hi! English isn't my first language. thought in italic , dialogue in " ", POV alterning and Naruto's still not mine
Chapter 24
Cowardly.
Utterly cowardly.
That's how Hinata would describe herself these days.
Why? Because she completely freaked out after he kissed her.
Sasuke kissed her!
She had fled right after he left. And she's been hiding inside the compound ever since.
Her sister and cousin attributed it to the confrontation with Sakura. They thought that she was upset about it and she was, but that kiss completely overshadowed the previous event. Her brain just couldn't process it.
He had kissed her. He had kissed her like he meant it. So fervently, like he wanted it to be imprinted in her mind and he had succeeded.
Because that was all that she could think about for days when she was awake. At night things got worse as it also haunted her dreams.
Ino was right. She had been in denial about what was going on, since obviously there was something going on between them.
And it snuck up on her in a way that scared her. She felt out of control and she did not like that feeling one bit.
She didn't know how to face him after that. She's never had trouble speaking with Sasuke before, it was always easy. But now all she felt when she thought about him was the quickening of her heartbeat and the tingling feeling that lingered on her lips. The mere thought of his presence rendered her down to the marrow of her bones, completely, helplessly stupid.
So now she was avoiding him. To be fair she hasn't left the compound so it wasn't like she was actively avoiding him.
And if he really wanted to, he could've tracked her down, so maybe he was avoiding her too.
Did he regret it?
Hinata banged her head against the wall (softly) for a few additional minutes, she needed to get out of here before she spirals out completely.
So that was exactly what she did.
The Hyuuga headed towards the Yamanaka flower shop to take refuge there and as she did so she became aware that the first destination that crossed her mind to unwind was Sasuke's office, which only made her dwell more on her predicament.
The sight of Ino behind the counter was a welcome reprieve. Except blue eyes glared at her.
"Why didn't you tell me?" the blonde said instead of a greeting.
"It wasn't my secret to tell." It occurred to her then that her friend might be peeved at her.
"I've been hanging out with Sakura unaware of her betrayal and you let me!" Ino scowled "Why did you truly keep it a secret?"
"You would've found yourself in the middle" The Hyuuga didn't meet her eyes. "And….I was afraid"
"Of what?" Blonde eyebrows scrunched.
"I-I was afraid that after a while you'd have to choose" Her eyes were still fixated on the ground.
"And you thought I'd choose Sakura over you."
Hinata didn't answer. She knew that Sakura was Ino's oldest friend while her friendship with the blonde kunoichi was relatively new. They only became close after the war, but the pinkette had years of history with her. The Hyuuga simply couldn't bear the thought of being a second choice again.
"You should've given me the benefit of doubt" Ino stepped from behind the counter and walked toward her "I can still be mad at her and offended in your behalf without choosing between you two"
"I'm sorry" Hinata finally met her gaze.
"I am a bit mad at you to be honest" The Yamanaka gave her a small smile "but at the moment I am more mad at her, especially after the way she behaved the other night. It was a shitty thing to do."
"It was a pretty shitty thing to do."
"My, my, such foul language miss Hyuuga" The blonde fake gasped.
"I think considering the situation it was appropriate" Her smile faltered at the reminder of all the things that had been said.
"She was a bitch to you and I am so giving her a piece of my mind" A scowl marred the blonde's pretty features "but Sasuke-kun beat me to the punch. He gave her an earful after you left."
"H-he did?" Her cheeks pinkened.
"Now you know someone else chose you" Ino smiled slyly.
This was not helping her forget what transpired after Sakura ruined her night. It certainly was one hell of a pick me up.
"And rumor has it, Naruto is also mad."
"Why are Shinobi such gossip mongers?" She sighed. She could only imagine what they were saying about her too.
"Hey! I take offense to that." The blonde crossed her arms in fake affront. "Anyway, how about a walk around the village? To show you are not affected by anyone's opinion."
Although that was not true, Hinata decided she'd hidden enough.
A Hyuuga doesn't run from a fight.
The blonde linked their elbows together as she dragged her towards Konoha's busy streets.
Their walk was filled with Ino's voice sharing gossip and funny tidbits to get her to laugh. She was mostly successful. Hinata was still very much aware of the looks she received and she attributed it to the one-sided 'cat-fight' (An expression Kiba used when he visited at the compound to check on her), but she was proven wrong when she heard the whispers.
"That's her; The blue flame."
"She's amazing, do you think I'll get a chance to go on a mission with her?"
"I wonder what she's like?"
"The Hyuuga heiress was always nice."
The Hyuuga ignored it all in favor of enjoying her friend's company. They even went to that new Ninja-attire store Ino had been raving about although the blonde was disappointed when they left empty handed.
"I don't know why you didn't get that outfit" The Yamanaka pouted "It fit you well."
"It just didn't feel right." Hinata shrugged.
"Uh huh" One eyebrow was raised in response "Didn't feel right or doesn't resemble the one a certain Uchiha gave you?"
"T-that's not the reason!" Her cheeks flushed.
"Sure" The blonde kunoichi grinned "Speak of the devil."
Lavender tinted eyes widened at the sight. In the mist of the crowd, Sasuke was walking at a leisured pace, his hands in his pockets. It seemed like he was unaware of her presence as of yet, which was why Hinata clutched her companion's hand.
"Run!" The Hyuuga turned the other direction disregarding her friend's squeak.
She has never run faster without the assistance of chakra in her entire life. They weaved through people as stealthily as possible and turned right toward an alley.
Hinata's back was plastered to the wall of an old building as she activated her Byakugan and released a relieved breath at the sight of Sasuke walking far away from their current position.
"Ok, what was that all about?" Ino gaped at her.
"I saw Sasuke." The Hyuuga gulped.
"Yeah, I know" Hinata bit her lip knowing what was to come next "So?"
"S-so he k-kissed me." She mumbled praying her friend didn't hear her.
Her prayers were not answered.
"HE WHAT?!" The Yamanaka's volume was so loud it was a wonder how no one came to investigate "and you didn't tell me?!"
"It didn't come up" She fidgeted under her friend's blue gaze.
"Well, it's up now!" The blond held her shoulders firmly "Tell me everything! When was this? Did you kiss him back?"
"At the party" Hinata felt her face warm as she recalled it "I was upset after the Sakura thing and…"
"And?!" Ino shook her a bit as if to make the answer fall from her lips faster.
"H-he found me" her cheeks reddened further "I was upset and then h-he just k-kissed me."
"Oh my god!" The other kunoichi squealed, ready to start gushing but Hinata cut her off.
"It was stupid. It was nothing." She mumbled "I was crying and he just…It was a stupid nothing."
"But you don't think he thinks it was a stupid nothing" She graced her with that knowing smile.
"Yes. No. I don't know." Pearly teeth bit down on her lower lip.
Maybe that was what bothered her the most. She didn't know the reasoning behind it. Did he do it to make a point when she was wallowing in self-pity asking about who'd even want her?
Gods. That was embarrassing.
She didn't know how to feel if that was the case. So, she put it to the back of her mind or tried to.
"I don't think it was a stupid nothing" Ino said "So was it good?"
So good.
The blue haired kunoichi decided to keep that one to herself.
"It was, wasn't it?" The blonde squealed anyway "You are sooo doing it again"
"Ino-chan!" Hinata squeaked "I..I. H-he..I'm n-not s-sureif that's a good idea?"
"Figure it out" She waved her off "and go for it"
"T-there's nothing to…."
"Are we doing the denial thing again?" The blue eyed kunoichi huffed.
"I..No." Hinata's voice was small "I don't know if he's…"
"Then go take him by the tongue and you'll know." Ino cut her off again.
"Ino-chan!" She held her glowing cheeks. This conversation was not helping the mess inside her head.
"Speaking of tongues. Did he shove his down your throat?" Blonde eyebrows wiggled teasingly.
"W-we are not d-discussing this." The Hyuuga started walking away hurriedly.
"Oh yes we are" but Hinata had heard enough so she walked faster.
"Hinata Hyuuga!" Ino started following her "Get back here!"
However, the Hyuuga was determined to get away from the conversation. So, she did.
Great. Now she had two people to avoid.
Good thing she became so proficient at it.
Sasuke liked to believe that he was a person who respected other people's boundaries. He liked to believe that when someone wanted to be left alone, he'd comply even without them voicing their request directly. After all that was what he'd want.
And for a while his actions did align with his beliefs. After he had shared that kiss with Hinata, although the word kiss didn't do justice to the earth-shattering experience, he had given her space because he knew that she was probably freaking out.
Which was why he didn't open a portal leading to her room since he knew she had been holed in her house since the party. An information he became privy to thanks to the same Anbu he had guarding her during her stay at the hospital.
To be fair keeping tabs wasn't the sole reason he kept his operative on that task. He wanted to see if the Hyuuga elders heeded his warning, plus there was Shikamaru's theory to keep an eye on.
So, for a time he left her be, knowing she'd come out eventually. Which she did.
He spotted her taking a walk with Yamanaka a few days later. She must've felt his presence before he did hers because she immediatly fled at the sight of him but not before he glimpsed that deer-caught-in-headlights expression on her face.
It was adorable.
Extremely so, that whenever she hid every time they crossed paths he pretended not to notice just so he can glimpse that precious reaction.
It was amusing.
It became less so the longer it went on.
Because after a while it looked like they were playing a game of hide and seek all over the village. And she was good. So good in fact that it became annoying how he couldn't get a hold of her because he was done with the giving her space thing.
But no matter how good she was, he was Sasuke Uchiha and when he pursued something, he did so with a single mindedness that bordered on obsession. Which was why he stopped seeking and decided to lay a trap instead.
It was only a matter of time and he was a patient man.
To a certain degree.
He was training in the Uchiha district, a place his clever princess was avoiding since he would've been able to sense her crossing the boundary, when his patience paid off.
"Master Ssssasuke." A snake slithered his way. It was one of his summons, a regular sized one since Aoda would've alarmed the whole village with it's size and that completely defeated the purpose of his plan.
"Mamoru, you have news for me?" The Uchiha sheathed his sword as he observed his summon.
"Yesss master, the rabbit ventured into my territory." He hissed.
Sasuke's idea was simple, he ordered a few of his snake summons to stake out different places Hinata's been known to visit around the village and inform him if she made an appearance.
Was it a bit stalkery? Yes.
Did he feel bad about it? Absolutely not.
"Training ground 4?" The same one where they had their first spar.
"Yesss."
"Good job Mamoru" The shinobi nodded readying himself to track down the exasperating princess.
"I live to serve." The snake said before disappearing into a puff of smoke now that his purpose was achieved.
Sasuke didn't waste any time, he leaped at top speed towards his destination. It would've been faster to travel by portal but his chakra would've alerted her to his presence, and he was not in the mood to hunt her down when she ultimately flees.
He found her standing in the middle, her back to him completely unaware of his presence. He took the opportunity to admire her a bit. She was wearing civilian clothes which told him that even though she was in a training ground she had no plans to train.
Or so he thought. He observed as she concentrated on her hand watching a small flame appear. In the hand, he realized that used to be injured.
Ah so that's why.
She had to start exercising that arm with the elemental chakra but didn't feel comfortable doing it under the Hyuuga's judgmental gaze and she couldn't practice on Uchiha grounds since she was avoiding him, so she had to get creative.
They didn't normally use this training ground. They only used it that once. But Sasuke had a hunch and he was right.
"I always did like the flames you make." He said as he jumped to stand behind her, keeping only a small distance between them.
"S-Sasuke!" Oh, he startled her alright. Judging by the widening of her eyes when she whipped around.
"Tsunade cleared you." He took notice of the pink hue that graced her cheeks the second she heard his voice.
"Y-yes, she said to start small with the chakra manipulation though" He couldn't help but smirk when she started fidgeting under his gaze.
"I haven't seen you much around the village lately." That was a lie of course "Is it because of the fight with Sakura or is it because I kissed you?"
Her eyes turned to saucers at his directness. Her mouth opened and closed a few times, at loss for words.
He wasn't going to beat around the bush.
"I'm not apologizing for that." Sasuke put his hand in his pockets in fake nonchalance.
"Y-you don't have to, I understand it for what it was" Well that was promising. His lips quirked "I was e-emotional that night and y-you took pity on me and wanted to make a point."
His smile disappeared.
He refused to believe she was this dense.
"You're very kind, even going to the extremes." Her small laugh was artificial. He knew the real thing and it sounded nothing like the sound that passed her lips.
It vexed him to a degree he couldn't fantom.
She was seriously going to do this?
"You didn't have to and…"
"Stop." Her mouth snapped shut at his commanding tone "Maybe I wasn't clear last time. Allow me to rectify that."
He walked closer to her and she automatically drew back but that didn't stop him. He was not going to allow her to brush it off.
"I didn't kiss you because I took pity on you or to make a point or any such nonsense" His eyes darkened "I kissed you because I wanted to. I still want to."
With every step he took she took one back.
"I want to kiss you until I am the only thing you can think about. It's only fair, as you're all I can think about."
All of it came tumbling out without his permission as he felt a mix of emotions that made him dizzy. Anger mixed with desire. Frustration mixed with want. All of it was a jumbled mess in his mind. But his words were not, nor were his intentions.
"I want to kiss you until you can't breathe." Another step forward for him. Another back for her. "I want to kiss you until you can't sleep."
Sasuke ignored her panicked look when her back collided with the bark of a tree.
"And I think you already know this. So, is it that you don't know how to reject me?" His hands were placed at either side of her head, caging her completely. "Or could it be that the princess does like me back but doesn't know what to do about it?"
Hinata looked away nervously but he didn't allow her that reprieve. He took hold of her chin and redirected her gaze to his.
Her breath hitched when his nose grazed her cheek as his mouth found its way to her ear.
"Say you do not care for me." His dare was whispered with the outmost need. "Tell me you feel nothing and I will walk away."
Sasuke kept his face close to hers when he pulled back to study her. He had to exercise every ounce of restrain he possessed as to not claim her parted mouth.
Her lavender-tinted eyes shimmered with uncertainty but also want. She wanted him he realized, she just didn't know if she should act on it.
"So Hinata, shall I leave?" Sasuke brought her chin closer to him. A few centimeters remaining between their lips. But he resisted the temptation still.
He's said enough. It was up to her now. So he waited.
He waited as her eyes flickered with hesitation.
He waited as she tried to find her words but ultimately gave up on the endeavor.
He waited as her plump lips stopped but a breath away from his. Her mesmerizing eyes searched his for a second as if looking for an answer he already gave.
Then ever so slowly her lips brushed his. Delicately, like the wings of a butterfly fluttering and he felt his heart do the same.
It lasted long enough to ignite that delicious ember of yearning and still taste that innocence he wondered about for so long. It lingered even after she pulled away.
When he opened his eyelids that he didn't recall shutting, he saw the uncertainty on her face.
"Are you sure?" Hinata asked as if she was afraid of rejection, even after his confessions.
Luckily his face didn't convey how much he wanted to hurt everyone who ever made her question her worth, his best friend included.
"I'm sure." His hand caressed her jaw in comfort before he slanted his lips over hers with the hunger he was done hiding.
He lunged at her. There was no better way to describe it.
Her head was already dizzy with the words he said and the conviction with which he spoke, with the look of craving that was fixated on his face, like she was the air he was desperate to breathe.
And as he kissed her, she felt the world tilt on its axes.
There was nothing else but the fingers that glided in her hair and the hand that gripped her waist pulling her flush against him. There was nothing else but the breath he stole from her lungs and the racing heartbeat she felt under her palm when she placed it on his chest, whether to push him away or pull him closer she didn't know.
Her world narrowed down to Sasuke and Sasuke alone. What was even important other than this?
Has she ever truly been kissed before?
She knew it was wrong to compare, but Naruto had never made her feel like this. Their kisses used to be sweet, nice, enjoyable for the most part.
But Sasuke ignited her senses in a way that was unmatched by her previous experiences.
He had started a fire within her.
He always started fires; be it by giving her courage to stand tall against those who would oppose her or literally teaching her how to breathe it. Either way the result was the same; he always left her burning.
And his kiss was no different. It was all consuming.
He was all consuming.
And Hinata welcomed it all.
She welcomed the hand that found her hip to push her firmly against the tree and she welcomed the other that cradled the back of her head so it didn't collide with the hard surface.
And maybe it was that care and concern he unconsciously showed even though he was as lost as her in the moment, that made her fist both her hands in his shirt and pull him closer. Or maybe it was the way his lips glided more softly against hers, coaxing and asking for permission that made her give it without hesitation.
Heat rose to her cheeks when his tongue touched hers in a gentle caress but she still found herself reciprocating anyway, curious to explore this new sensation.
She must've done something right as Sasuke released a sound from the back of his throat that emboldened her fingers to seek the hair at the back of his neck.
He shivered at her touch and she knew she wasn't the only one affected. Luckly so, for she outright gasped soon after, upon his fingers gliding on the skin that became exposed when her shirt rose to match her movement.
It seemed like they were going at it for hours. Not that she would've minded if that were truly the case.
He only released her from this beautiful torment when they were both in desperate need for air. Both their chests were heaving and brushing against each other with every breath. Sasuke didn't seem in a hurry to put some distance between them, so she kept her eyes on his shoulder.
His fingers found their way to the side of her neck, his thumb pushing her jaw up forcing her to see his dark gaze.
"Any more doubts?" His thick low-pitched voice made her weak at the knees.
She couldn't even articulate a response under the burning stare that studied her face intently as if to memorize every detail. All she could do was shake her head no and try not to blush so plainly.
That of course was a wasted effort as her cheeks heated more when he smirked, probably aware of the effect he had on her.
"Maybe I should explain myself more thoroughly." He somehow was able to reduce the distance between them more until his minty breath fanned her face "You know, to be perfectly clear this time."
"Y-you s-should." Hinata stuttered right before he claimed her mouth again.
The world tilted again. But this time she tried to take the reins as to not feel so out of control. She felt Sasuke smirk against her lips. That didn't help her keep her head on.
Her senses deserted her as everything disappeared once more. Her existence was reduced to the sizzling heat between them.
She was doomed.
Or maybe they were both doomed. At least that what she concluded seeing as neither of them noticed the Anbu operative that perched himself on a tree branch close to their position, not sure how to interrupt.
Judging by the loud throat clearing, he might've already tried to get their attention but failed.
"What!" Sasuke snapped as he teared himself away from her.
"I'm sorry to…interrupt Commander but" The masked man cleared his throat "The Hokage is asking for you."
Hinata's entire face matched the Sharingan that spun to life as the Uchiha glared at the other man. The crimson eyes were very unsettling apparently since the Anbu started apologizing profusely until Sasuke ordered him to stop talking before he loses his temper.
Once the masked shinobi jumped away after one last apology (this time directed at her) the Uchiha faced her again. Whatever he was going to say was interrupted by the muffled sounds she made when she hid her red face in his shirt.
He shushed her in consolation and she became thankful for Sasuke's ability to understand her embarrassed squeaks.
"It's ok. He didn't see." Hinata felt the words vibrate in his chest when she buried her face deeper "Hinata. Breathe."
She inhaled his crisp masculine sent to try and calm her nerves as his hand kept rubbing her back in soothing circular motions until she felt the fainting spell pass. She eased back and felt his other hand cradle her cheek.
"Better?" His lips quirked and her heart skipped a beat. He was so breathtakingly beautiful.
"Yes. T-thank you." A pink hue remained on her cheeks when she remembered she knew exactly how those lips felt against hers.
"I have to go." Sasuke sighed in aggravation "I'll find you later. Is that ok?"
Hinata nodded shyly and this time his smile stretched wide. Her heart skipped multiple beats.
As she said; she was doomed.
That was euphoric.
He was on cloud nine.
Understandable, considering he had kissed Hinata senseless and she didn't mind. Hell she initiated, although he couldn't help taking charge the second she gave her consent.
She didn't mind that either, which only added to his euphoria. He could not wait to do it again.
Too bad their time was cut short by his stupid friend. On the up side he was glad to discover that even though she was embarrassed she still sought shelter in his arms.
That was the most adorable thing he'd ever seen.
He had to stop himself from giving in to the bad case of cute aggression he felt in response. He had wanted to squish her face between his hands and kiss her all over again.
He wondered if that would've overwhelmed her to the point of fainting. He wasn't so sadistic as to do that the first time but still, he was peeved he didn't get the chance to find out.
Sasuke scowled as soon as the Hokage tour came into view. He had been waiting for too long for that and Naruto had the nerve to interrupt him.
The Uchiha didn't bother fixing his face when he strolled through the door.
"What do you want?" He said without any type of greeting.
"That's no way to speak to your Hokage." Kakashi who was standing in a corner spoke as if he wasn't accustomed to his insolence.
"Dobe, this better be important" Sasuke ignored his former sensei "You interrupted a perfectly good evening."
"It is." Naruto had that serious look on his face. "I'm sending you on a mission."
"Couldn't you send someone else?" Dark eyebrows rose. To send him means a serious threat.
"This one is of interest to you." Blue eyes peered at him "Orochimaru sent intel that the Uchiha fortress has been breached and trashed and whomever did it left a message."
"What's the message?" Sasuke's eyes narrowed. Who would dare pick a fight with him?
"We're coming for the rest of you." The blond answered.
"Not very creative." Kakashi chimed in from his corner.
"I thought you might like to investigate yourself."
"Hn." The Uchiha noticed Kakashi's eye fixated on him.
They're afraid I might flip again.
Sasuke scoffed. Torture a Hyuuga elder once and they think you're volatile.
To be fair he might've, if he wasn't in such a great mood thanks to his princess. Although the remnant of that good mood was quickly disappearing.
"Do you want a tracking team with you?" Naruto asked now that he made sure he wasn't going to overreact.
"A certain blue haired Hyuuga tracker perhaps?" The silver haired Shinobi teased.
"You know team 8 is the best" Sasuke was impressed with his friend's professionalism for once. He didn't take the bait to tease him "I'm sure if I asked Hinata-chan she'd take the mission."
"No." He wasn't going to drag Hinata into this mess, she had her own enemies to deal with "I'd rather know what we're dealing with first. Plus, she's still not cleared for combat yet."
"Oh? Been keeping tabs Sasuke-kun?" The Hatake chuckled at his glare.
"Suit yourself." The Hokage reclined on his chair ignoring the byplay "Send a messenger hawk if you change your mind."
"Is this a Konoha only mission?" The Uchiha inquired.
"A threat to you is a threat to Konoha." Naruto still kept that serious disposition "But no, I just made it an official mission so you can take care of it as you see fit."
"Good." The dark-haired shinobi smirked. Naruto sure came a long way from the idiot he used to be. "Then I'm picking up a teammate or two along the way."
"I can still give you a team." The blond answered.
"Not the type I want for this" He shrugged.
"Sasuke." Kakashi used a warning tone "Don't go around making mayhem."
"Relax." He rolled his eyes. "Taka is just more familiar with the Uchiha fortress that's all."
"So you're stopping at Oto then?" The Hokage's mask finally started to melt, leaving way to that bright grin "Say hi to my cousin for me."
"I hope I don't get the chance." He grimaced at the thought of the other clingy Uzumaki.
"Why? Are you afraid your girlfriend will gentle-fist you in the nuts if she smells another female on you?" Blond eyebrows wiggled.
"Was that what happened to you?" He regretted it the second it left his lips. Naruto's eyes dimmed quickly.
"No but it's what I deserve." Any other day and the Uzumaki would've brushed it off "Especially with what happened at the party."
"That wasn't your doing." Sasuke scoffed irritated "The way Sakura behaved is not on you. You want to feel guilty, feel guilty about your part only."
"I am. It's just.." Naruto trailed off
"You have an idea about how much that hurt Hinata." The Uchiha concluded, it was only natural. He was sure his friend had an idea about Hinata's situation within her family a bit more than Sakura did. Still, she knew enough and she still went for the kill. And Naruto being Naruto decided to shoulder the blame.
"I think you and Hinata should talk." Sasuke sighed at his friend's flabbergasted look, it was he after all who threatened to break his legs if he did "I think she's ready to listen to your apology and it might help you too."
"Ok." Naruto brightened a little.
"Look at you two discussing your feelings like mature young men." Kakashi smiled behind his mask "Is this what it feels like to be a proud Papa?"
"Why is he here again?" The Uchiha rolled his eyes.
"Someone has to take over the Anbu while you're gone." The Hokage grinned.
"And you thought Kakashi was the right fit?" He snorted.
"I'll have you know I was in Anbu while you were still in your nappies." The silver-haired shinobi kept his gaze on his perverted book "Plus unlike you I wouldn't abuse my operatives by using them as a flower delivery service."
Sasuke felt his face warm. He was going to skin his Anbu alive.
"Wait? What?" blue eyes darted back and forth trying to find the missing piece.
"And before you go and maim an innocent man" The Hatake ignored his seething student "Maybe you should be more careful about when and where to give your orders."
In hindsight he probably shouldn't have given the Hydrangeas along with his orders to watch over Hinata, in the Anbu break room where there was bound to be eavesdroppers. He obviously overestimated his Anbu's fear from him if they're gossiping about him, especially to Kakashi.
Wait a minute.
"Genma." Sasuke growled as he imagined ripping that sebon from his mouth and stabbing him in the eye with it.
"Oh don't blame him. He was just excited about this new development." Kakashi smiled behind his mask "It meant he might win the bet."
"What bet?" His hand twitched closer to his katana.
"Well Genma-kun thinks you'll be the one to make the first move as Hinata-chan is the shyest between you two." The jonin spoke unconcerned by the killing intent oozing out of the Uchiha "I however knowing how socially inept you are, think it's little Hinata-chan who'll take the plunge. The girl is brave after all."
"Yes. But Hinata-chan tends to confess when it's a life-or-death situation." Naruto seemed thoughtful.
"You think they might dance around each other a while longer?" One silver eyebrow was cocked.
"Well, I don't know about Hinata-chan." The blond idiot grinned "As far as I know Teme's the only one dancing to his own tune."
"Both of you. Shut. Up." Sasuke seethed "Our love life is none of your business."
"Our love life? Is there a new development we should know about?" Kakashi's eye gleamed. "Please tell me that I won the bet and it's Hinata who has the bigger balls."
"Fuck you." The Uchiha scowled.
"I'm not sure Hinata-chan would like that very much."
Laughter filled the office as Kakashi skillfully dodged the Chidori coming his way.
Whenever he was summoned to this office, Neji had learned to expect a task that'll make him grind his teeth in a way his former sensei would disapprove of (considering his habit of obsessively brushing his teeth to obtain that sparkly effect when doing his good guy pose) giving the fact that his commander was an absolute asshole who enjoyed tweaking his nose.
Because no matter how sweet Sasuke Uchiha was on his cousin, his assholery manifested towards everyone else with no remorse. Especially him.
Neji was very much aware of the fact that it was done because the other man derived a twisted sense of pleasure out of trying to break his Hyuuga mask, after all he represented a better challenge than Hinata who was easily flustered (Not that the Uchiha didn't enjoy doing that too)
The point is that outside important Anbu mission that were delivered in a monotone voice while the Commander was reading a scroll. The Hyuuga knew that a summon with eye contact never boded well for him.
"I'm leaving for a mission tonight." The Hyuuga waited for him to elaborate "It'll take a week or three depending on what I find."
"And?" Neji crossed his arms waiting for the other shoe to drop.
"And I'm giving you a task. Off record."
He cocked an eyebrow at that. A task off the record could be anything when it comes to the Uchiha.
"It's about your cousin." That got his attention "I want you to watch over her while I'm gone."
"I don't need you to tell me that." Neji felt a vein throbbing in his temple "I've been doing it long before you came along."
The Uchiha's lips twitched in amusement.
Damn it. He was doing it again.
"There's you high and mighty Hyuuga elders" Sasuke ignored him "Although I'm sure Hinata can handle herself in that regard plus there's the branch members that have her back now that almost all of them had pledged their allegiance."
"How do you know about that?" Neji frowned. That was an internal clan matter. Sasuke shouldn't be privy to that information and he doubted Hinata divulged it.
"I make it my business to know anything that pertains to my…..apprentice" Neji didn't miss the way he paused when defining Hinata nor did he miss the possessive connotation "Since we're…entangled with each other unless she decides otherwise."
The Hyuuga knew he was alluding to his cousin being a part of the Uchiha clan, but the way he smirked in self-satisfaction told him otherwise making him scowl. He had a feeling 'entangled' meant involved in some way.
Bastard.
He couldn't confront him unless he was sure.
"There's however additional information." The Uchiha's eyes sharpened. "The village council might set their sights on Hinata."
"Because of the branch members' actions." The genius caught up quickly. He might not be as well versed as the heiress in politics but he knew enough to know that both Konoha elders had influence that was in par with the Hokage's.
"Yes." Sasuke conveyed the seriousness of the situation with his voice "I'd like to be cautious and have someone watch her back just in case."
"You don't believe they'll try anything do you?" His Byakugan narrowed "She's the Heir to the Hyuuga clan. Even when she'll officially relinquish her position, she's still a high profile. Especially with her past relationship with the Hokage and being involved with you."
"That didn't stop them from wiping Konoha's most powerful clan last time." His eyes hardened at the reminder of the Uchiha massacre "And even after I killed Danzo and Root was disbanded, I know that they still have their hooks in some of their 'reformed' operatives"
Neji felt chills traversing his body at the callous way he mentioned killing a high ranked officer when he was a mere teenager.
"Which is why this is off record." Sasuke continued "You, Naruto and Nara who theorized all this, are the only ones I trust with Hinata's safety."
The Hyuuga smirked, his cousin truly had a gift of making allies out of the most unexpected people. Although he knew the man in front was way in too deep but he was the most dangerous out of them all. For once Neji felt thankful for the Uchiha's attention towards Hinata.
"Do you want me to do some reconnaissance on it?" The brown-haired man asked. It was better to see a threat coming than be surprised by it.
"I won't order that, giving it's considered treason to spy on high rank government agents." A brown eyebrow was cocked. Since when did the Uchiha care about the rules?
"However, I will not report you or any findings you bring to my attention."
That was more like it.
Neji nodded. Even though he was known for his absolute loyalty to Konoha, he only trusted in Naruto and now the Uchiha. He was ready to be a vigilante for his little sister. There was no way his honor would compromise Hinata's life.
"Just keep me in the loop."
Sasuke nodded his consent.
"Do we tell Hinata-sama?"
"Not now." The Uchiha smirked in a way that infuriated him "Let's not ruin her good mood."
That made him narrow his eyes, the way he said it suggested he was the one behind that good mood.
"You know she'll be angry at you when she finds out."
"It's Hinata, she's a baby kitten." Neji scowled at that "I doubt her anger would be that bad."
"You've obviously never been on the receiving end of her cold shoulder before."
"I'd rather ask for forgiveness later." Sasuke dismissed him.
"Fine." It'll be his funeral.
It was going to suck when she finds out they kept her in the dark. Hinata might be a sweet baby kitten as the Uchiha so eloquently put it but her cold fury was as glacial as any other Hyuuga.
For now, he'll trust the Uchiha's judgment plus he could always put the blame on him later.
The steam was rising out of the shower, more accurately out of Hinata Hyuuga's face.
Her skin's default setting had become red since Sasuke Uchiha introduced her to the wonders of his mouth this afternoon.
Gods she could not believe he kissed her that way. He kissed her a lot.
It was hot and steamy and every bit any straight woman's fantasy. And she had been the recipient. Her!
It boggled her mind because it came out of nowhere.
Her brain immediately called bullshit on that statement. A little voice that sounded suspiciously like Ino told her to get her head out of her ass and stop being in denial. Then it proceeded to remind her of all the instances where there had been a hint of something.
Starting with the most recent.
At the bar, at the party when he so gently tucked her hair behind her ear before leaning in. A move usually used before initiating a kiss.
A pink hue appeared on her cheeks.
The way he nuzzled her neck and deposited a kiss there when they were basically cuddling after he blew up in the hospital.
That pink hue became a fully formed blush.
The fact that he sent blue Hydrangeas and now she knew that he might know what they mean; that you consider the recipient to be as important to you as the beat of your own heart, Ino had said.
That blush traversed the bridge of her nose.
That tension filled moment when she was sure he could've kissed her at the preliminaries.
The pink blush turned red.
The way he called her beautiful after that near kiss and every time he said it verbally or with his gaze since then.
The red spread to her whole face.
That time she ended up on his lap with his hand cradling her face before Kakashi-sensei interrupted and the fact that she wanted to kiss him then too.
The blush spread down to her neck.
The many, many instances she found herself pinned down after a spar, their faces very close and his eyes flickered to her mouth. A detail her brain had ignored a few times.
Steam came out of her ears.
Okay so maybe she has been in denial. And in denial about her own denial.
Maybe Sasuke did like her after all. She ignored the 'I told you so' by the imaginary Ino.
Hinata wrapped a towel around herself and proceeded to dry off while grinning like a lunatic.
Sasuke liked her!
She left her bathroom after dressing in a state of giddiness.
"What are you smiling about?"
"Hanabi!" The eldest Hyuuga stopped her chakra laced hand from making contact with her sister's chest at the last minute "Don't do that! I could've hurt you."
"I'm sorry." Silver-eyes widened "I was just practicing chakra suppression."
Hinata took a moment to steady her racing heart then smiled.
"Good job. You snuck up on me."
"You were distracted though." Hanabi's cheek warmed at the praise prompting her sister to giggle.
She's so cute.
"You still did very good."
"What got you so distracted anyway?" The young heiress asked.
"Nothing." She was thankful for the blush that was already there when she left the shower, that way her sister's sharp eyes didn't catch the change in demeanor.
"I was looking for you earlier and Ko said you went out." Her sister regarded her curiously. "What did you do today?"
"N-nothing special I went to the training ground and…" The blue-haired kunoichi hissed in pain. She shouldn't have used her injured arm.
"Onee-chan!" Hanabi gasped "Are you okay?"
"I'm okay" Hinata held her hand closer to her chest "I just over used it today, that's all."
It did hurt. Her arm was still recovering and she was supposed to start slow with the chakra manipulation.
"I'm so sorry." A guilty look marred her sister's features. "If I hadn't startled you…"
"I'm fine Hanabi."
Just as she was about to continue reassuring her, she felt it.
That distinctive spark of electric chakra. It was a flicker barely there, Hanabi didn't even feel it. But she had become so attuned to it she knew that the small spike was done to announce his arrival.
"I-I think I'll just lie down now." Hinata stuttered. Hopefully he was listening and wouldn't barge in with her sister still here.
"Should I call the Hyuuga physician?" A frown marred the younger Hyuuga's face.
"There's no need." The blue haired kunoichi started pushing her towards the door "I'm a medic you know and I say I just need rest."
"But we didn't even get the chance to catch up." Hanabi protested.
"We'll go out to have breakfasts in the morning" Hinata all but shoved her out "I promise."
"Alright" Brown eyebrows frowned.
"Good night Hanabi." She closed the door without waiting for a response.
Hinata listened for the footsteps getting further away before turning around and coming face to face with Sasuke. If she hadn't been aware of his presence nearby, she would've jumped a meter in the air.
He was standing behind her, like he promised he would earlier. The Uchiha was wearing a gray armor over a black sleeveless turtleneck that allowed her a glimpse of his Anbu tattoo on his shoulder. A Hawk porcelain mask was strapped to one side, his katana to the other instead of his back like the rest of his brethren.
It was the first time she ever saw him in his Anbu gear and she finally understood some of her friend's ravings about men in uniforms.
"Hello, Commander Uchiha." It slipped out automatically, she didn't think she could call him anything other than that when he was dressed like this. His lips twitched at her cheek.
"Princess." His hand reached for hers and she felt a blush starting to form the second his fingers touched her skin. Or maybe it was the way his dark eyes gleamed in amusement.
"How bad does it hurt?"
"Huh?" She stupidly said as her brain switched off when his thumb started rubbing the inside of her wrist.
"Your hand." His lips twitched again.
Oh, right.
"Just a bit."
"Hmm. So, I don't need to kiss it better." Her blush intensified at his teasing smirk.
"N-No." She squeaked.
"Too bad." His smirk stretched a bit wider. "Promise you'll be more careful while I'm gone."
"O-ok" Her eyebrows scrunched "You have a mission?"
"Yes" Sasuke answered not letting go of her wrist.
"Oh." Her eyes were cast to the ground. An Anbu mission could take from a week to months depending on the circumstances. The fact that the Hokage was sending Sasuke out meant it was probably a hard and dangerous one.
"Be careful" Hinata blurted out.
"Are you worried about me Hyuuga?" She could hear the smirk in his voice.
"Maybe." She mumbled.
"I'll be gone for a couple of weeks at tops." His fingers found her chin lifting it up "Wait for me?"
All she could do was nod. Her cheeks flushed again when he smiled in response.
It dawned on her then that he came all the way here to say goodbye. Butterflies irrupted in her stomach at the thought.
Once he let go of her chin, her gaze found their joined hands. Her free hands reached down to her wrist slipping off the red elastic band onto his.
"I gave that to you." He frowned examining his brother's hair tie.
"It's yours" She smiled "I just borrowed it for luck and to be as brave as your brother was."
"You at least can use it."
"So can you, your hair is long enough." He raised an eyebrow at that. "You can give it back when you finish your mission."
"Borrow it and be beholden to give it back. Is that supposed to be an excuse for me to come back? " His eyes gleamed in amusement and her cheeks flushed immediately. Her idea was more in line with that it was a precious object but his wasn't so bad either.
"I have a more important reason to be here." His gaze changed to the one that always warmed her face.
They stood there for a moment longer with his fingers caressing her forearm absentmindedly. For someone who was averse to touch, Sasuke sure enjoyed gliding his hands on her skin.
It was very distracting.
"How do you feel about snakes?" The Uchiha asked pulling her out of her thoughts.
"I don't particularly mind them." Her eyebrows scrunched in confusion.
Hinata watched as he bit his thumb before making a series of hand signs. Once the smoke cleared, she glimpsed a slender snake wrapped around his wrist. Its scales were white, they gleamed a light purple under the moon light.
"He's beautiful." Hinata gasped.
"Thanksssss" The reptile answered and her eyes widened in surprise. She knew some summons were capable of talking but she's never met one other than Pakuun.
"Mamoru, this is Hinata." Sasuke introduced "You're to stay within her until I get back."
"Nice to meet you Mamoru." The blue-haired kunoichi hesitantly brought her hand to stroke his scales. He seemed to enjoy it.
"The Hyuuga compound is the safest place in Konoha." She said understanding the purpose of the summon, he wanted it to watch over her. Fitting for a reptile whose name means protector.
It was kind of sweet.
"I don't exactly trust the Hyuuga very much either." He raised an eyebrow.
Fair.
"Alright if Mamoru doesn't mind." She smiled when the reptile wrapped himself around her wrist in a silent statement. It was kind of disconcerting how a summon's personality sometimes matched its summoner.
"Is there a specific food he likes?" She watched as the snake came up her arm now that she gave her consent.
"No. He can hunt for himself." His eyes followed his summon's path up her shoulder "Mostly he'll just use you for body heat."
As if to confirm his statement Mamoru slithered around her neck, his tail resting on her collarbone like a necklace while his head nuzzled her cheek. The Hyuuga giggled when his forked tongue tickled her skin to familiarize himself with her sent.
"Your mate is lovely, Master Sasssuke." The reptile rubbed his head against her cheek.
"She is. Isn't she?" She blushed again. She couldn't determine whether it was from the fact he didn't contradict the snake about her being his mate or calling her lovely. Probably a combination of the two.
"While I'm gone don't..." He cleared his throat looking to the side "Don't accept drinks from foreign shinobi." Was that a small blush on his cheek? "And don't accept proposals from redheads or royal dickheads."
It was his own way of saying to not get involved with someone else other than him. Hinata giggled. It was kind of…cute.
"And if for some idiotic reason your elders want to take advantage of my absence" His eyes found hers conveying the seriousness of his statement "If they try to force your hand in anything."
"Lightning. Fires. Uchiha district." The Hyuuga answered. She was not going to get pushed around by anyone.
She knew that this scenario wasn't that farfetched especially with the way the branch member regarded her right now adding to it Sasuke's treatment of one of their elders. Her grandfather was a man that held grudges and he might just try something along those lines just to spite her.
She'll fight her way out if she has to and to hell with the consequences.
She was pulled out of her thoughts by Sasuke's hand on her cheek. Hinata looked back at him to find that oh so familiar smirk on his lips.
"That's my brave warrior princess." Her face warmed at the moniker not knowing what to say next.
"I should get going." His eyes flickered to her lips and she felt her heartbeat pick up the pace.
He leaned down slowly and her stomach knotted in anticipation. But his lips brushed her cheek instead. She felt herself deflate.
"I would love nothing more than to kiss you again." Her face warmed and she felt him smirk against her cheek "But I believe we have an audience."
Hinata activated her Byakugan. Has she been so distracted as to not feel a chakra nearby? She found the culprit immediately.
"Hanabi!" She gasped when she saw her sister's own Dojutsu activated. The little Hyuuga's eyes widened at being caught and she quickly turned it off.
Just as she felt her indignation start to mount, Sasuke covered her lips with his. The veins around her temples receded just as he pulled away.
"There. One for the road." He smiled at her surprised squeak. "I'll see you soon princess."
The Uchiha jumped through the window leaving Hinata with flushed cheeks and her fingers on her lips.
AN: Damn, Sasuke's turning up the heat. The amount of giggling I did while writing these scenes was ridiculous. Don't you just love it when Kakashi teases Sasuke. I cannot wait to start writing the rest. You can expect some action, intrigue, a lot of fluff and a dash of heat. I'm still debating about the spice spice in later chapters.
Now for the new comers welcome! I hope you are enjoying the story so far. I love interacting with all the readers. You have no idea about the wide grin I get whenever I read a new positive comment. Hell, I even laughed at that hateful one. (Might actually use some of it for a possible villain or maybe Sasuke being a menace depending on my mood)
As you can tell there are a few references to a few shows I like. Sometimes I just can't resist slipping one or two.
Please feel free to discuss at length the kissing scenes in the comment section or just any part of the chapter really. I need your feedback!
-Your giddy writer
Lady Thunder Storm.