Last chapter guys! Just the epilogue left! Hinata's got a big decision to make – hopefully the one you're rooting for is chosen! ;)

And I forgot to note on the last chapter, if I can't reply to you, it's because you don't have private messaging enabled, which for those of you who aren't sure, is in your account settings. Sorry about that, scarecrow09 ^^;

Chapter Four: Decision

When the sun rose Friday morning, three heavy hearts each made their way toward Konoha High School. Hinata still didn't know which boy she cared for more, and each brother was wondering if they would get to accompany her to the dance that evening. None of them exchanged words that morning, none knowing what to say.

Hinata's thoughts wandered through all of her classes. When her teaches spoke, she didn't hear a word. The only people on her mind were the Uchiha brothers. How could she choose one over the other? Both had treated her kindly, making her smile and feel like someone worth noticing for the first time in her life. But she couldn't make a claim to both. And by lunchtime, she was considering having neither. At least that way, neither would have to see the other be valued more.

As usual, she sat alone with her tray, picking at her food, not really hungry. She was nearly one-hundred percent sure she would tell them that she really couldn't make up her mind, and that she would have to say no to both.

But then, something happened that hadn't happened all year.

A tray landed on the table next to her, and Hinata gave a start, jarred out of her thoughts. Looking over with wide eyes, she saw someone she hadn't spoken to in quite some time.

"Tenten!"

"'Hey Hinata," the sophomore greeted. Her smile was gentle, her expression worried. "I noticed you weren't looking so good. What's wrong?"

Hinata bowed her head. Tenten was a good friend of her cousin Neji's, but the two girls had never really spoken. Just like everyone else, Tenten kept her distance from the quiet Hyuuga girl. Hinata really had no idea why she would suddenly make the effort to speak to her. "Oh...n-nothing."

Tenten's brown eyes softened. "Look...I know I've never really made any effort to get to know you, but that's because Neji isn't that close to you either, and he's my best friend. But...I can't take seeing you sit by yourself anymore. And you look so sad! So, I'm going to sit with you from now on. No exceptions."

Taken aback, Hinata gave the girl a watery look. "You...y-you..."

"I'm not proud of waiting until now. I feel terrible that it's taken me this long to see you really need a friend. So I want to be the first to reach out to you."

Biting back tears, Hinata just nodded.

"So...what's bugging you, Hinata?"

After making sure she wouldn't burst out crying, Hinata recounted her entire week, from the matches to Naruto to Sasuke and then to Itachi. "I...I don't know what to do. I r-really like them both...so...I think m-maybe I'll just tell them both no. I can't pick one over the other!"

"Wow..." Tenten marveled. "I had no idea you were that involved with two of the most popular guys! No offense!"

"N-none taken."

"That is quite the dilemma. Can you really not see a reason to choose one over the other? Was there something one did that the other didn't do? Because it seems terrible for all of you to end up unhappy instead of just one. I mean...it really sucks for the odd man out, but...if you got yourselves into this mess, it seems like someone should leave with a smile."

Hinata considered this. Tenten had a point. Though it was cruel to make one boy sad by not choosing him, it was equally cruel to leave all of them hurting. Thinking back, she tried to think of a defining factor, a breaking point between the two brothers. "I...I don't know!"

"That's okay!" Tenten replied. "Look...maybe you should just all agree to show up to the dance, and maybe talk it out there. Who knows – maybe they'll sort it out between themselves. But at least give things a chance to work out. I'm sure they will in the end."

Hinata gave her new friend a shaky smile. "Thank you, Tenten. It's so n-nice to have someone to talk to."

"I'm glad I could help, and just feel bad I didn't do so sooner. I'll talk to you later, okay?"

"Okay...oh, w-wait, Tenten?" Hinata called before the girl got too far.

"Hm?"

"Are you g-going to the dance?"

"Well, I'm thinking about it. But I don't have anyone to go with."

"Oh...well, what about Neji?"

Tenten laughed. "Oh please. He's far too serious for something like that. Besides, we're just friends."

"Could you...come with me tonight? Just in case something goes wrong?"

The other girl grinned. "Sure. I'll meet you here, okay?"

"O-okay!" Feeling a bit better, Hinata downed some of her lunch before the bell rang, taking her to her first afternoon class. For the first time all day, she managed to focus a bit on her classes, though she still got occasionally distracted.

Finally, the final bell rang. Swallowing her nerves, Hinata rushed into the hallway, needing to accomplish two goals before going home. Packing her bag in record time, she wormed her way through the crowds until she found her first target.

"Sasuke? Can...can I talk to you?"

The raven-haired boy looked up from his locker, and gave her a tired smirk. "Sure."

Poking her forefingers together, the shy girl mumbled, "Well, I just...wanted to...um...ask you...if you and your brother would both come to the dance tonight?"

Sasuke's face went blank. "Both of us?"

"I...I want to talk...to you both. If that's okay. If not, then...I guess you don't have to go..."

The boy let out a gusty sigh. "I think I understand. All right then, I'll go. But you better talk to Itachi too. I'll...see you tonight, Hinata."

"Okay. Bye, Sasuke."

"Hn."

Finished with phase one, Hinata dashed off to complete phase two.

Itachi was just about to enter the room chess club was held in when Hinata found him. "Itachi! W-wait!"

Turning, the boy looked at her in surprise. He had assumed, from her lack of contact that day, that she had made up her mind and chosen Sasuke. "Hinata! Is everything all right?"

"Y...yeah...I just...wanted to talk to you," she panted, holding herself up against the wall.

"Of course."

"I...already spoke to Sasuke...and I wanted to know if you b-both could come to the dance tonight. I want to t-talk to you both."

Like his brother, Itachi gave her a blank look. "If you'd like me to come, I will. It begins at eight and ends at midnight, correct?"

"Y-yes."

"Very well. I shall see you there, Hinata."

She gave him a smile, then dashed off for the doors to head home. Itachi stared after her, clutching the open door for several minutes until another club member called his name. "Hm? Oh...coming."

Breath blooming white in the cold air, Hinata made it home in record time. Tearing into her room, she huffed and puffed for several minutes before jumping into the shower, bathing thoroughly. Once finished, she dried her hair, smiling at its shine and subtle fragrance. Then, she approached her closet. She had a couple of dresses from other events, and knew just what she wanted to wear.

A strapless dress, lilac in color, reached just below her knees. The bust was white with sparkling sequins, while the rest started with a light purple that blended into a deep violet hue at the jagged ends. Around the middle was a white sash, which tied into a ribbon at the small of her back. Perfect, she thought, smiling at her reflection as she held it in front of her. She still had several hours before the dance began, and she decided to cool her nerves with a bit of homework.

Meanwhile, at the Uchiha household, the brothers were standing in the living room, face to face. Sasuke had his arms folded across his middle, staring at his brother, who looked far less tense with his hands in his back pockets.

"I have a feeling," Itachi said slowly, carefully, "that Hinata is highly conflicted."

"Hn."

"It would be polite for both of us to attend, and hear what she has to say. If things...go against what either of us plan for, then we're more than welcome to leave. But we need to listen to her. I could tell it is very important to her that we handle this maturely."

At this, Sasuke broke eye contact, looking over to the side to avoid his brother's gaze. Itachi always knew what the right thing to do was, and once again, he was correct. Something clicked in Sasuke, and he smirked, eyes closed. "You're right. We'll both go, and settle this."

"Just try to be on your best behavior. I know you tend to get...emotional."

"I'll be fine, Itachi."

Half an hour before the dance's start, the brothers dressed. Sasuke donned a light blue dress shirt and black slacks, a dark blue tie hanging across his chest. Itachi wore matching trousers, choosing a black shirt with a red tied. The trip to the school was a bit tense, but better than it had been before.

The school was all alight, bass tangible far from the building's walls. Students were everywhere, though most dashed inside to avoid the cold night air. Hinata was waiting by the door to the hallway near the gym, where the dance was to be held. Tenten still hadn't arrived, and she was nervous. What if her promises had been shallow, her new friendship nothing but a fake? Hinata was on the verge of tears when she heard someone call her name.

"Hey, Hinata!"

Eyes widening, the girl turned to see the last person she expected. "N...Naruto?"

The blonde was wearing black pants, a glaringly-bright orange dress shirt blinding everyone around. On his arm was Sakura in a white dress dotted with pink flower petals that reached her mid-thigh. "Hey!"

"B-but...I thought you were suspended?"

"Yeah, well..." Naruto rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, his eyes closed as he grinned cheekily. "I talked to Tsunade, and we reached an understanding. She seemed to know why I did it."

"Did what? P-peeked into the locker room?"

"Oh, you know about it? Yeah, I did that so Sasuke could talk to you! He told me you were crushing on me, and that he got you as match. So, I decided to remove myself so he could ask you to the dance without me ruining it!"

Hinata gaped at him. "You...did that for Sasuke?"

"Yes, he did," Sakura said, grinning.

"Sakura...I thought you s-said you'd never go with Naruto?"

The pinkette blushed lightly. "Yeah, well...as it turned out...I actually got him as a match. So...I talked to him after school today, and decided to give it a shot."

"Speaking of giving boys chances!" a voice cut in, and the group turned to see Ino hanging onto Sai's arm. Her dress was shockingly short, and a blinding yellow to match her hair. "Hey guys! Look who I brought!"

"Oh, good! I was hoping you'd come, Ino!" Sakura gushed, immediately engaging her best friend in conversation. Naruto and Sai also began talking, and Hinata felt excluded. Saddened, she turned to look for more arrivals, when she caught sight of Tenten!

"I am so sorry I'm late," the girl said. "I totally lost track of time. But I'm here now! Are they here yet?"

"No, not yet. You look g-good, Tenten!"

The brunette was sporting a gold dress similar in style to Hinata's, the top a more coppery color. "Oh, thanks. I can't remember the last time I wore a dress – it feels so weird! Anyway, let's get inside – it's freezing out here!"

The gym was decorated with pink and red lights, strobes flashing and music blaring. Couples and groups were already strewn across the glossy wooden floor. Hugging herself, Hinata admitted, "I s-still don't know what I'm going t-to say!"

Tenten gave her a pitying look. "Just tell them the truth, what you told me. I'm sure things will work out. But until they get here, let's just try and have fun!"

The pair made their way closer to the middle of the floor, and started casually dancing. Hinata felt awkward and out of place, but Tenten kept urging her on, and soon she was just lost in the bass of the music, giving the entrance the occasional glance. Where are they? Did they decide not to come after all?

The brothers approached the door, and managed to break through a crowd of females bombarding them with last-minute invites. Once inside, Itachi glanced around and said, "I'm going to find a restroom before we go in."

Sasuke just nodded.

Once the older brother was out of sight, Sasuke took off. Pushing through crowds and ignoring angry retorts, he made his way into the gym and tried to spot Hinata. It took a few moments, but soon he saw her with another girl he didn't know. Speed walking, he made his way toward her. "Hinata..."

Turning, the girl replied, "Sasuke! Where is Itachi?"

"Busy. Look, I just wanted to talk to you before he got here."

Tenten gave her friend a look, and moved several paces off to give them privacy.

"Sasuke, is something wrong?"

Gently, the boy took the girl's hands in his own. "Look, Hinata...I want you to know...I had a lot of fun the other day...and during school talking to you and getting to know you. But..." He bit his lip, blood dotting the flesh. "My brother...is much more deserving of you."

"Sasuke..."

"Just...wait. He's more patient than me, and polite. I'm...rash, and I can have a temper. I've been mean to people, and I never want to be mean to you. So...I want you to say yes to my brother if you can."

Hinata's eyes welled with tears. "Sasuke...I...was going to tell you both that...I c-can't decide. I really like you both-"

"Then I'll decide for you. Choose Itachi. I can guarantee he'll be better for you."

"Sasuke, I'm so sorry..."

"Don't be." He gave her a shaky grin. "We'll definitely be friends...I like you too much to totally abandon you. And...who knows. Things change...but for now, this is the right choice." He shifted his hands to cover hers, moving them up and down once. "I'll see you around, okay Hinata?"

Before she could reply, the boy spun on his heel, walking swiftly out of the room. Reaching out with her hands, Hinata nearly called to him. But she knew he wouldn't return, and just watched him go, hands falling to her side. Tears spilled down her cheeks, and she hiccuped lightly. "Sasuke...I'm so...s-so sorry..."

Tenten walked up beside her, putting an arm around her. "That was tough to watch..." she admitted. "But...maybe he's right."

Moments later, Itachi made his way into the gym. Sasuke wasn't in the hall where he'd left him, and the older brother assumed he had already gone in. But the first thing he saw was Hinata standing on the outer edge of the dance floor, a brunette holding her as she cried. Alarmed, he rushed forward and asked, "Hinata! Is everything okay? What happened? What's wrong?" Carefully, he put his hands on her shoulders, trying to hold her gaze. "Where is Sasuke?"

Tenten glanced around, and then disappeared into the crowd.

Trying to regain control of herself, Hinata sniffled, "He...he was a-already h-here. He...told me that h-he wants me...to pick y-you...that...he thinks you're more...d-deserving..."

Itachi's shoulders fell. Sasuke...you... The older boy gave her a sad smile. "In all honesty, I never thought he'd do something like that...in fact, it's what I planned to do. He just beat me to it."

Hinata wiped her cheeks. "Itachi, I...I didn't know what to do. I really d-do like you both, but...Sasuke said he just wanted to be f-friends..."

Itachi slowly moved forward, enveloping the small girl in his arms where she cried against his chest. "I'm sorry, Hinata...maybe it would have been better if neither of us approached you..."

"B-but...then...I'd still be alone...and...I wouldn't have gotten to know you. I r-really enjoy your company, and Sasuke's...I'd be so sad if I lost you both..."

They stood like that for quite some time, Itachi ignoring the looks he was getting. Eventually, Hinata's cries and hiccups quieted to just the occasional sniffle. Releasing her, Itachi held her at arm's length. "Are you all right?"

Wiping her cheeks, she mumbled, "Yes...I...I think so."

"Good. So...what do you want to do?"

She stared at the floor. "I...want to respect Sasuke's decision. It...hurts, a little, but..." she blushed, glancing at him shyly. "I...I want to give u-us a shot. That is...if you still want to..."

Itachi smiled. "Very much so." In the back of his mind, he still felt hesitation at his brother's behalf, but Itachi knew he couldn't keep shorting himself to make others happy. Moving forward, he took one of Hinata's hands, the other falling to her waist. "So...shall we dance, Hinata?"

Finally smiling again, she nodded. Together they swayed on the wooden floor, content in a soft silence between them, the music filling the gap.

After several songs, Itachi said, "You look beautiful, Hinata. That color is certainly yours."

Another blush colored her cheeks. "Thank you...you look good t-too." Looking up into his dark eyes, she smiled.

"Hey Hinata!"

Looking over, Hinata smiled as she saw Naruto and the others approaching. "Hello, Naruto."

"Mind if we join you?" Ino asked.

Glancing at her partner, Hinata replied, "Sure, come on over." The group formed a small circle, pairs remaining close. Conversation broke out between them, and Hinata contented herself to let Itachi hold her from behind, swaying lightly to the music. Hm...I wonder where Tenten is?

Out in the hallway, Tenten had been searching high and low. Finally, she opened the door to the outside, looking around in the cold. Several yards away, a figure was standing out on the lawn, gaze caught in the sky. Sighing, she shut the door and approached it. "Hey...Sasuke, right?"

The raven-haired boy didn't answer, continuing to stare upward.

"Look, um...I'm sort of new to the situation, but...I think you did a really big thing back there. That had to be really difficult to do. I can tell you really care about her."

Slowly, onyx eyes slid over to glance at her. "Hn."

"But...since you're here...you might as well come in and try to cheer up a bit. You don't have to face Hinata, but you might as well try to distract yourself a bit. It's better than standing out here in the cold with your thoughts."

Sasuke turned his head to look at the girl straight on. Her hair was down around her shoulders, though he could have swore he remembered it being up in buns. Chocolate eyes looked back at him from a tanned face, her golden gown shimmering in the dim light.

"So...you're a friend of Hinata's?"

"Sort of. We've been acquaintances for a while, but we've gotten back into contact recently. Tenten, sophomore," she introduced, holding out a hand.

Smirking lightly, Sasuke shook it. "Sasuke, freshman."

"So...do you want to come back in?"

Sasuke sighed. "I don't know..."

"Aw, come on. Even if you see her, at least things are settled. It would be good for you to try to move past it a bit. Just relax and hang out with us."

"Hn...fine." Stuffing his hands in his pockets, he followed her back into the building.

A crowed was gathered around the Hyuuga girl, and Sasuke frowned as he saw a familiar face. "Naruto? What are you doing here?"

The whole group turned to look at him. Hinata looked surprised, but not upset. Itachi also looked taken aback by his brother's presence, but smiled at him.

"Yeah, Bastard! Tsunade let me come back a bit early for the dance once I explained what happened."

"You told her?"

"Yeah!"

"Hn...idiot."

"Do you want to join us?" Hinata asked politely. "Maybe...Tenten could be your d-date!"

Sasuke and Tenten exchanged a glance. "I don't mind," the girl said plainly, shrugging.

The boy grinned. "Sure, why not?"

The group parted a bit to let them in, all of them swaying to the music. But moments later, it cut off as the DJ took up his mic.

"Hey everybody! Just wanted to say that it's been one hour since the start of the dance, and now that everybody's here, I want to wish you all a happy Valentine's Day, and I hope you all managed to find yourself someone to spend it with!"

The students gave out cheers, including Hinata's group. Glancing at them all, Hinata smiled. They were all talking and laughing, including her in their conversations. It seemed that things were finally looking up a bit. She murmured this to Itachi, who leaned down to whisper in her ear.

"It's amazing what a little bit of confidence can do."

She turned to give him a confused look. "But...I'm not very c-confident!"

"You've certainly gained much this last week, though. I can sense that you're relaxed and at ease. You may not have been close to everyone here before, but you're opening yourself up for others to approach you after so long of being curled up inside yourself. A blooming flower attracts many more bees than one that is closed. And all you needed to bloom was someone to reach out to you, and believe in you."

"I have you and your b-brother to thank for that," she murmured back. "If you hadn't broken through to me...I might not e-ever have opened up."

Itachi squeezed her gently, resting his chin on her hair. "And I'm not planning on going anywhere...Hinata."

"Itachi...will you be my Valentine?"

"Yes Hinata...if you will be mine."

"I will." In a daring move, she turned her head and kissed him on the cheek, snuggling back against him.

Itachi just smiled.

D'aw, Hinata's made her choice. And it looks like maybe Sasuke won't take it TOO harshly.

Just the epilogue left, everyone – please review if you have the time!