hi! English isn't my first language. thought in italic , dialogue in " ", POV alterning and Naruto's still not mine.
Chapter 19
He made his way through the crowd that was buzzing with conversations discussing the match, unnoticed.
As he moved towards the participants' box, he caught snippets of what was being said;
"What a match!"
"I always forget that medic Hyuuga is a fighting specialist too."
"Why is the Hyuuga heiress fighting for the Uchiha and not her clan?"
"I heard that they were having an affair."
"Well obviously something is up if the Uchiha is letting her use his name."
"Do you think they eloped?!"
"The Uchiha clan is rising from the ashes."
Sasuke ignored all the speculations. The opinions of the masses never concerned him.
The box was empty when he got there. It was only him and Hinata standing with her hands resting on the railing, looking below.
For a moment he was struck again by the image of her with his clan's emblem displayed on her back.
Struck by the possibility of what seemed once an unlikely future.A future he was not ready to admit he wanted.
But he was ready to admit he wanted a present where he gets to see her smile, where he turned her face as red as a tomato and provoked her to insult him without fear. A present where her light chased away the darkness of his past.
A present he was ready to live in, but not just yet. Not until she was ready to want the same.
Without realizing it, he found himself standing behind her.
"Quite the performance princess."
"Sasuke!" Warmth spread in his chest when her eyes lit up at the sight of him.
"Do you really think I did ok?"
"For what the least the Uchiha can offer " he smirked at the liberty she took with his name "I think you were spectacular."
He couldn't resist ruffling her hair when her smile stretched wide and her cheeks flushed with happiness.
A frown marred his features soon after when she flinched the tiniest bit. He swiped his hand over her bangs to get a good look.
"You're hurt." Sasuke's fingers ghosted over the cut near her hairline.
"Oh" Hinata raised her hand mirroring him "it's just a scratch."
"It's not." His hand caught hers as he spotted a bruise blooming on her wrist. Bringing her other hand to his eye level, he saw the same circular shaped bruise.
The stone cuffs.
Her ankles probably had the same marks.
"You need to get checked out by a medic." The raven-haired shinobi said remembering that brutal hit she took to the chest.
"I'm fine." She said with a reassuring smile.
It did nothing to reassure him.
"Don't make me drag you there."
"You wouldn't dare." Her smile faltered.
"Wouldn't I?" He smirked "I did say I'd get you back for the stunt you pulled with the lightning redirecting."
The look of dread in her eyes amused him even further.
"I bet you'd make a pretty sight thrown over my shoulder." He grinned at her mortified look.
"O-ok let's go!" She stuttered turning around to head towards the infirmary. He chuckled as he followed her.
Too bad, he kind of wanted to scandalize society even more by acting like a caveman.
The moment they stepped inside the room, she was grabbed by a forceful medic. If Sasuke hadn't seen the blond ponytail in time he would've blasted her through the wall.
"HINATA!" Ino's shout almost rendered him deaf "you were amazing!"
The Hyuuga didn't even get the chance to thank her before she was bombarded with a series of questions.
"Why didn't you tell me you were competing?! Is that what was occupying your mind every time we spoke?" The Yamanaka didn't even take a breath "I didn't know you got so good with your lightning release! I guess training with Sasuke really meant training huh? And here I thought you were just using it as an excuse to get freaky in the woods."
"I-Ino!" Hinata's cheeks reddened at her friend who was so preoccupied by her interrogation she didn't even notice the dark-haired man standing behind her.
"I mean I wouldn't blame you. You know I'm all for scandalous acts in inappropriate places. Although I'm more of an office girly, I know how much you enjoy the outdoors." Ino completely ignored her best friend's pleas to shut up "I mean no wonder you long for someone to ruffle your perfect feathers, what with your strict upbringing and all. Would you be ok with getting your clothes ripped off or not? I personally wouldn't stand for it but hey I bet he's the type that likes to dress someone for his own taste anyway." Sasuke's eyebrows climbed high as it was obvious this wasn't the first time he was discussed this way. "Case in point, love the outfit by the way. The thigh high stockings were a nice touch, I know how much you love wearing silk stockings under your prim and proper clothes."
Sasuke cleared his throat announcing his presence once he was sure the image of silk garbed creamy thighs left his mind.
"We came here for medical attention Yamanaka not an interrogation." He said keeping a straight face when her blue eyes turned into saucers.
"S-Sasuke? What are you doing here?" The blond stuttered.
"Does it matter?" He raised one dark eyebrow "Are you going to treat her injuries or not?"
"Are you going to watch her undress or? " The blond raised an eyebrow of her own.
He was so tempted to say: just the stockings for now. But refrained as Hinata's face reached an unhealthy shade of red.
"I'll be outside." He said.
Stockings and ruffled feathers huh?
Sasuke decided at that moment to start paying more attention to what Ino Yamanaka had to say.
To say Hinata was horrified was the understatement of the century.
"Ino! Why do you always do this?!" Hinata whined
"I'm so sorry Hinata" the blonde kunoichi looked remorseful "I had no idea he was standing there."
"Gah! He's going to think I'm some type of pervert." She took off her top so her friend could examine her.
"Please. No matter how unruffled he seems" Ino grinned at her small glare "He's still a guy. He probably thinks it's hot."
The Hyuuga scoffed turning around so that the medic could heal her shoulder.
"I'm serious. I bet he's thinking about you in your underwear right now." The Yamanaka said slyly.
"H-he is not!" she gaped.
"Is too!" She started healing her wrists next "It is so obvious; you just refuse to see it."
"Please stop filling my head with more ideas." Hinata groaned taking off her shoes and stockings next.
"You have ideas? About Sasuke?" Ino grinned "Finally!"
"it's not something to be happy about." She muttered.
"Hey" The blond put a reassuring hand on her friend's shoulder once she noticed her distress "it's ok to like someone else."
"I just.." She swallowed "I don't want to get hurt again."
There she admitted it. She was afraid of the way it snuck up on her. She had years to contemplate her feelings for Naruto and it still ended badly.
So yes, she refused to acknowledge it.
Plus there was no guarantee he even saw her in that light. It was presumptuous to assume he did just because he's been nice and kind.
"oh Hinata. I don't think he would hurt you that way."
"Naruto was supposed to be the safe guy that wouldn't hurt me. And yet he did anyway." Hinata said, although she knew she got over it. It still stung to remember he had never been sure of wanting her. That in the end she was but a mere replacement.
"Naruto is an idiot." Ino said "Doesn't mean all guys are."
"Can we please drop it."
"Ok" Ino sighed "so tell me, are you going to accept that drink from the Iwa shinobi."
"I would never date a man who couldn't best me in a spar." She flipped her braid over her shoulder jokingly.
"Miss Hyuuga!" The blonde fake gasped "Did you just admit to preferring someone who can manhandle you?"
"That is not what I said!" The blue-haired kunoichi exclaimed scandalized.
"But it's what you meant." The Yamanaka grinned "Who knew the innocent Hyuuga princess likes it on the rough side."
"P-please don't call me that." Hinata's cheeks warmed at the familiar nickname.
"Why?" blonde eyebrows wiggled teasingly "Is that some secret pet name you like being called by?"
"S-shut up." Her face reddened further with the new setting associated with that word.
Ino's answering laughter filled the room.
The moment she stepped out of the room, she was tackled by a small body.
"Onee-chan! You were awesome!" Hanabi hugged her tightly "I am so proud of you. The way you delivered that final attack was so cool!"
"Thank you Hanabi." Hinata smiled softly. She loved it when her sister reverted back to her younger self.
"And you looked good doing it too" That familiar sparkle filled the youngest Hyuuga's eyes "I knew you developed a taste for dark colors."
"Do they suit me?" Hinata asked self-consciously.
"They do. Uchiha-san seems to think so too." Hanabi subtly gestured to the dark-haired shinobi standing away from them but still looking in their direction.
"Oh." She said playing with the tip of her braid.
"A gift from him perhaps?" The browned haired girl asked as if she didn't already know the answer. The eldest nodded.
"But how did he get your measurements right?" She said with a seemingly innocent voice "Did you model for him in your underwear?"
"H-hanabi! No." Hinata's cheeks glowed "The Sharingan copies everything with precision, I've been under it a few times. I'm sure Sasuke-san used some of that stocked information to get it right."
"Oh" The youngest sister grinned "you do realize that means he had to study your figure thoroughly. He probably even knows what size of bra you wear."
"Hanabi not you too! Why does everyone think he's concerned about what I wear under my clothes?!"
"emm maybe because he put the effort of putting together an outfit for you?" Hanabi said with a deadpan look "One that's flattering may I add. I'm surprised he didn't include lingerie with it, he's certainly meticulous."
"Please shut up." She covered her sister's mouth with her hand, least Sasuke hears her. She had had her fair share of humiliating encounters for today.
"Either way I'm happy you got to fight like you wanted." The short kunoichi said once she pushed her sister's hand away "but father looked angry."
"How angry are we talking?" Hinata's spine straightened as if preparing for an upcoming battle.
"Angry enough you can expect to be summoned to his office." Hanabi looked worried for the first time "And you might have to face Hiashi the clan head not father."
She smiled bitterly. She always faced the clan head, rarely her father.
"I think you might also be facing the whole council." The brown-haired girl fidgeted "You do have a plan Onee-chan…Right?"
"I do" She answered.
"Is it full proof?" She had never seen her younger sister so unsure "I've heard rumors that the elders are waiting for a whiff of interest from any shinobi noble outside of Konoha to try and ship you away."
"I know."
"I heard they even want to propose a match with the Kazekage, if he so much as interact with you." Hanabi blinked away frustrated tears "They want to take you away from me. It's not fair Onee-chan."
"Oh Hanabi." She hugged her sister tightly "I'm not going anywhere. It's taken care of."
"Do you promise?" She tried to hide her wobbly voice.
"I promise." Hinata petted her hair.
"Stupid dust" The youngest wiped away her eyes with the sleeves of her shirt smiling. Her big sister never broke her promises. "So are you going to tell me your plan?"
"Of course." She smiled "but first I have to iron out a few details with Sasuke-san."
"Oh! So he's also your partner in crime."
"Will you wait for me? We can go meet my teammates and watch the rest of the matches together." She ignored her earlier comment.
"Yeah. Before Kiba-kun does something stupid like barging in here to hoist you on his shoulders while doing a celebratory lap." Hanabi said seriously.
"Oh god." Hinata blanched "I'll be quick."
Sasuke watched her as she walked to him.
"Sasuke-san"
"Don't you think it's about time you dropped the honorific?" He said assessing her closely to make sure she was completely healed "I am after all your official mentor."
"How should I address you then?" Her eyes filled with mischief "Sasuke-sensei or Master Sasuke?"
"Hmm. I much prefer the way you say Commander Uchiha." He smirked teasingly.
"But everyone calls you that." She giggled.
"Not disrespectfully, the way you do Hyuuga." He did so love when she did that.
"That's what you get for calling me that ridiculous nickname" Her cheeks pinked.
"What nickname princess?"
"It's not even accurate" She muttered.
"You're right. Maybe I should stop and do as My Lady commands" his dark eyes danced with humor at her sputtering.
"Please don't call me my Lady." She pouted.
"Princess it is." His smirk widened.
"Or you could just use my name." She answered exasperated.
"Your name is reserved for special occasions." It didn't feel right to casually call her 'Hinata', he only ever used it when a strong emotion leaked out.
"You're ridiculous, Commander Uchiha." She crossed her arms and looked away but couldn't hide her smile.
"Only sometimes, princess." He smirked when her cheeks colored once again. Sasuke knew somewhere along the way she came to like the way he addressed her. For it has turned from a mocking moniker to a term of endearment.
And she knows it too.
"Anyway, I didn't come here to discuss names." Hinata said once her face cooled. "I'm probably going to be facing an enquiry from my father tomorrow."
"I'm surprised he isn't here demanding answers." He raised a questioning eyebrow.
"And break the sense of propriety of the Hyuuga clan?" She scoffed "Not a chance. We conduct our affairs internally behind closed doors."
"And you caused quite the scandal." He smirked again.
"Which is why I will be facing an inquiry tomorrow."
"Do you want me there?" He asked seriously.
"No. I have to do this alone." His lips twitched at her determinate look "But I'd like to ask a favor."
"Anything." She probably didn't know how much he meant that.
"Could you release whomever you put under Genjutsu so that our contract could be delivered to my house tomorrow?" She fidgeted with her fingers as if ashamed she was asking for something.
"What makes you think I put someone under genjutsu?" He asked smirking. He totally did.
"Because Neji-nii-san isn't screaming his head off yet." She giggled.
Should I tell her he already figured it out and will be screaming at her later?
Nah. He'll just give him an assignment tonight to keep him out of her hair.
Power Abuse. Sue him.
"And you prefer actions over threats." True. She finished "So, will you?"
"Consider it done." Her smile was radiant.
"Thank you Sasuke." She engulfed his hand in both her smaller ones, looking bashfully at the ground "For everything."
"You've already thanked me for that." He said enjoying this new little habit of hers.
"But I haven't thanked you for your gift yet." She gazed up to him.
"You like them?" He asked, glad he wasn't the only one who did.
"No. I love them" She said before standing on her toes to press her lips to his cheek.
It was a sweet innocent gesture and yet it sent a jolt through all of his body. Which made him turn his head to her quickly just as she started to pull away. Her face was inches away from his, so close he could probably count her eyelashes.
Both froze. Their breath mingling, feeling the radiating heat from the other's face.
He could kiss her right now and put an end to his torment.
Not yet.
She has to face her clan tomorrow and she couldn't afford to be distracted.
Fortunately or unfortunately, she pulled away before his body could take control and close the distance between them.
"Sorry." She squeaked turning around to run.
His hand gripped hers before she could get away. He might've been considerate enough not to mess with her head right now but he was no saint.
"Have I told you how beautiful you look in my favorite color?" Sasuke took a step closer.
Her mouth parted in astonishment.
"You look surprised." He tilted his head to the side as his eyes regarded her "As if you don't get called that often by the men around you."
He leaned down almost to her level "Shame on them."
Her cheeks gained that pink hue.
"You are beautiful Hinata." The whispered proclamation in her ear sent shivers down her spine.
When he pulled away to study her reaction, he got the urge to kiss her again. Her lavender doe eyes were wide and her mouth was slightly parted in bewilderment. Her cheeks of course were prettily flushed.
Beautiful.
"Run along now. Your sister's waiting for you." He smiled indulgently at her, stroking her knuckles with his thumb one last time before he let go of her hand.
She stood there for a second before blinking and mumbling a quiet goodbye.
Sasuke watched her retreating back as she jogged toward the little Hyuuga who had a grin like a Cheshire cat.
The Uchiha adorned his own grin when he heard her muttered "Not a word Hanabi." before dragging her sister away.
Hinata woke up early the next day even though she had been extremely tired from the match, her friends' interrogation and her sister's teasing about that almost kiss.
At least she thought it was one, she could be misinterpreting the whole situation.
But that doesn't change the way Sasuke had looked at her when he called her beautiful. With conviction and a type of simmering emotion that made her heart skip a beat. Nor does it change the way he had whispered her name with something akin to veneration.
It made her question her sanity.
Is it all inside my head?
She groaned at the heart palpitations that filled her chest and reached for her second pillow to smother herself.
Her hand collided with a hard object. A box.
Hinata stared at it in confusion. Opening the lid, she was met with fabric.
It was a beautiful knee length Yukata. Simple, with no particular design. The type she would wear casually around the compound.
The color left no doubt to who sent it. Navy blue.
His favorite color. Her mind supplied helpfully.
A small Uchiha fan was stitched on both sleeves. A subtle statement.
The crimson red Obi was less subtle.
Was it kind of alarming how he could sneak inside her room on a daily basis without being detected? Yes.
Did she truly mind? Not really.
Is this going to become a habit of his?
Maybe Ino was right and he did like to dress her to suit his taste.
Hinata shook her head at the absurd idea. She was overthinking this. It's just tactical, the same way she chooses what to wear to each setting.
She reached inside the box once she noticed the card.
'So that you'd look as devastating as I know you will be.' -S
'PS: Take no prisoners.'
The kunoichi bit her lip in an attempt to stave off her smile. Maybe it was a tactical move to further cement her belonging to his clan (and enrage her father) but there was an underlining of something else there too. Something that sent blood to her cheeks.
And so without further delay she changed out of her nightgown and into her new battle attire. Hinata decided to tie her long hair into a low ponytail with the red hair tie. It really did make her feel brave to wear something of one of Konoha's legends but mostly it was because it belonged to someone dear to Sasuke.
Either way might as well insult the council further, she after all didn't plan on taking any prisoners.
The dojo's paper door slid without making a sound as his daughter walked in.
Hiashi was expecting to see once again the ghost of his deceased wife, her beautiful indigo locks obscuring her face, her kind eyes cast on the ground with deference. His eldest resembled his Hanami so much he sometimes couldn't stand to look at her, to see the judgement painted on his beloved's face.
But what he was met with, was a stranger. A stranger with her hair tied back, her face clear as day. Her eyes looking straight at him.
He couldn't put his finger on it, but something was different in the way she held herself. It was like she was done hiding.
"You called for me father?" Her voice was still as soft as it has always been.
He motioned for her to sit facing him. She looked calm, far from the bundle of nerves he expected to see today.
"You have disobeyed me Hinata" Hiashi hardened himself the same way he always had to, when being a leader "you have gone against your clan's wishes and participated in the tournament anyway."
"With all due respect father, I have not disobeyed you." Her expression didn't change "you forbade me from being the Hyuuga champion, you never said anything about representing someone else."
"I didn't think you'd be foolish enough to need that stated to you." His voice was cold.
"No." Her eyes finally lowered. Good. "You just thought that I wasn't strong enough."
Hiashi was taken aback by the look of defiance that met him once she lifted her head again.
"And you think the Uchiha brat thinks you are?" The clan head felt his calm facade cracking.
"You'd have to ask him." Her eyebrows furrowed "And he's a clan head too, you should address him with more respect."
The Hyuuga man blinked once before rage overtook his senses.
"What about the respect you owe to your clan?!" His voice raised a tiny fraction "Do you know the uproar the council is in right now? Some are calling for you to be disinherited immediately others want to seal you!"
He suppressed the guilt he felt at the terror that crossed her face.
"You didn't only defy my will, but made a fool out of our whole clan." He lowered his voice again "I'm already aware of the rumors circulating in the village about you and the last Uchiha and I do not believe them. But you have fanned their flames with that silly game you played."
Hinata's eyes widened as he sighed.
"There is one thing the elders won't stand for and it's the Hyuuga name attached to a scandal."
"A scandal." Her voice turned cold "This has nothing to do with the idiotic rumors and everything to do with the fact that I actually did succeed independently."
"Be that as it may, you have publicly shamed the Hyuuga and drastic measures have been taken." She looked shocked for a moment then her lips thinned as if resigning herself to her fate. He felt that guilt again at her acceptance, as if there was no doubt in her mind that the result would be anything else but horrible.
Have I really failed you that much daughter?
"You left me no choice Hinata the only way I could appease them was if I accepted the Daimo's son proposal of marriage." He felt his heart break a little at her bitter smile "You will not be sealed but you will leave the clan."
"How generous of you." An eerie calm overtook her face. Hiashi frowned expecting tears of anguish.
"However, I am not under the Hyuuga jurisdiction only." She said her head tilted at the side as if listening for footsteps.
"I know the Hokage cares a great deal for you, but you know even he cannot interfere in internal clan affairs." Hiashi's ears also caught the footsteps heading their way.
"I didn't say anything about Naruto." She had a soft smile, as a branch member knocked on the door, stating there was a shinobi with an urgent scroll addressed to him that refused to leave until he hands deliver it.
Just before the scroll touched his hand, he seemed to noticed the serenity surrounding his daughter. The silent confidence she exuded wearing dark colors, so different from the neutral toned Hyuuga attire. His eyes finally zeroed in on the small Uchiha fans on her sleeves.
He had been so preoccupied by her defiance he didn't see what was right in front of him. And when he looked down, the Uchiha seal mocked him.
He ripped it away harshly, his stomach filling with dread as he read.
And although this was an apprenticeship contract between his daughter and the Uchiha clan. It was just more proof that he was losing his little girl.
A part of him was proud that his daughter was the first in many years to gain an apprenticeship with such a legendary clan (and shinobi he grumbled internally) and how smart she was to use it as a political shield to protect her interests.
But another part of him was so ashamed that she needed that shield in the first place. That in the end he couldn't protect her from the cruelty within these walls.
And as he read the evidence of his failure as a father, he could hear his deceased wife's voice, soft and beautiful telling him "cherish the time you have with your daughters my love, there will come a day when another man takes your place in their hearts."
Hanami, our little sunny place grew up so fast. Someone is already here to take my place.
Hiashi made sure to hide his ghost of a smile. He'd have to summon this Uchiha boy to know what his intention were towards his daughter for he had a feeling his interest ran deeper than that of a mentor. He wasn't risking it after what happened with the blond bimbo that broke his daughter's heart.
With that last thought, he shed his fatherly sentimentalities and adorned the mask of the Hyuuga clan head.
"You plan on involving another clan." Hiashi said with a neutral voice.
"I am a ward of the Uchiha clan, under ancient clan laws you cannot be the sole deciders of my fate." Hinata raised her head high "And seeing as I have not broken any of those laws you can't actually completely disinherit me with or without the Uchiha clan's protection. The most you could do is make me relinquish my position as heir, which I already did."
"The elders won't take this lying down." He got the urge to rub his temples.
"Of course not." Her eyes burned with determination "Should they wish to proceed with their ill-advised scheme, they'll have to schedule a meeting with my mentor."
"Hinata." Hiashi sighed "There is no doubt that the Uchiha is a force to be reckoned with but his diplomacy and political educations are lacking."
"Maybe. I however know how to play the game. You said so yourself." He felt that sense of pride again.
"And in the end if an agreement could not be reached, according to the ancient clan laws they can battle it out." Hinata's smile was a thing of destruction "The elders have the right to choose a champion, lucky for them they already have the advantage of knowing who their opponent will be."
And he was back to feeling ashamed.
"Very well" The brown-haired man said "I shall inform the council of this new development."
"Thank you, father." She stood up "if you'll excuse me, I have to meet my mentor to discuss my strategy for the next part of the tournament."
He nodded as his daughter bowed. Once he was alone, he dragged his hand down his face.
His eldest was always the one that gave him the most trouble in the clan.
Hiashi smiled.
Her mother's daughter indeed.
Sasuke was leaning against a training post observing his new recruits train.
He was not impressed.
He was about to reprimand the older Anbus for not bringing them up to speed, when he felt her fluttering chakra approaching.
He'd knew she'd seek him out after her meeting. He was glad that even if he almost blew it and scared her away, she still came to him anyway.
Wishing to retain some privacy for their upcoming conversation, the Uchiha pushed off the training post and walks toward the entrance of the pit to meet her halfway.
Crossing the threshold of the sound proof barrier installed in all separate section of the Anbu facility, he took a turn and stopped so that the training shinobis could see his profile but couldn't see who he was conversing with.
He could already read the apology on her face as she glanced behind him to the training Anbus.
He cut her off before she said a word.
"So, am I to be expecting an invitation for afternoon tea from the oh so noble Hyuuga clan?" The dark-haired shinobi smirked.
"Not from the elders, no." Her voice was tight "But my father might want to. Just out of sheer bullheadedness."
Sasuke's smirk dropped once he noticed the trimmers in her hands.
"You're shaking."
"I guess I am." Hinata looked down at her hands, her face grim.
"What happened?" He straightened; all battle instinct flared to life waiting for a target. Whomever dared to scare her this badly will not be drawing breath much longer.
"I'd never thought they'd actually want to go through with it." She clenched her fists "That they'd actually call for me to be sealed knowing that there's a seventy percent chance that it'll kill me with my condition."
His blood ran cold.
"They want to seal you?" Sasuke's voice was death incarnate.
"My father proposed another brilliant alternative to save my life" He took a deep breath trying to control his own emotions, he couldn't comfort her if he was on the verge of being the second Uchiha in history to be called 'Clan slayer'.
"How dare he." Her voice shook "how dare he think I'd be grateful he saved me by selling me like a broodmare."
Her voice shook not from fear, Sasuke realized but from rage.
"He genuinely thought I'd just accept leaving everything behind; my sister, my friends, my shinobi and medic career, my life. To marry that cretin with a smile?!" Her face flushed with indignant anger.
"You think the Kazekage is a cretin?" He tried. He really did try to suppress the twitching of his lips. He knew there was nothing amusing about the situation but the way she said it; full of revulsion. He never thought her capable of such an emotion.
"I wish it was Gaara they wanted to sell me to." Ok he was less amused now. "At least I know he's a decent human being and wouldn't make my existence completely miserable."
"No, my clan in their infinite wisdom had decided to give me away to the Daimo's eldest son." She was seething "I get to be his highness's shiny new toy. Did you know he told me I looked as pretty as a doll when I wasn't talking? What a charmer huh?"
Who is this cretin?
He never met this idiot but he'll be sure to introduce himself to him if he was so unlucky as to cross his path.
"And the worst part is they know what he really is: A self-centered, empty-headed, egotistical cowardly, sexist, ape of a man! Who is twice my age! And I would've been his. In public, his to parade around like a won prize. In private, his to...His to.." Her voice broke off but he could read what she couldn't say on her paling face. "I would've belonged to him."
"You belong to no one!" Sasuke's rough voice seemed to wake her up from her spiraling thoughts.
"What did you tell Hiashi?" He spoke again now that the wave of homicidal rage passed.
"I told him he could shove it." Hinata said, her anger reignited once again "That it wasn't their decision to make and to take it up with you if they didn't like it."
"Good." He calmed once he got confirmation, she wasn't going along with it.
"I am so angry I want to set something on fire!" She was shaking like a leaf again "What type of family does that?"
"Hinata. Breathe." He squeezed both her hands between his.
"I can't Sasuke." She inhaled trying to follow his command but failed "I am so furious I feel like I might accidentally hurt someone."
"Inhale." He matched his breathing to hers and she followed "Exhale. Again."
They both breathed for a few additional minutes until her shaking subsided.
"How did you know how to do that?" Hinata asked in a quiet voice.
"I'm reading a book about anger management." He kept a straight face "as you well know I have severe anger issues."
A startled laugh escaped her at his serious tone.
"I'm sorry." She said hiding her smile behind her hands.
"Now that you're more in control. We are going to go to the pit so you can take it out on me." Sasuke was relieved she was less upset. "But you'll have to refrain from setting me on fire in front of my Anbus. I have a reputation to keep."
"Far be it from me to tarnish that fearsome reputation Commander Uchiha." She smiled and he felt his own lips twitching.
"You can tarnish it a little." He smirked "but with a kunai."
She tilted her head to the side when he frowned. That sounded vaguely dirty.
"Come along princess, you can help me with a demonstration today after you change" He walked past her inside the facility, to get her training clothes "Even though you do look beautiful in that yukata, I don't think you'd be comfortable fighting in it."
When he looked back, he saw that her cheeks were dusted as she examined her clothes then looked at him eyes wide.
"I'll keep saying it until you stop getting that surprised look on your face." Sasuke smirked when his eyes met hers "probably even after."
He turned around smiling when she made that adorable 'eep'ing sound.
AN: Ok Sasuke is openly flirting now and all. I know some of you were hoping for a kiss buuut it is really, really close. I have a particular scene in my mind for the first kiss and the make out session. And I want it to be as dramatic as I envisioned.
So bear with me. Savor the buildup, feel the mounting tension and the confusing emotions and enjoy the ride.
I am glad you enjoyed the first part of the tournament, the fighting scene and different reactions.
I am also very glad you find the characters flawed, that is the hardest thing; translating the depth of each character without deviating too much. Also trust me, Sakura will be saying something really soon.
What do you think of Papa Hiashi? Redemption arc? Or shall we leave it at he loves his daughters but the clan comes first.
Expect more Hyuuga clan drama.
I do hope you enjoyed the aftermath. Cannot wait to read your reviews about it all.
Ps: please tell me someone else is getting butterflies from the 'you're beautiful' comment. Or am I really that sensitive to fluff.
-Your fluff loving writer( but still likes a good plot)
Lady Thunder Storm