October

Kinda regretting writing this series…like I feel like it's just eh and pointless BUT at the same time I refuse to give up on it and the one comment a chapter of someone saying they like it keeps me going lol

I could not think of anything to prompt this chapter until my brain went Naruto's birthday you dummy

Sakura/Kiba's POV

She watched the door of the BBQ restaurant open, Hinata's polite voice talking with the hostess as she pointed her in the direction of their table.

"Kiba!" She says, maybe a bit too loudly. "Come sit by me, I have some questions about food pills."

"Sakura," he complains "I'm off duty for the next three days can't it wait?"

"Come on Kiba, humor me." Sakura pointedly looks back towards the door, Kibas gaze following.

Kiba looks back from Hinata to Naruto at his left, understanding Sakura's sudden urge to talk to him. Him moving would leave the only open seat next to Naruto instead of Sakura. Himself, Team 7 and Shikamaru had been the only ones in the Village on Naruto's birthday. Sakura had sent out a mass message to everyone saying to meet at the BBQ at eight, but Kiba hadn't been expecting to see Hinata.

She had texted him the day prior, letting him know that she may be back from her mission on time and was panicking about having dinner with Naruto. Kiba had tried to explain that it wouldn't just be the two of them so she needed to chill out. But as good as Hinata was at pretending not to be bothered by Narutos presence (honestly she just stayed silent most of the time) underneath that she was, as always, a ball of nerves.

"Hinata!" Sakura exclaims, watching Hinata's eyes move over the table realizing where she would have to sit.

"Hey!" Naruto flashes a bright smile at the new arrival "Come sit down, we just started eating."

"Yeah Hina, have a seat." Kiba says, laughter in his voice, leaning back on his hands now sitting on the floor cushion next to Sakura.

"Hi everyone." Hinata says, voice soft. "Sorry I'm late." She brushes long hair over her shoulder, creating a curtain between herself and Naruto. Kiba and Sakura both recognized that trick of hers, hiding her face from him, hiding her growing blush.

"No worries," Naruto reaches across for an extra plate to set in front of her. "We just ordered, got lots of extras so don't you shouldn't need to get anything."

"Thank you Naruto-kun." Kiba laughs, covering it with a cough, watching Hinata's face all but burst into flames when Naruto's arm brushes her shoulder.

The pair watched Naruto and Hinata across the table. Arms touching every so often as they reached for different food.

"That last plate of pork must have been spicy, your face is real red Hinata." It now being Sakura's turn to cover a laugh.

"Oh, um, well oh, yeah it was a little. I wasn't expecting it." Kiba smirked at her, knowing that she might not like overly spicy things but the pork would have been no problem for her.

"Here, have some water." Naruto reaches for the pitcher to refill her glass at the same time Hinata does, their fingers brushing. "I got it."

"Th-thanks." Hinata looks down at her hands, clasped below the table.

"Well as much fun as watching this is." Shikamaru motions to the table. "I have to be gone for a mission at 6am. Have a good rest of your birthday, Naruto."

"Watching what?" Naruto, glossing over the well wishes.

Shikamaru just shrugs, his normal lazy smirk coming to his lips, and walks away.

"What's he mean?" He tries again, turning to Kiba.

"I don't know man. Probably just making fun of Hinata's face."

"Yeah," Sakura chimes in, "her face is pretty red. Sure what wasn't too spicy for you?" She winks at the other girl.

"No, no, I'm fine. So, do any of you have missions tomorrow too?" Hinata saying her first full sentence since sitting down.

"Sure do, Sakura's abandoned me for the hospital so I'm off on my own tomorrow. What about you two?"

"Yep." Hinata had expected Kiba to answer, he was actually excited about this mission. "Shino's meeting us outside the Hidden Mist tomorrow."

"Sakura, what time did Kakashi-sensei say I had to leave tomorrow?"

"Are you kidding me?!"

"What? I tuned him out while reading the mission scroll and missed that part." Naruto meets her gaze with a sheepish grin.

"He said no later than 7am, you idiot."

"Fuck, I still need to clean out my fridge and pack." Hinata shoots him a sideways glance. "I'm not sure how long I'll be gone for. Diplomatic bull shit, nothing worse than coming back to an apartment smelling like rotten groceries." The four stand, readying to leave.

"Glad you gotta at least be in the village for your birthday." Kiba reaches over the table, bumping a closed fist to Naruto. Chatting about their respective missions as they make their way out of the restaurant.

"Well see ya guys" Naruto smiles, Sakura leaning over to ruffle his hair.

"Happy birthday, idiot."

"Happy birthday, Naruto-kun." Hinata tells him, and both Kiba and Sakura are shocked as Naruto throws an arm around her shoulder bringing her into his side in a light hug.

"Thanks." Naruto replied softly, before letting her go and making his way back towards his apartment.

"She's gonna burst into flames." Kiba howls with laughter, Sakura softly patting Hinata on the back.

As always reviews are apricated!