Roles

by SasuXSaku Guru

Sasuke is the capable, but cynical heir to Japan's largest hedge fund firm. Despite his ability, his father is far from happy with his extracurriculars, and seeks a solution. In enters Hinata, daughter to a wealthy family steeped in honor and tradition. When a crisis arises she is forced into a world she never wanted a part of. In every family we play our role, for better or worse.

21. Forever

A/N: Alright I won't keep you waiting for the riveting conclusion of Roles!

---

Forever

The obsidian eyed man sat on a barstool at his kitchen counter, staring at his laptop monitor, focused keenly on the growing crimson doji in the last few minutes of the market. What a mess his brother had gotten himself into. He had made a valiant effort defending Konoha's holdings while minimizing the effectiveness of Orochimaru's shell companies assault. But he was stretched too thin to be a match for The Snake.

"Itachi-kun, I'm leaving now~" sang the feminine voice from the front door.

"Forgetting something?" he returned stoically, spotting the small white box on the countertop from the corner of his eye. The sound of her heels approaching was answer enough. "Be careful with Hinata's gift, please."

The cerulean haired woman was dressed in a stunning single shoulder navy gown with an ivory fur stole, as she entered the kitchen and retrieved the sleek white box, she spotted his work and the distinct black flash drive with a crimson cloud etched on it. Konan grabbed the box and laid her arms about his shoulders, her head beside his, "Perhaps I should be the one reminding you to be careful with your brother's gift."

"Hn." was his only response, the exiled Uchiha's finger hovering over the enter key. He understood his lover's meaning well enough. His gift would solve his little brother's problem, but what ripple effect it would have on their lives he could not say, and even he feared the implications. There was no more time for deliberating, lest the day be lost to all, save for the Snake. With a click of a button the program began its initialization, countless lines of code scrolling by in an instant before a prompt appeared in the command console demanding he speak the required phrase.

"Amaterasu."

Silence followed as he watched the last seconds of the market tick away. Suddenly, window after window opened and closed continuously, too quickly for the human eye to possibly track as the program ran. Purchases, sales and transfers happening in an instant, and then...nothing, the monitor returning to a view of the now closed market. Itachi didn't need to watch the waves his intervention undoubtedly caused, closing the laptop and releasing the breath he hadn't known he was holding, turning his head to face her. "Give my brother my regards as well."

---

The wedding attendees murmurs filled the grand hall of the venue, the occasional boisterous bout of laughter reverberating against the elegant stonework. Despite the shaky alliance that had just been sanctified before them, it was just that, shaky, and both families were growing impatient with the newlyweds.

Outside the hall, the blonde wedding assistant was pacing back and forth, her emissaries searching high and low for the couple. Her sharp nails tapped anxiously against her clipboard as she checked her watch for the tenth time.

"Where are those entitled little—!" her voice caught in her throat when the soft sound of someone clearing theirs reached her ears. She spun around quickly, her face redder than the bride's lipstick. "F-forgive me Hyu—err Uchiha-san! Your guests are waiting and ready for you."

"Thank you Yugito-chan. We're ready." Hinata returned, the usually soft spoken woman taking the lead to her husband's surprise. She knew if she let him address the matter he may have a few choice words for her.

Yugito's eyes lit up as the words lifted the weight from her shoulders. Nodding furiously, she approached the closed double doors of the hall and slipped inside without fully opening them. When silence prevailed and all eyes turned to her, she put on her best face before the intimidating gazes of the Hyuugas and Uchihas. A staffer handed her a microphone before disappearing behind the double doors, "Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed families and friends, it is my honor to introduce the bride and groom, Mr. and Mrs. Uchiha!"

The large ensemble band Hanabi had procured began a gentle tune as the other members of staff opened the thick double doors, all in attendance rising to greet the newlyweds. Slowly they entered, hand in hand as the chorus of claps met their ears and flashing cameras threatened to blind them. Hinata was taken aback slightly, though a small squeeze of her hand from the man at her side gave her enough courage to make the journey to the raised dais table between their respective families. It was a new and empowering feeling for Hinata, watching as the family that once spurned her, now waited for her to take her seat before acting themselves.

As the music died down and everyone settled into their seats again, Yugito approached, whispering something in Sasuke's ear before handing him the microphone. Sasuke rose to his feet fighting back the frown he wanted to display for his displeasure at yet another tradition. He took a moment to scan the room, all notable attendees present and accounted for, and none too many with sour looks on their faces. Perhaps his brother had indeed helped avert disaster, that or no one had looked at their phones yet.

"Thank you all for attending our wedding. Hinata and I could not be more grateful." The amplified sound of his stoic voice did him no favors as far as sincerity went, yet he pressed on. "I'd like to thank my father and mother as well, for their guidance in life. I know I've…tested their patience more times than I care to admit."

The soft giggle he heard from his wife and chuckles from a few guests gave his cheeks a smidge of color and made him pause briefly. His gaze turned to his parents off to his right with the rest of his family, though few they were by comparison to Hinata's. Infighting had tore his family apart once, like it had many an uncle or distant cousin, now scattered to the winds. And he too plotted to perpetuate the destructive cycle that scarred each generation.

"Sasuke-kun…?" whispered Hinata when his pause started to become awkward.

His lips parted as he stood at the precipice: war or peace? "...Thank you both, for raising me to be a man worthy of the Uchiha name. And for raising a man worthy of my wife."

The applause he received was reassuring, maybe he'd lowered the bar for Naruto at the very least. Sasuke turned his attention to the beauty who had moved to his side and whose hand had come to rest on his. So, it seemed she was ready to share her own kind words, odd considering she typically was not eager to orate unless in the classroom. Hinata had kept her speech's substance largely to herself, Sasuke having only heard snippets in passing when she practiced in the privacy of their bathroom.

The former heiress grabbed the microphone with both hands as she stared out into the sea of family and friends at their tables, her smile as bright as a camera flash.

"My husband flatters me." She began, her gaze falling to the dark haired man at her side, his own smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "But he's never needed to prove his worth to me, nor I to him. Trust was all our love needed."

Sasuke could see the lone tear that escaped its prison and slid down her rosy cheeks. Acting quickly, he retrieved a tissue from the box Yugito had strategically placed on their table and dabbed the errant tear. Succinctly summarizing a relationship was no easy feat, and their tale was more complex and painful than most. He could hear it in her voice, see it in the way she clutched the microphone, yet she continued with a smile.

"Trust—like love, is patience. It is kindness and understanding." Hinata's voice quivered slightly as she turned her attention to her lengthy family at her left, her eyes locking with her father and sister. "It has brought me closer to my family, and they closer to me, even as I shed my surname for my husband's."

"Thank you father, for setting me on this path." she gestured curtly with her head towards Sasuke, a cute giggle passing her lips, "A difficult one too, by my sister's estimation."

A more robust round of laughter broke out for her quip than for Sasuke's, perhaps he shouldn't have winged it. When the laughter and Hanabi's blush died down, Hinata continued, "But just as Sasuke and I have grown, endured, and healed together, I hope that our families may do the same one day."

"In my healing, I've attracted someone who is conscious, deep, passionate, and sensitive. Someone who makes me believe in myself." When the tears began to flow more freely, Sasuke played the role of dutiful husband and tended to them as best he could, but her words were tugging at even his own heartstrings. When she shook her head and faced him, he could see all that they had endured flashing in her eyes. The lies, the secrets, the distrust, the pain, all replaced by the love that they had fought for, and won. "For this, I am eternally grateful."

The sound of clapping filled the grand hall as their families and friends rose to their feet, but Hinata may as well have been deaf in the moment, supremely focused on the man before her and her future with him. The former heiress tilted her head towards him as they whispered sweet nothings to one another and locked lips.

---

Anxious. Angry. Scared. Only one was a typical emotion for the redhead as she endlessly bounced the heel of her foot against the carpet of her employers office, if you could call it that. The dimly lit space was alive with the bustle of Orochimaru's traders barely an hour ago, the mood lively as if some great victory had been won, but that was fleeting. Catastrophic panic swept through like a tidal wave, smothering whatever victory they thought had been won.

Tayuya checked her disposable phone as she had been doing all day, waiting for Sasuke's cue or the executioner's ax to end her betrayal before it truly began. Though neither came. As she checked the market, she squinted to make sense of the volatile day. She was no trader or analyst, an information broker on a good day, but even she knew red was bad and green was good. Depending on what side she picked, she supposed.

"What the hell have you done Uchiha?" she whispered to herself as she tried to make sense of who had won Sasuke and the Snake's financial duel.

"Oi, Tayuya." called a voice from behind, jolting her into an upright position and spinning around quickly in her chair, a scowl ready for however decided to sneak up on her. Much to her displeasure, it was Sakon and Ukon "Surprised to find you at your desk."

" W-what's it to you two? You twin fucks!" she snapped, baring her teeth for good measure, not that it had much effect on them, verbal abuse was her love language.

"She's too thick to see our jobs done here. No matter, we'll hit the bar without her." droned the other half of the identical duo. "Grab Kidoumaru and Jirobo and split before Orochimaru-sama blows another gasket."

"Ne ne, I think I wanna stick around for when he tears Tayuya a new asshole for this fuck up." jeered Sakon as he gestured to the madness around them. "You took point on his little Konoha Crush project, yeah?"

"Tch! I followed my fucking orders!" she spat, rising from her seat and slamming her first against the cheap wood. She could see which way the winds were blowing, and she'd be damned if she betrayed her employer for nothing. She had come this far, forsaking what little morals she had for Sasuke, for Kin, for freedom. "This is his failure, not mine!"

The twins exchanged confused looks at their comrades' heated declaration. When neither responded, Tayuya rose and grabbed both their arms, beginning to drag them through the office bullpen. "Hey, what gives!?"

"Need a smoke…on the roof." she responded darkly, the stiffening of her prisoners proving they caught her meaning all too well. The walls had ears and the foul deeds they kept from their employer were best left between them and only them. Side businesses, vendettas, marks, and the like being the typical water cooler talk.

The trio ascended through the building via a set of service stairs; no cameras this way. When they reached the top, Tayuya shouldered her way through the door, a thick gust of wind sending her hair and blazer into a frenzy.

"Did you hear something?" questioned Jirobo, craning his head off in the direction of the sound.

"Eh? Whoever the fucks over there leave now or—" Kidoumaru called, stopping mid way when he caught the sight of crimson hair and grim faces rounding the corner. "Shit…what now?"

"That's what we're trying to figure out." sneered Ukon, lazily propping himself up against a wall.

"Tayuya seems to think the old man is to blame for her failure." surmised Sakon, mimicking his twin brother's actions. He retrieved a smoke from his pocket and placed it in his mouth. "Thinks it's his head that should roll."

"Fucking idiot, can't you see?" she scoffed returning the hard stares her would-be compatriots sent her as she attempted to plead her case. "He thought he won—we won, but then it all went to shit, a-and not because of me!"

"But treason…?" questioned Jirobo, a frown growing at the thought of what "discipline" such an offense Orochimaru would deem appropriate.

"This is survival, not ambition." she returned, her heart rate evening out as everyone's demeanor softened slightly. When Tayuya pulled a cigarette from her case, she was still shaking somewhat. Survival, it was the reason they worked for the man in the first place and a language they all understood. "Be it by Konoha's hand, or the Uchiha and his bride's, Orochimaru has failed. Where does that leave us?"

"A coup then?" asked Sakon, though it was rhetorical, just a formality really. When he approached the redhead and offered his lighter, her eyes widened slightly as the flame lit the stick. "Suppose if one of our heads is on the chopping block, all of ours are."

"Crazy bastards, think we can just waltz in and take over?" chided Kidomaru with a snort. "Even if we oust Orochimaru, what's to stop him from just taking back the business?"

"I suppose Tayuya-chan's backer will see that that doesn't happen." The sound of the new voice snapped everyone's head to the intruder. There stood their employer's white haired protégé. "As of a few minutes ago all assets have been liquidated, it won't be long before they're burned through as well."

"Here to turn us in for treason all the same?" questioned Ukon, shifting into an upright position at the newcomers arrival. Kabuto was Orochimaru's right hand in any and all matters, maybe he felt the headsman's ax inch closer in light of the day's events as well.

"The opposite. Oto is functionally dead, I'd like to see what comes next." he stated matter-a-factly, adjusting his spectacles with a grin. "I can be of use in your next—!

"No chance, Kabuto." shot Tayuya, a hard look on her face as the man feigned offense. The man was an opportunist to be sure, and that made him far from trustworthy. "New management means new management."

When he attempted to plead his case, the redhead silenced him with a poof of smoke blown in his face. Not willing to risk Kabuto ruining what little plan they had, the usurpers made their exit, stomping on the remains of their cigarettes, not so different from what they were about to do to their former employer. Tayuya lingered, taking one last long drag as the rest filed out. When she moved for the door Kabuto caught her arm, a menacing look on his face, devoid of the hurt she'd seen prior. "You think Sasuke can protect you from him? From what comes next?"

If only for a moment, she saw the normally soft spoken yes man in a different light. Did he know? Was it just a bluff to see her reaction? He had an aura as wicked as Orochimaru's, enough to send a shiver down her spine, but she didn't falter. She tore her arm away and stood toe-to-toe with the man, no more than a hair away from his face. Maybe presenting his bloodied face to Orochimaru would make her intentions clear. But a few choice words would suffice, "You, or your dickless boyfriend even think of trying it, and I'll have both your guts for garters."

She gave the man a shove for good measure before leaving him alone on the rooftop. By the time she made it back to the bullpen, all of Orochimaru's traders and analysts had left, leaving only her four supporters. All of their eyes fell to her as she approached, squared shoulders and balled fists. They all fell in line when her stride remained.

"So, guessing the plan is to drag the snake from its den and take over?" surmised Kidomaru, his hands lazily intertwined behind his head.

"Shock." responded Sakon, a grin growing on his face as he turned to his older brother.

"And awe." returned Ukon, cracking his knuckles with a matching smirk.

"He may be expecting us." toned the giant, none to Tayuya's liking judging from the glare she shot back at him.

Now they stood before the Snakes door, Tayuya's hand growing clammy as it rested on the smooth metal knob. Now was not the time to get cold feet. Whether it was Sasuke who created this opportunity or not, it was her only shot at freedom. Gritting her teeth in defiance of her rebellious neurons, she released the handle.

"Fuck it." she whispered to no one, as she balled her fists, backing up slightly and breaching the door with a powerful kick to the lockset. The door jamb splinted under the force as it gave way, only to reveal an empty office. "What the…"

"Must've cut and run. Coward." spat Sakon, entering to better explore.

"Bummer, ne?" mused Kidoumaru, his nimble fingers gliding over the many books lined on the shelf.

"How anticlimactic." droned Ukon as he unceremoniously plopped onto the couch in the corner, his displeasure shared amongst his comrades, for the most part.

Tayuya was just relieved. As much as she would have liked to stick it to the snake bastard one last time, she'd much rather enjoy a bloodless victory. The redhead swiped what papers Orochimaru had left behind from his desk onto the floor before taking his seat and kicking her feet up, sighing in relief. Today they had won, but if Kabutos threat had any credibility, the victory would be fleeting.

"To think I expected the old man to put up a fight." Sakon took a seat atop the solid wood desk, peering over his shoulder at Tayuya, "So, like we were saying earlier. Bar?"

---

Sasuke winced as Hinata pinched his thigh underneath the table. They must have been on the third speech from an uncle or aunt of Hinata's when he started dozing off. The days eventfulness had sapped much of his mental energy, at this rate he doubted he'd have the stamina to consummate his marriage tonight.

Even so, Sasuke clapped just like everyone else as Hinata's aunt Sana finished praising her niece, or maybe it was her aunt Rana? It didn't matter, once one speech was done another guest was reaching for the microphone. The Uchihas ears perked up when he heard the nervous chuckle of his best man through the microphone. He glanced worriedly over at his wife, she was all smiles however.

"Hi everyone hehe…for those that don't know me, I'm Naruto and I… drumroll please." The blond gestured towards the band much to Sasuke's chagrin as he already knew what was coming once they obliged him. "I'm Sasuke's oldest and best friend!"

"Tch!" Sasuke couldn't help but cover his face in embarrassment as the hall fell silent, robbing Naruto of his applause.

"B-but I'm not only his friend and best man, I've also known Hinata-chan just as long." The peace officer could feel the sweat began beading on his brow. Tough crowd. Nervously he fumbled with a cocktail napkin; Sasuke could've sworn he spotted words on said napkin. Thankfully he had good enough sense to crumple it and abandon whatever he had planned, "To be honest, they're two of my best friends."

"And even though we came from different walks of life, they never looked down on me because of it." Sasuke couldn't help but frown slightly at his friends' less than accurate words. Their friendship had been rife with conflict and not simply because of class. Though, it was sweet of him to lie nonetheless. "Hell, I probably would have failed every one of my written exams if it wasn't for Sasuke. All those late nights studying at Ichiraku…"

"And Hinata-chan, she was always there when we were kids—with a kind word or a smile, or a sweet." Naruto's confidence grew when he finally earned a few chuckles from his audience. "I never thought in a million years they'd tie the knot. Then again, I never thought I'd see Sasuke smile either!"

Now the crowd was on his side, at least the Hyuuga side and their friends, as they let loose a more lively bout of laughter. Thankfully the joyous sound seemed less at Sasuke's expense than normal, perhaps his in-laws were warming up to him as well. Not even his sister-in-law's speech could humanize him to her family, despite her not so lighthearted barbs. His embarrassment subsiding, Sasuke watched as his best man approached the dais for his closing statement. "But I'm glad he has someone who truly makes him happy, someone that can see past the sour puss and reach the stubborn softy inside. Hinata-chan! You did it! Congratulations you two!"

Thunderous clapping drowned out any other sounds as Hinata left her seat and approached the edge of the stage, carefully kneeling as her gown pooled around her. She always thought—dreamt even, that it would be him she wed, in a venue like this, on a day like this, and yet even as she stared into the aqua eyes of the husband she had dreamed of, she felt no regret. Her dainty hands grabbed his face as she silently bid farewell to her childhood crush one final time, leaning in and planting a kiss on his forehead. "Thank you, Naruto-kun."

With the speeches done, the alcohol began to flow, countless waiters and waitresses weaving between tables distributing sparkling sake. The young couple exchanged their silent toast to one another with a clink of their glasses, their guests following suit. Sasuke's lips twisted at the sweet effervescence of the beverage, vaguely remembering instructing Yugito to serve something dry. Nonetheless, he was grateful for refreshment, as was Suigetsu, who appeared to begin badgering the waitstaff for more.

"Excuse me everyone, can I have your attention please?" the blonde wedding assistant's voice drawing everyone's attention to the center of the grand hall. "At this time I would like to invite the bride and groom to the dancefloor for their first dance as Mr. And Mrs. Uchiha."

Hinata could see the color run from her husband's face at the invitation, he seemed to think he would be able to circumvent this one thing. Despite exuding utter perfection on the outside, Sasuke was very unpolished as far as dancing.

The onlookers clapped and cheered for the couple as Hinata practically pulled her husband to the dancefloor. She wrapped her arms around Sasuke's neck, and he held her hips firmly as the band began playing, "Just like we rehearsed, Sasuke-kun."

Sasuke did his best to keep rhythm with the tune and recall the steps to their waltz, having two left feet by his own admission. But the shine in her eyes made it all worth it. When she rested her head on his chest and listened to his heartbeat, the claps, cheers, music and all ceased to exist.

"Is it everything you wished for?" he asked in the sanctuary of their closeness, his brow furrowing in concentration.

"And more." she returned, peering up at him as they stepped, spun, and pivoted in tandem, Sasuke having only grazed her foot once so far. "Ano…I am a bit hungry."

Sasuke chuckled softly in response, her ringed hand finding its way to his face, thumb delicately stroking his slightly reddened cheek. She delved into his endless pools, as she would for a lifetime in search of his mysteries, but there was one she needed answered by him in the moment, "Are you happy, Sasuke-kun?"

Her inquiry would normally have given him pause, forced him to take stock and weigh every factor. But he didn't need to, not anymore, and not with her. The answer was in his heart—not his head, and for once he knew the difference. It was she who stumbled slightly, falling deeper into his arms, but only because of the sight before her. A smile unlike any she'd ever seen from him, "I'm happy."

The music swelled, pulling the couple from their dreamland in time to see that they were being joined by their guests. Mikoto had been the first, surely having dragged Fugaku to the dancefloor judging from her smile and his frown. Hinata watched from the corner of her eye as Hanabi made her way from their families long table and down towards Sarutobi's table. The former heiress was surprised when her sister began pulling Konohamaru. Even Sasuke took notice as they fumbled awkwardly with where to put their hands, smirking when both parties would occasionally glance at the Hyuuga patriarch or Hiruzen to confirm they hadn't overstepped. How cute.

Though it didn't take long for the gentle waltz music to grow stale for the twenty-one year old. Silently, Hanabi signaled to the band to play something more youthful. Gladly, the singer rallied her bandmates as they began transitioning to something more lively, her subtle vocal warmup melding with the deep reverberation of the bass, dreamy keyboard chord, and twang of the jazz guitar.

The sun will rise and we′ll bid farewell to forever

All our happiness will only be a dream

Oh darling won't you stay with me

Cause all these seasons aren′t the same without you

In the darkest times you'd always light the way

So darling won't you stay

Sasuke could see Hinata's ears practically perk up at the familiar tune, so did the rest of their friends seeing as how they had suddenly flooded the dancefloor and surrounded them. When the drums and saxophone trio kicked in, pandemonium broke loose. Hands reaching for the heavens as legs flailed below to the catchy song. Even the opal eyed heiresses had dropped their regal facades to enjoy the festivities in full.

Flowers start to dance

Welcoming the spring time

The fields, endless

The summer's bringing on the sunshine

Dazzling moonlight

Just wishing you were here this autumn night

Should winter arrive

I'll still be waiting for a sign

The young executive let his wife lead their dance, holding her hands at arms length as they spun around, she was nothing but smiles and giggles, twirling in and out of his arms. He'd never known she was so light on her feet, especially in heels. Sasuke couldn't help his own feet from moving as well, though he was a markedly worse dancer than his friends, save for Rock Lee—whom he couldn't remember inviting, but not even he could deny the infectiousness of the youthful energy. It wasn't long before they were separated amongst the throng of guests, Sasuke finding himself transported by the many well wishers towards the edges of the dancefloor.

"Congratulations are in order, Sasuke. Your wife looks happy." The monotone voice from behind drew his attention quickly, coming face to face with his impassive business associate, "Happy wife, happy life. Is that what they say?"

"Gaara. Glad you could make it." returned the Uchiha, running a hand through his undoubtedly disheveled hair. "I trust you're enjoying yourself?"

"Quite." He answered simply, though not even Sasuke could tell if it were true or not behind that thousand yard stare. "But I won't keep you, I suppose we'll see each other again after your honeymoon. We have business to attend to after all."

"I look forward to it." A lie to be sure, he had little incentive to switch his priorities back to business, not when he would rather be with his wife. Bowing farewell as they separated, Sasuke could feel a heavy hand come to rest on his shoulder.

"Otousan." Just as his father had promised, the time for their "chat" had come. Sasuke stood firm however, turning to face whatever admonishing the Uchiha patriarch had devised.

"Musuko." The term of endearment stunning the young Uchiha as did the lack of a frown on his father's face. He hadn't heard his father call him that in a long time, the simple title meaning far more than an affirmation of his birth. Pride. The same he'd had for Itachi as his heir, and now Sasuke could tell he was on the cusp. "We have much to discuss."

"Your mother, in her infinite wisdom, has suggested I consider looking to the future." He began, clearly somewhat begrudgingly. "While I have my reservations as to how I should spend what your mother calls our "twilight years", I have no doubt where the future lies."

"I understand." Sasuke answered, or so he supposed, unable to decipher if the words reached him any better than they did his own ears. "I won't fail you."

"Hn. Your brother…" there was an underlying pain in his voice that not even Fugaku the Fearless could hide. He kept his personal feelings on the matter hidden, perhaps even from his wife, but this was different, "He promised the same. But you aren't him, and it isn't me or your mother you should fear failing."

Fugaku grabbed his son's shoulders and positioned him to look out onto the dancefloor, gesturing to the center of attention. "Do not fail her, or the family you two will build."

"Of course, the contract…" it seemed like a lifetime ago both he and Hinata signed the document in Hiashi's study. Obviously the last thing he wanted to talk about with his father was having children with his wife, the birds and the bees had been traumatic enough. "I know my duty."

"As you've said. However, there is one thing you can tell me." Fugaku watched his son from the corner of his eye as they gazed out at the dancing people, shadows shifting under the camera flashes and lights from the stage. His son had indeed grown for the better, but there wasn't an Uchiha alive without ambition, no matter what was accomplished, acquired, or achieved. "You mentioned the enemies within…who are they?"

Sasuke kept his gaze fixated on the dancefloor and did his best to not react to the question. It was his fault, throwing a flippant line that could spell disaster for him. Orochimaru's machinations had thrown him off, frustrated him enough to allude to his father's own transgressions and now… "I know that—"

As Sasuke opened his mouth to respond his mother and Hinata emerged from the crowd smiling and laughing. Perhaps it was for the best; this was to be a day about love and the union fostered between the families, not vengeance.

"Fugaku-san, sorry if I'm interrupting." she bowed as lowly as her dress allowed, unsure as to how her father-in-law would respond. He was a hard man like her own father and twice as difficult to read, but she was near fluent in Uchiha body language by now. The conversation appeared tense, despite lacking hardened looks or domineering posturing; she'd seen flashes of such a thing when Sasuke had reunited with his brother. Hopefully this ended as amicably as that meeting had.

"Think nothing of it, Hinata. I was just giving my son some final life lessons. He's to be his own man now." he returned stoically, offering a curt nod of acknowledgement to his daughter-in-law.

Fugaku had heard the rumblings of her quick ascension to Sarutobi's advisory board, but believed it to be no more than his son's machinations. Though it seemed there was ambition behind the demure princess, given the tension the paparazzi and his own sources seemed to glimpse on occasion between the young couple. He was wise enough to know every couple had their spats, but not every couple had them because they were at odds professionally.

She was meant to temper Sasuke's fire, direct the forged steel to defend the Uchiha name and their family's future. But he had underestimated her, just as Hiashi and others had. And now she wielded that blade alongside his son. A terrifying duo of Hiashi and his own design, one that could usher in a new era, or tear both families asunder.

Mikoto leaned in and whispered something in her husband's ear, whatever it was, was enough to make him forget about his son. "Ahem, yes well we'll leave you two to mingle with the guests. Welcome to the family, Hinata."

"Arigatou, Fugaku-san." pristine etiquette on display as always, though largely wasted on the man being dragged off by his wife. When she turned her attention to her own man, she had a tough time reading him, "Is everything alright, Sasuke-kun?"

"Hn." He answered simply with a nod before turning back to her, his mind still trying to decipher if his father knew that he'd been in close contact with the exiled Uchiha. "Having fun?"

"Of course! But come, you have to see!" she urged, grabbing his hand and pulling him around the hall towards the opposite edge of the dancefloor. "Kurenai-sensei had her baby!"

Sasuke could only blink as they came to a stop in front of the newborns parents, fussing with this, that, and the other incessantly. The child favored its mother, inky black tufts of hair and deep crimson eyes. It didn't take much for Hinata to forget him and begin fawning over the baby.

"Congratulations are in order, eh Sasuke?" greeted the bearded man with an outstretched hand and a smile. When Sasuke accepted, he wasn't expecting to be pulled into a bear hug by the burly man. As he embraced the startled Uchiha, he spoke into his ear, "Guess you'll be getting yourself one of these soon, huh?"

Sasuke could only blush as they released one another before noticing all eyes were on him, even the infants. The Uchiha had no experience with children as an adult and he wasn't particularly adept at making friends when he was a child himself either. Tentatively, he approached and peered down at the tiny human, offering a lone finger, though to little effect as the baby simply stared.

"Can I hold her, Kurenai-sensei?" asked Hinata, giving her mentor her best doe-eyed princess look for good measure. Carefully, the professor transferred the bundle from her arms to the former heiress', soothing the child's coos with gentle sounds. Hinata looked to be a natural, judging from the way the child relaxed in the tender swaying of her arms. "Kawaii…what's her name?"

"Sarutobi Mirai." proclaimed Asuma proudly with a grin on his face. The man had dedicated his life to law enforcement, yet this seemed to be his crowning achievement. Sasuke watched as his wife played with the newborns' tiny digits, a smile that rivaled the happiness she had at the ceremony firmly fixed on her face. "Children. They really are the future."

"Do you want to hold Mirai-chan, Sasuke-kun?" when she turned to him with the bundle of joy, he blanched. What if it didn't like him and started crying? What if it threw up on his suit? When she spotted his apprehension, she stepped closer in front of him and helped coach him on how to not drop the baby. "See, it's easy. She's just a baby and won't bite."

"It's not her bite I'm concerned with." he mumbled with heated cheeks as he tried mimicking Hinata's soothing actions. The babe cooed and gurgled, sounds Sasuke could only take as enjoyment. When Sasuke leaned closer to Murai's cherubic face, she reached for his nose, tiny fingers grazing the tip with a giggle.

"Looks like you're a natural, Sasuke." chuckled Kurenai, catching the twinkle in her mentees eyes as she watched her husband with the baby. She had come a long way from her stutter and nervous ticks, standing before friends, family, and strangers alike without batting an eye, even as the cameras flashed near nonstop. Uchiha Hinata was an entirely different creature than she knew. "Suppose it's never too early to practice for your own."

At this, the young couple blushed madly, briefly exchanging knowing looks. They technically had tried starting a family, albeit done while wrapped in the heat of the moment.

Hinata could feel the fine hairs on her neck stand at attention, catching the sight of her father approaching in her peripheral. A product of her own conditioning, one she wished to be rid of, just as her father had promised to atone for his instilling of such a reaction. She was the first to regard him, her husband too busy trying to figure out what baby's enjoyed to notice his arrival. "Otousan."

As she bowed, she could tell they were still on awkward footing with regards to their relationship, her father hesitant as to how he should address her, she belonged to another family after all. Even so, he returned the gesture; Sasuke might have dropped the baby, had he seen it. "That was a lovely speech, Hinata."

"Thank you, I only spoke from my heart." she replied bashfully, unaccustomed to praise from him. her opal eyes darting to her husband briefly, now having finally relinquished hold of Mirai and noticed the visitor. The Hyuugas relationship may be on the mend, but Sasuke had never reconciled with her father, ever since the contract signing. Tension at the rehearsal, tension at the rehearsal dinner; thereafter not-so-affectionately whispered as "The Dinner" by those who attended. "A-are you enjoying yourself?"

"Very much so." he replied stoically, his mask firmly in place and his eyes now transfixed on the young man beside his daughter. "Hard to believe you planned this yourself, Sasuke. Things must be slow at Tomoe."

The Uchiha wanted to scoff, the man had some nerve. And to think it was all because of a minor indiscretion at a silly dinner. Nevertheless, Sasuke was outnumbered at his own wedding, so he'd take the more measured approach, "You know me Hiashi, I like a challenge."

An otherwise innocuous rebuttal, had he not wrapped an arm around his wife's waist at that very moment. Measured, yet just on brand enough to deepen his father-in-law's frown. Though the triumphant moment, if you could call it that, was short lived. Sasuke could feel the anger radiating off of her in waves, yet she calmly removed herself from his hold and looked up at him with a sweet, but threatening smile, "Sasuke-kun, is there something you'd like to say to my father?"

"Shit", he thought inwardly, feeling his blood run cold at the look on his wifes face. She has been livid that night, demanding he make amends to her father, though she never said how, or when. He could only suppose the debt was due. "Y-yes, of course."

"I'll give you two some time to talk." she added, offering her father a kiss on his cheek as she departed. Sasuke couldn't help but frown at the sight. He knew goading the man was wrong, even worse using her like a prop to do so as well. But did she need to make now the time he repent?

"Hiashi-san, about that night…I was to blame for–"

"As much as I enjoy this attempt at an apology, it's best we not discuss that evening." the Hyuuga elder stared down his son-in-law, both men with slightly reddened cheeks and pursed lips. "You're both young, and my daughter is a beautiful woman. I'd be a fool to think that–what am I saying?"

Not even Hiashi could stomach his polite lie. She was his daughter. She would always be his daughter, even if she no longer bore his surname. This man was her husband now, and he had dared to disrespect her once in his presence, there would not be a second time. It behooved Hiashi to make sure Sasuke knew to treat her with all the respect and reverence his first born deserved.

He carefully pulled his son-in-law aside and away from prying ears, "Do not ever treat my daughter like a plaything, or with anything less than the respect she is due, again. I will forgive the incident as just that."

Sasuke's blood was boiling at the hypocrisy of the Hyuuga patriarch. He had offered his daughter to him on a platter, and he had added the "In Perpetuity" clause to their marriage contract–fought for it even. Yet here he was, lecturing him on how to "respect" his wife. If he only knew the truth of that night.

"But know this, she…" the stone-faced man paused briefly as he glimpsed the infant and her parents at a table not far off. For a time, that was him and his wife. Blissfully in a state of euphoria at the new life they had created; a new future. In them he saw his daughter and Sasuke as well, that would be them one day. One day too soon if the Uchiha continued his antics, but even so, he could not rightfully admonish him. But the thought of–

"She is more than the contract stipulates, to me, Hiashi-san." if they were meant to settle their animus once and for all, Sasuke would start at its root. He had seen but a glimpse of the oppressiveness of his father-in-law's rule, it's what made him and his wife kindred spirits in a way, that upbringing. She was Uchiha Hinata, and would never suffer through it again, not even from a distance, "Rest assured, it is her I've pledged myself to, not base desire, or future progeny."

Hiashi often struggled with the Uchiha's as a whole, that Kyoto dialect of theirs, indirect and polite. Though his family's words were often coated in ulterior motives as well, yet he had none. He spoke as if he truly had a stake in something for once, and not for financial gain at that. "That is…good to hear."

Hiashi could not deny that his eldest, though estranged, was happy with the man. It gripped his heart to think how little he considered such a thing when drafting the contract that now bound their two families. The joy she found was an unintended consequence, and hard won at that. He would lay no claim to bringing about her happiness, but he would at the very least acknowledge she had found it, despite him, and not in spite of him.

"Perhaps in time, you'll reconsider the contract, Otousan." the smirk the Uchiha produced was not lost on the older man, his lips curling in the opposite direction.

"Don't push it, Sasuke."

The two men's heads snapped towards the throng of people on the dancefloor, reacting to the gasps of surprise as the music suddenly ceased. Hinata was the first to spring into action, swiftly making her way towards the great hall's center and the source of the sound, while Sasuke made his way to join her, no more than a step or two behind his wife.

"Y-y-y-you're—!" Hanabi's jaw dropped to the floor, her brain freezing at the astonishing sight before her. When her sister brushed past and greeted the new arrival as if they were old friends with casual bows, she couldn't help but wonder who Hinata truly was, or who she had become.

"Konan-chan, what a surprise!" the bride made sure to smile through her shock, just as Sasuke decided to stow the line of inquiry he surely had.

"So sorry for showing up like this, but I couldn't drop your wedding gift off without seeing you my dear." She explained, holding the younger woman's hands as she looked her up and down, "You're a vision, Hinata-chan. Positively glowing. You'll put me out of business I swear!"

"You flatter me, ano…will you be staying for the festivities–my sister would love to meet you." The newest Uchiha was sure her sister was still star-stuck somewhere nearby.

"I couldn't possibly make more of a spectacle of myself on your special day." Sasuke watched her closely as she pulled his wife into a hug, her eyes meeting his briefly as she smirked. "Nor would I deny your husband his wife."

As she moved to make her exit, Sasuke stepped forward, a false smile of his own on display, "A shame you won't be staying. Allow me to walk you out, at least."

The Uchiha offered his arm before she could refuse, knowing exactly how such a thing would look if she declined before all of their guests. He noted the tiny change in her demeanor before she gracefully accepted and they left the hall. She was on her best behavior for the gawkers watching their backs. The silence that followed was short lived, there were too many questions for him to delay.

"What has my brother done?" he spoke firmly, his eyes remaining straight ahead once out of earshot.

"How will this look, Sasuke-kun? Leaving your own wedding with another—"

"Spare me the act, I've had enough falseness for one day." He interjected as they approached the front door. "Tell me what he's done."

"He's done what Uchihas have done for generations. Protect their loved ones, no matter the cost." her cool response gave him pause. There was something about her that didn't scream supermodel, at least not like the ones he knew. She had an air of mystery about her—an allure, that she knew more than anyone in the room, including him. "You'll find a way to make it up to him, in time."

"The cost…?" Sasuke knew she would give no answers but he could at least gauge her reaction. However, it seemed she played poker with the best of them, only her sharp amber eyes flickering to his own in annoyance.

"To think the younger brother is the more serious one." She mused with a sigh as she released his arm. Quickly scanning her surroundings, she leaned in close and whispered in his ear, "Enjoy this victory with your bride, Sasuke. The sun rises for you still."

As his mind raced to draw sense from her words like a mystical cosmic riddle, she slipped away. She and his brother were soulmates in that regard at the very least. And still he felt like a pawn in their presence, as if they pulled an untold number of strings from the ether like the very gods he'd sanctified his marriage before. A terrifying thought, for those they counted among their enemies, Sasuke supposed.

"Anata? Is everything alright?" the soft voice registering in his brain as his wife, he couldn't help but smirk when his eyes confirmed much the same.

Everything was alright, and it was the oddest sense to the vigilant Uchiha. The ever present uneasiness of his life fading into the periphery in her presence. "Hn. Everything is fine."

Her eyes widened slightly at the lightness of his response. His demeanor had been subdued since the reception began, but still taut enough to pounce, just as he had with Konan. And yet, he appeared a man totally unburdened now.

Even as the words left her mouth she knew she asked more than she let on. She asked if the sun would rise for them come morning, or if they had enjoyed the last day of their soft lives, and began hardships anew tomorrow. And now she knew.

Wordlessly, she embraced him. The couple released a collective sigh before breathing their first breath of freedom together. Freedom from the machinations that had imprisoned and plagued them—now free to live, to love.

They stayed together for as long as they needed to let it all sink in, savoring the peaceful moment. Hinata was the first to leave the embrace, taking one of his hands in hers as she began pulling him back to the party. When he proved to be less cooperative, she flashed a quizzical look behind her. "Come Sasuke-kun, they're serving the food soon. And the cake!"

When her culinary enticing did little for his mobility, the heiress turned to fully face him, only to be pulled back into his arms again. Hinata stared up into his eyes, her blush growing at their closeness. Even in marriage, she couldn't help but swoon when he looked at her like that. "S-Sasuke-kun?"

"One more minute. Just us." he spoke softly, tucking errant strands of blue-black hair behind her ear. The young Uchihas fingers tracing the deepening color of her cheeks.

"We have a lifetime of moments together ahead of us, anata." she returned, leaning into the warmth of his palm with a smile. Despite her rebuttal, she obliged him all the same, finding comfort in his arms as well; the band's tune was dull in the distance as she listened to his heartbeat "A few more hours and…"

"Just us."

---

Another cold night alone. Kin rubbed the length of her bare arms as a shiver ran down her spine. At first she figured Tayuya had neglected to pay the heating bill, but no matter the temperature, she had perpetual chills, nausea, itching, and aches—not to mention sweating through clothes at a rate that would put any professional athlete to shame. It was just as Hinata had said it would be.

Discontinuance effects, is what her would-be therapist called it. Kin couldn't help but scoff at the notion. It was just a thousand yen word for telling a junkie they'd experience withdrawal. She was no stranger to the feeling, albeit for shorter, less intense bouts than this, but it made it no less uncomfortable. It was nights like these, where she made the couch her bed out of fatigue, that she struggled not to give in. She couldn't quit, not when Tayuya refused to take the easy route, not when Sasuke and Hinata continued the fight from their ivory tower. But what good was she in this battle of titans?

So she laid there, every cell in her body rebelling for withholding what it craved for yet another night. The dark haired woman turned on her side to stare at something other than the ceiling, her eyes falling to the only weapon she had in her fight against herself. The black and gray lacquered beast she had affectionately named Senbon, lay battered just like its owner against the coffee table. Like Frankenstein's monster, the guitar was a haphazard of staples and duct tape, and through it all, it lived.

Kin would never make it to the amp, not in her state, content to drag the instrument onto the couch with her to be her sleeping companion, if she could even accomplish such rest. Idly her calloused fingers swept over the cords, a dull twang and reverb her only reply from the weary instrument.

"This endless night…This funeral dirge…" she sang weakly, her unpowered guitar matching her low energy as she strummed searching for a decent sound. Growing frustrated by her own efforts, she forced herself upright, gliding her fingers over the thin strings with purpose. "We celebrate life…at the end of the earth"

The cynic inside scoffed at her lyrics and almost convinced Kin that her wailing into the night was futile, but still she pressed on. The volume of her voice picked up as her fingers breathed life into Senbon. She didn't know where the words came from, but they invigorated her and her stalwart companion all the same, "When everything is gone, there'll be nothing left to lose."

The aches grew and her fingers began to cramp, her body reaffirming her folly as sweat began dotting her forehead. "The light will falter and will fade…and in the darkness we'll say…"

Though despite her morose singing, she found herself smiling. The world may very well have ended outside the apartment's four walls, and she would be none the wiser. And if so, she welcomed it. Because she had survived worse and would continue doing so, be it for the friends she'd buried, or the future Tayuya wished for her. "This winter hasn't been so rough…oh, it was cold, but still it wasn't cold enough"

Not knowing where the strength or energy came from, Kin rose to her feet with such vigor, even Senbon released an energized rumble at its owner's enthusiasm. The dark haired songstress grit her teeth in the dim apartment as sweat began beading down her cheek and her fingers started to fail, "To freeze the blood beneath my spine…And at least I survived"

The strength she found was fleeting however, fatigue and nausea rearing their heads again, it was enough to force her back down onto the couch, panting and smiling. Kin clutched her guitar tightly to her chest, laughing as she affectionately stroked its wooden neck, "We've had some dark days, old girl."

Just as her nervous system began to settle, the front door burst open to reveal her heavily inebriated sometimes-roommate. Had she not expelled the last of her energy she would have shot up at attention immediately, but just couldn't. "Ding dong, that snake bastard is dead!"

"W-what?" she questioned weakly, the shocking news enough to make her sit upright despite her roiling stomach. She watched as the manic redhead bounced around the apartment, laughing all the way to the kitchen, where she started pouring herself a heavy handed drink. "He-he's dead?"

''Well, figuratively. He ran like a coward, so he's gone, and Oto is ours!" The triumphant elation of the corporate spy was infectious, even the sickly Kin cracked a smile, strumming furiously when she knew her voice wouldn't be enough to express her joy. It was over, the nightmare had ended and they could live true and free. And it seemed Tayuya's first and last order of business was getting annihilated, judging by how quickly she gulped down her last beverage and began pouring a new one. "The Uchiha fucking did it! Whatever it was, it worked!"

When the dizzying speed of her drunken ranting slowed and eventually came to a pause, Kin noticed something was amiss. Using her diminished strength, the woman crossed the short distance to the kitchen. It was then she saw her companion's face had gone from a drunken blush to a sickly green. A few seconds later she had her head downcast in the sink, retching. Luckily for her, Kin was there to hold her hair back.

"Lightweight." she jeered playfully, ignoring the death glare Tayuya shot back before beginning her vomiting anew. But the smell of bile was getting to her now. Before long she too began heaving, trying to shoulder her way into the sink to no avail. Thinking quickly, she used the nearby waste bin in its stead.

"Tch! Now that's karma fo—blegh!'' Before she could finish her own teasing, the retching started again. Eventually, there was nothing left to remove from their stomachs, and they sat on the cool tile, laughing, of all things. "We're two miserable bitches, ne Kin?"

"I wouldn't wanna be a miserable bitch with anyone else, anywhere else." she responded hoarsely, doing her best to wipe the tears and bile from her face, still clinging to the waste bin for dear life.

"Anywhere…yeah. Sounds nice." Tayuya's hazy mind clung to that word, finding comfort in the endless possibilities–in the freedom. The redhead craned her head towards her ward, finding that she was seconds from dozing off beside a putrid trash can. Pushing herself to her feet, Tayuya crossed the distance between them, kneeling down and hoisting the raven haired musician into her arms, "Putting on weight? Heifer."

"Urusai." she croaked tiredly, too exhausted to question how safe it was to be carried by a drunken Tayuya. She was surprisingly careful, even going as far as to not throw her onto her bed, instead gingerly tucking her in. "Tay…?"

"Hm?" she acknowledged, peering over her shoulder as she made her exit.

"Does this mean…I can get help now?"

Tayuya could hear it in her voice beneath the fatigue. She was scared. Scared of the future—of the freedom they had won. And who could blame her? She was broken when she found her, and she had raised her back up, but ultimately the corporate spy could do nothing but make her a caged bird. The rehabilitation ahead may have been in a lofty center, but the work ahead was anything but cushy. She too feared what came next, the strength and will of her companion would be tested like never before, and she could no longer be there to prop her up through it all. "Yeah Kin…you're gonna get the help you need. I promised, ne?"

The sounds of soft snoring were her only response, and enough for the shady woman as she closed the bedroom behind her with a smile. Exhaustion and inebriation making themselves known again, she retired to her own bedroom, unceremoniously plopping onto the bed and staring at the ceiling. Blindly, she pawed at the interior breast pocket of her blazer, retrieving her trusty cigarette case and placing a filtered stick between her lips. As she ignited and inhaled the heady smoke, her body finally relaxed, releasing the remnants of her life's crisis in a plume of smoke. Her duly earned rest was at hand, but one last thing remained to be done.

She rolled onto her side and reached into her nightstand drawer, shuffling the odds and ends until she grasped the end of it's false bottom and pulled out a small stack of photos. Tayuya flipped through each, drunkenly reminiscing about the time she conquered an Uchiha, and made them her bitch at that. Though, conquests of the flesh meant little when another had laid claim to his heart.

Feeling the sentimentality grow in her chest, the spy placed the evidence of her fateful night with the Uchiha heir in a nearby ashtray. Taking a last drag of her cigarette, she dropped the lit stick atop the photos, watching the ember catch the pictures and begin burning through each glossy layer. The flames grew and grew, illuminating the dark room and her visage before dying down, leaving nothing but the ashes of a night that never happened in its wake. "Sayonara, Uchiha Sasuke."

---

"San…Ni…Ichi!" The flash of the camera no longer blinded the Uchihas, their eyes more than adjusted after hours of taking photos with all of their guests and one another. Sai had even attempted to sit them down so he could do their portrait. Fat chance. Sasuke was beginning to feel like a zoo animal, and still he felt as if there was no end in sight. His wife however, seemed to have taken a liking to the attention, perhaps making up for the time she spent as a reclusive princess. "Another?"

Sasuke's narrowed glare was response enough for the photographer, seeing as they scurried off. Hinata made her displeasure known with a not-so-gentle squeeze of his bicep. "Patience, Sasuke-kun. Don't you want pictures to…"

"Show our children?" he finished when she trailed off, blushing. She had a great deal of things on her mind, they both had; the last thing they needed to discuss was the next requirement of their marriage contract. Sasuke sighed at the futility of his complaints, choosing rather to simply follow her through the hall greeting and conversing with their jovial guests. His wife had said love was patience, "A few more won't hurt, I suppose."

With bellies full and the cake cut, the vast majority of both families had left, chalk it up to old age and the late hour, leaving mostly their mutual friends and Sasuke's triade in attendance. Hanabi and Konohamaru were off making googly eyes at one another, taking advantage of their overbearing father figures absence. Neji was bumbling his way through another interaction with his would-be girlfriend. Even Sasuke could tell there was something between him and Tenten, even if neither acted on it. The rest seemed to gravitate towards a single table towards the back of the hall.

Apparently Suigetsu was busy testing his luck with Tsunade, by challenging her to a drinking competition of all things. The man took risks like no other, suppose that's why Sasuke had kept him around so long. Though, the rowdiness of the growing crowd around the spectacle was becoming cause for concern, Karin and Jiraiya cheering on their respective competitors with such fervor, you'd think they had money on the line, if not more. Tsunade and Suigetsu were hotheads when drunk, Suigetsu however was the only one likely to end up with a broken face or in a jail cell for the night if Jiraiya got to him first.

Sasuke quickly scanned the hall, his eyes narrowing when he could not spot his target. He turned to the woman at his side with a frown, "Where's Jugo?"

"I asked him if he could start moving the gifts to our home." she replied simply, gesturing to the obscene mountain of gifts still yet to be transported. Her husband could only frown; he was quickly looking more and more like his father just a few hours into marriage.

"Hn. I'll handle it myself then." he declared nonchalantly, shrugging out of his blazer and handing it to Hinata as they approached the tourney. The spectators made room after seeing the serious look on Sasuke's face, their cheers quieting when he calmly placed his palms on the table and regarded them both with an annoyed stare, "What do you two think you're doing?"

"Oh lighten up Sasuke! It's a wedding—yours in fact!" teased the drunk blonde, retrieving another saucer of sake and downing it in a single gulp before slamming it on the table, jostling the half dozen empty carafes they'd already gone through. "You should join us! Come on!"

"Damnit Sasuke, don't block me on this one." whispered the sharp toothed man, clearly unaware of who he was trying to court, or how poorly such a thing would end. "You're a married man now, what would you know about fun?"

Sasuke could feel his eye twitch involuntarily at his employee's drunken insubordination, though before he could rebut he felt a hand on his shoulder. Despite the sweet smile on her face, he could tell the snide comment had rubbed Hinata the wrong way as well. She had expressed more than once how she found the cerulean haired man to be crass and disrespectful, now she had a reason to put him in his place. It wouldn't hurt to dispel the notion that they were now the boring couple as well, "Ne Sasuke-kun, why don't you show Suigetsu-kun how much fun you still are?"

When Sasuke peered over his shoulder at her, he caught the mischievous glint in her innocent eyes. He nodded curtly in response, the sly smirk that curled the corner of his lips forcing Suigetsu to wish he could take back his earlier bravado. As he pulled out a seat for himself, the betting began anew, wagers and odds flying every which way. "You heard my wife. Let's have fun."

As the drinking resumed, Hinata knelt to whisper in her husband's ear, "Not too much, ok?"

"Hn. I know, you need me for later." he returned coolly, feeling the heat rise on her cheeks in their closeness. She may have come a long way when it came to controlling her emotions, but he knew how to make her blush and stutter as if she were still that shy teenage girl he never really noticed.

After a few rounds of cheering her husband on, Hinata excused herself from the festivities, spotting Jugo reenter the hall from the corner of her eye, though he wasn't alone. He was flanked by an argumentative Yugito, whom he dwarfed in sheer size, but seemed no less intimidated by her, seeing as he appeared to be fleeing. "Is everything alright, Jugo-kun?"

The gentle giant opened his mouth to respond, but was quickly cut off by the wedding assistant, "Apologies, Uchiha-san. But I caught this gentleman trying to steal Konan-sama's gift and others!"

"I was only inspecting it, Hinata-san." he countered with a frown. "Regardless, I cannot move it myself. It requires…someone smaller."

"Eh? Smaller?' Hinata's gaze switched between Yugito and her husband's body man with a quirked eyebrow. Jugo was the biggest and strongest man she'd ever encountered, how was he not up to the task?

"Perhaps it's best to show you. Please, this way Hina—"

"I will show her the way. It's my job after all." Interjected the catlike woman, asserting herself again over the large man. "Right this way, Uchiha-san."

Hinata peered back as she followed behind her two bickering guides, spying Sasuke and Naruto in a heated standoff, both posturing over the table with glares. Surely, nothing would come of it; just boys being boys, or so she hoped. Eventually she was led outside, the cold nights air taking her by surprise as she held her arms for warmth, thankfully Jugo was quick to drape his blazer over her shoulders. The heiress scanned the circuitous paved driveway of the venue, watching valets assist stragglers, Shikamaru enjoying a solitary smoke, but she couldn't quite discern what it was she was supposed to see. It wasn't until Jugo placed a white box adorned with a bow before her.

The bow fell apart with a light tug, and her heart skipping a beat as she lifted the lid hesitantly. It was a key fob, not unlike the numerous ones Sasuke kept, in fact…it was almost exactly like his. She lifted the device, finding a small handwritten note beneath.

From your guardian angel

Hinata had learned that the supermodel was as extravagant as she was mysterious in the short span of their friendship. Instinctually, she pressed the alarm button to sate her curiosity, her eyes darting to the bright flash in her peripheral. As she walked closer to make sure her eyes didn't deceive her, she pressed the button again, the flash once again confirming. The moonlight accentuated the sleek alabaster exterior, a twin to Sasuke's own vehicle in all but color at a glance. She peered over her shoulders at Jugo, a smile on her face and giggle escaping her lips, "Someone smaller."

"Hai. I can call in one of my men, unless you'd like to…" he trailed off as her actions answered his question, the heiress waving him off when he opened the door and attempted to help her down the curb in her dress.

Carefully she sat in the rich cream colored leather driver seat, tucking her legs inside before Jugo closed the door. For a moment, in the silence, she was alone and could breathe a sigh of relief. In many ways she had earned this; not the gifts or the celebration, but the respite—the peace of mind, the love of a good man. Those were her rewards.

Hinata leaned into the supple fabric and smiled as she closed her eyes, letting her mind wander into the vast limitlessness of her future. Though, it didn't get far as a gentle knock on the window drew her back to reality. When she opened her eyes, she smiled. It was her future.

"Should I even ask who this is from?" Sasuke toned as she opened the door and allowed him to help her out.

"I'm sure you have an idea." she retorted, cocking her head to the side to better look her husband in the face. His cheeks slightly reddened, posture lax, and that wry boyish smirk of his. "Sasuke-kun…"

"You told me to have fun, ne?" he cooed, letting his powers of flirtation save him from a tongue lashing.

"Maybe too much fun." she countered, stepping into his arms when a chill passed overhead. She could see Yugito and Jugo having a mild row as he loaded an armful of gifts into his SUV's trunk. Just beyond, their friends had gathered at the front of the venue, singing an unintelligible song out of sync in merriment atop the steps. To think, everything was on the verge of collapse when the day started.

"Hina-chan! Is that yours?!" exclaimed her younger sister, noticing the gift from afar.

"Leaving us already?! What's wrong with kids these days?" chastised Tsunade

"Come on! One more song!" urged Sakura, for once not at odds with her blonde best friend, the two arm in arm.

"Yeah, one more dance, Hinata-chan!" called Ino, shaking her hips to an imaginary tune with the pinkette.

"Teme! I want a rematch!" shouted Naruto, drunkenly pushing his way to the front, Jiraiya all but propping him up.

"Tch!" there was something about Naruto's barbs that always irked him into acknowledging them. Though, as he moved to address the boisterous male, his wife gripped his hand firmly, effectively stopping him. "Hinata…?"

She stepped closer and leaned in, whispering, "I'd like some time with my husband. Alone."

For a moment, Sasuke didn't quite take her meaning. It wasn't until he saw her diminutive blush grow under his perplexed stare that he understood her request. His own cheeks grew hot, and not just from the realization, but their friends saw fit to start hooting and whistling suggestively at them. Even the drunken rabble could discern what the young couple had on their minds.

"A-as my wife wishes." he responded, half between horny obedience and genuine astonishment at Hinata's timid approach to such a bold request. His prior urgency having finally reached her, better late than never, supposed the Uchiha heir. Though he would have to wait a moment longer when she left to bid their friends a proper farewell.

Sasuke watched as her ladies-in-waiting and Tsunade tried to convince her to postpone her departure. When that failed, Ino settled on jamming a colorful bouquet into her hands. She returned with the arrangement tightly held in her hands, taking a deep breath before throwing it behind her, high into the night sky. The ensuing chaos brought a chuckle to Sasuke's lips as Naruto was promptly tackled by Ino and Sakura for catching the bouquet.

The Uchiha heir moved to lead his bride to the passenger side as those not struggling for floral supremacy pelted them with grains of rice, but Hinata had something else in mind. She dangled the key fob before him with a mischievous smile. "You're in no condition to drive, Sasuke-kun."

Before he could argue his level of intoxication, she was inside the car familiarizing herself with the console. She'd copiloted his own vehicle dozens of times, this was the next logical step he supposed. She was nothing if not full of surprises tonight. He'd be a fool to complain now, though, there was the limo they had arranged.

"Sure you don't want me to drive?" he asked, receiving only her heels to hold as she settled into her seat. She giggled in excitement as she pressed the ignition and was rewarded with a satisfying rumble. She could see why Sasuke loved his machines so much. She pumped the gas gingerly to test the beast's power, having never truly been at the helm. Soon they were off, their friends waving goodbye in the rearview as they traversed the empty streets. "Not so stressful, is it?"

"It's like you said." she began, reminiscing about the time long ago when they took their first drive, on their first date. Compared to the stress of the last few months, this was a spa day for the former Hyuuga. "With the right driver and destination, stress is left in the rearview."

"To think that was all the convincing you needed." he mused with a smirk as he reclined in his seat, shirking his copilot duties; not that she needed assistance with an automatic. Thankfully, Konan and his brother had the good sense not to make her gift a labor intensive one. "Suppose the gift helped as well."

"I won't forget to thank Konan-chan and Itachi-kun." she responded as they pulled up to a stop light. The heiress turned to regard her lounging husband. He looked peaceful, his eyes closed, the rise and fall of his chest even, had she not known better she'd mistake him for being asleep "You should thank your brother as well. We…we wouldn't have made it without him."

Sasuke opened his eyes at the seriousness in her voice. It wasn't a false statement, just not entirely true. Had none of this come to fruition, had the day gone in favor of Orochimaru, he still would have married her, happily. "My brother will get his praise. After he tells me what he did, and how he did it."

Hinata made sure to pick her next words carefully, as carefully as she was currently driving. The rift between the brothers was lessening, but it wouldn't take much to reopen the wound. She had seen the tension between Sasuke and his father as well, the animosity veiled, if only for the celebration, she could only suppose it would be no different with Itachi. "You…don't want to know why?"

"He already told me why." He returned, sitting upright at the shift in the conversation's tone. She wanted to know if he still held those dark urges in his heart, to know if she was to share him with his base desire for revenge. The Uchiha had mulled it over while imbibing with Naruto, the efficacies of bringing the truth to light. But he couldn't, not when it would destroy that which they had fought tooth and nail to preserve—to build. "Family, he said. Even if I still hated him…he'd be there for me, because we're family."

"I see." he had come so far from being the man who barged into her classroom and sent her mundane world spiraling. He was far more than Sakura had ever divulged; a whirlwind beneath his stoic exterior, a tempest of hatred and vengeful fury. But she'd learned in her time with him, there was sadness, regret, and loneliness as well. Along with their upbringing, such things made them kindred spirits in a way. Though, the man once all consumed by that dark drive was not the same man at her side. He smiled more, and laughed, and he loved, oh Kami how he loved. And he did it all in true Uchiha fashion. With all of his fiery convictions and…

"Hinata? The light…" he began when she lingered at a green light, her mind a million miles away. Though, the sound of his voice jolted her back to reality, and her car down the street with a screech.

"G-gomen!" piped the heiress, her cheeks flushing in embarrassment. If he knew what had distracted her, she'd never hear the end of it. Though when she felt the warmth of his hand on her thigh, Hinata knew his keen eyesight had picked up on her subtle body language. "W-we're almost home…"

"Hn. We must be, you're in quite the rush." he teased, feeling her shudder slightly as his fingertips glided along her clothed inner thigh. Anticipation. "Looking forward to something, are we?"

"I…I could ask you the same." she retorted, catching the change in his facial expression. Stunned, but not entirely dissuaded judging by the smirk she glimpsed in the fluctuating lighting of the vehicle. "You've alluded to as much all day. Hentai."

"My wife thinks so little of me." He lamented half-heartedly, noting how cute she looked with her pursed lips and puffed cheeks. She was right however, he had been anticipating his last duty of the day for some time. Though, not for purely carnal reasons. It had been the longest and most stressful day of his life to date, now all he wanted was time with her, to return to the quiet companionship and solitude they shared on occasion once upon a time. "No matter, I remain her adamant admirer."

"My husband, the charmer." Her maidenly giggle assuring Sasuke that his sake fueled affections were not negatively received, despite the heiress having relocated his hand from her lap. Once they had finally arrived at their home, Hinata pulled into the carport beside her vehicle's sibling, as if she'd done it a thousand times. Just as that was routine, Sasuke bound out of the vehicle faster than she, offering his free hand to aid in her exit.

As they made the short trek to the elevator arm in arm, Hinata noticed a dearth of the usual black sedans and SUVs in the carport. Her curious eyes fell to her husbands for answers. "I gave Jugo's men the night off from guard duty. We could use some privacy."

He was incorrigible at times, but she had suppressed her own desires for the better part of the last twenty-four hours and was struggling to continue doing so for much longer. She couldn't help but steal glances throughout the reception, knowing his eyes were on her when they were not together, full of love and pride for the woman he promised himself to. But she knew the appetites that lay beneath the surface of his obsidian pools, all too well. Hinata could only blush madly in response as her mind saw fit to run through their sexual "highlight reel".

Sasuke led her inside as the elevator arrived, drawing a delicately quirked eyebrow from his wife when he chose to stand behind her, an arm wrapped around her waist. He had been pushing towards ending the evening early for some time, but Hinata had chalked it up to be no more than general wedding night horniness, but now she couldn't help but wonder, "Sasuke-kun…?"

She released a contented sigh when he pulled her flush against him as they ascended, a mischievous smirk growing on his lips when they finally reached their floor. As soon as the doors opened, she was unceremoniously lifted into his arms, a yelp of surprise passing her lips as she wrapped her arms around his neck, "A-anata!"

"It's only right I carry you over the threshold." he defended, carefully carrying her down the hall, "Don't trust me?"

"Of course I…Jugo-kun? What are you doing here?" her opal eyes falling on the burly man holding the door to their penthouse open.

"Sasuke-san asked that I—"

"Do us a favor. Thank you, Jugo." he finished, lest his stalwart protector reveal too much too soon. He offered the man a friendly nod of acknowledgement as they crossed the threshold into their home. When the door closed behind them, Sasuke set his wife on her feet as she smiled at her husband's secret efforts. The penthouse was dim, enough candles lit to give the usually cold interior a warm inviting glow. The mountain of their gifts stacked in the far corner of the living room, but it was what lay on the dining table that caught her eye, an envelope with her name written in her husband's impeccable penmanship, propped up by a bottle of sake.

She crossed the distance and retrieved the envelope, taking care as she opened the flap and pulled a small note out. Sasuke watched in silence as she read, her eyes shining when she turned to face him, "To the rest of our life together. Eternally yours, Sasuke."

"I…didn't know what else to say." He admitted with a light blush, watching her clutch the note to her chest with a smile. Hinata shook her head to dispel his insecurities, it was sweet and true to what their shared surname embodied. There were no half measures with an Uchiha, she had learned that quickly. They fought with every fiber for their convictions, and loved just as fiercely. That intensity had frightened her once upon a time, finding it arrogant and abrasive, but now she understood.

"It's perfect, Sasuke-kun." she assured, placing the note down and wrapping her arms around his neck as she kissed him briefly. She turned away and retrieved the bottle of sake, unceremoniously opening it before bringing it to her husband's lips, "Now drink, to us."

The Uchiha heir did as he was told, opening his mouth as she poured the crisp libation into it, hopefully not in an attempt to drown him on their wedding night. Thankfully, such was not the case. He snatched the bottle from her hands once she decided he had his fill, "I thought you didn't want me drinking too much."

"We're alone now. We can do what we'd like." she cooed, a corner of her lips curling as she placed her hand on his chest. Sasuke didn't know what he was witnessing until he felt his cheeks heat considerably. Her first Uchiha smirk, and effective even on a master practitioner like himself.

Taking advantage of his stunned state, she guided his bottle holding hand towards her lips, watching his eyes focus on her slender neck as she took a draught herself. Sasuke was still too entranced to hear the words she spoke before disappearing down the hall towards their bedroom.

"Is that what I do to women?" he thought inwardly, his body slow to follow her down the hall. The Uchiha only sighting a glimpse of her dress as it flowed into their bedroom, disappearing into the bathroom when he thought he'd finally caught her. She was playing a game, no doubt, stringing him along for something. Regardless, he would indulge her, lest he ruin whatever she had been planning.

The newly married man settled for a seat on his side of the bed, sighing as he began relieving himself of his stuffy clothes. It was some time before the sounds of running water ceased and the lights turned off, his semi dormant anticipation spiking once again. When the door opened he could only make out her ghostly white eyes and voluptuous silhouette bathed in moonlight. The glow outlining her gossamer nightgown as she approached, Sasuke couldn't help but lick his lips. Though, when she sat at the edge of the bed and avoided his hungry gaze, he knew something was amiss. As he reached out to her he could feel the miniscule shiver on her skin, "Hinata…"

"I-I'm fine, Sasuke-kun." she replied quickly, her doe eyes only meeting him briefly before returning to her lap. The heiress was kicking herself for acting so foolish, on their wedding night no less. They had done it more times than she could recall, why would tonight be different?

Sensing her trepidation, the Uchiha sprung into action, scooting closer behind her before pulling her fully onto the bed and against his hard body. His hands blazed a trail up her sides at a tortuous pace, before one captured her delicate chin and directed it towards him. She had to stifle a gasp at the intensity of his dark pools, her cheeks growing hot as his lips parted, "Our first night together, as husband and wife, should be special."

Hinata knew he never put much stock into things as trivial as "firsts", but his words held no deception or falsehoods, only unabashed love for her. She could only nod numbly as the anxiety washed away and she focused solely on his touch. The soft melding of their lips against one another, sending sparks throughout her body, setting her aflame with his touch as if it were the first time.

He loved that about her, how she remained that demure princess, all too willing to learn and explore her lover with coy curiosity. Though, he'd only need to tempt the other side she hid with the right touch, the right words to have her join their lovemaking. His free hand navigated its way through the layer of sheer material of her nightgown down to her silken undergarments, her arousal proof of her own anticipation. Even still, he could feel the hesitancy beneath. She was afraid, afraid she'd lose herself as she had in the past to the passion. He pulled away from their liplock to regard her, pressing her fully against his body to assure her of his own arousal, "Hinata…tell me what you want."

She had to bite her lip to stifle the moan that threatened to escape at the sultry baritone of his voice against the shell of her ear. If she surrendered, she knew she would be lost, their special night no more special than any other they coupled, yet no less explosive. Slowing she breathed in, taking in the growing pheromones and his evergreen scent, her hand joining his just above her nethers. Hinata's head lulled backwards, resting on his shoulder as she gazed up at him, reflecting on all they had been through–all they had survived, to reach this night, this moment. Silently she guided his hand further, his thumb sweeping over her bundle of nerves before she set his fingers in place for their dance to truly begin, "You. Now, make love to your wife."

She smiled as his hardness twitched approvingly at her instructions, his middle finger gliding along her sleek passage before sliding inside. Though despite her arousal, her treasure left little room for its lover's exploration. She would have him work for it. The heiress craned her neck to the side, offering her mate a solution to his dilemma. He attacked it hungrily, nipping and sucking on the tender skin, the sounds of her moans urging him on. Sasuke could feel her pulse quicken under his tongue, her walls fluttering around him as she melted into the sensations. The bride's eyes shot open as his dull canines bit into the supple skin between her neck and shoulder; the jolt of pain allowing him to deftly slip another digit inside, "Sasuke-kun!"

"Your husband has needs as well, hime." his words coming hotly against her neck as he delved deeper inside her. Her free hands nails dug into his thigh as he threatened to push her to an early orgasm.

"H-hai." she whispered, steadying her breathing as his appendage worked methodically to please her. Her dainty hand found its way behind her back, her brow furrowing as she fumbled with his manhood, "But in this position I can't…"

"Have something in mind, do we?" he teased against her ear. Sasuke couldn't help but smirk when she released a frustrated whine as she moved away from her own source of gratification. Absently he licked his fingers, watching her need grow in his periphery.

Hinata pouted at his teasing, it was her husband's favorite pastime after all. Though, two Uchiha's could play at that game. The demure princess knew what made him tick, sexually at least. He was a giver by nature, enjoying the manipulation more so than receiving pleasure. Slowly she slid her darkened panties down, sheer gown slipping past her shoulders leaving her bare, allowing him to watch each deliberate move in full; his steely rod weeping at the display. She lay between his legs, gingerly holding his member in her hands. The opal eyed woman peered up at him before pressing on; his eyes sharp and focused. Right where she wanted him.

She gave his arousal a few pumps as she leaned closer, her breath coming in hot puffs of anticipation against his flesh before kissing the velvety tip. Like putty in her hands, he reacted to every delicate lick and rhythmic stroke. She lapped at the salty-sweet drops that were her reward, feeling him twitch and buck as she finally took him in her mouth. Hinata could tell he was close by the speedy pulse of his erection and his furrowed brow, her teasing proving more than effective. Though she would not be satisfied with such a conclusion, carefully she gave her husband one last stroke and suck before leaving him releasing only a dissatisfied groan.

"Haven't I been tortured enough for one night, koishii?" The pain he feigns is brushed off easily by the heiress, though she shares the sentiment, her own loins aching for his touch.

"Love is patience, anata." she replies with a lazy smile, climbing atop and straddling her husband. For a moment, she takes in the sight before her. Slender fingers trailing down near pristine skin, memorizing each taut muscle beneath before coming to rest on his scar. She could see his face sour briefly at her odd exploration, but something about it captivates her. Life had scarred them both, yet somehow, be it manmade or cosmic in design, they found what they needed in one another. And not just to survive the crucible they had faced, but what they'd need for a lifetime.

He allows her her musings, knowing soon enough she will return, her opalescent eyes resolute for the task at hand. They opt for mutual pleasure this time, their little game of torturous tit-for-tat no longer satisfactory. Heated core grinding against its steely mate, her rhythm an ebb and flow, but he could wait no more, and she knew it.

As she positioned herself above him, Sasuke caught a glimpse of her ghostly eyes; she had the same look in them as the first time they enjoyed one another. To think she was the same woman; it was no more believable to say he was the same man.

In her silence he knows what runs through her mind—feels what shifts in her demeanor. Hinata is brought back to him when the warmth of his hand joins her own. They were one in the same, and at the same time still a mystery to one another. Yet now, they had the time to not just simply survive together, but to thrive together. As their fingers weaved, their commitment was reaffirmed, lust quelled and refocused.

Sasuke steadied her hips as she descended onto him, both gasping as they connected. Just as he expected, it was like she was a virgin again, her heated passage slick and coiled around him. She returned to her rhythmic grinding once he squeezed the supple skin of her thigh, as was his custom, slowly and deliberately. She had come far since their first coupling, grown leaps and bounds in the art of–

"Focus." she pled heatedly in his ear as she leaned over him, her ample bosom pressed to his chest. He released a moan, obeying his wife's command as she began riding him harder. Her mates fingers indenting her skin as he held her tight, adding his own thrusts to their dance.

Hinata's quivery moans reached a fever pitch as he stuck deeply, her thighs locking him in place while she sought refuge from the ecstasy in the crook of his neck. Sasuke lessened his assault only to feel her shower his neck in kisses and urge him on, "D-don't stop."

Ever the obedient husband, he continued; wrapping his arm around her waist, pulling them into a seated position. His wife's curvaceous body shuddered as she rode out the last vestiges of her orgasm, her loins readying for another wave of euphoria under his attentive assault. She clung to his shoulders for dear life as his thrusts quickened, his calloused palm grabbing one of her bouncing breasts, stroking the pert peak with his thumb.

Sasuke had never experienced, much less enjoyed a woman quite like her. There was far more to her than the physique suitors had coveted for its perceived lewdness, and he had been blessed enough to see the truth. Though, that didn't mean she hid no perverse secrets, and even those were prim by comparison to most.

The heiress could feel his rod stiffen, pulsing madly against her walls as it grew inside of her. He was close, and still he denied them both the pleasure. Sanity slipped further and further from her grasp as her husband seemed hellbent on making their lovemaking as special as he physically could. Hinata bit her lip hard enough to stifle her moan, only a whimper escaping as the aftershocks of another orgasm rippled through her body. Slumped against his slick body to catch her breath, she managed to pant her base desires in his ear, "D-do it. P-put a baby in me, Sasuke-kun."

She had learned that auditory stimulation was a favorite of his, even without his insistence or participation. The right words, or the right frequency of a moan could send him spiraling faster than a touch or tease ever could. The sound of her voice was an addictive aphrodisiac and this time was no different. Hinata wrapped her legs around his waist as she felt him harden further, his hot seed spilling forth with a strained groan. Relentlessly he filled her, several days of celibacy, hours of torturous anticipation and teasing culminating in an offering unlike any she'd felt before, the excess escaping her tight passage.

They stayed together panting and gyrating against one another, Sasuke's weight eventually overtaking his wife's as she fell to her back. Her mate raised himself up on his forearms, staring down at her with love in his eyes, her voice a whisper at the sight, "Anata…"

His ringed hand stroked her flushed cheek as he locked eyes with her. She was a vision, her hair splayed beneath her, immaculate body glistening with perspiration, ample chest heaving as she basked in the afterglow. The heiress gasped as his hips began slowly rocking against her again, his hardness reawakening. Thrusts coming again, strong enough to make her breasts bounce as her hands reached for his face, "Hinata…"

"Take me again." she breathed, pulling his head down and capturing his lips. So he did, again, and again. Time was finally on their side, and there was no better way to spend it than in each other's embrace. Their lovemaking lasted into the wee hours of the morning; tangled limbs, and sounds of bliss filling the young lovers home. The rising sun, a sign of their dawning future.

---

And there you have it, the conclusion of Roles! Granted, those that know my work know that I always end my stories with an epilogue catching up with our characters and their lives after. I'm sure you all want to know where our young couple's story goes next, and I also wanna share it with you! All in due time. In the end Sasuke and Hinata got the happy ending neither expected, having fought for every inch against the powers that be, finding their own strength in each other. But, will their strength endure and our young couple live out their married life in bliss? Or will the world take notice of their growing power and see they not escape the doom once promised for them? Only time will tell. However, like Sasuke and Hinata, I need a break! Having written and edited a good chunk of this on my two week Japan vacation (Take me back!) I need some time to decompress.

I'd like to take this time to thank each and everyone who has read, reviewed, shown any interest in this story whatsoever, silently or otherwise. You're all awesome and I've appreciated every ounce of support you've given me and my story. I truly wouldn't have made it this far without you all. I am eternally grateful. This story has meant a lot to me, moreso personally than any other. By extension, so have all of you. I may cry.

What else? Ah! Side notes one some of the music featured! Some may have noticed Hinata and Sasuke's (second) wedding song being none other than Minmi's Shiki no Uta, a personal favorite. Kin's riffing being snippets of PUP's Dark Days, an appropriate song in my opinion for not only her own struggles but those of all this stories' recurring characters. Harsh winter giving way to hope come seasons change. Let's hope the dark days are indeed behind them all.

Next Chapter: Epilogue

Until Next Time! Sayonara!