[A/N: Happy birthday, Hinata-Hime!

Well... it's obvious that I wrote this FF for her and all that. I was intending it as a one-shot but the recent holidays stole so much writing time from me, so I'm guessing there would only be another chapter release to end this.
My inspirations to write this one are located on my favorite story section, as always. As well as the latest shippuden chapter released which is super sweet.

Anywayyssss... I havent been on my writing league for the past months but I forced this one out of me, all for our birthday girl so I want to apologize in advance if there are any flaws about it. Oh well. I guess this is it- no more keeping the chapter away from you. Thank you for lending me your time to read this and for the (hopefully) upcoming reviews. helps a lot for my growth as a writer. ciao~]


'Hinata's Birthday, Part I'

The faint rays of the morning sun started to penetrate Sakura Haruno's room. Sunrise.
'Another day is ahead.' She thought before her eyes fluttered to greet the harmonious day break surrounding her. Everything seems to be so peaceful.
A smile was painted on her face as she began fixing her bed. On the corner of her eye, a small red circle caught her attention. It was the calendar. The pinkette took a closer look at the given date;

DEC. 27...

Hinata's Birthday!

The lass let out a small giggle before beginning to wrap her brains around her carefully thought out plan she has been preparing for weeks.

'About time. This would be a birthday to remember.' She smirked.


On the other side of the village, the birthday girl, a.k.a. Hinata Hyuga is bound to start her day ahead. People, clansmen and servants alike, has been greeting her. The hime blushed beet red every time as she simply gives them thanks in return. She never liked the center of attention, after all. It made her feel more clumsier and uncomfortable than usual. Thousands of butterflies always dominated her stomach each moment she stands out.
'I dont have a choice today, do I?' She let out a sigh.

Reaching the kitchen, Hiyashi, Hanabi and Neji, who are taking their breakfast turned their head on her direction.
Hanabi was the first who jumped from her chair. Walking towards her sister, she gave her a hug. "Happy 16th Birthday, nee-san. I have prepared something for you."

She reached her pocket and held out a thin, rectangular box covered in pink clothing and tied with a small red ribbon.
"Oh. You didn't have to bother yourself with this, Hanabi." A hint of wary was visible in her voice, always afraid of causing anyone trouble because of her.
"Take it, nee-san. It's your sixteenth birthday, afterall," She handed her the mystery box. "Open it!"
Hinata smiled genuinely at her sister as she obediently followed her instructions.

Beneath the ribbon and the cover revealed a thin glass frame, and stored inside is a pressed lilac. The flower looked ever so delicate and fragile inside the frame, but still breathtakingly beautiful in any angle you look at it. A preserved flower that would last for about more than a life-time...
The celebrant felt somewhat conscious for having her younger sister trouble her with such. Just when she's about to open her mouth to say something, she was cut off.
"I made it myself, nee-san. I know how much you like pressing flowers just like oka-san... Although I don't have concrete memories of being with her before she passed away, but I know she would be proud of what you have become." She beamed at the later.
"I... I don't know what to say, Hanabi." A lump started to form her throat and tears dared to overflow at the mention of her late mother but she fought it with all her will. 'This isnt the right time to cry.'
"T-thank you." She choked out instead, hugging her younger sister back.

Returning to the breakfast table with her father and Neji, she kept the gift from her sister safe and sound in her pocket.

"Lady Hinata... I know it's not much but I've booked us, and by us I mean along the Konoha 11, a reservation in Yakiniku Q today after breakfast. I named it after you, for your celebration." Neji started as soon as she's comfortably seated next to her younger sister and father.
"Neji-kun! You shouldn't have!"
"Take it as my gift for your sixteenth birthday. And I've gotten a little help from them, too. So you don't need to worry about it."
"But no one really has to bother themselves with such. I'm okay without receiving gifts."
"Hinata, you never asked for them to give you presents, right? That means they wanted to give you their own token of appreciation. You should atleast be happy receiving them to avoid confusion of you resenting them." Hayashi clarified.
"I do appreciate them, oto-san. A lot, actually."
"Then accept them with gratitude. This is not a mandatory thing to do so them being bothered by whatever gifts they want to give you isn't really something you should be problematic about." He said in his usual cold, stern voice.
"I understand, oto-san... Neji-kun, I really do appreciate your efforts."
Her cousin gave her an acknowledged nod.
The head of the clan cleared his throat. "Excuse me for a moment."
The three watched him leave the room without another word.
As he goes, Hinata wasn't completely convinced about her father's remarks. She was never the materialistic one, after all. After a few moments of silence, Haiashi finally reappeared carrying an old rectangular box with him.
"This is your mother's." He handed the box to her daughter.
Hinata felt a gush of excitement as his father presented the white, cardboard box but kept her face reserved. After unveiling the cover, her sights are set on a lavender dress. On the middle of it sat another small, red, fist-size velvet box. Setting the smaller box aside on the table for a moment, she surveyed the clothing. It was a beautiful chiffon day-dress stitched ever so carefully. Its sleeves are short but the dress is still cautious on showing some skin. Ruffles are hemmed on its v-neck collar, addressing the femininity. The lass have never been fond of fashion but her mouth was agape at the sight of the amazingly woven dress. And she found herself once again admiring her mother's taste for beauty.

"Oto-san, is this really oka-san's?"
Hiyashi simply nodded.
"Nee-chan, open the other!" Hanabi pressed, watching intently with a smile on her face.
The later returned to the smaller velvet box. Whatever's inside it, it looked so precious to be stored on such.

She slowly lifted the lid. Stored in it is a necklace with their clan's symbol as pendant, sitting carefully on a dark silk.
Lost for words, she only managed to let out a gasp.
"Your mother and I always wanted you to have these once you turn sixteen, as a sign of maturity." He placed a hand on her daughter's head.
"Do us a favor and wear them today... Happy birthday, as well, Hinata."
Hinata turned red as she threw her arms around her father. "Thank you, Oto-san." She whispered.
Hayashi smiled in return and cradled her back. He couldn't remember the last time being this close to her own daughter but it doesn't mean that he wasnt being a good father to them.

After breakfast, the blue haired kunoichi returned to her room to take a shower and change in her mother's old clothing. Even though time has passed, it seems like this dress has been taken care off very well. It's like she can smell her mother all over again.
She was first hesitant exhibiting such for she barely wore anything other than her usual bulky outfit composed of her purple jacket and pants, and the usual garb being worn inside the compound by the clan members. But after putting on the last piece of decoration: the Hyuga necklace, she began making her way to the Yakiniku Q gleefully.

"Nii-san! Wait up." She called out before turning towards the gate.
Neji turned around to see his cousin catching up to him. "Yes, Lady Hinata."
"Arent you going to the Yakiniku as well? I was thinking of tagging along with you since we're going to the same place."
"I-I... Unfortunately, no, I still have some business to take care off in the Jounin's standby before I meet up with the rest. You should head first. I'll follow." He shrugged.
"Oh. I see."
"I'm sorry, but I'm sure to follow I need to take care of the emergency meeting for a second, Lady Hinata."
"No. It's okay." Hinata beamed. "I'll see you later, then." She began making her way as he watched her leave.
"I don't feel so good about this." He muttered to himself out of earshot. Letting out a sigh, he departed his ways as well.


Instead of heading towards the Jounin's HQ as told, Neji made his way to the Yamanaka Flower Shop where he would meet up with the others. Avoiding being seen by his cousin, he took the other route around and walked with extreme caution. If ever he's caught lying, the plan would be spoiled... A plan set up by no other than Sakura herself.

Upon reaching the shop, Konoha 11 seems to be in complete attendance. Everyone with an exception of Hinata and a certain knuckle-head blonde.
"So, since we're all here, let's all make sure we're not being followed." Sakura calls out. "Specially you, Neji."
"I was not... And before we start, let's make it clear that I'm not comfortable about this idea. I'm not in love with the idea of lying to Lady Hinata or anything that would hurt her, so this better be worth it."
Ten-ten rolled her eyes. "Oh come on, Neji. It's just a ditch date, what's the worst that can happen?"
"Uh-huh. She's right. This is nothing more than a ditch date and besides, we'll still be joining them at the end of the day. If we get caught, I'll take the blame and explain everything to them. I just want to give Hinata the best birthday ever... She deserves it, after all. After going through such mess with Pain, I can't think of anyone else who's more compatible with Naruto. And that damn block-head needs to see that, too." said Sakura.
"Oh! I couldn't agree more." Ino cheered.
"Is that all the reason to this? You don't intend to hurt either of them?"
"What?! Ofcourse, not. I never dreamed of any of that to happen, Neji. I guess I just want to thank Hinata for being there for that moron. What more, for risking her life for him."
Neji shrugged.
This time, it was Shikamaru's turn to speak. "I don't see the harm of this. I mean, Hinata likes Naruto, right? And Naruto's a dense idiot who doesn't really mind Hinata's presence. Besides, if we tell him that it's for her birthday then I don't think Naruto's the type to disagree. And if ever Hinata gets mad at us, all Sakura has to do is explain it clearly for her to understand that it was only for good intentions. I'm not saying it's fool-proof, but I don't think either of them can hold grudges against their own friends." He let out a yawned. "So... can I go back to bed now? This is way too troublesome for a birthday, even if it's Hinata's."

"Yes, Shikamaru-san is right, dear friends!" Lee barked, clearly ignoring his last comment. "Nothing is better than a blossoming bud of romance so we must try very hard for Hinata-san's birthday! Everything must go according to plan!"
"How about Kiba and Shino?" Neji inquired.
"Well, Hinata has been always head over heels for Naruto. So as long as she wont faint, the plan would be okay for me, right, Akamaru?"
The ninja dog barked in agreement.
"Shino?"
"Shikamaru and Kiba is right. And if we find some trouble along the way, stopping wont be a problem."

The Hyuga was quiet for a while, weighing his options as everyone waited in anticipation.
"Alright. But once Lady Hinata becomes hesitant, we stop."
"Then it's settled! Let the plan commence!" Sakura gleefully declared.


A few blocks away stood Konoha's very own Yakiniku Q restaurant. Hinata glided through the crowd with such ease as she made her way to the said gathering. Every villager seems to be in a good mood this morning. How can they not be? The sun shines down and the sky is clear. Smiles drawn on their faces as they do their own businesses; others shop, some sell, the children play and numbers are simply moving their way out of the busy street just like herself.

As soon as she reached the restaurant stall, Hinata gathered her guts before going in. 'Here comes another gush of attention.' She thought to herself. Even the idea of Naruto laying his eyes on her caused her cheeks to heat abnormally.
'No. I musnt faint anymore. It's too embarassing.'
Collecting herself, she pushed the door aside and let herself in.

Much to the lass' surprise, the stand is rather empty except for a couple of people dining on the far end of the room. No signs of Kiba or Shino, or anyone from her batch in sight.
"Miss? Is there anything I can help you with?"
She turned to see a middle-aged man who seems like a worker of this place by the way he is dressed.
"Ano... uhm... A group reservation by Hinata Hyuga?"
The man reached for his back pocket and pulled out a small notepad. He began scanning for her request.
"Oh! Miss, it says here that your booked reservation isn't valid until tonight at 8. I'm sorry, but you'll have to come back later."
"W-what? Are you sure, Jii-san? I've been told it's this morning."
"Well, ma'am, I'm pretty sure it's-"
The door from behind suddenly opened as another costumer slipped in. Both of their heads turned to look but instead of anticipating a stranger's face, Hinata suddenly found Naruto standing by the entry way.
"Oh. Hey, Hinata." He beamed. "O-oh. Wait." The jinchuuriki's eyes are suddenly glued to her. Something's different with her, but he cant put his hands around it. He scrambled his head up side down to search until it finally hit him... She's wearing a dress.
He scanned her from head to toe as the Hyuga can feel nothing more than the intense heat on her cheeks and her heart going overdrive.

The blonde cant help but to notice that the dress really does suit her well. Her curves are flaunted well and she actually looked more feminine than usual. After realizing where his thoughts are going, he quickly dismissed them.
'Damn it! Pervy sage's thinking is rubbing off on me!' He shook his head. It's obvious that Hinata has one of the most slender built among the girls in the village, but he knows well that this is no way to treat her.
Before having a chance to explain his rude staring, the girl started to slip consciousness as she stumbled on her feet.
"A-Ah! Hinata!" He rushed to her side and caught her before she falls head first.

To the Hyuga, it seems like an eternity to wake up. She can hear the sound of his voice, a sign of beginning to return to reality. Shuffling her brain, she searched hard what have happened before she fainted.
'Oh. Not that again.' The scenes she remembered didn't convince her one bit.
'Why? Just, why?' She began questioning herself. 'Why am I still so weak when it comes to him?'

The lass felt her heart slowly sink. All those hard work to keep up with him, yet he never really got the chance to see them. She may have turned sixteen today, but in his eyes, she's still the same kid who always chased after him secretly... The one who never got the opportunity to catch up. A tear threatened to escape her eye, but a familiar voice dismissed the sudden action.
"If you want something, fight for it!" Her father's voice echoed from one of their spar. "How can you find happiness if you simply hide in the shadows?"
Surreal images flashed before her eyes...
A certain girl was walking with him as they did nothing but laugh and smile, enjoying each other's company. When his friend betrayed their village, she was there to support him. To comfort him. She was a person he can lean on when his master died. She was there for him when the world shunned him out. She was his best-friend. His confidant. His fan. While he was her inspiration. Her dreams. Her love.

A lump started to form in her throat. She knows well her father is right. But the question is, does she have the guts?

Her eye lids fluttered back to reality.

The Uzumaki was busy chatting to one of the restaurant's employee. She laid her eyes on him, and only him. Butterflies began flooding her stomach once again.
"Naruto-kun... I was always watching your back... Secretly supporting you every step of the way... But I want to make a change. Now, I want to actually be there with you- by your side. I want to finally catch up on you. You were my strength and weakness at the same time. Please, hear me out."
"Oh. Looks like your girlfriend is awake." The old man noted, pointing a his index finger at Hinata.
The blonde turned to look at her, then flashed a grin.
"Good to see you finally awake. How are you?" He moved his way towards her, something that caught the Hyuga off-guard. She closed her eyes and focused on not falling out of consciousness. Taking a deep breath, she slowly sneaked back to reality, careful not to look into his cerulean eyes.
"I-I'm okay, Naruto-kun."
"Old man right here has been kind enough to let us stay while you were asleep. Although this place is getting more and more crowded by the minute. Bet he wants us to get out immediately once you're awake."
The employee laughed sheepishly.
Hinata nodded. "I u-understand." She got up and dusted her dress. "T-thank you very much for your kindness." She smiled whole-heartedly at him.
"I'm sorry I had to ask you two to go early but more costumers with their own reservations are waiting. Still, I hope to see you two tonight."
"You got it, Old man! You'll surely see us later." The jinchuuriki gave him a thumbs up while the lass bowed out of courteousness. "Thank you, again."

"So it seems like we got the wrong information." He sighed as both of them met the outdoor. "He even showed me the booking. The reservation was tonight, after all."
'I dont mind at all, Naruto-kun.' She thought.
"Ah, well. See you later, then?" He smiled at her before turning to walk away.
Hinata can feel him slip once again. 'Why are you so close, yet so far?'
She watched him go but her body began acting on its own. Finally, she found her hand tugging his track suit ever so lightly.

The blonde stopped dead on his tracks. And for a moment, both of them held their breaths.

After realizing what her instincts have done, the Hyuga let out a gasp and quickly pulled her hand off him in embarrassment.
He turned around and saw her fiddling with her fingers, hiding her face from him.
"C-c-can you stay a l-little longer?" She asked, still avoiding to meet his eyes.
"S-sure." He nodded vacuously.

"Where do you want to go?" The orange shinobi asked as they strode their way around town.
"Uh-uhmmm." She began fiddling with her fingers once again as a sign of nervousness.
"A-anywhere i-is fine with y-you, N-Naruto-kun." She whispered rather more subtlety, causing the blonde to barely hear her.
"Hmm? What did you say?"
"Ah! I-I said a-anywhere you w-want, N-Naruto-kun!" She waved her hands in front of her defensively.
The jinchuuriki squinted at her, as if hoping to find bits of clues but she turned her head away ere he can even look at her.
"Well then... I have an idea." He sneered as he lead the way...

"Icha-icha ramen?" She asked in her soft, melodious voice as both stood infront the restaurant.
Naruto scratched the back of his head self-consciously. "Sorry. I haven't taken any breakfast, really. I dont even get out of bed before 10 am when I'm not on a mission or anything." He grimaced. "Unless you're not feeling any ramen, then maybe we can try-"
"N-no." Hinata shook her head vigorously. "I mean, r-ramen is fine."
His face immediately lit up as he heard the words like music.
"Really? That's great!" He chortled. "Dont worry, Hinata. I'll treat you a bowl."
She looked down, blushing beet red as he made his way into Icha Icha.

Following from behind, Hinata began to notice how lively Naruto is being when it comes to his favorite ramen. Her heart pounded abnormally by only seeing him happy. And whilst wearing a smile, she sat on the empty seat next to him as he started making his order.

After Teuchi placing their bowls, the two started digging in their respective meals.
The blue haired kunoichi wasnt really paying attention on her noodles for she was busy watching him feed joyfully on his favorite grub in the corner of her eye. A sane person would have probably been weirded out by the boy's unnatural speed and habits in eating ramen but she certainly didnt mind. He was happy, and that's all that matters to her.
"Old man's miso pork is always the best." He told her with his mouth full while he's half-way on his third bowl.

The Hyuga's ears suddenly perked up. Didnt she just order the same thing as what he did? She turned her focus back on her bowl. It was barely touched...

"H-here you go." She murmured.
Naruto looked up and saw her placing pieces of porks on his current bowl.
"Hmm? Arent you gonna eat those?"
She hid her scarlet face. "N-no. I-I'm okay. I-I like it b-better when I see you eat them b-blissfully."
"Wow. Hinata..."

Without either of them noticing, the man who sat beside her quickly stood up from his bar recklessly. He accidentally bumped against her, making her spill her bowl on the counter.
"What the-!" Naruto promptly stood in alarm.

The stranger didn't even bother to look back as he sprinted through the thick crowd.
The blonde looked down and saw Hinata holding her right hand gently with the other.
"Hinata, are you okay?"
"Y-yes." She lied.
He leaned down and took her fragile hand. Three of her fingers are burning red due to the spilled hot ramen.
"That jerk." He said through his gritted teeth. "Does it hurt?"
She shook her head. "P-please dont worry yourself, N-Naru-"
He inclined. Softly pulling her hand close to his lips, he blowed tenderly on the burnt fingers.

She can feel every ounce of her blood rush up to her head, her heart hammering and it took every inch of her being not to faint right there, right now.
"There. I cooled it down. All better." He grinned sheepishly but she can barely move as she was frozen in place.
"Eh? Hinata?"

Shifting closer to her, he poked her cheek mildly in confusion. She spryly reacted to the touch, making her shiver and tremble. Naruto's alarm were set off. Why is she trembling? Was it his fault? Is it because of fear? Unable to contain himself, he placed both of his palm on her shoulder and began to shake her. "Hey! Hinata!"
The kunoichi, on the other hand, is having a war with her own self. She didn't want to faint... not again in front of him, so she fought the will with all she've got-which caused her to tremble.
"Hinata! Hinata? What's happening?" He continued to shake her out of wary. Faint sound of his voice caused her to return to reality as his voice sounded more and more prudent. Finally, much to his relief, her whole body became rigid.
"Are you really okay?"
"Y-yes."
The blonde let out a sigh in exasperation and sloped down on his seat.
"I-I'm s-sorry." She mumbled, her head still hanging in embarrassment. "I'm s-so sorry I worried you, Naruto-kun."
"Err... Dont be. It's not your fault or anything. And stop saying sorry... There's nothing you should be sorry about, is there?"
"O-okay... S-sorry."
He turned to watch her for a moment but she's still cautious as always upon looking up, heedful not to gaze into his cerulean eyes.


Under the confine shadows of an alley, the man who rudely bumped against Hinata moments ago weaved a hand sign. Poof of clouds shrouded his body until it was invisible.
"Good job!" A voice called out from behind.
The puffs of smoke have finally cleared and it revealed Choji Akimichi.
"I cant believe I just left half of my ramen." He grumbled.
"Eh. Dont worry, Choji. You can eat all the grub you can tonight. All thanks to Neji." Ino stated which abruptly sent chills down Neji's spine.
"This better be worth it." The Akimichi nodded smugly at him.
"Oh. Which reminds me... Hinata's dress is really perfect!" Ino squealed. "Where did you find it?" She turned to Sakura, thinking it was also a part of her plan but she shrugged in return.
"It's an heirloom from her mother." Neji noted. "A somewhat special dress of hers. Hiashi-sama wanted her to have it, and wear it for the day."
The platinum blonde gasped in amazement. "Woah. It's beautiful! Hinata can really flaunt it! And the color- oh! It complements her-"

"Hey! Shush! They're on the move." Sakura pointed a finger at the two who seems to be relocating as they waved Teuchi goodbye.
"I wonder where they're going next..." Tenten muttered.
"I think I have an idea." The pinkette slipped out a giggle.