Author's Notes: This is a multi-chaptered story about one of my favorite pairings in Naruto -- Sasuke and Hinata. This is an AU; therefore, the setting is not exact to the actual manga and anime, which means there are no shinobis. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.
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Two of Us
Prologue:
You're asking for a promise. The promise of a lifetime that I shall bind myself to you.
Wedding vows should be sacred. A personal declaration to stay together despite the difficulties that might arise.
He had her in his grasps with her back against the wall. His strong hands snaked up her arms to restrain her shoulders from moving forward.
Her fingers trembled from the warmth of his breath panting by her lips. His harsh breathing pattern indicated he must be upset.
He had never done this to her. It was the middle of night and he had pounded her front door like a mad man.
Over the past six months, he seemed increasingly agitated when the news of his engagement to a young, buxom pink-head was announced. His wedding yesterday was absolutely beautiful she heard. Konoha's elites were invited and she got word from her good friend Aburame Shino that the walls were practically decorated in purple orchids and red roses.
Hinata closed her eyes to erase the sight of his body harboring close to hers.
He didn't need to tell her how different they were. It was already apparent by the color of their eyes, the reality of their births, and opposite personalities. He had always been a shadow standing behind her. Unwilling to touch her. Many times she had reached for him, but he withdrew from her like she was an infectious disease. It made no sense that he should be doing this to her in anger, holding her against her will, like she was a criminal.
"Hinata, give me the promise of a lifetime. We will wait to be together even if it means decades of waiting."
Hinata opened her eyes wide from surprise.
Though his words were romantic, his words represented preserving the ache in her heart for him. But if she refused the offer, there was release from this unwanted agony. Such utterly ironic and extremely painful words to bear.
He was married now to Konoha's most beautiful flower Haruno Sakura. By agreeing to Itachi's promise, Hinata would be taking the person whom was rightfully and legally Sakura's.
To prepare her answer, she sought for reassurance in his eyes.
His captivating red eyes enhanced by desperation. Hinata's hope automatically depleted. Sadness consumed her expression as they lingered in their stare.
He was the son of Fugaku, leader of one of Konoha's renown families the Uchiha Clan. She, in turn, was only a normal Konoha citizen--a nobody by comparison.
He was asking for a promise that only marriage could solidify. A marriage that could never happen. He would be forced to follow his obligations no matter the conditions and they both would only end up hurting themselves.
After being ousted at age five, Hinata along with her father and younger sister left the Hyuga Compound. Hizashi became the head of the Hyuuga clan and severed all ties between them. Thirteen years of living a "normal" life raised Hinata to embrace whatever inevitability awaited her fated love for the Uchiha.
The circumstances would never enable Hinata to keep her side of the promise no matter the intensity of her feelings for him.
Itachi's position as the heir of the Uchiha clan required him to make deep sacrifices.
In the past year there was no faking the obsessive nature of hate brewing in Konohagakure. She saw loss, hope, and fear on the lingering expressions of the people. Prominent clans were fighting each other more than ever after Lady Tsunade's unexpected death. All were trying to grab the seat of Hokage. The balance of power wavered back and forth among the powerful and influential. Negotiations were seen as ploys for assassination attempts. Corruption became the fruit of greed.
Chaos surrounded Konohagakure.
Hinata constantly worried about Itachi's trips to discuss treaties and pacts. If there was anything that could cause him harm, Hinata would do anything in her power to prevent it.
Hinata shook her head.
"No. I'm sorry."
No longer would they walk this destructive path.
I'm pleading for forgiveness, Itachi. The forgiveness of a promise I cannot keep.
Author's Notes: Thank you for reading and please review!