Chapter Four
Breakfast
Sasuke woke up horny.
Which, he supposed, wasn't all that surprising—or a bad thing—considering that he'd gone to sleep with a warm, curvy body pressed against him.
He also woke up alone.
Which, by his way of thinking, was total bullshit.
Rolling onto his back, he tossed his arm out on a frustrated sigh. It landed with a listless thump against cool sheets. Horny and alone. Was there any worse way to start the day, he wondered, shifting position and sliding his hand beneath the quilt to the fasten of his pants.
He doubted it.
With a disgruntled sigh, he closed his eyes and tipped his head back against the pillow as he began to slowly stroke along his flesh. He couldn't remember the last time he'd had to resort to 'taking care of himself', but he wasn't about to crawl out of bed with a massive hard-on either.
In his mind's eye he pictured dark hair and light eyes and a soft smile on full lips... "Like that..." he breathed, imagining it was her hand on him. He let out a harsh breath, increasing pace. "Good..."
"Sasuke, you awake?"
"Shit." Sasuke sat up abruptly, stuffing a pillow onto his lap as the bedroom door swung open and Itachi strode in.
"Learn to knock," Sasuke growled, shoveling a hand through his tousled hair.
His older brother blinked at him, one winged eyebrow arched high. "My apologies," he glanced around the room. "I didn't think I'd be interrupting anything."
"What do you want?" Sasuke bit out.
Itachi cleared his throat, amusement curving the corner of his mouth. Itachi was no idiot, and Sasuke knew that he was very aware of what he'd walked in on. A person never really outgrew the desire to aggravate their siblings, apparently, because Itachi simply folded his arms and teased, "Our parents have arrived. Brunch will be served in an hour. Those are the immediate things requiring your attention...although, perhaps not as immediate as your other needs-"
"Get out!" Sasuke hurled the pillow at Itachi's head. His brother easily deflected the stuffed projectile and laughed his way out the bedroom door.
"Temari, where would you like the oranges?"
"Hm? Oh, Hinata, you don't have to do that," Setting her coffee down, Temari waved a hand. "The staff has all my instructions."
Hinata lifted a shoulder. "I'd rather be useful."
Temari strode over, grabbed the bowl from her hands and set it on a table. Taking one of Hinata's now empty hands, Temari tugged her to the balcony rail. Even though chilly, the upper balcony was enclosed enough to offer comfort against the winter air and yet open enough to allow for the nip of freshness to come in. "Then come over here and tell me I look gorgeous even though I know I have bags under my eyes the size of small island nations and my complexion is blotchy. That man, I swear. He doesn't know when to stop...not that I'm complaining about being kept up all night."
"Of course not," Hinata nodded with a giggle, although her cheeks turned pink. "Oh, and you look gorgeous," she responded dutifully. It was no less than the truth, she thought looking at Temari's glowing expression. Blond hair—tied back in matching tails-shimmered in the early morning sunlight and her stormy-sky eyes danced with happiness. Hinata couldn't remember ever seeing someone radiate as much joy as Temari was. It made Hinata's own smile widen.
"Thank you." Temari leaned against her for a quick hug. "It's been so crazy, I feel like I'm coming undone sometimes. Between prepping and events and nerves and...and...ugh! Is it Saturday yet?"
"I'm afraid it's only Monday."
"Ugh. I hate Mondays." Temari made a face.
"Well, this is your last Monday as a single woman," Hinata offered consolingly.
Slanting her a look, Temari's eyes crinkled at the edges. "It is, isn't it? I bet Uchiha Mondays are fantastic."
"Normally." The low, smooth voice drifted to them from the open doorway causing Temari to jump ever so slightly. "Although I wouldn't pose that question to Sasuke at the moment."
"Why? Is he all right?" Hinata asked , turning to face him, concern knitting her brow. "Are his injuries bothering him?" She had given him a brief—very brief—once over before she took her leave earlier that morning. He had seemed to be sleeping rather peacefully, so she hadn't wanted to wake him. And the chance to witness unguarded Sasuke was too much temptation to resist.
Truthfully, she almost wished she hadn't seen him like that. He had looked so...appealing. She had to talk herself into getting up and out of the bed, leaving the warm blankets and strong band of his arm around her middle. It had felt...so good...to be held by him. Too good.
She needed to keep her feet firmly planted and her whimsical heart needed to stay dormant. She'd not felt this kind of fluttering since she'd been a teenager with her mad crush on Naruto. Sure, she'd dated a few times over the years, but nothing serious, and no one had made much of an impact. No flustered wits, no clutched lungs, nothing.
Until now.
Why? Why Sasuke? She wanted to bang her head on the railing. He was so out of her league. Sasuke was smart, sophisticated, and sexy. She was...well, her. Clumsy, stuttering, bumbling, mess. Not that she felt she wasn't 'good enough' because she'd worked very hard to be able to hold her head up and look people in the eye. She knew she was smart, not ugly, and nice. She knew she was sort of funny and good natured, and a good friend. She knew that she was 'good enough' by just being herself—even if sometimes it felt a bit odd to actually believe that finally. She knew these things because Temari and Tenten and Neji drilled them into her head. She knew these thing because Naruto wouldn't let her think otherwise. She knew these things because they were simply the truth.
Just as she knew that Sasuke Uchiha was not for her.
She was good enough, sure, but for a man like Sasuke, nothing short of exceptional would do.
Walking over to kiss his soon-to-be-wife Itachi waited to regain Hinata's wandering attention before forming an answer to her inquery. "No, his injuries are not the cause of his discomfort at the moment."
"Usual stick up his ass, then?" Temari asked with a crooked smirk.
Itachi chuckled, tipping her chin up for another kiss. "You're too hard on him."
Temari shrugged, leaning into him. "He didn't even thank Hinata for saving his scrawny behind."
"Uhm, he-he did," Hinata interjected.
At this both sets of eyes swung to her and she shifted uncomfortably.
"When?" Temari asked. Then, before Hinata could reply, "You went wandering last night didn't you? Oh, Hina, that's so unsafe. If you couldn't sleep you should have come and got me."
Hinata gave her a gentle smile. Temari fretted over her far too much. "I'm a big girl, and I know how to take care of myself. Besides, you were busy, remember?"
Itachi cleared his throat a bit at that and Temari blushed but shook her head. "You're far too stubborn sometimes," she scolded, but there was tenderness there. An understanding of things shared between them that not many else knew and Hinata felt her heart melt a bit.
"I know," she replied softly but with a note of finality.
From there conversation turned light; consisting mostly of Temari and Hinata discussing final wedding arrangements while Itachi drank his coffee and waited for his parents and brother to arrive.
His parents arrived first, both looking polished and refined even at the relatively early hour. Hinata rose with Temari and bowed politely when introduced. Fugaku's eyebrows had twitched at her name, and the look he gave her was speculative, and...disconcerting.
Hinata fidgeted nervously in her seat. She felt like she was intruding on a 'family' gathering, but she also knew that Temari's brothers would be another day or so before arriving and her father would not be attending—Temari's mother had died when she was just a girl, like Hinata's own mother, leaving Temari with no one in her 'corner' so to speak.
So Hinata would sit, and nod, and be polite, and be a friend no matter how uncomfortable being with the Uchihas may make her. She had only met Fugaku and Mikoto Uchiha in passing when she was younger, then once more a few years ago at her father's office.
Each time she had felt intimidated by Fugaku's hard, cold stare, as she was now. Mikoto, she hadn't minded. In fact, she recalled thinking she was beautiful and had a gentleness to her that was a stark contrast to her husband. Much like her own mother, Hinata thought with a wistful pang.
Nearly as wealthy as the Hyuuga's the Uchiha family was renowned and powerful. However, where her family generally shunned those 'beneath' them and avoided socialite activities, the Uchiha were more widely known for lavish gatherings and social hobnobbing. They were also well known for their disdain and exceedingly high standards.
Again, she felt Fugaku's heavy stare on her, and again it made her feel anxious. She shifted in her seat, her napkin knotted between her fingers. Temari sent her a questioning glance, but Hinata only smiled and shook her head. I'm fine.
Within minutes the staff had pots of fresh coffee and teas on the table as well as fresh juice and warm sweetbreads. Hinata beamed, shooting Temari a grin when hot cinnamon buns were set down as well. Temari laughed at her expression.
"I'm always amazed that you aren't the size of a small elephant," she commented as Hinata picked apart one of the warm sweets.
Engrossed in her treat, Hinata could only hum in response. She closed her eyes and sighed as the frosting melted on her tongue. When she opened them again she found herself staring into strong, hard features and glittering eyes.
"Ah, Sasuke. So nice of you to finally join us," Itachi smirked from behind his mug.
"Hn." Sasuke would have shot his brother a dark scowl had he been able to tear his eyes away from the woman in front of him. The way she was eating that bun... It was damn near sinful.
Pale eyes shone up at him and a tentative smile touched her lips. Sasuke narrowed his own eyes at her, and was satisfied to see her lashes come down as she averted her gaze. She must have hoped that he'd want to know where the hell she'd vanished to—maybe she wanted him to chase her. Well, fuck her. He didn't care why she left. Intent now on ignoring her, he moved around the table to kiss his mother on her cheek before settling in the chair directly across from Itachi.
"Sasuke, it's been too long," his mother scolded affectionately.
"Sorry," he replied, pouring himself some coffee. When one of the staff moved forward with a sugar bowl he made a face that had the thin man taking a quick step back. "I've been busy."
"Hn, right. Your little hobby," Fugaku snorted, disdain clearly evident. "How is that going for you?"
Watching them, Hinata felt her chest tighten and familiar feelings of anxiety and inadequacy surfaced. Fugaku, with his cold, disapproving stare, reminded her so much of Hiashi that for a moment, she felt as if she were being judged and found lacking. It made her wince as part of her ached for Sasuke.
Sasuke, for his part, seemed rather unconcerned with his father's scorn. He leaned back in his chair, his dark eyes hard with challenge. "My work is very satisfying."
"Ah yes," Fugaku met his son's stare. "So much more satisfying than taking your place in the company."
"My place?" Sasuke's smile was without humor. "You mean in Itachi's shadow? No thanks."
"Here we go," Itachi muttered, shaking his head and giving Temari an apologetic squeeze.
"Not his shadow," Mikito tried to soothe, her worried gaze flickering from husband to son. "All we want, all we've ever wanted, is for you to follow in your brother's and father's footsteps."
"But that's easy," Hinata murmured unexpectedly, turning all eyes her way. "To follow the path someone else made. It's so much more challenging, so much more rewarding, to make your own." She lifted her head and smiled at Sasuke. "At least, that's what I think."
Sasuke stared at her for a moment, the expression on his face unreadable and Hinata felt her face flush.
"Thank you, Ms. Hyuuga, but your opinion is not needed in this," Fugaku turned to her. "Uchiha family matters are of no concern to a Hyuuga."
Hinata swallowed, before facing him. "I understand that your family matters are of no concern of mine, I was simply offering an outside opinion. Forgive me if I overstepped."
"You didn't." Sasuke said, drawing her attention. "It's our fault." He sent his father a hard look. "Besides, this discussion was over years ago." He rose to his feet. "Sorry, Itachi, Temari, but I don't seem to have an appetite this morning."
"Sasuke..." Mikoto reached for him, her pale hand on his shirt sleeve.
"Let the boy go," Fugaku muttered, frowning. "We are here for Itachi, not to coddle Sasuke's bruised ego."
Hinata watched Mikoto's expression waiver, but then she dropped her hand, her head bowed. Dutiful wife first... It reminded Hinata so much of her own mother that it hurt.
Without another word, Sasuke strode away.
"Happy now?" Itachi asked, his voice flat and cool.
"Don't you start on me," Fugaku warned.
"Perhaps I wasn't clear in my initial phone call," Itachi mused, his hand resting over Temari's. "This is my wedding, and this is my bride, and this week is about us. I selected Sasuke to stand beside me, because he is who I would want, even if he wasn't my brother. Whether or not you will ever see him as I do, is irrelevant. If you can't or won't keep your conversation with him civil and limit your caustic barbs, then I will ask you to leave."
A heavy silence descended over the table as Itachi finished speaking. Hinata held her breath, expecting some sort of retaliation, but to her utter shock Fugaku merely gave his eldest a faint smile and nodded. "You always were overprotective of him. Fine, fine, I will refrain from reminding Sasuke of his failings for the duration of the week."
At that Hinata had to forcibly keep from rolling her eyes. Yes, he was so much like her father.
In the library, Sasuke leaned against the wall and watched the snow fall through the large bay window as he had been doing since it started nearly an hour ago. The mixture of emotions he felt at the moment had his face pinched into a tight expression and his fists clenched across his chest.
His father would never change, this he knew. He expected the comments the smug disdain, and the disapproval. What he hadn't expected was for anyone to defend him. Least of all the one person at that table that had no reason to. Sasuke couldn't ever recall anyone standing up to his father for him. He knew, without being told, that Itachi tried. But for someone to directly defy Fugaku was unheard of and for it to be shy, quiet, Hinata...
She wasn't at all what she seemed, he thought with a pensive frown. She was different than anyone he'd met before and it made him want to know more. She intrigued him.
As if conjured by his thoughts, the library doors opened and in she walked. She halted the moment she spotted him. "Oh...I-I'm sorry. I didn't realize anyone was in here."
Turning from the snowy view, Sasuke crossed the room towards her, his step determined. He caught her elbow as she attempted to back away from him. Wide eyes blinked up at him and Sasuke had the urge to shake her for even looking alarmed.
"Sasuke?"
"Why'd you leave?"
Another owlish blink and then her cheeks flooded pink and to her credit, she didn't pretend to misunderstand. "I, uhm...didn't want to impose any more than I had. You were nice enough to let me stay and I didn't want to be any b-bother..."
There was no coyness in her, just simple truth. Sasuke would have been better prepared for come hither games or teasing, but her earnestness loosed the anger knotted in his gut and he sighed. Voice low, he kept his eyes on hers as he shook his head. "You weren't." He reached up and tucked some of her hair behind her ear.
He watched in mild fascination as her face flooded pink and her lashes veiled startled eyes. Sasuke had never been much for flirting—he'd had no need, and seen no point—but if her reactions were always this amusing, he could develop the habit. There was something very satisfying in making her blush like that.
Hinata felt as if her heart was about to pound out of her chest. He was so close...and he looked like he wanted to...
"-kiss you," he murmured, bending his head.
AN: Finally an update. Sorry for the wait-holidays and life and general bleh. This chapter was mostly filler, used to set up family dynamic. I'm not really happy with it-it felt sluggish to me-but I tried to keep it short so we can move along with Sasuke and Hinata bonding. Also I upped the rating, just in case. (Besides, Sasuke drops the F-bomb like he's in a war). Thank you so much for reading! **hugs**