:D And now we're back to... Hinata. Finally, right?

Metamorphosis

Chapter XIV

Decisions

"When your values are clear to you, making decisions becomes easier." - Roy E. Disney.

When Hinata was first informed of her impending marriage, she had gone numb in shock. That shock had lasted a couple of hours - until she fully gave up any inkling of hope that her father was joking. Of course he'd marry her off. Of course he'd want her to disappear from his sight as soon as possible - her - the burden of the family. And if a burden could be made useful, wouldn't that be great?

After numbness, had come rage. How dare her father do this to her? Had she no honour? Even if she was weak, and a burden of a Hyuuga, she was still a Hyuuga - what right did her father have to marry her off?

And after rage, came the inevitable acceptance. There was nothing she could do upon the matter. Maybe, after marrying, she could try escaping - the families - the mafia - forever. But for now, that was a distant dream; and if she wanted her dream to ever be fulfilled, she needed to look for the best possible choice of husband now. Because if she didn't, then she'd be stuck with the Underworld forever. And if that ever happened, she thought that it'd be better to just kill herself, then and there.

So she had begun to contemplate her options. Who was the best candidate for her husband? It hadn't taken her very long to figure out who she was the most comfortable with.

Neji.

Everyone else (except for maybe Sasuke Uchiha) were strangers. And Hinata couldn't possibly marry a stranger. But still, should she try her luck? Did she really want to be tied down to her cousin (who hated her, more likely than not) for life? She didn't think she could do it. But then, could she take the risk and marry someone else? Who? Gaara Sabaku? She didn't wish to be involved with narcotics (yes, she had done her homework on each of the candidates). Kakashi Hatake? Not only was he so much older than her, he was involved with something dirtier than narcotics. The Uchiha? They have always been so intimidating... Especially if Sasuke was anything to judge by.

That left Nawaki Senju. From what she researched about him, she'd figured he reminded her of Naruto. He was bright, cheery - didn't wish to be involved with the business. If anything, she thought that she'd like to meet him to discuss possible marriage. To give it a shot.

She was especially thinking this when school ended. Almost in a daze, she had left the school building - not even noticing the crowd that was growing in front of the school. The chattering of the pupils (the girls, primarily), also passed her by - in fact, she didn't snap out of her daze until she bumped into someone.

"U-uh. I'm s-sorry, I wasn't p-paying attention-"

"It's quite alright. In fact, I'm very pleased that you stumbled into me." Alarmed, Hinata looked up to view the speaker of the voice and almost had a heart attack in surprise.

Itachi Uchiha.

What the hell was he doing here?!

Wait, be rational. Maybe he was here to pick up his younger brother (even though she hadn't noticed him doing so before). Or maybe he had some business with a teacher. It was perfectly rational to think that Itachi Uchiha came to this school previously - after all, his brother was in her year.

But after processing his presence, she processed his words. And this time, she voiced her surprise. "W-what?!"

Itachi chuckled, and Hinata felt annoyed that he was laughing at her confusion. What a rude individual. "What is a good question. But I am very sorry to say that I can't answer you here - we must go to a different venue."

Hinata looked at him suspiciously, before she glanced at the crowd around her, who had all began to mutter different things. She felt queasy - because of this, rumours would form in school. But that didn't mean that she should follow the Uchiha wherever he was planning on taking her. What if he wanted to kill her?

No, no. She'd have to give him the benefit of doubt. Why would he want to kill her in the first place? There was no benefit for him - Hiashi Hyuuga wouldn't give a damn in the first place.

"O-okay. Lead the w-way." Itachi Uchiha looked at her in disbelief, but nodded anyway. Turning, he led her towards his car - it was shiny and black and spoke volumes of him and the wealth of his family. And like a true gentlemen (which Hinata didn't think he was), he opened the door for her, and allowed her to get in.

The front seat. She'd never been in the front seat of the car - Hiashi would have never let her, even if she'd wished it.

"So, what kind of food do you prefer? Konohan, Sunan, or Iwan?" The black haired male said casually - as if this was a date, and as if they weren't children of the biggest mafiasos in the country.

Hinata gave him a weary look. She was still befuddled, but she had decided to just go along with him - for now. What was the worst that could happen? "Just Konohan is f-fine."

Itachi remained silent as he started the car and got out of the driveway. Hinata was glad that most of the crowd that stood in front of school before had dispersed. She felt uncomfortable whenever she was the centre of attention - which wasn't very often, that was for sure.

The car was silent, and it gave Hinata the thinking time she needed to freak out. What on earth had she done? Why was she doing this? Was she possessed? And why was Itachi taking this so calmly? Wait, why exactly did he need to contact her in the-

It wouldn't be because of the arranged marriage, would it?

Hinata's eyes widened in horror. She didn't think that any of them actually wanted to marry her - or maybe he didn't want to marry her - maybe he wanted to make sure that she didn't choose him? Because if that was the case-

Her mouth spoke before her brain could catch up with her thoughts. "I w-wasn't planning on marrying you, so don't worry."

She froze. Did she really say that aloud?!

"Well that's a shame," he glanced at her. "Planning on marrying me would've made my persuasion much easier."

What.

Her jaw dropped. "W-what do you mean, planning on marrying you? Why would I want to marry you? I haven't seen you before in my life and-"

"Konohan, right?" Itachi interrupted her. "This is the best Konohan restaurant I know. I hope I'm not too much of a disappointment, as your male companion."

What. Did he just imply - did he just imply that they were on a date?! Of all the - Hinata continued her silent tandem with a lot of swears, mostly aimed at him.

Sorry for being gone so long! So yeah, they finally met - I hope this chapter wasn't too much of a disappointment.