A/N: Hey everyone, I know its been a while since I updated and I apologize sincerely. I havent been able to actually sit down in front of a computer and write between traveling for work and some unfortunate personal life events. But fear not! I am still here and still hellbent on writing this story. So on with it then, you've all waited long enough!
Our Vows
Darkness. That was the last thing she remembered. Hinata didn't know if it had been the midnight veil of his hair or his obsidian tar pool like eyes that consumed her like the darkness had. And when she stirred it was much the same. Disoriented and in the dark, brief flashes of light passing by. She was moving, at least it felt like it, and judging from the speed in a car.
"You're awake. I was starting to get worried." toned the figure at her side as she stirred. Despite her haze Hinata could still make out the low voice that mirrored it's surroundings.
"Sasu…Sasuke?"
"You fainted." he explained plainly, his eyes still focused on the road, the dark orbs intermittently being illuminated by the street lights they passed. "I figured that meant you weren't likely to want continue the evening, so I'm taking you home."
Her memory began to return to her. The panic and dread that filled her body when Sai had inquired about their relationship. The loud sound her own heart beating filling her ears and clouding her thoughts. And the look of those pitch black pools peering into her own polar opposite ones as he neared. Then the new sensation of his lips touching hers. The spark short circuiting her body also instantly. All of it flooded back to her and she feared she may lose consciousness again.
"You…you—"
"Yes."
"W-why?"
Sasuke paused momentarily. He had good reason to do what he did, surely. Though his mind was struggling to come to the same conclusion again. Perhaps it was just as his father and brother scolded him for a number of times. For every twenty measured reactions he had there was one impulsive one that often was indefensible. Though, that didn't stop him from trying. "I saw you in distress. So I acted."
"But…"
"I see what must be done and I do it, Hinata. There's no reason to run around a situation like a dog chasing it's tail."
He supposed that was as good of a meaningful response as any, but Hinata didn't seem to think so. Her face flushed, but not in embarrassment. He may have tried to veil his actions as chivalrous, but they were anything but. He used her—used her body as if she were some sort of prop. They were supposed to be partners, yet he still did as he pleased without fear of the consequences or implications. She was furious.
Sasuke could feel the fine hairs on the back of his neck raise as he rounded a corner, peering through the darkness at the woman beside him, arms crossed over her chest, head downcast and face obscured by her lengthy hair. The scene was somewhat unsettling. He'd known the wrath of an angered woman, Sakura's specifically, but until now he'd never considered Hinata even had the capacity for such a thing.
"Hinata I—"
Sh-shut up."
"What?"
"J-just shut up!" the unfamiliarity of her raised voice enough to make the bold Uchiha flinch slightly. Having only a small notion of what to expect next he hastily pulled into a side street and parked. Sakura had tried attacking him once or twice in the heat of the moment.
"I was only doing what I thought was best to diffuse the situation." he defended staunchly.
"That's right! W-what you thought was right!"
"You were looking for a way out. I gave you one."
"You used me!"
"Hardly." He crossed his arms in defiance, unable to see the error of his ways, after all, how could you argue with results?
"Y-you took…my first kiss." Her voice had softened considerably, but the tension remained silence accompanying it. Sasukes throat dried when she raised her head to face him, cheeks reddened and stained with tears held for far too long.
Sasuke always struggled with situations that required emotional tact. It wasn't that he had none, just that he was severely lacking. When conversations with Sakura devolved into such he found a kiss to be an effective method in defusing them, but such a thing was unlikely to solve the current situation, even if she allowed him such a luxury.
His mouth opened and closed as he looked for the words but they eluded him, driving him deeper into frustration. They sat in silence for some time before Sasuke attempted to reach a resolution again, "Hinata…I only wanted to—"
She shook her head furiously and wiped her tears as best she could on her sleeve, "Please Sasuke. J-just take me home."
Clearly she wasn't in any mood to hear his explanation or anything else he believed would assuage her anger. He didn't press the issue any further, his silence was as good as a declaration of wrongdoing as she would accept for now.
Slowly he made his way back onto the main road and towards her residence. To think that their otherwise disastrous first date went better than a seemingly innocuous outing with their mutual friends. Sasuke had expected this the previous night, but not tonight.
When they finally arrived, Hinata was quick to undo her seatbelt and move to exit the vehicle, but Sasuke was quicker. Just as he always did, he bounded from the car and opened her door for her, offering his hand as well. He couldn't help but feel the slight sting when she refused it, shakily rising from her seat and inadvertently stumbling into his arms.
"You're still shaken."
"I'm fine." she countered, kicking herself for unintentionally taking in the calming evergreen scent that permeated from his chest. She attempted to pull away but he held her in place.
" I'll walk you." he responded simply, his hands slipping from her slender frame to take one of her hands in his.
The opal eyed heiress continued to protested through her blush as the physical contact sent tingles up through her finger tips, threatening to send her into another fainting spell.
"Don't be so stubborn. I'm trying to help." he was practically dragging her at this point, luckily it was only a short distance from his car.
"Can I have my hand back ple—"
"I'm sorry." he interrupted suddenly as they reached her front door.
Her pouting lips parted in surprise as she watched him. His eyes finding it hard to focus on any one place for more than a few seconds, much less her stunned demeanor. Whether he was only feigning embarrassment or not, she couldn't be sure. Though if is actions earlier in the evening had proven anything, he didn't see much value in lying unnecessarily.
"I shouldn't have acted so rashly…without your approval." His hand slipped from her own, suddenly feeling like a repentant child who borrowed a toy he shouldn't have.
"You…you shouldn't have…" her response was meek, as if his honesty had doused the flame that fueled her earlier anger.
"Would you have let me if I had asked?" given how the tension had only just begun, his candor could only be taken as cheeky. Though it was an honest question. Despite the reaction it elicited, he would kiss her again. He never made it a secret that he was curious about how the soft pink pillows felt, and now that he had briefly experienced them, he wanted more. Though, preferably with her verbal consent.
He half expected her fury to be renewed, but rather she flushed an even deeper crimson and began stammering, "I-I-I-I…"
"Would you allow me the honor of taking your second kiss?" his voice was as buttery smooth as his subtle move closing the short distance between them and craning his head towards her own. He couldn't have been more than an inch or two from his desire, the scent of her lilac shampoo filling his nostrils in their closeness.
Unconsciously her body reacted, the memory of the connection they made that evening seemingly rewiring her nervous system. Her hands found their way to his chest, her pale eyes fluttering between his lips and intense dark eyes. Part of her was curious about his dangerous, faint inducing kiss. The idea that it could be so good as to…
"Hinata…"
His voice snapped her from her heady trance and she once again was faced with his hungry eyes. "I-I should go…"
Sasuke smirked at her wispy response, choosing not to test his luck with her yet again. He took a small step away and placed his hands in his pockets, clearly the space alleviated some of her anxiety noticing how he posture relaxed slightly, "Another time then, Hinata."
Rather than attempting to search for a response to his usual aloofness, Hinata quickly scrambled into her home and closed the door, only stopping short to peer through the small opening at him one last time. "G-goodnight Sasuke. I'm…I'm still u-upset with you."
Before he could respond, the door shut, leaving him blinking blankly at the exchange. Sasuke released a small chuckle and shook his head. It was a night of firsts. Their first kiss, their first fight, their first night as an official couple. Despite how it had ended, it hadn't been an utter disaster.
As he drove off from her humble abode, Sasuke reflected on his feelings about the evening. She made a valid point about him not considering her own feelings about outing themselves to their friends, preferring to rip the band-aid of deception off quickly rather than draw it out any further, do you speak. Perhaps it was his need for expediency, or some innate desire to claim her as his fiancee, chosen or otherwise. She was his, and he hers by the same token.
And soon they would make vows that echoed the same sentiment, and a contract as well, to an extent. The thought of that particular binding document seemed to put a damper on his uncharacteristic level of contentedness. Her presence disarmed him almost as effectively as his disarmed her. Perhaps it was the mysterious air about her that made him focus so intently on her.
Though, one look at the manila envelope taking residence in his back seat made him rethink the value of being preoccupied by his fiancee. Whether he acknowledged them or not, there were forced at work seeking to destroy him and those around him. Sasuke growled in frustration in the darkness of his car, Hinata had no idea he was being blackmailed, and he'd do everything in his power to keep it that way. Nothing ruined a wedding like corporate blackmail.
That woman, Tayuya was who he'd need to treat with. Give her whatever she wanted to keep her mouth shut and the photos out of anyone else's hands. First he'd need to track her down without alerting her employer of any foul play.
He arrived home with no impromptu street races or other caveats, not even any more suspicious packages awaiting him. All in all a win. Casually tossing his blazer onto his couch he returned his attentions to the blackmail in his hand, examining them for anything more. He couldn't recall drinking to excess that evening, and if Tayuya had indeed drugged him, the toxins were well out of his system by now.
Before he could dive any deeper he heard the telltale sound of his generic ringtone from the inside of his blazer. He retrieved the device with haste, somewhere in his mind he believed it was his blackmailer calling with impeccable timing. Though, the number that revealed itself was neither blocked or unknown to him.
"Sakura."
"Hi Sasuke...I just wanted to call and make sure Hinata was alright."
Ever the thoughtful friend. He had seen the look on her face when he announced his upcoming union with the Hyuuga princess. Whatever hope she had for salvaging their fractured relationship was vaporized in an instant, and by one of her closest friends at that.
"I took her home, she seemed to have recovered well enough."
"That's good..." she replied, her voice distant as if her mind was preoccupied by other thoughts. Sasuke had no doubts that Hinata's health was the sole reason for the call. She could've reached out to her for that if it were the case.
Silence continued for some time, he'd almost believed she'd hung up had it not been for the subtle shuffling in the background. "Sakura...is there something else you want to ask me ?"
Again silence. He could practically picture her chewing her bottom lip into a bloody pulp on the other end as she searched for a response. "It's true...isn't it? Y-you and Hinata are..."
"It's true. Were getting married."
"But how? H-how long have you been seeing each other?"
Behind your back? He could tell that's what she truly wanted to know. How long they'd been deceiving her. "Sakura, please. It's new, barely a week. It's...complicated." the Uchiha always had difficulty withholding information he normally would from others with her. Blame it on their history, or some odd sense of owing her for being so distant when they'd dated.
"But you never...when we were dating...marriage just never seemed like something you were interested in, or ready for."
It almost seemed like they were reliving their relationship again. Her chastising him for his lack of interest, or his resistance to a more committed relationship. She even commented once about how it seemed like she was dating a very attractive ghost that could barely be bothered to haunt his girlfriend.
"Sakura, can we discuss this another—"
"When is there going to be another time?! When you're walking down the aisle with my friend? After you say "I do"? On your goddamn honeymoon?!"
The outburst took Sasuke by surprised, and he could do nothing but accept the onslaught. He knew there would be backlash for what he'd done earlier that evening from Hinata, but he hadn't expected such a volatile reaction from Sakura. "There's more at play here than you know Sakura."
"I'm not some stupid child, Sasuke. For you to do something like this…it's has to be business." The words dripped through the receiver like venom, it was a tone she only used when she was displeased with him. But in actuality it wasn't her words that were poison, it was his work. The likes of which that had killed their relationship, but bore the fruits of a new relationship.
"You're doing it because of your father? For the business? And Hinata…she's just a pawn, isn't she?"
"No more than I am." he countered, as if painting himself as a victim of circumstance as well would force her to lessen her assault.
"But it's Hinata. She isn't built for your world."
"She's stronger than you know." Sasuke was beginning to not like her tone. It was one thing to curse his name into oblivion, but to speak ill of Hinata or her capabilities did not sit well with him. Few around her saw her as anything more than a delicate thing. Perhaps if they had ever once stopped to consider her a strong capable woman, she would exhibit those qualities like she had to him in brief flashes. "None of this matters, Sakura. Despite what it appears to be…Hinata and I—"
"She doesn't want this! Y-you don't want this Sasuke!" the sporadic rise in her voice had concerned Sasuke from the outset. "If…if it's a wife your family needs for you…I'll do so, willfully."
He knew she'd be emotional, but not as irrational as she was being now. Her request was even less reasonable than his own family's. What she was asking was equal parts selfish and selfless. "Is that what you want Sakura? To try again? To resign yourself to a loveless marriage because you think it suits you more than Hinata?"
"That's not true, Sasuke! I-I love you…I always have. Even when things weren't great between us, I never stopped." Her words were choked and overflowing with emotional. Despite her resolve he could tell she was conflicted. "In time, maybe you'll learn… to love me too."
This was what he had feared the most about revealing his and Hinata's relationship. He feared she would attempt to appeal to him one final time. Betraying her own friend in a sense to save her from her chosen fate. And he would have to refuse her as he always had since their split. His only solace being that it was done so over the phone. If he was faced with her tear streaked cheeks and wide emerald eyes, he may have broke himself.
"Sakura…I never—I never deserved you. You never learned that." Despite the sorrowful rejection of her advances, Sasuke still managed a wry smile. "So annoying."
He received a saddened chuckle and a sniffle for his dry sense of humor, "Yeah…I know. I just—"
"I know." he responded, he couldn't bare to hear her declaration of love again. It hurt every time. He never could love so wholly and unequivocally as she could, no matter how hard he had tried in the past. There was always another meeting, or business trip, or work to be done that kept them apart. "This won't change anything between us, Sakura. We'll still be…friends."
"Of course." Her voice was soft now, tinged with fatigue and defeat. It may not have been the outcome she wanted, but some part of her knew she wouldn't be able to persuade him. "I know...I guess this is goodbye, Sasuke-kun."
"Goodbye, Sakura." The words came harder for him than the first time they utter them to one another. Perhaps it was the finality of it all. She had been his closest confidant in the darkest of days. She always had the right words and the softest touches following his brothers tumultuous exit from his life and the business. And now that chapter was done. The door closed on years of unconditional love and support. It left a tightness in his chest as he hung up the phone and stated blankly at it.
The world Hinata woke to was completely different from the one she had the previous morning. The social media juggernaut that was Ino, apparently had worked all through the night spreading a mixed media wildfire throughout the internet to which she affectionately referred to as "Hyuuchiha Fever".
If it wasn't a Sunday, the news of their engagement might have made it to the mainstream, though Hinata was not counting any such blessings. He phone had been blowing up for the better half of the day. What little social media she participated in had grown to a sizable proportion. From colleagues to students, and even several professors had taken to the platforms to follow her and leave congratulatory messages, emojis and all.
Though, it wasn't all good. Apparently Sasuke had quite the number of admirers still. They were not so kind. Then again, neither were those closest to her. Hanabi had gained wind of the development and was first in line to berate her.
"Are you kidding me?! Public displays of affection?! K-kissing him?! Fainting in his arms like some Disney princess?! I thought you were taking this slow?!"
Hinata couldn't get a word in edgewise as she paced around her apartment, nervously knotting her hands. Ino had really screwed her by posting those photos of her and Sasuke. She'd hoped to keep the news just between her close friends and the families—surely Sasuke wanted the same. But now…
"I-I-It isn't what it l-looks like! I swear!" defending herself was harder than swimming in a sweater, especially when she was looking at a picture of exactly what it looked like on her laptops. Somehow Ino had been quick enough to snap a picture of the kiss—had Sasuke lingered for a moment or two after their lips touched? He was adamant about his actions until she showed him how upset they'd made her. "It was an innocent k-kiss!"
"Father is going to lose it over this. It makes us look…" Hanabi stopped herself before she said something she regretted in her own way. "You'll have to explain this to father. Better to get it over with than wait."
"But what sh-should I do? What do I say?"
"How should I know?"
"How did you get him to forgive you for kissing Konohamaru?'
T-t-t-that was different! To-totally different! A-and he kissed me!"
"The situation sounds the same…"
"Fine whatever! I apologized and promised never to do something like that publicly again."
"But Sasuke is going to be my h-husband. It isn't realistic to never…"
"Then blame the whole thing on Sasuke for all I care."
It wasn't a bad plan, seeing as it technically was his fault. But selling her fiancé out to her father to save her own hide seemed childish yet mature at the same time. "Maybe."
He had used her for his own reasons, perhaps she could do the same to give him a taste of his own medicine. It wasn't her. Such a thing wasn't in her nature. But if her father was indeed irate at the news, it was only right for Sasuke to accept some of the blame. He may have apologized for his transgressions to her easily, but Hiashi was cut from a different cloth.
"So…this is all really happening? Marrying Sasuke?"
"Y-yes." She answered meekly, her eyes landing on the forgotten contract on the coffee table. It had to happen eventually she supposed, though she can't say she was thrilled at the idea of Sasuke and her father facing off with her stuck in the middle. Especially since she hadn't fared so well the previous evening.
"Well, as your maid of honor I suggest you stay in father's good graces. Your…husband understand you keeping the peace." Hinata couldn't help but release a small laugh at her sisters small concession. "W-what are you laughing about?"
"You're finally warming up to him, aren't you?"
"Fat chance! You can't trust an Uchiha as far as you could throw one!"
"I...trust him. And I think he trusts me."
"Well, I've never known him to be so trusting. Don't be blinded by his good looks and soft lips now."
"H-h-his lips aren't—! I-I have to go, bye!"
For hours she milled about her apartment, doing anything and everything to distract her from the impending awkward conversation she would have to have with her father, and Sasuke. She couldn't be sure which she was more nervous about. Hiashi had never been the most understanding, supportive, or forgiving father, but in light of her resolve to marry a man she hardly knew perhaps he had turned a corner. Then again, perhaps not.
And Sasuke. She'd made it clear that she was still upset at him for the kiss, but now it seemed like such a small thing to be peeved about. He was going to be the first person she ever experienced many things with, and if things went according to their parents plans, the only one they experienced them with. Now her scattered mind was working against her. A fervent blush spread across her face at the thought of what those "things" might actually entail. In an effort to push the thoughts from her mind she began dialing her father at a painfully slow pace.
"Gentle Fist Investments, Mitsuki speaking. How may I assist you?"
"H-Hi Mitsuki, it's Hinata. Is…is my father available?" part of her felt stupid for thinking that if she called his office there was a chance she'd push off her conversation for a little bit longer.
"Of course Hinata-san. One moment please." Hinata paitently waited while her father assistant patched her through, hoping by some odd stroke of luck the line get disconnected or he decide not to receive her.
"Hinata, I wasn't expecting a call. Is there a problem?"
"Ano…of c-course not otousan. I…I wanted to know if you-you'd like to have dinner this evening. With me."
Momentary pause
"Yes, I'd like that. I imagine we have something's to discuss. I'll inform Natsu that you'll be joining us tonight."
If-if you don't have any objections…I'd like…I'd like to have Sasuke join us."
Silence again. Her heart beats madly while her father deliberates.
"I see. If you would like that, Hinata. Invite him."
When she hung up she felt little relief. Her father was sure to be more receptive to her apology in person. Now she just had to coerce Sasuke into going along with her scheme, and maybe do the apology himself. It would be fitting penance, not that she believed he needed any sort of punishment.
She managed to dial her fiancé with much more speed, despite the importance of the proposition, he'd never once expressed any sort of overt repulsion for her father or her company. Granted, their relationship was barely a week old. When it took him considerably more rings than usual to answer she couldn't help but wonder if he's taken her parting remark last night too harshly.
"Hm?" he grunted into the receiver.
"Hi Sasuke. How's your day been."
"Hinata?" he seeming caught off guard at the call, too caught up in whatever he was doing on the other end. She could hear the sound of metal clank briefly before an audible grunt, "I'm well. Can't say I was expecting the call, given last night."
"R-right. I-I'm sorry if I overreacted. It was childish, and I only—"
"You don't need to apologize, Hinata. Now, to what pleasure do I owe this call?" the man could defuse a bomb with his voice if he ever wanted to. The smooth baritone was enough to make her forget her reason for calling him in the first place, and how to speak properly.
"Di-Di-Dinner?" she stuttered, taking the brief moment of confusion to gather herself, "W-would you like to join me fo-for dinner?"
He couldn't help but be surprised by her boldness. First her admonishing, now inviting him to dinner. Despite the stutter, it was progress nonetheless. "Dinner…sounds nice. Did you have a place in mind?"
"Ano…my-my father's house?"
Sasuke was suddenly feeling less enthusiastic about having dinner with the Hyuuga princess. Especially when it included Hiashi. Perhaps he'd misjudged her intentions, and her guile. His mind quickly jumped to any and all possibilities in search of her true desire. Did she intend to parade him before her father as the perfect husband to curry favor with the man? Or maybe she had other machinations in mind. If such was the case, Hinata was not only bold but somewhat devious in her own right. He couldn't help but stifle a smirk. His fiancée was even less of a demure heiress than he thought.
"I see. I'd prefer an evening with just us, but I don't object. When should I pick you up?"
"Maybe six o'clock?"
"Hm. I'll be there after I run my errands."
Hinata was slightly taken aback by how easily she'd convinced him to actually sit with her father at a dinner table. Almost too amenable in fact, but she was too relieved to dwell on it for long. "Okay. Thanks, Sasuke."
"Hn, don't thank me yet. Your father may try to throttle me if he knows about last light. I'll have no choice but to defend myself." he half joked, receiving a awkward nervous chuckle from Hinata. "A joke. I'll behave myself, Hinata."
"Thank you Sasuke. I-I'll see you tonight." Sometimes Sasuke's knack for assessing a situation was too good. He'd surmised the possibility of an irate father-in-law so quickly, no doubt he was already formulating a plan to deal with such a situation. Hinata could only hope it wasn't too brash for both their sake's.
Sasuke breathed a preemptive sigh of annoyance after he hung up the phone, turning his attention back to the mass of twisted metal in front of him. He wiped the small amount of sweat from his brow and closed the hood to the derelict vehicle he was painstakingly attempt to restore. It had been his brothers once upon a time, and working on it in times of distress often helped him clear the fog in his mind, despite the bittersweet memories the machine held.
But he had other obstacles before him now. Swiftly he left the parking garage, making sure to cover the wrecked car with it's tarp before he made for his apartment. It would be his first face-to-face with Hiashi in years and this time not just as a staunch competitor, but also as his daughters prospective husband. A double edged sword if there ever was one. It behooved him to be it's wielder.
Washing himself of sweat, grease, and grime he formulated a plan to render any verbal assault Hiashi may have in store for him useless. The man was far from a fan of his, but the feeling was largely mutual. They'd screwed one another over on more than one occasion, but Hinata was no simple business deal. Screwing Hiashi out of an heiress, was a far more delicate endeavor. And thus far, he had some difficulty even obtaining a kiss that didn't result in an unfavorable tongue lashing. All's fair in love and war he supposed. Sasuke couldn't help but chuckle at his newfound understanding of the phrase.
He dressed himself smartly for a dinner with his soon to be father-in-law in a dark blue blazer and slacks, and a crisp white shirt. He chose to forgo the tie and expensive timepiece, he wanted to look like the upstanding man he was raised to be but never felt the need to peacock about. Save for his car, of course.
The engine rumbled and roared as he made his way through the streets. The sun was already beginning it's descent, winter was closing in on Tokyo. It wouldn't be long before snow and slick highways impeded the drives he loved so much. For now he'd enjoy the drive to his jeweler.
"Uchiha-san! So nice to see you again. Can I interest you in another piece of for your fiancée? Perhaps a matching moonstone necklace? Or a pendent with your family emblems?"
"Just the ring today. I assume it's finished?" he responded flatly, only slightly interested in the idea of a unified family crest.
"Yes of course. One moment." the clerk quickly shuffled out of sight to retrieve his purchase. He returned with a sleek black box, sliding it over the glass display counter and carefully presenting the pricy bauble. "Its been sized to your specifications and polished, free if charge of course."
"Of course." replied the Uchiha, his lips forming a thin line as he inspected the engagement ring. Free of charge he says, the damn thing was almost worth more than some of his suits. "Hn. Well done. I imagine my fiancée will be very happy with it."
"We aim to please, Uchiha-san. Please do keep us in mind should you have need of our services again."
Sasuke pocketed the box and exited, pleased to see he wasn't getting ticketed by the annoying blond officer he called a friend. Unfortunately the second part of his plan involved an even more annoying blonde. He regretted not making a quick stop at the drug store the second he entered the Yamanaka family flower shop.
"Sa-Sasuke! I wasn't expecting you here!" exclaimed the woman upon seeing his dour face slowly scanning the shop. "If th-this is about my posts, I can take them down no problem! I was just so excited to hear that—"
"Posts? What are you going on about?" Sasuke quirked an eyebrow at the nervous woman before him. This was certainly odd, considering her usual verbose, bubbly nature.
"Eh I mean…nothing. What are you doing here?"
"I need flowers, obviously." he barely paid her any attention, bend slightly to smell some roses that caught his eye only to wrinkle his nose. He never understood the appeal.
"Any particular occasion?" she asked moving from behind the counter to stand beside him.
"Does it matter?"
"Of course. Alstromerias for friendship, wishes of wealth, and prosperity. Amaryllises for beauty beyond comparison. Carnations for endearing love, faith, and fidelity. The tulip for—"
"Fine fine, I get it. I'm having Dinner with Hinata. And Hiashi." he tell her anything to get her to shut her mouth at this point
"Oh wow. Sounds serious."
"Hn. Just give me what you think is best. Nothing too flashy."
"Okay, give me some time." she said, finally deciding to do her job rather than pry into his life any more than she already had.
So…marriage huh? Are you scared?" she asked as she milled about collecting flowers of all sorts and prepping them for his arrangement.
"Hardly."
"I just never would have figured you would be the first of us to get married. Much less to Hinata…"
"That seems to be the general consensus." he drawled boringly. The last thing he wanted was to rehash his conversation with the pinkette to her closest friend.
"Sakura…she didn't—she didn't call you last night, did she?" she asked, momentarily stopping her work to look at him. His frown only grew at the question. "I told her not to, but nothing gets through that forehead. I told her it would only hurt more if she—"
"That's enough, Ino." he interrupted sharply, effectively silencing her.
"Right...sorry." the blonde turned back to her work for the time being while Sasuke idly inspected her shop. "Alright, all done."
Sasuke approached an inspected the arrangement critically. While he didn't necessarily understand their appeal the flowers looked objectively beautiful. Bright whites mixed with splashes of purples and pink. "What do I owe you?"
"On the house for you, Sasuke-kun." she responded cheerfully, shooting him a sly wink as well, to which he only nodded. "Think of it as an engagement gift."
"Thanks." he muttered, grabbing the parcel and making for the door. He grabbed the handle and peered over his shoulder at the woman, "Next time you hear news of Hinata and I, maybe think before you post about it"
"Hehe right. Sorry." she apologized, flushing slightly embarrassed. Though only momentarily before retrieving her smartphone and doing just that.
He carefully placed the flowers in the backseat and pulled off down the street once again. It wasn't he began closing in on Hinata's apartment that he suddenly felt nervous. He'd been idly toying with the box in his pocket for some time, not sure how best to present it to his fiancée. He realized that if he didn't approach this correctly, it could have lasting negative effects on his relationship with Hinata, not to mention her family.
He hated, but accepted the fact that he was beholden to his own family, but now to have that responsibility extended to a longtime rival only added to the weight on his shoulders. The Hyuuga's, so steeped in tradition that they were downing in it. Committing any more social fauxpas or making Hinata complicit in them was liable to drown them as well, at least if Hiashi had his say.
When he arrived at her apartment she was already waiting for him outside. He had to double check the time to make sure he hadn't kept her waiting. He hadn't gotten a good look at her until she began approaching him well before he exited the vehicle. She was wearing a sung fitting black sweater that accentuated her the flawless skin of her slender neck, and the ghostly beauty of her eyes. He was finding it harder every day not to get too enthrall by the beauty he never noticed before.
When she was close enough he could tell something was off. Her eyes were downcast and avoided his own, brushing past him towards the passenger side door. "Hinata?"
She stopped briefly to address himif only with her eyes. She was nervous, concerned about the evening. About what may come next. He could sympathize, he just hid his feelings for the delicate situation better. Capitulating to her wordless desire to discuss in the car, he joined her. They sat there in the darkness of the car, both coming to terms with how to best express their similar yet different dilemmas.
"We'll be late, you know?" he spoke blankly through the silence, his fingers still twitching tirelessly around the box in his pocket.
Yes…I-I know."
"You're concerned your father may have some words for me. Aren't you?" Sasuke surmised. He scoffed at the notion.
"He will. I know it. I k-know him."
"He's never liked me, or my family. But that doesn't matter. He can say what he likes."
"He's still my father. And—and you're my f-fiancé." Her voice was as divided and uneven as her thoughts. "If he…antagonizes you I can't—"
"He may not like me, but he does not control me, nor you."
"I'm still a Hyuuga...I owe my family—"
"Hyuuga Hinata was used by her family." he cut in, his voice rising to match the contempt he held for not just his own family's machinations but her own as well, "My wife…"
His voice began to soften, and as she watched him in the darkness, even she should see that his usually deft movements were slowed and somewhat unsteady. She'd never seen this side of him, maybe no one had. He was subdued but still his usual intense self. "Sasuke…"
"My wife will be an Uchiha. And she will not be used. Not by anyone." he punctuated his vow by pulling the black box from his pocket. He watched as her lips parted and eyes widened, and for a brief moment he wanted time to stand still. He knew the second he opened it, their fate was sealed, for better or worse.
The sparse light spilling into the car caught the ring as he presented it to her, illuminating it's brilliance. He hadn't noticed until she was staring wide-eyed at it that his heart was racing. To think the incomparable Uchiha Sasuke was sweating over a marriage proposal he'd agreed to a week ago. Oh how low the Hyuuga's had already laid him. If Hiashi could see him now he'd shred the contract, having achieved the greatest satisfaction he could ever know.
"Your father, and your family may not think I'm an honorable man or fit to run a ramen shop much less a multi billion yen firm. But their opinions don't concern me, and they shouldn't reflect on you. We need to be a unified force to weather this storm. Ultimately, the decision is yours and yours alone."
He held the polished platinum or the band in two fingers and brought it closer to her, a simple but life altering offering. Her eyes shifted between his own and the ring, searching for deception of any kind, but could find none. Her mind was fogged and her body screamed for a hard reset, but still, as if on instinct her hand crept towards it.
"Th-this means…"
"Yes."
"A-and I-I'll be…"
"Yes." she was hesitant still, and rightfully so. He'd thrust an insurmountable of pressure on her.
Hinata pieced all of his words together through the haze him her head, or at least tried to. His proposal, was more like a plea. He was trying his best to appeal to her desire to please all party's involved, asking for her to take his gesture as a token of unity. Not of love or familial duty, but one to signify their shared desire to unshackle themselves from the control of their elders. To show that despite it all, they had one another.
She swallowed the lump in her throat and locked eyes with her fiancé. Never in a million years had she pictured this moment with Sasuke, but nonetheless it was happening. And despite that bittersweet thought that he wasn't her chosen husband, or she his chosen wife, she felt a sense of happiness like no other. He accepted her as she was, regardless of all the wounds her upbringing had inflicted upon her self-esteem, desiring no concessions other than that she release herself from the bondage of her father and stand by his side. Uchiha Sasuke had a heart, and in some small corner she had a place.
"Hinata, if you—"
"Yes, Sasuke." her voice was soft, but enough to elicit a near inaudible gasp from the man beside her. Slowly she slipped her finger into the cool metal of the band and smiled. It fit. "I will marry you."
Sasuke wasn't sure what he was feeling. Satisfaction? Elation? Relief? He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but it didn't matter, he was too focused on her smile. So focused on it he wasn't brought back to reality until she leaned forward and wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly.
"Thank you." she whispered, momentarily hesitating before pressing her lips to his cheek in a chaste kiss. When she pulled away she wasn't sure if his face was redder than hers or not.
"Yeah…" he muttered still somewhat stunned and a bit embarrassed by the whole thing. He opened himself up to her in a way he hadn't with anyone outside his own family. Suppose it was because soon she'd be just that.
"We sh-should go. My father is expecting us."
He only nodded, finding it hard to come to grips with how much better equip she was to deal with all of the…emotions than he was. Though he pushed thoughts from his mind as easily as he pushed on the pedal and sped off to dinner with his future father-in-law.
Hinata nervously fiddled with her new piece of jewelry in the quiet car, her eyes taking in each detail she could. She was no expert by any means but it must have cost him more than a pretty penny or two. She could only question what such an expensive symbol truly meant to him. Did he want to impress her father? Let him know that she'd be well taken care of.
"We're here." he finally spoke after an entire ride of silence. It wasn't until he reached for the backseat that she noticed the flowers. When she gave him a quizzical look he looked away to his his diminutive blush, "For you. And your father, I guess."
She couldn't help but release a giggle. There was something cute about seeing the normally cocksure man flustered in such a way. "My father isn't a fan of flowers. B-but I I'll take them. They're lovely, Sasuke."
He handed her the floral gift as they exited the vehicle, taking note of Ino's expertise should he have need of them in the near future. Maybe she'd do him a favor for the coming wedding.
Hinata joined him beside the car, flowers clutches to her chest as she watched him smooth out the few wrinkles of his shirt before offering his arm to her; which she gladly took with a blush. They approached the sprawling mansion in tandem, when they reached the thick wooden door they paused briefly, exchanging only a look and nod before Hinata rapped on the thick eood of the door.
Natsu greeted them gleefully, albeit somewhat less enthusiastically given the man beside her former ward. "Welcome home Hinata-hime! A-and welcome, Uchiha-san. It has been some time since you last graced us with your presence. I remember you as a little boy, running amok through—"
"N-Natsu-chan! I'm sure my father is waiting for us." she hastily interjected, feeling Sasuke's arm stiffen slightly. The housekeeper was quick to apologize for her motor mouth and proceeded to lead them through the manors many corridors.
"Hime?" quietly questioned Sasuke with a smirk. Hinata' face flushed furiously in embarrassment. She feared she wouldn't hear the end of this anytime soon.
"Hiashi-sama? Your guests have arrived." She called through the large oaken doors before opening them to a waiting Hiashi. He stood there stone faced with piercing eyes trained one the man practically attached to his eldest daughters hip. Despite all his preparation for the sight it still upset him.
"Otousan." regarded Hinata, quickly removing herself from Sasuke and bowing lowly. "Sorry for being late. It was my fault."
Sasuke couldn't help but bristle. Not five minutes into the evening and she was already accepting blame for something as innocuous as slight tardiness.
"Hm. No matter, you're here now." He chided impassively, gesturing for them to take a seat Nice of you to join us, Sasuke."
"Nice of you to invite me, Hiashi-san" returned the Uchiha with a diminutive bow before joining Hinata at the low table.
"This dinner was Hinata's idea actually." his rueful response was quickly setting the tone for the evening, not that Sasuke expected anything else.
"I'll be sure to thank her later." The cheeky remake did not go unnoticed by either party. He watched from the corner of his eye as color flooded Hinata's cheeks.
Before the verbal sparring between the two alpha males could begin in earnest, Natsu returned with tea and several more pieces of fine china than necessary. "Are we expecting more guests father?"
"I decided to invite a few guests of my own. They seem to be running later than yourself."
"Truth be told Hiashi-san, the delay was my fault. I was picking up a gift for Hinata." Hinata couldn't help but turn her attention to Sasuke at his defense of her. When he turned to her with a smirk the lump in her throat returned, dreading his next words.
"Delayed by flowers? A sweet gesture, but unnecessary." dismissed the older man.
"Not the flowers." Sasuke contested, finding it hard to not lose his cool demeanor at Hiashi's scrutinizing stare. "Hinata, would you mind showing your father my gift?"
It wasn't much of a request as it was a demand for her to show her father that her loyalty was no longer exclusively his. She fiddled with the metal on her finger before slowly raising her hand and presenting the ring to her father. Unfortunately he remained largely unfazed by the theatrics.
"A formal proposal then, Sasuke? You must be quite charmed by her to go out of you way."
"Hn. I was a fool to not see it sooner. I suppose I should thank you for bringing her to my attention."
"Your thanks are better placed with your own father." he retorted none too cordially. Suddenly he rose when the doors swung open, "You can do so now if you'd like."
The hairs on the back of Sasuke's neck rose even before he stood and addressed the newcomers. "Otousan. Okaasan."
Hinata was quick rise as well, bowing lowly to her future in-laws. While Mikoto was always a kind-hearted woman, Sasuke's father had always seemed cold and distant. Not unlike her own father.
"So nice to see you again Hinata-chan." Beamed the older woman, quickly pulling her into a hug and holding her at arms length to get a good look at her flushed face, "You're glowing my dear."
When Mikoto's hands slipped to her own her own her heart leapt into her throat. Quickly she felt the ring and her eyes bore down on it. Her eyes flickering from Hinata's own to her son's, and back to the ring. "S-Sasuke? Did..did you propose?!"
When all eyes fell on Sasuke he didn't flinch or falter, only shrug indifferently, "Yes."
The shriek Mikoto released was enough to draw several servants into the dining room. She trapped him in a gripping bear hug, nearly knocking him off his feet, "My son! My darling little boy is getting married!"
"Mikoto, please. Let the boy go." chided the eldest Uchiha rubbing his forehead in embarrassment from his wife's antics. Eventually she calmed down, apologizing to their host with a bow. "We can save the celebration for later."
"Yes, let's enjoy a…family dinner before we attend to our business. Natsu, our guests are hungry."
As everyone took their seats Sasuke couldn't help but kick himself for believing this was going to be nothing more than an uncomfortable dinner with his fiancée and her father. He noticed the undeniable change in Hinata's demeanor. Fists clenched in her lap, eyes downcast, visible tenseness. Stealthily he covered her hand with his own, making her gasp lightly, were it not for the conversation their respective patriarch's had stricken, they may have heard her. He gave her hand a small squeeze of assurance, if only to have her relax for a moment.
Plate after plate of lavish dishes were brought into the room in quick succession, soups, fish, meats, rice, and vegetables enough that Hinata questioned whether the table could take the weight.
Despite the delectable spread, Sasuke was not hungry. Granted, he never had much of an appetite it was the turn the evening had taken that left a bad taste in his mouth. He had gone above and beyond to allay his father's concerns, yet they still insisted on binding them with a corporate contract.
"Is the food not to your liking, Sasuke?" questioned Hiashi between sips of his tea and bites of his food.
"I've never been a voracious eater. My mother can attest to that." He responded not willing to waste another apology on the man.
"It's true. Sasuke has always been a fickle eater." agreed the dark haired woman.
"A shame, I suppose my daughter's cooking skills will be of no use to you."
Sasuke clenched his jaw at the disparaging remark. He was only trying to incite him, why else would he say such a thing, especially in front of his parents. He wanted them to know that this deal they were striking was to his benefit and the detriment of the Uchihas. He wanted them to know his family was superior.
"Hinata?" Sasuke kept his voice measured and calm, his eyes never leaving Hiashi's impassive stare. The woman at his side craned her head to regard him quizzically. "Would you like to cook a meal for me sometime? To prove your father wrong?"
"Sasuke." warned Fugaku sternly. His son was treading deeper into waters he had no place being. "Our host has graciously accepted us into his home. Show him the respect he's owed."
"Our host can't seem to—"
"Yes, S-Sasuke." piped the shy Hyuuga loudly enough to stop her fiancé from antagonizing her father any further, "I would like to cook a meal for you. J-just the two of us."
Sasuke couldn't help but smirk at the way Hiashi's face contorted in aggravation. When is glare shifted to Hinata she instantly wilted, eyes turned downcast, but not for long. Sasuke leaned in close and whispered in her ear, his words enough to draw her eyes forward again to face her father's.
"That's lovely." chimed in Mikoto doing her best to diffuse the tense air before a testosterone fueled fight broke out. "How are your studies going, Hinata-chan?"
The opal eyed woman was grateful for the pivot from the escalating back and forth between Sasuke and her father. It seemed as if fists and food could start flying at any moment. "Well, very well."
"I've heard Kurenai-chan is your department head. She and I attended Tokyo University as well you know. Even had a few classes together too. How is she?"
"Ano…she's doing well. A brilliant professor, a-and she's going to have a baby soon."
"Hm. Sarutobi Asuma's child no doubt." mused Fugaku to no one I particular, often he nonchalantly flaunted knowledge he typically would have no way of knowing. Just to prove he was the more resourceful and well informed man in the room.
"A baby…ah what a wonderful thing it is to bring life into this world. Sasuke—"
"Mother, please." urged the youngest Uchiha quickly, fearing whatever it was she may have had to say would embarrass him to no end. "Hinata is being modest. She's quite brilliant in her own right. Her lectures are something to behold."
Hinata couldn't help but blush at his compliment, whether is was sincere or just aimed at showing her father that he valued her for more than possible being a good homemaker, she didn't know. It was still a kind gesture.
"Visiting Hinata at the University during work hours isn't what you were hired to do, Sasuke."
"Consider this, father. Every year, if not quarter, we lose traders and analysts. Not to competitors, but to mental fatigue." he responded confidently, his demeanor changing as he addressed his elder, "The pressures of high stakes trading require more than adequate compensation to keep them at the top of their game. Someone with a deep understanding of human motivations to focus them could help."
"An interesting proposition." admitted Fugaku taking Sasuke by surprise, "Though, regardless of Hinata's skill in the area, the board will question the hiring of an executives fiancée to such a position."
"This wouldn't be a sweeping new policy for all offices. They'd have no issue with a trial of sorts. And I believe Hinata would be more than qualified for the position upon graduation."
"They would however have an issue with the perception that we're in the habit of hiring those close to us." he countered, "Perception is something the Hyuuga's have long since mastered."
"And foresight is what we've mastered, father." retorted Sasuke, smirking smugly.
Hiashi cleared his throat, none too keen on his family name being invoked in a conversation he wasn't a part of. "Perhaps now is the best time to attend to our business. We can spare the women the trivialities."
"I'd actually prefer to have Hinata join us. This concerns her as well."
"I-It's okay Sasuke. I don't need—"
"Point taken." He rose without further interruptions and gestured, "We can take this to my study."
All parties rose to follow their host from to dining room and down the hall to his study. A rather large dimly lit space devoid of any windows and covered from wall to wall with cherry wood bookcases filled with all manner of literature. A lone desk sat to the back of the office, a woven tapestry of the Hyuuga family crest looming large behind it. Hiashi allowed Fugaku and Sasuke to take their seats before seating himself. Mikoto and Hinata couldn't help but feel slightly unwanted as they huddled among the bookcases.
"Sasuke really cares about your opinion ne, Hinata-chan?" whispered the older woman, shooting her companion a warm smile.
"Y-yes. He's taking our m-marriage very seriously."
"As he should. My daughter-in-law gets nothing but the best." Her playful comments brought a blush to Hinata's cheeks and made her turn her attention to the back of her fiancé's head. "You two seem happy as well."
It was the way it looked yes, to a casual observer. The happiness she believed she felt was largely due to knowing Sasuke would fight tooth and nail for an equitable marriage contact. But, was she happy such a thing was happening in the first place? Was he happy?
Hinata hadn't realized it until now but, Sasuke had never disclosed how he felt about the situation once. Somehow he'd always made it about her. Accommodating her, allaying her fears, and assuring her that—"
"Hinata." called the voice belonging to the man filling her mind with countless confusing thoughts. "A moment, please."
When the rooms eyes turned to her she could feel her legs turn to jelly. She's been in her fathers study many a time when she was a child, usually when he felt necessary to scold her for something or other. It was hard to forget such visceral memories when terror was the emotion attached to them. "Y-yes Sasuke?"
"Hiashi-san, or the contract he's drafted rather, seems to consider my "faithfulness" a considerable liability." his tone was stoic yet intense, as if he was struggling to keep his composure. "Does this sound like the sort of agreement that fosters trust between our two families to you?"
"If you sully the good name of my daughter you sully the name of my company." contested Hiashi, is tone rising at the insolence Sasuke displayed. Conferring with his daughter as if to undermine him. The gall.
"My son knows better than to do something so foolish as to tarnish your daughters name, or your reputation." Sasuke couldn't help but be slightly surprised that his father would defend him so staunchly, and without a veiled threat as well.
"We would not have need for such a clause if your son was not a know philanderer."
"We didn't come here to be slandered father." seethed the young Uchiha as he rose from his seat. Hinata could practically see the anger radiating off him in waves. "Tomoe will survive with or without your aid, Hiashi. Can you say the same?"
The Hyuuga patriarch could only scowl in response, his palms firmly planted on the solid wood of his desk as if attempting to make it submit like he was the brash Uchiha. Though, Hinata could not stand idly by as the divide between their families widened Shakily she stepped forward, her heart drumming in her chest as she took a deep breath and stood behind Sasuke. Her ringed hand coming to rest on his arm as the room regarded her, but she did not falter.
"Sasuke…I trust him, father." The adamant support surprised all who bore witness. Her milky white eyes wandered but returned to her father's after a deep breath, "He's shown me kindness, and understanding, respect as well. The…agreement should extend the same to him, so should our family in mutual faith."
Like the others in the room, Sasuke was stunned. Was that truly how she felt, or was it what she knew would prevent a corporate war. Regardless, he felt a sense of pride in the woman by his side. It seemed a similar sentiment was shared by Fugaku as well.
He released a light chuckle and leaned back in his seat, "Your daughter is quite the negotiator. She has wisdom beyond her years. My son was wise to include her."
"Yes, so it would seem." Hiashi couldn't help but frown. He'd hoped she remained out of the conversation for the most part, only speaking when absolutely necessary, and he preferred if her words were more aligned with his wishes. "I'll have the clause removed, as a show of good faith."
They spent the better half of the next our sparring over the contracts nuances, until they came to the "In Perpetuity" clause. Sasuke stiffened as Hiashi began reading the stipulation, noticing how Hinata didn't flinch at all. She hadn't read it.
"Binded in matrimony, Uchiha Sasuke and Hyuuga Hinata are herein duty bound to preserve the sanctity of their marriage and the honor of their respective families by way of producing an heir or heiress." He paused momentarily, if only to relish in the hardened look on both Uchiha males faces.
"Said heir or heiress must be of the two families and produced within two years of the contracts signage and/or signage of legal documents legitimizing the aforementioned union. Breach of this agreement will result in action brought against the offending family by way of restitution, monetarily or otherwise."
"You can't be serious Hiashi…they're children." Protested Mikoto, unable to stay silent any longer.
"Surely you jest, Hiashi. Ramrodding something as serious as control of both our company's into a marriage contract?" Sasuke was thankful for his father's immediate resistance, it was a relief to know he had no hand in it's drafting.
"This entire arrangement is about the future. It's only frugal to plan for any and all inevitable situations." This was his plan all along it would seem.
"As frugal as you make it seem, the future should not be decided with something as archaic as a blood pact." fought Sasuke, searching for any reason to have the addendum wiped off the face of the contract.
"Regardless of the inclusion of the provision both party's know of their duty to their respective family's. I'd prefer they not forget that duty." The finality of the elder Hyuuga made it clear he would not yield.
Sasuke clenched his jaw so tightly he feared he would shatter his own teeth. Hiashi knew what he was doing, he was playing the long game. Giving them what concessions he seemed expendable, all but this one. The dark haired executive turned to look at Hinata, finding her fists balled and avoiding his gaze at all costs. And he was powerless to change that—they both were.
"So be it." Fugaku conceded looking to his son to do the same. "Sasuke?"
"I accept. But I do not do so lightly." The frown Sasuke displayed mirrored his own father's to a T. "I doubt Hinata feels any differently."
At the incantation of her name she raised her head, cheeks bright red and eyes welling with unspilled tears. For hours—no for years she stood idly by while all aspects of her life were decided by her father. With rules, curfews, and now contracts. Sasuke had been one of the few who wanted nothing but to free of her of those shackles. Free her of her duty. Duty. She had decided that this would be the last time she honored the duties she was bound to for anyone other than herself.
"Hinata-chan, you don't…"
"H-Hai." she whispered, cutting the older woman off "I accept."
"Good." Sasuke wanted nothing more than to knock the old man off of his high horse. Taking so much joy from his own daughters distress, all because he had all but laid claim to the Uchiha empire in one fell swoop.
"Let us sign and be done with this." Urged the raven haired man, raising from his seat to empathize his lost patience.
"Hm. As you wish." He produced an ornate pen from his desk and pushed it forward along with the contact. Sasuke begrudgingly signed, carefully he slid it towards Hinata.
He turned his back on the document and her father. His eyes met Hinata's briefly, she wasn't pleading with him to give her the right answer, she wanted him to know that she had her own. Carefully she signed, making each elegant arch and flourish count as she signed her surname. It may be the last time she did so.
Sasuke wasted no time moving to leave the office. He placed his hand on the small of her back and began leading her away, but not before Hiashi added insult to injury, "It's customary to seal the deal with a handshake as well, Sasuke."
The brash Uchiha had had enough of his taunts. He released a growl as he peered over his shoulder. Before he could respond to the haughty barb, Hinata steadied his hand with her own and turned to face her father.
"It's getting late father, and Sasuke has to take me home. Perhaps we can skip the formality."
She was full of surprises this evening, she didn't even wait for her father's say so before she left the office with her fiancé.
"That son of yours has already begun to effect her negatively."
"Children will always rebel. You should count yourself lucky she's going through it now, and that she has my son to quell that angst."
"I can't imagine what they're going through right now…It's all too much too soon." Lamented Mikoto, finding that the ordeal had taken more out of her than expected.
She wasn't wrong. By the time the duo brushed past all of the help, stopping only to retrieve the flowers, and made it across the street the adrenaline had begun to wear off. Combined with the brisk night air Hinata felt the fight all but leave her body as she slumped into the passenger seat. Dinner had never been such a ordeal.
Sasuke wasted no time pulling away, wanting nothing more than to drive as far as he could from the Hyuuga compound. He did so in silence for much of the ride, neither knowing what he could say or how to say it.
"Your father is more of an asshole than I remember." The words slipped from his lips with such natural ease it surprised even himself. Hinata failed to stifle a gasp, to hear Sasuke curse was a rarity. But she couldn't say she disagreed.
"He'll be your father-in-law soon."
Sasuke scoffed at the notion, "I can tolerate my own father in small intervals, but yours…" he trailed off knowing slandering the man wouldn't win him many points. "It doesn't matter. You did well tonight. You stood up to him."
"I did it for you." she admitted lowly.
"You didn't have to." he responded defiantly.
"But I did."
Sasuke shifted in his seat uncomfortably, not because he doubted her sincerity, but because he feared it. He feared that now he had another's expectations to live up to. Would he disappoint her like he had his father?
"You know he's right." Sasuke bit out, hoping that somehow he could dissuade her from being so adamant. Her support had it's place in front of her father, but the world was far more complex than Hyuuga Hiashi. "I'm a liability. A philanderer. A dishonorable man who—"
"I don't believe those things. T-that should be all that matters."
She was too pure for his world. Too naïve to know that he may drag her name down with his own, like her father predicted. For her sake if nothing else he hoped to prove him wrong. He allowed the sound of the engine to calm his scattered mind.
"Thank you." he blurted, deciding it was easier to accept her kind words rather than find fault in them.
"I should be the one thanking you." she retorted without hesitation. The further away they went from the her childhood home the more comfortable she became it seemed, as if the burden of her familial duties was slowly lifted from her shoulders. Perhaps her newfound sense of freedom was setting in. "My father was so focused on you and the ring he never even mentioned the k-kiss."
"Kiss?" Sasuke repeated, visibly confused until his mind connected the dots. "You invited me as a scapegoat didn't you? So you could blame me for the kiss and escape your fathers wrath?"
Hinata quickly flushed a deep crimson, realizing that she never had a chance to run that little detail passed Sasuke. "I-I-It's not like that j-just…Ha-Hanabi put me up to it!"
"My fiancée is surprisingly devious." he chided jokingly, a smirk spreading across his face. "Who would have thought, Hyuuga Hinata of all people."
"I-I am not!" she returned, pouting at the joy he was seemingly receiving from her embarrassment.
"I forgive you Hinata." he said deciding he'd had all of the fun she would allow before truly getting upset at his characterization of her. "Truth be told, I was going to tell him you forced yourself on me."
Luckily for him his closing statement was well received. After a brief pause, his ears were filled with a melody he'd never heard her produce. The laughter was so infectious he couldn't help but join in. It wasn't often someone found his deadpan sense of humor enjoyable in any regard.
"I doubt that would have gone over well for you." she added in between her subsiding giggles.
"It would have been worth it to see his face regardless." By the time their laughter died down they arrived at her home. He opened her door and led her to her front door arm in arm. For once, he had safely returned her with a smile on her face. It was a small comfort to know that he could make the displeasure's of the evening fade far enough into the background for her to smile. It made him feel like he was doing something right at least. He was so focused on that smile he missed her appreciative words for all he'd done for her. The way her cheeks swelled, and lips curled, eyes shining…
"Can I kiss you?"
The words caught Hinata off guard as she watched him with her mouth slightly agape. Quickly her throat dried and heart skipped a beat. When she didn't respond his hand found its way to her cheek, the warm sensation sending a shiver down her spine. She could feel her legs getting weaker by the second as she tried to focus her thoughts, only capable of mustering a wisp like breath. "H-huh?"
"Can I kiss you, Hinata?" with just the flowers between them it was hard to not realize the intimate position they found themselves in. The curiously of his kiss filled her again, overtaking her fear of collapsing in his arms. She needed to know—needed to know that what she was feeling was real. She wanted to know if he was truly the herald of the happiness she was feeling. With that final thought she nodded numbly, and gave him the permission he sought.
Hinata closed her eyes as he leaned in, relinquishing all control to him. She gasped lightly when his soft lips met her own and lingered, stars bursting behind her eyes as warmth spread throughout her body, the fear she felt melting away underneath that warmth. She leaned into the sensation, pressing her lips more fully against his own, the friction eliciting a wave of emotions she'd never experienced. But before she could make sense of them he pulled away.
Lightheaded and dazed they stated into each others eyes, their breath coming out in shallow steamy puffs in the nights air. Sasuke took a small step back from her to resist the urge to rekindle their kiss. He ran a hand through his hair and watched as she stood there clutching her flowers for dear life.
"Better than the first?" he asked, his voice a soft whisper.
The opal eyed heiress could only bring her fingers to her lips, silently internalizing what just transpired. Bashfully she nodded, hiding behind her flowers. He couldn't help but smirk as he slowly backed away.
"Goodnight, hime."
She stood there watching as he entered his vehicle and pulled away still caught in her trance. Idly she toyed with her ring as she regained her composure, the moonstones mirroring the orb in the nights sky.
"Goodnight, Sasuke-kun."
Welp there you have it and boy was it a doozy! Definitely the longest chapter I've written in a long time. Granted it's probably also the longest it's taken me to update in a long time as well. Again, apologies for that. Have no doubt I will keep this story going. As always, leave me your reviews or critiques or general well wishes. I'll be working tirelessly on the next chapter in the meantime.
Next Chapter: Our Relationship
Until next time! Sayonara!
