A Mother's Touch

Chapter 16

A/N:

I have arisen! In the month of October, how fitting! I wasn't quite ready to lay in my fan fiction grave, even being so much older than when I first started.

Writing this was fun.

Stay tuned to more and as always, please let me know your unfiltered thoughts on the chapter, the writing, etc. I appreciate all constructive criticism.

I know there may be some inconsistencies. I plan on going back and cleaning up chapters written not so well years ago to make the story complete.

Thank you for getting this far.

"I need you to get out of the fucking way."

Despite the feeling of vertigo, Hinata was quite sure that she had never heard Itachi's voice in that way. For a moment, it seemed as if he were someone else who had said those words. They were said with such mild indifference, yet sharp threat if not obeyed. A cold shiver come over her as she was guided far away from the entrance of the hotel. Her surroundings seemed to blur together, as if she were spinning on a ride at an amusement park. Her eyes were closed. Who had he been speaking to?

When she slowly opened them, she found herself lying on a plush couch in a dim room. A stack of computer screens seemed to crowd one part of the room. Chairs surrounded them. It reminded Hinata of a hacker's room, much like one would see in the movies. She felt like her life was currently a movie, a movie with a particularly sadistic director.

Her body felt heavy. Willing herself up, she saw that Itachi was on the other end of the room, sitting in a chair, one leg crossed over the other. He had a perturbed look on his face, as if he were quite bothered and at any moment would take it out on some other unlucky person. His phone was held up to his ear, but he was not speaking.

Almost immediately, upon noticing that she had arisen, Itachi bounded forward. He handed her a water bottle, cold to the touch. "Drink," He commanded softly.

Hinata silently did as she was told. She wondered how long she had been in that room. A sick feeling washed over her as she realized what had brought her there in the first place. Itachi sat next to her as she sipped more water. She suddenly felt the hyper awareness one feels when being watched.

"Better?"

For once, she was honest. "Not at all."

"I did not think so."

"I am so sorry. Are we late?"

At this, Itachi shrugged and regarded her with a raise of a dark brow. "Does that matter right now?"

Hinata took another sip of water. She was unprepared when four men dressed in black suddenly entered the room single file. At the sight of Itachi, they nodded and bowed slightly, then took their respective seat at each computer screen, employing the use of headphones after.

"Where are we?" She asked.

Itachi stood up and gently reached for her hand. "I pay them enough so that the answer to that question goes unnoticed. However, it was the closest private space away from your father. I'm taking you somewhere else now."

Hinata wondered if Itachi could feel the tenseness of her body as they walked out of the room and through another room that appeared to be a standard hotel room. The room itself was untouched, clearly a cover. Itachi said nothing so neither did she. Suddenly she stopped.

"I-I can't..." She began quietly. "G-go out there...please. I can't."

Itachi's grip on her hand loosened. "You will not see him. You have my word."

Hinata felt the need to explain the years with her distant father. She longed to give him an explanation for her strange behavior, however it occurred to Hinata that she wasn't entirely sure herself as to why she was having such a pitiful time. To her, it seemed quite weak. Weak and altogether bizarre. It felt like she hadn't grown up. Maybe she hadn't. Why was it that she was a grown adult, yet in mere seconds her father reduced her to a trembling school girl?

For a moment, her gaze drifted past Itachi and focused more on the door that separated her from the outside. She could hear nothing through it, the world seemed frozen. She felt her heart start to beat erratically at the thought of having to endure the look on her father's face once he set eyes on her. It had been years.

The rational part of her was angry. How could one's own father disown their daughter for what could surely have been a mistake? There was no doubt in her mind that he did not have a second thought. If she had ever been good enough, for all of the times that she wasn't, they were surely enough to convince him that she was no longer needed. It pained her to consider this, however Hinata could come to no other conclusion.

"There is only one way out of here." Itachi's voice pierced, funneled through her ears. Hinata decided he had the sort of voice that begged attention, not necessarily because it was thunderous, but precisely because it wasn't. It was controlled and level, always making her ears perk.

Hinata let out a sigh. "Itachi..it's...it's been years! How can he be here?" She was surprised at the sharpness of her own voice, the exasperation lagging behind.

"He is an honored guest of one my largest shareholders Jiraiya Hoketsu."

Even if his grip had loosened on her hand, Itachi did not completely let go. Hinata realized that he wasn't forcing her, however his expression led her to believe that time was of the essence.

"I just received word that he has left the entrance area and is not yet at the banquet. You will not encounter him." Itachi uttered, giving her hand a more firm squeeze.

She did recognize the sound of her own voice. "Itachi," she began softly, "Did you know he was coming?"

Dark eyes narrowed. "You are still recovering. Surely, you must know at this point that I am aware and tracking every human body in this entire building. Not one conversation is had that I do not know about. Not one person steps foot within this building while we occupy it that I did not anticipate. That includes your cousin."

She did not answer. She could tell that she had annoyed him with her question. It occurred to her that he considered it a slight against his ability to be in control.

Hinata silently nodded and was soon basked within the bright light being cast by the brilliant chandelier that hung in the lobby. It was one of the largest she had ever seen and commanded an admiring gaze. However, she did not have the time.

"Where are we going?" Hinata whispered, suddenly more self conscious about how she looked. Itachi was walking calmly beside her, their arms intertwined. He was careful to match her exact pace.

"What do you feel is best? You never have to feel obligation to participate in anything related to my business. Would you like to go back to the suite?" He wasn't looking at her as he said this, but seemed to be purveying the room. Hinata looked up at him and watched his eyes glide back and forth, studying.

"You said you were taking me somewhere."

"Yes, however where that may be is entirely your choice. I meant that I would come with you."

A feeling of daftness fell over her as she considered that she did not know where she wanted to go. She knew that she needed to come to terms with her father, however she had not even spoke with Hanabi yet. It felt as if her father needed to be taken care of last. The level of discomfort that she experienced with even the thought of speaking with him was indicative of anxiety issues. A thought came to Hinata, one of cool solidarity. She wasn't alone.

For a moment, Itachi looked down at her questioningly as they stopped walking. They were in front of the elevators. She hugged his arm tighter.

"I'll go to the banquet."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. I can't keep acting like this."

Itachi looked as if he did not believe her. "Don't force yourself."

"You have to admit this isn't normal."

Itachi shook his head. "Your response was one without thoughts rather an protective measure your body seemed to take. There are deeper issues that need to be worked out and are not contingent upon you attending the banquet as a show of strength. It does not hurt you to not attend. Would you like me to schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist?"

He was entirely serious. Hinata watched the numbers drift lower as the elevator. A psychiatrist! What a suggestion! Itachi was being sincere, but she could not see a scenario wherein she was seeing a shrink. She had a daughter to take care of!

"No, thank you." She whispered, as a few hotel employees passed, laughing.

Itachi eyed her again, but said nothing. He gently guided her toward one of the open elevators and pressed the top button. They stood together as the elevator drifted down slowly, perhaps slower than Hinata had ever seen.

"Whenever you would like to leave, please do. I will be in shortly after you." Itachi murmured once the elevator opened and they stepped on with a two other hotel employees. They turned to Itachi and Hinata and politely nodded.

Itachi flicked an approving gaze and Hinata managed a small smile. When the employees stepped off on their floor and the two were alone, Itachi peered down at Hinata once more.

"You could barely look at them." He pointed out.

Hinata sighed. "I know. I feel embarrassed all of a sudden."

"You look lovely." He reassured, somewhat out of character, it seemed. Itachi did not seem like the type to say something simply because it needed to be said, but because he wanted to say it.

"Thank you...I do not feel it."

"Feelings will change."

Hinata was sure he meant this to be encouraging. She nodded. "For the better..."

Itachi lifted his finger to touch the well hidden ear device in his ear. Hinata heard him quietly say that he was on his way. She watched as the numbers drifted past where their suite was and realized the banquet was on the rooftop. She could smell the nights delicacies.

The elevator door opened and they stepped into a small corridor that led to outside. Hinata saw bright lights and guests sitting at tables that glistened. Classy, energetic music hung out in the background and the hum of guests delightful laughter and polite chatter abounded, making Hinata think perhaps she had made the right choice. She hadn't eaten in several hours. One could always think better on a full stomach.

"Is my father in here yet?"

"No, he has not yet come up with Jiraiya as the event has not officially started. We're the early birds."

The walkway was placed so as that each guest or guests who arrived would be in plain view, the reason for which Hinata suspected was for photos. A strange sound emitted suddenly and Itachi gave her a terse look.

"You need to eat."

Hinata felt herself go pink. "Yes..."

Itachi did not look away as she had expected him to and they shared a gaze longer than usual. Itachi murmured, "Are you taking care of yourself? I am rather new to all of this."

It took Hinata a minute to realize that he had admitted something that he would not have usually. Shortly thereafter she realized that the question was not meant to be answered, but was meant to hang in the air. She was not meant to pick it.

"Let's go." She gestured. "They are waiting for you."

Itachi looked out ahead of them. "On the contrary," He slipped his arm in between hers. "They are waiting for you. Uchiha Hinata."

Hinata was not sure if Itachi realized that that did not make her feel any better, but she took a breath anyway and felt him guide her body toward flashing lights, noise, the comforting hum of conversation and laughter. Not only was she greeted with bright flashes of light, but Hinata suddenly realized that there was a sudden loud applause as they walked through and onto the rooftop. Tastefully decorated, the roof top illuminated elegance and simple charm. It was a lot smaller than Hinata had thought it to be.

With a smile on her face, Hinata found herself suddenly flanked with people who came up to congratulate her and Itachi, for whatever reason. She was not really hearing them, but scanning the outer parts of the rooftop to make sure she did not spot her father. She felt herself mechanically smile and nod, thank you, thank you...

"Yo, Itachi!" A familiar voice seemed to call from behind.

Itachi politely nodded and bowed to an older couple they had been facing. He and Hinata turned around and was greeted by Shikamaru, his lawyer and the only other person currently in the room who knew their secret.

He was as non-chalantly dressed as Hinata remembered. Black slacks and a dark blazer had never looked so comfortable. His signature sunglasses were pushed back, giving way to his hair piled atop his head. He was unapologetically himself.

"Shikamaru." Itachi calmly greeted, seemingly giving Shikamaru a look that Hinata was not insightful enough to translate.

Next to Shikamaru was a woman that Hinata had not seen before. After politely bowing to Hinata, Shikamaru had introduced her as Tenten Himiwari, his interior designer and good friend. Hinata admired her black slacks with a Chinese styled top. She found it to be elegant and ever-fitting for the event, if not a tad bit out of the dress code. She stood out amongst a crowd of swaying dresses.

Tenten seemed to give a curious, however friendly stare and they exchanged pleasantries. Shikamaru quickly mentioned to Itachi that there was an important matter that needed to be discussed sooner rather than later. Itachi gave Hinata a careful look and she smiled in reassurance. Yes, she could keep Tenten company for the while. It was after all an Uchiha event and she, as a Uchiha, had to be polite to her guest. The men drifted away.

They soon found themselves situated by a taller table that had accented bouquet of red and blue roses.

"Your dress," Tenten began. "...it's beautiful!" She grinned. "I feel a little out of place."

"Oh, thank you." Hinata said, squeezing her clutch. She suddenly felt very watched. "Your top...it's also very pretty. Did you purchase it while in China?"

"Yes, how did you tell?"

"My father traveled there often for business," Hinata heard herself say. "I accompanied him and was exposed to many parts of the culture."

People were not sitting at their respective tables yet, Hinata noted. The tables were on the other side of the rooftop, pristinely decorated and set for what looked to be a long meal. Hinata had never been to a banquet that was on top of a building that was so high up in the air. The stars were visible and the night was cool. It was a good idea, almost unusual. Had it been another month or so, they would not have been able to have it there, it would have been too cold.

Tenten politely nodded. "Wow, sounds nice. Only place my father ever took me was to the beach that was close to our shrine."

Tenten then went on, without Hinata asking, about her family's humble history and obligation to a mysterious shrine that was said to harbor restless souls of those who were hopelessly attached when they were alive. Hinata nodded and asked polite questions, trying to keep her gaze as politely forward as possible. She realized Tenten was just trying to make polite conversation.

"I'm not particularly spiritual," Tenten said. "But whenever I visit there is definitely an energy about the place. Makes you wonder..."

"How often do you visit your family?"

"At least once a week! My mother would never let me hear the end of it if not, even at my age!"

Hinata resisted to urge to smile sadly. "I am sure you enjoy each other..."

Tenten chuckled. "Well, it definitely keeps me busy, having to make the trip."

Hinata could feel the emptiness of her own conversation that would have normally included her comments about her own mother, but she had none.

"Maybe my daughter will feel like that one day."

"Oh, you and Itachi have a daughter, how adorable!" Tenten exclaimed. If she happened to know before and was hiding it, Hinata thought she did a pretty good job. She was sure there were rumors. They always took shape at events like these.

"Are we all destined to become like our parents?" Tenten wondered aloud.

Hinata noticed how neat Tenten looked, her soft makeup and manicured hands with a tasteful red polish. She seemed to be adorned with jewelry that was not immediately noticed, but to the knowing eye, one could tell diamonds of considerable value. Hinata wondered if they were a gift...

In the background Hinata could hear more camera flashes and higher levels of chatter and music. More people were arriving. Out of the corner of her eye, she thought she saw a flicker of pink.

"We are the embodiment of our parents."

Before Tenten could respond, Hinata caught eye contact with Temari from across the room. She initially had a cool expression, surveying the crowd, but visibly brightened once she saw Hinata. She began to make her way over with a knowing grin.

"Hello ladies! How beautiful!" Temari expressed as she came closer. She set her drink down on the table. She was dressed in a form fitting dark blue dress that fanned out at the bottom, like a mermaids tail.

"Temari!" Tenten smiled. "Shika didn't tell me you would be here!"

Temari scoffed. "Who else would keep his ass out of trouble?"

"Good point. Certainly not me!"

Temari rolled her eyes. "He is such a fool. The bane of my existence!" She then turned a smirking lip toward Hinata. "He mellows your husband out like you would not believe. Hinata, the dress is magnificent!"

Hinata wondered if Temari happened to be in love with Shikamaru. "Thank you. It is more revealing than what I would usually wear."

"I know. I'm surprised Itachi didn't send it back to the perverted designer."

Tenten chuckled. "Why would he? Don't all men want to show off their beautiful wives?"

"While simultaneously fucking their receptionists? Maybe." Temari took a gulp of her drink and swayed her hair back behind her shoulder, once again taking a look at the crowd, her eyes narrowing.

"Of course the bitch is here."

Tenten leaned in closer, a mischievous look forming. "And who are we referring to, dear?"

"You know damn well. Sasuke's red dragon."

Hinata knew immediately that Temari was referring to Karin and by the amused look on Tenten's face, she knew as well. She turned to the crowd as well, noticing that it had grown larger as the minutes slipped by. She saw not one familiar face and remembered no one. If Karin was in attendance, Hinata had a feeling Sasuke was already there as well.

Tenten opened her mouth to speak and then closed it, smiling. She wasn't looking at Hinata or Temari, rather someone who was approaching. Someone who made Tenten tense up. Hinata turned to see Yamanaka Ino walking toward them intently, the sweetest smile on her face. To her side, Hinata could hear Temari's groan.

"Oh my, you all look fabulous!" Ino gushed as she stopped next to Tenten and addressed them, but kept bright eyes on Hinata. Hinata evenly held her gaze, careful not to smile too much, else it seem forced.

"Thanks," Temari said coolly and sipped her drink.

Tenten managed a smile and nodded, but said nothing else.

Hinata pretended to not know who she was. "Oh, thank you..."

"Ino. Yamanaka." Ignoring the others, she came forward and grasped Hinata's empty hand. "I simply had to come introduce myself to this evening's most anticipated Uchiha! You are all that is described. Your husband is such good business partners with my father that I feel like we have so much in common already. I do hope to see you more!"

Hinata did not know what to say. So she simply said, "Yes, I believe Itachi has mentioned your father before and that they deal closely in business. How...how are you enjoying the party?

It was clearly not the response that Ino had hoped for, but was the one she had anticipated. Hinata wondered if it was a show of weakness.

"These stuffy events are usually so boring, but the Uchiha's always make things interesting. Oh, but who am I kidding? You know that already of course."

"So," Ino continued. "My dear friend Sakura was telling me that you and her went to high school together. How funny!"

It was at this point that Temari scoffed. "Hinata, honey. I just saw a close friend of ours by Shika. He will have my ass if we don't introduce ourselves and network. Itachi made me promise to introduce you to new folks at this event."

She came between Ino and Hinata and linked arms. "Sorry, Ino. This Uchiha has other business to attend to."

Smile gone and with narrowed eyes, Ino shrugged. "Yes, of course. We wouldn't want your ass to be had by any scoundrel, Temari. Lovely to meet you Hinata, I'm sure we will run into each other again."

When they were far across the room, with Tenten trailing behind, Temari let out a sigh. "Please don't run into that nosy bitch again. God, I could barely hear her speak for five fucking minutes!"

"She seems...nice."

"She isn't!" Tenten pipped in from behind, while almost running into one of the servers. Temari turned and gave her a peculiar look.

"Oh really? What makes you say that?"

Tenten shrugged. "Her father hired my company to do an event of hers, some sort of fundraising event last year. My top designer refused to work with her after a few days."

"Fuck me, this feels like high school all over." Temari sighed.

They found a cozy corner across the roof overlooking the western part of the city. Hinata thought she saw Sasuke's hair peeking through the crowd and turned away. The wind blew through her hair and shawl and she felt a chill run up her back, as if a spirit had passed through.

"Isn't it?" Hinata said.

"Huh?" Temari frowned. "High school?" She laughed. "You're right. Some people never grow up. Make sure you watch out for those bitches. Now that they have sized you up and know what they're working with."

Hinata wasn't sure to take Temari seriously. She hadn't experienced whatever it was that Temari was referring to and liked to think better of people. She surely was one to give a chance.

She nodded.

Tenten waved a server who had a tray of food over. Heaving a sigh of relief, she said. "Nothing like sashimi to take the edge off." And grabbed two pieces to set atop her napkin.

Temari scoffed. "Clearly you and I have different definitions of "edge"."

Hinata watched Tenten roll her eyes. Curiously, she asked, "How do you two know each other? School?"

Tenten shook her head. "Through your husband actually and Shika of course. Itachi hired me for my event planning services a few years ago and there was an incident that occurred at a company luncheon that required legal attention."

"Boom! There appears Shika and of course me. We had to work closely during the lawsuit that resulted in some fucking idiot who nearly died from one of the desserts. People will do anything for a buck it seems, these days!"

It dawned on Hinata that Temari was an attorney, a fact she had not so readily considered as that Temari did not seem to embody a tight, suit wearing attorney, the kind of which she had imagined.

"How did you and Itachi meet?" Tenten asked with a small smile. Hinata could not tell if Tenten had asked innocently, expecting the truth or if she had suspicions and wanted to see which falsity Hinata may go with. There was something misleadingly cunning about the woman, a certain sharpness that led Hinata not to feel entirely uneasy, but not too settled either.

"Through my family's company. There are many social events, as I'm sure you can imagine." Hinata hoped her face expression was just as careless and light as her tone. If Tenten expected her to give details, Hinata thought her to be mistaken.

It was an answer that Tenten saw she was going to have to accept as that Hinata would offer no more. Hinata then went a step forward.

"Are you married, Tenten?"

Temari, who had been quiet and listening, let out a chuckle. "All the women of this town would find it to be a great disappointment if that were the case."

Hinata almost frowned.

Tenten caught her expression with a knowing grin. "Temari never gives up the chance to let the world know that I was a lesbian when she met me and now I'm not."

"Weren't we all lesbians at one point or another?" Temari quipped.

Before Hinata could clear her throat awkwardly, the soft tinkling of many little bells being rung together resounded throughout the crowds of people, who now littered every area of the part of the rooftop where mingling was acceptable. Both Temaria and Tenten perked up as well, along with most other guests who were laughings and shifting together and turned their attention to the entire other side of the rooftop.

A instantaneous shift of energy befell the space. It appeared that a procession of traditionally dressed geisha's had entered the scene, Hinata counted at least fifteen. The colorful ornate and unique variance between all of the geisha garb had Hinata in awe. It seemed as if they were all one, yet were outfitted in one's own elegant way. To Hinata, the scene signified the ultimate elegance of feminine expression and grace. A hush had befallen the Uchiha guests, their own pops of unique color adding to the exotic nature of the evening. The bells continued to quietly ring, most obviously signifying that the next phase of the evening was to begin.

Hinata watched as the guests begin to silently make their way over to the other side of the rooftop with tables. As the crowd drew back, a figure stood tall against them. As before, the waves seemed to part for Itachi as he stood serenely by. It was at that moment that Hinata understood what her father had described in the past as genuine respect. He uttered often that respect was to be earned and once lost, was nearly impossible to retrieve. She knew that this was his policy and his treatment of her after her own "deliberate loss of self respect" was hard evidence of that. In any case, she knew that Itachi had earned this respect, not only for the way he was regarded but for the very fact that her own father had decided to attend at all.

She could hear her father saying that respect was the most valued currency not just in business but in the entire world. However Itachi had earned it, Hinata did not know. She was almost too ashamed to ask because she felt so displaced from it herself. There were just certain conversations it seemed he would never have with her. Perhaps it was not her place.

Hinata did not notice that Tenten and Temari had given her their respective looks of farewell and had slipped away. Itachi was before her then, gently taking her arm and communicating with her through his eyes. She did not know what he was saying, knowing there was still so much that she needed to learn.

They said not a word to each other as Itachi guided her across the space, both equally aware of the sudden spotlight that seemed to shine down upon them as they traversed with the last of the guests ushering to their seats. At last, Hinata saw where they would be sitting and who they would be sitting with. Hard as she could, she tried to push the thought of her father watching them together out of her mind.

Seated at their table Hinata saw Itachi's father, his stoic gaze paying her absolutely no mind, Sasuke, Shisui, and three other Uchiha family members who Hinata had never seen before. Hinata immediately bowed politely, while noticing that they regarded her with only glances and nods. Itachi led her to her seat, next to a stunningly beautiful woman with long black hair fanned out on her shoulders.

Hinata sat and Itachi proceeded to sit next to her, fulfilling the table. A creative centerpiece, the Uchiha family symbol put together with various flowers and greenery, caught her eye, but soon it wandered to the various geishas taking a stance beside each table. As the last of the guests took their seats, Hinata realized that she had been mistaken as to how many people were in attendance at the event. It was much more intimate than she had thought.

It quickly became even more intimate as hushed whispers began to trickle to Hinata's ear. A sudden chill ran through her body as the traditional music from a shamisen. She twisted her head trying to find where the chilling sound was coming from only to see a oiran rising from beneath them in the center of the rooftop. She was sitting with her instrument in the middle platform, exotic flowers surrounding her. It was one of the most elaborate kimonos Hinata had seen in her entire life.

The meal had officially begun. Hinata caught Temari's gaze from across the rooftop. When Temari thought no one was watching, she rolled her eyes and stuck her finger in her throat. Hinata understood. The geisha, as beautiful and elegant as they were, were there for the men alone, surely evidenced by even Fugaku himself, who seemed to be gruffly mesmerized.

It surprised Hinata even more when she realized that each geisha would be serving each table alone. Admittedly there were significantly more men than woman at the event, an element that Tenten had played on. Wherever her father was, Hinata knew that he was more than pleased with the night's entertainment. She leaned in close to Itachi, who sat quietly himself watching the oiran play.

"My father loves geishas. He owns three of the top geisha houses in Kyoto."

"Yes, I know." Itachi said.

"Who are your other family members at the table?"

Their table's respective geisha glided by and gave a sweet smile to Itachi, offering him a piece of the starting dish. He obliged and lifted two. Her fragrance enveloped Hinata's senses.

"The woman next to you is Uchiha Naori, an older cousin. The man next to her is my uncle Uchiha Madara. The man sitting next to Madara is Uchiha Karami, also my uncle. They are founders of this company with my father."

He set her piece in front of her. "You were expecting more."

More family, he meant.

"Yes..."

"This table was reserved for top members only. Sasuke is here due to insistence." He set his chopsticks down. "Also, your father has left."

"What?!" Hinata exclaimed as quietly as she could.

"He received an emergency call...about Hyuga stock."

That explanation made more sense to Hinata. Her father would have ceased any enjoyable activity if it meant addressing a financial problem.

The oiran had begun to sing. They spoke of her father no more.

The chatter and laughter that was once in the air began to rise again. Hinata noted that Fugaku and Sasuke seemed to be in heated conversation across the table, Madara and Karami were discussing a matter quietly, and Naori carefully ate, occasionally closing her eyes. Shisui seemed to be missing.

She wanted to discuss his earlier comment about Neji, but decided to bring it up privately. A feeling of relief spilled as the prospect of running into her father had vanished, whether by coincidence or Itachi's personal doing (how he would have done so was completely beyond her and she would prefer to not know). She was glad it was anti-climactic. The last thing she needed was some sort of dramatic family display, if her father even considered her family.

"Itachi," Sasuke suddenly said from the across the table. "Please explain to father that the Furari branch profit and loss documents were on that iPad we bought him and that we stopped circulating financials via paper 6 months ago."

"Nonsense," Madara huffed. "Terrible decision. Surely that proposition never had my vote."

"Absolute foolishness." Karami coughed.

Sasuke narrowed his eyes. "With all due respect uncle, it did not need to."

"Sasuke, refer to the bylaws and operating guidelines." Naori added. "Our votes are still valid." She lifted her head up to reveal a smirk.

"We are not discussing this again!" Fugako rasped angrily. "This is a Uchiha night for Uchiha success! Fifty years of Uchiha principals and tradition that will not be muddled by confounded modernity. I won't have it. Itachi, I will see another fifty more!"

Itachi was chewing. He took his time to finish. Hinata could tell they had all been here before.

"If tonight is a Uchiha night, then what is she doing here at this table?" Sasuke questioned. "A Hyuga, father. I bet you'd thought you would never see the day."

Sasuke could have slapped her in the face and she would have felt less magnified. She knew that he had said it purposefully, most likely to test her. It would appear that Sasuke liked to play games. Itachi had not warned her for that part.

"Hinata is here at this table, Sasuke, for much the same reason that you are. It is my wish. Furthermore, it would be a good idea for you to note that we are in 2019, not the warring states era."

Fugako scoffed and was about to also respond, but the geisha stopped by him and displayed another offering of which he kindly took. Everyone took this opportunity to return to their doings before the nearly embarrassing conversation took another turn. Everyone except Naori.

She gestured to Hinata to turn towards her.

"You know," she began. "He will never respect you if you allow that to happen again. Never. He expects you to cower."

She did not say anything else to Hinata for the rest of the meal. As she ate in silence as each delicacy was placed before her, Hinata took the time to think about when she would call Hanabi. She knew that she had requested from Itachi that a year progress before an official meeting of the minds was had...but perhaps she was being too rash in her decision. Perhaps Sasuke was right. This needed to be nipped in the bud, faced head on, and dealt with. Sooner rather than later. She had no doubt that Hanabi would not lie about such an incident, no matter how immature she was. Sasuke's rendition of events could not have happened. There would never be a way to prove any of it.

Far too much could happen in a year anyhow. The more Hinata thought about it, the more she was convinced. It would be best that they meet while it was still fresh on the mind, ripe for mental plucking.

"Itachi," said Hinata, once the geisha had smiled and passed once again. "I changed my mind. Let's have the meeting soon."

The geisha made her next round around the table. At that moment, as Hinata had spoken her request to Itachi, she noticed the distinctly shaped V on the geisha's neck, made by her white makeup. All Japanese knew the purpose of this detail of the geisha's appearance. The focus being on the neck, quite intimately. A most subtle, beautiful detail.

Itachi partook in her observation. "They are quite exceptional."

"This must be nearly all that are left." Hinata murmured. It was also known that while the practice of being a geisha was not extinct, the prominence of geisha houses was of a time that was no more and there were few geishas left. The role of a geisha in Japanese society never to be ignored or forgotten, however a small role now in comparison to what it once was, even 50 years before.

"Almost. My father is enjoying very much. I am pleased with that...this will most likely be his last."

Itachi's revelation about his father struck a cord in Hinata, but she did not answer.

"Also," He continued. "This is completely up to you. If you wish a meeting sooner, it is done."

"I will contact Hanabi this week."

Itachi gave her an affirmative nod and continued to eat in silence. Hinata could tell that even though he was sitting down, he was not relaxed. Every so often, his eyes would dart about the banquet, keeping longer gaze on some more than others, reading and calculating.

"Try not to fixate, I will address Sasuke. Enjoy your meal." He finally said, with a glance at her untouched sushi. "Jiro prepared these specially."

Hinata ate a piece in obedience though she was not hungry. Itachi's directive at the moment reminded her of a father gently scolding a child, but she was sure he did not mean that.

"Itachi," Madara voiced, a piece of sushi sitting at the end of his ornate chopsticks. "Do entertain us with a recounting of your last trip to see the Emperor."

"Yes," Naori uttered, her elegant fingers clutching her sake glass. "Do entertain us of your tales with that Chinese crook." She took a full shot and set the glass down with a purposeful clink.

"I think not!" A sharp rejection flung from Fugako. "It would be a great dishonor to discuss such vermin on a Uchiha night. Rather, we should discuss the next investment opportunities in America. Itachi, who was it that is heading that team? That Kakashi?"

"Kisame."

Sasuke scoffed. "That nut is barely qualified. Itachi has provided his numbers over the last few quarters and they appear to be stellar, but who knows really!"

"Are all family dinners like this?" Hinata whispered as Fugako and Madara went suddenly into ultimate disagreement as to what the tone of the conversation should be. Karami seemed to be amused by the back and forth and occasionally threw in a jab to stir the pot. Hinata found it an odd conversation of intellectuals and felt as if she were viewing a private moment.

"Not at all. This is a relaxed moment for them. The arguing is merely for show. We have as many enemies here tonight that we do friends." Itachi seemed to smirk. "They harbor no actual ill will."

Naori cut in. "And the Uchiha would have it no other way. In order to outwit one's enemy, one must become bonded." She was looking at Itachi then, curiously. "It is a strategy that has been used for centuries." She then peered at Hinata with a critical eye. "Most often devised by women."

"What is often devised by women?" Started Sasuke, a brow lifted.

"History itself." Naori said evenly.

"Japanese history and Confucius does not agree with you." Madara spoke up. "Women have their place."

"And where is that?" A sharp eye turned toward Madara. "Underneath you for all eternity?"

"To the contrary, fostering the next generation of Japanese through principles of unity and family. Children need a guide, a mother's presence. "

Naori grinned. "While men foster the financial and economic success of Japan? Is that it, brother?"

"Naori!" Fugako barked. "Do you enjoy causing this upheaval?"

"Yes, actually. I do. Women have a place here and it is more than to be paraded on your arms. Women also have a place in the Uchiha and I have made certain that our company culture will reflect that in the next fifty more years. Every man at this table would be lucky to witness that."

"There is an order to everything. That order is sacred and must not be disrupted." Madara continued.

"My job," Naori began. "...is exactly that. To break order and create a new working system."

"Your position is that of community outreach, Naori. It always has been."

"Yes. And now I see it fit that this community is a community that includes women."

"Hinata," Sasuke said suddenly. "What do you think? As a new mother and all. Considering your family's background, I would think that you would have an opinion about this subject."

All eyes were on her. Hinata was taken completely off guard. She could feel Naori's gaze burning into the side of her. She dare not betray her as a fellow woman - surely Naori expected such a thought.

"We...we should do what makes us happy." Hinata said, settling on a look at Madara as she said it. He looked at her with an indifference that an older male would regard a school girl.

"Elaborate, please."

"Well...if you want to work and not have children, do that. If you want to be a mother and take care of children, then do that. I think...it is simple."

"Yes, for a simpleton perhaps."

"It is not simple." Naori concluded. "If that is the case, why not do both?"

There was a sudden pause within the conversation. Itachi took that opportunity to intervene. "I believe a more apt question would be, why does our society not allow an arrangement wherein choosing both is possible? We can make that happen as a society and even as a company, leading by example."

From the scowl on Fugaku's face, Hinata could tell this was a subject in which Itachi did not side with the men. She was relieved that he took a more progressive approach.

"Now," he continued. "I do believe that children must be completely involved with both parents. Such an arrangement is possible as well. The responsibility should not fall on one parent alone."

Karami had remained unusually quiet through the discussion. Hinata observed that he listened intently, but offered no words. Perhaps it was a sore subject for him.

"Welcome to the family," Itachi whispered to Hinata.

The oiran had stopped singing then and only played her instrument. As sushi came out course after course, Hinata lost count as to how many pieces she had consumed from the geisha. A fact used to the geisha's advantage when she swooped around to the opposite end of the table where Karami, Madara, and Fugako sat. The geisha doted with utmost precision. The arguments had then turned to the laughter of reminiscing old men, drunk of sake, as Hinata watched them relive past times. She could hear bits and pieces of their conversation, story after story of outwitted business opponents, innovative concepts used in a special industry, terrible American golfers, and meeting Saudi Arabian princes.

Naori would join in to offer a rebuttal, but would soon reserve herself back to eating and drinking. Hinata noticed that she too would survey the banquet. Her eyes would narrow when they landed on Sasuke.

Hinata fought a yawn and wondered what time it was. She glanced across the banquet and saw that most other guests were jovially enjoying the doting of their respective geishas. It was a grand night indeed. For a moment, she caught Temari's gaze once again. Temari rolled her eyes and gestured to Shikamaru beside her, holding his cup our for more sake as that geisha eyed him and poured with a smile.

Another sudden hush came over the lively guests as each geisha from each table suddenly gathered together toward the center of the event, closely to the oiran. Hinata felt Itachi leave her and she watched as he suddenly had a microphone in his hand. Every eye in the room was on him as he stood against a twinkling, starry night and glassy skyscrapers. They seemed to be watching him too.

Hinata listened intently as he began with a story about a Uchiha she did not know. He regaled the attentive crowd with a story of conquest and humility. He graciously thanked each guest for their continued support and contribution. Itachi was confident and regal. Hinata was captivated, although she tried to not show it.

Itachi made the proper introduction for the geisha performance and then took his seat back at Hinata's side. A strong applause followed thereafter, soon quieted by the oiran's singing once again. Except, this time the geisha's began to dance slowly and interpretatively with the haunting melody.

"It is unfortunate that your father is missing such a historic event." Itachi murmured to her.

"Yes, it is." Hinata kept her eyes on the geisha dance, their simple movements so perfectly in sync. "He would have enjoyed this immensely."

"Are you enjoying?"

Hinata did not hesitate. "I am here with you and Haya. I have my health." Fugako's frail image popped into her mind. "I am grateful to be here."

Itachi did not reply.

The geisha did not dance for long. The oiran stopped singing, ending on a sharp note. Hinata felt the chill. It was a beautiful performance mean to be short and taken in for all that it was worth.

"Do you want to stay for the fireworks?"

"Would it be rude if I were to leave?"

"Not if your health is a priority. You would much rather view the fireworks from our room."

They needed to discuss the matter no more. Soon after the geisha gracefully shuffled away, signaling the end of a phase. Itachi gave Hinata a nod and gestured toward the entrance, where she saw a man in black most likely waiting to escort her back to her room.

"Do you want cake?" Itachi asked her before she left. He moved closer to her now that they were standing up, so close they were nearly touching bodies. She breathed him in. She could see Sasuke watching them from across the table.

"I would love that. You will be up soon?"

"You will be asleep when I return."

Hinata bowed to the table and turned and took off toward the entrance. The man in black followed up from a distance. Holding her clutch close to her, she breathed a sigh of relief upon entering an empty elevator. It was her and her guardian. Once she arrived at her room door, her wristband quickly registered, she thanked the man and said goodnight.

The room was spotless, not much as she had left it. She saw that Itachi's mother was in the kitchen. She kicked off her heels and set her clutch down on the entry way table.

"Oh! Back so soon?" Mikoto exclaimed quietly, a glass of water in her hand. "I was expecting you to be out all night."

"I wasn't feeling so well." Hinata admitted. She began to take off her earrings. "Haya went down easy?"

Mikoto's eyes twinkled. "I didn't feel so well my first banquet either. She went down like an angel. I will take my leave then, dear. Fugako will be following you shortly and I must administer his medicine."

She came close to Hinata and gave a friendly pat on the cheek. Mikoto was not a tall woman by any means. "I hope you enjoyed the evening. Goodnight."

Hinata attempted a smile, but ended up yawning instead. Mikoto cast a knowing glance and promptly took her leave. Hinata walked over to the crib that the hotel had quickly delivered upon multiple apologies that it was not provided earlier. Hayako laid on her tummy, peacefully sleeping. Hinata reached forward and slid her fingers through her dark hair, wanting nothing more than to hold her close.

The conversation at the table had Hinata wondering what sort of woman she was to be. What sort of woman she currently was. She wondered what sort of woman Itachi thought her to be. She wondered if it even mattered.

She peeled off the dress and rushed into the bathroom to wash away her makeup. Collapsing in bed after a quick night regime of face washing, Hinata sunk into the plush mattress and luxurious sheets and comforter.

As she fell asleep, the image of her father entered into her mind. She heard his voice. She wondered how it was possible that she was an Uchiha, at a Uchiha event, with her Uchiha husband, and yet she felt like such a Hyuga.

Perhaps some things really did never change.

I'm back. :) More updates to come. For real this time. Thank you for the read. It means so much to me.