So, it's been a long while since I've posted. I'm trying to get back into hobbies, and hopefully this will be a fulfilling one. Maybe I'll even return to some older stories, but for now this will have to do.

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto

(Preface)

She looked down. Her eyes averting the person who stared at her with an intensity so strong she felt she could crumble underneath his gaze. Stepping back she felt her heel touch the surface of the brick wall almost immediately behind her person. She shuttered. Finally tilting her head upward, she peered to the side. The breeze tickled her exposed neck and she felt her legs shake and her voice quiver as she attempted to produce something audible.

He exhaled, and her eyes quickly made its way to his dauntingly sharp expression, the sound of his frustration echoing in her ears.

She held in her breath, feeling the constant squeeze in her chest as he stepped closer. And with every step he took she felt the pressure so much more intensely. She was not ready for this, she did not want this. It was not the time, neither was it the place. Finally taking in the breath her lungs cried for, she closed her eyes and pushed as hard as she possibly could.

Falling to the ground, he looked at her in both shock and disappointment. Opening her eyes, she looked down at him for just a brief moment before running, running so quickly into the direction of comfort, but more importantly, in the direction of a life without him.

Chapter One:

Introductions

She was such a child. It was something he announced to her on several occasions. She'd get flustered and her mind would be incapable of thought when it was her turn to respond. She'd end up saying nothing and he'd smile triumphantly.

Their interactions were beyond scarce, nearly non-existent. However when they were face to face, he would always present to her that look, that confidence that made her want to hide.

Villagers rumored over years that he and her were to be partners. Though, the actual event of that happening would be slim for the simple fact that it was never the younger Uchiha to take the hand of the Hyuga heir.

Her mother thought ill of both boys. Her father was on the opposing end, particularly for the eldest son. He had seen promise and a foundation in the child's character, maturity he hadn't seen in any others his age, save for the children in his family, mainly his nephew.

Hinata preferred so much not to be in close relation with the Uchihas, no matter how much it was encouraged. His family was almost, if not more concerning. As far as she knew, they were delighted to have her become part of their clan. On several occasions, it was even mentioned that this had not been the only instance where the clans had mingled with one another.

Hinata sighed. She realized that if it were to ever happen, her life would be far different from what she wanted. Looking out the window of her bedroom, she felt her chest constrict. Peering down at her hands, as she tended to do, she knew it never was her choice to begin with. Now more than ever, she wished she were again that small ignorant child who knew not of the path placed in front of her.

-Years Earlier-

Sasuke watched as his brother trained through the window. In the pit of his stomach he felt a swirling mixture of awe and envy. In the clan's eyes', Itachi was the epitome of what the Uchiha was set to stand for. He was greatness. As for Sasuke, he felt as if he would never amount.

As far as comparisons go, there was none.

Sasuke entered the kitchen, took a seat and languidly sunk down to the table. His arms propped up around his head as a way to block the world.

His mother paused from the dishes, and glanced back to see her small son. She smirked to herself and began, "Sasuke, what's wrong?"

Sasuke sighed heavily, "Nothing," he said.

Continuing, she placed a dish on the rack to dry, "Sasuke-kun…?" her tone was different, almost sounding annoyed, yet partial to play.

Sasuke sat up slowly and glanced up to see his mother unwavering at her task. He observed the way her manner stayed calm, while her tone indicated otherwise. He said nothing, but continued to watch her from behind as she washed dishes.

She placed another dish on the rack, "Does this have anything to do with what the clan decided for your brother?" Her hands dipped into the sink again to retrieve a small bowl, "Hm?" she asked.

Sasuke was not interested. He was never close to people his age, and often decided not to leave the compound. So when he heard of his brother's betrothed, he knew little information. Itachi, unlike himself, was known among the village's clans, and likewise. Their father had established a few boundaries for Itachi, yet, like always Itachi made the right choice.

"Ahem…"

Sasuke blinked once, then twice, and looked back towards his mother.

"She's the heir to the Hyuga clan…" She began, "She's in your class, I believe." Rinsing the sink of suds, she patted her other hand dry against her apron. "She's a little peculiar." his mother paused, as if she thought of something, "Quite cute, however." She turned, and Sasuke simply looked at her. His mother had an expression that ventured closely to happiness. He frowned, jealous, "What's her name, Okaa-san?"

His mother paused and propped her head to the side, as if she had to think about it. Building her youngest son's anxiety, she refrained from letting a small laugh go. "Um..." she dragged her index finger against her chin and began to tap, "I think...ah, what was it?"

Sasuke, glared at his mother, "Okaa-saaaan!" His palms hit the top of the table with alarming buoyancy.

Quickly, she turned to him, eyes lifted and large, however, not surprised, "Sasuke...?"

Sasuke hopped down from his seat, and faced his mother. She smiled lovingly at him, "Her name is Hyuga Hinata."

~o

Itachi stood solitary in the compound awaiting the meeting. His father was to attend as well but was unable. Due to the circumstances, this would be a rather informal gathering. Itachi had yet to meet his betrothed and found it unnecessary due to the discomfort he'd thought he'd bring, seeing as how their age difference meant little, but must have brought about discomfort on her part. On this occasion he would only be meeting the Hyuga clan's leader.

"Uchiha," apparently, this included branch leader and son. Itachi noted the lack of respect in the addressing, and thought briefly how much of a favor he'd be doing this girl.

Itachi bowed slightly, and gave a short nod to the others present.

Hiashi gave the young teen a look over and spoke, "Your father?"

"He will not be attending."

Hiashi glanced over towards his brother, and back at the Uchiha as if to say that's what he' expected.

Itachi looked through them, he realized, it was something he had to do to stay as respectful and as calm as possible. He knew already, that it was going to be a long meeting.

~o

"Come here, Hinata." A soft voice echoed through the narrow hall, attracting her at the end of which she stood. Hinata looked up to see her mother waving gently at her.

Confused, Hinata stepped tentatively towards her to eventually follow her quietly through the halls of the empty compound. As they both walked, Hinata found it strange to see hardly anyone. She thought momentarily to ask her mother, but decided on keeping that question to herself.

Stopping in her tracks all too quickly, Hinata looked up at her mother's uneasy form, a shallow breath escaping her quivering lips as she stared sadly into the next room.

Looking to see herself, Hinata's eyes filled with a vision of someone she's never seen before. Curious, she stepped only a hint closer to have him in full view. He was tall, she noted. Youthful, and - Hinata cast her eyes downward suddenly. Feeling a frantic yank on her arm, her mother pulled Hinata away from the archway and further down the hall towards the library.

~o

The Hyuga clan head wasn't one for words but his brother had plenty to say, all of which Itachi had little interest. He could feel Hiashi's intense gaze and although he was giving him a front that implied displeasure, he knew he was in fact feeling quite the opposite.

As he waited calmly for Hizashi's proposals to end he saw what he assumed to be a glimpse of Lady Hyuga. Eyes narrowing in the slightest, he observed her hair long and her body slender. Her manner, he saw was delayed in such a way. Her form vibrated with a short but hitched breath - she was ill.

Watching, but not to attract too much awareness, Itachi observed as she staggered off to the side out of view. Her eyes never on him but rather on her husband. An expression on her face so slight he barely noticed. Disgust, was it? Unlike her husband, she had an honest face. Her eyes deep and filled with so much…

His thoughts trailed and he could feel his focus waver from the meeting. Making the decision to shift his attentions, he couldn't help but notice the small child trailing behind her.

So innocent, her eyes soaked him in. She observed with such curiosity and what he sensed to be a great amount of concern. Neither did their eyes meet, but to each other an informal and accidental introduction.

It was his first meeting with his betrothed, Hyuga Hinata.

Please review for me! I have the next chapter started, so hopefully there will be interest.

-Chibismiles5266