(A/N: So, are you guys ready for Chapter 7? Either way, here it is!)

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of its characters, I just wish I did. I only own myself… Enjoy!

Normal POV

"No way, Anna, that's not a good idea!"

"C'mon, Sakura, I think we should. What are you afraid of?" Anaghia pierced her eyes with a curious stare.

"N-nothing, it's just…" Sakura looked unsure, "What if we hurt her feelings? She'll think we're ditching her or something. I can't do that to her! Why can't we all just do it together?"

"We could," Anaghia said, sarcastically thoughtful, "but she'll thank us later. I know her, she doesn't like being the center of attention." She grinned.

"But we can't leave her alone like that!"

Anna's grin grew wider. "Who said she was going to be alone?"

Hinata's POV

Where was everyone? I was sure that everyone would be done by now, and if not, at least Sakura and Anna should've been here. It's been at least 25 minutes since I came back to this waiting room, but not one of them has come back. I've even asked the receptionist, but she said that no one has passed through before me.

I leaned back in my seat on the plushy couch and closed my eyes. I was sure someone would come out soon. All I had to do was be patient. I knew how it was in the hot spring, how it was so hard to leave.

Until then, I'd try to ponder who had given me this locket. Anaghia? No, she'd have done it in person. Sakura? No, she'd have probably done it in person as well. Naruto? No way, he wouldn't have even bothered with the note. Kiba? Maybe… Shino? He doesn't say much, but he might have done it in person. Sasuke? There's no chance. No way. Never. Then who? I was getting a headache…

"Aren't you supposed to be enjoying your birthday with your friends, and not sleeping?"

Oh no. Please let this be a nightmare. I felt someone plop down onto the space next to me. Please, God, let this just be a hellish nightmare.

"Hello?" he breathed into my ear, causing me to jump.

He laughed. It was the first time I had heard him laugh, and not just chuckle or snort like he usually did. "Did I wake you up?" he asked, trying to act innocent.

I glared at him. "Don't do that!" I said, trying to sound more indignant than I felt. "Besides, I don't even know where they are."

He grinned. "Well, it just so happens that I do."

I looked at him. Oh sure, I thought, somewhat amused, they let him in on it and leave me with him. Anaghia must have planned all of it…. "Where are they?" I asked.

He got up and stretched. "You're going to have to follow me to find out." He extended a hand towards me, and I just looked at it, still in shock about how my friend was able to pull this off. "I won't bite, you know." he said, noticing my hesitation. I slowly took his hand. I couldn't help but notice how warm his hands were as he helped me up from the couch. "This way." He pulled me out the door and down the street.

I stared at him out of the corner of my eye. He was still holding my hand, but his expression was unreadable. I was about to ask him why he was still holding it, when he spoke. "So, are you still mad at me for last night?"

I looked at him. I might have been mistaken, but I thought I saw the slightest glint of sadness in his eyes as he stared ahead.

"I-I guess not," I answered, stuttering, "even though it was completely uncalled for…"

"I know. I'm….sorry."

Was this real? "D-don't worry about it," I told him, "I don't think it was rational of me to pass out like that."

He chuckled. "Well, I've got to give you credit though."

"What for?"

"Normally," he began, his voice hard, "any other girl would have died if I even talked to them. You," he paused and looked at me, "You're an exception."

I glared at him. "Are you saying that I'm abnormal?" I stopped walking and turned to face him completely.

"That's not exactly what I meant," he said, surprised that I was taking offence, "What I'm saying is, you're…special."

"S-special?"

"Well… yeah. It took a lot more effort with you than any other girl I know. Even Sakura, who sees me every single day."

I blushed. "Nice to know I was a challenge…"

He laughed as we resumed walking again. He started again. "Did you like your present?"

My heart stopped. "Y-yes," I managed to say. Could he really mean the necklace?

He smiled. "Do you know which present I'm talking about?"

I blushed again. "Yeah," I said a little too quickly, "the trip to the hot spring really hit the spot, huh?"

He stopped walking. He was still smiling, but he sighed. "Wrong," he said, "I'm pretty sure you know which one I'm talking about." He let go of my hand and took one step closer to me.

"Um… T-the Linkin Park t-ticket?" I said as I took one step back.

"No." He said, taking another step forward.

"T-the new dress f-from Anaghia?" One step back.

"And, again, no." Two steps forward.

I hated this game. If I said it, and he didn't know what I was talking about, I would lose and look like an idiot. If I said it, and he knew, what then?

"Say it," he said, "We both know what I'm talking about."

I had to take a chance. I had to end this. "T-this locket?" I said, pointing to it.

He smiled and took both of my hands into his. "Exactly."

"I-it's beautiful," I said with honesty, "I love it."

"Just one more thing," he said, moving even closer.

"W-what's that?" I asked, suddenly nervous.

He leaned over and kissed me. My face was red hot. I was surprised he didn't back away for fear that I might singe his skin.

Afterwards, I felt dizzy. I started wobbling, but he caught me before I hit the ground. "What's wrong?" he asked, a little anxiously.

"Shock, that's all," I said, enjoying the warmth of his arms around me.

He laughed. He kept one arm around me, then we presumed walking. "So, I suppose the other 14 kisses I'm supposed to give are out of the question?" he teased.

"Not unless you want me hitting the pavement tonight."

We laughed. I felt so relieved, and happy. This was, by far, the best birthday ever.

A/N: Heh, I just love SasuHina.... stay tuned in, though, there's a small epilogue coming up! =)