Yup, a new story. I've been a little distracted by the hockey playoffs to do much updating. (Whoo! Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup!) However, I figured I had to do something for my favorite character on his birthday. So Happy Birthday Itachi-san! :) I've been thinking about this story for a while so I hope you all like it.

Prologue

Spring was a time of rebirth. The frigid winter had forced life indoors and now the warmth was welcomed. Signs of life could be seen everywhere. The air grew warmer with each passing day as the sun shone brightly in the sky. The flowers had begun to bloom and some believed that it was at this time love also blossomed. The chirping of birds filled the neighborhood park and squirrels ran about the grass. A sense of serenity had encompassed the area.

The park was just far too calm for the young Hana Inuzuka's liking as she walked along the path beside her mother and baby brother's stroller. She really wished at least one or two of the dogs could have joined them on their stroll. That would've entertained the bored six year old. It was just far too quiet which caused Hana to become fidgety. In need of some form of stimulation, the little girl's eyes actively searched the park grounds for something, anything, to keep her occupied. Unfortunately, what she spotted had her gritting her teeth.

Up ahead were three figures very similar to Hana's own family. The tallest was the Uchiha matriarch, Mikoto, who was pushing the stroller of her youngest son. The raven haired woman was known to be exceptionally kind and often wore a smile. Her husband was nowhere to be seen and that was just fine for Hana. Fugaku Uchiha was a rather serious man by nature and his mouth appeared to be a permanent frown. But it was neither Mikoto nor the baby who were targeted by Hana's glare.

Itachi Uchiha was absolutely brilliant for his age. The six year old was ranked top of his class and if it weren't for his mother's insistence, he would've skipped a few grades. It was widely known that Fugaku pressured his prodigy of an heir to excel even more than he already was. He was positively thrilled to discover Itachi surpassed children who were a few years older than him in the area of intelligence. However, Mikoto argued against placing their first born in a new environment surrounded by older children where he'd be uncomfortable. Eventually, she won. Still, his father's influence had made the six year old appear emotionless. Itachi's lack of response toward many things made him seem lazy and arrogant, as if nothing was worth his full attention.

Yet, everything Hana knew about the Uchiha prodigy hadn't really been learned through the actual boy himself. Itachi was a very quiet individual who preferred to keep his personal life to himself and because of that, her information on him had been gained by listening to the talk of others. The fact that he was a mystery had increased the number of his admirers. Itachi was definitely gifted in the looks department as well and a decent sized group of fangirls had formed in his honor. His intelligence and silence both annoy Hana to no end, but it was the way everyone fawned over Itachi that really aggravated her.

His black hair was long for a boy and hung about shoulder length, framing his pale face quite nicely. His face had a faint feminine touch to it, but it worked on him somehow. Deep onyx orbs that only warmed around his little brother, Sasuke, while drawing in anyone with whom he made eye contact. The two creases beneath his eyes were the results of stress not doubt caused by his father. Regardless, even Hana must admit, albeit unwillingly, that Itachi Uchiha was attractive.

As the two families drew near one another, the mothers offered greetings. As they exchanged niceties, Hana continued to glare at the boy before her. When Mikoto asked about Tsume's veterinary clinic, Hana knew they'd be there for a while and accidently let out a groan. Tsume sent a scolding glance in Hana's direction before suggesting that her daughter go to the playground that was located just on top of the hill.

The thought of escape immediately brought Hana joy. Her happiness was short-lived however. The second Mikoto smiled down at her eldest son, the young Inuzuka knew exactly what words would come out of the woman's mouth.

"Why don't you go off and play with Hana for a while, Itachi?"

The Uchiha heir stared up at his mother for a moment before moving around to the front of the stroller. Little Sasuke beamed at his big brother with his arms outstretched. Itachi gently poked the baby's forehead then straightened to follow Hana who ran ahead. The brunette had already climbed up the stairs of the play set and was standing on the bridge by the time Itachi's shoes hit the woodchips. After waiting for him to get a little closer, Hana finally spoke.

"I don't understand why everyone admires you so much. You're not all that great."

"There's no reason to be jealous, Hana. Although, it is expected," Itachi began as he tilted his head back to look up at her.

"Jealous? Why would I be jealous of a little shrimp like you?" Hana nearly shrieked.

"Shrimp? I'm taller than you," the young Uchiha retorted calmly.

"Ugh, you're such a know-it-all," the little girl growled in annoyance. "No one can compare to Itachi Uchiha! Why bother trying to compete? Should I get down on my knees and worship you like everyone else?"

A frown tugged on the boy's face at Hana's comments. "There's no reason for you to kneel before me. I'm-"

"And the great one has spoken," the brunette said as she dramatically threw her hands up in the air, cutting off whatever Itachi was going to say. "Why don't you do us both a favor and run back to your mommy?"

"That doesn't make sense," the six year-old boy stated. "If I leave, you'll just keep hating me. If I stay, we might get along."

"We'll never get along," the brown haired girl argued. "You think you're better than everyone when I can do anything you can do. I can do it better too! I can prove it!"

Itachi's head tilted to the side in contemplation. Curiosity shone in his eyes as he studied the girl glaring down at him from the bridge. She certainly was an interesting one. He didn't understand what it was he had done to make her hate him so. And what she'd said wasn't true either. He had no reason to believe he was better than anyone. Sure, he excelled in quite a few areas, but he didn't automatically think any less of others.

"You don't have to prove anything."

Itachi's calm behavior only served to rile up the young Inuzuka more. Hopping off the bridge, Hana approached her rival.

Once she was close enough, she pointed at the Uchiha's little chest and declared "I bet I could beat you in a fight."

The young prodigy blinked at the challenge. "Not taking into account that fighting would be wrong, I would be the one to beat you in a fight, Hana."

Bringing her hands up to her head, said Inuzuka nearly shrieked in outrage. "You're so annoying I could punch you!"

"Go ahead and try. You won't be able to hit me," Itachi responded impassively.

Hana's eyes narrowed dangerously at that and she was pulling back her fist a moment later. When her fist came flying at Itachi's face, he was ready and smoothly sidestepped the attack. The fact that the boy was able to dodge as easily as he'd said only served to press the Inuzuka's buttons even more.

Letting out a battle cry, the little girl charged at the prodigy. She threw more punches, none of which connected to the pretty boy's face. Growing desperate, Hana directed her assault at Itachi's torso as well. The more targets she has, the more likely she will be to hit one.

A hand grasped Hana's wrist after her latest failed punch and Itachi skillfully used her momentum against her. By maneuvering the girl slightly to the left, he successfully threw off her balance. She stumbled, but quickly recovered and aimed a kick towards the Uchiha's ribs. He caught the attack before it connected and again, she was at his mercy. Lifting her leg further into the air caused Hana to release a surprised yelp as she fell back onto the grass.

Seeing that Hana was no longer trying to strike him, Itachi let go of her foot. With hands stuffed in his pockets, he stared down at the six year-old girl while she panted due to her exhaustion. Suddenly, the raven bent down and thinking he was going to hit her, Hana shut her eyes tightly. She was surprised when the boy gently grasped her hand and pulled her up.

Confusion shone in her eyes as she studied her rival. "What happened to beating me up, weasel?"

Choosing to ignore the nickname, Itachi responded calmly. "It would be wrong for a male to hit a female. Of course, it would still be wrong for an Uchiha to fight another male without a proper reason. Especially when the opponent is inferior."

Hana rolled her eyes. "There's no need to make excuses. Just admit you're scared."

Itachi quirked a brow at that. "Why would I be afraid of you?" he asked almost sarcastically before hearing his mother call his name.

He was turning around to leave and Hana didn't want their dispute to end like that. She needed to unsettle him.

"I bet I can find something you're scared of," she blurted out.

Itachi paused and glanced over his shoulder as a sign that he was listening.

Desperate to think of something, Hana's mind reeled. "I bet you can't…kiss me!"

The statement has Itachi's eyes widening a fraction.

"Come on, weasel. I dare you."

The six year-old boy turned back around to face her, but he made no move to close the eight foot gap between them. His hesitance caused Hana to laugh. Her eyes closed as she taunted him.

"I knew you couldn't do it! The weasel is really a scaredy-cat!"

Her arms were crossed over her chest and she was grinning victoriously as she awaited Itachi's response. When none came, Hana opened her eyes and gasped when she found herself staring into obsidian pools. Itachi was standing directly in front of her. She thought she could see nervousness in his eyes, but his face was as impassive as always. Her heart began to pound due to her own anxiety as Itachi gradually, tentatively leaned in to complete the dare and kiss the girl before him.

Just before their young, inexperienced mouths met, Hana had reached her limit. Fear was coursing through the young Inuzuka's veins and could be seen clearly in her eyes as she gave Itachi a hard push to get him away. The action caused the boy to stumble for just a moment, but it was enough for Hana to run back to her mother.

Displeasure showed briefly on Itachi's face. He'd actually almost kissed Hana Inuzuka. It was then that another thought struck the boy and a smirk slowly comes across his face. He'd realized that Hana was the one who ran away, therefore, she's the scaredy-cat.

Still as Mikoto called her son for the second time, Itachi was glad that her location at the bottom of the hill prevented her from seeing the events that had unfolded between the two children. Not wanting to keep his mother waiting any longer, Itachi jogged to meet her and baby Sasuke at the path. Hana and her family were nowhere to be seen.

As he approached, he was greeted by a warm smile that only his mother could give. She wrapped an arm around his little shoulders and pulled him in close.

"Did you have fun with Hana-chan?"

The question made Itachi think for a moment before shrugging. "It was interesting I guess."

The raven haired woman nodded and the boy was grateful she decided not to pry. The walk home was a silent one and Fugaku was waiting for them when they arrived.

After politely greeting his father, Itachi was told that someone was waiting for him upstairs. He didn't want to leave his father's presence too quickly in order to figure out who his company was so he hesitated. He knew that if he seemed too eager, Fugaku would lecture him in an attempt to mold him into the perfect son. As if sensing her oldest son's train of thought, Mikoto gave the boy a nudge as a signal that he was free to go to his room. Itachi quickly took the opportunity but made sure to appear indifferent before his father.

Once he made it up to his room, Itachi discovered his seven year-old cousin, Shisui, lounging on his bed. The boy smiled at his older relative. His company was exactly what the prodigy needed to get all thoughts revolving Hana Inuzuka out of his head.

While the other boy's hair was black like Itachi's, it was shorter and somewhat curly which was unusual for an Uchiha. The curls made his hair look messy and untamable, but it worked exceptionally well for Shisui. It just suited his mischievous personality.

It was sometimes hard to believe that the Uchiha prodigy saw his eccentric cousin as an older brother figure. The two were best friends, something Fugaku had trouble accepting.

"Do you want a drink? We have juice if you're thirsty." Itachi asked as the older boy got off the bed.

Shisui approached with a grin and ruffled his cousin's hair. "I guess a juice would be nice. Thanks."

The prodigy brushed the hand off his head, an action that made Shisui laugh. "I'll be right back."

Itachi was silent as he padded down the hall and went downstairs. He rounded the corner of the kitchen where he found his father's back facing him at the kitchen table. His mother sat across from her husband with Sasuke held carefully on her knee. While Fugaku had no idea his son had entered the room, Mikoto noticed him from over her husband's shoulder.

The two adults were talking so the boy tried ignored them.

"How was your walk?" Fugaku asked.

"Fine. The weather is perfect. We ran into the Inuzukas in the park. It seems they were taking advantage of the nice day as well."

"Inuzuka? They're the ones with the daughter Itachi's age, right?"

"Yes dear. I think Hana may have a soft spot for Itachi too. They had gone off to play and she came running back with the cutest blush on her face."

Itachi almost snorted at the comment, but managed to keep quiet. Ignoring his parents was difficult when they were discussing him. The approval of his mother and father was very important to the young boy.

Remembering his mission, Itachi opened the refrigerator. The juice boxes were on a lower shelf so they were at the perfect height for Itachi to grab them. With the two juice boxes in hand, the genius closed the refrigerator door and prepared to return to his cousin. He kept trying to ignore the gossip that was going on a few feet from him, but his father's laugh and next remark made it even more challenging.

"Perhaps one day, they'll fall in love and we'll hear wedding bells in the future."

Mikoto simply rolled her eyes at the joke although a hint of a smile played on her lips at the sight of Itachi's wrinkled nose. It seemed that the boy wasn't too keen on the idea of Hana being his wife one day. But she could have sworn the boy's face was flushed as the thought sunk in before he ran from the kitchen. Perhaps there were some facts that she was unaware of.

This story was actually inspired by the song Mary's Song (Oh My My My) by Taylor Swift. It just came together after listening to the song and I felt that it worked well for Itachi and Hana.

Please let me know what you think. Comment, complain, whatever you wanna do. Feedback of any kind is welcome. Also please check out the poll on my profile.