A/N: Yo!

I'm really, really sorry in advance. Don't hate me, please.

(also, please vote on Yuu-chan's hubby(s)-to-be)

Disclaimers: I don't own Naruto, but if I did, the series would probably be more depressing.

They arrived in a grand flourish, the doors opening slowly and dramatically to let them in. The steward standing beside the door placed two fingers to his throat, chakra gathering and twisting to amplify the vibrations of his vocal cords as he introduced them formally to the applauding audience. Various political figures smiled and welcomed them in from the chilly night air, a few clan heads taking time to introduce themselves.

(and wasn't it curious that Ino Yamanaka was a boy? She'd have more time to think on that later. She just had to get through the night, she had to prepare herself, she knew it was coming-)

Yuu let her senjutsu float over the place like a blanket, taking note of everyone there and putting names to faces that she had studied beforehand.

"It's a little crowded," Juzo whispered, low enough so only their party could hear.

"This is a major political event, idiot." Kakuzu grumbled, glaring at a blushing woman who tried to approach Pain. Yuu felt something twist in her stomach, seeing the amount of women staring so lustfully at her father. He was handsome, yes, but with his piercings and unsettling eyes, not many people would agree. It's his power. His title. They think they can take shots at him since Kaa-san isn't around. She fought back the urge to scowl. How shallow. Annoying. I wish they would disappear.

"How long do we have to be here anyway?" Juzo frowned, tugging uncomfortably at his formal wear.

"Until the end of the night." Pain told him over his shoulder, as he nodded to a dignitary. The swordsman mumbled something unintelligible under his breath, looking displeased. Yuu tittered into the sleeve of her kimono, her attentions diverted.

"I'm sure you'll be fine, Juzo-kun." Sasori said, glancing over to her amusedly and winking. The girl, feeling warm, leaned closer to him and rested her head briefly on his arm as a gesture of affection.

"Amekage-sama," Their small party turned to see Hiashi Hyūga on the left, smiling (which was honestly very weird for Yuu to see, even after having seen it many times already). "A pleasure to see you here."

"Ah, Hiashi-san. The pleasure is mine." Pain dipped his head in acknowledgement, his face as set as stone. Yuu briefly saw the warm smile he always gave her superimposed over the present image – then blinked it away. From beside the Hyūga clan head, Neji's pupil-less eyes honed in on her, flashing appreciatively at her appearance. He cocked his head to the right, and she smirked as they easily parted from their respective groups, Sasori never detaching from her arm. Neji looked to the redhead politely.

"May I steal her from you for a moment?" He asked and Sasori's gaze narrowed a fraction before he nodded stiffly and Yuu was passed from one male to the other. Sasori fell back to a respectful, but still close, distance behind them, next to Neji's branch member guard. Yuu felt a sort of pity for him for having to follow her around instead of enjoying the festivities – she saw him glancing longingly over at the snack table. "You are breathtaking tonight, Yuupika-san."

The girl focused back on byakugan user with a small blush. "Thank you, Neji-san. You look quite handsome yourself."

He smiled. "So, are you enjoying yourself thus far?"

"Mm, it's still up for debate," He chuckled at this. "Politics are rather drab, but we do what me must, yes?"

"Oh yes, I agree. I'm quite relieved that the Land of Fire only hosts this ball once a year." Neji turned to her with humor laced in his (cute) features. "Though, I do wish the cooks were this extravagant more often. There is far too much monotony in the clan compound."

Yuu hummed. "Ah, that's right. The Hyūga provided the food this year, yes?" And the Uchiha, the music.

He nodded. "We're not Akimichi, but that doesn't mean we do not have taste."

"Oh, I'm sure." She smiled charmingly at him and his stare lingered for longer than it usually did.

"Would you like to get some fresh air with me?" He asked after a pause. Behind them, Sasori's frown deepened, but Yuu still nodded and let the Hyūga lead her through the crowd. They both had to stop a few times to greet important figures and to make some idle conversation, but reached the back of the ballroom relatively quickly. The ninja there opened up the large, double doors to the surrounding gardens, vast and beautiful to her unseeing eyes. Neji turned to their guards. "Would you mind waiting here?"

The branch member, of course, agreed, but Sasori hesitated – and Yuupika did as well. She would be unprotected, alone with him, with her trusted friend too far away to prevent any harm that might come to her. She didn't seriously think that Neji would have the gall or even the motivation to do so, but then again, she didn't truly know him all that well. He looked unassuming, but so did she, and Yuu was secretly plotting total world domination.

In any case, should it ever come to such a thing, the kunoichi knew that she could defend herself with her senchakra and petrify the boy (even though that would cause political disaster). So, she nodded to very uncomfortable Sasori, silently letting him know that it was alright and that she would keep vigilant. The puppeteer stiffened again, but nodded back and their escorts positioned themselves at the steps leading to the gardens while the pre-teens headed down into it. Neji guided her around the flowers, all the alluring scents euphorically drifting into her oversensitive nose and inciting a light, dreamy feeling inside of her. What a dangerous thing. Trying to lower my inhibition, Neji-kun? Whatever for? Yuu spread her range just a little more, pouring more chakra into it to sharpen the details she saw. There's no one waiting to attack me. Will you attack me? Or will you now assault me with pretty words…

They stopped, just a small ways from the koi pond (which every garden that came from wealth seemed to have), and Neji took a deep breath, taking a long look around. Pale moonbeams lit up the petals and filtered through the trees, casting shifting shadows on the ground that played by their feet.

"Beautiful." She commented, just to start up some form of conversation. He turned to her, pale orbs marveling her face.

"I agree." His lengthy, silky hair slipped over his shoulder as he bowed his head, brows furrowed at the dirt for a moment before he straightened himself to be taller than before. Words it is, then. Pretty words. "Yuupika," No honorific? How presumptuous. "I know that this is one of your last nights here, so feel it prudent that I express myself now, in case I do not get the chance to do so like this again. We haven't spent long together – but you are marvelous in my eyes. You are enchanting. I have felt that since the moment I saw you. You've stolen my all thoughts. And I know, princess, that you have a great many options. There are many men who would hope to have your hand simply because of who you are." His fingers slowly drifted and entwined with hers, squeezing lightly. "I am one of those, yes – but I also adore the person who lies beyond the image of royalty and brilliance. I adore your every laugh, your words, your smile and the reddening of your cheeks," One of his hands came up, fingertips lightly tracing the parts of her face as he named them. "I adore the dip of your brow, the slope of your nose, line of your jaw, curve of your chin, the bow of your lips…" Neji leaned in, cupping her face tenderly as he invaded her personal space – he kissed her.

Yuu felt…warm. Her stomach was weightless like gravity had left it. This was nothing like the chapped, hesitant, brief press that Akihiko given her so long ago. Neji was confident, sure, and affectionate with his kiss, chaste as it was. He has experience. But from where? Who has he been involved with? It lasted for a long few seconds.

Then, with surprising reluctance, he pulled away. He rested his forehead on hers. Yuupika opened eyes that she hadn't even realized she closed, staring into his. "I like you very much, Yuupika…and I can only hope I've made a good impression on you. I can only hope that when the time comes, you'll think of me to be your husband. His hands left hers and disappeared for a moment, then came back with –

Yuu blinked slowly as Neji deftly secured an ornamental comb in her locks, which were done up intricately to accentuate her jaw and reveal her slim nape. He fleetingly touched the strands hanging around her face. "I've always loved your hair. So, I thought it appropriate to give you something for it – something for you to remember me by, if nothing else. It's jade; that color never fails to highlight your bewitching eyes."

Ah, what pretty words. He's very good with them too. His tone, his expression, his posture, his presentation… Yuupika lifted her hands to rest on his chest and tilted her head up, pressing her lips once again to his. If he was surprised, he didn't show it. It won't be enough to sway me, though. Her palms brushed his neck as she raised them to cup his cheeks and his arms surrounded her waist, bringing her form against his. They stayed like that, woven together for another long moment, before she retreated, a sly smile playing across her mouth.

"I won't forget you, Hyūga Neji." She brushed her thumbs over his sharp cheekbones and moved to leave his embrace. He easily released her, one arm held horizontally to catch one of her hands and secure it there as they walked back to the ballroom. Once back in sight, Sasori's tense body uncoiled a bit, his seductive eyes roving over her to check for any injuries. Yuu smiled at him in reassurance and relief flitted over his features.

"I suppose I should let you go then, Amehime." Neji sighed. "The night is far from finished and there are many who still desire your company."

"I'm sure I'll see you again soon, Neji-san." Yuu said as they approached the steps.

"Please – I believe we are past formalities."

"Of course…Neji-kun."

His small smile widened. "Yuupika-chan. I wish you the best of luck on your performance." She was handed over to Sasori gently, fingers lingering on her skin before leaving completely. The puppeteer held her closer than usual in their wake.

"Thank you."

The doors opened before them and they parted ways with nary more than another glance.

"Was he respectful?" Sasori asked tersely as they slipped through the dense crowd.

"Respectful?" She hummed in mischievous thought, waving to a stern looking Fugaku from across the space. "Well, he did kiss me without asking."

Sasori's steps faltered. "What?"

"Oh, it's not that big of a deal – it was hardly my first anyway."

The man at her side stopped altogether, shock and disbelief arresting him in place.

"Amehime." A new voice from her right sounded and she smiled pleasantly at the man it came from, acting as if she hadn't just dropped significant bombs on her faithful companion.

"Hokage-sama," She bowed politely, Sasori copying her robotically. "A pleasure."

"Of course. Are you enjoying yourself tonight?"

"Oh, quite. Have you sampled the food yet?"

"Yes, the Hyūga have outdone themselves yet again." Another man suddenly slid up alongside the Hokage, and then yet another, all smiling pleasantly. Yuu fought the urge to take a wary step back, tightening her hold on Sasori. Is this an ambush? Che, most definitely. Look at them, cornering me while my father is occupied with others.

"Well, well, little Amehime." Jiraiya of the Sannin bent a little at the knees to look at her properly – something she didn't really appreciate, as it pronounced how short she was. Sasori, unsettled as well, but unable to speak because of his status, simply glared at him. Jiraiya didn't pay him any mind. "You're the one they call genius?" He hummed in reflection, then slanted his chin slighty over his shoulder. "I don't see it, sensei."

"Don't be too hasty in your judgement now, Jiraiya-chan." The Sarutobi framed, studying his student and her briefly.

Yuu smiled. Of course you see it. Of course, since you are examining me so closely, with the stare that wants to dissect all my secrets; the stare that wants to conquer me completely. "Whether you 'see it' or not remains irrelevant in regards to the truth and the assessment of your superiors."

The Goliath of a man's eyes widened shortly. He laughed boisterously. "Oh yes, of course. They always have such sharp tongues."

"Maybe a lesson you could learn, Jiraiya-sama?"

"Mouu, no need to be so hostile," Kakashi of the Sharingan drawled, rolling his shoulders indolently. Muscles strained under fabric, bulging out against their restraints for the world to admire. The Hokage's guards are looking quite alluring tonight. Grudgingly, she admitted in her mind that even the older sannin was a regal sight, his mane brushed into compliance and held back from his wide face.

"Of course," She dipped her head. "Forgive my tone if I come off as such, my lords – my humor is often mistook." Yuu peered submissively through her lashes.

"Ho~," Jiraiya sang lowly. "This one will be quite the beauty when she grows. Don't forget me then, dearie – casting for Icha Icha begins in a few years, after all…"

"So, that is happening?" Kakashi, slouch straightening, turned his attention to the man beside him. The Hokage did the same. Yuu felt some invisible weight lessen.

"Well, I think I did manage to land a deal with a production company based in Snow…though, they'll only animate my work if I agree to change Hikari-chan's image."

"They want to change the main character's love interest?" Kakashi's fine brow raised, his mask shifting.

"Yeah, the nerve." The Sannin huffed. "Though, I think it'll be fine. The actress in mind looks totally different from Hikari, but she's still a beauty! I think her name was Yukie Fu-Fujizake? Fujihame? Something of-"

"Absolutely not." Yuupika hissed. "What makes Hikari so special is her unique appearance! That's the reason Furata-kun was drawn to her in the first place! You can't just change the thing that makes her special and expect everyone to just roll over and-"

The words died in her throat.

…

"…huh." The Hokage uttered. Her face flamed brilliantly. "They get younger every year."

"Indeed."

And that familiar, deep voice shocked her into motion, her body jumping and whipping around to face the menacing expression of her father.

Yuu gaped like a fish, "I-I-I-I, ah, I-I, uh, T-T-Tou-"

"Yuupika-san!" Itachi (bless his soul) came bursting through the shifting crowds, hand encircling her free wrist. Immediately, Pain's whole attention was shifted from her to the boy in front of her. Overprotective, even in a situation like this! "It's almost time! We must make haste."

"O-Of course," She spluttered, eagerly moving along with him as he began pulling her away. She didn't need her senjutsu to know what the expressions of those behind her were – and she worked swiftly to repress the incident and embarrassment that she'd just suffered. So what if she had maybe, just once or twice in her spare time, took an itty bitty peek at the books that were so famous throughout the world? It's not like she…well…it's not like she really enjoyed…even though the plot was…and the scenes were-

Yuupika bit the inside of her cheek harshly to push those thoughts away as the duo glided through the bodies, making it to the other side of the room and into an empty hallway. He guided her to the restrooms by the curve.

"Have you already prepared?" He asked.

Yuu nodded and slipped inside the spacious facility, locking the door after her. She brushed her fingers against her necklace, proudly on display against her furisode, and brought out the special dress she had tailored for this occasion. Unseeing orbs trailed it indulgently for a moment – and then laid it on the counter of the sink. She picked at her obi, unraveling it with a few deft flicks and letting it drop to the floor. The layers on her were next, sliding down her body one after the other. It felt good to be rid of the weighted material and pull on something lighter (though this was significantly more form-hugging). Her hair was let loose and she shook it a few times to give it wilder appearance. Silk ribbons were wound around her feet in the place of heels, since they wouldn't look quite right on her pre-pubescent self. Yuu swept up her things and folded them neatly, sealing them just in time for a knock to come at the door. She appraised her reflection one last time.

She opened up to Itachi, hair slicked back and held in a low bind, his long-sleeved dress shirt open just a few buttons to give a glimpse of collarbones and chest. …wow… A hand of gentle demeanor reached out, palm up, inviting.

Yuu took it, but they didn't move. She looked to him.

"Yuupika-san. Before we depart, I would like to be blunt with you." Itachi came closer, so his toes were a hair's width away from hers. He's going to make his proposal now? Right before our nerve-wrecking performance? "I know I'm not the best looking suitor available to you and I know I'm not the most charismatic. I know you have yet to travel the world and I know I'm not very memorable in retrospect. I know I leave much to be desired. I am Uchiha, a clan heir, and therefore I have duties that will sometimes take precedence in my life. If we come to be wed, then sometimes, I will have to neglect you. I hold no illusions that you would wait for me, nor do I hold any illusions that you will always have time for me as well." He navigated her hand to rest on top of his breastbone, just over his heart. It was rapidly beating, even though he was calm to the eyes. Yuu felt the chakra swirl in her cheeks. "But even so, I still hold a hope that I can be not only your husband, but your partner and friend. I would like to have a genuine relationship with you, who's company I have come to greatly enjoy in the past few weeks. It's not…love. But one day, perhaps, something more can come from these feelings I harbor. All I ask is that you would consider me...Yuupika-san."

Oh…

He's…really serious about me…

Yuu poked his scarred forehead, causing him to blink rapidly, startled. "Silly Uchiha," She murmured, meeting his gaze. "How could I forget you?" There was something in the way coal met amber in the quiet of the hall. Yuu knew it then and smiled. "You're my boyfriend now, after all."

He cocked his head slightly. "Boyfriend…?"

"Yeah," The girl affirmed. "You wanted a relationship with me, right?"

"I did not anticipate you making a decision so soon." Itachi said this, but his fingers momentarily shook where they were enveloping hers.

"Oh, I haven't. Like you said, I have yet to travel the world and meet all of my suitors – and whoever said I would be taking just one? But anyways," She slipped a sneaky appendage into his back pocket, simultaneously snatching his pager and making him jolt with a blush. In a flash, her personal number was inserted in his device. "I like you too. So let's try to make this work, okay?"

Itachi gingerly took his pager back and returned it to it's rightful place. "…okay."

A voice resonated through the ballroom some distance away, announcing them – it was time. The couple stepped out of the hallway hand-in-hand, subject to many gazes and found the crowd parting for them. The center of the room was decorated with instruments and clones that the kunoichi had made earlier that evening tuning them dutifully. There was a clear ring where they were to perform, the floor polished to shine and mirror the movements of the ones above it; in this case, Yuupika and Itachi, as they positioned themselves like they had practiced. Mikoto, off to the side in elegant formal-wear, let her features display the gentle love and support that seemed to reassure both of them. With that, Yuupika narrowed her range to just the small circle that they were allowed, focused only on Itachi and the pale emerald lighting that made him glow.

The music began.

Yuu's hand slid up and caressed Itachi's torso, entwining fingers when his hand fit over hers. Her heart stuttered in her chest as she stepped out from behind him and in between his legs, spinning in his arms briefly before he caught her. His breath, not a clone's, was on her neck as his nose pressed into her cheek and he focused on her lips – they were flush against one another. A tendril of warmth slithered around her belly and made it hard to breathe. They moved again, just as their routine mandated, his hands over her body, her mouth so close to his, the fabric of his clothing under her palms and brushing against the exposed inches of her skin – it was intimate, even though it was no different than before, their eyes hardly ever breaking contact, her hairs standing on end and reaching out for him. Itachi seemed to feel it too – whatever it was, it kept them tethered, the smell of sweat, the vibrations of his every move, the heat of his body mingling with her own, the passion in slanted orbs that saw only her.

They were in a room full of people, but they were alone.

And they danced.

Yuu didn't even realize when they had finished until the clapping overpowered the rush of blood in her ears and she expanded her senchakra to encompass the audience.

"We did it," Itachi whispered. Numbly, she nodded, and they detached from each other to bow, which incited another round of fervent applause. The boy next to her squeezed her hand one last time and then let go. Her nerves tingled.

"Yuu-chan!"

She turned in response, seeing Juzo, brightly beaming Juzo, making his way through the crowd to greet her. Yuupika began to step forward, intent on meeting him halfway.

And maybe it was the atmosphere. The way the lights were dimmed, the heady feeling of happiness, the pride flowing from every pore of him. Maybe it was because – oh, it had to be because – he loved her with everything and he trusted her so fully that he predictably let his guard lower when he was focused on her. He let his muscles relax, his arms stretch out towards her, welcoming a hug, his warm countenance wrap around her even from so far away.

He had barely stepped out of the crowd when a hand snaked over his shoulder and slit his throat.