It would seem the Hyuuga girl had a few surprises. The said girl lay in the infirmary bed, pale and motionless. Her short dark hair tinted purple in the light, giving color to the white room. Her petal pink lips opened, a soundless sigh escaping from them.
It would seem she was having a bad dream.
To think, the girl who was a statue of fear in front of him was capable of such a confession. Then such a spectacle in the class.
He glanced at the book in his hands, then back to the girl. He had not meant to invade her privacy. He was reading, minding his own business when she and the blond boy had wondered there on their break. He had every intention on ignoring them, as it was not his allotted time to spend with her, but the blond was making rather bold advances. He offered to push her on a swing? He knew well enough that was flirting among that age group. When she gave him a bento, he was taken by surprise. By her demeaner, he had not expected them to be close.
What had followed was… Interesting. Perhaps he should have felt jealous, or perhaps upset. However, he did not have any personal feelings for the girl. She was simply someone he was required to meet regularly, and one day marry. Other then the paper that bound them, he did not have specific thoughts of her. Nor did he expect he would. She was… much younger then he. In fact, it was almost appalling they expected him to marry someone so young. Yes, shinobi matured many times faster then normal kids, however it was not an appealing thought to him.
When he watched her state her marriage to him, he did feel proud. It meant the girl was raised properly. It would seem he wouldn't need to fear infidelity with her. It was something he appreciated.
But, even if she did date the blond, he would not have minded. She was not his type, nor did he really care about her loyalty until they married. After all, he had someone whom he was seeing as well. The thought of Izumi was intrusive as he watched the scene. Would the day they parted be so dramatic? When they had gotten together, both of them knew it would only be until he was married. He, despite being forced to marry, was still faithful. She had agreed, saying their time together would be theirs nonetheless. The Hyuuga's eyes filled with tears. Would Izumi also cry?
He watched the girl run, leaving the blond flabbergasted. Poor boy, he probably did not take rejection well. Bright blue eyes stared at her, and he watched as the boy clutched the bento to his chest.
"I… Think I love her!" The boy exclaimed, much to his surprise. On what premise did they think love was plausible? It hardly seemed like they talked to eachother before. Yet, the Hyuuga was so passionate. Now, the blond also stated love? He watched as the boy ran inside, a look of determination on his face.
How… Odd. Were such little kids capable of love? Of what they had both claimed? Out of curiosity, he followed. He was hidden in the shadows of the ceiling when the next show started. The Hyuuga had puffy eyes, and raw cheeks. She was obviously upset. Perhaps they were capable of love?
Then, he watched the scene play out like a love novel.
Kids. They… Grew surprisingly fast.
She fainted. He watched as the teacher scooped her up, and took her away from his brother and the blond.
Naruto. That's right. His brother had invited him to their house before. He would have to take note of him.
And now here he was, sitting next her bedside. It was not their allotted time, yet he felt it wasn't a hassle to sit at her bedside. The air about her was calm while she slept. It was much different then the little ball of anxiety she exhibited herself as at the contract signing.
Her brows drew together, and he noted the signs of rousing. It was minutes before their allotted time, so he decided to stay. After all, a few extra minutes would not be horrible.
Xxxx Hinata POV xXXX
The soft sheets were smooth against her skin. The smell of soap tickled her nose.
Wait.
The memory of the days events roused her faster then any danger could have. She sat up faster then her body allowed, and it screamed at her in protest, and blotched her vision in revenge. She squeezed her eyes shut, the dizziness that followed making her feel nauseous.
"What was Naruto-kun thinking…" She said quietly, the blush heating her face was all consuming. She kept her eyes shut, and buried her face into her hands.
Did he really… Mean it..?
"He might have meant it." The smooth voice made her jump, her eyes going wide as she searched for the source. She found it all too soon.
Long eyelashes framed dark eyes. Those eyes… Dark as a moonless night, just like the hair that feathered his cheek. She blushed hard, harder then when Naruto had her wrapped in his embrace.
Why was Itachi here? What time was it? How did he…
The tree. She thought she had sensed someone!
She blinked, clutching the bedsheets close. This day… Was something horrible. She blinked back tears of embarrassment. Her future husband watched her confess to someone else. She had to tell him her intentions!
"I-I-I-" The words were stuck on her tongue. She stopped, taking a slow breath. She turned her gaze to his lap, where a book sat. Medicinal herbs and where to find them. She blinked, the title and art very familiar. It was one of the books she had read multiple times. Did he also have a hobby of reading..?
No, no, that could be logged for later. Right now she had to tell him that she was a proper lady. "You do not need to be nervous. I do not expect faithfulness until marriage." Her jaw dropped as the words escaped from her lips. He did not… What..? How… Vulgar..! She was engaged, and she would act appropriately. Perhaps he was giving her permission, but she could not be with someone who wasn't her intended.
No… No she would stand her ground on this. After all, she was proper. She gripped the sheets harder, and ducked her head. "I will… Not-not… Be in any other relationship…" She forced out. It was quiet, and stuttered, but it needed to be heard. "I-I am faithful to my intended." She bit her tongue on the last word. She winced and brought one of her hands to her mouth. It was bleeding lightly. The taste of crimson was enough to make her blanche for more words. What she said would have to be enough. She didn't think she could take more.
There was only silence from Itachi. Slowly she looked up to him, fearing what expression he may have. Maybe it would be disappointment like her father, or anger like Neji-nii. Instead… It was… Surprise? There was a very slight raise of his eyebrows, and his eye's a fraction wider.
After reading Hyuuga expressionless faces for years, she was well adept at reading his expression.
Why.. Would he be surprised?
The bell rang.
Oh. Was it lunch?
She looked to the clock. She shuffled to the edge of the bed, trying her hardest to ignore the mans gaze. She slipped on her shoes, rather awkwardly.
"I… Made a bento for you. May we… Grab it?" She glanced to the door. The hallway had already died down. Everybody usually rushed outside for lunch. Nobody wanted to waste their much beloved break.
That would mean it would be ideal to get the bento, and avoid Naruto and Sasuke. She… Didn't want to face them so soon after what had happened. She tried to swallow the heat rising from her collar, but it managed to make its way across her cheeks anyway.
"Alright." Itachi was beside her in a second. She blinked, surprised by his speed and lightness of foot.
He was a very admirable shinobi.
They exited, and walked side by side. She made note that he matched her pace.
How kind. She appreciated the notion more then she should have. Her father, nor cousin ever made the effort to slow their pace for her.
The small things mattered; she took note. She would make sure to do small things for him as well.