hi! English isn't my first language. thought in italic , dialogue in " ", POV alterning and Naruto's still not mine.
Chapter 15
This was not the first time Sasuke Uchiha had such a compulsion.
Throughout the years he had known him, the ex-avenger always felt the need to punch Naruto Uzumaki. It was like some higher power demanded it constantly.
Whether it was his continuous chatter, annoyingly bright personality, his unrelenting obsession of bringing him back to Konoha when he was a missing-nin or the general state of his idiocy, the raven-haired shinobi just had to break a bone or two every few months.
To restore balance to the universe.
However, this was the first time Sasuke felt every cell in his body vibrating with the need to shatter every single bone.
He knew that this time it had something to do with the tears of a certain indigo-haired individual he helped dry a few nights ago.
And although he acknowledged that his friend wasn't the sole responsible party for upsetting his sweet pupil.
He couldn't very well start an internal war with the entire Hyuuga clan for daring to put a frown on Hinata's pretty face.
Well, he could.
But that might bring instability to Konoha and leave them wide open for external attacks or worse; upset Hinata.
And so here we are at the top of the tower with Sasuke contemplating if he should start with bashing his Hokage's head or cracking his jaw.
"Everything seems to be in order." Naruto said shuffling the report his friend just handed him.
Sasuke scoffed, it was a good thing he was busy these last few days and had time to cool off or he knew he would've laid his supposed best friend on the ground the moment he saw him.
"Who spit in your coffee this morning?" The blond asked questioning the hostility rolling off of the other man.
"Tch. No one." He glared daggers at the figure sitting behind the desk.
"Really? Then why are you looking at me like that?"
"Like what?" His jaw clenched.
"Like I killed your puppy." One blond eyebrow rose.
"Didn't I tell you to stop rubbing it in" Sasuke couldn't hold it in anymore, he was itching for a confrontation.
"Rubbing what in?" Naruto looked genuinely confused.
"Your lousy relationship with Sakura." He hissed.
"What the hell is your problem?!" The Hokage rose from his seat fed up with his friend's attitude.
"My problem is you" Sasuke's voice raised "You and your incessant need to flaunt your love affair in the hospital where anyone can happen upon your mediocre revelations."
"What the hell are you talking about?"
"I'm talking about your inability to make a proper confession in a stairway without snubbing someone who cared for you for years" Sasuke didn't give a rat's arse that their shouting match could be heard from outside the office.
It wasn't a new occurrence.
"What?" Naruto racked his brain to understand, his eyes momentarily widened "you were there?"
"No, I'm not the one that overheard I wasn't good enough for you." Sasuke said with clenched teeth.
"Huh?" his clueless face further fanned the flames s of the Uchiha's anger "Hinata?"
"She was there and had the pleasure of hearing how she meant nothing to you."
"You're one to talk!" The blond clenched his fist defensively "you're the one who was constantly ignoring Sakura."
"Except unlike you, I never lead her on or pretended to care just to disregard her the moment someone else was available." They were now flinging their accusations in each other's personal space.
"Why do you care?!" In hindsight that was probably the stupidest thing Naruto could've said.
"Why do I care?!" Sasuke grabbed him by the collar "Why the hell don't you?! You're the one who made me keep a watch on her in the first place, stating she was your friend and that you hurt her." The look of guilt on the blue-eyed man wasn't enough to quell his rage "But you keep hurting her with your carelessness."
"I…I messed up again didn't I?" Naruto hung his head in shame, well as much as he could with his friend's grip "I need to apologize to her."
"No." Sasuke's voice was cold "You've done enough. You will not go near her or so help me I will make sure you can't use your legs for an entire month."
Whether it was divine intervention or pure dumb luck Shikamaru walked in through the door halting their confrontation.
"Whatever it is, now's not the time nor place. This is not an appropriate conduct for someone in your positions." The jounin said his eyes shifting between the two shinobis capable of leveling the village if it came to blows.
Not that it stopped Naruto from provoking Sasuke further.
"Why do you care?" The young commander's hand tightened on Naruto's collar when he saw the look of understanding on his face "you don't just care, you care care."
A vein throbbed in his forehead.
"Sasuke, do you…like Hinata?" The blond-haired shinobi asked carefully.
"Do you want me to punch you?"
The Nara's eyebrows rose to his hairline as he observed the appearance of the tiniest-barely-there tinge of red on the top of the Uchiha's ears.
"You do!" Naruto gasped "Isn't there some rule between male friends about not going after each other's exes?"
"So, you do want me to punch you." Sasuke's temper rose even more.
The Hokage was silent for a few seconds, his face blank as if he was trying to process this information.
The blond then got a sly look on his face.
"Does she give you fuzzy feelings when you're near her?" Naruto's teasing grin was practically asking him to be wiped off.
You know what he was do a beating anyway.
Sasuke's hand reeled back, but before his fist could connect with Naruto's nose Shikamaru intervened pushing them apart from each other.
"Enough. Naruto you're the Hokage, stop being a child. Sasuke you're the Anbu Commander, stop losing your cool." The advisor sighed "Sasuke we can't have the leader of our village walking around with a black eye now that that we have guests for the tournament."
"It'll surely be an improvement on his ugly face." He clicked his tongue.
"Your girl used to like my face quite a lot." Naruto said poking the hornet's nest, just to further confirm his suspicions.
The blond Hokage grinned again at his friend's growl.
"She won't after I rearrange it."
"Okayyy. Stop it both of you. I can't believe you're making me be the adult here." Shikamaru sighed exasperated.
The last Uchiha continued to glare daggers at the jinchûriki. It seemed after all this time Naruto was still the only one capable of reducing him to that angsty teenager he used to be.
Fucking idiot.
"Ok, I'll back off." Naruto said raising his hand in surrender.
"And stop…"
"Yeah yeah… flaunting my relationship in her face."
"Trust me you're the last thing on her mind." Sasuke scoffed knowing it was just bad timing on Naruto's part what with Hiashi's shit speech and the elders' plotting to ship her off to Suna "just mind your words."
"I really am sorry." Naruto's face held genuine regret; he knew he got carried away trying to make Sakura understand that she was the one for him. He somehow became completely blind to anything and anyone but her whenever she was near.
He still felt remorse for constantly wounding Hinata. He hoped he would be able to salvage what remains of their friendship.
But not now, as Sasuke was close to pounding the notion of giving someone space in his head using his fists.
"I know" Sasuke sighed.
The Uchiha took a calming breath. It occurred to him that his unresolved anger issues might have found a new way of seeping out.
His newest trigger: Hinata Hyuuga's tears.
He really hoped it wasn't a very common occurrence.
"Nara, you're the head of your clan." He addressed the third person in the room.
"Yes." The lazy Shinobi answered
"So, you have a deep understanding of clan politics and protocols." The raven-haired shinobi stated.
"That depends on the clan. Each one is different." The Nara lit a cigarette, he needed it after preventing the two shinobis from destroying a significant portion of Konoha.
"But they must adhere to the same ancient laws since the founding of the village." He inquired.
"Technically yes, there are such laws in place." Shikamaru tried to read the Uchiha's face but it was blank.
"I want to run an idea past you, and you can tell me if it's doable or not." Sasuke put his hand in his pocket completely calm now that his brain was focusing on a new dilemma he was trying to solve.
"Ok." The Nara exhaled smoke intrigued by the Uchiha's new found interest in laws.
Hinata stomped down the street. It was more of hurried gait than anything else.
But for someone of her status it was the closest she can get to throwing a temper tantrum.
This was just adding salt to injury.
The reason of her foul mood? Her father of course.
He summoned her this morning to his office to make a request, more like an order, stating that since she was so interested in the tournament that was due to take place, she can make a contribution to help guarantee the winning of the Hyuuga clan.
She was tasked to collect data on the competition her clansman was to face since he was busy training and preparing.
Frankly it was insulting, she also had other responsibilities but now she was expected to drop everything and once again do something for the good of the clan, who might she add denied her the freedom of spending her leisure time like she wanted.
So here she was heading toward the library to start her research.
It wasn't difficult to get the list of the participants in the tournament. It wasn't exactly a guarded secret but it wasn't also displayed. Thankfully she was well aware of the protocols and who to ask to get that information.
Hinata waved to the head librarian and smiled. She wasn't a stranger to Konoha's archives. They were quiet and she liked to study here for any upcoming surgery.
Although lately she found herself more at ease on the couch in Sasuke's office, her research material was here. Plus Sasuke was busy himself now that the tournament was about to begin.
She giggled as she pictured Sasuke holding the bridge of his nose dealing with the nightmare that was Konoha's internal security measures. Especially with all the lively night life offered to their guests.
Although it wasn't an official festival, Konoha's streets were lined with food stands, games, art displays and everything that represented their village's culture.
An absolute security nightmare.
The Hyuuga heiress hadn't been able to see Sasuke much recently due to their conflicting schedules. However she made sure to stop by and leave a tin of her special tea for his constant headaches and a bento box on his desk whenever she got the chance even if he wasn't there.
She kind of… missed him. And if she was being honest with herself it wasn't just the fact that he wasn't there to help her relieve some of her tension.
Hinata went red in the face as her mind conjured an image of another type of stress relief with the admittedly very fit Anbu commander. The kind Ino Yamanaka was constantly referring too.
With training!
She thought trying to explain herself to herself which in hindsight was kind of silly.
The ebony-haired kunoichi dispelled those thoughts before opening the records she collected and sitting in a secluded are. No need for anyone to know her assignment.
She started with Konoha's own participants. Not that she needed much investigating since she grew up with almost all the heirs of the noble clans.
The rookie nine as they were referred to since their genin days, were all the future leaders of their respective people.
Except Kiba who was the second son, but he was her teammate so she was familiar with the Inuzuka techniques and Lee but he was Neji's old teammate and she observed quite a few of their sparring matches.
That only left Tenten and team seven, who weren't participating anyway.
And out of the three she had the most information on Sasuke what with him being her teacher and all.
She giggled again imagining the look on his face if she started referring to him as sensei.
Back to her task, she started writing only the basic information on their clans' techniques, the knowledge that everyone knew because she was absolutely not going to betray her friends by divulging their secrets.
Her clan as Kiba would say could suck it.
There were only a few other shinobis with civilian parentage who needed more researching. Thankfully for Hinata, she had the foresight to access the records about the last war were everyone capabilities were listed by getting a special permission slip from the Hokage who thought nothing of it.
Now that she thought about it, Naruto had been almost eager to get her out of his office. Although he had that same look he had when he confessed, he had slept with Sakura; Guilt.
Whether he was feeling guilty about his new relationship with the pink haired kunoichi or he somehow knew she overhead his hurtful words, she was over caring.
Sasuke's words rang in her mind: Your clan doesn't deserve you and I'm beginning to think he never did either.
Anyone who didn't see her worth wasn't worthy of a second thought.
But her forgiving nature wouldn't allow her to hate him so even though he put her through a lot she wished him the best, but needed more time to be able to accept his apology.
She was finally at peace.
Hinata gathered her "report" and put back all the books she used in their places before making her way to the exit, she bid the librarian goodbye, before going out to the streets. The sun was already setting which meant she had a couple of hours to go back home to change and undertake her more challenging task; the participants from other villages.
Hinata made her way towards the center of the village. It was quite lively tonight with its lantern, colorful displays and delicious aromas.
Civilians and shinobis were both enjoying the festivities. It was really her luck that this celebration for the arrival of the rest of the other villages' delegations took place this week.
Which meant a sort of welcoming party for everyone. Nothing like the one she organized but she liked this one better.
Theirs had been formal and quite political of nature but that was to be expected with their strong ties to Suna and Naruto's shameless bias towards his friend the Kazekage.
Hinata spotted Ino her companion for the night. She was dressed as usual in her signature colors; a dark purple halter crop top with a matching skirt. Her beautiful golden hair in her familiar ponytail.
Only Ino has enough confidence to pull off those daring outfits.
The Hyuuga herself was wearing a baby blue summer dress suited for this warm weather. It was tasteful with a square neckline that showed an appropriate amount of cleavage, modest enough for the shy kunoichi especially since it was knee length but still displaying her tall shapely legs, her hair was in a low half bun secured by a pretty hairpin.
She was the picture of feminine innocence.
A look her beloved sister helped her achieve, to project that non-threatening presence. Not a dangerous kunoichi nor an untouchable heiress but simply a charming young woman here to enjoy tonight's merriments.
She turned quite a few heads. Not that she noticed.
All with the goal of achieving the other half of her mission. People were more likely to let their guard down when you dress the part of a fragile damsel in distress. Another lesson taught by her grandmother.
Plus, she liked looking pretty once in a while.
"Hinata-chan! There you are." Ino waved jogging in her direction. "I love this color on you. You look great."
"Thank you Ino. You look amazing yourself." Her rosy cheek helped provide that aura of purity further.
"Of course, I do." the blonde said eliciting a giggle from her companion. "I am so glad you invited me tonight, even though you had your scheming Hyuuga face on when you did."
"What scheming Hyuuga face?" Hinata averted her eyes.
"You're a terrible liar." Ino laughed linking their elbows "whether you have a plan for global domination or a plan to find love in a cruel cruel world, I have your back."
"Nothing that dire I'm afraid" The blue-haired beauty giggled herself "We'll just mingle and encourage international cooperation."
" Uh huh" The Yamanaka was skeptical, her friend never really liked 'mingling' much, unless she had to. "Well let's just have fun."
Hinata smiled making her way to a subjectively friendly face, the civilian noble who she finally remembered the name of. Luckly his condescending uncle who dismissed her kunoichi capabilities at the Hyuuga party wasn't there.
She engaged him in a polite conversation then subtly turned the subject to the greatness of the Shinobi that helped protected him throughout the years in his many travels. Being a civilian impressed with shinobi displays, he started recounting a few amazing feats he had witnessed. All while the Hyuuga heiress Oh-ed and Ah-ed at appropriate intervals.
Hinata could feel her friend eyeing her with interest throughout the conversation. As she bid him goodbye and walked away, Ino wheeled around to face her.
"Aha! I knew it. International cooperation my ass! You're gathering information."
"Maybe." She had a sheepish look "but that doesn't mean I didn't want to spend time with you."
"I'm not mad Hinata-chan" Ino smiled "I'm actually quite proud. My Yamanaka influence no doubt. My clan is doing the same."
"Well, you are known for gathering intelligence." The dark-haired kunoichi returned her friend's smile.
"How about we divide and conquer?" Ino said with a sly look "That way we can start having fun sooner."
"Deal. But stay close, two girls are more approachable than one." Hinata fidgeted, feeling guilty that she essentially was using her friend as a wing woman.
"Have I told you how proud I am that you actually listen to my lectures?" The blonde exclaimed her blue eyes sparkling.
The Hyuuga's smile made an appearance again as they parted ways to complete their unofficial mission. With both of them on task, it did indeed take less time.
The only two left were Kumo and Suna, but Hinata having spent some time in Suna knew it would be the easiest. As for the village hidden in the cloud, there was no way she was getting near them.
She recalled vividly her kidnaping when she was three, the incident also known as the Hyuuga affair that resulted in her uncle's death, Neji's misplaced hatred for her and the rift that got bigger between the two branches of her clan.
Her grim thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice.
"Hyuuga-san?" She turned around facing him with a smile.
"Kazekage-sama! It's good to see you." The red-haired man blinked at her, not saying a thing for a minute. He just stared at her.
"Do I have something on my face?" Hinata fidgeted under his scrutiny.
"No." Gaara coughed in his hand "Your face is perfect."
"Oh" The blue haired kunoichi's cheeks colored at his words. She knew he didn't mean it like that but it was startling nonetheless. "How are you enjoying your evening?"
"It's… lovely." He shook his head as if he was trying to chase away some stray thoughts "How's yours?"
"It's going great so far." She smiled.
"Would you walk with me?" the Kazekage asked straightening.
Hinata hesitated, if they were spotted together it might just give the Hyuuga elders some ideas. However all the members of her clan she did see around were on the other side and the elders were tucked in their beds. It was safe enough and she couldn't very well refuse someone of his station.
"With pleasure Kazekage-sama."
They walked around, with the heiress pointing out a few items and food explaining the history behind them while he listened intently.
"I hope I'm not boring you." The lavender-eyed kunoichi said self-consciously.
"On the contrary" The red-haired man answered "Naruto never gave me a thorough tour of the village."
"That's because the only thing of note for Naruto-kun is Ichiraku's ramen stand and the Hokage rock" She giggled.
"Hyuuga-san, I was wondering if you'd give me a tour of Konoha's greenhouses too?" The Kazegake stopped walking and fixed his aquamarine eyes on her " In the interest of maybe procuring some specimen for the one you helped create in Suna of course."
Hinata's eyes widened, if she did that there was no doubt the elders will know and probably interpret it as the Kazekage being interested. That would open a can of worms she was not equipped to deal with yet.
She silently cursed their meddling in every aspect of her life. When she was dating Naruto she had some semblance of protection against any potential arranged marriage especially with him being the Hokage.
"I-I unfortunately have a very busy c-couple of weeks ahead of me." She looked anywhere but him, when inspiration finally struck "However I know someone even more qualified than me."
The blue haired kunoichi gave her friend who was standing a few feet away that look that all women give each other when they were asking for help with someone's unwanted advances. Not that Gaara was unwanted or even making advances, it's was just better to minimize any contact with him just in case.
For a few nerve racking seconds Hinata really though Ino would leave her to fend for herself. She was after all always gushing about how she and Gaara would make Naruto lose his head if they ever got together. (Not true by the way)
Luckily the blonde made her way to them.
"Kazekage-sama this is Ino Yamanaka, probably the most knowledgeable person in botany in all of Konoha" The heiress said eagerly "The Yamanaka run the most successful flower shop in all the five nations and have the largest selection."
"Hinata-chan exaggerates" The sapphire-eyed kunoichi blushed which Hinata found odd.
"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance Yamanaka-san." Gaara said inclining his head.
"Like wise Kazekage-sama." Ino bowed respectfully.
"I had a nice time." The Byakugan princess said to both of them "but I have to retire for the evening, enjoy the rest of your night."
Hinata bowed then ran home like the coward she was, completely ignoring Ino's distressed look. She'll ask for forgiveness tomorrow.
Sasuke made his way stealthily through the compound, using the cover of the night. He was lucky that the moon was obscured by clouds, it made sneaking in the Hyuuga estate easier.
His limited knowledge of the layout wasn't in his favor, since he felt he was going around in cercles. He only ever saw the inside of Hinata's room, but he knew there was a big willow tree just outside her window.
He rounded the corner and spotted a guard making his rounds. The Uchiha huffed in frustration.
The security was quite tight in here, which partially made him feel better knowing that the Hyuuga clan was taking preventative measures against any potential threats with the many foreigners occupying their village.
It meant an extra layer of protection for Hinata. Sasuke of course knew she can take care of herself. He made sure of that.
However these measure were a pain in the ass currently. The last Uchiha activated his Sharingan to put the guard under a complex Genjutsu.
Another pain in his ass, the Byakugan's ability to see through most of elusions. But he was Sasuke Uchiha and although he didn't possess his late brother's finesse in the art, he was good enough.
Finally spotting the tree he was looking for; he made his way towards the window with the fluttering curtains.
The open window.
He released an exasperated sigh.
This girl will be the death of me.
The raven-haired shinobi landed on the wooden floor without a single sound, his chakra was completely muffled. With his Sharingan off, his eyes adjusted to the room's darkness. The bed was made and the place looked empty.
However, there was small flickering light coming from a slightly ajar door. With light footsteps he approached it and completely froze at the sight that greeted him.
Because a few feet away, illuminated by candlelight was the Hyuuga heiress soaking in a large bathtub. Her body completely submerged in milky water that preserved her modesty with some type of flowers floating around.
She had her head propped on the edge of the tub; her face tilted up with closed eyes. Her hair was pilled on top of her head, held in place by some type of pin. But what really drew Sasuke's eyes was her slender neck with the water droplets sliding down slowly from her jaw to her collar bone.
His mouth suddenly felt dry, he knew the best way to quench his thirst would be by tracing those water droplets up her neck with his tongue.
He got hot under the collar as his Sharingan activated without his command.
Feeling like one of the lead male perverts in Kakashi's stories, he made a sound from his throat; something between a whimper and a cough, to announce his presence.
If he was anyone else, the sharp object that flew his way would've probably taken his eye out. He followed its trajectory as it imbedded in the wood of her wardrobe.
"Sasuke!" Hinata squeaked with her Byakugan activated.
He smirked enjoying the sound of his name without an honorific, as he made his way towards the weapon still quivering. He heard the sound of splashing water indicating that she got out of the tub.
"You know you should really close the window" The raven-haired shinobi said his back to her, because he was a gentlemen thank-you-very-much, the last five minutes notwithstanding "What if someone climbed in and you were…..indecent."
He grinned at her embarrassed squeak.
"I doubt a closed window can keep you out Sasuke-san." She answered shuffling behind the door.
"Hn" He pulled out the cutting object from the wardrobe's door "Nothing can keep me out."
Or away from you.
As he heard the sound of the door opening, he turned back around and was met with the sight of Hinata in a fluffy white robe that reached her calves, her long hair fanned around her and a blush adorning her cheeks.
"Pretty pin." Sasuke said handing her, what he now realized was a deadly weapon that was securing her hair in place.
"It's a gift from my sister" The Hyuuga heiress smiled "Why stab someone with a boring sebon when you can do it with style, is what her gift card said."
She took it out of his hand to deposit it in a jewelry box before facing him again.
"How did you get past the guards?" Her eyebrows furrowed. Sasuke only tapped his right temple gesturing to his onyx eye.
"Are you not happy to see me?" He tilted his head observing her.
"Of course not!" She exclaimed trying to hide her flaming face "I mean I-I'm very glad you're here. I just don't want you to get in trouble."
You're worth the trouble.
"I have something for you." The Uchiha pulled out a scroll and handed it to her. Hinata opened it and started reading slowly then her eyes widened and she seemed to stand very still.
"It's an apprenticeship contract between you and me" Sasuke didn't fidget perse but his fingers did twitch uneasily "more accurately; between you and the Uchiha clan. It's legally binding and is recognized by the ancient clan laws. You can of course terminate the contract whenever you like.""
Hinata kept quiet.
"It means you can circumvent your clan entirely and participate in the tournament under the Uchiha name as a representative for me…your mentor" He stumbled over the next words "And as your mentor I can…the Uchiha clan…can intervene in your behalf in certain matters…..like….arranged marriage contracts…. You would technically be under my clan's protection and yours can't force you to do anything if you seek asylum in the Uchiha clan."
Sasuke felt his face warm as he looked away, especially since she didn't take of her eyes from the scroll.
"I know you don't need my protection and I know you can fight your own battles. I just thought you'd like the option of…..someone backing you up….I know the Uchiha name isn't worth much these days… it's just me and my ancestors' bloody legacy but I thought…" He trailed off feeling like an idiot for the first time in a long time.
Of course, she doesn't want to be associated with me and my cursed clan.
Before he could apologize for assuming, she'd want anything to do with his decremented clan, he found himself surrounded by the subtle sent of lavender and another sweet fragrance he couldn't name.
Sasuke stood dumfounded as Hinata threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly.
"Thank you." She murmured her lips grazing his neck "Thank you."
His brain was screaming at him to hug her back, but he just couldn't move.
He felt dazed and it wasn't just because her soft curves were pressed against the planes of his body. It was the weight of her arms around his neck, the heat of her body that just came out of a bath. It was her silky hair that tickled his nose and the comforting sweet smell that clung to her skin. It was something that was inherently Hinata.
But mostly it was the inexplicable warmth that spread in his chest.
It was a weird sensation. One a certain blond once referred to as 'warm fuzzy feelings.'
Before his mind could reboot, she stepped away with an inflamed face and a mumbled apology.
She enveloped his hand with both her small ones and brought it to her breastbone, without letting go. Her chin brushed against his curled fingers.
"I vow to bring honor to the Uchiha name and uphold their values. I promise that anyone who disparages your name in my presence shall suffer the wrath of my flames." Hinata spoke with a soft yet unyielding voice.
Sasuke could feel his face warming again, he was thankful for the darkness obscuring it. He didn't know if she was aware of it. Probably not. But those were very similar to the old wedding vows used by his clan.
Where the hell did she stumble upon them?
The Uchiha cleared his throat before responding, editing a few words she was not ready to hear.
"And I vow…"…to shield your back and keep your counsel and give my life for yours if need be… "..that you shall always have a place at my table and a bed under my roof."…. I swear it by the old gods Amaterasu, Tsukuyomi and Susanoo.
They both stood in the silence lost in each other's eyes. The strange weight of their promises, their vows lingering in the air.
((Like some distant old bond finally snapped in place. The unheard whisper of there you are I've been waiting for you echoed around them. Not that they could hear it.))
Hinata jerked back and let go of his hand, turning to collect the dropped scroll on the floor. She made her way to her dresser and picked up her sebon-hairpin to prick her finger and sign the contract with blood. Sasuke used these few seconds to collect himself before addressing her again.
"I didn't know you knew the old words of the Uchiha clan."
"I find it fascinating" Hinata's cheek pinked.
"And is this fascination new or have you been curious about my clan for a while?" He smirked enjoying the intensifying of her blush.
"I..It w-was part of my training as heiress." She didn't meet his eyes as she handed him the contract.
The Anbu commander planned on deposing it in the official channels at the Hokage's tower tomorrow. He made a note to remember to cast a Genjutsu on whomever was responsible of forwarding a copy to the Hyuuga clan.
They will not be knowing about his new arrangement with their heiress just yet. After all; information is power.
"We will discuss all of this tomorrow. In the meantime, don't tell anyone." he smiled when she nodded. He ruffled her hair affectionately.
"Goodnight Hinata." Sasuke whispered before disappearing from the window in a blink of an eye.
Her small murmur of "goodnight Sasuke" fluttered with the wind like her curtains.
AN: You didn't really think that Hinata wasn't participating in the tournament, did you?
It's not a marriage proposal like some of you kind of hoped buuut it's still a nice loophole Sasuke found. One that is sure to send a shock wave through all of Konoha.
Did you like the small medieval feel?
I hope you envisioned soft feminine Hinata well, Gaara sure stumbled a little over it.
Also how cute is flustered Sasuke.
On a side note let me tell you how glad I am to read all your reviews. And although I don't wish to make anyone cry, I am happy that I wasn't the only one getting emotional in the last two chapters.
I can't wait to hear what you all thought of this chapter.
-Your very emotional (*blows nose*) writer
Lady Thunder Storm.