"B-But I don't have any money left..." She said sounding really sad as she resumed her mourning.
Sasuke rolled his eyes and shoved his hands in his pockets. His eyes flickered to the wallet she was holding. It was black and it had a picture of a frog on it.
"Wallet." He pointed. Pink dusted her cheeks and she looked up at the boy.
"Mm." She replied.
"You don't like wallets?" She tilted her head and furrowed her eyebrows.
Sasuke felt like slapping a hand on to her forehead.
"No," he said flatly.
"I just thought that girls usually use purses." A memory of Sakura lecturing him after he gave her a wallet on her birthday as a 'kind' gesture came to mind. He scowled.
"Really?" Hinata examined her wallet.
"I think wallets are nice." She smiled.
"B-but I have nothing against purses!"
Is this girl for real?
"What the hell is that?"
"Hm?" Sasuke poked the frog picture on her wallet.
"That." He watched her cheeks redden slightly and a smile slowly forming on her pink lips.
"Oh – That is Gero Gero Taiicho!" Her voice was laced with enthusiasm.
She remembered telling Itachi and Shisui about it once. Only they weren't talking about her wallet, they were simply asking her what was her favourite show. She remembered blushing fiercely out of embarrassment as they both broke out in laughter. That was the first time she had ever heard Itachi's laugh. It was... a funny laugh but it sounded nice.
Sasuke arched an eyebrow, waiting for her to explain what 'Gero Gero Taiicho' is.
Thinking this was an opportunity to see the Uchiha smile or even better, laugh she continued.
"Gero Gero Taiicho is the main character of the series Gero Gero Taiicho." She grinned, excited.
"He is the frog superhero who helps frogs and humans at the same time. In the show, because Gero Gero Taiicho is such a great influence, humans stop eating frogs for the rest of their lives in respect of Gero Gero Taiicho." She smiled wide, waiting for a response.
"Hmph." The boy smirked and closed his eyes.
"Such crap." He turned his back to her and started walking.
A smirk? After all that she only gets a smirk?
Sasuke's mouth formed a thin line as he walked ahead; what else is he to expect every Wednesday?
This girl was so unpredictable he actually found her presence addictive. He wanted to be around her, he didn't want the evening to end.
"Whatever. Even if we sell it it's probably going to worth a few cents."
"Sasuke!" She jogged to him.

It was getting late and Itachi was getting a little worried. Was Hinata waiting for him already?
Would she be waiting for a long time?
Itachi suppressed a frustrated groan. How did this happen? Oh yes, it happened because Itachi was being nice. It wasn't like he didn't like Amane, it was just that he needed to see Hinata.
He longed to see her. It wasn't her fault that her visit dragged out. The ones to blame are parents.
It was like the refused to let her go home.
"Please, Amane-Chan I insist that you stay for dinner!"
"Hn." Fugaku added (obviously on guard).
Amane smiled nervously resisting the urge to scratch the back of her neck.
"I would love to! If Itachi-kun doesn't mind – "
"Of course he doesnt't!" Mikoto nudged her little boy and winked at him, making Amane blush for some reason. Itachi blinked for a few moments, then realized he can't let this go on!
"Amane, are you sure your parents will not be worried?"
Please say yes!
Amane shook her head.
"I told them I might be back late." She lied. She couldn't help it. She just wanted to spend some time with a guy she liked and hasn't seen for quite a while.
The festival triggered and stirred a few emotions. Even though she wasn't accepted, she was determined and sure that he would one day.
Itachi and Amane always had a special connection. She didn't exactly fall in love with him after the first meeting, it was gradual. She found him very attractive, yes but there was something else about him that she just couldn't figure out. He was mysterious, dark and yet he was a caring person.
"Well then it's settled, Amane is staying over for dinner! I just hope Sasuke comes back soon..."
"Oh, Sasuke-kun!" Amane sipped her tea.
"How is he doing?" Mikoto waved a hand and made a 'psshttt' sound.
"He is exactly the same! Always training, always so serious! I wonder where he got that from."
Amane was thinking 'probably uncle Fugaku'. She had no idea how WRONG she was.
Fugaku, much to Itachi's surprise didn't seem to mind the girl's presence. He actually welcomed it. Maybe it was because he is close with her father.
"He has never stayed out this late though," Mikoto sighed.
"I just hope he is not out gallivanting with some girl." Itachi cleared his throat.
"Though it would be good for him to have a girl loosen him up." Mikoto giggled.
"Oh sorry I am babbling now!" Mikoto waved a hand in front of her face.
"I will go get dinner ready! Don't have too much fun without me!" Mikoto hurried in to the kitchen leaving Amane giggling at her funny antics and Itachi sighing.
"I am sorry you got dragged in to this." Itachi said silently, only audible to Amane's ears.
"Oh, it's okay! I actually like your family Itachi-kun." She smiled brightly.
Would it be okay to leave?
No, it wouldn't. But he really wanted to. There was nowhere else he'd rather be than with Hinata.
Whether he could have her in his arms or not, just being there with her was enough.
How is he going to get out of this? And where the hell is Sasuke?

Sasuke sighed as he sat near the lake.
"What's so great that you had to drag me all the way here?" The two have been roaming around all evening; mostly Sasuke teased her and Hinata tried her best to keep up with him.
He'd often point at something he wanted and Hinata would flash him an apologetic look hinting that she has no money and he'd growl. It was almost night now, and Hinata had no idea why she had brought him to the lake Shisui took her to yesterday.
She was bored of roaming around the marketplace and people were starting to look at them weirdly.
She knew the fish would only gather and glow at night and she also knew that they would probably be home before then but... she came anyways.
"Seems like a normal lake to me." He stifled a yawn.
He was quite tired from all the walking and dragging Hinata.
"It's still too early." She bit her lip.
"For what?" He asked bluntly.
"For the glowing fish to come out." She smiled as Sasuke raised an eyebrow.
"This lake is a home for red and silver fish that glow at night. I think it's their reaction towards the moonlight. It's just a theory though."
"A lake with glowing fish?" It sounded oddly familiar. He had heard it from someone before.
"But it's still evening so..."
"We'll have to wait."
"Eh?" Hinata shot up to look at the expressionless Uchiha.
"B-But it's already so late!" The boy sighed and ruffled his hair his mother would skin him if he came back late at night. God knows how she'll react if she found out he had eaten out. Damn that woman takes her cooking seriously.
"Fine." Hinata inwardly sighed in relief that he didn't insist on staying till late.
He stretched out his legs, feeling oddly comfortable with the Hyuuga heiress.
His legs were a bit sore from the training and walking. He really need a massage...
Then he remembered.
She was his slave for the day. Forcing back a smirk he turned and stared at her intensely.
She noticed it and felt alarmed by it. Her face turned scarlet as she stared back, refusing to back down.
She's trying to out stare me? Fine then.
He felt a tug on his lips as they continued staring at each other.
He started to feel like it was a bad idea. He took in her doe eyed look, her wide pale eyes, pink soft looking lips and porcelain like skin.
Everything about her seemed unreal and now he didn't want to take his eyes off her.
It irritated him immensely.
Feeling the intensity of his gaze Hinata sighed in defeated and her head dropped, now facing the grass.
"I give up."
Did she say something?
"Hn." Was the best reply to something he didn't actually hear. He turned back to face the lake, feeling a little uncomfortable.
"M-Maybe," she cleared her throat.
"We should get going now."
"Is being with me that torturing?" He smirked as she spluttered.
"N-no! Of course not! I... had lots of fun." His eyes widened slightly and slowly his head automatically turned to her.
He watched her squirm under his gaze, but he didn't care. He just wanted to look at her. Did she mean what she said?
Hinata stayed still, even though she heard the boy get up on his feet.
"Oi." He called out again. He seemed to like saying that.
She was taken back by the hand Sasuke held out to her, offering help. Did he get possessed or something?
"Stand up." He commanded.
She reluctantly grabbed on to his hand, afraid he was going to push her in to the lake or something.
Her face lit up as the boy actually helped her up; Uchiha Sasuke, helped her get on her feet!
This was amazing, amazing progress! His eyebrows twitched as he looked at her brightly smiling.
He absently stroked the back of her palm with his thumb before pulling away. He realized; he just wanted a reason to touch her again. To feel her softness, her delicate hands in his.
"I-I guess I'll," The girl tucked the stray strands of hair behind her ear before continuing
"See you next week." She looked at him through her lashes and flashed a timid smile as a blush tinted her cheeks.
"I'll walk you home."
"Eh?" Suddenly the image of the Sasuke from three years ago appeared in her head.

"It's dark. I'll walk you home."

She couldn't help but smile.
"No, it's OK I don't want to – "
"Tch," He grabbed her upper arm and dragged her along with him. She furrowed her eyebrows slightly; he definitely wasn't this impatient the last time. He seemed to be quite fond of dragging her around.
He couldn't feel her skin through the jacket and he inwardly cursed himself for even thinking of touching her bare skin. But he couldn't help it.
"S-Sasuke! Wait!" He finally stopped as he felt her soft skin on his own. Her other hand reached out to grab his hand that was gripping on to her arm.
"It hurts." She squinted. Slowly his grip loosened.
What is this girl doing to him?
Without apologizing, he turned walking a step ahead of her. After awhile, she picked up pace and was next to him. His left hand constantly twitched, wanting to reach out and grab the delicate palm just a few centimetres away. His face remained impassive but he was actually having a melt down.
He had hoped the compound would be farther but was slightly happy that they had reached, thinking that he would be able to clear his head without her around.
He is going see her every Wednesday. He is going to want to hold her and find excuses to touch her.
He is going to want to see her do her usual weird thing and watch her facial expressions as he teased her. He is going to want her around.
She walked in front of him and looked up at the stoic boy's face. If he felt anything at all, he didn't show it.
"Thank you, Sasuke. I honestly really did have fun; even though you drained all my money."

"I think I like spending time with you." The girl smiled.

I think I like you.

The voice in his head echoed.

He was losing it. Seriously losing it.

"Hn."
"Good night, Sasuke." She bowed slightly before turning on her heel, only to be stopped by a firm hold on her wrist. A large warm hand encircled her wrist, and pale eyes trailed up to meet obsidian.
He tugged, and she obeyed by approaching the boy once again; feeling a little confused.
"I... might just forgive you, Hyuuga." If only she knew what was going on in his head.
"Next time, bring more money." He smirked as his hold loosened and soon, his warmth was absent.
The girl blinked a few times before smiling once again.
"Mm. I'll sell my father's China." She giggled.
"Hmph." He smirked.
"Good night, Sasuke-sama." She bowed again, this time a bit mockingly. She giggled a little at his grunt before turning away.
"Good night, Hinata."

How did this happen? Last time he checked it was 4.45 and now it's almost seven!
Even if he did want to go out now, he'd just create suspicions.
"Thanks for the meal!" Amane smiled brightly.
Throughout the whole dinner she noticed his mother glancing over at his friend; he knew that look.
It was the look she gave Sasuke and him whenever she was 'admiring' the two.
He didn't know why she was giving her the 'look' but he knew it would just end badly.
Fugaku was extremely quiet the whole time though he didn't seem irritated with Amane around. He usually would get a little irritated that he'd have to keep on the act just because some goofball wanted to visit.
This is very, very disturbing. But once again, it could just be paranoia.
The sound of the door opening and closing was barely heard since Mikoto was yapping away with Amane listening and sometimes joining in.
He was glad his brother was home, now he finally has an excuse to move somewhere else.
"Tadaima."
"Ah, there he is," Mikoto nodded and pointed out the kitchen door.
"Sasuke-Chan~ Okairi!"
Amane eagerly awaited for Itachi's younger brother to make an appearance into the kitchen, wondering how he'd react.
Foot steps were heard, and soon Sasuke was leaning on to the kitchen door frame with his eyes glued to Amane and Itachi.
"Sasuke." Itachi nodded.
"Sasuke-kun, long time no see!" Amane waved.
Sasuke folded his arms and let out a 'hmph' as he smirked. He nodded in acknowledgement before walking over to Mikoto.
"Mom must be happy today."
"What are you talking about? I am furious! Your food is getting cold! Where have you been?"
"I mean you must be happy that Itachi finally found a girlfriend."
Sasuke suppressed a chuckle as the girl choked on her tea and blushed furiously while his brother sighed.
Mikoto giggled a little and slapped her youngest son's shoulder.
"Sasuke-Chan don't be so naughty!"
"I am not hungry by the way. Just keep the food in the fridge." The boy sighed as he opened the fridge eyes searching for something cool to drink.
He rolled his eyes as he heard his mother gasp.
"Sasuke-Chan! Don't tell me you came in late because you grabbed a bit to eat outside! Isn't my food good enough?!" Mikoto grumbled.
He grabbed a bottle of tomato juice and gave his mother a peck on the cheek.
"Love ya." The boy smirked as his mother continued grumbling.
"Sasuke, where are you off to? Come join us." Itachi watched his little brother.
"Nah, I am off to my room. Kinda tired."
He didn't know why, but he felt like smiling the whole time. It's a shame the day ended so fast, he thought.
Itachi was eyeing his brother with scrutiny. Something was wrong. His brother seemed to be in a good mood.

She buried her face into her pillow, trying to remember what it felt like when she did the same to Itachi's chest. She missed him, she missed him so much to the point that it ached just to think about him. She missed his warmth, his smile, his voice, his gentle touches and hugs.
She felt her heart flutter as she thought of him holding her close like during the festival.
Sasuke was nothing like Itachi, but at the same time they had so much in common. It was weird, but she enjoyed both brothers' company. She couldn't wait for the next evening. She couldn't wait to see Itachi again. But she could wait for the next Wednesday to arrive.
Though it was fun to spend time with Sasuke, it meant death to all her savings. She will do the smart thing next time and pretend to forget her wallet and offer a bento. But if she brought a bento, he'd know that she intentionally left her wallet at home. But if she didn't bring her bento or a wallet, he'd probably sell everything she has on her until he could afford a king's meal.
She sighed. Worry about Sasuke later, think about how to contact Itachi now, she thought.
To be honest, she has always wanted to send a letter to someone but was too shy and undecided on what to write. The only person she wrote to was Neji and it was extremely awkward.
Her terrible writing skills were the least of her problems; she didn't even know where he lived!
What a broken friendship...
There was only one person she knew who could help, and the thought of going over to his house this late to ask him where Uchiha Sasuke lived made her cheeks flame.
There are other ways to find out right? She could ask Shisui? Or maybe Sasu- Oh no. That's a bad idea.
Or maybe she'd just wait for him during the evening like always... but what if he doesn't show up?
She wished she had more of a laid back character so she wouldn't worry so much.
But she was Hyuuga Hinata, not Inuzuka Kiba.
A sigh escaped her lips. She really wanted to write a letter to Itachi. She found letters to be a cute and sweet way for someone to convey their feelings to their friends.
She wanted to show Itachi she cared, and when Hinata sets her mind on something whether the outcome is going to be good or bad, there was no stopping her. You can thank Naruto for that.

"Today was... fun, Itachi-kun." The girl looked down at her feet, blushing lightly.
"Hn." Itachi agreed, even though it wasn't exactly the truth...
"We should do this again sometimes."
Words could not express how bad he felt. He suppressed the urge to immediately say "No." firmly. He couldn't bear the thought of making Hinata wait again. He only hoped she had left for home before it got dark.
"It's quite dark out, do want me to walk you home?"
He was perfect to her; sweet, caring and handsome to boot. He was her first great love, she reckoned.
She only wished one day, he would feel the same for her.
She wanted to be closer to him, be with him and soon forge an unbreakable bond with the man before her. But today was a step in the right direction. It was enough for now.
Baby steps Amane, baby steps.
The girl waved both her hands in front of her face.
"No, it's quite alright. My house isn't too far from here. Just a few steps."
"Are you sure?"
"I think I can handle walking home without being assassinated, Itachi-kun."
She smiled.
"I am a shinobi after all." She shrugged and giggled lightly. She swore her heart had skipped a beat when he flashed her his brief yet warm smile. He was the embodiment of perfection alright.
"Hn. If you insist."
Instead of walking away after a simple 'See you soon' or something, Amane stood still.
Her feet kept moving, and if he knew better he'd see that she is nervous.
But Itachi was quite clueless, he watched her with a brow slightly raised. Was something wrong?
"Ama - "
He froze as she got on her toes and brushed her lips against his cheek, turning red in the process. Her hand latched on to his, firm but not tightly.
She got back down on her feet, letting out a sigh. Itachi schooled his features into an impassive mask, hiding his confusion and shock.
"Thank you, Itachi-kun." She whispered.
Itachi stood still, not knowing what to do or say.
He felt her hand squeeze his gently before letting go completely. She was still blushing as she backed away.
"Good night." She bowed, and she left.

"She is a really nice girl, Itachi-Chan! Pretty too!" Fugaku nodded, agreeing with his wife.
"She reminds me a little of your mom from back in the days... Of course your mom had a way better body." Fugaku winked as he grabbed his giggling wife by the waist.
Itachi's eyes narrowed a little. These were his parents. He had their blood in his veins. My god.
"Uchiha girls these days have no class! It's good to see a looker like Amane coming over."
"Mm. I am surprised you two aren't dating yet! You pair look extremely cute!"
Itachi sighed and shook his head.
"Mother, I am not interested in those kinds of relationships."
At least not with Amane.
"Amane is just a close friend." He stated.
"Hmph, well I'd rather you befriend a girl like Amane instead of a certain Hyuuga heiress." Fugaku snorted.
"Dear!" Mikoto reprimanded her husband.
"Meh, whatever." Fugaku shrugged.
"I am just saying Itachi, she's a nice girl. Good fit." Fugaku continued.
"I am going to my room." Itachi quickly diverted the topic.
"What? But it's only eight!" Mikoto frowned.
"Hm, I am not going to sleep yet"
"Then sit here, spend some quality time with your parents boy!"
"I will tomorrow." Itachi nodded and left.
Maybe he should go disturb his little brother and spoil his mood. It is quite unfair that his younger brother seemingly had fun today while he was stuck at home, afraid that Hinata was waiting for him.

She wondered whether or not her father had snuck out of home when he was her age.
Heiresses weren't supposed to do sneaky work like this.
Its days like these that it was good that Hinata had close relationships with all members of the clan; branch and main. Because of this, the guards at the gate allowed her to sneak out for awhile, and agreed to keep it a secret between them.
She had no idea that the two guards had assumed she snuck out to go meet with Kiba; the one that was thought to be her 'special friend'.
It wasn't that late, nowhere near midnight yet but sneaking out of the house made her feel like such a... rebel. It filled her with this weird adrenaline rush and she liked it, but was terribly afraid of it.
She kept wondering if she'd get caught and somehow that excited her.
She bet that most of her friends never sneaked out of their house this late!
If she told them they'd probably be baffled by how shy, timid little Hyuuga Hinata sneaked out of the Hyuuga compound.
She is quite the bad girl. Or so she thought. Activating her Byaakugan to scout for familiar faces she was shocked by the number of girls and boys her age who are up at this hour.
The ones she knew from the rookie nine were Tenten, Chouji, Ino and Shikamaru.
It was odd to see Tenten by herself though, she thought as she crept through the shadows hoping to go over to Naruto's apartment without being caught.

"Hinata-san?"
Hinata stiffed.

There you have it, Chapter 17. I hope you guys liked it :)
Anyways, can anyone guess who sneaked up on Hinata? ;D