A person often meets his destiny on the path he took to avoid it.

-Jean De La Fontaine


She was in his head, had been so ever since their encounter in the forest; the one in which he'd failed to kill her. He'd tried to keep her out of his thoughts, but failed miserably.

She'd bewitched him, without ever enchanting a single spell.

Her eyes were imprinted behind his own; he got a glimpse of them every now and then. And everytime that happened, he felt more restless, anxious.

She was beginning to mean something to him. What that something was, he wasn't so keen on finding out. And yet, the thought of seeing her again made his heart pound in anticipation.

And that fact that it wasn't supposed to, made him crave her presence even more.

That's how he'd found himself at the window of her hotel room. He told himself that he was there to kill her, and a small part of him even believed it; that if she was fast asleep, then be would be able to do so. Truth to be told, that part of him wanted to see if he would be able to do it.

But, there was another part of him, that knew he simply wanted to see her, which was why he was entering her hotel room.

There was a full moon, it's light illuminating the figure on the bed. He couldn't help but stifle a sigh of relief when he noticed her back was facing him.

He took a step forward as he approached the bed, the kunai he was gripping, glinting in the moonlight.

Her room was dark, safe from the moonlight streaming in through the open window. Just as he reached her bed, a soft breeze blew. He momentarily closed his eyes, trying to be as calm as it was. He took a deep breath.

There was a groan.

He froze.

Snapping his eyes open, he zeroed onto the figure on the bed. In other circumstances, he would've immediately hid himself in the shadows. But now, he froze--you know, like a rookie shinobi--holding his breath, waiting for the Hyuga to awaken and spot happen.

He stood still as she groaned again, muttering and mumbling in her sleep, tossing and turning, then finally getting comfortable.

He cursed when he realized that the new position gave him a perfect view of her face.

Pointedly ignoring it, he raised his kunai, positioning it above her chest.

His hand trembled.

Gritting his teeth, he wrapped his other hand over the first, trying to cease the trembling. His eyes were fixated on the kunai, as he exhaled shakily, hating the way he held her life in his hands.

She was so damn vulnerable right now. It would be over so quickly. She wouldn't make a single sound.

But, would he be able to live with himself? He'd killed before. But, all that had been for the good of the village. When he'd slaughtered his clan, his intention had been to protect.

But, now, what reason did he have to kill the Hyuga?

The answer was simple: None.

A distraction. She is a distraction. Shinobi do not have distractions.

Tightening his hold on the kunai, he took a deep breath. Once again, he closed his eyes, somehow hoping to have the courage to do it.

However, almost instantly, they shot open, as he realized his mistake. But, now it was too late. In that single second he'd closed his eyes, he'd gotten a flash of hers; wide, flashing, as they so bravely met his.

"I am loyal to those I love. As you should have been."

And at that moment, he knew that he'd never be able to hurt her again.

He slumped to the ground, slowly removing the kunai from its position and leaned his back against the bed. Fisting his hand in his hair, he pulled.

He hadn't killed her before because he didn't want to. And now, when he wanted to, he couldn't.

"Damn it."

He cursed himself again and again, as he finally came into terms with how he felt. He was fond of her, had become attached through their few encounters.

And why shouldn't he? She had been a beacon of light in his bloody life, someone who could truly understand the burden that had been placed upon him. Or rather, the only person who would be willing to understand, willing to look past the false image he'd donned.

The only person who would be smart enough to do so.

And he wanted that. He wanted her. He wanted her to look past all that he seemed, and see him for the person he truly was. He wanted her kindness, and her comfort, wanted her to smile at him like that way she smiled at everyone else in Konoha; so full of love that it took your breath away.

The first time he'd seen her smile had made his heart ache.

He was no one's precious person, he'd known that for quite a while. And yet, only now he understood that it meant he would be truly and forever alone.

The realisations were frightening.

"This wasn't supposed to happen." He whispered solemnly into the darkness, hating Fate for putting before him all that he could have had if only things had been different.

"I wasn't supposed to-"

He couldn't finish the sentence.

Instead, he just gritted his teeth.

"God fucking damn it."

For a long moment, he stayed like that, trying to accept the way things were. Slowly, he leaned his head back, turning it sideways to face the woman.

He felt his breath catch.

She is beautiful.

Beautiful was an understatement. Bathed in moonlight, she looked downright enchanting; something out of a dream.

Her hair was pooling around her head, the moonlight falling on her, making her hair glisten and body glow. Her ample chest rose and fell, the blanket tangled around her curvaceous form.

His fingers twitched, as he fought the urge to touch her, if only to see if she was real or not. To see if she would disintegrate at his touch, titled by same same thing his other dreams were now.

Unattainable.

Turning fully towards her prone form, he raised his hand, extending it towards her. For a moment he stopped, hesitating, then continued.

Once again, he noticed his fingers trembling slightly. After what seemed like hours, the tips of his fingers made contact with her hair; the first time he'd touched her simply because he'd wanted to.

Almost immediately, he retracted his hand, but only slightly. He wanted--no, needed--more.

This time he buried his hand in her hair, loving how it was softer than the finest silk. His breath hitched, watching the strands slide over his fingers, as he ran his hand through her hair.

His heart pounded, as his hand, without his permission, went to rest against her jaw, his touch as soft as a feather.

His fingers slid down, tracing the curve of her neck, the satin soft skin making his fingers tingle. Reaching the juncture where her neck ran into her shoulder, he trailed his hand back up.

She stirred slightly, but didn't wake up. Once again reaching her jaw, he traced it, his thumb sliding over to rest on her cheek. Slowly trailing down, his thumb rested on the corner of her mouth.

His eyes landed on her parted lips.

A second later, he was making his way towards the window. For a moment, he hesitated. Then, with a final glance towards Hinata, he left.

He had gotten what he'd come for.


There was something wrong with his eyes. Hinata had noticed it the moment she'd seen him.

Unlike their other encounters, this one had been completely coincidental. She had been returning back to Konoha, when she'd stopped to refill her water canteen. As she was screwing the lid back on, she had felt his presence.

For a second, she'd frozen, thinking he was here for her again. However, she was proven wrong when she realized that his signature was only fleeting, a indication that he was just passing by.

She didn't know what had gotten into her, but she had immediately rushed after him, leaving her backpack behind.

"Wait!"

But, it seemed he hadn't heard her, because he continued on his way. Gritting her teeth, she pushed on harder, determined to confront him, despite her fear.

"Hey! Wait!"

This time, he did listen.

Landing in the next branch, he stopped, turning around to find the source of the voice.

She caught a glimpse of his slightly widened eyes, as she landed, her breath slightly heavy. Looking up, she began,

"Why won-"

But, she paused, taking in the state of the Uchiha. He seemed fine, at first glance. However, her Byakugan was known for catching the smallest of details of everything.

He looked absolutely exhausted.

There were dark bags under his eyes, slightly noticeable, but there. The creases on his face, too, seemed more prominent.

At last, she noticed his eyes.

There was something wrong with them. They were different from before. What the difference in them was, she couldn't decipher.

The closest emotion she could come up with was resignation.

"Well, what is it?"

Her thoughts were cut short by his voice. There was a tinge of impatience in his tone.

Hesitatingly, she cocked her head slightly.

"Are you...okay?"

His eyebrows shot up, eyes widening in surprise. And why shouldn't they?

Here she was, asking an enemy about his welfare, as if he hadn't tried to kill her multiple times now.

Hinata, on the other hand, suddenly felt foolish as she focused her gaze on her feet, so that the Uchiha wouldn't see her growing blush of embarrassment.

As such, she missed the faint smile on his face.

Itachi didn't even know why he was surprised. Asking someone about their welfare, regardless if they were a friend or a foe, was something only Hinata would do. That was just who she was.

Or maybe, he just looked bad enough that even enemies would be concerned.

After last night, he knew it was for th best if he never saw her again. In fact, he had gone the opposite direction from her, and yet, here they were.

Fate, it seemed, had something else in store for him, and he couldn't help but curse it for putting him in such a situation.

He had to get out of here quickly. Her presence...it suffocated him. And yet, he liked the breathlessness it brought along with it.

Deciding to play along, he answered,

"I am fine. Thank you for asking."

She jumped at his voice, and only now he noticed just how red she was. Something in him reared its head in approval; he had been the cause of her blush.

She didn't answer, though her mouth opened and closed, not knowing what to say.

"Is that why you stopped me? To inquire about my wellbeing?" He asked pleasantly, cocking his head to the side, now smirking slightly.

She shook her head, her embarrassment gone as she suddenly remembered why she was there.

"Why won't-" She paused to swallow nervously, "Why won't you kill me?"

The question hung in the air, as she watched him take it in. Suddenly, he looked tired, as if suddenly reminded of something distressing. All the teasing disappeared from his face.

Something flashed in his eyes; an acceptance of sorts, as they grew soft. He turned his back to her, facing the direction he had been travelling.

She heard him sigh.

Looking over his shoulder, he met her eyes.

"Go home, Hinata."

He made a move to leave.

A hand clutched his cloak, stopping him in his tracks.

He stiffened.

"You didn't answer my question." Her voice was firm.

It made no sense to Hinata that he would just leave her be after all that had happened. Did this mean that she could tell the Hokage about him? Or was he trying to trick her into letting her guard down?

She clutched his cloak tighter.

"Why won't you kill me?"

He didn't dare face her, his eyes shadowed.

"Let go of me." His voice was cold, lips pressed into a tight line.

Hinata knew she was taking her chances, but for once, she was willing to risk it all.

"First answer my question." Her voice was now quivering.

"Why won't you kill me?"

She repeated for the third time.

Before he could stop himself, he shot back.

"Why won't you?"

He quickly turned, his eyes narrowed, accusing.

Hinata opened her mouth to reject, but soon, realized that it was true.

"What makes you think I have a chance?"

She averted her eyes, bitterness coating her voice.

Itachi blinked in surprise.

"What makes you think you don't?"

In response, she looked at him in disbelief. He raised his eyebrows slightly.

"You have potential, quite a lot if it at that. The only problem is that you don't know how to use it. You are determined, fixated on your goal, but lack the self-confidence needed to accomplish it."

She just shook her head, not believing a word coming out of his mouth. And why should she?

He was, well, He was him, and she was just plain, old her. They were leagues away in strength and intelligence.

How could she possibly hope to catch up to him when she couldn't catch up to Neji? Or even Hanabi?

"Just answer my question."

He sensed a hint of irritation in her voice. He suddenly had an idea.

"I'll make you a deal." He watched her eyebrows shoot up in surprise.

"If you capture me, I will answer your question."

Her eyes narrowed.

"And if I don't?"

He smirked slightly.

"Then, you stop asking."

She glanced at him through her lashes.

"Are their any conditions?"

He closed his eyes, contemplating.

"Only one: You will not get help from anyone. Which means that my presence will be remaining a secret, even from the Hokage."

Itachi knew exactly what he was doing. Pretending as if the answer was such a mystery so as to arouse her curiosity. In reality, he was being a little selfish, presenting her with such a deal, simply so he wouldn't have to stop seeing her.

But, there was also another part of him, that wanted to see how this would go for her.

She bit her lip.

He ripped his eyes away from her face, so he wouldn't have to watch her do it.

She sighed.

"Deal."

He nodded. Then, he turned around, intent in leaving.

The hair on his neck stood.

He quickly turned around, crouching just in time to avoid Hinata as she swiped her kunai where his head was.

He saw her Byakugan activate. Cursing slightly, he jumped on the next tree. Hinata followed him, her Chakra-infused palm outstretched.

One second she was about to make contact, and the next, he had her pinned to the tree.

The kunai he had taken out in a split second had torn through her sleeve of her jacket, and was now holding her left hand in place beside her head. One of his hand was gripping the kunai, the other holding her other hand in place.

He hated the way his fingers casually traced the lines in her wrist. Thankfully, she didn't notice.

She was close. Close enough for him to feel her every breath as it trailed down his neck. Involuntarily, he shivered.

He felt her gasp slightly, as his lips brushed against the shell of her ear.

"You have no idea," He began, voice low, his hand letting go of the kunai and slowly moving up, to encircle around her neck, "how easy it would be to kill you."

He paused.

"And yet," His hand moved back to tangle in her hair, "I find myself hesitating everytime I plan on doing so."

He felt another shiver roll off his spine when he caught a whiff of her scent; Lavenders and cinnamon, along with something entirely feminine.

But, he needed more.

Before he could stop himself, he buried his face in the crook of her neck, as he inhaled greedily, fisting his hand in her hair and tilting her head to the side to give him better access.

He heard her gasp sharply, as his other hand left her wrist to slide up, and interlocked up with hers.

He faintly noticed the bruising grip she had on his hand.

She didn't try to push him away. Instead, she froze.

It took a few seconds for him to realize what he'd just done.

Shit.

Slowly, albeit hesitantly, detaching himself from her, he stepped back, removing the kunai from her jacket.

There was silence for a moment.

"Leave."

His voice was hoarse. He didn't look up to see her expression.

She didn't reply. Instead, she stepped back and left.

Only when she was far enough did Hinata place a trembling hand at her neck, where she could still feel the warmth of his breath and the imprint of his lips.

All the way back, she remained deep in thought about why the Uchiha had done what he'd done, not stopping to wonder how she felt about it.


*Takes a deep inhale*

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

My heart- my heart cannot take it any longer-

*gasps sharply, and promptly dies*

..hehehe..

lol, I was fangirling throughout writing this chapter. It was so much fun!!

So, how was it?? Did you like it?? Quite a bit of itahina in the chapter, eh? And Hinata is as oblivious as ever.

*shakes head sadly*

How sad.

Poor Itachi. He just wants someone to see him for the person he is. What do you think will happen next? And will Hinata realize his feelings??

Be sure to tell me what you think!!

-Your fangirling author.