A/N: Okay, took a bit to polish this one, found somethings I didn't like, expanded on some things that'll play an important role later on. So take notes as this will be on the test! Just kidding, no test. Just an enjoyable story that hopefully you enjoy!
The Wife
She could have slammed the door in his face for how the evening had turned out, and she'd be well within her rights to do so. She could have been distant and avoid all conversation with him, never mind his somewhat innocent touches. She could have refused it all, but rather she stayed, despite his stupidity, and in spite of it all wanted to work with him on their "relationship". She truly was an enigmatic woman, and she had been gracious enough to reveal yet another layer of her mysterious nature to him.
The streets were empty, not surprising given the late hour. Though as he pulled up to a stoplight, he realized he wasn't alone. An ox blood colored motorcycle pulled up alongside him, its rider donning a jet black moto jacket and matching helmet. A woman, judging by the slim formfitting outfit but he couldn't be sure, not with the tinted visor obstructing his view. She eyed him behind the visor, revving her engine, aggressively spinning her tires until the burning rubber produced smoke.
A challenge. Sasuke smirked and returned the gesture in kind. It was an unexpected but welcome way to end his evening seeing as Hinata had the good sense not to be so bold as to invite him in for a nightcap.
The sound of screeching tires filled the empty street as the light turned green. The mysterious motorcycle woman accelerated in a flash and pulled away quickly as expected, but Sasuke kept his distance and slowly he gained on her. His free hand grasping the and changing gears as he closed in on her. Just as they were close to being neck and neck, she swerved in front of him, forcing him to slam on his brakes. But he didn't quit, instead he pressed heavily on the pedal in an effort to make up the lost ground. Surely enough he was on her tail, thinking quickly he shifted gears and pulled ahead of his opponent triumphantly, Though it was short lived, before he could celebrate, she circled around his back and veered down a side street.
The obsidian eyed drag racer brought his vehicle to an abrupt stop and eyed the individual curiously when she too skidded to a stop. They bore down on each others with an intense stare, her aggressively twisting her throttle as if preparing to ram him. But instead she popped wheelie and spun around down the dark street, leaving the Uchiha with questions and considerably less gas in his tank. Just what he needed, more mystery in his life.
Hinata was always an early riser, and today was no different. Even though it was finally the weekend, her work was never done. She need to prep her lesson plans, and she had her own studies to attend to as well as her ever looming thesis.
The first two tasks were completed with relative ease, repetition making the tasks nearly autonomous at this point. However, her thesis had eluded her for so long that she found it difficult to focus on the daunting task.
She sat in front of her low coffee table with her legs crossed, clad in her lilac colored pajamas, her research document scattered around her on the floor and the table, the words all meshing together into an indecipherable Times New Roman blob. Though one stack did stick out, the marriage contract. She hadn't skimmed it, yet it seemed to be at the forefront of her mind, as did her date.
HL she reached for it, stopping just short and picking up a few random notes on Pavlov, in an attempt to push it from her mind all together. But to no avail, eventually succumbed to her own curiosity and anxiety and began reading. As she reads through the vast amount of legal jargon, her mind wanders. Back to her thesis, back to her date with Sasuke and their conversation, even back to the brief meeting with Sakura where she expressed her desire to better understand Sasuke.
Hinata can't help but feel a pang of guilt for what she had done—for what she was about to do to her closest female friend. She was gong to marry the man of her friends dreams, and it was all happening for the wrong reasons. But what could she do, the situation was quickly spiraling out of control, and quite frankly, neither of them had been in control in the first place.
The family. Her mind returned to those that had set the events in motion and contemplated how their influence was shaping there very lives as it had since before either could talk or walk. Sasuke simultaneously seemed to despise and care for deeply for his family. Seeking retribution with one breath and striving to secure their future no matter the cost with his next. That familial bond was his cornerstone, it was a part of him, and it shaped his behavior for better or worse.
Quickly dropping the contract, the opal eyed scholar grabbed her notebook and pen. She contemplates the epiphany she's reached, the notion of cornerstones wasn't new by any means but maybe she could elevate the principals created by the likes of Maslow, or Watson. Her heart was beating madly in her chest as she rushed to jot down her notions.
Cornerstones. The foundation of personality and behavior, not as a stagnant building block but one that constantly shifts due to the subjectivity of the controlling factors. Family was the first, shaping everything from our perceptions to our mannerisms. Who we will be and who we wont be. Sasuke's family had shaped him just her hers had.
Hinata toys with the idea, her mind roiling over the subjects she could draw on to prove out her theory. She wished she could draw on her own experiences, oh the tales she could tell about the modern day princess and the universal aspects of rearing and learned behavior. But alas, personal experiences did not belong in an academic thesis, much less that of a subjective party. Her mind once again wondered to Sasuke, quickly realizing that it was most likely frowned upon to use your fiance for such a thing as well.
Hinata released a sigh, having hit a wall after the euphoria of the revelation wore off. Just as she moved to find new inspiration, the catchy eight bit ringtone of her phone filled her apartment.
"Hinata! I sent you like 20 texts last night! What happened on the date?" inquired Hanabi, of course after a small amount of berating.
"Sorry, I-I was doing some work and hadn't read my texts." she apologized, doing some mental gymnastics to formulate how best to actually answer her question, "It was...It was nice. We had a nice time."
"It must have been. All of the blogs and gossip columns are buzzing with word of Tokyo's newest power couple." she elaborated, her attitude towards Hinata and Sasuke's relationship seemingly making a 180 overnight. "They've even given you two a pet name. Several in fact. Hyuuchiha is my favorite."
"So...So you approve?" questioned the eldest sister, the surprise evident in her voice.
"Of course not! Now tell me about the date."
"Ano…it was a n-normal date." she defended, suddenly realizing how foolish she sounded. What did she know about normal, it was her first real date after all.
"There's no such thing as a "normal date", not when it's with a multimillionaire." countered the young heiress, her inquisitive mind working overtime to extract what she could from her sister. "I've seen the pictures. He was all over you. Did he try anything?"
"No Hanabi, of course not!" while it wasn't the entirety of the truth, it was truth adjacent, but the small lie was all that kept Sasuke from getting flayed by a twenty-one year old. "H-he was nothing but a gentleman. Honestly."
"Hmmm. Did he kiss you goodnight?" the question caught Hinata off guard, prompting a hasty flustered response.
"N-n-no! Of course he didn't!'
"Take it easy. I was just asking." she sighed in relief, "The last thing an arrogant playboy needs is to think he can take liberties with you just because you're his fiancee."
"I…um…I d-did though."
"Wha—What!? You kissed Uchiha Sasuke!? Hinata!"
"It was j-just on the cheek! Isn't that what y-y-you do when you have a nice date?" now she was panicking, had she committed some little known dating faux pas?
Suddenly her sisters voice became deathly serious, "Are you falling for him?"
"I-I-I…" was all she could stammer at the accusation.
"What about your crush on what's his name…Naruto?"
The simple thought of the blond was bittersweet and instantly make her blush of embarrassment turn to one of shame. It was the thought of losing that unrequited love that was so painful. No longer would she be able to watch him from across a table at a friend's get together, soaking in his radiance and generally jovial attitude, pining for the day that it would be directed at her. That would all be over soon. Sasuke would never have her fawning over his closest friend, not even if she did so in secret. She
was to be faithful to him and he to her.
"I…I can't have those feelings anymore. It-it was a childish crush." The words tasted like bile as they passed her lips. The very thought betrayed what had been a desire for many years and to think now it was all suppose to disappear. It almost brought tears to her eyes.
Sensing the distress in her sisters voice, Hanabi softened her own in an attempt to reach her on an emotional level, "Hey, Hinata...you don't need to give up hope like that. There's no guarantee Sasuke will be faithful , I mean...what about Sakura? What about all of the other women?"
Hinata had never questioned Sasuke's faithfulness, she had no reason to. Sakura never questioned it, and to either of their knowledge he'd never cheated. The idea only made her question whether or not he still held feelings for the cherry headed medical student.
Surely her sister had good intentions, but all she was doing was sowing doubt. But Hinata still believed that despite how loveless their marriage may be, he would never bring that sort of shame onto either of their families.
"Stop it, please Hanabi. Sasuke...he-he's a decent man." she pled, fearing that she was getting too inside her head.
"Tch, you think too highly of him. The way you defend him you'd think you were already his precious wife."
"So what!?" Hanabi had crossed a line and the outburst it prompted from Hinata surprised them both. Though, she did not apologize. She was fuming, this was happening to her after all. Who was anyone to criticize or scrutinize their relationship. If she was willing to resign herself to this fate she didn't need casual observers making it more difficult than it already was. "I know...who I am going to become. Soon I'll be U-Uchiha Hinata."
"Hey, listen sis. You'll always be a Hyuuga, and you'll always be my sister. No matter what." it was a rare sound from her, that supportive loving tone that warmed your heart when it came from family. The stress of being an heiress had all but destroyed that side she remembered in their adolescent days.
"Thanks, Hanabi—and sorry for yelling."
"I deserved it. And don't stress over the kiss on the cheek. It could've been worse."
"Wha-what do you mean?"
"You could've put out on the first date."
"H-Hanabi!"
"I'm kidding!"
Unlike Hinata, Sasuke had a more relaxed approach to how he dealt with his Saturdays. Though it wasn't a complete lapse of discipline. He worked on the weekends though it was largely unnecessary, a skeleton crew could handle what little trades clients had come up with during breakfast. His showing up to the office on the weekends had become a force of habit he developed when he first rose to the role of executive. Doing all he could to fill the shoes left empty by his brother.
He strolled through his preparations at a languid pace, taking in all that had occurred in the last twenty-four hours. Orochimaru, the marriage contract, the woman on the motorcycle, the only bright spot being his date with Hinata. Other than that, coincidence be damned, sometimes it seemed as if the very forces of the universe conspired against him, like his father. The thought brought a scowl to his face as he threw his blazer over his shoulder and left his apartment.
His slothfulness continued, arriving at the office just before noon, even going as far as to not even park his own vehicle, handing it off tot he valet on this particular Saturday. He greeted the security guard at the desk, a tall stocky man with unruly orange hair named Jugo. Like Karin he was another acquisition from Orochimaru. The man wasn't happy working for the shadow broker, and Sasuke had decided he needed muscle for more...hostile takeovers.
"Sasuke-san. I have a package for you. Motorcycle courier left it."
This piqued the dark haired mans curiosity, doubtful this was yet another coincidence. Carefully hiding his interest he accepted the manila envelope, "Thank you Jugo. Did you notice anything about this courier, anything familiar?"
"No, I can't say so. They never took off their helmet."
Sasuke made for the empty elevators, stifling the urge to open the package, but not for long. He needed to know if it was another gift from his brother, or a "gift" from Orochimaru again. He slide open the envelope and in an instant his relaxing Saturday had been flipped upside down.
Photo after photo of him, nude as a blue jay, mid coitus with that woman, Tayuya. She had taken them, judging from the angles of each picture. Sasuke was damn near foaming at the mouth with anger. The subscript written on the back of one of the more lewd pictures only infuriated him more.
"Do you fuck her like this too, Sasuke?"
The photos weren't nearly as damaging as they could have been, it was a bittersweet thought that crossed his mind briefly. These salacious photos would not bring down his family's business, it could cost them a small fortune but it wouldn't lead to ruin. If this was Orochimaru's doing and not just some sick game the redhead decided to play, he could pay her well enough to disappear. But if this was part of some large scheme masterminded by the snake...
"Sasuke. Just the man I came to see." the Uchiha's attention was drawn upwards by the voice and he was met with cold alabaster eyes.
"Neji." he greeted plainly, stealthily stowing the photos and his anger as he brushed past the man and entered his office. So he was waiting for him. Just what he needed, another meddler.
The two of them had always had a small rivalry in college. One family genius to another, the animosity was purely professional. They were born to be successors, the competitiveness of their relationship came naturally.
"I was in the building on business and decided to pay you a visit to discuss something." the man was never one to beat around the bush, while Sasuke appreciated his direct nature, on this particular occasion it didn't bode well. Family business no doubt.
"We can talk in my office." the onyx eyed man's flat tone was quite contrary to the anger laying dormant in every cell of his body. He wanted nothing more than to banish the man from his sight and root out his blackmailers demands. But he obviously came here to talk about Hinata, and not to chat about the weather.
"Let me be frank Sasuke. I came to discuss my cousin." began the young Hyuugas taking his seat opposite his host.
"It's to be expected."
"Indeed."
"I've only seen more of your family in the last week than I have of my own. I'm beginning to dream of pale eyes lately." The snark did not go unanswered,
"Given the circumstances, yes. Our families are going to be…bound to one another after all." he responded, the corner of his eye twitching slightly. "More to the point, I hear you've been spending time with Hinata.
"Aa. Never took you for a fan of idle gossip, Neji."
"Your…exploits have proven to be anything but. And that is where my concern lies." He was adamant at least, but still he seemed to be holding something back. Perhaps all he needed was a little persuading.
"Speak plain English, Hyuuga. I haven't got all day for you to pussyfoot around the subject of Hinata." urged Sasuke, impatiently tapping his fingers on his desk. The man lips pursed tightly as he adjusted himself in his seat. Now he was ready to get down to brass tact's.
"Fair enough, Uchiha." the surname spilled from his lips like bile as he narrowed his eyes to drive home his the severity of his point, "My cousin is a Hyuuga, through and through. You'll treat her as such. Not like one of your fly by night floozys."
"Hn. I've shown Hinata nothing but the utmost respect. And the paparazzi seem to think we're quite the couple." his snide remark was accompanied by a slick smirk. He always could get under the man's skin, and all he had to do was mention his family.
"Public opinion not withstanding, it—"
"No, your opinion notwithstanding." snapped the obsidian eyed man, his patience now forgotten, "Soon enough your cousin will be Uchiha Hinata, and she will get all of the respect deserving of her station as my wife."
The nerve, the unmitigated gall of this man. Neji was fuming, even going as far as to rise from his seat, fists clenched and ready to throttle the man across the desk. "You little…"
"You forget yourself, Neji. Do not presume to come to my office and make demands. Whether they're your own, or Hiashi's." Sasuke's threat held an air of finality to it, only further angering his pale eyed adversary.
"You don't deserve her…"
"That may be, but perhaps your family never did." he returned, a smirk forming once the Hyuugas face morphed to that of angry defeat. "I'll take care of your cousin, have no doubt. I may even do so on this very desk."
"Bastard…"
Before Neji could punctuate his statement with a show of force, Sasuke's door opened. Perfect timing as always Karin.
"Sasuke! I didn't know you had a meeting, sorry for being so late."
"My guest was just leaving, actually." responded the dark haired executive, putting the final nail in the "conversation".
Sasuke didn't like having his personal life questioned, not even by his family. And for Neji to try and intimidate him like some schoolyard bully who's sister you were dating. It only pissed him off more than he already was. Perhaps he had been too crass, and bold in his defense of Hinata, but he'd been with her the previous night. He had always been a gentleman to the woman in his life, despite what the media had to say about that. And he meant every word he said about Hinata. She may not have been his choice of wife, but she was to be his, and he would defend her against even her own kin.
But now he offended that kin, or at the very least Neji. He would have to get ahead of this before his mouth caused more trouble than intended. Offense to combat his abrasive comments.
"Um..is there anything you need, Sasuke?"
"No...It's Saturday. Go home." he said nonchalantly, collecting his things and brushing past her. "I'll be working from home today."
"But...I just—"
He continued his trek out of the office, making sure to stagger his exit lest he run into an irate Hyuuga in the lobby. His aimless Saturday suddenly had purpose. The valet pulls his car around and he begins driving for the sake of collecting his thoughts. He had to compose himself and formulate the best way to circumvent his own foolishness. He ultimately decided the best way to stymie his words affect by to reaching their intended destination before they did.
He headed off Neji with a call to Gentle Fist Investments itself. Naturally the assistant was hesitant to comply with his request to speak to Hiashi himself. But of course once he told her who was making such a call she caved.
As the phone rang Sasuke took a deep breath to steady himself, he was going to have to essentially kiss his soon to be father-in-law's ass.
"Good afternoon, Hiashi-san. I figured you would be in the office, I hope I haven't caught you at a bad time."
The line was silent for a moment, perhaps the patriarch had expected something less...cordial. "I do not doubt you too find yourself working through the weekends."
So far so good it seemed. The man hadn't threatened him yet, so Neji must not have relayed his message. "Aa. Though today is an exception however. I have more pressing matters to attend to."
"And what do these matters have to do with me?"
"They have more to do with your daughter, Hinata." his next word came off the cuff, not something he'd plan to legitimize the friendly chat, "I'd like to formally ask for her hand in marriage, with your blessing, of course."
"I see. Your…gesture is appreciated, but have no doubt that this is a business transaction first and foremost."
"Hn. Regardless, Hinata is to be my wife. I'd be doing her and her family a disservice had I not considered you, Hiashi-san."
Again Hiashi hesitates, wary of the young Uchiha's disposition. The boy was never visibly or vocally cheerful. It all seemed wrong, but Hiashi's hands were tied. He could not rebuff the man.
"As a matter of fact I was just about to find a ring suitable for my Hinata" Sasuke couldn't help but have some fun with his charade. The barely audible sound of the older mans steady breath hitching at his all too familiar tone. My Hinata, the words floated in his head, his crass mention of what he'd like to do to her on his desk gaining more appeal than previously thought.
Sasuke's aimless driving was apparently less so, seeing as somehow his body had driven him to the jewelry district. The streets were lined with rather lavish stores all flaunting their platinum baubles and diamond encrusted wares.
"My daughter…has plain tastes, despite her station in life. Something simple will do for the ceremony." he was clearly somewhat disturbed by the conversation. You'd think the man who so graciously offered his daughter as both wife and dowry would be more enthused that her fiancé wanted to treat her with respect.
"I appreciate the input Hiashi-san. But, only the best for the Hyuuga princess." his comment was less off hand than it may have seemed, he chose those words to get the clerk's attention. Nothing worked quite as well as a little name dropping. He hung up on his future father in law and turned his attention to the task at hand.
He perused the wares, from lapis lazuli, to luminescent moonstones, and some princess cut diamond rings that made even his wallet quiver.
"Is there anything I can help you with, sir?"
"I need an engagement ring. For my fiancée."
"Wonderful. Do you have an idea of what she might like?"
He hadn't a clue. She was as Hiashi said, somewhat plain. She didn't wear jewelry, not even earrings from what he recalled. Though he did remember her in her black dress the previous evening. It wasn't the most modest thing, odds were it wasn't even her dress to begin with. But it was simple, elegant. Fitting for the down to earth heiress. He chose just that, a stunning platinum band adorned by a sizable princess cut diamond, flanked by two smaller ones on either side.
As he exited, choosing to leave his purchase to be sized, polished, and prepared, he spotted someone inspecting his car. As he approached it became obvious what was going on.
"If you convince Jiraiya to allow my company to handle your pension fund you could afford one of these, Naruto. In about thirty years that is."
"Lot of good it'll do in an impound lot, teme!" countered the blond. Sasuke smirked at the fuming officer as he approached him, chest puffed out with a notepad in his hand.
"I had no idea you'd been demoted to meter maid. Who did you piss off this time?"
"No one! Not that its any of your concern." Naruto poke his dark haired misanthrope in the chest several times, causing enough annoyance that is smirk turned to a scowl. "How many times have I told you, you can't just park anywhere you please!"
"Tch. Lighten up, I was leaving anyway."
"Leaving...Hey! What were you doing in that store anyway?"
"Didn't realize I was under arrest, officer." his calm reaction betrayed the flood of thoughts that entered his mind. Naruto may have been thicker than a hundred year old oak, but he knew well enough that he wasn't one to flaunt his wealth with trinkets, his suits and car being the only indication of his worth. He'd be able to sniff out the truth given enough time.
He couldn't simply tell his closest friend her was marrying Hinata out of the blue. He'd express his shock sure enough, and offer his congratulations. But there was still the chance he'd question the whole thing and disapprove of the arrangement, if not on his own principals than for his secret admirers.
"Maybe not now. But there is a photo going around the office. Some late night drag racing. One motorcycle, and one car matching this description."
Now he was just fucking with him. Sasuke's scowl turned into full on bared teeth. It wasn't the first time he'd threatened to haul him in for minor infractions. It wasn't until he began hailing for a tow truck on his radio that Sasuke took him seriously.
"Fine, I was just looking into a piece of jewelry my mother wanted repaired. Nothing sinister here." defended the obsidian eyed man ruefully. "If we're done here, I have to get going. Maybe we'll grab lunch one of these days. If you don't try to arrest me that is."
"Why not dinner? Tonight! We can go to the old ramen shop." Naruto was never one to turn down a free meal. While spending his Saturday evening at a hole in the wall ramen shop was something they hadn't done since college, he had no plans. Nor could he fault the blond for not developing his taste buds any further.
"Fine." Sasuke responded brushing past the blond and sitting on the hood of his car, arms crossed in annoyance.
"Great! We'll get the whole gang together!" it wasn't until Naruto said those words that Sasuke began to reconsider. That "gang" would include Hinata, maybe her cousin as well. Such a meeting could only complicate things. But still he agreed with a nod, he'd juggled six meetings before noon once or twice, what was a little dinner between friends?
Sasuke surmised that it would be best to avoid revealing his betrothal like some grand spectacle. He'd have much rather preferred to do so little by little, when the time was right. This get together wasn't going to make things easier. He supposed it couldn't be helped, nor could the ticket Naruto decided to leave him with as he hugged him and drove off in his squad car.
Sasuke sat on his car hood for some time, pondering how best to dispose of the infraction, when suddenly his phone began vibrating violently. Naruto had already spread the word and now he was being bombarded by those close enough to have his number as to whether or not Naruto was telling the truth that the two had made plans together. Sakura even going as far as to question if it was some half baked plan of the blonds to get her to go on a date with him.
He responds to each increasingly more elaborate question with simple answers. He hated texting, despite it's situational usefulness. Just as his phone finally ceased it's disruptive vibrations, it started once again. But not a text, a call.
"Hinata."
"Hi Sasuke. How are you today?"
So cordial. Granted it was refreshing to receive a call and have a conversation rather than rushed text demanding answers. "I'm doing well enough Hinata. Yourself?"
"Fine." she responded softly, clearly having something else on her mind other than an innocuous chat about each other's day. "I…um got a text from Naruto-kun. About the dinner tonight—"
"You have your reservations, no doubt." he finished for her.
"I…I'm not a-ashamed of…us. I just spoke to my sister today, and she says the media has already started to g-gossip." She hesitated momentarily before continuing, "Surely Sakura has seen the same news…"
"And you're worried they'll have questions." Stated the Uchiha having just about figured out her most likely answer.
"Y-yes of course I'm worried about that. I haven't told anyone except my sister…Have you—have you told anyone about…us?"
"I haven't spoken a word to a soul that doesn't already know." Sasuke answered honestly, briefly glancing around at passerby's before continuing. "I did speak to your cousin, and your father today however."
"N-Neji-kun? And father? W-what did you say?" Sasuke could practically hear her heart drop at the mention of her father.
"I formally expressed my willingness to be your husband to your father. Your cousin and I…discussed the importance of faithfulness to this marriage." The latter explanation wasn't necessarily a lie, just a clever embellishment.
As embarrassed as Hinata was she was just as upset. She didn't like knowing people were discussing her future without her, no more than Sasuke did. Yet here he was having secret meetings with the arrangements conspirator. And to hear that "faithfulness" had been a topic of discussion only made her mull over her earlier conversation with Hanabi. Was Sasuke truly such a deplorable womanizer? She couldn't deny she didn't know the man as well as she wished she did, especially since he was to be her husband.
"Listen, Hinata. The media is going to speculate all sorts of things until they know for sure. The best course of action is to give our friends some small courtesy and let them hear it from us." His reasoning was sound and even oddly sentimental.
"But…what will we tell them?"
"That our families have decided we should get married. They don't need to know the sorted business of it all."
"You make it all sound so simple."
"It is that simple."
"I-It isn't Sasuke!" the sudden rise of her voice took the raven haired man surprise and gave him pause to press the issue. "These people are our friends. They care about us…about our feelings. Don't you? Don't you still have feelings for Sakura?"
His initial shock had worn off and his natural reaction to combat the unexpected attack with a retort of his own kicked in. There wasn't a doubt in his mind she still had feelings for Naruto—the two had never dated, much less even been on a date. But he suppressed that urge knowing full well that it would only further complicate the issue. "I'd rather talk about this in person, Hinata. I'm coming over."
"What? N-no, you can't I—"
"I'll be there within the hour." his response was declarative and final, the last sound Hinata heard before she could protest was the sound of his engine revving just as he hung up. Her fiancé was as stubborn a man as she'd ever known.
True to his word, Sasuke arrived in a timely fashion. He rapped on her door several times and waited, finally greeted by Hinata who seems to be somewhat out of breath and red in the face.
"Is everything alright, Hinata?"
"I was—I was just tidying up." She explained doing her best to keep her ladylike composure and catch her breath at the same time. Needless to say she wasn't the most successful, given the way she'd thrown her hair in a messy bun and the disheveled Tokyo University sweats she wore.
"Can I come in?" he asked after giving her several moments to compare herself. Flushing in embarrassment she nodded and ushered him inside. He ventured into the quaint flat after removing his shoes, noting what he could about the heiress's lifestyle. Plush off white carpeting, simple but numerous kitchen appliances and tools, ample natural lighting, and it was virtually spotless at that. No way she could've done this in the time it took him to drive over.
"Can I get you anything? A snack? Something to drink?" offered Hinata, nervously fidgeting in kitchen. Having someone in her personal space was entirely new for her. It didn't help that it was Sasuke.
"I'm fine. Thanks." he responded, clearing a small stack of papers from her mauve couch and taking a seat. He examined the scattered piles of paper his curiosity piqued. Other than the coffee table the rest of her flat was pristine. "You were studying."
"Yeah, sorry about the mess." she mumbled, a light blush spreading across her face as she hurried to sort out her mess.
"You should have told me. I wouldn't have intruded."
"Yes you would have." thought Hinata somewhat ruefully as she cleared and straightened her scholarly works to be more visually appealing. "It's alright…we have somethings to talk about anyway."
"Like my feelings for Sakura?" he asked plainly, leaning forward in his seat and absently skimming through a handful of documents. Hinata took a seat beside him, her hands knotted anxiously to subdue her nervous tick.
"We-well, yes. She's my friend and your…ex-girlfriend. It's only right that we—"
"We're no more than friends now. Simple."
"But how does she—"
"She understands that I don't have romantic feelings for her anymore." He was beginning to get annoyed with her concern for his and Sakuras relationship, or lack thereof. "We can't concern ourselves with the feelings of others like this, Hinata. This arrangement is ours alone to deal with."
Sasukes words were not lost on Hinata, she herself having expressed the same sentiment to her sister. It was almost eerie how they were on the same wavelength, although his assessment was more cold and calculating than her own emotional one. The conversation they shared the previous evening came back to her as she mulled over his assertion. No one else could understand what either was going through, they had promised one another that they'd be a unified front against all potential meddlers.
"I suppose you're right. I-I just don't feel comfortable. It's…. underhanded." Hinata locked eyes with Sasuke, silently pleading for him to maybe consider a gentler touch. No such luck.
"Hn. They'll thank us for being so considerate in sparing them." he half joked, still not too pleased with the interrogation in the first place. "While we're on the subject, what about your feelings for Naruto?"
Her breath hitched in her throat as she stared into his obsidian orbs. She shouldn't have been that surprised he knew, not only was he keenly observant, he had dated one of her best friends, surely they gossiped like any other couple. The thought only caused her anxiety to double. What else did he know about her? What had Sakura possibly let slip?
She internally questioned what right he had to asking such a thing. He was…just her fiancé. Hinata couldn't help but wonder if he was somewhat jealous. He and Naruto we're mortal rivals in everything except love, and this was new for him. It was new to both of them, the only difference being he had closure to his relationship. Hers had never truly began in earnest. Perhaps she shouldn't jump down his neck, seeing as she had just asked the same question. But she didn't know how to feel, she knew she didn't have those same feelings for Sasuke, but what good would that answer do? So she gave him the answer he wanted.
"I… I am going to be your wife. My feelings—" her voice caught in her throat and she could feel the familiar sting behind her eyes. But she would not cry in front of him. She accepted this fate, and she would face it as bravely as she could. "A crush. A childish crush. Nothing more, Sasuke."
He didn't believe her, how could he? Something like that didn't disappear overnight, it was ingrained in your personality, permeated every pore and expressed with every subtle action. Being an operator demanded he scrutinize every detail to peel back the layers and glimpse a person's deepest motives. She was no different. She had her secrets, her own desires. But she wasn't a client he could manipulate to get what he wanted.
The question made him almost as uncomfortable as it did her. He didn't care to know how she personally felt about their mutual friend. He didn't care for most people's personal lives, what good would worrying about it do him now? Hinata was her own woman, despite being beholden to her family for much of her life, she had gained more than a modicum of independence. He wasn't here to be another controlling force in her life. He was supposed to be her partner.
He offered her no words, only nodding in acknowledgment. Pressing the issue would only create unnecessary friction in an already precarious situation. Instead he turned his attention to her research notes.
"I don't suppose you've uncovered a solution to our dilemma in your research." his nonchalant transition to less serious talk threw Hinata for a loop momentarily.
"O-only if we can convince them of the utilitarian aspect of our marriage." It was a joke, but not one he hadn't considered. All of their friends believed marriage was for love, not financial gain and security like their patriarchs. Trying to convince them otherwise would be an uphill battle, but not an impossible feat if her chose to pursue it.
"Aa. Maybe lean on our upbringing as an excuse. Blame Erikson for our reluctance in refusing our parents wishes."
Hinata was surprised. He had ingested a basic understanding of one of her cited psychologists so quickly. She wasn't sure if it was from her notes, or the lecture he'd sat in on, but either way it was amazing. He really was a genius, she couldn't help but feel envious. Still, she found his small attempt at finding common ground using her passion to be thoughtful. Sweet even.
The more time she spent with the Uchiha she found herself kicking herself for her own preconceived notions of his haughtiness. Despite having a much higher station within his family than she did in her own, he still viewed her as an equal. Or at least a kindred spirit as a victim of circumstance.
"W-we should just go ahead and blame Sigmund Freud for the whole thing while we're at it."
She was relaxing now, a small smile gracing her gentle features as he chuckled. He liked these moments. The kind when they weren't forced into action by their parents machinations. When they had time to just be themselves without manufactured expectations. "You do seem to have a close relationship with your mother. Maybe there—"
"Tch, don't be silly." he cut her off quickly, turning his head away from her ghostly gaze when an embarrassed blush found it's way to his flawless face. She would never say it, but it was cute. Made him seem all the more human.
"It was only a joke, Sasuke." She assured with a pat on his broad shoulder, "Im sure your parents we're more Skinner than Freud"
At this Sasuke quirked an eye, clearly confused by her reference. Hinata took the opportunity to explain her comment as to not inadvertently offend him or his family. Lecturing him on the ins and outs of operant conditioning. Naturally, he was a quick study, comparing the subject matter to market manipulation techniques he found useful in producing a greater return on his investments.
The two lost track of time during their unscheduled study session, both enjoying the exchange of knowledge and the occasional joke. Before they knew it the sun had almost completely set.
"We're going to be late if we continue or lesson." Sasuke chimed, noticing the sudden darkness invading the flat.
"Ano…I should go get changed I guess. M-make yourself at home." Hinata had been so enthralled with the time they spent together she hadn't thought about how it would look if they arrived at the restaurant together. But she supposed it couldn't be helped now.
Sasuke spent the time looking over more of her notes, his thirst for knowledge never truly sated, and the esoteric research documents made good reading for when you needed to preoccupy yourself and not focus on the sounds of a running shower and your fiancée's nude body in said shower.
He stumbled across scrawled notes on a small notepad that caught his eye. More importantly, he wondered why his name was on it with several arrows pointing to empty circles. One circle however was filled with the word "Family". He hadn't the foggiest what it could mean.
She returned dressed in a simple cream colored sweater and light washed jeans. For a moment her heart leapt into her throat at the sight of him. The way the light of dusk bled into the apartment and casted shadows against his frame. The setting sun giving his eyes a smoldering glow.
She had acknowledged his handsomeness some time ago , but it's appeal was lost on her until now. He was a whirlwind of dark mystery, a powder keg of unknown unknowns. He was the personification of her unwritten future and more. And all she wanted was to unravel that mystery and—
"Hinata, are you ready to go?"
His voice brought her back to reality, his baritone turning her legs to jelly, and she hoped that the apartment was dark enough to hide her blush. Quickly nodding in affirmation, she lead him out of the apartment and across the street to his car. Having only then just realized they never actually agreed on the protocol for that evening. She couldn't help but feel somewhat mischievous for misleading their friends, even slightly.
"I can be the one who tells them if you'd like." his odd sixth sense about her uneasiness kicked in as he addressed her.
"Maybe we don't have to say anything unless they ask."
"Ino will be there, she's as keen on gossip as anyone could be. Sakura won't be far behind. They'll ask us about our date."
"Maybe they won't." his rationalization of what she knew to be inevitable didn't stop her from still hoping for an enjoyable evening that didn't turn into an engagement party.
"You worry too much. I won't tell them about how you kissed me." the dashing uchiha punctuated his snide remark with a rev of his engine as they drove further into the night.
"I-I-It was a kiss on the cheek! And y-y-you! You almost—!"
"Aa. I wanted to. But like you said, we should move slowly." her faced flushed, turning away when he shot her an snarky smirk. She pouted and stared out the window. She would never get used to his teasing, "How can you act so casual about it?"
"Its all we can do, isn't it? Make it seem normal."
On a similar level she also just wanted her life to be normal again, granted, once they were done going through the motions of announcing, planning, and actually getting married, their lives would never be the familiar level of normal she knew gain. She still wanted some semblance of it however.
"Normal. Right." she told herself quietly.
"I offered you a way out, remember?" his stoic monotone, tinged with humor seemed to help lighten the mood.
"I suppose I should have accepted."
This surprised Sasuke, so much so that it even embarrassed him a decent amount. When he spotted her eyeing him, he gripped the clutch and jammed it into another gear.
"We're…going to be late." his methods effectively got her to avert her gaze, but somehow, some way, it elicited a giggle from her. It was taunting, even in it's sweet melody. Though he didn't mind entirely. She was growing bolder, more comfortable with him and the situation.
Thanks to Sasuke's speedy, or what Naruto would consider reckless driving, they arrived before the others. Though, not by much.
As he opens Hinata's door the unmistakable voice of Naruto rings in his ear. Black eyes meet white in brief hesitation, but Hinata's soft nod of preparedness signals for him to press forward.
He greeted them with such excitement that he forgot the brief confusion of seeing the two together. At least until they were situated at the lengthy ramen shop counter. Sasuke easily deflected the inquiry with a simple explanation of having been in the neighborhood and offered her a ride.
Hinata couldn't have been in a worse position when they took their seat. Between the two of them, they sent barb after barb at one another for sport. She sat there brows furrowed, hands knotted in her lap as she fought back against her innate nervous tick.
Taking note of her level of discomfort, Sasuke begrudgingly concedes his pointless disagreement with the blond. "You're boring Hinata. She doesn't need to hear about my parking violations."
"What about today in front of that jewelry store?" inquired the blond.
Now it was Sasukes turn to be uncomfortable. Even Hinata began eyeing him warily. He opened his mouth to reply, but just then a raucous noise drew their attentions. Sakura and Ino had arrived, bickering about who borrowed their respective dresses for the evening.
"Jewelry store?" questioned Hinata in a hushed whisper when Naruto left his stool to greet the two women.
"I was shopping."
"For what?"
"For you."
"W-what?"
"A ring." he answered simply, a minuscule amount of color rising to his cheeks. His own flush getting out done by her own. He could see her eyes begin to flutter and he knew she was a hair away from passing out.
Thinking quickly, he grabbed her hand, forcing her to focus on his bottomless pools. He leaned forward and whispered, "Focus, Hinata. Relax."
His command was soft, not quite pleading but asking for assistance all the same. She composes herself with a deep breath, nodding curtly as their friends approach. She can't help but feel a pang of doubt when his hand left her own. Granted brazen displays of PDA probably weren't on the table yet, his simple innocuous touches gave her an odd sense of comfort and confidence.
"Hinata-chan! Sasuke-kun! You made it!" called Sakura, having finally escaped Naruto's bear hug. Sasuke rose from his seat quickly enough to receive and halfheartedly return the hug she offered. He watched Hinata from the corner of his eye, noting how she turned her attentions elsewhere, hands still knotted together. Did she want to avoid the display lest she become jealous? Was she jealous of how familiar Sakura was being?
"You look great Hinata-chan!" complimented the cherry headed woman with a beaming smile.
"Thanks, Sakura-chan. So do you." she returned, accepting the flattery despite feeling under dressed compared to the two women. Did she not get the memo?
Ino was next to accost her, surprisingly bypassing Sasuke, and fervently questioning her about the dress she wore out with Sasuke the previous night. Her flair for fashion briefly blinding her from seeing the two out and about. But not for long.
Just as she began shooting the two inquisitive looks, the rest of their party arrived, Shikamaru, Choji, Shino, Sai, Kiba, Tenten, Rock Lee, and Neji.
Sasuke wasn't particularly thrilled about the last arrival. Hopefully he'd spare them the tale of their meeting earlier that day. They barely shared a glance in greeting. Save for the glare he shot Sasuke as he greeted and hugged his cousin.
Naruto loudly expressed his desire to eat now that they've all arrived. At this point they had just about taken over the restaurant. Sasuke could already tell by how excited everyone seemed to be together again that it would be a long night. As Ichirakus proprietor approached he slid his credit card forward. "Whatever they want."
The chorus of thanks that followed were appreciated, but at its core he'd only done so to keep the groups minds occupied as well as their mouths, lest they focus on something else. Like the pale eyed beauty practically glued to his side.
Before the food could even be ordered they were plied with bottles of sake on the house. The old man could spare, it Naruto probably spent as much on ramen as he did his college education. And for a time the booze kept Hinata and Sasuke's personal lives left out of the conversation, no inquires, no confused gazes, just friendly banter. Until Ino pulled out her phone.
The woman was an insufferable social media addict, branding herself an "influencer", and as such, keenly abreast of all pertinent gossip. Peering down the counter and over saucers, bottles, bowls, and plates of food she spotted the two sharing what seemed to be an intimate conversation. There was no secretive displays of affection, hell Hinata wasn't even blushing, but she knew Sasuke was quite the flirt when it came to women he dated, at least in his own way and from what Sakura let slip during their stint.
"Say, Sakura? What's the deal with Hinata and Sasuke? Isn't it odd they've been spending time together all of a sudden?"
"Well…I guess. They've never been close, but Sasuke mentioned something about offering her a job at his company."
"But what about the boxing match? It looked more like a date than a job interview."
"You must be drunk already Ino. You're acting paranoid."
"I am not drunk! And I don't get paranoid!" she countered defiantly, taking a rather large gulp of her sake. "Its just weird to see him with her."
"Sasuke is his own man. He can spend time with whoever he wants."
"Even with other women?"
Sakura felt the sting of that comment, peering over her shoulder at the would-be couple. She knew his subtle mannerisms better than most, but he always masked them so well. They were talking close for sure, but she could only chalk that up to the volume Kiba and Naruto spoke at. No touching of any sort, but what alarmed her was how relaxed they both seemed. They both hated social situations, group outings were avoided at all costs.
Sasuke had always been high strung when they dated. It didn't matter if they were having dinner or watching a movie at his apartment. There was always a phone call, or a text, or work to be done. Granted it was much the same for herself, being on call at the clinic, or being dog tired after a fourteen hour shift. To see him engaged and disconnected from his duties was refreshing, but also saddening that she could never have that with him.
"I don't have a claim to Sasuke. No one does. So stop your worrying." she responded finally, gazing absently into her own drink.
Though Ino was not fully convinced, she continued to eye them as she sipped her drink searching for any sign of intimacy. Unable to crack the case she looked to Neji for answers. He was currently engaged in some sort of drinking contest with Lee.
"Neji, I've got a question." She called over the mixture of voices, finally drawing his attention after the third more forceful attempt. What's the deal with your cousin and Sasuke?"
What she lacked in tact, she made up for with fashion knowledge, or so most supposed.
The man's face soured, but not before reddening. "W-what sort question is that? Her business is her own. Same for the Uchiha." He didn't deny that there was something, despite his somewhat flustered and confrontational tone. Now her curiosity just needed satisfying.
She peered down the counter once again, opening her mouth to achieve satisfaction, "Hina—!"
"Sasuke-san? Are you and Hinata-chan by chance seeing one another?" Ino was quickly cut off by perhaps the only person with less foresight when it came to socially acceptable behavior, Sai.
All of the chatter died instantly. The sound of Choji chewing being the sole survivor of the bold question. Both party's in question turned and looked, one with a shocked, embarrassed expression, the other impassive, almost bored look.
"No, we aren't." Sasuke replied simply, catching Hinata relax slightly, but that was short lived after some not so muffled sighs. "We're engaged."
Sasuke knew the doppelgänger like man would not let the subject die, he was tenacious if nothing else. Better to give him an answer than to let it drag on. Though, Hinata would most likely be upset about his unilateral decision.
The silence remained, but only for a second or two before raucous laughter replaced it. Kiba and Naruto added there two cent jokes about Sasuke's humor and how well he held his liquor only to receive a blank stare in response.
"Y-you're kidding? You…and Hinata? Getting m-m-married!?" howled Kiba.
"Hm. Even I'm pretty surprised. Never really saw you as a family man, Sasuke." toned Shikamaru, seemingly bored with the shocking development as he lazily swirled his drink.
"There truly isn't anything more amazing than youthful love! Congratulations!" cheered Lee with reddened cheeks and glass raised high. Though not all were as thrilled.
"Is this true Hinata-chan?" asked Sakura, her face flickering from concern, to confusion, to sadness, and back again. Hinata struggled to look her, or anyone for that matter, shifting her gaze from her friends, to her lingering bowl of ramen, to her hands until landing on Sasuke. She didn't know what sort of face she was giving him, but she knew all she wanted was help. Help disappearing in a puff of smoke.
Granted Sasuke couldn't read her mind he knew she was on the verge of bursting into tears, if not outright passing out. So he did the only thing he could think of. He looked into her worry filled opalescent pools as deeply as she allowed. His own eyes pleading with her, 'Trust me.'
Carefully he grabbed her delicate chin and lifted it towards him as he leaned forward. Words slipping from his lips unconsciously as his lengthy black hair partially obscuring them from judgement of the world, "Hinata is going to be my wife. And I, her husband."
With that, he kissed her.
Alright! Cats out of the bag now, or at least a little. It's a huge weight off of their chests, but at what cost? Could Sasuke's chivalrous act lead them down a road filled with more troubles? Well, you'll have to keep reading to find out. Until then, let me know what you think, how you feel about everything so far. I appreciate all feedback. Thank you all who've done so already.
Next Chapter: Our Vows
Until next time! Sayonara!
