Thank you all for the lovely comments.
I noticed many people got bothered by the negative reviews. I'm sorry I didn't remove them earlier. I never thought it was such an issue. I'm open to negative constructive comments and open to negotiate anything but you are right, some idiot sitting in his/her (whatever) mother basement all they have in life is to comment on my chapters as soon as I post with names like fat and virgin (poor thing still in that stage). I thought why should I take away their only joy in life, that is why I ignored those comments for a long time.
Anyway, I just got robbed in a cafe and I'm so pissed that I couldn't concentrate and revise this chapter properly. It may have many mistakes. However, I didn't want to leave you without an update for too long. Just be careful of your belongings and don't be carefree like me. Luckily my phone was in my coat and I could block my visa. I just have to reorder all of my and my kids cards; insurance, driving license... etc
"No, I need a female opinion. Hinata is perfect… for the task." she flinched at 'perfect' and blushed.
"Then all of us will go," Sakura said firmly. "I want to see the house I'll be living in."
"That's not necessary," Sasuke replied coolly. "When I find the right one, you can come and give your opinion. But for now, I need to concentrate and I don't want to be distracted by taking the kids along."
After breakfast, Sakura left with her daughter, clearly irritated. Naruto announced that he was going to take Boruto for a walk in the park. Hinata stayed behind with Sasuke. She finished cleaning the kitchen while he waited.
"I don't want to interfere," Hinata said hesitantly as she washed the dishes, " but do you have to be… r… rude to Sakura-chan?"
"I don't want her to influence my decision," Sasuke explained. "She's too bossy and talkative. I don't want to make the wrong purchase."
"..."
It's clear this is his last day in the Uzumaki mansion. He feels better and Sakura finally has time for him. He felt irritation and frustration rise at the thought of returning home.
"You made my wound heal too fast," Sasuke said, looking at her with a serious expression.
"That's a good thing, right?" Hinata smiled. "You have a quick healing ability too."
"..." why is she so dense?
"Let's go, I'm ready!" Hinata said.
"If you like something or don't like it, let me know. It's like you're buying it for yourself, okay?"
"O… Okay," Hinata said, stuttering slightly.
They walked around the neighborhood and found several houses with "for sale" signs. They went inside some of the houses, but every time they found something they didn't like. Sasuke had a keen sense of observation and could tell by a glance if Hinata liked a house or not. Hinata pointed out the pros and cons of each one, and Sasuke took mental notes. She seemed genuinely interested in finding the perfect house for him.
Later in the afternoon, Sasuke said "Come, let's escort you home."
"I'm sorry you couldn't find anything you liked," Hinata said with a hint of disappointment. "I'll call the agency that helped us find this mansion. Maybe they have a hidden treasure."
As they walked home, Hinata noticed a "for sale" sign in front of the mansion facing her house, which wasn't there that morning.
"Maybe it is your lucky day! Let's take a look," she said with a hint of excitement.
"I don't believe in luck," Sasuke replied with a hint of scepticism.
"You must believe in something that made this house available. It's way larger than our mansion," Hinata said with a hint of persistence while they walked closer.
They stepped inside the house and were immediately struck by its beauty. It was airy and bright, with Tatami covered floors and Fusuma doors. It reminded Hinata a lot of the Hyuga main estate and the design was in the Sukiya style. After crossing the threshold, there was a tea room, and the Fusuma doors were fully open, revealing a magnificent view of the wild, colourful garden. The house was two-story, with a spacious kitchen and astonishing woodwork.
He admired her as she checked everything, happily opening and closing doors, exploring every room, and inspecting the backyard and fountain.
As he spent more time around her, Sasuke found himself increasingly drawn to her quiet strength and calm demeanour. He admired her ability to remain level-headed and composed, even in the face of his own flammable emotions. He couldn't deny the attraction he felt towards her, despite his best efforts to push it away.
"It's you," he whispered.
"Me what?" she asked, forgetting what they were talking about.
"You are my lucky charm," Sasuke said softly.
"I'm not. Please, Sasuke-kun, stop that," Hinata said, blushing slightly.
He pushed her against the wall, and she gasped as her lips started to tremble. "Just Sasuke," he murmured before bending down to capture her lips. She moaned as he deepened the kiss, dominatingly, groaning from longing to taste her. He touched her waist and behind, pushing her closer to his body. After a while, they broke the kiss, out of breath.
"Sasuke, ah… what are you doing?" she asked, her voice shaking.
"Again… Say my name again," he whispered, kissing her neck.
"ah, Sasuke… stop it, stop, stop." She pushed him lightly, afraid to hurt his wound again. He stepped back from her.
"You want to make me want you more? "
"I don't want you to want me at all. Are you crazy? Have you forgotten our spouses? "
He realised that he had forgotten all about their partners, and he had forgotten all about the world. The past few days, all of his concentration had been focused on her. He had been irritated by her so much that he didn't know exactly when his dislike turned into desire!!!
Does he want her? It can't be. He had surely despised her, finding her irritating with her smile and friendliness. But now, he didn't want to part from her. He admired everything about her: her smell, her taste, her grace, and her touch. He was becoming obsessed with her and wanted to see her night and day. He must take this house, it's so perfect and fits the Uchiha patriarch.
But that was so wrong. She is married to his dobe friend, and he is married to Sakura. They'll notice if anything isn't normal. Not like he will do anything. But he couldn't help it, she was always provoking him with her lips and her sweetness.
After that kiss by the bathroom, he longed to taste her again every time he got a chance. Her taste that he couldn't get out of his head was addictive, and he wanted nothing else.
"Hinata, what are you doing to me?" He rubbed his forehead, feeling confused.
"Didn't we agree to stop this? Why are you still doing it? What should I do now?" she started to shed tears.
"I... I promise to stop," he said, unable to bear seeing her sad. He turned around. "Let's go."
"Do you like the house? Are you going to buy it?" she asked once they were outside, trying to lighten up the air between them.
"Hm," he murmured, not wanting to elaborate.
"Really, that is great," she said enthusiastically. "You seem to be pleased." He teased.
"I am. I wanted to help you with your house hunt, and I'm happy you found a mansion you liked. I hope Sakura-chan likes it too. It will be exhausting to tidy, but it's really so beautiful."
"Do you like it more than your mansion?"
"I do, it's amazing. I'm not sure our house could be called a mansion next to this one. I lived for months in front of it but never imagined it looked like this from the inside. Can you afford it?"
"I have to see how much the Uchiha grounds will be worth. I don't know the price of this too?"
"I'll let Naruto-kun help, he has lots of connections."
"No, is your father interested in expanding his compound?"
"I think so, the compound is getting a little too crowded, that some youth rent outside of it."
"I'll visit him tomorrow, do you want to come with me? "
"Sure, Sasuke-k… Sasuke. " she corrected herself as she saw him glaring at her and something in her abdominal stirrt. Will he kiss her again? he promised.
He looked at her lips then said "Good night".
And he dragged himself to his apartment.
The next day, the doorbell rang. It was Sasuke ready to go to the Hyūga compound. Naruto was there, watching tv.
"Sa… Sasuke, how is your wound? " Hinata asked, embarrassed.
"It feels better. " he answered.
"This is the first time I hear you call someone without an honorific. Except for Hanabi maybe. " Naruto teased.
"He… He… " she stuttered.
"I told her to," Sasuke said firmly. "Are you ready?"
"Will you come with us, Naruto-Kun? "Hinata suggested.
"No, I'll stay here, see you later." he dismissed the idea.
"Ok I'm taking Boruto with me" she said.
"Hai. Dattebayo" Naruto said uninterestedly, he was busy.
Sasuke noticed something was not right, Naruto is seldom so gloomy. "What is wrong with Naruto?" he asked.
"He doesn't like to go to the compound much. He doesn't get along with father," Hinata replied.
"Why?"
"It's a long story," Hinata said evasively.
"Are you in a hurry?" Sasuke pressed.
"Fine. So you know, Naruto-kun and I lived in his apartment after marriage. But father wasn't pleased that his daughter lived in such a 'condition' and refused to visit us, always urging us to live in the compound that was better for his daughter, he thought. At the same time, Naruto-kun felt he wasn't providing enough and couldn't give me the life I'm used to in my father's house. He always had an inferiority complex. He tried to pamper me and buy me expensive things - without my consent - but ended up in a lot of debt. Father interfered, paid the bills and helped us move out of the apartment after my pregnancy. We had to move anyway. So Naruto-kun and Tou-Sama have a lot going on between them. Plus father was never happy with this marriage. He said Naruto-kun was a commoner not worthy of a noble princess."
"I see," Sasuke said understanding.
"Please don't tell Naruto-kun or Tou-Sama about this," Hinata implored.
"Hm," Sasuke said noncommittally.
They entered her father's office. Hiashi was sitting behind a low table writing.
"Tou-sama, Sasuke… wants to discuss with you the expansion of the compound into the Uchiha grounds. "
Hiashi's eyes gleamed.
"Is that true Sasuke-San? Are you planning on selling our neighbouring grounds to us? That is good news. But wouldn't you like to keep it and build your own Uchiha district? "
"I have a lot of memories in the district. I can't live there. I saw a mansion next to Naruto's that I would like to buy. I like the neighbourhood."
"Of course, I understand and no doubt you want to live close to your best friend. I knew you only had connections with your old teammates in the village. But please consider us your family and visit whenever you want. We are blood-related after all. I never thanked you properly for saving my life from the desert and bringing me back to Konoha."
"Thank you, Hiashi-san. I appreciate it, but I would like to have an idea of the value of the grounds before making any decisions," Sasuke replied.
Hinata could see the tension in Sasuke's face ease as he spoke with her father. It was clear that Hiashi's respect and gratitude towards Sasuke went a long way in making him feel comfortable and welcomed in the Hyuga compound.
"Don't worry Sasuke-San, I'll pay you as much as you need. It's definitely worth more than a mansion. I understand your need for transparency in this matter. I will have someone make the measurements and calculations and we can agree on a price tomorrow. Consider it an invitation for dinner as well."
Hinata smiled as she watched the two men come to an agreement. It warmed her heart to see Sasuke being welcomed and accepted as part of their family. She knew that it meant a lot to him, especially after the loneliness he had experienced in the past.
"That would be my pleasure, thank you and good evening." Sasuke got up to leave.
"Sasuke-San, stay a little longer, have some tea, I haven't seen my grandson yet. Is he awake? "
Boruto fell asleep on the way to the compound.
Hiashi left and Sasuke and Hinata went to sit on the porch by the training backyard.
He leaned closer to her and whispered. "I don't want tea!"
Hinata smiled."Do you want black coffee? Should I ask them to make you a cup? "
"I want your coffee, you make it the way I like it." He looked at her.
"Ok, be right back!" and she left for the kitchens.
Hanabi jumped from the rooftop. "Sasuke-San, you seem to be friends with my sister. "
"Your sister is a very friendly person, I can't help it. " he answered coldly.
"You knew father admired you after you saved him and I had the feeling he was gone suggest a marriage proposal to you. But later he heard that she kissed Naruto-nee infront of everyone and was furious. Hinata Nee-San was locked in her chambers for weeks. "
"I didn't know that. " he looked at her surprised.
"Yes, even the elders knew of it and were pleased with the arrangement. But Hinata rebelled against everyone and insisted on marrying the village hero. "
"Do you think she made a mistake? " he asked.
"Father thinks so. He never accepted Naruto-nee. He always wanted his daughters to marry nobles. "
"But he is the village hero and the future hokage. He is getting training already. "
"Father believes you are a village hero too and Naruto-nee is not qualified to be a hokage. He thinks you are smarter than him. "
"Maybe, but Naruto follows his heart and that helped him to make the right decisions more than me. They are married now and Hinata and I are just friends. "
"Alright, if you say so." She gave up in reverse strategy. He frowned.
Sasuke sat in silence, deep in thought about what Hanabi had just told him. He couldn't believe that Hinata had gone through such a difficult experience because of her decision to marry Naruto. He knew that it must have been hard for her to go against her father's wishes, especially in a culture where family and tradition were so highly valued.
He wondered what could have happened if things had been different. If he had been the one she had chosen, would he have been able to give her the love and support she needed? Could he have been the one to make her happy?
Hinata returned with two cups and sat beside him. She smiled at him and handed him his coffee. "Here you go, just how you like it." Hinata said smiling. "What are you two talking about? "
"Nothing, just random stuff. See you soon Sasuke-San." Hanabi jumped on the roof again.
Sasuke took the cup and sipped the coffee. It was strong and bitter, just how he liked it.
"Is she always like that? " Sasuke asked.
"Hanabi? Yes she is too much, don't let her get into your head, she loves doing that. " Hinata said.
"A little too late for that. " he whispered.
"What did she say? " Hinata was shocked.
"Did Hiashi-San propose a marriage between us?"
"He did." she looked down.
"Did you refuse? "
F "Tou-Sama please I know I shamed you many times and we mortified the clan in front of the village but please accept Naruto-Kun. "
"Hinata, I'm just looking for your best interest. You won't be happy with someone who doesn't understand you and your clan. The first thing he did was such a shameless act… I have someone better suited for you in mind. I'm sure you would understand each other. He is perfect for you Hinata. "
"I don't want anyone else. Naruto-Kun loves me… and… and I love him." she said, ashamed. The love subject wasn't common in the Hyuga household even between family members.
"Hinata, I know what is best for you. You are still too young to decide your future. Sasuke Uchiha is more fit for you than Naruto. At least he is from an ancient noble clan like you. Love… will come after marriage."
"S...Sasuke-Kun? Did he suggest it? "
"No, I need to know what you think first. "
"I will only marry Naruto-Kun. Please father! Sasuke-Kun is Naruto-Kun's best friend. Don't tell him about this proposal. It will only cause trouble."
"Naruto is not allowed to see you ever again or you him. You will be locked in your room until you make up your mind. When you know what is best for you, you will get released. "
Hinata's room was guarded and her windows sealed. She could only see the servant that brought her meals. She spent the first days crying until her eyes felt like they would drop off her face. She felt her vision get blurry and she couldn't see sharp for days. She thought finally she got her prince charming only to be banned from him directly after they confessed their love for each other. How cruel could this world be?
She felt her tears dry out and night and day did not make any sense. She slept during the day and stayed all night up thinking of her bad luck. She started to feel herself get lifeless. What is the point of living if it wasn't with Naruto? Can she marry Sasuke? He never looked her way before. He has a scary nature, rude and so different from Naruto. When she thinks of Naruto she feels warm, like a summer day. His smile alone lights the soul of anyone. But Sasuke! She doesn't remember anything about him. As kids in the academy she remembers him as top of the class, arrogant and always surrounded by girls who were crazy about him. She never gave him any mind. He didn't either. Then he left.
She saw him back during the war. She was so surprised by how much he changed. He looked so handsome and so strong but was surrounded by such a dark aura. Sasuke told them he wants to be the hokage as soon as he joined the war. Hinata knew then this would not end well, and it didn't. Both Sasuke and Naruto lost their arms. Now they will fight again, over her?
She wants Naruto and that is final.
After a couple of weeks, she decided to go on a hunger strike. She started to hallucinate. The confinement was driving her crazy. She has no problem staying at home before, she could stay for a few days inside. But being locked on purpose was getting on her nerves. She started seeing people. Started hearing voices. She saw Neji and her mother. She talked to them without knowing if it was real or one of her dreams. With the hunger strike her condition got worse. That she finally had to be taken to hospital and mentally treated for some time
Her father accepted the marriage to make her happy and get her out of her condition. Since that time she would freak out if she sees a door locked. EF
"I was finally noticed by Naruto-Kun whom I stalked for years. I was so happy he answered my love. I.. I didn't even know you Sasuke. "
He clenched his fist so hard that he broke the coffee mug he was holding.
"Sasuke!!! You're bleeding, why did you do that?"
"Do you want me to escort you home? I'm leaving?" he said in compensated anger and stood up.
"Wait, let me stop the bleeding at least, please Sasuke. " her eyes started to water.
He looked at her eyes for a long moment and sat down again. She quickly went inside and came back with a bandage and gauze pad.
She pressed with the gauze on the wound until it stopped bleeding then she put a new clean pad and wrapped it.
Then she picked up Boruto and went home with Sasuke.
They didn't talk all the way to her house. He was frowning deep in thought. She can't help but feel his anger had something to do with her refusal of their marriage, which made her feel guilty. She shouldn't be. What does she know about Sasuke even now? A few weeks ago she thought he hated her and couldn't stand her. They barely talked or shared anything. He kissed her, and everything changed since then.
Had Naruto not answered her feelings, she would have given Sasuke a chance to know each other, she would give anyone a chance. She lost hope in his love and was open to marrying anyone her father and elders proposed to her.
Sasuke married Sakura, she is crazy about him and chased him her whole life and sacrificed everything for him. Why is he not satisfied with her?
Did he want to marry her at that time? She doubted her father talked to Sasuke about it! He must have come to know about it from Hanabi. That little devil.
But he was so furious she refused. Does it mean he still…wants her? He surely wants to kiss her, but it doesn't mean anything, does it?
Does he want her to be his wife instead of Sakura?
No, this can't be true? He has no feelings for her at all. He can't be in love with her in a few weeks? there is nothing between them, he must have other reasons for becoming angry. I hope.
The next day, Hinata didn't see Sasuke, but she asked about the price of the grand mansion. The owners were in a hurry to sell it and so it was cheaper than she expected. It wasn't more expensive than their home.
She knew Sasuke had dinner at the Hyuga compound, but she assumed he could go alone. Her father had even invited him to visit whenever he wanted.
As she was alone with Boruto, she realised that Sasuke and Sarada's presence had filled her lonely life in the last few days. She never thought the Uchiha was so talkative, but once he got over his shyness, he couldn't stop talking. She wanted to finish reading her book before Sasuke revealed what happened with the characters, since she knew Naruto would be late for dinner.
She was sitting and reading her book when she heard the doorbell ring. She was surprised to see Sasuke, "I thought you were at the Hyuga compound," she said, as she opened the door.
"Why didn't you come to dinner?" he asked, looking into her eyes intensely.
"Why would I go? You can do business with my father alone," she replied, confused.
"Why can't you understand?" he gritted his teeth and turned to leave, clenching his fingers.
Hinata grabbed his hand, "Sasuke, what should I understand?"
"That...I need...I need you there...with me," he stammered, he hates needing others but he was just honest. He couldn't hold it. It kinda slipped out.
"Sasuke, what are you saying?" Hinata asked, her heart racing.
"How could you not come? I was waiting for you to enter any minute," he said, his voice strained.
"Sasuke!!" She was confused and bit her bottom lip. He touched her bruised lip with his thumb as he came closer to her face. "How many times will I tell you not to do that?" he whispered in a low voice. Her whole body got the chills from the look in his visible eye, his voice, and his touch.
She tried to escape by changing the subject. She grabbed his hand, investigating it "How is your hand?"
"Fine. It's nothing," he replied dismissively.
"I asked about the mansion price. It's cheaper than I thought," she said, trying to steer the conversation back to a neutral topic.
"Your father made a good offer. I'm going to buy it. I'll bring… um… Sakura to see it tomorrow and maybe sign the papers," he said, his expression unreadable.
"We are really going to be neighbours, he?" she smiled, trying to lighten the mood.
"I wouldn't be so happy if I were you," he said, frowning.
She looked at him confused. He turned and left. What was that? Was he threatening her? She couldn't tell, she didn't know what to think of Sasuke's behaviour, it was so confusing.
Thanks for reading. Please leave a comment and let me know what you think.