AN: This is a two shot, and about as angsty as you will ever see me get. Takes place during the time skip.

~*~

Hinata sat quietly as Koharu did her hair up in a rather elaborate style. She caught the elderly council woman's eye and the woman simply smiled at her and squeezed her shoulder in a friendly, reassuring manner. As if that made up for anything.

This was not how Hinata pictured her wedding. Weddings were supposed to be happy occasions. She should have been surrounded by her friends and family, feeling giddy at the prospect of walking down the aisle towards the man she loved. Instead, she was miles from Konoha and everyone she cared about. Not only that, but she was forbidden to even mention her wedding or being married when she returned to the village, even to her father. And, worst of all, Hinata was not going to be married to the man she loved, or even to a friend. No, Hinata was about to be married to one of the most terrifying S-ranked criminals that Konoha had ever produced, Uchiha Itachi.

The man seemed to be the exact opposite of everything that was Naruto. He was dark, gloomy, and reserved. He was a genius, a prodigy; he hadn't had to struggle for recognition, it had come effortlessly. And, instead of standing by the people he should have cared for, he had mercilessly slaughtered nearly his entire clan. How was Hinata ever supposed to learn to care for this man?

Koharu was now pulling Hinata to her feet, and the young girl took a deep calming breath. As much as she despised the woman holding her elbow at this moment, she was a kunoichi, and she knew her duty. Konoha needed information on the Akatsuki, and Itachi wanted a bride. Her sacrifice could ensure the village's survival. She didn't understand Itachi's choice. She didn't need to. She didn't want to.

Someday, Hinata told herself, Sasuke would gain the power he so desperately craved, and he would come after his brother. On that day, Hinata would be free once again.

It was with this thought that Hinata started down the aisle.

~*~

AN: I know this is harsh on Hinata's part, but look at what she would know about him at this point in the story. It's not like Koharu would actually tell the poor girl anything that would help. Irratable old bat that she is. Next chapter coming soon. It will contain spoilers up through chp 394 of the manga