CHP25

Dinner was amazing, expensive, but amazing. In fact, the whole evening was fabulous. He'd had flowers waiting for her at the restaurant, how he pulled that off without her knowing, she'd never figured out. Maybe it was when he was texting away on his cell phone before they headed off. After dinner, he took her to the beach and just walked around hand in hand, enjoying the sunset together. If life was going to be like this, if they just be like this together, then she would be truly happy.

But then he stopped, shoved his hands in his pockets and looked at her sheepishly.

"Look Hanabi, this isn't about the baby, I want you to know that first. I bought this ring for you last month actually. I know we've just started dating, but I can't imagine another day without you being beside me."

She was so happy! He was proposing to her! She knew he loved her, just about as much as she was in love with him.

"But…there are some things I need to tell you before I ask."

She felt crushed, it could be anything. He could hurt her so much right now, what if he really did want Moegi? Unfortunately though, she could understand if he did want to leave her. She was pregnant and they were still teenagers, just graduating from high school. Maybe she did scare him off, she cursed her hormones for making her feel so vulnerable!

"I just found out that your father planned our whole relationship. He made it seem as though it just happened naturally, I like to think that it still did," he sighed, not wanting to tell her this, but wanting to be totally open and honest with her, "but it wasn't. He arranged for all of our classes to be together, even paid other students to mention each other to us. In the end, it was us that decided to start dating, but if he hadn't interfered, we might not be here right now."

"But I love you so much Konohamaru," she broke down crying, not believing this was all a lie. Everything was always a lie. She was so emotional right now, being pregnant so far was like riding an extreme roller-coaster. And now to find out her father was the reason why they were even together…it just didn't sit well.

"Ssh, ssh. I love you, Kami I love you so much. I was pissed when I found out, but Hanabi. Look at me baby, he just made us notice each other. He had nothing to do with what we feel for each other. In a twisted way I'm grateful to him."

"I can't believe this!"

He held her still, but looked nervous, "I'm not finished. Before I can ask you to become my wife, to live the rest of your life with me, I have to tell you something. You aren't going to like it. And even if you decide you don't want me after this, you'll still have to do it."

"What is it?" could she handle much more?

He took a deep breath and briefly closed his eyes, "The Hokage was recently threatened personally by another nation. The warning was clear enough and we have to go into hiding. The Hokage has been operating by using shadow clones and decoys, the threat has been extended to his family, in particular the heir. Once I was born, my mother declined her rightful place as head of our clan when I was born. I am that heir Hanabi. As of tomorrow night, anbu will be playing our roles for us, this includes you. Even if you decide you don't want to marry me, you'll still have to hide for the next few months, maybe longer."

"Wait a second, where are we going? Are you in danger?" she already knew he was the heir to his clan, that never made any difference to her, especially since she had no intentions to take up Hiashi's wishes and be the Hyuuga heiress. That spot was her sisters, and it was Hiashi's fault for throwing it away.

"Yes, and so are you. And Kami help me if something happened to you…"

"Let me get this straight, you think I wouldn't want to marry you because of your family and birth-right?"

He gulped, "You have to understand baby, you know how much I love you. But right now, all that everyone will see, is that you are carrying the heir to the Sarutobi clan. If word gets out that your carrying my child…" he couldn't finish that thought, let along the sentence, "Don't you realize Hanabi? You will always be in danger, our baby will always be in danger, any children we might conceive will be. The thought didn't even cross my mind until I spoke with my grandfather. And I'm sorry that I never gave you that chance before."

Tears slid down her cheeks, "Idiot!" then she hugged him tightly. "I don't care about your family, or anyone else. As long as I have you, I only need you."

"I just want you safe, I can't stand the thought of something happening to you or our baby." he admitted.

"Just ask me already!" she said, still hugging him, tears streaming down her face.

He pulled away from her and kneeled in front of her. She held her hands in front of her chest, not caring that the tears still streamed from her pale eyes. He blushed as he finally pulled out the box from his pocket. He opened, pulled the ring out and put the box back away.

"Hanabi, I love everything about you. From your quick temper and sarcastic remarks, to the way you look at me and complete my soul. Everything in between is just as wonderful as you make me feel. Hanabi, please…be my wife."

"Yes!"

He put the ring on her finger, and she didn't even bother to look at it, she simply jumped into his arms and kissed him with everything she had.

It was the evening before Hanabi's birthday, and they still hadn't heard from her. Hinata was sick with worry, and no matter what, she was going over to the Hyuuga estate tomorrow and see her. It took several hours for them to finish seeing to all the shinobi and kunoichi, but they finally finished. Sakura and Hinata decided to grab dinner together at a local diner, and they ran into Naruto as well. That was interesting, he was completely stuck on Sakura. By the time she got home it was at least eight in the evening. She was exhausted, but Sasuke was there waiting for her. He didn't even have to say anything, she just followed him up to his bedroom.

He turned on the lights and Hinata spoke up, "It's better without the lights." He nodded and flicked them back off, it was completely dark in his room. She had just noticed that he draped a small blanket over the window. That's right, the light post probably shone right into his room. She didn't mind at all that he made it a temporary fix, maybe if she found time this weekend, she'd purchase a thicker curtain for the window.

What she said was true, she would be able to differentiate the nerves and chakra better without the lights. "Do you get headaches after using your bloodline?"

"No."

"You may experience a headache when I'm finished. It should alleviate some of the blurriness if not all of it. There's no harm, your system will absorb the extra chakra when I'm finished. Your body is used to expelling chakra, I believe that if I push my chakra into the blocked nerves, it will loosen up and chakra will again flow freely. I'm also expecting for your sharingan to automatically flow against me once I start pushing the chakra in."

"You're tired," he observed. He knew she would be, but he was anxious to get this fixed, he didn't want to be used goods.

She sighed, "Yes, but I have enough energy and ch-chakra to do this for you."

She had him lay on his bed and she sat next to him. Placing both hands on either side of his head, she told him to activate his bloodline so she would become use to its push once she started using her chakra to heal him. She was amazed at how his eyes glowed red in the dark, and again she felt the hypnotizing sensation. Clearing all thoughts she activated her own bloodline, familiar to the rush of chakra flowing into her own eyes. Many people thought the Byakugan was almost creepy to look at when activated, especially on women. That never bothered her, in particular it never bothered her what people thought when she was practicing in school for medicine. And her mentor, Tsunade Senju had always complimented her and unique abilities, confirming her desire to go into pediatric surgery. Tsunade told her that her bloodline partnered with her supreme chakra control, would be perfect for the smaller nerves, bones, muscles, and veins in children.

"Start to push more chakra to your eyes, but go slowly, I need to grow used to the force so I can counteract it." She saw the symbols spin faster and faster, and she felt lighter and lighter. She gently placed her palms directly over his forehead, and slowly started to push in the chakra. Their chakra's mingled together, and flared bright in her vision. She wanted to squint but knew she couldn't, and so continued to push it in. Now that they were mixed, she moved her palms over his right eye. She could see the blockage with her enhanced vision and sent a steady stream of healing chakra into the nerves.

He was expecting a headache, but this…this was exotic. The feeling when she pushed her chakra into him was so foreign, but he could actually feel her chakra fusing with his own mixing and blending, he could feel the gentle healing properties flowing through him, as the chakra traveled throughout his body. He felt completely at ease, and he allowed their combined chakra to take over his every sense. The combination was so intense, he would have never guessed how strong she was. Now he felt her pushing her chakra behind his eye, there was a slight tingling feeling, and it felt good. He could also feel the nerves being cleaned out, he felt completely refreshed. As if all of her chakra was healing every memory, every wound, every bad thought he'd ever experienced. There was only this amazing feeling of their combined chakras coursing throughout his body.

"Sasuke? Do you feel alright?" she whispered, not wanting to cause more pain in case of a headache.

"That was…yes," he told her in a somewhat breathy voice.

"Would you like me heal the headache?" she offered.

He was tempted to tell her yes just to feel her healing chakra again, but, "There is no headache, I feel fine."

"Good, I was worried you would have pain afterwards. It's late, are you going to bed? I'm afraid that light would only hurt right now."

"I'll sleep," he wanted to remember this feeling he was experiencing, to always be able to recall the amazing way her chakra molded with his own, the way it felt flowing through him.

"Okay, we'll check the results tomorrow morning. Goodnight Sasuke," she whispered and stood.

He kept his eyes closed now, "Night."

It took everything in him to not allow the emotions and feelings show in his expression. Tenten was staring at him, with almost a dead look in her eyes. It was eery to see her usually so cheerful bright eyes, to appear dark and desolate.

"Well?"

He paused for a second, she already had it in her mind what he was going to say. With a frown, he finally answered her, "The Hokage reserved that week for me, I'll still be active if anything comes up, but only in a severe emergency. We don't have to postpone."

She hugged herself and closed her eyes, holding her head down.

Still wearing the frown, he walked towards her. They were in his room, wanting some privacy to talk about how his meeting with the Hokage went after his exam. Sitting next to her, he placed his arm around her and pulled her into his side. "I thought you would be happy."

She sobbed loudly, and he pushed her into his chest as he wound both arms around her.

"It's alright Ten, we can still get married." It was so unlike her to show vulnerability.

"You idiot!" she yelled and hit his chest with a tight fist. She looked up at him, not caring about the tears stinging her eyes, wetting her cheeks. "I would marry you tonight, don't think I'm not happy."

"What's bothering you Tenten?"

She hiccupped, "I knew I could lose you, I've known that for years. I just keep thinking that something horrible is going to happen."

He wasn't sure how to respond to her, so he just held her close. He couldn't deny her words, he could die on his next mission. That was the life of a shinobi.

"I just can't bare the thought of losing you Neji."

"Then trust that I am strong enough and that I love you enough to fight for us."

"I do, you're the strongest man I've ever met. I do trust you, and I do believe in you."

He looked at her, saw that her eyes were starting to clear up, "Tenten, I love you."

"And I love you Neji Hyuuga, so much."

"We still need to pick out a dj or band for the reception."

She laughed at his attempt to change the subject, "I wish we could get Hanabi and Hinata to sing."

He grinned, "I doubt that will ever happen."

"Me too, but they sound so beautiful together. Even when it's just one of them, you know, I bet Hanabi would do it!"

"You ask, leave me out of it."

She punched his chest again, then kissed him fully on the mouth. Things quickly escalated, both showing how happy they were over the good news. They lay there together after making love, talking about their plans and the future. She was starting to feel a little reassured. But the doubt was always there, and it always would be.

"I'm nervous, what do I say to her?"

If anyone were to ask Hiashi, he would tell them that his daughter was leaving to start late in the fall semester at his old university. And that was just fine with Hanabi, it worked out well with what they had to do. Luckily, she was feeling pretty good today, no nausea at all. Konohamaru told her last night that his mother was a doctor and would look her over once they were all secured away, and help her along in the pregnancy. She'd met his mother only a select few times, she was a beautiful woman with long curly dark hair, and soft brown eyes. Konohamaru's eyes were a very dark brown, similar to that of his father's.

She was already packed up and ready to go, Konohamaru had called Hinata earlier this morning to let her know they would be stopping by. He told her that her sister started to cry when he gave her the news. Which made Hanabi feel even more guilty. But what could she do?

"That's up to you, Nabi," he responded. They were driving over to Hinata's house now. It was eleven in the afternoon and she was nervous about seeing her sister after a month apart.

"I meant the baby, should I tell her? We usually tell each other everything, but I don't know if I should…"

"Everything?" he mocked.

"I didn't tell her about that, I left that between us. She just…happened to find out and walk in on us one time."

"I remember, clear as day."

She groaned in frustration, "I don't think I should. For safety reasons, I trust her, but if it got out then…"

"I know. I'm sorry about all of this Hanabi."

Sending him a soft smile, she replied, "Being with you is worth it, don't apologize for something you can't control. We'll get through this together."

He took her hand and kissed her knuckles, "Thanks."

Another ten minutes and they were parked in front of the house. It was just like how she left it, the garden still growing beautiful flowers and all. The pool was still up as well, Neji must have been seeing to that. She was nervous yet excited all at the same time. There were so many changes in her life, and she wanted to share them with Hinata. There was one thing that she would, however, share with her sister. But she'd wait to see how long until she noticed. Konohamaru kissed her and then got out of the car, hurriedly went over to open the car door for her. She kissed him again and they walked to the front door hand in hand.

He'd never had a more restful night of sleep in his entire existence. There were still traces of her chakra blended in with his, and it still had an amazing effect. He briefly wondered what it would be like for her should she experience his chakra in her network. Would it be the same? It was almost embarrassing to imagine her feeling the same effects he was having, even the aftereffects were near trembling. Or did she feel like this all the time? If her chakra was this potent to affect him so greatly, she must be used to this sensation coursing through her system. It was an intriguing thought, and it would be no wonder why she was so laid back and easy going, other than the shyness and quietness.

Standing, he dressed in black jeans and a dark blue shirt, and opened his door to find that Hinata's door was also open. He could see that she was sitting on the footrest of her bed reading some thick textbook. He walked to her doorway and softly knocked on the frame. Her wide pale eyes shone up at him as she burst into a wide smile, and closed her book. She stood and took a few steps toward him, asking, "How did you sleep? Was there any pain? How are you feeling now?"

Again, there was that genuine concern, he was not used to people asking questions like that. Or if they did ask, they rarely cared about his answers. "I slept fine, there was never any pain."

Two more steps toward him, she tilted her head, "Hmm…I'm glad you didn't get a headache. Oh! Konohamaru called earlier and said he was bringing Hanabi by!"

Sasuke was taken back by her sudden cheerfulness, "That's great Hinata, it's her birthday, isn't it?"

"It is, I'm making her favorite dish for lunch. She loves spaghetti and meatballs."

"Sounds good."

She grinned and he gave her a smirk in return, she was really beautiful when she smiled like that. Happiness suited her features well, and in his opinion, she should always be happy. That thought, again, convinced him of what a horrible kunoichi she'd make. Medical nin or not, it wouldn't do to have a nice kunoichi. Especially one who constantly showed her emotions, ah, there's another reason why she probably attracted him. She was someone else he'd met in his life who always showed their emotions, never tried to hide them. Maybe not attracted, but he was definitely intrigued by her.

"A-actually, would you mind helping me with something?"

He unfolded his arms and gave one quick nod, "Of course."

"Great, I put my crock-pot away in the cabinet last winter. Hmm, I could get it out with the ladder again."

"No, I'll get it." Dear Kami, the thought of this girl on a ladder…he nearly shuddered.

"Thank you," she blushed lightly and smiled easily.

That look again, the look that told him she was pleased. "No problem, shorty."

That nice expression with the light dusting on her cheeks turned into a frown, "I'm not that short."

"No?" he asked, easily stretching his arm over her head, clearing it by a good two inches.

She smiled, "You are just too tall."

He shrugged, "Most people like having a tall person around."

Sighing slightly, she had to agree, "It is c-convenient."

"…So which cabinet?"

"Oh, I'll show you…but first, shouldn't we check to see if your vision has gotten better? I also would like to see how the chakra flows around your eyes."

"Hn. After the crock-pot,"

She nodded her agreement.

She followed him down the stairs, it seemed that he was determined for her to follow him down, and then follow her up. She guessed he was convinced she couldn't walk the staircase without wreaking havoc or causing injury. Given the circumstances, especially with her more recent account of clumsiness, in particular around him, she could understand, if only a little. He stepped aside at the bottom, and followed her into the kitchen. Luckily, he was able to reach up on the balls of his feet and grab the object she was looking for. The more he thought about it, the better he felt for getting it down for her. Hinata? On a ladder? Probably not the best combination. Oh my Kami, did she put Christmas lights up? Or clean the gutters? He almost turned to ask her, but thought better of it. Now he was just acting weird, so he mentally blamed her, she was the weird one after all. He was a little startled when he finally looked at her again, as she had her bloodline activated. It didn't take long at all to complete the secondary exam, and the results were what she was looking for. His vision was again perfect.

Another reason to be thankful to her. So far, he had a pretty good list going. She glanced at him with a big smile on her face, and her cheeks were flushed just perfectly. This was when he found it difficult to not want her. They were still getting to know each other, and he knew he had a hard time opening up to people. That was how he kept himself guarded. Always guarded, and constantly alert. It was instinct, and one that kept him alive along with his comrades. But he could see himself, at least could see himself wanting to let her in. It was awkward for him to try and think about possibilities, after he'd resigned his fate just a few short days ago. He didn't trust the Akatsuki, but he did trust the Hokage. So, in essence, Sasuke could live his life, and not be considered a nemesis. So now, with her looking so happy and pleased, he felt conflicted towards the emotion stirring within him. He guessed the feeling was a longing to hold her, to always see her so happy and at peace, knowing she deserved it. She needed someone to always look out for her, he knew how clumsy she could be. But she also needed someone who would love her unconditionally, she deserved nothing less. Someone who would always be open and honest with her, and that was something he could never be to her. Just like Neji could never be completely honest with his fiancé, he knew many things about Neji that Tenten did not. But Tenten and Hinata both knew things about his comrade that he would have never known without staying here. He never figured the Hyuuga male to be so…open and caring around his family. Slightly overprotective, but he could understand why. He wanted to protect them as well. But, he supposed, all civilians should be protected.

Knock, knock.

Hinata's smile faltered, and her eyes took on a nervous gleam. He smirked at her, and placed a hand on her shoulder, "Go answer the door Hinata." She gave a shaky smile and the warmth returned to her eyes, as she nodded and left to do just that. Leaving Sasuke to continue his musings, especially as to why Hinata grabbed his attention. All he could think about, was Neji sprouting off about that fate crap again. Fate or not, it was becoming more difficult being around her and not wanting more out of life.

Hinata walked to the door and opened it to find Tenten, she thought she had stayed over last night, but she guessed wrong. She went to bed rather early, so was surprised to see her best friend smiling at her as she walked through. She frowned at her though, and told her she would get a key copied for both her and Sasuke, and she couldn't believe she hadn't thought of that sooner. Sasuke.

She was so happy that she could help him, she sat on the loveseat for a moment, trying to calm down her racing heart beat. She knew his pride was hurt over the fact that he did need assistance, but at least he didn't complain about it. And at least he'd stopped ignoring her again, she really didn't know how to read him, but she had a difficult time reading most people. She knew she wasn't socially gifted like others, but she found she could speak easily with him. Other than the nervousness that is, and he seemed to always find a way to make her nervous. She really didn't know what to think though, he almost took her first kiss just last weekend, and now, they are just barely speaking with each other again. She tried to make sense of it all, and wished she knew what to make of the feelings he instilled within her. She kept telling herself that she didn't have time for any budding romances, and that she didn't even really like him. That wasn't true though, she did like him. Very much so. The way her heart danced when he turned his dark gaze on her, how her stomach clenched when he gave her that familiar smirk, and the way every breath in her lungs stilled at his touch. She'd never experienced any of these feelings, she'd had crushes here and there along the way, but she never felt…this. It was confusing, and she battled with herself, knowing it would never work out. She wasn't strong like Tenten, she could never sit idly by while her love was out risking his life day and night. Not to mention the path she planned her career to take, it wasn't like she would even be able to make time for someone else, she summoned that these were just idle thoughts. She couldn't wait to see her sister, no matter how busy she was this month, it still seemed to drag by. What would she do without her sister in her life?

Knock, knock.

She answered the door, and seeing her little sister there with tears already stinging her eyes, they flew into each other's arms.

It had been so long.

A/N: My e-mail is messed up, so...for my lack of response to reviews, I wanted to try and update faster than usual. Enjoy your time in fanfiction-ville. ~