Sorry for such a late update. But I hope you guys like it! And please do send your suggestions, they are most welcome!

Ch – 8 Breakthrough

Lying on her stomach wasn't helping, she turned to sleep on her right side but after a minute she tossed to the left. Hinata desperately urged her self to sleep, 'sleep, I have to get up early, have to work tomorrow."

After five minutes Hinata sat up not able to sleep, she switched the light on and looked at the clock which showed it was quarter to two.

She sighed looking about, thinking of what she should do now. Hinata heard a door close and decided to get some water to drink. Opening her door very slowly, Hinata sighed with relief as the corridor light was on.

Stepping out Hinata noted that the light in Sasuke's room was still on. Doesn't he ever sleep? Curious to know what he was up to Hinata inched a little towards his room. Just as she was about to place her ear on the door, the door swung open and there stood the person in question himself glaring at who had dared to come near his room.

At the same time Hinata had jumped back, startled and embarrassed at being found out. Clutching her shirt she tried to calm down but she dared not raise her eyes from the floor to look at him.

Sasuke was very annoyed at being disturbed and had opened the door full swing with the intention to teach this person a lesson but when he looked at her again blushing red with embarrassment his expression softened and he let out a snort, "hn, I guess you couldn't sleep?"

Hinata still not making eye contact nodded, "I was just going to get some water."

He nodded, "Let me switch on the light for you, you don't know where the switch is."

Nodding her head she followed Sasuke to the kitchen where he switched on the light and left without saying anything.

Hinata sat down on the stool wondering what in the world had just happened. She was never going to do anything like this again; it was to embarrassing for her!

…

"Hinata dear are you up?"

"Yes Mrs. Uchiha, I'll come down for breakfast in a minute."

Hinata stood in front of the mirror checking to see if the attire was appropriate for a meeting with some clients.

Satisfied she went down for breakfast where Sasuke and surprisingly Itachi were already seated having some breakfast.

Hinata gave Itachi a quizzical look while seating herself on the table.

Itachi smiled and motioned towards Mikoto.

Mikoto turned and saw the exchange between the two, "you must be surprised Hinata that for once Itachi is having some breakfast."

Hinata smiled, "Yes, indeed I am."

"Well today I simply refused to let him leave unless he has some breakfast. Besides breakfast is the most important meal of the day. One should never miss it. Don't you agree Hinata?"

Sasuke who was ignoring everyone up till now looked up from his breakfast.

Hinata saw that everyone's attention was turned towards her; she smiled "of course one should never miss breakfast."

Mikoto turned towards Itachi with a satisfied expression.

"Okay mother, from now onwards I will never miss breakfast again." Getting up, "now if you will excuse me I am getting late. Bye mother and Sasuke you know how important those clients are, so don't screw up."

Sasuke scowled and then nodded. He didn't like being belittled but those clients are very important.

Hinata munched on her toast hurriedly as Sasuke had already finished his breakfast. He wasn't the most patient of the people when it came to waiting for some one.

But surprisingly Sasuke didn't say anything, instead told her that he was waiting for her in the car.

Hinata nodded but she had already finished her toast and had also gulped down her juice. She just had to get her purse and she was good to go.

Before going Hinata stopped in front of Mrs. Uchiha, "Um do you think this dress is appropriate for a meeting with some clients? I don't want them to have a bad first impression."

Mikoto put the glass down and gave her dress an inspecting look while Hinata cringed under her gaze, "I think it's very appropriate, just be confident ok."

Hinata sighed, "Thank you."

"Don't worry about it," saying bye she shooed Hinata away towards the car, "and Hinata remind Sasuke about tonight, we have a barbeque party.

…

There was an awkward silence inside the car. Neither Hinata nor Sasuke knew what to say to each other then Hinata remembered Mikoto's message, "Um your mother wanted to remind you that today there is a barbeque party at your place."

Sasuke nodded.

"Will there be a lot of people?"

Sasuke stopped the car as the signal turned red and looked at her, "about three or four of our closest family friends are invited."

"Oh, so it's semi formal."

Sasuke put the car in gear, "Ya kind of."

"Will Sakura be there?"

"Yup and Naruto as well, he's one of my best friends."

"Well I have heard a lot about Sakura from your mother so I really want to meet her."

Sasuke nodded and skidded to a stop in front of the gates as from there on standard security procedure took place and then they were let in.

….

This was her fifth day and every time the elevator door opened she always experienced euphoria as she had on her first day.

As always Sasuke was greeted by a bubbling Jean who still looked at Hinata with skepticism.

….

Hinata made her way towards his office with the samples that he had asked her to select.

She nibbled at her forefinger as he examined her choices. They were cloth samples, from cotton to silk etc.

The client was looking to get their designs printed and today Sasuke was going to convince them why their cloth was better suited for their label. They had their own label and sometimes took orders from other designers and labels to print their designs on their cloth for them.

Sasuke nodded his head in approval and then asked her to include some of their own designs that they printed.

Hinata nodded and went to get her task done. Only half an hour left before the meeting and she was already nervous where as Sasuke was very calm as if it was nothing out of the ordinary.

…..

Sasuke and Hinata entered the meeting room together and a few seconds later they were informed that the clients had arrived and were being sent to the meeting room.

A second later Sasuke got up to greet them and they all got seated to hear the proposition.

Hinata sat stunned; Sasuke had delivered the proposal effortlessly and had answered their every query very patiently. It was as if she was seeing a whole different side of him.

After making some minor changes to the contract both the parties signed the contract. Sasuke actually smiled after the clients left. Instead of going towards his own office he made his way towards Itachi's instead.

Hinata came back and sat down in her office. Fifteen minutes were left till closing time. She cleared her desk and greeted everyone to have a nice weekend as she waited for Sasuke.

Sasuke came in with Itachi and Jean handed the office keys to Sasuke while saying goodbye.

…..

"Is every thing ok?" asked Hinata, very concerned as she saw Mikoto sitting on the couch troubled.

"I don't know what to do, the cook just called in sick today and three families are coming to the Barbecue."

Sasuke patted his mother, "don't worry, I remember you telling the cook to marinate everything yesterday night. That's the main part right."

"Yes but he was suppose to make desert and two side dishes to go with it and I simply can't make everything myself!"

"I'll help you."

Every one looked at Hinata.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes! Just let me change my clothes," and with that Hinata ran upstairs.

Mikoto sighed with relief, "Sasuke can you make sure everything is set outside and Itachi can you please confirm that everyone is coming." Both went on to do the tasks they were assigned as Mikoto shouted a thank you to them.

….

"So is it ok if I make the desert?"

"Sure, you bragged about your baking skills so now I'll test them," grinned Mikoto.

Hinata grinned as well.

As Hinata worked to mix the various ingredients together, she was reminded of the time when her mother had baked a cake for her, especially for her as she was craving something sweet and also because she had made her first drawing that day with crayons and coloring pencils.

Her mother had sat her on the counter as she mixed the various ingredients together while also singing a song.

Hinata wiped a tear as it fell on her cheek. Lucky for her Mrs. Uchiha didn't notice it but some one else did as Sasuke came in to inform his mother of the arrangement outside. He didn't probe her about it but left without saying a word.

"Hinata what are you still doing here? The gusts are about to arrive any minute and you need to get ready."

"It's just about done," Hinata put the cream down and showed it to Mikoto.

Mikoto's eyes brightened, "it looks yummy, and I love the decoration."

Hinata put the dish in the fridge and took off her apron as Mikoto motioned for her to go get ready.

…

Hinata opened her closet, now here was a dilemma for her, what is she suppose to wear to a party?

Hinata called Ino, "Hi Ino!"

"Hi Hinata what's up? How are you? It's been such a long time!"

"I know, I am good, how you doing?"

"Hey Tenten gave me your message, thanks."

"Ok Ino the Uchiha's are having a barbecue party and I need your advice on what to wear."

"Well why don't you wear the black dress?

"That's too formal. It's a semi formal gathering. Only family friends have been invited."

"Hmm, then wear the printed silk shirt with your straight black pants with high heels. You'll look great."

"Hmm thanks Ino, you're the greatest."

"Of course I am, now have some fun and tell me all about it when it's over."

"Sure will, Bye and thanks again."

"Bye and what are friends for?" and with that Hinata closed her cell with a click.

Hinata was just deciding whether she should wear her hair down or in a bun when a maid knocked on her door that the Mistress was asking for her.

Hearing the maid, she brushed her hair once and hurriedly put on her red and silver earrings and dashed downstairs towards the little gathering outside. Apparently every one of the guests had arrived and Mikoto was anxious to introduce her to every one.

She consciously stopped before a mirror in the living room to look at herself one more time. She didn't know what kind of people the gathering was made of. She adjusted her top one more time, it wasn't silk one but she had worn the white and pink one instead.

…..

"There you are Hinata, come here."

Hinata made her way towards Mikoto, as she passed she saw Itachi sitting with a group of people while Sasuke was trying to ignore a certain red head girl who was trying to get his attention.

As Hinata reached Mikoto, the introductions started and for half an hour Hinata answered various question regarding where she was from, her siblings, her age etc.

Hinata gruffly sat down on a chair a little away from the crowd. She had politely answered every question but when someone had prodded about her mother that is where she drew the line.

"I am really sorry for my sister's enquiries. She goes a little over board"

Without realizing who she was talking to Hinata waved a hand, "its ok, I don't really mind."

"My name is Gaara by the way."

Hinata looked up puzzled and then blushed at seeing him so closely seated. Tucking a strand behind her ear, "I am Hinata, Hyuga Hinata."

"So how long has it been in Suna?"

"About six days to be exact."

"So how do you find it up till now?"

"Well I have yet to see the city; but the people here are nice."

…

Sasuke looked towards Hinata with an annoyed expression.

"Gaara is showing hospitality that you were suppose to show her little brother."

"Hmph, that doesn't mean that she should be so friendly towards him."

Itachi laughed and motioned him towards the entrance where Naruto and Sakura had just arrived.

Sasuke waved to them and soon they were making their way towards him.

They all greeted each other, "say Sasuke who's that cute person over there."

Sasuke slapped the back of Naruto's head, "that's our guest, Hinata. Come I'll introduce you guys."

As Sasuke approached them he could hear Hinata laugh, he clenched his fists in anger. He didn't like Gaara getting so close to her.

Sasuke cleared his throat and both Hinata and Gaara looked up, "Hinata these are my friends Naruto and Sakura."

Hinata stood up, "Nice to meet you guys, I am Hyuga Hinata."

Naruto grinned, "so you're the one who Sasuke has a…"

Sasuke gave Naruto a jab, "excuse us but he is thirsty, have to get some water,"

…..

The barbecue went great. Hinata got to know Sakura and Naruto better. She got asked out on a date by Gaara which worried Sasuke. They even had a little dancing session after dinner where she even got to dance with Itachi.

Hinata stood outside looking at the stars, everything had been cleared away.

"It's a clear sky today, very beautiful."

"Hmm, yes it is. Back home I sometimes gaze at the stars with my sister."

"You miss home."

"Not as much as I thought I would."

"Umm would you dance with me?"

Hinata turned around puzzled but nodded her head.

Sasuke took her hands in his and started to lead her.

Hinata looked down afraid to meet his gaze. Her heart beat increased and she thought she would faint any minute in his arms.

"I hope you had a good time tonight."

Hinata nodded her head to astounded to speak.

The rest of the dance was cloaked in silence but it didn't bother them as they were both content.

From the living room window Mikoto looked at them with satisfaction.

Sasuke softly grazed Hinata's hand with his thumb, "why were you crying today?"

Hinata looked up startled and then looked at her shoes, "I was recalling a memory of my mother."

Sasuke didn't probe deeper; he knew this was a touchy subject for her.

"Come on I want to show you something."

Sasuke led Hinata upstairs towards the attic, "I haven't shown these to anyone. Not even my parents."

Hinata gasped as he switched on the light. The room was full of paintings. "You made these?"

"Yup, when ever I feel sad or happy I just come upstairs and paint my emotions away."

"These are awesome; if you weren't part of your father's business you could totally make a living and probably be famous."

Sasuke smiled, "but I don't want to sell them."

They sat their discussing his various paintings until Hinata's yes were drooping with sleep.

Sasuke guided Hinata to her room and bid her goodnight.

….

I really do want to know what you guys think so please don't hesitate to tell. Tell me if it's boring or interesting or whatever….