Disclaimer:I don't own Naruto and its characters; I also don't own His Stand in Bride by Michelle Styles which is the inspiration for this story. Any events written in the story that is similar to real life events is purely coincidental. This is not Beta'd yet.

Chapter X:

Sasuke dusted off dirt from his clothing after he defeated Neji though he is no pushover as their sparring lasted for at least an hour with neither giving up, it was until Neji's left arm was broken when he conceded and the spar concluded. The spar involved taijutsu only and Hyuuga's taijutsu came close to the wide browed ninja's level being his teammate from his rookie 9 days to present if it wasn't for his rogue nin adventures and trainings he will be having a hard time defeating the Hyuuga prodigy. After Neji conceded he was assisted by Ko to be tended by Hyuuga medics while Sasuke was led by a servant to a room where he would wait for Hinata wondering what the meeting Hinnata attended was about, groaning as he felt some pain when he sat and waited until he fell asleep.

The meeting between the elders and Hinata was all about her senbon training and other trainings that will be requiring of her before finally officially taking over the Hyuuga clan, Hiashi officially declared his desire of stepping down as clan leader to give the leadership to Hinata. The meeting was long and though Hinata won't admit it openly she was growing anxious on the outcome of Sasuke and Neji's sparring, she knew both won't hold or take anything back until one concedes. Hiashi being a very observant fellow noticed her daughter's anxiety and just when he was about to conclude the meeting a messenger excused himself to be allowed in the room to bring a message.

"Hiashi sama, Neji san conceded with a broken arm. Uchiha sama waits in the waiting room." The messenger whispered to Hiashi.

"I see. It seems that the Uchiha is more than worthy to be the husband of my daughter with him making our prodigy concede with a broken arm. (Gasps were heard among the elders) I believe everything is tackled therefore I shall conclude this meeting. (Looks at Hinata) Your husband waits for you at the waiting room as for your cousin he would probably be with the medics."

Hinata excused herself and rushed to where Neji was, as she reached him his broken arm was already wrapped in bandages.

"Neji niisan are you alright?" She asked with concern as she sat near Neji.

Neji nodded, "Yes Hinata sama, the Uchiha greatly improved the last time I fought him given he was with the baka when they defeated Madara and Kaguya, though I can't help but notice a change in him."

"What do you mean Neji niisan?"

"When he was fighting before even up to when he fought Naruto, he fights to survive, to prove himself or what he believe was right but when we dueled I noticed that he fights with a purpose."

"With a purpose?" Hinata asked blushing at the thought that Sasuke fought for her as his purpose.

"Hai, I can see it in his eyes the determination he doesn't possess before. I heard from the medics what the baka did to you and how he ended as your husband, I have to admit he was a noble person after all why don't you go to him I'm sure he's waiting for you for quite some time." Neji said not adding his desire to make the baka pay for what he did to his precious cousin to avoid Hinata being sad when he saw her beaming with joy when she heard him praising Uchiha at least.

Hinata nodded and asked for a healing balm from a medic before going to where Sasuke was waiting for her eager to see him and tend to him as soon as possible, Hanabi saw her walking fast and called her attention.

"Why rush Hinata nee?"

"Sasuke san's waiting for me I need to go to him before he gets mad at me."

"Really if I know any better I will be thinking that you want to get to him as soon as possible to see if he's fine and care for him." Hanabi teased making Hinata face redder.

"I'll see you later Hanabi." Hinata said continuing to walk to where Sasuke was and avoid Hanabi's further taunts.

I'm happy you taking things lightly Hinata nee after what Naruto baka san did to you and going through it without showing a broken heart, I have to give my thanks to Uchiha san next time I saw him for helping you to go through it all.

Hinata reached the room where Sasuke was patiently waiting for her, she saw him with his head hung low with his clothing marred with dirt and blood probably from both Neji and him. She reached him and draped his overcoat over his wide back waking him.

He blinked a few times before speaking, "Have you been here for some time now?"

Hinata moved her head sideways and tried to reach his shoulder but he move slightly making her miss it. She knew Sasuke didn't want to show his hurt for anyone to pity him even though he was in pain his pride won't let him, taking a bold move Hinata reached for his arm and pulled him near her causing his face to reach hers making their lips touch for a brief kiss.

Hinata moved her face away from him blushing, "Ano…"

Sasuke smirked at Hinata admiring her boldness though he knew she only reached his arm and pulled him towards her is to check his injuries and she never meant for them to kiss. But he wanted to tease Hinata who he had to admit was cute when being teased at.

"You know if you want to kiss me just say so I'll be happy to oblige." He said with a smirk.

Hinata swatted his shoulder and replied, "Believe me Sasuke san I only want to check your injuries that's all."

Sasuke removed the overcoat Hinata placed on his shoulders and was about to remove his upper kimono but stopped for he doesn't want her to see the scars in his chest and back that he sustained when he was training with Orochimaru and his past battles. It was also the reason why he wore a shirt when they slept on their first night, he believed that the scars was were part of his past when he was blinded with rage and revenge and now that he was beginning his future he can't let his dark past hinder it.

Hinata's face turned soft while Sasuke remained impassive, she wondered why Sasuke wouldn't let her see his injuries if he had some. She will try reasoning with him at least that she only want to tend to his injuries or wounds if any, reaching for her pocket she removed the balm she got from the Hyuuga medic.

"This is the same balm I gave Naruto kun during chunin exams…I only want to check for injuries or any wound you have and tend to it…it's not like I am pitying you that I want to heal you, I am healing you because I need to being your wife and all." She said with a smile.

Damn that smile and honesty of hers why does she have to do that anyway. Since she's my wife like she told me she's bound to know everything about me and I everything about her. I better start now before I disappoint her and make her worry.

Sasuke removed his upper kimono and glanced his head away from Hinata not wanting to see her expression upon seeing his marred body thinking he was a cold blooded killer like what the rumors say.

Hinata gasped upon seeing the scarred body of Sasuke and bruises from his battle with Neji earlier, lightly she traced his scars with her fingers feeling sorry for him for having to deal with the battle scars by himself and proceeded with applying balm on his bruises to avoid discomfort on his part for he might jerk her hand away thinking she pities him.

Sasuke didn't expect Hinata to do what she just did, he was thinking that Hinata will ask him questions such as how many have you killed that you sustained these number of scars or walked away from him for being scared. But Hinata did neither for she lightly touched the scars of his past as if telling him to forget about it and move on with the present to redeem yourself, what she did send an unknown feeling to him he never felt with anyone before. Maybe it was the coldness of the room or her hand that send those feelings to him.

After she was done applying balm on his bruises she said, "Sasuke san, forgive me for saying this but I'm sorry for your scars they must hurt a lot when you sustained them.

"Hn. It's all healed now and that's what matters." He huskily replied while wearing his clothes.

"If it's alright with you I'll tell father that we will be going to our home now for you to rest."

"Whatever just make sure you'll tell me everything I need to know about your meeting earlier when were home."

She didn't know why she wanted to push her cards but decided to do so, "As long as you tell me about your scars."

Sasuke sighed as he got up and took his sword from Hinata thinking this will be a long night.