Chapter 29: Therapy
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Sasuke's visit had been expected that morning. Upon voicing his identity, the Hyuga guards moved to the side to let him in through the gates. It had been nothing but formalities, as they were very aware of who he was. After hanging his coat and leaving his shoes behind, the servant in waiting guided him towards a room he had been to, more times than he would've liked to admit.
When he entered the office, the placement of furniture had remained unchanged, except for the person that now occupied what used to be her space.
"Hanabi-sama expresses that you're here very early," The maid translated. Yet Sasuke believed he had caught a cuss word in the way Hanabi's lips had moved.
Sasuke's emotionless eyes turned to the heiress. "Do you have somewhere to be?" He asked her directly, but his answer was deemed offensive by the maid as she looked at him ghastly.
However, Hanabi merely grinned.
With no way of communicating with him, other than scribbling some private words down on a piece of paper, it made him realize just how important his visit -no- mission, really was.
You look like crap, she slid the message across the desk as he settled before her. And he, too, had to admit he probably did look like that since his eyes were slightly glazed from being awake for over 44 hours, during which he had spent those waking moments preparing for one of the tasks he had taken on, which now led him here, his mission.
"Preparing for the lesson wasn't as easy as you all made it out to be," He briefly looked around the room in which he found something new, a family photo, with Hanabi at the center as Hinata smiled behind her, next to another family member he remembered as Neji.
Hanabi said something only the maid understood. Sasuke figured it might've been instructions because upon the maid's return he was promptly handed a small bottle of eye drops. Sasuke held the bottle close for inspection before sniffing it. The Hyuga's wouldn't win his trust just to try and blind him, would they…?
He raised a brow in question.
"They're eye drops for the fatigue eyes. Hanabi-sama says she knows you've been working hard, and also she expresses that red doesn't suit you as much as you think,"
He was sure by now the maid was translating Hanabi's savage words in the most diplomatic way possible, as he couldn't picture Hanabi herself ever saying something like that.
"Hn," He looked back over to Hanabi, understanding something behind the gesture. If he was there to make a good impression on behalf of Kakashi, he probably should've thought more about his physical appearance, as he looked a little deranged at the time. Still, Sasuke was hesitant in applying some foreign drops to his eyes.
Hanabi dismissed the maid with a nod, as the terms Sasuke had agreed to was that of privacy while his lessons went on.
After handing back the eye drops to Hanabi, he activated his Sharingan, quickly capturing her into his realm.
"Try using your voice," Sasuke instructed, as he was curious about something.
"Ha-ha, very funny" She replied dryly. "Wait-what did you do?"
He nodded, pleased with himself.
"I used my memories of all those times you wouldn't shut up about your favorite show, and reconstructed your voice,"
"So you were actually listening?" Hanabi said jokingly.
"Only when you weren't being an annoying brat."
Hanabi smiled, but her smile quickly disappeared once she recalled something about his best friend.
"Is Naruto-kun still upset with me about not going with you guys on the trip? He hasn't responded to my letters," She asked.
"I'm pretty sure the dobe understands you're needed around here,"
"That's good to hear. Have you tutored them yet?"
"They haven't put the time aside yet," Not like much time was required, since he'll be the one teaching.
"I'm sure they can't bear the thought of being stuck with you in an illusion for so long,"
Sasuke chuckled, "Probably. You, however, don't have an option,"
"Yeah, and it sucks," Hanabi sighed. "Hey, is this the same eye technique you used on other criminals for torture and information extraction?"
He confirmed her statement with a nod, not understanding why she was even curious.
"So that means if you were to stab me right now, I would feel excruciating pain,"
He raised a brow at this because she seemed excited over the prospect of his powers.
"That's not exactly how it works. If I were to stab you right now, you would feel no pain. Why would I even want to hurt you?"
"I don't know, I'm sure I've given you enough reasons by now. Maybe you're right, maybe I was an annoying brat before everything happened…"
He looked her way as if surprised she was even willing to talk about the past after everything she went through. However, she immediately changed the subject.
"How does the looping of pain work? I heard that the pain can feel like an eternity in just a few seconds,"
"Let me guess, Naruto told you all of this?"
"Yup,"
He didn't answer her.
Sasuke got up and slid the door open, and motioned her to follow as he instantly relocated them to a café he had visited a few months ago, back when the weather was nicer.
The atmosphere he had created was indistinguishable from the real thing. There was a barista brewing coffee as customers were coming and going. The sound of the streets could also be heard as the village was buzzing with life.
Hanabi slid into a booth, as he took his place across from her, all the while spawning a book right in front of her, now he was ready to start.
"Is it possible to feel anything while in here...?"
How many questions did this kid have? "Hn, what are you getting at?"
She rested her chin on both palms and leaned forward. "I want to ask you something,"
He seemed to allow the question, not realizing she went on to ask him something else instead.
"Have you ever used this technique to do naughty things with Onee-chan?"
He reached over the table and his hand spliced through the air, his chop connecting on her head.
"Should a child be asking these kinds of things?"
"Ow!" Why did it hurt so much? No, something like this shouldn't hurt this much…
She sent him a glare, but he scoffed and gave her the most 'I'm so disappointed in you,' glare.
"I'll be 18 in two months," She deadpanned.
Right, exactly his point. A three-year difference in age might as well be a 30-year difference in his eyes.
"Okay, fine, I'll be honest with you. What I really wanted to know was if...if you're able to make it possible for me to see Matsuri-chan again," Hanabi rambled.
Her request brought about a feeling of shame and discomfort within him, as he was sure his idiotic actions back then had caused her safety to be threatened, as well as her best friend's life. He looked away, staring at the artificial civilians walking by past their window.
"That kind of therapy does the opposite of helping, so get the idea out of your head. You have to move on, the less you remember her face, the less you remember her voice, the better,"
"I don't care about any of that, I want to see her again,"
"Hanabi." He said, his voice sternly.
"You're being a hypocrite! I bet you see your Nii-san all the time," She retorted, not helping her case, as he merely sent another glare her way. "Okay, I know, uncalled-for, but pleeease-"
"I'm only here to tutor you," He replied.
"Fine, grumpy-old-senpai," She said in retaliation to his comment of her being a child.
He rolled his eyes.
"Let's just begin before I change my mind about all of this," He said, anchored by his assignment.
"Hm, okay," Hanabi replied a little more seriously, finally opening the book to the first page. Seconds had passed in real-time, as he crammed about a month worth of lessons into their session, patiently teaching her all the things he had learned while referencing the books several times.
.
As time went by, Hanabi eventually collapsed dramatically, her chin over the book, almost pouting as she rested her arms on the table.
"What now?" Sasuke asked.
She sent him a glare and moved her hands, almost fluently, signing.
'I can't go on. Let's take a break," She gestured with ease.
"Hn, not gonna lie, I'm surprised you even lasted this long," Sasuke commented, not hiding how impressed he was by her achievement to hang in there.
"I think it's because you're a great sensei. Tutoring suits you,"
He grinned. "I never heard you compliment anyone else other than your sister before,"
"Hey, not true, I always have something nice to say about everyone,"
A curious thought popped up to the forefront of his thoughts, as Sasuke tried to recall if he had ever seen Hanabi before, at the Shinobi Academy. He remembered sharing the halls sometimes with preschoolers, but doesn't remember her ever being there.
"Were you homeschooled?" He asked her.
"Yeah, does it show?"
"Then why did your sister attend the Academy?" No. What the hell was he doing? Why was he asking her about her sister?
"Dad used to be a rule-breaker and decided to make me the heir when I was four or five years old, all because Onee-chan let me win on purpose on a match that was supposed to be important. He got furious and punished her, and the elders were on his side. I know she was trying to help me-"
"Hn. It's like you've always been her weakness," Sasuke replied, thinking back on his brother. "But good intentions don't always lead to a good outcome. How did she end up in charge of the clan?"
"Well…when the time for me to take over was getting closer, I chickened out at the last minute. I was sad over Neji-nii and used his death as an excuse. I think I was depressed back then. Not only that, but I mean my whole life, my dad, the elders, my sister, they all hyped me up to believe I was this special thing, but then I couldn't do a single thing or contribute when it mattered. My sister, however, did amazing things during the war. So I thought to myself, why should I be the ruler when I knew I was useless?"
Sasuke gave her a look. "I don't particularly like to waste my talents on useless people. Tell me, are you useless?"
"That's the thing, I never was. I was just inexperienced or maybe insecure," Her hand was on the book before her, tracing the cover, knowing none of this was real. "Don't tell her I said this…but sometimes I wish I hadn't stepped down," Hanabi laughed nervously. "I mean, I should've known this would happen. I know where Onee-chan got all those radical ideas from," Hanabi continued, "She was close to our cousin Neji. And he would say things no one else would ever dare to because he trusted us. And even though I admired him, I don't think Neji-nii's vision is working out. I've been thinking of talking to Onee-chan about how I feel..."
This whole time, Sasuke believed all of Hinata's actions were taken for the sole purpose of being closer to Nara. However, this revelation left him thinking her actions will continue the same path, with or without him. This wasn't his problem anymore. He no longer had any interest in whatever she was planning as long as it didn't affect him at all.
However, his ancestral lands were under Hinata's name… Even though she had given him her word that his vision will be realized, he wishes his legacy had no association with her.
'Good luck with that conversation. Let's pick this up at another time,' He signed in return.
"Thank you for the lessons, Sasuke-senpai" Hanabi replied, and bowed politely, as she was still in student mode.
"Hey, do you still want to see Matsuri-chan?" He asked her, as he still felt kind of a jerk for telling her how to get over the death of her friend.
He caught the brief happiness in her eyes, and it was perhaps the happiest Sasuke had seen her yet, considering that she didn't even have a glass of wine in her hand.
"I promise I won't cry,"
Sasuke drew from her memories to merge with his own, and immediately his powers went to work. The floor sunk beneath her as she fell into a void.
The café, the booths, the counters, and everything in that memory warped inward and disappeared as water began to flood the surrounding dark space in all the corners.
Shocked by the overload of her senses, Hanabi shivered uncontrollably as she sank further into the pool of water. Her eyes stayed shut for a while, as her fight-and-flight response had been to swim upward.
When her head emerged out of the water, she gasped for air and opened her eyes. Hanabi recognized the swimming pool, the surroundings, along with the white frilly two-piece bathing suit she had worn that day. The warm evening sky had a clear view of the shining stars against the never-ending darkness. She continued to stay afloat, enjoying the hot summer day, with Suna's impressive building structures surrounding her.
"So, what do you like to do for fun?" She heard Kiba's voice.
"Please stop hitting on me, my heart already belongs to another,"
Matsuri?
She tried not to cry as she swam towards the two sitting outside, by the pool.
Big brown eyes watched her with concern reflected in them.
"Um...are you okay, Hanabi-chan?" Matsuri asked.
Yes! She was finally okay!
When Hanabi reached her, she pushed herself out of the pool to sit by her side.
"I miss you so much, and I love you. I only came here to say I'm sorry!" She rambled as she threw her arms around her.
Confused, Matsuri pushed her away.
"Do you think your sister came to Suna to take you back home?"
"What? No," Hanabi shook her head. "Ugh, never mind,"
"Okay you weirdo, I love you too,"
Kiba chuckled next to her. "Hana-chan you gotta' lighten' up,"
Matsuri nodded, "Mhm. He's right,"
Kiba's nose twitched as he sniffed the air, his attention shifting to the newcomer.
"Oi! In case you were wondering, Naruto's inside, at the bar!" Kiba called out to someone.
Hanabi turned her head slightly. Sasuke was standing across from them, on the other side of the pool, wearing a Suna uniform. She understood right away he had taken them back to the night of her sister's birthday.
"Sasuke-senpai!" Hanabi waved at him with a big smile on her face, while sitting next to Matsuri. "You should join us! The water is great!" She called out as her legs were half-submerged in the pool. She padded the empty seat next to her, knowing he won't join.
Sasuke's zoned out as his eyes trailed past Hanabi. It hurt to imagine what they could've been doing today, if he hadn't fucked up. Matsuri would've been alive for starters, as they all have lunch together in Suna, with Hanabi and Sakura guiding the conversation forward.
His eyes were back on Hanabi.
"Is this like therapy to you?" He asked her from across the pool.
"I don't know that yet,"
He gave a slight nod. At least she wasn't crying.
Sasuke turned to face a familiar structure. He lifted his gaze and stared at the last level of the mansion. Hinata was probably there inside the room.
He turned back to Hanabi. "Ready to go?"
"We just got here,"
Matsuri giggled and yelled, before jumping into the water. She turned, inviting Hanabi in with her hands.
Noises and laughter continued to rave behind Sasuke, with voices lighting up the place he only knows to be a personal nightmare he had to face. The last 44 hours had been miserable after being unable to stay convinced that he was happy with the choices he had made and the words he had said.
A few days ago, it was true that he felt good, and had trusted his defense mechanisms would shield him from feeling unnecessary negative feelings of sadness. Yet instead, he had spent 44 hours awake because someone in Hinata's likeness would haunt his dreams.
.
Hanabi saw Sasuke disappear inside the mansion. However, she remained by the pool, hugging herself as she watched fondly from afar as Matsuri swam around the pool, playing with Akamaru and Kiba.
Then the two swam deeper into the water, only to never resurface.
Confused, Hanabi rose to her feet and stared in search of them. Where did they go? Were they playing a prank on her?
They reappeared by her side, sitting at the same spot they've previously occupied, surprising the chakra out of her.
"AH!"
"S-S-So, W-What do you like to do for fun?" Kiba asked as he sat beside Matsuri, but something about his speech sounded like a glitch on repeat.
"Please stop hitting on me, my heart already belongs to another," Matsuri recited once more, as she playfully hit him on the side of his shoulder.
"Matsuri-chan," Hanabi said, as she was saddened that these memories didn't have much free will, and didn't allow for endless subjects of conversation.
"Yes?"
"I'm going to go now, okay? Don't forget what I told you, ne?"
"Is your sister taking you back home with her?"
"N-No..." Hanabi replied once more, shaking her head sadly.
"She just gotta learn to lighten' up," Kiba added from his side.
"Sure, Kiba. I'll lighten' up," Hanabi replied, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
Hanabi pushed herself up and grabbed a large pool towel, and threw it around herself, finally ready to leave.
As she went in search of Sasuke, she didn't make it very far. Her chest started throbbing with pain so foreign to her, she only found it to be unimaginable to describe. It hit her by surprise, and she couldn't stop herself from collapsing onto her knees.
Her hand flew to her lips as she wailed in silence.
Moments passed, and she wasn't sure how long the nightmarish feeling lasted. No doubt this was Sasuke's doing. He had said he had no reason to hurt her. Then, what was this pain?
Once the pain subsided, Hanabi didn't waste any time. She pushed herself off the floor, the towel falling off her in the process as she ran towards the mansion.
She could sense where he was as she got closer, taking the staircase, and skipping some steps on her way up. When she reached the halls, she followed its familiar path, stopping outside a room.
Hanabi reached out to the doorknob slowly, and took a heavy sigh, flinging the door open only to find this had been her sister's room which she had once rented in Suna. Everything was impeccably organized, yet the only thing out of place was a few scrolls on the vanity table.
She walked inside and joined Sasuke's side as he was leaning against the door frame that led into the balcony. The cold night breeze in Suna prompted goosebumps all over her, as the wet hair clamped to her skin, making her shiver even more. By then, she was hugging herself.
He didn't react to Hanabi's voice. She followed the trajectory of his eyes. Her older sister wasn't too far from them, as she was leaning over on the balcony in a white dress as blue tresses moved gently in the wind.
"So spill, what happened between you and Onee-chan?"
Sasuke genuinely liked her more when she minded her own business.
"You and Naruto both have quite the imagination, don't you? I was a spy and nothing more,"
Hanabi hummed a sound as she couldn't stop herself from further inquiries. She was sure he was suppressing a glare, but she continued to push. The feelings he had released into this illusion had disabled her; They were pretty strong for someone who was just a spy.
"You're a fucking liar,"
"Does your sister know that your dirty mind matches your mouth?" Sasuke asked.
"As if she'll believe that,"
Finally, noticing that she was shivering in discomfort, Sasuke disabled the physical feelings of the memory plane. Even if Hanabi no longer felt cold, she kept her arms crossed.
Hanabi thought she heard him sigh, before confessing they had cut off contact with one another, indefinitely. She was startled by the intensity of his expressive jet-black eyes. But if he was in pain, she knew she needed to say something quick because, in this realm, his sadness could feel lethal.
"Are ready to go?" She asked, turning away from his private memory.
Sasuke pushed himself off the door frame and turned, also changing the subject.
"How did it go with Matsuri-chan?"
"I think I should stick to remembering her from my heart," Hanabi replied in full honesty.
He gave her a look. 'I told you so,'
"Yes. Yes, you did," Hanabi said while rolling her eyes.
Sasuke took a step away from the balcony, and she followed behind while still hugging herself. Hanabi sent him a questioning glance as he released a blue flame towards her sister's path, not realizing that he was merely targeting the subject of his pain, hoping to perhaps erase something in him.
When the illusion ended, Hanabi pushed herself off the floor pillow and approached him from around the desk, and awkwardly patted him on the shoulder before slowly walking towards the door, sliding it open to give instructions to the maid in waiting.
'Let dad know that my tutor is leaving,'
"So soon? Are you sure?" The maid believed it hadn't even been that long since the Uchiha had stepped inside the room.
'Yes, and please inform Yami-san I'll be waiting outside by the gates,'
Sasuke waited by the door, bundled up and ready to go, as Hanabi also joined him outside. As she put on her jacket, she wondered what that was about back there. What did those blue flames do? Did they serve any purpose at all, or was he just lashing out on a memory?
For once, she didn't ask. Instead, she went on as though she hadn't witnessed anything going on in his mind.
'What are you up to today?' She signed.
He opened up a portal and paused.
'I bought a place earlier this week, and I'm moving in today,' He signed back with his hands.
'When is the housewarming?'
'Naruto will let you know,'
She nodded with a smile and briefly waved.
"Hanabi-sama," Yami had dropped from above. "Hinata-sama is probably waiting for you. We best be on our way," Yami said, all the while glaring at the disappearing portal.
Hanabi nodded in Yami's way. As she walked towards her destination, she passed some telephone poles on her way. Although she smiled sadly, the memories she recalled of her late best friend were fond ones.
.
The Nara's home living room floor was filled with all sorts of floral arrangements, with small cake samples, and platters decorating the low table the two women sat by.
When Hanabi entered the room, she found her sister conversing with Yoshino through giggles and laughter as she squeezed a flower pruner around the stems before placing them in a vase, gently manipulating the flowers while fluffing them up in the arrangement. Yoshino, also tended to her own arrangement while sitting on the opposite side.
"Hanabi-chan!" Hinata said with a smile, clearly too happy to see her.
'Hello,' She bowed politely by the door, keeping her emotions more guarded when around people she considered a stranger.
"Make yourself comfortable, dear," Yoshino said as she poured a third cup of tea, before returning to the centerpiece she was working on.
'Yikes,' Hanabi mouthed to herself as she joined her sister's side on the floor while noticing how the masked Anbu who standing against the wall followed her movement as if she was a suspect.
'I know,' She whispered back, a little annoyed that everyone who came close to her was treated like a potential threat.
'So what's all of this? Isn't your wedding in two months?' Hanabi asked while lifting the teacup to her lips.
"Trust me, it's best to get the planning done early and not wait until the last minute,"
"Yes. I was just telling Hinata-chan that something always goes wrong on the wedding day," Yoshino said from her side while pausing to take a small spoon of one of the cake samples.
"Which of these mock-up arrangements are your favorite?" Hinata asked.
'They're all pretty. Where's the fiancé?'
She sighed, "His friends needed him for some last-minute festival planning,"
Yoshino rose from her spot and walked carefully around the arrangements. "I'm going to go check and find out what time the seamstress will be here,"
Hinata nodded in her direction before shifting her attention back to her sister.
'I can tell you also haven't been sleeping well. You look like crap,' Hanabi noted the same pattern she's seen before, and just as she did with Sasuke, she handed her some eye drops since her sister's eyes seemed a little glazed and tired.
"Yeah," She admitted, as she returned the eye drops back to her. "I must be dealing with PTSD from what happened to us. Um, father told me over the phone about the lessons you were having today with your tutor. How did it go?"
'Productive. I feel like I lived a few months in just one day. It's insane how exhausting those lessons can be to the mind since each session technically lasted about a week,'
"I'm not so sure if I feel comfortable with his teaching techniques," Hinata replied.
'Why? They were efficient. It saved us both time. And dad has been paying him nearly a fortune,' Hanabi said, her eyebrows furrowing in confusion.
"So father hired him," Hinata said, a little too happy about that minor detail.
Onee-chan...why can't you even say his name?
'Yeah, dad's totally invested in his career for some reason. I thought perhaps it was his way to strengthen ties with Lord Hokage and have a louder say of what goes on in the village. But sometimes I get these vibes that our dad might owe some sort of favor, either to the Hokage or to Sasuke-kun…'
"You should find out what's owed and let me know what this debt is," Hinata replied with concern in her eyes.
Hanabi fidgeted uncomfortably and adjusted her black Kimono, considering her sister was asking her to essentially do some espionage. However, Hinata was considered a Nara now. Spying on their father is considered to be treason.
'You know I can't do that,' Hanabi replied, not letting her sister think of a persuasive answer. 'Can you call dad after dinner, so he can send Yami-san to pick me up?'
.
When the seamstress and Hinata's hand-picked maid arrived, they all relocated to Yoshino's massive chambers. Hanabi took to the sofa bench located towards the end of Yoshino's massive bed, and lay down on her side, observing everyone's interaction.
However, Hanabi hadn't expected that, with time, her sister's fitting would be turned into a spectacle. Her makeup and hair were had been done by the time several curious heads peaked inside, as the door was purposely left open. Teenage girls, from the Nara, Akimichi, and Yamanaka clan giggled in groups as they witnessed Hinata's hand-picked Hyuga maid fussing over which hairstyle would look most suited for her upcoming wedding.
Hinata could feel the goosebumps through her long, fitted, white silk gown, from the winter draft coming through the opened door that led to the halls. She tried to ignore all the sparkly eyes that watched her as though she was their next big monarch.
Afterward, Hinata stepped on top of a round, wooden elevation while a Nara seamstress began to give her instructions as she took her measurements.
"Sweetheart, I know we just finished taste testing the cakes, but try your best not to eat too many carbs from now on," Yoshino knew it was probably going to be hard, since she has seen her order the Anbu like they're some kind of maid, to fetch snacks from the kitchen at night.
Sai, who had been standing in the corner of the room, wished he had his sketch pad, as he had caught the small murderous intent that briefly flashed across her eyes.
Hinata took a deep breath.
Smile,
Smile,
Smile,
Smile,
Smile,
Hinata half-turned and smiled pleasantly towards Yoshino.
"I'm pretty sure your son will love me no matter what,"
Yoshino almost scoffed. "Leave a little room to grow in her wedding kimono, since it doesn't seem like she'll heed my warning,"
"I wouldn't know what I would do without you," The artificial light in her eyes looked close enough to the real thing, Hinata figured, from the way Yoshino changed the subject and returned the gesture as she offered a few comments and suggestions about which fabrics were more lightweight.
Hanabi propped herself up on an elbow, her hand subconsciously playing with a white flower meant for a decorative hair ornament. It spun a few times in her fingers before she pinned it up in her hair.
She glanced, every so often, towards the different fabrics of whites that were laid out on a display over Yoshino's bed. Will it be like this when it was her turn to marry? The endless interchanges of fake enthusiasm, pretending to like one another, how exhausting that must be.
Once the seamstress was done with the measurements, Hinata descended off the elevation and went straight for a robe, and tossed it around herself for warmth. She joined Hanabi's side to sit down while carving as much space as possible on the sofa bench Hanabi occupied.
"Alright girls, the show is over. The bride-to-be needs some rest, and I need to start dinner," Yoshino said as she stood up and led the group of dreamy teenage girls outside. They had come to witness whom they now believed was the most beautiful bride-to-be in the village, which only fed into their fantasy of what their wedding day would look like.
Before leaving the room, Yoshino gave one last look at the Hyuga sisters before closing the door behind her. The Anbu remained far back, leaning against a wall.
Hanabi held back a yawn and rubbed her eyes as she made herself more comfortable. She rested her head on her sister's lap, not noticing her lips bowed into a frown.
"What's on your mind?" Hinata asked.
'Sasuke told me you two don't talk anymore,'
"He did…?"
'Yeah. I guess I understand the reason you asked him to stay away,'
"... Did he say that to you?"
'He didn't have to. It was too obvious. He's in a lot of pain,"
She patted Hanabi's head and said nothing to this.
'I'm thinking of asking dad to hire a new tutor and keeping my distance too,'
"From what you've told me today, it seems like father deems it beneficial if you maintain a political friendship with Uchiha-san," Hinata gave her a sad smile.
'Is that all that he ever was to you?'
"I know what you're implying. You're thinking I used him. But if there's anything I've learned is that Uchiha-san was too independent to move around like a pawn piece, and was more of a wild card. Half of the time I didn't know whether he was going to follow my instructions or not. But none of that matters now, it's in the past,"
Hanabi came back up into a sitting position, coming up with a way to test her.
'You're going to be married soon, and your husband will own everyone you own. I think you should leave me in charge of the Uchiha's land,'
"And why should I do something like that?"
'To help us both out. If you sign the land's ownership over to me, you both won't have any reason to attend any business meetings with Lord Hokage and his new advisor. And we all know who he's going to pick,'
"Hn," Hinata stood, hugging her robe tighter around herself as she headed towards the door. "I'm going to go get dressed for dinner now, but I promise to consider your suggestion,"
.
Dinner at the Nara home was filled with random family members Hinata had yet to meet, with rushed instructions and greetings as they all sat around the table.
The Anbu was on her side, tasting everything before it made it to her plate, while Hanabi was next to her, being entertained by the three troublesome kids, who knew how to sign.
Rounds of personal questions floated her way, eventually, the subject shifting to clan-related issues the Nara faced, making her feel out of place as she couldn't keep up with the conversation. Where was Shikamaru? Why was he still held up at Akimichi's home? As the dinner continued, it became transparent to her that he was going to stay late and perhaps have dinner with his friends.
A light tap on the shoulder from her protector got her attention, as they mentioned that an Anbu by the name of Yami was waiting for Hanabi outside. Hinata nodded in response and rose from her spot and announced to the room she'll return soon.
Sai followed wordlessly and stood at a distance, while Hinata swiftly tossed a purple wool cloak over her Kimono and stepped outside into the night. She walked past the gates where Yami awaited.
Yami took notice of Hanabi's absence and took this private meeting as a sign. "Have you thought my proposition over?"
"I have,"
"And what are your orders?"
"I want you to round up all the people who are in support of me, branch members or not. I'm going to host a meeting on the day after the festival, at midnight, when the Main houses are asleep. We all have a lot of work to do should you wish to be free within this year,"
Yami's eyes widened behind his mask, believing this was now becoming bigger now that she was finally taking charge.
"I'll pass on the message!" He replied, and bowed, before quickly turning to leave.
"Yami-san, aren't you forgetting someone?"
He paused. His excitement had caused him to forget the reason he had been there in the first place.
"My apologies,"
"My sister will join you soon,"
Hinata headed back inside and waited as her sister said her polite goodbyes to the Nara family before joining Yami outside. She stood by the gates until Hanabi was out of sight before retreating back in. Shikamaru's family had also started to leave one by one, leaving Hinata to finally be able to retire to her chambers for the night.
Hinata shot a glance over at the Anbu as she dried her hair in front of a mirror, while wrapped in a towel.
"This whole day was so exhausting, yet I still feel awake,"
"Then have a drink. I can make you one heck of a cocktail-" Sai caught himself saying something shouldn't, but felt relieved Hinata didn't catch this slip.
"I can't. If I have a drink, you'll have to test it," Hinata commented, as she disappeared into the bathroom and reappeared once more, dressed in a white kimono. "How old are you Anbu-chan? You look about my sister's age,"
"Old enough to bartend tonight," Sai replied as they both exited her room.
"I'll give you a pass on this one and trust Lord Hokage didn't send me a minor,"
"Hinata-sama, I've been thinking a lot lately of all the ways I would take you out if I were ever sent after you," Sai said as they made their way towards the kitchen.
"Oh? And how would you do it?" Hinata asked, with a hint of amusement in her voice, as she sat down on a barstool, her eyes following every movement they made as they whipped up some alcoholic Concoction.
"Definitely not poison,"
"How revolutionary,"
Sai poured her a drink, then drew out a dagger from the side of his weapon holster.
"I'm not finished, hear me out," He fidgeted with the weapon, flipping the dagger in the air, before catching it again. If someone does deploy an assassin, he admitted to himself, he doesn't know how useful he'll really be. For example, today, her sister, Hanabi, had access to all of Hinata's vital points, so the easiest way for an assassin to take her out was quite simple.
He aimed the dagger at her, remembering all the times that his hand had twitched every time a person got too close to her. Protecting her was proving to be harder than he initially thought.
"You let your guard down completely when you're around people that make you feel comfortable. I could've posed as someone you're familiar with, given you a hug, and driven a weapon through your heart. The easiest opening will be during your wedding day, I could simply pass inside as your hairstylist and perform a clean cut across your throat-"
"Then I trust you've come up with contingency plans against all of those probable scenarios,"
He hadn't. "All I'm saying is, this arrangement we have doesn't work if I'm the only one looking out for you. You're a Shinobi too, I'm told. Be a little warier and alert,"
She raised a glass their way, "Your concern is duly noted, I'll be more careful. We'll be sure to greatly reward you,"
Sai removed his mask and sighed.
"The kind of reward I'm looking for meets very specific criteria. Something that money can't buy. But I admit a good word to the Lord Hokage, and a bonus doesn't hurt,"
Hinata tilted her head in confusion and giggled freely under the influence of alcohol.
Shikamaru didn't get back until late at night, around 11 pm. He followed the lights that had been left on the kitchen, only to find his fiancée sitting on a barstool, leaning her arm over the counter, as she giggled at something the Anbu had said. She turned slightly and sent a glance his way.
"Welcome home. I was just about to go to bed," Hinata said as she stretched. "I'll see you in the morning," She said, briefly walking past him.
"She's upset that you didn't make it to dinner," Sai said, immediately snitching on her.
"Ah," Shikamaru replied. "Did she go anywhere today?" He immediately asked in a business-like kind of way.
"Aside from the short walk she took in the forest, no. However, a fellow Anbu whose mask I didn't recognize spoke with her for a few moments before picking up Hanabi-sama,"
"Was his name Yami-san?"
Sai wasn't sure why he found himself spouting lies. "I couldn't hear their conversation from where I was. Is this Yami person someone I should look out for?"
"Yes. Report it to me if they ever come into contact with one another,"
"Will do,"
As Shikamaru walked outside the kitchen, part of him had a feeling that Yami had been the Anbu in question. But it probably didn't matter what she was up to, because he too had been moving his pieces, mostly for the sake of her safety.
Shikamaru knocked gently on her door, and she hesitantly let him inside.
When he entered her room, he turned his attention to the floral centerpieces, candles, and decorative ornaments sitting on almost every surface of her room. The vanity table was cleared off, except for the hairbrush on top of it. It was more suspicious that there was no sign of her writings or drafts to be found around, as if to give him the impression she had only been busy with wedding preparations.
"I see you've been keeping busy," He said as he lifted a floral arrangement, recognizing that all these flowers must've come from Ino's shop.
"You missed dinner," She said, "And you didn't tell me you were going to be gone all day," She added.
He placed the arrangement down. "The Lord Hokage made an unexpected visit at Choji's. He challenged me to a match, and you could imagine how long that took," He also didn't know he was going to be away for so long. And since her sister was there, he thought she'll be fine.
"And did you win?"
"He resigned the match,"
Hinata smiled, "Good,"
He walked towards her bed, his eyes tracing the curve of her form, not hiding his intent. He watched her panic, she was on her knees by the time he had reached her bed. She slipped past him, and she went for the door.
"Troublesome, don't tell me you are afraid to be alone with me," He teased her, unaware that she had been a little on edge after having that conversation with the Anbu tasked to protect her. In this situation, Shikamaru was also another way to get to her.
She paused before she reached the door.
"I'm afraid there's not much for us to do here," She motioned to the room before crossing her arms. However, her fiancé wasn't ready to let it go.
"We're just going to talk like we've done so many times before," He said with a lazy innocence. "Where is the harm in that?" He added as an afterthought.
Where is the harm in that…? Hinata smiled nervously. "I shouldn't be up this late,"
"I'm just teasing you I'm not trying to do anything such as the other night," He reached out and waited for her hand to join his. "Come, let's go talk in my office,"
He handed her a scroll as they sat across one another. His voice spoke over her thoughts as she read the document that had been sealed by the Hyuga emblem, written in her father's writing.
"Lord Kakashi and I were discussing the situation during our match. We believe the threat to your life will continue as long as your clansmen don't agree with our union. I reached out to your father, and he feels the same. To avoid prolonging the danger that comes your way, I believe the sooner we get to marry, the sooner they'll lose interest in us,"
"This is my father's signature," She commented as she read about their wedding date being expediated, now scheduled to happen sooner than she thought. This meant she'll have to put some of her other plans on hold because this was now all happening too suddenly. "I'll start sending the invitations tomorrow morning,"
.
The next day, Naruto found himself floating in the air, while resting on his side on a brand-new sofa, as Sasuke used his gravitational powers to move said furniture around, all the while Sakura gave him instructions on where to place all furniture to give it a more modern vibe.
"A little more towards the left, Sasuke," Sakura said, a little annoyed as if the whole place was hers.
"You need to hang some paintings," Naruto said as he pointed toward the bare walls. "I can bring you a copy of our Genin photo we took with Kakashi,"
Sasuke slowly levitated the sofa down to the perfect spot.
"No need. Sakura has already brought a copy. You guys want water?" Sasuke offered as he walked towards the kitchen, which overlooked the living room.
"I'm good," Naruto said from the sofa.
"I'll have some," Sakura replied as she joined him. He poured Sakura a glass, and she immediately took it before returning to Naruto's side, both talking and getting excited over the house-warming party, and meaningful gifts to bring to him.
"Would you like me to bring you a basket of tomatoes," Sakura said jokingly.
"Laugh all you want, but I'm just simple to please, Sakura," Sasuke said from the kitchen, not seeing anything wrong with Sakura's statement.
Naruto had changed his mind and joined him for a glass of water.
"When I get my own place, I want a whole cellar filled with a year's supply of instant ramen,"
"In your dreams, I won't let you have that," Sakura said from her side.
"You're already moving in together?" Sasuke asked, a little confused by the statement.
"Wait-hold on, that sounded weird," Sakura said, retracting her statement.
"Sakura-chan, I'm ready if you are," Naruto added with a smile.
"We've only been dating for a month!" Sakura retorted.
"But we've known each other our whole life!" Naruto replied.
Their conversation got cut off when Naruto's messenger bird landed by the window, waiting for the message to be picked up by the owner.
"Hey, sorry. Something came up. I gotta go," Naruto said, after reading Shikamaru's message.
"Where to?" Sakura asked.
"Shikamaru picked me as his best man. I knew my speech moved him. The fitting is today, and the wedding got moved, and it's now in two weeks,"
"Oh, nice!" Sakura said, happy for them, but then she immediately remembered something and glanced back at Sasuke as he also had the same revelation. "Sorry Sasuke-kun, I guess our trip is going to be delayed for a few days,"
.
When Naruto arrived at the Nara mansion, he noticed there were several pairs of shoes by the door, hinting there were other visitors already there.
"Naruto-kun," Hinata greeted him by the door. "I'm sure Shikamaru-kun will be happy that you made it on such short notice,"
"He caught me at a good time, today's my day off," Naruto replied with a grin. "So who else is here?" He asked, his head turning back to the shoes by the door.
"Kiba-kun, Shino-kun, and Choji-kun. You should be expecting an invitation in the mailbox soon. I'll leave you boys to your fun," Hinata said pleasantly as she dropped Naruto off in Yoshino's room, where all the guys were already present.
"You're not coming in?" Naruto asked.
"I'm the bride, I'm not allowed to see," Hinata said. "But I trust Yoshino-chan can help you find something tailored perfectly to your liking,"
"Your future wife is really popular now, huh," Choji said, as he looked at himself in the mirror, before glancing over at Shikamaru who was still viewing the fabrics. "My little cousin said she was here yesterday, and everyone was talking about it, including the maids that worked that shift. The most beautiful bride, they called her. Aw man, I don't know how you got so lucky,"
Shikamaru sent a glance over to his mom. Yesterday's event was supposed to be some sort of propaganda and distraction to make everyone forget the rumors regarding Hinata kidnapping and hurting her sister. He felt bad for Hinata having to be subjected to being on display. It had been her mother's idea to allow the curious people of their close-knitted communities and families to see how happy Hinata was to be joining the Nara clan, and she was never a threat to anyone.
And it had worked. Everywhere he goes, everyone always compliments him and his choices.
Shikamaru spared a glance over at Hinata's friends sitting at a distance. Shino and Kiba had just finished picking their fabrics and hung back, drinking wine while Kiba talked about how stoked he was that Hinata was finally going to be happy.
Shikamaru ended up choosing his formal traditional wedding robe with very little problem, as his mother was there to provide helpful feedback. However, when Naruto expressed something remotely close to an opinion, Shikamaru would select the opposite choice of Naruto's liking, just to be safe.
After the fitting was over, Choji was the first one to leave, claiming he had other errands to run. After Choji departed, Shikamaru's demeanor immediately changed as he had a serious look.
"There's something I need to discuss with you all,"
"Oh no. Why are we really here?" Kiba asked, already concerned, as they followed him into his office.
"Has Hinata reached out to any of you just yet?" Shikamaru asked.
"Hm, you mean she's planning something again?" Naruto asked.
"I'm afraid so,"
"She stopped reaching out to us recently, so we don't know much of what's going on with her," Kiba replied while glancing at Shino as if to confirm he agreed with his statement.
"If too many of us begin to ask her questions, it'll be too conspicuous. I'll wait for her to reach out to me instead," Shino decided.
"I want to ask her what she's been up to," Kiba said. "Maybe she'll let me in,"
"Oi, there's someone I believe might know something, though," Naruto said.
"He's the last person I'll ever ask for help," Shikamaru's automatic response came promptly.
Naruto had to admit that involving Sasuke was perhaps not the best idea, as he had already asked his friend to stay away.
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Hello! Happy new year and happy valentine's day! I know it's been a long time, life just happens and gets in the way so I haven't been able to get any editing or updates done in a long time x.x
I hope you've all been well and continue to stay safe. The other day, it felt like spring where I live. I can't wait to be able to take my plants outside this year ^_^
Edited: 2-8-22
Edited: 9-12-22