Shimi-chan: (Laughs) Wow, I have some pretty cool reviewers. Thefullygirlalchemist, since you asked, they're fine. You know what? Red is my favorite color. Sometimes I'll wake up in the middle of the night and look at the red in their eyes, and it'll soothe me back to sleep. Then one of them will come and bite me on the foot and I'll remember just how scary and man-eating they truly are. Ah well…they're eating all of our food, so I'm hoping that posting this early will make them go away.

Kichou, you know I went to your profile and read some of your stories. You're good! I'm not kidding, I've read your work before, but I didn't check the author. I'm glad I went, your stories are awesome! My favorite is Because Sasuke Only Means Sasuke To You. So cute!

Hinata6, I guess I wasn't clear enough. Let me try to explain: he said 'We're not tied by blood' or to put it simpler 'There's nothing stopping us from being more.' Get it? If not let me know and I'll try again.

NinaWilliamsSilentAssasin, I literally just read your review. (Laughs) I like how Itachi flirts too. Hee, wait till you read this chapter…

Acho0bl3ssU, of course he made the first move. He was getting horny. Just kidding.

LilyInTheValley, I'm glad you think that Itachi is in character. Sometimes I wonder if I maybe went too far…But as long as you are satisfied, I think I'm doing it right.

KagomeMarie, ok. I'll update. But just this once.

Vigorean-Asakura, I'm glad you liked it! Here's more.

Nyeko, here you are: an update!

JasperSapph, I actually made you blush! That means that I'm good at detail! I though I would suck at that kind of thing…Thanks for the review!

Akuma de soro, I like your penname, very original. (Laughs) I laughed at your review. As you can see. Prepare for many more assy-dad moments.

Kibagaaralover18, thanks. I appreciate it.

Lady Rin-San, I'm glad I got you into it! I got into it by accident. But none of the stories were satisfying me (which isn't to say there weren't any good ones). It's just that they either had to make Itachi too nice or Hinata too forward. So I had to write one.

Lonniet84, Thank you for reviewing!

Live2die, thank you! Such compliments I feel I do not deserve! Thanks for the luck, I'll save it for when I need it.

I think that's everyone. It's not everyday that I reply to all my reviewers. I usually just reply to the questions. But I had time before work (I JUST GOT A JOB!!!) so I though I could.

Chapter Nine:

Avoidance: the act of avoiding or to keep away from. A very common thing to do when you've done something potentially embarrassing in front of someone you like, or even someone you hate. The very thing that discontinued any form of communication Hinata and Itachi had previously had.

It was a very cold morning, enough so that even with all the doors and windows closed and the air conditioner off, the house was still chilly. Heaters, according to Fugaku, were a waste of money since they could probably tough out the cold anyway. On that morning the subject of the two 'lovebirds' (as Fugaku saw them) finally came up.

"Have you noticed that Hinata and Itachi haven't been talking lately?"

"They're training now, aren't they?" Sasuke stated in a matter-of-fact sort of way.

"Yes, but…I don't know, they just don't seem to be getting along anymore. Are you saying you haven't noticed?"

"No, I haven't."

Fugaku turned his attentions from his pessimistic son to his wife. "How about you?"

Mikoto thought for a moment, before conceding in a nod. "Actually, yes. Why, just the other day I mentioned Hinata's name while talking to Itachi and he slammed the wall and walked away!"

Fugaku nodded. "Hinata reacted similarly. When I asked her how training was going with Itachi, she couldn't answer from stuttering so much. She's not usually so shy with me…"

Mikoto and Fugaku exchanged worried glances while discussing what could possibly be wrong.

As if on cue, Itachi and Hinata entered the kitchen, having completed their training. His parents instantly quieted upon their arrival, casting the two worried looks. Though he tried to ignore them, their blatant staring soon got on Itachi's nerves.

"What?!"

Both his parents seemed to start at his snappish tone.

"…How was your training?" Fugaku asked casually.

"Fine." Itachi gritted.

"Did you improve today, Hinata-chan?" Mikoto questioned.

"Y-Yes, I think so."

Silence.

"So…How was the weather today?"

"Mom and dad want to know if you two are fighting," Sasuke stated abruptly.

"Sasuke!" both Fugaku and Mikoto reprimanded.

Sasuke shrugged heedlessly. "You guys were beading around the bush so much it was getting annoying."

His parents didn't bother pursuing the subject in favor of pursuing the much more interesting one. They all looked at the two shinobi to witness their reactions. Itachi was glaring daggers at his younger brother while Hinata hid her face in her hands to mask her embarrassment.

More silence.

"Well, are you?" Fugaku asked impatiently.

Itachi growled. "I don't see how it would be any of your fucking business."

"They are," the room echoed in unison.

Itachi growled once more and heat rushed to Hinata's face. Instantly recognizing the murderous intent in his son's eyes, Fugaku quickly changed the subject.

"Oh, Hinata, before I forget to ask. Your birthday isn't much farther from Sasuke's, is it?"

"N-No."

"When is it?"

"A-Actually, i-it's n-next week…" She blushed. "B-But I d-d-don't w-want a p-p-party!"

Fugaku shook his head. "No, no, I didn't mean anything like that. How old are you turning?"

Hinata fidgeted for a moment. "S-Sixteen…"

Fugaku's face became solemn at hearing that bit of news. "Your father should be coming today."

Hinata's eyes widened. "M-my…? I-if I m-may ask…w-what for?"

Fugaku's somber stare was making Hinata nervous. "You'll figure it out when he gets here."

That didn't sound good.

But Hinata wasn't entirely sure she wanted to know anyway. More importantly, she went to the topic first addressed. It must have been pretty obvious that Itachi and she weren't getting along. But they weren't fighting. At least…she didn't think…

Itachi left abruptly, bringing Hinata out of her deep thought. She glimpsed at his disappearing back worriedly, debating whether or not she should confront him. Glancing once more at the Uchiha's in the kitchen –which had moved on to more interesting topics—she opted for chasing after Itachi.

"Itani—um, I mean, Itachi-sensei…"

He regarded her carelessly over his shoulder and lifted a brow expectantly.

She instantly lost her nerve. She'd wanted to ask him if they were fighting, but when he looked at her so…indifferently…she just lost her nerve.

Instead, she said "U-Um…a-a-about t-training l-later—"

"Cancelled," he said simply.

She blinked. "B-But…Wh-why?"

"Your father's coming. He might be coming to check up on your progress, and if so, more training would be pointless. Your best bet is to try and look as best as possible."

And with those taunting words, he left her.

--

He felt like SUCH. A. DICK. She'd just been asking an innocent question, and he had to snap at her like that. Hadn't his overactive mouth been what had gotten him in this trouble in the first place? Sighing as he raked an aggravated hand through his tired hair, he plopped himself on his bed.

Hinata's words echoed in his head. 'Itachi-sensei' she'd called him. That wasn't what he wanted; it didn't sound as good as plain old Itachi. What, did she not like his name or something? Did she always have to add something to it for it to sound good to her?

But he couldn't be mad at her. Not after treating her so, not after tormenting her so much. His keen senses had in no way missed how she avoided him ever since the whole incident. He sighed, as he came to the realization he'd been coming to so many times that month.

He didn't deserve her.

When the alien thought forced itself into his head, he instantly went tense. Didn't deserve her…? Did he really believe that? He grew angry at his own conscious coming out now of all times. He did deserve her! Not that he wanted her…but if he had…aw, fuck it!

Angry and yet resolute, Itachi pounded a fist into his open palm. He did deserve her. It was she that didn't deserve him. He smirked. That was okay.

She could have him anyway.

--

Some time later, after taking a short nap, Itachi emerged from his room to find the entire family—except Hinata—in the living room…playing video games. Itachi's brows twitched at the sight of his father and brother in a raging war over who would make it to the end first while Mikoto cheered them both on. He watched them a while, twitching brow and all, until it proved too much for him.

"Where's Hinata?"

All three looked over their shoulders.

"Good afternoon son!" Fugaku chimed loudly.

Itachi grunted as his only reply. "Where's Hinata?" he repeated.

Fugaku was too concentrated on defeating Sasuke to read too much into his question. "She went to her room a while ago," he elbowed his son, giving him an instant lead, "Said she had to go take a nap."

Itachi growled, walking out and toward her room. 'She'd better not be crying again,' he thought darkly to himself. He arrived at her door to find it closed. Sliding it open slowly, on the off chance that she actually was taking a nap, he peeked inside. And, what do you know; there she was on her bed. Asleep.

And shivering.

He was extremely irritated to see no blanket on her. Did she have a death wish or was she just stupid? Hmm…probably both. Chuckling lightly at his own internal joke (cuz he's weird that way), he went into the closet within the room to get her a blanket. When he saw none, he sighed irritably. He glanced back at her only to find that her shivering had intensified.

Actually, she looked kind of funny and even…cute? Her peaceful face indicated that she was sleeping nicely, but her body was shivering so much just looking at her made the room seem colder. It was like her body couldn't keep up with her mind. He chuckled silently to himself, though it came out much fonder than the first.

'I should probably get some blankets from another room…' he thought to himself. But he didn't really feel like going anywhere just to come back. In fact…he grinned mischievously. At the moment, he sort of felt like taking another nap.

So, his decision being made, he scooted Hinata over on the bed before crawling into it himself.

--

"You are useless," he taunted. As if she didn't already know it.

Tears welled in her eyes as she felt herself sink lower into the ground. "N-No, I'm n-not…"

But the bantering didn't stop. Her father continued to look at her with such blatant disappointment until the things around him started to fade.

Suddenly, it wasn't her father and she wasn't at home. Neji stood before her in his fighting stance and she recognized her surroundings as the place they'd held the prelims for the Chuunin exams.

"C-Cousin Neji?"

"People can't change."

She blinked, trying to make the hurt in her soul evident in her eyes. "N-Neji-nii, I—"

"You were destined to fade into the back round."

She attempted a yell of denial, but his words hit with such impact that only a whimper came out.

"That's not true!"

Hinata's eyes widened at the unidentified growl.

"People can change. Hinata will prove that."

Someone believing in her? Her heart warmed at the mere prospect of it being true. Then, just as quickly as her father had gone, so did Neji, leaving her alone with what she expected to be a certain blonde kitsune. She turned to witness her savior, but when her eyes met his all breath was stolen from her lungs.

Standing there and staring back at her was none other than Itachi Uchiha.

Hinata's eyes shot open. The only thing that kept her from yelping in surprise was the fact that she could scarcely breathe at the moment. What the hell was that?? How many times had she had that dream? Except, when she'd had them previously, it was always Naruto that saved her. What was Itachi (sensei) doing in her dreams? Hinata slowly calmed herself enough to slow her breathing.

It was just a dream. She'd probably never have it again, it probably meant nothing. Actually, it was most likely the cold that made her have such a dream. Wait…the cold…it wasn't cold anymore.

Hinata didn't realize she'd been shutting her eyes until she opened them. She could barely see anything in the darkened room, but she noticed one thing instantly. It wasn't cold. Hadn't it been cold when she went to sleep? It had, she remembered. There had also been no blanket, but she'd been feeling too lazy to go and get one. Her eyes closed to the warmth as she snuggled closer to the source.

There was a…pillow? It was beside her with its arms wrapped around her. Arms? When did pillows grow arms? She furrowed her brows in confusion before opening her eyes again to inspect her 'pillow.' She could see nothing but a dark cloth some would call a shirt. But it couldn't be a shirt. Pillows didn't wear shirts, only people wore…wait minute…

Slowly, almost timidly, Hinata raised her head to look into the face of her intruder. She sucked in a sharp breath.

"Itachi," she murmured.

He opened an eye and glanced boredly at her. Slowly, his lips curved into a groggy smile. "It sounds like you're getting the hang of it."

She screamed. Loud.

Being instantly—and forcefully, he might add—dragged from his groggy state he immediately jumped up and rubbed his ears painfully. He growled.

"What the hell was that about?!"

Hinata brought her arms around her chest in a vain attempt at hiding her body from his eyes (despite the fact that she was fully clothed). She stared at him in shock, a blush evident in her face. "Get…"

"'Get'…?" Lifting a brow, Itachi took a step forward.

Big mistake.

She grabbed her pillow (yes Hinata, grab the softest thing possible, that should help) and threw it at him roughly. "G-Get out!" she yelled.

Itachi easily ducked the offending pillow, but the mere action was enough to anger him. "Hinata, calm down, you—"

Another pillow, another shout, another dodge.

It wasn't long before Hinata ran out of pillows (she only has two) and started throwing other things. Her alarm clock. Her socks. Her shoes. She'd reached for her bras, but instantly blushed and instead grabbed her kunai. And she was screaming all the while for him to leave. He dodged her every 'weapon' but he was angry she was reacting so strongly to his only laying with her. He's only been trying to keep her warm. She should be thanking him, damnit!

"Shut up, Hinata, the whole goddamn house can hear you!"

She didn't heed his advice, leaving him no choice but to heed hers. He left the room in an angered huff.

As soon as her door slammed shut, Hinata fought to calm her beating heart. Things were getting weird. First he said that…that…thing to her, then he appeared in her dream, and now she awoke to being held by him.

'Wha…What's going on…?'

She half hoped half expected to see Fugaku jump out of the closet and tease her over her reaction. It had to be some kind of trick, Itachi couldn't have simply…crawled into bed with…her…She blushed and buried her bashful face in her hands before releasing a scream. When she'd gotten over that, she laid her head in her knees.

Just how did she feel about Itachi anyway? Up until recently, he'd been nothing short of a brother to her. But lately…just looking at him sent heat to her face. Was that normal? Was she sick? She could only hope so. She looked over to her counter top to see the time, only to find her alarm clock missing. She vaguely remembered throwing it across the room and instantly jumped off her bed, hoping she'd caused it no harm. Thankfully, when she picked it off the ground, there were still big red bold numbers staring at her.

8:00P.M.

Sighing, she went over to the bathroom to prepare herself for her father's arrival.

--

What the hell was that about?! What right did she have to kick him out of his room?! After all, this was his house, meaning its contents were his too! Meaning, technically, she was his too!

Okay, maybe that's exaggerating a little…but still!! He was helping her! Couldn't she see that?! Was she really so dense?! And to yell at him of all things! Throwing he could take, it wasn't as if her 'weapons' would have hurt much even if they had caught him, but yelling was a pure sign of disrespect.

"That stupid bitch," he muttered, ignoring the fact that saying it tasted sour to his tongue..

Why had he crawled in the bed anyway? He could have easily gone to get her a blanket. She would've been just as warm. But he'd decided to sleep with her. Why? And, lately, he'd wanted to do it. So far he'd kissed her twice, but both times got disregarded by her. The first was at that goddamn, mother fucking, annoying-as-hell slumber party that the stupid, ugly, bitch-of-a-slut Sakura had thrown. The second was at that outplayed, over-worked, stupid fucking party that idiotic, annoying, dumb ol' Sasuke had thrown. How many times did he have to do it for the message to play out?

He sighed. When had he even wanted the message to play out? He didn't like Hinata…or at least he wasn't supposed to. No, no, he didn't. He longed for simpler times, when she was a sister and nothing else. But those times were gone, and he might as well get used to that.

--

Hours. That's how long Fugaku and Hiashi had been in the master bedroom. Hinata, Itachi, Sasuke and even Mikoto were waiting in the living room, as instructed by the two elders, for something that they didn't even know they would want. Mikoto seemed to know exactly what was going on, but she dispersed no information.

Hinata fidgeted with herself uncomfortably. Her father was there, and yet he'd said nothing to her. He hadn't even acknowledged her. He'd just come and locked himself in the room with Fugaku. The soft murmurs of their voices could be made out, but no words were able to be heard by the small group outside the room. Was he here to take her home? She didn't want to go. Even with things so uncomfortable with her and Itachi (sensei), she still wanted to stay and learn more. She was improving, she just knew she was.

But having her father there was taking its toll on her. She started to tear up at the thought of leaving behind the Uchiha's and their comforting presence.

"It's probably nothing," Sasuke's voice broke into her thoughts.

She blinked and looked at him.

"You're just like mom. You don't even try to hide when you're worried, do you?"

She blushed. "I-I'm s-sorry Sasuke-kun…"

He shrugged. "He may actually just be here to check your progress."

She remained silent, but she seriously doubted him.

"Even if he is here to take you back," he continued, "it's not like dad would simply let you go without a fight. It's probably why they've been in there so long."

"S-Sasuke-kun…"

His face remained stoic, as did his voice, but the concern was in his eyes. "Just don't let it bother you too much; your constant fidgeting is getting on my nerves."

She smiled shyly. "Th-Thank you, Sasuke-kun."

"Hn."

As Itachi watched the exchange he felt his blood boil in anger. What, so Sasuke was allowed to help but he wasn't? Tch, fine, he didn't want to help anyway.

Just as he thought that, the doors to the master bedroom slid open slowly, revealing a very exhausted looking pair of men.

"Hinata," Hiashi said, finally acknowledging his firstborn.

"Y-Yes father?"

"There is something of utmost importance that we need to discuss. With the three of you."

Mikoto walked over to stand beside her husband. She gave his arm a gentle squeeze, knowing how put-out he must have been. He smiled appreciatively before returning to a stern gaze and looking at the three young shinobi.

They remained respectfully silent, awaiting the news that they knew not to be good.

"Before you were born," Fugaku began, "We agreed that an Uchiha-Hyuga heir would indeed benefit both clans…"

The meaning was caught on immediately. Hinata gasped as her face drew heat. No one else seemed to have a reaction. Fugaku's voice faded out of her mind as he continued to explain himself. She could see the apologetic look that he was sending her, but she couldn't sympathize.

Heir? That's what he said. And heir. Or heiress. Her body went limb as she came to the realization that this was probably why her father hadn't come for her. This was a trial period. She was only good enough to give away. Tears formed in her eyes, but she lowered her head to hide them from her father.

Sixteen was marrying age. That was why Fugaku had asked. That was why Hiashi had come. If she wasn't turning sixteen, she probably wouldn't have seen her father in years. She turned away from the men in front of her, only to catch and lock eyes with Itachi.

He was staring at her intently, and the look in his eyes made her suck in a sharp breath. If she had to marry an Uchiha…that meant she might have to marry Itachi. No…She'd get to marry him. Slowly, almost unconsciously, her lips curved into a bashful smile.

Itachi's lips did the same, though his held arrogance and pride.

Fugaku's voice broke into the two's trance.

"Hinata, are you listening?"

Hinata turned back to her soon to be father-in-law with a smile, and nodded. "Y-Yes sir."

He returned her smile. "Okay. We have chosen someone who we thought would best suit your needs and we thought you'd be able to suit the needs of."

Hinata nodded dutifully.

"Hinata, as of now, you are engaged to…"

Her heart skipped a merry beat and her smile grew wider. Itachi watched her anticipation as his own heart grew warmer. They exchanged one last smile before Fugaku finished his sentence.

"Sasuke."

Shimi-chan: It took me so long to write this chapter, I am thoroughly disappointed in myself. Turns out I was right, I did lose my mojo. But I'm back on track now, it shouldn't take me so long to write chapter ten. Also, I managed to write chapter one for my other fic and come up with new jutsu's for one of my characters. So, at least I didn't waste time doing nothing. Wow, this was a long chapter…oh well.