The Art of Love
Chapter Four: Dinner
By Midnight-Runaway
Four Years Earlier
Her fingers traced over the clan symbol. A symbol that ones represented of one the most powerful clans in the nation now was Sasuke's only link to the family. It was a bittersweet notion. Yes, people still cowered at the simple utterance of the clan name but it also represented all the bloody history behind the fear.
The Uchiha clan was just one man now.
He was a good man. She spent the last few weeks with him and she found him pleasant. A person's past shouldn't outline a person forever.
Folding the jacket she left her home.
Sasuke sighed as the hot water assaulted his body. Another nightmare had woken him from his slumber. No matter what he did he could never run away from his horrible memories. His mind was plagued with too many horrific things.
He tried many times to escape the reality of his past crimes but he could never fully escape them.
Getting out the shower her slipped on his pants and sat on the couch. The sun was slowly setting. There as a knock on the door causing him to curse. Naruto probably found out he was home and today Sasuke didn't feel like seeing the idiot.
"Go away, Baka."
There was another knock causing Sasuke to growl. "I said go away Naruto."
A few moments later there was a knock again. "Can't you hear," he yelled as he opened the door.
His eyes met with pales one. He stared down at Hinata. She looked different outside his uniform. Her hair was pulled back into a messy bun allowing a couple strands to frame her face, she wore a simple white shirt and black pants.
Getting over his surprise to see her he moved back into his apartment. " I thought you were Naruto," he said.
He watched as she timidly walked in. In the last few weeks he had seen just how much she had changed from their childhood days but now and again he could catch a glimpse of the woman she used to be.
She didn't stop staring at him. "Take a picture," he said causing her to blush. "I am," she stopped as she stuttered. He watched as she took a breath. "I came to give you your jacket back. Thank you," she said handing it to him.
"Hn."
After a few moments, no one said anything else. "I am was going to grab dinner would you like to come?" Sasuke stared her but didn't say anything. "Oh sorry I asked. You don't have to come," she said attempting to leave, " I'll see you later."
He wanted to stop her and before he knew what he was doing he grabbed her hand and pulled her inches away from him. He could feel her warmth inches away. She smelled like brown sugar and vanilla.
He studied her face. Her eyes were wide with shock. He noticed how high her cheek bones and how rosy her lips were. "I never said I didn't want to come," he whispered unable to take his eyes off her lips.
"Sasuke could you let go of me," she asked. He hadn't noticed his arm around her waist. He released.
He grabbed a shirt and they left the house.
The village was having its spring festival. The streets were filled with families and couples, vendors mad performers lined up the streets.
Sasuke watched as Hinata's eyes lite as she took in the village. "It's beautiful," she said to him but Sasuke hasn't even cared to look around he was to focus on her.
The walked down the streets, occasionally talking. . "Do you like sweets Sasuke," she asked looking over at the cotton candy stand. "No." She didn't say anything. Grabbing her hand, he pulled her to the stand. "One cotton candy please," he said.
Giving to her, he watched as she gave him a toothy grin. His heart skipped a beat.
Making it inside the barbecue place they sat down. "It's good to see so many people enjoying themselves."
"Hn."
"Sasuke," he heard someone yell his name. He watched as Naruto and Sakura made their way toward them. He immediately looked over at Hinata. "Hey you two," Naruto said. Hinata gave them a small smile. "Hi Naruto, Sakura,"
Sasuke responded with a Hn.
"Oh my gosh are you two on a date," Naruto said. Sasuke watched as Hinata blushed. "No Baka. We just wee grabbing some food. Now go leave us alone."
Sasuke watched Hinata for a reaction. He was well aware Hinata had been in love with the knucklehead for years. "Are you still in love with him?"
Hinata looked up a bit take back but shook her head. "I loved him yes but not anymore. I respect him. He will always be a friend. "
Hinata hadn't noticed the small smile that formed on Sasuke's face.