Hello, I'm back with another update! Hope everyone had a great Easter. I've been insanely busy with uni, that I'm surprised I managed to get this chapter done (I guess writing SasuHina is just too tempting!)
Hope you enjoy it!
Chapter 20:
The rest of the day had quickly passed and the next thing Hinata knew she was being dressed for her birthday party tonight. The maids gushed about how beautiful Hinata had looked non-stop as they styled her hair and did Hinata's make-up. Hinata laughed off their compliments, insisting that it was thanks to the Hyuga maids that she could look like she did tonight. However, the maids were just as stubborn as Hinata, claiming that it was all Hinata's doing. She was a natural beauty and their styling and make-up only glamorised her beauty even further. Hinata saw the argument was futile, letting the maids do as they pleased with the condition that Hinata's look was minimal and nothing over the top. The maids understood her request, ensuring Hinata that they were aware of the Hyuga Head's personal style.
"Hinata-sama, we're finished!" Squealed one of the maids.
Hinata's eyes widened as she glanced at her reflection in the mirror. She brought a hand to her cheek, awed at the styling of the Hyuga maids. Is this really me? It was a rarity that Hinata ever indulged in make-up. The last time had been during her inauguration as the Head of the clan. However, the elders had requested her make-up to be quite heavy – it had made her look much older than she was. It had been very uncomfortable. Yet, as Hinata stared at herself and admired the art orchestrated by the maids she was baffled out how comfortable she felt wearing it. Her foundation and contour had been done so well Hinata could hardly tell it was there! She smiled appreciating her lips that were tinted with a light shade of pink. It matched with her nails and yukata design. Lastly, her white eyes were emphasised with a winged eyeliner and some mascara.
Hinata turned to face the maids, "The make-up is wonderful, thank you!"
"The pleasure is ours, Hinata-sama… and the hair? Does Hinata-sama like it?"
Hinata smiled as she looked at her hair. It was tied up in a high, sleek pony tail. It was simple but elegant she mused.
"It's lovely as well. You all did great," she acknowledged.
Pleased with their accomplishments, the maids moved on to the next thing – helping Hinata put on the yukata.
Xxx
Naruto sighed as he grabbed another drink from the waiter. The night had only begun but he had felt like he had been here for hours. I wonder when Sasuke will rock up…
"Naruto, any more of those and you'll be a mess before the night really begins," said Kiba as he approached Naruto.
"I'm fine, Kiba."
Naruto watched from the corner of his eyes as Kiba observed him. He's not pitying me is he?
"I'm not doing this," he motioned to his third drink, "because of Hinata. It's because all these people I don't know keep coming up to me to ask a bunch of questions. I came here as friend dattebayo, not as a special guest."
Kiba chuckled, "Well you are the hero of the war Naruto. Everyone wants to say they're friends with Uzumaki Naruto."
Naruto rolled his eyes as he sipped on his beverage. "I'm fine with that but it's… personal questions…about you know…"
Kiba raised his eye brow and moved closer to Naruto so their conversation was more private.
"They're asking about you and Hinata?" He whispered in a serious tone.
Naruto nodded, "It's getting a little irritating I'll admit."
Kiba scowled, "Damn diplomats. They probably wanna know if Hinata's available for their pampered sons."
"Mmmhm," Naruto agreed, "you can see their eyes light up at the possibility… I don't like it –"
"Kiba! Naruto!" A voice yelled out, pulling the two out of their serious conversation.
The two turned their heads to see Ino approaching them, she smiled once she stood before them.
"I'm interrupting aren't I?" She asked.
The two nodded and Ino simply shrugged, "Well too bad, let me join in. Some pompous man and a Hyuga elder stole Hinata-chan away from me."
"And you didn't think to stay with her?" Kiba asked.
Ino pressed her lips together, "Hinata-chan can look after herself. She's not weak Kiba. Should I remind you kunoichi can be just as powerful?"
Kiba darted his eyes from his girlfriend letting out an awkward laugh. Naruto chuckled at his two companions.
"Ino-chan, you take the reins in the relationship, don't ya?" He teased looking mischievously at Kiba.
"Well somebody has to," she giggled as she pat Kiba on the head.
Naruto smiled, taking a sip of his drink as Ino's light giggles faded away.
"So," she asked in a serious tone, "why are you two acting all serious over here? The rest of us are all having a good time but you two look pretty annoyed…"
"The guests the Hyuga elders invited have been bugging me all night about Hinata and me," Naruto admitted.
Ino raised her eyebrow in confusion before realisation hit her. She pursed her lips, glancing back towards the direction she had come from.
"A couple of young men have also asked Ten-ten, Sakura and me about Hinata-chan as well… It seems they're all interested in courting Hinata-chan."
Kiba growled, "Those damn –"
Ino placed her hand on his shoulders, "We girls gave them basic information. Plus, we all know Hinata-chan wouldn't be interested in the slightest… right, Naruto?"
Naruto chugged down the rest of his drink. Once it was empty he glanced at Ino and Kiba who awaited for his reply.
"She's not interested in me… but the teme she is into better turn up soon."
"So the rumour is true!?" Ino exclaimed.
Before Naruto could answer, he grinned at the couple before disappearing with a poof!
"A shadow clone?!"
Xxx
Hinata stiffened as the man the Hyuga elder introduced to her grabbed her hand and kept a tight grip on it. She plastered on a fake smile as he introduced himself. Truthfully, Hinata could not care less. She had already greeted all her friends and family. However, it was now that the elders wanted to introduce her to some potential husbands. She grimaced in the inside as the man brought his lips to her hand. Where is Sasuke? I haven't seen him at all tonight…
"You're as beautiful as your name, Hinata-sama," the man confessed.
Hinata thanked him, not bothering to make conversation much to the elder's annoyance. Suddenly, she saw her grandfather and Sasuke over the man's shoulder walking together. What on earth are they doing together? Her eyes met with Sasuke and she saw him lower his eyebrows and squint. His gaze turned to her hand which was still being held by the man. Hinata jumped back, removing her hand immediately from the man's hold as she saw Sasuke scowl.
Hinata greeted her grandfather and Sasuke as they approached. The man sought out to do the same. However, before the man could introduce himself, her grandfather stopped him.
"I believe this meeting is not necessary," he said sternly.
The elder who had accompanied the man raised her eyebrow. She crossed her arms, stepping forward to interject.
"Hinata-sama won't be young forever. This is the perfect opportunity to introduce her to potential husbands. We need to ensure an heir and Kyoshi," she gestured towards the man, "is just –"
"Are you ordering me on how I should raise my granddaughter?"
The elder frowned at her grandfather. "I'm simply advising you that – "
"I will not repeat myself. You," her grandfather locked eyes with Kyoshi, "leave, now."
Kyoshi was flustered by the whole thing. He bowed and muttered apologises before leaving in haste. Hinata blinked at what had just transpired. Is this really Grandfather? What is going on? Before Hinata or the elder could open their mouths to ask her grandfather about what was going on, he cleared his throat.
"Uchiha-san," he said.
As if it was an order, Sasuke stepped forward. The distance between Hinata and Sasuke seemed to become smaller. She stared back at him and looked into his eyes. She tried to analyse his current state and thoughts. Earlier, he had looked irritated but now his emotions were masked.
"Let us leave, Yakuji," her grandfather ordered.
The elder woman bowed and took her leave with Hinata's grandfather.
Hinata sighed, feeling that the tension in the air had suddenly diminished. She continued to stare into Sasuke's eyes. Once again, she felt like his dark eyes were swooping her into oblivion. It was as if all her worries had disappeared.
"Sasuke… what were you doing with my grandfather?"
"I needed to discuss something important with him."
Hinata tilted her head in confusion. She wondered what the two could have possibly talked about.
Sasuke smiled at her, "You look… good Hinata."
"Oh… thank you," she replied.
Sasuke extended his hand out to her. Hinata smiled happily as she wrapped her hand around his coarse hand. He gently squeezed her hand in return.
"You promised you'd make some time tonight for me, let's go."
Hinata nodded, "Let's go, Sasuke."
Xxx
Hinata and Sasuke walked hand in hand, away from the party to a quieter area. Hinata and Sasuke ignored the whispers of her guests as they saw Hinata guide him to another room. Hinata attempted to hold in her blush as much of the whispers she heard went along the lines of, "So it is true!"
Hinata slid the door open to a room, which was revealed to be a study. It had been her previous study before she was appointed as the Head. Hence, the room was designed to Hinata's taste. She smiled to herself, remembering all the times she spent hauled up in here reading books about romance. It had felt like a lifetime ago that she was young and foolish and had fantasied about Naruto and yet here she was with Sasuke. Hinata let go of Sasuke's hand to find some matches in order to light the candles in the room. But Sasuke was having none of it as he quickly grabbed her hand, pulling Hinata towards him. Her back collided with his chest. Before she could question what he was planning, Sasuke's free hand was raised above his mouth. He effortlessly let out a fire jutsu, targeting all the candles and lighting them up in an instant. Hinata looked up at him in awe. She was aware of how powerful he was but even Sasuke made a mundane task look astounding. She blushed as Sasuke glanced down at her and smirked.
Hinata shook her head at herself. Get yourself together!
"Well, that made things easier," she said as the turned around to face him.
"Hn. So… this is your study?"
"It was. It's just an empty room now," she replied.
"Aa."
Hinata took a step back from Sasuke before she questioned him, "Are you enjoying the party?"
"I'm not really fond of parties," he replied as he let go of her hand.
"Oh, then –"
In a blink of an eye, Sasuke had her pinned against the wall. One arm curved around Hinata's waist, holding her there, whilst the other leaned against the wall. She opened her mouth to say something but was in shock. Hinata had heard Sasuke's speed was insane but this was…
"I'm fond of you," he said huskily, "so I'm here."
Hinata nodded and let out a soft moan as he pressed his lips against her neck. Sasuke kissed down her neck and then back up. He stopped at her jawline.
"Do you remember what I said a while ago… about us?" He asked.
"Depends what situation you're talking about," she teased.
Hinata looked at Sasuke, waiting for him to tease her back. His expression was serious but his eyes had such a soft gaze towards them. Hinata blinked as she realised Sasuke was faintly blushing. Sasuke cleared his throat before speaking.
"It's you… Hinata. The person I want to – no need to be with."
Hinata breathed in and breathed out, "Are you saying that…"
He nodded, "I've been given permission to court you Hinata."
Suddenly, it had made sense why Sasuke was with her grandfather earlier. Moreover, Hanabi's joke at lunch seemed to make much more sense. She blushed at the thought of wearing the lingerie for Sasuke. She was pulled out of her thoughts as Sasuke began to caress his hand through her hair.
"I'm not a good person Hinata. I've done a lot of horrible things so I can't promise you much but –"
"No that's not true," she said shaking her head, "you've already given me so much Sasuke. I never thought I could be happy again. But I am and it's because you've helped me. People go down the wrong path all the time, Sasuke. What matters is that you've atoned for your sins and you're here. The Hokage, Sakura-chan and Naruto-kun worked so hard to have you back here. So don't go saying words like that Sasuke. Your existence is just as important as anyone else's."
Sasuke blinked at her, shocked about what she had said. He closed his eyes, letting out a quiet laugh. He drew his forehead to hers, pressing against it lightly.
"Tadaima," he whispered.
Hinata brought her hands to his cheeks, bringing his lips against hers. She planted a soft, chaste kiss on his lips.
"Okaeri, Sasuke."
xxx
Thank you all for reading!
For those who don't know, Tadaima = I'm home and Okaeri = welcome home ( both are informal versions)
I'm not sure when the next update will be as I'm going to have to make huge adjustments to what I had planned for the plot and uni is always so busy. So until next time!
P.s Please review, would appreciate all the feedback xx
