Chapter 13:
Thank you all for the follows and favourites and a special thanks to all those who reviewed! I wish I could reply to all of your reviews but I'm always so busy but please be assured, I read every single one of them and I am so grateful to all of your feedback.
This was a crazy chapter to write. You'll see what I mean, it's going to feel like Sasuke and Hinata's relationship takes one step forward and then two steps back. Also, I loved writing the part with team 7.
Anyway, enjoy the chapter.
Hinata grinned as she placed her chopsticks down on her plate. She swallowed her food and then proceeded to share her idea.
"Uchiha-san, I have an – "
Hinata stopped and suddenly started giggling. Sasuke looked up at her with confusion.
"What?" He muttered as he swallowed some rice.
Hinata shook her head and pointed towards his mouth.
"You have some rice on you," she said.
"How funny," Sasuke said sarcastically.
Hinata watched as Sasuke brought his fingers over his mouth trying to get the piece of rice off of him.
"Is it gone?" He asked.
Hinata smiled, "Move your fingers to the centre of your mouth – Ah stop. Now, move your hands here," she gestured, "it's just above your upper lip. No! Not there, over here."
Hinata leaned across the table and unconsciously her fingers came closer to Sasuke's face. She stopped midway when she realised what she was going to do. Hinata pulled her hand away quickly. She averted her eyes away from him and grabbed the closest thing that could show his reflection. Hinata ended up using one of her kunai's.
"Ah, here," she said handing him the kunai, "can you see?"
"Aa," Sasuke said as he passed the kunai back to Hinata.
Using his thumb, Sasuke wiped the rice off his face. He then stared at Hinata as he placed his thumb at the base of his lips, proceeding to suck the rice off it.
Hinata blushed, tearing away her eyes from him.
"As I was saying, I think – I think you can just repay me by giving me back a tomato?"
"An equivalent exchange?"
Hinata flicked her eyes back to Sasuke, the fact that he had never taken his eyes off of her had caused Hinata to feel strange. Her stomach felt weird. She wasn't sure if it was because of the food or because Sasuke had truly made her feel nervous.
"Yes," she replied quietly as she attempted to recollect herself, "that way neither of us we'll be in debt to one another."
Sasuke stared at her in an analysing way. Hinata wondered if Sasuke was so used to analysing everything. He stared at her in way that made Hinata feel like a puzzle. It was as if he was pondering if she had any ulterior motives. She could tell it in the way he furrowed his brows. Despite Hinata being treated like a mystery, it was Sasuke whom was the real mystery.
"Hn."
Sasuke flicked his eyes back to his onigiri and continued to eat. Hinata smiled, happy that he had accepted her idea. Perhaps, Sasuke was not so hard to understand, she thought.
Xxx
After their meal, the two had returned to working. It was quiet and serene as they worked. The two shinobi preferred it this way. Hinata smiled cheerfully as she placed some books on the bookshelf. Hinata was recalling on their way back when Sasuke had questioned why she had a kunai when she was no longer considered an 'on duty' shinobi. Hinata had replied that regardless of her status, she was a shinobi and threats could appear anywhere. She remembered looking at Sasuke waiting for a witty retort by him but instead she had seen something even more surprising. Sasuke had smirked at her. Not in his usual arrogant manner but it was something else. Something Hinata couldn't exactly place her finger on. He looked… proud and somewhat happy? But I might be reading too much into it.
Hinata sighed. She promised herself she wouldn't think about it anymore. It was most likely nothing. Probably just my imagination…
"Hinata," Sasuke called out to her in a panicked tone.
She raised her eyebrows in confusion as she began to walk towards Sasuke.
"What's wrong?" She asked as she got closer to him.
He clenched his jaw and pushed the book he was reading towards her.
"Read this," he said pointing at the page.
Hinata titled her head down and began to read. The words had quickly processed through her mind the second she read them. Hinata gulped. She read the words again, wondering if perhaps she had misread it.
It can't be…
Hinata blinked in confusion and shock. Her mouth was agape. When –
Suddenly the door opened and Kakashi's head popped out.
"Hey guys, just wanted to let you know that you can finish early today since it's Sasuke's birthday today," Kakashi said with a crinkled eye, "Sakura's been busy preparing for tonight, so don't be late Sasuke."
Sasuke sighed, "Hn."
"Well, that's all I came to say. Ja ne, Hinata-chan, Sasuke."
Hinata waved Kakashi goodbye. She blinked. Licked her lips and faced Sasuke. Her mind was still in a state of shock and by looking at Sasuke it seemed so was he.
"Uchiha-san, I –"she stopped when Sasuke immediately turned his head to face hers. Their eyes locked and slowly Hinata felt herself getting pulled in by his onyx eyes. She opened her mouth to continue but couldn't find the words to do so. What does one say after finding that out? Especially after all these years.
Hinata watched Sasuke, trying to figure out what he was thinking. Sasuke though, was like obsidian. He was a dark person and mostly mysterious. It was difficult to read him. Most of the time she had trouble understanding him. However, it was in moments like these were his feelings and thoughts were accessible to the eye. He was as transparent as glass.
Sasuke's just as surprised and confused as I.
Hinata let out a breath and closed her eyes.
"I didn't know it was your birthday," she whispered, changing the subject.
"Aa."
"Happy birthday," she said quietly.
Hinata bowed and then turned to leave. However, the door wouldn't budge. She bit her lip as she saw Sasuke's hand firmly hold the door shut. He towered over her, causing her to feel inferior. Hinata didn't want to face Sasuke. Not right now. After finding out that she had no idea what one should say.
"Breathe," he whispered.
Hinata breathed, oblivious to the fact that she almost had an anxiety attack. Her body felt flushed, and slowly her breathing had begun to return back to normal.
"Breathe," Sasuke repeated, "go home Hinata and don't think about this.
She shut her eyes tight, she wanted to so desperately to do that. To run away from this problem. Yet, where had that gotten her in the past? Running away had caused a mess. A mess she was not proud of.
"I can't do that," she replied.
"Hinata, we'll figure it –"
"I'm not yours Sasuke!" She yelled as she turned to face him.
She regretted raising her voice at him. All she wanted to say was that she didn't want him to boss her around. After all, he had said to not let people order her around. But now, it was different. She realised it after she had yelled at him. He wasn't simply ordering her. Sasuke was trying to help her. And Hinata had declined his help. She hated it – that look of hurt on his face which quickly diminished in seconds. Sasuke was no longer transparent to her.
Sasuke narrowed his eyes at her as he looked down at her from his nose. His infamous scowl lurked on his face. His voice no longer sounded worried. Rather, it sounded hostile.
"Move Hyuga, you're blocking the exit."
Hinata lowered her head and stood aside for Sasuke to pass. He pushed past her without a care. Hinata reached out for his arm, holding onto it before he could leave.
"I'm going to talk to the elders," she explained.
It felt like hours before Sasuke had finally replied. The silence in the building had irked Hinata. She had felt nervous. She was scared. As time began to pass, she could feel herself begin to tremble.
"Do what you want," he whispered.
Slowly, Hinata let Sasuke's arm out of her grasp. Once his arm was free, Sasuke continued to walk away from her. Hinata closed her eyes. Unsure of what would become of Sasuke and her.
Xxx
Despite the headache he felt coming on, Sasuke continued to drown the alcohol down his throat. It burned his insides. The liquor tasted horrible. Sasuke had felt somewhat horrible. He rubbed his eyes as he felt them becoming drowsy. Beside him sat Naruto, chatting idly away to him. Sasuke had gotten lost halfway through the conversation. Something about ramen? Or was it cake? He couldn't remember and didn't want to. He hated sweets and detested ramen. The latter was an exaggeration though. Rather he tolerated ramen. After the many times he had gone for ramen with Naruto it was impossible to not get sick of it. He furrowed his brows at Naruto – the guy was an oddball.
"Ne, Sakura-chan, how's the hospital going?" Naruto asked.
Sasuke praised inwardly that the conversation was finally changing. He directed his attention to Sakura, who sat across from them. Beside her, was Kakashi looking as relaxed as ever. Perhaps it was due to the fact that Team 7 hardly got together like this. It was a rarity they were blessed with. Sasuke would never admit it out loud but he enjoyed it. He enjoyed spending time with his family. Even though they do get on my nerves most of the time…
"Very busy," she said as she sipped on her sake, "Tsunade-sama delegates most of the work to me now, so I'm always running around the hospital."
"Tch, isn't she still too young to be retiring," Sasuke said.
"Eh? Ba-chan's pretty old teme!" Naruto exclaimed.
Kakashi laughed, "Don't let her hear you say that Naruto. She'll pulverise you."
Naruto grimaced and Sakura laughed, nodding her head in agreement.
"Tsunade-sama still takes up many jobs but just not as much anymore... she may look young Sasuke-kun but she is getting old," Sakura said. The last part she had said quietly as if in fear that her mentor would hear her discussing her age.
Naruto reached over for the bottle of sake, and refilled his glass. "Just don't overwork yourself Sakura-chan," he said.
Sakura smiled and then clapped her hands together.
"Yosh, does anyone want any more food?" She questioned as she began to stand up.
"I'm good thanks," Kakashi replied.
"You didn't even eat Kakashi-sensei!" Naruto shouted as he pointed a finger at him in annoyance.
"Oh? I got hungry at work so I ate before I came."
Naruto opened his mouth to protest but Sakura cut him off, scolding him for his lack of manners. Naruto had retorted saying that it was Kakashi-sensei who was rude for not eating her food. Sasuke sighed as he massaged his temples. So damn frustrating.
"Shut up," Sasuke finally said as he reached out for the bottle of sake.
The two complied and zipped their lips. Sakura began to clear the table with the help of Naruto. Now, it was just Kakashi and Sasuke. Sasuke eyed Kakashi with a scowl. The old bastard refused to show his face. His face was a mystery. He would be lying if he said he didn't want to know what Kakashi really looked like.
"Is something wrong, Sasuke?" Kakashi asked.
He clenched his jaw and muttered, "No."
He watched as Kakashi flicked his eyes towards the kitchen. Sakura and Naruto were still quite occupied cleaning up the mess. He turned his focus back to Sasuke.
"Earlier today when I visited, you seemed quite tense – when you were with Hinata-chan," he added quickly.
Sasuke scowled. Kakashi was always so perceptive. It was frustrating.
"She's annoying," he said.
Kakashi smiled, "I thought you two were getting along quite nicely when you went out to eat."
He's been watching us…
"She's tolerable," he added.
"You seem even more annoyed than usual tonight."
"Shut up."
He gritted his teeth as he watched his old sensei smile. Sasuke was positive that Kakashi was having twisted assumptions. He probably thinks I tried to make a move. Sasuke gritted his teeth. Fortunately, before hell could break loose, both Sakura and Naruto had returned. The two had said nothing about the tense situation. Either they were oblivious or were ignoring it. Sasuke presumed it was the latter. It seemed his teammates had a fear of prying into what was irritating Sasuke. One wrong question and their night together could end in seconds.
Sakura had smiled excitedly as she placed Sasuke's birthday cake on the table.
Before he could protest about his hatred of sweets, Sakura had opened her mouth.
"Wait! It's not just any type of cake Sasuke-kun," she grinned as if proud of herself, "it's a tomato based soup cake!"
He raised his eyebrow at her, was that even possible?
"It's true Sasuke! It tastes good as well," Naruto said as he patted Sasuke's back.
Fuck it, I'll eat it. She had me at tomato.
Xx
It didn't take long for Team 7 to finish the cake. Surprisingly, Sasuke could admit that it was actually quite nice.
"So did you like it?" Sakura asked.
"Hn," he said as he finished the last drop of sake in his glass.
Sakura smiled, "I'm glad."
Again, Naruto had gotten up and helped her clear the table. He observed them. There was a feeling of familiarity more so than the two usually gave off. Sasuke had never been inside Sakura's house before. But as he watched Naruto saunter around, giving a helping hand he wondered just how many times the blonde idiot had been in here. His mind wasn't particular sober, so he chose to stop entertaining his peculiar thoughts. Before he knew it, Naruto came rushing back with presents.
"Open it! Open it!" He shouted, handing Sasuke his presents.
He sighed, giving into his best friend's excitement. It might as well be Naruto's birthday. He's more excited than I am.
Sasuke unwrapped Naruto's present first. The shape of it was strange. To say he was a little worried at what Naruto had gotten him was an understatement. Moreover, the idiot had done so many layers of wrapping. His eyes twitched as it felt like the wrapping went forever. No wonder why the present was shaped so weirdly.
"Last layer teme!" Naruto said as he rubbed his palms together.
Sasuke shook his head and proceeded to unwrap the last layer. He froze, as his fingers touched the hilt of the sword. During the battle with Kaguya, his Sword of Kusanagi had fallen into the lava and thus, destroyed. The chokuto Naruto had gotten him was so similar to his Sword of Kusanagi. It similarly, had a black scabbard and matching hilt. Its size was also quite large compared to normal chokutos.
"Naruto… you –"
"Yeah," he replied, smiling sincerely.
Sasuke placed his sword beside him, and grabbed the next present. He unwrapped it – thankful for the one layer – and grimaced at the present. Kakashi had gotten him books, which was thoughtful, Sasuke did enjoy reading books. However, the first book in the pile was one of the notorious books from the 'Icha Icha' series.
"Quite resourceful," Kakashi commented.
He frowned, ignoring the book and peered at the others. They were all books on jutsus, techniques and fighting styles. I'll read these later.
"Hn."
"So Sakura-chan what did you get Sasuke?" Naruto asked.
He directed his attention to Sakura. He wasn't sure what exactly he expected from Sakura.
"Well… it's sort of a present for the both of you. Ah, let me explain," she said as she noticed the confusion in their faces, "As children, you both suffered so much trauma from all the wrongdoings of the shinobi system. I hated it. Seeing you both in pain once we became a family. I wanted to be strong to help you both. But we're older now, and you two can easily take care of yourselves. It was a difficult and tedious journey to get here but Sasuke-kun and Naruto, you guys made it. So, I wanted to ensure no child has to suffer through the trauma alone again. To do this, I proposed to the hospital a new facility which treats children suffering from trauma. Especially, after the effects of the last war and the many losses we experienced…"
"Sakura… That's – Thank you," he said genuinely.
Sakura was taken aback, her eyes wide from his sudden appreciation.
"You're amazing Sakura-chan," Naruto said as he smiled.
"Thanks guys – Ah, I know it's not really a present but I thought –"
Sasuke cut her off, "It's great Sakura, really."
"I got the approval today, so the facility should be opening soon."
"Yosh!" Cheered Naruto.
Sasuke sat back and smiled. For now, he would enjoy this happiness with his family. Later at night he would let his mind wander towards his thoughts and feelings regarding Hinata.
"You've all grown so much," Kakashi said out of the blue.
All three members of Team 7 stared at their sensei weirdly. Sakura then laughed, followed by Naruto and Kakashi and even Sasuke let out a little laugh. He was unsure if it was alcohol or if it was because he was truly happy in this moment. Regardless, he planned on ensuring that he would not hurt his family again. Even if it meant ignoring his own desires.
Xxx
Hinata pushed open the gates into the Hyuga compound, greeting the guards as she came through. It was already late by the time she had returned home. As she came up the steps, she saw the lights of the dining hall lit. She watched the shadows of the maids, cleaning up the table and what not. It seemed everyone had eaten except herself. She ignored the gnawing feeling in her stomach. In her current state of mind, Hinata was unsure if she could handle any food in her body. She feared she would throw up. Hinata was just too flustered to stomach anything.
After Sasuke had left, she had ended up staying in the Hokage building longer than she planned. She had finished off her work, cleaned up her area and Sasuke's. She then re-read the page a few times. She had sat there contemplating for a while. Unsure of how to approach the elders about it. After a while she stopped thinking about it. Hinata decided there was no use of running around in circles trying to come up with the best way to approach the elders about it. There was only one way – to ask them straight up.
Hinata took off her shoes and entered the compound. She made her way through, turning into one of the corridors only to bump into Hanabi.
"Onee-san!" Her little sister exclaimed.
"Oh, hello Hanabi-chan," she greeted.
"Are you okay? You look a little pale… Have you had anything to eat yet?"
Hinata smiled, "I'm fine. Just a little tired."
Hanabi glared at her, knowingly that her sister was lying. However, Hanabi was never one to pry. She had always respected Hinata's privacy.
"Okay… If you need anything just ask Onee-san."
Hinata nodded and ruffled Hanabi's hair, "Thanks."
The two said their goodbyes and Hinata carried on, walking down the corridor. Despite living here her whole life, Hinata always had to count the doors when trying to find her grandfather's quarters. The Hyuga estate was huge. Moreover, the compound for the family of the main branch was quite large. The layout was somewhat confusing for newcomers, it was almost like a maze. Ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen – ah here it is. Hinata stopped at the fourteenth sliding door she counted. She called out for her grandfather, waiting for a response.
"Come in," a stern voice replied.
Hinata slid the door open, bowed and sat before her grandfather.
"Hinata-sama, can I help you with anything?" He asked.
Hinata took a deep breath in and then out. She locked her eyes with her grandfather and lifted her chin up high.
"You're going to tell me everything you know about the marriage contract between Uchiha Sasuke and me."
xxx
Ah, please don't freak out anyone! I know marriage contracts are a big cliche in the Sasuhina fandom but trust me its not going to go in the way you think it will!
Once again, I'm going to be very busy in these upcoming weeks, so I decided to post this chapter earlier rather than wait til later.
Please review !
