Secret Admirers 3

[catriana_fiction]

Title: Secret Admirers
Series: Naruto
Pairing: ItaHinaSasu
Genre: Romance
Rating: M
Chapters: 3/4
Summary: Birthday fic for darth_buddy They knew and understood each other better than they did themselves. It was only natural that they'd fall in love with the same woman. They had shared everything together, why not the woman they loved?
Warnings: Three way relationship. Turn back if this does not appeal.
Notes: LOL Uncomfortable!Sasuke is fun.

 

3

xxxxx

“Good Morning,” the tall and handsome brunette greeted the hospital’s receptionist. Said receptionist had been chatting idly on the phone inspecting her nails when she looked up. Eyes flickered down only for a second before snapping back up; jaw dropping. She almost dropped the phone.

“I...uh...” red rushed to her face as she took in the perfection before her. “Y-yes?”

Tilting his head, he smiled thinly. “Hyuuga Hinata. Could you please inform her that I am here? She works in the Children’s Ward.”

Still dazed, the receptionist’s mind was on auto. “Um...may I ask who and why?”

“Of course. I’m...”

xxxxx

“Oh. My. God. Hinata. You bitch.” Karin burst into one of the staff rooms with Sakura and Ino right behind her. The redhead looked ready to kill, Sakura and Ino looked stunned.

Hinata, who had been pulling out a small vial of medication, jumped. After a few seconds of fumbling to ensure the vial didn’t drop, she turned to the three women, eyes wide. “W-what?” she spluttered, eyes wide. “W-what did I...?”

“You!” The brunette’s shoulders were grabbed and Karin began to shake her back and forth. “Why didn’t you tell us you were Uchiha Itachi’s girlfriend? You’ve been holding out on us!”

I am? “I...I am?” she squeaked, totally confused. She had gone on a total of three dates with the Uchiha brothers in the past month. They talked and messaged often but the idea of them becoming more had not yet come up. In the end, it wasn’t something Hinata felt she was completely ready for.

The dates had been wonderful. When it came to ‘attention’ it was split evenly between them, although on their last date Sasuke had ended up having an emergency delivery to take care of and so it had only been her and Itachi. If that had upset the younger brother, he had yet to say anything. Maybe someone had seen them and that’s where the assumption came from?

Those two were just...amazing. They made her feel so cherished and beautiful; she truly enjoyed her time with them. Even though they grew closer by the day Hinata still was holding back. Mostly because she knew if she did actually decide to become their girlfriend she had to look at it as a permanent relationship. Not only that but she would have to accept both of them equally. They wouldn’t accept anything less and she understood and respected that.

“Yes, you are!” Karin’s voice snapped her out of her thoughts. “Hello? He’s waiting down stairs for you right now!”

“Gotta admit, Hinata-chan,” Ino shrugged. “I thought you would have at least told me or Forehead. We are friends, right?”

“I...we’re not...” she began to wave her hands in a pacifying gesture. “We’re not together! J-just...we’re just friends!”

All three women gave her disbelieving stares at that and she blinked owlishly. What was their problem?

“Hinata.” Karin waited until she had the Hyuuga’s attention. “There is no such thing as ‘being friends with Uchiha Itachi’ for anything with two X chromosomes unless you’re a lesbian. Are you a lesbian, Hinata?”

“No!” she protested loudly before slapping a hand over her mouth. “N-no.” she repeated softer but firmly. “B-but...we’re not...wait...he’s downstairs?”

Why was he downstairs?

Brain officially fried at this point, Hinata pushed past the girls and rushed down the stairwell to the main lobby where, sure enough, Itachi was waiting for her. Her shift was actually over and the brothers knew that. But why was he here?

When he saw her he blinked once before a small smile emerged and he met her halfway. “Good morning.” He looked quite amused. “You look surprised.”

Understatement. “W-well yes...”

The smile widened before he blinked and looked behind her. A brow rose. “Co-workers?”

Turning, Hinata saw three blurs – red, pink, and blonde – disappear behind the corner. Sighing, she looked at Itachi again. “Um...yes. Uh...they think you’re my boyfriend?”

“Do they?” The smile dropped although he still seemed amused. “I certainly did not say such a thing. I am here to pick you up...and take you on a date.”

A surprise date? She was a little tired from working the night shift but he wouldn’t have shown up if it wasn’t important in some way. “Oh...well, let me just change and we can go.”

“Take your time.” Dark eyes darted behind her before flickering back to her face. “I’ll...wait outside.”

Giggling, Hinata hurried to the changing room, dressing in record time to keep from running into the girls again. She had no idea how she was going to face them next shift; they were going to demand answers and she really just wanted people to stay out of her business.

Tugging on her sweater lightly, she rushed down the steps to meet Itachi, giving him an apologetic smile. Jeans, sneakers, and a sweater wasn’t really what one wore to a date. “I’m sorry I look messy,” she began as she fell into step beside him “And um, I’ll probably smell like the hospital...”

“You look, and smell, fine.” He gently reassured and took her hand when they were out of sight. Holding back a sigh, she leaned into him, fighting back a blush. “I apologize for the last minute notice, we wanted to surprise you.”

Speaking of which, “Where’s Sasuke?” his lack of presence was actually becoming a habit. It was almost as if he was trying to find excuses for her to be alone with Itachi. It wasn’t that she didn’t mind, but it did hurt a little. Had she done or said something wrong? Was he maybe no longer as interested?

She loved being around Itachi; he was calm and romantic. Very intelligent and patient. Sasuke wasn’t as poetic, but his blunt honesty and open intensity was equally desired. Together, they balanced each other perfectly; they were really like one person.

“He’s gone ahead to the meeting place.” If Itachi was upset by this he wasn’t showing it. “We’ll be taking the train.”

Really? “Oh. Where are we going?”

He smiled. “It wouldn’t be much of a surprise if I told you, now would it?” giggling, she leaned more into him and he put an arm around her shoulders in response.

Karin’s words bounced around in her head. Itachi, her boyfriend? They had only been on a few dates and the three of them had been affectionate; although it hadn’t gone past holding hands or chaste kisses goodnight. She had yet to go to their apartment or spend any real time with them and they had yet to ask her.

The fact that Sasuke had Itachi come get her when he usually was the one around her the most physically did not bypass her. Was he...doing it on purpose? If so, why?

Since the morning rush had already gone by the trains weren’t very crowded. Because she was so tired she ended up sleeping on Itachi’s shoulder for the entire ride. When he nudged her to awaken, one flicker up at the station’s name told her everything.

“We’re going to Ueno Park?” no longer tired, white eyes lit up with excitement. Ueno Park was very large and historical; it held a zoo, shrines, temples, and the Tokyo National Museum of Art. The latter was a place she had always wanted to go to but had been unable. When her class had gone for the field trip she had been sick and somehow or another she had never gotten around to going.

The Museum held a lot of historical artifacts from all over Asia and it was really the history aspect of it that appealed to her the most. Hinata loved ancient history and she definitely enjoyed all the pictures of the beautiful monuments, shrines, and other beautifully crafted items.

She couldn’t believe it; Hinata had only briefly mentioned how she had never gotten a chance to go and she was sure that had been well over a year ago. When she beamed up at Itachi he smiled warmly and took her hand.

“I know you’re probably tired,” he began but she shook her head. She wasn’t at all tired anymore and told him so.

“I’ve always really wanted to come here. Thank you so much.” Taking his hand, they began to exit the station.

“It was Sasuke’s idea, actually.” That was when she saw it, his confusion. “In fact, many things that have happened between us have been his idea. He pushed for this from the beginning.”

Hinata was stunned. “H-he did?”

“Yes.” Now he sounded slightly confused and perplexed “I did not think it would work, doing something so brazen like this. He encouraged me to at least try and so we did. Sasuke strongly believed that the three of us could be together and happy.”

“That...” sounded so unlike him. He always came off as being aloof and uncaring about anyone but himself. She knew that wasn’t true but still. ‘Sasuke’ and ‘considerate’ did not belong in the same sentence.

Itachi must have picked up on her thoughts because he chuckled, giving her hand a gentle squeeze as they walked across the street that led to the massive park. “Like me, my brother has a side of him that he doesn’t show many people. He’s very passionate and emotional, he just hides it behind arrogance and indifference.” He leaned close “He will probably never say it aloud, but he loves you the same as I. He grew up feeling as if he were my shadow, and so he created the mask you see to protect his true feelings from others. Eventually, you will get to see what I see.”

She immediately felt horrible. Although he had never said the words aloud; in letters and messengers he had revealed his ‘true self’ to her. He wasn’t as poetic or flowery with words as Itachi, but they held no less power and meaning.

It had been easy to connect one of the admirers to Itachi because there hadn’t been much difference in the personalities. With Sasuke, the ‘personality’ in the letters had been little more than him opening up and letting down his guard. It was something that he, obviously, wasn’t comfortable doing in her presence, but it didn’t mean it didn’t exist or he didn’t care equally. Now she felt shallow for thinking him inconsiderate. If this entire plan had been Sasuke’s idea, it meant he was nothing but considerate.

And just like that, her feelings for the brothers increased drastically.

Sasuke was waiting for them at the starting path from the long fountain to the museum itself. Like her he was dressed in plain black pants, a dark blue turtleneck shirt and sneakers. Itachi always dressed business casual if not more elaborate, but that was because he was a businessman. His hands had been in his pockets until he spotted them. A small smirk gracing his handsome features, he walked over.

“Hey.” He handed them tickets and Hinata a pamphlet. “Unfortunately, the Japanese exhibit is closed for renovations, but the main hall and everything else is open.” He pointed to the other buildings. “It’ll take hours to visit everything, though.” He looked at Hinata “That’s why we snagged you so early.”

She nodded, understanding. Ueno Park was very massive. It held shrines, temples, a small zoo and the museum. There was also a very small amusement park; one could spend the entire day there and probably still not see everything it had to offer. “I’m fine with the museum.” She fell into step between them, although Sasuke kept a small distance from them. The other to noticed but said nothing.

Hinata had a blast. The inner museum was massive and had quite a bit of Japanese historical items inside. There were some Chinese and Korean, but most of it was from ancient and classical Japan. She looked through all the exhibits, fascinated with everything.

Hinata poured over ancient scrolls that she could scarcely read although she tried. The paintings were just amazing and the kimono were simply exquisite.  She took in armor from the Sengoku era, the weapons and long bows that were probably longer than the individual who had wielded them. She took in the pottery, the furniture, all of it.

It wasn’t until her stomach growled and she yawned that Hinata realized she was hungry and tired. They hadn’t even left the main building yet. The two brothers had walked behind her the entire time. Hovering and offering thin but genuine smiles when she would turn to them to point out an item of interest.

Itachi actually knew an alarming amount of history and sometimes the two would chat about something or another that interested both of them. Sasuke also seemed to know quite a bit, but he chimed in less. Hinata had been too excited to truly notice.

“It’s almost three?” how time flew! They had arrived at around eleven since the park was about a two hour ride from where they lived. Even if they left now it would be dark by the time they returned. It didn’t really matter since she didn’t have work tomorrow, but she hadn’t meant to keep them out all day either. “I’m so sorry...I got carried away.”

“Idiot.” A fist knocked on her head very lightly and Sasuke tilted his head and smirked. “That was the point of bringing you here.” Shrugging, he looked around. “Well, we’d have to go down the ramp for any real restaurants or we can stop in Tokyo or another place on the way back. There’s some ‘okay’ places in the station itself. Whatever you wanna do, Hinata.”

“Well, let’s head back since it’ll take a while and we’ll stop wherever we feel like.” Hinata suggested and they seemed fine with it.

Normally, if Hinata entered with one of them as if they were a couple the other would leave with her in the same fashion. Sasuke, however, avoided this, causing both Itachi and Hinata to give each other looks. He walked ahead, keeping his back turned.

Something hard settled in her stomach. Was he really...no longer interested in her? Had she truly done something wrong? Maybe now that they were spending real time together he realized that he had made a mistake?

A hand squeezed her shoulder and she looked up at Itachi. He smiled but it was slightly strained. “Don’t.” was all he needed to say.

They had stopped a few stations in their route and ate at a sushi go-round. It was rather good sushi and Hinata had found herself eating more plates than usual due to not having eaten anything since lunchtime yesterday. She didn’t tell them that and they didn’t ask.

Full, happy, and content, Hinata found herself dozing off lightly against Itachi on the train ride back. His arm was loose around her shoulders and she had just been about to completely fall asleep when she heard the deep rumble of Sasuke’s voice.

“Aniki, I’ve been thinking...” he began quietly. There weren’t many people on the train at the moment, but there were still a few individuals in their car, although off to the side.

“Would this thinking have something to do with Hinata?” the older brother looked down at her but she definitely looked fast asleep. “And why you’re avoiding her?”

“Tch. I’m not avoiding her...”

“Really.”

Onyx met onyx before the younger male snorted and turned his head away. “I was wrong.”

It took a lot for Hinata not to react and judging by the way Itachi tensed, he had an idea of what his brother was referring to. “Sasuke –“

“I wasn’t really thinking about Hinata’s situation when I brought it up.” He cut off, still avoiding his brother’s gaze. “We both liked the same person and the solution to the problem seemed simple. I didn’t really think about how it would affect her life, because I figured if we all agreed it’d be fine.”

Itachi fought the urge to sigh. “It is not a...well looked upon type of relationship, I agree.”

“It’s not just that.” Leaning back, Sasuke looked up at the ceiling “Hinata’s got a solid job that she likes doing. If word got out, she’d probably never see a promotion and trust me –“ he gave his brother a look. “If those three found out, it’d be all over the hospital in minutes. Then there’s the fan brigade. She’d never get any peace; we don’t get any peace. I wasn’t really thinking about any of that. We don’t give a shit and we run our own business. Hinata’s got more to lose.”

“Otouto...” there was concern in his voice. “What are you trying to say?”

A sigh. “I’m saying that it’d be better if Hinata just stuck with one of us...and it might as well be you.” He raised a hand before Itachi could protest. “Listen, you’re better with words, you’re way better at the dating thing and she’d be happier with you. Also, you’re not around her co-workers as often since you don’t really know them. Hinata gets to keep her private life just that.”

The older brother frowned heavily. “Sasuke, we would not even be where we are right now had you not suggested this. All of this, slowly approaching Hinata, showing her how we felt in a safe but confidential manner...all of it was your idea. I never would have thought to do this, I would have let the matter drop and neither of us would have pursued her.  At the very least, tell Hinata the truth. I know you; you will do something rash and foolish.”

“It’s better this way.”

She’d had enough. Slowly, she sat up, startling both males. Pearl-colored eyes locked onto surprised onyx and she frowned at Sasuke. “You know...if you really feel bad about not c-considering my situation, maybe you should start doing it.” Her small hands clenched into fists, she was very upset. She understood what Sasuke was doing; she really did, but still. “Maybe you could start asking me how I feel before you make decisions for me.”

The younger brother’s jaw worked for a moment before he found his voice, matching her frown. “You can’t tell me I’m wrong, you know.”

Oh no, he was not going to avoid the subject. Shaking her head, she turned to face him fully, making him scoot back a bit in his seat. “That’s not the point!” she kept her voice low despite being upset. “I’m happy about the fact that you approached me the way you did, that you waited patiently for me to come around and accept your feelings. It was sweet and considerate. I know you two truly care about me.

“But I am here with you and I deserve to be a part of the decision making process now. You showed me the kind of choice I could make with what you gave me. I could decide to be your friend or...g-girlfriend.” She fought her blush, she was supposed to be upset, damnit. “Now you’re taking that choice away from me and you weren’t even going to give me a say in it? That’s not fair, Sasuke.”

“I’m trying to help you!” he ignored the looks he got when his voice rose. Screw them. “I was an idiot, alright? I was being selfish; I’m pretty damn good at it. I’m telling you, it’s better this way.”

“It’s not your decision to make!” Itachi’s arm tightened around her shoulder, but only to comfort, not to hold her back. She leaned back slightly against him, grateful for the support. He didn’t agree with Sasuke either, but he wasn’t going to jump into the fight. It was between them. “I should decide whether or not I want to take on the consequences of this. I’m twenty-five, not fifteen; I understood what I was doing when I agreed to this.”

Sasuke leaned forward, eyes narrowing. “You can’t tell me for one second you’d seriously be okay with this, Hinata.”

She didn’t even blink. “Sasuke, do you love me?”

Flinching, he sat back, forcing himself to school his expression to something neutral. “You know the answer to that.”

Hinata shook her head. “That’s not what I asked you, Sasuke. Please answer the question honestly.”

Silence. They faced off, their expressions grim and determined. Although Sasuke was probably right and this would be easier for her; she was acting on her emotions – as she had been from the beginning – and this was not how she wanted it to end. They came to her and she accepted. If she was going to back out, it would be on her terms, not theirs.

The brothers suddenly locked gazes. Itachi’s arm tightened and she could practically feel him frowning. “Otouto.” His voice was firm. “This is not a time for pride.”

Sasuke’s gaze snapped to pearl. “Yes.” He answered stiffly. She closed her eyes briefly.

“Please...walk me back to my apartment.” it was not a question and the look she gave him spoke ill of his fate should he refuse. He hesitated before agreeing.

Although outwardly she looked passive and calm, in reality she was very upset with him. All that patience he had displayed over the past year and a half, all the kind words  and heartfelt letters. She knew because of Itachi just how dedicated both of them were to her but it was Sasuke who had decided to try out such a crazy plan and now he wanted to back out of it? Before she could even make a decision? He was just going to dump her without even talking about it first? Absolutely not.

Hinata would not be excluded from anything deciding their relationship – good or bad – from here on out. They were going to sit down and talk things out like rational adults because as miffed as she was at Sasuke she cared about him and Itachi. She loved their smiles, how comfortable she could be around them. She loved how nothing about them was fake, how completely devoted they seemed to be towards her.

She loved how the brothers would tease each other and how they would tease her. She loved the intelligent conversations she would have with Itachi and she loved the warm smile that would flicker on the normally stoic younger brother’s face when he thought no one was looking. It only emerged when the three of them were together. Sasuke was happy with the three of them together and so was Itachi.

As for her...she...

When they reached her apartment door she turned to the brothers. Itachi had maneuvered their positions subtly so that Sasuke was in front and therefore facing Hinata. He looked unapologetic and stubborn; he truly did feel that he was doing what was best for her.

Too bad it wasn’t his decision to make. She was a grown woman who had understood the implications when she had first agreed. Had it truly bothered her that much she never would have agreed. However, she knew Sasuke. Unless she got him to agree now he would avoid her and nothing would ever get solved. She would probably lose him and Itachi would probably back away despite Sasuke’s words. Hinata wouldn’t blame him either. This wasn’t going to solve anything and she needed a bit to think on what she truly wanted to do.

She needed Sasuke’s cooperation. That meant she was going to have to suck it up and play dirty. Hinata didn’t want to lose them because...because...

“Hinata...” he began but was cut off when she framed his face in her hands and kissed him tentatively. The moment she did that, her fingers slid up, soft pads brushing along the shell of Sasuke’s ear.

He shivered and practically melted in her arms. His own wrapped around her slender frame and he tilted his head, tongue darting out to brush along her lips. A soft moan came from her partner when her fingers began to gently rub along his ears. They trailed lightly around the outer shell and behind, eliciting another shiver.

Parting, she kissed lightly along his jaw and stood on her toes until her lips brushed along his – now obvious – sweet spot. Hinata had to admit that this was rather exhilarating, making cool and hard Uchiha Sasuke writhe and moan just by playing with his ears. Of course, she was as red as anything yet at the same time excited and a little powerful. “Sasuke?” she whispered softly.

A small pause. “Yeah.” The response was slightly strained.

“Sasuke I...I would like to come over to your apartment tomorrow.” She blew air lightly into his ear and he let out a light curse. “Is that alright?”

“Wh-whatever you want, Hinata.” He was trying to pull her flush against his body but she trailed her fingers along his other ear to distract. He let out a small groan and closed his eyes. He whispered something but it had been too low for her to register.

Licking her lips – a part of her was horrified at being so manipulative but another part of her was thoroughly enjoying the amount of power she had with so little influence – she brushed them lightly against sensitive skin. His hands began to slide up her sides.

“U-um...maybe five or six o’clock?” she offered, sounding slightly breathy.

“Shit.” It came out soft and in a rush. “Y-yeah. Whenever, I don’t care.”

She knew she was starting to get carried away but couldn’t help herself. Some of it was her a little miffed at the way he had been about to just dump her without even saying a word. Had she not overheard, she never would have seen it coming. Reminding herself of that and how hurt she would have felt made her feel a little less guilty as she trailed her tongue up his ear.

“I’d like to sit down and...talk about us. M-maybe you could make us dinner?” she knew both brothers were good cooks, Sasuke had grudgingly admitted to it once or twice.

The groan that emerged was somewhat loud. “Yes.” His grip became borderline painful as he dipped his head and began to trail hot kisses along her neck. Teeth sank lightly into his earlobe. “Fuck yes,” he breathed. “whatever you want to eat, Hina.”

When he began nipping at her neck she pulled him up instead. His lips locked hard with hers and he actually made a small noise of protest when she pulled away from him. Not that she was unaffected. Her face was flushed and her breathing was slightly labored. Her white gaze flickered to Itachi who looked absolutely amused beyond belief at what just happened.

Resisting the urge to giggle, she continued to pull away and the younger brother tried to pull her back but she shook her head.

Taking a few steps closer, he tried again. “Come here, Hina.” He practically purred the words but she knew better. He was no longer quite in a logical state of mind and she had what she wanted. They would sit down and talk whether he liked it or not. Tonight she would seriously dwell on her feelings towards the two brothers and how she wanted their relationship to go.

She did allow him one last brief kiss before she pulled away, opening the door to her apartment. “Good night, Sasuke.” Confusion filled smoldering onyx eyes right as the door closed in his face.

Silence. Itachi stood off a bit, keeping his head turned away from his brother who was just staring at the brown door that was Hinata’s apartment. When the silence got to be too long, Itachi could no longer hold it in and snorted.

“You told her.” Sasuke wasn’t looking at his brother which was probably a good thing as he was having a difficult time keeping a straight face.

“I’m sorry?” a dark brow rose. “I told who what?”

His little brother took a breath and let it out. He still stared at the door. “You know what, you’re the only one who could have told her...about that.”

“Well, perhaps me and the woman who...”

“Aniki.”

Itachi coughed which helped prevented him from laughing. “Yes, otouto?”

“I...I fucking hate you.”

This time he did start chuckling and turned to leave. “I might have told Hinata about a certain...weakness of yours. I never suggested she use it in...” a cough “such a manner.”

Turning, Sasuke glared at his brother in borderline genuine anger. “I fucking hate both of you.” He muttered and Itachi politely ignored the uncomfortable limp the other was sporting as they began to head out. “Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve gotten...” he took another calming breath. “Why did you tell her that?”

“I wouldn’t be a big brother if I didn’t tell your significant other all of the things you’d rather her not know. Besides, you completely deserved it, Sasuke. No woman enjoys being spurned, especially the way you were going to do it. Even sweet Hinata has her limits.”

“Yeah, I see that.” He muttered dryly. “She’s your significant other too.”

“Yes, but I make it a point not to tell you anything that could be incriminating at a later date. Besides, I would not willingly do anything to incite her wrath. The one thing a man never wants to do is infuriate his significant other. Their lives tend to become hellish.”

“Fuck!” Sasuke was absolutely frustrated. A cold shower was not going to solve this. “How am I supposed to walk home?” He was so getting Itachi and Hinata back for this. Especially Hinata, that seductive, incredibly sexy...damnit, she was going to get hers. If she agreed to be with them he was going to do many, many things to exact his revenge. It’d be a little harder to get back at Itachi, but he’d find a way.

Damn, his pants were very uncomfortable right now.

“I’ll call a cab.” Itachi decided to take pity on his poor brother. At least it was night; not many would notice his...problem. As he opened his cell phone, he tried to hide his smirk...and failed. Well, he hadn’t really been trying to begin with. “So then, have we reconsidered our decision to break things off with Hinata?”

The grin widened at the glare he was given. “You could say that.” Came the growl and he tried his best not to limp noticeably towards their taxi.

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