Hitsuzen

Notes: Wow! Once again I am impressed with all of the positive response I have received on these last two chapters. Now there will of course by OOC-ness, it really can't help it with a plot like this, but hopefully this fic will still be enjoyable.

Chapter Two:

A Flame for a Fan

"This will be your room," Mikoto had said, having caroled both her newly 'adopted daughter' or rather far into the future daughter-in-law, and second son toward the back of the house.

Itachi, her eldest, had been silent and cold toward everyone after the meeting and that usually meant a…not so much as an argument as much as a disagreement.

The point being that Mikoto could tell that the heir and head of the Uchiha clan would most likely be butting heads over this particular subject well into the night.

A part of Mikoto could sympathize with Itachi's rebellion. The boy was only eleven and already his father was pledging him to a girl who was the same age, if not a few months younger, than his own brother. Yet another part, the sensible part wished that Itachi would accept thing as they were…just like she had when she had been pushed into an arranged marriage with Fugaku.

On either side of Mikoto, Hinata to the left and Sasuke to the right, the two children were currently oblivious of the tension caused by the decision concerning Hinata.

The boy frowned, already taking notice that the girl's room was bigger than his, since it was the old guest bedroom. Feeling the boy staring at her Hinata clung closer to Mikoto-san, coiling her small frame and moving easily with the older woman when she was lead inside.

Hinata could see that some of her clothes were already folded and neatly arranged on her bed and inside the open closet. A good portion of them were kimonos, others were simple shirt and pants outfits along with a few of the long sleeved jackets that she liked to wear.

Entering the room with Hinata, Mikoto frowned slightly, noting the small flame emblems of the Hyuuga, they would have to get those replaced…or better yet get rid of the jackets, shirts, and pants.

The attire was unsuitable for a young lady, the kimonos would do, but Mikoto could already see that the Hyuuga flames would have to be replaced with Uchiha fans.

The Hyuuga's were deserters and now the enemy of Konoha so Hinata would have to 'forget' her short past with her own family.

Speaking of the girl, Hinata sat on the edge of the bed, tenderly running her child fingers over the hem of her formal attire.

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Downstairs the air surrounding the two men of the Uchiha household was tense and crackling, despite the fact that as of yet not a single word had been exchanged, only dark glares.

The message however was loud and clear, Itachi was very displeased about this whole business.

"Why did you agree to betroth me to someone who isn't even my age?"

Shoulders squared the father and head of the clan returned with a callous stare of his own, "You are aware that our own clan is a distant relation to the Hyuuga clan," he paused, Itachi neither confirming or denying that he was listening yet Fugaku knew that he was.

Itachi had a stubborn streak but the boy wasn't called a 'genius' for nothing. Itachi had enough sense to know when to listen to reason.

So the patriarch of the clan continued with his explanation, "Imagine, the possibilities of re-introducing the Hyuuga bloodline..."

Itachi was listening, however how much he actually 'heard' was a different matter all together.

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The next morning Hinata gingerly stepped into the kitchen. Sasuke was staring sourly at his rice porridge, he hated this part of breakfast. The eggs were good, so were the small grilled fish and miso soup…but he hated rice porridge.

The moment Hinata sat at the table Sasuke decided to make good use of his new 'sibling' by shoving the bowl her way.

Blinking wide pale eyes Hinata stared at the untouched rice then up to an 'innocent' looking Sasuke.

Hinata's stomach grumbled from lack of food, and well how bad could it be?

Just as Hinata was about to dig into the rice porridge Mikoto shook her head at Sasuke before taking the bowl away from Hinata and passing it back to her youngest son.

"Sasuke finish your breakfast then you may leave," Mikoto stated rather than scolded.

Dark eyes looked back to the bowl and his chopsticks before very reluctantly eating, drat foiled again.

Hinata frowned; peering over the edge of the table to Mikoto-san's turned back.

Feeling the stare the woman turned her head a small smile on her lips, "Don't worry Hinata-chan your breakfast is coming up next."

Waiting patiently Hinata lightly swung her legs back and forth restlessly, gaining Sasuke's attention. The girl was weird. She fidgeted all the time and cried like a baby rather than acting 'normal'.

Thoughtfully chewing on his rice Sasuke recalled that all girls were 'weird' especially the ones that went to the academy. Two in particular liked to follow and cling to him.

Just as Mikoto set Hinata's plate down Itachi walked into the kitchen, already wearing his Chunin vest over a dark shirt and dark pants.

"…out on another mission already Itachi?" Mikoto asked quietly.

Itachi nodded mutely in response, his gaze momentarily turning to the 'children'. Sasuke of course was beaming; proud of his older brother…the girl…his future wife if his father had his way, stared up at him, more out of curiosity than actual interest.

In turn Itachi paid her no mind that is until the girl's soft voice could be heard form the kitchen.

"…weasel."

Three heads turned quickly, causing Hinata's face to flush with embarrassment, she hadn't meant to say that aloud!

Turning from the front door Itachi looked down at the girl before asking, "What did you just call me?"

Lowering her gazes, looking now to the floor rather than to the older boy Hinata stuttered and stumbled.

"Y-your name…that's what it means…well at least where I come from I- I am not sure about here, and um…you've got these lines on your face," Hinata demonstrated with her two index fingers noting the faint lines on either side of Itachi's face that made his facial structure seem narrower and similar to a weasel.

Sasuke looked up; come to think of it…niisan did look kind of like…

Mikoto tried to bite back a small snicker, instead fisted her hands inside the pockets of her apron.

Rather than becoming mad, indignant,t or even amused Itachi regarded Hinata with a little less curiosity then she had him, before quietly turning and walking away.

Once he left Hinata frowned to herself, moodily poking one of the small grilled fish with her chopsticks.

Had she said something wrong?

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Notes: Well still a rather short chapter but at least it wasn't all drama-depressing as the last few were. Anyway review if you like. Later!