If I ain't got you
She was controlling the rhythm while on top and he could clearly see her ecstasy. She obviously missed him, just like she'd said and he was holding back, trying to please her and last as long as possible. Only he failed.
Despite the period of separation, she wasn't in the mood for something hot and heavy that would last shortly and end quickly. As always, he let her decide because her satisfaction was priority to him.
Already naked, aroused and on his lap, she was leading him to the end by rocking him slowly. He was grateful for her steady motion because she needed more time and he wouldn't stand the rough ride.
He couldn't know her voice would also bring him so close to the edge. She was whispering how much she wanted him, how much she missed him and how much she enjoyed with him right now. In combination with her moaning, it was too effective!
''No,'' he desperately wanted to stop her from talking.
''Yes!'' she groaned loudly. ''You are the only one I want, the one I waited for!''
He couldn't handle that much. Not at that moment so he forgot about his main goal. Instead of euphoria, he was feeling guilt and regret.
''Th-this was unplanned, I-''
He tried to apologize, aware his explanation was in vain because everything was over because of him and his inability to control himself around her. Only thinking of her with him, after so long, was turning him on. Again.
Not only she wasn't angry, she was chuckling at him, squirming on top of him, and he was looking embarrassed. If she had enough this way, she could always replace him with someone inexperienced and selfish.
''Why are you refusing to kiss me?''
His ashamed gaze met her cheerful one. It was his fault because he let her soft lips drive him crazy. He needed them but he also wanted to have her more, longer in his arms, completely satisfied, to feel the same way as him-wishing to be anywhere in the world as long as they are together.
''You think I didn't!'' she concluded.
His silence confirmed her thoughts and she leaned in to whisper in his ear.
''Not only I came, I did it three times!''
''How? When?'' he couldn't hide his doubt.
Her radiant smile made him less dubious.
''It's so easy because you are the best! I did it once while we were only kissing!''
''Is that even possible?'' he asked carefully.
''Until you it wasn't! Oh I missed you so much!''
She was chuckling, nibbling at his ear and with every smile she gave him, he was sinking deeper.
The way she was kissing him now was so much different from her hungry kisses before. She actually didn't need him to kiss her back, but to make him enjoy her feather-light kisses.
Even though he was much stronger than his young beautiful lover, she was making him weak. He was weak while being away from her. He was fine on his own until he met her.
Being without her, the only thing on his mind was her tender kiss. And how much he misses it. He adored feeling her soft skin against his. He adored her sweet voice. He adored her. She was someone he's been dreaming about for so long and every now and then he had to make sure he wasn't imagining any of this.
''If you didn't have enough in the first round, you don't have to worry,'' the most beautiful woman said. ''I am not going anywhere and I will make it up to you!''
The way she said it wasn't revealing she would rather be somewhere else.
''In any way you want,'' she added whispering.
She offered to fulfil his every wish. Was there something better than spending time with her while she was kissing him tenderly and playfully, having her arms around him?
Yes, he did love her kisses, but he needed more than that. She showed him what he's been missing and he was not able to live without it. Without her. Not any more. He had everything but her and she was his most valuable treasure. He was willing to give her everything in order to make her stay by his side and get what he's been craving for.
He wanted her love. He needed her unconditional, devoted and selfless love for him and him only. Forever.
''Marry me.''
''Of course I will be your maid of honour!''
Hinata couldn't hide her joy while hugging her blonde friend who was trying to calm her down.
''Nobody knows yet, and we haven't discussed the date at all, I just wanted you to know that I need you to be a part of that important day, whenever it occurs.''
''I can't wait!'' Hinata clapped her hands. ''You will be a beautiful bride!''
''Not like you,'' Temari smirked, finally able to breathe normally after Hinata had let go of her.
''How did the proposal go?'' Hinata asked.
''I kind of ruined it, because I rushed,'' Temari admitted.
''Temari-san, didn't you claim some things are worth waiting?''
''I did,'' Temari shrugged.
''When did it happen?'' Hinata asked, since Temari wasn't too talkative about popping the question.
''During your wedding reception.''
''Ten days ago?'' Hinata snapped. ''And you are telling me today?''
''You were busy, and-'' Temari stammered, a bit uncomfortable.
''I would have found time to meet with you!'' Hinata pouted.
''I know, it was me, I had to deal with a lot of paperwork because I need to go home.''
That made Hinata sad immediately.
''You are leaving?'' she asked, misty-eyed.
''I will be back for Sakura's wedding,'' Temari assured her.
''But I didn't see you at all and-''
''I know, I know,'' Temari interrupted, grinning. ''That's why I arranged a girls' night out!''
''A girls' night out?'' Hinata squealed. ''I can't wait!''
''It's in two days, on Friday night, in our restaurant,'' Temari gave Hinata details.
''Will you announce your engagement then? Or Ino-chan knows already?''
''Shikamaru wanted to tell her, only he couldn't because she got back yesterday.''
''Ino-chan disappeared on my wedding night and returned yesterday?''
''Now imagine how angry Sakura was,'' Temari chuckled to Hinata's surprised scream.
''Poor Sasuke-kun,'' Hinata said quietly.
''Yeah, it wasn't the easiest period for him. Naruto is around, only they are not allowed to fight; Itachi-san has been busy, and Sakura is freaking out too much.''
''Itachi did leave before somewhere; maybe to meet up with his brother,'' Hinata shrugged.
''If you are home alone, then you have time to read!'' Temari exclaimed and presented an orange book to Hinata.
''Temari-san!'' Hinata squeaked. ''What are you reading?''
''It's for you, actually,'' Temari said calmly, handing the book over to Hinata.
''For me?'' Hinata stuttered.
''Look at the title,'' Temari instructed her.
It did seem strange: Road to princess. It wasn't revealing anything about the plot, only that happenings in the novel would include a woman who strives to become a princess. Or Hinata should judge a book by its covers and refuse to read it because Jiraiya was the author?
''Did you read it?'' Hinata asked, not brave enough to browse the pages.
''Of course!'' Temari said, as if she took that question as an insult. ''I would never recommend something I didn't read.''
''Oh,'' Hinata deflected her gaze to the floor.
''It's a romance novel, nothing too complicated,'' Temari said simply. ''My only advice is not to keep the book in a visible place for your husband to find it.''
''Why do I need to hide this book from Itachi?''
''If I explain why, I will spoil the story for you,'' Temari chuckled.
''Is it, you know, I mean, packed with perverted scenes?''
''You will see,'' Temari smirked on her way out. ''You can skip the first chapter if you want to be faster with reading.''
''What's going on in it?'' Hinata asked warily.
''Just a marriage proposal.''
''Then I can't miss it!''
''I don't think you will like it.''
Maybe it really was a love story. If it was a good one, Hinata would stand explicit scenes somehow. She hated to admit that the most intriguing was Temari's tip to hide the book from Itachi! Was there something he shouldn't know about? With so many questions on her mind, Hinata didn't have other choice but to start with the reading.
''Why they need to get married? They can have fun this way, also,'' Kakashi frowned, looking at Jiraiya who shrugged instead of answering.
''Because they're in love,'' a young girl from the first row shared her opinion.
''Marriage will ruin everything!'' Kakashi persisted. ''Excitement and thrill will be gone forever!''
''And safety and tranquillity will replace it!'' another young girl added.
All girls in Jiraiya's creative writing class nodded in approval and Kakashi stood alone in front of them, still convinced the novel went in the wrong direction.
''Are you telling me you all think she accepted it?'' Jiraiya smirked.
''She didn't?'' the girls stunned.
''I thought you liked happy endings, Jiraiya-sama,'' Kakashi said.
''Who knows,'' Jiraiya shrugged.
''But he loves her!'' Kakashi heard himself saying and the girls chuckled lightly.
''You really need to make up your mind, Kakashi,'' Jiraiya frowned. ''One second they should get married, and the moment after they shouldn't, according to you.''
''What would you do, Hokage-sama?'' one girl asked.
''Me?'' Kakashi stuttered.
''Would you propose to someone you love, no matter who that was, to show to the world you can't live without that person?''
''You know,'' Kakashi rubbed his chin, closing the book in his hand, ''when I wanted to be the first who reads your novel, I didn't agree to discuss it like this.''
''It's good to hear audience's opinion though,'' Jiraiya explained. ''They will all be writers sooner or later, so you should tell them what you would like to read about.''
''Really?'' Kakashi was thrilled.
''And don't be lazy with your advice on improvement; writers can't read minds and they would appreciate a feedback.''
''And you? Can I complain about you?''
''Sure. Is there something to complain about?''
''It is. I want the answer to this proposal before the novel's ending.''
''And what? I will write about the wedding plans?'' Jiraiya mocked. ''I am not a woman, my plot focuses on emotions and a bit of physical love.''
''This one will be boring.''
''It won't!'' the girls protested. ''It will be interesting to see what she will say and why.''
''See, Kakashi? It's your attitude that's wrong!'' Jiraiya was smirking on his way out. ''By the way, if you notice something unusual by the end of the novel, keep it to yourself.''
''Right,'' Kakashi nodded. ''And where are you going?''
''You are reading chapters out loud here and I have three more novels to write.''
''Three?'' Kakashi stuttered. ''And they will all be-''
''Yes, they will be related, so read carefully!''
''But those won't be sequels? I mean, I will find out if she agreed to marry him without reading three more books?''
''Who knows!'' Jiraiya said and closed the door of his classroom.
''We have a happy event to discuss! When do you want two pretty blondes to enter a holy matrimony?''
''Royal wedding?'' Daichi asked.
''Ryuunosuke asked her hand in marriage this morning,'' Madoka replied.
''Who is that?'' Hideo asked.
''Our best knight,'' Daichi replied.
''That's nonsense. Your sons, Junichi and Sadao are the best knights.''
''How three weeks from now sounds to you?'' Madoka asked her brothers.
''That's too soon. I'm sure Aimi needs more time to meet Ryuunosuke properly ,'' Daichi smirked.
''Aimi?'' Hideo repeated. ''Ryuunosuke wants her to be his wife?''
''Yes. Who did you think of when I said blonde and pretty girl?''
''Your daughter.''
''Midori-hime turned down my offer many times, although there's nobody better than Ryuunosuke. That's why it's even more strange he wants to marry the royal mistress.''
''You could always make him,'' Daichi said.
''I could. But if he wants to make the poor girl happy, I won't object.''
''You agreed?'' Hideo asked.
''Why wouldn't I?''
''Doesn't she have an opinion about all of that?''
''Hideo, have you been drinking? What would a mere peasant's daughter say to a noble knight?''
''So you have approved their marriage?''
''I have.''
''When?''
''This morning.''
''And who can object to that decision of yours?''
''Any member of a royal family. Hideo, seriously, what's with you-''
''I object then.''
''I beg your pardon?''
''I will marry Aimi instead.''
Hinata couldn't believe it! It really was a story including kings and queens, knights and princesses! It seemed too harmonious until now; an involved couple who was about to get engaged, only a girl declined and the queen allowed another man to marry her. It was definitely a love story and a really complicated one.
Her dark locks swayed while she was running upstairs.
''Sumiko-chan!''
Pink-haired woman turned around to see her friend trying to catch her up.
''What's the rush, Hitomi-chan?''
''Why didn't you tell me the big news?''
''What big news?''
''Ryuunosuke-kun proposed to Aimi!''
''When did you hear that? I have no idea about it!''
''He did; the queen announced this morning they are getting married!''
''Your information is incomplete, Hitomi-chan,'' the blonde woman interrupted the girls' conversation. ''The king objected to Aimi's marriage because he wants to marry her instead.''
''Daichi-sama wants to settle down with only one girl?''
''Not him, the other one.''
''Hideo-sama? The Blaze Kingdom's commander-in-chief? Are you sure, Midori-hime?''
''He never got married, the only thing he cares about is army, war and battle. I didn't even know he was in love with Aimi,'' Sumiko said.
''The queen claims he isn't; that he is only flattered because she was with him despite he is older than her.''
Midori kept to herself her mother also liked attention from younger men; her current lover was Kenta, her horseman. The entire castle was whispering about the queen who suddenly loves riding, even more than once a day.
''Was Aimi involved with Ryuunosuke-kun and Hideo-sama at the same time?'' Hitomi asked.
''She wasn't,'' a male voice interrupted. ''Ryuunosuke-kun promised to marry Aimi in case he doesn't fall in love again by a certain age.''
''But he is so young!'' Sumiko said.
''He is, only he gave up on waiting on you when you got engaged to Sadao-san,'' Shinobu explained to pink-haired princess.
Sumiko blushed a bit; it was a well-known thing. Her crush on Sadao, the young prince, and Ryuunosuke's crush on her. Only her love wasn't unrequited, like Ryuunosuke's.
''It's nice to marry a childhood friend you love!'' Hitomi defended Sumiko's love and she blushed too.
Her childhood love was Ryuunosuke and Sadao's brother, Junichi, waited for years to start wooing her, afraid the princess would never consider a pretender to the throne as a good suitor.
This was more than interesting. Three siblings ruling a kingdom; drunkard queen who was sitting on the throne, and her brothers, one obsessed with women and one with fighting. Two princesses engaged to two brothers, who also might become kings someday; a knight who decided to marry a beautiful poor girl because of a broken heart; only an attractive gray-haired man seemed like Kakashi, not like Jiraiya! And why were they all so passive about this problem? The most important was to marry the one you love, not who seemed the most appropriate! Why didn't they simply ask Aimi?
Exactly that happened on the next page.
''It's the best if we ask Aimi herself.''
Three princesses left to find her; she wasn't a royalty, not even close to a noble title, and she had a small room in the darkest part of the castle. Nobody should judge the poor girl for trying to live a better life after marrying a knight. Only she was crying; so loudly she didn't hear when Midori knocked on the door.
''Midori-hime!'' shaken girl got up from the floor, bowed and brushed her tousled hair. Even not groomed at the moment, her pretty face features made Midori a bit jealous.
''What are you crying about?'' princess asked sharply. ''Don't know what to wear for the wedding? Or you are still indecisive about the groom?''
''Midori-hime!'' Sumiko scolded her. ''Can't you show a little compassion?''
''You are unhappy about marrying Ryuunosuke-kun?'' Hitomi asked, tapping Aimi's shoulder to comfort her.
''I know I shouldn't be,'' Aimi sniffled.
''He is handsome and strong,'' Sumiko said.
''And polite and kind; he will treat you with respect and care!'' Hitomi added.
''And mother often says he would be a fine ruler of The Blaze Kingdom,'' Midori said, jealous of a knight this time.
Aimi was silent the whole time although she didn't deny any of it. That meant only one thing.
''You are in love with the king!'' Midori said triumphantly.
''I am not!'' Aimi wailed. ''I can't be!'' she swallowed. ''I shouldn't be,'' she whispered.
''Poor Aimi,'' Hitomi sighed sadly.
''If you are, why did you decline his proposal?'' Midori asked.
''Maybe it was lousy! How did he ask you?'' Sumiko asked.
Aimi did seem embarrassed because of this questioning all of a sudden, but she cleared her throat to explain.
''We were alone in his room, kissing.''
''On the lips?'' Hitomi asked.
''Of course on the lips, what kind of question is that?'' Midori snapped and Hitomi blushed. ''Were you naked?'' Midori asked.
''We were.''
Now Sumiko turned red.
''If you love him, what difference does it make how he popped the question?''
''I can't marry him. He doesn't love me, he only thinks that he does. I am just a pretty girl, nothing more. That beauty will vanish and he will realise that for himself. I don't want him to be unhappy!''
None princess could deny it wasn't common for a king to propose to a girl who was well-known for her reputation around the castle. She smiled tearfully anyway.
''I know my place, Midori-hime. It would ruin his life and he would regret it in the end. That's the last thing I want to happen and it's unavoidable.''
''So you don't want to marry Ryuunosuke-kun instead?'' Midori asked.
''Uh-uh,'' Aimi shook her head. ''I wish this never happened.''
If Temari said to keep this book away from Itachi, did that mean one of the girls would end with Naruto eventually, because they all had a good opinion about him? Not Naruto, but Ryuunosuke! This reading was complicated!
''We should do something, Midori-hime,'' Hitomi said. ''If Aimi doesn't love Ryuunosuke-kun, their marriage will break up! And it would be tormenting for both of them!''
''And a hot guy like him will find another girl soon,'' Sumiko said.
''I think I have an idea!'' Midori said.
And that was the moment Itachi decided to arrive home!
When she heard the door closing, Hinata hid the book under the cushion on the sofa and got up to greet her husband.
''I am home!''
''Yes, you are!'' she chuckled, kissing him on the cheek.
They have been married for ten days only, and he already knew what her biggest concern was.
''I already ate, at my parents'.''
''Oh.''
''Don't get mad!'' he pleaded cutely. ''I saw Temari-san on her way here and I wanted to give you time to hang out. Sasuke also asked me to go visit our parents.''
''I know, Sakura-chan finally let him leave her side and take a break from their wedding.''
''What were you doing?'' Itachi asked casually.
''Just relaxing, and,'' Hinata paused nervously, ''reading and-''
''That reminds me! I have to get ready for a meeting tomorrow morning!'' Itachi said and headed to the study room. ''I will hurry as much as I can!''
She gave him a smile, that way not pressuring him. After all, he had a great responsibility and she was about to be the most supportive wife ever. Especially if she wanted to finish the novel as soon as possible!
''Ryuunosuke-kun, do you have a spare moment?''
''Midori-hime, it's an honour!'' the knight bowed respectfully.
''I dislike wasting time, so I will get straight to the point. You decided to marry Aimi, didn't you?''
''I did; long time ago.''
''So she was your back-up plan all along and you expected she would wait for you?''
''That's not correct. I know Aimi all my life and, even though I don't have romantic feelings for her, I respect her deeply and appreciate her love and care. My idea is to give her life she deserves and with me, she will have it.''
''Will it be a life filled with love?''
''Sumiko-hime!''
Now young knight bowed as much as he could.
''Will you give Aimi love?'' Sumiko asked again.
''I will.''
''And what kind of love will it be?''
''Hitomi-hime! What brings you all here?''
''Your recent engagement,'' Midori said. ''Do you mind answering?''
''I am not sure what I am supposed to say. I would be a good husband to any woman, so I will be to Aimi also.''
''That's what we needed to hear. Aimi is to you just like any other woman,'' Midori concluded.
''You don't love her,'' Sumiko said.
''Neither she loves you,'' Hitomi added much sadder.
''What do you want?''
''For you to reconsider that decision. You are still young, you can meet someone who will be a world to you, someone you will dedicate your every thought to and someone who will love you the way you deserve,'' Midori explained.
''I have the right to marry Aimi! I asked the queen!''
''Did you ask Aimi?'' Sumiko asked.
''I didn't, but I know she cares about me.''
''Not the way you want her to,'' Hitomi said, ''because she already has somebody she wants to spend her life with.''
''What? Who? Why didn't he marry her then?''
''Let me take care of that!'' Midori said.
''Don't you have a meeting tomorrow too?''
Itachi's voice made Hinata startle and she dropped the book!
She was reclining on a sofa until then and Itachi was faster to pick up the book for her.
''Thank you,'' she muttered, ashamed he managed to scare her.
''About your meeting,'' he repeated.
''Oh right!'' she chuckled. ''The invitation said the jounins' meeting will be held in the afternoon.''
''And what will you say?'' he asked teasingly.
She only chuckled shyly. It was a meeting where fresh graduates from the Academy would be split in teams and get their sensei. And Hinata would become one of them!
''It must have been a really interesting story if you think about it instead of tomorrow,'' Itachi said pointedly.
Should she tell him the plot? The blond knight wants to marry a blonde beauty who is in love with an older man; two princesses were a part of a knight's love history, and Hinata's favourite character so far was the princess who wanted for the lovers to be happy together despite the obstacles in their lives.
''I bet it's more interesting than this,'' Itachi sighed and sit on the other sofa, opposite of Hinata, also with a bunch of papers.
Hinata chuckled and returned to her novel.
''Mother, I need a word.''
''Midori! How dare you barge in like that!''
''Midori-hime,'' Kenta bowed as respectfully as he could since he was naked.
''Is that how you spend your afternoons, mother?'' Midori asked when Kenta left to take care of horses or whatever. ''I believe you should think with your head. I don't think it's possible if Kenta's head is between your legs!''
''What's wrong? You are all red,'' Itachi asked, looking worried.
''Nothing, it's nothing,'' Hinata smiled, but yes, she was feeling a bit hot.
''Should I get you some water?'' he offered.
''That would be nice, thank you.''
When her husband left the living room, Hinata could take a real break from reading. What did she expect from Jiraiya to write anyway? First the princess caught her mother on the act, and then pointed out how exactly that disturbing scene looked like! She must have had a good reason for entering, though.
''Your late father was a wonderful man, but I have needs.''
''And your needs are more important than my uncle's?''
''What are you talking about? Daichi is lying somewhere, exhausted from yesterday's orgy.''
''Not him, mother.''
''Why are you so obsessed with Ryuunosuke's wedding all of a sudden? You had more than one opportunity to become his wife.''
The way Madoka eyed her, Midori concluded the queen knew everything about her and Shinobu. After all, it was supposed to be her choice, since she was a princess. She didn't care Shinobu wasn't royalty. Or younger than her.
''Why don't you admit you only like to see Hideo-sama begging for something?''
''It's nice to know there is a person who can keep him under control,'' Madoka said simply.
''He is not an animal.''
''Yes, he is. He has animal urges controlling his decisions.''
''Unlike you,'' Midori mocked, pointing her hand at Kenta's clothes all over the queen's chambers.
The queen snorted as a reply.
''Anyway, if Ryuunosuke cancels the wedding, will you let Hideo-sama marry Aimi?''
''I don't care!'' the queen snapped. ''Leave already and send Kenta back in!''
Midori was suppressing laughter. Apparently women were also frustrated if interrupted in the middle.
Hinata blushed again, only this time she didn't want for Itachi to notice, so she stuck her face in a book, lifting it a bit. What would he think of her if he found out this was a story containing juicy details? The main was the love story, which was sad because the girl didn't have a vote about her marriage. Both of her suitors were fine men, only she had to make the choice, not the queen or anyone. Of course, there was more to love than holding hands; it maybe was a physical need, but only the right person would make it meaningful and unforgettable.
Hinata peeked over the book at Itachi; he was way too busy to test her theory that included them in the bedroom, naked, doing something unforgettable.
''Aimi.''
''Ryuunosuke-san!''
''There is no need to bow to me that way; even if I don't become your husband.''
''Wh-what?''
''You see, Aimi, while I was still in love with Sumiko-hime, I mean, I will never stop loving her, I couldn't stop wondering what was making Sadao so damn special. I was as good as him; everybody was assuring me he wasn't more handsome or skilled, and still, I stayed invisible to Sumiko-hime.''
He paused to smile faintly, and Aimi understood why. He was hurt.
''Then I tried a whole new perspective. What was making her so special? If she really was the way I still see her, then every living man should be in love with her, don't you think?''
Aimi gave him a small shrug, knowing his question was actually rhetorical.
''True love is so rare, so beautiful, so unreasonable,'' he said dreamily. ''If there is someone who makes you forget about everything, about anybody, don't let him go. If there is this man for you, who means the world to you because nobody else matters to you, tell him. Fight for him if necessary; then he won't be afraid to show you he loves you back!''
''He doesn't,'' Aimi sighed.
''You don't know that!'' Ryuunosuke snapped, shaking Aimi by holding her shoulders.
''He hates me now for sure. I would hate myself too.''
''He doesn't, he needs you now more than ever. Talk to the king, tell him what's on your heart and he will forget this ever happened!''
''I can't. I can't even look at him.''
''You can and you will! I will arrange your accidental meeting, you only have to be at the appointed place!''
It was a real page-turner; even the preparations for that final meeting between Hideo and Aimi. The problem was Hinata was getting hungry. Itachi was immersed in his papers and she went to the kitchen to prepare herself a meal quickly. She couldn't wait to return to the living room and resume with the reading.
She was expecting Midori to set things out, and Hitomi to be overjoyed because of a happy ending. The only one whose destiny was a mystery was a good guy Ryuunosuke. He did deserve a wife, only the one who would love him unreservedly like Midori loved Shinobu, who would be his best friend like Sumiko was to Sadao, who would treat him as a king like Hitomi treated Junichi and who would be passionate about him like Aimi was about Hideo.
Hinata should have continued reading while eating, that way Itachi wouldn't have been holding the book!
''You like this?'' he asked plainly.
''I just want to see how it ends,'' she shrugged.
''Do you want a happy ending?''
''I hope for it.''
''I assumed, since you were not letting the book out of your hands, that is really interesting. For my taste, it is kind of mushy.''
''Temari-san brought it to me before and she recommended it.''
''And do you like it?''
''Uh-huh,'' Hinata nodded shyly.
''Then read it!'' Itachi chuckled because she was embarrassed.
He called it mushy! And it wasn't! Not too much, at least. She wondered how many pages Itachi succeeded to read and if he recognized every character. Itachi noticed Hinata wasn't reading, so he felt as if he could ask her something.
''How come you didn't pick Temari-san to be your maid of honour? I mean, she knows you well, then the ribbons and her visit today and-''
''We became closer during the wedding preparations,'' Hinata interrupted.
''I don't see how talking about gowns could make you feel closer to someone.''
''It wasn't exactly the traditional preparation,'' she said quietly.
''I didn't want to start that topic if it makes you feel embarrassed, I am sorry!''
He also sat next to her and she was redder than ever.
''I've been wishing to tell you for so long,'' she whispered, ''ever since it happened!''
''Ever since what happened?'' he asked quietly.
Hinata deflected her gaze to the floor, pressing her index fingers.
''Oh no, don't be like that!''
Itachi's pleas were in vain, so he knelt on the floor before his wife and took her palms into his.
''Hinata,'' he said softly, ''whetever it is, you will tell me when you feel ready. Just so you know, nothing will change my feelings for you, never forget that.''
She sighed and looked at him. He was so nice to her and she kept secrets from him!
''When I proposed to you, I was ready to accept you the way you are, because you are and forever will be perfect for me. I wouldn't hesitate to forgive you whatever you confessed, because if I ain't got you, everything else is irrelevant.''
The words he had said, while smiling fondly and kneeling in front of her, seemed unreal. And it definitely was, containing every detail from the story: proposal, perfect girl, dreamy surroundings and situation, and her confession!
''Stop quoting the novel for me!'' she frowned. ''I want to read it by myself!''
Itachi chuckled and placed a light kiss on his wife's head.
''I will give you peace and quiet to read it.''
With that, he left Hinata alone, and she was now even more eager to finish this sloppy love story! And the great meeting took place in the garden, so everyone could secretly witness the story unfolding. Even the queen.
''Hideo-sama.''
''I didn't expect to see you here.''
''I know. Please, don't walk out on me.''
''You were the one who had done it, because you didn't have decency to tell me you can't accept my proposal since you already promised your hand to Ryuunosuke.''
''I didn't, I-''
''You turned him down?''
''I didn't, but-''
''Then we have nothing to discuss.''
The king headed to leave his former lover for good, only he changed his mind because he needed to know what was crucial for Aimi to make her choice. Was it his young age, his looks or reputation, or the worst-love the girl felt for the knight?
''I must admit, you and Ryuunosuke make a cute couple, just like my nephews and two princesses. It would be such a shame if their reason to marry is nothing but feeling of duty.''
''It's definitely love.''
''Oh,'' he said with a stammer, cursing himself for asking anything.
''I mean, no, not with me and-''
''It doesn't matter. After all, I have another preoccupation.''
''There is no need to go on a battlefield! It's not common for a king to fight!''
''I can't stay either. Feeling physical pain will be a great change because of this agonizing situation I can do nothing about.''
''Don't go, please, I'm begging you!''
She crushed his broken heart when she knelt in front of him, showing respect.
''Don't you ever kneel before me! I'm not your king!'' he yelled, desperate because of his powerlessness. ''I'm nothing to you!''
She recognised his hopeless voice and she was unable to hold back tears any longer. He bent on one knee to her eye level. She immediately embraced his hand with both of hers to stop his departure.
''I must leave,'' he said calmly, looking away. ''My feelings for you are too strong to ignore your happiness with another man.''
''I don't deserve you,'' she whispered.
''That's right. You don't. You deserve so much more than I could ever give you. ''
''You don't love me,'' she sobbed.
''I don't. I adore every single part of you so much that can't be called love.''
''But I am nobody, I am-''
''Why are you not a naive brainless girl? If you were, you would have accepted to become a princess, without questioning my true feelings or desires. That's why this is even more painful.''
''But why would you even look at me that way? Don't you know who I am?''
''Who are you really? Is there someone else, different from caring, devoted and selfless woman I got the chance to meet?
Aimi sniffled to those compliments.
''I would trade the rest of my life without you for only one day with you. If your future husband cares for you only the half as much as I do, he will do his best to make you the happiest woman in the world.''
More tears appeared and he wished to wipe them all away even though he didn't have the right to do anything.
''Please, don't cry. This is not your fault. I should've confessed all of this sooner, without pressuring you this way-''
He could feel her salty lips on his. He could've stopped her, but he hadn't. Having her so close, in his embrace, made him weak and helpless. It hurt to lose his beloved one, but it was more devastating to see her happy with someone who was not him.
''No,'' he managed to say, still holding her, feeling more of her tears appeared. ''I have no right to make you mine or show to the world how important you are to me.''
''The wedding,'' she stuttered, ''the wedding is off.''
''What?''
''Ryuunosuke-san,'' she swallowed, unable to speak clearly, ''he doesn't want to marry me. He said every person needs to have the right to marry their beloved one, and he wouldn't do me a favour by making me royalty because I would be unhappy, in love with somebody else.''
''Wh-what?''
''There is a certain man in my life, who I love more than anything. I always have, because he was the only one who treated me with respect and cared about my desires. Unfortunately, he is a member of a royal family and I can't do much to convince him I care about him only and not his title.''
''Aimi.''
She lifted her head to look at him, dewy-eyed and smiling sheepishly.
''Why did you make me fall in love with you, Hideo-sama?''
Now without any restraints, Hideo embraced his young beautiful lover tighter. It felt differently from any other hug before. First because he thought he would never get the chance to hug her this way again, and second because now he knew she would never let go of him. Now he knew her heart belonged to him, not to someone else.
''Why didn't you tell me sooner?''
''You wouldn't have believed me because you are king and I am nothing. I don't want to become a princess. I care about you only and I have never intended to be with you because you are the king. I need only you!''
''Why are saying that? I proposed to you because I want everyone to know how much I love you!''
''And what will you do when you stop? I won't be young and pretty forever and-''
''Stop saying nonsense and let me kiss you!''
She smiled when he began kissing away her tears. She was happy but the tears kept coming.
''It's impossible to stop loving you. Trust me, I tried and failed, as you can see. Nothing makes me feel the way you do. You are the best thing ever happened to me and I don't want to live my life without you. I can't even sleep if you're not next to me and these days spent without you were the worst days of my life. I hope I will never go through something alike again.''
''I'm sorry, I-''
''You don't have to say you're sorry. Just become my wife!''
''Damn you, Jiraiya-sama!'' Kakashi muttered, closing the book.
It was dawn already when Hinata put the book down. She wasn't feeling sleepy at all, but she knew she should get some sleep despite her duties in the afternoon. She turned off the lights in the living room and quietly climbed up the stairs to enter the bedroom even more quietly.
There was enough light in the room to see Itachi's been sleeping, with his arm reached to her side of the bed. Although it was a nice sight to see, she got angry at herself for not coming to sleep earlier. Then again, it was Itachi's fault. If he hadn't said anything, she wouldn't have read the book twice, trying to find what he had told her. In spite of her careful search, that particular quotation couldn't be found.
Hinata wondered, while slipping carefully under the covers, if Itachi had said it on purpose so she could stay up all night, reading the novel.
She was holding back to touch him at all while he was looking adorable, sleeping and having his hair all over his bare back. It was quite chilly, so she decided to cover it with the blanket; she couldn't let her husband to catch a cold!
''Did it have a happy ending?''
Itachi's sleepy voice surprised her the second she had been done with tucking him in. She looked at him, worried she had woken him up.
''I'm sorry,'' she whispered. ''I didn't want to wake you up.''
Itachi opened his eyes slightly and, just when Hinata was about to repeat her apology, he placed his palm on her cheek.
''You can wake me up any time,'' he purred and shifted closer to her.
She smiled when she had seen he was ready to sleep more, only having her closer. His hand went lower to encircle her waist casually.
''You didn't tell me about the novel's ending,'' Itachi murmured into Hinata's shoulder, which she offered him to rest his head on. ''Was it a happy one?''
''Sort of,'' she replied quietly.
''Is that the reason for your smile?'' he asked, having his eyes closed and snuggling closer to his wife's neck.
''No,'' she chuckled lightly and gently pressed her lips on his brow.
''Then what is?'' he tickled her with his lips while talking into her neck's skin.
''I will tell you later, it's still too early and you should sleep!''
Whispering an order wouldn't be effective in any other situation, but she could feel Itachi's grin.
Clearing his throat and tightening his grip around Hinata's waist, Itachi was ready to pretend to be asleep if that would make his wife happy. Hinata knew his plan but didn't mind his calm breathing while she was running her fingers through his hair. Soon she fell asleep having her fingers curled into his long, dark and untied hair.