A/N: Hey gang, I know it's been a bit. With the world going crazy, and me working from home, my ritual of writing has been thrown out the window. But still sorry for the wait. But fear not! This one is the longest I've ever written I believe. Was on the verge of making it a double feature but I said what the hell? Give the people what they want! Anyway thanks for the love in the meantime. This chapter plays more heavily on Hinata and Sasuke's status and the pitfalls of such. But it's time I showed you all some love, so on with the chapter!
Prince/Princess
"Good luck."
No matter how many times Hinata read the tiny message Sasuke sent her, it did little to ease her anxiety as she ascended in the elevator. She was meeting her father in his office, no doubt for her "insubordination". He had made it abundantly clear that he was less than pleased with her, so much so, that he had his assistant relay his desire to speak with her. The heiress recited her explanation over and over, "I did it for me. For my future. For my family's future."
Once the lift stopped, she inhaled deeply and squared her shoulders, making sure to look every bit as confident as she needed to be to if she was to survive her father wrath. She stepped out and into the lobby, the sound of her heels struggling to fall in line with her erratic heartbeat.
"Yokoso, Hinata-san." greeted the receptionist quickly rising from her seat and bowing lowly. Hinata eyed the woman curiously but returned the gesture all the same, but couldn't quite remember the face, her eyes and hair indicating she was a member of her rather large family.
"Is my father available? He asked that I see him." she made sure to not tip off how frazzled her mind was as she stood at the mouth of the lion's den.
"Yes, of course. Right this way." Hinata followed the woman through the expansive but modest office, she hadn't been here in ages yet she remembered it as if it was yesterday. Plodding her way through the office at her father side as a teenager, the ins and outs of the business being drilled into her head for the coming day of her ascension as the President and CEO of Gentle Fist Investments. Now she was there as little more than a nuisance.
"Hiashi-sama? Hinata-san is here to see you." announced the receptionist with a gentle knock on the closed door. She peered over her shoulder with a smile and gestured for her guest to take the lead.
"I did it for me. For my future. For my family's future." she recited one last time before she pressed her palm to the door and pushed inside. She didn't make it two steps inside before freezing in shock.
"Otousan…Hanabi-chan? W-welcome back, when did you get in?" her younger sister stood by their seated father dressed in a cream-colored sleeveless blouse and dark skirt, the spitting image of the man she was slated to replace in the near future.
"Just this morning actually." Her response was terse, clearly as perturbed as her father was. But Hinata had a right to be upset as well. Her sister had ratted her out to their father, as if they were still small children. "Now that you're here, we can proceed."
"Take a seat, Hinata." ordered the Hyuuga patriarch, his lips cast in a perpetual frown.
Hinata did as she was told, taking the seat opposite his desk, she remembered them all too "fondly". They were purposely designed to be lower than the desk and his own seat, to make the occupant feel smaller by comparison. She had learned long ago from him that gaining the upper hand in business was the key to success, and there was no better way to do so than from a position of power. If she wanted to survive this, she would have to beat him at his own game.
"I understand that you are…displeased with my actions as of late, father." she began, deciding that a preemptive strike was the best course of action, before the condemnations flew and she had no recourse. "But I am an adult, and what I choose to do, is my decision alone. I never intended to—"
"Disrespect me?" he interjected; his calm voice still stern enough to silence her.
"Y-yes. I apologize if I've done that." she conceded, suddenly feeling every bit like a child again. But she couldn't fall into that hole again or else she was doomed. "But my actions reflect on me, and me alone."
"You've moved out of your apartment, and in with Sasuke. Did you ever plan to tell me?"
"Of course, father. I had every intention once the move was complete…" she hadn't realized how foolish she sounded until the words passed her lips. "I—I only stayed to keep an eye on Sasuke-kun, he was…unwell."
"Hn. How thoughtful of you." Hinata couldn't help but frown at the condescending tone her father held, as if the truth was no better than a lie. "Was this before or after he convinced you to be his puppet?"
Hinata's lips parted in surprise at the accusation; clearly his disdain for Sasuke stripped him of all nuanced ways of insulting him or her further. The words she practiced came to mind, they very well may be her only way out.
"I…I made the decision myself. I did it for me. For my future, and my—"
"Spare me the lie, Hinata. I would not be displeased by your actions if I believed they were your own. They show initiative, a keen understanding and desire to capitalize on an opportunity." Hinata's eyes widened slightly. It was almost as if he had already decided she was guilty, and all that was left was the sentence. "But I know that is not you. Those traits are not yours. They're the Uchihas."
"And whatever it is Sasuke has planned is not in our family's best interest. He's shown that time and time again." chimed Hanabi leaving to her father's side to pace around the office. "Did he ask you to do this?"
"Well, yes of course. But he…" Hinata could not outright lie to them, that would only ensure her demise. She had to absolve Sasuke of all accusations of manipulation, not only for him, but to show the both of them that she had changed. That she wasn't that girl who always followed and never led, "I attended the meeting at Sasuke's request. But it was my own desire to join Konoha's board of directors."
"Is that so?" asked Hiashi, his voice rising at the slightest hint of deception, his pale eyes narrowing. "All of the years I spent teaching you to no avail. But in waltzes the Uchiha and you take to it like a fish to water?"
Hinata could feel her mouth dry at his tone. It was like a chess match, and her father was baiting her to make a move, false or otherwise, it didn't matter to him. He would have a response and be that much closer to checkmate. Panic began to set in. She needed to put him on the defensive.
"We're going to spend the rest of our lives together…it's only right we share our work with one another." Her rebuttal gave her father and sister pause. Hanabi eyed her more critically, her previous observations now confirmed. "Tell me father. If you distrust Sasuke so much, why offer me as his bride?"
"Onee-san…" Hanabi could see it clearly now. Her sister had changed. She was fiercer, sharper, and bold enough to question their father in ways that even she would be wary of.
"You know full well that the arrangement was not made lightly, and it was for the good of our family." contested the elder, quickly losing his patience for his daughters newfound voice. He had seen this briefly when they signed the contract some time ago in his study. It seemed just being in close proximity to the Uchiha bred rebellion. "You would do well to remember the sacrifices this family has made making peace with the Uchiha's."
"Hai, Otousan. As I recall, I was one such sacrifice." The snark of her words were only partially masked by the sweetness of her voice and the deceptive smile she flashed. "I should be thankful however, I could not have asked for a more perfect husband."
"You are not his wife yet. You are still a Hyuuga. Your loyalty belongs to this family, regardless of your surname." Hinata had never seen him this emotional, his body language expressing small ticks of agitation. Tightened jaw, fidgety fingers, the slightest hint of a pulsing vein in his forehead. She unnerved him.
"In due time, I will become his wife. I'll be Uchiha Hinata." she proclaimed proudly, suddenly feeling as if she were the one looking down on her father from the seat of power. A small tightness in her chest forming as she glimpsed the litany of emotions crossing her sisters face. "And I will not forget all that you have taught me father. Family, above all else."
"Hinata…Y-you don't mean that. We're your family, not—!" Hanabi couldn't believe her ears. Had Hinata grown so bold as to forsake her family? What had Sasuke done to her?
"Enough!" Hiashi's voice boomed in the spacious office, demanding silence. Even Hanabi flinched at the sudden outburst, her eyes flickering between her father as he rose and her sister, the latter of which remained seated, her eyes steely and full of resolve. The same look she'd seen Sasuke sport at many a corporate event. "If you wish to spurn your family and forsake us for a man, then say so."
"What father means to say is, we're concerned. Nothing more." the young heiress did her best to diffuse the situation. She had to find some way to do so without taking a side. She made for the edge of the desk between the two combatants, resting her palms on the thick wood, "Maybe this is a good thing. Hinata can be the bridge been all of our families."
"Not if her loyalty lies solely with that Uchihas." all but sneered Hiashi as he attempted to stare down his daughter. She was defying him, implying that her allegiance was with Sasuke. "That man has poisoned her mind. I wont have it, my daughter will not be a puppet."
To think that there was a time those words would have instilled a sense of value in her. But she could see them for what they were now. Despite all the times he'd labeled her a failure, or worthless, he believed her to only have value when she was his to control. Only when she was his puppet.
I am no ones puppet. Not anymore." Hinata inhaled deeply, her own anger with the situation rising to meet the tension, but she quelled the lion inside. Slowly she rose, her eyes keenly focused on the chiseled features of her father, his frown closing in on becoming a full-blown scowl. Years of taking his verbal abuse had all culminated in this, the day she could finally let go of it all and become her own woman, "It was you who spurned me long ago, father. And that man you despise so much; that family whose name you slander, they've allowed me to become the person I knew I could be. The person you cast aside as a failure."
The room was silent, so quiet that Hinata could almost hear Hiashi's nails scarring the lacquered wood of his oak desk. She could see the anger in his eyes, the likes of which she had never seen before, nor her sister for that matter. But there was a semblance of sadness in them as well.
When he straightened his back and walked around the desk towards her, she prepared for the worst. He had never laid a hand on her before, but she'd also never bested him in a clash of wits before. Hinata stared back into his icy glare, her body stiff for the incoming blow. If this was how she severed ties with her family then so be it.
"Leave, now."
The former heiress could feel her blood run cold at the sound of his voice, her resolve cracking slightly in the face of her father's rebuke. The little girl in her wanted to cry and cling to him for dear life, to apologize for all she had said and done, for all he had said and done over the years. But she was not that girl anymore, and she would not ask forgiveness for who she had become, nor for the man she chose to love. "Goodbye, otousan."
Hinata bowed and slowly made for the door, her nails digging into her palms as she approached the door her sister stood by. As she passed, the younger Hyuuga grabbed her wrist giving her pause. They stared at one another with their saucer like eyes, both glossy with unshed tears. She pulled her younger sister into a hug, burying her head in her hair to hide the tears that broke free.
"D-don't do this Hinata…please." she whispered in her ear as she held on tightly. If only for a moment, they were little girls again, transported to a time before they knew or understood what an heiress was, what the status demanded from them.
A bittersweet smile spread across Hinata's face as she returned the hug. She was not as close to her sister as she once was, and despite her slightly comical hatred of Sasuke, Hinata believed that she truly cared for her well being and happiness deep down. She whispered into the length of her hair, "It was nice seeing you again, Hana-chan. You'll always be my little sister."
When their holds lessened, Hinata pulled away, looking her sister in the eyes one last time before opening the door and exiting, knowing if she lingered any longer her father would see her tears.
"Let her go." tone the Hyuuga patriarch when he caught Hanabi making a move to follow. "She'll realize her mistake in time."
"She won't." whispered Hanabi wiping the stay droplets of tears from her cheeks. This day was long overdue, the day Hinata walked away from her family, because of their father. He had always pushed her too far, asked for too much, and now she'd had enough. All it took was whatever Sasuke had done to her. "I won't lose my sister like this."
Before her father could stop her she was already gone, speed walking her in her heels in search of her sister. She called after her but she didn't respond, only increase her speed as she approached the bank of elevators.
"Hinata, stop! Wait!" she called again, grabbing her shoulder roughly enough to spin her around. The sight alone made tears well in her own eyes. Her reddened nose and tear streaked cheeks broke her heart. Within seconds they were weeping openly and embracing one another. "Onee-chan...w-we can fix this."
"It's been broken for so long Hanabi...I can't do it any longer." She let loose all that she had been holding in for so long, but the cathartic release hardly eased the sorrow deep in her heart.
"Father will think you're no better than Sasuke! He'll see you as nothing more than competition! Make me…do things I don't want to."
Hanabi's heartfelt plea struck a chord with the forsaken Hyuuga. In her quest for autonomy she neglected to take into account the ripple affect her actions had. The world was much larger than her love for Sasuke, or her desire to exist without familial shackles.
"What can I do…I have a responsibility to Sarutobi-sama, and I can't betray Sasuke-kun." She lamented, fighting back tears that threatened to spill.
"You won't, I promise. We'll do it together." She pulled away and smiled softly at her older sister. It had felt like ages since the last time she'd seen her, she couldn't abandon her now. "You're a powerful woman now, you'll need a good advisor by your side."
Hinata chuckled at the comment, wiping away the last of her tears and returning the smile, "You sound like Sasuke-kun."
A light blush came to her sisters cheeks at the comparison, immediately becoming flustered by the notion, "I—I'm just being a good sister! I am not like him!"
When she received nothing but more giggles in return she pulled away with a petulant pout on her face, "S-since when did you start calling him that anyway?"
It was Hinata's turn to blush. She hadn't really thought about it before, their very relationship had been a whirlwind since the start with no signs of slowing down. "I—I don't know when…it just started to feel…right."
"Do you…?" the youngest Hyuuga peered over her shoulder at the surroundings to make sure there were no eavesdroppers before continuing, "Love him?"
"Yes, I do." It was the first time she'd said it aloud to anyone but him, but she didn't have to think about it at all. The world knew they were engaged, why not know they were in love as well?
Hanabi's face contorted as she struggled to come to terms with the news. She wasn't unhappy just…skeptical, "We can talk about that later. First we need to strategize."
Hinata opened her mouth to retort, but was immediately pulled into the elevator by the smaller Hyuuga. "Strategize?"
"Of course." As they descended Hanabi crossed her arms and pursed her lips as if in deep thought. Her older sister followed her as the door opened and they traveled through the lobby out into the street where her driver was waiting, slightly taken aback by the burly man that exited a SUV nearby and approached.
"Hinata, is everything alright?" he inquired.
"Yes, Hanazaki-kun. This is my sister, Hanabi."
The stocky man bowed lowly in recognition as the brunette eyed him curiously, "A bit big for a driver. A bodyguard?"
"Uchiha-san is very protective of his fiancée." he answered flatly, giving a silent nod of understanding to his charge.
"I see. Well, you can follow us then. We'll be taking my car." She grabbed her sisters hand and all but dragged her to her own dark vehicle in waiting
"Where are we going?" Hinata asked, holding firm against getting dragged any further.
"I've been on a plane for the last thirteen hours and I'm starving!" she explained, not taking her sisters trepidation too kindly. "Besides, is it too much to ask for a meal with my long lost sister?"
"Sasuke-kun will be home soon…" she began, noting the pout her sibling sported at the insinuation. It was just like when they were kids again. She would try to be the responsible older sister, and she'd flash her doe eyes and eventually get what she wanted out of her. "But since you asked, I don't see why not."
"Wonderful!" she exclaimed, her demeanor switching in an instant as she beamed at her, before ushering her inside the sedan. Hanabi breathed in the crisp autumn air before joining her, "A date with my sister then. When's the last time we spent together like this?"
"Never…I think."
"Oh…"
"No movement?" questioned the young executive as he eyed his war council.
"None whatsoever."
"Is that troubling to anyone other than myself? Clearly Sasuke was as perturbed by the lack of news as he was by any news he would've received.
"No doubt the snake bastard is plotting something." Surmised Suigetsu, flipping through one of the many books in his bookcase nonchalantly. "Involving Hinata was the right play. No way he'd risk dragging the Hyuuga's into his schemes."
"We may have deterred him, for now at least." chimed the gentle giant as he stared out the window.
"But what of Tayuya? She's still a threat." Karin was right. At present, Tayuya was a greater threat than her employer, but she'd gone to ground as well.
"Biding her time as well no doubt." returned Sasuke, intertwining his fingers thoughtfully. "She may seem crude, but her methods have a certain level of sophistication to them."
The weak praise he gave her seemed to shock his counterparts, but he paid them no mind. If he didn't respect his enemy to some degree, every victory was a defeat. His eyes fell onto the book in Suigetsu's hands. He knew Sun Tzu from cover to cover, it had served him well over the years. Perhaps the answers were in there as well. She was an irrational actor, but surely there was method to her madness.
"To know your enemy, you must become your enemy." he mused idly. To truly understand her motives, he'd have to sink to her level of depravity, delve into her world, glimpse the darkness that made her the person she was.
"There's little we've found to blackmail her on, and her rap sheet is surprisingly unremarkable." the bespectacled redhead stepped forward and added the files to the fray, her optimism severely lacking in the moment.
"I'm not surprised, she's made a living working in the shadows. But, it's not a chink in the armor we're looking for, it's the unhealed wound that will be her undoing." he explained, flipping through the arrest record.
"How do you propose we get passed that armor, find the wound?" inquired the shark-toothed man.
"Leave that to me." Though his confidence was less than welcomed among his advisors.
"Forgive me Sasuke-kun but, have you lost your mind?!" exclaimed the redhead, firmly slamming her hands on his desk. "Y-you can't take the risk of interacting with her again! What will Hinata think?"
"I won't risk anymore than necessary." He offered, though to little effect a frown coming to all of their faces. They were losing confidence in him. "She's come for Hinata now, I'll return the gesture in kind."
"She's got no known associates outside of Orochimaru's cadre. What else could there be?"
"Everyone has a secret. She's no different." he proclaimed, looking at his timepiece briefly and standing up. "Hinata is expecting me at home, we can pick this up tomorrow. Find me information on last known residences, previous employers, the whole nine."
As they filed out and Sasuke collected his documents for further research, Jugo stayed behind. "I'll escort you home, Sasuke-san."
"It won't be necessary, Jugo." assured the raven-haired man.
"Appear weak when you a strong, and strong when you are weak." recited the giant, earning a scoff from his boss, but accepted it all the same as the made their way through the empty office.
"So, which am I, Jugo? The question was more rhetorical than anything. He just wanted to see if the man had any more nuggets of wisdom. Sasuke would never tell the others but he valued the orange haired man's council more than their own. He listened more than he spoke, and that was rare in this business.
"Neither, just as you should be. Subtle, to the point of formlessness. Mysterious to the point of soundlessness. Thereby—"
"Thereby being the director of my enemies' fate." finished the Uchiha as they waited for the elevator. He peered over his shoulder and flashed a small smirk at his head of security, earning an approving nod. "I promised Hinata I'd make this right. I won't fail her."
"Take care to not fail yourself, Sasuke-san." The stern reminder was welcomed, every now and then he needed to be grounded, his efforts refocused lest he lose the plot
"Hn. I have no intentions of doing that either."
By the time they arrived at his apartments carport the sun had already set. He read a text he'd received while he was enroute as he exited his vehicle, a disappointed frown marring his visage.
"I'll be late tonight Sasuke-kun. I'm having dinner with Hanabi. Please eat something."
How he loathed to eat alone, granted that wasn't always the case. It just felt like an eternity since she wasn't by his side for the last meal of the day. But he didn't dwell on it for long, an eerie feeling creeping across his skin, prompting him to survey his surroundings. The hairs in the back of his neck stood at attention, but nothing seemed amiss.
"Something wrong Sasuke-san?" questioned his protégé keenly aware of his sudden tension.
"Hn, it's nothing." He assured, continuing the short distance to the elevator and inside.
"Hanazaki will take it from…" Jugo paused as they arrived at the top floor and exited, noting how his second was not standing guard.
"He's out with Hinata." piped the Uchiha as he approached the door, eyeing the stone like guards he passed. They seemed slightly on edge as well. "I'll see you tomorrow."
"Hai. Enjoy your evening, Sasuke-san." he returned, receiving a lackadaisical wave as a token gesture.
Sasuke unlocked the door to his residence and was instantly assaulted by the aroma of steeped tea. Hinata's plans for dinner must've fallen through. He dropped his suitcase by the door and removed his shoes before venturing further, "I wasn't expecting you home."
"I can't imagine you would." called a masculine baritone as he rounded the corner into the kitchen, the sound confirming his innate feelings of dread as his blood ran cold. His eyes falling on those not so unlike his own, casually sipping tea.
"Otousan…Okaasan, to what do I owe this pleasure? he asked, doing his best to mask his initial foreboding feelings. He could tell by the serious look on both their faces this was far from a social call.
"Your father and I have some…concerns Sasuke." Mikoto always was the softer of the two, though having her initial the chat didn't mean he was like to emerge unscathed. It only meant his father was controlling his vitriol for his responses.
"Do not coddle the boy Mikoto, not now." chastised the stone faced man, setting his tea down with a clank as he approached. "He thinks he's man enough to be the boss, let him prove it."
So, it seemed his little speech to Sarutobi had come back to bite him in the ass. Sasuke stood firm in the face of his father, his lips pursing as he formed his response, "Hirizen clearly misconstrued my words. I told him that I am—"
"Yes, what are you exactly Sasuke?" snapped his father suddenly, the hitting tone meant to shake his resolve but to no avail. Sasuke remained stoic even as his suit began to feel several sizes too tight on him. "Did I raise you to be like this? Boisterous yet woefully inept at the same time?"
"Fugaku please, let him explain…" pled the voice of reason in the room, fearing the two hardheaded males would sooner come to blows before they could hash out their issues.
"Fine. Explain what you've done with the money Sasuke, now." he demanded bluntly, glaring daggers down at his son.
Sasuke did not falter under his father's scornful look and refused to be belittled like a child, "The money was transferred to Sarutobi. As a peace offering between our firms, and restitution for my mishandling of our relationship."
"And you did this without my consent, without the board's approval?" he countered in a mix of disbelief and anger. He wanted to grab the boy and shake him, but Mikoto would be on him before he could lay a finger on him. "There's more at play. I know it. And involving your fiancée is inexcusable."
"Hinata is her own woman. She asked for the board seat, and earned it on her own merits." He contested doing his best to not get triggered at the mention of Hinata. "Sarutobi had every opportunity to refuse her. Clearly, he saw the potential I did as well."
"Merits and billions of dollars as incentive. All so your fiancée could have a seat the table. That's quite the wedding gift." scoffed the Uchiha patriarch, unwilling to accept the narrative his son laid before him. "You plot and scheme for your own benefit, caring little for the world around you. All the while proclaiming yourself king of a castle I gifted you."
"Fugaku, stop." demanded the usually timid woman from the rear, taking steps to the forefront between them. "This is our company, the family's future we're talking about…all of ours, and no one of us would be where we are without working towards our goals, together."
"And I have done nothing but that, mother. I've worked for this family's future, and this is the thanks I receive." Sasukes eyes veered up to his father's own slate black gaze, "For years the blood and sweat of my efforts raised this family to new heights. This decision—my decision, was no different."
"You claim as much, and with a straight face no less." he spat, his disgust chiseled into every wrinkle and frown line. "I see your brother in you more and more every day. Brilliant, driven, self-righteous, but ultimately unreliable."
"What you see is a worthy successor, no different than Itachi. And that threatens you." He didn't care to hold his tongue any longer. He had worked too hard, not only to keep his head above water, but to preserve his family's name, to be told he didn't care cut him to the core. For years the company had been all he cared for, neglecting even his own personal relationships, his very own sense of self worth, all for the good of the company. "Will you cast me away just as you did him?"
"I've heard enough of this. There is no doubt you've done as much good as you have harm to this family, never mind the company." he seethed, too incensed by his son's defense of his questionable actions to see any real upside to them. "I think it's time you took a step back. Focus those efforts on your coming wedding, and reassess your role in the company. Or do you deign to tell me how this will go, Sasuke?"
"Of course not, Otousan. If that is what you want, than so be it." he bit out ruefully. To defy him now would be to risk it all. He didn't need to be on the front lines to succeed, and after all, success was the best revenge.
"Good." no smile or smirk came to his fathers lips as he uttered the word in victory, but he knew he was more than pleased with his capitulation. Without another word, he brushed past him and headed for the door. The Uchiha matriarch lingered a moment longer, her eyes apologetic before she embraced her son. She was a soft touch just as his father always said, and even though she may have agreed with her husband, she still only wanted the best for him in the end.
"Listen to your father, Sasuke….take a break, catch your breath." her soft words did little to quell the betrayal he felt internally. Even when she stroked his cheek and patted it lovingly, "Spend some time thinking about what's best for you for once. For Hinata."
He nodded numbly, bending slightly at the waist as she planted a kiss on his brow and whispered her goodbye. When the sound of the door shutting reached his ears he wanted to lash out, to release all the emotion he had held back in one violent showing of catharsis. But he didn't, he couldn't bring himself to do it, not when his mother was right. He felt numb. Without work what was he?
They were right, and he had been too deep in the muck to see it. He did need time to take stock and reevaluate where his life was heading. If he continued along this path he was doomed to a life of never-ending financial schemes that threatened not only his livelihood, but also his future with Hinata.
Sasuke slowly ventured into his kitchen and cleaned the cups his parents had left behind, all the while mulling over his next steps. He was displaced after all, and Hinata wasn't around to consult. Perhaps he would use this time to do just as his mother and father instructed. He grabbed the bottle of whiskey he kept near the kitchen counter and a heavy bottomed glass from his cabinet before pouring himself a rather heavy draught and resigning to the comfort of his couch. He took a deep gulp and sighed as the liquor burned its way down his throat and warmed his system.
"What now, Sasuke?"
"So…h-how was it?" asked Hanabi through her blush as she swirled her martini. She had been drilling her sister for information of all sorts for hours, but still was having difficulty getting her to divulge the most salient of details. "I mean, did it hurt?"
"H-Hanabi I—I can't…!" exclaimed the elder sister, her eyes downcast as she stared down into her dwindling glass of sake, practically able to see her flushed face in the beverage. She couldn't believe her sister of all people was asking about something so personal, "Why are asking me about that?"
"What's the big deal? It's just us girls." she defended with an innocent pout as she sipped her drink and leaned across the table and whispered, "Or maybe the tales of his virility are grossly overstated?"
"Sasuke-kun is—!" she all but shouted, earning herself a few stares from the other restaurant patrons. She leaned in as well, feeling her blush grow to a fever pitch as she chewed her lip knowing full well, she may regret the words that passed her lips, "Sasuke-kun w-was very g-gentle our first time…"
"First time…y-you've done it more than once?!" exclaimed the youngest Hyuuga, wide eyed and slack jawed.
"Keep your voice down!" she whispered harshly, suppressing the urge to cover her body sister mouth for her. When she stared back at her in disbelief as if she'd frown a second head the idea didn't seem to bad.
"So…after the first time was he more…?"
"Hanabi, please! This is embarrassing!" she pled, only to receive a barrage of giggles from her dinner companion. Eventually it petered out and she cleared her throat, a more serious demeanor taking its place.
"Onee-san…you've changed so much." she mused in amazement softly, taking her sisters hand in hers as she marveled at the stark contrast in her older sisters, well, everything. She had been confident and steadfast in the face of their fathers accusations, and now she was having sex, quite possibly regularly with her fiancé! "Is it really all because of him?"
Hinata's lips parted in surprise at her sisters sudden shift in candor. While Sasukes influence on her was undeniable, none of it would have taken root had she not planted the seeds within herself long ago. "He showed me that I didn't have to be ashamed or scared. Showed me that I could be who I wanted to be…and he'd love me regardless."
"I've never seen you so happy." she returned with a bright smile. They had always had a tenuous relationship, even from childhood. Locked in constant competition, vying for their father's favor, his decision to anoint her the true heiress and dethrone her sister only putting more strain on it. But now that Hinata wanted nothing more to do with the court-like intrigue of their family, and had grown into her own, the subconscious competitiveness of it all melted away. "I'm glad."
"Me too." Despite the hardship, past, present, and future, she could honestly say that she was happy. She had a fiancé who was as fiercely protective of her as he was enamored by her. His looks weren't half bad as well. He may not have been the man she saw, or dreamed of being with, but now she couldn't imagine life without him.
"I suppose having a fiancé as good in bed as him doesn't hurt." joked Hanabi with a sly smirk as she giggled at her flustered sisters face.
"That's not fair! I don't tease you about Konohamaru!"
"W-we are not dating! I swear!"
"Sure, whatever you say…"
The two laughed and enjoyed several more drinks as they regaled one another with the new goings-on in their lives. Sparsely skirting the subject of business and family, wishing only to catch up on all those lost years. They chatted and planned for the coming wedding for what seemed like hours before the two inebriated siblings left the restaurant, propping one another up, arm in arm as they walked to their respective escorts vehicles and departed.
"Shall we go home then, Hinata?" asked Hanazaki as he started the cars engine and pulled away from the curb.
"Yes, please! Take me to my Sasuke-kun." Hanazaki smirked at her new bubbly attitude.
"A good night, I assume?" he toned.
"Wonderful. It's been a long time since I've seen my sister, good to know we can still get along." She was all smiles while she rifled through her purse for her phone, it was late but Sasuke surely would have waited for her. She typed the message hurriedly, either ignoring or missing the spelling mistakes she made along the way as she texted him about her coming arrival. "But I just want to see Sasuke-kun now."
"As you wish." her escort wasted no time applying a bit more gas to expedite their journey. And expedite it he did, before she knew it they were making the crawl through the car port and she was standing in the elevator ascending to her home. She had forgotten all of the days unpleasant aspects in her intoxicated haze, giddy with excitement to see her love after a long day and relax in his arms.
She quickly made her way to the door, hardly wishing her bodyguard a goodnight as she entered her abode. The soft sounds of a somewhat melancholic jazz song reached her ears as she removed her painful heels and called out to him.
"Sasuke-kun? I'm home." she called again as she entered the empty living room. When she saw an arm with a glass in its hand rise from the sofa she smiled, giggling as she walked around to see him lounging lazily. "What are you doing?"
"Drinking. Waiting for you." He answered with a lax smirk as she approached. He could tell from her flushed cheeks and slightly sluggish movement that she too had been imbibing, "Did you have fun tonight?"
"Yes." she rested her purse on the coffee table and took the spot his head relinquished before resting in her lap. She smiled and stoked his cheek as she stared down at him, "I missed you."
"I missed you to." he returned, after his day she was a welcomed sight. She was what he was supposed to focus on for the foreseeable future after all, "How'd your meeting with your father go?"
Hinata's face soured at the thought, having pushed the unpleasant conversation to the back of her mind after the enjoyable evening she'd had, and wanted to continue having, "Can we talk about it another time?"
He couldn't blame her for being apprehensive as to divulging what had transpired between her and Hiashi. She was a sharer, he'd learned that, and anything she decided was off limits was just that, he wouldn't pry. He took another sip of his drink and closed his eyes, allowing the warmth of her body to caress him. "I had a talk with my own father as well actually, right here."
"Really? What about?" she didn't know whether to be surprised by the fact that he was sharing or the fact his father had showed up at their apartment unannounced.
Sasuke smirked and downed the last of his beverage as he recounted the meeting with his parents. It may have been the alcohol but, he wasn't upset about it, maybe it was just the fact that she was here now with him. "He's ordered me to take a step back from the business."
"W-what? He fired you?" she gasped in shock, suddenly feeling as if her idyllic night had been turned upside down.
"Yes and no, I suppose." he answered plainly, seemingly unfazed by her stunned expression. "Him and my mother think I need to need to spend more time focusing on…you, and our wedding."
"I…" Hinata wanted to protest, mostly for his own sake, knowing that despite the flippant way he spoke about his own days events, he surely was distraught on some level. Though, they did have a point, neither of them had given the specifics of their special day much thought, what with the constant threats and all. "Maybe it's for the best."
"Maybe."
"So, what will you do with the time off?" she asked softly, taking his empty glass and placing it on the coffee table.
"Just as my parents suggested." he returned as he sat up and situated himself beside her, a sly smirk curling his lips. "Tend to my wife's needs."
When he leaned in, she knew exactly how he meant to fulfill his husbandly duties. She smiled against the soft friction of his lips but pulled away from them before he followed through, "And how will you handle your other responsibilities?"
"I'll be taking a more hands off approach to that, don't worry." he assured, doubling his efforts to capture her affection. Crawling atop her as she succumbed to his advances, the taste of his whisky's smokiness and her sake's sweetness creating a new cocktail between their lips.
Hinata wasted no time wrapping her legs around his waist, urging him on towards the main event. He smirked at her wordless acceptance of his affection, "Aren't we the impatient one."
"I just missed you is all." she whispered as they clawed at one another's clothes. Her hands glided over his slacks, only stopping when she felt something unfamiliar in his pocket. As she dove into the pocket to investigate further, their lips pulled apart. The heiress stared briefly at the square object she retrieved before blushing madly at the realization. It was refreshing to know that he was taking their honest discussion to wait so seriously, but embarrassing all the same. He had already complained about his distaste for prophylactics once, how it dampened the intensity they usually shared in the bedroom.
"You have been waiting for me, haven't you?" she cooed. He answered with a smirk before leaning in and resting his forehead against her own.
"Maybe."
Hinata was the first to rise, as per usual, shimmying out of her fiancé's hold to begin her morning routine. Sasuke slowly followed suit, taking a much more leisurely pace before joining her in the bathroom as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes.
"Good morning, Sasuke-kun." At least that's what he believed she said, the words too garbled by her toothbrush.
"Hn." in his early morning haze he continued going through the motions. It wasn't until he stepped into his slacks that Hinata reminded him that he'd been all but fired from his job. Though it only gave him momentary pause.
"You're still going into the office, aren't you?" she asked as she sat at the edge of the bed brushing her hair.
"Only for a few minutes. Should at least let them know I won't be around for some time." He explained, buttoning one less button of his shirt and eying a blazer of his own before deciding against it, the decisions were somewhat liberating in their simplicity. Perhaps there was something to this forced sabbatical.
"Do you think they can handle it on their own?" she knew that even if he was adamant about distancing himself from the business, he would still worry and speculate if the hand moving the chess pieces was not his own.
"Neither Orochimaru or Tayuya have made a move yet, I think they can handle that." he rolled up his sleeves just below his elbow and peered over his shoulder at her. She was concerned he'd grow restless and do something drastic. "If something comes up, they know to inform me."
"Will you seek her out? If it comes to that?" she asked setting the brush down and eyeing him seriously.
"Hinata…" he'd yet to tell her how he planned to proceed in dealing with the redhead, he supposed now was the best time. "I'm going to attack her the same way she did me. I'll seek out whoever it is she gives a damn about in this world and use them against her."
"Sasuke-kun…" while she appreciated his candor, she was less than pleased with his approach. "You sound like you're going off to war. I don't want you to do something to make this worse."
"This is war, Hinata." He admitted sadly, the disappointed look on her face making it no easier for him. He crossed the distance between them and stood before her, gently helping her to her feet as he looked her full in the face. "I'll wage it from the shadows if that's what it takes to win."
"I know." she said sadly, casting her eyes down. He was going to do whatever he saw fit, and he'd do so unilaterally if it meant it would protect her, but he needed to remember that she too had a lot at stake. "But don't forget, I'm as much a part of this as you."
"Of course, Hinata." he stroked her cheek as his words raised her spirits about the situation. "I know what's at stake."
The heiress smiled and stood on her tiptoes to plant a kiss on his lips. It was satisfying to know that she occupied some space in his enigmatic mind and influenced his decision making. Just as she should be. "Good. Now come on, I don't want to be late."
He followed her somewhat aimlessly through her routine until they ended up in the kitchen, both enjoying a simple cup of tea before heading out. The days were getting colder and colder, even Sasuke opted for a thick wool coat and scarf for their brief drive to the university campus.
"Thanks for the ride, I'll see you tonight Sasuke-kun. Promise I won't be late again."
"I can pick you up if you'd like." he offered as she began gathering her things.
Hinata smiled at his sweet offer. He was already acting like a lost puppy and he'd only been out of the job for a few hours! She shook her head and gave him a light peck on the lips, "Relax, Sasuke-kun. Think of it as a vacation."
"I wouldn't call it a vacation exactly." he grumbled as she exited his car and waved goodbye. He watched her stroll through the quad until she was too far to distinguish from the others, before pulling away.
The office was lively as it always was, so much so that even Karin had wandered past her post and was staring at something quite intently from over Suigetsu's shoulder. They both stood at attention when they noticed him approach.
"Sasuke-kun! You're dressed down today, is something…?" questioned Karin.
"Vacation." he responded simply, unfazed by the shocked and skeptical looks they gave him. Figuring now would be as good as any time to set the record straight with the rest of his staff, he raised his voice to address them all, "Listen up everyone."
The bullpen came to a grinding halt at the sound of his voice, more likely than not fearful that they were all about to be reprimanded. "I know the last few months have been hectic for you all, and I want to thank you all for your efforts, they've not gone unnoticed."
"I just wanted to inform you all that I will be taking a leave of absence." God how he hated speeches. If only he could just say nothing and disappear off to attend to his business in peace. "My engagement unfortunately has taken the backseat in light of recent events, and I need to take some time with my fiancée to get things in order."
A smattering of claps rang out, some of his people either thrilled he wouldn't be breathing down their necks or happy he was moving forward with his nuptials. "As such, I'm appointing Suigetsu and Karin as my liaisons. Any pertinent business, trades above your pay grades, or things that need my sign off go through them, understood?"
A resounding affirmative rang out, but he had no doubt his father would find a way to supersede his authority. Sasuke smirked at the idea of his old man once again handling the daily operations of the finance division, "And if it's above my pay grade, by all means, take it up with my father."
As he turned to leave, he stealthily gestured for his chosen representatives to join him in the elevator lobby.
"Vacation my ass. What's the deal?" questioned Suigetsu, tactless as always.
"My father knows about the money. He's benched me until further notice."
"Does he know about Sarutobi's debt? About Orochimaru? Or…" Karin's mind raced at a mile a minute, knowing that they were already walking the tight rope as is.
"Doesn't seem so." returned the Uchiha, jamming his hands in his pocket as he regarded the two. Leaving them to their own devices was as likely to produce results as it was to start a full blown riot in the bullpen. "But I don't doubt he'll send his own suits sniffing around. Make them work for it."
"If he finds out, you know he'll fire us, right?" Suigetsu had to resist the urge of knocking his boss in the head just to make sure a screw hadn't already come loose.
"Good thing I upgraded your severance package." toned Sasuke with a smirk before turning to leave.
"Wait a second Sasuke-kun! Suigetsu get the file." ordered the redhead, shooting her companion a glare when he opened his mouth to rebut. When he returned with said file in hand she snatched it from him, "We looked into Tayuya some more. We found a possible residence, and a registration number for a motorcycle. And we noticed something weird about her rap sheet."
"What's that?" asked the dark haired executive as he took the offered file and gave it a once over.
"An arrest for drug possession earlier this year. It doesn't mesh with the rest of her offenses." She explained, quite happy to steal the information Suigetsu had worked so diligently to uncover. "I knew the woman for sometime, I never took her for a user."
"Then maybe it isn't her. She could be covering for someone. Someone she cares for." surmised the Uchiha, his brow furrowing in thought as to how he could use the newfound knowledge to his advantage. "I'm going to have one of Jugo's men tail the bike and surveil the home. Whatever she's hiding must be in there."
"Is that really how your fiancée wants you spending your vacation? Stalking another woman?" jeered the cerulean haired man with a snicker.
"Hinata stands with me when it comes to ending this." He declared, summoning the elevator with a look over his shoulder, "Once it's dealt with, we all can all enjoy a vacation."
Once the door closed and they were left alone a shoving match broke out between the two.
"Why do you always have to steal my shine?"
"To save Sasuke-kun from getting fleeced by you over an address!" fumed Karin.
"What's wrong with making a few bucks for my hard work?" he snapped back
"He already pays you far too much."
"That's because I'm not trying to screw him." sneered the shark-toothed man before taking a fist square in the jaw.
Hinata packed her belongings after an extended lecture and waved goodbye to her students as they shuffled from the classroom. As she followed suit, she clumsily dropped a few of her papers.
"Need a hand Hinata-chan?" called a feminine voice from out of her peripheral. The heiress peered up at the unexpected guest, a smile coming to her face at the realization.
"Tenten-chan! Y-yeah, some help would be great." She beamed as the brunette bent to aid her. Hinata couldn't help but notice how she was dressed, a pristine white gi with a thick black belt wrapped around her waist. She always knew she was sporty and tomboyish, but this was new.
Tenten noticed the look she received, "I got approval for my Judo club, our first lesson is today. You should come and watch!"
Hinata had been giving the idea of self defense more and more thought lately, especially after her row with Tayuya. The woman had overpowered her so easily even though she had the size advantage. She couldn't rely on Sasuke to save her every time she was out of her depth. "Do you think…you could teach me as well?"
The tomboy blinked several times in confusion as she handed the demure girl her papers. Hinata had always been more of a girly girl, the kind who never worked out but maintained an immaculate figure in spite of it all. For her to ask now seemed odd to say the least, "It's pretty intense, Hinata-chan. What's the point of staying in shape if you end up all bruised? Besides you look great, you don't need to be a stick figure ya know."
"Thanks, but it's not like that." She mumbled searching for the right way to breach the real reason for her interest, "What…what if I wanted you to teach me to defend myself?"
"Defend yourself?" she repeated, her bewilderment suddenly switching to concern, "Is something worrying you? Is it Sasuke?"
"N-no! Of course not!" she hastily dispelled the notion, knowing how little some of their friends thought of her fiancé, largely due to his general abrasiveness and tabloid reports. Though, now she needed a worthy enough lie, one that didn't involve the blackmailing strumpet she wanted to throttle if they ever met again. "Sasuke-kun…he worries. And I'd rather not have bodyguards follow me my whole life, so I want to show him I can take care of myself."
"I see…" Tenten pondered the appeal briefly before flashing a toothy grin. "Alright then. I'll teach you, and you'll be tossing Sasuke around like a salad in no time."
"I don't want to hurt him…or anybody for that matter." She asserted as the woman draped her arm over her shoulder and began leading her down the hall.
"Sure sure sure, whatever you say." Hinata couldn't be sure whether her friend had only accepted taking her under her wing because she would delight in seeing anyone flip Sasuke on his ass or otherwise. But either way, she happily accepted the tutelage.
The two ended their journey in a makeshift dojo, essentially a repurposed classroom with the chairs and desks removed with several foam mats padding the floor. Before the rest of the class arrived Tenten handed her a gi of her own and belt to match, turning her attention to prepping the room her first student changed.
"So, how are things with you and Sasuke? If you don't mind me asking." She piped as she dragged a few mats to better cover the floor.
"They're good, I suppose." responded the opal eyed girl, restlessly fidgeting with her belt and lapels. Her bust filled the uniform snugly but she still feared she may pop out of it at the slightest movement. "I moved in with him. We figured it was for the best, considering…"
"You are getting married after all. Might as well get the awkward feelings out the way." she finished, a cheshire grin on her face as she peered over her shoulder, "It's still awkward, having a fiancé and all, isn't it?"
"A little at times, but we enjoy each other's company." she answered, Hinata could see she was trying to tease her, but in all honesty, she'd never felt more comfortable in her own skin than when she was around Sasuke. She couldn't help but smile at the thought as she threw her hair in a ponytail, "A-and I don't faint when we kiss anymore."
The brunette's cheeks grew bright red at the admission. To think that this was the same shy girl, now casually talking about making out with her fiancé. "L-let's get started, shall we?"
The student and teacher began with a series of simple stretches to loosen them up, "Okay, I'll skip the formalities and get down to the nitty gritty. First things first, I'm going to teach you how to not get hurt by breaking your fall. I don't need Sasuke or your father suing me."
Hinata did as she was instructed, carefully controlling her fall as she practiced falling forwards, backwards, and onto her sides, over and over again. The feeling brought a giggle to her lips each time, as the mats molded around her body weight, releasing an "oof", just as she did. Though, she was already starting to feel a bit winded. By the time they finished, the rest of the class had finally arrived, needless to say those that were students of the heiress were shocked to see her there as well.
"Welcome class! Please take a uniform and get changed." greeted Tenten, wiping the thin layer of sweat from her brow as she dusted herself off. She instructed the boys to do so in an adjoining room while the few girls attending did so in the dojo. Once the class settled in and sat along the outskirts of the arena the lesson could begin in earnest.
"There are three basic techniques to the art of Judo, throwing, grappling, and striking. We will primarily focus on the first two." Tenten paced back and forth as she sized up her class, she could already see there were some bored faces in the room, perhaps not everyone was a beginner after all. "But why waste my time talking about them. Why don't I show you?"
Hinata watched from the sidelines as her friend called out a "student" nearly twice her size, the man was almost as big as Hanazaki! When he entered the arena to the snickers and cheers of his peers, he had no idea that he'd be staring up at the ceiling, on his ass not three seconds later. Their instructor skillfully sweeping his left leg at the knee with her right, sending him off balance and tumbling to the floor with a forcefully throw. The class erupted in a wave of claps and awe, even Hinata was astounded.
"In Judo, it isn't about strength, it isn't about speed, it isn't about luck. It's about using your opponent's own strengths and weaknesses to your advantage. It's about using your brain, not your brawn."
She led the class in a condensed version of etiquette and fall breaking, each of them all too eager to learn whatever they could. The black belt demonstrated the throw several more times for the class, going much slower to properly show each step. "Now that you've seen the move, partner up and start practicing. Decide amongst yourselves who will be the tori, and who will be the uke. Hinata, you're with me. You'll be the tori."
Hinata nervously tugged at her gi as she joined her friend at the center of the room. The two entered their stances, gripping each other lapels as they planted their feet. The heiress could feel her heart beating madly as her partner attempted to instruct her, "Feel the movement out at first. Push, pull, push, pull."
She followed the commands well enough, their feet treading across the mats as they danced, applying pressure against one another to manipulate movement. Hinata could tell she was going easy on her, especially when she hooked her leg with her own and froze.
"Good, now lift it towards you and throw." she instructed, seeing the hesitation in her eyes. "Go on, you won't hurt—me!"
In an instant Hinata followed through with the throw, but neglected to release her grip on her partners lapels, sending the both of them tumbling to the mats, the wind momentarily knocked out of them.
"Tenten! S-sorry! I—I'm so sorry!" she apologized as she hurried to her feet, offering a helping hand to her sensei.
"It's alright Hinata-chan. Let try it again, this time relax a bit." she returned, resetting into her stance again. Hinata furrowed her brow and focused, allowing herself to be pushed as she attempted to feel out the shift in balance. When Tenten pushed with more force, Hinata jumped at the opening, returning the pressure on her sparring partners opposite shoulder and hooking her leg, the confluence of forces aligning perfectly as she released a spirited shout and sent Tenten to the mat.
"Good job Hinata-chan!" she cheered as her student stared at her hands in awe, seemingly dumbfounded by the idea that she was actually capable of doing that. "You're a quick learner. Sasuke wont know what hit him."
"Arigato...but I don't want to hurt him. I mean, I'm not trying to—" she blushed madly at the insinuation. Sasuke had only scared her once, but even then she never thought he would lay a hand on her. Suppose if he ever had a mind to do something so heinous, she'd be ready for him.
"I'm just teasing." giggled the brunette before returning once again to their grappling. "Now this time you'll be the uke."
Hinata blanched at the idea of begin tossed around by the far more seasoned practioner, after all, she saw firsthand what she was capable of. But her fears were allayed when she promised to show her some basic defensive techniques. This went on for what seemed like hours, she taught several more throws and even allowed for the class to freestyle. Little by little, Hinata's confidence grew, asserting herself more and more, being bolder in her attacks. She earned praise from her teacher, astounded by her natural ability. Eventually they stopped, the entire classroom reeking of sweat as everyone lay in the mats exhausted.
"Alright everyone. Let's call it a day. Take your uniforms home and wash them, rest up and I'll see you next week." Tenten planted her hands on her hips as she caught her breath, bowing as they did the same before collecting their things and departing. Hinata lingered a while longer, the endorphins wearing off and feelings of soreness and fatigue setting in. "Well, what do you think?"
"I think…I think I'll see you next week." She breathed; wiping sweat from her brow with a smile. The thrill of it all was exhilarating, she never really had an outlet to blow off steam before. Sasuke had his cars and sex, not that she minded the latter, so long as she was involved, but that was the closest thing to a release she had. Perhaps that was why she tended to become so…unrestrained, when they made love. Hopefully this wouldn't dampen her appetite for him, or worse, amplify it. Her newfound abilities could prove…problematic for her fiancé.
"Good. I'll see next week then." she returned, tossing her star pupil a towel to help her mop up the remnants of sweat. After a quick change of clothes and a final goodbye, the budding martial artist was on her way. She must have looked a sight, her hair still messily thrown in a ponytail, her cheeks flushed from exertion. Even Hanazaki voiced his concern, her appearance only made weirder by the bright smile she sported. The grin was still plastered on her face even as she crossed the threshold into her and Sasuke's home.
"I'm home." He wasn't lounging on the couch like last time, though she knew he was home from the telltale briefcase and shoes he always left by the door. She left her uniform and other school related belongings on the coffee table and set out in search of him But he was nowhere to be found. Not in the bedroom, or the other bedroom, or the other, not even in his not-so-secret workshop. It wasn't until she spotted the light on in a bathroom neither ever used. Warily she entered, stunned by the sight she saw, stunned, but not so much to keep her from bursting out in laughter.
"What's so funny?" he droned peering over his shoulder at her, the water in the tub sloshing slightly at his movement.
"Y-you're i-in the tub!" she exclaimed, holding her diaphragm in an attempt to control her breathing and her laughter.
Sasuke narrowed his eyes, only encouraging her giggling to intensify. Despite the seriousness of his face it was truly comical. She'd never seen someone look so miserable in a bath before. "You told me to relax. Take a vacation. Am I doing something wrong?"
"No, not at all." She managed to stifle her giggles long enough to finally get a sentence off, crossing the short distance between them, bending at the waist and kissing him briefly, "Mind if I join you on your vacation?"
"Not at all." he cooed, his eyes dropping to her frame as she began to unburden herself of her stuffy attire, "Not at all…"
Hinata allowed him to ogle her, even teasing him a bit with a slow tortuous pace. Carefully she stepped into the heated water, sighing in relief as she lay between his legs, resting her back against his chest and allowing the water to soothe her soreness.
"How was your day?" he asked, his idle hands sweeping over her bare skin. He noticed the unusual tightness in her limbs, even the beginnings of definition on her abdominal area.
"Tiring, but good." She through her head back onto his shoulder and stared up into his dark eyes with a smile. "Tenten-chan is teaching Judo now. She gave me a lesson."
"Hn. I can tell." he mused, gently kissing the smooth skin of her shoulder, relishing in the feeling of her body against his. "Glad to see you're not too bruised. She must be going easy on you."
"Tell that to my legs." she pouted, shifting slightly as the water began to cool. To think she was concerned that he would take her extracurricular activities as a slight against his abilities to be her protector. "How was your day?"
"I stopped at the office for a few papers. Wracked my brain over my mother's wedding venue options. And now, I'm taking a bath with my fiancée." Hinata could get use to "relaxed Sasuke", if he was going to continue being this open and playful.
"You've been planning our wedding?" she blushed at his admission, just when she thought their relationship couldn't get any realer. They both were always too busy to think about something so frivolous as what their first song would be as Mr. And Mrs. Uchiha, or who would sit with who, or whether they'd take their honeymoon somewhere exotic.
"Don't get too excited. I didn't get very far." Despite his stoic tone she could tell he wasn't taking his defeat lightly. Ever the sore loser.
"You just need a woman's touch is all." She assured, reaching back and stroking his cheek.
"Hn. Maybe all I do need is a women's touch." he cooed slyly, his hand slowly creeping its way up her inner thigh.
"Anata…" she half moaned, half admonished as he began teasing her core.
"You told me to relax…"
"Yes b-but," she clenched her thighs around his hand, effectively halting him as she craned her head to look him full in the face, "I don't want to get pruny."
Sasuke could only chuckle at her innocent appeal, but obliged her all the same. He helped her from the tub, even wrapped her up in a towel before she padded off to dry and dress. The Uchiha however chose to wander around the penthouse clad only in his towel. He ended up in the living room, eyeing her sweaty gi next to his failed attempt at nailing down wedding preparations.
"Dinner?" she asked as she strode passed him and into the kitchen clad in her favorite sweats. She may have found them frumpy and generally unsexy, but all the fabric in the world couldn't hide the beauty he knew lay just beneath.
"You don't have to cook every day, Hinata. We can order food if you're tired." he droned picking up a few pictures of venues and staring at them critically.
"I like cooking, you know that. Especially for you." she had already began gathering pots and pans for whatever she had planned, "Something simple will do. Omurice?"
He grunted in indifference, too focused on creating an internal pros and cons list for each venue. Perhaps this was why he fell short in making these sort of decisions. The pros and cons were subjective, and he was far too indifferent to assign value to any of it. He just wanted to marry this woman.
"What's your favorite season?" he asked seemingly out of the blue. His question giving her momentary pause before she returned to her oiled skillet with frying day-old rice.
"Ano…spring I suppose. Why?" she paid him little mind as she seasoned and stirred, operating on autopilot almost.
Sasuke narrowed the field of options, doing his best to envision her draped from head to toe in a white gown in the settings. He knew she liked flowers well enough, maybe the garden would suffice, if the seasonal weather was to decide how their special day played out. "A spring wedding sounds nice, no?"
"It does, but…" she peered aver her shoulder with blush tinged cheeks, "It's just so soon."
"Having second thoughts about me?" he teased, placing the photos down before capturing her delicate waist in his arms.
"N-no! Of course not, Sasuke-kun." A small sigh escaping as he nuzzled her neck. "It's just…with exams and my thesis, I don't know if I can…"
"It's your day, Hinata-hime. I can wait." He whispered against her skin, feeling the goosebumps rise.
"I don't mind waiting either." she returned with a smile. "And it's our day, Sasuke-kun."
"Hm, I can't wait for the night however." he punctuated his cheeky remark with a sly squeeze of her rear causing her to squeak in surprise before he walked away. "Dinner smells nice."
"H-hentai!" she shrieked at his back, her face as red as the tomatoes she began slicing.
When he returned, dressed in his own comfortable clothes she had begun setting the table. Generous plates piled high with fried rice and soft omelet topped with a decedent looking sauce, his own accented with tomato slices instead.
"My compliments to the chef." he returned the small smile his comment brought to her lips as they sat down for a nice quiet dinner. "I'm surprised you haven't gotten tired of cooking for us yet."
"I've cooked for myself for years. This is much more fun." She responded, wasting almost no time slicing into her gooey omelet and began inhaling her meal.
"Looks like you worked up quite the appetite with Tenten." He joked, taking a more measured approach to attacking his meal. "I must admit, I'm a bit jealous."
"Don't be silly." she mumbled, her mouth full of rice and egg, cheeks rivaling those of a chipmunks. He stifled his laughter at the sight. Once her mouth emptied, she could properly mount a defense, "Besides, with enough training I won't need Hanazaki, or anyone else. Our hallway won't need to be so crowded anymore."
"Hinata…" needless to say her small joke didn't land very well, judging from how he sighed her name. "Are you doing this because of Tayuya?"
"Well…" she placed her silverware down and resisted the urge to press her fingers together like she use to when she was nervous. "Of course it is…You don't know what it's like to feel so…so powerless."
"You can't concern yourself with her like—"
"What if you hadn't come? What if Hanazaki-kun, or Jugo-kun weren't around?" she lamented, peering into his black pools for something, anything. But he stayed silent, knowing she was right. But she was wrong as well, he knew what it was like to be powerless. Powerless to protect her.
"I don't want that. I don't want you to feel like that, Hinata. Not ever." His words were soft, tinged with the ever-present shame of his past failings. "I'm doing what I can to make that a reality. Believe me, I am."
"And so am I." she declared, the meekness now gone and replaced with a finality and maturity that surprised him. Suddenly their dinner had soured, the sound of clattering silverware replaced by silence as they avoided eye contact.
"So, show me."
The sound of his voice threw her for off for a second as they lock eyes again. "W-what?"
"Show me what you learned." He reiterated, rising from his seat somewhat abruptly. She opened her mouth to protest, but quickly closed it once she realized what he was attempting to convey.
They were in this together, and if she was going to prepare herself for the possible storm ahead, he should be a part of that. Just as if he was going to take down the vindictive redhead, she had a right to be aware as well.
Slowly she rose to her feet as well, closing the distance between them in a few short steps. She looked up at him and smiled at the openness in his eyes, some small part of her relieved that his promise to her was not being taken lightly. She grabbed his hand gently and led him to an open area of their living room, and grabbed two handfuls of his dark blue shirt, "Grab me."
He quirked an eyebrow at her command as he looked down at her and her serious face, but obeyed all the same. "Now what?"
"Try to throw me to the ground." She ordered, digging her bare feet into the carpet for better footing. When he only pursed his lips and furrowed his brow, she began pushing and pulling him in a disorienting pattern, "Come on."
"Hinata…" he warned, her goading becoming more and more aggressive when he refused to participate. Eventually he'd had enough manhandling from his fiancée and began planted his feet, pushing back against her show of force. It didn't take but a second for her stance to change, stepping between his slightly spread legs and pivoting until her hip pressed against him. "I'm stronger than you Hina—!"
"Ki-yah!" she shouted as her leg swept his weight bearing one from under him, using his greater weight to easily hoist him over her hip and onto the floor. He released and audible grunt as his stared up at her in a daze, the wind momentarily knocked out of him.
"Shit." he cursed breathlessly, sitting up on his forearms as he tried to understand what had just transpired.
"I probably should have taught you about fall breaking." she mentioned in hindsight, offering her hand to him, "Did I hurt you?"
"I'll be fine. Maybe." He grumbled; his pride slightly wounded as she helped him to his feet. "How did you do that?"
"Judo isn't about strength, it's about using your opponents strengths and weaknesses to your advantage." she explained with a cheery smile. "Don't be upset. You make a good uke."
"I see." He pondered the philosophy briefly, at its core a simple principle, but with a multitude of applications. Clearly her martial prowess had gone to her head, especially with her jest at him being a good submissive, "I'd like to see you do that again."
"Hmph!" she puffed, firmly planting her hands in her hips as she glared at his smug smirk. "Fine. But I warn you, Tenten-sensei says I'm a natural."
"We'll see about that." he shot back as they returned to their grappling match. This time however he employed a different strategy, quickly bending down to her waist and lifting her over his shoulder.
"W-wait! This isn't how—this isn't fair!" she shrieked as he carried her around the penthouse. She kicked and beat against his back with her fists, laughing when he began spinning her around, "Sa-Sasuke-kun! Put me down!"
"All's fair in love and war, Hinata." he proclaimed, holding on tightly to his quarry's thighs as he carried her off down the hallway.
"Where are you taking me!?" she asked, only to suddenly be thrown from his shoulder onto their bed. Before she could fully get her bearings, he was already upon her, his dark eyes glinting in the dim light.
"I think I won that one." he declared smoothly, trapping her wrists above her head. Her struggles ceased almost immediately when she realized where he not so subtly suggested they take the remainder of their evening. "Do I get a prize?"
"O-of course not. Besides, we're tied." he smirked at her clever retort, feeling the way her thighs brushed against his, gently nudging his body closer subconsciously. She chewed on her bottom lip as her mind slipped into thoughts of depravity, thoughts of how he touched her in the bathtub making her blood run hot in an instant, "But…we can…"
"Pick up where we left off?" he breathed as he leaned in close to capture her lips, but stopped short. Her eyes shined in the darkness, taking on the appearance of misty moons clouded with desire. He released her wrists as her quickening breath tickled his chin, her hands immediately finding his waistband.
"Y-you said you needed a woman's touch…" she reminded, her hand diving into his pants and underneath his boxers deftly to capture her prize. Sasuke released a gasp at her forwardness, chalking her bold strokes up to her newfound strength.
"Hentai." He whispered half-jokingly before pressing his lips to hers. She wasn't the only one who could be rough with their bedroom activities. Granted, he always tried to keep it light unless asked to do otherwise. Something told him she was in a more ravenous mood than most evenings.
He followed her lead as she pulled away, ceasing her teasing of his member to disrobe hurriedly. While she slid under the covers and waited for him, he retrieved a condom from his bedside table and tore into the wrapper with disdain. Before he began rolling the prophylactic over his rod, a hand covered his own. Hinata's delicate fingers performed the task with confidence despite her inexperience and bashfulness, the blush on her cheeks nearly radioactive.
The Uchiha released a low chuckle when she accomplished her goal and pulled him atop her, clearly feeling a sense of urgency he did not share. "What's the rush, Hinata? We have the entire weekend to ourselves."
She raked her nails over his chiseled chest as he teased her slick entrance, a small whine passing her lips. Sometimes his gentle taunts were welcome, but he had been winding her up all evening, and now all she wanted was for him to put his money where his mouth was, so to speak. Wordlessly, she hooked a leg around his waist, slowly pressing him into her.
"Hinata!" he gasped, taken by surprise at her aggressive attitude as he fell into her warmth.
The heiress pulled his head down to her neck as he filled her, her hands knotting in his dark locks as she whispered, "Fuck me."
He bucked unconsciously against her deepest wall at the lewdness of her words, the sound somewhat unnatural coming from the usually demure princess, but no less enticing. He bit the supple skin of her neck, eliciting a drawn-out moan from her before he began thrusting, hard and deep.
Her back arched at his rough handling of her, hips widening to accommodate his girth. Each stroke sending ripples of pleasure throughout her frame as she dug her nails into his back. The experience was unlike their other encounters; he was never one to rush or take such a more forceful approach, but the adrenaline of it all enhanced every one of her senses. She could feel the pulsing of his hardness, its tempo giving her a beat to match with her hips as they marched towards new heights of pleasure.
Her hands slid from his back to his chest and pushed with enough force to give him pause, sending him into a seated position on his legs as she followed, unwilling to break their connection. Hinata grasped his shoulders tightly as she began grinding against his hardness, the sounds of their frenzied love making filling the room when she began bouncing on his steel.
Sasuke held onto her hips as she took the lead in their dance, staring into her hungry eyes. He didn't know what had gotten into her that night, but it was an incredible turn on. The way her walls gripped him tightly, threatening to send him over the edge on a whim. The Uchiha latched onto one of her bouncing breasts' pert points, rolling it between his teeth and drawing a loud moan from his lover. He peered up through his dark hair at her, taking in the sight of her most primal state. She was simply incredible.
When her pace began to slow, he knew she was tiring, her earlier soreness rearing its head. He took the moment of weakness to lay her back on the bed, a whine of irritation passing her lips as his warmth left her momentarily.
"Sasuke-kun, what are you…?" her words caught in her throat as he grabbed her by the waist and flipped her onto her stomach, pulling her to her knees in a single motion. As she looked back she could already feel him sliding back into her sheath, she braced herself against the headboard as he punctuated his movement with a thrust that made her body tremble. They'd never done it like this before, the new sensation of him filling her more completely than before sending her over the edge immediately. Her cry of ecstasy was sweet music to his ears as he continued diving into her relentlessly, her contracting walls unable to keep him at bay. The headboard creaked with each thrust, banging against the wall as he took her from behind like a bitch in heat. But it was different, it wasn't just simple desire or lust. Even with his dominating love making, she could still feel an underlying gentleness.
He leaned over and covered her body with his, his breath coming out in a hot puff against the shell of her ear, "Hinata..."
"D-Don't stop..." she returned, blindly reaching back for him and digging her nails into his rear as she threw her hips back to meet his thrusting sex. His pace turned frantic, hardness striking against her womb like flint to steel, bringing her closer to heaven, "S-S-Sasuke-kun…I'm c-close…!"
A guttural grunt tore through his throat as he buried himself within her, her voice joining the chorus as a cracked cry, each subsequent thrust eliciting another moan. Hinatas knees gave out as they lay atop one another, riding out the last vestiges of their carnal bliss, sweaty and panting. She craned her head over her shoulder and captured his lips, the taste of him bringing her back to reality.
"Did you like it?" he asked huskily, his hands roaming over her glistening flesh, soothing the taut muscles of her thighs.
"Do you have to ask?" she retorted bashfully, her head lulling to the side, allowing him better access to nip, lick, and suck as was his want. "I didn't know you could be so...rough, anata."
"Only when I think you need a mans touch." his cocky remark was well received judging from how she giggled as he left a final love bite on her neck before rolling off and disposing of the condom in a nearby wastebasket. She rolled onto her back and reached over to enjoy their customary post-coital cuddling only to see that he was out of the bed and leaving the bedroom stark naked.
"Sasuke-kun? Where are you going?"
He disappeared through the door without a word, but returned moments later with several of the photos he had been mulling over earlier. He slid into the bed and gathered her in his arms. "Suppose now is as good as any time to do this, while I've got you captive and worn out, hm?"
"Sasuke-kun...I don't care about where, or when we get married..."
"So long as it happens." he finished, relieved to be on the same page with his fiancée. There were still times when she felt foreign to him, no doubt she had the same moments. They were young and in love, trying to make sense of it all in a world that seemed to simultaneously want to see them together, apart, or have their names collectively ruined. But somehow they would pull through, all in the hopes of being together, of being free.
Day broke just as it had on any other morning, Hinata the first to rise with the sun. She eyed her sleeping lover as she dressed in lilac floral robe her sister had gifted her years ago on a birthday she couldn't remember. He looked so angelic, like a sleeping cherub. The thought forcing her to stifle a giggle lest she wake him. She made her way to the kitchen humming a light tune as she prepared her morning tea. Sasuke wasn't really one for breakfast, but he indulged her all the same.
A knock came at the door as she out on the kettle, slowly making her way to see who it could possibly be. Needless to say she was shocked by the visitor, "Ha-Hanabi-chan? What are you doing here?"
"I came to talk about how we're going to deal with father, but you have some explaining to do first." Clearly she was pissed about something, her face marred by a deep frown and furrowed brow, the spitting image of their father in that moment.
"Ano…let's talk about this inside. I'm making some tea." deflected the elder Hyuuga, doing her best to mask the dread she was sure her sister was going to fill her with once she made her inquiry. She ushered her inside quickly, shushing her sister when she opened her mouth to begin her verbal assault, "Sasuke-kun is still asleep."
"Well, maybe we should wake him up and have him explain why there's a damn platoon outside your door?!" she exclaimed in a harsh whisper as she paced around the penthouse, "I mean, I know Sasuke is important but…what's going on? Are they…armed?"
"No! Of course not…at least, I don't think so. I've never asked." Hinata's face falling at her own lack of answers for the honest inquiry. "They're just for protection. For the both of us."
"Is he in trouble? Has he roped you into it as well?" the young Hyuuga was have trouble keeping her anger and voice contained. She could see the conflicted look on her sister's face and it made her heart drop, "Onee-chan…"
"I…" her mouth hung open as she tried to find the words to explain. She didn't want to lie and live a secret life, or risk exposing her to the unsavory elements Sasuke had the misfortune of bringing into his business either. "Sasuke-kun…he's received threats, from rivals. Threats of violence."
"That's…that's not how we operate. No legitimate businessmen would ever risk something like that." In an instant her anger turned to worry, "Is he involved in something illegal?"
Hinata chewed on her bottom lip nervously and wrapped her robe more tightly around herself as her sister eyed her critically. Luckily, the whistle of the tea kettle gave her more time to gather her thoughts as she hurried over to silence the piercing sound. When she began preparing their tea and ignoring Hanabi, she rushed to her side and stopped her busying hands, "Hinata please, I need to know. I'm your sister."
"I know. I do but…I'm your older sister, and it's still my job to protect you." The smile she offered was nowhere near as convincing as it was sincere. There was a panic to it, a sadness beneath it all. She may have been truly happy with this man, but everything about that happiness was being threatened, all because of him. Hanabi could now see why her sister would call their relationship complicated.
"Let me protect you for once." she offered, giving her hand a light squeeze.
As she thought on the offer, Sasuke padded his way into the wearing nothing but a pair of drab sweatpants. Were it not for him still rubbing the sleep from his eyes, he would have noticed the two woman standing several feet from him sooner.
"Hanabi…this is…surprising." He spoke slowly, still trying to discern if this was a dream or not. God, he hoped it wasn't another one of those dreams.
"I came to see my sister. She isn't some princess for you to lock away in your ivory tower." she spat, her anger rearing its ugly head once again.
"Hanabi, please." pled the eldest Hyuuga, seeking to cut off a confrontation at the pass.
"Charming as always." he sighed, brushing past her and casually wrapping his arms around his fiancée, pulling her into a kiss. He smirked at the way she blushed and turned away from the spectacle, "I assume you're not here for breakfast?"
"Just lost my appetite actually." she sneered, wishing she could vaporize the man in an instant with her glare. "I'll talk to you another time Onee-chan."
"O-okay. Bye." she whispered watching her sisters retreating back.
"This place is soooo you, Uchiha." she shouted before shutting the door behind her.
"What was that about?" he asked simply, frowning at the way his fiancée pried herself from his hold.
"Nothing, just…" she had to stop herself before she soured his mood as well, "Business. Family things."
"Hn. I can see why I wouldn't be welcome in that discussion." he assumed, picking up on the residual tension of the room. Though, he wasn't going to let it spoil his first weekend in "vacation".
"She worries about me, and the guards outside don't help." She said, instantly kicking herself for that slip of the tongue.
"Did she ask about them?" she could feel the hairs on the back of her neck stand as his voice took a more serious timbre. But they were supposed to be honest with one another, and the last thing she wanted to do was spend the weekend at odds with him.
"I told her about the threats…"
"Hinata…"
"I couldn't lie to her, not when she's worried about my safety." she defended, her attention shifting from her morning tea to the frown of her fiancé. "I didn't mention Orochimaru or Tayuya. I know we can't let anyone know about the blackmail."
"Your sister is inquisitive and hates me, it won't be long before she starts snooping around." Sasuke ran his hand through his hair and inhaled deeply, not exactly how he imagined his day starting.
"Even if she finds anything, she'd never use it against you, or me for that matter." she assured knowing he would now start looking at her sister like a threat, and not just because of her distaste for his past.
"Maybe. We'll both have to be careful what we let slip in her presence." He retrieved a glass and poured himself some water, downing the whole thing in a single go. "Plans?"
"I should really work on my papers." she mused, silently sipping her tea as he resigned himself to the sofa. "Do you have any plans?"
He stared outside the window, noting the unseasonably sunny look of the day. "I think I'll go for a drive."
"Anywhere in particular?"
"The track, most likely. I'm interested in testing few cars."
"Ano…don't you have enough already?" she asked, receiving a confused look from him, as if the concept of "enough" was foreign to him.
"Appearances are as important as actual functionality. I can't run the company from the background if I disappear and become a hermit." he explained, keenly interested in something on his phone, "Besides, maybe I want to buy my fiancée a car."
"Don't be silly, I don't drive." she reminded, joining him on the couch.
"You just haven't found the right car yet." he contested with a wry smile. "You can come with me if you'd like. Fresh air of a drive could help with your studies."
"It has been a while since we took a drive together." She remarked.
"Hn. Our first date." He remembered, rubbing chin thoughtfully. It seemed like ages ago that they first burst into the scene as a couple, if even somewhat casually at the time. It was the first time they'd had a meaningful talk about their budding relationship, and now here they sat, enjoying a Saturday morning in their shared home. "As I recall, it didn't go so well."
"I'm sure you'll do better this time." she teased, giving him a light peck on the cheek before leaving him, "I'll go get ready."
When she was well out of sight he retrieved his phone again, this time dialing a number.
"Sasuke-san."
"Any movement, Jugo?"
"None. But, this is the place. The red motorcycle arrived late last night."
"Did you see her or anyone else?"
"Not a soul matching her description. It appears to be an old warehouse converted to lofts."
"I see. Keep me posted."
"Hai, Sasuke-san.
Sasuke hung up the phone and made his way towards the bedroom. It was best he not dwell on what he couldn't control, and try to enjoy the time he had, before it was time to go to work again.
The streets were bustling by the time they emerged, dressed lightly for the mild weather. He in a plain white t-shirt, dark blue blazer and slacks, she in a cream-colored knit turtleneck and jeans. Sasuke had been on his best behavior within the city limits, with regards to his speed, but once they reached the highway all bets were off.
The rumble of the engine traveled up her spine and made her turn her attention to the man at the wheel, "Sasuke-kun…"
"A little fun is all, Hinata." he promised, shifting to a higher gear as a thin smirk spread across his face. She covered his hand with her own as they began passing other travelers, in hopes of possibly reining him in. When that didn't work, she opened her mouth again in protest, suddenly the roof began to retract causing her to gasp in surprise. Clearly, she'd missed his deft manipulation of the console.
The brisk wind rippled through the length of her blue-black hair, sending tendrils flying behind her. She squinted through the wind and peered over at her fiancé; she'd never seen him look so… happy, so unabashedly happy. Eyes sharp and focused, fingers taut and masterful in their control of his two-ton terror. He looked in his element, not so dissimilar from how he looked in Sarutobi's boardroom, exuding power and confidence. Be it from the thrill of speeding down the open road with the wind in her hair, or just the excess joy radiating off him, but she too was happy.
"Freeing, isn't it?" he shouted above the road noise as he glanced at her face, the sound of her laughter all the answer he needed. She threw her hands up as the rumble of the engine propelled them further down the road. It was freeing, just as he said.
Though it came to an end once Sasuke they entered Tsukuba city limits, no doubt because they were under more scrupulous speed limits. By the time they reached the racetrack, the sun was high in the sky on a cloudless day, warming everything in its path, so much so that Hinata had almost forgotten they were only a month away from winter. Slowly they pulled into a sprawling carport where a well-dressed male attendant seemed to be waiting for them.
"So nice to see you again, Uchiha-san. And Hyuuga-san, a pleasure to make your acquaintance." he bowed lowly as they bound out of the coupe. "We are still preparing the vehicle you requested, perhaps you'd like to view some of our other new arrivals in the meantime?"
"I'll wait." he responded simply, his arm unconsciously wrapping around Hinata's waist.
"Very well, allow me to show you to our lounge then." he offered, leading the way through the lobby, and through the exclusive showroom that left Hinata in a state of awe at the collection of exotic cars, nevermind the price tags she was sure were attached to most of them. They took an elevator up several floors, until they reached the lavish lounge they had been promised. There were a few sharply dressed men and women, all milling about and chattering, or watching the few cars on the circuit below, or simply sipping cocktails at the bar. She couldn't help but feel somewhat out of place.
"I'll return once preparations are complete. Please, make yourself comfortable Uchiha-san, Hyuuga-san." Once the attendant left, a few inquisitive eyes turned to the newcomers, most likely the reciting of their surnames drawing their attention.
"So…you're going to be racing on that?" she asked as they sauntered through the room and looked down at the large circuitous track.
"If I'm alone it won't be much of a race." He smirked at her innocent question, practically salivating at the opportunity that awaited him. "But if a challenger appears, who am I to decline?"
"Sasuke-kun…" she bemoaned quietly, removing herself from his hold to give him a stern look, "Promise me you'll be safe."
"They're painfully meticulous about safety. There's nothing to worry about." he explained, though it did little to soften her look, "Fine. I promise."
"Uchiha-san, Sasuke, is it?" sounded a female voice from behind, drawing the couple's attention. A woman with dark cerulean blue hair stood before them, clad in a slim fitting white dress that reached mid ankle. She was roughly Sasuke's height in her heels, amber eyes smoldering against the pristine porcelain of her skin, the sole blemish being the steel stud she wore just below her bottom lip.
"Yes?" he responded eyeing the woman curiously. Was she a client who's name he'd long forgotten? Some woman he'd spurned? Nothing would be more embarrassing than that latter in this instance.
"Hm. I see. Other than the eyes, the resemblance to your brother is subtle, but it's there." she examined, craning her head slightly for a better view.
"I'm sorry, do I know you?" It wasn't often someone was bold enough to mention his elder brother, even in passing. Whoever she was, she had either the clout or lack of foresight to speak her mind.
Hinata eyed the woman critically, knowing she had seen her somewhere before but was struggling to put the pieces together. But then it clicked, her eyes widening at the realization. She'd seen her at least a dozen times in various fashion magazines, and social media posts from her sister and Ino, "Y-you're Konan! T-the supermodel!"
"Please, I'm just a simple model." She did her best to downplay her notoriety, but it was hard to do so when you had her looks. "You must be Hinata, the woman behind the man everyone has been talking about."
"Yes, i-it's a pleasure to meet you. My sister is a big fan yours." Hinata had to restrain herself for the moment as she bowed, somewhat flattered that she even knew who she was.
"I hate to interrupt, but how do you know my brother?" questioned the Uchiha, unconvinced that it was merely a passing musing.
"Well, like most things when it comes to your family, it's…complicated." she responded, flashing a smile despite her somewhat cheeky answer. Sasuke didn't like veiled responses, especially when they had to do with his family.
He opened his mouth to inquire further, but was interrupted when the attendant returned, "We're ready for you, Uchiha-san."
"Excuse me." he toned, planting a chaste kiss on his fiancée's lips before departing, but not before sizing up the inquisitive woman one last time.
"Good luck Sasuke-kun." she whispered, blushing lightly at his public display of affection. Though she couldn't help but notice the stern look he shot the other woman before he left them.
"Ano…so, what brings you here?" suddenly left alone with the supermodel, Hinata felt smaller in her presence. Not to mention she had never been exceptional at small talk.
"The same reason as you. To watch boys go fast in their toys." she sighed in her sultry low voice, seemingly disinterested by the whole thing.
"Are you here with someone? A significant other?" wondered aloud the Hyuuga, almost instantly realizing how rude that was, "I-I-I'm sorry I didn't mean to insinuate that…"
"It's alright, Hinata." she assured, peering down to the track with her keen eyes at the vehicles that zoomed by. "I am, I suppose he's still getting ready."
When silence prevailed Hinata found the awkwardness return. Searching for anything she may have in common with the stunning woman in a panic.
"I…I don't care much for cars." admitted the heiress in a hushed voice, lest inquisitive ears overhear her less than enthused words. "But, Sasuke-kun is really passionate them."
"Something our men have in common." she noted with a smile, before taking her new companions arm, "But come now, let's have a drink. The men shouldn't be the only ones enjoying themselves."
"It's a bit early…"
"Nonsense. It's five o'clock somewhere." she teased as they approached the bartender.
Sasuke stepped into his racing jumpsuit, noting the slight tightness of it. Hinata's cooking must have started taking its toll on him, despite his appetites latent portion controlling. The hairs on the back of his neck stood up as he zipped up his dark blue and white outfit, another client walking just behind in full gear, red and black accented helmet and all. A tall man, somewhat lithe but proportionate. There was no way of knowing who they were, but his body seemed to remember something about them. He pushed the uneasiness aside and finished dress, grabbing his helmet and exiting the locker room where his guide awaited him.
"Might I say Uchiha-san, you've made an excellent choice in vehicles today." He led him through the halls and out to the pit where they held all the cars set to take the track, "The Audi R8 is top of the line, boasting a 600 horsepower V10 engine, capable of—"
"A top speed of 205 miles per hour, and going from zero to sixty in 3.2 seconds. I've done my research already." he touted spotting the sporty black beauty in his designated pit area. "Who am I sharing the track with?"
"The usual suspects. The Kuroda brothers, and…hmm?" he paused momentarily as they passed another vehicle, its driver already strapping in. Sasuke quickly noted it was the man with he disconcerting presence from the locker room, "Not sure who that is, but the vehicle—"
"Nissan GT-R. I'm familiar." He interrupted, feeling the corner of his lips twitch downward at the sight of the metallic grey chassis.
"Of course. This is you Uchiha-san. Please enjoy yourself and be safe." He reminded, bowing lowly before bustling off.
Sasuke ran his gloved hand over the hood, taking in each detail carefully. The sporty wide body and low profile, the sharp accents about the grill and sides. He smirked as he gripped the door handle and jammed his head into his protective headgear, before settling into the racing seat and strapping himself into the four-point harness seatbelt. He pouted at the automatic transmission, but he would deal for now, turning his attention to the start button. Pushing lightly and then forcefully in the gas pedal, satisfied with the subtle but powerful roar he received.
Carefully he shifted from park and made his way out onto the track, getting waved into his starting position by a track attendant. There he waited as his opponents soon followed suit in a cascading fashion. He paid them little mind, making final adjustments to his gloves and helmet before returning to the steering wheel. The Uchiha's grip tightened and his eyes focused as the starting timer counted down, the world around him growing quiet until it exploded at the sound of the buzzer and he shot out in an instant, the screech of tires and rumble of the engine all that mattered.
They accelerated down the weathered asphalt at an alarming rate, Sasuke taking the early lead as he rounded the first turn of the circuit. The steering was taut, chalk it up to being nearly brand new, forcing him to decelerate slightly to stop himself from careening off the track. But then he was back to pulling away from the pack.
He peered into his rearview as they completed their first lap, spotting the grey Nissan on a rapid approach, his engines sheer power rivaling his own, it would take more than strength to keep his lead. Sasuke turned the wheel, quickly sliding to the inner track to shave a few seconds off his time and stymie the advancing beast. But he continued on, keeping a suffocating half car length of distance between them. It took a split second for Sasuke to realize what was happening before it happened, already too late. In an instant his staunch opponent swung around his side, rocketing ahead of him on the straight away and into the third and final lap.
Sasuke grit his teeth and slammed the pedal to the floor. It was an advanced technique that was for sure, the man was no mere neophyte with cash to burn on a car like that. Though the brash Uchiha couldn't help but smirk at the challenge, it had been some time after all. He began gaining on the straight away pulling alongside him just up to his rear axle, but time was running out.
They rounded the final turn into the home stretch and Sasuke knew it was now or never. His hand gripped the gear shift and threw it into the mock manual control, quickly shifting up and pushing the engine to its limits. His heart pounded madly as he neared the man, his eyes leaving the road for a split second as he peered over into his vehicle. There couldn't have been a short hairs distance between them if there was any at all as the crossed the finish line and the checkered flag waved. The adrenaline was still pumping by the time he slowed down and returned to the pit, his gloves leaving imprints in the steering wheel when he finally released it. He unbuckled himself and exited, his hair slightly damp and sticking to his face as he removed his helmet as he approached the only person to give him a real fight on the asphalt. Slowly he exited as well, his face still obscured by his protective gear.
"You're better than most." He complimented, still sizing up the taller man. For all he knew, the man was a professional, and there was no shame in a tie. "That move you pulled, where did you learn it?"
"Who won?" asked Hinata, peering through her binoculars as they crossed the finish line, turning to the woman at her side with a questioning look.
"Hard to say. But I think my man edged yours out." She teased with a sly smile and sip of her drink.
"Not a chance! A tie at best!" countered the heiress, her lips a bit looser after a glass of champagne.
"Perhaps. To a tie then." she conceded, raising her glass and toasting with the younger woman. "I hope Sasuke takes a tie better than most in his family."
Hinata sipped her beverage and thought on the somewhat innocuous comment, "Are you familiar with a lot of Sasuke-kun's family? I only know his parents, and he rarely mentions his brother."
"Their relationship is…complex." she explained, waving off the scrutiny and returning to the track, her eyes widening in surprise at the spectacle about to unfold below. "And it's about to become a bit more complicated."
Hinata blinked at the confusing comment, craning her head and using her binoculars to see what she was seeing, her lips parting in surprise, "That's…"
"I learned it the same place you did, little brother." he answered, the calm baritone of his voice stopping Sasuke's heart in an instant as he removed his helmet and revealed himself. Familiar dark eyes framed by deep tear troughs, lengthy dark hair in a low ponytail, longer than he remembered. It had been several years after all.
"Itachi…" he breathed, eyes wide and body frozen. "What are you…?"
"Your manners could use some work, same goes for your driving. Reckless as always." he teased with a smirk that trumped even Sasuke's, as he placed two fingers on his forehead and poked him, effectively bringing him back to reality, "I'm here because of you, Sasuke."
Sasuke eyed the man warily, a thick gust of wind sending both their manes into a slight frenzy. There were no coincidences, something made him show up here of all places and await his arrival. No doubt it was their father's decision to oust the second of his sons that drove the eldest out of exile. "So, you've heard?"
"I have. And I have an idea of what's behind all of this." His face remained stoic, while his brothers contorted, unable to come to terms with his reemergence into the world. He placed his hand on his brothers shoulder, "And I'm here to help."
"What makes you think I need your help?" Sasuke attempted to shrug from the hold but his grip tightened and kept him in place. When Itachi's gaze hardened, Sasuke's blood ran cold.
He leaned in close to the side of his head and whispered in his ear, "From one exiled prince, to the next. You'll need all the help you can get."
And there you have it! I know it's been a long one, I just wanna thank you all for hanging in there with me. A lot happened this chapter, some light hearted, some heavy stuff, and some lemony stuff. I hope you've enjoyed it. I know it's hard to find enjoyment in the current state of the world, but noting like a fic to help use through. I know it's helping me. As always, send in your critiques, reviews, questions, and everything in between. Believe you me, I got time to read them all. I got time to write too!
Next Chapter: Tools
Until next time! Sayonara!
