Title serves a double meaning. Sorry for a kind of cliff-hanger ending, but you'll probably be able to figure out what happens in Chapter 10. I got two great ideas from reviewers for the sequel, so thanks gals! And guys! Erm. There will also be an epilogue that will serve as the prologue for the sequel, to be titled "Strawberries & Cream" yeah. That would be a friend of mine at school's fault, because we were talking about "lemon and line" (if you know what i mean) and she said "IT SHOULD HAVE A SWEET NAME! Like strawberries and cream." So yeah. props to her for the title =) I hope you enjoy this chapter, even though it's short (6 pages... gosh, I think VAMP chapter length is affecting my other stories). AND PLEASE READ VAMP!! /cry

Chapter 9: Graduation

When Hinata returned to school the week before graduation, she was surprised to find that there was a large gathering of students present on the campus. They were yelling about something, and even Sasuke looked worried. She hurried forward and caught a snippet of conversation, "should he really be here?"

'Hidan?!' she hopped up the steps and tried to see over the crowd. All she saw was the top of Kisame's head. She frowned, and decided to bulldoze through the crowd like she had seen Sakura do on several occasions. She managed to almost get to the front, but there were a bunch of girls blocking her now. She scrunched up her face in a frustrated way, and poked her hand out from between two girls. A calloused hand wrapped around her wrist and jerked her forward, almost pulling over the two girls in the front.

"I found you!" Kisame announced triumphantly before guiding her over to Hidan, who stood against the wall, an irritated expression on his face. When he saw her his expression changed to one of relief, and he pulled her up against his side.

"Ah, gawds. They won't freakin' leave me alone. Gosh, it doesn't take that long to recover from surgery and I do need to graduate."

She smiled and leaned happily against him, "I d-didn't t-think you'd be h-here t-today."

"You too? Heh, well, I didn't think I'd be here either but I freaking woke up early and Kakuzu showed up so... I came, seriously," he stroked her head and looked down at her as the students dispersed, "where's the bullet?"

"In m-my heart," she muttered, lifting the chain and revealing that the bullet had been melded into a heart-shaped frame. He stared at it, shocked, then blushed and looked away, "scared me for a minute there... thought you actually meant it, seriously."

She giggled as the warning bell rang. This was when they would separate. She moved to go but Hidan turned sharply, arms coming up on either side of her. She flattened against the wall, blushing madly.

"Do me a favor, Hinata, and never stop stuttering."

She nodded before parting her lips against his mouth.

--

Hinata wouldn't stop fidgeting. Her father pressed a hand to her knee more than once to try and keep her from shaking it. She was so nervous. It wasn't even the banquet yet – just the ceremony. Her father wasn't going to come to the banquet; he had work he needed to get done.

The grade twelve class began to make their way down the isle. Hinata stood up a little so she could see better – even though she had an isle seat.

Itachi and a girl Hinata didn't know came out first, their gowns maroon in color. The tassels around their necks were cream and triangular in shape, short at the front and longer at the back. In the center of the triangle there was a thick red triangle, following the same shape as the larger cream outlines. She waved and saw Itachi raise his hand ever so slightly, his red eyes flicking in her direction before he focused on the stage.

After three more pairs walked by, Kisame and Deidara came out together, straightening from their bent positions.

'They m-must have b-been talking,' Hinata decided, waving at them. Deidara waved at her and elbowed Kisame, who grinned. She couldn't help smiling.

Behind them Sasori and Temari came out, both a little bit stiff. The two had never really gotten along, but they managed to walk side by side anyway. Sasori caught Hinata's eyes and he tossed his head back just a tiny bit, making her giggle. This earned him a small punch from Temari, who whispered something to him. He rolled his eyes and the two continued forward.

Hinata didn't see Hidan for another three pairs, his pair third from the last in the class of twenty-four. She stared at him, blush rising to her cheeks. Though his graduation gown hid his body his shoulders filled out the top quite nicely. The metallic fabric seemed to accentuate the swagger in his steps, a swagger Hinata hadn't noticed before. He looked like he was irritated with the hat on his head, as he kept on glancing up at it, fingers twitching at his sides.

Hinata was very thankful that he was walking down to the stage on her side of the isle, and when he drew closer she whispered, "Hidan..."

His violet eyes turned to her immediately, and he smiled, mouthing the word 'hi'. She latched onto his hand for a split second, making his smile widened before he passed by and she looked back at the stage. Everyone she knew from the grade twelve class were already seated, and so the last three pairs walking by didn't need any of her attention.

Itachi was the valedictorian, and as he spoke on behalf of the graduating class he smiled a few times. Hinata found herself quickly irritated with the grade seven and eight students that had decided to come. Every time Itachi smiled they would squeal.

'I know t-they're young b-but... could they b-be anymore i-immature?'

Itachi thanked families, friends and loved ones. At the phrase 'loved ones' several of the graduating students laughed, and Hinata's eyes flit across Hidan's face. His lips were locked in a permanent smile. Itachi finished his speech, and the salutatorian – Temari – made another, shorter speech. After this the other graduates came up to make short speeches, some pointing out boyfriends or girlfriends they had in the crowd – or the class – and Hinata found herself hoping that Hidan did nothing of the sort as he came up to make his speech.

'H-he's nervous,' she found, as he took a steadying breath.

"First, I wanna' thank my parents – who couldn't be here – for supporting me all these years, though they weren't by my side. I especially want to thank Kakuzu, for taking me in and treating me like a son, and for always being there to be a shoulder I could lean on," Hinata watched Kakuzu shift in his seat, crossing his arms, trying hard not to let himself swell up too much. Hidan's eyes landed on Kakuzu before he continued with his speech, "of course, I'm going to thank the punks behind me, for being jerks and making me finish my homework, seriously," the class burst into uncontrolled laughter, and laughs rose from the audience as well.

Hidan looked over his shoulder to grin at the class before turning back to the audience and muttering into the mic, "bothersome brats... and, yeah, I guess that's it."

Suddenly a seventh grader in the crowd cried out, "do you have a girlfriend?!"

Hidan released a short laugh, a lot of the girls giggling. Hinata's temper flared, and she felt the urge to stand up and yell, 'yeah, he has one! It's me!' but she kept herself under control.

"I do actually. I just don't feel like pointing her out. Besides, I'll see her later anyway," the smirk on his face as he walked away from the mic made a lot of people in the audience go "ooh", and Sakura gape-smiled at Hinata, who didn't quite get the joke.

--

With the grad banquet now over, and her stomach full, Hinata decided it was time to head home. She would have to find Hidan first, however, and so she began to search for him, and found herself swept into the mob on the dance floor by two very powerful hands. She was spun around and brought tightly against Hidan's chest, and she blushed brightly, turning her head away.

"Oi... why're you lookin' away from me, seriously?" his voice was a whisper in the music. Hinata's blush deepened and she replied, "y-you j-just surprised me. T-that's all."

"Oh. Well, you're looking for me, right?" Hidan asked, and without waiting for her reply he pulled her around in a few sensual dance moves, keeping her close to his body. The song playing had an addictive beat, though the lyrics made a few naughty thoughts slip into Hinata's mind more often than she'd liked. And when the song was ending and Hidan was holding her tightly to his body, a hand pressed against her stomach, Hinata pressed her head back against his shoulder, swinging her hips from side to side.

He released a breath against the top of her head, his hand pressing harder against her stomach. She savored how well her body fit against his, and then the song was over and they were off the dance floor.

Hinata turned to face him and saw that his face was flushed, a pouty expression on his face.

"You're torturing me, Hinata. Don't do that, seriously," Hinata blinked, noticing for the first time his lack of swear words. He blinked at her, "w-what?"

"Oh, Hidan. You d-don't swear s-so much anymore."

He gave her a confused expression, then smiled, "that's right. I don't. Huh. That's kind of funny. Well... I never let you answer my question earlier."

Hinata thought for a moment, then remembered, "ah, I w-was going t-to leave."

Hidan frowned, "you were? Damn. I guess I'll leave too, then," he commented, taking her hand and pulling her away. She stared wide-eyed at him; she'd thought he'd stay for the rest of the party, "b-but y-you were h-having so m-much f-fun!"

"It's not that much fun when you've got girls jumping on you left and right, seriously," she could hear the irritation in Hidan's voice, and she quickened her pace so that she walked next to him. They interlocked fingers for a brief moment before Hidan wrapped his arm around her waist. She leaned her head against his chest, "t-then I'm g-glad you want to l-leave with m-me."

He smiled at her, a genuine smile, before stopping her and drawing her in for a kiss.

--

Hinata had not wanted this day to come.

She didn't want to be standing there watching.

She didn't want to be the one in tears.

Though, if she was honest with herself, she just really didn't want Hidan to leave. He'd laughed madly when she asked him – the day before he had to leave – why he had to go to university. His answer was simple, "because I want to get a freakin' degree that I can shove in Sasuke's place, say 'HAH I'm not a failure', and be the frikkin' man I know I can be. Besides, Pein kicked me out of the Akatsuki. He told me he never wanted me on those streets again. And I'm gonna' be a good listener for once."

She stood there clinging to him with all her might, until he muttered, "Hinata, baby, if you cling to me anymore, I'm gonna' miss my flight, my first day of Uni, and I'll get behind in my studies," so she let him go – with much tugging from Neji.

Hidan gave her a rather long good-bye kiss – 'a-a-a-and in f-front of f-f-father too!' - before marching through the gates – to Canada and University.

He said he'd come back and visit when he could – 'i-if he can...' - because Hinata knew that money was a factor in his life. She just hoped he knew exactly what he wanted.

--

Hinata,

University is psychotic. I have never been in a more complicated place. It's so damn confusing! You'd think that even with the map I'd be able to get places but NOOOO not at all! I freaking need, a guide. Another student to freaking show me around! It's insanity I tell you! INSANITY! I've gotten through my first month of classes, and finally got the time (yeah, FINALLY) to write to you. This place... isn't quite like hell but it ain't earth I'll tell you that. First month of classes... got so much damn work, man. I can't believe I didn't have time to write. I guess I got absorbed in my studies (and that's all your fault, woman. Be proud!). I hope your own studies aren't causing you to freak out, seriously. Your mid-terms are coming up soon, yeah? Good luck on those. I've got a few tests coming up but it's nothin' I can't handle. Really. I'm actually handing my work in on time and crazy shit like that. It's wicked, seriously. I... actually have to stop writing now and work on an essay. Damn.

Love,

Hidan.

"Hidan,

I'm so glad you wrote! I was... a little worried. And yes, I have exams coming up soon. Wow. I really don't want to go to University now. It sounds scary! Don't get lost! And don't sleep in either. And I am proud that you... that you concentrate to much on your studies now. And you still didn't tell me what you were studying to be. Please tell me. I want to know. I miss you so much... I wish you were still here. Good luck on the essay and I'm so proud of you. For handing in your work on time. Good luck on your tests, and your exams when they come. Do you know when you might come back? I want to know because... I just want to know. And could you... could you call me sometime next week? If you have time? I really, really need to hear your voice. I miss you so much.

Love,

Hinata."

She sent the letter off in the mail the next day, impatiently awaiting either a reply or another letter from him.

'I hope h-he r-replies s-soon... If i-it d-doesn't get in the of his w-work...'

It was late next week when she finally received a call, but it wasn't just Hidan's voice that she heard when she answered the phone.

"H-hello?" there was a moment of silence, when suddenly, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY HINATA!" and in the background she heard, "Hidan's girlfriend" and Hidan mumble, "shush! Gimme the phone!"

She giggled before bursting into laughter. Hidan started talking, "hey, hey. Stop laughing, seriously."

"I-I-I-I'm not l-l-laughing!" she exclaimed, trying to control herself. Hidan laughed, "yeah you are. Well you were. Yeah."

"What are you studying?" she asked, sitting down on the couch. Hanabi scowled at her and Hinata rolled her eyes. The younger stormed up the stairs.

"I'm studying Physics and education. Why?" to someone else she heard him growl, "what the heck are you laughin' at, huh?"

"Hidan, be nice to your friends," she chided, smiling. Neji leaned over the couch, listening in on the conversation until she playfully batted him away.

"Go away," she whispered while Hidan spoke, "sure, sure. I'll be nice to them when they stop teasing me. Actually one of them wants to say hi. Wait a minute."

"Ah, okay," she heard the rustling sound of fabric and a very feminine sounding voice spoke, "hello?"

"Hi," Hinata found that she recognized the voice. She could hear the smile on his face as he spoke, "do you remember me?"

"Ah... ah... I know I – I've heard y-your v-voice before I j-just... Just can't r-recall your n-name," she bit her lip, cheeks turning pink out of embarrassment. Neji went away.

"It's Haku."

"HAKU?!" she exclaimed, hopping off the couch in surprise, "oh, Haku! I never knew you w-went to that university! I t-thought you were s-still with... well..."

"Zabuza? He and I were never together, silly. Besides, I'm dating a girl."

"Oh," Hinata inwardly sighed in relief, 'thank goodness he doesn't sound o-offended.'

"I'll give the phone back to Hidan now. We have to leave for class soon. Happy birthday," and with that he handed to phone back to Hidan.

"Is he y-your r-roommate?"

"Yeah, he's my roommate. Listen, babe, I've gotta' go. I got your letter, uh. I'll reply as soon as I can."

"Okay. Can I have your number?"

He laughed heartily, "not yet, babe. Wait until my exams are over, yeah? I'll give you another call, promise. See ya around. Oh and uh, I'll probably be back in time for your grad. Yeah. Next year. Can't make it back this year."

Hinata frowned but she was pleased all the same, "okay. Good luck on your exams. I did alright on mine. Um... I g-guess I'll l-let you go t-then. Thanks for the call. And the birthday wish. And it's snowing here. Bye."

"Snows here too, baby. Talk to you later."

They both hung up and Hanabi came bounding down the stairs, "finally!"

Hinata scowled and shoved the phone into her hands, "I wish you'd be nicer to me on my birthday! I was talking to Hidan who currently resides in Canada and actually went out of his way to wake up early enough to wish me a happy birthday!"

Hinata stalked off, leaving her younger sister clutching the phone in shame and marveling at her sister's lack of stuttering.

--

Hidan, as promised, came back the following year. He stayed for Christmas, so he could hit two birds with one stone: celebrate with the Hyuugas and celebrate Hinata's birthday.

He took her out on a winter walk near the river, which had frozen over. She wasn't cold at all, what with Hidan by her side and the warmth of his arms around her. He'd actually wanted to go skating but when Hinata tried she kept on falling over, so he had had to carry her around, which was fine by her. He was strong enough – and the ice was strong enough – to support her and himself.

"You really are clumsy on ice, baby," he'd commented.

Now he just held her firmly against his chest; he was leaving on the thirty-first, too early for Hinata's liking but if he left any later he'd either lose study time or he's miss an exam. Hinata didn't want either of those things to happen.

She leaned back and look up at him, and he looked down at her, "why the sad face, Hinata?"

"I don't want you to leave," she muttered sadly, wrapping her arms around his neck. He smiled sweetly down at her, before leaning down and capturing her lips with his. She felt his hand at her neck, and it pawed there for a moment before finally finding the chain of her necklace. She felt his hand close around the pendant and smiled.

Hidan pulled away and stared at the heart in his hand, stroking his thumb against the bullet. He laughed lightly, before letting it fall back against her chest and pulling her into another kiss.

Two days before he had to leave she caught him and her father in several conversations. Whenever they talked their voices were low, and if she walked in their conversation would cease instantly – not in an unusual way, but they would laugh loudly, so Hinata knew something was up.

'I-I just r-really want to know w-what.'

Hinata didn't really manage to say good-bye to Hidan when he got on his flight to go back to Canada, but she did shove a letter in his bag that he would definitely find. A month later – shortly before school ended for her – she received a long letter in reply. It was four pages double sided, and Hinata took at least an hour to read the entire thing. She cried a little as she read it, because it turned out Hidan's father had caught a terrible virus and had been admitted to hospital. The night after reading it she prayed that his father would be all right.

--

Hinata sat in waiting. It was a week before her graduation; Hidan had returned two days before, but had some things he needed to take care of before seeing her.

She sighed, glancing at her watch. She was quite early, the sweet air of June filling her lungs and she breathed it in deeply.

"Hey, Hina. You're damn early."

She smiled at the sound of his voice and gazed up at him. He seemed... nervous.

"Hi, darling," she giggled at his blush, "w-what k-kept you?" she made a move to stand but his hand held her down.

"No, no, you stay seated. I uh... well I... uh..." he looked away, withdrew his hand and took a deep breath, "I need... to ask you a question."

Hinata tilted her head in confusion at him, and when he got down on one knee her eyes widened unnaturally and her hand came up to her mouth.

Sorry if the letters were a bit confusing I... wasn't quite sure how to do them. And yes. Haku is Hidan's roommate. xD yes. I am random. And Hidan had a whole squad of friends to wish Hinata a happy birthday. Yer. hope you liked, and please read VAMP. please? xD