last heard you were in Nagasaki overseeing...exports of some sort?" internally she was kicking herself for even attempting to make small talk about her estranged cousins business dealings.
"Yes, I only recently returned to Tokyo. But, we don't need to discuss business tonight." he deflected, knowing such things were outside her expertise, she was simply being polite.
"Quite the contrary, Neji. I requested you both attend this dinner for exactly that reason." announced Hiashi much to his guests surprise. "You may know this already Neji, but the business is experiencing some difficulties. The market is more toxic than anticipated, and I've had to rethink our strategy."
Hinata was slightly taken aback by the admission, not to mention the fact that her presence was needed for such a discussion. She resigned herself to being a benign entity in the family business, why include her now?
"A phase I'm sure, Hiashi-sama. The market will correct itself in time." countered the young man, hoping to steer the Hyuuga patriarch from talking shop.
"Be that as it may, it behooves me to look out for not only the interests of my clients, but also those of our family." his tone slowly slipped from that of a measured tenor to one of dread, or at least that's how it registered for Hinata. Hiashi took a sip of his cooled tea before continuing, "As such, I've consulted with the board of directors and heeded their advice to discuss a possible partnership with Tomoe Capital."
"Tomoe...the Uchiha's?" questioned Neji in disbelief, his shock making him forget his manners briefly as he eyed the man adjacent from him at the table. "Forgive me Hiashi-sama, but Uchiha Fugaku has always opposed-"
"I have already discussed the matter with him." the interruption was stern and final, making his desire to continue unquestioned. "The terms are still being discussed, but have no doubt that this is necessary for the company."
Silence rang through the room as each party internalized the vague decree, speculating what such a partnership would entail, and how they played a role in it. Hinata's heart jumped at the sound of that surname. While she was a mere neophyte when it came to such dealings, the idea that the two families would be that much closer logically only meant she would be that much closer to Sasuke, in a sense. The idea of her father and him having a discussion sent a shiver down her spine. What if he mentioned their meeting? What if he was invited to a dinner like this? What if her presence was requested for such an event? The countless possibilities clouded her mind and threatened to make her faint.
"Fugaku...wishes to see his company prosper, now and into the future. The same as I do." Hinata's eyes softened at the sincerity with which her father spoke. He cared deeply for the company, much like his family, it was his legacy. "Uchiha Sasuke is his future. My eldest, Hyuuga Hinata, will bind our futures as one."
"Hiashi-sama..."
"Otousan..."
The shock of the revelation brought the entire room to a standstill. It wouldn't be surprising if the attendants outside the dining room had also frozen. Before either dismayed parties could vocalize their thoughts Hiashi put the final nail in the coffin so to speak, "If Fugaku agrees, you will marry Sasuke."
Alright! I belted this one out as quickly as I could for you guys because I do not know when I'll have the next completed. A little back story on some of the jargon (I know dead cat bounce might have thrown a few people off) used when discussing Sasuke and Hinata's chosen professions. In college I studied finance and economics, today I am a financial analyst so I have an understanding of that world and wanted to draw on some of my own knowledge and experiences to flesh out a more detailed story. As for Hinata, Psychology was my minor and I still have a deep love for the study today, using the principles to better understand things in my professional and personal life. While they may differ, there is more than enough material that overlaps as I've tried to relay through Sasuke and Hinata's attempts to figure each other out in their brief rendezvous. I know many of you have had concerns about Sasuke's treatment of Hinata and all the goings on in their soon to be written relationship. I hope I've foreshadowed what I could without giving all the emotional tension I plan to fill this story with away in the first two chapters! Sasuke obviously plans to do all he can to escape wedding the sweet Hyuuga, but he has as much control of the situation as Hinata does, despite how he attempts to paint himself as the mastermind with his machinations. He does genuinely find her to be interesting, if only for the fact that she has no interest in him whatsoever. He by no means hates her or looks down on her. She's just another girl to him in a way. But just maybe she'll become more to him. Maybe. No spoilers here. As always, leave a review or PM me your thoughts on how the story is developing and maybe throw some suggestions my way if you'd like.
Next Chapter: The Mother
Until next time! Sayonara!
