Chapter 2: Addiction.
A/N: If you love dark themes, follow Trodden path (I warn you though as it is very dark and I am not kidding), Empaths for life, Our perfect World. If you love suspense and mystery, follow The Curse.
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Neji leaned against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest. He watched as Hinata moved around the kitchen on her toes. She was humming a gentle tone as she cooked. Her long hair was braided to one side and her sleeves were rolled up so that they would stay clean and dry, out of her way while she was preparing food. A small smile graced her lips as she tied the ends of her apron behind her back. She had diced some vegetables, dumping them into the tomato soup and then added spices in the pot, stirring it as a heavenly aroma mixed in the air. After that she proceeded to scoop up some boiling soup in a ladle, blowing air on it to cool it down.
Hinata has always been so graceful around in the kitchen. She was like a mother figure who loved to feed her children and Neji had to say she knew her way around the kitchen very well. It was as if she had memorised every crook and corner of the space. Every ingredient was always somehow magically within her reach as she made delicious foods and he enjoyed watching her but today Neji was not in a great mood.
"I don't understand why are you cooking food for the Uchiha?" Neji voiced his opinion regardless of the fact that he knew nothing he said could possibly change Hinata's mind. She was a bit stubborn like that. She wanted to reconcile with the Uchiha and establish friendship. Hinata says that Sasuke is the only one in the Konoha rookies that she didn't have a good relationship with. He didn't like the idea at all because Sasuke didn't deserve Hinata's act of appeasement after the trick he pulled in the market. Neji would be very much pleased, if these two never ever talk in their life, let alone meet again.
"I mean the Uchiha -. . . Ahh!"
A wooden spoon was shoved towards Neji's face. The sudden movement had startled him and he eyed Hinata in surprise. She wanted him to taste it.
He sighed and then took the offered spoon in his mouth that was still steaming but not burning hot. Hinata looked at him with expectant eyes. The soup flared his taste buds as the umami flavour danced inside his mouth. Only Hinata could cook something as simple as tomato soup and make it so special.
"Just add some more salt to it" Neji gave her his expert advice.
Hinata's smile broadened as she sprinkled some more salt and pepper with mint leaves to the soup. She gave the dish a final touch by decorating it with cream. "I know Nisan that you are upset but I want to apologize and also thank Uchiha-san"
Neji frowned after those words left his cousin's mouth.
"And why would you want to apologize and thank him? He is basically at fault here"
Hinata disagreed as she shook her head. She started releasing her hair from the braid, combing the blue tresses between her dainty fingers. "The fight wouldn't have happened, if I hadn't lost my temper. I should have stayed calm and let's not forget that he indeed offered his tomatoes to us after he came to know about Hanabi's illness"
The Hyuga heiress took off her apron and packed the food in an air tight container so as not to spill the soup and keep it warm. "Besides I never got the chance to thank him."
"Yeah the tomatoes that we didn't even get to use" Neji mumbled under his breath. "Also do you personally have to go and present him food? Why can't one of our maids just do it for you?"
"Eh? No, because then he would think I am not actually sorry for my mistake or grateful for his generous act" Hinata said as she put a finger on her lip.
The Hyuga prodigy never thought he would ever hear 'the Uchiha' and 'generous' in one sentence.
"Whatever. I will keep my Byakugan on in case something happens. Got to keep an eye on the Uchiha" Neji spoke as he started walking away from the kitchen.
"Nisan, it is not needed. You do know that I can keep myself safe or do you doubt my potential?" Hinata didn't like when people underestimated her. Yeah, she was nothing compared to the raw powers of Sasuke but she could hold her grounds just fine.
Neji stood near the exit of the kitchen door as he saw his cousin biting her lips. She was anxious and he could tell. "I would never doubt your capability Hinata-sama and you know that".
A brother got to do what a brother has to do for keeping his small sisters protected but maybe this time he would back off since Hinata didn't always need him because she has become stronger. She has blossomed into a lovely lady and a powerful kunoichi but the need to keep her safe always burns so strong within Neji's heart. Someday, a man would take his place as Hinata's protector, he just wished that day doesn't come soon because he would plummet any boy who might come near the six feet radius around his innocent cousin.
Seriously, even thinking about some man with Hinata is kind of becoming his brotherly nightmare. Well, it is every brother's nightmare.
"Fine I promise to stay away" Neji said defeated, looking mad and Hinata smiled because she could see Neji's sincerity.
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Naruto called himself his best friend so how come he doesn't understand Sasuke's problem. Some friend he is.
"What do you mean by it isn't a big deal?" Sasuke scowled clearly pissed at Naruto.
Naruto on the other hand was casually devouring his tenth bowl of ramen, slurping and chewing animatedly; his mouth bloated with warm noodles. He looked like a fucking balloon that was about to burst. He then burped; quickly digesting his food and beating his chest like a caveman and spoke, "I don't understand the problem, dattebayo. If you want to eat tomatoes just have them. What is the big deal here anyway?"
Sasuke's fists clenched at that innocent statement. He tried controlling himself from lashing out at the jinchuriki.
Why can't Naruto see the seriousness of this matter?
He was an idiot. What did Sasuke expect from him anyway?
"Yeah and just prove that Sakura is right about me that I am some kind of addict?" Sasuke asked in a single breath.
Sakura was spreading this false rumour about him and he was sure that the world by now thinks of him as some kind of laughing stock. The other day Sasuke had heard some sand ninjas joking about his tomato addiction to that freaking Gaara who by the way looked amused. He hadn't killed them because he is a good person now but he has his limits. He has to put stop to this madness because his feared image is getting ruined and he did indeed want people to not fear him but just not like this. No way, he would allow this.
"Pfft. No way dobe. I wouldn't allow Sakura to talk rubbish any longer"
Naruto eyed him suspiciously, his blue eyes moving up and down Sasuke's frame. Sakura was right though. Sasuke didn't even know yet but he was wearing his shirt inside out. He was also wearing different set of sandals and Naruto was sure this isn't some kind of fashion statement. Not that Sasuke is one to follow anything trending because nowadays he mostly dresses like a homeless guy with a rug-like cloak and a bandana around his fore head. Clearly, Sasuke's fashion sense has become even worse than Naruto's flashy orange jumpsuit. He also had an empty sheath by his side; most definitely he has forgotten his katana at home. Naruto didn't point all these out because he didn't want to upset Sasuke anymore.
Damn! He really needed those tomatoes to function properly but as usual Sasuke was adamant in accepting that he was wrong and others were right about him. At least Naruto was humble enough to accept that he couldn't live without ramen.
"Well she said the same thing about me but I am not stopping eating my ramen" Naruto reasoned with the grumpy Uchiha.
"Tch. I am not some idiot like you" Sasuke replied with a bit of an attitude. In Sasuke's mind, Naruto had always been like this. No matter what derogatory terms Sakura had used for the idiot in the past, Naruto would not mind them because 'Sakura-chan' was his crush and he wanted to have bubble gum haired babies with her.
'What a simp !' Sasuke thought disappointed in his own friend.
The Konoha hero just furrowed his eyebrows, not even bothering to argue any further. Naruto just wanted to have his ramen in peace and it was becoming difficult in Sasuke's foul presence. It was Sasuke who knocked on Naruto's door early morning and asked for a spar. If the blonde had known the Uchiha was just going to be a bitch all day, he would have avoided his emo ass. Sasuke has been like this for the past few days now and for the first time in his life; Naruto was getting annoyed with Sasuke, his patience running thin.
"If that is so, why did you fight with Hinata-chan?" Naruto retaliated irritated now. Only an idiot would pick up a fight with the Hyuga heiress and that too over tomatoes? That was lame even by Naruto's standards. Also he could never see himself hurting Hinata-chan over anything in the world and definitely not over tomatoes for sure. She was a sweet girl who was an absolute angel but Sasuke succeeded in pushing her buttons too? If Sasuke was able to anger Hinata, then he is truly an asshole, no doubts in Naruto's mind.
"Tch"
Sasuke scrunched his nose and clicked his tongue. He didn't want to be reminded of that fight incident. It was a moment of weakness and honestly it was the only reason Sasuke was so resolute in proving Sakura wrong. He isn't some type of addict because that is just pathetic to even think and he has decided that he won't eat tomatoes as long as he doesn't prove that everyone is mistaken about him.
So yeah no more tomatoes for him.
And now he remembers that Kakashi had called him in his office today and he was quite sure that it had everything to do with the fight he had with the Hyuga girl. He is becoming forgetful and that happens when he is deprived of his red juicy fruits. He wet his lips calming his thirst and this soured his mood even more.
He does sound like an alcoholic.
That day after the fight when he was taken to the Hokage tower, Kakashi was busy with his impeding meetings. So he gave Sasuke an earful and shooed him away, promising to call him as soon as he gets time in his hand. A scroll was sent today in the morning before he met with Naruto, stating he needed to give Kakashi a visit.
Sasuke sighed as he stood up with his hands in his pockets, ready to walk towards the Hokage office.
"Where are you going now?" Naruto asked raising his chopsticks to point at him. Sasuke just rolled his eyes; disregarding the loudmouth's whole existence.
"Okay whatever. Don't answer, not that I care teme" Naruto continued ordering the next bowl of ramen, happy to finally have some lone time.
It only took Sasuke a few minutes to reach his destination. As usual, he took the windows to Kakashi's office and not the door so as to avoid people staring at him. He jumped off the windowsill stealthily like a cat on its paws, the carpet floor masking his footsteps and then he saw Kakashi deeply immersed in his porno with his nose literally touching the pages. Some habits rarely change. If Sasuke was a normal person, he would have face palmed but that wasn't his style. Soon the copy ninja noticed Sasuke's presence and almost dropped his book from his clutch.
'That doesn't look like the Icha Icha paradise' Sasuke noticed that the pages had some explicit image but Kakashi hid it before he could have had a better look at it. Not that he is interested in it anyway.
"How many times do I have to tell you Sasuke- take the door?" The masked ninja shouted as he didn't appreciate his broody student's invading nature.
"I thought you were a very busy man. Being Hokage and all" Sasuke motioned towards the mountain of paperwork that was obviously left unattended in favour of a porn book. It seems like completing reading a porn material was far more important than completing the paperwork that the Hokage had.
Kakashi didn't mind Sasuke's remark for it looked like the Uchiha was being edgy again. He swears Uchihas are the most moody people he met in the world. He just cleared his throat and put his book aside, giving the last Uchiha his full attention.
"You do know why I called you here, don't you?" Kakashi addressed Sasuke who now took the chair and sat like a lifeless statue, his face emotionless as always.
When his student didn't answer, Kakashi continued.
"You have destroyed so many valuables in the market. So many people have lost their stalls and had to bear loss because of you . . ."
Sasuke's face distorted and he interrupted not believing where this was going. "What do you mean it was me? I wasn't the only one who is responsible. The Hyuga girl is just as guilty, if not more"
Kakashi looked impassive as he brushed off the Uchiha's rude interruption. The boy has no manners with the way he talked with his ex-sensei and current Hokage. "Well the locals have reported that you attacked Hinata-chan . . . "
"Bullshit. It was Hyuga who attacked me first" Sasuke can't believe that he was being framed by the Konoha locals. What a bunch of liars!
Kakashi grunted, irritated with Sasuke's constant interruption but then he stilled as he repeated what Sasuke just said in his mind. He couldn't help but burst out in laughter.
"You mean to tell me that Hinata-chan attacked you first?" Kakashi asked in between his snorts, not believing the Uchiha at all and seemed to think Sasuke was joking.
Sasuke just stared at Kakashi nonchalantly but internally he was getting peeved. He wondered what his punishment would be if he murdered the Hokage. He did get away with the stunt he pulled during the five kage summit.
"What did you do?" Kakashi patted the stray tear that escaped his eyes after getting the memo that the former avenger was indeed being serious.
Sasuke's eyes narrowed at the Konoha leader "What do you mean?"
Why was everyone assuming that it was he who did something wrong and not the Hyuga?
He is sure the Hyuga isn't some kind of holy being who never involved herself in fights for she was a full-fledged ninja who had been in battles and wars. He wasn't lying about anything so he couldn't understand the reason people were being so mistrustful of him. Yes, he betrayed Konoha in the past, tried to destroy the village and attempted to kill many for the sake of revenge. Okay, so there was reason for doubting him but he has changed and now he is mad that people still couldn't appreciate his or his clan's sacrifice.
There was not even a single public or personal apology from the Konoha council for doing him wrong by allowing the massacre of his entire clan nor did they ever say a single 'thank you' for saving the world. The only thing people have said to him as of yet was 'fuck you'.
Damn Konoha!
Sasuke gritted his teeth as he now openly glared at the Hokage. Kakashi was taken aback as it looks like he has already pissed off Sasuke for some unknown reason. The Uchiha sure seemed to be extra moody today. He scratched his silver hair trying to find something to distract the Uchiha from whatever insolent thought that was running wild in his head.
"Ummm … What did you guys fight over again?"
The black haired teen just tapped his digits on the polished mahogany desk and looked towards the sky from the open window behind Kakashi.
"I already told you she was stealing my tomatoes" He quietly spoke because his own voice sounded silly to him.
"Oh my! You were serious?" Kakashi looked at Sasuke in disbelief, his jaws falling open.
"So you caused all these huge damage for mere tomatoes?"
'Mere tomatoes?'
After a few seconds of amazing display of self-control so as not to slit Kakashi's throat, Sasuke opened his mouth "Hn"
A serious expression took shape on Kakashi's face after Sasuke's offhanded response "That is not a good thing Sasuke. You are putting yourself in danger"
Now the avenger seemed confused, not understanding the meaning behind Kakashi's words.
"Your enemies could use your weakness against you" Kakashi sounded as if he spoke from experience.
But where the fuck is Kakashi going with this?
"What weakness?" Sasuke muttered incredulously. He didn't have any weakness for god's sake.
"Well your weakness is . . . tomatoes" Kakashi said wheezing and nodding his chin.
A long pause and a deep breath.
The teacher and the student just stared at each other for a few minutes. Outside the crows crocked and the birds chirped but Kakashi didn't say anything else.
"Are you being real?" The Uchiha asked.
"Your addiction. . . "
"Really? Keep your advice to yourself" He didn't let Kakashi finish because he didn't need advice from a person who himself was addicted to porn.
"Answer my questions and I will prove you my concern" Even though Sasuke didn't want to hear anything coming out of his former sensei's mouth yet he reluctantly nodded his head because the sooner Kakashi finishes with his rambling, the better it will be for his working brain.
"What would you do if your enemies throw a tomato at you?"
Sasuke lifted his eyebrows at the silly question for the answer was too obvious. "Catch it"
"And then?"
The last Uchiha didn't seem to get the hint. "Eat it probably. Why waste something so good?"
Kakashi grinned deviously as if he had expected him to answer the same exact thing. The man leaned on his chair, intertwining his fingers and directly met his eyes.
"What if the tomato is some kind of explosive disguised in a henge-no-jutsu? Boom the last Uchiha goes dead" Kakashi laughed sinisterly at Sasuke's shocked expression. He bets Sasuke hadn't thought about it and here he had assumed that Orochimaru had taught him well. Kakashi was a better sensei and he will make sure to rub it on the snake's face the next time they meet. He continued "or what if it's poisoned? You would die like snow white"
Sasuke gulped, a pain in his chest grew as he couldn't imagine someone stooping to such low levels and though he didn't like the comparison with snow white, he could see himself falling for the same trick as the naïve princess. How the fuck he didn't think about it? A sluggish voice dragged Sasuke out of his solemn thoughts.
"What a drag! You still aren't done with him"
Both Sasuke and Kakashi turned towards the door to find Shikamaru lazily strolling towards them. He stretched his hands above his head as he entered the room.
"Did you tell him about his punishment?" Shikamaru yawned and took the seat beside Sasuke who watched him in confusion.
What the fuck is going on?
"And did you finish all the paperwork? You do know that Gaara and Raikage are coming here for the intended meeting any minute now". The shadow ninja then pried his one eye open and watched the Uchiha. "I don't think it's a good idea to let the Raikage find Sasuke here"
Kakashi was now sweating buckets; he had almost forgotten the beef between Sasuke and the Cloud village's leader. The Nara genius was right and it would be better if he listened to him. "Ah Sasuke! Forget whatever I told you seconds ago and focus on what I am going to say next. We have decided that you would be penalised for all the damage that you did to those vendors in the market"
Kakashi seemed to be in a rush to chase away Sasuke. Who knows how the Raikage would react seeing the Uchiha brat here?
"But my money has been sealed off. I don't have access to my own funds" Sasuke retorted.
"Well for that we have decided that you would work under the Hyugas and pay your salary for the damages" The Nara replied.
Silence.
Sasuke blinked. "What?"
That is just outright wrong. These people have lost their minds for there is no way he would work for the Hyugas.
"This is a joke, right?"
"Nope, you have such a bad reputation that the Hyugas are the only ones who are willing to give you a job and you can't deny it because the council would see you as a rebel and a threat" Kakashi peered at his watch. The Hokage life was so stressful that he might sprout some grey hairs. Thank god, he was born with natural white hairs so no way he would ever look old.
Bless his genes!
"Yup and consider this to be a golden opportunity to gain the support of the Hyugas. They are like the most powerful clan in Konoha right now with plenty of sway" The genius spoke again just as lazily as before even while providing political counselling. Nothing interested Shikamaru in this boring ass world. Well except maybe watching the clouds.
Sasuke now wanted to go home. "What would my job?" He asked, at least he should know what kind of work the Hyugas would be expecting from him.
Shikamaru and Kakashi shared a look and then decided to tell him. "Being a Gardener"
Fuck this is officially his worst day alive.
The Hyugas really expect the god-tier, most powerful man to care of their garden? What has the world come to for he has nothing to say about this?
"Now off you go" Kakashi started adjusting his hat on his wild head and checked his appearance in the mirror.
Sasuke just shook his head. As usual he has to prove where his loyalty lies. Well given his past he would have to go to any limits. He stood up and headed his way towards the window again.
"And Sasuke? . . . "He turned around towards Kakashi.
"What is it now?"
"Did nobody tell you that you are wearing your shirt inside out?" Kakashi pointed out.
"Your sandals are also different set" Shikamaru chirped in.
"Oops and you forgot your katana" Kakashi laughed joking something about his addiction again. "Seems like you aren't in your right mind"
Sasuke's eyes grew bigger. That idiot knew but didn't tell him, Naruto had been with him since morning.
And thus the urge to kill his best friend along with the whole Konoha returned tenfold.
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…
Hinata jumped off the pole and landed on the desolated ground far away from the civilisation. Sasuke lived in the outskirts of Konoha. She wondered why. Maybe the villagers were still hostile towards him and didn't accept him as a part of their home. She felt bad for Sasuke and even worse for her behaviour because if anything their fight has created more qualms among the civilians. She even heard that he received a scolding from the Hokage. No worries though because she was going to ask Sasuke for forgiveness and everything would turn out good. She was optimistic as she has indeed a solid plan to persuade him. The secret lies in her dish and she hopes the effluent taste of her soup would win Sasuke's heart.
She happily stepped on the porch and rang the bell. She waited for about ten minutes but there was no answer. She then rang it again and again and at this point she was vigorously pushing the bell like a maniac but still nothing. Well her soup was getting cold and she didn't like want her plan to go to waste. What can she do?
Maybe she should peek inside.
She didn't want to do this because it violates the 'Hyuga divine protocol rule no. 36'. Yes the Hyuga tends to be very fancy while naming their rules and techniques but who cares? They sounded cool. The rule states to never spy in someone's home but no one has to know. She used to stalk Naruto when she was younger and she wasn't ever caught. So yup, she would be fine.
When she activated her Byakugan, she saw Sasuke standing just behind the gates motionless, not making any attempt to open the door for her. Hinata started biting her lips thinking that the Uchiha must have figured out that it was Hinata standing outside and he didn't want her in. However, she had cooked and she wouldn't back off her plan. She had decided that she would meet him and speak with him. So that is what she is going to do no matter what.
She wouldn't give up.
She rang the bell again and this time the door opened but instead of feeling relieved Hinata felt a sense of dread wash over her.
Swoosh-
Sasuke attacked her as he took a swing at her head that Hinata merely dodged but a chunk of hair was now laying on the ground. Sasuke was very fast and she hadn't expected him to attack her so suddenly. He had shortened her beautiful long hair by several inches. Now Hinata knows who gave Naruto that awful ugly hairstyle. Well none other than the Uchiha barber but why was he sneaking attacks on his guests like this?
"What the fuck? It is you?"
"U-umm Yeah" Though Hinata didn't want to get upset over such silly thing as hair but damn her hands were twitching to give him a Jyuken.
"I thought it was dobe" Sasuke said as he supported his katana on his left shoulder and coolly inclined towards the door frame. Hinata's jaw twitched when he sounded so casual. Why was it that whenever they meet, she felt Sasuke was an asshole?
And she thought she was well prepared to handle this by herself.
Hinata breathed in and bowed which seemed to surprize Sasuke. He looked utterly confused as she thrust the packed food towards him. "What is this?"
"Ah . . . . " She avoided his gaze and a blush took over her cheeks. How to explain this without sounding awkward?
"Can I first come in?" Hinata requested.
Sasuke didn't look like he wanted to invite the Hyuga in his home but then he stepped aside and let her enter.
Hinata took the opportunity as soon as it was presented. Who knows when the Uchiha's mood might change and he decides to close the door on her face? She quickly entered inside his home but it was dark. Actually too dark, the only light that was lit seemed to come from his kitchen and he took her there. There was a small dining table and Sasuke sat on a chair, waiting for her to get down to the business. Hinata too nervously took her chance to sit on the other empty seat.
It is better to finish off what she has come for because then she could escape from this stifling atmosphere that felt like choking her.
"I c-came here to say sorry" Sasuke raised his eyebrows at her and that made her feel like she was being weird. She coughed and then continued.
"I want to apologize for my behaviour back at the market for I was way out of line attacking you" She genuinely regretted her reckless behaviour. It had cost many their livelihood and she had destroyed expensive property. Not to forget that Sasuke must have had to hear from Kakashi on her behalf because obviously not even Hokage held the power to reprimand the Hyuga heiress mostly because the Konoha was biased against the last remaining Uchiha.
Sasuke still looked lost. "And I also wanted to thank you for your kindness. I really needed that tomatoes for Hanabi and you gave me those"
"What?" Sasuke managed to say as his thoughts jumbled into a mess and he couldn't think straight. Sasuke didn't know but a knot inside his heart just came off hearing her say 'sorry' and 'thank you'. He wanted to reply something to her maybe like 'It's okay' or 'you're welcome' but no matter how much he tried, he never really prepared for a moment like this because he was very sure he would never hear anyone say these words to him. Finally, someone in Konoha had decency.
"I cooked this for you as a token of my indebtedness and I h-hope you will enjoy it" Hinata slid a packed container towards him and he thoughtlessly opened the lid only to be punched by a bouquet of delicious tomato soup.
Hinata tucked her hair behind her ear and spoke "I know this is not enough on my part but I promise you that I . . . "At last gathering courage, she decided to meet his eyes to show him how serious she was but she haltered as she saw the Uchiha drooling like a wet dog.
Sasuke wasn't properly listening as he wiped his saliva with his sleeves "You were saying something?"
Damn it! Why do the kami like to torture him?
Just when he had decided to not touch tomatoes ever again, the Hyuga came here with such a lovely tomato dish.
This was officially his worst and best day.
"Why don't you eat?" Hinata felt uneasy watching Sasuke look like a decade long hungry man. She gave a nervous laugh to maybe settle the tensed vibe around them. "I mean if you want to"
"Umm" Sasuke picked up a spoon that was on the table and took a generous amount of the soup, ready to put in his mouth but then he stopped, dropping the spoon and splashing the red soup a bit.
'What if it's poisoned? '
Kakashi's cursed voice and an evil chuckling echoed in Sasuke's head.
Sasuke looked at Hinata suspiciously. Could this naïve looking Hyuga dare poison him? He couldn't just ask her because that would be rude and he couldn't afford that if the Hyugas are going to be his employers. He has to prove the world that he is a changed man.
But could this be a trap though? Hyugas can't be trusted. He needed to find a way so to get out of this situation.
"Ah I forgot to ask . . . How is your sister?" He tried to sound cool.
Her lovely expression soon dropped and she looked a bit sad "Well she still isn't well and we are waiting for her test results to come"
"Don't worry she would be fine" He caught himself off-guard as he answered her. Something about her sad expression didn't sit well with Sasuke. "And don't worry I am also to blame for what happened earlier. No need for the sorry or the thanks"
Yeah, for once Sasuke tried very hard to sound polite.
Hinata beamed for Sasuke didn't look half as bad as others said. In fact he seemed like a good guy to her at least when he isn't being insane.
"I hope you don't mind if I eat this soup later" Sasuke said hoping she would leave him alone so that he could throw the food in the trash.
"Ah well yes" Some people just loved to eat in privacy and did not like it when someone was staring at them or breathing down their neck. Though she wanted to know how Sasuke liked her cooking, Hinata had always been very understanding and so she decided to leave.
"I will be going then" Both Hinata and Sasuke rose up to stand and walked towards the gates. Once outside, Hinata turned to bid her final goodbye "I wanted to . . . ". She seemed to say but was shocked to see the door slamming on her face.
BAM.
Maybe she spoke too soon about The Uchiha being a good guy but Hinata just shrugged and walked back to her home, seemingly assuming Sasuke might be too hungry to think properly. At least that is what Sakura had said about him.
As soon as he closed the door, Sasuke hurried inside to grab the soup and throw it into the dustbin but before dumping it, he decided to take a good look at it. So what if he can't eat it, he can at least appreciate it before it ends up in trash. The thick soup was velvety rich and he could almost taste the flavour in the air. The spices gave it a sweet and savoury smell. The way it was decorated with utmost perfection broke Sasuke's resolve into pieces. He looked at his hands trembling and his mind stopped working. He couldn't do it. He couldn't throw it away. He decided to take a whiff and his knees became weak. He was at fight with himself at this point.
'No. He had promised not to have any more tomatoes so as to prove everyone wrong'
'Fuck that. He didn't care what others thought.'
'What about poison?'
'Well he was immune to poison anyway and this smelled so heavenly that he couldn't throw it away.'
If he dies, he dies. Damn the consequences. At least his last meal would be tomatoes. Nothing could top it.
Soon enough, he stuffed his mouth with the soup, moaning and cursing the Hyuga for being such a good chef. The red soup dropped down his chin and on to his shirt staining it but Sasuke was so out that he couldn't care less. He licked even the last bit of it. This soup was elixir, ah so good. He never had such an amazing thing in his entire life.
After he finished eating, Sasuke sat there alone and realised two things.
One, Hyuga Hinata knew how to use his weakness against him.
Two, he finally accepts that he is a tomato addict.
No one has to know that he finally has come to realisation especially Sakura, though unknown to him a ninja hidden in the tree was taking notes, a brush in his hand.
...
So who wants to see Sasuke's skills at gardening in chapter 3? Lol.