A humongous thank you to EVERYONE who reviewed. I am so glad, that you all enjoyed the last chapter. Moreover, thanks to all the readers, follows and favourites.

After doing some plotting of the story, I realised this story might be ending sooner than I thought, which is crazy to think. I've pretty much written most of the last chapter of this story, so now I just have to get there!

To the guest reviewer, Anne, I just wanted to answer your question: Yes, it has been addressed earlier in the story that Sakura still has feelings for Sasuke. However, similar to Naruto, she just wants him to be happy.

Anyway, I hope you all enjoy this chapter. It's quite a simplistic, non-drama filled chapter for once.

Chapter 16:

Her mouth was agape as Sasuke subtly hinted that he had feelings for her. She closed her mouth immediately though, once Hinata realised it was open in shock. Hinata blushed and bit her lip.

What happens now?

Before the two could continue their conversation, a Hyuga servant had appeared before them. He cleared his throat before talking.

"Pardon the intrusion, Hinata-sama and Uchiha-sama, your grandfather requests both of your presences."

"Very well. Please tell Grandfather, we'll be with him in a moment."

The Hyuga servant complied and bowed before taking his leave. Hinata looked up to Sasuke, attempting to unravel his thoughts. As usual, he looked… irritated.

"Let's go," he said dryly.

"Hai!"

Despite it being the Hyuga compound, it was Sasuke whom walked in front of her, as if commanding authority. She wondered if he was ever conscious of that. It didn't bother Hinata, he was stronger than her. Suddenly, Sasuke stopped and waited for Hinata to catch up to him. Once she stood beside him, she raised her eyebrow at him.

"Sasuke?"

He clenched his jaw, "We're going to decline to the marriage contract."

"Nani?"

"Propose the idea to terminate it. I'll agree with it."

"But I thought…"

"You have feelings for me, don't you?" He asked.

As Hinata nodded her head, Sasuke confidently said, "Then decline the contract."

"I don't understand…"

"I don't want to marry you, Hinata… I -"

She sighed. Does Sasuke have feelings for me or did I imagine everything? He makes no sense whatsoever. She clicked her tongue, annoyed at how perplexing Sasuke could be. It doesn't matter though. Marriage is something I've decided to delay until I'm older. I have to worry about the clan and Hanabi. Love and such emotions can wait.

"I understand Sasuke."

For a slight second, she witnessed shock pass through Sasuke as his eyes became wide. In seconds though, his stoic expression surfaced again. Suddenly, his hand clutched onto her arm and pulled her closer towards him. Her breathe hitched at the sudden turn of events.

"Hinata," he said coarsely, "Do you really understand?"

She nodded her head.

He sneered, "You don't."

"Nani?"

Hinata watched, as a light shade of red became apparent on Sasuke's cheeks. He mumbled very quietly to her.

"I want to be with you."

"But you said –"

"Let me finish," he hissed, "I want to be with you… but not like this. Growing up, I was always being controlled and manipulated. I don't want that to happen ever again."

"Is that why you want the contract to be terminated?" She asked.

He nodded, "If we pursue this, it has to be on our own terms… Do you understand?"

"Yes, I understand," she replied.

Hinata smiled at Sasuke as he let go of her arm. Quietly, the two Heads walked side by side into the main branch estate. Both felt reassured, that their futures would be changed and the Hyuga elders would have no meddling in it.

Xx

After terminating the contract – which her grandfather was not pleased about – Hinata and Sasuke felt like a weight was lifted off their shoulders. No longer were the two bound by an old and controlling agreement. From here on out, their futures would be left to them.

In the months that passed, Hinata found herself growing closer to Sasuke. Eventually, Hinata had become accustomed to all his habits, his different scowls and he was hardly a mystery to her. Each day, she learnt something new about him. Either it was a little about his past or his hopes for the future. Hinata learnt of his interests and dislikes, and more importantly she began to realise how strongly Sasuke could love. She had once heard that no one loved as strongly as the Uchiha clan and she now understood why. Sasuke was always so patient with her, understanding and above all he made her feel happy. Hinata spent most of her afternoons with Sasuke when he was not a mission. It was a silent mutual agreement between them. She would tend to his garden and in exchange he cooked various meals for her from time to time. Hinata loved watching him cook. At first it was strange to see Sasuke do something so normal, but the more she had witnessed it, the more she adored it. Moreover, the food was always tasty.

She smiled to herself as she stared out the window, lost in her thoughts.

"People are going to think you're crazy if you keep smiling like that."

She blinked and turned her gaze towards the man occupying her thoughts. He sat in an armchair across from her, reading a book. His eyes focused on the page before him.

"People already think that I am," she replied.

He flipped the page he was reading, "Because you spend a lot of time with me?"

"Probably," she mused, "I don't mind."

"Hn."

She watched as Sasuke folded the top corner of his book. He closed his book and placed it on the coffee table.

"Come here," he ordered.

Hinata arched her eyebrow, as she stood up from her chair. She walked over to him and stood before him. He gestured for her to come closer, forcing Hinata to lean down. Suddenly, he squeezed her cheeks, causing her to groan in pain.

He smirked, "You've put on weight."

Hinata slapped his hands off her cheeks and rubbed them.

"I have not."

"You're a bit chubby in the cheeks now," he commented.

Hinata blushed at his observation. Well it's true I have been eating more than usual but that's only because Sasuke's food is too delicious to resist!

"I haven't –"

"It's cute," he said.

Hinata stared at him incredulously. He snickered at her shocked expression. She watched him turn his gaze towards the window. Since it was December, winter had come and it begun to snow. Today, it seemed the snow was falling harder than usual.

"You should go home now," he said.

She sighed and agreed with him. Sasuke stood up and walked Hinata to the door. She took her coat off the hook, placing it back on. Sasuke handed Hinata her scarf, he waited for her to wrap it around her neck. Once she slipped on her shoes, Sasuke opened the door for her.

"I'm going on a mission tomorrow morning," he said as Hinata began to descend the steps.

She stopped and turned to face him.

"For how long?"

He crossed his arms and leaned against the post, "A few days. I'll be back before Christmas."

"Sasuke… Christmas isn't til a few weeks."

He frowned, "You really have gone crazy."

"Nani?"

"Christmas is in ten days."

Hinata's eyes widened at the realisation. If Christmas is in ten days… then my birthday is in twelve days! Hinata covered her mouth with her hands, shocked at how quickly time had passed.

"Baka," he teased.

She blushed and pursed her lips. Before she could retort, she heard a voice in the distance calling her.

"Onee-san!"

She flicked her head to see Hanabi standing not too far from the gates of Uchiha compound but still quite close to the gates of the Hyuga compound.

"You'd bet get going," Sasuke said, gesturing towards Hanabi.

"Aa," she said unconsciously mimicking one of his usual responses, "I'll see you soon then, Sasuke."

He nodded his head and watched her walk out of the gates. Sasuke waited for Hinata to reach her sister before he returned inside. Despite his home feeling warm and appearing to be occupied, it felt a little a cold and lonely without Hinata. Perhaps, that'll change eventually.

Xx

"Onee-san," Hanabi said with a smirk, "when will you actually go on a proper date?"

"Hanabi!" Hinata exclaimed.

Hanabi crossed her arms and shrugged her shoulders.

"What? It's true isn't it?" She asked in a confident tone, "that you're dating Uchiha Sasuke. Everyone has been talking about it. You do spend most of your time with him nowadays."

Hinata blushed at the mention of everyone discussing her relationship with Sasuke.

"It's just gossip, Hanabi-chan."

Hanabi looked at her sister suspiciously, "Uh huh. I'm not a child Onee-san. He likes you. And you like him."

Hinata frowned, as she watched her sister tap towards her eyes.

"Don't forget the Hyuga clan and I have the byakugan," she teased.

Her eyes widened at Hanabi's comment, "You've been spying on me!?"

"No of course not," Hanabi then smiled mischievously "maybe just a little…"

"Hanabi!"

"Relax Onee-san, I'm just worried about you. Uchiha-san is handsome but he's also quite intimidating. When your relationship with Naruto-kun ended, you weren't yourself. I just don't want that to happen again."

Hinata sighed, at the end of the day Hanabi would always worry endlessly about her. Hanabi still did not know the truth behind her and Naruto's break up. I'll tell her one day, when she's much older. She's still a little bit of a hot head. Who knows what she'll do.

Hinata smiled as she pulled Hanabi in for a hug, "Thank you Hanabi-chan… But Sasuke won't hurt me. I promise."

Hanabi returned the hug and then she asked, "So can you answer the question?"

"Huh?"

"When will you go out on a proper date? I know the two of you are very private people but don't settle for nothing but the best Onee-san, you got that?"

Hinata smiled at her sisters ramblings.

"We're not together," Hinata said quietly, "we're just… friends?"

Hinata frowned once she heard that her statement sounded more like a question. It was the truth though, Hinata had no idea just what exactly the relationship was between Sasuke and herself. She peered at Hanabi, who either chose to ignore Hinata's awkward answer or did not catch on to it.

"But you two – I see the way he looks at you! You haven't kissed or anything?!" Hanabi exclaimed.

Hinata blushed, remembering the one time they had kissed. That was so long ago. She smiled remembering how sour their relationship had been at that time. Time sure does fly.

Hinata shook her head and replied, "No, like I said Hanabi-chan, we're just friends."

Hanabi crossed her arms and pouted in defeat.

"Your face says otherwise," she muttered.

Hinata opened her mouth to retort but before she could a Hyuga servant interrupted the sisters. The servant had apologised for interrupting and explained that the Hyuga elders were waiting for Hinata to begin their fortnightly meetings. Hinata farewelled Hanabi and made her way to the meeting room.
The termination of the marriage contract had irritated the elders quite a bit. Regardless, they had never brought it up again. Deep down, Hinata knew the Hyuga elders were planning something. They were always like that – cunning and working amongst the shadows. For all she knew, they were probably spying on Sasuke and herself. Hinata's mind was fixated on the idea that once Hanabi had took over the positon of Head, they would force Hinata's hand in marriage to a bachelor of their choosing – the latter only occurring if Sasuke and she were not married. And with the way things are progressing, marriage is out of the question for a few years. Afterwards, they would snicker at Hinata, almost rubbing it in her face that she could have been married to Sasuke if she did not terminate the contract. Alas, she would have to marry some strange man and move to another country.

Hinata grimaced. It wouldn't surprise her if the Hyuga elders had managed to elaborate such a plan. She shook her head. No, relax Hinata. Everything will work out…I hope.

Xx

Clink! Clink! Clink!

"Merry Christmas!"

Sakura smiled as she took a sip of her glass of wine. She observed the other members in the room, all of Konoha twelve – minus Sasuke – had gathered together for Christmas. It had been awhile since they had all gotten together like this. After all, they were all adults now and had their own responsibilities. Everyone looked so happy, it was refreshing. I wish Sasuke-kun was here though as well.

She examined the room once more. She noticed Kiba and Ino stuck a little more closely to one another than usual. Ino caught her eyes and stuck out her tongue. Sakura retorted at her and laughed. Ino then latched her arm off of Kiba and walked over to Sakura.

"Hey forehead," Ino nudged her in the ribs and grinned, "it's Christmas, are you planning on making it special?"

"Hmm, not that I know of?"

Ino pouted, "Sakura, you're one of the most desired women in this freaking village… Please don't tell me you're still hung up on Sasuke-kun?"

Sakura frowned, "Ino…"

Ino smiled sadly and grabbed Sakura's free hand. She squeezed it.

"Sakura… you've heard the rumours right? Hinata-chan and Sasuke –"

Sakura sighed, "I know. I'm not bitter about it or anything. I'm just… I still love Sasuke-kun and he's told me he doesn't feel the same way. It's just… Gomen, I don't know how to explain it."

Ino squeezed her hand again.

"Ne, Sakura, it's going to get easier. It'll just take some time."

Sakura nodded her head, "Hai. Thanks Ino."

Ino smiled, "What are best friends for? Come on let's get more drinks!"

The rest of the night flashed by so quickly for Sakura. She recalled hitting Naruto a few times due to his idiotic habits. Sakura had even talked to Hinata for a bit. She hadn't talked to her in so long, it felt nice. Sakura had forgotten how sweet and caring Hinata was. It was impossible to be angry at Hinata. Whilst, they were together Sakura had muttered to Hinata that she gave Hinata her blessing. At first, the Hyuga Head had been confused but seconds after it had sunk in and Hinata was blushing like a tomato. Sakura laughed at Hinata…she's so cute. She remembered drinking a lot of wine and eating a lot of food until her stomach could no longer handle it.

Sakura yawned and rubbed her eyes. She blinked trying to figure out where she was exactly now. She could see the ground and it was moving. Someone's carrying me. She moved her head to try get a better idea of whom it was but whomever was holding her, tightened their grip on her legs in response to her moving. She sighed, deciding it was useless. However, she then realised there was only one person who would ever wear such an ugly orange jacket and take care of her like this.

Naruto.

Xxx

"Arigato, for walking me home Shino-kun," Hinata said once Shino and herself had reached the entrance of the Hyuga compound.

Shino nodded his head, his hands stuffed in pockets.

"It was my pleasure Hinata-chan. I'm glad we could catch up."

"Yes, it was wonderful to spend time with everyone."

"That is true… well I best get going. Goodbye, Hinata-chan."

Hinata waved Shino goodbye and sighed. This year's Christmas was so fun and delightful. The only thing missing was having Sasuke here… She glanced towards the Uchiha compound, it was shrouded in darkness. I guess he's still not back yet…I hope nothing happened to him. Hinata shook her head and walked into the compound. The Hyuga guards greeted her as she passed by. She made her way quietly to her private quarters. Hinata began to unwrap her scarf from her neck and then she took off her coat, letting it fall to her feet. She went into her bathroom and washed up, attempting to sober herself up. Afterwards, she stripped naked and changed into a fresh set of underwear and sleepwear. Hinata then collapsed onto her bed and sighed. She rolled over, attempting to sleep. Nonetheless, she could not sleep. Her thoughts kept tracing back to Sasuke. She groaned inwardly. Hinata sat up and jumped off her bed. She walked over to her wardrobe and pulled out Sasuke's cloak. She placed it on herself and exhaled.

Suddenly, she squealed at the sound of a light knock on her window. She activated her byakugan, to see whom it was. She smiled, immediately recognising the figure as Sasuke. Hinata paused, in the midst of turning around. She clutched the cloak tighter to her body at the realisation that she was wearing her sleeping wear underneath. Hinata inhaled and then exhaled before going to open the window for Sasuke.

"Hinata," he greeted.

"Sasuke," she countered.

He nodded his head and slipped into her room. He shut the window behind him, in order to not let the cold in. Sasuke shook his head, trying to get the snow out of his hair. Hinata giggled, Sasuke reminded her of a child. Sasuke scowled as he watched her laugh.

"What?"

"Nothing," she whispered.

"Hn… is that my cloak?" He asked gesturing towards the cloak she clutched onto tightly.

Hinata's cheeks reddened a little as she shyly nodded.

"It looks better on you," he commented.

"Arigato."

Hinata shifted her weight to her other foot and bit her lip.

"Um… did you want to sit down?"

Sasuke nodded his head and followed Hinata to her table. They sat across from one another, not too close but not too far apart. She watched Sasuke glance at her clock quickly before returning his attention back to her. Sasuke then dug his hand into his pockets and fetched out a small box. He handed it over to Hinata gently.

"This is for you," he said, placing it on the palm of her hand.

"Oh… you didn't have to Sasuke," she frowned, Hinata had not gotten Sasuke anything because she was unsure if he celebrated things like Christmas.

"It's fine," he muttered.

Hinata unwrapped the gift and gasped at the contents of the box. She lifted out a simple yet divine necklace. It was a silver chain with a pendant of a silver, crescent moon.

"Sasuke," she whispered, "it's beautiful."

He smiled, "Turn around, I'll put it on for you."

Hinata handed him the necklace and turned around. She held up the back of her hair, allowing Sasuke's arms to encircle her. He placed the necklace around her neck and clipped it on.

"Hinata," he whispered, "Merry Christmas."

xx

That's it for now folks! I hope Sasuke didn't seem too OOC? P

Thanks for reading, please review :)