Wowee it has been so so long since I last updated, apologies! So much things have been going on in my life, it has been difficult to manage it all. However, I have always had this story on my mind and I am so thankful for all the reviews, favourites and follows and to everyone reading this story. I could never have come this far without your constant support.

Please enjoy this chapter – I wished it could have been longer but I've just been so busy and exhausted. I have the whole story planned out though, so do not fear!

Chapter 14:

Hinata kept her eyes locked with her grandfather. Ensuring that she showed no signs of inferiority towards him. She could not risk it right now. Especially since she had ordered him in such a demanding tone. She released a breath as she watched her grandfather raise an eyebrow. It had felt like minutes of agony whilst she waited for his response. Her grandfather reached over for his tea and sipped it whilst looking at Hinata. He wriggled his nose as he scrutinised her. Finally, he placed his cup of tea down and cleared his throat.

"Very well."

Hinata was startled at his response. She had not anticipated he would be straightforward with her. She gulped, hoping to Kami that her grandfather did not notice her anxiety. She clutched the fabric of her pants and nodded at her grandfather.

"Before I begin, I would like to ask how you happened to come across the marriage contract, Hinata-sama."

"During work today, Uchiha-san stumbled across the paper in a book filled with old marriage contracts. He showed it to me."

"I see," he grandfather stood up and walked straight past Hinata. She activated her byakugan and watched her grandfather as he stood behind her. He opened the sliding door and called on one of the servants that always attended him. Hinata watched as he whispered something into the servant's ear and ushered them off. He then closed the door and made his way back to his seat. Once he walked past her, Hinata deactivated her byakugan. He sat in front of her again and smiled at Hinata. It was somewhat tender? Hinata adverted her eyes unsure of how to approach her grandfather being kind to her. It was a rarity that mainly came with a price. All of the elders were like that. Ever since she had become the Head of the clan, Hinata had become more alert and assertive in the ways the elders dealt with issues.

Hinata shifted her weight to the right, beginning to feel her feet cramping as she sat in seiza. Despite always sitting in seiza position during clan meetings and talking to the elders, her body never seemed to adapt to the position.

"Bring the boy here… once the both of you are here, I will explain it all. Does that satisfy you, Hinata-sama?"

She clicked her tongue, annoyed that she would have to talk to Sasuke now of all times. He was not that big of a fan of hers at the moment. He probably never liked me to begin with anyway. The other half of her mind reprimanded her though. He's kissed me, he's been kind to me and he's helped me. Sasuke is…

"Hai," she replied to her grandfather.

She bowed, stood up and exited the room. She sighed and Hinata was unsure if it was in relief or strife. Probably both.

As she made her way out of the main branch building, Hinata pondered again on the idea of what exactly Sasuke was. He was equally rude as he was kind. He was alluring yet terrifying. She ran a hand through her hair, confused even more about her thoughts towards Sasuke.

I don't dislike him, that's for sure.

Xxxxx

Sasuke yawned as he held up Naruto. Naruto was babbling about anything that came to his mind. His arm slouched across Sasuke's shoulders, as Sasuke supported the drunken future Hokage. He gritted his teeth as he felt a gust of wind blow past. He regretted giving Hinata his cloak. He regretted a lot of things when it came to the Hyuga.

"Hey Hina!" Naruto shouted out.

Sasuke was pulled out of his thoughts as his attention returned to Naruto. The blonde was waving his free hand crazily, whilst shouting out the name Hina. He groaned, who on earth was –

Fuck. It's her.

Sasuke felt the tension in his neck as Naruto finally caught Hinata's attention. Despite being all the way down the road, the Hyuga easily spotted the pair. It helped that she had the byakugan, Sasuke thought. Hinata caught their eyes and smiled timidly. He adverted his eyes from her, clicking his tongue. As the pair got closer to Hinata, Sasuke ensured his eyes never met hers. Sasuke did not trust his intoxicated self with Hinata. His jumbled thoughts and feelings towards her – which he had not figured out – could possibly be revealed to her. He didn't want that.

"Hello Naruto-kun, Uchiha-san," she greeted.

"Hinaaaaa," Naruto slurred out.

Sasuke frowned as he noticed Hinata blush under the attention of Naruto. He wanted to leave Naruto immediately. It had felt like he was intruding between them. However, Naruto was adamant about keeping Sasuke by his side.

"I really miss – "Naruto hiccupped, "I miss you. Do you miss me? Sasuke-teme spends more time with you now. I'm a little jealous Hina."

Sasuke scowled. He preferred sober Naruto over this.

"Shut up Naruto," he muttered under his breath.

From the corner of his eyes he saw Hinata bite her lip and glance at her feet before quickly looking back up to them.

"Ah – Naruto-kun, I think you should refrain from drinking anymore tonight," she commented.

"Probably," he said with a chuckle, "I mean it though. I miss you… Sorry. I should stop."

Naruto's voice had turned quiet and serious. Hinata's breath hitched at the revelation and Sasuke was agitated. His jaw clenched and he could feel himself getting more and more frustrated. Hinata and Naruto's relationship was over but Sasuke could tell it was far from being over. The feelings one another held still lingered in the air. Sasuke was offended and irritable that Naruto had given him his blessing to pursue a relationship with Hinata. It was ludicrous the whole concept. Even if he did have feelings for Hinata he would never entertain them. He would be loyal to Naruto. Naruto was naïve to pretend things would just work out if Hinata and Sasuke got together. It wasn't as simple as that. Moreover, Hinata had problems of her own. She was strongly guilt-ridden, something Sasuke whole-heartedly understood.

He continued to watch Hinata's expression, speechless at what Naruto had previously said. Yes, this is why I don't want her. She was too ambiguous for him. Sometimes he could never tell what Hinata was truly thinking. Her reactions puzzled him. She supposedly claimed to not be able to love Naruto anymore but it was painfully obvious she still loved him. It was exasperating.

"I'll take you home Naruto," he said in the midst of the silence.

Naruto nodded his head tiredly, and said goodbye to Hinata.

"Wait! I'll help –"

"No."

"But –"

"I hate repeating myself Hyuga," Sasuke seethed.

He wanted nothing to do with her. Not right now. He was too intoxicated, too antagonised to deal with her. Yet, she seemed to have other ideas.

"I'm coming Uchiha-san," she said sternly.

"Tch."

He ignored her whilst she followed behind. He wasn't in the mood to see her or communicate with her. The rest of the walk consisted of the nothing but the sound of their footsteps and Naruto's snoring. The blonde idiot had managed to pass out halfway.

"He could never hold his liquor," she commented out of the blue.

He chose to not respond. Hoping she would understand that she was not wanted. Hinata did not get the message though. If she did though, she was persistent in her idea of helping. Once they had arrived at Naruto's flat, Hinata had quickly pulled the mat up to get the spare keys. She unlocked the door, flicked on the light and hurriedly made her way to Naruto's bedroom. Sasuke followed behind her. Once he reached the bedroom, he noticed Hinata had already drawn the bedsheets, allowing Sasuke to dump Naruto's body on the bed whilst Hinata removed his shoes and then placed the blanket back over him. Sasuke stood back and observed Hinata. She smiled sadly as she gazed at Naruto for a few seconds. She then turned on her heel and walked towards the bathroom. She came back with a bucket and placed it beside his bed. Afterwards, Hinata made her way to the curtains, closing them shut. Hinata then proceeded to walk past Sasuke, entering the kitchen and pouring a glass of water. She returned and placed the glass on the bedside table. Hinata released a sigh a pushed a strand of her hair behind her ear.

So this is what she meant by helping.

The two left the room silently, closing the door behind them quietly. Hinata fidgeted with her fingers before calling out his name.

"Sas- Uchiha-san."

He peered over his shoulder at her, raising an eyebrow.

"Sasuke," he corrected.

That was another thing that irritated him. Her jump from formalities with him.

She pursed her lips, "Sasuke… I need to talk to you."

"Okay."

He looked back at Naruto's room and then back towards the exit of his flat. He tilted his head towards the exit, signalling Hinata to follow. The two of them quietly made their way out of Naruto's flat. Once outside, he turned to face her.

"I talked to my grandfather… about the marriage contract."

"Aa."

He wriggled his nose as he unintentionally got a whiff of her perfume. She smells nice. Well, she always does. Her lips taste even better though. He clenched his jaw. He should never have agreed to talk to her.

"He wants to speak to the both of us right now about it."

"I don't think we should discuss it now," he replied.

Hinata frowned, "I don't want to run away anymore Sasuke."

He clicked his tongue, "I'm a little drunk right now Hyuga and it's late."

"Gomen," she said quietly with her head bowed.

He snapped at her, "What are you sorry for? It's not your fault that I'm drunk."

"You're addressing me as Hyuga. I realised you only do that when you're… annoyed at me."

He massaged his temples. He hadn't realised he would jump from names when it came to Hinata.

"Fuck, this is all so frustrating," he muttered, "fine I'll come with you Hinata."

Fuck it.

He couldn't care if he was intoxicated and unable to think straight right now. He hated seeing Hinata look gloomy. He hated also not knowing what the marriage contract was about. Also, Hinata smelt good and the reflection of the moon made her even more enticing than she already was.

I also want my cloak back.

Xxx

Sasuke pressed his lips together into a thin line as he observed Hinata from the corner of his eyes. He narrowed his eyes as he watched her rub her arms due to the cold air of the night. As if noticing his scrutiny at her, Hinata peeked over at him. His eyes met hers briefly, before she averted them in embarrassment.

"I'll return your cloak," she quietly said as if being able to read his mind.

He grunted in response and continued to follow her, not trusting his lips to do any talking. It was his mouth that had gotten him into this mess. Sasuke was positive his mouth would not get him out of it. Right now, he was sure he could trust nothing about himself. He continued to follow Hinata to the Hyuga compound, ensuring he was always a few steps behind her in order to not look at her face. However, that only left him staring at her rear sometimes. He clenched his jaw, I really need to get a hold of myself.

Before he knew it, the two had passed through the gates into the Hyuga compound. As customary, the Hyuga members on patrol had greeted the Head of the Clan in passing and to his surprise, himself as well. It had felt strange to be addressed as Uchiha-sama. He wondered if Hinata had felt strange about it as well. Yet, the more he thought about it, Hinata grew up in a household where formalities were important. Whereas, Sasuke had always chosen to ignore formalities.
He followed Hinata into the main branch household, she greeted the maids in passing and vice versa. A few of the maids had jumped in surprise at the sight of Sasuke, only to recollect themselves in seconds to greet him formally. To be honest, he hadn't cared. If it was him, Sasuke would also be surprised at seeing a man – who most likely reeked of alcohol – follow Hinata so obediently into the compound this late at night. He sighed, this information could be highly damaging to his already ruined reputation – not that he cared – but he also worried about Hinata's. It was bad enough she was forced to work with him. Hinata certainly did not need people whispering behind her back that she was some sort of promiscuous woman. He had heard people talking about her and her relations with Naruto. She had seemed to be painted as the 'bad guy' in their breakup. In truth though, neither of them were at fault. Their relationship simply did not work out. However, now that both Sasuke and Hinata had been seen together more often, a lot of people had begun to talk. He had heard it in the restaurant they ate together at and at various places around the village. The whole village seemed to have this bizarre thought that a love triangle was happening between Hinata, Sasuke and Naruto – which was completely incorrect.

Well, that's what I hope.

There was sexual tension and definite lust towards Hinata. Sasuke was definitely aware of that. He had planned to ignore it and not think about it ever again. Yet, it was always so seemingly impossible whenever he came into contact with Hinata. She was just so… ethereal and entrancing? He pinched his nose. The alcohol was definitely getting to him.

As he followed Hinata through a corridor, he decided to appreciate the fine art on the walls. The walls were decorated with either elaborate paintings or inspirational wall scrolls. He clicked his tongue, wondering if Hinata's taste in regards to art mimicked these decorated walls. It didn't hurt to think, he noted. After all, we're supposedly engaged. Might as well know what her tastes are.

She peered over her shoulder and smiled as she looked at him.

"Some of these paintings were created by my Okasan," she said.

"They're nice," he commented.

She flicked her head back to the front and then continued to talk to him.

"Yes, Okasan was also very nice."

"Was?"

Hinata paused, causing Sasuke to halt before he could crash into her.

"Hai… Okasan passed away when I was young," she looked up at Sasuke and smiled sadly.

He was unsure if it was due to sympathy or if remembering her mother made her feel down. It was most likely both. He could understand her feelings. He missed his mother terribly. The nights where he dreamed of her were always the hardest. He missed her warmth and her kind smiles.

Hinata licked her lips and then tilted her head towards the door they stood in front of.

"This is my grandfather's room. He'll be telling us about everything in regards to the marriage agreement made between us."

She turned to slide the door up but Sasuke reached out for her arm, grabbing onto her wrist. She gasped, taken aback by his sudden abruptness. Sasuke frowned, he hadn't planned on doing that. He realised his hold on her was tight and began to loosen his grasp on her.

"Hinata," he whispered, "I – never mind."

He let go of her wrist slowly, choosing to not utter the words his mind had managed to conjure in seconds. His intoxicated self was getting out of hand.

Hinata, I promise everything's going to be okay.

Hinata bit her lip, a hint of disappointment etching its way onto her face. She turned away from him and returned to sliding the door open. Sasuke gulped as he entered the room. Tonight, his future and Hinata's was on the line. He was determined to at least not screw this up.

Xx

Hinata fiddled with the fabric of her pants as Sasuke and her both entered her grandfather's room and sat before him. To Hinata, it appeared he had not moved whilst she was gone. He continued to sip onto his tea, whilst eyeing off the young adults. Hinata noticed that this time though, he had a pile of papers beside him. He grandfather placed his cup of tea down and then cleared his throat.

"Now that the both of you are present, I will disclose the full details of your marriage contract. What I tell you in this room will not be discussed outside of this room until further notice. Is that understood, Uchiha-san, Hinata-sama?"

"Hai," they replied in unison.

"It was the previous Head of the Uchiha clan who proposed the idea to your late Otousan, Hinata-sama. At a young age, you were deemed ill worthy of succeeding the title of Head due to your then lack of capabilities. Fugaku Uchiha – yes you're Otousan, Uchiha-san, had heard of these short comings."

"Why would Sasuke's Otousan propose the marriage?" Hinata said quietly under her breathe.

Hinata was aware that the Uchiha's were a strong clan. It perplexed her that they would want her despite being so fragile back then.
Hinata hadn't realised she addressed Sasuke by his first name until it was too late. It had slipped out of her tongue and by now had sounded so natural to just say. Calling him formally had always sounded so… unusual. Moreover, if her grandfather had caught on to it, he chose to say nothing regarding the matter.

"Politics," Sasuke answered, "especially between both clans."

"Correct," her grandfather continued, "a political marriage between the two dojutsu clans. The two of you are of the same age making it more efficient. Moreover, Hinata-sama was deemed a failure and Uchiha-san, you could have not succeeded as Head due to being the second child. In order to amend this, Fugaku Uchiha proposed to us that the two of you should get married. There were and to this date continued, no records of an offspring created by both Hyuga and Uchiha genetics. Both Fugaku and Hiashi desired to change that. A child of two different dojutsu's would be interesting after all."

Hinata gaped. We were only children yet… they treated us like human puppets or experiments. She glanced at Sasuke quickly, hoping to find a reaction. Yet, the man was stoic and unfazed. However, his shoulders appeared tense and his brow furrowed. She wondered what thoughts were running through his mind. Knowing Sasuke though, he's probably put all the pieces together easily.

"Another reason for the marriage would be the influence the joint marriage would have. Fugaku claimed that he would be able to make Hinata-sama into a formidable shinobi. His matriarch – you're Okasan, Uchiha-san – had also supported this idea. She had explained that perhaps our teaching methods were not suited for the likes of Hinata-sama. Hinata-sama's Okasan, was never a shinobi so she did not have much say in regards to this matter. Additionally, Hiashi had never involved her in clan matters."

"So… a key aspect of the marriage would have been casting fear among the villagers?" Hinata questioned.

"Yes," her grandfather replied.

"Tch. Despite being two of the strongest clans already, you both wanted to expand you're territory and power," Sasuke sneered, "ultimately I'm guessing the start of a new clan was also a fanatical idea in this plan?"

Hinata's grandfather nodded his head as he reached over for his cup of tea. He took a sip and then gently placed it down.

"Starting a new clan would have only occurred if a child with a new dojutsu or both was born. This was one of the prime conditions. Any child born of only the byakugan or sharigan would have belonged to their respective clans."

"If Hinata was to take on the Uchiha name though, I believe herself and the children would ultimately belong to the Uchiha clan," Sasuke said dryly.

Hinata frowned, she did not like the concept of being owned. Although, she knew that her grandfather and Sasuke had meant it in regards to which family she would be a part of. However, being referred to as if she was an object was infuriating.

"In any other circumstances that is right. However, these were the conditions both of your Father's agreed on. The choice of whether Hinata-sama took the Uchiha name would have been her decision to make."

Hinata licked her lips, then proceeded to question her grandfather.

"I briefly read in the contract that both the dowry and bride price were already settled. What exactly were they?"

"The dowry from the Hyuga clan was a large block of land given to the Uchiha's. This land would be where your estate would have been. Other resources, such as the payment of the building, furniture and other necessities for your future home would have all been taken care of by the Hyuga's… For the bride price, the Uchiha's paid a large sum of money and would take care of all the expenses of the wedding."

"Do the dowry, bride price and conditions still hold after all this time?" She asked.

"The contract would only be broken if either of you died or one clan ceased to exist. The latter being supposedly impossible. Unfortunately, the massacre of the Uchiha clan lead to the clan's demise. With, Uchiha-san here being the only Uchiha left, the clan was non-existent. However, now that Uchiha-san is of legal age, he is able to reinstate his clan – which you have done, I believe so. Therefore, to answer your question Hinata-sama, the marriage contract is valid."

xxx

So there's a little bit of background into their marriage contract. However, as I said earlier the marriage contract plot isn't going to go in the way you all think (I want to explain it but I don't want to reveal any spoilers, yikes!).

Thank you for reading, please review xx

ps. Holidays are coming up for me, so I should be able to update soon rather than having a one month waiting period (apologies).