.oOo. Prologue .oOo.

The china rattled slightly as she lowered it back to the saucer in her other hand, the dainty fingers holding the cup's handle trembling with nerves in time with her lower lip. Light eyes shifted around the room.

Her father looked to her in irritation, silently reprimanding her noise with his matching, and yet colder, gaze. Ashamed, she lowered her own before glancing at the other side of the room.

Upon a beautiful settee, ankles crossed beneath the hem of her dress, was the matriarch of the Uchiha family. Her skin was pale – even paler than Hinata's own delicate flesh – further accentuated by her locks of inky black and matching eyes. With unmatched grace she lifted her cup to her lips, utterly silent as she took a sip and replaced it. Looking up, she gave a slight, nearly-unnoticeable smile to the Hyuuga maiden.

"This tea set has been in my family for generations," Mikoto explained, looking down at her cup and saucer fondly. "It has been passed from mother to daughter, without fail. A few pieces have been cracked or shattered, but though replacements are hard to find, it is a near-complete set. Among the many things in my own dowry, it is among my favorite possessions."

Hinata swallowed dryly despite her recent sip of tea. And someday...perhaps...it will be passed to me, if I can meet everyone's expectations...

"It is a lovely set," Hiashi replied blandly. "My late wife was quite fond of fragile things like porcelain and china. They are beautiful things, but so easily broken – such a shame."

"It is their fragility that makes them so special."

Everyone turned to glance at the other silent figure in the room.

"We should always cherish what is easily lost, for it may not be long before we lose it. Such is life. We become so dependent upon what is strong and unyielding, we often overlook or even mock the frailest blooms in the garden of Life. But it is in them we find the greatest beauty." Eyes so similar to the matriarch's found Hinata's, sincerity glinting within them.

A small chill ran up the girl's spine. Was he...?

"I suppose you are right," the man relented, apparently not in the mood to get into such a discussion. "Your son obviously has an eye that finds even the most reclusive beauties in life, Lady Mikoto. Not a trait commonly found in men today."

Mikoto's lips quirked slightly at something she found amusing in his words. "Indeed. So many men – and women, I will admit – are so quick to see things at face-value, and not realize the potential of the things and people they discard with so little thought."

A vein twitched in Hiashi's forehead. So, their jabs had not escaped his notice. "Yes..."

Ducking her head slightly, Hinata took another sip of her tea, attempting to blend in with her seat. She could hear all too well the veiled war the Uchiha were having with her father. It would appear that she had rather unexpected allies. Perhaps things were not as hopeless as her father had made them sound.

"Forgive me, Lady Mikoto," Hiashi then offered, standing. "But I fear the hour grows late, and I should return Hinata home for her lessons and supper. I would hate for her schedule to be interrupted, though your company is nearly reason enough to linger."

The jab again made Mikoto's lips quirk in amusement. "But of course – I would hate to interrupt miss Hinata's routine."

Sensing her father's growing irritation, Hinata stood quickly as not to anger him further. In her haste, however, her grip on her cup and saucer slackened.

"Ah...!"

With a tinkling crash the pieces of china landed upon the floor, shattering and releasing the last of her tea in a splash.

Horrified, Hinata slapped her hands to her mouth, tears springing into her eyes. "O-oh no..."

For a moment Mikoto stared at the mess in shock. But she flinched as another crash sounded beside her.

Itachi's cup had landed in a matching manner, though no tea had been left to spill.

"Drat," the heir muttered, frowning with a heavy brow. "It would appear I've dropped mine as well..."

Mikoto blinked before a small, knowing smile painted her lips. "Ah, it is no matter Itachi dearest – I'll have the maid clean this up once we have seen the Hyuuga to the door," she offered. "So, not to worry Hinata dear – it would appear someone greased the handles of everyone's cups today!"

Instead of her own mess, Hinata stared at Itachi's. Lifting her gaze, she saw him looking at her with a slight upturn of his lips.

He...he had done it on purpose!

She stared until she felt Hiashi's hand at the small of her back. "Come, Hinata," he ordered. "Best we leave now and allow the maid to handle this. And we mustn't intrude on Lady Mikoto's kindness any longer."

"Oh, there is no intrusion!" Mikoto protested, standing as well to walk them to the door. "I adore spending time with miss Hinata. In fact, I insist on seeing her again as soon as possible – I've already become quite fond of her. I shall send a formal invitation in the post – look for it soon, my dear!"

Letting her father usher her forward, Hinata murmured, "Of course, Lady Mikoto..."

She had a feeling this was the beginning of something rather unexpected.

Hello lovelies! So, this was another challenge entry that I ADORED and just had to share with you all. I love how this is going, so there's a definite possibility of me continuing it. For now, however, I have nothing planned, so it may be a short while before I get something thought out and posted, so please be patient with me. I can be very sporadic with longer projects, but I will do my best to work in as much as I can as quickly as I can - promise! So, keep an eye out - I want to update this as soon as I'm able. You can always follow it to stay up-to-date, and as always, reviews are much appreciated, and are always good motivation to help me write more!

Talk to you lovelies again soon!

~BlackRoseDragon13