Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or any aspect of it, it all belongs to Masashi Kishimoto.

A Brush of Sweetness

Hinata got out of Sasuke's car, she brushed out the winkles in her dress, and Sasuke rolled down the window.

"Oi, I'll be here when you get off, so don't go anywhere, stay put." Sasuke commanded. The indigo haired beauty turned around, smiling at him, sweetly, and she nodded. Hinata watched him drive off, she giggled, and walked into the bookstore.

Kurenai was setting up a table, and she looked up.

"Oh, good, you're here Hinata, I need to call you and Kiba aside for a moment while there is no customers right now." Hinata pursed her lips, sauntering up to her, and Kiba trailed behind.

"What is going on?" Kiba asked, curiously.

"I just wanted to let you two know that I will be going on vacation for a week, Asuma wants to take our child to see his side of the family so the bookstore will be closed. And, obviously, you guys will be off as well."

Kiba sighed in relief. "Great, I am in need of a break."

"W-when will y-you be leaving?"

"Two days from now." Kurenai informed. "So you guys can still get in your usual hours before we leave."

"Are you excited?"

"Yes, very, Asuma and I have been planning this for a long time. Well, that's all I wanted to say to you two." And on her endnote, a customer started to come in.

Hinata was glad to have a week off, they worked a lot, and only got off during the holidays. But, the indigo haired beauty would make sure she worked hard before Kurenai would go on vacation.

Other than their quick meeting, the day started off as usual, Hinata deviated between running the cash register, and helping out customers on the floor. It may had seem like a mundane routine others, but Hinata enjoyed every minute of it.

And it remained that way up till her lunch break.

To Hinata's pleasant surprise, just as she clocked out for lunch, Sakura and Ino came into the bookstore.

"Hey, Hinata." Sakura said with a soft smile

"Sakura, Ino, what are you two doing here?" Hinata asked, surprised.

"We figured that we would surprise you of course."

"S-surprise?"

"Yep, we are going to take you to lunch! since this one bailed out on what was supposed to be our girls night." Ino said this as she pointed at Sakura, and Sakura gave her a sour look.

"I didn't bail, my parents had me do some unexpected stuff." Sakura defended.

"Likely story." Ino said, unconvinced.

"Well, how does it sound?" Sakura asked, trying to change the subject.

"Oh, i-it sounds w-wonderful." Hinata stated. "I just need to be b-back in thirty minutes."

"Not a problem. The place we are going is right around the corner, it is a bakery sort of place." Kiba came out of the break room, it seemed he was going out for lunch as well, and he looked at Hinata.

"Didn't bring lunch today, I see, looks like we have the same idea." He said with a grin. Ino's eyes widened at him as they made eye contact with one another, and bashful looks came across their face.

Sakura walked up to Hinata, and elbowed her, softly. "Looks like someone has caught Ino's eye."

The indigo haired beauty turned red at the sight, and she shook her head. "Ano… Kiba." Kiba gasped, his eyes tore away from Ino, and he rubbed the back of his head, chuckling.

"Sorry, Hinata."

"No worries." She assured. "I'm going to a bakery, is there anything that you would like from there?"

"No, I'm fine."

"O-okay."

"Come on, Ino." Sakura said, Sakura grabbed ahold of Ino's arm, Ino kept staring at Kiba as she was dragged out of the bookstore, and she sighed. "Geez, Ino."

"What? He is cute is that a crime for me to notice." Ino pushed Sakura away from her, tossing her hair over her shoulder, and she turned to Hinata. "You didn't tell me that you worked with such a cutie."

Hinata smiled at her, thinly. "S-sorry."

"Hey, can you do a favor for me, Hinata, can I write my number on a piece of paper, and you give it to him?" Ino winked, Sakura rolled her eyes, and Hinata nodded.

"S-sure."

"You don't even know if he wants your number." Sakura informed.

"Shut up, did you not see the way we looked at one another, he wants it." Hinata giggled at her two bickering friends, and she was led to a small bakery no more than a block away from the bookstore. The bakery was filled with sweets of all kinds, soups, salads, and sandwiches.

They sat down at a small table near the window, and Ino smiled. Hinata opened up her menu, and her eyes fell on the prices of each dish. The Yanamaka took notice of this.

"Don't worry about the prices okay."

"O-Okay." Although, she would try to get a decent price meal.

"How about we will all split the lemon mousse cake." Sakura suggested. "Ino and I have been dying to try it. I heard it is really good here."

"That does sound good." Hinata agreed. After a couple of minutes of searching, a waiter came around the table, and they ordered their drinks. It was not too long afterwards when he came back with them that they were ready to order food. Hinata ordered a tuna sandwich and a bowl of soup. However, both Ino and Sakura only ordered Greek salads.

"Oh, did you hear?" Ino asked, curiously. She rustled in her purse, and pulled out a flyer. The flyer was covered in a different array of vibrant colors, and she held it up, excitedly. "There is a carnival coming here in a couple of days."

"Ino and I were thinking about going, do you want to come with us, Hinata?"

"I am not working s-so I don't see a problem."

"Oh, really?"

"Y-yes, my boss told me today that w-we get off a week because she's going on vacation."

"Awesome!" Ino beamed. "I love it when a plan comes together." Their foods came to the table in no time, and Hinata made it back to work with five minutes left. She bit her lower lip, fumbling with the piece of paper in her pocket, she detested being put on the spot like this. Kiba came into the bookstore, and she walked up to him.

"Oh… Kiba, I have something for you."

"Eh?" Hinata handed him the piece of paper, and he frowned, perplexed. He took it, opening it, and Hinata watched his eyes widened. His mouth almost hit the ground.

"My friend told me to give that to you." Hinata explained. Kiba smiled, awkwardly, and he shoved it in his pocket.

Then he murmured in a low voice. "Thanks, Hinata, you made my day today."

"I'm glad."

XXXX

Sasuke had gotten to Hinata's job about ten minutes before she got off. The Uchiha sat in his car, his arms were folded across his chest, and he waited for Hinata to come out of the bookstore. A stoic expression was on his face, and his eyes shifted to the indigo haired beauty as she walked out. However, they narrowed, quickly, as they fell on the man who was talking to her. The man was a slim with spiky brown hair and triangle like painting on the side of his cheeks. He saw Hinata giggle, wave him a goodbye, and Sasuke felt something arise in him from the pit of his stomach.

It was jealousy.

Although, he realized that she was just talking to the guy. It still agitated him. Hinata made her way to his car, and got in.

"S-sorry to make you w-wait." She apologized.

"Who is that?" Sasuke demanded. He watched the brown haired male walk back into the bookstore, and Hinata followed his gaze.

"Ano... that is my coworker, Kiba Inuzuka." She informed. Hinata could tell that Sasuke was clearly displeased, and her eyebrows furrowed together. "Is e-everything okay?"

"Everything is fine." Sasuke stated, curtly. The indigo haired beauty scruntized him, he scowled, but didn't meet her eyes. "Why are you looking at me like that, Hinata?"

"y-you have nothing to worry about, Sasuke, nothing will t-transpire between Kiba and I." The Uchiha now stared at her, he couldn't believe that she had been able to see right through him like that. He was not an open book, hell, most people didn't know what he was thinking due to the expressionless visage he kept all the time.

In a way, he liked that about her, it kept from engaging in mindless pleasantries.

"And how do you know that?" The Uchiha asked, skeptically.

"You just have to trust me." Hinata assured. A kind smile settled on her lips. "And plus, I t-think Kiba is interested in my f-friend, Ino. They met when she and sakura came b-by and took me out to lunch."

"I see…." The Uchiha's voice trailed off, and then a cocky smirk came across his face. "I guess I should listen to you. After all, regardless of the fact that we are taking this relationship slow. You are mine, Hinata."

Hinata looked at him, speechless, and then, he cocked an eyebrow. "Is that silence an objection?"

"N-no, not at all."

"Hmph, good." Sasuke put the car in drive, and headed towards her apartment.

When the two arrived at her apartment, Sasuke noticed a car sat in the apartment parking lot. Hinata's eyes widened, and the Uchiha grimaced. A young man stood beside a sliver Mercedes, he had free flowing brown hair that went past his shoulders, and the same pale lavender eyes as hers. He was dressed in a white suit, his arms were folded over his chest, and an intense expression was on his face.

"Who is that?"

"I-it is my c-cousin, Neji."

"Why do you look so surprised then?"

"I am not sure why he is here." The Uchiha parked the car next to his, Neji looked at Sasuke, and Sasuke clicked his tongue. He didn't like the look in her cousin's eye, he stared at the Uchiha almost as if he were of no importance.

XXXX

Hinata got out of the car, and Neji smiled at her.

"Hinata-sama." Neji bowed to Hinata, and he beckoned to the car. "Forgive me, I was not able to get here quicker, your father just informed me that your car broke down. Although, he warned us not to help you with anything, I came out here anyways. I have also come here to pay a visit to you."

"T-thank you." Hinata touched Neji's shoulder, and he shook his head.

"There is no need for a thank you, it is my duty. Do you need any groceries or go to work, I am here at your service until you get your car back." Neji stated. The indigo haired beauty giggled at him. Neji was always so selfless around her even to the point where he would lay down his life for her. She could remember when they were younger, and she had hurt herself on the playground. He attended to her scraps right then and there.

Hinata always tried not to be a burden on anyone especially Neji. He had been assigned at a young age to watch out for her, to protect her, to serve her by her father. All because he was born into the second branch of the Hyuuga family, Hinata never did agree with the hierarchal structure of her family.

"T-that is sweet, Neji, but a very special f-friend of mine has agreed to do so." Hinata said, sweetly. She beckoned to Sasuke and Neji's eyes fell on him.

Sasuke stepped out of the car, putting his hands in his pockets, and he leaned against his car.

"Neji, t-"She was cut off.

"Sasuke Uchiha." Neji stated "I know who he is, I remember him from school. It is hard to believe that an Uchiha would offer such assistance to anyone. Let alone the daughter of the head of the Hyuuga family."

"Tch." The Uchiha balled up his fists, Hinata could feel the tension in the air, and if looks could kill between the two. They would both be dead.

"May I talk to you on the side, Hinata-sama?" Neji asked, curiously.

"Un."

"Excuse me, Uchiha."

"Yeah sure." Sasuke said, nonchalantly. Neji led Hinata off to the side, and he looked at her, concerned.

"I am not the one to indulge in fallacious rumors, but it is one that I know there is some validity in. Hinata-sama. You have to be careful around Uchihas they are highly ambitious and will step on anyone to get what they want." Neji elaborated. "And I will not allow such a thing to happen to you."

"I-I don't think I need to w-worry about that with Sasuke. I can tell that he is different."

"I wish I had the same ideals about the innate goodness in human beings as you." Hinata looked at him, shocked, and Neji stared at her, hard.

"D-do you like him, Hinata-sama?" Hinata became speechless, and then her cheeks turned red. She nodded, slowly.

"A lot." She admitted.

"I see, then I guess I have to bend." Neji gave in. "but, do not be mistaken, I will be watching him."

XXXX

The Uchiha stared at the two Hyuugas talking, and he watched them walk back over to where he was.

"I guess you have my gratitude, Uchiha." The Uchiha smirked, he could tell that her cousin was prideful, and seeing him say those words seemed to agitate him. It was delightful. However, Sasuke was also taken aback by Hinata, it would seem that she had persuaded her cousin to approach him, differently. The first impression of disdain on her cousin's face had glossed over into tolerant one.

Why had she done that for him?

XXXX

"Y-you can go ahead and g-go to my apartment." Hinata informed. "I will catch up with you in a few moments." She pulled the key out of her purse, and handed it to Neji.

"Okay, whatever you want Hinata-sama." He took Hinata's key, but before he left. He gave a piercing glare towards Sasuke. "Oh, and if you take advantage of her, Uchiha, I will end you."

And with that Neji disappeared into the apartment building.

"Sorry, Neji means well." Hinata assured.

"That is what family does right?" the Uchiha stated, darkly. She gasped, taken aback, and he stared off into some distance in deep thought.

"Sasuke…."

Then the Uchiha said something else that caught him even off guard.

"Makes me think of my older brother." His face grew dark, the indigo haired beauty could see something was bothering him, and she reached out a hand for his. Her slender fingers touched the top of his hand, a concerned expression came across her face.

"I didn't know y-you had an older brother."

"He and I don't talk much." Sasuke informed. "Not for years…."

"What is h-his name?"

XXXX

It was at that point that Sasuke didn't answer anymore. He pulled away from Hinata, withdrawing his hand, and he brushed a piece of hair behind her ear not saying a word. The Uchiha retreated back into his car, but didn't look back at her.

"You should leave your hair down, it flatters you more. I'll text you later." And with that he drove off, leaving Hinata standing there in the parking lot of her apartment.

Sasuke made his way to his and Naruto's apartment, Naruto was not home to his fortunate fate, and he laid down on his bed.

He stared at the ceiling, he reflected back on Hinata, and how he had just opened up to her a little.

Normally, Sasuke concealed everything about himself, he didn't let anyone in his world and he made sure to eradicate those who tried to enter it.

There were not many people who knew about Itachi, sure, Naruto had met his older brother when they were preteens, but outside of that. No one.

He never shared any information about himself let alone that he had an older brother.

He didn't care that he made no effort to pick up the phone to call Itachi.

Perhaps, Sasuke should make an exception for Hinata as far as letting her in. After all, it was obvious, he didn't mind having Hinata get a glimpse into his life both past and present.

Was she breaking the walls he had put up?

No not entirely. But, she was cracking them.

Or maybe he was letting them down a little for her. The Uchiha groaned to himself.

Who knows what went through his mind half of the time.

XXXX

Hinata bit her lower lip, she stared after his car till it disappeared, and reached out her hand.

Sasuke….

She wanted to say more, but Neji was waiting for her in her apartment. The indigo haired beauty looked one last time over her shoulder, and headed back inside. When she entered, Neji was standing in the living room, scanning everything.

"I like the apartment." Neji said as he looked around.

"I-I'm glad, w-would you like any water, Neji?"

"I should be saying that to you, not you to me." Neji looked at Hinata, cocking an eyebrow, and she grimaced.

"You don't have to worry about that here." There was a silence exchanged between the cousins, and Neji nodded at her, smiling, faintly.

"I see, then I am fine. May I sit?"

"Of course." Neji sat down on the couch, and he frowned.

"Are you sure you're okay living alone?"

"Yes, no worries." Hinata assured.

"Are you still working at the bookstore?" She nodded in affirmation. She had been working at the bookstore for two years now, and only had moved into her new apartment a couple of months ago. Before then, she used to drive all the way to the bookstore from the Hyuuga estate which was about a thirty minute drive.

"I have not found any other work so far." She informed. That was one area where Hinata knew that her father was disappointed in her about, she went to college, and had a Bachelor's degree in English. However, it was very hard to find work in that area, currently. Her aspiration was to teach English overseas.

And according to Hiashi, no one with a degree should be working in a place like a bookstore.

"Well, I am content with whatever makes you happy, Hinata-sama."

"H-how is Hanabi?"

"She was placed in a private school recently."

"Really?"

"Your father was discontented with the current schooling system that she was in, he thinks that it was holding her back."

"Oh, I see."

"How is my father?"

"Hiashi-sama is busy as always, right now he is sorting out through some internal matters within the family. He will be going out of town for a couple of weeks to deal with it all."

"He will also want you to come back to the estate, and visit now that you are situated here."

"I will." Hinata assured. "It will be nice to see everyone again."

Neji's visit with her lasted for couple of hours, she was happy to see him, and spend the time with him. He was family after all, and despite their relationship being ruff in the past. He was one of the many people that she held dear.

When he left, Hinata thought back to Sasuke again, and their conversation about his brother. His face when he discussed him was lonely, and very guarded. She could tell that it bothered him, she didn't mean to bring up it.

Hinata pursed her lips, and she picked up her phone.

She could text him, call him… no that wasn't the best. The indigo haired beauty would need to apologize to him for it, but she needed a way to get over there.

She couldn't just leave things like that. She needed to face him.

XXXX

It was late into the evening.

A knock came at the door, it was soft, but the Uchiha heard it from inside his bedroom.

Who the hell was that? They weren't expecting anyone.

Sasuke walked out of his bedroom, opening the front door, and Hinata gasped at him. Her hand was in the air, ready for another knock, and she had on a tan knitted jacket.

"S-sorry." Hinata placed her hand at her side, and she blushed, furiously.

"Is something wrong?" Sasuke asked, and then he scowled. "Wait, how the hell did you get here?"

"I-I took a taxi." Hinata informed.

"For what?"

"Ano... I-I didn't mean to pry today when I i-inquired about your older brother." Hinata stated. "I didn't realize that you two were on bad terms with one another, and I-I hope I didn't stir up any unwanted memories or feelings. I'm sorry."

There it was again, there was that truly kind gentle disposition for hers projecting itself upon others.

"You came here to tell me that?"

"Well… yes, I-I think that apologies are more h-heartfelt if they are given in person rather than over the phone or text message."

The Uchiha chuckled, it was velvety, and caught Hinata off guard. It was the first time she had heard him do such a thing.

"What am I going to do with you, Hinata?" There was a silence exchanged between the two, and Sasuke's eyes moved off in another direction. "Itachi."

"w-what?"

"You asked what my brother's name was earlier, it is Itachi."

"Sasuke, you don't have to do that."

"You're right, I know I don't. But, I want to... with you."

Please review the story, I would greatly appreciate it, and I hope you all enjoyed it as there will be more to come- TheValkyrieGladiator