Two years had passed since their fateful encounter. Two long but very happy years since he met the angel who changed everything. It was a surprise, really. One minute Itachi was cursing the Akatsuki, waiting for death's cold hands and the next a beautiful, selfless woman had her in his arms- bringing him back to life. How could he repay her for saving his life? Given that she had saved him several times during those first few months of their beginning, Itachi supposed he owed her for more than one. It was only right.
"Itachi, where are you taking me?" Hinata inquired, unable to hide her grin. She loved surprises from Itachi; he always went to the extreme for her. One time, completely out of the blue, Itachi had made specially made kunai suited for her style. Hinata had remarked that he didn't have to go through all that trouble simply because she said one day that she wished her kunai were a little less heavy and more sharp. Itachi simply smirked and said, "Angels always get the best things." He had even engraved her clan symbol on the hilt of each one. Hinata was speechless.
"You'll see."
Itachi carefully guided her through the forest, his special and most treasured place. It was secluded and peaceful, a perfect setting to set his mind at ease. It was this reason that Itachi brought Hinata here. He had this planned for quite some time. The idea arose when Hinata had commented on wanting to do something more with her life, and when Itachi inquired as to what, Hinata had shrugged and suggested becoming a mother or traveling. Either would make her equally happy.
"Okay, stop." Itachi said into her ear, barely able to retain his excitement. He was eager for her reaction.
Standing behind her and holding her shoulders, he gave her a small squeeze and said, "Open your eyes."
As soon as she did Hinata was bombarded with different colored lamps hanging decoratively amongst the tall trees. She gasped in wonder as her eyes followed the trails of all the lights, zig-zagging up and across and below the branches, reaching to the peaks of each and every tree. Hinata covered her mouth, too shocked to speak. It was such a beautiful sight. The moonlight dipped from overhead somewhere behind the trees, illuminating the grass and the water in the pond. Everything was surreal and unlike anything Hinata had ever seen.
"Oh, Itachi." Was all she could say as she stepped to each tree in amazement, enjoying the soft glow from the lamps. Itachi's heart soared at the sight of her enormous grin.
"Do you like it?" He whispered rather sexily, wrapping his arms around her waist. She nodded eagerly against him and he smiled, looking at all of the exotic colors.
"It's beautiful, Itachi. Thank you."
"There's more." Itachi exclaimed excitedly.
"What? Itachi what is all of this for?" Hinata was confused in the most wonderful way. Itachi couldn't stop himself from thinking she was the most adorable when she was confused. He would have to do this more often.
"Hinata," he began, turning her toward him by her elbow and gazing into her eyes.
"Since the day we met in this very forest I could not keep my mind off of you," at his words Hinata blushed and looked away but Itachi guided her face back to look at him, " I mean it. You were the most beautiful soul I had ever set eyes upon. You still are. To this day, waking up to the floral scent of your hair and the softness of your hands I do not understand how I have lived my life without you beside me for so long."
Keeping his eyes locked with hers Itachi began to kneel on one knee, his limp pony-tail falling gracefully over his left shoulder. Hinata gasped and threw her hands up to her face, realizing what was happening. As Itachi continued to speak, Hinata looked up and saw that all of her friends and family from the Leaf village began coming from the trees. Her face turned beat red and her heart was like thunder in the sky but she could not, for the life of her take her eyes off of Itachi.
"Hyuga Hinata, will you marry me?"
Those four words stole every drop of air Hinata had access to. She looked at Itachi, smiling up at her like she was the light of his life, and to everyone watching as they awaited her answer. Itachi held a box that contained the most gorgeous wedding ring Hinata had ever set her eyes upon. With the variety of lights reflecting off the diamond it looked like a rainbow after a rainstorm. It was magnificent. This was all so surreal and astonishing Hinata almost forgot she had to give her answer. With tears brimming her eyes Hinata said yes and everyone cheered and applauded. Itachi scooped Hinata up in her arms and spun her around, laughing together. They hugged each other and kissed passionately.
Everyone shouted their congratulations and gave their blessings for the next hour until everyone started going home. They had all remained in the forest, illuminated by the essence of the lights, enjoying the warmth from being around friends and family. Eventually, only Hinata and Itachi remained and all was silent.
The newly engaged couple danced a slow but traditional step; Itachi with his arms secured around her waist, Hinata resting her head on his chest as they moved in a slow circle. They stayed like that, bodies shadow-casted from the moon, hearts beating silently as one. Hinata lifted her head and smiled up at Itachi who returned her smile right back.
"Would you like to go home now, soon-to-be-wife?" Itachi murmured, pressing his lips against her forehead.
Hinata hummed and closed her eyes, enjoying the feeling of his lips against her. "Not yet."
As they danced in their secluded place in the forest, Itachi hummed a loving tune he remembered from his childhood. Hinata rested her head against her fiancé's chest and, even though they both didn't say it, they both knew that that one chance encounter was not chance at all, but merely fate.
A/N: Alright, I lied. THIS is the last chapter. I was not satisfied with chapter 19 and thought this was needed. Sue me but I love this couple. I needed romance in this! Ugh I love it. I LOVE IT! I hope you guys like it if not love it =) Also, if you're ever curious about what I'm up to with my stories check out my profile because I occasionally post updates at the top with the date so people know what to expect (Or not to expect).
Thank you for reading!
Xoxo- Clover
