.oOo. Chapter Seven .oOo.

Hinata watched the next several days pass with an air of curiosity. She dared not get her hopes up, and thus faced the impending meeting with little more than subtle intrigue. Already she had met Sasuke, and though he seemed a bit brash for her tastes, she was not about to look a gift horse in the mouth.

When Thursday finally arrived, she dressed in a neutral grey gown, the weather overcast and threatening rain at last. Taking along a parasol, she met her father in silence at the entryway, assisted into the coach by Asuma before it began rattling down the road.

The ride was silent – she had not expected otherwise.

They approached the same area as the Namikaze estate – Hinata recalled that Sasuke had ridden through the woods nearby before becoming stranded, and thus had figured that his estate was not far from there. Past the drive to the blighted house they went, riding along the field until the woods were what was seen beyond the carriage's windows. The already-bleak sunlight nearly faded, and a cool, dark air washed over them. Though there were plentiful trees upon her own estate, Hinata had never seen such dense foliage as the woods, and found it both breathtaking, and not a little eerie.

Eventually there was a break in the trees, and the coach made a turn upon what looked to be a drive. It was stone, not gravel, though sparse grass grew between each piece. The branches of the trees seemed to drape like curtains along the roadway, giving hardly a glance at the view beyond. For several long minutes the carriage clacked along the drive before coming upon the estate.

It blended in perfectly.

Dark stone – where visible beneath creeping ivy and beyond the hanging branches of willows – allowed the place to sink into the shadows of the wood with ease. The trunks of the trees were nearly the same girth as the coach that came to a stop before them. Blades of grass seemed wild, and strange calls of birds echoed through the air.

A lone footman made his way from the front double doors, assisting first the Hyuuga patriarch before coming to Hinata's side. She took his hand subconsciously, her focus kept completely on the estate around her. Somewhere nearby water chuckled, and the air felt cool and moist.

It was like a dream threatening to become a nightmare, and yet she was not afraid.

"Milady awaits you both," the footman offered, bowing deeply before leading the way toward the door. Hiashi followed, hardly sparing Hinata a glance as she continued to stare at every detail. As they got closer, she saw the gargoyles upon the eaves and the dark curtains within the windows.

The servant opened the door, ushering the pair inside before turning a corner, leaving them in the entryway, bathed in silence.

Cool stone still greeted them, both on the floor and in the walls. But the interior was lit against the dark, and Hinata found herself imagining the castles she read of in her books. Exhilaration seemed to sing in her veins, for she felt she had left the real world behind for one of magic and secrets. It was unlike anything else she had ever seen before.

"Ah, Lord Hyuuga...we finally meet beyond the scribblings of letters."

Jolting slightly, Hinata turned her gaze forward and saw her hostess at last. A dark curtain of hair fell down between the woman's shoulder blades, blending with the black of her gown. The deep tone made the pale flesh of her skin seem to glow, though not nearly as brightly as the black orbs in her face. A small smile that Hinata could only call mischievous curved slightly at her lips.

So...this is Mikoto Uchiha... Hinata thought to herself, her curiosity only deepening.

"Lady Uchiha," Hiashi greeted in kind, bowing. "It is indeed a pleasure to speak with you at last. These weeks of correspondence have only piqued my intrigue. Though seeing you and your estate in person, I must admit, only adds to my curiosity."

The woman's smile grew. "Forgive me...though we have discussed much in our letters, there is still a great deal that I have left unspoken. Though I believed that revealing such things in person may make them easier to understand, as well as more sincere than merely scrawling them upon unfeeling paper."

Feeling slightly entranced, Hinata found herself nodding slightly despite not being spoken to.

"Now, if you will join me in the sitting room, we will find ourselves in a much better place to have such a discussion. Tea is ready, and there are treats for eating should you so desire."

"Shall your son be joining us?" Hiashi asked, getting straight to the point.

"Of course," Mikoto replied, nodding. "I will have him fetched from his studies, as well as the rest of my charges. I believe you may find some of them familiar, though you are strangers to others."

Hinata's brow knitted slightly. Charges...?

Like a whisper the footman reappeared, hearing his lady's request before disappearing again. So fleet and soundless was he, Hinata barely believed he was more than a phantom.

In the meantime, Mikoto led the pair to the sitting room. Once they had left the entryway, stone had given way to more modern wall and floors – wood that was grey with age and yet shone like new creaked slightly beneath their feet as Mikoto begged them to be seated. "I'm sure everyone will be in shortly."

Not a minute later, a familiar face appeared through a doorway. "I believe you have both met my son, Sasuke," Mikoto offered.

The boy nodded, expression plain but gaze inquisitive. But he was soon joined by another young man both father and daughter knew.

"Naruto?" Hinata asked before she could think to bite her tongue.

The blonde hardly looked like himself. Bags hung under his eyes, which were dull, and the air around him was still heavy with loss. "Hello," he greeted, though his voice was nowhere near its usual caliber.

Hiashi frowned. "Is he...one of your charges you spoke of?" the man asked.

Mikoto gave a small nod. "It was likely not made known to you before now, but Kushina and I grew up together – we were close friends up until her death. As such, I was asked to be her son's godmother, and after her passing I agreed to let him remain here for as long as needed. Losing one's parents in such a brief and violent fashion is sure to leave even the bravest cast into deep mourning..." She trailed off, pausing before adding, "So, he will remain as long as he sees fit. He is a son to me, and I can only hope I am doing right by my old friend and the man she loved."

Naruto tried to smile. "I appreciate everything you do for me, Mikoto...and I promise to make up for lost time once I'm able."

The woman waved him off. "Hush, dear – there is no debt to be spoken of. Now, we will keep you no longer – I know Sasuke promised to take you riding now that his new gelding has arrived."

Hinata perked up. "Ah, your horse! It was lamed when we first met, w-was it not?"

Sasuke nodded. "It was, unfortunately. I've only just replaced it. So, if you will forgive us, we will take our leave."

The girl faltered. "You're...leaving? But I thought..."

Mikoto blinked, and then smiled. "Ah, this is not the son you are here to meet, my dear! After all, you've already made his acquaintance. No...the one who remains a stranger is my eldest, Itachi."

Right on cue, footsteps could be heard beyond the door. Naruto and Sasuke both remained, turning to glance at the newcomer.

Heart leaping into her throat, Hinata watched, shyness dropping her gaze.

First she saw shoes, shined and without flaw. Dark trousers fit well along long legs, which came to meet at a narrow waist. A jacket, buttoned with silver, fit snugly to his chest, sleeves resting just along the thin points of his wrists. A high collar and staunch white cravat clung to his throat, which then led to his face.

High cheekbones and an aristocratic nose were parted by deep lines that suggested fatigue, though which may have been a purely aesthetic feature. Dark eyes like his mother and brother's were soft, wise, and as they fell on Hinata, intrigued. Just above them, dark brows were slightly furrowed in thought. Locks of midnight framed his pallid face, the majority of which were tied back with a black ribbon, the tail nearly as long as his mother's.

For a brief moment Mikoto let the pair glance at one another before offering, "Itachi dear...this is Hinata Hyuuga, the girl Sasuke told us about some days ago. She's finally managed a visit!"

So beguiled was Hinata by the man she could only call beautiful, she barely noticed her father bristle as she was introduced before him.

Giving a small nod, Itachi offered in a low, smooth tone, "An honor, milady...I have been most eager to make your acquaintance since my brother told of your meeting. It is not often a woman makes a pleasant impression on him." He glanced up, a small spark of merriment in his eyes.

Sasuke colored lightly. "That is an unfair and untrue statement, brother," he muttered. "What fault is it of mine that so few of favorable intellect and disposition are made to meet me?"

Itachi scoffed ever so slightly. "Could it be, perhaps, that you merely make such assumptions that thus sour your favor?"

A small smile tugged at Hinata's lips as the pair bantered. She could hear the teasing lilt in Itachi's voice and the gentle expression on his face showed he truly meant no offense. As Sasuke sputtered and rebuked, she hid a small giggle behind her hand.

"Now, Sasuke," Itachi eventually offered. "I must keep you and Naruto no longer – you intend to ride, do you not?"

"I merely hope it doesn't rain," Mikoto offered, looking slight put-out. "Be sure not to go too far should it decide to pour – I won't have the pair of you ill for your folly."

"We'll take care," Sasuke replied, still sounding slightly annoyed at his brother's teasing. Taking a hat and cloak proffered by the mysterious footman, he led Naruto to the front door where they both disappeared.

Mikoto chuckled slightly. "Itachi, do you really strive to embarrass your poor brother in front of such a lady?"

Itachi smiled as he took a seat. "It does him well to remember that his rancid view of the world does not always hold true – and what better way to remind him than in such pleasant company to prove him false?"

Unable to stop her own smile, Hinata glanced to one side in embarrassment.

"Now...you must be Hiashi Hyuuga, lord of your manor and owner of nearly every textile mill in the county, correct?" Itachi asked, at last acknowledging the patriarch.

Looking exasperated – at least, as much as Hiashi ever could – the man nodded. "I am indeed...a pleasure, Itachi." Glancing to Mikoto, he asked, "Is that every young man that calls this manor home, or are there more scurrying about beneath the floorboards?"

Smirking ever so slightly, Mikoto shook her head. "As a matter of fact, there is one more...my nephew, Shisui, who was orphaned some time ago when my sister passed. He is several years Itachi's senior, and works for the police department. He is still earning his rank, but seems to be doing well there. He should be taking his leave soon, so perhaps you may see him on his way out."

Hiashi looked prepared to say more, but held his tongue as tea was brought out by a maid the Hyuuga had yet to see.

Conversation was sparse, Hinata's good mood faltering slightly as things seemed to deflate. Unable to bring about talk on her own, she merely sipped at her tea as the ticking of a clock filled the silence.

One last break found them as more footsteps sounded from above, making their way quickly down a flight of stairs before heading down a hallway nearby.

Glancing up, Mikoto called, "Shisui dear! Do you have a moment?"

"A moment perhaps, dear aunt," a voice called back, following the invitation into the sitting room. Another young man entered in midst of putting on a jacket, pausing as he saw his aunt was not alone. "Ah! These must be the guests you spoke so eagerly of. I forgot the date in my rushing – forgive me."

"It's of little consequence," Mikoto replied. "I merely wished for them to get a glance of you before you took your leave. This is Hiashi and Hinata Hyuuga."

"A pleasure," the man replied with a genuine smile. His hair was far less tame than Itachi's, short and untidy about his head in a mess of curls of ink. Another pair of dark eyes sat in a face a bit rounder than his cousin's, but with the beginnings of similar lines. His aura felt far busier and brisk, and he nodded to the pair. "I beg your forgiveness, but I must be on my way – I'm expected at the station in no less than fifteen minutes."

"That's quite all right – I should be the one amending for stealing your time," Mikoto replied with a smile. "Now go on, dear – tell the inspector it was me that held you back."

"I'm sure he'll forgive me then," Shisui replied with a bright smile. Giving the Hyuuga pair one last nod, he made his way toward the front door and out into the open air.

Mikoto smiled pleasantly. "As you can see...I have a full house! Having the equivalent of four sons keeps me on my toes, though in a gratifying way."

"Is your nephew the only one with an occupation?" Hiashi asked.

"He is, though that may change soon. For now the rest are all simply gentleman. Itachi, however, is considering going into law."

"It is far from a concrete idea," the heir admitted. "But it has caught my interest as of late."

"And what of the boys' father? Surely he had a line of work."

Mikoto sobered slightly. "That is a long tale that not only encompasses our past, but continues to color our future. It may be something best left until a later time, when we are more familiar with each other and thus ready for more personal tales."

Looking a bit put off, Hiashi begrudgingly nodded. "I understand..."

Instead, they changed the subject into lighter matters. "This manor seems rather lacking in attention," the man observed.

"We have not been here long," Mikoto admitted. "No more than a year, as far as I can recall. But after certain...events, I decided to come here to be closer to Kushina, as well as to allow Sasuke to be closer to his childhood friend. For friends are such treasured people, and Sasuke was in need of more social interaction."

Hinata's curiosity was certainly piqued, and she silently wondered to herself, Was it...the loss of her husband? She did admit to being a widow...though the boys seems so well-adjusted for having lost him so recently...

As conversation began to thin once more, Mikoto glanced at her cup. "This tea set has been in my family for generations," she offered, looking down at her cup and saucer fondly. "It has been passed from mother to daughter, without fail. A few pieces have been cracked or shattered, but though replacements are hard to find, it is a near-complete set. Among the many things in my own dowry, it is among my favorite possessions."

Hinata looked up with genuine interest.

"It is a lovely set," Hiashi replied blandly. "My late wife was quite fond of fragile things like porcelain and china. They are beautiful things, but so easily broken – such a shame."

Frowning lightly, Hinata glanced to her father. It was rare that he ever mentioned her mother – and to make such a remark amid people who were nearly strangers was quite...odd.

"It is their fragility that makes them so special."

Everyone turned to glance at Itachi. He had a thoughtful look upon his face as he too considered his cup. Hinata, however, had a feeling that they were no longer talking about china.

"We should always cherish what is easily lost, for it may not be long before we lose it. Such is life. We become so dependent upon what is strong and unyielding, we often overlook or even mock the frailest blooms in the garden of Life. But it is in them we find the greatest beauty." Eyes so similar to the matriarch's found Hinata's, sincerity glinting within them as he gave her a gentle smile.

A small chill ran up the girl's spine. Was he...?

"I suppose you are right," Hiashi relented, apparently not in the mood to get into such a discussion. "Your son obviously has an eye that finds even the most reclusive beauties in life, Lady Mikoto. Not a trait commonly found in men today."

Mikoto's lips quirked slightly at something she found amusing in his words. "Indeed. So many men – and women, I will admit – are so quick to see things at face-value, and not realize the potential of the things and people they discard with so little thought."

A vein twitched in Hiashi's forehead. So, their jabs had not escaped his notice. "Yes..."

Ducking her head slightly, Hinata took another sip of her tea, attempting to blend in with her seat. She could hear all too well the veiled war the Uchiha were having with her father. And though she appreciated their comments made to sound like support for her state, she did not wish to incur her father's ire when things had begun to look so promising.

"Forgive me, Lady Mikoto," Hiashi then offered, standing. "But I fear the hour grows late, and I should return Hinata home for her lessons and supper. I would hate for her schedule to be interrupted, though your company is nearly reason enough to linger."

The jab again made Mikoto's lips quirk in amusement. "But of course – I would hate to interrupt miss Hinata's routine."

Sensing her father's growing irritation, Hinata stood quickly as not to anger him further. In her haste, however, her grip on her cup and saucer slackened.

"Ah...!"

With a tinkling crash the pieces of china landed upon the floor, shattering and releasing the last of her tea in a splash.

Horrified, Hinata slapped her hands to her mouth, tears springing into her eyes. Blast her clumsiness...!

For a moment, Mikoto stared at the mess in shock. But she flinched as another crash sounded beside her.

Itachi's cup had landed in a matching manner, though no tea had been left to spill.

"Drat," the heir muttered, frowning with a heavy brow. "It would appear I've dropped mine as well..."

Mikoto blinked before a small, knowing smile painted her lips. "Ah, it is no matter Itachi dearest – I'll have the maid clean this up once we have seen the Hyuuga to the door," she offered. "So, not to worry Hinata dear – it would appear someone greased the handles of everyone's cups today!"

Instead of her own mess, Hinata stared at Itachi's. Lifting her gaze, she saw him looking at her with a slight upturn of his lips.

He...he had done it on purpose!

She stared until she felt Hiashi's hand at the small of her back. "Come, Hinata," he ordered. "Best we leave now and allow the maid to handle this. And we mustn't intrude on Lady Mikoto's kindness any longer."

"Oh, there is no intrusion!" Mikoto protested, standing as well to walk them to the door. "I already adore spending time with Hinata. In fact, I insist on seeing her again as soon as possible – I've quickly become quite fond of her. I shall send a formal invitation in the post – look for it soon, my dear!"

Letting her father usher her forward, Hinata murmured, "Of course, Lady Mikoto..."

The pair were shown to the door, both Mikoto and Itachi standing outside as the coach was brought back around. Though Hiashi did little to acknowledge their courtesy, Hinata turned and gave a curtsy. "It was a p-pleasure meeting you...all of you!" Looking back up with a smile, she added, "And I look forward to seeing you again soon. Give the others our regards w-when they return."

Mikoto, looking ever so slightly smug, gave a nod. "Of course, my dear – we will mourn your absence until we are able to meet once more."

Giving one last nod, Hinata allowed herself to be ushered into the carriage, glancing at her father for a moment before turning to wave from the window, feeling both giddy and unsure. She still had no idea what to think of the Uchiha...but it would appear she still had time to learn.

Hello everyone! Here we are, back with chapter seven at last! I hope you can forgive the delay - I've had several things keeping me busy since we last saw one another. But I've finally gotten this latest chapter finished and ready to post!

And at last, we see Itachi. I hope you don't think I went overboard on his description - I wanted it to be suitable given our long drought of him in the story! And yes, there was quite a bit taken from the prologue to put into this chapter, but there ARE a few subtle differences and things added. Besides, this is where the prologue essentially came from, so I thought bringing it back for a bit of a recap wasn't too deplorable, especially since I did my best to blend it in and change it around a bit. I loved what all Itachi said too much to have the heart to change it too greatly. Apologies if it feels redundant.

Anyway, the story is far from over, and there is plenty left to be told! Hopefully I won't be kept from writing too much in the coming days so I can bring you the next piece of this literary puzzle. Thank you all for your patience with this story. I hope to hear from you all and see what you think!

Until next time!

~BlackRoseDragon13