Open-hearted perfection
Hinata was awake for awhile when she heard noise coming from the other side of the door. The angry voice definitely belonged to Uchiha, only not to hers, but Sakura's.
Sasuke's yelling was followed by Sakura's quiet voice and then quiet chuckle. Everything became clear to Hinata a couple of moments after, when Itachi entered the room.
''Good morning,'' Hinata said.
To make sure morning would start well for her, Itachi sat on the bed next to her and pecked Hinata's cheek while she was still tucked in.
''How did you sleep?'' he asked.
''I had a good night's sleep, until a few moments ago,'' she smiled.
''Sorry about that,'' Itachi said, taking the hint.
It was Hinata's fault Itachi had to take his shirt off while being with Sakura, but he was to blame it made Sasuke upset. If Itachi had left their bed earlier, he would have gotten the time to explain everything to his brother.
''You should have thought about that yesterday,'' she chuckled, ''before you barged in uninvited!''
''Should we ignore everything that happened yesterday?'' he asked teasingly.
''I think that won't be possible,'' she said, looking a bit ashamed while being completely naked under the blanket.
''I certainly don't regret it,'' Itachi smiled and leaned in for another kiss.
''Me neither!'' Hinata chuckled and returned his kiss.
She would be thankful for the rest of her life he chose the right moment to let his emotions overpower his reason, meaning to stop obeying unnecessary rules. She was only thinking about it, but he was the courageous one and did what he wanted and she would be the happiest bride ever, because of him.
It wasn't usual for an engaged woman to spend the last hours in her house preparing a meal. But Hinata wasn't an ordinary bride and it all started with Naruto and Gaara, who met her and Sakura in front of the flower shop earlier that same day.
''Do you need any help?'' Hinata asked Sakura, who was yelling at the flower deliverer.
''I don't!'' Sakura smiled. ''Leave everything to me!''
Hinata smiled too. Whatever her motives were, Sakura was a good maid of honour.
''You should go and forget about tomorrow! I mean, not freak out over tomorrow. I will make an extra effort so everything could be perfect!''
''I know, Sakura-chan. And thank you,'' Hinata performed a slight bow, being sincerely grateful for everything Sakura had done.
''Sakura-chan!''
A loud, happy greeting made them both startle. The voice seemed more than familiar and the blond-haired ninja was running towards them to meet his former class' colleagues.
''Naruto,'' Sakura smiled at him, ''you are back.''
''Well, yeah,'' Naruto shrugged, ''because Hinata here is getting married.''
Hinata held back from asking about Itachi, because Sakura didn't ask about Sasuke. Since Naruto was looking relaxed as always, Hinata concluded everything went as planned. It was pointless anyway; due to tradition she would see her fiancé tomorrow at the wedding.
''You sound like it will boring, and I am sure Hinata will be a beautiful bride,'' Gaara caught up Naruto and Hinata blushed a bit to his compliment.
''It's easy for you, Gaara, you got used to those diplomatic stuff,'' Naruto yawned.
''You will have to adjust too, when you become Hokage,'' Sakura reminded him.
''If I may notice, Hinata, you don't look nervous at all. Is it because of your husband-to-be?''
''Is there a reason to be nervous?'' Hinata asked Gaara instead of answering his question.
''Of course not!'' Sakura jumped in. ''I am the maid of honour and it will be flawless!''
''Hinata is getting married and you are the maid of honour?'' Naruto screeched, surprised.
''So what? Sasuke is the best man,'' Sakura said, ''and the groom is-''
''We know who the groom is,'' Gaara said.
''Why are you overreacting?'' Sakura asked.
''It was surprising, that's all,'' Naruto shrugged. ''Shy and cute Hinata marrying Sasuke's brother.''
Naruto didn't change one bit; he was still pointing out Hinata's bad sides.
''It just happened,'' Hinata said quietly, hoping somebody somehow would change the subject.
''That didn't seem like you. I thought your husband would become Kiba. Or Shino. Anyone but Uchiha.''
No matter how much Hinata cared for her former team-mates, she wasn't seeing them that way. And she wondered if Naruto got over Sakura, who was also his team-mate.
''What's with you girls, so you like those gloomy guys?'' Naruto mocked Sakura too. ''Are you sure you are not under their genjutsu or something?''
''Hinata couldn't be under genjutsu, since she has byakugan,'' Gaara said.
''Exactly. And if genjutsu of that kind was possible, don't you think Sasuke would find you a girlfriend by now?'' Sakura said teasingly.
''Maybe he has one already,'' Hinata said, glad the conversation was now focused on Naruto.
''Sure he has,'' Gaara said and Naruto frowned.
''Well, I'm not here to interfere or judge your choice,'' he finally said. ''If you are happy, then I am happy for you!''
''You should be! Don't you know how great cook Hinata is? She is totally ready to become a good wife,'' Sakura said, smiling at Hinata.
''I am not so great,'' Hinata shrugged.
''Don't be so modest! Naruto, do you know Hinata also gave me tips?''
''Really? Thank you so much!''
With saying that, Naruto hugged Hinata and she was trying to remain calm.
''Na-naruto-kun,'' she stuttered.
''Gaara, you know what this means? Sakura won't kill Sasuke when she prepares a meal for him!''
Gaara didn't say anything, only gazed at Hinata who was fully aware she was as red as Itachi's sharingan.
''Oh yeah?'' Sakura smirked. ''And can you say the same about not hurting Sasuke?''
''I was just about to nag about it, Sakura-chan! What did you do to him? Not even single spar for the entire week! I was going crazy!''
''Well, Naruto, I am very grateful you will respect that for another whole day,'' Sakura gave him a smile and put her arms around her friend.
''Sa-sakura-chan,'' Naruto stammered to that friendly gesture.
''What else did you do?'' Gaara asked.
''Hinata made the most delicious cake in the world! Luckily, it was weeks ago and we didn't get fat!''
''We?'' Gaara asked.
''Well, Temari and Ino were also helpful with the wedding,'' Sakura explained.
That was how they started talking about Temari and how much Gaara has been missing her guidance as a diplomatic expert and they were just about to mention Ino, when she showed up!
If Hinata hadn't known her story with Orochimaru, she would have thought Ino wanted to make a move on either Naruto or Gaara. Since Hinata knew, Ino's intervention seemed like a friendly reminder to Sakura, who had a lot of work to do before the rehearsal dinner.
Because of all that unexpected that happened, Hinata ended up in the kitchen! That was the best way to distract her thoughts and make her friends happy at the same time. Knowing she wouldn't spend much time with Temari, Ino and Sakura the next day, she planned to bake a cake to thank them properly for all the trouble they had gone through because of the wedding. There wasn't a cake good enough that could be compared to a sincere concern and will to selflessly help Hinata. After all, she didn't ask for advice or help and it was nice to know her three friends would be there for her even after tomorrow, whenever she would hit an obstacle, to make sure she was leading a life every person deserved.
Hinata had to wait for her family to leave for a rehearsal dinner so she could start baking. She couldn't explain the reason to bake in the first place and she definitely didn't need help, which actually meant unnecessary chatting over nothing while everyone were hoping she would slip out something about her plans with Itachi. Which she didn't have because they have never talked about their own future, but the clans' future instead. And it was true the merged clans were about to bring a significant change into lives of younger shinobi, so they had to make it the least privileged for either shinobi among the clans.
Determined not to worry about the ceremony, which Sakura was in charge of, Hinata was thinking about the girls' frosting preference and, while she was on it, she planned to make herself something to eat. She didn't eat properly for days, being nervous about tomorrow, but she knew she had to gain some energy. The last thing she needed was exhaustion on her own wedding day! She also didn't want to eat too much to fit in her dress, so she decided to make a light meal.
Cooking in her kitchen for the last time, Hinata was chopping leek happily, still thinking about the cake frosting. Her thoughts were distracted with the oven timer and she had to get the batter out. The time was running out since it was quite late and she needed a cool batter to cover it with the frosting, so she looked at the window, planning to put the batter on the windowsill to get cold faster.
It was opened and she saw more than she expected to see.
Although the most beautiful ebony eyes glinted in the dark and Hinata recognised them, they were also the unexpected.
''Itachi-san!'' she screamed. Luckily, the batter didn't end up on the floor.
''I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you!'' he apologized.
''Don't get this wrong, but what are you doing here? We are not supposed to-''
''I know, don't worry! Nobody has seen me.''
She put the batter aside and gave him a smile.
''It doesn't matter. You wouldn't be here without a reason.''
''You are right.''
''Maybe you should come inside,'' she offered.
''It won't take long!'' he said quickly.
''I didn't mean it would! I thought you were feeling awkward talking to me while being outside.''
He climbed into the kitchen through the window, like she had proposed.
''What is it?'' she asked softly, gazing at him. ''Did something happen during the mission? Or in Suna?''
''No, nothing!''
''Something at your home, with Sasuke-kun maybe?''
Hinata persisted to find out the problem that certainly bothered Itachi. It must have been something really important to look for her despite tradition and meet her in her house for the first time.
''It's something from the last time.''
''Last time?''
''Last time we met.''
''Oh.''
She knew it! She went too far! She shouldn't have bothered him before the mission, she was too aggressive and in his way. Of course he didn't have the heart to send her away, being polite as always. And she had stayed with him for so long and he was probably late! Or somebody had seen her leaving! Or Sasuke heard something! It could be million different problems she had caused because of her unnecessary insecurity.
To her surprise, instead of saying anything, Itachi stuffed his hands into the pockets. Maybe he came to hand over a set of rules, which her father had informed her about this morning. Or Itachi maybe already received a gift from clan's elders.
Her impatience was growing stronger while he was pulling his hands out slowly.
''Are these yours?'' he asked, opening his palm.
She covered her mouth in surprise to muffle her impulsive answer. She didn't succeed because Itachi repeated her words.
''Temari-san?''
In his palm Itachi had Temari's ribbons, the ones Hinata untied while making out with her in his room! Until now, she didn't even think about that evidence she had left there two weeks ago.
''Yes! Temari-san gifted these to me,'' Hinata lied, not intending to say more unless he asked.
''Then I am glad I brought them back to you,'' he said simply, looking at the ribbons pointedly.
She smiled and reached out her hand to take the ribbons from his. The sooner they disappear out of sight, Itachi would sooner forget about Temari's ribbons. The last thing Hinata wanted was to reveal what exactly happened before Itachi got to his house.
Just when she was about to pull her hand back, Itachi did the unthinkable. He embraced her palm!
''Hinata-san.''
He must have remembered she never wore ribbons. She smiled shyly, trying not to look stiff. She wasn't prepared to confess what has been happening during last six weeks.
She was preoccupied with the final preparations and didn't have time to talk about it with Temari, and she was the most upset over girls' kissing. Sakura was still feeling special, being the one who kissed Hinata first and Hinata didn't want to ruin it by asking for advice since she's been a devoted maid of honour. Including more details didn't seem the wisest to Hinata, but blaming it on the heat of the moment, like Ino had instructed her and Sakura weeks ago, might work. Especially because Hinata did exactly what she wished for in the heat of the moment and she wasn't regretting it. So she smiled encouragingly, impatient to hear what was on Itachi's mind.
''Do you want to cancel the wedding?''
Hinata stared at him, speechless, but tore her hand from his grip, to move away from an intruder in her kitchen. A man standing in front of her couldn't be her beloved fiancé. He would never propose a cancellation.
Uchiha heir proposed to her. Why would he do that if he wasn't willing to marry her?
His hand was still reached out to hers, like he was inviting her to come back. But she couldn't. What kind of person would ask his bride this question, only a few hours before the wedding? Did he hate her or wanted to ruin her life for good?
Itachi was silent, anticipating the answer. It couldn't be a simple one because no matter what she wanted, her answer would irreversibly change her life, life of her clan and family, and the life of the man she loved.
Hinata was afraid to do as much as breathe, only gripping tightly Temari's ribbons. Hinata knew well what they represented and how they had ended up in her hands at this very moment. They were a reminder of the most determined moment Hinata didn't regret, Temari's friendship and everything she wanted for Hinata to become.
It was too late to confess everything now because she couldn't pretend it was unsaid. Itachi didn't want to marry her and she wouldn't beg him to change his mind. She was a proud heiress too!
So she slowly put the ribbons on a counter and took a deep breath.
''Why?''
That was all Hinata could say in a plain voice and she really wondered what had changed.
''Why?'' he repeated.
''Yes, why. Why are you asking me that?''
Couple of weeks ago she might have said yes, but tonight there was too much at stake. The clans wouldn't unite and the two of them would become a disgrace to their families, putting their personal interests before the interest of their clans.
''I have no idea what you will say to your family. Or to mine. It would have been easier if you had just not shown tomorrow and-''
''Why are you talking about somebody else? It's your life, not somebody else's and the decision must be made by you, considering what you really wish for to happen.''
''This is not a child's game, it's our future we are talking about! And it's definitely going to change if we cancel our wedding!''
''If you are concerned about the consequences, I will take the blame. You have to feel free enough to reconsider a good decision you have made because of the bad reason.''
Itachi was right about one thing. It was her life and the decision was hers. At that time she thought the reason was a good one. And now he stated it had happened because of a greater reason.
''Itachi-san, why are you asking me this a day before the wedding?''
''Hinata-san, the reason I am proposing cancellation is nobody else but you. If there is someone else, different from me, better than me for you, who makes you happier than I do, it's better for me to find out now than tomorrow. Or in a week. A year. Despite tomorrow's event.''
What was he saying? Was he thinking he wasn't good enough? But he was perfect! In the eyes of everyone else, there was no one better than him. It was surprising to hear he wasn't thinking that way and he insisted on her happiness, despite everyone's expectations.
''If there is someone who won't be a burden to you, who won't make your life more complicated and also love you and give you everything you deserve, someone who will make you feel special and free to share all of your worries with, I will cancel our wedding.''
She couldn't deny he was a burden and he made her life complicated. Of course he was aware of that and if she could, she would run away from this conversation. This was the first time she couldn't, first time they were talking in her house! This was actually his only chance to have a serious talk about their future, just like she had planned two weeks ago. But she couldn't. She started kissing him and one thing led to another and she missed him! And the feeling obviously wasn't mutual.
''Do you want-''
''It's not important what I want. Only because you showed me selfless care and honest concern, unconditional support and endless understanding, doesn't give me the right to captivate you forever. During this short period with you, I was happy and I was searching for a proof you are too because that is all I ever wanted, for you to be happy. Even if that means far away from me and cancelling the wedding. Nobody and nothing shouldn't be on your way to happiness, not me or your family or anybody. If you want to be free, I will make myself give up on you. I thought I would be able to ignore I am not the best for you, but I can't. You are perfection and you deserve the same.''
He loved the way she was treating him. He was happy with her and only wanted for her to feel the same-happiness. He was ready to leave if her if she wasn't happy with him, despite his wish.
That was the sweetest thing he ever said to her and she forgot for a moment he proposed to call off their wedding. And that moment was crucial because she gave him an answer.
''No.''
''What does no mean?''
''There is no one else I would like to call my husband instead of you, you have never been a duty to me and I don't want to cancel the wedding because I love you.''
Hinata was staring at the floor, trying to find courage to say aloud more important words. Opening her heart to Itachi got her only half way through.
''Hinata-san,'' he began, but she interrupted him.
''Do you want to marry me ?'' she asked so quickly and strictly, no other person would have answered positively. But Itachi knew her well enough to assume that question was a result of Hinata's impatience.
''Yes,'' he said, ''I do want to marry you.''
''And why?''
This was yelling already and that made Itachi smile.
''Because you are a perfection and I love you and I want to be with you forever and-''
She had to stop him from talking further, afraid she might get overemotional and spoil the moment. Tears were unnecessary, even the happy ones.
''Good,'' she sniffed and wiped the corner of her eyes in advance, knowing herself well. ''Now we will kiss and forget this ever happened!''
It couldn't be helped any more. Overwhelmed with joy and excitement, she was breathing hard and her heart was palpitating and she hated it!
''Hinata-san, there is no need to be sad! I-''
''I am not sad!'' she shouted, but her voice broke already.
She didn't know she would be happy he'd made her cry. At least they were alone and he was full of understanding.
''I'm sorry,'' he said and embraced her gently.
She hugged him tightly, glad the anticipation was finally over.
''I love you, Hinata-san.''
She smiled tearfully into his shirt and he was doing his best to not upset her again by saying nothing, only stroking her hair slowly.
He was calm on the outside, but she was feeling his heartbeats were also fast. She wanted to scream and yell at him for putting her through this, but she knew he was right. It was better to find out today than any other day. If she had known, she would have asked him months ago! Then again, she was afraid to find out. Just like him.
''Can you forgive me, Hinata-san?''
''What do I need to forgive you?''
''For being an idiot and making you cry. I should have found out about your feelings differently, not by pressuring you this way.''
In this relationship, everything was going awry, and for the first time Hinata was glad because of it. It was better to go trough this stressful conversation tonight, then be anxious the entire day tomorrow and probably pretend to be happy for the rest of their lives.
''It doesn't matter now,'' she assured him. ''I am not sad, but overreacting because I was afraid too.''
''But why? You thought I didn't love you? How could I not love you? Nobody cared for my feelings or opinion. Only you, for no reason at all. I was afraid you were too good to be true.''
''I am not too good!''
''That's right, you are perfect.''
Hinata smiled and more tears appeared, but she was chuckling while Itachi was brushing away her tears.
''The real mystery is why you love me; cold-hearted, calculating me?''
Now Hinata got angry. Nobody would insult her beloved fiancé, not even him!
''You are not cold-hearted! You are responsible and reliable, and that's because you were raised to behave that way. If you really were cold-hearted, you would marry me tomorrow and wouldn't care if I was happy or not.''
''All I care about is your happiness. Even if that means cancelling the wedding if you are not ready!''
''I am ready!'' Hinata said decisively. ''In fact, if you had told me you wanted to make me happy, I would have agreed to marry you, even if you didn't love me.''
''I know you would, because that's how you are, always forgetting you are the most important. If I had confessed I loved you, you would have married me to make my wish come true, despite your feelings. And the last thing I wanted is you to feel obligated to be with me.''
If she hadn't explained her negative answer, Itachi would have never found out how she felt about him. It was actually sad that she waited so long to tell him everything. She should have been honest with him and share her fears. Too afraid of his indifference and rejection, Hinata revealed her thoughts to Temari, who insisted to help out. She probably told everything to Shikamaru. It was impossible to leave Ino out of Temari's plan, so now Orochimaru also might get a clue about Hinata's doubts. And Sakura, well-meaning, but sometimes indiscreet, might blab to Itachi's brother and that would be a catastrophe!
Maybe it would be better if she explained right away, when she was calm and finally stopped weeping for no reason.
''Itachi-san?''
''How about you stop being so formal? I will become your husband tomorrow and I want to be the closest person to you. Forever.''
''Very well,'' she shrugged.
He was gazing at her like he was expecting to hear his name but without an appropriate honorific. She didn't want to make a big deal out it because he was right. They should be close and the first step was to address each other more intimately.
''Then,'' she took a deep breath, ''Itachi?''
He nuzzled her nose and chuckled.
''It sounds wonderful coming from you.''
She couldn't believe it! He was behaving like a teenager drunk on love! No matter how much his relaxed behaviour was unexpected, Hinata understood sudden change. An hour ago, Itachi was ready to marry her because he had committed himself he would, not knowing her real opinion. So now, when he was assured she was returning his feelings, he couldn't hide his thrill. He stopped being Uchiha heir the moment she confessed her feelings. He was smiling, playfully kissing her cheeks and brow while holding her gently, forgetting about the tradition or the fact they were in her kitchen. All she could do was chuckle quietly, seeing this new adorable him.
''Will you also call me Hinata?'' she asked hopefully.
''If that's what you want,'' he paused because of a quick kiss, ''Hinata.''
It really was cuter this way! Only until today it would be inappropriate and disrespectful. Now it sounded so right, as if they had pet names for each other after months of being formal in public and in private. Who knew what would they address each other like after they moved in together, while smooching in their own kitchen.
Oh no! Kitchen! The stove! The soup! The saucepan would boil over! She forgot to turn off the stove!
''What's wrong?'' he asked, when she tore herself from his grasp.
Hinata was too busy with finding an oven glove and removing the pot from the stove in the last second.
''Your dinner,'' Itachi concluded quietly.
Although she stifled the soup from boiling over, she hated she had done it because it meant leaving Itachi's embrace!
''What kind of person I am when the soup is more important than you? I am sorry!''
''You don't have to be,'' Itachi said softly. ''To begin with, I shouldn't have been here and you had different plans for tonight. I interrupted you for no reason.''
''But no! I am so glad you are here! And don't go yet! We will be alone some more and I am not really hungry. I just didn't want to make a mess in the kitchen.''
''I understand, you don't have to apologize.''
She totally spoiled the moment because of the soup. Why she had to cook anyway? She didn't feel hunger at all and she could have found something else to keep herself busy, something that wouldn't interrupt her!
''What did you make?'' Itachi asked, probably to end the awkward silence while she was staring at the stove, angry with herself.
''Just the soup,'' she shrugged.
''It smells deliciously,'' he said.
That lighten up her mood.
''You want to try it?'' she asked happily. ''I made too much anyway!''
''Well-'' he began, but she wasn't listening.
''You must eat at least a bit.''
Itachi was silent while she was taking out the bowls and ladling the hot soup.
''This recipe is best for recovering from a cold. Or maybe an injury while in hospital.''
Hinata was staring at the bowl in her hands, taking time to ask about Itachi's severely damaged vision.
''I would have brought more than soup if you hadn't forbade me visiting you,'' she said quietly.
''Tsunade-sama was worried enough and she treated my injuries well, I didn't want you to be concerned, especially because-''
''Because I would know how grave it was to be disabled from using your ocular jutsu!''
''How do you know?''
''It doesn't matter how, it's important you didn't tell me! Why?'' she demanded.
''You said it yourself,'' he shrugged. ''You would have understood it too well and worry more than anybody. I didn't want to be of your concern.''
''I could have helped! And you shouldn't push yourself too hard! It's dangerous and you are too young to lose your sense of sight!''
''This was the conversation I wanted to avoid,'' he muttered.
''You won't be able to avoid me in the future! I will be more strict than Sakura-chan!''
Itachi looked away, interested in his soup. A grown-up who deserved scolding would always act as a child. And Hinata's was really worried! And helpless, because that was the life of a shinobi's wife, aware the safety of the village was more important than safety of an individual.
As soon as Itachi noticed she was smiling again, he felt encouraged to finally try the soup.
''This is probably the best soup I ever had,'' he said.
'''I am glad you like it because this is one of my favourite dishes,'' Hinata said.
''I will eat it whole, it's really delicious,'' he commended.
''If it's still too hot, don't eat it yet,'' she suggested. ''It will burn your tongue and damage your taste buds and you won't feel kisses right,'' she explained.
Then she remembered he didn't like kissing. She was never about to make soup again!
''Is something wrong?'' he asked, after a few moments of silence and she has almost ate her portion.
''Why don't you like kissing?'' she asked quietly.
''What makes you think that?'' he sounded surprised.
''You were resisting quite some time two weeks ago,'' she explained.
''Oh.''
Again deflected gaze.
''And that wasn't the only time I noticed. We don't kiss as much as we used to,'' she sighed sadly. ''Why?''
''Well, I-''
''I won't get mad or anything! You must tell me! Did you have enough or you don't like it?''
''Of course not! I love kissing and-''
''Why then?'' she persisted. ''Am I doing it wrong?''
That was it! She was doing it wrong and he didn't want to hurt her feelings by telling her! This honest talking was a nightmare!
Unexpectedly, Itachi smiled shyly.
''I wish you were doing it wrong,'' he paused, seeing her surprised. ''Then I wouldn't be worried about how much more of you I want.''
''Oh.''
So he was actually restraining for her sake, because she was too shy to share her thoughts! He liked kissing too much!
Now she had to look somewhere else because she was the one to blame.
''I would never force anything and I know it's not your fault and-''
''But it is my fault!'' Hinata frowned. ''I was too tense to relax.''
''It doesn't matter,'' he assured her, ''it's not the most important to me. I mean, it shouldn't be the most important to anyone.''
That was exactly what she wanted to hear. But she wanted for him to enjoy every single moment with her!
''Do you remember our first kiss?'' she asked happily.
''I do,'' he replied quietly, as if it wasn't a pleasant memory. ''It didn't go as I imagined and-''
''It was fine!'' she interrupted. ''And the second one?''
That made him smirk.
''Definitely a better one.''
''Of course! That only means we have to practice!'' she explained her questioning. ''From tomorrow, we will have more time to spend alone, so every time could be as good as the last one.''
''You really want-'' he stammered, confused.
''Uh-huh,'' she nodded, ''I like kissing and-''
''Yes?''
''And a bit of everything, you know, when we are alone,'' she said happily.
''Good,'' he said simply. ''Great, in fact.''
Why was he looking at her like that? They had to talk about what they were thinking of! She couldn't read his mind and she couldn't anticipate what he would do after walking up to her and stroking her cheek gently!
''How could I not love your sweet lips?''
''Itachi,'' she whispered and a moment after he kissed her.
Until now she didn't realise they didn't kiss this way tonight! Before they were hugging and he was pecking her and it was nice. Her hands clasping his collar tightly, so he could not get away, and his arms around her definitely were prolonging this tender kiss which easily became passionate and breathtaking one. It imminently reminded Hinata of their last time together and she abruptly pushed Itachi away!
''Is something wrong?''
Suddenly she was feeling a bit flushed. Was it because of the hot soup, Itachi's unexpected kiss or the fact she was thinking about an empty house and her comfy bed upstairs, while they were all alone and why was she hoping Itachi was thinking the same?
''I must clean up,'' she said and took the bowls to do the washing up.
He didn't say anything, even if he wanted to kiss more. She definitely wanted, even more than that, but she couldn't propose it; no way, there was no polite way to do it and her family might come back any minute now, like it wasn't enough they were making out while they weren't supposed to see each other! How come she couldn't stop thinking about it then?
She desperately needed a different subject!
''I taught Sakura-chan to cook,'' Hinata said to start talking about other people, and not about the two of them all alone!
''Oh?'' he asked simply.
''I mean, she has a long way to go until she will be able to make a family dinner, but I showed her the basics. That was also the time she brought along Ino-chan and Temari-san and they all loved my cake.''
''Of course they did when you are a great cook.''
''Thank you.''
She succeeded not to blush and actually accept the compliment, but talking about the cake reminded Hinata of the batter that had cooled down by now. Would it be totally inappropriate if she finished the cake now?
''Do you need help?'' Itachi offered, seeing her hesitating while holding a baking sheet.
''No, it will be done fast, and I need your opinion about the frosting!''
''What made you think of the dessert tonight?'' he asked, while Hinata was stirring the ingredients already.
''Food is a great conversation starter for shy people like me,'' she admitted. ''Cake is for tomorrow's afterparty for close people, like Sakura-chan and Ino-chan, not for foreign guests who arrived because of the tradition, not because of us.''
''I see, so you could have a moment in private with people who really care.''
''Unless you had something different on your mind,'' she asked, secretly hoping he had something different on his mind right now also.
''Actually, I planned to sneak out and enjoy my last hours of freedom,'' he chuckled quietly.
''That's not funny!'' she pouted playfully. ''You won't be shackled after tomorrow!''
''I wouldn't mind. Especially if you are going to make a cake for me too.''
''Of course I will!'' she smiled. ''Now come here and try the frosting!''
''You didn't taste it,'' he reminded her. ''You are quite confident about your cooking.''
Now she blushed a bit and took a small amount from the bowl with a spoon.
''Yum,'' she sighed dreamily. It turned out perfect.
Itachi was watching her in amusement and she totally forgot to offer him another spoon!
''You have a bit left,'' he said, looking at her face.
Great. She got dirty, like a child with an ice cream!
''Where?'' she panicked.
''Just somewhere around here,'' he smiled and took care of it. With his own lips!
They were both chuckling like idiots while kissing; Hinata because she didn't think Itachi would do it, and he because she tasted like sweet frosting-perfectly. It was their sweetest kiss. Literally.
''You like the frosting?'' she teased.
''I do,'' he said before kissing her again.
This was so much fun! No wonder Sakura and Ino kissed while eating the cake! And Hinata would definitely cook every single night for her husband!
''The cake is almost done,'' Hinata lied.
She had to put an end to this enjoyable situation because she needed a cake to retell all of it to Temari, Sakura and Ino tomorrow night!
''Very well,'' Itachi made a sulky face and they both burst out laughing.
''I will save some cake for us only,'' Hinata said pointedly. ''We will repeat this after everybody leaves.''
Itachi smiled and Hinata concluded he also liked the idea. After all, it would be great after a long-lasting ceremony and reception, to relax, finally all alone and-
What was wrong with her tonight? Her train of thoughts had the same ending every time! And why did it seem to her Itachi was thinking the same? Or she was imagining his faint smile, while he was gazing at her silently? Or maybe she should concentrate on cake for now; she didn't have much left and once the cake was cooling in a fridge, she would be dedicated to her fiancé completely!
''Did you plan on taking the cake with you tomorrow morning?'' Itachi asked, and Hinata didn't think that far ahead.
''I will leave it here. I don't think somebody will eat it during the night. And it's not very far, so I could get it later.''
''Or someone else could. You shouldn't have any responsibilities tomorrow.''
''You are right. Maybe Sakura-chan, because I am afraid Ino-chan couldn't hold back from tasting the cake!'' Hinata chuckled, having recollection of Ino's happiness about a simple dessert.
''So you became close to Sakura-chan and Yamanaka,'' Itachi concluded and Hinata nodded happily. ''Does that mean you know about their crush on Sasuke?''
''Itachi!'' Hinata chuckled teasingly. ''I had no idea you were a gossip!''
''I am not!'' he protested. ''I am,'' he stared at the floor, ''simply curious.''
''Some people cherish friendship more than superficial childish crushes. I think Ino-chan is one of them. Besides, people change.''
''I am not saying Sasuke isn't great, but she can always have Gaara-sama.''
It was a strange thing to say. Why did Itachi mention Kazekage, out of all men in Konoha? Unless he had seen Ino and her little performance in front of the flower shop, where Sakura and Hinata also were, with Naruto and Gaara!
''Or Naruto-kun, if Kazekage rejects her, maybe?'' Hinata frowned. ''I can't believe you were spying on me!''
''I wasn't!''
''Yes, you were!'' she hissed. ''Is that the real reason you are here tonight?''
''It's not. I mean, yes, it kind of bothered me when Naruto-kun hugged you, but I trust you when you say you want to spend the rest of your life with me.''
''Of course I do!'' she said softly and hugged her insecure fiancé.
''I didn't mean to spy on you,'' Itachi said quietly. ''I was just wondering what you were doing.''
''If you must know the whole story, Sakura-chan told Naruto-kun we spent one evening on cooking and Naruto-kun hugged me only because that way Sakura-chan wouldn't poison Sasuke-kun when she prepared a dinner for him.''
''Strange reason,'' Itachi muttered and Hinata chuckled to that proof of jealousy.
She couldn't get mad or accuse him for having trust issues. Nobody was hugging Hinata in public, ever since she was a little girl. She wasn't the type to express love in the middle of the street in the middle of the day. Unlike certain someone.
''If Ino-chan recognized you were feeling uncomfortable and if she offered you help, you should apologize. She is in a happy relationship and probably had a lot to explain to Naruto-kun and Gaara-sama if they took her seriously.''
''But she told me she was single!''
Hinata sighed. She should have known Itachi's paranoia was behind Ino's strange behaviour.
''She couldn't tell you the truth about her secret and romantic relationship!''
''Secret and romantic?'' Itachi repeated. ''Does that also mean forbidden and Shikamaru-kun has an affair with her?''
''Now you are like Temari-san,'' Hinata shook her head disapprovingly, ''and adultery can't be romantic!''
''If she can't talk about it openly, then maybe Hokage-sama?''
''He is not that old!'' Hinata scolded Itachi and regretted right away. She planted a hand over her mouth, aware she had revealed too much.
Itachi smirked knowingly.
''I always thought Jiraiya-sama would be the one telling the world.''
''And now you are being like Sakura-chan,'' Hinata chuckled. ''It's the other one.''
Now Itachi was looking surprised.
''No way. He would have told me.''
Hinata was suppressing laughter. No matter how much time they were spending together, men were different when it would come to personal life and Hinata was feeling honoured to have honest friends who shared their secrets.
''Ino-chan didn't tell Sakura-chan for a very long time.''
''I can't believe I didn't notice anything for a very long time,'' Itachi was still shocked. ''And how do you know?''
''Hanging with the girls,'' Hinata said simply.
She didn't want to explain how Temari had seen right through Ino's pretence just like she had noticed her and Itachi's relationship couldn't be considered as a happy one. Now it seemed like it happened ages ago!
''You can't blame them,'' Hinata shrugged. ''Don't you remember we also used to hide? Nobody knew about us!''
Back then Hinata didn't even dream of possibility Itachi loved her. Not only he did, their wedding was scheduled for tomorrow and they were hugging at the moment!
''I don't know about you, but all the people close to me were happy when I confirmed our relationship.''
''Even Sasuke-kun?''
''Yes, why not? He even let me get married before him.''
''What? You mean tomorrow's wedding should have been different from ours?''
Itachi nodded and Hinata didn't know what to think. Now Sakura's anger after the news about Hinata's engagement seemed justified. If it had been the other way around, Hinata would probably be too furious to be Sakura's maid of honour if she had been the reason Hinata had to delay more her long waited wedding.
''Does Sakura-chan know that?'' Hinata asked warily.
''I am not sure. Are you mad because of it?''
''I am not,'' Hinata shrugged. ''Let's not mention that in front of her, just in case.''
''I certainly won't. But you might, over a cake.''
Hinata smiled because Itachi reminded her she was almost done. And the delicious gossip-cake needed only a final touch!
''I know we didn't talk about it at all, but you don't have to become a housewife the day after tomorrow.''
Was this Itachi's indirect way to tell her she was bad at cooking?
''I don't?'' Hinata repeated.
''You can, if you want to,'' he said quickly, noticing she stopped decorating the cake. ''On the other hand, if you want to serve to the village as one of the best kunoichi, I certainly won't forbid you.''
''You really mean that?''
''About you being one of the best or that you have the choice to pick your career?''
''Both!''
''I was serious about both.''
She thought it would be decided for her, just like everything else. It was refreshing to hear her opinion also mattered.
''Do I have to decide until tomorrow?''
''Of course not! You have plenty of time! In fact, as much as you want. To make sure you choose what you truly want, I won't speak about it any more. When you make up your mind, just tell me.''
That put the widest smile on her face. This was the man she loved and the more they talked, the more she loved him! He was supportive and understanding, polite and smart, at the same time being adorable and irresistible. His only flaw was bad sense of timing. But he could easily make it up to her for that.
''Something on your mind?'' he asked, when she leaned on the fridge after putting the cake away.
''Yes. I've been thinking about how many things we need to discuss.''
''Too many,'' he gave her a small shrug.
''I know. But this night is definitely too short.''
''It is.''
''And we don't have to solve anything!'' she said happily. ''The most important is settled and we have time to practice!''
''Practice?''
She chuckled to his surprised face.
''I would like to dance with you before tomorrow.''
''Anything you want.''
She took him by the hand and led him out of the kitchen, turning off the lights behind them.
Hinata only needed an excuse to be with Itachi longer and not fear she had dreamed of everything he had told her. Luckily, it was reality that was making her feel overjoyed and their dancing included much unnecessary, but pleasant touching, which naturally initiated pretty passionate kissing, and since they knew there was no need to restrain any more, in no time they were in this very bedroom and not to get some sleep.
''Why are you smiling?''
Hinata smiled even more now, when Itachi asked about it. And it was a stupid question to ask, while he was sitting next to her. She hoped he would take the hint to lie down when she put her hands around his neck, but he didn't. He thought she was about to check up on it only, but all she wanted was to pull him closer so they could kiss some more. Instead of him leaning forward, she sat up. That movement uncovered her upper body part and she noticed Itachi's glimpse in that particular direction. Usually that would make them both blush. Today wasn't that day.
''You like what you see?'' she asked playfully.
She completely understood. It was so dark last night and they were too busy to waste time on the lights.
''Of course I do!''
She chuckled and pulled him in her arms to kiss him. She could feel his lips formed a smile while she was kissing him tenderly.
''I love you and every part of you,'' he whispered.
''Oh really?'' she asked, smiling seductively.
''Let me show you!''
She chuckled because he was serious, going lower than her lips and cheeks.
''I can't wait to get back here tonight!'' he confessed the obvious and mutual wish.
There was nothing on their minds except one another and it should have been, because that way they would have been ready for an intruder, whose only intention was to remind them about their wedding.
''Are we going soon or-''
''Sasuke-kun!'' Hinata screamed.
''Sasuke,'' Itachi sighed, ''you are my brother and I love you, but you should learn to knock.''
''So-sorry,'' Sasuke spluttered and slammed the door behind him.
''Time really flies,'' Itachi said, having a small smile.
Hinata also hated it was almost time to leave. She was looking forward to the mornings of this kind. Of course, without Sakura and Sasuke in the next room.
''You saw Hinata naked? If your brother isn't about to kill you, I certainly am!''
''Sakura, calm down! He was half-naked with you a moment ago!''
''Yes, but only because I had to heal the bruises Hinata had made!''
''The bruises?''
''The love bites on his neck! And all over his chest, if you really want to know!''
The fierce knock was heard.
''Are you, two perverts, ready to go? I am not healing anyone any more today!''
That was the last thing Sakura said. To them, at least, and they were sitting next to one another in silence. First one to get up was Itachi, who was probably planning on leaving Hinata alone so she could get dressed. He placed a small kiss on her head and also put a blanket around her, noticing her goose bumps. Unfortunately, this wasn't the right time to let him know that was her body's reaction to his amazing kisses that were reminding her of their passionate night together.
Seeing Itachi standing right in front of her, Hinata understood Sasuke's anger before, when he saw Sakura with his brother. Maybe Hinata would also become jealous if her gorgeous fiancé would show an interest in somebody who wasn't her. His loose hair and exposed chest weren't helping Hinata to think of something else, so she stood up, leaving the blanket on the bed, and slipped her arms around him.
''Aren't we about to leave?'' he asked warily.
''Just another minute!'' she pleaded. ''The wedding won't start without us!''
''Oh Hinata,'' he chuckled, but didn't even try to leave her embrace, ''the day I refuse to kiss you, will be the day the world ends!''
He leaned to kiss her again and all she could think of was tonight's night when they would come back to repeat last night all over again!
''I will tell you a little secret,'' he whispered and she chuckled, expecting something cute. ''I really wished to cancel the wedding.''
''What?'' she stammered, surprised, but Itachi hugged her tighter.
''That way we could have stayed in the whole day!'' he explained.
Yeah, she wished that too. And right after their kiss in front of a couple of hundreds of guests, every single day would be filled with even more kissing!