Hey everyone – happy Monday! Not sure if Mondays can be happy...but at least chapter fifteen is here!

And I'm sorry for the cliffie, but at least we're here now! XD

Anyway, got a couple shout outs, the first being for hinahyu94: I'm sorry – I know everyone hates the cliffhangers, and I feel evil when I do them, but sometimes I just have to XD I hope you'll forgive me. And yes, pitting Hinata up against Sasuke was unfair, but I can promise it'll have bearing on future parts ;) Thanks for reviewing lovely, and I hope you continue to read!

And one for Emeryald: Aw, I'm sorry – evil, evil cliffie, I know XD But I'm glad you're liking it so far! And I hope you like this next chapter :)

And yet another for Sayuri: Well, you're welcome! And you flatter me XD Well, I've had a few people complain if I don't explain things that seem a bit off, so I like to try and clear up any confusion that my readers might have~ Thanks again – I'm so glad you're enjoying it, and I hope you like the rest!

Okay, that's it – just the disclaimer, and then away we go!

~BlackRoseDragon13

*Disclaimer* I do not own, nor claim to own, any aspect of Naruto in any way, shape, or form. This is merely a fan work, and I receive no profit.

Chapter Fifteen

Before their lips could brush, Itachi's advancement paused. An aching longing filled Hinata's heart, and she strained to reach him. But as she rose, he backed away, the foggy look on his face slowly clearing.

What am I doing? he thought, snapping out of whatever trance he had fallen into. But as his conscience told him to stop, that look in her eyes – a look of crushing disappointment and confusion at his actions – made him consider simply forgetting his plans and kissing her like he so desperately wanted to. He was torn between what was in front of him then, and what he had been planning for weeks. He wanted her – oh gods, did he want to simply lower his lips and claim her – but not yet. He had to prove to her that his motivation was sincere, and that he was deserving of her. So, he let his hand slip from her neck, clearing his throat.

"My...my apologies," he murmured. "I..."

She gazed at him with a tint of sadness. He was going to kiss her, she knew it! So...why did he stop?

"He's just hiding it because he wants to do things the old-fashioned way – ask you out, give you time to think and consider your options."

Was that his reasoning? Take things slow, and go through the motions? Well, she certainly appreciated his gentlemanly actions – she knew he meant her no dishonor or harm. Smiling, she softly replied, "I understand...n-not yet."

He looked back up at her, surprised. Was she...?

The front door opened, and both turned to see Sasuke return. He was dirty from training, and looked quite tired. Seeing their gazes, he raised his brow as if to ask, "What?" When neither said anything, he grunted, "I'll go take a shower. Is dinner ready yet?"

"N-no," Hinata replied, finding her voice. "But once I get the b-buns into the oven, I'll start on it."

"Good. I'm starving." With that, he disappeared into his room.

Thankful for the distraction, Itachi returned to his seat and his cold tea. Sipping it furtively, he glanced at Hinata. She was sprinkling cinnamon onto the dough, obviously once again engrossed in her baking. He watched her, seeing her naturally-graceful movements. Hyuuga were trained to be poised, fluid and balanced in their motion, which was built upon further with their fighting style. He smiled lightly as he examined her body language. She flowed from place to place, naturally elegant and beautiful to watch. She seemed almost to be dancing as she fetched a pan, spinning on the ball of her foot as she swept it onto the counter, letting the glass dish rest without a sound. He wished that her hair was down instead of up in its current bun, so that it would flow with the rest of her. Everything about her just drew his gaze, and he was certain that just watching her move for hours could bring him happiness.

Finally slipping the full tray into the oven, she clapped the flour from her hands and sighed happily. Baking was something she took great pride and happiness in, and she wished she had more time for it. I would if I was a housewife, or a mother, she thought. But once she processed it, she blushed. Such thoughts were a bit embarrassing. Besides, she had a career as a shinobi, and perhaps soon as a teacher – being a homemaker probably wasn't in her near future. Maybe someday...especially if Itachi actually followed through in his actions. Their almost-kiss had pretty much confirmed it – their attraction was still there, and he was very close to making his move.

Hinata immersed herself into her cooking, relishing in blending together spices and ingredients, loving that she could take so many separate parts and make something completely new and, hopefully, delicious. By the time she was done, Sasuke had joined his brother at the table, conversing quietly with him. But when she laid the food on the table, both boys stared appreciatively.

"Itadakimasu," they all offered, splitting apart their chopsticks and digging into the meal. Sasuke grinned at the tomatoes, and Itachi took note of the seaweed. Obviously Hinata had been paying attention to the foods the brothers liked, and each appreciated her attention to detail.

"How long does it usually take to sort out new jounin?" Sasuke asked, bringing a bite to his lips.

Itachi finished his own mouthful before replying, "It depends on the number of participants, and how many met the required scores in each area. Usually about two weeks."

"Hn...not that it matters. Either way, I'm applying for ANBU."

Itachi took the news quietly, having figured his brother's next move, but Hinata faltered. "Y-you are?" she asked quietly. "It's so dangerous, though..."

"I can handle it," Sasuke replied. "Besides, I can't have Itachi showing me up, now can I?" Always smug, he smirked to try and lighten the mood. He could see that Hinata was worried about having so many of her precious people in ANBU – her cousin had already applied a few weeks before, and was awaiting confirmation from the Hokage. As much as he hated to admit it, Sasuke had to admit that Neji would make a great ANBU officer.

Dinner was quieter from that moment on, Hinata busy imagining all the terrible things that could happen to her friends. As an outsider, she really didn't know exactly what being an ANBU entailed, but she had heard horrible stories. Even worse, she knew of the code they had to follow – if they believed themselves to be mortally wounded, they had to...to...destroy their own bodies to keep the enemy from garnering any information from their corpse. The thought made her shiver, and she put her chopsticks down, suddenly losing her appetite. Without a word, she stood and made her way from the table to her room.

The Uchiha both stared after her, offering sighs. Having people you cared for be ANBU was often difficult, and though they were both determined to do their job and do it well, it hurt them both to see the girl upset at their decisions.

"You should talk to her," Sasuke said quietly, stabbing a tomato with one stick, its juices squirting and dripping down its glossy skin. "It's mostly you she's worried about."

Itachi bowed his head. "She worries also for you and Neji. Having three people in the same dangerous position is bound to eat at her." Wiping his mouth with a napkin, he stood and left his brother alone at the table, knocking softly on Hinata's door. "Hinata chan?" Pressing his ear to the wood grain, he could hear muffled sniffles. "Hinata, may I come in?"

"Y...yeah..."

Twisting the knob, he opened the portal to see her seated on her bed, leaned against the headboard with her legs up to her chest, resting her cheek against her knee. His heart sank at seeing her tears – he hated that his decision was paining her so. He shut the door softly, moving silently across the floor more out of habit than concern for noise. The mattress bowed to his weight as he sat at the foot of the bed, not wanting to crowd her. "Hinata chan...I'm sorry that we are putting you through this. Three friends in the ANBU corps must be quite worrisome."

She refused to look at him, instead staring out the window. Neither did she answer.

Shifting slightly, he added, "But you don't have to worry about us. Neji san, Sasuke and I know what we are getting ourselves into, and we all believe ourselves capable. If we didn't, we wouldn't seek the position."

"I d-don't want to l-lose you..." she murmured, voice strained with tears. "A-any of you..."

"I know, and we are so thankful for your concern. Having someone awaiting our return fuels our need to come back safely." He smiled gently at her. "Having someone to come home to is the greatest motivation for success."

She glanced shyly at him, blushing at his words' implications. "Itachi kun..."

"You and Sasuke are all I have," he stated bluntly, but gently. "Putting all of my concern into only two people makes me extremely protective and concerned for the both of you. I also realize that just as I need you, you both need me as well. Knowing that makes my safety one of my top concerns. I do everything I can to ensure that I return to you."

Slowly, Hinata nodded. She understood why they were joining - to protect the village, and their precious people, which included her. She should be grateful, and she certainly was. "I...I know..."

"Sasuke may not say so often, but he also cares for you. You have done so much to impact both of us, we both are forever indebted to you. The three of us have a bond that few others can claim to have. Neji san too is connected heavily to you. It is those bonds that necessitate taking risks to protect that which needs protecting."

Sighing heavily, Hinata knew she couldn't argue anymore. She would still continue to worry, but she would also support their decisions. Offering the man a shaky smile, she replied, "Thanks, Itachi kun...that m-makes me feel better."

He smiled at her. "Good. Now, come finish your dinner, hm?" He held out a hand, and she slowly unraveled to take it, letting him pull her to her feet. Before releasing her, he pulled her into a firm hug, trying to relay his concern physically. "It's going to be all right, Hinata chan..."

She in turn held him close, burying her tear-stained cheeks against his chest. She wanted to believe him...so she would.

.oOo.

Two days later, Neji came up to the larger apartment, asking to speak to Hinata. She knew what was coming, and followed him out into the hall without a word, the Uchiha watching her carefully until the door shut.

"I was accepted," the boy said quietly, a small smile on his face. "I start my trial period tonight – I assumed you would like to know, Hinata sama."

She nodded, managing a tired smile. "That's g-great, Neji nii san. I'm really happy for you." Embracing him, she said quietly into his ear, "Be careful..."

"I will."

They chatted a bit before he left, saying he needed to tell his team the news. The smallest of blushes appeared on his face as he spoke of Tenten, and Hinata smiled wryly. She hoped that he would finally start dating the girl, but his new position might have an effect on her answer. Just like being family or friends to an ANBU, being romantically involved could be heartbreaking as well. But hopefully the brunette would accept, as the two had been dancing around one another for quite some time.

Ever since Itachi's explanation, Hinata had been trying to remain positive, instead letting her worry about her exam results be the first thing on her mind. She continued cooking and doing missions, keeping her relationships light-hearted. Itachi had yet to address their...interaction, or make any other kind of move. She assumed that he was still waiting for something, perhaps her new promotion (or lack thereof). So, she waited patiently with Sasuke for the results, and two weeks after their fight, the participants were called together for the results to be announced.

Tsunade had them file into a large room, the same that the written test had been completed in. Everyone took their seats, anxious whispers filling the air. Sasuke took a corner seat, lounging back unconcernedly. Hinata took the chair next to him, breathing a deep breath to steady her nerves. No matter what happens, you tried your best, she thought to herself, folding her hands in her lap.

"All right everyone, I know you've been patiently awaiting the final results of the exams, and we now have a complete list of those who passed." The buxom blonde held up a single sheet of paper, the text too small for anyone to read from their seats. "Now, is there any preference as to how we tell you? I can either read the names aloud, meet individually, or you can all come up and read it." She allowed a moment of thought, and then began tallying votes by raised hands of which method was preferred. Once she had the results, she announced, "Very well, reading aloud it is. If you don't hear your name...you haven't yet met the requirements. Another test will be offered in six months, so if you didn't make it, there's always next time."

Listening to the names, Hinata realized it wasn't alphabetically – perhaps by score? Each name that wasn't hers made her heart sink a little. Surely she hadn't placed very high – and since Sasuke, who was undoubtedly toward the top, hadn't been called yet either, it was plain that they were ascending into the top scorers. Accepting defeat, she bowed her head and sighed. Sasuke glanced at her, but didn't say anything.

"Uchiha, Sasuke," the blonde read, and then, "That's everyone. Again, if your name wasn't called, you can sign up for the next exam six months from now. Congratulations to those who passed, and good luck to those who will try again."

The crowd began shifting, some smiling widely while others were quiet and blank-faced. Hinata was among the latter group, but was startled when she heard the Hokage call her name. "Hinata, please come to my office. I have something to discuss with you."

Unsure what the blonde could want, Hinata rose from her chair to follow silently. But Sasuke grabbed her wrist, and she looked back at him, confused.

"You still did well," he offered. "And I have a feeling that Tsunade's news is good news."

She smile crookedly, hoping he was right – she needed something to perk her up after that. The boy released his grip on her, and she made her way through the crowd to follow her leader.

Trailing behind Tsunade, Hinata had to wonder just what she wanted. Obviously it was a private matter – the Hokage hadn't had any qualms about reading the results aloud to everyone, but wanted to keep her words to the ex-Hyuuga private. Different scenarios filled the younger woman's mind until they had reached the Hokage's office, Shizune pulling the door shutting behind them.

"First, I'm sorry you didn't pass, Hinata," Tsunade began, sitting with a sigh at her desk. "It was very close, but your combat score combined with your fatigue after the jutsu analysis kept you from advancing."

"That's all right, Hokage sama," Hinata replied softly. "I h-had a feeling I wouldn't pass. But...I tried my best."

"I know you did. In fact, the reason I called you here is because there was one part of your examinations I wanted to discuss with you." Steepling her fingers, Tsunade smiled at the girl. "Your written test was exceptional. In fact, you did even better than Sasuke, who had the second highest score."

Hinata's eyes widened, he jaw dropping for a moment before manners snapped it back shut. "I...I did?"

The blonde nodded. "You did. And during your jutsu evaluation, the panel admitted that you gave prime examples for each technique, their only concern being your stamina. They were especially impressed with your individual jutsu after the usual ones were complete. Your spar was too one-sided, and unfortunately impacted your score quite heavily. However...given your superior intellect, as well as your textbook-style techniques, I have a proposition for you."

"Y-yes?"

"There is a position open at the academy – one of our oldest instructors has decided to retire, and has opened up a spot for new blood. After your performance during the exams, I've decided that you are by far one of the most promising candidates. What do you say?"

A smile broke out over the girl's face. The Hokage was offering her position she had been wanting since the exams started! "I, I'm honored, Hokage sama! I would l-love to! But...would it interfere with my r-regular missions?"

Tsunade nodded. "Yes. Becoming a teacher means giving up normal missions. However, you gain a steady rate of pay, as well as scheduled days off and benefits. You might be a bit young yet, but I think given your scores, as well as your disposition, it's a career path that would suit you to a tee."

Hinata marveled at her luck. "When would I s-start?"

"Relatively soon. School is set to start up again soon for the second trimester, so it would be best if you could start then. But if you need some time, we could stretch it a bit with a temporary teacher."

"What about t-training? I...I hardly even know w-where to start!"

"For this next trimester, I was going to have the retiree stick around and help you as needed, or at least as long as you need him. But I'm sure you'll catch on quickly." The blonde offered a genuine smile. "I really think this would be a good choice for you, Hinata."

The girl considered the offer for a few moments. She would miss doing regular shinobi work...but having a fixed schedule would allow her more free time for hobbies and social events. The pay would certainly help, and it really was something she could see herself doing. So only after a small amount of consideration, she nodded eagerly, smile wide. "I'd l-love to – I'll do it!"

After her acceptance, the Hokage divulged further details – her rate of pay, hours, and exactly what class she would be teaching. Students entered the academy at age six, doing two years of lighter training before moving on to the next four, which were more rigorous. Then, the average student would graduate at age twelve to genin level, and be put into three-man squads. The position she would have would be the First Year, which was the very basics of shinobi life.

"You teach mostly what chakra is, its basic uses, and basic techniques. They don't begin sparring until Year Three, so you don't have to worry about combat. It's also when students begin forging relationships and discovering their innate talents, so a firm yet gentle, understanding heart is needed, which of course is exactly what you are. Half of the year's point is to begin introducing them to being shinobi, but also to being proper citizens."

Once everything was settled, Tsunade told the girl that she would come in the following Monday – that day being a Saturday – to start learning alongside her instructor and meeting the class. Excitement was bubbling inside the ex-Hyuuga girl, and she completely forgot about her failed exams, and even her worry about her ANBU friends. She finally had something to really look forward to, and she couldn't wait to tell everyone!

Her walk home was lively, and she had to repress the urge to simply run. For the first time since her father's betrayal there was a bounce in her step, and she smiled widely at everyone she met. Passersby had trouble not smiling in return, her joy highly contagious.

"Itachi kun!" she called as she opened the front door, panting lightly in exertion after containing her excitement. "Guess what?"

But Itachi wasn't there. Sasuke was seated at the table drinking tea, and gave her a questioning look. "Hinata? What's going on?"

She was disappointed that Itachi wasn't there, but immediately moved forward to sit across from her roommate. In a rush, she explained her new situation, all smiles and giggles. Sasuke even found himself grinning in return, partly out of joy for her news, but also because her good mood really was catching.

"That's great, hime," the dark-haired boy replied once she had finished. "I'm sure Itachi will be happy to hear it, too."

"Where is he?" she asked, reminded of her other friend's absence. "Does he h-have a mission?"

"Yeah, some disturbance out toward the south border," he replied. "He should be back by tonight, if all goes well."

Worry settled into Hinata's heart. A disturbance? "Do you know w-what happened?"

"No, I don't. I sent in my application to become ANBU after the results but it takes time – you saw how long it took for Neji to get his answer. Otherwise mission specifics are off-limits. Technically, even if I knew as a fellow ANBU, I shouldn't tell you." Seeing the worry on her face, he said, "Itachi didn't look concerned, so I'm sure it's nothing."

Still looking a bit troubled, Hinata nodded slowly. "Yeah...n-nothing..."

To distract herself, she started cleaning up the apartment, a duty she had admittedly been slacking a bit in. Dusting, sweeping, doing dishes...anything to take her mind from Itachi being out in the field, doing gods-knew-what. Sasuke even helped by drying the clean dishware, silently replacing them to their proper places. But even cleaning had to come to an end, everything looking as good as it could. She shifted to doing laundry, cringing as she saw the blood soaked into Itachi's other ANBU outfits. She knew that very little, if any, was his, but...it brought horrifying pictures to mind, and she loaded them into the machine with a small shudder.

Afternoon settled into evening, and evening into night. Dinner was takeout, as the girl was too worried to focus on cooking. Sasuke volunteered to run out and get it, but she insisted that the walk would do her good. She threw on her jacket to ward off the autumn chill, stuffing her hands into her pockets where the ryo for their dinner was waiting to be spent.

The village was all alight for the evening, everyone inside to hide from the crisp outdoor air. Restaurants were filled with laughing, talking people, some dashing home after a night of fun. Little did they know of the shinobi out risking their lives to protect their right to even consider doing what they did. But Hinata knew such thoughts did little good, so she just focused on the rhythm of her footsteps, each one taking her closer to the fast food stand. The order was behind a bit, so she waited patiently, fiddling with the money until the cashier was ready to take it.

"Hinata chan?"

Turning, the girl saw Sakura come up behind her. "Oh, h-hello, Sakura chan."

"Hey!" The pinkette took her place right beside her companion, cheeks rosy from the chilly air. She was smiling, dressed in clothes a bit more appropriate for the weather compared to her usual getup. "What are you doing here? I thought you loved cooking at home?"

"I d-do, but...I'm just not in the mood tonight."

Tilting her head, Sakura frowned concernedly. "Is everything okay? You look a little down!"

Hinata glanced at her friend. "Oh, it's...nothing. Really. I'm just..."

"Just what?"

"Itachi kun had a m-mission today, and...he s-still isn't back yet. There was some trouble outside the village, and he had to g-go settle it."

Sakura's face melted into one of understanding. "Oh, I see...well, I'm sure he's fine, Hinata chan. Itachi san seems like a very talented shinobi. I have a feeling it would take a lot to bring him down." Watching the girl's face carefully, she asked, "I hate to appear nosy, but...are you and Itachi san, you know...dating?"

A blush bloomed across Hinata's nose. "W-well, it's...c-complicated..." Looking up, she saw that her food was still not ready. So, she explained everything that had happened between her and the raven-haired man, including both moments – the one in the clearing, and the one in the apartment. "I just think he's w-waiting for things to get better before adding in something n-new. Does that m-make sense?"

Sakura nodded. "It does." She shifted a bit, looking slightly uncomfortable. "So, you...you really like him, huh?"

The shyer girl smiled down at her feet. "I, I do..."

A small sigh, like one of relief, escaped Sakura. "I see."

Hinata, of course, caught the change in atmosphere. Looking curious, she asked, "Are you all right, Sakura chan?"

The other girl blushed as pink as her hair. "W-well, um...I was worried. You see, Naruto kun and I...um...we've been talking about maybe dating...and seeing how it went. And I know how much you like him, or...liked him, and I didn't want to hurt your feelings. But ever since you brought Sasuke kun and Itachi san home, I had a feeling that you had feelings for Itachi, too, so...I just wanted to make sure I wouldn't be hurting you."

Hinata smiled. She and Sakura had never really been close – and before, they had been unknowing rivals for the blonde jinchuuriki's affections. But now that Naruto wasn't the focus of Hinata's fondness, she could see herself getting to know the pinkette better without immediately feeling jealousy or hurt. "No, you're f-fine, Sakura chan. I'm happy for you both. Naruto kun has been chasing after you for a l-long time."

"Yeah, he has..." Sakura's gaze softened. "Well, I'm glad I got that off my chest!"

The bell in front of them dinged, and Hinata saw her and Sasuke's orders. "Oh! That's m-mine. I'll see you around, Sakura chan!"

"Of course! I'll talk to you later, Hinata chan – and I'll be keeping Itachi san in my thoughts for a safe return, if he hasn't already!"

The bag of food was warm, and Hinata cradled it against her chest during the walk home. She was hoping that Itachi had maybe come back while she was gone, and hurried home to see. Opening the front door, she saw Sasuke sitting at the table, who looked up at the noise. "Before you ask, no...he isn't home yet."

The girl sighed. "S-shoot." She dished out the food, apologizing for not making anything herself.

"It's fine, I understand."

With no dishes to do, Hinata became restless after dinner. Sasuke went into his room, claiming that he had an early-morning mission and needed to get some rest. Hinata bade him goodnight, all of the lights off save for a lamp beside the couch she was snuggled in, which was near the window so she could stare out over the village while waiting for Itachi to return.

Hours passed, and sleep began tugging at the girl. She valiantly fought it off, desperate to see Itachi when he returned – she had to know if he was all right. Worry had settled into her gut like a stone, and every passing hour found her more and more concerned.

By four in the morning, she was on her last legs. She had splayed out along the cushions, eyes slowly closing before snapping back open. Rubbing her eyelids, she stifled a yawn and thought I can't sleep...not yet... But her body had decided enough was enough, pushing her gently into sleep against her mind's will.

What seemed to be only a moment later, a clicking sound jolted her awake. Her head hurt, and she groaned. What was that noise? Sitting up, ignoring the swelling pain in her skull, she blinked blearily and tried to focus on the figure standing near the front door. Once it registered, consciousness flooded her like a blow to the gut. "Itachi kun!" She struggled to her feet, meeting him halfway as he approached her, face concerned.

"Hinata chan? What on earth are you doing up this late?" She ignored his inquiry, wrapping her arms around his middle tightly, leaving him little choice but to do the same. As he did, he felt her relax, his grip helping to keep her upright. "Hinata chan...you should be sleeping."

"I c-couldn't..." she murmured against his chest plate, the cool metal sticky with half-dried blood. "Not when I didn't know if you were all right or not..."

He sighed heavily. "Hinata chan...you can't do this every time I have a mission...you need your rest."

"I can't help it..." she said sleepily, and Itachi knew she was fading fast. The burst of energy at the sight of him was already wearing off, and he scooped her into his arms, taking her to her room and sitting her gently on her bed. But she didn't relinquish her hold, whining as he tried to detach himself. "No, d-don't go!"

He was defeated, and he knew it. With little choice otherwise, he sat next to her, letting her snuggle against his side. She was exhausted, and he could tell she was barely keeping hold of consciousness. "Hinata chan...you need to get to sleep. I'm all right, I promise. But you really can't keep doing this..."

"I can't help it," she repeated, her grip on him strengthening. "I w-worry so much about you...if you're all right, if you're s-still..." She couldn't bring herself to say it. "I...I don't know what I'd d-do if I lost you..." Bringing her face out of his side, she looked deep into his dark eyes. He could see she was running on fumes. Expression completely serious, she said, "I love you, Itachi kun."

The man froze, gaze caught in her pearlescent orbs. She...she loved him? Of course he knew that there was a connection, a definite attraction...but hearing those words, words he had been yearning for her to say, made everything concrete. Like the final piece falling into place, he let the pull overtake him, lowering his lips to hers.

Hinata had never had the opportunity to date. Her father was dead-set against it, and because of her sole infatuation with Naruto for so long, she hadn't had the motivation or desire to get romantically attached to anyone else. Itachi had had a girl in the clan he was supposed to marry once he was old enough, but he had never felt that way for her. Everyone had assumed they were in love, but Itachi had never felt that way for anyone...until he saw that little girl eight years ago. And with his life of banishment and travel, the opportunity had never again presented itself. Neither knew what they were doing...but each knew that it didn't matter.

A combination of fatigue and simply wanting to give up control had Hinata bowing the the male's whim, letting him dominate as the kiss slowly became more heated. It began with tentative brushes, deepening into more pressure until Itachi's teeth grazed her lips, a gasp parting them to let him explore her mouth. One hand cupped her face while the other ran through her hair. She in turn rose both hands to bury her fingers in his black locks, pinning him to her as an engulfing need guided her actions. She was so tired...but after waiting so long for that moment, she wasn't about to let it stop her.

Itachi knew he should stop, that she wasn't fully conscious. And yet...it felt so right, so perfect, he couldn't bring himself to part from her. But when her hands began to wander, he reluctantly pulled his lips from hers. "Hinata...Hinata chan, wait..."

She gazed at him tiredly, expression confused. "Did I d-do something wrong?"

He chuckled. "No, no you didn't...but this isn't the time for that. You're tired, I'm tired..."

She tilted her head, face blank with fatigue. "But..."

"There will be time in the morning. But now you have to sleep. It's nearly dawn."

Comically, the girl turned to look out her window. Sighing, she replied, "Fine...but I w-want to see you more in the morning..."

"Of course." Carefully, he used his sleeve to wipe the small smudge of blood from her face that had rubbed off from his armor before. "Goodnight, Hinata chan."

"Hm...goodnight, Itachi kun..." With hardly any effort, she laid back and immediately fell prey to sleep.

The man remained, maneuvering her under the sheets until he was satisfied. Silently, he moved from her room to his own, removing his armor and clothes to shower before crawling into bed. Hopefully he could get in enough hours before waking again to keep his exhaustion at bay. And as he let himself sink into sleep, a smile coated his lips as the feeling of hers still lingered.

N'awww...well, at least we finally got our kiss, ne? XD Took long enough! Now things are finally getting serious between our two dark-haired shinobi! :)

Anyway, please take time to maybe leave a little review – anything makes my day. I've had a rough week, and things are starting to go a bit downhill in my life...but hearing from readers always makes me smile~ But, I'm rambling!

So! I hope you all have a wonderful week until Friday when we get chapter sixteen. I'll see you all then, my lovelies~

~BlackRoseDragon13