Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters they all belong to MASAHI KISHIMOTO and my spelling slash grammar can be way off at times.

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Put a Ring on it

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Every time I thought of you my heart would become excited and race, but today my heart aches of pain when I think of you. There is nothing left to say, I now understand how stupid I was to think… that perhaps one day… but no more because you can fool me once and I can blame you, but if I fall for it a second time I have no one to blame but myself.

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Chapter 11: Drink My Troubles Away

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She wasn't sure what to do this is a very… controlling moment for her; it was taking so much to keep her in this state. The blond woman sat calmly biting at her French tip manicured thumb nail; Tsunade had been nipping at it since she was escorted back to her house by her boyfriend. A million thoughts were going through her mind; the goal in the end is to take Uchiha Inc. down, they had made a deal and the president of the corporation in question stomped all over it. So what now…? There are many options that are clear, but she can't think of any at the moment.

She took a deep breath and was feed up with all of this she stood up and moved to her bar area and served herself a drink of the first bottle she could find, she was unsure what she was having but needed the hot strong liquid in her. She took a glass dumped two ice cubes and took a large rectangular bottle with a golden brown fluid and pored her glass up. Not even bothering to savor her drink to find out what she was consuming Tsunade chugged it down feeling the cool fluid on her tongue turn in to a hot liquor while it ran down her throat, things were not about to stay like this.

She heard the front door open, Kakashi must have come back with whatever it had been that he was going on about; she didn't care about anything at the moment but saving her daughters heart.

The mother understood that Tenten would be heartbroken when she found out, but she didn't have to end up hurt; all Tsunade had to do was intimidate the Uchiha. She has Miya on her side as well as the rest of the family; they will be able to put Sasuke in check again, but there is no guarantee that it will work. If there was this predicament wouldn't be happening.

Kakashi found her drinking, "Honey, I think I found the solution to this." The man told the woman who seemed to be feeling a buzz? Or was really out of it, perhaps they should go over it in the morning, better yet in the afternoon.

Her almond colored eyes were on the younger man, "What kind of solution?" she asked having no idea what he was going on about. She sighed and refilled her glass raising it up to gestured if he would like to join her for a drink.

He approached her and motioned that he did not wish to partake in drinking, "There is no guarantee that you will be able to control your son in law." He spoke while he took her hand and walked her back to her couch "…But there is a better chance at getting to the girl." He told her his thoughts, he hadn't thought this completely through but at least he is brain storming at the moment.

Tsunade nodded at his thoughts and gave a smile "That is more likely; she seems young and will be easily intimidated." She finished with a sigh; Tsunade took another gulp of her drink and then held the glass at hand twisting her wrist making the liquor swirl in her glass. "But who is she?" she asked frustrated with not knowing who Sasuke was fooling around with. "And what if there is more than just that one?!" she asked there could be an unlimited number of women lined up for Sasuke's taking, how are they supposed to get to all of them?

She shook her head; a big part of her always knew that something like this would happen. Uchiha Sasuke was always chased after and wanted by the female population, and when that happens it tends to go to the guy's head. That is really not the type of person that she wanted for her only child, Tsunade wanted someone who would love and care for her daughter. No mother would ever want this type of life for their child, so why had she agreed to buy the Uchiha for her child?

Kakashi nodded, he understood that unless Sasuke choses to change his ways there was no way that Tenten won't end up finding out. "There isn't a way to know, but…" he was hesitant to continue, it really wasn't his place to say. "Perhaps they simply need to regain that flame that they had in the beginning? This could be a… fall on the road, it may mean nothing." he suggested then deciding to speak the rest of his thoughts "And he will get back on track once he knows you're on to him." He said and put an arm around her "He won't want to lose his wife."

The blond made a face and let out a laugh, "He doesn't care about my daughter… he never did." Tsunade responded.

Kakashi gave her a questionable look not sure of what she was saying, "What do you mean?" he asked curious about this "Of course he cares, he married her… this is just…" he wasn't sure why he was trying to justify Sasuke, but he felt the need to.

"No he doesn't, he only married because… his family forced him to." She said and saw that he still did not understand. Tsunade took another drink this time slower actually tasting the alcohol, "Uchiha Inc. was just about bankrupt, I offered to loan them the money that they needed." She began her explanation and with a sigh continued "In exchange Sasuke had to take my daughter as his wife, he had been against the whole thing… -going as far as attempting to escape- but his family gained up on him and made sure that he did, so they could keep their precious image." Was the finishing response to her explanation.

"Why did you do it?" he asked, Kakashi was upset what kind of mother would think that this would end well, did they both think that Tenten would be able to win Sasuke's heart over like that? The marriage started off way wrong for that to happen.

She noticed the tone in his voice, "I thought…" she began and then started to wonder, why did she do it? Tsunade opened her mouth again and shook her head "Tenten has always loved him, do you know how many times she would cry because of him?" she began to remember all those times when she would lock herself in her room and cry herself to sleep. She finished the rest of her drink only leaving the two small chunks of ice in the glass "There was no other for her; she… would always tell me how she just needed one chance, an opportunity to show him that she was all he needed." She told him; obviously the alcohol was allowing her to open up more than she would have while sober.

"Perhaps that is true, but it had to be a real chance." He told her now thinking that even though Sasuke was wrong to be going around seeing other woman, he never actually wanted to commit to a marriage which is something that is important if they wanted it to last. "By forcing him to commit to something that he didn't want…" he bit his tongue when he realized Tsunade was only trying to be a good mother. He pulled her closer to him "Baby this was going to happen… you can't…" again he kept his comment to himself, but really how could they have thought that this would work? "You couldn't have not seen this coming if he wasn't ready to commit." He finally said in the most nicest way possible, but saying his view of the situation.

"Are you siding with him?!" she asked getting upset that Kakashi; aka her boyfriend was siding with Sasuke Uchiha and not her.

He was only stating his opinion on the situation, "I'm not siding with anyone, I'm just saying—

The blond did not allow him to finish, "I'm your girlfriend you're supposed to be on my side!" she said furious that he would even think that she was wrong, what the hell did he know anyways, he didn't have any kids. How could he understand? That for your child you are willing to do so much just to make them happy.

"It's not like that." Kakashi tried to defend himself; he was looking at this from the outsider's point of view. It was his way of looking at things for solutions, the one who you care for is not always correct and this was one of those times. He felt Tsunade get out of his arm and stand up swinging her arms around causing the melted chunks of ice and water to go flying off, "Tsunade, you have to understand… even thou you thought you were doing the right thing—

Tsunade interrupted him again her almond colored eyes furious "Understand…?!" she exclaimed and let out a dry laugh "Ha, what could you possibly understand! You can't have any kids!" she said not taking any thoughts into how her words could possibly affect Kakashi.

The man knew that she was talking out of hurt worry and intoxication, but that didn't mean that she hadn't hit a soft spot. "I'm only trying to help you." He told her masking his emotions.

She scrunched face, "Well, you're not being help full at all, we had a deal and Sasuke Uchiha broke that agreement." Tsunade said and then just dropped the glass on the floor not caring for it. She brought both her hands to each side of her eyes and took a deep breath, "No, no this is all too much." She said realizing that scrunching her face up will only cause her to wrinkle up "I am not about to get crow's feet, because of you!" she said turning things into something that made no sense. Tsunade took a few more breaths "Kakashi if you're not with me you're against me." She told him with a serious tone her eyes closed and massaging the sides of her eyes.

Kakashi knew that she was overly stressed now, it would be best if he left and talked to her tomorrow when she was sober and more willing to listen even if she wasn't as open. He got up and took her by the waist and she resisted a bit "C'mon it's time for you to go to bed." He told her and realized Tsunade was about to open her mouth to protest probably, but Kakashi had had enough of what was coming out of her mouth, "If you don't your face will get wrinkled and you'll have bags under your eyes in the morning." He told and saw her eyes widen, and Tsunade began to cooperate and headed to her bedroom.

Once they stepped into her room she got out of Kakashi's grip and ran into her bathroom, this took him by surprise. He stepped into the room and heard the water running he didn't feel right just leaving her so he pulled the covers back getting her bed ready then took a seat on her bed and waited. It had taken her a little over 30 minutes but eventually she came out with her hair tied back and out of her face and what Kakashi was going to assume was a clear face mask, but he did not say a thing.

Instead he went on ahead and helped her into bed, "I'll be back tomorrow." He told her and was on his way out of the woman's home.

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He was wondering down the street, Jiraiya had just exited a bar he had needed a few drinks and now… now came the sad reality.

The thing that he has struggled with for so long and the alcohol; it was a big gamble, sometimes it worked and it was helpful. And then there are times like these, when it does nothing more than remind and implant his troubles and they become the center of his attention. When that happens he has to find something that is more interesting to take his attention off this, and so he finds himself wondering down the empty street.

The older man arrives at a place that he knows so well, he enters and automatically is greeted by a woman with beautiful green eyes and dark skin, her silver hair tied in a neat bun with only a few strands of her bangs hanging loosely framing her pretty face. The woman was dressed in a nice business suit that consisted of a pink blouse that gave a nice peak at her breast, and a knee length black pencil skirt with a matching blazer and beige stiletto pumps.

"Mabui, it's been a while." Jiraiya said with a smile and opened his arms, signaling his want for a hug.

The woman returned his smile and without thought gave into his embraced, "Jiraiya it's been two days." She said with a laugh, they released and she continued to smile "But you know I'm glad I ran into you, why don't we go back to my place and I'll tell you all about some things that will be going on soon, we can use your help." The exotic beauty suggested.

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She speed down the hall way, she did not care that it was fairly late; these people are under her roof for a reason… so they can be at her disposal at any given moment. She arrived at the employ hall, where all the servant's rooms were at. Standing at the door that she needed Tenten composed herself, calmly and knocked

Once

Twice

Three times and gave it a second, Tenten was unsure if the person had heard or if he was even in the room. She knocked again twice and was about to knock again when the door opened and a topless man stood looking down at her, the brunettes eyes widen and she blushed and looked away immediately "Aburame…" she became embarrassed and felt uncomfortable in front of him she had ever only seen a bear Sasuke.

Once Shino realized that it was the lady of the house who was knocking at her door, "Forgive me Tenten-sama." He told her and closed the door, running to the nearest drawer and grabbed a white tee shirt before he returned to the door wondering if Tenten was still waiting. He opened the door and saw the female still standing there "My apologizes, I did not expect you." He respectfully said "How may I be of assistance." Shino said and waited for her to speak.

Her milk chocolate eyes did not make contact with his dark brown eyes, "I need you to take me somewhere." She said and felt uncomfortable and still embarrassed when she noticed him looking intensely at her, "I will wait for you in the living room, please hurry and get dressed." She told him and just walked off.

The chauffeur could not deny that it was a surprise to see the woman who he works for at his door at close to midnight, but what really shocked him the most was her without her usual bitchy tone. He hurried back to his room and took off his pajama bottom pants and took the pair that was set out for tomorrow and hurried to put on the rest of his uniform.

He had been expecting someone else at his door, not anyone is specific but definitely not Tenten Uchiha. He could not help, but keep wondering about her in such a timid way he had never seen her in such a way. He enters the living room and saw the woman who was on his mind sitting waiting for him fidgeting, it was strange… she was married, it's like she had never seen a males body before by the way she was acting. Shino cleared his throat and waited for her to say, he saw her stand up and hold her head high.

She seemed to doubt or be having some type of inner debate, finally she took a deep breath "Come there's somewhere I want you to take me." She said and started to head to the garage; Shino followed her and waited for her to say where it was exactly that she wanted to go. Once they arrived at the garage he headed for her car and opened the back door and assisted her in as he always has.

He got into the driver's seat and waited, it was so strange that she would want to go out at this time of night… what would Uchiha Sasuke say about his wife leaving the house at this time? Shino turned his head and noticed that the man in question was not even home, not that it was much of a surprise, but still how would he feel about Tenten's absence for when he returned? The woman was not saying a thing, "Where exactly would you like to go?" he asked, curiosity getting the better of him.

The brunette took her bag and took out the navigation device and handed it over to her chauffeur "Here" Was softly spoken and all she said then sat back down.

He accepted the device and became more confused than he had been, "Tenten-sama, I do not follow." Shino admitted, there had to be something very wrong with this woman tonight to have her be this out of character.

Tenten fidget in her seat, her lips felt dry and she licked them avoiding eye contact with Shino "I-I… I need an, address?" she unsurely asked.

Shino gave a nod and turned his attention to the GPS; he turned it on and then realized that this belonged to the woman's husband. The man wasn't sure what to think "Tenten-sama this is—

The wife in the back seat did not allow him to finish and spoke over him "I know exactly what it is, and need I remind you that you have worked for me for the past six years." She returned back to her normal self. "Hence your loyalty is to me, and no one is to know of this." The tone that she used was one of threat; her brown eyes looked so much darker than his own when she looked directly into his, losing any timid nature in her.

Shino did not complain or question, if she wanted discreetness then he would accept and respect that, but that did not mean that he could get her where she wanted to go if she did not tell him. "I understand… but where exactly is it you wish to go?" he asked again.

That was the question, where was she heading?

"I…" she began and felt unsure of things again, this is so much more difficult than anyone would think. She might have a better chance if she hired a privet investigator.

Shino looked at her through the mirror and realized her inner torment; he looked back down on the device and began to go over the favorites and noticed something from not so long ago. "It may not be any of my business, but if I may be so bold as to ask…" he said and noticed he got all of her attention, when she did not oppose the Aburame continued "Had Sasuke-sama not had a business trip…" he began keeping his vision on Tenten the whole time, "I believe that had been about two months ago or so…"

Tenten was getting irritated, "Yes and…?" she said wanting him to get to his point.

He nodded and wondered if he should even say anything, "Tenten-sama as you have just said my loyalty is to you, if there is anything that I can assist you with?" he asked hopping she will tell him her intentions.

His words were so tempting and made Tenten wonder just how much she could trust Shino, he could be of a lot of assistance to her at the same time the promise that she made herself came into mind. But when you have nothing to go by, on one side she has her pride. And on the other hand she has the offer to be given answers?

Could her chauffeur actually help her?

The Aburame is after all just her driver and nothing more, how could he possibly help her? Then there are her friends… but could she actually trust any of them?

Sakura had been fooling around with Sasuke in the past… the wheels in her head started to turn, could it be Sakura Haruno? It could be, but what about that bug eyed obnoxious and overly big… even if he buys her flowers, constantly smothers her with sweet words… and… shows her nothing but… his love and devotion. It could be nothing more than an act, a shade to cover up the fact that she had returned to being Sasuke's… She closed her eyes and tried to erase that image of a Sasuke and Sakura back together, but it could be her.

Then again it could also be Karin; it was no secret that she was after the youngest Uchiha ever since they were back in school. And when she realized that Sasuke would not ever look her way she turned to the next best thing. It could be if Sasuke and Itachi were not as close as they are… and just like that there was a 'click'.

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She did not like this not one bit, but the woman understood that it would take time for things to be right… but things would not get solved like this. "Itachi, do something." Karin asked her husband as they watched the youngest Uchiha finish a small bottle of whisky.

Sasuke had arrived at their duplex knocking on the door like he was being chased after, and when Itachi opened the door he stormed in and headed towards the mini bar. Itachi stepped closer to Sasuke with precaution forgetting all about the door, "Sasuke is everything alright?" he asked not sure what it was that his younger brother was doing here at this time of night.

Sasuke opened a beer bottle this time and looked at Itachi; he shakes his head and gave a smirk "She dumped me." He said and then went back to drinking his older brother's alcohol.

Itachi turned back to Karin and both shared a glanced and then the wife signaled Itachi to say something. He was never good at these types of things; a type of family curse one might think because none of them can easily give comfort especially to another Uchiha.

Itachi Uchiha uneasy and nervous two words that are not part of his character if you were to ask anyone, but the truth of it is those feelings are in him just really deeply hidden. He cleared his throat and got his younger brothers attention again, "Sasuke, I'm sure you just have to allow Hinata to calm down." He began quickly searching his brain for any words that will put Sasuke at ease.

"You know she can be stubborn when she is still mad, tomorrow she will be calm and you two can talk it out." Karin added with sincerity in her ruby eyes.

"No!" Sasuke shouted, it was his breaking point… there was so much on him and Hinata leaving him was just a part of it all, but it hurt him the most. So what if Tsunade told his family, what were they going to do? Tell him to stay away from her? That would be no problem, she doesn't want to see his face, and she hates him.

Had no one ever stopped to consider his feelings?

Did everyone think that just because he is a bit serious and not the most talkative person in the world that he didn't have feelings? That he didn't have dreams and aspirations of one day finding the one person that he would like to share his life with? Maybe he had been fooling around a bit, but the truth of the matter was that he had not had anything to do with a good percentage of them; it was mostly talk on their part. And the reason why things didn't work out as great with the women he dated was that they could not deal with the rumors… doubt would get the better of them.

This had been only partly a problem with Hinata, not because of the words on the wind but because how they started out. Sasuke can't lie and say that he didn't want her; she's a gorgeously exotic beautiful young woman you would have to have no interest in the female gender to not desire her sexually. And when he had asked her to join him for a drink, it had been mostly to get to know her. Given he did have sex with her, but if that was the case he could have just taken any of the ones that have always been throwing themselves at him. No need for Karin's help.

He had always planned to leave Tenten once he finished paying back his families debt and once things were stabilizing he would consider giving his chair to his brother. And then… his original thought had been to just disappear, leave and live life the way that he would like. That of course all changed once he re-met Hinata and he got to know her more and he came to realize that she was someone who could understand him, never had she judge him.

But there were some things that she could not forgive…

"Sasuke, you need some rest when you wake up in the morning… things will be more clear." Karin attempted again to console her brother in law, Hinata and Sasuke have had fights never to this extend, but it was bound to happen at some point. Sasuke must still be fired up or just plain confused on what he did.

Sasuke gave a dry chuckle "She left me!" he said again and took another drink of the beer that he had in his hand. He wasn't drunk not even feeling a buzz, but he wanted to forget or die trying maybe his problems will leave him be that way "Hinata knows everything, Tsunade knows also…" he took a deep breath, Karin and Itachi were the two people that he could trust to guide him through a labyrinth surrounded by hot coal while blindfolded. And right now he needed to let it out, everything that the world that is currently crushing him has "Now I'm going to have to hear about how she bought me for her dear little spoiled daughter. I can't stand her anymore, I don't care if Tsunade doubles the price I'll pay her back, but I'm not going to do it while living under the same roof as her child!" he said pouring his thoughts out to the married couple.

"What are you talking about?" asked a fourth person who entered the other Uchiha's home; Tenten's eyes were wet and glossy with tears. She did not understand what Sasuke was talking about. The look he gave her was cold; a look that he had never before given her, she was the cause of his heartbreak if Tenten had left him alone no one would have gotten hurt.

The room became tense and awkward; none of the three previous Uchiha's said a thing they had not been expecting for her to be in the room… what was she even doing there?

When no one answered her she asked again "What are you talking about Sasuke? What do you mean that my mother bought you?!" Tenten demanded to know and stepped closer to her husband.

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A/N: well there you have it what most have been waiting for? Maybe? Any who I'm going to try and keep the updates regularly and we'll see where this goes next week maybe.