Disclaimer: The characters belong to Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of Naruto, and I don't own them. But I do own the plot, so DON'T TRY AND STEAL IT! IT'S MY IMAGINATION!

Chapter 10:

~ Hinata ~

The morning following The Best Day Ever, Hinata awoke to her annoying duck-sounding alarm going off on her phone. The only reason she kept that unfathomably bothersome duck as her ringtone was solely so that she would wake up to turn the damn, consistent thing off and then be too bothered to go back to sleep. (She was starting to regret that decision, though).

However, all the regret washed away as her mind became lost in a state of happiness. She bit her lip. We really did it, she thought as she reflected on the previous day's events.

It wasn't just "sex" to either her or Naruto. It was another stage in their relationship, to become even more close-knit than before. It was a whole new level, all by itself, that honestly Hinata didn't ever expect coming any time soon. Not to say that she was expecting to break up with Naruto. (Like that could ever happen). But simply, she never really thought or anticipated it as much as others might have. She simply forgot about it because she (and Naruto) believed that sex wasn't what a quantifies or establishes a relationship.

Their relationship, you see, was about building trust and building each other, to the best person the other could possibly be. It was mutual. And it wasn't anything about satisfying their needs. (However, Hinata will definitely not resist if Naruto wants to do that again sometime soon).

It...as said before...was purely perfect. Everything. Everything. Because Naruto didn't rush. And neither did she. And they both went at their own pace. And they were awkward. Because it was their first times, who wouldn't be? But that awkwardness and that pace and that so-close-to-being tangible love that was circling around them was perfect.

Hinata decided to rename it "The Most Perfect Day Ever."

She was jolted from her thoughts when she got a text. Sakura.

Although they hadn't gotten to meet each other in person since summer, only using technology as a means of communication, they were still as close as ever before. And that's what makes Hinata think that Sakura really is her best friend. Because you don't need to constantly talk to someone who's your best friend, but whenever you do, it shouldn't be awkward.

Hey. You busy? I wanted to call. I miss my Hina.

Hinata smiles, a warmth filling her. She sits up in bed and taps out a quick reply and then brings the phone up to her ear after pressing "Call."

"Hina!" Sakura's voice is loud and clear on the other side and leaves Hinata to giggle.

"Hey, Sakura!" Hinata's voice is a little raspy since she just woke up so she clears her throat and restates what she said.

"Sooo….how you doing? Anything new, interesting happen lately?"

Hinata wavers before telling Sakura. Not that she doesn't trust her. Because I mean, she practically lived with her for three years at their boarding school, but because it's such an intimate thing and she kind of wants to keep it a secret. (But at the same time she wants to shout it out for everyone in the entire world to hear). "I….N-Naruto-kun and I…" And her stutter is back because she doesn't really know how to explain this. So she just goes for it. "We had...it," she says cautiously, putting emphasis on the "it," so Sakura doesn't have to ask and she doesn't have to explain herself. Because she knew she wouldn't be able to handle that and she'd just turn into a sputtering mess.

Sakura doesn't speak and then Hinata hears a drop and she has a fleeting thought of Sakura fainting. No, Hinata, that's you who faints, she reminds herself. "WHAT?!" comes Sakura's response after about an agonizing 30 seconds of waiting (It doesn't sound like a lot, but it is). And then Hinata gets bombarded with questions. "Did he force you?! When did you do it? Where? Why? What the-? I can't believe this! Was he gentle?! Oh, he better have been gentle! Otherwise, I'm gonna kill the son of a–"

"Sakura!" And once Hinata got her attention, she said, "Chill!"

"How can I chill?!" Hinata swore that she heard a crack in Sakura's voice. Is she crying?!

"You're acting like a mother."

"I'm just worried!"

Hinata giggles. "No. Naruto-kun did not force me. And it was...uh...around the afternoon time…? And yes, Sakura, he was very gentle. He asked me before, like, everything."

Sakura lets out a dramatic sigh of relief. "...Okay. But I'm still gonna question the living ramen out of him."

Hinata lets out a soft giggle once again and then lets a pause occur before asking a question, "Have...you...done it?"

Sakura scoffs. "Psh, oh yeah," Hinata can imagine her waving her hand around. "We're not fetuses like you guys are. That's why I was so surprised."

"Hey! I'm older than you are!"

"...you're still a fetus."

Rolling her eyes, Hinata laughs as well. And they go on to talk for another fifteen minutes or so about random happenings in both of their lives. They haven't gotten to really talk much recently.

And then when a pause comes and Sakura says something, but Hinata doesn't hear it.

Because she notices it. There, lying on her desk, is the note. That dreaded freaking note. From her an ass of a guardian. (She refuses to call him "father" anymore, the term being way too intimate. Even guardian was too much, no?) And the reality of the situation at the moment comes crashing down on her, as ice washing over her skin.

She ignores - not really because she's not consciously doing it – the calls of "Hinata? Hinata?!" on her phone that become softer as the phone plunks down to the soft mattress of bed. Her eyes focus and then blur on those damned pieces of paper and her heartbeat is starting to increase. And that's the only thing she can hear. Because the sound of her blood going through her body is everywhere. It's suffocating. Her breathing is labored. And a soft pant is heard along with the heart beating that sounds like a freaking drummer has gone crazy in her room.

And she decides to listen to the one command getting through gives in to the feeling of being small. And she curls into herself and lets out a sob that sounds like she's being strangled and Sakura is full out screaming for Hinata to respond at this point.

With a quivering hand, Hinata gathers up the strength, which isn't much, to flip over the phone and hold it to her ear. "It's today," is all she says. And Sakura quiets down. Because she knows it's today. She wanted to add some laughter in Hinata's life before anything too bad happened. She wanted to make her forget.

Because ignorance is bliss, right?

Sakura feels her eyes begin to water. "I'm sorry, Hina. But you'll be fine. I know you will. I know it. You're so freaking strong. And Naruto will be there. You can tell whoever this Yukata guy is to go shove a cactus up his ass. And tell that to your father too."

Hearing Sakura speak snaps Hinata out of the panic attack that had controlled her a few seconds ago and smile a watery smile. At least it was something, huh? Hinata's glad Sakura didn't say anything like "Calm down," because when in the history of calming down has that ever helped anyone going through a panic attack? And she can't help but be grateful for such a compassionate friend as Sakura. Hinata taps her phone screen to light up.

10:32 A.M.

I still have some time, Hinata thought, trying to calm herself down. I need to go see Naruto-kun.

"Thanks, Sakura. I-I'll try to be strong. Thank you. For not...I don't know. Thank you for being my friend."

Sakura sniffles and that stabs Hinata in the heart because you made your best friend cry. "I don't have to be thanked for being your friend, Hina. It was my choice. And it was one of the best damned choices I've ever made."

"Me too, Sakura, me too."

"I should probably leave now, right? Haha. Be strong. You can do this. And remember, even though you feel like he has a lot of power, he's just your father. He's a different person. He cannot control you, Hinata. No matter what he says. And...even though this might sound rebellious, it's your life. And you've spent your entire life doing whatever he wants. Now it's time for you, and only you, to do what you truly want to do. Okay? Please keep that in mind. This is your choice."

Hinata nods because she doesn't want to say anything because tears are filling in her eyes and damnit, she was willing herself not to cry anymore. But this is over a phone that they're talking, so she has to say something. "Okay" is all she says, in fear of having an embarrassing voice crack. And she hopes Sakura can't hear her trembling voice. But she does. Because she's Sakura.

"Baby, please don't cry. He's not worth crying over. Only cry over things you're happy about."

"I'm crying because I love you so much." That was partially a lie. After hearing what Sakura said, her want to cry became more intense than before and she knew it was because of her love for her pink-haired best friend.

Sakura laughs. "Please call me if you wanna talk more. I'm free for the most of the day today. I love you!"

"I love you, too, Sakura. Bye."

"Bye."

And that's the last coherent thing Hinata says for a while before she turns into a blubbering mess with sobs racking her body.

An hour later and a knock on the door is the only thing that makes Hinata move from her bed. She glances at herself in the mirror while walking by and grimaces at her swollen eyes and sunken cheeks. Her messed up hair isn't doing her any good either.

She opens the door without checking who it is through the little hole on her door (it's a bit too high for her to reach anyway).

It's Naruto, whose bright smiles drops immediately after seeing his girlfriend's appearance. And Hinata feels horrible once again because now you made your boyfriend sad, too. What the hell is wrong with you? They're just trying to help.

"Hina!" he exclaims, putting his hands on her waist to guide her inside and then shutting the door shut quietly with his foot. "W-What happened? Are you okay?" Without waiting for a response, because he knows that she probably won't give him one right away, he wraps her into a bone-crushing hug that has all types of effects on Hinata.

This is just one of the million of reasons why I love you, Naruto.

Hinata raises her hands and clutches onto the back of his shirt almost desperately, getting closer, burying her face in his shoulder and neck area. "I love you."

Without a moment's hesitation, Naruto responds, "I love you, too."

And Hinata can't be more grateful for having this amazing person, man, at her side now. It's really all she could ever ask for. Naruto is literally the boy of her dreams. (Of course she had to make some adjustments to the figurative "boy of dreams" but Naruto was nonetheless perfect). And just for that thought, she gave him a tight squeeze before letting go.

Naruto took her hand and led her to her bed which was still messy and she hadn't really started her day until now, although it was nearing noon. Once they were seated, he played with her fingers while asking once more, "What happened, cinnamon roll?"

A slight blush on her cheeks, she shook her head and then shrugged.

Naruto squeezed her hand letting her know that that wasn't what we wanted. He wanted an answer. He wanted to hear her voice.

"I'm just…scared. I don't know."

Naruto's eyes softened and he leaned in to kiss her forehead. "Hinata," he said, making her look up at him, because he didn't really say her real name that often, always showing his love for her through nicknames and pet names. It made her tingle inside and she chewed on the inside of her cheek. "I will be there," he said slowly, so that it could sink in.

And it did. It did. Naruto will be there. It'll be alright.

"You are not in this alone. You don't have to worry so much. And you definitely should

not be scared. A-And…don't even think about what's going to happen if you have to get married to that guy because you're not. You can't. You. Are. Mine."

Hinata's breath faltered and her heart sped up again and those three words sent a shock of something down Hinata's spine. She didn't show it, but she loved his possessiveness. It made her feel even more loved. And cared for. Now, she didn't like being treated like an object, but that isn't what Naruto did. He just made sure that everyone on campus knew that they were dating and that if someone was to ask her out, there would be consequences. (Quite literally. Hinata was so embarrassed, she refused to look him – or really anyone – in the eye the entire day after that). Naruto just made her feel protected, not like an object.

And this moment…it was so…intimate. It was just too much. Here, in Hinata's small college dorm room with the light filtering in through the half open blinds, making Naruto's hair look even more sun-kissed than it already was and Hinata's eyes a different shade of lavender. Here, with the two of holding hands, sitting crossed legs, facing each other. Here, where Hinata thought she would explode because she was sure she looked like a tomato.

It was unexplainable how they both felt at this moment.

So when they both leaned in at the same time, eye-lids fluttering shut and mouths closing the space between them, when their fingers intertwined more closely and tightened, when their lips slanted to fit with each other's in what would be known as the most chaste of kisses shared between them, was when they both knew this was definitely a love worth fighting for.

"You're mine, too."

~ Sasuke ~

Spreading out all of things he needed to pack, Sasuke sighed in frustration, closing his eyes. He ran his hands over his face and hair in anger at just how much he had to do. And the flight was tomorrow.

Snapping his eyes open, he bit his lip with a determination. The sooner I start this, the sooner I get this over and done with.

He had always dreaded packing. Sakura always used to help him with that when they went from the boarding school to his house and back for the summers. And not to mention, before college.

He started with his shirts and other clothes, and toiletries. And other various things that weren't really necessary, but he didn't know whether he would need them or not. Stuffing one of his huge jackets into the suitcase, he triumphantly smiled when he finally zipped the damn thing.

It was close to midnight when he was done and he didn't have the strength to do anything else but flop onto his bed in exhaustion.

As soon as he did however, he got a call, making a child-like groan push past his lips. He fumbled around without opening his eyes to get the phone and when he finally found it, he brought it up to his ear after tapping on the "Accept" button.

"Hello?" he said.

"Mr. Uchiha? Hello. Sorry, it's so late, but I had forgotten when your flight was tomorrow and I wanted to make sure I didn't miss the chance to speak with you."

This got Sasuke's attention. A rush of fear went through Sasuke and he brought the phone away to check who exactly was calling him. Oh. He sighed in realization. It's just the vacation house agency

"No. It's okay. What is it exactly?"

"Nothing bad. Please don't worry. Only that the vacation home has been set up for your stay and everything you requested for is in place as well. Approximately when will you check in?"

"Uh…late evening? It might be around midnight. It depends on something I have to do before, so I'm not sure. I'm sorry."

"It's okay. I just wanted to know, so that we have someone there for sure. Thank you. I hope you have a safe flight. See you tomorrow."

"Thank you. Goodbye."

"Goodbye."

Sasuke plugged his phone to charge and rested back on his bed, hands folding over each other on his stomach that churned with anticipation. He hoped that everything would be alright. That everything would work out as little problems as possible. (He wanted to say 'perfectly", but that's never the case).

The next morning, Sasuke woke with a jolt, slightly panicking, wondering what time it was and if he had missed his flight. He looked towards his nightstand, where a digital alarm clock lays.

6:53 A.M.

Sasuke breathed a sigh of relief. His flight was at 11:15 a.m. The airport was not that far away.

Quickly getting dressed and brushing his teeth, Sasuke double-checked if he had everything while he simultaneously called his taxi. Neji was still out. He had gone to visit his family. With the complications of Hinata and her father, I guess he wanted to help. But with the things that Hinata used to tell us, I doubt that he would be able to do much change.

Once Sasuke's taxi came and he had reached the airport, Sasuke went to check in and after an extensive and lengthy security check up, he finally boarded the plane.

And it was only when the plane took off that Sasuke realized this was actually real. He was going to see Sakura after almost four months. The thought nearly made him want to scream.

He was so close to telling Sakura when they were talking a while ago. Apparently, she was getting his anniversary present soon. He hoped that she hadn't already mailed it because obviously, he wouldn't be there to get it

A feeling of airiness filled Sasuke, and he tried to blame on it on the fact that they were some 30,000 feet in the air so he wouldn't seem like a schoolgirl going to meet their crush. But that's just the effect that clumsy, pink-haired girl he was proud to call his had on him. (And although he wouldn't ever admit it to anyone but maybe said girl, he kinda loved it).

He leaned back, a permanent smile plastered on his face, probably making him look creepy as hell, with the way the woman next to him was glancing over every few seconds.

But he didn't care.

Because he was going to meet the love of his life in less than a few hours.

He turned to the window to hide his even wider smile now.

And as he watched the clouds, and looked down at the world below him, the happiness went away, replaced with a pit in stomach of nervousness.

What if she had other plans? What if he's just barging in on her life? What if she wanted to do something else this break? What if she didn't want to see him?

No, Sasuke told himself. The other questions were somewhat understandable but the last one was unimaginable. Sakura missed him as much as he missed her. And she always sent him texts and called him saying how she wanted to be with him. So there was no way that that could ever be a possibility. No, Sasuke repeated, trying to work up courage.

He rolled his eyes at how many moods he was experiencing all at once. Look at what you've made me, Sak.

~ Sakura ~

"I still don't understand why I have to be here, Sakura," Kaori complained.

Sakura rolled her eyes, looking around the mall. "Oh shut it, Kaori, otherwise, I'll return your present."

Sakura was out to buy Sasuke an anniversary/Christmas present, since their anniversary was the same day as the holiday. There was only less than a week left before Christmas and she still hadn't decided what to get her boyfriend. She was lucky shipping only took a day, so she had extra time than usual.

After an hour or two of wandering around the mall, trying to figure out the perfect present for Sasuke, Sakura was still stumped. Kaori wasn't complaining too much as Sakura bought her ice cream to shut her up, but was starting to get antsy again and Sakura noticed.

Sakura let out a deep sigh. "This is going nowhere. I guess that I'll–" she paused, seeing an art supply store in front of her. She could make something. "Hey! I know! Come on!" she took Kaori's wrist and dragged her to the colorful art store.

"You're making a scrapbook? Ugh, so cheesy," Kaori commented.

Sakura glared at her as she printed out all their photos over the years at the school library. "Shut up, would you? I think it's cute...Or is it not…?"

"No, no. It's a nice idea. Cheesy, but whatever. It's cute."

Sakura spent the rest of that day and a part of the next day to make the scrapbook as perfect, cute and artsy as she could. Hopefully, Sasuke would appreciate this even though he doesn't usually like gushy, cheesy stuff.

Cheesy stuff is not really like him, Sakura worried. Her teeth sunk into her bottom lip, anxious about the possibility that Sasuke wouldn't like it. No. I'm sure he will. He's never not liked anything you've given anything before, it's okay.

Sakura rolled her eyes. Even though they've been together for more than 3 years now, she couldn't help feel like it was her first time doing anything with him each time they did something because of the feelings flowing through her body. They were always just as powerful as the first time and she kinda loved that.

She never wanted their love to die. Even through fights and difficulties, she wanted them to push through and be together forever.

That's so lame.

The blush on her cheeks said otherwise, however.

She's like me. She finds solace, an escape, in writing. The world and the pressure, she said, is too much for her.

I want to protect her, shield her from all the dark in this world that dims her light. Her glow is too bright to fade. She is more than beautiful: special, luminous.

I see colors when I hear her voice, her words mixing and fabricate their own vibrant pigments in the air. I feel the warmth radiating from her, from her soul. I haven't felt like this.

I have been cold for too long.

Author's Note:

Hiiii! OMG, it's been like 7 MONTHS. I'm so sorry. But I've just had a lot going on and I know that that isn't really a reason, since everyone does, but I promise you, I'm going to finish these stories somehow. Even if it's over a couple of years.

Hehe.

Thank you all so much for reading and reviewing. It sincerely means a lot that you take time out of your day to read and possibly (hopefully) review.

I love you all so much and thanks once again!

REVIEW PLEASE.

~ booklover333