She was a disposable yet necessary piece to his plan. He would free her from their arranged marriage when the right time came. At least that had been the plan. With the passage of time, Itachi finds himself less and less willing to let her go.

A/N: For future reference, there will be some SasuHina and NaruHina in the mix as it plays a major part in the direction I'm taking. For those who can't read these pairings, please stop reading. End game will be ItaHina and the ending will be happy as is the rule I have for myself for all my fics, so you don't have to worry about that.

Warning: I don't write fight scenes. If that's the kind of writing you're hoping for, I'm sorry to say I am not one. I can't write it, and I also don't particularly like reading it either. Anime and live-action I can understand, but even in manga there are a lot of times it takes a while for me to get what's happening. Writing and reading action is a big No-No for me, so I'm really sorry.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

Today was an important day to Uchiha Sasuke. A day he always looked forward to. Training with Itachi.

And it would have been perfect, had it not been for that…that GIRL.

Itachi knew how much he hated girls. On more than one occasion when they had the time to talk, Sasuke never forgot to mention the annoying existence that was the female race. Excluding his mother, of course.

And yet despite knowing him so well, his brother was blatantly going against his wishes.

If this was one of his brothers training exercises, Sasuke believed he could definitely do without it. Itachi had been encouraging him to try and make friends as of late, but Sasuke disagreed. The only people he needed in his life was his family. Everyone else could drop dead for all he cared.

Knowing Sasuke was going through an existential crisis, Itachi ignored it in favor of introducing their new companion. "Sasuke, you know Hinata, right?"

The younger Uchiha didn't recognize her, but the name…it rang a bell.

This girl, was the girl his mother had told him about. The one that ruined Itachi's birthday. He hadn't been able to meet his brother that day because apparently, he was too busy greeting the Hyūgas. Unlike all the other private celebrations they'd enjoyed, a big deal had been made about Itachi turning 12. Though it might've been about his brother becoming Anbu captain, the whispering amongst his clan told him it was about the marriage. His brother's marriage to Hyūga Hinata.

His mother had explained it to him, and he didn't completely understand it despite telling his mother he had, but one thing he did know was, he did not like her. Particularly, because she was a GIRL.

The thought that Itachi might be being forced to endure this for the sake of keeping face suddenly struck him. Just like how he was being forced into marriage! Whatever that was.

Grabbing his older brothers' arm and pulling him aside, Sasuke whispered, "Are you being forced to do this Nii-san? Do you need me to take care of the 'problem'?" He eyed the meek girl who flinched at his gaze.

Letting out a sigh at the ridiculous notion, Itachi poked his brother's forehead as was routine of him. "I am not being forced into anything, Sasuke." If anything, he was the one 'forcing' Hinata into joining them.

Itachi knew Hinata would not say no when he had asked her. It was easy to discern what kind of a person she was and how she would react to certain situations. Not only because she was a child, but because she wore her heart on her sleeve. When she'd proclaimed to him how she'd do her best to protect him, he'd honestly believed her. Her sincerity shown in her eyes and he knew this little girl would try her best in her own way. She'd just never been taught how. Not correctly at least.

Hinata had a desire; the longing for strength. And like him, it rooted from the need to protect, and because he saw that nobility, Itachi wanted to give her a hand in guidance. Her eyes shined as she agreed to his offer, and thankfully her father had also given his approval. Now all he needed was his brother's consent.

"But you are right; I do need your help." Itachi saw his brother's face brighten at the gesture. Hook... "You are the top student in your class and I think you can help Hinata further her skills. I want you to think of her as...the sister you never had."

"I don't want a sister. I have you."

"But I'm not always with you, and I know that upsets you, as much as it upsets me." ...line...

"..." It was true. Sasuke never bothered with hiding his emotions in front of his brother since Itachi always knew, and a part of him wanted his brother to know. It just never occurred to him that his big brother really wanted to spend time with him too. Taking one more look at the Hyūga girl, now partially hiding behind a tree, Sasuke carefully asked, "...is that what marriage is? Is she part of our family?"

Itachi hadn't expected that line of questioning, but he didn't let it show. "...Something like that."

"Fine. It won't be easy...but I'll try."

And sinker. "Thank you, little brother." Patting Sasuke's small head affectionately, Itachi finally turned his attention to Hinata. He'd planned to have this conversation before Hinata's arrival, but she'd come earlier than he'd asked her to. A miscalculation on his part, and yet a trait he thought was befitting for the young kunoichi. He should have known. No matter. He would have to swallow the guilt and keep what he'd learned in mind for the future. "I'm sorry for making you wait, Hinata."

"It... it's alright. I... I should have asked Sa...Sasuke-kun first." Hinata tried not to stutter, but it was a bit difficult to do when Itachi's little brother was glaring holes into her face.

How could she when she hadn't known? "Well, Sasuke has agreed, so now we can begin."

Embarrassed by the look of surprise on her face as she turned to look at him, Sasuke crossed his arms and turned his attention to the some random tree. "Hn..."

"We'll start with the basics today so I can gauge what level you are on."

"Ha... hai."

"Try not to get too nervous, Hinata. I'm not here to judge you; I'm here to help you."

"Hai."

Seeing Hinata relax at his words, he gave her a small smile of encouragement. Hopefully he could aid her in discovering herself, and maybe his little brother could finally make a friend.

Having sent Hinata home with her personal bodyguard Kou, Itachi was now alone with Sasuke to trek back to their own estate. Looking at his little brother's pouting face, he couldn't help smirking. "What did you think of today Sasuke?"

"She's really weak, Nii-san."

Anyone else would have thought he was insulting Hinata, but Itachi knew better. "Are you worried?"

"I'm not worried about her!"

"Hmm..." Itachi simply hummed while giving Sasuke a knowing smile.

"I'm worried about how big of a gap there is between us. How am I supposed to teach her anything when we're so far apart?"

So, his brother was taking this teaching thing seriously. "She is much better than you in chakra control." It was Hinata's most defining skill. In target practice, combat and physical aptitude, she was below average, verging on what he suspected to being last place if he had to compare her with the level he'd seen of his peers in the past. He'd honestly been quite worried until he saw how well she controlled her chakra.

Hinata had potential. The problem lied in the fact that she could not push herself to attack someone, even if it was simply target practice. He himself had been called a pacifist on more than one occasion, but Hinata was on another level. A true pacifist and empathizer. Miles away from being defined as fighter, a million more when considering traits of a shinobi. In spite of all that, it was required of her as the heiress of her clan, and for the sake of her family, it was her desire as well. He had yet to decide how he would assist her, but he was confident the answer would reveal itself soon enough.

Itachi's resolve to guide her was redefined with the new knowledge, and it looked like his brother was going to help as well. Seeing Sasuke's face contorted with a million thoughts, Itachi decided to steer his thoughts in another direction while also picking his brain. "Has your opinion on girls changed?"

After a moment of silence, Sasuke reluctantly said, "...I guess not all girls are bad..." When Hinata had revealed they were in the same class, he'd wondered why he couldn't remember her. A few minutes later, and it became obvious why. She was so quiet; the girl was almost invisible. Having only experienced loud annoying ones crowding him for his attention, she was quite the refreshing change. If only they were all like Hinata.

"I see."

Annoyed by Itachi's teasing smile Sasuke acted out. "But she doesn't even look like a girl. Girls should have long hair like Okaa-san."

His little brother thankfully hadn't noticed, but Itachi had flinched at the off-hand comment. Sasuke was ignorant as to what it meant to cut one's hair in a clan such as the Hyūga. No, especially the Hyūga. Even without seeing her shaking form, those who knew need only look at her hair to know. A blatant announcement to the world that she had failed to meet the standards of her clan. Itachi wouldn't tell Sasuke, not yet. "Sasuke, everyone has the right to have their own opinion, but somethings are better left unsaid."

It was Sasuke's turn to flinch. He'd certainly said it as a slight to show how indifferent he was to her, but had it been that bad? But then again, if Hinata had been the one to hear what he'd said, he imagined she might cry. "I'm sorry, Nii-san."

Quickly schooling his expression, Itachi accepted his apology with a slight nod. "As long as you understand." At the corner of his eye, Itachi saw Sasuke's drooped posture. Shaking his head at his little brother's too-quick mood swings, he decided to change the tune of the atmosphere. "I quite like her short hair. Kawaii-kunai no {Isn't it cute}?"

Sasuke was horrified by his brother's sudden announcement. "Nii-san you can't like girls!"

"You just said Hinata doesn't look like one."

"Yeah, but still!" Feeling betrayed and not knowing why, Sasuke ran ahead in frustration. Itachi was always asking such difficult things to answer.

Fondly looking at his little brother's back, Itachi wondered what he would think when he finally understood what marriage was.

Itachi had miscalculated again, but in this case it was a beneficial change.

Sasuke had not worded it out as such, but his relationship with Hinata had quickly budded into friendship. Instead of complaining about girls and whatnot, most of what he shared about his day revolved around the Hyūga heiress. It was beyond what he had hoped for, but the two frequently met to train even when he was not around. Which was most if not all days. As he had suspected, gaining a friend put more smiles on his brother's face, and though he was still dismayed about Itachi's frequent absences, he was much more understanding than before.

Unfortunately, 'all good things must come to an end', and that end appeared to be close by as of late.

Unbeknownst to Sasuke or Hinata, Itachi had his crow watch over them from time to time when he could not, and in his recent observations, he could clearly see that Sasuke was avoiding Hinata. His brother was agitated, while, though concerned and confused, his fiancé kept her distance.

He'd contemplated not doing anything. It was a necessary step in life.

But knowing the personality of the two involved, there was a high possibility his wishes would never come to fruition.

The morning after his arrival from his latest mission, Itachi decided to have 'the talk' with his little brother. "Sasuke, how are things with Hinata? You haven't been talking about her these days."

"I don't talk about her all the time."

"Is that so."

"..."

"..."

"..."

"Are you sure you have nothing to say? We won't be able to talk for another week if you don't tell me now."

Letting out a frustrated sigh, Sasuke gave in. "...Hinata likes the class idiot." He didn't bother giving a name as he knew his brother had heard enough of his past small talk to know who he was talking about.

Of all the things Itachi had been expecting, this had not been a topic he imagined he'd be breaching any time soon. "...Are you sure?"

"I'm not stupid. I know." Sasuke grit his teeth as he recalled the first time he'd noticed. "She has the same look on her face when she looks at him."

Sasuke didn't have to explain for Itachi to know what he was talking about. His brother had talked about it before on more than one occasion. The blushing, the shy smiles, the short glances; all tell-tale signs of a crush. Itachi, himself, had been the one to explain it to his brother as such. "And this angers you?"

"..."

Itachi raised an eyebrow at his little brother's shaking form. Not from fear like little Hinata. It was rage. It was apparent that he'd been holding back a lot of emotions. Steaming like a small kettle filled with boiling hot water.

"Of all the people in the world! How can she possibly like that... that...GAH!" If he had been talking to anyone else, Sasuke would have cursed. "What does she see in that DOBE?! He's weak and stupid and loud and, and stupid..."

It took all of Itachi's honed skills as a shinobi to not show how amusing he found this mini fit of rage.

Sasuke went on with his complaints until he saw his brother's slight smile. His brother's calm was a bit offending. "Doesn't it bother you?!"

Itachi's composure turned to a look of surprise.

"I mean, she's you know..." Sasuke waved his hands as if they held the answer to what he was referring to.

It seemed his little brother knew more about his supposed relationship with the Hyūga heiress than he'd surmised. "Hmmm..." Should it bother him?

"Does it bother you?"

That was the second time in a day that Itachi had been asked the same question, though this time it wasn't his little brother, it was Kakashi. They had decided to meet to discuss mission parameters and the possible reemergence of Madara, when the topic of the day suddenly changed to his conversation with Sasuke that morning. After discussing the heavy important issues at hand, Kakashi did not hesitate to ask what was on Itachi's mind. Though he could have fooled anyone else, nothing seemed to get past his mentor.

"Truthfully, no." He hadn't been able to answer his brother as they soon had to part ways; his brother to the academy and Itachi to meet Kakashi, but he'd come to finding an answer in that time. "I'm actually quite pleased that she likes the boy." Especially, since it was Naruto. "I think he could use that support in his life."

"Hmm." Kakashi hummed in agreement. There was an understanding between them as they knew the more intimate details about the Kyuubi. "She's got a good eye."

"She does."

Kakashi didn't comment on the fond look upon Itachi's face. He'd only seen it on the rare occasions they spoke about Sasuke. It could be that Itachi saw Hinata as family with the complications of their sudden 'marriage', but there was a possibility for it to evolve into more as they all matured. But then again, what did he know about relationships and well, 'love'. He was also one of the few that knew Itachi's plan to call off the arrangement in the future. "So, what's really bothering you then?"

"I'm more concerned about how to salvage my little brother's only friendship."

Kakashi lightly laughed as he imagined Sasuke's miffed face. "Why don't you talk to Hinata-chan?"

Itachi nodded as he said, "I've already arranged to meet with her this afternoon to train."

Kakashi simply patted his fellow Anbu captain on his arm. As expected of Itachi. Always prepared.

Hinata had been excited at the news of Itachi's return and even more so at his request for her attendance to train with him after her classes. She'd also been half hoping for Sasuke to be there to try and attempt to find out what had gone wrong between them. She honestly could not think up of a reason as to why she was being given the cold shoulder, but she really did not want to lose their precious friendship.

Arriving at the training ground, Hinata found Itachi waiting, but no Sasuke.

Though she looked happy to see him, Itachi saw the flash of disappointment at the absence of his little brother. "Sasuke is training with our father today. I wanted to speak with you."

If not for Itachi's calm countenance, Hinata would have thought she was going to be lectured. Following his movement, she took a seat next to him upon a fallen tree.

"Do you know why my brother is avoiding you?"

Hinata's head shot up with a look of surprise.

"He believes you like a boy named Naruto."

"I...I..." A deep red tone washed over Hinata's face as she stammered, "I don't li... like him! I mean, it's... it's not that I don't like him, but... I... I admire Naruto-kun."

"You admire him?"

"He...he helped me on the first day of the academy when I was being teased by some of my classmates because of... because of my eyes." She slowly smiled as she recalled that day. "They fought for a little while, and I... I couldn't stop them, but Naruto-kun never gave up. He says he's going to become the Hokage."

Itachi's taut muscles loosened as he continued listen to her speak. He'd unconsciously clenched his fists when she spoke lightly of the past encounter. It was obvious she was downplaying certain parts. It was a great relief Naruto had been there. Out of curiosity, he asked, "Do you think he will become the Hokage?"

Hinata smiled brightly as she said with confidence, "Hai."

Itachi smiled at her positivity. It was infectious.

"I...I also admire you, Itachi-san." Hinata had been thinking she wanted to tell him someday; she didn't know what had driven her to say those words, but it somehow felt right.

It wasn't the first time Itachi had been told such words. Whether it was to get within his good graces or genuine desire to be like him, he'd never put much thought into it. It was simply a compliment amongst the many he got on a daily basis, but somehow, it was all the more meaningful coming from her. Taking a moment to take in what she'd confessed, Itachi replied, "You may not believe me now Hinata, but I admire you as well."

She didn't. How could someone like Itachi admire someone like her. It was because he was such a good person that he was saying such an outrageous statement, and yet, because he wanted her to believe in his words, Hinata decided to try. "...Arigato-gozaimasu, Itachi-san." She'd lowered her head as if to bow, but it was more out of a self-conscious need.

Ignoring his urge to pat her head, Itachi instead said, "I think that Naruto-kun would like it if you asked to be his friend." He could hear, feel her erratic heartbeat without being in contact; if she was left to her thoughts, he feared Hinata might faint. Quick judgment had him turning the topic of conversation.

"..Do you really think so?" Hinata's eyes brightened with hope until she remembered how this conversation had started in the first place. "But Sasuke-kun..."

"I will talk to my brother." In a teasing tone he added, "I only ask that the you also root for Sasuke in the next sparring match." Itachi remembered it had been one of the bigger issues Sasuke had complained about. His brother didn't like to hear it, but he was quick to fall to jealousy. "I feel he is intimidated by your attention on Naruto-kun."

"Oh. Umm, of course. Thank you, Itachi-san." It hadn't crossed her mind that Sasuke would think that. He'd always been so distasteful about all the attention he got from his fellow classmates. Hinata had thought she was doing him a favor by not cheering him on (there was also the threat of girls who did not seem to like their ongoing friendship). She was still new to the world of making friends.

It was Itachi's small greed for Sasuke to befriend Naruto. He wanted his brother to experience the vastness of the world, grow to love Konoha and the many things life had to offer. He may not appreciate his meddling in his social life now, but with time Sasuke would come to see the big picture. Hinata would play mediator between the clashing personalities, and a healthy rivalry with help his brother aspirations.

He wouldn't regret this decision. No.

A/N: I finally did it. The long awaited second chapter. I was surprised and really happy there were so many ItaHina fans. The outline isn't concrete yet, but I'm getting close.

Thank you to all those who read, follow, and/or favorite. I'll do my best to get back as soon as possible.