Everyone was there, which was rare nowadays for them. They were all in their twenties, but such ages allowed them to take on more power and many more responsibilities. Especially the new Hyuuga clan head, Hyuuga Hinata. Perhaps when they were still in the Academy and even genin they wondered how the bashful girl was going to end up leading one of Konoha's most noble and prominent clans. As years went by though, she proved herself and anyone who still had any doubt in their minds learned to either accept it or question it silently. Her friends often viewed the change as overnight and wondered as to what triggered such a conversion, but instead of interrogating her about the cause they let her be and praised the effect. In the end, Hinata still remained to be the caring and honest girl they met when they were kids on the inside and that was all that mattered to them.

Sasuke watched Hinata as she gracefully took a drink from her chilled glass filled with an opaque, sweet saké while she listened intently to her cousin who sat beside her, Hyuuga Neji. The well known prodigy was pouring his own saké into his glass, different from Hinata's, while shaking his head. Sasuke couldn't overhear what they were discussing, but it didn't matter much to him. He looked at Neji's pale forehead that stopped being covered by a headband some time ago and was finally beginning to blend in with the rest of his skin. Sasuke didn't know too much of the matter aside from the basics that anyone outside the Hyuuga clan knew, but Hinata made it her first task as clan head to disband the Main and Branch families. This allowed the Hyuuga to finally live as one. It was no easy task, but when it finally came to be Neji was the first to have his curse mark removed by the Hyuuga Elders. That simple, yet meaningful, task was often considered as another step forward to a permanent peaceful age after the war.

Although Neji's headband was no longer on his forehead, he wore it proudly around his left arm to which Tenten was clinging onto. She was all smiles trying to integrate herself into the conversation between the Hyuugas. She still allowed two Chinese buns to be considered her signature look, but from time to time she would cave in to Neji's protests and let her hair flow freely. She looked like an entirely new person. Sasuke always thought Tenten was a girl that never stood out too much, but whenever he saw her with her hair down he praised her silently. From all the girls in their group, Tenten was the right match for Neji. Although Tenten could be rambunctious from time to time, it was good for Neji. He needed something to contradict his silent and stiff Hyuuga lifestyle.

Next to her was Lee who was partaking in a conversation with Kiba and Shino. Lee and Shino both decided against drinking saké like the rest of the group. They were content with the plate of nigiri and sashimi before them while Kiba drank their share of saké. Next to them was then Chōji who was pushing finished plates away from him while looking over the menu for the fourth time, completely unaware of his surroundings. Chōji's longtime best friend, Shikamaru, sat beside him with a bored looked right up until the newest addition to the group finally joined. Temari of the Sand was spending more and more time around Konoha escorted by Shikamaru, but was able to form a friendship with Hinata and Tenten. Temari had nothing against Sakura and Ino, but even the skilled Sand kunoichi could only tolerate their personalities for so long. Sasuke also thought Temari to be about average when it came to her looks, but her fighting and strategic capabilities were anything, but average. Again, Shikamaru and Temari were another well suited pair.

When Temari did arrive everyone greeted her, but Sakura and Ino started up some small talk with her before going back to their own conversation. Sasuke wished he wasn't so nearby to be able to hear their gossiping, but at least Sai was between the girls and him. Sai didn't bother talking much, but took to doing the same thing Sasuke was doing; watching everyone. Every so often he would take a small drink of saké from his glass, but left most of it to Ino. Sasuke leaned a little forward to get a better look of Sai and Ino together, but quickly leaned back when Sakura had caught his eye. A pale blush appeared on the bridge of her nose, but he ignored it. He wished Ino could've relayed the message to Sakura about moving on. He remembered the petty rivalry between the two girls all because of him. He looked back at Sai and noticed faint similarities between each other. He often thought Ino chose to be with Sai simply because there was a resemblance between the two, but perhaps it was true love. Either way, he was glad Ino left him alone.

There was a time Sasuke was interested in getting to know his pink haired teammate, but ended up regretting it. He took up to hanging around her after they would return from missions and agreeing to grab a bite together whenever she asked, but too quickly Sakura told Ino about it. Ino wasn't one to just keep her mouth shut when it came to gossip of who would be together that in a matter of weeks most people thought Sasuke and Sakura were together. It irritated Sasuke mainly because his privacy had been intruded and also there had something he felt for his teammate, but Sakura squashed that, making Sasuke realize a few things. When Sasuke had tried to get to know her better, he realized she never attempted to learn more about him. It wasn't like he was a closed book wrapped in chains without end and the key was gone, but the medic nin never even bothered to ask. He saw that Sakura liked the idea of Sasuke, the idea of being with an Uchiha. He was the only Uchiha that was near her age and well known among the village. Sasuke didn't want that. Even though he was not interested in getting serious any time soon, the reality of it did bother him to an extent. Sasuke figured one day he would marry, but he didn't want to settle for just having a mate. He didn't want to be with someone that wanted to bear the Uchiha crest just for show. The Uchiha crest was important to every single Uchiha member and Sasuke would be damned if he married someone that didn't realize its worth. He wanted a genuine partner. He wanted something along the lines of Neji and Tenten and Shikamaru and Temari. Hell even Sai and Ino.

He didn't resent Sakura for that, though. She simply wasn't what he wanted and he couldn't hate her for being who she was. Sasuke still thought of Sakura as a close and dear friend. There would be times when she could actually put her feelings aside to aide Sasuke if necessary, but he wished it wasn't only for missions or in serious situations.

Sometimes when his thoughts got the better of him, he wondered if there even was a girl like that for him. It could easily be seen that Tenten looked at Neji for more than the fact that she was going to be a Hyuuga in a few months. The Hyuugas were known, well off, accomplished, the epitome of grace, and so much more yet Tenten simply saw Neji. Not Hyuuga Neji. He let out a defeated sigh that nobody noticed except Sai, but he was too busy scrutinizing Sakura without realizing it was agitating her. If Ino hadn't been in between them Sai would've probably ended up like the many times Naruto has for annoying Sakura.

Sasuke didn't mind Sai. In fact, he found the pale guy to be rather interesting. He didn't know anything about him other than that for the most of his life he was under direct orders of Shimura Danzō, who formed Root, and now he was an ANBU under direct orders of the Sixth Hokage, Hatake Kakashi. Sasuke often forgot about his fourth team member since he blended too well into the background while they went out on missions, but he got use to him and often was behind whatever ideas Sasuke had. He had also recently learned Sai had been one of the few who vouched on his behalf regarding his recruitment into the ANBU. He stared at Sai who was smiling at nothing and wondered why he had done that. They weren't on bad terms or good terms. Just terms.

"Yes, Sasuke?" Sai spoke quietly and turned his head to face Sasuke, slowly opening his eyes. Just as much Sasuke found him interesting, he also found him odd.

Sasuke shook his head, dismissing Sai and turned his attention to the porcelain saké carafe in front of him. He poured himself some hot saké into his porcelain saké glass before taking a quick drink. He let out a huff as he placed his elbow on the table, holding his chin in his hand.

"Are you not enjoying yourself, Sasuke?" Again it was Sai and his whole attention was now on him.

"I have to b-" Sasuke was interrupted by an arm landing across the back his shoulders, jerking his body towards theirs. Sasuke didn't even have to look up to know who it was.

"Oi! Sasuke! Don't be such a buzzkill. We rarely all get to be together!" Naruto's voice ricocheted throughout Sasuke's head annoyingly that he rubbed his temples for a quick second before pulling his arm off. Naruto had actually grabbed Sasuke's arm where he had just gotten his ANBU tattoo and it was still sensitive. He lifted his shirt sleeve to let it air out and there were a few "ooh" from the outspoken ones in the group before the whole table let out a small laugh.

"We should make a toast for Sasuke's new position!" Hinata perked up as she grabbed one of the more fuller bottles of saké and stood up to serve everyone for the sake of her proposition. When she got to Sasuke she brought a new glass to pour him his share. She rested her now empty hand on his shoulder, giving him a small squeeze.

"Make everyone proud, eh, Sasuke." She smiled sweetly, her head tilted to the side to catch his eye. Some of her hair landed over Sai, but he didn't seem to be bothered by it.

"Sai definitely did help." Sasuke laughed quietly moving some of Hinata's hair off Sai. Sai looked genuinely surprised at Sasuke's statement, but smiled one of his real smiles. Hinata realized her hair was covering Sai and took a step back away from the pair, a quiet giggle escaping her lips.

"Apologies, Sai." Hinata said before heading back to her seat, pouring her own share of saké.

"No worries, Hinata-sama," Sai gave his smile to Hinata before turning his attention back to Sasuke. "Who told you?" He tilted his head inquisitively while Hinata gave a quick wave of her hand dismissing the formal reply, but held her tongue so she wouldn't disrupt the conversation between Sasuke and Sai. Aside from Shino's normal silence, she knew Sasuke and Sai barely attempted to speak much to anyone. She was happy they could at least talk to each other.

"Kaka-"

Except more often than not, others didn't see what she saw from time to time.

"For Sasuke!" Again Sasuke was interrupted by the same person, but instead of protesting he lifted his glass as Naruto had done. Everyone else soon followed example while all their eyes were on him. Sasuke had grown up with attention all around him since he was born. He hoped in leaving Sai a little longer in the limelight, but as always, it wasn't the case.

"For Sasuke!" Everyone belted out before the clinking of saké glasses overpowered their voices. Sasuke drank his saké quick, the cool and sweet alcohol leaving a refreshing taste in his throat, before getting up.

"You're leaving already, Sasuke-kun?" He's told her often to stop adding "kun" to his name whenever she addressed him, but it always went in one ear and out the other. He gave her a small smile, but nodded firmly.

"Ki wo tsukete, Sasuke." Hinata called out warmly with a small wave. He straightened his clothes out and returned her wave.

"Mata ashita, newbie." Neji called out besides Hinata with his eyes closed and his hands resting inside his sleeves, on his lap. Sasuke gave Neji more of a stiff smile and curt wave as if he could see him. Besides Sai and himself, Neji was also apart of the ANBU. He had been recruited before the war had came to be, but he wasn't as active as he use to be once Hinata became clan head.

"Jaa ne, minna." Sasuke spoke as his eyes tried to connect with everyone present before turning around, but stopping when he came face to face with their waiter. He saw the waiter had in his hands the checkbook and was headed to see Hinata. "Since I know she won't let me take the whole tab to myself please place half on the Uchiha account. I will meet you out there to leave you your tip as well." Sasuke spoke quietly before giving one last wave without turning back around to see them. He left the private room they had occupied for the last few hours time.

Hinata nearly missed the brief exchange between Sasuke and the waiter, but waited until the man approached her with the bill.

"Hinata-sama," the waiter breathed out huskily. He bowed before placing the black book beside her. She curled out her pointer finger and curled it back in, beckoning for the man to come closer.

"Please tell me what Uchiha told you." Hinata spoke quietly not wanting to draw any attention. Every time everyone was able to come out together with everyone she enjoyed taking the responsibility of the bill. She was aware some of her friends were doing well financially while others weren't. She didn't want that kind of burden to stop them from enjoying their nights out.

"He's asked me to put half of the tab on the Uchiha account, Hinata-sama." The waiter spoke without hesitation. He's taken care of both Hinata's family and friends many of times. He didn't know if the young woman took care of him so well because he exceeded her expectations or simply because she was kind. Whatever her reasoning, he couldn't lie to her when she has allowed him to live such a leisurely life.

Hinata nodded and got up, placing her hand on Neji's shoulder and then walked out with the waiter trailing behind her. Whenever Neji was ready to call it a night, he always closed his eyes and sat quietly. He rested his arms inside the long sleeves he had. When he came to looking that way, Neji reminded her of her father. Although Hinata did improve her strength and so much about herself, she wouldn't have minded passing on her position to Neji. The Hyuuga Elders, of course, would object and not allow such a thing, but no matter how much Hinata improved Neji had a natural touch for being a Hyuuga.

Sasuke waited near the door for the waiter to return, but the man was taking longer than he thought he would. It was getting late and he needed to be up early in the morning to continue his ANBU training. He was about to head back when he saw Hinata coming into view and he groaned. He should've known the waiter's loyalty rested with her. Sasuke forgot that the waiter was the usual person to attend to the group whenever they came by.

"Sasuke," Hinata began once she was a few feet from him. "There's no need for you to take any of it. I always take care of it." She smiled as she crossed her arms loosely over her chest. She wore a casual lilac kimono that was loose fitted, but rested upon her matured body very well. The dress was peppered with an assortment of different flowers that all somehow fit together. The flowers ranged from Scabious honeysuckles, to Phlox flowers, and Wolf's bane. Each individual flower was hand-sewn all over her dress. Hinata always did manage to look like the princess she was destined to be.

"Well if I'm being honest, it's not me taking it." Sasuke grinned as he tried to hide his awe of Hinata. He thought the secondary color (and the colors that branched from it) always did suit her well and no other color would have been able to do as much justice. When Naruto had told Sasuke about pursuing Hinata he couldn't understand what had taken the dobe so long. Hinata had always been a sight that should not have been taken lightly and he's always thought about it that way even when they were kids. However, people often overlooked her strengths as a child and focused more on her flaws, but Sasuke did not and could not. Hinata had become his first friend as a child that simply treated him as another child rather than treat him as Uchiha Sasuke. For that reason alone Sasuke wouldn't have a problem admitting to anyone that he cared for her the most out of all his friends.

Hinata simply smiled at his sarcastic remark and stepped forward to embrace him. She gave him a tight squeeze and pulled away before Sasuke could react.

"I've missed you. I'll be seeing less of you with your new position so I'm glad you did decide to join everyone tonight." Her arms returned to be crossed over her chest, but her smile stood. "If you do happen to have some spare time I would enjoy your company within my home. You could join my family and I for dinner so neither has to worry who's paying." Hinata chuckled and then told the waiter who was still behind her to grab her purse. He returned quickly and she reached inside of it to fetch the waiter's tip. "Arigatou gozaimasu, Riku" Hinata whispered as she placed the money in Riku's hand. He bowed deeply and quickly turned to leave.

"Um, I have my share as well." Sasuke called out awkwardly since Riku knew whatever he was going to leave was not as gracious as Hinata. Still he returned and bowed to Sasuke before leaving the two. "I will try to make it happen, Hinata. I'll eat anything so don't worry with extra preparations." Sasuke said returning to the original conversation.

"Hinata-chan!"A voice that could easily be put a face to filled the room and the group started appearing one by one until they were all near the entrance ready to leave. "Neji said I could walk you home if you allowed me to!" Hinata turned to face Naruto who always had his own ray of sunshine following him everywhere, no matter what dark alley he ever found himself in. She couldn't help, but grin while a pale blush crept its way onto her cheeks.

"I would like that, Naruto." She spoke happily and gave a wave to Neji and Tenten who smirked with no shame. Hinata viewed a lot of her old behavior to be childish and tried her best to distance herself from it. Although it was no longer Naruto-kun her feelings had not changed. She was glad Naruto wasn't too aware of the change.

Everyone gave their final farewells only leaving Hinata, Sasuke, Naruto, and Sakura behind. Hinata and Naruto had already been set to leave together so Sakura hoped that in the given situation Sasuke would offer. She was badly mistaken. Sasuke simply mumbled to Hinata about letting her know when he was available and left without a glance to Sakura. Hinata and Naruto had not been aware to the awkward atmosphere that was present because they started walking out together too oblivious to the moping Sakura.

"Naruto.." They both stopped and turned to look back at her while she quickly composed herself and pretended as though everything was fine. "Could you walk me home, as well?"

"Uh.. sure?" Naruto was never one to hide his emotions no matter the situation so his confusion was very evident. Hinata only smiled at him and then signaled for Sakura to join. Hinata made sure not to show any sadness towards Sakura because she knew her position all too well. She was glad she could be there for her while Sasuke figured out what he wanted. Naruto had come around for her so she figured Sasuke might soon as well.

The trio arrived to the Hyuuga estate and bid their farewells. Naruto watched as Hinata was greeted by a sleepy Neji and then disappeared behind the gates. Naruto sighed happily as he turned on his heel, his hands on the back of his head and elbows propped up.

"Naruto," Sakura spoke up dragging Naruto out of his daze. "Do you think you'll end up marrying Hinata?" The question took Naruto by surprise making him drop his hands and give a look to Sakura wondering what exactly she wanted to know.

"Hinata is special to me in her own way, but I would rather not get ahead of myself." Naruto had known Hinata since they were kids, but it hadn't been until recently that he actually spoke to her on a more intimate level. Even if he had wanted to get to know her better back then it wouldn't have been possible with Hinata's stuttering and sudden fainting. He had really enjoyed spending his time with her. The changes she made with herself made her a whole new person. A person Naruto wanted to get to know. The thing was Hinata wasn't the only person he wanted to get to know. There was so much to choose from he didn't want to rush into any sort of serious commitment.

"You're probably the closest person to Sasuke-kun so I wanted to know if you could at least give me hints regarding his feelings for me?" Sakura only asked Naruto the marriage question in hopes that maybe it would be something similar as to how Sasuke felt. She remembered fondly Sasuke coming to her and wanting to be around her, but then suddenly it all abruptly stopped. She thought she was finally getting somewhere with him. Ino made her believe that she would end up with Sasuke, but he was in his own world. It was going to take some time, but her patience was wearing thin and slowly making her paranoid.

Who else could Sasuke be interested in? Sakura thought as she tried to remember the last time Sasuke approached a girl out of free will.

"Sakura.. hadn't Sasuke told you there will only be friendship between the two of you?" Naruto didn't want to hurt her, but he was only doing what Sakura had done to him regarding his feelings for her. She made it very clear that he needed to forget about whatever he felt for her because it was never going to be mutual. It stung, yes, but it helped. He couldn't be the middle man for something as delicate as this. It wasn't his business.

Naruto was beginning to recall Sasuke telling him awhile ago about wanting to try it out just for the hell of it, but he never brought the subject up again. Naruto was only left to assume he never went through with it or he did it, but it only made it to be written in stone that Sasuke and Sakura were only meant for friendship. Sasuke wasn't missing out on anything by not going through with it so he figured Sasuke crushed whatever feelings he was dealing with and left the matter alone. Naruto wasn't sure what Sasuke was into, but he knew he had to be into something.

"You should just talk to Sasuke about it like adults and stop tormenting yourself." Naruto wasn't the one for advice either. "I have to get going Sakura. You're not far from here, right?" The thing was Naruto knew very well they made little progress after Hinata left. He wouldn't have minded taking her all the way to her front door, but she brought up a topic he couldn't deal with. He wasn't jealous. All of that died years ago. What bothered him about her bringing up Sasuke is he could see himself in Sakura. Sakura was looking for hope in Naruto and he just couldn't pretend anymore that everything she did for him wasn't in vain. Sasuke noticed. Everyone noticed. Sasuke just pretended not to, hoping she would finally stop, but it only made her become more persistent.

"I'll catch you around, alright?" He tried giving Sakura his most sincere smile, but it wouldn't budge. He waved goodbye and quickly left Sakura on her own.

Arigatou gozaimasu : thank you, but more polite than just simply "arigatou"

Mata ashita : see you tomorrow

Ki wo tsukete : take care

anyways, I decided to spend my day yesterday writing and polishing this chapter as much as I could because I'll be busy after today. it's my birthday tomorrow! and I have certain obligations to attend to. so a little earlier than originally decided! after this I will try to update at least once a week. also, I was hoping to make this chapter about three thousand words, but I think I overdid it a little. just for future reference, three thousand should always be my bare minimum.

thanks again, review or pm for questions or curiosities.

val :)