Have you ever waited for something and you wanted it so bad that time seemed to drag out just to torture you?

Itachi has.

It had been a few days since he practically cornered Hinata about dating for real.

Waiting for her to stop avoiding him and just answer has been hell…

And now here he is sitting in Tsunade's office with the very enraged busty woman before him.

"You know, I never pegged you as a man that would act on impulse," the blond spoke quietly, her chin resting on her folded hands as she leaned forward on her desk and stared at the raven haired man icily.

Earlier that day, Itachi had decided to see what the bluenette was up to and so he ended up finding out that the woman was on a mission and just got home.

He had then gone towards the Hyuuga compound to catch a glimpse of the woman of his affections when he saw a man accompanying her. It looked as if they were heading out for the evening on a date; at least that's what their clothes would suggest.

It wasn't his fault that seeing that the lady was with an infuriatingly flirty man had upset him.

It wasn't his fault that the man precariously had his hand on the bluenette's lower back and had 'slipped' to caress her bottom making the woman move quickly away from him startled.

He had decided to hold himself back from acting on his impulse to kill until he overheard a bystander observing the couple saying that he was a suitor that her father had considered for her hand in marriage.

Itachi wasn't one for rumors but seeing that the observer was a Hyuuga that had happened to pass by made it all the more creditable.

It wasn't his intention to stay 'nearby' while the pale eyed woman was on a date with a lecherous man.

It certainly wasn't his intention to beat said man to a pulp once he tried to shove his tongue down the shy woman's throat once he escorted her back to the front of the Hyuuga compound.

After he thought about the days current events he looked back up at the hokage and raised a brow.

"It wasn't my fault." Itachi lamely stated.

Tsunade wasn't sure if she should feel mildly amused at the Uchiha's uncharacteristic actions or even more infuriated. The man did just put an esteemed diplomat's son in the hospital.

She was willing to bet money that the Hyuugas and the injured man's family will want retribution and/or blood.

Then again she did have a reputation on losing such bets…

That's when the door burst open revealing an angered Hyuuga Hiashi. The infuriated man zeroed in on the eldest Uchiha son and strode forward.

"Explain your actions," the Hyuuga glared darkly at the calm man before him.

"I acted on impulse after seeing Hinata-san's distress when that… worm tried molesting her."

"I could have defended myself you know," the woman of the topic appeared in the doorway to the office.

"I don't appreciate those acts of irrational violence on my behalf. Not to mention I had already disabled his arms before you started to beat him."

So that's why the man never moved to defend himself…

Itachi blanched on the inside but kept a cool indifference on the outside, "Forgive me, Hinata-san, I wasn't trying to offend you."

The woman sent him a reprimanding look and then glanced back at her father, "He has woken up; otousan, and he wanted to give you this." Hinata gave her father a letter and then shot another reproachful look to the Uchiha heir before leaving.

Tsunade stood up with her arms crossed as she glowered at the two men in front of her, "Well?" She asked, all this drama was making her head ache and she really wanted a drink.

"The diplomat's son said that he has no more intentions of perusing Hinata for a potential bride." Hiashi spoke, his eyes not leaving the letter as he reread its contents to make sure he had read it correctly. People don't usually refuse a Hyuuga as a bride.

Once he finished rereading the letter the older man looked up at the younger one, "I don't appreciate how vulgarly you handled the situation but I do not feel bad for the wretch since he sought to put his disgustingly pampered hands on my daughter without consent."

Itachi nodded his understanding, and then glanced at both leaders in front of him. "I will accept the punishment you see fit, but I would also like to help save face because my actions not only reflect me but my clan and Konoha in the eyes of that diplomat."

"And how would you do that Itachi-san," brown eyes gleaming dangerously as she looked at the Uchiha prodigy, she really hoped he had a brilliant idea to help the situation.

Itachi reached into his weapons pouch on his thigh and grabbed out a document then handed it to Hiashi.

Tsunade moved to look over the Hyuuga leader's shoulder and smirked approvingly.

"This is a document requesting a formal courting agreement. It's so our clans can formally acknowledge my courting of Hinata-san. She is not expected to marry me, just acknowledge my interest and she is allowed to decide from there."

Hiashi's brow creased, "Why did you already have this?"

"I was hoping to speak with you about it either today or tomorrow; though I did not expect to talk to you about it after this… trouble that I have caused. If you show this to the family of the diplomat then you have the excuse that your daughter has a few suitors taking an interest in her, though you did not expect an actual upheaval to happen for her attentions."

"I think this will work just fine." Tsunade spoke up her voice full of approval for the plan and Hiashi nodded in agreement. They were both grateful that they wouldn't have to deal with unhappy diplomats causing more trouble than necessary for their son's 'unwarranted' injuries.

Feeling better about the situation, both Itachi and Hiashi left Tsunade to look for her stash of alcohol in her office to take the edge off the stress that seemed to have been building up since that morning.


Hinata had waited for Itachi outside the Hokage tower, hidden in a nearby tree.

After the male walked out behind her father, she promptly jumped down and landed in front of him. Itachi wore a mask of indifference as she glared up at him.

"I don't like other people handling my problems for me."

Itachi blinked, "That wasn't what I was doing."

The bluenette seemed baffled at his answer, "Then what were you doing exactly?"

The raven haired man stared deeply into the woman's lavender eyes for a moment before letting out a small sigh in annoyance and grabbing her arm to lead her somewhere they could speak with less prying eyes.

He took them to a small wooded area past a park, it was surrounded by an over growth of plants so few knew about the clearing's whereabouts. Itachi let go of her once he was sure the fuming female wouldn't try to hit him for dragging her somewhere else.

Hinata just stood there in front of him looking at him expectantly, she understood why he pulled her aside like he did but he still looked like he wasn't going to say anything so she crossed her arms stubbornly and stared at him waiting.

Seeing her annoyed expression Itachi thought carefully on what he wanted to say next. He knew exactly why he had acted the way he did, he just didn't want to come across as wired or creepy to the woman in front of him.

"I know you are more than capable of defending yourself," he began, "but I wasn't thinking when I acted selfishly. I did not like the way that man was looking at you, and I did not think he was worthy to even be as close to you as he was."

Hinata slowly relaxed her body, "That isn't your call to make, Itachi-san," she softly spoke coming closer to him.

Onyx eyes bore into lavender as she stopped moving once he raised a hand out to her, brushing his knuckles along her cheek and jaw. "True," he whispered, "but I intend to have you as mine and only mine. I don't like to share."

Hinata could feel her face heat up as a shiver ran down her spine at hearing his words, "A-and what if I reject you?" The woman raised her chin trying to hide her nervous stutter as Itachi slowly moved to close the gap between their bodies.

"Then I will find a way to make you change your mind." Itachi tilted his head to the side, his eyes never leaving hers as his hand reached for hers and gently held it up to his soft lips.

"I already have both our clan's approval for me to court you, all I need is your permission."

His soft spoken words shocked Hinata; He's actually willing to go that far? She had to admit; she was kind of impressed, though she wouldn't voice that allowed.

Upon noticing the porcelain woman was at a loss for words, Itachi smirked as he let go of Hinata's hand and began to tracer her lips with his slender fingertips. "Do you still need time before you will answer to my advances?" The man murmured, his eyes catching her every movement as she unconsciously darted her tongue out to wet her pink lips before trying to reply.

Itachi drew her closer and leaned in brushing his lips against hers before she could speak.

All thought left Hinata once their lips made contact but she didn't have time to react since the man pulled back to continue to watch her reaction to his bold closeness.

Damn it! You need to get a grip so you can think straight! Hinata exclaimed in her mind; her eyes began to clear along with catching her train of thought. "I, I would like one more day to think on it." Hinata wanted to consult with Tenten and Ino before she made a decision. She was definitely attracted to him but was it worth trying to pursue?

Itachi backed off immediately after her answer, he may be aggressive, but he wouldn't push her to do something she didn't like.

"Alright then, I have mission tomorrow afternoon so meet me here at the same time as now in two days. I should be back by then." With that, he disappeared before he could let his frustration show.


Hinata soon after found Ino and declared that she needed a girl's night and so the blond suggested a sleep over.

Not only was Tenten invited but so was their friend Sakura. It turns out both married women wanted a girl's night as well.

"Neji-kun is such a worry wart!" Tenten complained, she had been venting on how Neji had been overreacting to things ever since they found out they were pregnant.

Hinata shook her head in understanding just as Sakura spoke up, "I think it's cute how Neji is so protective of you, and I wish Naruto-kun was like that."

"But he is!" Ino giggled and reminded the girls of when Naruto would confess to her almost daily, and how he would do anything to keep her safe.

The women laughed at Sakura's reddened face when Tenten's face light up, "Oh! That reminds me! Neji-kun came home muttering something about a violent Uchiha and getting away with everything. He then started to rant about how the Uchiha men pretty much get whatever they want. Have any ideas on what had happened Ino-chan?"

"How should I know?" Ino shrugged just as Hinata's face began flush, Sakura raised a brow at her reaction, "Apparently Hinata-chan knows," she giggled as the bluenette's cheeks turned a brighter red.

"T-that's actually why I wanted to have a girl's night." Hinata began to tell the girls everything that had happened starting from the plan Itachi had proposed before the wedding, down to the light kiss Itachi gave to her in the clearing.

The other three girls were squealing at all of the things that happened between the couple.

"So that explains it!" Ino exclaimed thinking back on the couple's on again off again behavior.

"You know you could have told us that we were upsetting you." Tenten added thinking back at Hinata's uncharacteristic temper flares.

Ino shook her head profusely, "No she shouldn't have!" The other women looked at the supposedly insane girl baffled, Ino clucked her tongue and rolled her eyes, "What I mean to say is, if she had told us then Itachi-kun may have never found a way to get through to Hinata about his feelings! I think this was an awesome experience wouldn't you?"

Hinata nodded thoughtfully, "I guess so, but I really think Itachi-san would have found a way regardless."

The other women murmured their agreement as Ino thought her statement over, "That may be, but do you think you would have realized your attraction to him?"

Hinata just shrugged, she never really thought about it. Sure she thought he was physically attractive but then again so where the majority of her male friends and didn't ever see herself considering dating them, well; besides Naruto of course.

"What I want to know is, if it is worth pursuing." The women blinked owlishly at the bluenette before them. Why the hell was she wondering if it was worth pursuing?!

Sakura bit her lip in thought then grabbed hold of one of Hinata's hands and got the woman's attention.

"Does he try to get your attention?" She asked.

Hinata thought about how Itachi always made sure he said hello to her every time they were within the same vicinity of each other.

"Yes he does." She replied.

"Do you have things in common? Maybe things that aren't in common but you don't mind learning about?" Ino grabbed Hinata's other hand as she nodded in confirmation.

"What about a connection in understanding one another?" Tenten spoke up, if they needed to spell it out for her then that's exactly what they were going to do.

"Yes," Hinata nodded once more.

"Are you attracted to him sexually as well as physically?" Ino winked, and Hinata's cheeks burned a bright shade of red. The bluenette really was tempted to have an all-out make out session with the raven haired man when he had kissed her that day.

"I'll take that as a hell yes," Sakura smirked at seeing the pale girl gain a brighter color in her cheeks.

"Good," Tenten intoned, "The dude is damn sexy and if you weren't attracted to him I'd have to question your sexuality."

"Tenten-chan!" Hinata exclaimed; baffled at her cousin in law's blunt statement, "What? My hormones are all over the place." The brunette shrugged and then grinned at her best friend.

"Sexy or not, if there's a chance that you might fall for a great guy then it's worth the risk. If you ask me, you should have said yes when he first asked, you've got nothing to lose and if it doesn't work out then you've got the experience in another relationship and you'll be all the wiser when a similar situation comes up." Tenten got up and hugged Hinata, "From what I can tell, he sounds like a keeper though and you have three friends right here who will have your back if something happens."

Hinata sighed, Tenten was right after all; she needed to stop being hesitant and just go for it. After having this chat with the women she couldn't wait until tomorrow to give Itachi her answer.

As a matter of fact she was so fidgety about giving Itachi her answer that she couldn't sleep.

The other three women had fallen asleep a few hours ago and so Hinata thought it would be fine to get up and go outside for some air. Maybe a short walk will do her good.


As Hinata was out walking in the moonlight, she found herself at the training ground where Itachi had asked her to be his date to Sakura and Naruto's wedding.

The Sky was clear so you could see the stars and moon shining brightly from where she stood. Wanting to get a better view, the woman climbed one of the surrounding trees and perched herself on the top.

She was so mesmerized by the sight she almost didn't notice that someone was in a tree right by her.

When she registered the other presence it quickly vanished from the tree near her and reappeared next to her.

"You weren't able to sleep?" A deep voice questioned, Hinata gave a small smile and shook her head, "There's too much that has been on my mind." She replied.

"I couldn't sleep as well," was what the man beside her intoned. "I'm willing to listen if you need someone to talk to."

Sighing Hinata looked earnestly to the man beside her. "I am sorry for being so hesitant Itachi-kun. I guess I had let my fears of being hurt get in the way and cloud my judgment."

Itachi glanced at the woman beside him, she looked like a fairy as her skin glowed in the night time light, and her hair flowing freely in the wind as it gently breezed past them.

He reached out a caught a lock of hair that blew toward him and marveled at its soft and silky texture, "its fine, no one likes being hurt."

Hinata smiled at him gratefully, and then grabbed the hand that was just letting her hair blow out of his fingers.

Her eyes focused on their hand as he entwined his fingers with hers. "I want to date you for real this time," Hinata spoke, "I really like you and if you are willing to go as far as you have for me then I want to give it a shot."

Itachi's intense eyes bore into hers, "I play for keeps," he warned. A shiver of anticipation shot through the woman beside him at his words then grinned, "I don't expect anything less from an Uchiha."

Itachi chuckled lightly then brushed his free hand against her jaw and then through her hair as he caressed the back of her head; pulling her face closer to his.

"Good," he murmured, then pressed his lips to hers. It was soft at first, almost as if he was asking for her permission then once she leaned into him in response, he deepened the kiss.

One of Hinata's hands wrapped around his neck leaving little space between them, her other still against the tree for the support that she really didn't need since Itachi held her up with one hand around her waist and the other still in her hair.

"Hinata-can?"

The said woman parted reluctantly from her newly declared boyfriend and looked down to find a worried looking Ino starting up at them from below, "I saw that you had left and I was worried something was wrong," the blond woman then smirked at the couple in the trees, "apparently not though."

Hinata giggled to release some of her embarrassment but didn't move from Itachi's arms; instead she rested her head on his chest, "I'll be right down."

Ino rolled her eyes and smiled as she turned her back to give the pair some privacy.

"I am going to be drilled with questions later," the bluenette muttered and Itachi smirked, "I'm only going to let you go if you promise to train with me in the morning. I still have a mission to leave for in the afternoon, but I would like to see you beforehand."

Hinata blushed and nodded, "Of course I will." She pressed a light kiss to the Uchiha's lips before she jumped down and joined her blond friend, "See you in the morning!" She waved to the man before leaving.

Itachi jumped down after hearing Ino chide her friend, "You shouldn't have left without telling someone. You are so going to have to explain when everyone wakes up in the morning."

He smirked after hearing his girlfriend giggle at the blonde's antics, and headed back for his home.

Yup he was definitely not friend zoned.


I think I will make an epilogue but other than that I think I'm pretty much done with the story.

Thank you so much for reading! It was fun to write!