The Art of Love

Chapter Three: Cherished Memories

Rated M for sexual contact, violence, graphic themes, and language.

By: Midnight-Runaway

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Four Year Earlier

The sensation of the cold metal against his throat simulated the feeling of dread. Unwillingly, the man's blue eyes met pale iris. The criminal's breathing became labored and sweat garnered, leaving viable marks on his attire. The anticipation of death occupied the air.

"Let me live," he managed to breathe out.

He was a war criminal. Though he had not personally committed the murder hundreds he had funded the people who did. He was not a warlord but simply an opportunist, an entrepreneur. He saw an opportunity to expand and he had taken it.

Yes, lives had been lost but his conscious validated his immoral thoughts by using the justification that death was a natural part of life it occurred every day and the ones that did pass were paid killers. The job description of a shinobi included killing and die, so what was his crime?

"You have to pay for your crime," the female spoke softly. The man narrowed his eyes. "What crime," he said.

The white eyed woman stayed calm and looked the man straight in his eyes. "Funding the war resulting in the death of innocent people," she said watching the man glare at her. "Death of the innocent? Do you mean paid soldiers? Yes, I will admit there were casualties, poor souls I feel bad but Miss my hands are clean of blood. Tell me," he said trying to earn a reaction from her, "how many men have you killed? Are you not to be held responsible for your crimes? If your hands are stained with blood who gave you right to play god and dictate who lives and who dies."

The war criminal stared at the woman but no reaction came. Instead, she looked to have become even calmer. "Good-bye," she said as she moved the kunai over his heart. "I'll see you in hell," he barked as the kunai went through his heart. A horrendous scream escaped from the dying man. Blood, formed into a pool around the victim and his assailant, the female assassin watched the life leave the warlord for reassurance

Shifting her eyes off the corpse, the indigo haired female directed herself out of the study. Aware of her partners questioning eyes, she avoided them not wanting to give him the stratification of seeing her emotions.

Sasuke followed the emotionless woman as they found their way out of the compound. "The others will be here soon. We should leave of immediately," she said in a quiet voice.

"Hn" he replied.

The duo moved expeditiously through the forest. "I think we should stop soon," she said as the sun began to die down. He nodded but they kept moving until they found a clearing.

Preparing the camp both shinobi did their dues. Creating a fire and laying out two sleeping bags they sat on down. Hinata watched the fire and thankfully taking in the warmth.

In the attempt to gather warmth, she stretched her hands towards the fire. Her eyes observed her trembling fingers. "Your hurt," Hinata heard the Uchiha said, "It's your arm." Activating her blood trait, she examined the wound. The sound of movement caused, the woman to turn her attention to her team –mate. The man moved to sit next to her.

"Oh," she stated blandly. "Oh," he raised an eyebrow. Looking down at her arm it wasn't deep but it would need to be bandaged. "Take off your jacket," he commanded her. Hinata froze with surprise. Her eyes didn't leave the concerned man.

This was a unique situation for both shinobi. She had never experienced the man's kindness but then again they were not friends. From what accounts she heard from others, he was a cold and heartless man. Maybe they were wrong? Even a killer like him, had a heart right?

"Well," she heard his voice. She doing as commanded her jacket was removed. Goosebumps coated her skin, followed by a shiver. She felt naked in her short black tee-shirt. It was a simple v neck that was slightly tight. Placing the jacket next to her she sighed and realized she wouldn't be able to wear it back home.

Sasuke took her arm which caused her to shiver again. The contact from his cold fingers against her warm one caused an odd sensation. "This will hurt slightly but I have to clean the wound," he said grabbing the first aid kit. She held her breath not wanting to seem weak.

Feeling him clean the wound she hissed. It burned.

"Sorry," he muttered under his breath. She looked surprised at his action. Bandaging her wound, he moved away slightly. She smiled at him. "Normally I am the one who does the medical stuff on the team," she said pulling her knees to her chest.

Sasuke watched her. "Sakura is our medic," he said not knowing why he felt the urge to talk to her. The white eyed female smiled at him. "You smile a lot," he blurted out. She nodded. "Sometimes all you can do is smile because if you lie to yourself enough times and tell yourself everything is okay. Then it will be," she said resting her head on her knees.

He didn't say anything more and began watch the fire.

Morning came quick and the two readied to move. Hinata shivered as she put out the fire. The Hyuga never liked the cold weather. Sasuke watched as the woman shivered. He noticed her jacket had been ripped. Feeling a sigh escape his lips he took his jacket and throw at her.

Catching the object she looked at the man. "Take it Hyuga I wouldn't want you to freeze. I like the cool weather anyway. It's calming," he said looking at the fall leaves.

She did not resist and welcomed the warmth; the jacket had the Uchiha symbol on the back. Wearing it she blushed slightly. It reached her mid-thigh. Was she really that tiny compared to the man?

"Let's go home," she heard the man say. Nodding she followed him. "Thank you," she said smiling at him. He looked down at her and let out his famous hn. Secretly he liked the way it looked on her. The Uchiha symbol suited her. Shaking his head, he stared away from the small female.

"When my mother was still alive I remember walking in the park with my parents. If my mother would get cold my father would give her his jacket," she said smiling at the sweet memories. "My father wasn't always cruel," she said not knowing what came over her.

Sasuke stared at the female. "I remember ones when my family had a picnic. My mother had hurt her foot. My father piggybacked her all the way home."

Hinata looked up at the man lost in memories. Smiling at him, she felt sorry. He met her eyes but quickly looked away. What compiled them to tell each their most cherished childhood memories, they would never know but they did know that it felt nice talking to someone who understood.

The day passed in a quiet silence. Nothing was awkward between them. It was rather peaceful. Entering the gates of the village the two stood there for a minute. "I'll give Hokage our report in the morning," Hinata said. Sasuke nodded.

He heard Hinata's stomach growl. Raising an eyebrow he looked at the blushing woman. "Would you like to grab some food," he asked the heiress. Shocked at his question she nodded.

Walking through the village they felt eyes on them, but they ignored them. After all, they had been stares and comments of people, because he was the last Uchiha and traitor she had distinct features and was an heiress. While they enjoyed the first of the many meals they would share, the rumor had spread that Sasuke the cold, heartless, powerful man and the shy, quiet, and gentle heiress were lovers. The gossiping villagers weren't exactly wrong Sasuke Uchiha had grown to like the company of the white eyed female