Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, it's characters, or any aspect of it. It all belongs to Masashi Kishimoto.
Note: This is the last chapter for The Beauty of Power. I appreciate everyone's support for this story. Thank you so much!
The Beauty of Power
Chapter 23
Hinata had pictures laid out in front of her, she smiled at them, and couldn't help, but laugh. Several days ago, they had dressed up in their wedding attire once again, and took a collection of different photos. In all of the pictures, the Uchiha heir had a satisfied look on his face, and a faint smile on his lips. Whereas, she had a bashful smile on her face, and arms wrapped around his neck, or waist. In some of the photos, she had kissed him, and Hinata could have sworn she saw a faint blush on his cheeks. She didn't realize that Sasuke had been camera shy especially around others.
She had one more week to spend with him before returning to her responsibilities as a shinobi, and he had two more weeks before joining Konohagakure forces.
Hinata placed a picture into its laminated slot, and Sasuke came around behind her. With arms wrapping around her waist, he nuzzled his face in her hair, his breath tickled her skin.
"What are you doing?" Sasuke asked against her hair.
"Just putting p-pictures in the album. I like this one." Hinata informed. "It makes me laugh every time I s-see it." She held up a picture of the two of them where Sasuke had his hand up, preventing anyone from seeing the two, but through the cracks of his fingers, Hinata was seen, kissing the corner of his mouth.
"I hate it." The Uchiha heir groaned, taking in a full breath of her scent.
"I didn't r-realize you were so shy." Hinata said with a giggle. Sasuke pulled away from her, he crossed his arms, and cocked an eyebrow.
"I am not shy, that's a silly notion, Hinata, I like our affection to be private a times, and that photographer was pushy to get them." Sasuke hissed. "He better be glad that I didn't blind him."
Hinata giggled, and let out a sullen sigh.
XXXX
The Uchiha heir immediately took notice of his wife's sadden exhalation, he titled Hinata's chin up, and leaned over.
"Why the long sigh?" Sasuke asked, coolly. An unfathomable expression was on his face, and his eyes were intense.
"Oh, nothing, I just d-don't want this time to end, y-you and me free from our daily lives."
"It is not just that is it?" The Uchiha heir smirked. "You can't hide anything from me, I am your husband."
"I know." Hinata lifted up a hand, and stroked his cheek. "It is just I would have liked to take more pictures of you and me, other than our w-wedding pictures, maybe of other places outside of the village."
"Hm…" Sasuke moved to her ear, and began to nibble on it, lightly. "Well, we still have plenty of time, Hinata, this time off is supposed to be where we can give into our desires and wishes. And if that is what you want then, we will do it."
"Really?" Hinata asked, shocked. "T-Thank you!" Her voice was elated.
"Hinata." Sasuke whispered in her ear. "Don't hold back anything from me, if something is bothering you, whether you are in pain, or you just want to talk, show it to me." Hinata smiled, timidly, and wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Un." There was a silence exchanged between the two lovers, and Hinata ran her hands through his hair. "Where would w-we go?"
Just as Sasuke was about to say something, the clock went off in the house, and he heard a gasp come from his wife. "Oh, no, I'm late."
Hinata gave him a quick peck on the lips, making the Uchiha heir growl because he wanted more, and she ran to the front door.
"I almost forgot I h-have to meet Ino and Sakura for lunch." Hinata informed. "Sorry, when I get home, w-we can decide where to go, if t-that is okay." Sasuke shrugged, and she mouthed another apology before heading out the door.
XXXX
Hinata couldn't believe that she was married to Sasuke Uchiha. He was the former most wanted man in the village when they were preteens, and out of all the girls in there, he had chosen her. At times, she thought it was a dream, these blissful emotions, and found herself still staring at the wedding band around her finger.
But, she was his and only his. He would only look at her. Whenever, they went out rather it be to the market or to shop for commodities, she noticed he didn't really seem to pay attention to anything else, but her.
Ino and Sakura met her at a small pastry shop no more than a couple of blocks from their home, and Hinata sat down with them.
"You look good, Hinata-chan." Sakura said with a smile. Ino hissed, wavering her hand, and she smiled, widely.
"Don't listen to her, married life looks good on you!" Ino beamed.
"T-thank you." A rouge color spread across Hinata's cheeks.
"I want to get married now." Ino whined. A longing expression was on her face, and Hinata giggled at her.
"You will, don't worry, Ino-chan."
"So tell me how it is like being married to Sasuke?" Ino inquired.
"Ino, she doesn't want to publicize her life." Sakura said with a glare, and Ino raised an eyebrow at her pink headed friend.
"You know you're curious too, Sakura so shut up."
"Is it s-supposed to be a special way?" Hinata asked, perplexed.
"Well, you do have a hottie for a husband." Ino said with a wink. "And I am sure he is hot in all areas." Sakura elbowed the blond headed Yanamaka as Hinata covered her face in embarrassment, and Sakura reached out a hand, touching Hinata's shoulder.
"Forgive her." The pink haired kunoichi apologized. "She's a little crude" Hinata nodded at Sakura through her covered hands, and Ino sighed, trying to ease the situation.
"Have you talked about children yet?"
Hinata pulled her hands from her face, and looked at her friends, kindly. "We will h-have them when the time is r-right."
"Ugh, I can't wait, they will be adorable!" Ino exclaimed.
"Hey, I have a quick q-question."
"Sure, what is it?"
"I was wondering, do you g-guys know any places to go for sights?" Hinata asked, curiously
"Well, there is a village not too far from here commonly known as the village of wonders because there are a lot of natural beauties there." Sakura stated. "Why do you ask?"
"Well, Sasuke and I were g-going to take a few more pictures of us t-together"
"Then you will like it." Sakura grinned. "They have an amazing few of a waterfall there, and a cave that shimmers in the moonlight like gems." Hinata lit up.
"Do you k-know the name?"
"It's the Taikukyoi village." Ino chimed in.
"Thank you so much for all of your help."
"No worries." Ino said, wavering her hand. "Now, let's order our food."
Hinata made her way back home, Sasuke was sitting on the back porch, and he seemed to be in deep thought. It was something that she had gotten used to him doing, she had tried to give him his alone time, never wanting to be clingy, but he seemed to get agitated when she kept her distance from him, using the excuse that he didn't get married to himself. Hinata sat down next to him, she placed her hand on his, his eyes moved to hers, and he raised an eyebrow.
"I would have thought the lunch would have lasted longer, and tell me why you look like you have to tell me something."
"Yes, so Sakura-san and Ino-chan told me a-about a place that we can go for pictures, it is called the Taikukyoi village. It is filled with lots of wonders and I f-figured it would be the perfect place to go to..." Hinata bit her lip. "I mean if you want to."
"Well, if it makes you that excited then I see no reason not to go." The Uchiha heir stated. Hinata grinned, and nodded at him. "Let's start heading out."
"Now?"
"Are you objecting?"
"No, no, but I have to get a camera."
"We will stop by the market before we start to head out."
XXXX
The Uchiha heir bought Hinata the most expensive camera despite her objects, and they slipped out of the gates. Sasuke ran in front of Hinata, however he kept his hand on her wrist, gently. She followed him with ease, Hinata's hair whipped behind her, and the village came in sight in no time. The village was small, but it seemed busier than Konohagakure itself. It was still daytime when they arrived, and Sasuke walked into a hotel, holding Hinata's hand.
"I'd like a room for my wife and I." The Uchiha heir said.
"For how many days?" Sasuke's eyes flickered to Hinata.
"How long do you want to stay here?"
"Two days if that's okay."
"You heard her." The young man nodded at her, handing him the keys, and he stared at Hinata. "Ah, here to see the sights huh?"
"Yes, but I am unsure w-which one to go to first."
"Go to the waterfall, it is everyone's favorite." Hinata nodded, taking note of his recommendation, and they settled down in their room.
"Anata, I know you want to see the sights, but we need to eat." Sasuke stated.
"Un, I know, thank you a-again for doing t-this for me?"
"That is unnecessary gratitude you are giving me." The Uchiha heir sighed.
I would move the moon for you, Hinata.
The couple made their way to a local shop, and a young woman led them to a table far off from everyone else. It was quiet, and they ordered a local dish. However, the woman came back with a dish which agitated Sasuke to a certain degree, he was trying to enjoy the company of his lover next to him.
"Here try this." A young woman suggested. She laid a plate of food in front of Hinata, and Hinata grimaced at it. The smell made her mouth water, and Sasuke cocked an eyebrow.
"What is that?" The Uchiha heir asked, coolly.
"It is food that is good for your body, it helps with your figure, skin, and overall health." The young woman informed.
"We didn't ask for that." Sasuke growled.
"It is a specialty for all couple who come in."
"Not for us, and what are you implying?" Sasuke asked as he cocked an eyebrow at the young woman. His expression was guarded, and a displeased look was on his face.
"I'm sorry." The woman took it away, and Hinata elbowed Sasuke.
"That was mean."
"No, I don't like anything that suggests that you are not perfect, my love, you are perfect in every way and anyone who suggested otherwise can go fuck off." Hinata stared at him with parted lips, and then she sighed, smiling.
She could never get over how protective he was of her. The entrees came out in no time, and a piece of rice stuck to the corner of her mouth.
"You have rice all over your mouth." Sasuke sighed, heavily, and Hinata grabbed her napkin, trying to wipe it off.
"Sorry, this is an m-messy dish, is it off?"
"Let me." The Uchiha heir exasperated. Sasuke leaned over, grabbing the camera out of her hair, and he licked the piece of food off the corner of his wife's mouth. Simultaneously, he took a picture, and Hinata squeaked. He chuckled, lowly.
"What are you going to do with all of these pictures anyways?"
"S-something special." Hinata said, cryptically. "You'll see."
After they finished eating, they made their way to the waterfall. The waterfall was definitely a sight, the crystal blue water fell over huge boulders and into a bank that was lined with different arrays of flowers. The Uchiha heir watched Hinata look at it with awe, the air was filled with sprays of water, and he couldn't help, but smile, faintly.
"You look like a child who was given a new toy." Sasuke teased. Hinata looked at him, sourly, and she beckoned to an empty place where people could take pictures at.
"Can w-we take pictures t-together over there?" Hinata asked, timidly. Sasuke groaned, taking his lover's hand, and pulled her over to the spot. She held out the camera in front of them, his eyes lowered as she put on a genuine smile, it still amazed him how she could smile so sweetly around him. It amazed him how happy she made him.
They took a couple of pictures with one another, and of the waterfall with each of them, standing in front of it. The Uchiha heir took a few moments as he took a picture of Hinata, he had to admit her beauty captivated him, and she turned red, covering her face as she took notice of this. He smirked at her, and took a picture of her embarrassed face.
"And you can't throw it out." Sasuke informed. "I had embarrassing moments with the photographer, and now you know how it feels, pay back is a bitch isn't it?"
Hinata shot what seemed like a glare at him, it peeked his interest since he had never seen her due it before, but she soon began to laugh.
Their picture taking lasted late into the evening, and they made their way back to the hotel room.
XXXX
Hinata had taken so many pictures that she would have sworn, she saw stars each time she blinked. But, it was worth it. However, she was tired, her excitement had drained all her energy, and she couldn't wait to get back to the hotel.
XXXX
"You should head to bed soon, anata?"
"Un, I am going to g-go run some bath water, and then I will a-afterwards." Hinata informed. "Sorry, the day kind of wore me out. Did you enjoy it with me?"
"I enjoy seeing you happy, Hinata, so yes, I did." The Uchiha heir stated. She smiled at him, leaned over, and she kissed his neck. Sasuke laid on the bed with his eyes closed as he heard the hot water run, and it was quiet. However, he noticed a bubble come out of the bathroom, and cocked an eyebrow. The Uchiha heir lifted off the bed, walking into the bathroom, and the whole bathroom was filled with bubbles. Hinata was blowing them in the air, and Sasuke sauntered up to her.
"Think you put enough solution into the water to make these?" He flinched as one popped onto his face, and Hinata looked at him, apologetically. "I am surprised that you didn't overflow the bathroom."
"I o-only put in a little." She defended. The Uchiha heir gave her a long scowl, and then he chuckled, lightly.
"What am I going to do with you?"
XXXX
- The next morning-
Hinata woke up to the feel of the sun against her bare skin, she gasped as the covers settled on her pelvis, unveiling her nude body. She pulled them over her, immediately, and her face flushed red. She looked over to see Sasuke was rested against her shoulder, his hand rested on her stomach, and Hinata smiled at him. She turned over, trying not to wake him, and traced the outlines of his face with her fingertips. The Uchiha heir murmured her name.
"Hinata." he said, sleepily. "I promise we will see the cave of gems, but I want you to lay here with me just a little longer." His voice almost like a plea. Hinata liked to look at him when he was asleep, she nodded at him, and nestled her body up closer to a completely naked Uchiha. It made her face turn redder, and he leaned over, kissing her forehead.
The Uchiha heir had to admit that the cave of gems caught him off guard a little, Hinata marveled at the sight, the gems were all different colors, and seemed to glisten, radiantly within the cave creating a glowing like atmosphere.
She took pictures of them, and of the stones. As she did so, the Uchiha heir took out his katana, and chiseled out a stone. Hinata gasped as he held it out in front of her, and she grabbed it.
"Sasuke!" Hinata said almost horrified. She went to put it back, however the stone wouldn't stay, and Sasuke walked up to her, wrapping his arm around her waist. "We are g-going to get in t-trouble." She put her face in her hands, and he brushed a hair behind her ear.
"Don't worry about it, anata." Sasuke soothed. "Take it as a souvenir." He crossed his arms as she bit her lip. "What you don't like it? We can always leave it here."
"No!" Hinata said, quickly.
"Hm... that's what I thought." The Uchiha heir said as a smirk played on his lips.
XXXX
The days that they resided in Taikukyoi village seemed to go by in a blur. When they reached Konohagakure again, the Uchiha heir saw Hinata take off to get the pictures developed, and when they were developed, she sat inside of their bedroom for the rest of the day, working on something. Sasuke left it alone, knowing that if she wanted to show him right then, she would have, but he was oddly curious as to what she was doing.
Only till evening did she come out, and she held it in front of him. It was a collage of all the different pictures that had been taken, and the name Uchiha was titled at the top.
"Do y-you like it?" Hinata asked, curiously. Sasuke looked at her, shocked for a few moments, and he smiled at her.
"I didn't realize you were so crafty, Hinata." The Uchiha heir said. His wife smiled at him, her cheeks blushed at his compliment, and she wandered around the living room to see where she could put it. Sasuke noticed her set her eyes on an empty space far above her reach, and he got up. He grabbed the collage, gently as if it were going to break, and placed it up high.
Hinata wrapped her arms around him, and her chin rested on his shoulder. "If we have company over, I want everyone to see us as a family."
"You have truly outdone yourself, my love." Sasuke reached out, and traced the name of Uchiha with his finger.
It is truly magnificent.
-Later on that night-
Sasuke stared at the collage on the wall, and he stared at the two of them together. How happy she looked, the smiles on her face as she looked at him, and how he gave smiles back in the pictures. No, he was not shy in front of the camera, it was just his love for her couldn't be contained in such things. Hinata walked out of the bedroom, and she looked at him, concerned.
"Sasuke, is e-everything okay?"
The Uchiha heir nodded at her, she sat down next to him, and grimaced as she followed his gaze to the pictures.
"They really are great aren't they?"
"Well, I wouldn't say that." Hinata looked at him, shocked as Sasuke leaned over, and brushed back her hair behind her ear. The Uchiha heir kissed her, passionately, and she placed both of her hands on each side of his face. He kissed her once again before she could say anything else, and he pulled away to speak against her lips.
"These are just pictures, I know they are memories, memories of us, but you cannot touch, or hold a memory." Sasuke stated. "These pictures pale in comparison to you, Hinata, why should I look at something, if I know that I can experience the real thing."
Hinata was speechless, but Sasuke continued on.
"Looking at these pictures, I can see how different I have become, how you have changed me." Sasuke informed. "This life with you, these past days, is something that I couldn't have never guessed I could be living."
"But, you gave me it, and I feel a little indebted to you, Hinata." She gave him a gentle look, and shook her head.
"Don't." Hinata said, sweetly. "I am s-supposed to make the one I love feel that way. But, I understand, and I promise you, I will always be here for you so we can make m-more memories together."
Sasuke pulled her against him, and wrapped his arms around her into a tight warm embrace. Hinata was his wife, she would never leave him, and he wouldn't even fathom leaving her. They were bonded to one another.
"I know you will be, anata." Sasuke whispered, tenderly. "Because I will never let you go."
Please review the story, I would greatly appreciate it, I really enjoyed writing this story, and thank you again, everyone! - FireGladiator.