The next few days passed in relative peace. The villa became much more quiet after Itachi, Izumi, and Shisui left, and everyone got into their own routines the more time passed. The newness of Italy started to wear off; even Hinata was finding herself bored of venturing into the city for a new sight. It wasn't that there wasn't anything else to see––it was that she was exhausted from the rigor of it. Her head was full of too many conflicting thoughts.
Besides, she hadn't been sleeping well. Between the nightmares and sneaking away to spend nights with Sasuke, by the time the sun had risen Hinata could count how many hours she'd slept on one hand. And while sex with Sasuke was invigorating––it was taking a certain kind of energy to upkeep. Every time Sakura entered a room, Hinata turned skittish. She'd managed to hide her nerves, but it didn't help that everytime Sasuke so much as glanced at her she felt goosebumps.
Even so, Naruto and Sakura flirted when they thought no one saw, and Hinata worried the same could be said for her and Sasuke. She knew that they were being careful, however, since they had both been trained for stealth. Their meetings in the cellar were something Hinata looked forward to. They'd even had several more "business meetings" out in Rome.
"How are you feeling about the conference tomorrow?" Sasuke asked, sneaking looks at her through the branches of the olive trees. They were harvesting; filling a basket for the evening's charcuterie board that Sakura wanted to create. She wanted to have a game night before the conference.
It would signify the coming end to their trip. After the conference, they'd only have four days left. Those four days included the secret, mysterious thing that Sasuke had actually come for.
Part of Hinata didn't want this––any of it––to end. She worried what would happen between her and Sasuke when they got back. She was worried about Hanabi. Being so far away had made Hinata complacent; she wasn't able to check on her. But back in Konoha––it was Hinata's duty to make sure Hanabi was okay, right?
It was too much to think about, which was exactly why Hinata felt content to stay wrapped up in Rome's comfortable embrace for the rest of time. At least she could have Uchiha Sasuke here. At least their "relationship" held no weight here. It was as dreamy as the sky beyond the Oculus of the Pantheon, just out of reach.
Hinata shoved all of this down as she dutifully plucked olives, considering Sasuke's question. "I feel fine about it," she said, shrugging. "I am the pinnacle of a professional, Sasuke. You don't have to worry about me pulling you into a closet or anything."
With this, she giggled, picturing herself doing so comically. It felt nice––being able to be silly with someone. Had she ever had that before? Perhaps, with Kiba.
"Well, what if I want that?" he asked, joining her under the arch of the branches. He rolled olives off the palm of his hand to join the rest.
"That would be highly unprofessional," Hinata responded, jumping just out of reach when Sasuke reached for her. She laughed at his soured face and set the basket down. The sun streamed down on them between the leaves, making Sasuke's face look bright and boyish. "What if the jurors see? What if they revoke the award?"
"I think they'd give us even more awards," Sasuke said, reaching for her again, but she skipped away and hid behind a tree.
"For what?"
"World's sexiest lawyers," Sasuke said.
"I'm not a lawyer," Hinata said, dancing as his fingers ghosted her shoulder.
"Not yet," Sasuke said, catching the tail of her shirt and pulling her into his chest. He clamped his arms around her shoulders, burying his nose into her hair. Hinata was tightening her arms around his waist when they heard the sound of shuffling leaves.
Red-face, Hinata dived to grab the basket of olives. Sasuke casually said, "Yo," over her head.
"Hope I'm not interrupting," Shikamaru drawled, walking into the olive grove with a tense expression.
"Nothing to interrupt," Sasuke said.
"If you say so. I don't really care," Shikamaru said. "Your father called. He wants to meet with us before the conference."
Hinata watched Sasuke's entire demeanor change. His shoulder squared. The smile dropped. He didn't spare Hinata any parting words when he walked off, following his friend through the olive grove, dipping outside of the arms of trees. Hinata watched his sun-washed back as he entered the villa.
Sobering.
-:-
"One more time," Fugaku barked through the phone. It must've been around 10pm back home, and Sasuke pictured his Father in the Boroughs, bullying some of the poor underlings who had been scheduled to work there for the night.
"I'm not seeing why this is productive," Sasuke said––feeling bold because of the thousands of miles between them. Besides, they had been talking about the same thing for over an hour. "If you don't trust me to do this, you should've sent someone else."
"I can't believe I raised such an arrogant child," Fugaku seethed. "If there was anyone else, they would be there. You should count yourself lucky that Nara is there. He is the one who has secured partnership with the Suna. If it wasn't for that friend of yours, you would be useless to me."
Sasuke rolled his eyes.
He, Naruto, and Shikamaru were sitting together in the villa's office with Fugaku on speaker phone. They were plotting their night at Chiyo's birthday party. Shikamaru had already explained the etiquette that was expected of them; the Suna had very particular customs. Chiyo––a feminist, apparently––would find it rude if Sasuke was to come unaccompanied, that is to say, without a date.
Perhaps misandrist was a better word. She liked there to be more women in attendance than men. She found men arrogant and annoying––that's why Temari held such an important position in their syndicate. In any case, if Sasuke was to be successful, he would have to bring Sakura. Shikamaru, begrudgingly, would bring Ino. Naruto and Sai would keep watch in the car outside of the venue in case anything went south.
They would dress in Black-Tie. An expensive gift in hand. They were not to negotiate until far after dinner, but before dessert. Chiyo tired easily. In addition to her birthday gift, Sasuke would negotiate some other prize––a special thanks from the Uchiha clan.
"How are things back home, old man?" Naruto asked. He was lounging on a couch, chewing down some noodles. Sasuke hadn't seen his…best friend…very much since he learned about the affair. Perhaps he had been avoiding him. It wouldn't have to be addressed until they got back. Besides, Sasuke was much too focused on Hinata to care. He wasn't wanting for companionship.
"It is not your business," Fugaku said. Ah, so he was still angry. "We cannot make certain moves until we hear from Chiyo. If you are so curious, you can read articles about Itachi's polling results. He did well."
"Cold," Naruto muttered, looking away from the phone. Yep, definitely still pissed.
"If there's nothing else, I have more important things to do," Fugaku finally said, giving up on forcing Sasuke to talk through their game plan again. "I have an entire syndicate to run by myself, no thanks to you two."
With that, the call ended. Sasuke glared at the phone as if it had just caught flame.
"He's so sassy," Shikamaru said and stretched into a yawn. "I'm gonna go nap before this 'game night' shit Sakura wants to do."
Sassy wasn't a word Sasuke would usually use to describe his father, but he chose to let it go. Besides, his eyes caught a figure out in the gardens, and she was lifting her sweatshirt over her head. Underneath she wore a sundress with thin straps. The sun was evidently in love with her, because she tilted her head up to greet it and glowed.
Shikamaru followed Sasuke's gaze to Hinata's standing figure and said nothing, just shook his head. Sasuke got up without another word.
Perhaps Shikamaru should have a word with Ino soon. He owed her money, apparently.
-:-
The next day was the conference.
Hinata quickly got ready, dressing in the outfit she had specifically chosen for the event––a plain black dress that fell just above her knees, with sheer ruffled sleeves and a pleated collar, and a pair of black Prada pointed stilettos. She twisted her hair into a sophisticated bun at the back of her head and fixed small diamond earrings into her ears. When she went into the kitchen for a quick coffee that morning, Ino nodded approvingly.
"You're up," Hinata said, surprised. For the last week, Ino hadn't been seen before eleven am.
"Care to sit with me in the garden before you go?"
Hinata looked at her watch and nodded once she confirmed she'd have enough time. She followed Ino outside, quietly appreciating Ino's deep purple, silk, robe which flowed off her shoulders like water. Together, they sat on a hanging swing under a gazebo a few yards away. Ivy and roses twisted and twirled on the gazebo above their heads. The sunlight was tepid––it was cloudy.
"Excited for today?" Ino asked, holding a cup of tea.
"Everyone keeps asking me that. It's so strange," Hinata said, rolling her eyes. "It's just a normal conference, right?"
Hinata looked up as if asking Ino to confirm, and Ino nodded. Yes, it was. It should be mundane if not completely boring.
"Right," Ino nodded. "Profuncuary. In fact, you were brought on this trip just in case you needed to represent the Uchihas there––in case, something else came up for them."
"Sure," Hinata shrugged. "But their schedules seem quite clear to me."
"I suppose you would know," Ino said, a small mischievous smile appearing at the edges of her mouth. "You've been spending so much of it with Sasuke."
"There's––there's lots of paperwork to do," Hinata said, blushing.
"Oh I'm sure," Ino laughed. Her eyes drifted to the villa, where they could see bodies gathering in the kitchen through one of the windows. She didn't say anything else, she just turned to Hinata, eyes sharp. "Listen. I overheard a tiny bit of a conversation yesterday. The main event is some lady's birthday party. I'm not sure who she is, but the Syndicate has some important business with her."
"When?"
"Tomorrow night," Ino said, smiling suddenly when Naruto opened the window to the kitchen to let in fresh air. Ino burst into laughter.
Hinata joined her. Together, the women held their stomachs with glee. Ino even touched Hinata's arm. There was something plasticky under her fingers. Hinata, nodding like Ino had just said something important, placed her hand on top of hers. When Ino finally moved her hand, a plastic baggie was pressed to Hinata's skin.
Hinata discreetly moved the bag into the small pocket of her skirt. She'd transfer whatever-it-was to a safer location soon.
"The party requires a date," Ino said, casually. She leaned forward and began fussing with Hinata's bun so that the women were close together. Hinata could feel Ino's breath in her ear as she replaced bobby-pins. "A date is imperative, it seems. It can't be Sakura, do you understand?"
"I understand, " Hinata said, looking down at her nails––chipped. She needed a manicure badly. "But how––"
"In your pocket. Mandrake leaves. You know what to do?"
Hinata nodded against Ino's hands, blood rushing to her face. Ino smiled prettily and patted Hinata's knee once she was done.
"Good luck, Hinata-chan."
-:-
"You guys want a drink?"
"Please," Naruto cried as he tugged at the collar of his suit. "Shit, I'll go with you."
"You two?"
"I'll have a scotch," Sasuke said––unaffected, as he surveyed the bobbing heads of the conference attendants. They had all just left a workshop on innovation and contract law. The entire time, he watched his assistant fight sleep. "She'll have an espresso martini."
If Hinata disagreed with that choice, she said nothing. She was busy typing notes on her phone. Sasuke wasn't sure what exactly she was typing, considering her half-asleep state.
"Fuck, I need one of those," Naruto said, nodding. He picked his suit jacket off the chair, slung it over his shoulders, and followed Shikamaru to the bar.
"Sounds good," Hinata finally affirmed, shutting her phone. From her purse, she pulled out a schedule and map. "Where to next? The award ceremony is in another hour and a half. I think it might benefit us to––"
"Be serious," Sasuke said, moving the papers from in front of her face. She blinked curiously at him as he folded them back up. "You don't really care about all this, do you?"
"Of––of course I do," she said softly. "It's an honor that Uchiha, Uzumaki & Associates has been chosen to receive this award. And I'm learning so much for school––"
"You were basically asleep in there."
"Yes, because I'm so tired from processing all this knowledge," Hinata said quickly, folding her hands on the table.
Sasuke stared at her until a small snort worked its way past his serious demeanor, and he bent in the chair, laughing. "You're full of shit," he said, chuckling. "Full snores were coming out. C'mon, let me see your notes then."
Perturbed––and pink––Hinata turned her body away. "W-why do you need to see my notes? And I do not snore!"
"I'm so curious about what a sleeping woman could possibly write about."
"Well––well, what are you writing about!"
"I'm not writing anything," Sasuke said, still laughing. "That's your job."
"I wasn't asked to take notes," she said scoffing, but didn't show him the phone. "For the record."
"That's true," Sasuke conceded. "I just wanted you to enjoy yourself. If that includes sleeping during a workshop––who am I to judge?"
"You're judging right now," Hinata retorted. "Besides, it seems difficult to enjoy yourself, here of all places."
"Doesn't have to be," Sasuke leaned back, adjusting his tie. He was wearing a double breasted suit, which he'd opened the longer he sat. He looked sleek in the polished black; it highlighted his already dark features. He lifted his chin, looking at her. "There's a closet over there."
Hinata hit him with the folder of programs and events. "N-not happening."
"It could be fun," Sasuke said. "Like you said, we've got an hour and a half until…"
"It could be," Hinata agreed, crossing her arms. Already, thrills were running across her belly. Damn, this man. Damn, damn, damn, damn, damn him. "But your suit looks tight. I would hate f-for you to have to get in and out of it."
"Nobody said anything about me," Sasuke said, eyes flickering down her legs––still crossed––the black fabric ruffling across her knees.
-:-
Sasuke's phone was ringing.
"T-they're probably…" Hinata was breathless, her hands pushing into the lip of the porcelain sink, trembling. "Looking for us…"
Sasuke said nothing and let the phone ring. His head was under her dress, her panties pushed aside as his tongue swirled and pressed hard against her clit. Hinata gripped his head, tugging––pulling him even deeper, closer to her. She was leaning against the door of a private bathroom.
They'd arrived there not even ten minutes before. Immediately, the Uchiha pressed his fingers against the fabric of her underwear––black lace things––before moving them out of the way like they were some foreign obstacle. Hinata wasn't sure why she hadn't noticed how hungry this man was.
She wondered, only for a moment, if all of this was for her? Did he act like this for others?
The thought was lost when he dropped to his knees on the tiled floor, her dress fisted in one hand, her panties pulled aside with the others, and set his mouth on her clit with urgency. Hinata trembled, throwing her head back, her hand curling around the doorknob. She breathed hard and cried his name, but his tongue was relentless.
Already, Hinata felt the pressure building. The phone stopped ringing. Sasuke lifted her leg so that it was wrapped around his neck, and her other one struggled to remain strong. Sasuke continued the rhythmic movements, his head bobbing up and down, tongue caressing her softly over and over as Hinata grabbed his hair, pulling him.
Sasuke grunted appreciatively, still moving his mouth back and forth. Hinata was out of her mind with pleasure, breathing heavily against his warmth, the feel of his slick tongue, the pressure building building building, thrumming through her stomach. Her heart felt like it was going to burst out of her. "Sasuke," she cried, buckling, feeling how wet and hot she was as Sasuke held all of her in his mouth. He let her rock into him, his mouth taking it all. He let her grip his hair harder. Fuck. Did he breathe? His tongue moved faster, flicking and swirling, taking turns between her clit and sensitive labia.
He moved the dress out the way, the material still fisted at her stomach. "Hold this," he ordered.
Hinata obliged, taking her dress in her hands, heat rushing through her as she fully exposed herself. Sasuke didn't give her time to catch her breath; with his newly freed hand, he ran his fingers along her slit. Hinata whined in response at the new stimulation, pushing herself towards him urgently. "Just like that, just like––"
Sasuke pushed a finger inside. Then another. Stars exploded around Hinata as she clenched, dripping wet at this point, all around him. She struggled to hold her dress as he twisted his fingers in and out of her, his tongue never leaving its place at her clit. If anything, his tongue became stronger––flicking in time with his fingers, back and forth, deeper and deeper.
Oh my god, oh my––
Hinata bit the back of her hand to keep quiet, but her moans of pleasure filled the small bathroom nonetheless. Her legs trembled as she suddenly came around Sasuke's hot mouth and fingers, dousing him. Waves of pleasure blackened her gaze as she felt her body slide towards the floor, slapping the palm of her hand against the sink for stability. Sasuke caught her under the arms as he came up for air. She leaned against his body, still shaking, to catch her breath. The bottom half of his face and chin were all wet. He smelled–––like her.
For a moment, they stayed like that; Sasuke with his hands on her waist to keep her from falling over, Hinata with her arms around his neck. When her legs finally felt more solid, she checked her watch sheepishly. They still had forty minutes until the awards ceremony.
"Still working, I see," Sasuke rolled his eyes, not moving as Hinata continued to lean on him. "And here I thought I was discouraging you."
He tugged her towards him as he leaned against the wall. Hinata, wanting to tuck her head under his chin, pointed to her purse sitting on the baby-changing table.
"There's, um, a wet wipe in there."
Sasuke chuckled and continued holding onto her as he reached for the wipe––It was sweet how he didn't let her go––tossing it once he was done wiping his face, and leaned back in place. Hinata smiled and tucked herself under his chin. Her legs were still shaking minutely; she would have to control herself before they went back out there.
"So," Hinata said, after a few silent moments had passed, and they had contented themselves on the feeling of each other's warm, breathing bodies. "Do you, um, always do this at c-conferences?"
"I'm afraid this is my first time," Sasuke chuckled. "Do you?"
"Oh, absolutely not," Hinata shook her head vehemently. Finally, she detangled herself from him, beginning to feel uncomfortable with how wet she was between her legs. She grabbed a few wipes for herself, and didn't even feel nervous that Sasuke was looking at her.
"First time for everything, then," Sasuke said, watching Hinata clean herself off and straighten up her dress. When she was done, she went to the mirror and re-applied her lip gloss. It smelled like peaches. Her bun had fallen from its elaborate twist.
He leaned forward and straightened her dress in the back, pulling the fabric over her butt where it had risen. He watched her in the mirror as she retwisted the bun, then he took the bobbypin she'd been holding between her lips and placed it back in place. Hinata blushed when their eyes met.
"There," Sasuke said, flattening the collar of her dress. "You look perfect again."
"I––I'm nowhere near perfect," Hinata said, pulling her bag onto her shoulder. She fought the urge to reach for his hand like they would do in the streets of Rome, always together, never lost, fingers tangled.
The word mistress echoed through her brain. She didn't care. She didn't care. Her heart thrummed a drumbeat.
"Tch, I'm an Uchiha," Sasuke said, reaching over her to unlock the bathroom door. "One thing we don't lie about is perfection."
They stepped into the lobby of the conference hall. There were workshops in session, so scarcely anyone else was there to witness them stumble out of the bathroom like they'd just been birthed from it.
"There are other things you lie about, then?"
"Now you're talking like a lawyer," Sasuke said appreciatively, but without answering. "I guess you weren't sleeping after all."
Hinata was certainly awake now. She suggested they go get that drink before the awards ceremony began.
-:-
Hinata fell asleep again on the ride back home. When she woke, Sasuke was opening her door, placing small touches on the sides of her cheeks, like kisses.
"C'mon," he said. "Let's get you into bed. You did great today."
"What did I do?" she wondered, finally blinking her tired eyes awake. Shikamaru and Naruto had already gone inside. In her lap, she held the heavy award's trophy––a cheesy golden statue of balanced scales. It had Uchiha, Uzumaki & Associates inscribed with the year.
"Everything," Sasuke said, reaching over to unbuckle her seatbelt. He took her hand and got her out of the SUV. "Like you always do."
"What are you doing tomorrow?" Hinata asked blearily as they made their way to the front door––wide open, a glowing orange mouth.
"I have some business to take care of in the evening, but I'm free in the morning. Why?"
"Just wondering," Hinata said quietly. Sasuke led her to her room, helped her take off her shoes, and then turned to leave. He paused at the door, looking at her sleepy eyes, her half-fallen bun, before taking a few quick steps back in, and placing a warm kiss on her forehead.
Somehow, that felt more dangerous than anything else they'd done. Sasuke left the room as quick as the kiss and retreated back to his side of the villa. Hinata's cheeks warmed with the memory––but she couldn't sit in it for too long. She had work to do.
She closed and locked the door to her room and pulled out the plastic bag Ino had pressed into her arm just that morning. Small purple flowers with petals like starbursts and long, twisting roots. Hinata grabbed a book from her stack and set just one petal on top. One should be more than enough to make someone sick.
Carefully, Hinata took a knife from her bag and severed the petal from the root. Then, she began dicing the roots up until it was nothing but fine dust. Once the root became powdered, she divided it in half. She threw half of it outside––garbage––and poured the other miniscule amount into one of the vials she also kept in her bag.
She put this vial into her bra. Tomorrow was the big day, afterall.