Hey everybody ^_^ Well, it's Monday, and I can't believe that June is over! I had over 8,000 hits last month, with over 6,000 for this fic- and we're up to 135 reviews! *faints* That...totally blows my mind. I honestly didn't think I'd reach numbers anywhere near that. So cool :D Only two chapters left after this one...I wonder if we can break 150 reviews? (obvious ploy is obvious XD)

Anyway, I'll get out of your way, guys – thanks again for all the hits and support last month. Let's keep it up! ^_^

~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 Seventeen

Winter descended onto the village, a light blanket of snow powdering the streets and rooftops. Things were still going well for the three dark-haired shinobi. Sasuke had been accepted into ANBU, and by some twist of fate (or perhaps one of Tsunade's drunken decisions), had ended up in a cell with both Itachi and Neji.

"Is it wise to put three powerful doujutsu shinobi in one cell?" Shizune had questioned. "It seems like it would be a better idea to spread them out?"

Tsunade shrugged. "They work well together. Neji is the best tracker ANBU we have, Sasuke has so much raw power, and Itachi has enough brains for all three of them – not that the other two are dumb, by any means. They might be a bit overpowered as a group, but it makes for a good jack-of-all-trades super cell. They have yet to fail a single mission."

Hinata continued her work at the academy, fitting into her position perfectly. It took a little more than a week to learn everyone's names, but it was clear she cared for each student, becoming one of the most popular teachers with her kind words, patience, and attention to detail. Toyoshima had stayed for three weeks before letting her go on her own, and she hadn't needed to call him back.

"Hinata sensei!" Aiko called, smiling widely as she entered the classroom one morning. "Here!"

"What is it, Aiko chan?" the ex-Hyuuga asked, accepting a folded piece of paper from the girl. On it was a crude picture of two people, one with white hair, and the other purple.

"It's your birthday tomorrow!" the student reminded her. "You told us on Monday, so...I made you a card! You can have it today, since we don't have school tomorrow."

Hinata smiled wide. "Oh, thank you Aiko chan! Th-thank you very much!" She hugged the girl as more students began to wander in. For the next fifteen minutes before the bell rang, the popular sensei received cards and hugs from every one of her charges.

Touched by their memory and caring, Hinata wiped a single tear from her eye. "Thank you all s-so much," she sniffed as they were all gathered around her. "This...this means so much to me..." They all gathered together to smother her, laughing and calling as she giggled.

At lunch, just before releasing her lot, she heard a knock at the door. Glancing over, she saw several teachers outside the doorway. "Hinata san?" Iruka asked, grinning. "Can we come in?"

Taken aback, Hinata replied, "Of, of course!"

Filing in, they all smiled as another female teacher of the Third Years presented a small cake for one person. "Happy birthday, Hinata san!" they all called, much to the delight of the children.

"We try to make it a habit of having birthday celebrations for all of the teachers," Iruka explained. "And since this is the first you've had with us, we wanted to make sure it was memorable!"

Again Hinata had to hold back tears, cursing her over-emotional state. "Thank you! I...I d-don't know what to say!" She was handed a card signed by the rest of the staff, and she gave out hugs to every one.

"And, all of the students get a cupcake too!" The children cheered, and Hinata had to laugh.

"Oh! Is that the real reason you were excited it was my b-birthday?" she teased, laughing as the children denied it.

Needless to say, lunch was a happy affair, and Hinata couldn't help but smile for the rest of the afternoon. After class, she said goodbye to her students, thanking them again for their cards and well-wishes. Locking up her classroom, she headed to the market to pick up things for dinner, the cards all carried in the basket she brought with her on Fridays for shopping.

The shops weren't very busy, the sun already beginning to wane as the winter day neared its end. Picking through produce and other foodstuffs, Hinata hummed to herself as she went. The winter chill bit at her nose, and she made short work of her shopping in an effort to get home quickly.

But as she walked back into the apartment, she let her smile fade. In all of the rush from her day, she had forgotten one very important detail. Her cousin, best friend, and boyfriend were all out on an extended mission in Kaze no Kuni, and weren't expected home for another week. And with her birthday being the following day, there was no chance of seeing them.

Oh well, she thought with a sigh, putting her groceries away slowly. It's their job, and it's to protect the village. Besides...it's just a birthday. I'll have another one next year.

She couldn't deny, however, that it still stung a bit. Stashing everything where it belonged, she sat on the couch in a daze. There isn't any use in pouting, but... Making up her mind, she retrieved a book she had been reading, snuggling into the cushions and letting the alternate reality take her away.

Dinner was much more lonely than her noontime meal, and she picked at her food, sighing lightly. It was just leftovers, the ex-heiress not motivated enough to make anything fresh despite her newly-acquired groceries. Instead, she heated up some day-old rice and curry, the silence in the large apartment a bit overwhelming.

Feeling lonely in the large space, she did up the dishes and tidied up before taking her book into her room, snuggling into her sheets after readying herself for bed. Just for tradition's sake, she read until the clock showed midnight. Marking her page with a sigh, she murmured, "Happy birthday to me..." Tucking the paperback onto her nightstand, she turned off her lamp and rolled over, slowly falling into sleep.

.oOo.

No alarm woke her the next morning, her birthday falling on a Saturday that year. Instead, she slept in, rising groggily at a much later hour than her work week schedule. Stretching with a hum, she sighed sleepily as she gazed blearily at the opposite wall.

Now what?

After showering and eating a late breakfast, she sat at the table, thinking. Should she go out and do something? Her friends still had missions, meaning that most of them would probably be out of the village and unable to celebrate with her. After calling around, she discovered that the only ones still home of the Konoha Twelve were Lee, Chouji, and Ino. She appreciated them all as friends, but something held her back from wanting to do anything with them. Sighing, she hung up the phone and pouted a bit. She knew she was being ridiculous, but...being alone on her birthday was still disheartening.

Making up her mind, she straightened her clothes and grabbed some money, locking up the apartment and heading down into the streets. She would treat herself to whatever her fancy led her to – a little birthday gift to herself.

Walking along the village's main thoroughfare, she eyed each shop with her pale gaze. She really wasn't sure what she was in the mood to do, and wandered aimlessly for quite some time before ending up at the bath house. The place always made her think of Yoko, and she made a mental note to write her friend in Oto no Kuni when she returned home. Stepping inside, she decided on her treat: a nice day of relaxing baths.

Showering before entering the steaming water, she hummed a bit as she scrubbed her skin. Even with her freer schedule, she still hadn't made much of a habit of using the onsen. Feeling a bit guilty at forgetting yet another one of her promises to herself, she left the showers and sunk into the pool, which was, surprisingly, empty. Usually during the winter months, the hot water was far more inviting, the hot springs getting quite crowded. Odd... But Hinata wasn't going to complain about the privacy, and leaned against the side with a contended sigh.

Yes. She had definitely made a good decision.

Swirling the waters with her hands, she let her mind wander. The first thought in her head was wondering what Itachi and his team were up to. Her worries had faded a bit with the trio's amazing success record, but she still felt concerned every time they left. Imagining them trudging through the arid deserts of Kaze no Kuni made her sigh. Hopefully they had enough water. But she shook her head, chiding herself. She worried far too much. So, she took to thinking of Itachi alone.

They had known each other for six months by that point, with the last five being in a more pleasant light than the first. It had seemed like both an eternity, and only the blink of an eye. There were still some mornings when she expected to wake back in her room in the Hyuuga compound, the entire thing having been only a dream. But the white-walled lands were still beyond her reach, and her reality did not change.

Things between the pair were...normal. She didn't know why, but she had expected something to be different. Maybe it was because of their pasts, or present circumstances. But despite her trepidations, they really had had nothing too strange happen. They managed to get together, just the two of them, every once in a while. Itachi's missions kept him busy, and many times they had to reschedule, but both were patient and understanding. They spent their free time mostly together, though they still had their time to themselves. If she had to think of a word to describe it, she would probably say content. Things were balanced and normal, remaining basically unchanged.

Hinata didn't mind the monotony. It was the good kind, where pleasant happenings were to be expected and accepted. But neither would she mind change. Sasuke still disappeared on occasion, not revealing his reasons to either her or Itachi. Tenten and Neji were planning on marrying in the spring, her joining him in his apartment just a few weeks before. Naruto and Sakura were still going steady, though talk of marriage was still a ways off. It seemed strange that her classmates were thinking of such things, most of them seventeen or eighteen by that point. But as her students had once said, marriage at their age wasn't too uncommon. Shinobi lives could be short, so many tended to enjoy happiness and love on a day to day basis. Even Hinata had to admit that thoughts of her comrades' deaths entered her mind regularly. Luckily no one she was close to had yet to be seriously hurt, but...it was only a matter of time. The odds were stacked against them. So maybe living in the here and now wasn't as strange as it sounded.

Having had enough heavy thoughts for the day, Hinata left the baths and treated herself to lunch, feeling refreshed after her hot bath. The winter chill still bit at her, but her cheeks were rosy for quite some time after leaving the onsen. Once her meal was finished, she did a bit of light shopping, looking at some nicer clothes to wear to the academy. The hours seemed to slide by, and soon the winter sun was setting.

Back in the apartment she made a small cake for herself, the warmth of the stove inviting to ward off the chill from outside. Hot chocolate completed her small celebration, and her bad mood from the morning was completely forgotten. Taking a deep breath, she prepared to blow out a small candle she had stuck into the finished cake.

But she cried out as she toppled over backwards, having been caught by surprise as a large plume of smoke appeared just beside her. Crashing to the floor, she muttered in mild pain as she cradled her head. What in the world...?

"Caw!"

Oh.

Grunting, the ex-Hyuuga disentangled herself from her fallen chair, kneeling on the ground as she caught sight of a familiar raven. Smiling a bit, she giggled as she told her, "You scared me! But I guess there isn't r-really a way to warn me, huh?"

The large black bird crowed softly in apology, tugging at her sleeve. But after making her repentance known, she held out her leg, which had a rather large note attached to it. Frowning, Hinata removed it, murmuring aloud, "What does Itachi want?"

Unraveling the thick paper, she gasped lightly in surprise as something fell out. Picking up the foreign object, she smiled as she spied a necklace. A large blue zircon gem sparkled at the end of the silver chain, ornate wiring encasing it. "It's beautiful..." she murmured. Hooking it around her neck, she let it rest just above her bust, looking down at it with a smile for several moments before picking the letter back up.

"Hinata,

Forgive us for being absent today – all three of us regret not being able to celebrate your birthday with you this year. But together we managed to find this necklace for you, and we hope that it will help ease the loneliness from our absence.

Things are going well in Kaze no Kuni, and we may be able to come home a day or two early. All three of us are eager to return. I personally can say I miss you terribly, and cannot wait to see you. But all three of us wish to give our regards, so forgive us for the letter being a bit long."

The handwriting then changed from Itachi's graceful script to Neji's more masculine scrawl.

"Hinata,

I hope this letter finds you well. I apologize for missing your birthday. I can't believe you are already seventeen, my little cousin. Soon you will be an adult. It seems like only yesterday we were meeting for the first time, only as tall as our fathers' knees. But you are growing into a wonderful young woman, and I wish you much luck and happiness for not only this coming year, but for always.

Love,

Neji"

An even messier handwriting followed, and Hinata giggled as she realized it was Sasuke's.

"Hime,

Well, not sure I can really follow up Neji's words, but...I hope you had a good day. And I hope you like the necklace. I really don't have an eye for jewelry, but the other two said it was nice, so...I guess they're right. But it would have to be pretty damn amazing in order for you to wear it – you only deserve the best. Anyway, happy birthday hime. See you when we get home.

I'm not gonna put love.

Sasuke"

Giggling again at Sasuke's words, she shook her head before reading the last section, which was again flowing and delicate.

"Oh, Sasuke...always with such a command of words. But, I digress.

Hinata,

I miss you terribly. When I learned I was to be absent on your birthday, I nearly refused the mission. But not only would Tsunade sama wring my neck, but I'm sure you wouldn't have wanted me to – you're always insisting that I do my duty first. But I promise you I shall race home once this mission is complete. And I won't rest until you are once again in my arms. I hope your birthday was pleasant, and that you find the necklace to your liking. It's from all of us, as we've said, but I will admit I have something else for you. I can't let your cousin or friend outdo me, can I? So, I will see you soon.

I love you.

Itachi"

A blush still managed to take over her face as she read Itachi's words. Smiling, she cuddled the parchment to her chest, murmuring, "Thank you all...I miss you too." Looking up at the raven, she asked, "Please tell them I say thank you...and that I w-wish them luck and success. And...that I can't wait for them all to be home safe."

Cawing, the large bird flared her wings before dissipating into thin air. Day now complete, Hinata realized her cake was still untouched, the candle nearly half its starting height. Blowing out the flame, she giggled at the wax atop the frosting. Scooping it away, she nibbled on the treat for a while, sipping at her then cold cocoa. But despite the day's downturns, she couldn't help but feel it was one of her best birthdays yet.

.oOo.

A week later, a sudden sound made Hinata jolt awake. But before she could scream, a hand covered her mouth. "Hinata..." a gruff voice murmured. It was one she recognized, made rough only by fatigue and lack of water. "It's me..."

As soon as her mouth was released, Hinata wrapped her arms around Itachi, murmuring, "Oh, I m-missed you so much..."

"And I you. Happy birthday..." Parting a bit, he smiled at her as he brandished a small parcel. "It isn't much...but I hope you enjoy it." Leaning over, he turned on her lamp to illuminate the bedroom.

Accepting the little package, she cradled it for a moment before looking at him with a smile. "I'm sure I will." Tearing at the tape, she managed to get it open. Removing the fluffy white paper from within, she revealed a silver bracelet. Bringing it out into the light, a glittering raven was flared across the back, wings outstretched and talons reaching. Mouth in a small "o", Hinata slipped it onto her wrist, twisting it back and forth. "It's...beautiful..." Looking up at Itachi shyly, she murmured, "Thank you...I love it!" Gently, she placed a kiss on his lips. "Ravens are pretty special to us, huh?"

"Yes, they are. I'm glad you like it...I was worried you hadn't gotten as attached to them as I had." Smiling, he rested his forehead to hers. "I can't say how much I missed you..."

"Hm...was your mission a success?"

"Yes. Exhausting, but successful. Tsunade sama has given the three of us leave for a few days. And I fully intend on seeing you as often as possible."

Giggling, she replied, "I certainly don't m-mind. But I'm not sure how the kids would react to s-seeing you."

"Hn...I'll blend right in."

Both being tired, they decided to wait until morning to speak any further. Itachi bade her goodnight, kissing her softly, before retreating to his own room. Sasuke, to his surprise, was still up, sipping a glass of water in the kitchen. "Aren't you tired?" the older brother asked.

"Hn...a little. If you hadn't been so eager to get home, we wouldn't have had to go so fast."

"I wasn't the only one with someone to return home to. Neji was quite adamant to return to Tenten as well." Seeing Sasuke flinch ever so slightly, he asked, "What about you, otouto? Isn't there something you miss when we're away?"

Scowling, Sasuke muttered, "Even if I did...it wouldn't be any of your business, aniki."

"I know that. I just thought that if you had something you wished to share...you would do so." Turning to head into his bedroom, he paused as he held the doorknob in his hand. "Whoever they are...they're quite lucky to have you."

After his older brother disappeared into his room, Sasuke sighed. Why did everyone feel like his business needed to be shared? Finishing his glass of water, he set the cup down with a soft tap. So what if he was seeing someone? It wasn't that big of a deal...and he had a feeling if he told anyone...well, they'd probably laugh. Shoving the thought out of his head, he went to bed.

.oOo.

Hinata usually thought that Winter dragged on for months, the dreary white-washed weather holding on as long as it could before giving way to Spring. But with her cousin's wedding on the way, it seemed to fly by. And even before the days began to warm up, change was already taking place.

"I'm moving out," Sasuke said one morning, catching both of his other roommates off guard.

"W-what?" Hinata asked, giving him a surprised and slightly-hurt look. "W...why?"

"I need my privacy, and I want to get out on my own," he replied, glancing at his brother. "Besides...I don't want to keep intruding on you two lovebirds."

Itachi said nothing, continuing to sip his tea.

"Did you know about this?" Hinata accused, blushing at Sasuke's last comment. "You don't seem very s-surprised."

"Sasuke will be an adult this summer," Itachi replied solemnly. "He has every right to make such a decision." But something was gleaming in the older brother's eyes. "And as he said...he needs his privacy."

Pouting, Hinata asked, "Where are you m-moving to?"

"Hn...probably not far. Maybe even the same building. I think an apartment is all I need, so...it's likely I'll just end up a few floors down. But I just need some space, you know?" He gave the short girl a smirk. "I needed the support that came with staying with you two. We all needed each other in the beginning. But things are changing...we're changing. And it's not like we'll never see each other again. It's just breathing room...independence. You two won't get rid of me that easy."

Hinata was saddened at losing being so close to who she considered to be her best friend, but she knew he was right. It was time for them to start taking steps into their new lives. Her first class was about to graduate into Second Years, so she knew that everyone was facing changes. She knew she was going to be emotional, but things always had to change.

The end of March saw Sasuke move out on his own, as well as the First Years giving tearful farewells as they took their spring break before becoming Second Years. And in May, the tail end of Spring, Neji and Tenten came together in a small ceremony with the rest of the Konoha Twelve. None of the other Hyuuga were invited, and Hinata later asked why. "I told you...the clan would have hindered my future," Neji replied with a small smile. "I have had it in my mind to be together with Tenten for quite some time. Hiashi, however, would certainly have not approved."

Suddenly, Neji's separation from the clan made more sense. Not only was he proving his loyalty and friendship to Hinata, but he was freeing himself from their ruling, including dictating who was allowed to marry. "You were thinking that f-far ahead?"

"You would be surprised how thoroughly a man plans to get what he wants."

Tenten looked beautiful in her pure-white shiromuku, and Neji like a true gentleman in his montsuki, haori, and hakama. The ceremony was held in a small shrine, and the group retired to a rented out building for the reception. The pair's friends and family congratulated them many times, offering speeches and, in rare cases, songs. Hinata sat with Itachi, dressed in a flowy lilac kimono, smiling as her cousin finally was united with the girl he loved. But after a while, she asked, "Where is Sasuke kun? He said he was coming!"

"I'm not sure. There may have been some complications with his date."

"His -?"

But she cut off, seeing Sasuke slip in at the back of the room with a woman in tow. "Oh! There he is! But...who is that?"

The woman was wearing a dark blue kimono, brown hair styled beautifully. She looked nervous at their late entrance, but relaxed as Sasuke whispered in her ear, her black eyes softening as she smiled. Sasuke looked over the group and spied Hinata, moving toward her and his brother before taking a seat. "Not a word, Itachi," the younger boy muttered.

Deciding not to ask why they were late, Hinata instead inquired, "Who have you brought with you, Sasuke kun?"

Glancing at her, Sasuke gave a nervous smile. "Her name is Ayame."

The name sounded familiar, but before she could ask for clarification, Naruto crashed down next to his best friend. "Hey!" the blonde greeted, thankfully not too loudly. "Who's your date, teme?"

Sakura sat on the blonde's other side, looking irritated at her date's rude interruption, but didn't say anything.

Growling, Sasuke replied, "Can't you be a bit more polite, dobe?" Straightening his jacket, he added, "You know her. You see her all the time."

"I do?" Looking at the girl, Ayame, Naruto squinted. "Really? Cuz...I don't recognize her...she's pretty though!"

Giggling, Ayame cut in. "Naruto kun...think ramen."

Blinking a few times, the realization finally dawned on him. "Oh! You're Teuchi's daughter! From Ichiraku! Holy crap!" Laughing, Naruto added, "Wow, I didn't recognize you all done up! You're really pretty!"

"Why thank you."

Giving a slightly-jealous laugh, Sakura cut in, "You really do look amazing, Ayame san!"

Miraculously, Naruto caught the hint. "Oh, but, uh...you're the most beautiful one here, Sakura chan!"

"Nice save," she muttered in reply. But she was grinning, still accepting the compliment. "But I don't think it's quite true...Tenten chan looks amazing."

The brunette had made a costume change, as was usual for a traditional wedding, then wearing a golden-brown kimono.

"Yeah, she d-does," Hinata agreed. "So, Sasuke kun...this is what you've been h-hiding for so long?" She gave him a gentle smile to show she was only teasing.

"Hn...yeah. After being pulled into that ramen stand so many times, I found something actually worth going there for." Blushing slightly, he added, "It was pretty random, but...I'm happy."

"G-good."

The celebration lasted well into the night, with some of the older attendees drinking rather heavily. But Hinata preferred to spend most of her time with Itachi, chatting occasionally with other guests she knew and dancing. "This was a b-beautiful wedding," she murmured later. The crowds were beginning to thin, and the couple was waiting for things to quiet down just a little further before giving the bride and groom one last blessing.

"It was," Itachi agreed.

"He really loves her."

"He does..."

They ended up staying for quite some time before heading back home. Neji looked as proud as he could be, holding his new wife to his side. He had accepted his cousin's kind words with a smile, thanking her. But before she left, he pulled her near, whispering, "Perhaps soon...you too will be married."

She had blushed darkly, sputtering as he released her. He had merely laughed, ignoring the looks he got from both Tenten and Itachi.

"You know...we might have to move out soon," Itachi told her as they lounged on the couch before bed. "This place is quite expensive...and we really don't need the room."

"Hm...that's true..." Glancing at him, she couldn't help but think, What if he wants to...live apart?

In her opinion, there really was no need to. They were still going quite steady, and because they had already been living together for nearly a year, she didn't see the need to go backwards and separate. She assumed, then, that he meant leaving together. Curious, she asked, "Where would we g-go?"

"Well, I'm not sure..." Itachi bit his tongue, not wanting to speak much further. In truth, he wished to make his final move soon. If he did, then perhaps they could merely wait a bit longer to find a house to move into instead of another apartment. After nearly a year of having his life so closely intertwined with hers, he felt sure that no one else could make him as happy as Hinata did. All that was left was to find the right moment to as her to be his forever. "Maybe such heavy thoughts are best saved for a time when we are both more awake."

Giggling, she replied, "You're right..."

After bidding one another goodnight, they parted into their bedrooms, both still pondering their future.

Not much plot progression, but lots of fluff, ne? X3 And we finally figured out who Sasuke's mystery girl was! And yes, it's very random, and I have a feeling it's one of the crackiest pairings ever, but I honestly couldn't think of anyone to stick the teme with. Sorry if anyone finds it unappealing – but I was reaching for straws XD

So! Only two more chapters, my lovelies...I can hardly believe it. This Friday and following Monday will see our last two updates. And then, I have no idea what I'm going to do! I'm planning on hopefully getting some oneshots done, and then maybe working on another longer fic while those (hopefully) tide you over. But Life has tends to get in my way when I plan stuff like that, so I hope you'll all be indulgent no matter what my fanfiction writing schedule turns out to be. Hopefully things are going to start changing in the next few months, so I'm not sure I can guarantee anything. But I do love writing ItaHina fics, as well as some SasuHina, so I don't want to give it up – it might be scarce for a while, but I think it's something I'll always come back to, at least for a while.

Anyway, I'm ranting ^_^; Please take a moment to leave a review if you can – I appreciate each one, and always give word back~ Your support throughout this fic has been amazing, and has really helped me grow in confidence as a writer. So, I'll see you all Friday – lots of love!

~BlackRoseDragon13