She woke to a scowling Sasuke sitting on the bed, along with the faint smell of something burned. Blinking, she sat up and looked at the alarm on the nightstand. It was six thirty in the morning, funny, he let her sleep in today. She was usually up by six each morning to fix breakfast.

Oh no, did he?

With his frown deepening, he thrust the hot plate towards her, then crossed his arms.

"Ah! W-what is this?" she asked smiling.

"Hn," he refused to look at her.

"Sasuke…" she looked at the plate in her arms and started grinning, "did you make these for me?"

He turned his head away from her, "I don't how you can eat those disgusting things."

She giggled, picked one up and took a bite, "Mmm, yummy."

Now he turned and smirked at her, "I said the same thing just last night when I was between your…"

"Want one?" she quickly cut him off. His immaculate face twisted in disgust just from the thought of consuming one of those ridiculously sweet…things. With her humor renewed she giggled again, "They're delicious, thank you so much."

"Hn. I'd kiss you, but…"

"Icing?"

He nodded, "Sorry if they're burned," was that a…slight blush?

She moved the plate aside and moved to kiss him anyway, he would just have to deal with the icing. He moved her so that she was straddling his waist and she placed her hands on his shoulders. After giving him a long good morning and thankful kiss, she said, "They're perfect."

He gave her a rare smile, "Good morning."

"Merry Christmas Sasuke, I love the cinnamon buns."

He smirked, kissed he,r and things progressed from there, making love to the Christmas music playing from the alarm clock. Afterwards, he felt hungry enough to actually eat one of those iced cinnamon buns, even managed to get it down, and was grateful he brought up a cup of juice for her. He'd already showered and dressed, well now he'd have to re-dress. He watched as she moved into the master bathroom, turned on the water and stepped inside. He wondered if she knew that she hummed while she bathed? Probably not. He laid back on the bed they now shared, listened to her hum and start to sing a soft Christmas song, to one of the songs playing while they were in bed together.

Maybe he should have went with his instinct and bought a ring for her. He couldn't imagine not wanting her in his life. It didn't matter that they had only been dating for three months now, he knew there could never be someone else in his life, no one but her. He sighed, he hoped she liked what he did get her, although, she wouldn't get the rest of her gift until her birthday. He smirked to himself, she could wait two days, right? Could he? It wasn't an engagement ring, but it would be stating that he wanted their future to be spent together, always.

"…spending Christmas with you, is spending Christmas in love…" The water turned off and out she stepped, quickly wrapping a large white towel around her slender frame, his eyes taking in her every move. He sat up and continued staring at her as she moved about the room, expertly getting dressed without showing him anything. Unfortunately for him, or so he thought. Then she sat down in front of the silver vanity and brushed out her long hair, applied light eyeliner to her eyes and that was when he got off the bed and crouched next to her, looking at her through the mirror.

"Don't forget this," he told her, pointing to a small tube of liquid.

She smiled and raised a brow, "Lip gloss?"

He shrugged and whispered in her ear, "It tastes good."

Now she blushed and looked him in the eyes, "But you don't like sweet things, this is cotton candy flavored."

His gaze never wavered from hers, so she smiled while she put the lip gloss on. He immediately kissed her, and moved his tongue over his own lips to taste the leftover traces, while she laughed and added more. He should tell her that she should just keep it in her pocket, he thought as he leaned in and tasted her again.

Giggling, she added more once again and they finally went downstairs. Mr. and Mrs. Hyuuga soon joined them and they each started to un-wrap their gifts. Neji got Tenten a beautiful new fighting kimono along with some hand-crafted ribbons for her daily buns to match. She gave him a new kunai set, and then they splurged and bought a new game system for the household. Neji and Tenten both put their heads and money together and bought an elegant painting easel for Hinata. She was thrilled, just as everyone else was when she surprised them all with a new laptop for everyone to share in the office. The other one was ancient and really needed to be updated. Then she presented Sasuke with his gift, she had conspired with Neji and he helped her with it. It was made by a master smith, and the blade on the katana was beautifully sharp. He blinked as he received the gift, it was an amazing weapon, something he would appreciate for years to come. It even had his family's crest on the sheath and handle. Then he told her to check her stocking, which now hung right next to the one she had made for him. He watched as she reached down and pulled out the small box.

Her heart skipped a few beats, he wasn't going to…no way, he couldn't be! He stood and took the box from her, opened it and showed her the glittering light blue collar. She looked confused as she looked at the charm on the collar. Sasuke looked back at Neji who nodded. Next thing Hinata knew was that Neji came walking in with the cutest little puppy she had ever laid eyes on.

She gasped and flushed in pleasure as Neji handed the small puppy over to her before joining his wife on the couch.

Beaming with happiness, Hinata cuddled the pup closely, "Oh you're so soft and adorable, what's your name little one?"

Sasuke pet the dog's head while telling her, "That's for you to decide, he's yours. Merry Christmas." He had to kiss her once she looked up at him with those bright eyes.

"Thank you so much!" she hugged him then paid her attention to the puppy, "He's so cute! Is he a golden retriever?"

Sasuke scratched the back of his neck, "Um…they said he's a goldendoodle?"

"He's perfect! Look at how fluffy he is! And look at those big brown eyes!"

Tenten walked over and kneeled before Hinata as the dog sat quite comfortably in her lap, "Look at you Mister, where did you guys keep him?"

Neji walked over to stand beside his wife, "That's a secret we will never share."

"Did you know that goldendoodles are hypo-allergenic? And they don't shed either, what a cool dog!" said Tenten.

"Hn. Well, you needed a walking dog, I told you I was going to get you one, didn't I?" Sasuke asked Hinata.

She turned her smile towards him, "I thought you were just kidding, I never imagined…I already love him!"

Neji smirked, "What are you going to name him?"

"I don't know…does anyone have any suggestions?"

"You could call him Hiashi, he is a bitch after all," Tenten said, making everyone laugh.

"I-I don't th-think so Ten," Hinata blushed.

"Tch, besides, he's a male," Neji pointed out.

Tenten shrugged, "Well, Hiashi's still a bitch to me."

Sasuke put an arm around Hinata's shoulders and pet the puppy with his other hand, "Take your time Hinata, and don't worry about not having enough time to take care of him, there are four of us here I'm sure he'll be just fine."

"Good thing you had that fence put in, huh Hina?" Tenten said.

She nodded, smiling happily, "We're going to have to get you some food, oh and some toys, and we'll have to find you a vet to go to."

"Hana is the sister of one of my squad member, she already agreed to see him, just call the Inuzuka Animal Hospital and they'll make you an appointment," Neji said.

Hinata set the pup on the floor, but he felt content to just simply lay at her feet and try to fall asleep. She was so pleased, she had never owned a dog before, it was the perfect Christmas gift. She turned her head to face the man who made her so happy and whispered her thanks. His smirk even pleased her, as she reached down to move her hand over the back of the puppy's fur. What to name him? She hadn't the slightest clue.

"Hm, I like Kenta," she said still looking at the puppy, "yes, my little Kenta."

Neji smirked, "Kenta?" then he nodded, "It's a good name Hina."

"Yeah, and we'll get his name engraved on his collar. Hi Kenta…OH MY…OUTSIDE BOY!" Tenten yelled.

-SoH-

The next day, as some would consider 'Black Friday', Neji and Sasuke were in a meeting with a few other anbu captains and General Morino. Military personnel didn't get holidays, not if something of importance ever came up.

"We have reason to believe that a former member of the Akatsuki has been in Konoha recently. The Hokage has recently confirmed that this former member was working under the Akatsuki as a spy for Konoha," Ibiki paused watching as all of the captains took in the surprise, except for two, they already knew about it. Probably even knew before he did, he held up a picture, "If you see this man, do not approach alone, he is still to be apprehended and brought in for questioning. As of now, it is being considered top priority to bring this man in for safety reasons alone. He has abandoned his post in the Akatsuki and he's a wanted man, he was considered a trustee within their organization and was given a lot of information. Yes, Captain Aburame?"

"Where in Konoha was he seen?"

"Here in our capitol city, Leaf Village. That's the reason why you are gathered here today, this information is confidential and does not leave this safe-guarded room, do you understand?" After receiving several nods of confirmation, he continued, "Captain Hyuuga and Captain Uchiha were already dispatched as a two-man cell to track and bring him in. They were ambushed by two Akatsuki members known as Deidara and Sasori, both are now deceased. Regardless, their mission was a failure as their target slipped away during the battle…"

Sasuke and Neji both thought back to their match against the two Akatsuki members. Neji and his byakugan took down Sasori, but not without injury. He had to limp home thanks to a twisted ankle, that was why they had to stay overnight at the compound, so that Tsunade Senju could heal him before he could be released home. Sasuke himself was nearly exhausted of chakra, and he managed to dismember both Deidara's arms, his death was due to a bleed-out.

"…All of you are being dispatched as a team to track him down, do this discreetly and without raising notice and suspicion. It is imperative we bring him in."

"General, who is our target? Is that Itachi Uchiha?" Shikamaru asked glancing at Sasuke.

"Yes," Sasuke answered for the General, "my brother."

-SoH-

It was the next day, Hinata's birthday and Sasuke took her to the same diner where they shared their first date for a nice lunch together. Only this time, they sat inside because it was so cold out. He wanted her to enjoy this day, as it would be their last to enjoy freely for a while. It was a simple plan and he thought it was the best chance they had at succeeding in bringing Itachi in. Neji and Sasuke both were ordered to stay in the same routine as they were in, but after today – at Sasuke's request to have today alone with Hinata for her birthday– they were going to be tailed at all times by the anbu team of captains as they worked in shifts. That way, if Itachi approached them again they would be prepared. Everyone now knew that he was involved with Hinata, Neji's cousin. Neji mentioned to everyone that they should probably warn Hinata for the simple fact that she has the byakugan and would notice if she activated it at any time that she was being followed. Sasuke told him there was another reason why he would have to tell her, he didn't want her to have another attack with her heart condition. He never wanted to see her faint again, never.

"Mmm, I really love their cheesecakes," she said after having another bite.

He smirked, "And I really don't."

They finished up, bundled up from the cold and walked home at a small pace, hand in hand. However, he quickly detoured and veered west, she raised a brow in confusion but went along with him anyway. She then realized he was off for their park, she really loved it there, but it was so cold out, what could they do at the park?

He was a little unsure, because the last time they were here together, Itachi showed himself. He kept his senses open and knew they were alone, but he constantly had his guard up. They stopped under the frozen trees, the lake a good fifty feet in front of them and he embraced her, surrounding her with his arms. He felt her cuddle into his chest, seeking warmth and then he kissed the top of her head.

"Happy Birthday Hinata," he whispered.

She looked up and kissed him softly on the lips, "Hm yes, it has been a happy birthday. I can't believe Neji and Tenten baked a cake for me. And Kenta looked so cute, I bet he'll love this park."

He kissed her again, because it was necessary to do so before he took another breath. Then he whispered in her ear, "Do you want your present now?"

"But Sasuke, Kenta was enough, you don't have to give me anything else."

He reached in his pocket and pulled out the chain, holding it in front of her, "What am I supposed to do with this? Maybe we can put it on Kenta's collar."

Her eyes lit up at the simple yet beautiful necklace. It was a beautiful silver chain with a silver pendant, when she got a closer look she gasped. She grabbed it with her hand and further inspected it. Sure enough, the pendant was of his family crest of the Uchiha fan, but there in the center, was the Hyuuga flame crest as well. She couldn't help the tear that slowly rolled down her cheek, and she closed her eyes when he kissed the tear and then her lips, she felt as he took the necklace and slowly placed it around her neck. He deepened their kiss once he finished placing the gift on her neck and held onto her tightly.

"I love you Hinata, Happy Birthday."

She gave him a small smile, but her eyes were shining brightly, "I love you too, Sasuke. I love it, thank you."

He smiled and watched as she held her breath, "Look Hinata, it's starting to snow."

She turned her head then walked out from under the cover of the trees, hands held up, she twirled once before he joined her. He took her hand and they walked slowly around the lake in silence. The snow was starting to stick to the ground, and she almost slipped.

She giggled, "I'm lucky I have you here with me, I don't think Kenta would be able to keep me from falling."

"Hn, he'll be big enough and trained in no time."

"He's so cute and fluffy, he's the most adorable puppy ever."

He shook his head as they continued around the lake, before deciding to head home. Apparently Tenten and Neji were going out tonight as well, according to the note that Neji left for them in the kitchen. She was sorting through the mail at the table while he took the puppy outside. Once he returned he placed his hands on her shoulders. She looked up at him with her wide innocent eyes, her gaze on him made him nearly breathless. Quickly he leaned down and melted into her warm mouth, how he fell so in love with her, he wasn't sure. It didn't matter now anyway, it didn't matter if he never wanted to find love, didn't care if it was fate or destiny. The only thing that did matter was her, his Hinata.

He pulled her up, his mouth still taking hers, and placed his arms completely around her, moving to feel the curves of her enticing frame. She moaned into the kiss, and he lifted her up.

"Ah, Sasuke!" she laughed, "What are you doing!"

He smirked, and started carrying her up the stairs, "You trust me, don't you?"

His hands were cupping her bottom, as her legs were wrapped around him, her arms holding on tightly around his neck, while he continued up the staircase. Still holding her around himself while he kissed her deeply against the wall next to their bedroom.

-SoH-

Afterwards his head lay across her stomach, rising and falling with her heavy breathing, he never wanted this moment to end, to always stay with her here just like this. He felt her hand moving slowly in his hair, and he loved the feel of it, even more as her fingers trailed down the back of his neck and started absently drawing circles on his shoulder blade.

She moved her head and watched her hand move over his shoulder, then teasing the ends of his dark hair, taking in everything about him, loving him so completely. "I love you," she whispered in her soft voice.

He smiled against her stomach and closed his eyes, "I love you, too."