A/N: Something I thought of in Math class and I just –had- to write it down ;; Anyway, the flashback is a few days before Itachi's little rampage. Everyone is around 20 or so in present time.

Disclaimer: I DON'T OWN NARUTO! (Hah, I bet you didn't see -that- coming) :P

Italics- flashback or thoughts (it'll be obvious which one)
Normal text- present


Flashback

A young boy lay on the grass, crossed his arms behind his head, and stared blankly at the glowing orange orb that painted the skies with a pastel pink. A few minutes later, another figure lay next to him, but neither showed signs of acknowledgement. Sasuke continued staring, and his eyebrows knotted together and twitched occasionally as if he was pondering something like the Origin of Man, or the purpose of his existence, or something equally cryptic.

"Hina-chan. . ."

"Hmm?" Hinata sat up and looked at the young Uchiha. She tilted her head slightly, motioning for him to go on.

"I wonder what it's like being married."

Hinata blinked, but Sasuke continued, "At the wedding yesterday, Izumi-chan and Kenji-niisan seemed so happy." He wasn't aware that boys his age didn't normally think about such things, but Sasuke was quite mature. Even if only a handful of people noticed it; including his best friend. (A/N: Since this is a flashback, best friend means Hinata)

He met her during a family visit to the Hyuuga Compound. She was so tiny then, and she would often hide behind her mother. Although she was very shy and often stuttered, Sasuke thought it was cute. He remembered telling Itachi so, but his older brother only smirked. They were shortly ushered to the yard, where the two played tricks on Itachi and teased his serious demeanor.

They later found themselves as classmates in the Academy, and the two developed a strong friendship since then.

"I suppose it's quite enjoyable," Hinata giggled softly. "I. . . I mean, Kenji-san really likes Izumi-chan. They've know each other for years now, and they've both proven they'd be willing to die for the other's sake. They probably would've run away if our families didn't approve of the marriage anyway. To be bound forever to someone you love. . ."

Sasuke nodded as he recalled the marriage of his older cousin to Hyuuga Izumi. Come to think of it, Kenji had been exceptionally giddy yesterday. He was sure Izumi was just as happy, but managed to be the more mature of the two. Sasuke gave out a low chuckle.

End Flashback



Hinata tried hard to keep her eyes open, she really did. But maybe it was the dim light of the lanterns, or the tea she drank earlier, or her father's monotonous voice droning on about how much of an honor it was for the Feudal Lord of Country Something-or-Other to grace the Hyuuga compound with his presence that made her eyelids heavier every passing second. Suddenly, Hinata felt a sharp nudge from her left and turned her head to give her attacker a you-didn't-have-to-hit-me-so-hard look. Neji glared at her in return, and then nodded his head at Hanabi's direction. Hinata glanced at her sister to find her eyes half-closed and clear liquid pooling at the side of her mouth. She poked Hanabi's arm and watched in amusement as her sister bolted upright and wiped the drool off her mouth with the back of her hand.

Hinata sighed inwardly. Hyuuga formal dinners have always been like this. Whenever Hiashi or one of the guests would start a speech, the three depended on each other to keep watch whenever someone started falling asleep. They wouldn't want to dishonor the Hyuuga name, now would they?

Hiashi coughed, "Hinata, if you could please prepare more tea for our guests."

"Hai, otousan," Hinata replied as she stood up, bowed, took the teapot from the table, and soundlessly left for the kitchen.

"I'll help Hinata-sama," Neji said, eager to leave the room.

"Ah. . . that won't be necessary," said Hiashi.

"With all due respect, Hiashi-sama, it is my duty to protect her, after all."

"I doubt a few pots and pans would pose a threat. Besides, I'm quite sure Hinata is strong enough to protect herself if the need arises."

"Nevertheless, we are never certain when enemy shino-"

"Of course. That's a good point Neji-san; you may go," Hiashi said, finally giving in, and resuming his conversation with the feudal lord.

"Hai." Hanabi swore she saw Neji stick his tongue out at her before following her older sister inside the kitchen.


Hinata dropped the tea leaves into the pot and replaced the cover. She let out a bored sigh as she plopped herself onto a chair and waited for the tea to brew. Three more months and I won't have to endure Father's speeches any longer. Thank God. She would be married to Naruto by then, her childhood crush.

Years of hard work has finally paid off. Hinata successfully changed herself as she was no longer the shy Hyuuga heiress. Naturally, she was still helpful and kind, but her blushes and stutters have disappeared. She established a close relationship towards Neji, and Hanabi. The three would often be found training together, which helped Hinata improve her shinobi skills and finally become Jounin. She eventually found enough courage to confess her feelings towards Naruto, who unexpectedly said that he'd known it all along. Hinata only gaped at him while he took the initiative and kissed her on the lips. Needless to say, they were later branded as Konoha's newest couple and were scheduled for marriage in 3 month's time.

The kunoichi's thoughts were interrupted when she felt a wet substance trickling down her wrist. She lifted her right hand to find a gash across her palm, and crimson liquid pooling around it. She quickly cleaned the wound and wrapped her hand with a piece of cloth, hissing slightly as she tightened the knot. Confusion overcame her while she examined the wound, trying to determine the cause. I wasn't even holding anything that could have cut me. Hinata looked up when she heard a clicking sound near the door.

"The tea, Hinata-sama," Neji said. He raised his eyebrows upon seeing the makeshift bandage around his cousin's hand, but didn't get a chance to ask.

"Hai." She walked back to the formal dining room, holding the teapot between her hands.

"Hey, Hina-chan. . . what do you think if we got married?"

Short and confusing, I know. But I promise it'll make a LOT more sense in the next chapter. Please review :D