Here we are folks. Another chapter done. :) I wrote some of this from a very personal place so I hope it reads. Poor Hinata. Please review and let me know what you think. I'm in love with what I'm writing and can't wait to hear everyone's opinion!

"I can't believe your father was okay with you coming out tonight," Kiba commented, walking with me down the lit street toward the barbeque place. "That little stunt earlier could have gotten you in some serious trouble."

"It was a misunderstanding," I said, nudging him slightly with my elbow. "Besides, I wasn't in trouble with ANBU, in fact I think that was mostly my doing as well."

"What do you mean?" he asked, looking over at me from the corner of his eye. I just grinned and shrugged.

"I don't think I should tell you," I said, looking up at him. He paused, turning and looking down at me intently.

"We don't keep secrets Hinata," Kiba said softly. "I'd never keep one from you at least. So what is it?"

I bit my bottom lip and looked around quickly before taking his arm and leading him behind a dongo stand, leaning against the wall of a tall building. He looked worried at first then his eyes narrowed in on me. "What did you do?"

"Nothing," I said with a sigh. "I didn't do anything but you won't be happy with what I tell you."

He took my hands in his now, looking down at them closely. "You're trembling," he whispered. "I can tell it is something that is making you nervous…so tell me."

I squeezed his hands before looking up into his face. I had to tell him. This was Ino's plan. "I didn't plan on telling you until after tonight because I didn't want to upset you but… I am going out on a date with Sasuke-sama tomorrow night."

His hands tightened around mine and I could tell he was upset. Just the change in his face made it evident. He had this hopeless look on his face yet his eyes were intense, almost on fire. He nodded slowly before pulling me into the most gentle and warm embrace he's ever given me.

"I understand," he whispered into my hair, sniffing softly. "I think…"

"It isn't because I want to," I whispered. "I mean, I do want to because if I have to make this decision I have to be informed…"

"No need to explain," he said, biting back a growl. "If you choose Sasuke over me, it won't change the fact that I will always love you."

"I'm not choosing him over you," I whispered frantically, pressing myself closer to him. Physical contact is good, I kept reminding myself. I wrapped my arms around his torso, hugging him tightly. "I just… have to know. I don't want to hurt you Kiba. I never want to hurt you."

He wrapped his arms around me, holding me close to his warm and hard body. It was so relieving, so wonderful to be this close to him that I couldn't even think of anything else. Was he always so intoxicating? I kissed his chest through his shirt and he shivered a little, making me hold him tighter. He could hold me like this forever and I think I could find contentment in that. Then, he did something I'd never imagined him doing, especially to me. He placed his hand under my chin, kissed me softly, before pulling me completely against him, placing his other hand under my knee and pulling me against him so my knees were on either side of his hips. He nuzzled my neck, kissed my jaw line, before trailing soft kisses down to my shoulder and chest. I didn't want him to stop.

I didn't know what came over me. His hot mouth on my skin, that scent of his driving me insane was more than I could stand. It was hard to realize what was going on but eventually he had me turned and pressed against the wall, his hips grinding into mine slowly and gently. He wanted me so bad and I couldn't stop myself from wrapping my arms over his shoulders and pulling him closer. His lips were so soft, so gentle trailing down my skin to kiss the upper swell of my breast. This caught my breath, making me close my eyes and gasp in surprise and ecstasy. He noticed immediately because he flicked his tongue out against my skin, gently pulling my hips against his even more.

I had to break away, I had to stop before it went too far. "K-Kiba," I whispered, finding his mouth with mine and pulling him in for a passionate kiss. He mirrored me, sliding his tongue against mine. "Kiba," I breathed, pulling away to look at his face. Mine must have been all flushed because he just gave me a smirk and kissed my lips briefly before pulling away, allowing me to stand on my own two feet.

"Sorry Hinata," he said in a husky voice. "You just… drive me mad when you are around me. It's so intoxicating."

"I'm sorry Kiba," I whispered, gaining my composure. "I just…"

"I know, I know… the Hyuuga princess is confused but…" he smirked again, kissing my lips hungrily before pulling away and looking down at me intensely. "I can smell your arousal, Hinata. You can't hide it from this nose." He then pulled away, taking my hand in his. "C'mon, let's go before the others start looking for us."

I nodded, my face hot with embarrassment. I didn't even consider that. It was true, I couldn't deny it. I'm a young woman who's never even had a boyfriend. I've just been pining over one boy since I was a child. I felt stupid, helpless, and ultimately embarrassed. Kiba didn't seem to notice as we walked together, his hand holding mine, through the crowded streets. As we approached the barbeque place we spotted Choji talking to Ino and beside him was Shino and Sakura, both smiling and talking. This entranced me. Since when did Shino smile? He never did. Never like that.

Was it because of Sakura? Or Ino? Shino had become more and more locked up, withdrawn from me since the war and I couldn't understand why. Was it because he liked someone? Was it because of something he went through with Sasuke? As I approached I could see Choji look over at us and smile. Ino followed his gaze and eventually we were both being stared at by the entire group. What was this? It felt weird. Then I noticed Sakura wasn't staring directly at me but at Kiba's hand holding mine. Shit.

We approached, my hand never leaving his as we did. I wasn't going to remove my hand from his while everyone was looking.

"Man," Kiba said as he approached them. "I'm hungry. Let's get going!"

Leave it to Kiba to distract and stupefy people with his brashness and stupidity. I bit my lip and nodded, his eyes bouncing between Shino and Choji. Choji smiled and nodded, pointing over to the line outside the door.

"It's going to be a minute or two," he said with a hint of embarrassment. "I didn't think to reserve us a table so we will have to wait."

"Awe, man…" Kiba groaned, looking down at the ground. "What do we do now? Just wait? That looks like a pretty long line."

I wanted anything to get out of this situation so I swallowed hard and pulled away from Kiba, walking toward the front of the line. This must have stunned everyone for a minute but I had good reason. When I got to the entrance where the hostess was I smiled at her and she bowed.

"Ah, Hinata-sama," she said softly. "I did not expect you or your family here tonight. We are booked pretty full. Shall I clear a table for you and your family?" She peered around me and then looked back at me quizzically. "Are you alone?"

"No, on the contrary," I said. "I'm here with some friends and thought I'd come in to see what the situation looked like. If we'd be able to get a table soon or not."

"Hinata-sama, Lord Hiashi and the Hyuuga own almost half of this district. If the Hyuuga want a table, then they will get one," she said, flipping through a book on her table. "Ah, here we are. A family came in about an hour ago and should be leaving soon. I'll reserve that table for you and your guests."

"Please, I don't want to inconvenience you or these other patrons," I said humbly.

"No, it is no inconvenience. Please, I insist," she said. "My boss would be most displeased with me if I turned down one of his financial patrons."

"Very well," I said, waving my hand. "I don't want you to get into trouble. We won't be long I promise."

"No need, take your time and enjoy our food," she said with a big smile. I'll personally come get you when the table is available."

"I'll be right outside," I said, waving at her before moving around the line and out the door. As I approached Kiba and the others I could see them watching me a moment before I smiled at them.

"Well," I said. "It won't be long until we are seated."

"What?" Choji said almost dumbfounded. "They wouldn't even reserve me a table when I went in earlier and I'm their most loyal patron! What did you do?"

"The Hyuuga own most of this district. Restaurants, shops, and apartments; the works. I just went in to see how long it would take but she offered me a table immediately."

"That a girl Hinata!" Kiba said nudging me. "The Hyuuga princess strikes again." He then stretched, sniffing the air. "I can smell the pork…"

"Thanks Hinata-chan," Ino said with a smile. "We shouldn't be in there too long, right Choji?" Ino asked, looking up at him with a grin.

"Right!" he said with a slight smirk. "Besides, we've got some karaoke to get to as well."

"That's right," Shino said with a nod. "Tell me, Sakura-chan, how is little Neji? And Lee and TenTen?"

"I just checked up on him earlier," she said with a smile. "He's strong and healthy. So is TenTen. But I've never seen Lee so worn. I think he's overdoing it on his fatherly duties."

"Of course he is," Ino said with a laugh. "It's Lee. He always over does it."

"The power of youth will keep this baby safe!" Kiba impersonated a smirk on his face. Ino and Choji started laughing and Sakura had a grin on her face. Shino was stony faced again. I smiled and nodded, looking over at Shino. His eyes were hidden, as usual, but I couldn't help but feel like he was staring right at me.

We stood there talking for a moment before the nice hostess came out, offering for us to follow her. When we did we were lead to a large table in the back, the fire and grill still hot from the family before. "Here is your table Hinata-sama," she said with a smile, waiting for us to sit comfortably before bowing and wishing us a good meal before disappearing.

The seating arrangements were interesting. Sakura slid in and I followed right behind her, Kiba sitting on the outside of the large booth. Shino slid in first with Ino following and Choji right behind her. "Alright guys, how about some sake to start us off?" Ino asked.

"Sounds good with me," Kiba said with a nod. Shino declined, taking water along with Sakura. When the waiter came over Choji was more than enthusiastic. "We'll take a bottle of sake, four beers, two waters, and for an appetizer how about some tempura?"

"Sounds good sir," the girl said, writing everything down. "Do you know what you'd like tonight for entrée?"

"Yeah," Kiba said. "We'll take two grand platters with pork and beef, two large orders of chahan. Vegetable flavor, and some dongo."

"That is a lot Kiba," Ino said with wide eyes. "Even for six of us."

"I know, but I figure order big so no one is left out," Kiba shrugged. "Besides, whatever is left I'm sure we can take to go."

"Fine," Ino said with a sigh. She then looked at the waitress. "That's all thanks." The waitress nodded, disappearing and assuring us our drinks would be here in a few moments.

"So, since Hinata is off duty I can't ask her how her last mission went," Ino said grinning at me. "So how was your guys' mission?" She was staring between Kiba and Shino.

"It was quick, boring really," Kiba said, shrugging and giving Ino a death glare.

"Quick, yes," Shino said with a slight twinge in his voice. "But far from boring." He lowered his voice as he spoke. "We ran into more clan operatives. Some were quite frightening. Sasuke-sama was not pleased with our progress."

"Would you quit calling him that," Kiba growled. "It's just Sasuke. If you have to just use his last name. Everyone knows that one."

"You're being quite sour tonight Kiba," Ino said, grinning. "Tell him to settle down Choji, Sasuke outranks all of us with the exception of Sakura-chan."

"It's true," Sakura said, looking over at Ino then at Kiba.

"I'll outrank that jerk one day," Kiba said with a shrug. "I've got more talent in my pinky than he does in his entire body."

"Bold statement Kiba," Shino said with a slight grin. "I'd like to see a full out fight between Sasuke-sama and you. I'm not a gambling man but I'd put my money on him."

"Shino-kun!" Sakura said with wide eyes. "He's your teammate…"

"Sorry," Shino said quickly. "He just seems to think highly of himself. I'm the only one who can keep him in check."

"You think more highly of yourself than I think about myself," Kiba growled. "If you didn't you wouldn't be such a freak."

"Kiba!" Ino said angrily. "That is no way to talk to a comrade."

"That's right," Choji said, nodding at the waitress coming our way. She smiled and set down our drinks, the table littered with glasses now. She also set down our tempura and assured us our entrée would be out in a few minutes. We thanked her before everyone decided to cheers. "To friends!" Choji said, giving a warning look to both Shino and Kiba. Kiba just grinned before downing his sake.

There was light conversation the rest of the night but somehow everyone decided to start asking me questions. When the entrée finally arrived it seemed like I was meant to be on that platter.

"So, Hinata," Ino said. "I have to know, what did you think when you saw that gennin in the woods earlier?"

I just grinned, eating a piece of pork before responding. "Well, at first I thought it was someone who wasn't meant to be there. I'd ruled out the possibility of it being that creepy Akatsuki member Hidan because I knew for a fact he was deeper in the forest than I had went. Since I didn't recognize this chakra signature I had to get closer and send for reinforcements if it was an enemy. Unfortunately," I said, taking a sip of my beer. "It was just some kid, barely twelve, screwing around with his kunai and jutsu in the forest."

"How could you possibly mistake that for an enemy?" Shino asked, his eyes for sure looking at me through those thick glasses of his.

"I was a little overzealous," I said with embarrassment. "I'd been cooped in that Hyuuga compound for almost three days. I was going insane. I had to get out and do something."

"Your body had gone through a lot of stress, Hinata-chan," Sakura said with a bit of worry in her voice. "Expelling that much chakra from your system and managing to perform medical ninjutsu would deplete any normal shinobi's chakra quickly."

"I'm not normal," I said. "And I am fine. I'm sitting here enjoying barbeque and chatting with my friends. I made one mistake and suddenly I'm fragile again?"

"We don't mean to make you seem fragile," Ino said with a nod of her head. "You're our friend. I just wanted to know if you are sure of what you saw."

"I see many things with these eyes, Ino," I said, eating another piece of pork. "But I can make mistakes."

"If Hinata says it was just a shit-headed gennin than that is what it was," Kiba said with a sigh. "Besides, don't we have anything better to talk about? I mean, we are shinobi but come on, we're human too…"

"I have something to tell everyone," Choji said with a smile. "He set down his chop-sticks and looked at Ino. She just smiled and nodded. "Soon I will be taking my father's place as head of the Akimichi clan."

Everyone began praising him, smiling and offering their congratulations. But then Choji did something so unlike him that it took me back. He stretched out his arm and put it around Ino's shoulders. She just grinned and moved closer to him, placing a hand on his arm.

"However, since I've been told I've had to make some decisions in my life, the biggest being telling the girl I love that she's my everything. So, we wanted to be the first to tell you all but Ino and I are engaged."

"Congratulations Ino-chan!" Sakura said with a huge grin. Shino smiled genuinely, patting Choji on the arm.

"That is great!" Kiba said, smiling at the both of them. "When is the date set?"

"Oh," Ino said with a huge grin. "We haven't picked a day. Choji's coronation as head of the house doesn't happen until spring so we were thinking a summer wedding."

"Sounds great!" Sakura said. "We'll talk about the girly stuff later but what I want to know is what Shikamaru thinks of all this."

"Hokage-sama," Shino said with a grin. "He's Shikamaru… he probably hasn't even noticed."

"Oh, no," Choji said with a smirk. "He was the first to know. Even before Ino. He even gave his blessing."

"I was surprised, I always thought he had a thing for me," Ino said with a smirk.

"But apparently, his mother has been on him to find a girl and get married. No respectable Hokage didn't have a wife or children she said."

"That's not true, Tsunade-sama never had children," Sakura said with a smile.

"True," Choji said. "But she was older when she took on the position. But Shikamaru's mom is scary. So, he decided to make the choice. I've never seen him so at loss for an answer."

"He's too logical," Sakura said. "She doesn't think with his heart when it comes to something like this."

"He did," Choji said eating some dango. "Turns out, ever since that Chunnin match he's had this thing for bossy and scary women." Ino was grinning ear to ear and Choji couldn't help but chuckle.

"I don't get it," Kiba said. "Who-?"

"Temari," Shino said with a nod. "She's the scariest and bossiest girl we know."

"And she's smart, calculating, and a fierce ally to our village," I chimed in. "He's made a wise choice."

"He said he doesn't want to bother with romancing. It's such a drag," Ino said. "But Temari won't be so easy to win over, even if he is Hokage."

"So what is he going to do about that she-devil?" Kiba asked, mulling it over.

"Nothing," Choji said. "That's the brilliance. She comes her next month as the liaison from Sunagakure for the chunnin exams. She'll be here over a month. He said that's plenty of time to get inside her head."

"He's evil," Sakura said with wide eyes.

"No, he's calculating and lazy. He'll make her come to him," Ino said. "Besides, I gave him the best advice I have."

Ino then winked at me and I blushed. This definitely caught Kiba's attention because he looked down at me and then at Ino before staying silent. When we were all done discussing Shikamaru and his predicament, the conversation turned to me once again.

"So, Hinata-sama," Sakura said and I almost froze in place. "It is rumored the Hyuuga princess is also set to be engaged."

"It's true," I said with a slight smile. "I'll make the announcement when I make the decision."

"Tough one?" she asked with a kind smile. She was definitely mocking me. Sakura could do that. She could go from being the nicest person in the world to instant evil. No one ever understood it but I did. She was jealous and she wanted to know everything.

"Quite," I said. "Father left it to me but if I can't come up with something then he will for sure choose for me."

"How horrible!" she said with wide eyes. "He'd choose your future like choosing what to wear for the day?"

"He has the right," I said. "I'm Hyuuga. It is what is expected of me."

"You're taking that extremely well, Hinata," Shino said. "Almost too well. This is a lifetime decision that has to be made in a timely manner. Does your heart even have time to adjust?"

"I know myself, Shino," I said with a slight warning tone. "I know what needs to be done and I will make the best decision."

"I'd like to get my hands on that little gennin shit," Kiba said suddenly. "I had to miss the birthing of pups to go out in those damn woods earlier. You're lucky it was for you, Hinata."

"I'm sorry Kiba," I said shaking my head. "I didn't mean-."

"No, it's fine," Kiba said with a smirk. "I'll keep an eye out for him. If anything gennin are stupid. He'll return and I'll be waiting for him."

"Just leave it alone," I said my eyes wide. "He was just training. Nothing to get worked up over."

"Kiba's getting worked up again, huh?" came a voice from above us and I almost jumped. There, standing above us was Naruto. He had a bag in one hand and a half empty bottle of beer in his other. "Hey guys," he said. "Thought I heard Kiba's voice from outside."

"Hey Naruto-kun," Sakura said with a smile. Shino smiled at him as well, greeting him warmly.

"Just picking up dinner before heading home," he said. "Actually, I was hoping I'd run into you, Hinata."

At this my mouth went dry and it took all my strength to control the urge to faint. I looked up at him with a slight smile. "Did you need something, Naruto-kun?"

"Sort of, I was hoping you'd have a moment to talk to me," he said with a smile. "But if you are busy I can wait…"

"Nonsense, we were about to pick up the check anyway and get out of here. It's karaoke night," Ino said, squeezing Choji's arm. He nodded in agreement.

"Right," Sakura said. "You busy tonight?"

"Unfortunately I need to get home soon and get some rest," he said with a shrug. "Granny Tsunade doesn't like that I haven't been letting my body rest."

"Well then we won't stop you. Go ahead Hinata," Ino said. "We'll wait for you just out front after we pay the bill."

I nodded and stood up, Kiba stepping out of the way slowly to let me walk by. Naruto smiled and waved at everyone before leading me outside onto the street. He walked a few more feet away from the door before turning and looking back at me. I wish he wouldn't have. I could drown in those big blue eyes.

"Hinata, we need to talk," he said with an unsure voice. "Listen, I know you know so I'll make this brief. Yukimaru is sorry for having to knock you out and I'm sorry to get you any more involved with this. There are very few who know about him so I'd appreciate it if you could keep my secret, especially from Sasuke."

"I…" I paused, unsure what to say. I bit back a sob because more than anything I just wanted to be held by him. "I haven't told anyone. I made up an excuse and I won't ever speak of it again but you need to understand something. Whatever game you and Sasuke-kun are playing needs to end. I don't want to be caught up in the middle of it. It is bad enough I…" I stopped, unable to go on. I wasn't going to spill my true feelings to him.

I wasn't going to tell him I resented him for not loving me. Resented him for not acknowledging me, for making me feel weak and unwanted. I wanted to scream at him, to tell him that it hurt that I had to choose from two friends who would be the love of my life because he refused. I wanted more than anything to be angrier at him, to make him feel so horrible about the way he's made me feel. But then I stopped. I stopped and I couldn't do it anymore. I couldn't care. I couldn't give myself over to that feeling.

I'm not the first to feel like this about someone and I won't be the last. The world may not be ending but without his love my world felt worthless. And I felt hopeless because I knew it would never be. Whatever schemes and plans he and Sasuke were concocting had me in them. I knew it. I could feel the dishonesty and uncertainty.

"It's bad enough you two are at odds, I don't want to put Yukimaru's life in the balance," I finished, looking away from him.

"I understand," he said quietly. He then gently grabbed my wrist and looked down at me, his eyes intense. "You're so kind Hinata-chan." I didn't have time to respond because he gently kissed my forehead before turning and walking away swiftly.

I touched the spot where his lips had been only moments before and I swore it felt so warm, so vibrant. Like he'd left some of his chakra behind for me so that I could be stronger. So I could bask in his prescience one more time. I sighed then, putting my hand down and turning to go back into the barbeque place. When I did Ino was just coming outside, looking for me and spotting me standing there alone. She smiled and waved me over but I couldn't do it.

I couldn't be happy now. I couldn't even pretend anymore. I just waved back and nodded my head toward the direction of the compound. I had to leave. I didn't even give Kiba the chance to realize what was going on. I just disappeared. Left and nearly sprinted home. When I got to the gate I was out of breath and flustered. My cheeks were red and wet from the tears I'd shed only moments before. This hurt so damn much. It was like my heart was being crushed slowly from the inside and there was nothing I could say or do to change it. I was so deeply in love with him still and that is when the ice took over.

I hated him for it. I hated myself for it. I hated everything anymore. What was I going to do?

Review please. Hope you enjoyed it. It really touched home.