Chapter 36 Christmas Part 2/4

-Hinata's POV-

Sasuke moved from being on the end of our little homemade cot next to Gaara to being on the opposite end by me when we returned downstairs.

He caught me crying.

The entire reason I went upstairs was to avoid something like that happening, but true to my unlucky nature, my attempt to not wake anyone up failed.

When he grabbed his pillow and walked around the rest of us to lay down at my side, I began to panic, but calmed slightly when he lay on his back and closed his eyes with his hands under his head rather than on his side to stare at me. The air remained tense and a bit awkward as he obviously waited for me to fall asleep, likely to make sure I didn't try to scamper off up the stairs to cry on my own again.

I glanced over at his side profile and felt my chest tighten like it had earlier. All three of my bandmates went out of their way to get me Christmas gifts and spend time with me tonight. As if that wasn't enough, Sasuke's refusing to let me suffer alone despite not knowing what's bothering me so much and isn't even prying. My tears had slowed substantially as I calmed down, but as my heart warmed I struggled to keep them that way.

I shouldn't focus on the negativity my family members are throwing my way. Instead, I should be grateful for the amazing people laying with me under the soft lights of the Christmas tree.

A shaky breath sucked in past my lips as I squeezed my eyes closed and tried to keep quiet so Sasuke won't begin to worry again. My attempt proved futile when he reached over to hesitantly pull my hand into his between our bodies, squeezing it gently as a silent sign of solidarity. I don't know how long I lay there crying and holding his hand, but sleep eventually took over.

The sound of Sakura's alarm blasting loudly from her phone startled me awake. A groan passed my lips as I clenched my eyes shut more firmly and attempted to sink even lower under the warm blankets.

The woman moved, to my dismay, and clicked off the jarring sound before patting me from atop the covers, "Time to get up, Hina-" A yawn cut off the rest of my name and she didn't bother finishing it once it passed. My brow furrowed when she untangled her legs from mine and climbed out from under the blankets, likely to go take a shower or at least prepare for one.

My body curled up in an instant when the warmth that's been keeping me comfortable began to fade with her body heat being removed. Last night's emotional distress wore me out and I want to absorb as much rest and relaxation as possible before inevitably having to get up for the day.

When I bent my legs, my feet brushed against something warm behind me and I sleepily rolled over to cuddle against it, relieved a replacement had shown itself. The body I was pressing against tensed slightly and my eyes shot open in realization.

Sasuke moved over last night.

I looked at the shirt my face is currently pressed against and sure enough, it was the back of the pajamas he changed into before we opened presents. Either he's been awake this entire time or I woke him up when I began cuddling him just moments ago.

I mulled over my options within a few seconds and decided not to move away just because he might tease me about it later. I embarrass myself in front of the handsome Uchiha man almost daily, so I stubbornly reclosed my eyes and snuggled more closely against his back with the intention of stealing his warmth. A few silent moments passed as I tried to fall asleep again, but his heart began beating more quickly. The sound of it pounded loudly against my ear, making my face warm slightly, but also making me feel a bit giddy because it's rare for Sasuke of all people to get flustered.

Deciding to tease him a bit to get back at him for all the playful jabs he throws my way, I bravely snaked my arm up over his side and placed my hand flat against his stomach as I pulled myself flush against him, tangling our legs under the heavy blankets. A heavy wave of comfort and warmth washed through not just my body, but my mind as well.

I pressed my forehead against his back with a frown tugging at my lips. It wasn't my intention to be greedy and enjoy the feeling of his body against mine and I didn't expect myself to react like this. I definitely didn't expect his heartbeat to quicken a bit further or for him to wrap his hand around mine, the one against his middle.

My breath hitched in my throat when our fingers intertwined. Last night he hadn't done that when he held my hand, so I struggled to understand why he was doing it now. I fought my instincts to flee and tried to keep my breathing even so he won't notice how flustered I've become. The thumping in my ears was pounding quickly, but I can't tell if it's his heartbeat or mine anymore.

"Get up you three!"

Sakura's irritated voice rang loudly through the room and we jumped apart, avoiding one another's gaze as we wordlessly obeyed Prestige's leader and trekked upstairs to prepare for the day. I usually let him use the shower first and realized that was still the plan when I heard the water turn on in the bathroom.

My eyes locked onto the closed door, where just behind it Sasuke was bathing, and a brilliant heat arose in my face, my chest, and the rest of my body. The last remnants of sleepiness was fading from my mind and it was beginning to sink in that I, Hinata Hyuuga, cuddled Sasuke fucking Uchiha without anyone requesting or even asking permission. Sure, the two of us have slept closely before, both with and without the other half of our group, but we've never done that.

After Kiba broke up with me, I haven't been able to even think about getting involved with someone else. To this day, the guilt of how I unintentionally hurt him eats at me. A couple days after our breakup, we met for coffee and talked it out. We agreed to remain friends, but things are obviously different from before. Neither of us has reached out since then.

As a result, I've been starved of almost all physical affection for the past eight weeks. Of course everyone in Prestige, Ino, and Tenten dote on me once in a while, but it was even less than before I began dating Kiba. I'm beginning to wonder if they think I've somehow gotten uncomfortable with proximity again.

Back on topic, though, I can't help but compare how it felt to be so close to Sasuke with how it'd been with Kiba. For the entirety of our short-lived relationship, I felt like something was just missing, but couldn't ever manage to put my finger on what it was.

That isn't the case with Sasuke. My entire body and soul reacted to him. I feel like all the experience I gained from kissing and fooling around a bit was floating out of my ears and leaving me because when I dared to picture doing those things with my Uchiha bandmate, it was immediately so overwhelming that I became light-headed.

The shower turned off and I blinked, surprised I'd zoned out for such a long time. A light knock came at the door to the bathroom, our signal to one another that we're done and it's the other's turn, and I waited until I heard him enter his own bedroom before entering. The air was steamy, the mirror fogged completely up.

Sasuke's unbearably attractive scent filled the room. To this day, I've yet to figure out just what it is that never fails to overwhelm my senses, be it his body wash, cologne, or even his deodorant. Whatever it is, it's magical and I selfishly hope he never changes it.

I turned the water on and undressed as I glanced at the door separating this bathroom from his bedroom.

Either I imagined it or he was humoring me because he felt bad for finding me in such a sorry state last night, but Sasuke Uchiha seemed to welcome my cuddling this morning. Blush erupted on my cheeks as a striking thought crossed my mind. Did he, perhaps, enjoy it just like I did?

By the time all four of us were properly showered and dressed, we had to rush to the agency to make it to our vocal lesson with Jiraiya in time. The white-haired man explained to us early on that even the most proficient and wonderful singers need to consistently practice and try to better themselves. The entire time, I couldn't bring myself to meet Sasuke's eye and had a feeling he was suffering the same ailment. Sakura and Gaara seem to be getting along just fine, at least.

A few hours later, the lesson was complete and we were released for an early lunch. The boys couldn't join us because they have a radio interview to attend before Tsunade's dance class, so they have to eat on the road if they intend to get something in their stomachs before what will likely be another grueling lesson from the well-endowed instructor. So, taking advantage of the lack of men, Sakura and I met Ino at a small cafe near the model's condo.

Once we were sitting at one of the private booths in the back of the business, so no fans would be able to spot us, I realized it might've been a mistake to join them. Ino stirred her iced coffee with a frown on her painted lips while Sakura, completely oblivious to her best friend's irritation, rambled on and on about her Christmas get-a-way with Sasori.

Ino doesn't like him one bit, not after Sakura told her what she told me about suspecting him of cheating. The blond told her, in her usual blunt manner, that she thinks he's a giant piece of shit and she should dump him immediately.

The woman and I take different approaches with Sakura and boy advice. Sometimes I think she just asks me for it so I feel included because I'm so incredibly inexperienced, but I try to be as honest as possible anyway while also maybe sugarcoating it a bit so as to not hurt her feelings. Ino, though, doesn't add even a sprinkle of restraint.

I sipped my hot tea and forced my stare to remain down at the table. The supermodel across from us was gradually getting closer and closer to exploding. Sakura simply remained unaware. "-so do you think I should give him his gift as soon as we get there or wait until Christmas morning? I'm so nervous! I don't know what to do!"

Ino finally had enough and slapped both of her hands down onto the table, making me flinch as I mentally prepared for whatever her outburst was bound to offer. Sakura's mouth clamped shut and she stared at her best friend with a stunned expression. "Well, since you're asking, I think you should tell him where he can shove it and not give him a gift at all. He doesn't deserve you and I can't believe you're even considering sleeping with him!"

Discreetly, I snuck a glance at Sakura and saw that her bright green eyes were remaining wide as she processed Ino's brutal honesty. The blond in question sat back in the booth with a huff and returned to glaring down at her coffee as she stirred it with her straw. It was only getting more awkward at our table the longer the silence carried along, but I couldn't bring myself to say something and wordlessly nibbled on my lunch with a pale face.

Finally, Sakura seemed to find the words she wanted to say, "You know I appreciate your honesty, Pig, but I already told you the Masquerade thing was a big misunderstanding. That girl threw herself at him and he didn't want to push her off in front of all those cameras. Besides, no one knows we're dating so it's not like anyone would bat an eye at him kissing someone else."

Ino rolled her eyes before locking the bright blues into a firm glare on the pinkette, "There's no way in hell you actually believe that garbage ass story."

The Haruno woman's eyes narrowed, "What's your problem today? You're being a bitch."

My eyes widened as I averted them swiftly back down to the table. The entire time I've known them both, they've never called one another names in anything but a joking manner, but Sakura's tone just now was as serious as can be.

Surprisingly, Ino didn't falter and immediately retorted, "I'm a bitch, then? Well, sorry if I don't want to sit here and watch my best friend make a huge fucking mistake!" Both Sakura and I watched in disbelief as she slapped more than enough money to cover all of our meals onto the table before striding angrily out of the room.

We waited until we couldn't hear her heels clacking against the hardwood floor before glancing at one another. My bandmate was clearly trying not to cry. I awkwardly leaned against her, "H-Hey, it'll be alright. You guys just need some space to calm down."

Rather than acknowledge the argument she just had with Ino, she lowered her voice and spoke in a much more vulnerable tone, "Do you think I'm making a mistake, too? Be honest."

I grit my teeth and mulled it over. Truth be told, I don't like Sasori all that much, but I also don't know the truth about all of the little things Sakura's been stressing about. The only one who does is Sasori himself. In an attempt to oblige her request, I answered as sincerely as possible, "I don't think any of us truly knows what you should do."

Green eyes peered over at me and I sat up so I could meet her eye. "Should I go through with this or not, Hina?"

I fidgeted with my fingers under the table, "W-W-Well…I don't think you should sleep with him to try and fix your relationship. You s-should only do it if you really like him."

She processed my response slowly before eventually nodding and sighing in defeat as she rose from the table, "Ugh, let's just go back. I don't wanna think about it anymore for now."

Back at the agency, we arrived at the dance studio a bit early and decided to start stretching while we waited for the other half of Prestige and our new instructor to arrive.

I'm a bit nervous to meet whoever it is. A dance tutor has to study their students' entire body and its movements to properly coach them. That fact still makes me anxious sometimes. It took a long time for me to get completely comfortable around Tsunade and now I have to go through that process all over again.

I pulled my hair back into a high ponytail and began pinning my bangs to the side so they'd stay out of my eyes. "It's high time for a trip to Lee's, don't you think?" Sakura's tone was humorous as she undoubtedly doesn't sit awake at night wanting to meet up with the overbearing stylist again.

I gave her a sheepish grin, "You don't have to come with me."

The door to the room opened before she could reply and the boys strode in. A wild blush met my cheeks when Sasuke's eyes locked onto mine and I averted my gaze quickly. Sakura greeted them casually, though, "How'd it go?"

The Uchiha man either isn't as affected as I thought he was or is better than me at masking it, "The usual."

Gaara's softer voice chimed in, sounding amused at his friend's lack of elaboration, "The host is Hinata's biggest fan." I looked up and the redhead gave me a warm grin, "He even has a poster hanging in his studio."

Sakura laughed at the bewildered expression on my face, "Aw, Hinata's getting more attention these days! I bet it's because of CC!"

CC stands for Celebrity Covers and is an incredibly popular television show where celebrities compete by performing covers of other celebrities' music. The live audience and watchers get to vote on who they like best. Instead of having eliminations each episode until there's only one participant left as the winner, there's a winner and a new cast with every single one.

Lucky for me, that means I only had to learn and perfect one song rather than multiple. I'd chosen one of Akatsuki's songs because at the time of recording they were freshly debuted. It's a song called "Megalomania". I was surprised when I first heard it because I thought Hidan and Kisame were solely rappers, but both of them sing incredibly well with Deidara and Yahiko on this song and many others on their album.

At the end of my episode of CC, I came in second place behind Rin Nohara, the most prominent singer from Reject Entertainment, Evolution's rival agency. The woman is petite and slender with a beautiful face and voice, not to mention a wonderful personality. She was incredibly polite to me in the few moments we got to speak behind the scenes while filming and I hope to meet her again sometime.

The boys came over to join Sakura and I in stretching once they placed their bags and water bottles near the door. For multiple minutes, no one spoke. Everyone else surely felt comfortable in the silence, but my mind won't stop racing in a certain Uchiha man's presence. I can't understand how just a few minutes of cuddling has thrown me completely off balance. Just yesterday, being near him didn't affect me all that much, but now I can't stop squirming and fidgeting.

The door to the room eventually opened once more and Tsunade entered with a very tall man with pale skin and pitch black hair and eyes. If he's older than us at all, it can't be by much. Sakura and Gaara let out simultaneous sounds of shock as they shot to their feet so Sasuke and I followed their lead and rose to greet the new arrivals.

As the man who's undoubtedly meant to be our new choreographer approached, I noticed a very slight resemblance between him and the few members of the Uchiha family that I've met around our age. Is he a distant relative maybe?

"Good afternoon, Prestige. Allow me to introduce the choreographer you'll be working with for your new album. This is Sai."

We all bowed respectfully and he politely returned the gesture with a small smile. My face warmed a bit. He's kind of cute. After introducing ourselves one by one, Tsunade allowed him to take the reins and sat on the bench at the back of the room to oversee our practice.

"It's very nice to meet you guys. I'm eager to help you improve and will do my best, so please return the favor by giving it your all."

His manner of speaking is very professional, throwing me just slightly off guard. "Let's start with Fallin' since it's the title song of your album. To start, I'd like to-" For the next three hours, Prestige was put through a dance lesson even more strenuous than Tsunade's, which I didn't think was possible. By the end, we were all gasping for breath and sore as can be, even Sakura and Gaara.

Sai has such a welcoming and warm aura, but it turns cold and demanding like a drill sergeant when the time to focus arrives. Despite this, his talent truly impresses me. Just seeing him work in those three hours was enough to tell me why he's as popular as he is.

All four of us wished the core members of the agency's staff a happy holiday before finally leaving for our longest break thus far.

After arriving home, Sakura showered and then Sasori came to pick her up so they could leave for the airport. I'd worriedly told her to call me at any time if anything happens or if she needs to talk or have someone come get her, no matter where they end up going. I'll use my family's credit cards to rent an entire plane if I have to and she knows it.

The rest of the evening passed in an uneventful manner as I battled the negative thoughts constantly trying to seep their way back into my mind. In an attempt to not make the mistake of getting caught unguarded like last night, I locked myself away in my bedroom and didn't even leave it to eat dinner.

A knock came at my door in the very early hours of the next morning, waking me with a start. I groaned softly and rubbed my eyes as I climbed out of bed to open it. Gaara was standing there with a shy smile and a bag slung over his shoulder, "Sorry for waking you, but I wanted to say goodbye. Thanks again for the gifts."

I opened the door a bit wider so I could give him a hug, "H-Have a good holiday." He mirrored my bashful expression before turning to walk toward the stairs so I shut the door softly and climbed back under the covers on my bed with a frown.

First thing in the morning, I was forced to face one of my beloved friends leaving and it left me not a moment to steel my nerves. My chin quivered as tears began to rise in my eyes and I pulled the blanket up over my head when I heard the front door downstairs open and close.

The door to my bathroom opened suddenly and I sat up in shock, looking over to see Sasuke closing it behind him with his expression more guarded than usual. "W-What are you doing?"

I quickly rubbed at my eyes so the tears wouldn't fall, "If you keep coming in here without knocking, I-I-I'm gonna start locking that door."

He rolled his eyes and walked around the foot of my bed before surprising me by climbing under the covers beside me. I looked at him with a suspicious expression, but relaxed down on my side, facing him, with my hand under my pillow anyway.

"No you won't," He said as he turned to face me in the same position.

My face warmed slightly as I tried to hold my glare steady on him. Stunning me once again, his face turned a very subtle shade of pink and he didn't tease me again. Instead, he rolled over onto his other side with his back facing me.

The memory of cuddling him yesterday morning came to mind as I looked at his broad shoulders. Is he...lying like that because he wants me to do it again?

Heart rising in my throat, I hesitantly scooted closer to him and squeezed my eyes shut as I hypothetically took a step off the ledge and wrapped an arm over his waist. I was correct. He did want me to cuddle him. I know because he repeated the act of interlacing our fingers in an instant, like he'd been expecting me to do what I had.

For a few moments, we lay in silence, before he spoke in a very quiet and irritated voice, "If you tell anyone about this, I'll kill you."

I nuzzled my face into his back, bashfully enjoying his scent and warmth, "W-What's your wish, by the way?"

His heartbeat picked up against my cheek and he hesitated for a moment before finally responding with a sigh of defeat, "I had one picked out, but now I don't know if it's a good idea."

My eyes opened and I nervously pried, "What do you mean?"

His fingers tightened around my hand slightly, "Let me think on it for a few days."

With a bright blush on my face, I let the room fall silent again and eventually let sleep take me over again.

-Sasuke's POV-

Once again, I'm forced to admit the fact that I'm an emotionally-stunted asshole. I don't know what I was thinking, deciding to tell Hinata I wanted to use my wish. Actually, I do know what I was thinking. After her accidental drunken hint that she's attracted to me just like I am to her, I foolishly decided I'd ask her to kiss me. That was before I found her in tears not once, but twice within the span of one night and then being treated to the feeling of her pressed against me the morning after.

Just knowing how emotional and sincere she is, I already expected things to feel a bit different when it comes to Hinata, but I never expected to like it as much as I did. It's a sensation I've never felt before, the warmth and complete understanding without a word needing to be spoken.

When I decided to put that note in her gift, I was under the impression I just wanted to hook up with her and that's all either of us would want, but now things have changed. She probably doesn't feel the same way for me and even if she does, she'd never admit it or allow herself to act on them.

Fuck, I don't even know if I want to act on them either. That's why I told her to let me think about it.

There's going to be no going back if I go through with it. Even if she refuses me, the fact that I asked at all will be enough to ruin the friendship we've developed. The question I'm asking myself now is if I like her enough to risk it.

Sure, I've had my fair share of crushes, mainly in high school, but they always fade shortly after getting the girl. What if that happens with her, too? I was irritated I even cared about her the first few weeks after we met, but now I'm going to be even more pissed if my emotions disappear completely because I care so much. Itachi told me a couple years ago that I should go to therapy for my inability to retain caring emotions for others, even most of my family members, but I just told him to fuck off and ignored the advice. Now I sort of wish I'd listened.

Hinata's fingers loosened around my hand and I realized she probably fell asleep. My brow furrowed.

The way she's been acting the past couple weeks is concerning not just to me, but to Gaara and Sakura, too. It's like she's one tiny mistake away from losing it. None of us have seen her like this, even after her dad hit her while she was in the hospital. I've been tempted to ask her about it, but every time I get close to it, she seems to realize what was about to happen and gives me this look as though begging me not to bring it up and I back off again.

Is it something her family is doing that's making her like this? Her father sometimes talks badly about her to the press, but that's nothing new and she seems to have gotten used to that by now, so I don't know what to think.

Gritting my teeth, I carefully lifted her arm off my side and rolled over to face her. I was right. She's completely out. Feeling selfish, I let her arm fall over my waist again before slowly wrapping my arms around her, pulling her against my chest. Hinata unconsciously accepted it and snuggled closer, making my face warm slightly.

Since when do I fucking blush?

The glare on my face softened when I looked down at the top of her head and sighed in defeat before burying my face in her hair. I think I have to tell her. Maybe I won't tell her just how strongly I've begun to feel for her, but I know myself too well. I won't be able to stop myself from doing something that scares her away if I don't at least give her a hint.

The songs mentioned in the chapter are:

Megalomania by Muse

Fallin' (Adrenaline) by Why Don't We