Two weeks after the infamous diner meeting and the ensuing media storm, Hinata was forced to temporarily relocate as well as agree to stop meeting with Sasuke Uchiha in public or private. With that , the past two weeks had been difficult. A number of media outlets had contacted the bluette seeking an exclusives and offering large sums of money. Thanks to Taisho Realtor's legal team, the emails, calls, and texts had decreased in number.
The petite, blonde assistant, named Alysse, greeted her warmly. Her eyes wandered down to her now potruding belly. Hinata blushed profusely as Alysse led her to another room. It was elegantly decorated ; the walls had alternating black and white stripes, there were two pink couches adjacent from one another, and a plush a pure ;white carpet. Alysse led her to one of the pink couches.
Kagura suddenly appeared. Her dark hair was now suspended in a series of sensual curls that framed her heart shaped face. Today she wore a simple, white ,shift dress with bejeweled sandals that displayed her pedicure. She smiled and sat on the couch next to Hinata. Kagura pulled out a large sketchbook.
"This is my vision for you tonight, "Kagura began, "elegant and charming. "
*
Hinata was once again blown away by her reflection. Her hair had been swept into an elegant halo braid with silver thread sewn in and spiral curled side pieces framed her face. The dress had been altered slightly. It was a floor length gown with a sweetheart neckline and a train, staring at the bust, that featured layers of silk with alternating hues of lavender and lilac. Her accessories were all silver: a pair of chandelier earrings, a matching necklace, and a glistening clutch.
"Don't stand there gawking at yourself, Cinderella. Sesshomaru isn't a patient man," Kagura playfully scolded.
*
A sea of dancing lights surrounded the duo as Sesshomaru gently guided Hinata down the red carpet. Curious paparazzi asked suggested questions as the couple made their way inside. Once inside, Hinata paused in awe. The ballroom was breathtaking, there was a sprawling, glistening, golden floor below a three tiered crystal chandelier. On either side of the floor sat a marble staircase that led to a balcony that sat above a breathtaking garden.
The glistening, marble floor was populated by the best and brightest of Konoha City, all of whom were so adorned with jewels that their sparkle could put the stars in the evening sky to shame. They were beautiful, a sea of bodies draped in fine fabrics as they laughed and chatted jovially. Even the servers appeared to be floating as they they provided the guests with refreshments. Soft, instrumental music caressed the air, adding a more sensual element to the elegant atmosphere. She didn't remember these galas being this lavish.
Hinata was gently led by Sesshomaru to a beautiful couple. The man bore an uncanny resemblance to Sesshomaru with ponytailed snowy hair and amber eyes. However, he was slightly taller and his eyes held a more warm, inviting, and jovial gleam in comparison to Sesshomaru's cold,austere ones. The woman was shorter than her partner, but taller than Hinata with shimmering, waist length hair whose layers gently framed her face. She had a feminine, inviting aura that made the area they were sitting in seem almost crowded despite the small number of people.
The man and Sesshomaru embraced one another and you could practically feel the warmth radiating from them, the man atleast. The two separated and the woman also embraced him. The pair collectively turned to face her momentarily before giving Sesshomaru an expectant glance.
Sesshomaru took her hand and introduced her.
"This is Hinata Hyuuga, my new assistant, " he said.
Nervously ,Hinata placed a hand over her stomach as she stepped forward to greet them. She offered her hand, but was pulled forward into an embrace. Onlookers giggled. She relaxed into his embrace before they momentarily broke away and the couple looked at her.
"There's no need to be shy my dear, you're practically family now that you're officially my son's assistant," the man said.
"Forgive my husband's rudeness, but I am Izayoi and he is Akihito,"Izayoi said with a sigh.
"Oh, my apologies dear, I became a little overzealous when I saw you, "he explained.
"What my husband means is that he saw that you're in delicate condition and became excited. He thought you and Sesshomaru were together, " she explained.
Hinata's pale complexion reddened visibly.
"Dear, please let go of the poor girl before she suffocates, "Izayoi chided playfully.
"M-Mr. Tashio and I are are strictly professional," Hinata stammered.
"We've been waiting for a grandchild for so long, we saw you and assumed..."
"Father, that's enough, " Sesshomaru said.
"Well, you've dated one of your secretaries before, so we thought..."Akihito began.
"Father, that's enough!" he said slightly raising his voice.
Izayoi walked over and placed a soft hand on Hinata's shoulder.
"Darling, would you like to join me for a snack?"
"Yes , please, " Hinata answered as her stomach began to growl.
Izayoi reached into her clutch and pulled out a small plastic bag with fruits and vegetables inside.
"It's always best to come to these events with a snack, the organizers love to draw them out longer than necessary ,"she said.
"I see you've already captured Izayoi's heart," a mature, feminine voice teased.
The pair turned to look at Kagura, who was dazzlingly beautiful in backless, red halter gown whose length made her appear to be levitating. It fit her like a glove, highlighting her slender,athletic frame. She had also styled her hair in a mane of luscious , dark curls with bangs and face framing layers. The ensemble was completed with a sequined , black and white clutch and matte , black jewelry. She sauntered over to join the two ladies.
"Ahh, the infamous snack bag, Kagura began, " what, no chicken wings this time?"
"That only happened once, " Izayoi said turning away and crossing her arms over her chest.
"Oh kay, we'll go with once, " Kagura said," Hinata you should seriously eat,it'll be about another hour before they serve dinner."
"That reminds me, how far along are you, Hinata?" Izayoi asked pressing the bag into her palm.
"Four months," Hinata replied.
"I bet you're happy to be out of that dreaded first trimester, with the morning sickness, crazy cravings, and whatnot," Izayoi said.
"Actually, I didn't really experience any of that, "Hinata answered," I have only been craving cinnamon buns like crazy."
"I remember when I was pregnant with Inuyasha, I would cry when my husband didn't have mint chocolate chip ice cream,"Izayoi recalled with reminiscent smile.
The three ladies carried on that way for some time, jovially chatting as each of them enjoyed the snacks Izayoi had managed to sneak in. They thoroughly discussed pregnancy and Hinata learned that Kagura had a five year old son, named Akio. Apparently he enjoyed climbing on trees and was a huge fan of American comic books. An hour had gone by before Sesshomaru and his father had come to collect them. Like the gentleman he was bred to be, Sesshomaru gracefully stepped between the two ladies and offered each of them an elbow.
Every inch of his six foot frame was elegantly clothed in a three piece , navy blue suit with a black tie and matching , matte cuff links. His matching Oxfords were detailed with intricate designs on both sides. The contrast of his dark suit and pale hair enhanced the contours of his face. Hinata blushed when his golden gaze caught her own. If she didn't know the man whose arm she clung to, Hinata would've been frightened by the way his pupil shifted to look at her; it was like a predator watching his prey with silent contemplation. The corners of his lips turned upward in what could be considered a smile if his abnormally long canines didn't an give him an almost sinister appearance. The smile left as quickly as it came, replaced by his usual neutral expression.
Hinata looked ahead as they trotted through the double doors to be welcomed by an enormous banquet hall. The space was identical to the last one, save for a large stage with crimson curtains belted on either side and large, round, tables covered with pristine,white table cloths. There was also a large ,flat screen sitting comfortably between the curtains. The tables were set with fine dinnerware and wine glasses. Once again, she was enthralled in the glimmering beauty of everything around her, so much so that she hadn't noticed Sesshomaru gently guiding her to a seat.
"Ms.Hyuuga?" Sesshomaru called.
She looked up at him,her eyes widened with wonder. He silently took the seat to her right and leaned over.
"I need you to be on your toes, there will be important people attending, some of whom we will be doing business with in the near future," he scolded.
*
The scholarship banquet had already begun when a certain raven haired man entered with a modelesque blonde. They were quite a pair, both handsomely outfitted in complementary colors. The blonde beauty wore a backless, emerald jumpsuit with a deep V in the front, matching pumps,and champagne colored clutch. Her hair was beautifully arranged in a top knot with face framing bangs and curdled tendrils on either side of her face.
They waded through a throng of Konoha's finest until they arrived at a table with familiar bluette. Unfortunately, they were forced to take a seat at another table . That did nothing to stop the uncomfortable, loathing glances the Uchiha sent Hinata as the ceremony commenced. The most chilling was when his lips parted in an unnerving smile that made his face seem like it was cracking in half.
*
Hinata smiled warmly as a dark haired man planted a chaste kiss on her knuckles. He took her small hand between his large ones. A faint blush colored her cheeks as the man spoke to her.
" My name is Naraku , it's a pleasure to meet you."
"It's a pleasure to meet you as well,Mr. Onigumo."
"How did such a beautiful young woman end up working for Lord Sesshomaru?"
"He was a friend of my cousin Neji."
"Ahhh."
"How long have you known Mr. Taisho?"
"His father and I have done business together for years."
Hinata blushed and her jaw dropped.
"I-I thought you were..."
"Around your age? Young lady, I am flattered," he said laughing .
"Is this old coot bothering you?" Akihito asked.
The two men turned to embrace one another. They began to chat animatedly. Sesshomaru came up behind Hinata. He led her to sparse corner of the room after excusing himself.
"Is everything all right between you and Mr.Uchiha?"
"Everything is-
"Before you tell me everything is all right, please know I saw the horrible glances he sent you during the ceremony. "
Hinata swallowed.
"Attention everyone!"
The sudden voice over the intercom made everyone look toward the ceremony hall. Hinata paled. It was Sasuke.
"If you could all gather into the ceremony area for a special presentation!"
Hinata paled as a line of excited attendees gathered to watch the presentation. Sesshomaru looked at her, trying to read her expression. Her eyes were wide and tears began to pool along the waterline. Embarassed, she looked away. Sesshomaru joined the eager party goers in the other room.
He seated himself at a table in the front row.
Almost immediately, the two men locked eyes. Onyx eyes glared into placid, golden ones. Sesshomaru smoothly called over an attendant. He whispered something in his ear and slid a wad of cash in his pocket.
The man nodded in agreement and headed off to complete his mission. The screen suddenly came to life. An image of a dark haired woman's bobbing in Sasuke's lap briefly appeared before suddenly begging turned off. In its place was a blank screen. The shocked look on everyone's face was enough.
Many of the guests left the banquet hall with disgusted looks on their faces. Some of the men sent lustful glances Hinata's way as she trembled in the corner. The women were just as bad, some glancing at her with disdain and others simply laughed.
"You don't care what they think. You don't care what they think. You don't care what they think . You don't care what they think. c
She repeated the mantra as tears streamed down her face. It had to be horrible, whatever they were shown. A part of her wanted to go into that room and look, while the other was too scared. She was so deep in her thoughts that she hadnt noticed when a jacket was draped over her shoulders.
"Ms. Hyuuga, are you all right?"
"I'm all right," she replied robotically.
"How is she,son?" Akihito asked worriedly.
"She appears to be in shock. I've already called the chauffeur and asked him to meet us," Sesshomaru answered.
"Do you know why Uchiha-san would do something like this?" Akihito asked.
"I do not know,but I intend to find out ," he answered with placid resolve.
"Keep me posted,"Akihito said.
Sesshomaru nodded in response as he placed his blazer over Hinata's trembling shoulders. He took the petite, pregnant woman into his arms.