Author's Notes: HEY READERS! Sorry for the long update and THANK YOU FOR ALL THE REVIEWS SO FAR! Hehe. I hope you enjoy the new chappie::smiles::
Ah! And to answer the MAIN question set off by many of the reviewers after chapter 3. Hehe. It seems that a lot of you guys are wondering if this is incest. Sorry that I couldn't reply to you guys because in a way (hopefully this isn't too pitiful) I never thought about that. However, initially I didn't think it was incest since the three had never had a 'childhood' together. In fact, remember in ch. 2 that the young hinata notes to herself that she was never really close to her family while her mother was alive. And thus she said that she never really considered the two as her brothers but rather people living in a house together. Well. Now she is trying to live up to her mother's words and so that's why she wants to be a better sister. I hope that you guys don't get mad if you think it is incest but they are not related( well…distant but not close) so yea. But please don't get angry. I love you guys::smiley facey::
Chapter 4:
Sometimes the things we want
Are the things we can't keep
And that's what makes me so foolish.
To believe in things that
Will never come true.
You can never be mine.
My onii-san, Itachi. He is a mysterious man and often he holds things to himself. I've only seen him speak a few times, and during those times, he looks tired and restless. I don't know why he treats himself so cruelly. All I ever remembered him during his childhood was read, study, and follow Father to work to observe the atmosphere of the company. It never made sense to me why such a young boy would put himself through such hardships and keep himself locked up inside. I didn't know why but, his actions made me very sad. Thus, I learned to heed my mother's warning.
"Your older brother Itachi, Hinata, desires something that he knows he cannot have. You must learn to watch him carefully."
I have not yet learned to what my mother meant to this day.
"I'm coming!" exclaimed Hinata hurriedly as she came out of the back room with the fresh soup. She was dressed in comfy jeans and a long black shirt wearing a blue apron and old tennis shoes. Her ebony hair was kept back by a high pony tail with a hairnet. Her hands were covered with mittens as she held the huge pot as strong as she could to place it in front of Mrs. Suzuki and than take the empty pot back to be filled up.
"Ah, yum," said Mrs. Suzuki cheerfully as she peered at the hot soup," Thank you, dear." She than got her ladle and resumed her job. "Here you go, sir. Enjoy."
The elderly man nodded," Thank you," and went to go sit with other people who had come for the donation of food offered by Uchiha Corporations.
Hinata walked back out, resuming her duties as well to pass out the bread to the people waiting in a line. "Enjoy, ma'am."
"Thank you so much! Your father is a good man," said the woman happily as she stared at Hinata," Our family owes him so much for giving such donations." Everyone in line held empty trays, awaiting eagerly for the food to be distributed to them by the volunteers and workers of Uchiha Corporations.
Hinata nodded and smiled back," He is and thank you."
It was the annual food banquet where Uchiha Corporations would donate millions of money to aide the poor who were not financially able to buy food for their families.
"Enjoy," said Hinata as more people came to get their meals. Hinata made it her top priority to attend her father's community service so as to bring a good look to the company and also to help the needy. After all, Hinata had been doing it for years already.
She only hoped that Sasuke would show up once for any of the events.
Out of the corner of his eye, Itachi watched as his little step-sister continued to smile and aide the poor. He was standing along with other representatives of Uchiha Corporations as they watched the process of Operation: Food Banquet go into action. Fugaku made it required that employees of Uchiha Corp. must participate in the charitable events so as to show that they really cared about the public welfare.
This was started when Itachi's mother, Mikoto, had proposed an idea since she—like Hinata—had participated voluntarily in events such as these before she married Fugaku.
Hitomi had been too ill to make presence in these charity events.
Itachi took his duty to stand watch for guard in case anything happened. The event was held outside of the building where people of all walks of life could come and eat. Even though it was crowded, the Uchiha corporations had been allowed by the city of Tokyo to block part of the streets for usage of serving the poor. The media was everywhere to witness the annual event and Itachi was in charge of speaking for the cameras.
"Sir," spoke a security guard, who had just arrived to speak with Itachi. "The press wants to interview you this year again for the annual progress of Operation: Food Banquet."
Itachi nodded, his eyes shifting from the Hinata to another direction where the press stood all bunched together with cameras. He immediately walked towards them, with a security guard on either side of him and in front and back of him.
"Uchiha Itachi! Could you care to explain the progress this year for Operation: Food Banquet? It seems that statistics has shown that more money was placed in this year's order than for that of the last five years." asked a newspaper editor.
Itachi spoke calmly, his voice and serious. He stared at the woman in front of him who had asked him with stern eyes," Uchiha Corporations this year's profits has increased dramatically. So as a donation, we have opted to increase this year's money for Operation: Food Banquet. It will be a tremendous benefit for the families in Tokyo who are having financial problems."
"Would you say that this is due to your leadership in Uchiha Corp. alongside your father, Uchiha Hiashi? You are the second heir Uchiha Corp. and at such a young age have demonstrated advanced skills in the business world."
Itachi couldn't help but smile a bit deviously at this question, obviously interesting. "I would have to say that all the members of my father's board are to be considered as well in the matter concerning the boost of money that was put into this charitable event. They are also the leaders and advisors behind the company's increasing profits. I am only a part of that group and so cannot take full credit for such actions alone."
"How about the unknown presence of your brother Uchiha Sasuke? Your sister Uchiha Hinata has made frequent visits to the company's charitable event even though she is not of blood relation to your family yet your brother has made no appearance."
Itachi raised an eyebrow at the mention of Sasuke—the fool's constant belligerent absence from the charity events. "My brother Sasuke has never made any presence into the charitable events but that does not mean that he doesn't help in the process. He never had a liking to being watched by so many people in the public." And thus the answer he gave to satisfy the need of the press and keep up his brother's "reputation."
Itachi than bowed," Thank you for your time, but I must resume my duties." He than started to walk away as
still many other reporters shouted him to come back. He ignored the questions shouted at his back, glad that he got the interrogation over with.
"Wait!!! I'm from one of the teen magazines!! Could you please answer a question concerning your availability status? Are you with anyone recently? It's an Uchiha tradition that you must choose a fiancé at the age of 23 and you are twenty-two. Are you going to live up to that tradition?"
At the notion of this question, Itachi's footsteps halted. With also this sudden notion, all the press in the surrounding area went quiet. The Uchiha Itachi had suddenly stopped to answer a question when his back was turn towards them. This must surely be an interesting question and to think that no one bothered to ask such a thing.
Itachi slowly turned around, curious to see who had asked the question.
A woman who looked like she was twenty years old was facing him. She was dressed in a stylish green dress with a v-neck center and a ribbon in the middle with long tresses of blonde hair flowing down and bright blue eyes. She had a notepad and a bright pink pen on the other hand. She winked at Itachi as he turned around so as to catch his attention. "Right here, Itachi-san."
Itachi only continued to stare at such a pretty girl who seemed to be flirting with him with the wink.
"Your question is the first I've heard ever," said Itachi, as he stared continued to stare straight in the eyes of the reporter girl from some flimsy teen magazine. The reporter gulped as she held her breath, hoping not be yelled at. "And it's interesting." Itachi hoped that Hinata wasn't paying attention seeing that the press was unusually quiet. "I plan to choose a bride sometime when I turn twenty-three. However, for now, I have no attachments." He than walked away, fixing his tie as the reporter girl still constantly stared at him.
Her blue bright eyes had been drawn to his eyes. They were so red, like blood. As if they contrasted with her bright blue ones.
Available, huh?
Itachi went back to his usual position, at standing watch. The question that girl had asked earlier had certainly changed his mood. He hadn't forgotten the old tradition of the Uchiha marriage and yet he had never time to find his future wife. How ironic was that.
"Ano…gomen ne!"
Itachi turned is head slowly as he eyed Hinata apologizing to a young girl who was standing across from Hinata. He had noticed that the bread was on top of the short girl's head.
"I didn't notice that you were…ano…so short and I thought I would be able to throw it over to your tray…" said Hinata blushing as she continued to apologize to the eight year old girl. Hinata brought her hands together and did about two bows before she heard laughter.
"Haha. YOUR fun-ny!!" laughed the girl as she grabbed the bread from her head," Thank you, miss!" She than walked ahead to get her soup.
"Eh?' said Hinata as she stared at the eight year old girl with wide eyes. She's not angry? "Ano…thank you for not being angry with me." As she said that, the other people behind her laughed and Hinata only blushed with embarrassment.
"It's okay miss."
"No need to overreact on such a thing."
"A piece of bread never hurt nobody!"
Itachi continue to watch with amusement as he saw Hinata blush more as she continued with her work. Though his smile was hidden behind his serious face, he knew that inside, he was yearning for her.
He had been for the past nine years.
Your smile is so delicious, dear Hinata. Do smile more why don't you?
As long as Sasuke wasn't the one who would make her smile.
--
"Uchiha-san…um…could you please not sleep like that during the meeting?" asked Mr. Narita as the middle aged man stared at his boss's youngest son. He had been sitting next to the young Uchiha and could hear Sasuke's small snores like it was a bulldozer constructing a building. Mr. Narita had been glad that no one else seemed bothered or even noticed the snores like he did. Or else the other company partners who attended today's meeting would have had a different opinion on the Uchiha family which would mean damage to the company's standing.
Sasuke slowly opened his eyes, revealing tired onyx pupils. "It's over already?"
Mr. Narita nodded, adjusting his glasses as he looked at Sasuke nervously. "Hurry up, sir! Your father is expecting you to walk out with him to the Operation: Food Banquet event outside. He's making a speech and he needs you there to be with him alongside Uchiha Itachi-san."
Sasuke groaned as he slowly got up from his seat. He wiped the drool from his mouth as he slowly followed Mr. Narita—the most timid man that Sasuke ever met. Sasuke wore a black business suit with a blue tie and a white shirt underneath. His spiky ebony hair was up and he looked extremely handsome as the female employees stopped to stare at him. His hands were inside his pant pockets as he walked and his eyes began to open up more as the sunlight hit his eyes. His father was standing at the entrance and was probably awaiting Itachi as well.
Sasuke smirked, Hah. Itachi is probably trying to hurry up to get to father as well.
However as he neared his father, Itachi's form suddenly appeared. Dammit, he was just hiding from me wasn't he? Itachi turned back and gave Sasuke a smirk and Sasuke only growled in anger as he took his place along Fugaku.
"I want you two on your best behavior," said Fugaku quietly, his eyes staring prominently at the crowds.
"Of course," said Itachi, his eyes serious as well.
Sasuke only smirked," Tch."
"I mean it," said Fugaku seriously. And soon the three men walked as they greeted the cameras and people in their quest to reach the podium in the middle of the reserved area. Hundreds and perhaps more, stood up in applause for the food that they had received for the day.
Immediately on their best behavior, Sasuke and Itachi stood beside their father with serious faces.
Hinata stood behind the other volunteers as she watched both of her brothers take their place beside her father. Hinata wiped the last sweat off her face with her arm as she looked at her three family members stare out into the crowds of onlookers. She smiled as she saw how handsome the three looked all together in business suits. Like father, like sons.
"Ne, Hinata-san, your brothers are definitely quite the lookers," said various women on the work squad.
Hinata nodded as she smirked lightly," Yes, they are." And she laughed with the women started as they started to giggle to themselves. "You guys, c'mon. You're all married!" She only laughed some more as the women quieted their noise, begging Hinata not to tell their husbands.
--
"Good bye, Miss Hinata. Thank you for helping us," said the volunteers after clean-up was finished.
Hinata bowed back to the volunteers. " My pleasure." Her hairnet was gone and so her hair was now in the high pony tail. Hinata's bangs were pulled back by clips and still wore the black shirt and comfy jeans and old tennis shoes; not bothering to change out of her sweaty clothes. Hinata turned around only to almost bump into a wall.
"Watch where you're going."
Hinata immediately loked up and as she stared into the face of Sasuke, a blush formed. "A-ano…S-sasuke."
"Let's go. Father wants you to leave for home early with me since we have school tomorrow."
Hinata nodded as she looked at the ground, trying to calm her blush. "Okay." Why was she blushing so much when she was around Sasuke?
The footsteps of Sasuke already walking away caught Hinata's attention as she looked up. " W-wait, Sasuke."
Sasuke slowly stopped and turned around, his onyx eyes staring into her white pearl ones. Why did he suddenly feel like he wanted to stare at those eyes? "…Yea?"
Hinata nervously raised the two white grocery bags that had been in her hands as she stared at Sasuke with a blush again. "I-I kept some of the soup that I helped make today. Would you like to try some later?" She hoped he wouldn't decline.
Sasuke couldn't help but smirk as he stared at Hinata with his disbelieving eyes," Tch. You seriously think that I'll try that." He than turned around and started to walk away. You're too pathetic Hinata.
Hinata could feel her heart drop at Sasuke's answer. She knew that trying the soup would be something new for Sasuke since Sasuke often enjoyed dining in expensive restaurants or being served the best meals; however, his answer was cold and harsh. Hinata couldn't help but feel hurt.
Demo….I still want you to accept me, Sasuke.
Hinata sighed as she followed after her brother with quickened steps. She didn't want him to get upset at her again.
Only to have her arms pulled back.
"Huh?" said Hinata as she turned around to face someone. "Oh, Itachi." Her eyes widened as the red eyes of her brother were so fierce and angry but yet he looked as if he was trying to keep the feelings bottled up inside. Hinata only worried more as Itachi than took both of her white grocery bags from her fingers by force with one hand and started to walk ahead and even passed Sasuke.
Sasuke's eyes pricked wide with interest as he watched Itachi place the goods inside the back of the trunk. Sasuke stopped to watch before getting inside the car as Itachi walked back towards Hinata.
"Itachi, what is it-" said Hinata as her arm was suddenly pulled forward as her older brother began to pull at her to walk faster with his other free arm. I guess never mind.
"Walk faster from this time now," said Itachi briskly as he pushed Hinata inside the car. Hinata yelped as she felt the force as her body lay over the seat before adjusting herself.
"Itachi why," said Hinata as she slowly brought herself up. "You seem-"
"Take her home," said Itachi as he turned to stare at Sasuke.
Sasuke stared with a bit of surprise at his brother's action and at the sight Itachi's red eyes flaring with rage as if something had triggered his anger badly. "What the hell is up with you?"
"Father and I will be home later," said Itachi as he walked towards the entrance of the building.
Sasuke stared wildly at his older brother until he disappeared behind the rotating doors of the building.
Only than did that generate the idea in Sasuke's head.
Was it me or…..was he jealous just a moment ago?
Sasuke than quickly turned towards the worried Hinata—whose white eyes never stopped looking at the direction Itachi had taken.
What are you doing to Itachi, Hinata?
Author's Notes: Hey readers, again! did you like it? I hope u guys did, and I hope it wasn't too corny or confusing. But if you have answers feel free to ask. D PLEASE REVIEW::smiley facey::oh. and sorry if there were any grammatical errors. ::sweatdrop::
