Hey guys, and haaaaaaappy Friday ^_^ And, of course, that means another chapter of Defining Innocence! :D This chapter is being post a bit early in the morning because I actually have somewhere to be today XD So, yay!

Okay everyone, a couple of shout outs, the first being for someone called LazyLucy: Thank you! Yes, Hiashi is a jerk, but yes, she certainly does have two awesome Uchiha to fall back on :) Actually, I've told a few other people who have asked, that I really don't do anything with Akatsuki in this fic mostly because it would have made it several times longer, and to be honest I wasn't sure how to tie any of it in with what I had. So unfortunately we don't get to see Hinata kick Madara's butt, but there's always potential in other fics ;) Anyway, thanks for your review, and I hope you continue to enjoy the fic ^_^

And here's one for Kute-Kittin304: Thanks! I'm glad you're enjoying it thus far ^_^

And with that, here's the disclaimer, and then I'll get out of your hair!

~BlackRoseDragon13

*Disclaimer* I do not own, nor claim to own, any aspect of Naruto in any way, shape, or form. This is merely a fan work, and I receive no profit.

Chapter Fourteen

After a few days to rest and wrap her mind around her new life, Hinata felt ready to begin to face a future without her clan. It still hurt to think about it, but she immersed herself into her missions, pulling off various tasks with a fairly consistent success record. Her teammates accepted the news with anger toward her father, and promises of continued support, which she had known they would give.

"Thank you Kiba kun, Shino kun," she said with a watery smile. "That...m-means a lot."

Neji also gave his cousin his full support, going so far as to abandon the clan as well. This horrified Hinata. "Are you c-crazy?" she demanded "You're one of the best Hyuuga there are! Why would you destroy your f-future?"

He only smiled. "Hinata sama, after my mistakes during those chuunin exams, I swore an oath to protect you. I will follow you wherever you go. And if the clan had planned to kill you, then I cannot be loyal to them as well, for they go against my promise. Besides...there are parts of the future I desire that the clan would have tried to prevent if I had stayed much longer."

The ex-Hyuuga girl was devastated, but also entirely grateful. The fact that her cousin supported her so fully meant the world to her. Unable to find words, she settled for hugging him tightly. He managed to get an apartment in the same building, wanting to be as close to Hinata as possible.

Sasuke too rejoined the ranks of Konoha shinobi, though he seemed a bit...hesitant. With his return, Team Seven was split at the seams. The raven-haired boy was grateful for the way they were put together, though – Naruto and Kakashi he could deal with, while Sakura still grated on his nerves. Ever since meeting Sai for the first time when he tried to kill him, he'd found the other black-haired boy annoying and irritating. He didn't have an impression of the other sensei, but assumed that he would still prefer his old teacher. As a squad of three, Team Kakashi also did well on missions, especially once Sasuke started slowly accepting being back with his sensei and best friend. He even started smiling again.

Itachi, however, was slow to heal. The years of damage inflicted by his disease had left him weakened and lethargic, and even after two weeks of constant bed rest, he felt tired. Hinata was at his side every spare moment she could afford, mixing up poultices and remedies to try and speed up his healing. Her worry soon began to drag her down, and Itachi tried to comfort her

"I'll be fine," he told her each time she bade him goodbye before a mission. Finally, he had started using a more familiar honorific. It seemed only right, he figured, given that they had grown so much closer, including living together. "Be safe...Hinata chan."

Their hands would link, slowly dragging apart until their fingertips brushed, and Hinata would leave.

Then, finally, after another week, Itachi began getting out of bed, starting a light training regimen with both Hinata and Sasuke's help. The two younger shinobi were doing everything they could to support themselves and Itachi, doing as many missions as possible to keep their home. The jounin exams were fast approaching, and both were determined to rise in rank, which would in turn raise their pay.

Like a snowball rolling down hill, Itachi began healing faster, his body responding to the exercise and fresh air. Soon, he was sparring with Sasuke like he had never been ill, and Tsunade deemed him healed enough to begin work in the ANBU again.

"Just...b-be careful," Hinata told him before his first mission It was late at night, and she had her arms crossed over her chest as she regarded him softly, leaning against his bedroom door's frame in her nightgown. She was worried – she didn't doubt Itachi's skill, but ANBU work was dangerous.

Buckling on the last of his armor, he crossed the room and put his gloved hands on her shoulders. "I will be. It's just a basic patrol, to get me back into the swing of things. I'll be fine, Hinata chan."

She bit her lip, and Itachi couldn't help but smile softly. If only she knew how much he loved her mannerisms. "Is...is your squad...trustworthy?"

His brow lowered. "What do you mean?"

"I...just want to make sure they b-believe you're innocent. Some people are still...skeptical. I don't want anyone to t-try anything, you know? If they make a move behind your back..."

"Hinata chan..." He lifted her chin with his finger, forcing her pale eyes to look into his own dark pools. "I understand. I'll be careful...and I promise I'll come home safely."

His words made her blush lightly. "Okay...I'll s-see you when you get back..."

Slipping his mask down over his face, he walked past her into the main body of the apartment, slipping through the front door without a sound.

Still worried, Hinata remained where she was, chewing her lip as her mind imagined terrible things happening to her most precious person. She wasn't about to tell him, but...she knew in her heart that Itachi was a large part of her world. He, Sasuke, Neji, and her friends had been the only things keeping her going after her father's betrayal. Though some things hadn't changed, the absence of her home and previous life still bothered her, and it was her friends that were brightening her darkness.

"Hinata...go to bed."

Turning, she saw Sasuke standing a few feet behind her. His eyes were soft, expression slightly reprimanding. He had come to see her as a little sister, almost as protective as Itachi. "Oh, Sasuke kun...I d-didn't know you were still awake..."

"You have a mission in the morning – you need your rest."

"I know...I just..." Her eyes turned downcast, staring at the floor.

Rolling his eyes, Sasuke put a hand on her head, ruffling her hair a bit. He wasn't much of a hug person, unless the ex-heiress initiated it, so he tried to comfort her in other ways. "I know you're worried, but he's right – he'll be fine. If there's anyone you don't have to worry about, it's aniki."

Sighing, Hinata looked up at him with large eyes. "I hope you're r-right."

He scoffed, trying to lighten the mood. "Of course I'm right."

Giggling, she let him steer her toward her room. "Thanks, Sasuke kun..."

"Hn..."

After she shut her door, the other Uchiha brother stood to look out one of the large windows, arms crossed as he gazed out over the village. Though he didn't show it, he was worried too. Hinata wasn't exaggerating – there were some people who were still against the brothers being back in Konoha, and some of them had made that quite clear. Of course, they had both tried to keep it away from their roommate, but she wasn't stupid – she knew something was going on.

As soon as I make jounin, I'll sign up for the ANBU corps, he thought to himself. Hopefully we'll be able to watch each others backs better then.

He let his mind turn for a while longer before retiring. Hinata wasn't the only one with a mission in the morning, but he had conveniently left that part out.

.oOo.

On the roof of the Hokage tower, Itachi landed with silent grace. His teammates had yet to show, but he had arrived early on purpose to make sure he was prepared...for anything. Breathing in a deep lungful of fresh night air, he contented himself with looking up at the stars, keeping his senses piqued in case anyone tried to sneak up on him.

Hinata's knowledge of people's distaste toward him and his brother irked him. He had been trying to shield her from it, for multiple reasons. First and foremost, he did not wish for her to worry. Their lives had been a whirlwind of events for more than three months, and none of them needed any more things to think about – especially Hinata. Secondly, he did not want her to get involved – either by association with him, or trying to defend him. He knew that she would, but he wanted her to stay out of it – it wasn't anything he and Sasuke couldn't handle, and getting more people involved would likely only complicate and escalate matters.

Third...he wanted to protect her. If she did start making her defense of the brothers known, some of the people's distaste may shift to her, and though neither brother had yet to be harmed, it didn't mean it wouldn't come to such things. If anything were to happen to her because of them...because of him...he'd surely die of guilt.

He had done much thinking about their circumstances – especially while bedridden and unable to do much else. He knew he cared for her – she had entranced him eight years ago, and now that she was nearly full grown, and into such a beautiful, caring, strong young woman...he couldn't even begin to deny his attraction. It was a problem in many ways. She was five years his junior, and still four years from being an adult. They could, of course, marry when she was still sixteen, but it would require her father's permission, and he didn't feel it would be right anyway. His reputation would surely tarnish hers, even if he fought to reclaim some of his lost honor. He had nothing to offer, as the Uchiha fortune was lost. And though the pair had been through much together in a short amount of time...in all reality, they were lacking a true relationship.

He would not deny there was certainly something between them, but Itachi had been raised to be a gentleman – to be traditional and methodical. Rushing into something with her was against all he was raised to believe, and he wouldn't bring her the shame of doing so. If he decided to go ahead with his plans, he would do it the right way – a proper courtship to develop a proper relationship with a very proper woman.

But I don't know for certain that she would even entertain the idea, he thought sourly. He was sure she wouldn't mind giving it a try, but would they be able to make it last? He had had no real bonds with any female given his lifestyle, and thus no real comparison, but something in his soul told him he could accept no other. The feeling he got when they locked eyes, brushed skin, or even spoke to one another...it consumed him. She was it.

But even if she agreed and felt the same...did he deserve her? After all he had done, all he had involved her in...did he even have the right to try and win her affections?

So many questions...some of which he could never hope to answer until he faced them. Sighing deeply, he decided to save his thoughts for another night. They were both still quite young, and it was something that would surely take time...if it happened at all. Besides...someone had entered his range of sense, and such thoughts could serve as a distraction.

"Uchiha san."

Turning, Itachi saw he was joined by two other ANBU, dressed just as he was. One was female, long brown hair flowing down to her back, while the male had short red hair – a tiger mask, and an eagle mask, respectively.

"So, you are to be my trial team?" Itachi asked quietly, not wanting to waste any time.

"Yes. Codename Tora and Taka. Tonight will be the first of several trial missions to assure your health, skill, and loyalty," the male answered in a rich tenor tone.

Itachi's brow lowered ever so slightly. "My health has been assessed by the Hokage herself, and my skills have not been out of practice long enough to have deteriorated. And my loyalty is something no one can question."

The female shifted slightly. "Regardless, Hokage sama has set these parameters for you to follow. Once you have completed them, you will be re-initiated into the ANBU corps completely."

"It's just formalities," Taka added. "Typical protocol. There aren't very many people questioning you at all – but to appease them and make things official, it's just something you've got to do."

A long sigh escaped Itachi as he stared off away from them. Taka was right – it was formalities for the sake of appearances and proving to non-believers that he was what he said he was: loyal to Konoha. It would be a pain – like being forced to put training wheels back on your bike – but he knew it had to be done. "Very well. What sectors are we patrolling tonight?"

"Ten and eleven. It should be clear."

Nodding, Itachi replied, "Then let's get started."

With blinding speed, the three-man cell took to the rooftops, disappearing over the Konoha wall and out into the forest. Leaping from branch to branch, Itachi let his mind shift into mission mode: complete focus on the task at hand, to avoid any distractions and make sure that he completed his task to the best of his ability. He would let nothing go wrong – there was too much at stake. He had two people he needed to pass this test for: his brother, who would surely sink back into darkness if something went wrong, and Hinata...to prove his worth and protect her as best he could. He wouldn't fail them – he could not abandon his brother, or the girl who had claimed his heart.

The area immediately surrounding the village, and locations of interest nearby were divided into sectors. Each night, ANBU squads patrolled their assigned sections, making sure nothing out of the ordinary was within range of the village. The rate of incidents was practically nonexistent, but only constant vigilance would ensure that the number stayed low.

Itachi could remember doing patrol eight years ago, before the massacre, and before being pulled from his regular night duties to instead spy on his clan. He had never encountered anything during that time, but every night made the odds of confrontation a bit higher.

The formation they followed was a reverse triangle – Taka and Tora next to one another, with Itachi trailing between and behind. Sharingan blazing, he stretched his senses as far as they would go, red eyes peeled for anything out of place.

It would be hours before they returned to the village, and he intended to be on high alert for every second.

.oOo.

Itachi's missions continued, slowly progressing to more and more challenging tasks. While he was kept busy, the jounin exams were upon the younger two roommates. Hinata was nervous, but was sure she had done everything in her power to prepare. Sasuke didn't really care either way – it didn't matter what rank he was, he could still apply to become ANBU. His skills were already legendary – he doubted the Hokage would refuse him. But a part of him wanted to reach the milestone, to perhaps give Tsunade even more reason to choose him. Nothing was going to stand in his way to joining his brother in the elite shinobi ranks.

Before the beginning of the exam, the younger brother put a hand on Hinata's shoulder, drawing her gaze. He gave her a genuine smile, telling her, "You'll do fine."

She smiled shakily back, hoping he was right.

Unlike the chuunin exams, jounin were individually-based, not team. Shino was taking the test, while Kiba decided to skip out. Apparently there was a fellow chuunin that had caught his eye, and he was willing to put off his promotion to spend time with her. Hinata had giggled at his revelation, while Shino hid his eye-rolling behind his shades. First, they took a written test, though it was actually based on answers, not information-gathering like the prior level exam. Then, they were assigned to complete as many basic jutsu as possible, as well as demonstrate any that they thought made them contenders to become jounin. After given a day to rest after using up their chakra for the second course, those deemed able to proceed were pitted against one another in one-on-one battles for a panel to judge. Only those with scores high enough would pass – winning did not guarantee success, while losing did not guarantee failure.

Hinata was quite intelligent, and had taken the last several weeks to study in her free time. The written trial saw her poised and able, completing the quiz with near perfect scores. Sasuke, having memorized everything he needed with the Sharingan, had no trouble.

The next phase was, in a word, exhausting. The contenders were put through a long list of basic techniques with little time between, and then were given the opportunity at the end to add in their signature moves. Hinata's stamina wasn't as high as she would have liked, so by the end, she was lagging. But she pulled herself together to show off her Shugohakke Rokujuuyon Shou and Juuho Soushiken techniques. But once she was released from her testing room, she collapsed to the floor, straining to catch her breath. Her vision was swimming in her extreme fatigue, and the medical shinobi posted to attend to her room rushed forward.

"Are you all right?" the woman asked, brow furrowed.

"Y...yes..." the ex-Hyuuga managed to say. "Just...j-just tired..."

She was taken to the infirmary to rest, released a few hours later to go home. Sasuke was already there, and looked at her in concern as she finally entered.

"Where were you?" he demanded, protective instinct flaring. "You should have been back ages ago."

"Oh, well...I was a bit t-tired, so they made me stay."

If there was one thing Hinata couldn't do, it was lie. Sasuke deadpanned at her. "Hinata, what happened?"

She eventually spilled about her chakra exhaustion, insisting that she had been giving a soldier pill to help bolster her levels and reduce her fatigue. "I'm fine, really," she insisted, just as stubborn as Sasuke.

He let it go, but argued that she should eat something. She complied to get him off her back, but smiled as she remembered that he was only trying to help...in his own stubborn, bossy way.

That night, Itachi still hadn't returned from his latest mission. Fall was setting into the village quite comfortably, the evenings and nights edged with a definite chill. Though it was late, Hinata was still up, window open as she leaned against the sill, staring off over the village. I hope Itachi is all right, she thought to herself. Every moment he wasn't by her side she worried, the only thing that kept it from her mind being activity to distract her. Rubbing her arms to ward off the cold, she sighed. She needed sleep for tomorrow, not wanting to be tired for her match. Reaching out for the window panes, she started to pull them closed.

"Hinata chan, wait!"

The harsh whisper startled her, and she gasped. Looking down from her window, she saw Itachi running up the side of the building. Letting go of the glass panes, she let them fall back open, allowing him inside. With grace and speed that still awed her, he made his way into her bedroom, silent as the night itself. Lifting his mask from his face, he smiled at her. "My mission was a success," he said before she could question his brashness. "I'm fully reinstated."

A smile broke out over the girl's face. "Oh Itachi kun, that's g-great!" She hugged him, ignoring the blood on his armor.

He chuckled, resting his chin on her hair. "How was the exam?"

"I think I did well on the written...but the jutsu test was exhausting. I n-nearly passed out afterward."

Worry consumed the man, and he pushed her back, hands on her shoulders and stern-faced. "Are you all right?"

"I'm f-fine – they treated me for chakra exhaustion, and S-Sasuke kun made me eat when I got home. Really, I'll be all right."

He still stared at her, expression austere. But eventually he sighed, smiling. "Well, I wish you luck for tomorrow. They don't allow spectators, or I would go watch."

"But that would make me n-nervous!" she countered. "It's hard enough to fight other shinobi who are p-probably better than me, but having an audience would make it even worse."

"You're going to be judged anyway," he said, smirking. "And don't be so hard on yourself – I have confidence you will do just fine."

She wasn't sure if she believed him, but she gave up the fight, knowing he would defend her talent until the sun rose. "You're probably tired," she said, changing the subject. "G-go to bed."

"You should as well," he retorted. Walking toward her door, he looked back and smiled. "Goodnight, Hinata chan.

"Goodnight, Itachi kun."

.oOo.

"Of all the rotten luck..." she muttered to herself. She had to fight Sasuke. She nearly demanded a redraw, as the results were so uncanny, but she knew it would serve no purpose. The younger Uchiha smirked at her from across the room.

"Don't hold back, hime," he called, using her nickname to egg her on. "Loser pays for lunch."

Despite the severity of the situation, she grinned as she fell into the Hyuuga stance, Byakugan flaring. "Y-you're on!"

Th referee called for the match to start, and Sasuke disappeared. Anticipating his movement, she leaped forward and tumbled, spinning her leg around to try and sweep him off his own, assuming he would follow. He back flipped, flinging several shuriken her way. Spinning, she created an orb of chakra, deflecting the arsenal while summoning chakra to her hands. "Juuho Soushiken!" she called, letting the twin blue lions engulf her hands. Moving as fast as she could, she tried to land a hit, just one hit...!

Sasuke dodged, watching her movements with his blood red eyes. He knew that even being grazed by her chakra would burn him, even blocking chakra points if she landed on one. But though her jutsu was strong, she could never hope to match his speed. Disappearing again, he flickered back into existence behind her, drawing his chokuto and holding it to her neck. She froze, feeling the cool bite of steel against her collar bone.

"Match!" the referee called, and Hinata's shoulders sagged. It hadn't even been very long! But she hadn't expected much, given her opponent.

Withdrawing his blade, Sasuke watched her turn to him, smiling in defeat. "You did well," he offered. "They'll take your opponent into account, so you'll probably score high even though you lost."

She didn't reply, still feeling the sting on her pride. Maybe being a jounin wasn't what she was cut out for. However, she attributed her negative thoughts to her loss, trying to tell herself that normally, out of the heat of the moment, she would view the match with more praise for herself.

Their scores would take time to tally, so the pair was released. Though she had been disappointed in her performance, Hinata felt relief at the trials merely being over.

"So, where are we eating?" Sasuke asked, hands in his pockets. Though he was facing straight ahead, his eyes were on her, mouth tilted in a grin. "I thought I'd let you pick, given that you're buying."

Giggling, the girl replied, "Thanks...well, um...I'll assume you don't want any ramen."

The Uchiha made a face. "Ugh, no...Naruto makes me eat enough of that stuff to fill my quota."

Instead of Ichiraku's, they settled for a small cafe. They sat in a companionable silence, Sasuke with his eyes closed as the sunlight filtered through the window.

The waitress fetched them tea, returning to ask what they wanted to eat. "Are you two celebrating anything special?" she asked, smiling. "You are such a cute couple!"

Hinata sputtered, face going deep red while Sasuke glanced at the server. "We're not dating," he answered flatly. "Just friends."

"Oh, sorry! You just make such a lovely pair, I had to assume!"

After she left, Sasuke scoffed, leaning his chin on his folded hands. "As if Itachi would even let me think of dating you," he noted tauntingly, smirking at her next blush.

"Why would Itachi kun care if I dated you? N-not that I would!" she added, waving her hands. But as she realized what that meant, she sputtered, "I-I mean, n-not that I find you, um...distasteful, or anything!" She groaned as she buried her face in her hands. "Me and my b-big mouth..."

Sasuke just chuckled. "It's fine, Hinata – I know what you mean. But are you serious? If you are, then you must be as blind to Itachi as the dobe was to you once upon a time."

When she tilted her head questioningly, he rolled his eyes. "Itachi loves you," he stated plainly, ignoring the choking sounds she made. "He's just hiding it because he wants to do things the old-fashioned way – ask you out, give you time to think and consider your options. That, and he wants to rebuild his reputation before dragging you into it. The last thing he wants is to bring you disgrace by dating the most infamous traitor of Konoha."

Hinata gaped at her friend, not sure what to say. Sure, she had thought that maybe Itachi had developed some sort of feelings toward her, but...love? He was already preparing to date her, and make sure his reputation didn't affect hers? The vastness of his foresight boggled her for a moment. Was that why he had gone to so much trouble, being reinstated into the ANBU? Surely he had other reasons, but...had she affected his decisions?

Sasuke could see the gears turning in her head, eyes a million miles away. Crap, he thought to himself. Aniki's going to kill me for telling her that... He sipped his tea, not showing any outward concern. But she was going to learn of it eventually...at least when he makes his move, since she was so oblivious.

Lunch was a much more awkward affair from that point, Hinata too distracted to really pay any attention. Sasuke ignored it for the most part, eating his food and watching her face. She picked at her own meal, mind too full to think about her stomach. Maybe Sasuke was exaggerating...she thought. I just need to relax...maybe I'll ask him about it when I get home...

Once the bill was paid – by her, of course – the pair set about going home, the crisp autumn air a bit sobering to the girl's thoughts. In an attempt to distract herself, she told Sasuke she needed to do a bit of grocery shopping. "I'll b-be home soon," she promised, smiling at him. He could still tell she was a bit off-kilter, but he let it go without comment.

Browsing the fresh food in the market, Hinata let the prices and haggling take over her mind. She had decided she wanted to make a good meal for everyone that night – onigiri – and gathered everything she would need: tomatoes for Sasuke, seaweed for Itachi, and zenzai for herself. She knew Itachi liked sweets, but Sasuke didn't, so while she grabbed what she needed for cinnamon buns, she also picked up an extra pack of cherry tomatoes for the younger brother.

When she managed to get the groceries back into the apartment, she saw she was alone. Frowning, she read a note Sasuke had left on the counter.

"Decided to go train a bit – be back for dinner.

Sasuke"

Shrugging it off, she hummed to herself while she put everything in its proper place. The cinnamon buns she decided to make beforehand, mixing and baking with a smile on her face.

When Itachi's bedroom door opened, she jumped. She had thought she was alone!

Rubbing at his face, it was obvious the man had only recently gotten up. But he still offered a tired smile, asking, "What are you making?"

She put a hand to her chest, the other still holding the spoon she was using to mix. "Oh Itachi kun...y-you scared me! I thought I was here b-by myself!"

"My apologies – I trained this morning, which wasn't wise after a long mission, so I returned to take a nap. Is Sasuke out?"

"Yes, he's training too."

"I see." Itachi began moving around in the kitchen behind her, whipping up a cup of matcha tea. The air between them was light, but Hinata couldn't help but remember Sasuke's words.

"Itachi loves you..."

Blushing madly, she began stirring furiously, bits of flour rising into the air in small clouds.

"Hinata chan?"

The girl squeaked, jumping a bit. "Y-yes?"

Itachi perked one eyebrow, amused. "Is everything all right? You seem a bit...distracted."

Avoiding his gaze, she replied, "No, I'm f-fine..."

"...all right. How was your match?"

Grateful for the change in topic, she detailed her match against his brother. "I d-didn't stand a chance, but...h-hopefully they recognize our difference in skill levels."

"I'm sure they will. Not all jounin fight – some are medics, and some teach at the academy."

Hinata considered that. Teaching might not be so bad! She loved kids, and was definitely better at learning than fighting – maybe passing on her knowledge would be a good change of pace. "I think I'd l-like teaching."

"I'm sure you would make an excellent teacher."

"Do you e-ever say anything negative?" she asked with a giggle. "It seems like you're a-always complimenting me..."

"Why wouldn't I? It's all true."

She colored slightly, rolling out the dough with her hands. "Y-you exaggerate..."

"No I don't. I believe in you, and like to remind you of that often." Silently, he got up from the table, approaching her. Her concentration, however, kept his movement from her. Leaning on the counter beside her, he added, "I think you are one of the better people in this village, Hinata chan. You've proven that to me more times than I can count."

She glanced over at him shyly, finished rolling out the mix. "You're m-making me blush..."

"Well it's not that difficult to do."

Giggling, she flicked a bit of flour at him. "S-so?"

"It's cute," he replied before thinking.

Pausing, she asked, "You...you think so?"

Realizing he was trapped, he murmured, "I do." He gazed into her pearlescent eyes, expression soft.

They stared at one another, and before she knew it, Hinata felt a pull...a pull she had felt toward him before, in a clearing far away. A weight dragged at her eyelids, and her face began to tilt as it approached his. Itachi... Her mind began to cloud, and all she could see was those eyes...those bottomless, soulful eyes. She looked up at his taller form, his own face tilting down toward hers, a hand gently slipping behind her neck. Closer, closer, so close...

*dodges more thrown objects*

I'm sorrrrrrrry for the cliffie. I really, really am. But hey, lots happened in this chapter, and there's more to come on Monday ^_^

I'm really close to getting one-hundred reviews on this fic (which totally blows my mind) so...review? Pretty please? And we still have five more chapters – I love each review I get, and I always reply~

I'll see you all again on Monday, my lovelies~ I hope you all have wonderful weekends!

~BlackRoseDragon13