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Love Squared

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Congruent Angles
THEOREM: If a quadrilateral is a parallelogram, it has 2 sets of opposite angles congruent.

First Night was one of those traditions that the people of Konoha embraced fully. Some establishments still hosted swanky New Year's Eve parties and black-tie events, but the majority of Konoha joined in the many festivities put on throughout the city. As soon as the sun dipped below the horizon leaving the last hints of gold and rose in the sky, thousands of strings of lights flickered to life and the streets of Konoha filled with people eager to enjoy the final hours of the year. The town square boasted a main stage with an impressive series of headlining acts, but several other stages were scattered throughout the city, and music filled the air until it was buzzing with the electricity and promise of new beginnings.

It was Hinata's first winter in Konoha, and she was in awe of everything. She wandered wide-eyed through the melee, and Sasuke was convinced it was only a matter of time before she ran headlong and unseeing into something unmovable, but she had an uncanny sense for her surroundings for all her appearance of being distracted by them. She fidgeted with the large bag in her hands - one of those reusable shopping bags stores were always selling - and Sasuke had to force himself not to smile.

Many of the vendors turned a handsome profit at First Night, but all of the city sponsored events were free with a suggested donation of money or winter wear. Hinata had only learned of this tradition several days ago, but somehow had managed to knit and crochet a enough items to cover each of their "admissions." When it was their turn in line, she shyly and handed the bag over to the volunteers with a humble smile that did strange things to Sasuke's chest.

And where had they just been admitted?

To the outdoor skating rink.

It was, without question, one of the most iconic and beloved of the First Night attractions. Decorative lights crisscrossed above the plaza, twinkling merrily as local vendors sold hot chocolate and hats and scarves and gloves for those that remembered their donation, but forgot their winter wear. Sakura pulled Hinata with her to switch out her shoes for skates, leaving Sasuke and Naruto to do the same.

Sasuke frowned as they disappeared into the crowd. Unsurprisingly, he was a proficient and experienced skater; he and Naruto played hockey as children and through high school while Sakura - a natural on the ice - had skated to have a winter sport on college applications. But Hinata?

"I thought they lived somewhere warm," Sasuke tugged on his laces, his breath puffing in the air. "Why in the world would we bring her to a skating rink?"

"I dunno," Naruto rubbed the back of his head. "Sakura thought she'd enjoy it."

Sasuke made some kind of disparaging grunt, earning a shrug from Naruto.

"I wouldn't worry, much. With the three of us around, its not like there won't be someone experienced to help her out, right?"

Sasuke gave a tch of annoyance.

"I'll see you out there," he turned and skated onto the ice, leaving Naruto to watch after him, confused. Sakura came up a moment later.

"Hinata is just finishing a call with her sister…everything alright?"

"I think so? Sasuke was worried about us bringing Hinata in case she never skated before. Don't know why he's so worried - I told him the three of us would be watching out for her."

"Interesting," Sakura's eyes sparked with glee.

"Is it?"

"It is," she squeezed his fingers quickly, using the cover of the crowd to press a quick kiss to his cheek. (And making Naruto forget that anyone had objected to anything in the history of ever.)

"There's Hinata now," Sakura waved.

"Has she skated before?" Naruto asked, watching as she made her way through the crowd

Sakura only offered a "Mmhm," and a purposely nonchalant smile which made Naruto consider Hinata more closely.

"Which 'Mmhm' is that?" he whispered. "The 'no she can't skate, Sasuke will have to catch her' one or the 'she's awesome at skating and Sasuke will see she is awesome.'"

Sakura shrugged.

"Wait and see!"

The rink was too crowed for Sasuke's liking, but he enjoyed the feeling of gliding across the ice. The four friends took turns skating near each other, and Hinata had just dropped back to let Sakura and Naruto speed on ahead while group of rowdy teenagers filled the space between them.

Sasuke managed to get to her side with very little effort (and a few glares leveled over her head toward anyone stupid enough to be in the way), tapping her shoulder to let her know he was beside her.

"So many people," Hinata blinked, looking up at him. She was small and polite, and had almost been plowed into multiple time by other bigger or less skilled or sometimes not quite sober skaters.

Sasuke caught sight of another such nuisance in his peripheral vision, and with a murmur of "On your left," deftly switched places with her, moving her out of harm's way. She handled herself well enough on the ice that Sasuke hadn't had to fight to keep her upright, but he still wondered what on earth Naruto and Sakura had been thinking by bringing them here in the thick of the Firstnight crowd.

Although, as he stole a glance at her, he had to admit that the cold pinked her nose and cheeks in the most charming way, and her fuzzy white hat made her look endearingly like a rabbit.

She wrapped her arm in his and pulled him closer, away from another wave of rowdy skaters. Sasuke – not one to waste an opportunity tucked her arm in his, and kept her close to his side.

"We got here after most of these people," he said, scanning the other skaters, subconsciously noting any potential threats of clumsiness or idiocy. "The ice should thin out soon enough."

"It's alright," she said, and he instinctively leaned closer to better hear. "I like being surrounded by their happiness."

"Look out!"

The cry was sharp, and Sasuke moved quickly to steer them both out of the way, but Hinata slipped her arm out of his while tugging them to the side. Before he could process what she was doing she spun away, and sped along the ice, weaving through other skaters as if they were standing still. She moved with assured, fluid grace, and surprising speed to intercept the out-of-control skater (a nervous ten-year-old), then used her momentum to redirect her and help her regain control. With a subtle strength, she guided the girl to the side of the rink, and checked to see if she was alright.

"I…I've never really skated before," the girl admitted. "I do sports, but..." she gave a nervous laugh. "I guess I don't do ice so well."

"Well, then," Hinata smiled kindly. "Let's get you started on the right track."

Sasuke watched as Hinata guided the girl, who once she sacrificed speed for control, caught on rather quickly. The girl's friends joined them, cheering her on as she managed to join into the fray.

"Well done," Hinata beamed, lightly spinning out of the way of another errant skater. "I think you've got it!" The girl waved proudly as she skated on, and Naruto joined them.

"Wow, Hinata," he beamed. "That was something pretty amazing – you must really know what you are talking about."

"Thank you," she smiled.

"C'mon," Naruto grabbed her hand. "Let's see what you can do!"

With no warning, he sped off, laughing as Hinata followed, allowing him to spin her too fast, and matched his steps.

It made Sasuke livid.

As soon as Sakura rounded the corner, he put a firm had on her shoulder.

"Go stop your idiot before he breaks her neck!"

"Since when is he my idiot?" she grumbled.

"Officially?" he raised one eyebrow, "I'd guess since a few days ago when the two of you took far too long to return with the popcorn from the kitchen. I can only hope you disinfected the counters."

Sakura's mouth hung open.

Sasuke raised his other eyebrow.

"Fine," she muttered, her cheeks burning brightly. "Even though your assumptions are way off base, I'll go get Naruto...you..." she blushed. "You won't say anything to Hinata, will you? It's just that... I mean..."

"You have been thinking up ways for us all to spend time together so that you and Naruto can be together?"

"Well, sort of," she winced as she watched Naruto spin Hinata fast enough that she was glad Sasuke didn't catch it. "We've kinda been working on a project... together."

"Please don't tell me any details about something that clearly has nothing to do with me."

"But see... it kinda does... with you ...and Hinata."

And with that the puzzle pieces fell into place. Sasuke knew Naruto liked Sakura, and assumed he was using everyone hanging out as an excuse to spend time with her, but he hadn't imagined...

"You are trying to get Hinata and I together?"

Sakura turned bright red, and nodded.

"Fine."

"Fine?" she looked up at him, shocked, just noticing the pink at the top of his cheeks that was definitely not from the cold.

"Yes," Sasuke glared at her. "Fine. Carry on. Now, help me rescue her so your idiot doesn't land her in the hospital and she and I can continue with our plan of helping you and Naruto get together - which you are telling me she doesn't realize has already happened?"

Sakura shook her head, realization dawning on her slowly.

"And...this conversation?"

"Never happened."

Naruto had more energy than anyone Hinata had ever met, with the possible exception of her cousin's friend Rock Lee. She was breathless with laughter when he spun her, yet she did not think he would let her fall. His confidence in her - or perhaps in himself - was liberating, and she let him guide her into another fast, tight spin.

"Wow," he beamed at her. "You can really skate! I thought you grew up somewhere really warm!"

"I did," her smile tipped up playfully. "But they still had a rink."

"I gotta admit I was worried - me and Sasuke both! - but it looks like we didn't need to be. You are amazing at this!"

"You are too kind," her cheeks flushed - she never had been good at accepting compliments. "It was so wonderful of Sakura to think of this for tonight," she motioned to the everything around them. "It almost feels like home in a Konoha sort of way."

"I think she was hoping you'd feel that way," Naruto beamed. "She knows you have been missing your family."

"I have," Hinata gave a wistful sigh. "But having a friend like Sakura makes it all worthwhile."

"She is a pretty spectacular friend," Naruto beamed.

Hinata gave him a knowing smile. "I've heard her say the same of you."

"Well," he rubbed the back of his neck, suddenly feeling like he was inching into dangerous territory, "we've known each other for a really long time. Sasuke aside, she is my best friend."

"And you love her."

"Well yeah, but - hey!" he suddenly turned red. "That's not..!"

Hinata's laugh was light and airy and he immediately felt less embarrassed and more sheepish.

"Is it that obvious?"

"I think you wanting the four of us to hang out as much as we have lately is a bit of a tell," she shrugged, "but I don't think Sakura minds."

Naruto blushed, and was suddenly bone-achingly glad that Hinata didn't know how much Sakura didn't mind their time together, or how some of that stolen time had been spent.

He managed to choke out, "I...I guess not."

"It's alright," she put her hand lightly on his arm. "It has been lovely getting to know you and Sasuke, and it isn't an imposition. Just know that when you are ready to spend time with just Sakura, it will be alright."

Naruto swallowed hard. "It... it will?"

"I'm sure it will," Hinata's smile was kind. "Sasuke will be gone soon, won't he? It would be awkward to keep inviting me to things when the two of you want to spend time together."

Naruto didn't know that compassion could so thoroughly sabotage a situation.

"Maybe... maybe you can keep this between us," he ventured. "For just a little longer?"

Hinata considered him. "You don't strike me as the kind of person who can keep how they feel quiet for long."

"Not my strength," he admitted, "but...?

"Your secret is safe with me," Hinata gave him the kind of smile that made him think Sasuke was a pretty lucky bastard to have he and Sakura working to hook him up with Hinata.

He spotted Sakura heading their way, and waved so make it easier for her to find them, and to hopefully keep Hinata from pressing on more questions.

"That's enough, Naruto," Sakura wound her arm in Hinata's. "You've been hogging the nicest skater."

"By all means," he held up his hands, and the girls skated away, laughing brightly.

Naruto shot a glance at Sasuke and shook his head. "Bastard better hurry up and figure out he likes her," he muttered. "For all of our sakes."

Sasuke watched Sakura 'cut in' ans she linked arms with Hinata. After a lap or two, she met his eyes, and called over her shoulder to Naruto.

"Hey, remember that stupid ice dance they made us learn for extra credit?"

"Oh, man!" Naruto laughed, "Do I! Hey, Hinata - watch this!"

"Here," she passed Hinata off to Sasuke. "Stay together in case Naruto lands us both in a hospital!"

They skated off together, laughing, and Sasuke deftly took Hinata's arm as they resumed an easy pace.

"Look at them go," Hinata laughed, putting a gloved hand to her mouth. "They really make each other happy, don't they," she looked up to him then, her own cheeks flushed, her eyes dancing merrily with the reflected Christmas lights.

"They do," he agreed, and he knew it was not a pretense - it was an absolute truth. "And you can skate," he stated, leaving no room for opposition.

"I can," she smiled.

"Hm," he adjusted his hold on her, taking her right hand in his, and putting his left across her back, on her hip. "We'll see."

She settled into the position with a studied familiarity, her eyes bright and laugh light, as she followed his lead as if they were made to dance together.

A few hours later when the four of them toasted the New Year with hot chocolate instead of champagne - a little island of familiar in a sea of not-quite-strangers sharing the promise of new beginnings - Sasuke had to admit, he was looking forward to finding out what else the New Year would bring.

And when Hinata turned to him with those eyes so full of unselfish hope and joy and wished him a Happy New Year, he knew all subsequent New Year's Eves would be measured against this one and the feeling of warmth and light and promise blossoming in his chest.

So when he returned that night to Naruto's apartment, he answered the one email he had been putting off.

He wasn't surprised when his phone rang a few moments later.

"So, Little Brother? You are going to accept the assignment in Konoha?"

"I just sent you the contract, didn't I?"

"You did. I see sending you to Naruto did the trick after all? How did he wear you down this time?"

"It's a good opportunity," Sasuke shrugged to no one in particular. "More prospects than in Kumo."

"True," Itachi agreed. "I will review your contract and get it back to you tomorrow. I presume you will want your own place in Konoha?"

"Absolutely."

"The movers from before did a good job. I look forward to hearing more about this tomorrow. And then you can tell me who the young lady in the video is."

"Video," Sasuke stood perfectly still. "What video?"

"The one her saving that young girl at the rink, and then helping her to skate. Some people took footage, and have already uploaded it. In one of the angles, it appears she had been skating with you before her act of heroism, and in another video," there was the sound of a mouse clicking through screens,"Ah, yes, here it is - someone took a video of her after skating with Naruto and then you, hashtag 'some girls have all the luck.'"

Sasuke remained perfectly, painfully, immovably still.

"You know... she does look rather familiar. Only got one good shot of her face, but she looks an awful lot like a Hyūga. She wouldn't be related to your favorite one, Neji, would she?"

"I don't know what you are talking about."

"Mm," Itachi hummed, and Sasuke was sure he was smiling to himself. "My mistake. I'll email you in the morning. Perhaps by then you will come up with a more convincing story. Good night, Little Brother."

Itachi hung up, and Sasuke pressed the phone to his forehead.

When it buzzed, he looked at it, and saw the message was from Sakura.

'Ok, don't freak, but you might be trending on Ninstagram.'

Sasuke (to his horror) reflexively clicked on the link, and watched the short video several times before it was interrupted by a warning.

"Content removed due to copyright violation."

"What the...?"

Sasuke clicked through the other links, and breathed a sigh of relief. The video platform must have picked up on the music in the background, and removed it.

His phone chimed, and he could hear the relief in Sakura's text:

'Lucky break - they must've tripped the copyright recognition stuff. Gone now.'

Sasuke hadn't been lucky enough that Itachi hadn't seen them, but he always seemed to know the moment Sasuke's face appeared anywhere online or in print. He attributed this to his brother's cleverness, Naruto, and the family company's advanced facial recognition software.

His phone chimed again, and he pulled up Itachi's message.

"Don't get too comfortable, Little Brother. There is only one other corporation that could have identified and pulled those videos down so fast."

Sasuke frowned at that, wondering what in the world Itachi was going on about.

And then the last message from Sakura made it all too clear.

'Hinata just got a message: her cousin is coming to visit. Sounds like he wants to meet all of her friends, and I get the feeling he knows you are one of them? Just a heads up."

That explained it.

Hyūga Enterprises was the only conglomerate big enough to have technology rivaling the Uchiha capabilities, and Sasuke was willing to bet Neji knew precisely who his cousin's friends were.

Sasuke glowered at his phone.

He was irritated.

What surprised him was how irritated he was on Hinata's behalf.

She was level-headed, patient, kind, mindful, and smart. Who did Neji think he was that he had to meet her "friends?" Did he not trust her judgement? Was she not allowed to make her own choices? Were those friends subject to Neji's seal of approval?

He thought of how happy Hinata seemed to be in her life here, and decided no one had the right to interfere.

With that, he set his jaw.

"Bring it on, Hyūga."

Thanks for reading! - GL