Itachi ended up eating only half the bowl he paid for and gave the rest to Shisui.
He wasn't in the mood. At least he'd still have some space to eat his mother's cooking once he got home.
Sasuke had come and gone, but for some reason he felt guilty.
In some twisted fate if he really does like Hinata... Itachi wouldn't know what to do.
But then again, HIGHLY unlikely.
Hinata wasn't the kind of girl Sasuke would want to be with.
In his point of view, his brother would probably be attracted to someone like that kunoichi with the crazy pink hair.
Her parents chose the right name for her.
He kept his distance from Hinata, ignoring the fact that Shisui took the chance to steal her attention.
He repressed a deep growl as he looked at the two exchanging laughs and weird comments.
She was much more talkative with Shisui (in a Hinata sort of way).
He noticed she was much quieter around him. He just assumed that the both of them enjoyed the peaceful silence from time to time. Did she?
He would avoid public 'hang outs' as much as he possibly could.
Hinata was a little worried. Had she done something wrong? Itachi seemed... distant.
Maybe going out wasn't such a good idea.
It's not like she really wanted to, but she had wanted to know how it would feel like to bring her friends out like normal friends do.
Though it doesn't seem to make their friendship bond stronger...
Shisui was definitely closer to her today.
She didn't mind really, if he wasn't here she would probably be much more disappointed and feeling a bit awkward.
Shisui was clingy as usual, but she felt like it was nice to be depended on for something.
Shisui made her feel wanted, and sometimes that's exactly what she needs.
Like right now. She couldn't say that she was comfortable when he hung on to her.
She often snapped away, or pulled back. But he had never gotten angry or overly upset. He'd just pout and look away like a child.
Today she tried her best to allow his touchy behaviour.
She wanted to make him happy just like how he made her happy. That's what friends do right?
If only she could do the same for Itachi.
He wasn't comfortable with expressing himself. His eyes never showed what he really felt.
So much for the whole 'your eyes are the windows to your soul' thing.
She reckoned she wasn't such a perceptive Hyuuga. But she could normally detect these sort of things. It would frustrate her on many levels because she couldn't figure out if he really meant something or if he was genuinely happy.
Itachi was a mysterious person in short, he seemed like the perfect Uchiha.
Stoic, uncaring and super powerful.
But no one knew him like she did; she saw a different side to him.
He was kind, gentle and he cared for her.
She traced over the Konoha symbol on her forehead protector and reminisced.
She'd have to thank those terrible boys from four years ago. If they never bothered her, they would have never thrown her forehead protector.
If they hadn't done that, she wouldn't have met Itachi. She wouldn't have met one of the two most important people in her life.
Though she might have had a better relationship with Sasuke.
They continued walking through the streets till it was late in the evening; near night.
Mostly they had followed Hinata here and there as she checked out 'cute' stuff.
Thank god, she seemed to be saving up money for some reason. Itachi kept a distance the whole time, keeping his emotions at bay as Shisui spent most of their time with Hinata; he was a man who had complete and utter control of himself after all.
He noticed his friend seemed desperate to want to get close to her today.
He seemed to be a little happier today, and yet... he was hiding something.
He'd see it in his eyes when he patted her shoulder or when she would touch him accidentally and when intentionally; his eyes had that look.
Solemn and yet, happy, content.
What are you hiding?
"A-Ano," Itachi broke out of his reverie. Unconsciously sliding closer to the female before snapping back to reality. He looked at her, expecting her to continue.
"Have I... done something wrong?"
Itachi raised a brow.
"I-I mean, it's just..."
She looked down at her feet.
"You seem upset... with me."
Great. Look at what you did you fool.
Itachi inwardly sighed and cursed himself. Of course she would think like that.
He should have at least told her something. He just didn't know how to act around her. Everything that seemed right will seem wrong later on. It was confusing, frustrating, annoying.
He hated to see her worried or concerned, especially if he was the one causing it.
But they were still in the streets.
"Hinata," he began.
"Not here."
She winced, as if those words have burned her. Was there coldness to his voice or was it just because it seemed like he didn't want to speak to her?
"Hinata-Chan,"
She halted.
"Hm?"
She seemed glazed.
"Can we talk for awhile?"
"O-Okay?" She tilted her head, why would he even ask that question?
"In private."
Oh.
Itachi kept silent, hiding his curiosity a little too well. He wouldn't bother, Hinata thought.
"A-Alright." She nodded. She faced Itachi and bowed.
"Thank you, for today Itachi-kun." She said almost half heartedly.
"I'll see you tomorrow." She gave a small smile before turning on her heel to follow Shisui.
Itachi realized, he was what Shisui would call a 'douche.'
He wasn't sure what it meant but right now, that word felt right for him.
He sighed, finally out loud as they went out of sight.
What had he done? On the contrary to popular belief, he really wasn't a ladies man. Even if he wished he was one for this odd pale eyed maiden.
Now she'd gone somewhere with Shisui. He messed up.
"Shisui-Chan?" Hinata followed a little worried about where they were headed.
"Don't make that face," Shisui chuckled.
"It's adorable but it's making me worried."
Hinata gasped and covered the lower half of her face in attempt to hide her blush.
"Where are we going?" She asked softly awhile after.
"Come on Hinata-Chan don't you find this trail familiar?"
She looked around, yes it did. But the real question is
"Yes but why are you – "
"Bringing you somewhere instead of just getting to the point? Is it that bad to just be with me privately?"
Before Hinata could protest, Shisui continued.
"Wow you're really mean, Hinata-Chan." Amusement clear in his voice.
"N-No! Of course not!" Hinata jogged a little to keep up with his pace.
"It might sound weird," he suddenly began.
"But I need to tell you this there."
He grabbed on to Hinata's hand and tugged.
"Come on." Hinata almost stumbled, his hold was firm, but it wasn't like Sasuke's or Itachi's; it wasn't demanding. She could pull away and he wouldn't force her down.
Despite her deepening blush she allowed the contact.
"Tadai – "
"UCHIHA ITACHI" Mikoto growled.
Uh-oh.
"Mikoto, calm down – " A yelp, followed by a thump. Poor Fugaku.
Itachi folded his arms, bracing himself for the outburst.
He could see Sasuke from here, sitting down chewing on his onigiri without a care in the world.
He would be slightly hurt, not having back up from his brother if he knew he wouldn't do the same thing if Sasuke were in his situation.
"Mother."
A spatula and a fork came flying his direction. He dodged it with ease, before looking up at his fuming mother.
"Oh dear, what would you have done if that fork had poked me in the eye?"
Maybe now wasn't such a good time to try and be humorous.
"You cheeky little...!"
Oh my, now she's grabbing everything in sight.
A few items flew, all dodged except for an eraser that bounced off his head.
"Mother, what is going on?" He asked sounding so bored it irritated her.
"What's going on?! Where were you boy?!" Itachi sighed.
"I made your favourite onigiri because I know how much you like them! If I hear that you've eaten outside..."
"Mother, I went out with friends but I did not eat my dinner."
Technically... that wasn't his dinner just a little snack.
His furious mother narrowed her eyes; she seemed to be studying her son.
Flat stomach, as usual; now that she thought about it he never did get bloated. Lucky little prick.
"Don't lie to me boy!" Mikoto put her hands on her hips and glared at her son.
A few years ago, despite his endless training he always did get the shivers when his mother looked at him that way. But now, things were different; he couldn't lose to his mother, it's not only himself that he has to protect now. And again, it wasn't dinner it was a snack.
The face off dragged on for a few moments before Itachi sighed, breaking contact as he shook his head.
"Mother, I am really hungry. Can I please eat?"
Mikoto's eyes widened. Itachi breathed out a sigh of relief as her features softened and her eyes were back to their usual happy-go-lucky gleam.
"Oh, come on Itachi-Chan!"
Thank god.
Even as they entered the kitchen, Sasuke sat still not even turning once to his brother; eating his food in contentment.
"It's over already?" Sasuke sighed.
"Now what am I going to watch?"
Sasuke grimaced as his mother pushed his head forward with her hand.
"Eat your food, Sasuke-Chan."
Sasuke gulped inaudibly. His mother was scary.
Fugaku peeped from over the table, observing the situation. He nodded once, as if confirming the coast was clear and sat back on to his chair.
Sasuke's eyes were glued to his brother as he sat opposite his mother.
This wasn't the first time he had felt a little anger towards his brother, but it's definitely the first time it's caused by a girl.
He thought he had put his negative feelings for his brother behind him. This Hyuuga girl is just messing with the Uchiha ecosystem.
"You're not full?" Sasuke closed his eyes, avoiding eye contact.
"No." Itachi denied.
"Hmph." Sasuke repressed a smirk.
Mikoto watched the two, a little suspicious before shrugging and resting her chin on her palms as she watched her boys dig in to her glorious food.
After a bowl of ramen you're still not full?
He wanted so badly to ask that question, pin him down in front of his mom and dad.
Why does he keep insisting on seeing Hinata?
He had a good reason, they had a bet. Okay, it's not THAT good of a reason but still; what reason does his brother have for seeing the Hyuuga heiress?
Unknowingly he clenched his jaws, for some reason getting highly agitated.
"I-I need to meet Itachi-kun."
He wondered, would she ever mention that about him to her friends one day?
Will she ever cancel her plans to meet him?
Why was he even thinking about this?
It's not like he cared.
Hyuuga Hinata was just another person in his life. She will come, one day she'll be gone. It'll be like they never even met.
Getting attached to people is just another weakness; one he really didn't need.
Opening up to Naruto and Sakura was hard enough; he doesn't need another person in his life.
He doesn't need her.
He really doesn't.
But I want her.
He took a deep breath, ignoring the raised eyebrows from his father and older brother.
"Mom."
"Yes, Sasuke-Chan?"
"Did you put something funny in the onigiri?"
"I've been here three times this week." Hinata smiled.
There were not many fire flies out tonight. What a shame.
The fire flies really made the place breathtaking. It was amazing as it is though.
"Really? Is it because you couldn't stop thinking about me?" Shisui bumped his shoulder on to hers, earning a blush from the timid girl beside him.
She grabbed her arm and shook her head shyly before looking down at her feet.
"N-No! I just..."
"Oh, so you don't think about me?"
"Huh? Oh no!" Hinata panicked.
"Fine. That's real nice Hinata-Chan. Thanks a lot."
"I d-didn't – "
She stopped as she heard him laughing. He was teasing her again.
"S-Shisui-Chan! That's not a very nice thing to do you know!" She folded her arms.
"I am sorry!" Shisui put a hand on his stomach and the other on his knee.
"You're just too cute, Hinata-Chan."
He grinned a little as she gasped.
He stood up and looked at her, covering her face and looking away.
She was really too cute.
His smile slowly faded, his gaze locked on to Hinata.
"Hinata-Chan," he said, almost whisperingly as he walked in towards her.
He was merely an inch away, bending down staring at her covered face.
"Hinata-Chan," he said again, hearing a muffled squeak as he did.
"Don't hide your face."
She shook her head; too embarrassed to look at him.
"Please," he pleaded, as he gently grabbed her wrists pulling slightly.
"I need to see you."
She swallowed.
His eyes stayed on her face for awhile, admiring her smooth milk like skin, her soft looking pink lips, her flushed cheeks and her pale eyes which were directed at her feet.
"Sh-Shisui – "
"Look at me." She flinched at his tone. It sounded hoarse, nothing like how he usually sounded.
"Look at me, Hinata." Her mind didn't even register the fact that he abandoned the suffix.
She was too distracted by the feel of him so close.
There was something about the moment; she had been very close to him before but there was a weird feeling... a certain intensity present between them now.
Her cheeks were heating up fast and she knew she would probably be totally red right now. Was he teasing her again?
When she didn't look up, she felt her right wrist go free and his fingers around her chin, lifting her head up.
She squirmed a little under his heated gaze. This wasn't like Shisui at all.
"Shisui-Chan."
"If you don't look at me," he interrupted, sounding a little solemn.
"You might not remember." He leaned closer until his nose brushed hers. Her hand immediately rose on its own, pressing against his chest; trying to push him away. But he didn't budge.
She could only hope he couldn't feel her racing pulse as his hand was clutching her wrist.
"W-What are you talking about?" She shook her head slightly in disbelief of the situation.
Shisui closed his eyes, thinking.
She almost jerked back as his forehead rested on hers, though their noses were no longer brushing against each other.
He sighed, making her blush deepen as his breath caressed her lips.
"I am leaving, Hinata-Chan." He whispered.
That moment, it felt like there was nothing; nothing at all around them, no lake, no moon, no nothing.
What did he just say?
"W-What?" She sounded shaky.
Shisui let go of her other wrist and was immensely pleased when she didn't pull away or push him away.
"I am leaving." He repeated.
"Why?" She had sounded so hurt, pained. It was like millions of senbon needles had pierced through her weak heart.
Another person was going leave. He was going to leave, and he might never come back.
She didn't want that.
"I am leaving on a long term mission. I am travelling to the Snow Village, securing our recently formed alliance. I am going to have to stay there for two years."
"T-Two years?" Her tiny hand grasped tightly on to his shirt.
"W-Why? Normal alliance security only lasts – "
"Six months, yes I know. But I am there not only to secure the alliance but to provide protection to some of the big shots for awhile who seemed to be targeted by other villages after our alliance.
I am going solo, but I am going to have to do a lot of things; new projects and stuff. They're a problematic village." He laughed nervously.
"Shisui-Chan!" Her hands were wrapped around him in an instant.
He wasn't shocked, he wasn't surprised he just gave in; savouring her warmth, remembering her scent, her touch and her.
He hugged back, burying his face in her hair and furrowed his eyebrows. He won't be feeling this for awhile after he leaves.
"Please..." she might sound selfish.
"Please I beg of you," she might be only thinking of herself.
"Please don't go!" but she didn't care. She didn't want to lose him. She didn't want to go through that again.
This wasn't easy for him either. It's not like he wanted to leave.
He felt like he had to. What would happen if he stayed? He would be frustrated with himself for not being able to make Hinata his, he'd be angry with his best friend for deceiving the girl he loved who for some twisted reason is in love with him and worst of all he'd just be confused.
"I have to." He breathed in and closed his eyes.
"I don't want to, but I have to."
"P-promise me..." she thought she had enough of promises.
"Promise me you'll come back." But she couldn't help it.
He felt oddly happy as she sniffed, his shirt was getting wet and her body was jerking, causing him to move as well. She was crying for him. She didn't want him to go.
At the thought his hold tightened.
"I promise I'll come back."
I'll come back for you, Hinata-Chan.
"For now just, don't let go." He whispered in to her hair.
"Don't forget me." He sounded so desperate that the Uchiha clan would probably disown him if they heard. Right now, Uchiha Shisui was a sappy, lovesick wuss who was too afraid to face a fact.
A wuss who wanted to start over, a wuss who didn't want to be a wuss anymore.
"Don't worry Shisui-Chan..." she sobbed.
"You know I could never forget you."
He wanted to say goodbye personally. He wanted her to know in his own words, to make her understand.
Uchiha Shisui always knew, how to make her feel wanted.
I hope you like it :) the next chapter might be updated much later, but I'll try my best.
Thanks for your support guys! :D