Sasuke woke to the sound of his alarm clock the next morning. Sighing, he reached over to turn it off and rubbed his eyes. After a few moments he threw back the covers before sitting up. The scent of perfume still clung to his sheets. He got up and pulled on some black jeans, not even bothering to fasten them properly before walking around his bed to open the door to the living room. Raking a hand through his hair, he headed for the kitchen. He paused as he saw Hinata there, reaching into a cupboard. He had forgotten she was staying with him. This was going to take some getting used to. The hem of her baggy jumper just lifted enough to show her feminine hips and unblemished skin. It felt strange to have a woman in his apartment and he couldn't touch her. To sleep with her now would make things...complicated. And he doubted she was the kind of girl to just jump in bed with anyone. She made a small noise of frustration as she had to go up onto her tip-toes to reach what she needed. He moved behind her and reached for the jar she was trying to get. She gasped in surprise as his fingers brushed hers. He set it down next to her before turning to look in a different cupboard for a glass.

Hinata blushed a violent red as she saw Sasuke. The muscles in his bare back were a symphony of movement as he reached for a glass in a cupboard and filled it with water from the tap over the sink. He turned to face her and she practically had to stop herself salivating at the sight. The sunlight from the window hit his skin and highlighted his muscles in a way that was just mouth watering, and the button of the jeans on his lean hips wasn't fastened, showing a glimpse of dark hair running up towards his navel. She blushed even more and hastily turned away, suddenly finding it rather difficult to breathe normally. What the hell was he doing to her? It should really be illegal for a man to look as he did. She had never felt this kind of attraction to anyone, and yet she couldn't deny what she felt... But still, she knew nothing would ever happen between them. Men like him just didn't date women like her. She wasn't even sure he dated anyone. And she hadn't waited so long for the right guy to just throw everything away on some one night stand, no matter how attractive the man was.

"W-would you like some breakfast?" she asked, trying to appear normal. "I'm making some anyway so..."

"I don't need a mother," he snapped.

Hinata stared at him, shocked. She hadn't expected that kind of response. The bitterness in his voice actually scared her a bit. Okay, note to self, she thought. Don't question his independence. She quickly turned and tried to concentrate on making her own breakfast, not wanting to rub him up the wrong way when she had only known him for such a short time. Who knew what he was capable of? She paused at the thought. For all she knew, she could be living with a complete psycho. It was then she realised she didn't really know anything about him. She was distracted from that thought when he spoke.

"Look...I didn't mean to snap. It's just I haven't had anyone do anything for me since..." He fell silent for a moment before continuing. "In a long time." She turned to look at him, but he was already on his way back to his bedroom. The note in his voice just then...it made her heart ache. What had happened to him? She watched as he shut his door behind him, making it quite clear he wasn't about to tell her. Looking at the clock, she decided it was more worthwhile to eat and then head out to look for a job rather than pursuing him about his history. Maybe she could talk to him later, when he was fully dressed.

Hinata left the apartment building about half an hour later, still thinking about Sasuke, who hadn't emerged from his room. Had he had a bad relationship with his mother? Had he run away from home? It would explain that rugged, tough demeanour he had about him. Maybe he had been through a rough divorce? Yes, he was young, probably around the same age as her, but these days, who knew?

She was so wrapped up in her thoughts that she didn't notice the pink haired woman who walked past her.

"Hey! Hinata!" She spun around as she heard her name to see Sakura standing in front of her. "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at the restaurant?" A worried expression crossed her face.

"Oh...I'm actually um... looking for a new job," Hinata replied. Sakura worked in a large office building here in Tokyo. "Do you know anywhere that's hiring?"

"Hmmm, I don't think so, I could ask at my office if you want?"

"Yes, that would be great," Hinata said, smiling. Another worried look showed on Sakura's face.

"Is everything ok, Hinata? I called by your apartment last night but the landlord said you didn't live there anymore. What happened?"

"I um... moved in with Sasuke yesterday," she explained, cringing, knowing Sakura's reaction would probably be loud. Sakura shrieked and hugged her. At least Sakura wouldn't have to know Hinata had been thrown out of her apartment.

"Ah! Hinata that's great! Why didn't you tell me?"

"Well, it was kind of sudden..."

"Oh, Hinata, that's so great, you see, all that waiting for the right guy has paid off!"

"Yeah..." So much for being able to tell Sakura that she and Sasuke had broken up.

"Listen, do you think he'd want to have Christmas dinner with us? If he doesn't already have plans that is." Hinata paused. That was yet another thing she didn't know about him.

"I'll ask him tonight," Hinata smiled.

"Great. Ok, well, call me, I have to run back to the office now, I'll see you soon!" She shouted the last part over her shoulder as she started to walk away. Hinata waved before turning and carrying on walking.

Sasuke stepped out of the elevator into his apartment, dropping his gym bag from his shoulder to the floor. He took his overcoat off and hung it on a coat stand in the corner. He took off his tie as he walked to his bedroom and started unbuttoning his shirt.

Closing the door, he discarded the rest of his clothes on to his bed before heading into the rather large en suite bathroom joined to his bed room. He stepped into the shower and turned it on. Leaning his head back and closing his eyes, he sighed as the hot water pelted down onto his back. After savouring the sensation for a few moments, he quickly washed himself and stepped out of the shower. He grabbed a towel and wrapped it round his hips, using another one to rub through his hair to take the wetness out of it. He dressed again, opting for a dark blue suit and black shirt tonight. Opening his door, he found Hinata just stepping out of the elevator into the apartment.

"Oh, hi, Sasuke! Do you want some dinner, I was just about to make some for myself," she asked, holding up a shopping bag. She smiled at him, but there was a look in her eyes that told him she was wary of a repeat of this morning. He had just been about to go to a restaurant, but for some reason still felt bad about this morning and at least he wouldn't have to eat alone.

"Well, if you're making some anyway..." he said stoically. Hinata frowned. Okay, it was an improvement on this morning, but how had he still managed to still sound so defensive about it? Silence passed between them for a few minutes before she spoke, wanting to find out more about the mysterious man she lived with.

"So what did you do today? Was it a good day?" She looked round at him when he gave a short, hollow laugh. "What's so funny?" she asked, curious.

"You sound like my wife or something. 'So how was your day, honey?'" He said in a mocking tone. She tensed as he reminded her of one of her earlier theories about him, and at the same time slightly offended by his tone.

"You have a wife?"

"God, no," he snorted. "I don't think I'll ever trust someone that much." Hinata's heart clenched at his words. It made her even more determined to find out about him. What had happened to make him so cold and suspicious? She fell silent, unsure of what to say after that comment. She concentrated on chopping the vegetables in front of her. He was the first to speak again.

"Any luck with finding a job?" She made a frustrated sound.

"No." Hinata sighed and turned around to face him. Once again she was struck by his handsomeness. "I don't think anyone will ever hire me this close to Christmas."

"Why don't you wait until the New Year? Lots of places take on permanent staff then."

She looked up at his eyes, only to become trapped in that intense, black stare. His eyes held that glint of red again. She struggled to form her sentence.

"I-I...um...yes, t-that's a good idea." He broke eye contact to look to the food behind her on the worktop, allowing her to regain some of her thought processes. "Are you sure you don't mind me staying here that long?"

"That depends on how good your cooking is," he joked, inspecting the food she had made so far. She smiled. How could he be so bitter and defensive one moment then so charming and normal the next?

While Hinata was finishing the food, Sasuke flopped down on the sofa and turned on the television. He had taken his suit jacket off so it wouldn't get creased, and it rested over the back of the sofa. He flicked around the channels on the television, not really looking for anything in particular but rather just passing time, grateful for the background noise.

Hinata plonked a bowl down on the table in front of him. He had to admit, it smelt delicious, and almost...recognizable? She spoke and suddenly he was a child again, sitting at the table for dinner. His mother smiled down at him, speaking, but he couldn't hear the words. He blinked and Hinata stood there, back in his apartment. She sat down next to him. His heart in his throat, he picked up the bowl.

"Thanks."

That was why her voice had sounded so familiar the night they met. She sounded just like his mother. He had almost forgotten the sound until he had heard Hinata speaking. The thought jolted him. His family... How could the grief he felt be just as crippling as it was at the time of their deaths? Suddenly he had lost his appetite.

Hinata ate in silence, not feeling the need to speak. Her eyes drifted back to the single photo frame on the table. She picked it up, still curious about the scene it showed. Was Sasuke the baby or the small boy standing up?

"Is this your family?"

He tensed, looking at her out of the corner of his eyes. "Yes."

"Do you speak to them a lot?"

"No."

"How come?" As soon as she asked the question she immediately regretted it. That was kind of personal for someone she barely knew. She wouldn't want to share her family history with him yet, so why should he? But then if he didn't get along with them why did he keep a picture of them?

Suddenly he stood up, putting his bowl down on the table and swiftly picking up his jacket. He shrugged it on to his broad shoulders before heading towards the elevator. She watched him, puzzled.

"The dead do not speak, Hinata." His voice cracked. The elevator doors closed.

Hinata spent the next few days trying to figure out Sasuke. Since she had learnt of his family's fate, he had acted like nothing had happened. He still didn't speak much, and carried himself in the usual way, strong and confident. How could he bear it? She wondered when it had happened, how it had happened, but she didn't know to bring up the subject again, and wasn't sure if she wanted to.

Her heart ached for him, at times he just seemed so alone. It made her even more determined to get him to have Christmas dinner with Naruto, Sakura and herself. Even though Christmas was really a commercial event for couples in Japan, as the main religions were Buddhism and Shinto, they always had a meal together to celebrate it. None of them had any family to speak of, as they were either dead, or in Hinata's case, estranged. Sasuke would fit right in. As far as she was aware, he had no one to spend the holiday with, and she wanted to show him that it was okay to trust some people.

She took a deep breath and went to ask him.

Sasuke turned his head at the sound of Hinata's door opening. His chest felt tight as it always did around her now. She was the first person he had told about his family in years, and it made him wary of her treating him differently. She wasn't...much. The last few days she had appeared almost cautious of him, as if she didn't want to say or do the wrong thing and make him upset or angry. She still smiled at him and carried on doing all the things she had done before, but there was a sadness in her eyes whenever she looked at him. He hated feeling pitied.

"Sasuke, I was wondering...um," Hinata started, unsure of how to phrase it.

"Yes?"

"W-would you like to have Christmas dinner with me? And Naruto and Sakura? You don't have to it's just I would hate for you to be alone for Christmas..."

"I'm never alone at Christmas."

"What do you mean?"

"You'd be surprised how many lonely hearts Tokyo has." Hinata blushed slightly at his meaning.

"Oh um... I didn't mean anyone from the host club or anything... I mean, don't you have any friends to spend it with?"

"I don't need friends." She stepped closer to him and held one of his hands in both of hers. He had to admit he was a bit taken aback by the gesture.

"Please? For me?"

Sasuke honestly didn't know why that would make a difference but for some reason it did. She looked up at him with those pale, otherworldly eyes and it made his heart lodge itself in his throat. The word was out of his mouth before he could stop himself.

"Okay," he said faintly, nodding. She smiled up at him and it took his breath away. Her hands fell away from his far too soon for his liking.

"Oh, Sasuke, thank you, you won't regret this! It'll be the best Christmas you've ever had!" She skipped back into her bedroom, humming a one of those Western Christmas tunes.

Sasuke doubted it. He clutched his chest, trying to get rid of the strange sensation there. There was only one thing he wanted for Christmas and it was unlikely he would get her. What was happening to him?

The next couple of weeks passed in a blur. Christmas was always a busy time for Sasuke. When he wasn't at the host club, fighting in a match, or taking care of some other things he had to do, he was at home with Hinata, who was suddenly extremely happy. Although Christmas wasn't really a good time for single women in Japan, it didn't seem to bother her. She loved how happy the holiday made other people. Even though they didn't talk all the time, when they didn't it was a comfortable silence, neither one really feeling the need to talk.

Her presence calmed him somewhat, which he found odd but didn't question. But then there were times when instead of calming him he had to restrain himself from doing something they would both regret. Like the times she would bend over to pick something up... or those times when he could see down her top... even that one time when he had walked through the living room as she exited the bathroom with the smallest towel he had ever seen wrapped around her. He didn't even recall buying that towel. When he had questioned it and she had made sure she had hidden herself behind the door before she answered, saying that there were no others in the cupboard and that she should do a towel wash. He was quite sure that was the darkest he had seen her blush. Hell, even when he just glanced at her lips he wanted to do things he shouldn't. Okay, maybe she turned him on more than she calmed him. It was definitely practice in keeping his hands to himself and an education in not getting what he wanted.

For Hinata time passed quickly too. She still carried on looking for a job for a few days, before deciding it was futile to carry on this close to Christmas. Instead she spent her time making sure the apartment was clean or cooking, as she thought it was the least she could do to repay Sasuke for not demanding any money from her. Yet when he was at home, she somehow constantly found herself in awkward situations with him. He still walked around half naked a lot of the time, even though she had asked him to put on some clothes, worried he might catch a cold. It wouldn't have been so bad if he didn't look so incredible and she didn't blush so much. And that towel incident would stay in her memory forever. However eventually she grew accustomed to his ways, and she even slept through his um... 'nocturnal activities' now. She understood that it was his place, that he probably wasn't going to change just because she was staying there, and that it wasn't her place to ask him to do so anyway.

Before she knew it, it was Christmas Eve, and she realised she hadn't decorated the apartment for Christmas. Sakura and Naruto were coming over to Sasuke's this time, which he was apparently fine with. She picked up her coat in shrugged it on, grabbing her bag and heading to the elevator. Even though the shops would be open tomorrow, she decided to out now so that she could decorate on Christmas day. From what she could tell, Sasuke didn't really celebrate Christmas, but she at least wanted to put up a few things if they were going to have a meal on the day. She just hoped he would be okay with it.

Sasuke woke late the next morning. He groaned and rolled over. He blinked a few times as he saw Hinata standing in the doorway. What was she doing in his room? Even stranger was what she was wearing. The red silk of her night gown was tied loosely at her waist with a belt. He never would have thought she would own such an item. She slowly walked to the side of the bed.

"Hinata?" He rubbed his eyes to make sure he wasn't hallucinating. His heart beat faster and his throat felt dry as she crawled over the bed to him and straddled his waist. He hissed in pleasure as her delicate hands glided over his bare chest. She leaned down and started to place kisses on his chest, working her way up to his neck and jaw. This definitely wasn't the Hinata he was used to. Unable to stand the torture any longer, he pulled her up to taste her lips.

Sasuke couldn't breath as she kissed him. Her lips were so soft, her scent invading his senses. She pulled away to look down at him. By this point his hands were on her waist.

"It's Christmas, Sasuke. And I... wanted to give you a present," she said, her voice breathy and quiet. He bit his lip as she slowly untied the knot at her waist. The robe fell off her shoulders but she kept it in place at her chest. God, did she know how much torture this was? Just as it was about to fall from her body, Sasuke jolted awake in his bed.

He glanced around the room, finding it empty. It had been a dream? His heart was beating faster than it should, and a light sheen of sweat covered his brow. How did she manage to get him this worked up when he wasn't even conscious? He heard a knocking at his door. That must have been what woke him up.

"Sasuke, it's Christmas day, get up, I want to show you something!" Sasuke froze as she spoke words that were almost identical to the ones in his dream. He rolled out of bed and put on some jeans and a long sleeved t-shirt before heading out to see what Hinata wanted to show him. He just hoped it didn't involve a rather racy choice of nightwear.

Sasuke didn't move for a solid minute as he saw what Hinata wanted to show him. She had greeted him with a very cheery "Merry Christmas!" from the other side of the room but he hadn't answered yet because he was too taken aback by what he saw.

The apartment was decorated for Christmas. He never decorated for Christmas. It was just another day to him. But what shocked him most was the fact that it didn't look that bad. A string of fairy lights hung over the window, and another mirrored it over the elevator. A medium sized Christmas tree was in the corner next to his room, decorated in a red and gold theme. She had put a red blanket over the white sofa, with the white cushions placed on top. It wasn't tacky, which was one thing he hated about Christmas, rather it made the place seem warmer, more welcoming. All that was missing was a roaring log fire.

"Do you like it?" Hinata asked, stepping closer to him, her voice fearful. He glanced toward her, but had to do a double take when he saw what she was wearing. A red v-neck sweater, and some rather tight jeans. Suddenly all he could think about was his dream. But shy Hinata would never do something like that in real life.

"It's…different to how I usually decorate." He pushed the dream from his mind, which was more difficult than it should have been. Only then did he consider it strange for her to be wearing something so figure-hugging.

"How do you usually decorate?"

"I don't."

Hinata laughed. She had been so scared he wouldn't like it, it was quite a relief to hear that he did. Or he at least didn't hate it.

"So..." he said, walking towards her, looking her up and down. "You do own clothes that fit you." Hinata blushed as he spoke, folding her arms around herself as he circled her.

"Well...I, um, got them today. I...wanted to look nice for a change," she said, not sure why she was explaining herself to him. He leaned down until their faces were level. She blushed at his sudden proximity, looking down at the floor under his close scrutiny.

"You're wearing more make-up than usual."

"Well...like I said...I wanted to make an effort," she whispered, unable to look him in the eyes. What was it about him that made her so nervous, made her heart beat faster?

Sasuke's gaze lingered on her lips. Were they as soft as they had been in his dream? Another second and he would have closed the short distance between them to find out. The intercom buzzed on the wall next to the elevator.

Sasuke straightened and Hinata relaxed as he put some distance between them. He walked over to the intercom.

"You look nice anyway. But that looks good too."

Hinata blushed furiously at his compliment, her heart flaring with emotion as she did so. "T-thank you," stammered. In the time she had known him, she had never heard him compliment anything or anyone. At times it seemed like he didn't like anything at all. She sensed that this was a rare occurrence for him, and she cherished it.

"Hinata, Sasuke, it's us, can you come and get us?" Hinata heard Sakura say through the box. Sasuke pressed a button and replied.

"I'll be down in a minute." Hinata turned to face him.

"I'll go," she said, smiling.

"Just one question..." he said.

"Yes?"

"We're still 'dating', right? Just to clarify."

"Oh, um... yes, if it's okay?" she answered, blushing slightly. She had almost forgotten that they were supposed to be a couple.

Sasuke nodded and headed into the kitchen while she left the apartment. He peered into the oven to see what was being cooked. As usual, it smelt delicious. He really was going to miss her cooking when she found a job and moved out. His heart clenched unexpectedly at the thought. The idea of her departure made him feel strange, hollow. Had she really made that much of an impact on his life without him realising? How? He wasn't at the apartment that much, and when he was, they didn't exactly talk all the time and she just pottered about mostly. And yet when he was there and she wasn't…he was...bored? Did he miss her? Before he could even begin to contemplate what that might mean, the elevator doors opened and Hinata, Sakura and Naruto entered the apartment, laughing together. Hinata clutched two presents in her arms, while Naruto strode toward him holding another.

"Hey, happy Christmas," he said, holding the present out to him. Sasuke took it from him, and for a moment he was actually speechless.

"Um...thanks," he replied, stunned. His gaze flickered to Hinata, who was taking Sakura's coat. He wondered if he should have bought presents for the three other people in the room, but before he could apologize, he heard Hinata speaking.

"Naruto, give me your coat too and then I can get your presents from Sasuke and I."

He immediately felt guilty for not asking about presents. But then it was something he hadn't had to think about such things in years. He would have to pay her back later.

Hinata put Naruto and Sakura's coat down on her bad and pulled their presents from her wardrobe. As she went back into the living room, she saw that Sakura and Naruto had sat down on the sofa, but what really caught her attention was Sasuke. He was looking at the present in his hands like it was some kind of alien object, turning it over and examining it, staring at the tag attached to it. She walked over to him.

"Are you okay, Sasuke?" she asked quietly, frowning at his behaviour.

"Yeah, it's just... I haven't had a present in a long time." He stared at it for a few more seconds before shaking his head as if to clear it. Her heart ached for him. Did he really have no one in his life that cared enough to buy him a present every now and again? Sakura turned to say something from the sofa.

"Oh, and Hinata, you can open your Christmas present today but you have to wait to open your birthday present!" she laughed.

"It's your birthday? Why didn't you tell me?" Sasuke asked, his brow furrowed. He put his present on the table next to him.

"On the 27th. I, um... didn't think it was that important..." Hinata replied, slightly confused as to why it would matter to him. Suddenly, Sakura exclaimed something to Naruto.

"Oh, Naruto, look where they're standing!" Hinata stared at her, bewildered. What on earth was she talking about?

"Yeah, come on, Hinata, go for it!" Naruto cheered, Sakura grinning next to him.

Sasuke was confused as well, until he looked around. There was some mistletoe hanging from the ceiling. He smiled. Maybe now he could finally kiss her he could get whatever he thought he was feeling for her out of his system. He'd been longing to do it for weeks anyway.

Hinata was still puzzled by the whole situation. She turned to Sasuke, hoping he could provide and explanation. "What are they talking about?" She looked back at the grinning couple.

Naruto pointed up at the ceiling. She followed his finger up to the ceiling and blushed.

Mistletoe.

Oh crap. She had put it there for Naruto and Sakura really, she had never anticipated this would happen! Before she could protest, Sasuke hooked a finger under her chin, tilted her head up and leaned down to kiss her.

A jolt of electricity went through Hinata as his lips touched hers. She dropped the presents she was holding, only faintly hearing them land on the floor as he gathered her into his arms. Her heart beat faster at the feel of their bodies touching, his scent overpowering her and his lips making her dizzy. Who knew kissing could feel like this? Her hands clutched at his shirt as he pulled her even closer to him.

Sasuke growled at the taste of Hinata. She set his entire being on fire and he couldn't think past the feel of her in his arms. She moaned and he took the opportunity to taste her fully. His tongue slid against hers and it made him lightheaded. She tasted so much better in reality than she had in his dream. He slipped a hand under her sweater to feel the skin of her hips as he turned and pushed her up against the wall that had been behind him so he could feel every curve against him. He moved to kiss her neck, and he could feel her accelerated pulse under his fingertips as he tilted her head back. He heard someone clear their throat.

"Hey, don't get too carried away, you've got all night to do that, when we're not here!" Naruto said jokingly. Sasuke pulled away to look at them. When he looked back at Hinata, her face was bright red, her hands over her mouth. He stepped away from her, immediately wishing his hands were back on her skin.

"Well if that happens every time they kiss no wonder we haven't seen them kiss before!" Sakura said to Naruto, whispering, but loudly so that Hinata and Sasuke could still hear her.

Hinata hurriedly picked up the presents of the floor and gave them to Sakura and Naruto. Her cheeks were still red.

"Why don't you wait at the table and I'll go and finish the meal?" Was it just him or did she sound a little breathless? She disappeared quickly into the kitchen. Sasuke was about to follow her when Naruto clapped an arm around his shoulders.

"You know, I sure am glad things are going well for you two," he said, smiling. They walked towards the table that was set up behind the sofa. Sakura spoke next.

"Yeah, we were beginning to think our Hinata would never find a boyfriend! I'm glad that she found someone like you first try, even if it has been a long time coming," she laughed. Sasuke had to smirk at that. If only she knew what kind of man he was.

It took a moment for her words to sink in. Shit, Hinata had told him she didn't have a boyfriend, not that she'd never had one! That would mean that he had just been her first kiss. Cursing mentally, he excused himself from Naruto and Sakura and went into the kitchen, worried. Women could be a bit funny about first kisses. Wanted to save it for someone they thought they loved or something, he had never really understood. But for some reason, knowing he had taken Hinata's first kiss made him feel incredibly guilty. He put a hand on her shoulder. She tensed at his touch, making him withdraw his hand hastily.

"Look I'm sorry about that, if I had known it was your first kiss I never would have-"

"-It's fine, really," she said quickly, looking up at him and smiling slightly. Her eyes looked a bit too shiny and she sniffed a little. He narrowed his eyes at her, not believing her.

"You sure about that?"

"Had to happen sooner or later, didn't it?" she laughed. She looked back down at the food she was serving up. "It's okay, really."

"Well, if you're sure..." She nodded.

"Could you take a couple of these plates through please?" He obliged, his chest still filled with a guilt he couldn't explain or understand.

The meal passed slowly for Sasuke. The conversation flowed, he chipped in with a couple of words every now and then, but he still wasn't sure Hinata was okay, and it made him incredibly uneasy and restless. Why did he feel like this again? Hinata really shouldn't be affecting him like this. Sakura asked him how he could afford such a huge apartment. He made a joke about his drug dealing business going well and the prostitutes he had in the red light district making him quite a bit of money. Everyone laughed. The conversation went off on a tangent and he went back to feeling…indescribable.

Sasuke couldn't sleep. Naruto and Sakura had left hours ago, but Hinata had disappeared to her room shortly after, saying she was tired. He had sat and watched television for a while before going to bed too. He hadn't even bothered going out to find a girl to bring back to his bed to try and take his mind off Hinata. He let out an exasperated sigh.

His mind kept wandering back to Hinata's lips. He hadn't felt like that when he kissed a woman in... he couldn't even remember. He could still taste her, feel her skin on his lips. It was almost haunting. Instead of confirming that she meant nothing to him, the kiss had only increased his desire for her. He had tasted heaven and he wanted more.

Kissing her had been a mistake. A really, really bad mistake.

Hinata lay awake on her bed, thinking. She wasn't really tired, but had wanted get away from Sasuke. What did she say to him now that he had kissed her? Yes, the fact than he had stolen her first kiss was slightly upsetting, but surprisingly that wasn't what troubled her.

She touched her lips lightly with her fingers. If she closed her eyes, she could almost still feel his lips on hers, smell his scent around her, his strong arms holding her. Did kissing feel like that with anyone or was it just him? A tiny voice in her head said it was the latter, while another screamed for her to wake up.

A kiss didn't mean anything these days. It sure as hell hadn't meant anything to him. It was practically his job to kiss women. Even so, her heart hammered in her chest as she thought of him. He was compelling and charming, when he wanted to be anyway. He had razor sharp sarcasm and wit, both qualities she loved in anyone. At the same time there was an air of sadness around him that she wanted to banish. His kiss had left her breathless and weak, and the mere thought of him made her smile.

If he could just learn to let her in, to trust her… she could easily see herself falling for…

Wait, what was she thinking? All she really knew about him was that he liked to have sex, had an obscene amount of money and his family were dead. And men like him just weren't interested in women like her. She wasn't even sure he had ever had a relationship that lasted longer than one night!

She knew she would just get hurt, but even so, her heart beat faster at the memory of his lips, the way he looked at her sometimes…

It just wasn't possible that she loved him. Right? She didn't know anything about him. And he most definitely did not love her.

This was just some silly crush, a passing interest. She liked his companionship, nothing more. She needed it to be. She simply wouldn't allow herself to keep feeling like this.

It needed to stop before she did something she would regret. Or something he would regret.

She would not let herself become one of his mistakes.

Thank you! Please review with your thoughts, I would love to hear them :)

A first kiss...with unexpected consequences...I wonder what they will do next?

See you next time!