A/N: took me a bit longer on this one, figured I needed a small break over the vacation to refocus. Needless to say I am focused and ready to make this story one hell of a ride! Side note, this chapters name is a play on the Queen's Gambit opening move in chess. I did this to allude to how Sasuke plans to deal with a certain snake. But that's enough whetting your palettes, on with the story!

Hime's Gambit

Sasuke woke with a start, his eyes shooting open in a panic. He didn't remember falling asleep, he barely remembered anything at all except the pain that had been inflicted on him, and the angel gracious enough to tend to him. He slowly sat up with a grunt, pulling back the sheets and peering down at his freshly bandaged midsection. He must've been so out of it that he hadn't even felt her do it, much less tuck him in last night.

He craned his head towards the pillow to his left, only finding the faint remnants of an imprint and a made bedspread. He couldn't help but feel a pang of loneliness at the sight. Perhaps her senses had finally returned and she abandoned him. As dark as the thought was, some small part of him believed it to be true

The raven-haired man grit his teeth as he swung his legs over the side of the bed and managed to rise to his feet. It wasn't until he steadied himself against the wall that he noticed his hand had been bandaged as well. She'd been busy before her departure it seemed, though he couldn't say for sure, not knowing what time it was after all.

"Hinata?" he called, his voice unfamiliar even to himself as he entered the living room in search of her, finding only the blinding light of the sun. He shielded his eyes as he ventured further, catching the faint sound of humming in the kitchen. "Hinata?"

The sound of his voice caught her unaware, causing her to release a small gasp of surprise as she watched him drudge towards her, "S-Sasuke-kun! Y-you shouldn't be out of bed."

Sasuke waved off the concern etched on her face and settled into a barstool opposite her and the kitchen, "I thought you left."

"W-what? No, of course not Sasuke-kun." she responded, a small look of disappointment crossing her features before she rushed to his side. She was still clad in her pink pajama top and pants, hair still slightly mussed from sleep. "How are you feeling?"

"Like hell." He responded flatly, peering into the kitchen to examine the enticing smells wafting from the stove. He couldn't remember the last time even used that thing, much less the last time he kept ingredients for anything in his fridge. "You're cooking?"

Her face flushed prettily before shuffling her way back into the kitchen to tend to the stove, "I-I figured you would be hungry, so…" she trailed off, her gaze shifting between her pot and her fiancé's eyes, "I made soup."

He couldn't help but smirk at her innocent offering. It was a sweet gesture, another added to her growing list. To think that she could even focus on a thing like food after the night they'd been through. When she presented him with a steaming bowl of silky tomato soup, his stomach growled in elation just at the smell.

"I didn't bring much with me…but I hope you like it." He could sense the nervousness radiating off of her, despite the soft even tone in her voice. She seemed confident enough in her cooking abilities, but not so much in his discerning palate.

"Join me." he all but ordered, idly swirling the mixture to cool it a bit. After a brief moment of consideration, she did just that, taking a seat by his side with a bowl of her own, though she still waited for him to take the first bite. Her heart soared as she watched him take one, and then another, and another.

"I'm glad you like it, Sasuke-kun."

"Hn. I know this isn't what you had in mind for our first home cooked meal together." If Sasuke had learned anything about the enigmatic Hyuuga, it was that she valued things like "firsts".

"I-it's okay, really." She assured, silently sipping her soup. The heiress watched from the corner of her eye as he winced just trying to firmly hold his spoon. "I still think you should see a doctor, Sasuke-kun."

"I'll manage without, Hinata." He reiterated. It wasn't that he thought her newfound concern for him to be overbearing, he just knew he needed to keep the incident contained if he was to control the narrative. "I. Keep up appearances."

"What?" she breathed, finding it hard to believe that the stubborn man thought he was in any shape to venture into the outside world. When he finished his bowl and stepped out of his seat with a small stumble, she rose as well, "No, you n-need your rest! You need to ice your bruises at the very least."

Sasuke was taken aback by the stern tone of her voice and even more so by the serious look on her face. Cute, but serious nonetheless. He released a heavy sigh of capitulation and settled himself on the couch. When she joined him and placed the large ice pack on his midsection he groaned in discomfort, "What about you? Don't you have classes today?"

"I asked Kurenai-sensei to cover for me. I t-told her I had an emergency." she could see the disapproval on his face already. She pouted in response and pressed more firmly on his ice pack, earning a painful exhalation from her patient, "I d-don't need the lecture! Your well-being is more important..."

The dark eyed man's cheeks warmed slightly at her admonishing and sincere statement, turning his head to hide the fact. He'd given her the duty to protect him, but she seemed to really be running away with it. He sighed heavily and closed his eyes, leaning into the comfort of the soft fabric of the couch in an attempt to relax. "Education is important as well. You don't want to end up like me, getting roughed up by thugs with a combined IQ of 120."

Despite his joking tone, Hinata found little humor in it. Her mind wandering to how much worse it could've been, especially if he hadn't called her. For someone who was brutalized hours ago, he seemed in good spirits. "You joke about this like it's normal. H-how can I be sure you'll take care of yourself?"

Sasuke's lips contorted into a frown, his eyes still closed as he contemplated her somewhat rhetorical question. There was no way to assure her of anything, as much as he hated to admit it. "There's nothing I can say to stop your worrying, and you can't be by my side twenty-four seven Hinata."

"What if I could?" the words passed her lips before her brain even processed the full meaning of them. Sasuke's eyes open and met her own widened once, as if her words were suddenly sinking in, "Ano…"

"What are you saying Hinata?" he asked his hand covering hers on his midsection as he shifted to better look her in the face.

"Y-you needed me last night…"

"And you were here for me…"

"B-but what if—"

"Hinata…"

"How am I supposed to leave you alone after last night? H-how can I sleep knowing…" her words were less of a scolding reprimand than he had expected, more like an honest plea that left him momentarily stunned. Her opal irises left his briefly as she gathered her thoughts and courage before continuing, "I w-want to stay. With you."

Sasukes blush returned, not just at the proposition but also her forwardness. It wasn't the first time someone tried to insert themselves into his living situation after seeing how he lived. But she was the first to desire doing so solely to know he wasn't beaten to a pulp. Given the danger, he preferred to have her close by as well. How could he turn down such a heartfelt proposition?

The Uchiha found his lips curling upwards slightly as he gave her hand a small squeeze. "Alright then. Move in with me, Hinata."

Acceptance. Hinata's face flushed brightly as she beamed at him, all of the worry melting away in an instant. She had to resist the urge to throw herself upon him, lest she impede on his convalescence.

"It'll have to wait though. Can't say I'd be much use as a mover in my state." Sasuke slowly rose from the sofa, refusing Hinata's help in this instance if only to undercut how much of an invalid he was currently. "I need to make a call. Feel free to take a shower, or get aquatinted with your new home."

Hinata was still in a small state of shock, even as he limped his way towards the phone and left her to scan her new spacious new home. His living room alone could hold all of her belongings!

Deciding to take him up on his offer, she began wandering the halls, opening every door she found revealing even more pristine square footage. She doubted some of the bedrooms, multipurpose rooms, and bathrooms had ever been used by Sasuke himself. Though when she came to a locked door she began to question her own hypothesis. Why would anyone who lived alone lock a door? That curiosity got the better of her as she tried again with more force, even going as far as to press her ear to the door as if she'd hear something on the other side.

"Snooping already?" the sound of his voice sending her spinning about to face him.

"Ano…I just w-was curious." An embarrassed blush spreading across her cheeks.

"Hn. If your going to live here I guess it's only right." He took a few steps closer and looked thoughtfully at the hardwood of the door, running his hand along it, "It's mostly storage. Odds and ends. Car parts for me to tinker with and the like."

Hinata blinked at him several times, surprised not only by his openness but with his earnest explanation. He returned an impassive look, letting a thin smirk grace his lips, "What? Think I'm too wealthy and refined to get my hands dirty?"

"N-no of course not, Sasuke-kun! I n-never figured you for the type…to have a hobby." She responded almost instantly kicking herself for the somewhat degrading words. Though, Sasuke could only chuckle at her before turning away and making for what she remembered to be the master bedroom.

"Did you make your call?" she was no more than a few steps behind, given his sluggish movements.

"Hn. Since I can't go to work on your orders, I'm having work come to me." He answered simply, peering over his shoulder, "I suggest taking that shower."

She blushed prettily, her mind had been so focused on Sasuke since her arrival she hadn't really thought about changing out of her pink pajamas. Sasuke watched from the edge of the bed as she stood in the bathrooms threshold, hesitating. Their entire relationship had been changing overnight, every night for almost a month now. Getting naked in his—their apartment and taking a shower, was small potatoes all things considered. Sasuke had already seen intimate bits and pieces of her already, and he was bound to see more sooner or later.

"I-I won't be long." She promised meekly before shutting the door and him off from her. Better to keep some semblance of mystery if they were to live together now.

The Hyuuga princess was true to her word. By the time she returned, Sasuke was struggling to shimmy into a pair of dark slacks. Needless to say, he was failing spectacularly. She had to stop herself from laughing at his struggles.

"A little help?" he grunted, having only succeeded in getting on leg into his pants. Under any other circumstances she'd find getting closer to her fiancé in their current state of undress embarrassing, but it was hard for her to fathom him trying anything untoward with his injuries.

She clutched the towel tightly to her body as she approached, moving damp tendrils of hair from her face as she tried her best not to focus on his toned exposed body, "Y-you shouldn't get used to this, a-alright?"

"Oh? Is that so?" he asked with a smirk as she helped him slip his other leg into his slacks. "Aren't you supposed to care for me in sickness and health, as my wife?"

"Well...y-yeah. But w-we aren't married yet." she whispered, quickly turning around when she noticed his eyes begin to wander. Following the stray droplets of water that cascaded down her neck before disappearing between the curves of her chest, "B-besides, you'll be better soon. You wont need me for things like this."

Hinata gasped when she felt arms his circle her waist and pull her back against his chest, "Don't be childish, Hinata."

Her heart skipped a beat at his husky baritone. It was the way he cooed her name in her ear, it made her entire body warm, made her feel safe. "In the coming days I know I'll come to rely on you more and more. Think you're up to it?"

"Y-yeah." she whispered, unconsciously leaning into his touch and closing her eyes as he nuzzled her neck. She'd forgotten her own body wash at her home and had to use his. The scent filled his nostrils and ignited thoughts of what it would be like if she smelled like him, and not because of a shower gel. Gently he planted kisses along her elegant neck. "Sasuke-kun...we sh-shouldn't."

"Why not?" he questioned, smirking as he took a nibble of her earlobe, eliciting a gasp from her. "We're alone...in our home."

She considered his point for sometime, enjoying his touch perhaps more than intended. He was persuasive if nothing else, and she was starting to see things his way. He raised her chin with a single finger and leaned in to capture her lips, when suddenly a loud banging came from the front door.

"Business first I guess." he sighed as they shared disappointing looks and pulled apart. He retrieved a crisp white dress shirt for himself and shrugged into it, "Probably best for you to get dressed as well."

He left her to do just that, doing his best to reach the door as the banging became more and more fervent. He plastered a scowl on his face when he opened the door finally, "Sure, break my door. I've been meaning to replace it anyway."

"Apologies, Sasuke-san. Karin was—"

"Oh Sasuke-kun!" exclaimed the redhead, throwing herself on him with reckless abandon. Sasuke had to grit his teeth to bare her assault with nary a wince. "I was so worried! Your phone wasn't working a-and I—!"

"Give it a rest already Karin! We're here to talk about how we're going to take down that snake bastard, not how you want to go down on—"

"Enough." The dark haired executive cut in sternly enough to silence any more chatter. "Suigetsu is right. We're here for business. Besides…"

He spotted how the eyes of his guests shifted to something behind him, some widening in surprise, "My fiancée doesn't need to hear that sort of talk."

Hinata stood there frozen in place as they all eyed her, she must have looked like a fool dressed in her frumpy "Tokyo U" sweats. How was she supposed to react to meeting his closest confidantes? And why was this "Karin" so handsy with her boss—in front of his fiancée no less?

Slowly she approached, the diminishing distance enough to make Karin take several steps beck towards her associates. She stopped besides Sasuke, bowing with a warm smile on her face, "It's n-nice to meet you all."

Jugo was the first to return the gesture wordlessly, while the rest stared incredulously, until Sasuke shot them a damning glare. Only then did they bow as deep as their backs allowed muttering their small greetings.

"F-forgive me if I'm out of line, but is it…wise to involve your fiancée?" the redhead immediately regretted vocalizing her concerns when her employer sent another disdainful look her way. "A-ano…I only meant that—"

"This matter involves Hinata, regardless of how you may feel." He defended, casually wrapping an arm around her waist and leaning on her, not only to punctuate his point, but also to lessen the pain Karin's bear hug brought about. "So let's get down to business."

The makeshift war council arranged themselves throughout the living room while Hinata helped situate Sasuke on the couch. Despite his earlier assertion, Hinata still felt like she had no place in the discussion, even trying to slink away were it not for his firm grip on her hand pulling her down beside him.

"Last night Orochimaru's goons paid me a visit." He began, patting his midsection with a his bandaged hand. "They're accelerating their plans. It's time we do the same."

"Taste of their own medicine then. I've got a list of their usual hangouts. They don't do much in terms of hiding." Stated the shark toothed man, producing a folded sheet of paper from his blazer pocket.

"I can enlist a private security force, and bring the enforcers to answer for—"

"That won't be necessary, Jugo. Barbaric retaliation isn't what I have in mind." contested the Uchiha, though some part of him did want to get even with his aggressors. "Orochimaru is on high alert, we need to placate him to lower his guard."

"Konohas debt…" surmised Karin thoughtfully.

"Exactly. How much do they need to stay out of the red?" Sasuke questioned turning to Karin and her furrowed brow.

"The debt was well hidden. A loan acquired prior to the firm going public and never reported as such. If the creditors never threatened to call the debt, it would have remained hidden." He could see sweat begin to form on her brow as she rambled and fidgeted endlessly in her seat before noticing that his patience was running thin,"...Approximately three hundred b-billion yen."

"You've got to be shitting me!" exclaimed the cerulean haired man through the prevailing silence.

"How much in liquid assets do we have to counter the debt?" asked the young executive calmly, doing his best to mask the worry the newfound knowledge put on his shoulders.

"Maybe two hundred? But that'll empty our coffers. We'd hardly have anything left to survive even the smallest shift in the market. A-and your father will surely notice…"

"I like my paycheck Sasuke. I'm not willing to see it disappear for this."

"If only it were up to you, Suigetsu." chided his boss with a frown. "Who can we lean on for more capital?"

"Gaara had a courier drop off the first of his investment checks." She produced a manila envelope from the briefcase she carried and handed it to him. "Twenty-five billion yen. He says we can expect to receive another in two week's time, upon signing the contract. Other than that, pickings are slim."

It was a drop in the bucket, but every drop would count now if he was to pull this off. He would scrape and beg if need be. He would not be laid low by such a man. Nor his subordinates.

"What about you?" questioned Suigetsu, turning his attention to the meek woman beside his leader. "Surely the illustrious Hyuuga's can spare a few hundred billion our way. It's for a good cause, we swear."

Hinata's voice hitched in her throat at the sudden attention. She knew her family was wealthy, and the business had afforded her and her sister a lofty lifestyle, but neither of them had ever fathomed asking for something like this. Hanabi could never get away with such a request, why would she be able to?

"Hinata's role is far more important than mere capital." Spoke the Uchiha in his fiancée's stead. He had mulled over a plan as a precaution, but he wished he had a chance to run it by her beforehand. "Orochimaru plans use the debt as leverage to obtain Konohas vacant board seat. Once we've offered to clear the debt, his eyes will be on that."

He could sense the apprehension radiating everyone in the room, but none more than Hinata. Her eyes wide with shock. "We'll need an impartial party. She may be my fiancée, but her lack of a business background will lead Orochimaru to believe she's little more than a figurehead for his own plans."

"I don't follow, Sasuke-san. Wouldn't something like that make Hinata-san a target?" Jugo was right to have his concerns. But no one was going to be off limits to Orochimaru, thrusting her into the spotlight may be the safest option. He couldn't shake the sinking feeling however. He was pushing her into the deep end with no contingency plan.

"She's safer in Sarutobi's boardroom than I could ever be. With Hinata's... unassuming nature, I only need to fool Orochimaru into believing she will be a puppet for whatever schemes he has planned." His voice was cold as he laid out his plan. Hinata was unnerved by his words, but she could see hidden deep in his obsidian pools that he hated it as well. He glanced down at her from the corner of his eye, unwilling to fully meet her gaze, as if he was ashamed of what he was asking her to do. Or telling her to do, rather.

"How's that for nepotism, Hinata-san?" jeered Suigetsu, resting his head in his hand as he leaned forward, "Sure beats a desk job."

"Suigetsu…" warned Sasuke, finally hearing enough of his jokes for one day.

"I-I understand that I would be little more than a figurehead." She began, her gaze turning downwards to her lap briefly, "But, I know that anything Sasuke-kun trusts me with…is important."

"That's very…selfless of you, Hinata-san. But, what if Orochimaru refuses her, what if Sarutobi refuses?" Karin asked, still holding onto her skepticism for good measure.

"With the capital, I hold the cards. Neither Sarutobi or Orochimaru will have the right to deny me." His words were dark and final, signaling the end of conversation, "I'll set a meeting with Sarutobi. Send word to the snake that the wheels are in motion."

With the meeting officially adjourned, Sasuke rose to his feet with Hinata's aid and ushered them towards the door. He collected the replacement phone and pertinent documents from the days business he requested from Karin and Suigetsu, eager to have them vacate his domicile.

"Might I have a word, Sasuke-san?" inquired Jugo, standing in the doorway. Sasuke grunted in affirmation, or just pain. Neither he or Hinata could be sure. "I must insist that you accept a security detail of some sort this time. I could never forgive myself if something were to happen to you again, or Hinata-san."

"Hn. Something discreet, as always. We don't want to tip off Orochimaru to anything untoward." Sasuke wasted little time on the matter, knowing first hand that safety was paramount.

He released a heavy sigh once he was left alone again with his fiancée. His body began aching again and he could already feel the tension in the air. Despite her adamant proclamation, he could tell she was not thrilled about being a pawn. "Hinata, we should talk."

"You're tired I'm sure…we don't need to." She responded, her voice a shell of itself and a false smile on her face. The heiress was nowhere near as well versed in masking her feelings as he was, but she did so as readily as if it were her natural response.

"Hinata…" she tried her best to lead him towards the bedroom be he resisted, releasing a growl of frustration before pulling away from her. "I'm not an invalid!"

For a moment she flinched at his tone, but quickly remembered the quiet fury she felt when he uttered that word. "And I am not a puppet!"

The sound of her anger spoke volumes with the Uchiha. It held all of the pent up disdain for what he planned for her, for what all of the powerful men in her life had planned for her. She could be nothing more than what they saw fit for her to be. Her very value bestowed upon her by others. And he was no different.

He could see the tears begin to well and her chest convulse unevenly as she held back her sobs of fury. When she could no longer hold them, she rushed to leave, unwilling to give him the satisfaction of seeing her in such a defeated state. As she brushed past him, he grabbed her arm, halting her retreat.

"Let me go!" she shouted, struggling against his hold.

"Stop this Hinata!" he returned, finding that her strength far surpassed his own in his weakened state. Suddenly she broke free, pressing her palms into his midsection and sending him down to his knees.

Her anger quickly disappeared at the sight of his pain. She knelt down to his level full of regret for her outburst, "Sasuke-kun! I-I-I didn't mean to—"

"Stop…" he wheezed through his grit teeth, slowly raising his head to meet her misty eyes. "Don't apologize for being pissed."

Her eyes widened as he mustered a small smirk, leaning away and sitting on the floor completely, using his arms for support. "W-what?"

"I never wanted this for you. I promised…" he trailed off, his eyes dropping to the floor below him in shame. He was supposed to be the good in her life, and he was failing her. "I promised to never use you."

Her instincts told her to forgive him, to seek alleviating his own pain in lieu of her own, but neither wanted that, not truly. They were in this together. She crawled closer to him and drew her knees to her chest, holding them close. "A-and you won't."

He raised his gaze again, eyes wide with surprise as he regarded her. Even in her subdued posture she exuded strength. Their eyes locked, "I choose to do this. J-just tell me how."

So strong. So capable of endless empathy. She was everything and so much more than she was raised to believe. He inched towards her and rested his hand against her cheek, wiping away the half dry tears with his thumb, "Hinata…"

"I can do it." she declared again, fighting back a sniffle. She knew what was on the line, and she knew he needed her to help him see it through. She covered his hand with her own and leaned into the warm sensation "I...I promised to protect you, Sasuke-kun. So, I'll do whatever I can, because…"

Sasuke could hear the words in his head even though they never passed her lips. Because, I love you. The same small phrase that Sakura had uttered incessantly, it wasn't until now that they resonated within him. They made him feel. Feel like the slings and arrows of life couldn't touch him when she was near. Like the world itself only consisted of the two of them. As if their love alone could shelter and sustain them forever. Their love.

"S-Sasuke-kun?" she whispered though her innocent blush, suddenly unnerved by his by the look in his eyes, "Y-you're staring."

"I don't care." He returned, his voice a husky whisper as he invaded her personal space. She began trembling as he closed in, her body instinctually picking up on the shift in the room. Sniffing out the pheromones his own body released as he stalked her like prey.

"W-what?" her voice was but a wisp of itself, even in their close proximity. With his face and body mere inches from her, she allowed him to guide her body flat onto the plush white carpet, him hovering above her with his hungry eyes.

"I don't care…" he repeated, burying his nose in her dark blue-black locks and inhaling the natural scent of it and his body wash intoxicatingly mingling. He returned to her opal pools and leaned in, his lips barely brushing against hers, "about anything, but you."

In an instant he was upon her, devouring her lips with restrained passion, like a child trying to make a sweet last as long as possible. And that's just what he intended.

Drawing out each meeting of their lips, each suckle and lick with a torturous meticulousness. In their dance's familiarity, it held an air of novelty to it. Each day was different with him, bringing with it all the joys and fears of their budding relationship. The excitement of his dangerous lifestyle adding more flavor to the appendage that explored her mouth.

She moaned his name breathlessly as they pulled apart for air, their contrasting eyes darkened with desire. Silently, he asked for permission to continue, not wishing to pressure her any more than he had that day. Though it wasn't necessary.

Gingerly she reached up to him, her hands working steadily to undo the few buttons he did in his haste to dress. Eventually the fabric surrendered to her touch and gave way to his torso. Despite the bandages and bruising, she still found him stunning.

"Touch me." His words were encouraging and demanding all at once. She hesitated, but only for a moment, before she tested the texture of her fiancé's flesh for the first time.

She was gentle, as to be expected in her exploration, but eager, hardly stopping when she swept over the tender areas. He inhaled sharply when she leaned in and planted feather light kisses on the offended areas. She was making it harder for him to hold himself back, whether she knew it or not.

"Hinata…" he groaned when her worshipping of his body grew more fervent and her hands grasped the edge of his slacks.

"Sasuke-kun…" she returned hotly, too wrapped in the throes of passion to pay much attention to his words. Until he stopped her with a firm hand, pulling her back up to his eyes. He looked wild, she could be sure she looked much the same with the way her blood was pumping so heatedly throughout her body.

"Bedroom. Now." The words promised her all she had been denied previously and much more. She opened her mouth to speak but found her mouth had dried, but it didn't matter—not when what they desired most was each other's bodies.

Moments later they were stumbling through corridors, bumping into walls and doorframes along the way, a tangle of arms, legs, and lips with an urgent need. Eventually they reached the bedroom.

The couple toppled onto the bed the moment their legs touched the edge of the frame with an "oomph". Sasuke's fingers found their way under her sweatshirt, sweeping over the smooth skin of her stomach and up towards her breasts. A shiver followed his path, prompting her to softly moan into his mouth when he brushed over her nipple. No bra, he mused inwardly.

The heiress knotted her hands in his hair as he left her mouth, trailing hot kisses down her jawline and nipping at the flesh between her shoulder and neck. The sensation was reminiscent of painful pinpricks, but it elicited a pleasurable response from her. The idea that pain could be pleasure of this caliber was somewhat unsettling to her, but she was far more focused on the actions of her soon to be lover, especially when he ceased his ministrations, lowering himself and began to slowly reveal more of her flesh.

He started gently, his own brand of worship, laving over the porcelain skin of her stomach with his rough tongue, her subtle abdominal muscles flexing in response as he situated himself between her legs. She could hardly stifle a giggle when he reached her bellybutton, flashing a surprisingly seductive smile.

"Something funny?" he cooed in between kisses as he peered up through his hair. The vibrations of his words sending her into a small fit of laughter.

"It's s-ensitive." She answered meekly, biting a delicate nail at his surprising playfulness. Though when he pressed onwards she gave him pause, "W-wait…"

He did as she said, raising his head with an incredulous look. So, her shyness had returned. He wondered how far she would allow him to take their shared desires before stopping him. He knew how she felt about her appearance; how she dressed conservatively to spare herself the looks of lecherous men and jealous remarks from contemptuous women. But he needed her to know that none of that mattered; it never mattered. "You have nothing to hide, Hinata. You're beautiful to me."

She turned away and stared off into space. It wasn't the first time he'd tried allaying her insecurities with compliments, and while it helped somewhat, something's couldn't be erased with sweet words. But maybe he didn't want to erase it completely. Maybe he just wanted her to know that regardless of the stares and words she endured about her appearance, he had nothing but praise for her, and eyes only for her.

Hesitantly she turned back to face him, her cheeks growing redder by the second before she nodded curtly. Her hands were shaking as she grabbed the hem of her sweatshirt, pausing briefly before taking a deep breath and pulling the thick material over her head and down to the floor beside the bed in one swift motion. Though Sasuke wasn't satisfied with the sparse glance he received before she quickly covered her chest with her arms.

"Hinata…" he whispered huskily, moving to hover above her. Tracing her crossed arms with a finger, raising goosebumps along it's path before resting just under her chin, raising it to look her full in the face. "Let me see the beauty of my wife."

He always had the right words. Words that made her feel like she was capable of anything. Words that made her want to surrender everything she was and held dear to him.

Slowly her arms lowered her arms, his gaze following and latching onto the treasurers she hid from the all but him. Large unblemished porcelain orbs, a seemingly unnatural perkiness to them for their size, adorned by attentive dusty pink points. He could feel his restraint slipping as his slacks grew even tighter. Judging by the way her eyes widened and thighs tightened around him, she must have noticed as well.

"Beautiful." He mumbled before taking one fleshy mound in his bandaged hand and the others nipple into his mouth. She released a soft mewl of surprise at the new sensations, grasping at whatever was closest for purchase. Her hand driving his head deeper into her pillowy bosom as he ran his tongue over her sensitive nerves in dizzying patterns.

She could feel her sanity slipping with each suckle and tweak as she was bombarded by his masterful ministrations. The demure heiress could feel an itch growing in her loins since their dance began, and had grown to a fever pitch with his newest exploration into her body. But she was left wanting when he stopped suddenly.

"Wha-what's wrong?" she asked breathlessly, watching him through half-lidded eyes as he sat up.

He returned a sly smirk as her sudden lack of patience. Though he wasn't surprised. She may not have noticed, but she'd been grinding her thighs against him the entire time. She wanted more, and he was obliged to give her just that.

He ran his hand along her side, stopping at the curvature of her wide hips and tugging suggestively on the hem of her sweats for further clarification. When her blush reached the tips of her ears, he lessened his hold, knowing she would end their extended foreplay session before it went any further.

The Uchiha watched curiously as she shimmied from under him and slid between his sheets. His eyes widening at the product at all of her shuffling when she dropped the remnants of her clothing beside the bed with the rest. Inwardly he applauded her modesty, chalking it up to shyness and a desire to leave something a mystery for him to unravel. Sasukes smirk returned at the sight of the needy look in her eyes, wasting precious little time working to free his aching erection. He had no use for modesty, not when he was so keenly focused on her.

When his trousers fell to the floor and gave way to his strained dark boxers, she was quick to cover her eyes. It wasn't that she didn't want to see it. She'd done nothing but think about it since she was alerted to it's presence. All manner or things; its dimensions, the physics of how sex would actually work with it, the look of it, the taste of it, the pain it might bring, the pleasure it would created, all of it.

The Hyuuga was brought back to reality when he climbed into bed beside her and whisper in ear, "You can touch me. If you want."

She melted under the low baritone again, turning her head to look him in the eye as if for another confirmation. When he responded with a curt nod and sexy smirk, she hesitantly reached for him expecting to meet his final cloth barrier. Instead she was met with the hot heat of his pulsing hard on. She gasped in surprise when it twitched at her touch, but pressed on further, boldly taking it fully in her hand. Even without the usage of her sight or a real life frame of reference, she could tell he was well endowed. Her thumb brushed against the velvety tip, eliciting as a throaty groan from her fiancé. The sheer knowledge that she could bring about such a pleased sound from the stoic man added fuel to her already roaring fire. He hungrily pressed his lips to hers in appreciation for her efforts. Until now it had been him administering the pleasure, and for him to cede control over their dance emboldened her further.

Slowly she stroked his steel rod, marveling at the duality of the appendage. She'd swiftly learned how he reacted to the way her thumb swept over the underside and tip while she pumped with her palm. The favorable groans came more frequently, his penis growing slick with excitement, encouraging her to try more—to do more. Too wrapt in her own manipulations, she failed to notice that his hand was traveling up her inner thigh.

The simple sensation of him cupping her sex trumped all prior, forcing her to stop her own actions and moan wantonly into his mouth. His skillful fingers sliding rhythmically against her slick folds, lubricating each digit, much to his satisfaction.

Hinata found her hips moving on their own, gyrating in tandem with his hand. Finally, she had found something to satisfy her achy desire. She broke from their lip lock to catch her breath, allowing him to attack her neck again as she dug her fingers into his forearm. She never considered herself to have an addictive personality, but she quickly found herself wanting more and more of whatever he had to offer.

"Hina…" he breathed hotly in her ear, slowing his hands strokes. When the pleasure stopped she released a half whine half moan of dissatisfaction. He had created a sex crazed monster without even knowing it. The thought brought a rare smile to his face as he looked up at her pretty pout.

"Sas—uke!" She exclaimed, the latter half little more than a cracked cry when he penetrated her sacred cavern. Her fingers digging deeper into his arm and back as she held on for dear life, her mind reeling to process the feeling of everything.

"Relax, Hinata." He cooed, nuzzling her neck tenderly as her slick walls fluttered around their new visitor.

She nodded numbly, releasing a ragged breath in an attempt to do as he suggested. It wasn't long before she calmed herself somewhat and allowed him to begin probing her with his digit. Each flick and stroke forcing her hips to follow his motions, but it wasn't enough.

"M-more." She whispered breathlessly, her hands traveling to the back of his neck and squeezing to emphasize her urgent need for absolution.

Sasuke of course happily obliged her. Carefully he slid another digit inside her ever-accommodating treasure, receiving a heady moan for his attentiveness. The heiress had never experienced any sort of euphoria the likes of which she sought, but she knew she was close. Her mind a muddled mess of thoughts as she road his fingers harder and faster, falling out of rhythm with his own pace. Suddenly the coil inside snapped and her eyes shot open, her mouth agape when his fingers dug deeper than before, his name escaping as a prolonged throaty moan. Her toes curled and she locked his hand in place with her thighs while the electricity of it all sent her body into spasms. Wave after wave of warm fuzzy euphoric sensations washed through every cell in her body before subsiding, leaving her panting and spent.

She watched though half-lidded eyes and a hazy mind as he brought the hand that had given her such pleasure from beneath the sheets and to his lips, savoring the taste of the sticky sweet essence that was his reward. The sight rekindled her primal desire for more, more of him. He spotted the look in her alabaster eyes and peaked an eyebrow at it, he had half expected her to be ready to pass out by now. She had more stamina than he thought, or more pent up lust than he expected.

When she reached out and touched—grabbed his member rather, his thoughts were confirmed. Though before he could muster a response, she smothered him with her lips.

Her strokes were uneven and hurried as she scrambled to regain her coordination, tiny aftershocks still traveling through her delicate frame. But she paid them little mind, her sole focus being him. She grinded her heated core against his leg, but the positive friction left her wanting. When more pressure produced little to no more pleasure, she released a sigh of frustration and haphazardly threw her legs over his and straddled him, his stiff member still firmly in her grasp.

Sasuke stared in awe at the woman above him, even blinking several times to assure himself that this was still the Hinata he believed he knew. Wild tousled blue-black hair that tickled the tips of her shoulders, radiant skin that almost glowing when the light from the setting sun caressed it, accenting every curve her beautiful body held. She was a vision. No longer the chaste heiress the world believed her to be, but a seductive goddess with a newfound appetite for carnal pleasures.

"Sa-Sasuke-kun…I want…"

"Hn,"she didn't need to finish her sentence. He knew what she wanted all too well. Slowly he sat up, never breaking eye contact as he cupped one of her creamy breasts, drawing lazy circles around the nipple with his thumb. "I'm yours to take, Hinata."

His words cut deeper than expected, giving her pause and some semblance of clarity. He was giving himself to her. He wanted to prove to her that she could take control in all things, even something she was inexperienced at. He trusted her, and he knew she was more than what others decided she was or would be. He had said as much what seemed like a lifetime ago. Hyuuga Hinata was used by her family, but she was to his wife, Uchiha Hinata. And no one used her, not even him.

She loved this man. She knew he was flawed, despite his best efforts to shield her from them, but he had an authenticity about him. His life was his own, the judgements of others be damned. But what made her love him was his willingness to let her be a part of that life. And she wanted nothing more than to be one with that confidence he carried with him. To be one with him, in every way possible.

Hinata stared down at him, a smile slowly growing on her face as she stroked his cheek with her free hand. Slowly she began grinding against his throbbing member, lubricating the rod with her arousal.

Sasuke closed his eyes and surrendered to the feeling of her heat against his, resting his head between her breasts. The rhythmic sounds of her heart falling in line with her hips. The music that was her soft sighs and moans filled his ears guiding him towards his own climax, and he feared it would be over before it truly began. He had been dreaming of this, and the reality thus far had surpassed them by a mile.

"Hinata…" he groaned into her chest, his hands moving to her hips to reposition himself at her opening. He couldn't wait any longer.

She could feel the need radiating off of him in waves, the heavy scent of their pheromones driving her to the same conclusion. Her hands found their way to his shoulders, gently pushing him flat against the bed. She wanted to see him when they made love for the first time, and she wanted him to see her, all of her.

They horny heiress looked down at where their bodies would soon join. It was the first time she laid eyes on that which her body and mind had been fixated on for the last hour. She hesitated briefly at the sight, but she quickly pushed her concern for his proportions aside. She would endure whatever she had to to share this moment with him.

Carefully she lowered herself onto his slick rod, her body instantly tensing up at the intrusion, but it was short-lived. His hand instinctually found hers, fingers entwining as he silently reassured her with a tender look that calmed her nerves. Sasuke's free hand carefully guided her down inch by inch. Hinata bit her bottom lip to contain the whimper that threatened to escape and shut her eyes to keep her tears tucked away. It was equal parts uncomfortable and nerve-racking, but it would be worth it in the end.

Eventually she could go no further, and she could feel everything. Her head tilted up to the heavens, her mouth slightly agape as she took in the feeling of it all. It was such a tight fit she could make out the shape of each vein, she could feel the pulse of it beating against her walls tirelessly.

Sasuke released a sigh of contentedness as she slowly accommodated him. He released her hand and fully took hold her of hips, lightly squeezing the supple skin to signal he was ready for her. Their connection had by grown leaps and bounds, they had no need for words anymore. The heiress nodded numbly, picking up on his cue well enough and tested the waters by gently rocking her hips back and forth.

He reacted with each motion, be it a gasp, or groan, he enjoyed every second of it. His cock twitching when her walls contracted around him. Soon enough she found herself gyrating faster, bouncing on his member forcing him to strike deeper and harder. She was in heaven. Running her fingers through her wild hair as a smile graced her parted lips, each thrust sending shivers up her spine. She often felt like an outcast when her female peers discussed things of a sexual nature, having never dabble in anything erotic of any sort before, but now it all made perfect sense.

Hinata looked down at her lover through her sweat dampened locks, somewhat surprised by the look on his face. Beads of sweat dotting his forehead and body, his face seeming shifting from pleasure one second to pain the next. "Sa-Sasuke-kun? Am I h-hurting you?"

The Uchiha was quick to shake his head. Though, he was lying. Despite the immense pleasure she was giving him, he could no longer ignore the pain. But he would push through it for her, after all, what was pleasure without pain of some sort? "Don't stop."

Truth be told, she found herself fading. She was literally using muscles she never knew she had and there weren't enough endorphins to ignore the burning in her thighs and calves. Thinking quickly, she lowered herself and pressed her body against his, planting kisses along his neck before whispering in his ear, "Ma-make love to me, Sasuke-kun."

She punctuated her request by grounding her hips against his one final time, nearly knocking the air from his lungs. She whispered her apology as he used what strength he could muster from his core to swap places with her. He wasted no time beginning their dance anew with long tender strokes that kept her clinging to his back and writhing in ecstasy. Eventually her hips began rising to meet his in an effort to chase her previous high. He could tell she was close and he was hanging on by a thread, in all honesty, had it not been for the pain, he would have succumbed to her surprising skill long ago.

His thrusts started coming at a near frantic pace, short and hard strokes, each punctuated by him burying himself deep inside her moist cavern. The goddess below him watched as he pulled away to see all of her in the moment. His gaze taking in the entirety of her divine frame, her flushed face, her breasts bouncing with each forceful thrust, all the way down to where their sexes met; her moans accentuating the symphony they were creating.

She wrapped her legs around his waist, forcing a throaty groan from him as leaned in and captured her lips. The dark haired man reached down and roughly grabbed her rear, lifting her at an angle and diving into her with reckless abandon. Suddenly, her slick walls clamped around him, his member hardening to it's limit as he spiraled into euphoria. Her eyes shot open, his name getting caught in her throat as a cry to the heavens as she joined him in carnal bliss. She felt him grow larger inside of her, a rush of warmth meeting her own orgasm as he filled her with his essence, her name spilling forth huskily in her ear.

The lovers stayed together for some time, panting and gently caressing each other, rubbing against one another to capture every last ounce of pleasure they could as they basked in the afterglow. Sasuke brushed the tangles locks of her hair from her face as she smiled lazily up at him. He could tell she was still in a daze by the way her eyes were glazed over as if in a trance, but enjoying the ride all the same. He wasn't complaining either.

"You look tired, Hinata-hime." He cooed, a smug smirk plastered on his visage. It was the first time he used her housekeepers little nickname for her, but it had a ring to it. He would have to amend it once she officially became known as Uchiha-hime however.

She opened her mouth to speak but found her throat had run dry. She blushed bashfully in response, her mind still a muddled mess after everything, but still finding his playfulness. "A-ah…a little…"

Sasuke released a small chuckle as he repositioned himself on his forearms, wincing slightly as the drop in adrenaline left him high and dry. He couldn't get over her, well, everything. So many people in his life were two-faced in all the wrong ways, but she had all the right qualities. She could be chaste one moment and wanton the next, quiet and unassuming, yet demanding and confident when the situation demanded it.

"D-did I hurt you?" her eyes lowered to his bandaged abdomen as her fingers traced the subsiding bruises and a few she feared she may have inflicted on him.

"I'll survive, Hinata." He assured with a smirk, resting his forehead against her own, "Had I known you were so…fierce, I would have asked Jugo for some Kevlar."

Her blushed deepened at the joke, noting a few occasions where she may have gotten too worked up. "S-sorry…"

"Don't apologize, I enjoyed it." he asserted, planting an innocent kiss on her forehead before turning his attention to her slightly swollen lips, "I liked that side of you. It was…honest. Unrestrained and natural. The real Hinata."

Hinata turned away from his face at the words, unsure if he was merely teasing her again or if he was being genuine. Then again, what if that was really her? Was the real Hinata a closet nymphomaniac with a penchant for dominating her lover? Maybe…, "Y-you bring something out of me…"

"Hn. I feel same." Hinata's eyes widened at the candid response, turning back to face him with her shocked expression. He never minced words…was he saying what she thought? Did he…

"Sasuke-kun…"

He craned his head and kissed her tenderly, but only for a moment, before rolling off of her and pulling her into his arms, "Get some rest, you'll need your strength."

She was immediately flustered, her blush nearly reaching the tops of her breasts as she stammered and blinked, "S-S-Sasuke-kun! I—I—I—!"

"Relax, Hinata. I meant so we could pick up a few of your things." He defended with a wry smile. "Though if you'd like…"

"Sasuke!"

He held her close to his chest, the low rumble of his chuckle allaying her fears of a "Round Two".

She felt content in his arms, the steady beat of his heart easing her into a deep satisfying slumber. Thoughts of their lovemaking filling her with a sense of connection the likes of which she had never felt before. She felt loved, as if she was not only welcomed in his life but belonged as well. Just as he did in hers; his very own brand of love revealing a strength and fortitude she never saw in herself.

Sasuke laid there stroking the length of her hair as she slept, his mind unable to rest like his weary body desired. He had out her through the ringer both physically and mentally, and yet she remained, coming out the other side stronger. He had never known a woman like her, and quite frankly she scared him. She would be the woman to conquer him.


Well there you have it! Nice warm fuzzy lemony chapter, I'm sure you've all been chomping at the bit for it. Probably the lengthiest I've ever written now that I think of it, I know I can be somewhat long-winded. But I think it was worth it, I really wanted to play on the chapter's theme of chess like action; thoughtful tit for tat both of the mental and sexual kind. Next chapter we'll see how the couple deals with the mess Sasuke got them into. You can expect the story to start leaning towards more serious aspects from here on out.

Next Chapter: Damage Control

Until next time! Sayonara!