This is a Sasuke x Hinata fic, with the much used "arranged marriage" plot device. It is my spin on the Sasuhina relationship, derived from reading much Sasuhina fiction. My style of writing is very unemotional, so my apologies if it seems stiff and boring at times. It doesn't progress fast, so it'll be a while before you see real emotional, angsty interaction. It will be short. I believe in fluff with plot, so fluff comes sparingly. :D
There are Japanese terms used in this story, and I try to keep away from fangirl Japanese as much as possible. Chapters will be short and written much like seperate events. Thank you, if you live to read beyond this analysis of flaws. Please enjoy, and don't flame. I use flames to boil udon! (jkjk)Constructive critiscm is what I'd like.
Enjoy...from kamikaze udon.
Note to readers that read this on 6/18/06: I fixed a few typos, and re-loaded this. Thanks.Prologue
Married in the winter. Uchiha Sasuke and Hyūga Hinata. Out of duty to their respective clans. Uchiha needs a consort to continue their bloodline. Hyūga needs to get rid of their weakling. This marriage fulfills both ambitions.
Black clad is he, in luxurious silk, hand-embroidered with red-and-white Uchiha fans.
She is clad in an uchikake(1) of imperial purple silk, golden Hyūga flames stitched neatly all over the expanse of cloth. Her shiro-maku(2) peeks out, snow-white under the intense violet of the uchikake. Gilded hairpins hold her elaborate knots of hair in place.
The wedding is a private, simple affair. Only family is present, or in this case, the Hyūga Bunke(3) and Sōke(4). They consume three cups of sake(5) according to tradition, and then Hiashi dismisses them.
Uchiha Sasuke and Hyūga Hinata are already married under Konoha law, but their marriage is the union of two prestigious clans, and thus they cling to tradition.
The Uchiha manor is an austere, traditional home. Reminiscent of Ginkaku-ji(6) in its stark splendor, Uchiha Sasuke has not lived there for many years. It has been renovated and cleaned for moving in because a small apartment is no longer appropriate.
Hinata sets her few boxes of clothing down in the room that she and Sasuke will share. She notices that there is one large bed and a futon. Four legs, a headboard, and slats for a futon make up the minimalist lines of the bed. Light emanates from a substantial lamp that resembles, if anything, a ball of light framed by a few pieces of curved wood. A chest will hold folded clothes and a few belongings. Simplicity reigns supreme.
Their first night is spent in terse, indifferent silence. Sleeping on opposite sides of the bed, they do not take advantage of the warmth the other provides. Hinata muffles her tears into the pillow; Sasuke listens to her quiet sobs, indifferent.
Already, they realize that their marriage is not like others.
Hinata wakes up the next day to an empty bed, and an emptier house. Disraught until she finds his note on the chabudai(7). Embarassment makes her flush, but luckily, no one sees her full-on blush.
1) uchikake: the wedding kimono. It is the outer kimono worn over the shiro-maku.
2) shiro-maku: the white underkimono, symbolizes the purity of the bride.
3) Bunke: branch family.
4) Sōke: main family.
5) sake: an alcoholic drink made from fermented rice.
6) Ginkaku-ji- a temple built for the Shogun as a place of rest and relaxation. Built in 1474, it is located in Kyoto, Japan. It's a good example of Japanese architecture's best characteristics.
7) chabudai: a low table, used for eating and sitting at.
And there we have it, prologue and chapter 1. It's supposed to pique your interest, readers!
The Sasuhina interaction is a bit sad, but more fluffy things come soon. Please leave a review, as reviews are the only way that I know people have read and enjoyed my fic. Domo arigato gozaimasu.