I finally fucking did it... Arh it feels great to post something... It didnΒ΄t turn out exactly how I wanted. But IΒ΄ve been looking at this chapter for almost a freaking year. I think itΒ΄s time to move on... Still hope you all enjoy the story. I will be posting the next couple of chapter soon. As they are basically done, I just need to check them an extra time.
"Iβd love to see things from your perspective, but itβs almost impossible to get my head up your ass that far."
"Why is it OK for you to be an idiot, but not OK for me to point it out?"
Hinata could sense the intense atmosphere between Sasuke and Kurotsuchi. They were making pointless remarks at each other when the other spoke. And Hinata could feel it wearing her down. Along with the others. For the first time since meeting Sasuke, she felt exhausted and annoyed with him. Why did he keep acting like a child. Why couldn't he just shut up so everyone didn't have to listen to their bickering. It didn't help that Tsunade and A were bickering as well. But at least they were discussing their work. And they weren't making snarling remarks about each other, the way Sasuke and Kurotsuchi were.
"Good luck finding someone who will put up with your bullshit as well as I did!"
"I would tell you to go fuck yourself, but I'm pretty sure you'd be disappointed"
"Should we discuss your shares for this term?"
Hinata said, trying to change the subject and alleviate the tension. Their food had just arrived. Yet it felt like hours had passed already. Hinata could also feel Mei staring at her a little too much for her liking. It was just ridiculous. All of it. They didn't even hear her question. They didn't even try. Hinata looked down at her tablet. Clenching it hard her head began to ache.
"Acting like a dick doesn't make yours grow bigger."
Kurotsuchi snarled at Sasuke.
"Were you always this annoying or are you making a special effort today huh?"
Sasuke hissed back at her.
Hinata couldn't hear her inner voice. That's how much noise they were making. And the annoyance just kept building up inside of her. She felt like her mind was about to explode. When suddenly Kakashi clabbed his hands hard twice. And they all became silent. As they turned their attention to him.
"Now my friends... Let's not discuss business or our disagreements with each other. The food has been served and the wine has been poured."
Kakashi said. And lifted his wine glass.
He continued and encouraged everyone to do the same. Hinata sighed relieved and with a smile lifted her glass to his. And Kakashi smiled back at her as he clinked their glasses together. The others lifted their glasses as well and despite not feeling friendly, they all cheered with each other. Sasuke was about to reach over to clink glasses with Hinata. When she pulled away her glass to take a sip.
Sasuke widened his eyes as he saw Hinata staring at Kakashi. As they smiled at each other. She didn't even notice him. Her eyes were no longer in his direction. But focused on the silver-haired man beside her.
Sasuke felt a lump of ice form in his stomach. As he tried to pretend like nothing. He took a sip of his wine. Before deciding to take two more. And just a sip more. He hadn't touched his food before the first glass of wine was gone. Sasuke couldn't register what had happened. Normally Hinata would always look at him first. Her attention would always be in his direction. But now it was like a wall had come between them. He could sense it. Her body language and her tone of voice. She was turned away from him. And instead had her focus in Kakashi's direction. Her legs folded and her feet pointed in Kakashi's direction. Not towards him.
Sasuke took a bite of his steak. The meat didn't taste good. It felt bitter and unsatisfying. He took another bite but it was the same. Everyone else seemed to enjoy their food. Sasuke sat quietly for a moment. He then sighed and got up from the table.
"I'll be back in a moment"
Sasuke said as he went towards the restrooms.
"I suggest you do a little soul-searching while you're gone. You might just find one."
Kurotsuchi smiled sarcastically at Sasuke as he got up.
Sasuke looked angrily down at Kurotsuchi. But then ignored her as he tried to see if Hinata was following him with her eyes. But she merely looked at him as he got up. Then her gaze returned to Kakashi and she smiled as she talked to him and Onoki. It was frustrating.
Inside the bathroom, Sasuke splashed his face with cool water. He looked at himself and didn't recognize the man in the mirror. He was angry and irritated. Why did Kurotsuchi of all people have to be there. She was the last person he wanted to be forced to be around. They always brought the worst out of each other. Acted like fucking babies. He rubbed his eyes and slabbed his face.
"Don't let her cloud your judgment!"
He hissed at himself. Before going back out and sitting down at the table once again.
"Speak of the devil... What happened? You brought everyone so much joy when you left the table..."
Kurotsuchi said as she directed her attention from Mei to Sasuke who came into ear-distance of them. Sasuke forced a smirk on his lips as he smiled at Kurotsuchi and clenched his fist. He had to scream inside himself to not reply to Kurotsuchi with a snarky comment. And it seemed to work. As he noticed Kurotsuchi getting slightly surprised that he didn't go along with it. She narrowed her eyes as Sasuke sat down. She took another sip of her wine before continuing to eat.
"So Hinata- Oh I mean, Miss Hyuga. How long have you been in the business of secretary?"
Mei asked with a smile that seemed exceedingly fake. Hinata who had been mostly talking with Kakashi turned her face to Mei who was opposite of her. Hinata could sense that Mei was questioning her ability and skills. Hinata could feel a lump in her stomach forming. Confrontation had always been hard for Hinata to navigate. Hinata knew how she would have acted had it been her former self. She would have doubted herself and crumbled before these people. She would have stumbled through her words and not have known what to answer. Letting superior and older people intimidate her. Making her doubt herself and her skills. But not anymore. Hinata smiled and turned her attention to Mei. She straightened her back and looked into Mei's eyes.
"Mrs Temuri... I've been working as a secretary for directors and chief executives since I was 18. Before that, I worked part-time as an assistant to a bank manager. So, I'm rounding eight years soon..."
Hinata said with a smile.
"But of course, if you only count my full-time job, then it's four and a half..."
Hinata said. She looked away and smiled at Kakashi who was listening interested.
Sasuke smiled softly to himself hearing her speak with such confidence about herself. It was hard to recognize the woman who first appeared in front of him. Kurotsuchi saw Sasuke's smile and she widened her eyes in surprise. She quickly looked away from Sasuke irritated. But she could feel her cheeks blush. Mei raised her eyebrows impressed.
"Well, you must have so much experience by now! That kind of work ethic is hard to come by"
Mei said enthusiastically smiling at Sasuke and Hinata.
"I'm so jealous. I wish my assistant was as hardworking and ethical as you."
Mei continued. Pouting jealously. With a glimpse in her eyes. Hinata smiled feeling weird about the situation.
"Yeah I've heard quite impressive things about you"
Kakashi said and smiled at Hinata. Hinata looked surprised at Kakashi.
Hinata asked. She felt slightly flustered and her cheek blushed.
"Yeah, you worked for the Hyper Corporation before right?"
Tsunade commented and folded her hands together.
Hinata replied and nodded. It felt so weird getting praised by people who were much older and with such high status in their industry of work. She could feel the smile grow on her lips. But she tried to hide it and be humble without downplaying herself.
"I used to work with one of your employers. Mhm, what was his name again..."
Tsunade said as she tried to remember the name of the person. Sasuke enjoyed watching Hinata brighten up the way she did now. She seemed to almost glow. He rested his face in his head as he leaned to enjoy her company. The others kept complimenting her on her hard work and good effort. How she handled the court case. Many of the efforts she had made were complemented. And her eyes lit up with pride and joy.
"I enjoy the work I'm doing."
Hinata said as she finally turned her attention to Sasuke and smiled at him. And Sasuke smiled back softly. Feeling his heart skip a beat he saw her smile to him like that.
"What was it... Ah, now I remember..."
"Otsutsuki... Otsutsuki Toneri"
Tsunade said as she finally remembered the name of the man.
"Otsutsuki Toneri? You've worked with him?"
Kurotsuchi asked impressed. Kurotsuchi and Onoki looked surprised at Tsunade.
Kakashi asked and looked curious at Sasuke, Mei, and A who also seemed to have no idea who that was.
"Of course, you guys wouldn't know anything. He's a very skilled and talented man in our field of work!"
Kurotsuchi said and rolled her eyes at the others. Onoki nodded in agreement with his granddaughter.
"I would have loved to work with him!"
Kurotsuchi said and sighed vaguely in jealousy. As she took a sip of her wine. Tsunade looked at Kurotsuchi.
"I only met him like five times or so... He seemed as skilled as everyone was making him out to be. But you used to be his assistant and secretary right?"
Tsunade said and looked down to take a bite of her steak. Sasuke was surprised to hear Hinata had worked for such a well-known and skilled person as this Otsutsuki Toneri seemed to be. Since even Tsunade seemed to respect his work and talent.
But the table went silent. As Hinata became quiet. Sasuke looked back at her. He could see she was trying to hide her emotions. Her smile got more intense and seemed overwhelmingly fake. He noticed how she clenched the dress in her lab as she breathed heavily.
Tsunade asked as no answer had come from her. Hinata finally looked up at Tsunade with a forced and fake expression on her face.
"It's been quite some time since I've heard that name..."
Hinata said and reached her for a glass of wine. Which she chucked down in one go.
"Yeah... I used to work for... That man..."
Hinata replied. She went quiet for a bit. As the others kept eating.
"Will you excuse me, I think I'll grab myself a drink from the bar..."
Hinata said as she got up and proceeded to go towards the bar. The others didn't seem to notice Hinata's bizarre behavior. But Sasuke could feel a strange feeling form in his stomach. Like something was wrong. He wanted to go speak to her.
"But no really, he has made some incredible discoveries... I mean he's still fairly young."
Tsunade said, and Kurotsuchi seemed fascinated and listened to her about this person she admired. Sasuke was about to get up. But to his surprise, Kakashi got up before him. And walked towards the bar where Hinata had sat down by the counter.
Kakashi asked as he came up beside Hinata. She gasped quietly as she was startled by Kakashi.
"Oh my apologies, you startled me."
Hinata said and giggled softly. And Kakashi gestured an apology.
Hinata replied and gestured for Kakashi to sit down on the empty bar chair beside her. And he did.
"Can I get you anything?"
Kakashi asked and looked up at the menu. Hinata shook her head politely and smiled.
She replied and pulled her blue drink to her that was on the opposite side of her. Out of view for Kakashi.
"What a fancy color, I don't believe I've ever seen that one before..."
Kakashi said as he saw the clear blue cocktail with a lemon slice hanging from it. Hinata giggled slightly and sighed exhausted.
"It's quite the scandalous drink... I don't think you'll like the name..."
Hinata said and stirred the drink. Kakashi raised an eyebrow in curiosity.
"Adios Motherfucker... That's the name of it... "
Hinata said and laughed vaguely out loud as she said the name. Kakashi widened his eyes surprised to hear her say that out loud.
"It must be quite the drink then..."
Kakashi said and chuckled along with her. Hinata nodded slightly and sighed with a forced smile.
"I know it might not be my place to ask... But are you alright?"
Kakashi asked as Hinata took a sip of her drink. She didn't answer at first.
"Hey... I know it's been a long time since... Well... You know... You probably hardly remember me do you?"
Kakashi asked as he sighed. Hinata looked exhausted back at him.
"No... I do... A little bit... You were my mother's favorite student after all..."
Hinata said and looked off to the side as she sighed again.
"You were there when it... happened... And I remember seeing you at the funeral..."
Hinata continued and chucked down another large sum of her drink. She could feel how the alcohol from the wine and the drink began making her cheeks hotter and more flustered. Kakashi sighed and ordered himself a drink. They both sat in silence for a moment.
"How are your father and sister doing?"
Kakashi asked mindful not to mention something that might be painful for them both. Hinata looked back at him with an empty look in her eyes. While she continued to force her smile.
"... My sister is doing good... She got accepted into a very prestigious boarding school. It's about two hours away I think."
Hinata said and ate some of the peanuts and other snacks that she had ordered along with her drink.
"I can't speak for my father... We fell out around a year ago..."
Hinata said, continuing to eat the snacks.
"I'm sorry to hear that..."
Kakashi said and looked back at her worried.
"Don't be... We had our differences... We both made our choice."
Hinata said looking away. But she turned her head back as she felt Kakashi's hand on hers. Words weren't needed. They both looked into each other's eyes. And they both recognized the pain they saw through each other.
Kakashi could see the live jazz band playing quiet tunes. And some people had gone up to dance. The lights were a dime, and right now they both needed some comfort without words or explanation.
"Would you like to dance?"
Kakashi half whispered. As he felt he might be overstepping her boundaries. But to his surprise, Hinata left out a soft chuckle. And she nodded with a caring smile on her lips.
Kakashi held out his arm. And Hinata let him guide her to the dance floor. She reached for his shoulder. As he put his hand on her back. And they held each other's hand, as Kakashi guided Hinata slowly. And the music filled Hinata's heart with warmth. She closed her eyes and rested her head against his chest. She could hear his gentle heartbeat. Everything became so quiet. She could only hear the jazz and his heart. It had been a long time since she felt so relaxed and safe.
When was the last time?... Who was it?... Hinata opened her eyes. She moved her head away from Kakashi's chest. And she felt her heart sink. Something felt off. She looked up at Kakashi. Deep into his eyes. And it hit her. She smiled softly and chuckled unsure.
Kakashi asked as he looked back into Hinata's bright soft eyes. She had a forced smile again. And her cheeks were pink.
"... I finally remembered..."
Hinata whispered. And Kakashi looked back at her questioning with a smile.
"I shouldn't be speaking with you about this but..."
"I just remembered why I enjoy working with Mr. Uchiha so much..."
"I think this evening made me forget for a moment..."
"I've been so annoyed at Mr Uchiha and his behavior around Miss Kurotsuchi. He acted like such a child... It really agitated me. I've never seen that side of Mr Uchiha before..."
Hinata said and furrowed her eyebrows. Kakashi looked wondering at Hinata.
"Oh, I'm sorry.... It's just... I guess I just don't understand it... And it irritates me that he acts that way... I've always thought of Mr Uchiha as a mature leader... But seeing him like that..."
Hinata said with a slightly angry tone.
"Yeah... They both acted like children didn't they..."
Kakashi said with a defeated chuckle. And Hinata returned the chuckle. But then looked off to the side.
"But then I remembered all the good things... Why I decided to work there. Why I put in the extra effort..."
Hinata said with a smile.
"I've always felt respected by him... I've always felt appreciated. My voice gets heard, and my work is seen..."
Hinata said and closed her eyes in happiness.
Hinata opened her eyes, and all light disappeared from her eyes and face.
Hinata whispered. Her smile was gone and her face was empty. Her body all of a sudden felt ten times heavier. And she clenched Kakashi's shoulder, and his hand which was intertwined with hers. Kakashi looked worried down at her. He couldn't recognize her face or emotions anymore. She felt so far away. Like all happiness had left her for a moment. Only darkness and despair were left.
"... Hi-... Hinata?... Hinata are you alright?..."
Kakashi asked carefully. Stopping the dance they had continued while talking. He reached up and held her shoulder with his free hand. While Hinata was clinging to the other.
Finally, she snapped out of her daze and looked startled up at Kakashi.
"Oh... I-I'm so s-sorry... I-I... I don't know what happened..."
Hinata said in embarrassment. Her breathing increased and she heard herself stutter through her words. Which she hadn't done in a long time. She was startled hearing herself talk like that again. She shook her head and looked back up at Kakashi.
"I think I dozed off... Sorry about that..."
Hinata said uneasy. She looked away from Kakashi appalled by her reaction. But she only heard Kakashi chuckle softly back.
"Hey, it's all good, sometimes our head wonders off. And the body gets left behind."
Kakashi said and laughed quietly. He smiled down at Hinata, and she smiled back with a slightly forced smile. It went quiet again between them, as they let go of each other.
"... Hinata... Have you considered asking Sasuke why he acts that way around specifically Kurotsuchi?"
Kakashi asked. Hinata widened her eyes.
"No! I couldn't ask that! He's my boss! That would... That would be too personal!"
Hinata said while blushing. Looking distraught. Kakashi laughed again and stroked her head.
"I think you both still have a lot to learn about each other..."
Kakashi said. Hinata looked astounded back at Kakashi. What exactly did he mean by that. The two of them headed back to the bar and Kakashi sat down.
"... Mr Hata-... Kakashi.... Thank you... It was nice seeing you again... "
Hinata said, finally smiling genuinely. And the warmth had returned to her face. Kakashi smiled back. Hinata took a deep breath and headed towards the bathroom. As the jazz number finished playing.
