Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

Unbeated. Multiple POVs ahead.

XXX

Itachi's Perspective

Itachi frowned internally as he scanned his younger brother's face as it appeared on the display screen of his tablet. Sasuke appeared weary and even more pale than usual, the planes of his face appearing slightly gaunt as though he hadn't eaten a proper meal in a while. Even more concerning were his bloodshot eyes, probably from a combination of lack of sleep and hard liquor.

He admitted he didn't have the right to lecture Sasuke, his otouto had been left to grow up on his own and he'd turned out to be a better man than anyone could expect after being raised under Uchiha Madara's tutelage, but that was mostly impart to Hinata's influence he supposed.

Nonetheless, he was back in little brother's life and he was here to stay and someone had to look out for him, after all no Uchiha was immune to their most grievous sin, pride. Especially Sasuke, he didn't know when he needed help and if he did he had a much harder time asking for it so even it was unsolicited advice and probably wouldn't be well received Itachi was intent of setting his foolish otouto straight before he lost himself.

"You look like shit," he greeted as finally answered Sasuke's video call.

"Normal people just say hello aniki, has all that fresh mountain air finally eroded all your social skills," the younger man quipped looking a touch amusement at Itachi's lack of manners.

"I'm not inclined to pussy-foot around an issue and your attempts at deflection aren't up to scratch so while you're trying to shore up your defenses you want to tell me what your real problem is?" Feigning nonchalance as he leveled his gaze at his brother.

His words had riled Sasuke up as he predicted, his little brother was shooting those infamous death glares his way, but he supposed even high resolution screens have their limitations because it did very little to derail him.

"You might be my brother, Itachi, but you don't know fuck about me. I didn't call you to spill me out my goddamn problems so drop it and let's move on."

"I'm willing to bet if I was standing in the same room as you are now, you'd be smelling like a distillery and you probably couldn't balance long enough to land a hit on me. I know I haven't earned the right to call you on your bullshit, but regardless you are my brother and I'm just about ready to come to Konoha to stop you from self-destructing. So I reiterate, what is your real problem."

He could see how irritated and uncomfortable Sasuke looked and at this point he considered it progress that the younger man hadn't disconnected the call altogether. Being backed into a corner often yielded mixed results.

Itachi's usual methods were non-intrusive and usually cumulative in effect, but considering his history with Sasuke and time constraints he intuitively knew that the direct approach might work better. He needed to openly demonstrate his concern and care for his sibling, Itachi knew they still had a long way to go they hadn't mended all the fences yet and he was fully aware that he'd inflicted a grievous wound on Sasuke when he'd left him. His little brother had idolized him and after losing their parents he'd been more attached to him than. While he truly regretted ever hurting Sasuke, he couldn't change the past though he was willing to do what it took to prove his love and devotion to his brother. Even if it meant not pulling his punches.

"Itachi I'm asking you to mind your own damn business please, I don't need to talk about my fucking problems to you or anyone else," Sasuke affirmed refusing to give in, though the look he offer was a tad pleading it was overshadowed by his agitation and overwhelming appearance of weariness.

"If I honestly thought you would get over what's eating at you and move on I wouldn't be bringing this up. However, while you can't seem to realize it just yet you're slipping. You're usually much better at hiding the evidence of your insomnia and you look like your suffering from a perpetual hangover. It will only take one mistake to send your tower of cards crashing down and moreover, if you keep on this way I don't know if you have a chance in hell at convincing Hinata to stay." Itachi could see the array of emotions painted clearly across Sasuke's face, his immediate defensiveness and denial before he gave pause to examine the irrefutable evidence Itachi had pointed it, but he figured what strcuk the hardest was the kind of man he was becoming.

His otouto had been incredibly strong and resilient he'd channeled all his anger and bitterness and desperation into searching for his wife while plotting the downfall of his enemies. And it had worked spectacularly well for a while, but he couldn't keep on shoving his problems into a dusty closet and expect them to stay there. One day he was bound to slip up and he'd lose his tight constraints on all his demons and then he'd been ravaged by the onslaught and when that day came Itachi wasn't sure he'd be able to save his brother.

Sasuke was walking a fine line and it was getting harder for him to stay in the light when his inner turmoil was clawing at his resolve to stay strong.

"What do you want to hear exactly Itachi?" Sasuke asked a defeated voice, he'd give up all the pretense and it seemed like once his anger had deserted him he was left looking haggard and sorrowful.

"That I can't close my eyes because all I see is her face in my mind. I can't even sleep in my own goddamn bed because its filled with memories of her, most days I wake up in my study since I fell asleep at the desk. I'm usually the last one to leave at night from the office because the thought of going home to an empty house its really fucking unappealing.

"Oh and the liquor, well at first it helped take the edge off, but the longer she's gone it's the only thing that's stopping me from doing something insanely stupid like telling the clans they can kiss my ass or finally quitting my damn job so that they won't have any more leverage over my head. I'm coping Itachi, that's all I'm doing right now. Holding out for the day that I finally get her back, but till then I've got is my work and my cabinet stock with booze. So go ahead, tell what a fuck up I've become, cause' I'm barely holding it together right now."

Itachi was reeling from the sheer candidness in Sasuke's admission, he'd never expected his brother to offer up that much of himself. The strain and heartache in his voice, the suffering underlying Sasuke's words made every single protective instinct in his body flare to life. His little brother needed him and though Itachi didn't know how to solve his problems and he couldn't get Hinata back for him, he would do whatever it took to help his brother holdout until she returned. Itachi would be the pillar to steady his brother when his pain and misery overwhelmed him. He would lend him his strength when Sasuke's faltered and would hold drag him from the clutches of his own darkness because that's what older brothers did, they protected and cherished their younger siblings, something he had a lot of loss time to make up for.

"You are never alone in this otouto and I swear to be by your side every step of the way. I'm not going to abandon you and I will not fail you again. I'll do whatever is necessary to help you get through this, you will get her back Sasuke I promise I won't let you lose this fight."

XXX

When Sasuke got that call from Shikamaru just minutes before his first meeting for the day let out, the elated man could barely restrained himself from sprinting out of the conference room and burning rubber as he peeled out off the underground parking lot. Instead, he waited till everyone had been dismissed then instructed he asked his secretary to clear the rest of his schedule for the day, citing he was feeling a bit under weather. That would have seemed suspicious if at least a third of his employees weren't already wearing masks over their faces to indicate flu season was in full swing.

He was flooded with a potent combination of adrenaline and endorphins, his skin felt too tight and restricting, Sasuke wanted to leap across desks as he bounded for the elevator, he wanted to shout in triumph, he wanted to march over to the Hyuuga compound and tell them they could go fuck themselves.

There was a lot of things Sasuke wanted to do, but he had been a very patient man over the past two years, he had bided his time and laid out his plans waiting for this moment to arrive and he wasn't going to blow it to smithereens by letting his enemy know he had gained the upper hand at last. They weren't going to know what hit them until he had them backed into a corner holding a gun at point blank range.

Those three words.

Three words he'd dreamed of hearing, had prayed and wished and yearned for. Days he'd woke up hoping he would get that call. The call he's been waiting for, for over two years. Words that resonated in his mind every time he saw Nara's name flash on his caller ID.

Today marked the last leg of his journey to bring his wife, his love back to him. To bring the only person he couldn't imagine living without back into his life, into his arms. What he wouldn't give to hold her to him, to obliterate every last bit of distance between them.

I found her.

Possibly the most anticipated words he's been awaiting for besides the sound of his name from her lips.

By the time Sasuke arrived home the lazy genius was already settled in his office, but he was feeling far too on edge to sit across from his private investigator cum personal hacker. So the Uchiha took a moment to pour himself a glass of scotch and downed it in one gulp before refilling the glass once more. He mentally noted to toss out all of his hard liquor the moment his wife was back, he would no longer the assistance of spirits to get him through the daily rigours of life.

Sauke also sought to recall the last time his office had been swept for monitoring devices and felt relieved to know that the company had been by only two days ago not to mention there was a continuous video feed recoding what happened within his domain. His private space was sacred to him, Sasuke had ensured the room was soundproof and regularly inspected for bugs, he took no chances when it came to his plans because he didn't doubt his family had a close eye on him. They were quite displeased with his obstinacy when it came to remarrying and he was certain they were scrambling to find any ammunition they could use against him to strong-arm him into tying himself down to their handpicked trophy wife.

Looking at the warm golden brown liquid swirling in his glass he was tempted to knock it back in one go, thinking about his family always drove him indulge more than common sense dictated, but he had good news awaiting him, he didn't need to have that drink. He didn't. Though it continued to tempt him until he set it down, untouched and turned away.

Settling himself into an armchair he subsequently loosed his tie and rolled up his shirt sleeves.

"Tell me what you've got Nara", he ordered his voice giving away none of his anticipation.

Raking a hand through his brown hair Shikamaru sighed, "It's the damnest thing she's been right under my nose this entire time." Looking directly into his employer's obsidian gaze he revealed, "She works for Temari. Hinata's been living in Suna all this time under the alias, Nakamura Arata."

Sasuke gave little reaction to the unexpected news, "How did you find out this?"

The lazy genius shook his head in disbelief, "She called Temari's phone and I saw a picture on her on the display. She looks a bit different, but it's her alright."

Reaching into his pocket he drew out his phone and before handing it to the Uchiha.

"I swiped the picture of her and sent it to my phone."

Looking down at the screen his hands shook a little as he gazed at the smiling face staring back at him. His eyes burned and he felt his body sink into the plush embrace of the chair, he felt so weightless and intangible at that moment as though some burden that had been shoving him face first into the ground had been lifted in that instant.

Unable to rip his eyes away from her image he announced with conviction, "This is Hinata."

Finally looking away he met Shikamaru's eyes and gave him a genuine smile, "Thank you. Thank you for finding her for me Nara."

The pineapple-haired man fidgeted, feeling uncomfortable with the Uchiha's uncharacteristic display of gratitude, he'd known from the beginning that Sasuke was desperate to get back his wife, but it really occurred to him then just how much this man truly loved his wife.

"Eh, it's fine, it's what you hired me to do," he insisted trying to shrug off his sudden awkwardness. "Not to mention she was a most troublesome woman to find so try not to lose her again, alright."

Smirking Sasuke looked back down at the screen once more, "I can assure you Nara. The moment I lay eyes on her she will never be leaving my side again."

The flare of intensity and the fixated look in his eyes told the lazy genius all he needed to know, that woman was lucky if she got the chance to change her clothes in peace, he didn't doubt the Uchiha wouldn't have her fastened to his side for the rest of their days.

"I expect we are going to be meeting with your brother sooner than expected. The last of the board members have been successfully persuaded according to his last report."

"The votes of the majority shareholders are already committed to me, once I have her safely hidden away it will be time to make my move and put forward my motion to the board. For now, we move on to the next phase of the plan. Itachi will be informed as soon as arrangements can be made to meet at the safe house", Sasuke decided already standing and moving towards his desk.

"And what about your current girlfriend? That newsanchor, Moriyama Nagisa. What do you plan to do about her?" Shikamaru inquired sprawling out on the sofa.

"Her contract will end in the next couple of weeks, she'll go quietly. Moriyama-san isn't the type to cling like the others", the Uchiha stated with certainty as he continued to focus most of his attention on his laptop.

While he understood the reasoning behind Sasuke's involvement with the women he contracted to act as his flavor of the month, it seemed like too much of a hassle. It was always a concern whether or not one of them would be stupid enough to sell out information about the Uchiha so a little blackmail was necessary to cover their asses. At very least he wasn't the one forced to put up with their whining and nagging Temari had met his quota on female interaction and he only saw her once a month at most.

Pausing to review their plans in his head Nara mentioned, "As for the clans, are you going to speak with them soon? The timeline will have shifted now that we've locate her."

Taking a moment Sasuke lifted his gaze, a cruel smirk painted on his lips, "I plan to have a little fun them before agreeing to the engagement. They won't suspect my motive behind finally giving in to their demands, I guarantee you that."

"You should take care not to antagonize them. You want them to accept that "you've seen the error of your ways" bullshit you'll be feeding them. Even then that little Hyuuga snot will be on your ass", the hacker yawned feeling like taking a nap, Temari had kept up last night though he wasn't complaining…much.

"There isn't any need for concern Nara, you will see that for yourself soon enough", the Uchiha confidently assured him, the smugness in his voice made Shikamaru shake his head to distract himself from wondering what his employer was up to. He trusted the man enough to know that his schemes would likely pan out as expected.

Sasuke was bitter and hell bent of revenge, he had every intention of throwing both clans into complete chaos now that everything was finally falling into place.

XXX

Hanabi's Perspective

Hyuuga Hanabi was famed for her aloof, composed nature, the walls surrounding her emotions were impregnable, the heiress never let an expression slip she hadn't planned to with display with all intent of eliciting her own desired reaction from her opponent.

Staring at her reflection she continued to tug her wet hair through the last loop of the hairband adjusting her usual high ponytail until it was perfectly centered with no stray hairs to be seen. She'd just completed her morning physical routine, her cheeks still slightly flushed from her victorious spar with a branch member who was quite skilled, but was certainly no threat to her.

Favouring a monochrome colour palette she was adorned in a collarless ivory shirt with full sleeves paired with charcoal grey trousers that lengthened her petite frame. Even her appearance was carefully maintained to convey that she was a professional, sharp clean lines only, there were no frills and trappings. Preconceived notions attached to her gender had allowed acquaintances and business partners to slight her one times too many. Hyuuga Hanabi was not a woman to be underestimated, she was not soft and feeble-minded, she had no inclinations to passivity and sentimentality. Being a Hyuuga transcended any social construct that would try to fit her into a mould that bred docile and easily controlled sheep, she was no one's puppet.

She was dominant, ambitious, and clever, lesser men trembled at her feet. Hanabi possessed at knack for analyzing and pinpointing the weaknesses that lay in her enemies and she gleefully exploited and tore down egos of men who had once dismissed her presence. Now her reputation was well established and commanded fear and respect, only the most foolhardy would try to match her.

Hanabi was due for a meeting with investors from Iwa in less than an hour, but she had enough time to enjoy a cup of artfully prepared matcha tea from a specially created blend of tea leaves, while she skimmed though her email notifications. Pausing at an message at had been sent to her only this morning noting the sender, Sakumo, the man she'd hired to keep tabs on her troublesome brother-in-law, Uchiha Sasuke. He only updated her once a week with his reports on the Uchiha unless there was something urgent which hadn't happened since last November when one of Sasuke's girlfriends had gotten arrested for using cocaine, unfortunately there had been no ties made to the infuriating Uchiha upon further investigation, not that she presumed he would ever be that stupid, let alone to get caught in the act.

Reading the brief script at the top: Currently following up on leads to confirm the veracity of speculations.

Her heart beat hastened a little, though he calm façade remained, her mind was racing through scenarios and quickly eliminating unlikely possibilities while she clicked on the link pasted below Sakumo's message waiting for the page to load.

Reading the header of the website she noted that it was the name of a popular gossip rag that prided itself on publishing only the most salacious, news-worthy drivel that keep the masses riveted. Her instincts were screaming at her, she predicted nothing good would come from reading the article posted, but her curiosity easily overrode any reservations she might have had.

"Corporate mogul and billionaire playboy, Uchiha Sasuke has been dating TBC's news anchor, Moriyama Nagisa for just over two months. To date this has been one of the Uchiha's longest lasting relationships. Insider sources claim that the Uchiha is rather enamored with Moriyama-san and predicts wedding bells are in the future. More importantly, there could be a new addition to the Uchiha clan very soon as these pics below indicate. Can you say baby alert!

Just last Thursday Uchiha Sasuke was spotted accompanying his lady love to the obstetrician. The pair was reported to be smiling and holding hands when they left. While we haven't heard back from the reps of Uchiha-san or Moriyama-san it's a sure sign that she could very well be the One to take the famed playboy off the market. We'll keep you posted on the latest news, so make sure to subscribe to our page, follow our newsfeed on Twitter and like us on Facebook."

Her face was leached of colour and her posture was rigid and tensed as she tried to regulate her breathing. Hanabi's mind was uncommonly blank as she struggled inwardly to get past the red haze that had obscured her vision and disrupted her thought processes.

In a most uncharacteristic display the heiress swiped her arm across the table sending wares and food crashing to floor. Her actions were enough to temper her rage and allow her to regain control over he faculities though residual threads of anger remained.

It was high time to put an end to the unruly little Uchiha and his games, he was going to accept his duty and learn his place and Hanabi would gladly be the one to correct him. Uchiha Sasuke would yield even if she had to break him to do it.

XXX

Sasuke's Perspective

Sleep escaped him as he lay on his side of the bed casting one too many glances at the empty space besides him. He rarely slept in his room anymore, the memories he tucked away safely pulling out occasionally like a favourite blanket escaped the confines he placed them under all too easily when he entered the place he had once shared his most intimates moments with his wife. The master bedroom was laden with memories; it was difficult enough as it was to live in the present, to go from day to day existing when he knew exactly what was missing from his life, when recalling the past was far sweeter than waking up every morning to a solitary life.

Sasuke had never been one for friends, he could command a board room, negotiate business deals, even put up with social functions with a veneer of civility, but he didn't know how to connect with anyone beyond acquaintances. He had no desire for affiliation and he had no interest in embroiling himself in the lives of others. For most of his life he'd been content to keep everyone else at arm's length, the trust and openness required to establish lasting, meaningful relationships were too much of a risk for such small returns, making himself vulnerable enough to suffer emotional injuries at the hand of another was unthinkable.

However, Hinata, she had been the exception, the one anomaly and now look at him, he was wrecked in the wake of her abandonment. Resenting her, hating her would have been easier, would have been the smart thing to do, but he couldn't not when he could still close his eyes and imagine the caress of her delicate hand against his face, the sweet sound of her laughter, the sight of her eyes bright and glowing with warmth and affection. No one had ever touched his heart the way she had and now it was hers, he had lost his heart to her long before he'd even realized it and it tormented him every goddamn day that he'd only realized just how much he'd needed her when she was gone. That he had never once told her that he loved her, how she had transformed his life and changed him irrevocably, that waking up to her lovely face every morning was his dearest wish.

Some days he could feel his desperation and despair battering the flickering flame of hope that continued to burn. If he didn't hold unto the belief that he'd get her back he would probably never get out of bed in the morning, if he didn't have the jobs of hundreds of employees depending on him he would have said to hell with his family and given up his damn rights to being the leader of the clan because he was just so fucking unhappy. He was miserable and angry all the damn time and it was exhausting when the memories of the joy and happiness he'd shared with his wife taunted him every single day.

He just missed her so much.

Some days he'd be so overcome and desperate for the smallest connection to her he'd pull out dresses she'd worn out of the closet and pray to catch any lingering traces of her scent still clinging to their fibres.

And now that he knew she was within his grasp just a plane ride away Sasuke could hardly rein in the urge to pick up his phone and order his pilot to prep the jet destined for Suna. The news that she hadn't left the country had pretty much knocked the wind out of his lungs, all this time and she'd been residing in a desert city just over 1000 miles away, hell she worked for Nara's goddamn girlfriend and the knowledge of how close she'd been this entire time was testament to how well their families had covered her tracks. God knows how long it would have been before they had gotten a breakthrough if Nara hadn't been in the right place and time, but nevertheless he would never given up until he found her.

He knew that Shikamaru was currently searching and gathering every last bit of information available on Nakamura Arata, he'd probably have a file chronicling her life for the past two years of her existence in his hands in the next day or two. Yet there were some questions he didn't want answered. Sasuke knew it was a gamble he was taking when he decided to carry out his elaborate ruse, setting up fake girlfriends under contract to distract the clans from his real plans and buy him some time from being swindling into another "marriage" with a woman who was nothing more than a pawn with good breeding meant to carry his heir.

To ensure its success and maintain an air of believability the news of his affairs with the women he had hired was splashed across every magazine, tabloid and entertainment broadcast. Consequently, Hinata was probably also under the impression that he had moved on, fully believing he had taken the words in her letter to heart and was searching for someone else to replace her.

Did that mean she had moved on as well?

Had she given her heart to another?

Did someone else also have the right to steal her breath with his kisses and map the contours of her body, drawing sighs of pleasure from her lips?

As his mind led him spiraling down such a treacherous path way Sasuke felt as though he'd taken a hit to his solar plexus from brass knuckles, losing his breath while his mind was overrun with faceless images of men holding his wife, touching her, claiming her but he refused to let his imagination get the better of him. Nothing she felt for another man could ever stand in comparison to the chains that bound together, forged through tragedy and heartache, trials and triumphs, and strengthen by their abiding love for one another.

The Uchiha knew he couldn't have held out for this long, couldn't have remained a man Hinata would still be proud to call her husband if it hadn't been for his brother. Reaching out to the older man had been the best decision he'd ever made since decided to get his shit together and stop wallowing in his abject misery and dejection. He wouldn't have been much of a threat to his family without his aniki by his side.

While Sasuke was considered the head of the family he didn't really have any power, all the authority belonged to his great-grandfather, Uchiha Madara a man who would probably outlive them all. Until he produced an heir Sasuke continued to be their puppet not that they wouldn't use every last bit of influence and power they had to continue to keep him under their thumb, the elders had held the reigns for far too long to hand them over now, and certainly not to a young upstart like himself who was proving difficult to manipulate.

The Hyuuga and Uchiha clans had long been at each other's throats always trying to one up each other in every sphere. The marriage between Sasuke and Hinata was an attempt to bridge the years of feuding and seal profitable business deals, a sign of good faith. Furthermore, the heir they would have produced would have been another valuable chess piece to be added to the board, a child with the lineage and ties to make him a key player. After all this infant would have been the offspring from the main families of both clans. The Hyuuga and Uchiha would each have a claim on the child and they would have inevitably drawn his heir into their politics and struggles for power.

Hinata's inability to carry a child to full term had put a wrench into their plans and the possibility of possessing a child borne of a union between the Hyuuga and Uchiha clans was enough to make them willing to dispose of Hinata and provide a more suitable replacement to carry out their agenda. Sasuke knew they weren't out of options, he and Hinata could have adopted, if they had been determined enough to have a child of their own flesh and blood they could have gotten a surrogate. However, these alternatives went against the traditional values of both clans who would never recognize an heir that had not been conceived by conventional means which rankled Sasuke who was aggrieved that his son or daughter would be denied what was their birthright.

Moreover, once he had begun displaying evidence of independent thoughts and supported and defended Hinata before them, she had become too much of a liability. With Itachi out of the picture they were stuck with him, but Hinata was dispensable in their eyes. So they had plotted to remove his wife from the equation and they had succeeded, because Sasuke had underestimated his enemy and that had proved to be his undoing, but it wasn't a mistake he'd a make a second time.

Taking a moment to glance at the display on his phone he became easily mesmerized by the sight of Hinata jovial face, alight with happiness burning unto his retinas. Closing his eyes a perfect replica of her image was formed in his mind's eye. The likelihood of sleep seemed more distant than ever, the longing for her had developed into a physical ache and heaviness on his chest.

To withstand the temptation to go down to his study and pour himself a glass of scotch to numb himself a little Sasuke gave in to his weariness and melancholy and surrendered to a guilty pleasure he'd never admit to anyone even under the threat of torture.

Turning on his side he closed his eyes and inhaling deeply he finally opened the valve and images, memories, thoughts of his beloved wife flooded his consciousness. He exhaled her name reverently as if he were capable of summoning her presence through such an effortless act before Sasuke allowed himself to lift his lids.

And there she was perfect, in her simple beauty a smile which reached her luminescent orbs gracing her lips. Resisting the urge to extend his hand and stroke her smooth cheek knowing that only disappointment would await him Sasuke only allowed himself an answering smile.

"You haven't done this while", his apparition noted quietly. After all that's what she was a figment of his wretched mind meant to comfort the Uchiha while wallowing in his loneliness.

"I was trying to stop", he admitted in defeat.

"It looks like you failed. Why did you give in?" Though she already knew the truth.

"Because I missed you. Because some days this is all I feel I have left of you."

"Oh my dear husband, you have my love, you hold my heart", Hinata frowned lightly looking over his face with concern. "This isn't healthy. You should be resting, not talking to me."

"I'd be well on my way to getting sloshed if I weren't speaking to you."

"You've been drinking more recently", she delivered her observation flatly. They'd discussed this issue on more than one occasion.

"It makes things a little easier to bear. Until you're back with me I'll do what it takes to cope with your loss. I won't let it ruin me", he promised though she didn't look very convinced.

"At least you know where I am now."

He knew she was trying to appease him, to soothe away the sharp edges of his pain.

"I do, but it some ways it doesn't make it any easier. It's not like I can go to you as I please. I'm still entangled in this blasted web our families have woven", he railed feeling frustrated and helpless. Those emotions had plagued him for far too long, he wasn't a man who could easily concede to others, even if it was only for show.

"You haven't lost me, anata. I'm waiting for you. I haven't given up on us either. We'll weather this storm together, they won't break up apart. They won't," she retorted with vehemence, refusing to let Sasuke doubt her and more importantly, himself.

Growling in frustration Sasuke turned his face away from hers, unable to keep his gaze fixated on his wife's image. "God what I would give to touch you right now," expressing his desperation.

"You can't keep doing this Sasuke. You mustn't speak to me anymore after tonight. The next time you see me will be in the flesh. Hold out till then, anata. Stay strong, please continue to hold steadfast to our love, it won't fail you," Hinata promised wholeheartedly. "We will find our way back to each other."

Sighing he raked his hand through his dark strands, gritting his teeth before acquiescing, "Very well I won't call upon you again". Pausing for a moment before he vowed, "I never had any intentions of giving up on us Hinata even when I falter I know that I won't stop till I have you back. However, I'm not done with you yet." He smirked at her, "Tell me why you love me."

Scowling back at him she shook in her head in mock dismay and reluctant amusement, 'You're absolutely incorrigible, you know that right?" She knew exactly what he was referring to, inadvertently during the course of their nightly sessions they'd come up with a little game to ease his regret over not telling her that he loved her before she'd left him.

"I'm still waiting."

Groaning, she grumbled aloud, "I can't believe I let you get your way every time. I love you…" taking a moment to ponder before finishing, "…because you're rich."

Sasuke chuckled before propping up his upper half using his elbow, "If that's how you want to play it. I love you…because you enrich my life."

"Seriously? Did you really just say something that cheesy?" She stared at him incredulously, rolling her eyes.

"You don't get to criticize my answers now stop dwindling and tell me your reason."

"Alright then, I love you because you're hot," raising her eyebrows suggestively.

"And I love you because no other women will ever be as beautiful as you are to me."

Giving a brief snort Hinata facepalmed herself. She was trying to get him to give up on this ridiculous game, but he wasn't having it.

"I love you because you're strong."

"I love you because you give me strength."

"I love you because you have a great smile."

"Because you give something worth smiling about."

"Because you're really smart."

"Because you tell me nicely when I'm being an idiot."

"Because you never get annoyed when I start rambling."

He let loose a sudden bark of laughter after hearing her retort, "You can take a conversation places it probably wasn't meant to go, but I still love you because you can just look at me and know exactly how I'm feeling without me ever saying a word."

She gave him a beatific smile in response, "I've had a lot of practice trying to interpret your monosyllable responses I've had to rely on other things to help me figure you out. I love you because you're a puzzle."

"I love you because you unravel me."

"Who would have ever thought Uchiha Sasuke, my husband would be such a softie?"

Tilting his head he narrowed his eyes, "Because you're the only one capable of making me melt."

A dark blush blossomed across her cheeks as she hid her face behind her hands. Sasuke loved that he could make her so bashful, that he instinctively knew she was probably fighting back a grin behind those slender digits.

"I love you even though you're insufferable."

"Insufferable", he echoed, "that's a new one, but I suppose that's why no one else but you will have me."

"I'm sure it isn't for a lack of trying on that part of those women you keep parading across the cover of magazines," she retorted with a hint of snark in her voice.

"I love you enough that I put up with their whining and bitching so I can still belong to you."

"Argh. I can't win with you. When did you become some a smooth talker? I think I prefer it when all I got out of you were those caveman grunts."

"Caveman grunts?" he exclaimed. "You can't compare me to some primordial savage, Hinata." His voice indignant and huffy.

"Why 'cause you're an Uchiha?" she teased, poking funat his pride.

"Exactly," he retorted before he backtracked, "no, I mean because I'm your husband you're supposed to think I hung the damn moon."

"Say's who? Is it written in some secret Uchiha clan handbook? Are you gonna pull it out and start quoting passages to me?"

Glaring at her Sasuke threatened, "You're lucky you're not real or you'd be in serious trouble."

Gasping, her eyes widened comically as she placed her hand over her chest, "Tickle attack kind of trouble?"

"Worse," he promised still feeling miffed over her teasing.

And that's how Sasuke spent the next couple hours, bantering with her trying to make this last conversation stretch, to savour the final moments of closeness he experienced with a figment he'd conjured up. He'd need every last bit of resolve not to call upon her again, it felt as though he was losing another piece of her even if he knew she wasn't really there and it was all just a product of his sad desperation.

XXX

A/N: Hey I know this update is somewhat late but finishing assignments and finals were taking up a lot of my time and energy. Thankfully it's all over.

This chapter was originally going to include Gaara's POV but it didn't feel right considering the connection I was trying to reestablish with Sasuke, so next chapter. Also since Itachi and Hanabi are going to be playing much larger roles in the upcoming chapters I thought it best to give them a little showtime now. I'm not too sure how I did with their characterizations so some feedback would be nice.

Also I know I suck with dialogue, I spend a great deal of time in my characters' heads so it's always a bit difficult for me to write their interactions with one another, I hope to get better at it with practice.

Thank you for all the wonderful reviews, the reunion was mostly positively received so I'm very happy with that. Please continue to read and review!

Sincerely,

CharmGirl24.