It's funny how, in retrospect, Hinata would have never even dreamed of becoming so entangled with the Uchihas.

Or maybe it wasn't too inconceivable.

It's a universal truth that the Hyuugas and Uchihas never got along, although they shared everything in common: investments and shareholdings in the same line of technology and industries, and most importantly possessing a deep blood lineage that they religiously keep pure.

Hinata saw a bit of herself in Sasuke. They were both cursed at birth.

The heavy crown of being an heiress which had burdened her all her life, and his mysterious transformation into a cat. They fit unto a larger puzzle still unknown to them.

Hinata mused over this as the relaxing spray of warm water ran through her body.

It doesn't change the fact that I'm still an unknown variable to them.

She's accepted the plan, and for now she's content with just that. It does not however, make it less uneasy for her in regards to her own family.

I still have to reach out to Neji somehow…

Hinata stepped out of the luxury shower, feeling extraordinarily lighter. The cleansing effect of the water, combined with the purging of her inner musings did wonders to her mental health. The luxurious hotel owned by none other than the Uchihas had conveniently provided her with clean undergarments, and a set of clothes branded by its corporate logo. Hinata sighed, the irony of it all.

What will her family think of her now?

At the moment she didn't want to think too much of it, setting her first priority to get herself dressed in clean, dry clothing.

Hinata stood in front of the mirror, checking her reflection. It wasn't too bad at all.

Once Hinata exited the bathroom the sound of faint snoring echoed through the large suite. Sasuke had fallen asleep while waiting for her to finish showering. She couldn't help but be amused at the sight—she found it adorable when he sleeps. His cat ears were still perked, twitching slightly, probably to the rhythm of whatever he was dreaming. She leaned in closer, examining his softer features such as the curl of his lashes, to the hard lining of his jaw. Guiltily, she indulged herself and pinched the tips of his cat ears gently.

Kyaaaa!

They were so soft! A slight blush graced her cheeks, her heart beating irregularly as she was only a couple of inches short of bumping foreheads with him. Suddenly his body shifted in his sleep, causing her to quickly draw back. An inconspicuous book fell from his lap and onto the floor. Waiting for her heart to slow down Hinata retrieved the book from the ground and read the title: Clan Legends and Stories. The book was frayed at its edges, the cover almost falling apart, yet the spine of the book was stitched so the pages were still intact. A particular page had been flapped at the corner, wrinkled from the frequent reading and turning. Curious, Hinata turned to the page and began to read the story written within. Slowly, word by word her heartbeat drummed strongly against her chest, realization dawning.

She couldn't believe what she was reading, the story was familiar; years ago when she was nothing but a small child full of innocence and imagination her mother had told this story to her. She had forgotten about it since then, a mere bedtime story, until now.

How…?

It was a very short, bittersweet tale. As a child she was fascinated at the story, especially at the curse. It was different from all the stories she heard because the happily ever after never happened; the ending inconclusive.

Was the curse ever lifted?

Hinata reread the story five times, poring through every word carefully and each time linking it to the present—to their present. She closed the book and placed it on the nightstand.

Did he knew? Unlikely, the story was pretty clear on which clans it was. Why it would take him this long to connect it to a Hyuuga?

She had the urge to wake him up, to demand answers from him. Why did this story exist? Why did he never mention this?

Hinata sat there, her emotions running high and threatening to burst out. She stood up quickly and grabbed her cellphone. She was going to call Itachi. She had a strong feeling that he knew more than he let on, and she was going to get to the bottom of this.

As she dialed Itachi's number, Hinata looked back over her shoulder, peering at Sasuke who was still fast asleep. His left cat ear twitched, and she suppressed at the urge to pinch it again. Itachi answered her promptly.

"Yes what is it? Everything alright there I hope."

Hinata's confidence hitched, a nervous tingle gathering at the pit of her stomach. She felt her regret too late.

"No actually. I'm confused about everything."

There was a slight pause, "Oh? About what?"

"Everything. The curse, the storybook, how's it all connected."

She heard him intake a deep breath, the cue for her to brace herself. "That's the book I lent my little brother for some light reading. That storybook had been passed down in our clan since it was printed over two centuries ago, and before that through word of mouth. It was a cautionary tale meant to harbor hate for your clan, the Hyuuga. That was what it was for a long time, until I came upon it again and pieced together its meaning."

Hinata bit the tip of her thumbnail, she was on edge, patiently tethering on the side of a cliff. "I know the story, I've had it told to me when I was a child."

Itachi continued, his tone even, calm. "I negotiated for you in exchange for a subsidiary company which your clan gladly agreed upon."

Her throat began to constrict, mouth dry as cotton as she struggled to speak, to breathe. Her eyes began to blink rapidly, fighting off the tears.

"Y-You're l-lying!"

"I would not lie to you in such matters. Especially now that you're with us."

It infuriated her how he sounded the least bit sympathetic, but then again why would he? Her fists were balled tight.

"Neji just called me four days ago. He said I could come back!" Hinata cried, desperate for something to go on.

"Yes, I knew of that. In fact I advise you to seek him." There was a lingering pause for thought. Hinata's lips were dry, hanging unto every word.

"The curse is intended to break the walls between our two clans. My predecessors before me would have outright spat at the notion, but not me. I intend to have you marry into our clan to achieve such peace."

A stillness washed over her, and she hung up the phone.

It was not that she opposed the idea, and that thought itself is what most occupied her worries. Why isn't she opposed to it? She's supposed to oppose it! Sure she declared her cooperation, but nothing to that degree.

Her feelings for him. It wasn't anything magical, nothing dramatic. It was just the quickening of her pulse, the touch of his flesh or fur, the heat between the contact of their lips, and the overall longing—an indescribable feeling of belongingness and need for each other.

"I guess then, Ms. Hyuuga that it won't surprise you that I believe our fates are tied by the red string of fate."

A sentence that he uttered which seemed so long ago, whether he believed it himself, now encompassed what their love was…if the storybook is anything to go off of.

Hinata gripped the book tightly on her lap. Her destination was nearing: familiar roads and sights coming back to her. Once they passed a forest, the copse of oak and walnut trees clearing, the proud residence of the Hyuuga clan stood aloof and domineering in the horizon. Her gut was filled with both anticipation and anxiety. It has been three years, three long years of absence. A part of her loathes the attachment she still feels, despite everything, and a part of her feels relieved, like regaining a missing piece of herself.

The taxi slowed to a stop in front of the gate, where she saw Neji stood—patient and upright. Her determination overrode her fears and she had successfully managed to contact him.

He hasn't changed. The thought comforted her.

Hinata took a deep breath in and opened the door, and to her surprise, Neji offered her his hand. Hinata looked at it, her wide pale eyes blinking and observing, until she held it. He clasped her hands with familiarity.

"Welcome back Hinata."

Once Hinata entered the Hyuuga household everyone stiffened, her presence almost like an anomaly. No one knew how to act around the "rogue" Hyuuga, but Neji was firm with them, ordering for the two of them to be served a fresh pot of oolong tea. Hinata mentally thanked him.

"Father's not around?" Her voice seemed to echo and bounce around the rice paper walls, amplifying her nervousness.

It was taking a step back into the past, she willed herself to not dwell on it, but everything in here literally housed her memories. It was hard. Compared to the Uchihas, the Hyuugas had a greater sense of tradition, right down to the furnishings and clothing. In the household one must only wear a set of yukata; "modern" clothing such as pants and a shirt was frowned upon, and it showed a lack of manners. She had always been rebellious however and she secretly wore other clothing during high school. Every moment she spent outside the household was in defiance, once she entered back in she was back to being conformed and shaped into a perfect heiress.

"Hinata? Hinata are you listening to me?" She was abruptly cut off from her thoughts, her vision intently focused on the stream of light amber liquid being poured into her teacup. The soothing floral smell intensified her nostalgia.

"Y-Yes, I'm sorry. I was just thinking."

Neji took his cup and sipped at the warm tea. "I mentioned that Lord Hiashi is currently on a business trip and Hanabi has moved out to attend college."

Hinata couldn't hide the surprise in her face. "Hanabi's not here any longer?"

"Correct" Neji simply replied. "She's pursuing a business degree."

That's right, she's eighteen now.

"And you cousin?" Hinata asked, folding her hands together.

"I am temporarily managing the clan. You see Lord Hiashi's health has been wavering, although he dismisses the fact."

An intense feeling of concern spread over her, "Is he truly alright? For heaven's sake he never did cared for anything but the clan. Always working himself too hard!" Hinata stood up unceremoniously. Neji quietly observed her for her next move. For a split second crippling doubt nudged at her side, but she didn't let it take over. She used the moment to her advantage.

"I've come back here to take back my birthright." Her voice sounded confident in her ears, the impact of her statement ringing.

Neji was clearly taken aback, and if it wasn't for her milky white eyes filled with unfamiliar passion, he wouldn't have believed her.

He sensed that change was coming, and he began to pour himself more tea. One can never have enough tea in these kinds of situations.

Hinata was weary as she trudged up the steps to her apartment. She was going to have to pack all her belongings and move out swiftly. The Hyuuga household awaits her, as well as the confrontation with her father.

Taking out her keys, Hinata was about to insert it to the keyhole when the door opened, Sasuke standing in front of her. He quickly took her in his arms and embraced her as if his life depended on it. Her weariness melted in his arms. Seconds turned to minutes, their heartbeats pacing against each other. She grew more conscious, and thankfully he broke off their close proximity, placing his hands on her shoulders.

"Where have you been?" His cat ears still jutted out from his jet black hair. She reached out and touched them.

"I'll miss these…" she absently whispered, stroking it softly.

Sasuke didn't mind her touching, but it did sent tingles across his skin. He looked fine in the outside, but inside he could feel the pulsating heat within him every time she's around.

He cupped her face with his hands and leaned in towards her for a kiss. She opened her lips and immediately his tongue slid in to meet hers. Deepening the kiss, he swirled his tongue against every crevice he could explore. He heard her give out a cute little moan and the heat only intensified within him. When they pulled out for air their gazes met, but not a moment later Hinata turned her head away, a blush tinging her cheeks.

Curse or no curse, it didn't matter to him anymore. All he wanted was her.

A/N: For those that stuck with this story, you have my deepest thanks. Also a Spanish version of Hospitality had been dutifully translated for me by camika! Here's the link (add the following after the standard FF website link):

/s/11361127/1/Hospitalidad

Definitely check it out! Her translation is superb, and I think it's pretty cool. Until next time dear readers!