A/N: If you've made it this far you are most likely dug in and deeply invested in this story in one way or another, and for this I thank you. From those guest reviewers to my day one's like Koen D, Dangel7, or Kischisaburo, I appreciate it all. Now, to preface this chapter I wanted to address the speed at which things are moving. Fast, yes, I know. If anyone is familiar with some of my other work more notably AFL, I enjoy a slow burn as much as the next guy. But Sasuke and Hinata don't have that luxury, so I have to properly address how their lives have suddenly been kicked into high gear. As they've made clear to one another they just want to return to a state of normalcy and as such have to act now and process it all after. Which brings us to this latest installment. So without further ado.


Our Relationship

Hinata was living in a dream world. Equal parts a universe of limitless possibilities, and intangible elements that defied her understanding. She was happy in this dream, but it was never hers to begin with.

"Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakes. Hinata? Hinata? Hinata!" the voice jarred her from her thoughts and back to reality, forcing her body upright as she faced her professor. "Nice of you to join us. Now, who did I just quote?"

"Ah…t-t-t-that would Freud?" answered the less than attentive student.

"Close, but that would be Carl Jung, Hinata. Please pay attention." chided the lanky lecturer with disapproving shake of his head.

"Gomen…" she apologized meekly, kicking herself for daydreaming of all things. But it was hard to focus with eyes constantly staring at her, and the ring. She didn't know what possessed her to wear it, knowing full well that this would happen. She didn't want to seem ashamed of her betrothal, but she also didn't want to be a spectacle.

Though throughout the day that's exactly what she was. From students and colleagues congratulating her, to the less than wholesome looks she received. As much as she hated keeping such a secret, living with the secret out in the open was proving to be even more stressful. Hinata couldn't fathom how Sasuke coped with being a prominent public figure, she'd have to ask him for a few pointers.

Once the professor dismissed the class she all but bolted for the door, desiring nothing more than to find refuge in her solitary studies. She found that solace in the cubicle Kurenai had set up for her in the department office. There she was able to recap the lecture she had largely missed, though not for long.

"Hinata? I expected you to be on your way to lunch." mused the older woman peering over the flimsy cubicle barrier between them before walking around to face her fully. "Something on your mind? Or is it someone?"

Not her too, Hinata could only take so much teasing even if it was light hearted. "I w-was just revisiting a lecture on the theory of the collective unconscious."

"I see. But something must be weighing on your own unconscious. And I can't help but think it's that ring." surmised the crimson eyed women, noting how quick she was to cover it with her hand.

"I-It's…new, but I can handle it. You don't need to worry about me Kurenai-sensei." she assured with a weak smile.

"I know you can. But it can't be easy." she sighed, taking a seat at the edge of her desk to rest her swollen feet. "Your first boyfriend was never really your boyfriend to begin with. And now he's your fiancé."

Hinata pursed her lips and pouted, Kurenai had a certain cadence she employed when all she wanted was for you to listen.

"It was one thing to agree to such a thing so quickly—and I understand your reasoning, but it's another thing to follow through Hinata. To make this more than a duty."

Hinata hoped one day she could be as good as her mentor. She had a natural talent for reading people, and digging deep into their minds. It was actually an eerie talent.

"Take some time to catch your breath and evaluate things. Assess what you want without external stimuli." she offered astutely, struggling slightly to get back on her feet. She rested her hands on her engorged belly and rubbed it gently, "Jung believed we were born into our nature, and no external forces could change that. You're proof enough that he wasn't the genius people believed him to be."

Hinata listened closely to the advice, whispering her appreciation for the words as before she left her to her own devices. Perhaps she was right, she had been so concerned with what others thought about it all that she hadn't taken anytime for herself. But that was symptomatic of her passive nature, to change something so deeply ingrained may not be possible. But she had to try at least.

Quickly collecting her books and notes in her arms she left the office in hopes of steadying her thoughts. She found herself outside of the campus, aimlessly wandering the streets on the pleasantly tempered day. The wind whipped her blue-black hair as she parked herself on a park bench and took in the day.

She peacefully watched the passerby's going about their days. Businessmen, tourists, lone wanderers, and couples alike. She attempted a light exercise Kurenai had taught her to sharpen her analytical skills. She created a story for each person that caught her eye, trying to paint a picture from their mannerisms. The overworked businessman, successful but stressed and unfulfilled in the corporate rat race. The mother taking an afternoon stroll with her toddler, the serene picture of contentedness despite the rambunctious energy of her tiny companion. The happy couple walking hand in hand…

For some reason she found it difficult to profile them, a small tightness forming him her chest as she watched them. Smiles and laughter on display for no one but each other, Hinata couldn't help but wonder if Sasuke and Sakura had been like that once upon a time. She wondered if they would ever be like that. She wondered if Sasuke even had the capacity for such overt affection.

"Yo Hinata! What are you doing here?" called a voice from behind her, causing her to whip her head around.

"Kiba-kun! I-I was just taking my lunch." she responded receiving a bark in response from his furry companion. "Hello to you too Akamaru-kun."

"I was just in the neighborhood walking this guy here, seemed like a nice enough park." Casually hetook the seat beside her, Akamaru rushing to nearly pounce on Hinata as he reared on his hind legs.

"I missed you too boy" she giggled as she ruffled his thick coat and let him lick her face.

"So, how are ya feeling, after the little fainting spell the other night?" he asked kicking his feet out and lounging for a bit.

Hinata had almost forgotten about the incredibly embarrassing outing that thrust her and Sasukes relationship into the public eye. Somehow she'd hoped that she would just avoid all the party's involved until everyone had forgotten. No such luck it would seem.

"B-Better, much better. Sorry I ruined the evening."

"Ruined it? Are you kidding me? Sasuke forgot his card at Ichiraku that night! We shut the place down!" he exclaimed, a wide grin spreading across his face as he waved the piece of plastic around like a trophy. Hinata could only blink at his unabashed response. It was comforting to know that it wasn't the end of the world after all. Even though he was now laughing about essentially stealing from her fiancé.

When his laughter finally died down he became suddenly serious, "But anyway... you and Sasuke? It's for real huh?"

"A-As real as the ring, I suppose." she answered meekly, he hand shaking slightly as she showed it to him. He whistled his approval at the expensive piece of jewelry, but didn't let it blind him from his own reservations about the arrangement.

"He's not trying to buy your affection I hope."

"No! N-not at all."

"So what is it then? Do you see anything in that guy, or is this a family matter?" he asked perhaps a bit too harshly judging by how she averted her gaze. "Hey, I didn't mean it like that…"

"No, it's a r-reasonable question." she assured, though his question was exactly what she was trying to figure out herself. Sasuke was charming, and had manners when he wanted to, but he was still largely unknown to her. Whereas he had been sizing her up the moment he reentered her life. But that took effort, and Sasuke would never waste his time on something he saw as unnecessary or frivolous. That effort to make her more confident, more comfortable, to make her smile, had to count for something.

"He's complicated…a-and I know that he can seem callous at times." she defended, carefully trying to choose her words. "But he can be kind, a-and thoughtful as well. And he's making an effort to make this work so…so am I."

Kiba took a moment to internalize her words, even silently conferring with his canine companion for a moment before replying. "I guess that's all good and well. But…does he make you happy?"

That was the million dollar question if there ever was one. Something that she couldn't quite answer just yet. Even after their kiss she couldn't be sure. The sparks she experienced were there sure enough, but she'd never experienced anything like that before, she had no baseline to compare it to. "Ano…we're still getting to know one another."

"But do you think he can make you happy? As your husband?" he pressed again, not quite satisfied with her non answer answer.

"...Yes. I-I do."

"Alright, good. That's all any of us want for you. Even Sakura." At the mention of the other woman who had been an important figure in Sasuke's life, Hinata's face dropped. Suddenly feeling like he'd overstayed his welcome and maybe crossed a line he shouldn't have, he rose. "Anyway, as long as you're happy. It was nice catching up, just take care of yourself."

"I will." She promised with a small smile, giving Akamaru a final scratch behind his ear before they made their exit. "H-Hey, wait! Sasuke's credit card."

"Oh, right. Yeah. Just tell him…we were keeping it safe for him?" not even he could believe his own excuse as he handed her the thick metal card. If he was lucky the Uchiha would chalk it up to a minuscule loss.

Hinata bid them farewell before returning to her idle thoughts, turning her attention to the weighty card in her hands. Sasuke was confident, wealthy, and successful, but did any of it make him happy? Did he find satisfaction in knowing he was well off, did it make him feel fulfilled and validated?

Hinata shook her head at the thought. Here she was concerning herself with Sasuke's own happiness when she was finding it difficult to pinpoint her own. But perhaps there was something to that after all. The antithesis of Kiba's question sent her thoughts of anxiety and inadequacies into a frenzy. Did she make Sasuke happy? Could she even accomplish such a thing?

She recalled the self deprecating things he said about himself the previous evening. He exposed his own vulnerabilities to her, even if it was only to assure her that he was far from a saint and closer to the sinner her father believed. And when she refused to accept, he thanked her. If nothing else he trusted her to a degree. It was a start to be sure. But was trust enough to sustain a marriage?

Looking at her phone she realized that she had spent almost the entirety of her break ruminating. Quickly she grabbed her belongings and made her way back to the campus, stopping briefly to grab a skewered sweet from a small vendor to keep her energy up for the rest of the day ahead. As she crossed the vestibule while fiddling with her files she nearly collided with someone exiting.

"G-gomen!" she called back only stopping in her tracks when she caught a glimpse of bubblegum colored hair. "S-Sakura-chan?"

"Hi, Hinata-chan…." She seemed as surprised as the pale eyes girl, and for a moment they just stared at one another. "I-I'm sure you're in a rush."

Before she could reply, the cherry headed woman moved to leave, "Wait! Ma-maybe we should—"

"Hinata-chan we don't have to—"

"Please, Sakura-chan." she pled, wringing her hands nervously. Quickly covering her ringed finger when her friends emerald eyes pivoted to it. "C-can we talk?"

Sakura mulled it over for a minute, her conflicting emotions physically manifesting by way of her furrowed brow. "I have a shift at the clinic…you can stop by if you'd like."

Hinata released the breath she had been holding and nodded in acceptance. Despite not knowing how the conversation may go, she was still glad Sakura had given her a chance. Given that the alternative was never speaking to one of her closest female friends ever again.

Realizing that she was now dangerously close to being late to her next class, she bolted through the atrium and into the nearest elevator. Miraculously she made it to her seat just as the professor arrived. Thankfully she was more alert for this lecture, perhaps it would give her some clarity on deciphering her fiancé.

Though, she had no such luck. Sasuke was a different animal from most, and had Maslow met the man he may have reconsidered his hierarchy of needs. The stoic executive had all the wealth anyone could ask for and still seemed to not need or crave any sort of emotional connections whatsoever. He was an island, surrounded by thick impenetrable walls covered in thorns. The thought saddened the heiress, it made her question whether or not he would let her in, or if he even cared to. She mulled over the idea of enlisting Sakuras aid, but quickly pushed the thought from her head. The last thing she needed to do was dig in that wound.

Perhaps she was expecting too much too soon. Then again, maybe she was searching for a way to validate her own feelings for the man. He'd went from a relatively innocuous member of her circle of friends, to the most central figure in almost all aspects of her life. They were going to be husband and wife…they were going to have children.

So much blood rushed to her head she feared it may start searching for a way out through whatever orifice it could. It was enough for prompt the professor to ask if she was feeling alright. Thankfully she somehow managed to assure them it was nothing and buried her face back into her notes for good measure.

To think she agreed to such a thing—to think Sasuke had! They both agreed, albeit reluctantly. She couldn't help but wonder if he had only done so knowing that her father would never capitulate and it would only draw a deeper divide between their family's, or if there were some more innate psychological factors at play. Sasuke was like her somewhat in that regard, they'd been conditioned to obey the authority figures in their lives. A more familial form of the Milgram experiments, heavily skewed in their parents favor. But Sasuke had a long history of bucking against that authority, conditioning or loyalty be damned.

Suddenly a lightbulb went on in her head. Despite his conditioning, he had somehow cut out a large swath of himself for himself. It was destructive and dangerous in a sense but the impulse was there, and it was strong. The notion of "Self" was by no means novel, but to hypothesize the raw impulse not as mere rebellion but as an important cornerstone in personality development. Hinata couldn't contain herself, immediately casting the classes lessons aside and jotting down what notes she could about her epiphany. Any progress she could make on her thesis was good, unlike the thought of one day having to explain to Sasuke that his own unique personality was actually a construct propagated by several organic factors that many people experienced. Odds are he wouldn't take too kindly to being a subject of research, even if it was his wife doing the observing.

But she would worry about that another time. The sounds of shuffling sheets and feet filled her ears, and it was only then that she realized class had ended. She'd managed to write several pages of notes, granted they looked like the ravings of a madman to anyone but her. In her haste she'd forgotten her impeccable penmanship. Gathering her things she made her way out of the class like the rest of her colleagues, now free of her classes for the day she pondered her next move. She could hold up in her office space and continue brainstorming while her synapses were firing on all cylinders, or she could stress over her upcoming sit down with Sakura.

Unfortunately, that was a catch 22. Now that she had thought about it, it was the only thing she could focus on. What would she say? What would Sakura say? Would she curse her to death by a thousand cuts, or give her the silent treatment? She found herself worrying all the way to the university clinic, and even more so as she waited for the pinkette to appear. She had caught glimpses of her milling about with a clipboard, sometimes trailing behind the loud heels of her mentor, Tsunade. Hinata must have been sitting in the waiting room for at least half an hour before Sakura came up for air.

"Hinata, sorry for keeping you waiting." she apologized politely, hastily removing her gloves and tossing them in a bio-waste receptacle .

"It's fine, Sakura-chan. My schedule is empty so…I-I could come back if you're too busy." She offered meekly, her uncertainty over how this conversation could go rearing it's head again.

"It's fine, really. Tsunade-sama would have my head if I didn't take a minute to myself every now and then." she countered jokingly. "Come on, we can talk in the break room."

Hinata had no choice but to follow, somewhat unnerved by the questionable stains that spotted her scrubs. She probably had access to sharp scalpels and paralyzing agents, the like of which made it easy to abduct someone and torture them until…

"Hinata-chan? Are you feeling ok?" questioned the med student with a curious gaze.

"Y-Yes!" she responded loudly, apparently she'd been too busy focusing on all the ways Sakura could exact her revenge to realize she was now staring at her.

"Well, take a seat. Would you like some tea? There's always a pot boiling in here."

"No I'm fine, thanks." she took her seat and couldn't help but fidget nervously. Though, Sakura wasn't doing much better herself. In the silence that followed her joining the Hyuuga at the table, she straightened her hair several times and bit her lip.

"So…how are you? I know you weren't well the other night."

"It w-was just a dizzy spell. I thought I was over them but…"

"Sasuke-kun…" finished the pinkette somewhat somberly, suddenly wish she had something other than her hair to fiddle with. "He can…have that effect, I suppose."

Hinata could see this was hard for her, and it only made her feel worse for what she was putting her friend through. "F-for what it's worth...I'm sorry Sakura-chan. I wanted…I wanted to tell you but, it all just happened so quickly."

"He said as much as well." she responded doing her best to fight back familiar tears. Sakura could tell by the slightly shocked look on her face that Sasuke hadn't shared their conversation with her. And with good reason, Sakura felt as if she betrayed Hinata by going behind her back and all but offering herself to her fiancé. It was desperate and embarrassing, so much so that it was difficult to even face Hinata's sweet visage. "I don't blame you. Never, Hinata-chan."

The heiress wanted nothing more than to believe her, but all her brain could scream was "Why does it feel like you hate me!?" Hinata did her best to smother the thought, allowing silence to reign while she collected herself. "Thank you, Sakura-chan. But…do y-you still have feelings for him?"

The forwardness of her question caught the med student off guard, forcing a dainty blush to form on her cheeks. "I…"

"I'm sorry! It's not my place to ask something—"

"It's fine…really Hinata-chan." Assured the pinkette softly, picking at her manicures nails nervously as if she'd find the answer underneath them, "I'll...always have feelings for Sasuke-kun."

Hinata could feel her heart drop into the pit of her stomach in an instant.

"But, none of those feelings are romantic. That part of our relationship is over." The response seemed almost too good, too sterile, like their surroundings. It wasn't that Hinata didn't believe her—it just seemed all too similar to Sasukes own response to their current relationship status. Maybe even apart the two were innately simpatico. The thought alone brought about feelings of jealousy the likes of which she'd never experienced. All of the knowledge she had of Sasuke was only what he had allowed her to glimpse. Sakura had seen much more, with and without his consent.

"Sakura-chan…I really hope this doesn't change anything between you and Sasuke—or us."

"No of course not." It was a relief to hear her say those words, and as she placed her and Hinata's ringed hand a smile graced her face, "I only ever wanted Sasuke-kun to be happy, with or without me. I'm glad it's you he'll have by his side."

"Thank you. Thank you so much Sakura-chan." Hinata had to fight back tears at her friends sincere words and profound show of support. She was a friend in the truest sense, despite the obstacle between them.

"Sakura! I need you to run some x-rays over to radiology so I can—" the boisterous sound of Tsunade jolted the two from their touching moment as the blonde entered the small break area, oblivious to the guest. "Hinata? I didn't expect to see you here. Is everything alright?"

Quickly she rose to her feet and bowed lowly, "N-no! I mean yes! Everything is fine, Tsunade-sama."

Hinata hoped that that would be the end of their interaction between the busy doctor and herself, but such was not the case. It was as if the ring screamed "Talk about me!" anytime she was near a person. The busty blonde stared quizzically for a moment before the dots connected in her head. "So the rumors are true. Congratulations Hinata."

"T-thank you."

"Sakura? The x-rays please." She reiterated, quickly sending her ward back into work mode with nary a farewell to her guest. Hinata couldn't help but feel like she was about to receive a lecture from the older more imposing woman.

She casually jammed her hands into her lab coat and leaned against the door frame, all the while keeping the Hyuuga under her gaze. "You're worried about her?"

"Ano…I thought it was important for us to talk…about Sasuke."

"Uh-huh. That boy always was the talk of the town among the ladies. Never figured you for a fan though. No offense." she responded with a sheepish grin.

"I just didn't want it to come between us. Or her work."

"She's a tough cookie, don't let the hair fool you." she joked with a light chuckle, "She was worse after the breakup and survived that. She'll survive you becoming Mrs.Uchiha."

Soon she'd start hearing that more and more. Her students, her professors, even her bank would all be referring to her as such. But like Tsunade said, it wasn't the end of the world. "Yes, of course Tsunade-sama."

"Good, now I should probably get back to it." she sighed, carefully bending to adjust her heels before turning to leave. But not without one last cheeky quip, "I suppose you should be getting back to your fiancé as well."

She didn't wait for a response, the blush the younger woman produced was all she needed before she made her exit. While she didn't have any sort of obligation to visit Sasuke, she had been thinking about him all day, academically and personally. Perhaps a phone call was warranted, maybe her could set her mind at ease. When she retrieved her long forgotten phone she realized she had missed at least a dozen phone calls and texts from her sister. Needless to say, the gruff attitude she received when she returned the calls was more than justified.

"Sorry I missed—"

"Show me the ring!" she exclaimed loud enough to get Hinata to cringe.

"Ano…" hesitantly she took a photo of the bauble and sent it to Hanabi, fearing the response. She had been so critical of anything and everything having to do with Sasuke so far, what we're the odds something like jewelry would change her mind? She waited with baited breath to find out.

"It's…so you. Guess I have to say he did a good job." She admitted begrudgingly. "If he keeps this up he'll spoil you rotten."

Before Hinata could berate her sister for insinuating such a thing a gust of wind sent several of her files flying out of her hands and onto the crowded street. She scrambled to and fro chasing after them. A passerby stopped to aid her their hands briefly coming in contact as they reached for a small stack of papers.

"Arigato." She thanked as she pulled her hand and the documents away from her helper. She couldn't make out much of her face, she wore rather large aviator sunglasses and was dressed in a black suit with no tie, slightly unruly long red hair framing the smirked that playing across her face for whatever reason.

"You should take care of your things better. Might end up losing something valuable." She advised as they both rose to their feet. But as Hinata mounted her retort of agreement the woman ledt, disappearing quickly into the throng on people.

"Are you still there?" called her sister as she blinked several times at the odd interaction with the stranger.

"Yeah, j-just dropped some things."

"So, do you feel any different? Now that it's official?"

That was the question she'd been battling all day. She'd thought about it all. His proposal, the support he offered with assuring words in her defense, the laughter they shared, the kiss, the ring…the ring. Her eyes widened and she gasped audibly as she looked down at her now nude finger.

"Hinata? What's going on?"

"I-I-I need to go!" she exclaimed before hurriedly hanging up, her mind instantly going into panic mode as she tried to make sense of the sudden disappearance. She had just taken a picture of the damn thing and then dropped her papers...that woman. Her words cut through her frazzled thoughts like a hot knife through butter. Hinata had to fight the urge to shout obscenities in the street. She'd been pickpocketed by that would be good samaritan!

She looked back and forth between the crowd in hope of catching a glimpse of the woman again. But to no avail, she didn't even know what she'd have done if she did find her. She wasn't a violent person by any means, but something told her to eviscerate the woman if she ran into her again. If she didn't, Sasuke was sure to do the same to her.

Her steps suddenly became heavy and swift as she roamed the streets, the odd mixture of dread and anger drawing hot tears from her opal irises. The ring may not have been an expression of love or adoration but one of trust, if only a fraction of it, it was still hers, something Sasuke had given her. It meant something to her, just like Sasuke, regardless of the new and confusing emotions she felt about either of them.

Having reached wits end she contemplated calling Sasuke, apologetic and groveling for his forgiveness. But a much less embarrassing idea came to mind. She called Naruto.

"Hinata-chan? What's up?" answered the blonde, the sound of radio chatter and rattling equipment heard in the background.

"I-I need your help! I w-was r-robbed and I don't—!" Her hysterics had done little for her persistent stutter and describing the experience only made her more emotional.

"Calm down Hinata-chan. Just tell me where you are." he ordered calmly, turns ng on his lights and sirens almost immediately once she was able to tell him where she was. Within minutes he arrived on the scene to her frantically flagging him down. He hopped out of the cruiser and did his best to alleviate her anxiety so he could make out her scattered rendition of the crime.

"I-it was a woman, ano…in a black suit, a-and dark sunglasses. She was about my height, maybe a bit shorter, and she had long red hair." Naruto listened to the description, carefully take what notes he could. "S-she helped me with some notes I dropped, and the next thing I knew…"

"What did the ring look like?" he inquired, brow furrowed in deep concentration. For how playful and goofy the blond could be it was somewhat a surprise how professional he was wile he was on the job, or at least Hinata thought so.

She showed him the picture she'd sent to her sister moments before the incident occurred and he gave it a good look before nodding and returning to his vehicle, "Come on let's find this thief."

W-what?" she questioned with wide eyes.

"We're gonna track her down of course! That ring looks expensive, Sasuke would kill me if I didn't do all I could to find it."

The heiress had to admit he had a point. Not to mention that she may share the same fate if he found out about the incident. Quickly she hopped into the front seat and they made their way through the streets. Naruto occasionally slowed down to eye a possible culprit before Hinata assured him it wasn't. They did this for hours before a frustrated Naruto began hopping out of the cruiser, practically accosting women who match the description even remotely. Though, Hinata put a quit stop to that. She didn't need him risking his career over something like an engagement ring.

"I think we s-should just give up Naruto-kun. It's getting late." the sun was well into it's setting by nowand the odds of catching the their were well past slim to none.

Naruto released a heavy sigh as he pulled over and parked. He wasn't one to admit defeat but he saw no other options. "Sorry Hinata-chan. We tried."

"Yeah.." she whispered in the dimly lit passenger see as she stared down at her hands.

"I'm sure Sasuke won't be upset. He's got more money than King Midas. Replacing it won't be an issue, I'm sure.' He did his best to ease the worry and dread she was giving off.

It wasn't necessarily that she thought he'd be terribly upset, she blamed herself for being so careless with it. She had lost his symbol of trust, the one thing she felt mattered most to him. The one thing he desired for their relationship.

"What are you going to say to him?" he inquired softly.

"I don't know."

"Whatever you say, I'm sure he'll understand. Or I'll lock him in a cell until he does. Believe it." The proclamation did lift her spirit somewhat, enough to elicit a giggle. "Come on let's get you home."

It didn't take long before the blond officer began inquiring about the mysterious relationship, "I didn't get a chance to say it the other night but, congratulations."

"T-thank you, Naruto-kun." She responded just as she had dozens of times in the last twenty-four hours to countless others. She'd always thought by some stroke of luck and karma it would be others congratulating the two of them, but somehow found herself being less downtrodden and disheartened by what could best be described as an alternate timeline.

"You don't need to answer this but…" he began, his lack of certainty in his own words raising her own anxiety level more than she'd expected. "Sasuke…teme, he's not the easiest guy to get along with. I should know. But…you'll go easy on him, won't you?"

Hinata could only stare in shock. Naruto was worried about Sasuke of all people. When her dumfounded gaze was all he received he had no choice but to elaborate.

"Whatever the reason for all this, whatever your families reason for it is. You guys are in this together right? I mean…Sasukes always been a stubborn, distant, hardass, loner who'd rather—"

"We're in this together." she interrupted staunchly, taking her ride along partner by surprise. "Sasuke-kun he's…he's given me his trust. The rest will come later."

It was Narutos turn to be shocked by her forwardness. "Geez Hinata-chan, Sasuke's really rubbing off on you-a-and not in a bad or pervy sort of way."

"I-I've only been out half the day searching for his ring." she defended through her blush, "He's not all stone faces and glares. Odd as it may sound…he's been kind to me through all of this. And I intend to return the favor. Work with him. Be his p-partner."

Naruto took a moment to digest her heartfelt speech, but still allowed the rumblings of a chuckle escape. "Teme really has met his match with you."

"What do you mean?"

"I always figured Sakura-chan would balance him out. But her temper just added to the flame." She could see that he had his Cheshire grin on his face just as they pulled up to her home. "You might actually be the one to tame him. I mean, who could say no to you?"

Now Hinata was blushing madly. He was so supportive, bolstering her confidence to the point of almost believing she could ever be a match for the illustrious Uchiha Sasuke. She couldn't find any other response than to throw herself at him and into a bear hug. She had waited to be noticed him for years, and now that it was happening, she could do nothing. Her hand had been promised to another. It was all so Shakespearean in it's tragedy.

"Thank you, Naruto-kun. For everything." she had to fight back tears as he returned the gesture, the tender moment only being interrupted by his radio going off.

"Uzumaki! Where the hell are you?" called the gruff voice.

"Uhhh I'm on my way Jiraiya! Just caught in traffic." He responded hesitantly, only realizing how foolish he sounded afterwards.

"Have you forgotten what the siren is for? Get your ass down here, now!"

"C-copy!" he dropped the receiver and released a nervous chuckle, "Guess I gotta go, Hinata-chan. Duty calls."

She nodded in understanding and began gathering her things as she bid him farewell and exited he called out to her one last time, "Is it gonna be weird if I still call him teme?"

She could only laugh at some of the things that seemed so important to the blond in the moment. Though the happiness she felt at their interaction was short lived as she crossed the threshold into her apartment. She had to tell Sasuke, she had to tell him everything. How she lost the ring, how apologetic she was, what she'd done to try rectifying it, how sorry she was for losing his trust. And so she haphazardly dropped her things near the door dialed him, fearing she'd lose the nerve Naruto had given her if she delayed.

Ring.

Ring..

Ring…


Sasuke retrieved the vibrating slab of metal from the table between himself and his "associate", making quick note of the caller before declining the call and placing the device in his blazer pocket.

"Tsk tsk. The princess won't like that one bit. Especially if she knew where you where. Or rather, who you were with." Sasuke glared daggers at the woman across from him. Everything about her haughtiness rubbed him the wrong way. She demanded he meet her in this sleazy Shinjuku bar, deciding that they were going to treat on her terms and on her turf after he pursued her.

"I think we can both agree our personal lives have no place in this…discussion." Sasuke had to use all of his willpower to keep his temper in check. There was something about that smirk, there was something about everything about her. She'd orchestrated this whole thing. From the location down to the bold display of her blackmail material on the table of their private room.

"That would be true if we weren't discussing how to best make these photos of you fucking me go away." responded the redhead flippantly, relishing in the way his jaw clenched tightly. She scoffed, reaching into her blazer pocket and retrieved a pack of cigarettes, lighting one between her lips and taking a long drag. The smoke billowed out in wisps as she shook her head, "To think your skin is no thicker than my underwear."

"Does Orochimaru let you talk to your superiors like this? retorted the raven haired man, clearly a rational approach would get him nowhere with her, so why not fight fire with fire. It certainly did the trick seeing as it wiped the smug look on her face off almost immediately. "Or is it just the tone you take with those you're familiar with?"

"I'm no more familiar with you than your little girlfriend is, I suppose." Sneered the redhead, crossing her legs and leaning back into the plush leather sofa. She began rummaging through her pockets for something, "Or is it fiancée now?"

Sasukes gaze hardened even more if possible. The object she pulled out was unmistakable. It was Hinata's engagement ring. Somehow, some way, she had gotten to her and it was infuriating.

"Congratulations by the way." she jeered, even going as far as to try slipping the ring onto her own fingers, but to no avail. "Can't say I had much interest in the princess herself. But you forced my hand. What kind of man doesn't call a lady back after fucking her the way you did me?"

"You're no lady. Far from it." he seethed calmly, hoping his dark tone would deter her from testing him any further like it had all those who tried before her. "You're nothing more than a snakes whore."

"Yeah, enough of this Machiavellian bullshit tell me how you really feel."

"What does that bastard want from me?"

"Orochimaru-sama has nothing to do with this. With you and I." despite the devious nature of the Tayuya he knew this far, he believed her in this regard, but by no means trusted her.

"So, what is it you want then?"

She took one last drag of her dwindling cigarette and extinguished it in a nearby ashtray, "We both know if I simply ask for money, I'll use you like an ATM and just bleed you dry."

"What then? Are you looking to defect? Play the double agent?"

"I'd put a bullet in my own head if I had to spend another second around that pompous cunt Karin." She spat, grabbing an nearby bottle of whiskey and took a deep swallow. "I'm thinking about my future, actually."

Sasuke quirked an eyebrow at this. Usually he had to work harder to pry an adversary's true intentions from them. Though he supposed she had no reason to be cagey about her desires, she had him in a vice.

"I'd follow Orochimaru-sama to Hell and back. Though I…fear, you will be the one to send him there. And there will be no coming back."

Now Sasuke was truly intrigued. He could see the logic and the rationale, after all, he would like nothing more than to see the wasteland the snake called an empire be reduced to ash. But here she was, blackmailing him not out of sheer opportunity, but because she believed it was all she could do to survive the coming storm.

"What does this future entail exactly, and what does it have to do with me?"

"Glad you asked." she offered him the communal whiskey bottle as if it were some show of civility. Reluctantly he accepted, she'd already drank from the bottle so he knew it wasn't laced like the last time he drank with her. "I don't want your money, not directly at least. I want your currency. The inside information."

Sasuke could see it now. She didn't want out of the life of a corporate spy, she just wanted to a bigger payday with no strings attached. "You want the throne when I destroy your employer."

"Fuck the throne. I never cared for the spotlight like the old man does." Tayuya leaned forward, elbows on her knees and her smirk spreading wide, "A silent partnership with me will make the photos disappear. All I need is a steady stream of intel."

"Dirt on my clients, no doubt. You'd have me betray their trust so you can extort them."

"Clients, adversaries, allies, strangers, whoever. I'm a simple tool of the market, like you. Use me however you'd like."

"Hm. And if I refuse?" the tone she used to entice him had done exactly the opposite. She was attempting to make it seem like he had the upper hand when that couldn't be further from the truth. Not to mention the suggestive nature of her proposition as well.

"Really? You're seriously asking that?" she scoffed, taking another swig of her drink before continuing, "I'll fuck your life up beyond repair. "

He knew that was less a threat and more of a promise. She held all the cards, and yet she still asked for somewhat amenable things in return. But he had to be wary. One misstep and Orochimaru would be calling the shots and threatening his livelihood. The enemy of my enemy is my friend he supposed. But he could use her, perhaps even more effectively than Orochimaru. He could bend the market to his will with the right information, but with the right word in the right ear, the possibilities were limitless.

"If we do this…we'll need clear lines of communication. Untraceable. No middlemen, no go betweens. No risk of our…partnership leaking." Sasuke began laying down ground rules much to his associates delight.

"Secure line. Done." The redhead slid a nondescript cellphone his way which he quickly pocketed.

"If you betray me for your employer, I'll personally see to your demise. Then his." he made sure that his threat was heard loud and clear.

"I wouldn't have it any other way." Tayuya was all grins now, her cheeky smug sense of victory on her face. "Of course, I'll keep up the appearance of despising your very existence. You know, for good measure."

"One last thing." Sasuke could feel his phone vibrating in his breast pocket as he leaned in to look her hard in the face. "Give me my fiancée's fucking ring."

"Mhmm, I think this is going to be a beautiful relationship." she cooed, all too reminiscent of Orochimaru for Sasukes liking as she retrieved the bauble and presented it to him, "Just don't tell the Hyuuga princess. Keep it our little secret."

He was quick to snatch it from her, bile rising in his throat at her knowing smile. When he rose to his feet she followed suit, "Seal the deal with a shake? Maybe you'd prefer a quick fuck?"

Sasuke snorted at her remark. The woman was as devious as she was uncouth. A new breed of shadow broker entirely. Unencumbered by the old ways, willing to do whatever it took to get what she wanted. He admired the tenacity, but not the means. He begrudgingly offered his hand, returning the firm grip and shake when she took it. It was better than the alternative she suggested by far.

"All the photos, every backup and copy, I want them destroyed."

"Once you make good on your end. Then we'll talk. I may want to keep the good once for my own private use."

He was growing weary of her suggestive teasing, even as he departed, her trailing not far behind before they made it to the neon streets of seedy Shinjuku.

"If you're looking for a ride you're pushing your luck." He warned noting how she continued to follow him through the scant few revelers and more inebriated businessmen.

"I've got my own ride. We just happened to park in a similar location." She defended, nonchalantly waving off his cagey suspicion. "That, and I was going to give you one last at my "offer"."

"You were a mistake." he spat, feeling his control slipping further from his grasp. This woman was infuriating, insufferable, and getting on his last nerve.

"Mistakes can sometimes be fortuitous." her snappy retort came just as he arrived at his midnight black sports car. "You're marriage to Hyuuga Hinata is pretty fortu—"

"Don't you say her name." the sheer violent intent that coated his words was enough for the fine red hairs on the nape of her neck rise. "And if you ever go near her again…"

"They'll find my body with cement shoes in Ise Bay? Don't be so dramatic, Uchiha." Once Tayuya noticed his glare did little to no subsiding, she could only sigh and capitulate, "Fine. Strictly business it is then."

Sasuke wasted no time entering his vehicle, peeling off into the night and away from his less than savory business partner, though he didn't get very far once she started pursuing him on her motorcycle. Occasionally she pulled up along side him at stoplights, revving her engine provocatively. He was wise enough to not partake in her little game this time. And thankfully so, just as she sped off, a police cruiser rounded a corner and lit him up. Just his luck.

"License and registration please sir." Sasuke could only sigh at the somewhat muffled sound of the officers voice. Suppose his night of insidious dealings wasn't complete without a game of cops and robbers.

"Naruto, this is the last thing I need tonight." bemoaned the Uchiha, pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration as he rolled the window down.

"Sir, do you know how fast you were going before I pulled you over?" the officer snickered we it pretended to write in his notepad.

"For fuck sake Naruto!" he exclaimed, slamming his hands on the dashboard. The events of his evening finally catching up to him and pushing him over the edge.

"Geez, take a chill pill Sasuke. I was just kidding around." the blond, waving his hands defensively at the sudden verbal onslaught. "I guess Hinata-chan's news isn't sitting so well with you?"

"News? What news?" he asked, suddenly feeling out of the loop when it came to his own fiancée. That didn't sit to well with him, especially considering the conversation he just had with his new "associate". His world was slowly weaving it's way into her life, and he didn't like that one bit.

"Eh? It's probably better if she tells you…" Sasuke noticed the change in his demeanor and it only made him question his interaction with Hinata as well. Did she seek Naruto out because she couldn't reach him? Had she sought some sort of comfort in the blond that he couldn't provide?

"Maybe it is." Sasuke said flatly, deciding that his somewhat jealous line of speculation was more harmful than helpful. Without another word he rolled his window up and peeled off much to his friends displeasure. Maybe he should have stopped him for real.

Once Sasuke had put some distance between him and the peace officer he turned his attention to his phone, Hinata had called him twice and left a message.

"Hi S-Sasuke-kun...I hadn't heard from you today s-so I…I don't t want to seem n-needy or anything but—" Sasuke couldn't help but smirk at the scattered message and the cute nervous tone her voice held.

"I'm sorry I j-just…I need to talk to you about something. I know it's getting late, but please call me when you can. Okay, bye."

He already had a decent idea what was weighing so heavily on her mind. He least he could do was allay her fears so she could rest easier. Luckily the streets were empty enough for him to make good time, arriving at her apartment just after midnight. A strode up to the door, toying with the ring in his pocket, still not entirely sure how he'd explain it's recovery to her.

He rang the doorbell hoping the gentle tone would be enough to rouse her from her sleep and he wouldn't have to wake the neighborhood by banging. Luckily, it worked. Before he could ring again the door crept open, the groggy heiress rubbing her snow white eyes as she answered clad in her lilac pajamas.

"Sasuke-kun? W-what are you doing here?" she asked, her words coming out as little more than a mumble.

"I got your message. So I'm here to talk." he answered plainly, noticing how she wrapped her arms around the thin material in an attempt to shield herself from the brisk night.

"B-but it's late." she half whined, her lips curling into a pretty pout as Sasuke slipped through the vestibule.

"It sounded like you needed to talk to me about something. Naruto said as much as well. Or did you just miss me?" he teased, relishing in the color that filled her cheeks.

"Ano…it wasn't a-anything like that. A-and we don't have to talk about it tonight." she deflected watching him from behind as he's absently scanned her apartment.

"Well, I'm here." he responded, unceremoniously plopping down onto her couch. "So, what is it you had to tell me?"

Hesitantly she joined him, wringing her hands while she tried to find a proper way to express her issue. "I just…I-I didn't mean for it to happen! I was distracted f-for two seconds and it just—!"

"Hinata…" perhaps he'd taken his teasing of his fiancée a bit too far. She was clearly still rather distressed.

"Y-y-you trusted me! And I lost it!" she lamented covering her face when she felt tears threaten to spill at the admission.

"Hinata, it's not—"

"No! I was so careless and s-shouldn't have—" her sounds of earnest protest ceased when he took her chin into his hand and made her face him. A wispy gasp escaping as his steely gaze bore down on her, the polished band of her ring catching her eye as he presented it.

"B-but how?" she breathed, wasting no time slipping in back into place on her finger.

"It's not important." He brushed off any interest quickly, hoping she'd be too preoccupied to give it a more critical thought. Without a moment's notice she threw herself on him, toppling his normally sturdy body as she captured him in a hug.

"Thank you! Thank you Sasuke!" she was elated and relieved all at once. He'd lifted such a weight on her heart.

"Its only a ring. I had no idea it meant so much to you."

Finally realizing their compromising position, her face flushed in embarrassment as she scrambled to compose herself, "I just didn't w-want you to be upset. I didn't want to lose your t-trust."

There was that word again. Trust. She understood that the object itself wasn't a manifestation of his affection or adoration for her, though she acted no different. As if his trust and acceptance were as good as love. Perhaps it was enough for her to know that he saw her. All of her.

Sasuke straightened himself and looked her square in the face, "Trust can't be bought, Hinata. But you have mine."

Hinata could feel her hands twitch involuntarily at his words. Whether he knew it or not, his words were the sweetest she'd ever heard. Even when he was simply trying to express a somewhat benign sentiment it did something to her. And she wanted to touch him.

"It's late. I'll let you get your rest." he said plainly, rising from the couch slowly, the days eventfulness finally catching up to him as well. Though, before he could take a full step towards the exit he felt he dainty hand grasp his. He craned his head towards her with a quirked eyebrow, watching as she rose as well. Her free hand shaking slightly as she tucked a loose lock of blue-black hair behind her ear and met his gaze.

Her heart was racing and for all the wrong reasons, she wanted things from him—with him. She did her best to rationalize that it was just endorphins clouding her better judgement and making her blood run hot with needs.

"Hinata?" he questioned, becoming somewhat unnerved by the piercing gaze of her opal irises. Not to mention the sheer redness of her face was beginning to worry him.

"I want…t-to…"

"Hinata, your nose…"

She brought her free hand to the appendage in question, feeling the sticky liquid flowing before the smell of copper brought her back to reality. Before she knew it Sasuke was guiding her back down to couch, tilting her head back as he stemmed the bleeding with tissues.

"You shouldn't work yourself up like this." he spoke, his tone similar to that of a father chiding a child, but with care all the same. Her heart skipped a beat as he retrieved more tissues to blot the blood that now marred her pajama top. His hand finding its way to the crimson that made it's way to the porcelain skin just below her collar, drawing a shudder and gasp from her when his bare fingertips brushed against her. Sasuke had to avert his gaze, suddenly drawn to the rise and fall of her ample chest his actions brought on, a desire of his own to venture further simmering just below his skin.

Despite the haze her mind was currently in from the intoxicating mixture of his closeness and blood loss, she could make out a diminutive crop of red on his own cheeks. Was the cocksure Uchiha truly embarrassed?

"You'll need a change of clothes. I'll get them." It was almost as if he was trying to get away as quickly as he could, not even stopping when she voiced a weak protest as he entered her room. The second he entered and flipped the light switch on he froze. His eyes drawn to the mountain of stuffed animals piled in a corner beside her bed and the select few that earned the privilege to grace the bed itself. Warily he stepped further into the cream colored sanctum eerily aware of the dead eyes watching him rummage through a random drawer for a suitable top.

When he returned, she was on her feet, the redness of her face hardly subsiding, though now cotton free. She graciously took the grey weathered shirt he offered, holding it tightly to her chest as if now that he'd seen her "collection" she was as good as naked. Ever the gentleman, he turned his back to giver her some sense of modesty.

"You don't need to be embarrassed about your…collection." he assured, hearing the telltale shuffle of clothes that assured him she hadn't collapsed from blood loss again. "Or your nosebleed."

Despite his words, Hinata couldn't help but feel embarrassed by it all. She had almost done things and when touched her the feelings returned, and now he'd seen her secret shame—not to mention the shirt he retrieved was two sizes too small! This entire evening had gone from picturesque to a horror show in an instant. "H-how can you say that?"

He peered over his shoulder once the shuffling of clothes stopped, turning to face her and shrugging nonchalantly, "I've seen worse. My clients have…secrets too."

"I'm not a client though." She contested, tugging at the hem of her shirt to keep it from exposing her midriff.

"No, you're something else." he responded matter-a-factly, taking one long stride to close the distance between them before he took her cheek in his hand, "You're something else entirely."

For a brief moment she thought he was going to take her into the deep waters her body had been wishing he would the second he got so close. But, his touch told a different story. It was tender, and restrained. Did he find her unattractive? Too delicate to indulge in carnal activities with like the papers claimed he did with different women every night? Even as she was standing before him, her chest practically bursting out of her two-sizes-too-small shirt. When he leaned in with his eyes half lidded and lips fill of intent, her feelings of inadequacies melted away. Until the kiss landed flush on her forehead.

"Get your rest. We'll talk another day." Before she could voice her disapproval, or desire for a more meaningful gesture, he was already at her door. He peered over his shoulder one last time, "Goodnight, Hinata."

He was out the door and on the other side by the time she found her voice again, "Goodnight S-Sasuke-kun."

The night had grown colder in his time away, but he welcomed it. Running a hand through his hair helped calm him down as well. But she remained, neither the sound of his 600 horsepower engine or his thousand thread count sheets could ease his desire. The image of her…everything slowing burning into his mind, thoughts of what he wished to do to every inch of her.

But it didn't sit right with him. She was inexperienced and impressionable through no fault of her own. He wasn't bullshitting when he said she was something else. Something he couldn't decipher. He had no qualms taking advantage of a client in a dissimilar fashion, but like he said, she wasn't a client. She was different. Different from any other woman he'd ever encountered. But she was important to him in some way. He'd just yet to figure it out. So much for the Uchiha genius.


And there you have it! Some intrigue, some fluff, some character development, with some sprinkles of smut to come. I have to say, having never written a Sasu/Hina fic I'm slowly but surely fleshing out the idea of Hinata as a sexual creature. With Sasuke it's a no brainier, but I want to make this as realistic and believable as possible. While primarily a Hinata chapter Sasuke too is dealing with his feelings for the Hyuuga, albeit in a more withdrawn manner. He's doing what he can to alter his past deviant behavior, not only for her sake, or either family's, but for himself. He knows what is at stake and has to measure his each and every move. Sasukes tentative alliance with Tayuya for example, newly formed and possibly volatile, you can be sure she'll play a pivotal role in many things to come. Can't have a good story without conflict I always say. Anyway, thank you all for reading my tale as well as my rants. Send me your textual well wishes and thoughts on the story this far. I appreciate it all!

Next Chapter: Unguarded

Until next time! Sayonara!