Hi there everyone! I hope you guys are doing well, I actually feel okay—don't know how I will be by the time I finish the chapter though hehe! Hmm not much to really say this time so I'll get straight to the story.
Oh yeah, and I still have writer's block *sigh…
(I had started this chapter a little while ago but then my uncle got sick and actually died and it was and is very hard on me. I couldn't bring myself to do any writing or reading and then the Jounin exams and other events are around his birthday so that's tough to handle as well. Please bear with me)
Excuse any errors and formatting. Please R&R‼!
Chapter 52: Itachi's Birthday Surprises
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Hinata could definitely say she knew what it was like to feel utter strain to the point of fainting.
In fact, she had fainted once or twice in the past couple of days due to the new training she was under.
Itachi had not been lying when he said the pain was unbearable either. The first night she'd had a terrible headache and went fast asleep but when she woke up, Hinata thought her head had somehow exploded through her eyes.
She'd not been able to open her eyes, but the pain had startled her up. There was just constant pounding and that was how she felt for the majority of the time.
It was mainly in the mornings and afternoons, though. The pain lessened as it was not so bright later in the day and at nighttime.
"Hinata-sama, are you listening?"
Hinata rubbed her temples, attempting to soothe the migraine as she looked up from her notes.
"Hai," Hinata murmured.
Hinata was in an important meeting with the elders about issues occurring within the clan but, to be honest, Hinata could not care less about anything other than the fact that her head was just absolutely killing her.
The elder continued his lecture and Hinata tried her hardest to keep focused.
There was so much on her mind though.
She had training with Itachi later, the Jounin exams to prepare for, studying more history and rules of the clan and leadership…
… oh yeah and Itachi's birthday!
Hinata started suddenly as she remembered that fact, startling everyone else at the table.
"Gomen," the girl apologized.
"I think we should have a short break," said Hiashi irritably. "The future leader of the clan's mind is clearly on something other than the welfare of her people."
Hinata glared, but the headache was too strong for it to make an impact. "I am just not feeling well," Hinata addressed everyone present.
"I can certainly see why when you have had your Byakugan on for so long," Hiashi said. "I'm surprised we haven't found you in a coma as yet."
Hinata asked to be excused and got up to leave, Neji was also excused.
They went outside into the gardens.
"Are you sure keeping your Byakugan activated so long is healthy?" Neji asked her.
"Hai," Hinata replied. "It's part of my training for the Jounin exams and it's not as bad as before anyway, which means it must be working."
Neji scratched his chin. "Maybe I should try that," he said. "But Hiashi-sama would never approve."
Hinata frowned shortly before a smile graced her face. "That's for now," she said. "When you're leader of this clan, you will be able to do anything you want."
"That is not entirely true. Being leader of this clan might only dig me further into being a servant," said Neji.
That was true. Hinata knew for a fact that being the leader of the clan would also mean being the servant of the clan.
There were certain things the leader could not do. For instance, how far one could go as a ninja and being an ANBU.
According to the elders, being on the ANBU squad would be too dangerous for the clan leader, as it would be constantly putting the life of him or her in danger.
"Anyway, other than training your eyes, how is everything else coming?" asked Neji. "I heard from some of the others that you're really something to reckon with and in recent spars you have definitely improved."
"Training is going great even though it's been super stressful," said Hinata.
"Hn."
Hinata and Neji decided to just eat their lunch before going back inside and so the meeting continued. By the time it was afternoon, Hinata swore she would die. When it was finally time to leave, Hinata did not know if she should be singing or crying at the thought that she had to go to training.
Hinata said her farewells to Neji and made her way home.
Throughout the day, Itachi had been running through her mind, seeing as it was his birthday.
She really had no idea what to give him or what to do yet and it was soon time to meet him.
Not that the older male was into birthdays; Hinata didn't know, but she wanted to do something nice anyway as a way to thank him for staying in Konoha and training her all this time.
But what was there to do for someone so perfect?
Hinata had decided that she would not buy the Uchiha anything and so when she got home, Hinata went straight to her room.
Sasuke was not home yet, probably still out with Naruto, and Hinata was glad for that.
She freshened up and got ready, wearing her usual gear and packed up her bag. Hinata then went down to the kitchen and fixed up something really nice to have for dinner.
There you go! The plan was in motion and Hinata didn't even know it.
Afterwards, the girl made her way to the hideout, where she found only Itachi waiting.
"Where is Deidara?" she asked Itachi.
Itachi sighed, which was something Hinata did not see every day. "He is in a foul mood," he said.
"Is this because of lately?" asked Hinata. "I know that lately he's not been able to hang out with me a whole lot."
"It's a bit more complicated than that," Itachi told her, and he left it at that, Hinata realized. She asked him nothing further on the matter.
Hinata put down the packed food she had and took off her jacket.
"How was today?" asked Itachi, referring to her eyes and headaches.
"Still pure hell but not as hot," Hinata replied.
Itachi nodded.
Hinata started to warm up, doing the stretches Itachi had her do now before training began. "How has your day been?"
Itachi looked at her with a raised eyebrow. "It could have been better," he told her. "Nothing spectacular."
Hinata smiled inwardly, knowing what she had in mind was sure to make his day better.
"Ready," she said.
Itachi came forward as Hinata got into her stance, ready to attack.
"Begin."
That was all the prompt Hinata needed because no sooner had Itachi said it, Hinata was ready and fighting.
She put her all into the spar, blocking and attacking as she never had before, forgetting her headache and aching muscles.
Hinata was so ecstatic to see the pride and surprise on Itachi's face that she almost forgot her reason for being so focused.
The spar went on for a long while, very much exhausting Hinata to the point where her arms and legs were trembling from the constant strain.
The exercise escalated where one spot was no longer used and so Itachi and Hinata were darting from tree to tree, blocking chakra, and using their doujutsu.
"Enough."
Hinata halted in the middle of blocking a blow that did not come and stood, panting as she waited for further instruction.
"You did very well tonight, Hime," said Itachi, he sounded winded as well but it did not show. "It was a very pleasant surprise."
Hinata beamed. "I wanted to go the extra mile today," said Hinata.
"You certainly did," Itachi said. "Training is over for the night."
Hinata quickly regained control of her breathing and went to a nearby tree to get her water bottle to have a sip. Offering Itachi some, Hinata then took out a blanket and spread it neatly on the soft grass and then she set out the food she had prepared.
Itachi looked at her questioningly.
"I packed us some dinner," Hinata supplied. She then took out a small cupcake and a tiny candle.
Itachi came to the spread slowly and sat with her, a faint smile on his lips. "You knew."
Hinata nodded happily. "Of course I knew," she said. "How could I not know the birthday of one of the most important people in my life?"
Hinata stuck the candle in the cupcake and reached out to Itachi, who took the hint and gently blew enough fire to light the candle. The girl then sang the birthday song, trying her best to sound as nice as possible—she was not very good at singing at all.
"Make a wish," Hinata chirped.
Hinata saw a flicker of something very faint flash across Itachi's eyes before he blew out the candles.
Itachi knew his wish was going to be very much selfish and would most likely not come true, so he made a wish, asking for a chance to make it when he needed it.
Asking Hinata to return his affections was childish and Itachi did not want to do something like that to her after she and Sasuke were now happy again with his—unwilling for the most part—help.
Maybe later he would wish for Deidara to just settle down or make up his mind about what was going on with him.
Cheering, Hinata gave the cupcake to Itachi. "I made some of those yesterday," she informed the older male.
"Then I'm sure I will enjoy it," Itachi told her. He peeled the paper off and took a bite.
Hinata watched him as he chew. "How is it?" she asked him with wide eyes.
Itachi swallowed and gave her a small smile. "It's better than I thought."
Hinata grinned.
"I can make better ones though."
The grin faded and ended with an open mouth of shock.
Itachi then took his chance to grin, unable to suppress it.
Hinata squealed loudly. "You did that on purpose!" she said, poking him playfully. Taking two glasses from the basket and a bottle of sparkling cider, Hinata poured Itachi a glass and then herself.
"Here's to your birthday," said Hinata. "Also, for seeing another year. I hope it will be the best you've ever had and will get better with many more years to come."
Itachi raised his glass to Hinata's with a subtle clink. Hinata then scooted closer before he could take a drink and looped her arm in his to drink from his glass while he drank from hers.
Itachi rarely showed this side of him but for his Hime, he would show her he appreciated the fact that she had tried so hard to make his birthday a good one.
Usually, Itachi just forgot all about the day or, in the recent years, Konan and the others would try to get him to celebrate which would usually involve drinking and Konan sneaking in his bed until morning.
This was more like it though, more his speed.
Just sitting here after a good spar with his Hime and having a quiet dinner.
"What are you thinking about?" Hinata asked him.
Itachi was brought out of his thoughts. "Nothing really," he replied.
Hinata gave him a disbelieving look. "There's something."
Itachi really hated and loved the way he was able to open to Hinata as he never could with anyone else.
"I'm contented," he stated simply. "Arigatou."
Hinata beamed from within, the wind caressing her hair. Itachi reached across to tuck some behind her ear; the tresses had really gotten long now, now mid-thigh in a thick curtain.
"Don't cut your hair," he told her. "I like it this way."
Hinata ran her fingers through her hair consciously. "You do? But it's gotten so long that it can be a pain to handle."
Itachi chuckled and took his own hair from the ponytail it was in. "Do you think it is easy to keep mine this length?" he asked the girl, causing her to laugh.
"I know the issues you must have as Neji has his long as well," Hinata said. She moved from her spot to go behind Itachi to comb her fingers through the locks; Itachi relaxed as she did.
"You are so perfect," Hinata said reaching around Itachi's shoulders to embrace him.
Itachi's heart jolted at the compliment. "I am far from perfect in every way."
"Iie," Hinata corrected. "You have no idea how-"
"And you have no idea how unspoiled you are," Itachi cut in. "There is a big difference."
Itachi felt Hinata smile against his cheek where hers rested and then she kissed him lightly before a sigh. "It's getting late and Sasuke will start to wonder where I am."
Itachi almost sighed himself. "Then you should go."
Hinata gave him one last peck before both she and Itachi got up to pack away the leftover food and blanket.
"I have more food packed in the basket for Deidara," said Hinata. "So you can take it home and share with him.
Itachi only nodded, doubting Deidara was in the mood to do anything where he was concerned.
"See you tomorrow?" asked Hinata.
"Of course," Itachi replied. "Would you like me to take you home?"
"Iie it's fine."
Itachi and Hinata parted from the clearing soon afterwards and Itachi made his way to the seedy inn he had been staying at for the past couple of months now.
Up to his room he went, where he saw Deidara stretched out on the bed as he watched his clay figures dance around the room.
At the sight of Itachi, Deidara turned to his side to back the older man.
"Why are you back so soon?" asked Deidara.
"I brought some food from Hinata," said Itachi. He laid it in the bed next to the blond, who turned to him.
"Did you tell her it was my birthday?" Itachi asked him.
"Iie, when last did I have time to talk to Hinata since she's always with you?" Deidara replied sulkily, asking a question of his own.
Itachi paid no attention to the question asked and simply went to the bathroom to have a shower before bed.
While he was in there, he heard Deidara moving around but didn't bother about it.
When he came out, it was to find Deidara sitting on the bed eating out of the basket. There was a small box next to him.
That's yours," said Deidara.
Itachi walked towards the bed as he dried his hair and picked up the box. Taking off the lid, Itachi took the tiny painted clay raven from the nest within the box.
"It's for your birthday," Deidara said softy, almost shyly. "I made it for you, yeah. It's my explosive clay but it will only detonate at your command whenever you need it and you can keep it close to you."
"Arigatou," said Itachi, not finding anything else to say. He was not surprised the blond had gotten him something. It was the fact that it was so thoughtful and obviously filled with affection.
"If you don't like it I can get you something else, yeah," said Deidara quickly after. "Knowing you're picky and all."
Itachi knew these words had double meanings.
"It's fine," he said. "I like it; you don't have to take it back."
Itachi went to the nearly broken-down dresser where his weapons pouch was and placed the bird there, leaving the box on top.
He proceeded to go back to the bed, where he brushed his hair.
The brush was taken from him.
Itachi turned around but Deidara turned his shoulders so he would not face him and the blond kneaded his shoulders timidly.
"How many times have I told you not to touch me," said Itachi. He had to admit the massage felt nice though.
"It's hard to resist, yeah," said Deidara, almost sadly. "You don't have a problem when Hinata touches you."
"Hinata is special to me," Itachi told the blond.
"And, unfortunately, you are special to me," Deidara retorted. "I would have never thought in a million years it would be like this."
Itachi did not either.
Over the past months, Itachi and Deidara had gotten close to the point where he was actually able to say Deidara was his friend.
But lately, Deidara was always in such a bad mood at the strangest things until Itachi realized there was a certain pattern to what set him off.
It was the fact that Itachi was not spending as much time with Deidara as the blond would have liked. That, and because Deidara had developed 'certain feelings' for him as well.
Deidara felt as though he had lost the battle in the fight for Itachi's affections to Hinata and so he opted not to have anything to do with training since he said he no longer could stand it, as much as he liked Hinata.
Deidara did not like Hinata romantically anymore as he once had, and the attention went to Itachi.
This was something the brunet was not too certain about.
Neither of them had ever had romantic feelings for anyone other than a female so he could not understand it.
Yes, Itachi could not lie and say he did not feel somewhat the same about Deidara.
"Won't you give me a chance, yeah?" asked Deidara as he came around to sit next to Itachi.
"We've been through this before, Deidara," said Itachi.
"And I will not accept it!" the blond said heatedly. "I know you feel something. Do you think I'm going to let you keep pining after Hinata and not be happy, hmm?"
Itachi said nothing and Deidara scooted closer, taking the brunet's hand in his own; Itachi allowed this.
"I…like you, Itachi, yeah," Deidara said. "I don't understand why I do when you're a picky, stuck-up, know-it-all-"
And here Itachi thought the blond was actually going to say something nice.
"-but you have something so perfect about you that's just too hard to ignore."
He'd been called perfect more than once for the night. What was it about him that made others think he was so flawless when he did so much wrong?
"I'm not perfect," Itachi said, repeating what he had said to Hinata earlier.
"You are to me," Deidara told him, and with that, the blond did something Itachi never would have thought him bold enough to do.
Deidara kissed him.
I thought I would end the chapter here as I want your feedback. I know many not like the outcome of things but I have to make Itachi happy. I like the ItaDei pairing very much so there will be some even if I change my mind and not have them be a couple.
Sorry about not putting the sexy Sasuke in this chapter; I missed him too lol! I really hope you liked the chapter as I fairly struggled with the knowledge that Itachi's birthday is only three days after my uncle's, who was very close to me.
If you have not read Hinata the Vamp, A Happy Ending, or Following the Sun, please do.
Until next chapter…
Ja ne!
Please review, I love it when you do!
