Hey lovely people! I know it feels like FOREVER since I updated this story and I apologize! School happened, and then work happened, and then trying to have a social life happened lol. BUT I did not abandon this story NOR will I. The story's all planned out in my head now & I finally know where it's going. Thanks for all the feedback once again!

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto. Enjoy & feel free to share your thoughts!

...

Both Neji and Hinata slowed their pace as they moved through the hallways of the tower. In retrospect, they had no reason to be walking as rapidly as they were. It drew attention from staff workers and shinobi that filled the building. At this hour of the day, the Hokage head quarters was always active with many groups and individuals completing whatever task they endeavoured to finish. The distance from the Hyuuga palace to the tower had been a blur, yet Hinata managed to convey a placid demeanour despite the worry that brewed beneath.

The scenario that greeted them as she and Neji walked into the Hokage office halted the pounding of her heart. Four pair of eyes in the room turned toward them upon their arrival but Hinata immediately locked contact with the blue hues of Naruto's. A breath of relief left her and the overwhelming flow of emotion nearly brought her to tears, though she managed to control them. Beside him stood Sai and Kiba, who appeared as roughed up as he did. It was apparent they had just returned from their mission. She estimated it had probably not been more than half an hour since they'd been in Konoha.

"Ah, Hinata-chan." Kakashi acknowledged from the seat behind his desk, "you're here sooner than expected."

She dragged her eyes from Naruto's to bow respectfully.

"Hokage-sama. Your messenger said it was urgent so I rushed over." she replied.

Kakashi's lazy eyes squinted as his smiled teasingly, "Hyuuga shinobi are always so eager to receive their missions; like a child waiting for a gift on Christmas day. It puts everyone else to shame. You arrived so quickly that Naruto's team is still in the middle of debriefing me on their mission."

"You're the only person it should put to shame. Not everyone is always as late as you are Kakashi." Naruto pointed out in defence of Hinata. Kiba began to laugh but was cut short when the Hokage glared at him. He quickly replaced it with a cough instead.

An air of humour filled the room.

"You should be more respectful when speaking to me Naruto." Kakashi stated, trying to keep his smile at bay. The blonde shinobi smirked.

"We'll wait outside until you are ready to see her Hokage-sama." Neji finally spoke.

Naruto and Hinata locked eyes briefly before she followed her cousin into the hallway.

It had taken every ounce of self control to keep herself from him. Elation couldn't begin to describe how she felt at the sight of him. All the nights she had lamented over his absence. What she truly wanted to do was run into his arms and hold him. But that would have been inappropriate given the circumstance.

"You're both rather obvious." Neji remarked.

"What do you mean?" She wondered.

"If the Hokage knew nothing about you and Naruto, he certainly does now."

"We didn't say a word to each other…" she remarked with a frown.

Neji gave her an unwavering stare as though to say 'you didn't fool anyone'.

Hinata's cheeks heated. Were they so transparent? Perhaps so. It couldn't be helped.

Around fifteen minutes later, Naruto's team walked into the hallway.

"The Hokage will see you now Hinata-chan. You too Neji." Sai informed as they walked past.

Naruto paused, clearly struggling with the thought of leaving without embracing her. However, the area was busy and she had a mission to receive. He would have to wait.

"I'll see you later." he informed. The ardor Hinata found in his eyes reached every part of her that had missed him and it caused a blush while she nodded soundlessly.

The two groups parted ways after the boys greeted Neji. Seconds later, Hinata found herself in the Hokage office once again, a lot more focused than she had been with Naruto gone.

"Sorry about that. There was a lot more information they provided than I had anticipated." Kakashi drawled.

"No need to apologize." Neji replied, while a familiar person walked into the room to stand beside the seating Hokage.

"Kurenai-sensie!" Hinata called, happy to see her former teacher, who was now Kakashi's high ranked personal advisor.

The red eyed beauty smiled fondly, "You look lovelier every time I see you Hinata."

The heiress looked down in embarrassment.

"You're going to have to learn to take compliments darling." Kurenai teased and then proceeded in a more serious tone to Kakashi, "alright, here is the file on their mission."

The silver haired man opened the file, scanning it briefly and then looked up at the two Hyuuga.

"As you both know, since the Fourth Great Ninja War, all Five Shinobi Nations have formed an allied Treaty to maintain peace. Conserving diplomatic relationships amongst villages not only avoids conflicts but also creates many opportunities to aid each other financially, in methods of protection, and with resources. We've done an incredible job in the reconstruction of Konoha thus far and normal life has resumed its course for everyone, including the civilians. But there's still a lot we plan on doing in terms of infrastructure. Konoha would like to grow in modernity. To obtain more resources of that nature, we want to enter a partnership with Amegakure; the Hidden Rain village, because they are highly industrialized and have the necessary technology. "

Hinata listened careful and absorbed everything that was said. Indeed, Amegakure was practically impenetrable due to its impressive city. It had nearly a fortress, with buildings rising high into the sky.

"You must be wondering where you enter the picture Hinata." Kurenai continued as she held up a photo of a young male who couldn't be much older than the Heiress, "This is Kenji of the Fūma Clan. He has recently taken leadership of Amegakure after the recent retirement of his father. As heir of his clan and leader of his village, Konoha elders and the Hokage have invited him. You're both smart enough to understand that he must have a phenomenal time here because the five-year partnership contract between our village and his depends on his experience in the Leaf," she lowered the picture and held gazes with the raven haired kunoichi, "Kenji is known to enjoy the company of beautiful women. However, now that he is heir of the Fūma clan, he can't be associated with just any type of woman. She has to be of noble blood, like he is. You, Hinata, are the heiress of one of the most prestigious clans in the Fire nation. Therefore, you're the perfect candidate. Your mission will be to entertain Fūma Kenji and make sure he loves his time here so much that he'll be begging to partner with our village."

"He will be staying in one of our most esteemed Inns." Kakashi continued, "Four days from now he will be arriving with a group of servants and guards, I presume. You will welcome him at the Inn. That evening, he will be invited for dinner with the elders, myself and a few other important people. Neji should be present whenever you need him, as a precaution. I initially wasn't going to include him to this mission, but since he accompanied you here, I realized it would be wise to add him."

"Why is that, if you don't mind me asking." Hinata wondered.

"Well, as Kurenai mentioned, he enjoys the company of beautiful women. He has an infamous reputation for it. So he may or may not get carried away around you. Having your cousin with you will make that less likely."

Although Neji's face remained expressionless at this new set of information, Hinata noticed his jaw clench and she knew he was not pleased about Hinata having to deal with the Fūma.

"I can defend myself if it comes down to it." she reassured out loud.

"You misunderstand Hinata. Kenji can not be angered in any way. So fighting him off is not an option. That is why prevention from anything uncomfortable happening is the best and only option. Neji will make sure of that, I'm sure."

Her cousin's nod and the resolve in his eyes confirmed this.

"Good. Now, this mission does not start until the Fūma's arrival, so there's nothing to prepare until then. The day before he is to come, however, you will both be debriefed in detail." Kurenai concluded and both young adults nodded.

"Alright." Kakashi said, his energy changing from serious to his normally relaxed demeanour, "hope you enjoy the ramen Hinata-chan."

She blinked in confusion for a second.

"Isn't that what you'll be eating for dinner every time you go on a date with Naruto?" the Hokage elaborated with a sly smile.

"Um…w-we, I-I mean-" she stuttered, caught off guard. "Y-yes, but I don't mind ramen." Both the silver haired copy-nin and her former sensei laughed at her state of fluster.

Her cousin glanced at her knowingly, amusement warm in his eyes.

...

Neji had left her half way along the way to meet with TenTen, whom he'd had plans with. Although he was difficult to read, she had learned to interpret the subtleties in his behaviour and when it came to the brown eyed female weapon master, it was obvious to Hinata that Neji cherished TenTen. Waving goodbye and taking the opposite pathway, the raven kunoichi found herself standing at the blond jinchuriki's door. It was true she needed to return home, but she couldn't resist stopping at his place, even for a brief time. The memory of her tears the day he'd left was still fresh in her mind.

It was bewildering to Hinata, the number of times she had walked past that very same street over the years, fully aware of his home. So immensely aware of it that she always stared at Naruto's door, as though willing herself to march up and knock on it. To do what exactly? Say hi? Hang out? Confess? She had no idea. The number of times she'd left her home for a walk and ended on that street was also countless. She'd done it multiples times, both unconsciously and consciously and looked up at his apartment window knowing fully well that he was in, either by sensing his chakra or by seeing his shadow as he walked past the blinds. Yet, she hadn't had an ounce of courage to go see him.

Much had changed since then. Today, Hinata stood on the same street, and at his door, fulling intending to knock. However, much to her chagrin, it became apparent that he wasn't in his apartment; her byakugan confirmed this after a glance through the walls.

"Hinata!" a voice belonging to a pink haired medic called from below.

"Sakura!" Hinata answered, waving back.

"I think Naruto's at the ANBU underground site. I saw three masked ninjas leaving the Hokage's, so they must have been heading to ROOT to report the mission as well."

"Oh I see. You're probably right. Sometimes I forget ANBU is a separate organization and doesn't only answer to the Hokage."

Hinata had walked down the steps to stand in front of Sakura.

A mischievous smile graced the pinkette's face, "Soooo, is there a reason why you were at his door?"

Unable to contain her forever blushing cheeks at the topic of Naruto, she shook her head no. The truth is, none of their friends knew as of yet that the two were together; the exception being Sai, who had found them in bed the morning after. However, they had yet to break the news to the group and Hinata preferred to do so in the presence of her favourite blond male.

"I heard from Kiba that he walked you home! What happened?" Sakura pressed on, not having the chance to spend time with Hinata since their group outing three weeks ago. The medic was extremely busy at the hospital and the Hyuuga had barely seen anyone since being buried in clan matters.

"Well, I got home safe and sound." Hinata replied, which wasn't a lie. She'd gotten home safe and sound…the next day…after Naruto had made love to her, amongst other things they'd done. But Hinata decided to leave that information out.

Sakura smiled, "You're going to have to tell him one of these days how you feel. Actually, fuck that. He's going to have to open his eyes and see what he's missing or I'll knock some sense into him with my fist."

"No, don't hurt him!" Hinata protested between giggles and Sakura laughed.

"Anyway, we're actually going out for some Sake at Izakaya's pub tonight. It's sort of an impromptu plan but most of us are in town now that Kiba, Naruto and Sai are back, so this is happening. You should come!"

This was exciting indeed, considering it wasn't often an outing could happen. She genuinely hoped she could go but her mind was on Naruto and the fact she had an early appointment tomorrow morning with her etiquette training teacher.

"I would really like to come but I can't promise anything."

"Okay, in case you decide you can make it, we'll be there by 9pm." Sakura explained. After hugging her, they parted ways and Hinata made her way back to the Hyuuga compound, desperately hoping to see Naruto at some point through out the day.

...

The Onna-Kabuki dance that Hinata was to perform during the annual clan ceremony was a traditional dance that incorporated elegance and grace. There were sultry elements to it aswell that made it flirty and seductive, while still remaining classy. She will be adorned in the most exquisite silken kimono any woman should have the privilege of wearing. The only other attire that could rival this will be on her wedding day.

Although all servants and Hyuuga members never uttered a word about it, everyone knew there was an incredible amount of pressure to execute the dance to perfection. If done just right, it was a dance that could evoke deep emotions. The objective truly, was to move the audience. Indeed, although Hinata was very young, the single most vivid memory she had, was of her mother beguiling the crowd through this dance. The young Hyuuga had been enchanted by her mother's poise and the way her movements eased with fluidity, as though she were water flowing through every curve and crest on a rocky stream. The room had been dead silent and enthralled, except for the simplistic music that followed her mother's body. And she was a beauty, Hinata thought, as her wide childlike eyes drank in the scene and shoved it in the depths of her memory.

"Hinata-chan. Please, put more precision in your finger tips when you glide your hands in the air!" Her etiquette and dance instructor corrected.

The heiress frowned and returned to focus. It seemed, unlike her angel-like mother, Hinata was as majestic as a goat. She couldn't, for the life of her get one single compliment from her trainer, Aiko-san. When she tried to transition one move into another, Aiko would claim it was too disjointed. She would emphasize to Hinata that is wasn't a robot dance. The movements should flow, rather than be broken.

"I'm sorry Aiko-san. I'll try harder to concentrate on the steps."

"That's the problem Hinata-chan. You over analyze every move, every beat, every second. You should be able to dance in such a way that every moment comes naturally to you. Instead of focusing on where exactly your arm is while you spin, you should be focusing on the feeling of your dance. On the music. That's how you'll seduce the crowd."

Her student blinked, "Seduce? My father will be in the room. And the Hyuuga elders. I think being seductive is the last thing I'd want to be."

Aiko laughed, "Oh please. It is a highly respectable dance but I'm sure everyone in that room knows you're not a child anymore. You're a young woman now. And your father will have to accept that. As for the elders, I don't think they're able to notice anything that doesn't involve clan politics. They would be stone faced throughout the whole affair, even if you were naked."

"Aiko-san!" Hinata protested, covering her cheeks in embarrassment, "don't say things like that."

Her instructor rolled her eyes.

"BUT, there will be many commendable bachelors from our clan and from other villages. You do realize how important it is for you to be married to an estimable young man. And these candidates will greatly enjoy your dance if you do it just right. You need to enchant them my dear."

Hinata nodded while burying the dread she felt towards the men her father her no doubt invited to the annual ceremony in hopes of tying his daughter to one of them. A pair of alluring blue eyes came to her mind and she knew she couldn't give Naruto up for anything.

"Alright, enough talk." Aiko decided.

You can do this Hinata, she thought to herself while her attention returned to the dance.

"Get into position; we'll start again from the beginning."

Hinata sat onto the floor with both legs curved to the side. She proceeded to lean forward until her forehead touched the carpet, and her arms stretched past her head to meet at the tips of her finger nails.

"Beautiful!" her instructor exclaimed, "Beautiful! You've finally gotten the starting position right."

Pride crooned in her chest at her first compliment in days. When she heard Aiko humming the melody of the song, the heiress slowly and gracefully rose her back and neck, like a swan lifting its head from the waters.

...

Naruto stepped out the shower; truly grateful. He hadn't showered in over a week since they'd stopped at a village for a night during their mission. Sure, he'd bathed in a couple of streams here and there, but it couldn't compare to the warmth of a shower.

Another aspect he greatly disliked about being away was the fact that there was nothing to do with the thoughts of Hinata that haunted him while on mission with both his friends present at all times.

Oh but he had tried.

It wasn't his fault that he missed her and his most recent memories of the heiress had been rather erotic. So a couple days into the mission, when they'd camped somewhere secure in the forest, he figured he'd quietly release his needs. Sai was on watch up on some tree while it was he and Kiba's turn to catch some sleep.

He had only stroked his hardness a couple of times, trying to ease into his thoughts of Hinata, when he suddenly heard his friend move about loudly from his sleeping bag close by.

"Naruto. Could you fucking not." Kiba said.

The blond paused the movement of his hand.

"I'll be quiet?" he offered apologetically.

"That's not the point! My senses are particularly sensitive man, and I'm clearly aware of what you're doing. So I don't fucking care how quiet you think you're being."

Naruto groaned.

"Sorry man," Kiba snickered, not sounding sorry at all but rather very amused, "looks like you picked up some pervy habits from old man Jiraiya-sensei after all."

"Fuck you." the blond grumbled.

The Inuzuka laughed even louder as Naruto retrieved his hand from his boxers and tried to dream of Hinata instead.

When they had approached the gates of Konoha, he found that his exhaustion had somehow been pushed aside by his yearning to see his lavender eyed beauty.

Naruto was filthy; covered in dirt, blood and sweat but all of it was forgotten at once. At the Hokage office, his impatience was running steep while they detailed their reports to Kakashi. Many turn of events had taken place during the mission, included a spontaneous trap attack by rogue ninjas on their way back home. They had taken down the men fairly easily during the encounter however.

As Sai mentioned this to Kakashi, Naruto sensed Hinata a full minute before she walked into the room. Someone else was with her.

Neji, he realized, turning his attention toward the door just as the two Hyuuga walked in.

They locked eyes instantly and it seemed to Naruto that Hinata looked stunned at the sight of him, though she quickly recovered and turned her attention to Kakashi. Although the blond knew his former sensei had said something to Hinata and she was responding, he was so fixated on her that he only caught a part of the conversation; to which he said,

"You're the only person it should put to shame. Not everyone is always as late as you are Kakashi."

Beside Naruto, Kiba began to laugh but abruptly started coughing to cover up.

"You should be more respectful when speaking to me Naruto." Kakashi stated, although there was no real reprimand in his voice. The blond shinobi smirked.

"We'll wait outside until you are ready to see her Hokage-sama." Neji's voice drew Naruto's attention. Before they left the room however, Naruto couldn't help lingering his gaze after Hinata, who briefly returned one.

"Sai, you may continue." Kakashi resumed with the report and whatever little patience Naruto had from earlier altogether evaporated. His mind was centered at the wall that separated him from Hinata.

After about fifteen agonizing minutes of sharing his part of the report, they were in the hallway.

And there she was; stunning.

Was it his imagination or had she gotten more beautiful, he wondered, as the reality of her presence hit him.

His heart ached painfully for her but all he could really say given the circumstance was, "I'll see you later."

She blushed prettily for him with a nod. And he couldn't wait to make those cheeks flush a deeper shade when they're alone.

Reluctantly, he followed his team to the ANBU underground site for a final report.

...

The moon was huge and magnificent above the Hyuuga estate while the stars radiated lightyears away. Tiny from where the heiress stood in the garden; nevertheless beautiful.

Not long after the dance practice, Hinata had enjoyed a much needed shower which lasted long enough for the already setting sun to disappear by the time she had stepped out. Now, in the most secluded garden of the residence, she walked comfortably in the shadows of the trees, pondering how she could sneak out to see Naruto.

A quiet crack caught her sharp ears in the darkness of the garden. Because said area was located furthest from the Main House buildings, it was very dimply lit. She listened further after the sound, before coming to the conclusion that a tiny branch had probably broken off. Now standing beneath the largest and her favorite tree, because it was the one Neji and her had planted when they were children, Hinata realized a mili-second too late that she wasn't alone after all.

An arm wrapped around her waist and a hand covered her mouth before she could make a sound. She briefly panicked at the sudden intrusion before recognition dawned on her. In the second that followed, the heiress found herself against the tree trunk while his mouth closed over hers.

Naruto, she breathed.

The kiss defined all the pent up desire and longing he'd felt from being away from her. Before Hinata could fully consolidate her train of thoughts, his tongue slipped past her lips and she melted; couldn't help but feel the hardness of his chest pressed up against her; the pressure of hands as his fingers held her waist. Her body now responded wholly as the fabric of their clothing grazed frantically against each other in the mist of the heated kiss. His mouth eagerly explored until soft moans were drawn from her and their whereabouts was completely forgotten by the two. Hinata ran her fingers into his hair, holding onto the strands and returning the kiss with as much fervour as she could manage. He groaned in responds, incited by her desire for him.

The heiress revelled in finally being in his arms again. He smelled of the forest, soap and that musky scent she adored. It reminded her of how much she'd missed him. All at once, Naruto's hands were everywhere, moving up to grasp her breasts through her clothing while he nipped and sucked onto her neck. Hinata moaned softly and leaned her head back to give him more access to the delicate skin. The casual kimono she had on was something she only wore within her bedroom walls or when she was alone. Although it covered her body, it was shorter than anything she could have worn in the presence of important clan members. It stopped above her knees and if lowered at the top, revealed most of her cleavage. Not to mention that it was a light silk material that wound up around her body only once. Naruto could feel her supple body through the silk as his hands moved around to grab her ass while grinding his hardness against her core. The raven princess gasped at the intense pleasure it caused, thinking her legs may give way if he continued. And he did, repeatedly.

"Naruto." Her body felt like hot lava.

"I love you." he whispered into her neck between rushed kisses.

Tears pricked her lavender eyes and she was reminded that this wasn't just about lust. Without preamble, Naruto lifted her soft thigh so her leg was wrapped around him. His fingers slipped past her panties to explore the hot dampness.

Hinata's breathing shallowed at the contact, consumed by the way his thumb circled and rubbed at her.

"Do you have any idea how many nights I thought of this while I was away." he whispered in her ear, "Wanting to touch and feel you like this?"

Her core responded to his words in anticipation. He kissed her with hunger, two fingers already inside her; stretching, in and out. The heiress moaned at the feel, her head leaning back against the tree in surrender, as he reached into her for several minutes. When he pulled out, her essence coated his fingers. She was heady with lust and more than ready for him.

Hinata was somewhat aware of him unzipping his pants in the next few moments that followed; and then she was being lifted against the tree. She instinctively wrapped both legs and arms around him so that his hardness was now at her entrance.

They locked eyes and time froze.

And then he was inside her, hands gripping her thighs almost painfully. Naruto let out a harsh sound and Hinata whimpered; thankful that they were isolated from the clan. He was pulling out and thrusting back into the heiress. The sound of leaves rustle at the bottom of the tree as he picked up pace and the feel of his laboured breathing only increased Hinata's pleasure. It had been three whole weeks and Naruto's pent up sexual frustration was being exerted into her desperately. He'd told himself beforehand that he'd be patient and take his time when this moment came. But the blond knew now that it was impossible. She was hot and incredibly tight around him; two things that made any coherent thought implausible. Besides, her brows furrowed and eyes hooded in an expression that told him she was enjoying him as much as he was enjoying her. Unlike their first time, his strokes felt good enough to make her dizzy and her walls clamped around him.

"I missed you so much." she mewled, completely lost in the feel of having him inside her.

At Hinata's words, Naruto drove into her harder; consumed by the raven beauty. The movements caused her kimono to slid down her shoulder, exposing creamy breasts concealed by a bra. She noticed the lusty way his eyes hazed at the sight and in her desire to please him, Hinata's shyness took a back seat, while she lowered her bra and released them.

Naruto paused briefly to admire. And then he took a nipple into his mouth; his tongue circled and sucked in languidly until a tremor ran through her body. While giving the other breast the same attention, Hinata felt boneless in his arms. When he pulled away, her nipples were rosy and wet from his kiss.

"Beautiful." he marvelled.

When Naruto pulled out of her so she was standing again, confusion coated her face but she quickly understand as he turned her around.

"Bend over."

She complied without hesitation. There was something about him telling her what to do in that situation that surprisingly turned her on despite the blush that coloured her cheeks. Naruto held her waist and angled her rear towards him.

Did she like being submissive during sex, Hinata wondered but lost her train of thought when he slammed into her from behind, hitting a spot in this new position that made her see stars. She moaned long, eyes screwed shut, palms up against the tree in front of her for support. The blond groaned appreciatively. After a paused, he resumed to pounding against her in quick succession, grunting after every stroke. Hinata was trembling, whimpering in time with the sound of skin hitting skin. It was so good that it was almost too much for her.

"Ah…" she cried out as he repeatedly hit that spot she was unaware even existed until now. He felt huge. The pleasure was overwhelming. Mind-boggling. And in the next couple of thrusts, Hinata thought she wouldn't be able to take much more when her core clamped onto him as she experienced an all-consuming orgasm. Her mind exploded and she leaned onto the tree for support, totally spent; but Naruto, who had a unique stamina, showed no signs of slowing down.

At this point, the heiress was overly sensitive from her orgasm and felt like her legs would definitely give way at any second but her body couldn't help responding favourably as he pounded away. Soon her core quickly coiled tightly again as she came a second time in line to his thrusts. A silent cry escape her and this time, Naruto was finally pushed over the edge by the feel of Hinata quivering intensely around him. He grunted and released himself inside her.

...

The garden was now silent except for the sounds of their laboured breathing and leaves stirring around due to the soft breeze. Hinata leaned back into Naruto for support and he held her. They stood like that for several minutes, until they regained somewhat of a normal heart beat.

"I missed you too." he finally whispered.

Hinata giggled, "I think you made that very clear."

"Did I?" he said with a hint of amusement and she laughed gently.

After several more minutes of silence, Naruto moved so he could sit against the tree with her in his lap. They had managed to put their clothing back on. Hinata wrapped her arms around him and he held her close.

"And I love you too." she murmured, gazing into azure eyes. What was reflected back in them was pure adoration. Hinata took in a shaky breath and kissed him. The male shinobi responded gently. Unlike their earlier kiss which had been messy and lust filled, his mouth nipped at hers with a tenderness that tugged at her heart. He kissed her like she was a precious glass he never wanted to break.

Finally, he rested his head on her chest and she softly drew lines on his back in a soothing manner while holding him. They remained in this position, tightly wound around each other, for what felt like hours; content and happy.

...

Sometime later, he brought up Izakaya's pub and she happily agreed to go with him. Yet, she couldn't bare the embarrassment of being around friends with the scent of him on her skin. Kiba would never shut up about the fact that they smelled like sex. So they both decided to part ways, refreshen up and meet up once more in an hour.

Sneaking out the compound was something Hinata had watched Neji do several times. It was an easy guess whom he went to spend this time with.

Because her cousin was an expert at this point, it was easy for both Hyuuga to leave the estate without incident. Fifteen minutes into their walk, they were met with TenTen and Naruto. It was 8:45pm and the streets of Konoha were moderately busy. The four headed to Izakaya's pub as planned.

Unlike the streets, their destination was considerably busier; packed with a crowd of young people. It seemed everyone had decided to go out that night. It was thankfully vast enough to accommodate; with a separate room for dancing where a group performed music on a small stage, and another for a lounge with bar area. Hinata felt Naruto slip his hands in hers so they wouldn't get separated through the crowd of people chatting, drinking or swaying. They squeezed through and finally ended up in a smaller room with multiple booths and a much calmer aura.

Ino waved at them from a booth that had all their friends crammed on couches; playing drinking games.

At their arrival, the group was finally complete with Sai, Kiba, Shino, Lee, Ino, Choji, Naruto, Hinata, TenTen, Neji, Shikamaru and his girlfriend Temari, who was visiting from Suna. The only person missing was Sasuke; being on one of his journeys in search of redemption.

"Hey guys!" Lee greeted very loudly. Anyone would think he was drunk given his enthusiasm, but he was naturally energetic at all times; in addition to being alcohol intolerant. The same could not be said for Ino and Kiba who were completly wasted.

A couple of minutes after joining the booth, everyone eased into the beginning of a fun night.

"Hinata, don't be a party pooper. Drinking is part of the drinking game. You can't omit to taking a shot of Sake when it's your turn!" Sakura mocked in good humour.

"I have to be up early tomorrow for my dance practice with Aiko-san. She'll kill me if I'm hungover." Hinata replied gently.

"Baka, we-elll she can shove it up her ass!" Ino protested drunkenly.

Everyone laughed.

"What's this I see?!" Kiba suddenly announced after lifting his head from underneath the table, "Naruto and Hinata are holding hands under the booth!"

Some of them ducked their heads down to see for themselves; and sure enough, the future hokage and the girl beside him had their hands intertwined. Several exclamations and loud reactions came from the group simultaneously.

"What?!"

"It's ABOUT time!"

"No way!"

"Took you long enough to man up Naruto!"

"She's still out of your league though!"

"Atta-boy!"

"Yes Hinata!"

"When did this happen?!"

The heiress blushed happily and Naruto grinned proudly at the commotion.

"About three weeks ago." the blond finally replied.

Ino squealed happily.

"I figured it out two weeks ago." Shikamaru said as though unimpressed.

"Shika, stop acting like you're smarter than everyone else here." TenTen joked, although they all believed he probably had figured it out.

Shikamaru rolled his eyes and said matter-of-factly, "I am. But I don't feel like explaining or arguing with you. That's too much of a drag."

"Why didn't you tell us?" Kiba asked accusingly.

"It wasn't my place to say."

"I knew too." Sai spoke.

All eyes turned to him at this revelation.

"Okay, I'm pissed because Sai's clueless when it comes to emotions or human interaction." she paused and looked at the ANBU, "no offence."

"None taken." Sai replied.

"Naruto, I'm your best friend, aside from Sasuke-kun. I should have known first." Sakura complained.

"Guys!" Naruto laughed, "It all happened so fast and then I was sent on a mission. But now you all know."

A few more protests were said before being replaced by congratulations.

"Let's drink to the new couple." Temari lifted her glass and the rest of the group did as well.

"Cheers!" everyone exclaimed.

Hinata was gleaming with delight; she could barely contain her joy.

The rest of the night was lively. She was somehow convinced by Ino and Sakura to join them in the dance room, despite her initial protests. She danced shyly for some time but eventually was swept up in the fun. TenTen and Neji had disappeared somewhere. Naruto was chatting animatedly with the rest of the boys and Temari.

"I'm going to the ladies' room to fix my hair pin." Hinata said to Sakura over the music, who nodded in the mist of dancing.

There wasn't a lineup, which was a relief. After fixing the strands that had gotten loose, she walked out into the dim corridor to be suddenly met by Neji. She blinked in surprise and confusion as he dragged her towards an exiting door on the opposite end of the hallway. Cool air hit her as they found themselves outside at the back of Izakaya's.

"Neji, what's going on?" she demanded.

"The Hokage has summoned us."

"This late?!"

Neji fixed her with a look, "Fūma Kenji is in Konoha."

She frowned into a deeper state of confusion.

"Wasn't he supposed to arrive in four days?"

"Exactly. Something's off. Which is why we have to be at the Tower now."

She paused, "Wait, I have to tell Naruto I'm leaving."

"You can't. This is urgent." Neji said, looking slightly annoyed by her priorities. And that was when she figured he'd probably not had time to inform TenTen he was leaving either.

She was deeply unsettled at the thought of disappearing like that in the middle of their outing but she would have to explain later and figured Naruto would understand. However, it was good that she hadn't been drinking and neither had Neji.

...

When they walked into the office, Kakashi wasted no time and went straight to the point. Kurenai was present as well.

"As you know, Fūma Kenji and his entourage are here; unannounced and unexpected." he started, "I was notified half an hour before his arrive by Konoha ninjas securing the border. Although he claims he's here early because he enjoys the element of surprise; my gut tells me there's more to the story. Your mission has therefore changed slightly. In addition to entertaining him, Hinata, you will also be a spy. With Neji's help, you're to find out if he has an alternative motive, other than the contract between both villages, and inform us immediately."

Both she and Neji nodded.

"This is the part you will not like at all Hinata." Kurenai continued, "Fūma Kenji can absolutely not know you're involved romantically with Naruto. If he gets the slightest inclination, he'll know that you're not interested in him. Which would mean that you're either spying on him or trying to influence his decision on the contract."

At this, Hinata remained silent as dread slowly sank in with realization.

"We know this is difficult for you. But it will be even more difficult for Naruto, who cannot know anything regarding this mission."

At this, the heiress couldn't help protesting, "B-but…won't Naruto realize I'm spending quite some time with the Fūma heir?"

"Yes, indeed. Which is exactly what I mean by it being difficult for him as well. It would be best for you to temporarily end your relationship with Naruto,"

But we just got together, finally after so long.

"That way, you can focus on the mission without hurting him as much as you would while being involved with him. That is my opinion. If you continue dating him, Kenji will hear about the relationship. After all, news travels fast in Konoha, especially when it involves a war hero and a clan princess. Both of whom are loved by everyone." Kurenai advised.

Hinata paled; speechless.

Ending my relationship with Naruto? she repeated the words in her head incredulously. The mere thought was inconceivable and her heart sank into a hollow. And it saddened her to admit her former sensei was right; on all accounts. As shinobi, they belonged to Konoha and Naruto was unequivocally devoted to their village. Refusing to honour this mission would be similar to treason and her father may very well denounce her as his daughter due to the humiliation it will bring. Yet, nothing in her life could have prepared her for the distress and sorrow she felt at having to convince Naruto she didn't want to be with him. He was everything she ever wanted.

"When the mission is completely successfully, Naruto will understand. He is a shinobi of Konoha and he would do anything for this village." Kurenai spoke, probably sensing Hinata's anguish, "So, you will have to thicken that skin of yours and do what needs to be done."

They all silently waited until the Hyuuga released a breath she didn't realize she was holding and reluctantly nodded.

"Good." Kakashi voiced, "Moving on to the plan of action. I'm told the Fūma heir has checked into Ryokan Inn. Tomorrow, we will have a formal dinner with him, including an elite group of people. I've invited Hyuuga Hiashi, which gives a reasonable alibi as to why you and Neji will be present. That is all for tonight; you may both return to the Hyuuga compound in case Kenji decides to go out. It's important he doesn't meet you until tomorrow in the right circumstances. Understood?"

"Yes Hokage-same." They both responded.

"You're now dismissed." Kurenai informed with an encouraging smile.

...

On their way home, Hinata struggled to keep her emotions at bay while Neji told her he'll send a note to their friends to let them know the heiress wasn't feeling well, so he made a quick decision to take her home. She nodded distractedly in agreement. Of course their friends will call bullshit. But, better that excuse than nothing.

When they finally snuck back into the compound, he sensed she'd reached her breaking point; so he accompanied her to her room.

She broke down in tears. Her shoulders shook with the effort.

Neji silently placed a comforting arm around her and she leaned into him.

Hinata was utterly devastated at what she had to do.

...