I'm incredibly sorry that it's been a like a billion years since I updated and even then, I still have some mixed feelings about this chapter. Nonetheless, I can't rack out anything out of my brain but I really so desperately wanted to update... so here I am.

I finished my first year of Uni a few weeks ago, so hopefully I can update more regularly now. Also wanted to thank everyone for all the wonderful reviews from last chapter, all the new follows ect. I'm still amazed this story manages to get views tbh. Anyway, enjoy the chapter !

Chapter 22:

"Ah! Sasuke, that hurts!" Hinata whined.

Sasuke scoffed, "You'd think the pretty Hyuga head would brush her hair properly."

Hinata pouted as she continued to let Sasuke brush the knots out of her hair. Sasuke chuckled as he saw her sulk. He had originally just been combing his hands through her hair but once he realised she had a few knots, he had insisted on brushing Hinata's hair for her.

"Would you rather the maids do it for you?" He asked.

Hinata shook her head, "I'm fine with you doing it Sasuke. It's just... I'm a little embarrassed to have you do something like this."

Sasuke placed the hair brush down and moved forward to rest his head on her shoulders. He smiled as he felt Hinata jump in surprise.

"Let me do this for you," he whispered into her ear, "I can't offer you much but I'd like to do many things for you."

"Alright," she murmured, "I'd like to do the same."

He smiled, giving her a light kiss on her neck. He moved back and grabbed the hair brush to resume his grooming. It had only been about two weeks since he began officially courting Hinata. It had made spending time with her much easier. No longer did they both have to worry about the Hyuga elders questioning Hinata's every move in relation to Sasuke. It also helped that Naruto had Sasuke posted in the village rather than working outside the village. The days he spent with Hinata would pass by without him realising. His favourite days would be when Hinata would read to him. Her soft voice would soothe his worries and grant him warmth he never knew he was craving till she spoke. His other favourite days would involve him cooking and Hinata trying all his dishes. She had always insisted that there was no need for him to always do the cooking but he simply told her he wanted to. He hadn't cooked for anyone but himself all these years. It was an interesting feeling he got as he watched her eat his food and savour in the taste. Other days they spent sparring, where Sasuke practiced against her byakugan and gave her tips on her technique. He had recently discovered she had a chakra affinity for fire and lightning. They had slowly been working on that together much to Hinata's excitement. And of course there were days like this, where the two would lay around just basking in one another's presence. Perhaps every day he spent with her he favoured. Sasuke would always be a little sad when it was time for them to go their separate ways. Soon there'll be no need to. He smiled, eager for the day they could live together.

"There we go, all done."

Hinata turned to face him, running her hands through her hair. "Hmm… maybe I should just hire you to brush my hair."

Sasuke scoffed and flicked her forehead, "Maybe you should just brush it properly."

Hinata stuck out her tongue unable to come up with a retort. She began to stand up but Sasuke quickly grabbed her wrist and pulled Hinata towards him. She stumbled and fell upon him.

"Ah. You're heavy hime," he teased.

"You're the one who keeps feeding me," Hinata replied as she tried to sit up.

"It's not a bad thing," he murmured as he pulled Hinata down again, "let's stay like this for a bit."

Hinata agreed, resting her head onto his chest as his arms wrapped around her.

"Do I still make you nervous?" She asked as she listened to his beating heart.

"Always."

"Even when we disliked one another?"

"I didn't realise it then but yeah… I've become like this thanks to you Hinata."

"It's not a bad thing," she whispered looking up to meet his eyes.

Sasuke met her eyes and smiled. He would never tire of seeing her lavender eyes that glistened as she spoke to him. He sat them both up, keeping his arms wrapped tightly around her.

"Hinata," he purred as he kissed her on the lips.

She hummed in response, deepening the kiss as she wrapped her hands behind Sasuke's head. Sasuke began to kiss her jawline, making his way down to her neck. She moaned in response as he reached her collarbones, her nails digging into his back pulling him as close as possible to her. Sasuke let out a shaky breath, deciding he'd need to stop before it got any further. He sighed kissing back up her neck and finally planting a soft kiss on her lips.

Sasuke cleared his throat, "We should get going now. We've got that meeting with Naruto still."

Xxx

Naruto sighed as he rubbed his temples. Helping out the current Hokage with paperwork was stressful, he could only imagine how much worse it got when he would actually be Hokage. He stood up from his chair to stretch. Despite all the paperwork, his dream would still not change though. Being the Hokage was something he had dreamt about since forever. He was so close now. Naruto nodded his head. As long as Sasuke doesn't kill me in this meeting, I'll be Hokage before I know it!

Naruto flicked his head to the door as he heard a knock. He glanced at the clock realising it was time for his dreaded meeting. He sat down and called for them to come in. Sasuke was the first to walk through the door, followed by Hinata. He did his best to put on a smile as he watched them steal glances at one another as they came in. He would be lying if he said he was over Hinata. He had simply learnt to adjust to their relationship.

He cleared his throat and began to speak, "Thanks for coming. You're probably wondering what this –"

"Just spit it out dobe. You made it seem pretty urgent."

Naruto nodded his head. Sasuke's right rambling will not be helpful.

"Hinata, have the Hyuga elders discussed with you the treaty between the Hyuga clan and the Cloud?"

"Yes, the treaty is signed every three years between us. Why? If I remember correctly it isn't time for the renewal to occur," she replied.

Naruto nodded, "Since the five villages recently came together in the war. The Cloud have decided to make some changes to it… with your permission of course."

"Changes? What changes exactly? War or not, the Cloud have always sought out for our byakugan."

"Hinata has a point, Naruto. Peace between all villages can't simply just happen so suddenly," Sasuke said.

"It isn't sudden… It's already been two years since the war. We're in times of peace and change –"

"The last time the Cloud acted civil, they used it as an excuse to kidnap me. Naruto… you know how much that incident affected my clan. I'm sorry but I refuse to take any risks and I can assure you the elders feel the same way."

Naruto sighed, he understood where Hinata came from. "Look, I understand but it's important for us to keep ourselves on friendly terms. You're welcome to negotiate with the Cloud as well Hinata."

He watched as Hinata and Sasuke looked at each other as if they were having a private conversation in their minds. In fact, it wouldn't surprise him if Sasuke was capable of pulling off a technique like that.

"When will they be coming?" Hinata asked as she turned back to face him.

Naruto scratched his cheek, "Uh… That's the thing, they're asking for you to go the Cloud village instead."

"Are you insane Naruto?" Sasuke seethed, "What if something happens to her?"

"Hinata's not weak and she won't travel alone of course."

"I'm quite aware that she can take care of herself. That isn't my point though –"

"Sasuke," Naruto interrupted, "I want you to escort Hinata."

Hinata sighed, "When will the Cloud be expecting us then?"

"Are you seriously considering this Hinata?" Sasuke asked.

"Naruto's right… it's important to keep our diplomatic relations. I'll go and see what changes they want to make and make any negotiations as I see fit."

Sasuke sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Fine… but it'll just be Hinata and I. I want to avoid bringing as much attention to Hinata as possible. The rebel movements are still at large."

Naruto smiled, "I agree. Good it's settled then. The Cloud are awaiting for our response first but I can organise it around your schedule."

Hinata nodded, "I'll talk to the Elders first and get back to you as soon as possible… Then if we're done, I'll take my leave."

Hinata bowed and left the office leaving Naruto and Sasuke alone.

"Don't misunderstand me Sasuke… I hate sending her there too but my hands are tied."

Sasuke clicked his tongue, "I'm just being… over protective. You'll also recall that the Cloud village aren't too fond of me. I don't want Hinata to be jeopardised just because of our relationship."

"It's in the past Sasuke…I'm positive the Cloud won't try anything. It's being outside the Kage villages that worries me. Like you said, the rebel movement is quite active still. You'll both need to be careful."

Xxx

Once again thanks for reading and I'll see you all again the next time I update! xxx