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As she emerged from the en-suite bathroom, her petite and curvaceous figure barely concealed by an overly small towel, the remnants of self-restraint I had mustered after our shower encounter began to wane. Feeling her bare skin beneath my fingertips and her warm body pressed against mine… any semblance of control slipped through my grasp when I encountered her now passionate gaze.
-"S-Sasuke-kun…"- Her lips uttered my name, causing my body to tense with the mere sound. -"…T-Take me."- "Goddammit"- instinct surged through me in an instant. When I refocused on her, I found myself standing before her—authoritative, insistent, and untamed. Others might label my desire for her as bordering on hysteria, but despite willingly presenting herself to me, I knew I couldn't maintain the same level of control if such a situation arose again. Hence, the deliberate avoidance of even casting a carnal glance in her direction when I decided to keep my eyes closed in the bathroom. Needless to say, all semblance of self-control was unceremoniously discarded when it came to her. Leaning towards her, closing my eyes, I inhaled her scent of lilacs, lavender, and jasmine—a fragrance that intoxicated me like no other. My one and only drug.
-"Gladly"- I all but growled and she breathed out, it was only in that moment that I realized she had been holding her breath in anticipation. -"Tempting me in such a way…"- My hand rested possessively yet calmly on the back of her neck, and although my expression appeared composed, an internal struggle had already ignited. -"... has become a habit, Hinata."- Ensuring she felt the movement of my tongue through every syllable of her name, I observed her body shudder in a way that heightened my desire. Her closed eyes opened, flooding me with their radiance and immersing me in the white void of her soul. Lost in her gaze, her demanding lips met mine, momentarily shocking me. Stepping away from her moments later, I exerted all my willpower to distance her from me.
-"It's getting late."-
I observed her lips attempting to reach mine again, and I delicately yet firmly halted her, holding her cheeks to contain myself and soothe her. I couldn't deny the heightened arousal from sensing her uncontrollable and overwhelming desire for me. To temper the intensity, I gave her a fleeting kiss before gracefully stepping away, making my way to the en-suite bathroom...
"I brought you a gift," I stated from behind her. "Put it on." She responded with a nonchalant "Hmph." "I… hope you like it."
Before closing the bathroom door, I observed her take a deep breath, attempting to calm herself. Subsequently, she walked towards the futon, eyes gleaming with delight as she inspected the white dress I had brought for her—a renewed version of the one she had worn that day. Closing the door behind me, I initiated the process of undressing. With a well-thought-out plan in mind, I took a moment of contemplation in front of the mirror as the water warmed up.
Navigating situations guided by passion was becoming increasingly challenging. While I firmly believed that the events of the previous night, particularly concerning my restraint, were a stroke of luck, the realization that I could potentially harm her prompted me to take corrective action. Stepping into the shower, I let the warm water cascade down my body, finding solace in the pleasant heat that relaxed my muscles. This respite allowed my mind to traverse the plans I had for the upcoming night.
*.*.*.*.*
We strolled through the streets of Konoha, and I ensured she walked by my side. The entire village needed to know that she had chosen me, and soon she would be mine. I sensed a distant gaze and, turning my face, encountered a pair of white orbs resembling Hinata's, yet colder and emotionless – a stark contrast to the beautiful woman walking beside me. My right hand encircled her waist possessively as we continued towards the gates of Konoha. Despite his attempts at intimidation, I paid little attention to the individual, fully understanding the reason behind his behavior. Though he might be the head of the Hyuuga Clan, I considered this battle decisively won.
Exiting Konohagakure, we ventured into the eastern woods. Fireflies began to illuminate our path, and I held her waist a bit more tightly, feeling a sense of anticipation.
-"S-Sasuke-kun?"- Her soft voice didn't disrupt the tranquility around us. -"…What's w-wrong? What a-are we doing h-here?"-
My lips met hers, and I allowed myself to be carried away. My senses heightened, capturing every detail – the wind, the trees, the fireflies, and Sakura blossoms freely falling around us. Above all, I felt her – her soft lips, her tentative kisses, her warmth, her slightly trembling legs. Her hands rested at my sides, gripping my black t-shirt calmly yet firmly. Taking one of them between my hands, I intertwined our fingers, breaking the kiss to gaze at her in awe. -"Beautiful."- Tenderly, I kissed the back of her hand, maintaining eye contact. With my other hand, I retrieved the ring I had bought that morning from my pocket, sliding it onto her ring finger…and waited. Carefully analyzing every expression on her face – surprise, confusion, relief, hope, love, and happiness – her eyes adorned with crystalline drops, she looked at me, piercing my soul…
-"S-Sasuke-kun!"- Her arms enveloped my neck in a fervent embrace, her face positioned in front of mine, planting tender kisses on my cheeks, nose, and forehead. The drops of joy fell on my face, tracing a path down my neck. These tears, I decided, were the only ones I would allow to flow from her eyes every minute of every day if it meant providing her happiness. I could endure that.
Gently placing her on the ground after carrying her by the waist, I offered her a grin that bordered on a half-smile. -"Surprise is not over yet."-
She looked at me with confusion, a smile gracing her face. I had to once again restrain myself from giving in to the moment – there would be ample time for that. Holding her hand, I guided her further into the woods. As we approached our destination, little candle lights hung from the trees, casting an illumination on a path of Sakura tree petals. I couldn't help but appreciate the excellent job Ino had done.
FLASHBACK
The door of the Yamanaka flower shop swung open, and I was met with the astonished gaze of a pair of intense sapphires.
"Well, Hi there Uchiha," her typical mocking tone greeted me.
-"I came to order something for tonight."- I locked eyes with her, a smirk playing on my lips. -"And also to extend an invitation."-
END OF THE FLASHBACK
I guided her off the main path to the right, leading her towards a tent strategically positioned, as I had arranged it beforehand...
-"S-Sasuke-ku-"-
Before she could utter a word, I stood behind her, covering her eyes with my hands. Her body tensed briefly before relaxing, allowing me to guide her into the tent. Inside, the space was perfectly illuminated by small lanterns, serving as a makeshift dressing room. A dresser occupied one corner, and a sizable mirror adorned the opposite corner, facing a dressing box. The beige carpet covered the entire area, offering a comforting ambiance. Releasing her face, I heard a sigh escape her beautiful lips. Allowing her a moment to take in her surroundings, I whispered in her ear -"Someone will come to help you get dressed as soon as I leave."-
Upon hearing those words, she turned around, looking at me with confusion. Our hands found each other, and I sensed a slight tremble in hers. -"I couldn't wait"-"I shouldn't have."- Her gaze met mine, revealing a peculiar blend of fear and happiness.
"I-I…" Her gaze dropped to the floor, avoiding my face, and repentance swelled within me. -"…I do not d-deserve y-you, Sasuke-kun."-
In shock, I gently lifted her chin, making her look at me, and allowed myself to express what I had hesitated to say: -"I am the one who does not deserve you, Hinata."- Her eyes widened in surprise, and before she could protest, my thumb caressed her lower lip, silencing her in a subtle yet effective manner. She needed to hear this. -"Your father was right about me. I am a traitor, an assassin, and a demon. Yet, you were there for me from the beginning. I longed for the trials to start just to see you again, and every night in that dungeon became bearable with the memory of your beautiful face. You have accepted me, Hinata, despite my nature. You love me like no one ever has, and you've made me love you desperately. So, I repeat, I am the one who does not deserve you."- A sincere smile adorned my lips. -"So, I'll see you soon."- I kissed her forehead gently as she blushed. Placing my hands in my pockets, I exited her tent and entered mine. The moment I stepped in; I activated my Sharingan to keep a watchful eye on her. While I couldn't see her, I could observe her unmoving chakra channels. To admit my nervousness would be degrading, but as the dobe entered my tent, concealing my anxiety and escalating nervousness shifted from a challenging task to an almost impossible one.
-"I didn't think this was so serious, dattebayo!"- I drew a deep breath while donning the ceremonial black haori, my family's crest embroidered on its back. Standing in front of the mirror, I closed my blood-tinted eyes in an attempt to control my emotions.
-"Shut up"- I retorted as I opened my eyes, meeting his gaze through the mirror. -"Dobe."- A fleeting maddening smile appeared on his lips for a moment, swiftly replaced by a genuine look of curiosity.
-"Why is your Sharingan activated, teme?"- The room fell silent briefly, and when I turned to face him, I deactivated my Sharingan. -"Hmph."- A fox-like gleam flickered in his eyes, and his right hand rested on my shoulder, now adorned with a calm and loyal expression.
-"I'm very happy for you, Sasuke."- I reciprocated by placing my right hand on his shoulder, nodding to express understanding and gratitude.
-"Very well, then."- The fox-like gaze returned. -"IT'S TIME, DATTEBAYO!"-