Candles flickered happily against the twilit sky. The Hyuuga compound was bustling with a quiet excitement in preparation for the heir to the clan head's sixth birthday. Branch and Main house members alike were chatting amongst themselves although the Branch members were more open towards the others. I walked off the main path, heading towards the small koi pond located behind the Main house. I sat on a wooden bench, watching the sunset, when I felt a familiar presence behind me.

"Hey, Hinata-chan. Thank you for inviting me to your birthday party." I grinned what Hinata-chan often referred to as my 'fox grin' before returning attention to the sunset and Hinata-chan's steady heartbeat.

"I'm glad that you could attend," Hinata responded, smiling coyly. I glanced away from the dying sun to look towards Hinata-chan. She looked adorable at six, dressed in a smoky purple kimono that offset her eyes. I glanced back at my own attire, simple black pants, a plain white shirt, and a periwinkle tie not unlike the shade of her dress. She motioned once to my tie before laughing. "Did you plan that?"

"Not at all, Hinata-chan."

"I'm sure, Naruto-kun," she chuckled before a boy not much older than us burst out of the trees.

"Ha ha! You can't catch me, Tenten!" He laughed over his shoulder. Seeing us on the bench, the boy blushed furiously as a young girl followed him out of the trees.

"Oh, you're so gonna get it-" She stomped towards the boy before pushing him into the duck pond. She crossed her arms proudly before spotting us and blushing accordingly. "That- that wasn't what it looked like…" Her voice trailed off and I coughed to hide a laugh. Hinata wasn't so subtle, she grinned brightly and gave young Tenten a thumbs up.

Tenten helped the boy out of the water and I only then noticed his gray eyes. The two walked off towards the main path, leaving us alone once more.

"That was Neji? I thought Tenten and Neji didn't know each other until they got put together in the same genin squad?"

"They didn't.

"Then how-?"

"Well, I may have invited a few more people than Father would have liked. But, as you said in the past, or future, he can stuff it," Hinata-chan winked and I once again reminded of how timid and shy she used to be around people, especially me. I hadn't realized I was grinning like an idiot until Hinata's fist came crashing down on my forehead.

"Wha- what was that for? I didn't even do anything?"

"What were you thinking about?"

"Actually, I was thinking about the day I came back with Ero-sennin. Do you remember the first thing you did when you saw me again? I asked for your help?"

"I remember that I fainted like an idiot."

"No you didn't, it was adorable. I was just too stupid to realize it."

"Yeah, between Sakura and Sasuke, I just can't get a break, can I?"

"Well, it's a good thing we're not like that- Wait, what? Sasuke? What about that… Snake!"

"As I remember you've kissed 'that snake' not once but twice."

"God, you weren't even assigned to that mission! Where did you hear about that?"

"Sakura. Sasuke was ranting about you again and she came to vent to me, about you of course." I groaned and held my head in my hands, already more embarrassed than I wanted to be in a single night. Hinata-chan giggled at my expression, increasing in volume as time dragged on- for me at least.

A Branch member soon came to find us and we were forced to end our reminiscing in favor of cake and presents that would only appease children. When the party finally ended, it was almost midnight. I got up to leave but Hinata-chan grabbed my arm and pulled me back into my seat at her left.

"Didn't I tell you? Kakashi was sent on a recon mission. He won't be back for a few days and, in the meantime, you'll be staying with me," she whispered, surprising me.

"But I didn't pack," I muttered back.

" Maybe Sakura was right… You aren't exactly the smartest," Hinata mused while I could feel my face flush. "Oh well, you're cute. But really, think. This is the Hyuuga compound. Think of how many Branch families we have. I'm sure someone has a boy your age with something you could wear. Besides, we can swing by Kakashi's place tomorrow to pick up some of your stuff."

"Good plan," I yawned. "So, where am I sleeping?" Hinata chuckled in a slightly evil way, dark enough to make me regret asking.

"Well Tenten wanted an opportunity to see Neji in makeup, so we're having a sleepover in the Main house. You and Neji will sleep in the living room while Tenten and I get my room down the hall."

"Hina-chan, I know my way around your house, you don't have to explain the layout… I'm not Shikamaru, but I'm not that stupid," I whined, six year old instinct kicking in. Hinata-chan just chuckled and grabbed my wrist, pulling me into the house.