Hello again everyone.

Thank you all so much for your kind words of welcoming me back to fanfiction and a very big thank you to SabyHina for your congratulations on the birth of my daughter.

Okay so I am just going to let you all know, I have been away for a long time so i do feel as though this chapter is lacking compared to my previous ones. If it is I am sorry but I do promise to get myself back into the habit of writing again.

I am not going to keep you guys any longer... you have all waited far too long so please enjoy chapter 11.

I do NOT own Naruto or any other characters.

...

"Do you really have no intention of talking to me Itachi?"
Itachi looked up from the pile of documents in front of him to look into the glaring face of his brother. Discreetly checking the time on the computer screen he could see that he had been in the office for just under three hours. Three hours and both brothers had not uttered one word.
"What would you like to talk about Sasuke?"
"Don't do that Itachi. Do not make this out as though I am the one that needs to talk, you have more reason to explain yourself than I do."

As soon as Itachi had stepped into the front lobby of Uchiha Security he was immediatly surrounded by all the employees congratulating him on finally preparing himself to take over the company. He knew his father had been over the moon at the news but did he really have to tell everyone? Even some of the cleaning crew had walked over to give their own congratulations. It it hadn't of been for Hidan shouting and swearing to give him some air and to get back to work Itachi was possitive he still would have been down there politely thanking everyone while descreetly trying to escape them.

Once reaching his father's office, he was rather surprised to find Sasuke sitting in a guest chair at the large mahogany desk going through different forms of paperwork. There was no greeting shared between them, not even a look of acknolegdement as Itachi sat himself down in the large chair and started to go over his own forms. The whole time they had sat there the room had become stuffy and uncomfortable. Itachi couldn't stand it. He wanted badly to start a conversation with his brother like old times, but felt that those times were so far away now. Why had he even got out of bed? Of course, because Cerberus wanted out and decided to sit on Itachi's chest until he got up. Why he couldn't have just grabbed Hinata and forced her back to bed after their very steamy shower was lost on him completely.
"Itachi what the hell did I do to you to make you hate me this much?"

Itachi's brow rose in confusion. Where exactly did Sasuke get the idea that he hated him? Yes Itachi could admit that over the last few years Sasuke had become somewhat cocky and had become very disrespectful towards women, something Itachi could not stand. But through all that, there was no way that he hated his brother.
"Where in the world did you get an idea like that?"
"Really? For the last three years you have retreated from me and even your team. Actually, you seem to confide more in Kisame than you do me. I am your brother, so why didn't you talk to me about everything that went on between you and Ami. Even now you are still stuck on her" scoffed Sasuke while removing a cigarette from a packet and placed it to his lips.
Before he could even get it lit, it was knocked from his mouth.
"What the hell?"
"Don't smoke, it's bad for you, and for your information I am not still stuck on Ami. Sasuke, do not sit there and claim that I am the only one who has bottled up emotions that I do not want to share. You have been acting like a spoilt brat for the same amount of time."
"Like you care if something is bad for me or not" grumbled Sasuke.

Before long, both brother's had began an argument that should have happened a long time ago. Itachi finally let out exactly what he thought about the way Sasuke had been carrying on with different women every night and showing off to reporters by talking about different well known families as if they were nothing but dirt. Sasuke shot back at him by saying that Itachi wasn't there for him anymore and didn't treat him like a bother. On and on the shouting went before finally both brother's had had enough. Itachi was the first to sit back in his chair while Sasuke stood and walked over to the large windows that looked out on the busy city. The atmosphere had been uncomfortable when Itachi first arrived but now it was completely suffocating.
"Did you mean that? Do you really think that I am exactly like father?" Asked Sasuke in a near whisper.

Itachi couldn't help the guilty feeling in the pit of his stomach at hearing his brother's dejected tone. They had said some hurtful, but very truthful things to one another. Even if Itachi wanted to take back some things he said he knew he couldn't. Sasuke had to hear them, just like how he had to hear how Sasuke felt about his absence towards his family. He started to think that maybe not talking to Sasuke had been the wrong thing to do, maybe if he had stayed close to his brother then maybe the way Sasuke had been acting for the last three years wouldn't have happened. They had both been so close once upon a time, Itachi being more of a father figure to Sasuke. He tought Sasuke along side his mother how to read, write and count, he helped him with his homework every night and even decided to act immaturely at certain points and have a full out prank war on different family members just to cheer Sasuke up if he was sad. He missed those days and desperatly wanted to make amends with his brother.

He had had this conversation with Hinata many times. Even though he knew that when he revealed his relationship to his family that everything would go back to square one, he still wanted his brother to rely on him. Something Sasuke had not done for a very long time.
"We both have said things today that we both needed to hear. Sasuke please understand that I did not have any intention of turning my back on you. In your eyes I have always been strong and nothing could ever break me, but when I had to return home to find my girlfriend of five years in my bed with our own cousin, it nearly killed me Sasuke. Even after I threw her out and told Obito that I no longer would consider him as family it still hurt to hear that they were happy together. I was a mess and the one person I did not want to show that to was you. When I finally got myself back together, you had changed. All those women, stories in the gossip coloums of magazines and fights with Hyuga members, it shocked me. Even the way you talk about the Hyuga family Sasuke, it's not your voice I hear but our father's. Tell me exactly why you hate them Sasuke."

This had been a question that Sasuke had been asked on multiple occasions, not only from his brother, but by his team and reporters aswel. He always gave the same response, that the Hyuga's do not deserve to be in the presence of any Uchiha, but Sasuke decided today to show the same curtisy to his brother by telling the truth.
"I don't know. I don't actually think I hate them at all. Yeah that Neji is a pain in the ass but not enough so to make me hate them as much as I have stated I do. I mean, there's a Hyuga that works at the hospital that removed my stitches. Itachi she is beautiful. Like, wife material if I could ever get my hands on her."
Itachi chose to ignore that, even though his knuckles were turning white at hearing his brother claim that his woman was what he wanted. He wanted to growl that that would never happen, over his damn dead body but he bit his tongue... Enough that he could taste blood.
"But brother you have to understand I had to act that way, I had to make it out that I hated them."

How long had it been since Itachi had heard Sasuke call him brother? Far to long. He planned to talk about that later as he could see that something else was bothering Sasuke. How could he think that he had to act like most of their family members? More quilt seeped inside him, he was going to need a lot of drinks after this.
"What do you mean by that you had to act that way?" Asked Itachi.
"Growing up was hell for me Itachi. I was constantly over looked because how how much promise and talent that you showed, and before you say anything, no. Not once did I ever hate you or hold a grudge against you for it. Even though I was popular at school with tons of friends, even more girls throwing themselves at me and above average grades. Even though I always had you and Mother, what I really wanted, was for Father to tell me that he was proud of me, just once. The very first time he ever said that to me, was when he read what I said to a reporter about the Hyuga's being nothing compared to our family. The only time he ever treated me like a son before that was when he was showing us off to his bussiness associates. With you, you could have gotten a girl pregnant at fifteen and he would sit pat you on the shoulder and say 'That's my boy'."

As Sasuke spoke Itachi couldn't stop a past memory beginning to play over in his head. He was fifteen and had just returned home, making his way up to his bedroom when he was instantly halted by the sound of his ten year old brother crying. Before Itachi could even make it to Sasuke's bedroom he heard his mother speak from the inside.
"Don't cry honey. I will be there to see you get the award."
"But why would father not want to come? I worked so hard, the teacher said that mine was the best story written out of the whole school."
"I'm sure your father does want to be there Sasuke. He is just very busy with work. You can't really take days off when you are the boss of a very large company. Don't worry baby, I will be there sitting in the front row cheering you on when you go up on that stage."

Itachi could remember how angry he had felt towards his father as he listened to his mother try to soothe his brother. Sasuke had an amazing talent when it came to anything creative. Whether it was drawing, painting, writing, photography or acting, Sasuke excelled in it, something their father clearly did not appreciate. When the next day came, Itachi walked into the large assembly hall of Sasuke school and silently took a seat in the reserved chair next to his mother. Mikoto did not greet Itachi, or even ask him why he was not at college. She only smiled and continued to face the stage where Sasuke would soon appear.

When Sasuke took his turn to walk on stage to collect his award, Itachi decided to do something completely out of his character. While the other parents, teachers and students clapped, Itachi stood from his chair and loudly cheered his praise to his brother. Sasuke had looked out towards the crowd in shock before a huge smile broke out on his face and he ran from the stage. Itachi was greeted by a shout of his name and his brother jumping into his arms to give him a tight hug. Their mother, of course, had happy tears shimmering in her eyes as she continued to snap pictures of the heart felt moment between her boys.

Returning to the present, Itachi looked at his brother who had returned to the seat opposite him with his head lowered. He decided in that moment that he was going to fix things with his brother properly. He wanted their old relationship back, maybe if things got back on track properly, maybe Sasuke would even accept his relationship with Hinata. Though that secret could be shared at another time.
"I'm sorry Sasuke."
"No, you don't have to say sorry. I am the one that should be saying sorry. I have been acting like a prized twat for a long time."
"How about we just agree that we have both been acting like prized twats, that we are both sorry and try to get things back on track between us?"
"Yeah, that I can agree too" smirked Sasuke. "But I want to ask one thing."
"Okay, and what would that be?"
"Tell me who that girl was that you were seen with? It's been driving me nuts Itachi. I know you don't do one night stands so clearly she's more to you."
"That, I can't tell you. But I do promise, I will tell you in due time" replied Itachi as he leaned over the desk and prodded Sasuke's forehead. Something he had not done for a very long time.
Sasuke gave a wide eyed stare, while Itachi let out a warm smile.
"Come on little brother. It's been too long since you and I have had a proper drink together."

X.X.X.X

"Are you two ever going to be ready? Uncle is about to blow a blood vessel because the ball started half an hour ago and we are not there."
Keep your damn hair on Neji. We are girls, it takes more than a shower and throwing clothes on for us to be ready. Give us five minutes." Growled Hanabi.
"It was five minutes twenty minutes ago" grumbled Neji as he turned to leave.
Hinata let out a small giggle as she watched Hanabi stick out her tongue towards Neji's retreating back before he closed the door. She really had missed spending time with her sister. The whole day had been spent shopping for outfits and getting their nails done, proper sister bonding time that was sorely missed by the both of them.
"How are you feeling about tonight sis?" Asked Hanabi.

Hinata let out a deep sigh at her sister's question. She had been dreading this night for the past week. Trying to come up with any excuse to try and get out of it, even going to every doctor and nurse begging to swap shifts with them so that her father could not force her to attend. The entire week had been stressful due to Itachi being back at work, the pair had not been able to see each other. The most contact they had was a quick text or a phone call when either of them were on a break. Itachi had also told her everything that had happened with Sasuke, even though she was happy and supported Itachi on making amends with his brother, she couldn't help the jelous feeling at not getting any of Itachi's time. She had never considered herself a greedy person but when it came to Itachi, she wanted him all to herseld. Now she would have to endure being in the same room as him but not being able to talk to him or go near him. She would have to stand there and watch as he engaged in conversation with other women who would no doubt be throwing themselves at him and there was nothing she could do to stop it.

Noticing her sister's slumped shoulders, Hanabi quickly wrapped her arms around Hinata in a comforting hug.
"Don't worry Hina, I have your back. I'll think of something to get you out of there early, but you will have to stay for an hour. You know what father is like but I swear I will cover for you. I can't imagine how difficult tonight is going to be for you, but I know for sure that dress you are wearing is going to cause heart attacks among the men. It practically screams that you belong to Itachi, he is going to love it."
Hinata looked into the full length mirror and agreed whole heartedly with her sister. She would never usually be bold enough to wear something like this, but she could not deny that the bright red, long sleeved backless dress looked stunning. It clung to her in all the right places but still made her look classy. Her hair was loosly curled and pinned up so you could see her bare back, the black heels she was not very sure of but allowed Hanabi to convince her. Hinata turned and hugged her sister tightly.
"Thank you Nabi."
"You don't have to thank me Hina. Come on let's get down there before father has a panic attack."

Never in his whole life had Itachi felt so aggitated. Himself and his family had arrived at the Saratobi mansion less than an hour ago and already Itachi was tempted to rip his hair out. From his father talking him up to other bussiness owners like he was some prized stallion to the constant bedroom eyed stares he was recieveing from every woman in the place, he was ready to call it quits. He sipped the chilled champagne that he took from the tray of a passing waiter as his eyes searched the large hall. Already there were many different people showing themselves to be better than others by donating large sums of money to the charity the Saratobi's ran, but his eyes didn't stay on them for long, they were looking for one person only. It had been torture not being able to spend any time with Hinata the past week. He knew she didn't want to come here and if he was being completely honest, he didn't want to be here either. He didn't want to think about one of these pompous idiots dancing with her and thinking they could charm her by boasting about how much lay inside their bank accounts. He would kill anyone that lay a hand on her.

"Enjoying the attention brother?"
"Oh yes, just as much as I enjoyed the sex talk from mother when I was twelve" Itachi sarcastically replied as Sasuke stood next to him.
He watched Sasuke shudder and let out a smirk as he recalled exactly how Sasuke reacted when he had to endure the dreaded sex talk. His face had been red for days and was unable to look their mother in the eyes. A very entertaining time for Itachi watching his brother go through that.
"I think you need more security than this whole mansion does. Some of these women look capable of kidnapping from the looks they are sending you."
"Speak for yourself Sasuke, you have your own little group forming over there" smirked Itachi as he pointed to a group of women giggling and staring at his brother.
"That's my que to go on patrol. Good luck brother, and if you see any of them following me I don't care how much money they have send help."
Itachi chuckled as he watched his brother walk away. He started to make his way over to his father when he was rooted to the spot as the large doors opened revealing a sight that he never wanted to look away from.

His eyes could not leave her even if he wanted them to. His breatheing halted and his chest ached at how beautiful she looked. He watched her walk arm in arm with her sister, paying no attention to anyone as she lightly giggled to something Hanabi had whispered in her ear. Everything about her was turning him back into an awkward teenager... The dress was the biggest part of it. His hands clenched at his side as a wave of possessivess rose up inside of him at seeing her in that colour, she was going to kill him, he knew that for sure.
"She's beautiful, isn't she?"

Itachi's head whipped to the side to see none other than his mother standing beside him. He could see that she wasn't looking at him, but looking over at Hinata with a sad smile on her face.
"I don't know what you are talking about mother."
"Come now Itachi. I'm not going to say anything to your father about you looking. You know, her mother and I were best friends, god rest her."
"I don't really rememer" replied Itachi.
"To this very day I miss her, never was I ever able to find a friend who was as supportive and kind as Hikari Hyuga. Do you know, she and I used to talk all the time about how perfect it would be if you and Hinata grew up together and fell in love."
Itachi listened to his mother let out a sad sigh.
"It's a shame really, how life plays out. The pair of you would have given me the most beautiful of grandbabies."

Itachi's eyes narrowed in thought as he watched his mother walk away. He was always under the assumption that only his father and Hiashi knew the reason for their falling out. Clearly his mother knew more than she was letting on, he would have to talk to her more about this at a better time. He looked back over to see Hinata in deep conversation with Hiruzen and his son Asuma, just as he was about to turn away, he caught the small smile Hinata sent him before instantly turning her attention back to the older males. This was wrong, she shouldn't be that far from him. She should be by his side, tucked under his arm as they spoke to all these high and mighty types together. Tonight was going to be so much harder that he originally thought.

X.X.X.X

Two hours had gone by since they had arrived and Hanabi was phsically and mentally exhasted. She watched her sister quietly slip out of the hall and smirked triumphently that all her plotting was happening right on cue. She had contacted Temari before they left for the party with a plan. She didn't have to wait two minutes before Temari replied, claiming she was completely on board and to leave the rest to her. The hardest part of the plan, was getting Itachi in on it.

(Flashback)

Hanabi sat at one of the many tables laid out around the hall grinding her teeth furiously. There were a few things that could really piss her off, but the worst thing, was seeing her sister sad. She could practically feel the misery radiating from Hinata as she had to watch Itachi being constantly pawed at by these shameless women. Some on them already married with their husbands standing not that far away.

She couldn't get mad at Itachi. He wasn't basking in the attention he was recieveing, if anything, he looked just as miserable as Hinata. Coming up with a quick idea Hanabi excused herself from the table, descreetly grabbed a napkin and made her way to one of the many bathrooms on the upper floor. After locking the door she quickly scribbled a message down on the napkin using her pencil eyeliner that she had tucked inside her bra. Once finished, she folded up the napkin as small as it could go and made her back out to the landing.

She was so lost in thought on how she could get this message to Itachi that she didn't notice someone in front of her until she had banged into them. Her balance wavered slightly before she felt two strong hands on her shoulders keeping her from hitting the floor.
"I'm sorry, I wasn't paying attention to where I..."
"No worries un. You ain't the first person to bang into me tonight, although you are the first one to say sorry. You alright yeah?"
"Hang on, your Deidara aren't you? Your a part of the Akatsuki Security team."
"That's me un, It's always great meeting a fan."
"No I..."
"You know I don't usually give out autographs when I'm working yeah."
"Wait, no I don't want a..."
"But I love my fans yeah. So I'll sigh whatever you..."
"Sweet gods I don't want an autograph pretty boy I need help. So could you shut up for two minutes and let me talk?"

Hanabi could admit that she did feel slightly guilty for shouting at him. She had read many exclusive interveiws on The Akatsuki and found that Deidara was a very well educated, fun loving man. Also, his looks were an added bonus. Hanabi knew she harboured a slight crush on the blonde male. Her inner fan girl squeeling at a pitch high enough to break every window in the mansion at just standing in front of him. She instantly squashed that psycho part of herself down, her sister came first.

Just as she was about to apologise she was stopped by the sound of booming laughter coming from the blonde male. She stared at him with a confused expression until he sent an amused smile her way.
"You really do live up to your name Hanabi Hyuga. Okay, so what do you need my help with un?"
Ignoring the need to faint at the fact that he knew her name, she held out the folded napkin to him.
"What's this um?" Asked Deidara while plucking the the napkin from her hand.
"It's a note. I need you to give it to Itachi without letting anyone else see. I can't really go into much detail but I know that you know about my sister. She is miserable and I want to help her."
"Say no more un. Itachi looks ready to massacre this entire ball so this note will be a godsend to him. I'll make sure he get's it yeah?"

Hanabi waited a few minutes before returning to the table where her sister sat. Once she was in her seat she took a small glance over to her future brother in law to see him descreetly fold the note back up and slip in inside his trouser pocket. She watched Itachi send her an appreciative, she slightly nodded before turning away before anyone could see.

(Flashback Ends)

Itachi had left the mansion half an hour before Hinata. Hanabi figured that that would give him enough time to get caught up before Hinata arrived. Hanabi let out a sigh, she was happy that she could help her sister but wished that she could escape this penis measureing contest of a ball but knew that she would have to stay. She got Hinata and Itachi out, but she would still have to be on high alert. Her father was already in deep conversation with other people to notice Hinata's absence, but it wouldn't be long before Neji noticed. No rest for the wicked.

X.X.X.X

Hinata smiled and waved as she watched her father's driver Koh drive out of her street. She knew her smile looked forced, even Koh had noticed, but she had managed to pass it off as a headache that was becomeing more and more severe. She let her smile drop and let out a sad sigh as she made her way up her drive way towards her front door. Tonight had been the most hellish night that she had ever had to endure. She knew from the very start that it was going to be difficult being in the same room as Itachi and not being able to stand by his side. She couldn't believe how close she had come to bursting into tears as she had to watch women pawing at him and dancing with him. She was just so glad that she was out of there.

Hinata didn't bother removing her keys from her clutch handbag, knowing that Temari would be waiting up for her. As soon as she entered her dark hallway, she turned on the light and was instantly greeted by Cerberus bounding down the stairs towards her. Hinata quickly kicked her front door closed as Cerberus lunged, both front paws on her shoulders while trying to lick her face in excitement. After a few minutes of calming the over grown puppy down, Hinata commanded him to go to bed as she made her way to her sitting room door. She only meant to pop her head inside to let Temari know that she was home but was thrown off by the sound of soft music playing.

Hinata started to open the door slowly, internally praying that she was not about to walk in on her best friend and Kisame in a position that she never wanted to see. Her disturbed thoughts came to an end when she looked around her sitting room. Single stemmed white roses were placed all around the room, hundreds of red tea candles were the only source of light and standing in the middle of the room, was Itachi. His suit jacket and tie were placed on the back of her sofa, leaving him in his black trousers and white shirt that was mostly unbuttoned. His hair was loose and flowing down his back, just the way that Hinata loved him hair to be. She could feel the tears start to well up and when he sent her a soft, loving smile she instantly ran into his arms. She threw her arms around his neck and once she felt his arms tightly wrap about her and pull her tighter towards him she let her tears fall and began to lightly sob.

"Oh Love" started Itachi as he pulled back slightly so he could take her face into his hands. "I am so sorry, please don't cry Love. I swear to you I will never let this happen again, you should have been by my side. It killed me seeing you so near and I couldn't do a damn thing."
As Itachi dryed her eyes, Hinata smiled and rested her forehead against his.
"You are with me now, the way it should be. Speaking of being here, how did you manage to do all this?"
"I wish I could take all the credit but unfortunatly I had nothing to do with this Love."
Hinata rose a brow in confusion, making Itachi chuckle before removing the napkin from his pocket and handing it over. As Hinata unfolded it she let an amused smile appear on her face as she read the word scribbled inside.

Big Brother. My sister is miserable and I can't have that, so I have came up with a plan. Make an excuse to get out of here, go to Hinata's and Temari will fill you in on the rest. Good luck.

"She is finally showing her soft side, but did she really have to call me miserable?" Pouted Hinata.
Itachi let out a laugh before placing his palm to the back of her head to pull her into his chest. He could feel her snuggleing into him before she ripped herself out of his arms and took a step back.
"Hinata?"
Itachi watched as her eyes focused on anything but him then began to bite her lower lip.
"Love, what's wrong?"
"I'm sorry Itachi, it's just... Your shirt smells of perfume from one of those women who were all over you" said Hinata, failing to keep the jelousy out of her voice. She knew she was being rediculous. Itachi was her's alone, it wasn't like he was encourageing those women to crowd and touch him. But smelling their sent on him was something Hinata could not stand. Itachi looked down at his shirt and without wasteing a second, grabbed both sides and ripped the material from his chest.

Once Hinata heard the ripping sound her eyes instantly turned to Itachi. She watched as he peeled the shirt from his arms and threw it towards the door. Her cheeks imediately lit up at seeing his upper half completely bare with some of his hair falling over his shoulder and down his chest. Her hands moved on their own towards him, finger tips lightly tracing each ab slowly. She heard Itachi let out a groan before she was pulled into an earth shattering kiss. There was no easing in to it, no teasing what so ever, this was primal. Feeling his tongue roughly plunge between her lips and stroking her's and feeling his hand running up and down her bare back moaning loudly as she clutched on to his neck. The only thing that was keeping her on her feet, was one arm wrapped around her waist.

She didn't want to part from him but the need to breathe was too great. With one last lingering kiss they parted but continued to hold each other close. Itachi began to run his nose up the side of her neck, stopping to suck and bite on her pulse point making her shudder while breathlessly moaning out his name.
"I've missed you Love" whispered Itachi.
"I have missed you so much more. I feel as though I can no longer sleep if I don't have you next to me, please never leave me that long again."
"I promise. Gods, do you have any idea how close I came to ripping you away from your family tonight?"
"No, why don't you tell me?" Smiled Hinata.
"Oh I think you do know. Nearly killed me where I stood woman once I caught sight of you in this dress" growled Itachi teasingly while running his finger tips up and down her spine.
"What? You don't like the dress?" Pouted Hinata playfully.
"Oh do not get me wrong Love, the dress is beautiful. I just think it would look so much better ripped and tattered on your bedroom floor."
"Well, why don't you make that happen?" Asked Hinata before claiming his lips in another hungery kiss.
Before Hinata could start to push Itachi in the direction towards her sitting room door she heard a voice that made her entire body freeze in shock and fear.
"Take your fucking hands off my cousin Uchiha."

...

*Peeks out from behind Akatsuki blanket*(Yes I have one of those)
I am so sorry if there is any spelling mistakes or missed out words. I do not have the time to check this over because it it 5 past 1 in the morning and I have two children that like to wake up at the crack of dawn.

I really do hope you guys enjoyed the chapter. Please let me know what you thought.

Love you all

xx