Hinata's Birthday

The morning sun shone brightly through a gap in the thick blue drapes surrounding Hinata's bed. The light hit Kiba's face as he struggled with waking. Suddenly realising where he was, he jumped up, arm automatically reaching out for Hinata. But all he found was an empty cold half of the bed, where she should have been. He slowly edged himself out of bed, grasping around for his clothes. Slipping on his jeans, he stood up and looked around the sun-filled room. Hinata's clothes were no longer strewn across the floor, but there was no sign if her. All of a sudden, the door swung open and in the young Hyuuga came, holding a laden tray of food.
"Kiba-kun! You're up? I was going to bring you breakfast in bed. As a-a…thank you…for last night…", she blushed slightly as she said this. Kiba immediately strode over to her and took the tray from her hands, placing it on her dressing table. He closed the door behind her, and swept her into his arms, nuzzling into her hair and murmuring to her.
"I love you Nata-chan. Happy birthday."
"You remembered?" she pulled away from him, surprised, "I don't ever remind people of my birthday!"
Kiba grinned cheekily.
"No, you don't." he agreed, "But I've always remembered. Ever since we were at the Academy and you bought sweets in for your birthday. Choji ate them all and got told off. And you were so disappointed that you couldn't share them around. There was one left, and you gave it to Naruto. He's so dumb for never realising…If that had been me…" Kiba trailed off, looking down at Hinata lovingly. "How can you be related to Neji? You're just so sweet and caring and loving and…"
"And I'm not?" A voice said from the door.
Kiba and Hinata spun around quickly. Neji stood looking at them darkly from the doorway, his eyes roving over the unmade bed, to the breakfast tray, to the topless Kiba clutching Hinata.
"Neji-niisan! You can't just walk into my room without knocking!" Hinata was outraged.
"I heard voices from inside. I am bound to protecting you, and I thought you might be in trouble, so I let myself in." Neji stepped into the room and snapped the door shut behind him. "Your father wants to see you, as it is your birthday. He has a gift for you. And Ino rang for you. When I reminded her it was your birthday, she said her parents are both away on missions, so the house is yours for tonight. Kiba, you can follow me. Best to leave before you get caught here."
With that Neji left the room, and hovered in the corridor as Kiba kissed Hinata goodbye and put his top back on.

*

Sasuke rose from his bed. The first night back in his old room. The dreams still haunted him here, but at least he was far from the reality. He stretched and walked over to the full-length mirror. Over the years, his body had developed. He wasn't a boy anymore, that much was certain. He looked himself over and smirked. Wonder what my old fangirls will think of this? He slowly, methodically dressed himself, smoothing down his clothes, and trying to tame his unruly, black mane of hair with his hand, before giving up. Walking through the kitchen, he was reminded of last night's events: the frosty atmosphere over dinner, Naruto's intense eyes, and Lee's awkwardness. Naruto had left at around 2am, mumbling something about Sakura and breakfast. Lee had quickly left after this, making some kind of excuse about his dojo. Quietly, Sasuke had walked through his old house, touching every item of furniture until reaching his room and collapsing from exhaustion.
Now, he had decided to take a stroll, see how the village had changed, and maybe catch up with some old acquaintances.
Konoha was already bustling with activity in the morning light. Sasuke walked down one of the main streets, branching off onto the road where Ichiraku's ramen stall stood, unchanged after all these years. He breathed in the familiar smells, closing his eyes to let the sounds wash over him. How many times had he imagined this, and yet a mental image could never beat the real thing. Opening his eyes again, he caught sight of a familiar brown haired buy, closely followed by another, rounder boy, face buried in a bag of potato chips.
Shikamaru raised his hand in greeting, before stopping next to Sasuke.
"I trust in Tsunade-sama's opinion. She says we have nothing to fear from you. I for one will be normal with you, hating you is just too…well, too troublesome." The tall boy said, raising an eyebrow.
Choji looked at Sasuke and nodded, "I agree with Shika. We don't mind you being back, I suppose. We just wonder where you'll fit in. You can't exactly do missions, can you?"
Sasuke hadn't really given this much thought. He looked down, not wanting the two ninja to see the disappointment in his eyes.
"Anyway," Shikamaru cleared his throat, "It's Hinata's birthday, and Ino says that the party's at her house. You should come along."
Sasuke looked up, gratitude flooding through him.
"Hmm. Sounds okay." He said, not letting too much emotion escape him.
"See you at seven, then." Shikamaru and Choji chimed, together.
They then continued down the street, Choji frantically eating, Shikamaru strolling at his usual leisurely pace.

*

Sakura stepped out of the shower. She didn't feel up to a party tonight, but it was Hinata's birthday, she couldn't really miss it. She quickly dried herself, and dressed in her room. She'd left Naruto's early that morning, wondering where he'd been until 2am. Now, she brushed and dried her mid-length pink hair, tying her hitai-ate in place on her head, and smiling weakly at herself in the mirror. Not good enough, Sakura! Get a grip and look happier! the inner Sakura boomed inside her head. She took a deep breath, and smiled widely at her own reflection. An hour later, and she was applying the finishing touches to her makeup, smoothing down her dress, and getting ready to leave. Half six already? she thought, This day has gone so fast…
Her mother called up the stairs to her.
"Sakura! Naruto-kun is here to pick you up!"
"Hai! Coming…"
One last glance in the mirror, and she was off, putting on her happy face, and ready for the world.

*

"I don't understand, Hinata, why you cannot do this for me!" Hiashi said to his daughter, angrily, "You are the Hyuuga heir, and yet you disobey me!"
Hinata kept her head down, looking at the kimono in front of her. It was a beautiful colour, and an even better material, silky, fluid, light… A gift from her father. More like a bribe! Hinata thought angrily.
"You are 19 today. It's time." Her father said, his voice stern.
"Father. Please…your t-traditions are old fashioned. I-I'm not r-ready." Hinata's stutter always came back when she spoke to her father, especially when he was like this.
He stood up suddenly, and walked from the room, barking orders at one of the servants outside the door. Hinata felt the first bitter tears begin to flow down her cheeks, hot and angry.
Slowly, she rose from her kneeling position, and grabbed the kimono in front of her, storming from the room towards her own sanctuary.

*

Kiba stood with Akamaru in his garden. The sun was setting slowly, a glowing orange orb in the blue sky. He sighed, looking down at his loyal companion. The dog, however, was still angry about being sent home the night before, and looked away from his friend.
"Ah, come on Akamaru! I'm bringing you to Hinata's party, so stop being so moody." Kiba said, exasperated.
He pulled on his coat, grabbed a small parcel from the garden chair and set off out the back gate, towards Ino's house. Akamaru trotted along after him, half mad at Kiba, half interested to see what would happen tonight.

*

Ino was still setting up the last trays of food on the buffet table, when Gaara and Temari showed up.
"I'm glad everyone managed to get the message." She said, gesturing for them to sit.
Temari looked around the beautiful garden, remembering Ino's party last year…
"Well, we couldn't miss Hinata-chan's party." She said, smiling wistfully.
A few minutes later, Shikamaru and Choji arrived, swiftly followed by Naruto and Sakura. Shino, Tenten and Lee were all out on missions, and so weren't to be expected.
Kiba made a loud entrance, with Akamaru, brandishing a bag that was clinking suspiciously. Ino took the bag from him and put it on the table, along with all the food she had made.
"So when will the birthday girl arrive?" Ino asked Kiba.
"Not sure, to be honest. I know she had some things to discuss with her dad." He replied, helping himself to a rice ball.
In no time at all, everyone was seated on the mats Ino had placed on the grass, talking animatedly and sipping on sake or the fortified wine Kiba had swiped from his father's secret brew. Shikamaru stood up after a while.
"I just wanted to let everyone know that Sasuke is coming. I think we should all just accept what Tsunade-sama has told us. He is safe. He is trustworthy. And he must be made welcome."
Everyone nodded slowly. It would be strange for him to be back amongst them, but it was just something they had to get used to.
As if summoned by this, Sasuke himself appeared in the garden a few minutes later. Ino swooned slightly. The last time she saw him, he was a mess. Now that he'd cleaned himself up a little, he was just as gorgeous as she remembered. No, even more gorgeous.
He stood awkwardly at the side of the group, until the Kazekage himself rose, and reached out a hand. Sasuke took it; they shook, and then bowed to each other, before Gaara offered him a mat to sit on. They both sat down, and soon, as the sake was passed around again, tongues loosened, and conversation flowed.
It was half past seven before Neji showed up, with Hinata in tow. She walked into the garden, wearing the blue kimono her father had given her, her long black hair twisted in a bun at the back of her head. Her hand was on Neji's arm as he walked her up the path, as a father does at his daughter's wedding. Kiba hurriedly stood up and strode over to her, taking her arm from Neji's and placing it on his.
"You look beautiful." He whispered.
"Thank you." She whispered back, smiling gratefully.
She sat on a mat next to Kiba, as everybody wished her happy birthday, and presents were given.
I wish I could enjoy this. she thought, I wish I could feel normal. Oh god, why has this happened? How can I tell you, Kiba? How can I tell anyone?