Hello ! I'm back with another update. I'm onto my second week of uni and it's already been so busy. Unfortunately, that means I won't be updating as much. I hope you all enjoy this chapter, not much of Sasuke and Hinata together but I promise you in the next chapter there will be!

Chapter 19:

Hinata giggled at Sasuke's revelation. She moved her hands to the back of his head, running her hands through his soft black hair. Momentarily, Hinata pecked Sasuke's eyelids, causing him to open his eyes. He was greeted with a sincere smile.

"Sasuke… will you stay the night?" She asked shyly.

Sasuke was caught off guard, the surprise evident on his face as Hinata immediately blushed and began to stutter through an apology. He smirked at her embarrassment.

"You're too cute," he whispered.

Before Hinata could respond, Sasuke had embraced Hinata. He leaned his head on her shoulder, letting out a sigh. His breath tickled her skin.

"Is this what you want?" He asked.

Hinata glanced at him from the corner of her eyes. She tried to decipher the meaning of his question by analysing his body language. Hinata smiled at the realisation of what his question really meant.

"You're warm," she noted.

She leaned closer in to him. Her hands making its way down to his broad and muscly back. Hinata began to draw circles on his back.

"You're important too," she added.

She let out a soft moan as Sasuke kissed her shoulder making his way up to her jawline.

"I want you to be happy," he whispered before trailing back down to her shoulder with kisses.

She pulled Sasuke into a deep embrace, playing with the back of his hair.

"Sasuke, these past few months I've regained a part of myself I thought I lost. Sure, both of us bickered and it was difficult but… I'm really thankful – for you."

Sasuke scoffed, "You were very troubling…but I was always intrigued by you. Even during those four months we attempted to ignore one another."

"That was silly, especially that tomato incident," she reminisced.

Sasuke let out a faint laugh and agreed with her. He pulled away from her and sat up straight again. Hinata blushed at the intensity of his gaze. I can see and feel his warmth. His kindness and passion, I can see it. She wondered how all this time she could keep herself in line from being intimate with Sasuke.
It had been so long since she had felt this way. The time she spent with Naruto romantically was intense both emotionally and physically. Naruto was her first love. Hinata never knew if she could feel something so intense once again. She cherished her love for Naruto but it had also drained her. The difficulties of their relationship had been too much for her. Thus, Hinata questioned whether she would have the strength to be in a relationship again. Yet, here she was again. In love? In a relationship? She wasn't sure. Her feelings for Sasuke were genuine and intense. Her heart ached to always see him. They were both busy people. People who had important roles in the village. Despite this, Sasuke always made time to see her.

"I'll stay," Sasuke said.

Hinata beamed, perhaps I do know the answer.

Xxxx

Sasuke smiled to himself as he watched Hinata sleeping beside him peacefully. His fingers lingered through her silky indigo hair as she mumbled a few incoherent words. He propped himself up and gazed out the window. It was dawn and he was prepared to leave soon. Sasuke turned back to face Hinata, shaking her gently in order to wake her up. She stirred before letting out a yawn. He watched as Hinata opened her eyes drowsily.

"Morning," he greeted.

"Sasuke," she murmured.

He smiled, realising that Hinata was still a little sleepy. He was glad he could see her in this state. It's cute.

"I'm leaving now Hinata," he leaned down and kissed her on the forehead, "go back to sleep, okay?"

"Mhm," she responded before closing her eyes once more.

Sasuke stood up and prepared to leave. He collected his belongings and made his way to the window. He did a quick scan before opening the window. Sasuke paused midway through exiting, turning to face Hinata's sleeping body.

"Happy birthday, hime."

xx

Hinata winced as she felt the sunlight strike her face. She grumbled, realising it was time to get up as she peered at the sunrise from her window. However, as it was her birthday, she had the luxury of sleeping in. Yet, it seemed her body clock had other ideas. Hinata stretched her arm over to the place where Sasuke was a few hours ago. She smiled to herself. The bed's still warm. She rolled over to his side, hoping there were still some other traces of Sasuke left. Her assumption was correct as she caught of whiff of his scent lingering on the pillow. She smelt mint – it was light and mixed with a tint of ash and thunder. No matter the amount of baths Sasuke took, his mint scented soap could never wash away his elemental chakra. Hinata giggled to herself. Just the scent of Sasuke was pungent enough for Hinata to close her eyes once more. On any other day, she would be up by now. Hinata felt like it had been a decade since she had relaxed like this. She breathed in his scent again, falling under its sweet spell. Before she was aware of it, Hinata had drifted back to sleep.

Xx

Hanabi grinned as she watched the Hyuga servants make the final touches on the decorations for her Onee-san's 20th birthday. Hanabi had spent all morning assisting the servants in order for everything to be perfect. Suddenly, her stomach grumbled. Lunch time! She clapped her hands together, deciding that now would be the perfect time to give Hinata her birthday present over some lunch. Hanabi turned to leave, only to get called out by a servant.

"Pardon the intrusion Hanabi-sama," the servant bowed, "your Grandfather requests for your presence."

Hanabi raised her eyebrow. I wonder what Grandfather wants?

"Very well. Is Grandfather in his living quarters?" She asked.

"Yes, he is awaiting your presence."

Hanabi nodded, following the servant to her Grandfather's living quarters. It was rare that she ever visited these parts of the Hyuga household. She saw her Grandfather everyday but she hardly ever went to his private area. It was only in particular circumstances that called for such privacy. The last time her Grandfather had called for her was when Hinata was chosen to be the Hyuga Head. It was known that Hanabi's late father had trained Hanabi with the intention of being Head. However, his will declared that Hinata was to be the Head until further notice. At that time, Hanabi was unsure of what 'further notice' implied. She had wondered for a long time whether her Father had another will or there was some sort of clause in the will that ensured Hinata wouldn't always be the Head. Exasperated by all of it, she had questioned her Grandfather about it. His reply at the time was simply this: "Your Otousan lacked the ability to see Hinata's full potential. Albeit, we all made that same mistake. Your Otousan amended his will for Hinata to succeed the position of Head during Pein's invasion. He only informed me and no one else of these changes. He continued to train you, as you also have a strong potential to lead this clan. However, you're still young Hanabi. You lack the experience that Hinata has. War changes a person Hanabi. During this era of peace I doubt and sincerely hope you will not experience the petrifying horrors of it… Your sister will amend the foundations of this clan into something greater. Neither, your Otousan or I were able to do that. Hanabi, if you wish to have the position of Head, your father has given permission in his will for you to challenge Hinata when you are of age. That is all I have to say to you."

Hanabi smiled to herself as she recalled that memory. It was the first time she had heard one of the Hyuga elders speak so highly of Hinata. It had made her proud. Hanabi had always known that Hinata was admirable and exceptional. Hanabi really treasured her One-san.

Before she knew it, Hanabi was at her Grandfather's door. She knocked, waiting for his command to let her come in. The moment she heard it, she slid the doors open and bowed. Hanabi walked in only to let out a gasp when she realised who else was in the room with her.

Xxx

Hinata finally awoke due to her stomach's insistency that she eat as soon as possible. She stretched her body as she got out of bed, letting out a giggle. I'm twenty! Once stretching all her muscles, Hinata made her way to the bathroom. She undressed, letting her clothes fall down to her feet. She kicked them towards the door, deciding to be a little lazy just this once. The maids do say they hardly have much work to do when it comes to me. She smiled to herself as she pulled the hair tie out of her hair. Hinata ran her fingers through it. She opened her mouth at a sudden realisation. The way Sasuke ran his fingers through her hair gave her a much greater sensation. Perhaps, it's truly only nice when Sasuke does it? Hinata turned the knobs of the shower, waiting for the hot water to come on. She showered whilst thinking that physical care was very intimate and nice. It was something Sasuke and herself shared. After all, she too also enjoyed running her fingers through his raven hair. Maybe, I'll offer to cut it some time? It is getting quite long at the front.

Hinata dried herself once stepping out of the shower. She bit her lip as she peered at her clothes lying on the floor. Hinata sighed, as she bent down and picked them up to toss them in her laundry basket.
She dressed in suitable clothes for the afternoon. Her attire consisted of a buttoned up shirt and a flowy skirt. It would make things easier for tonight when she would need to change into her yukata after the maids did her hair. As Hinata opened her door, she found her younger sister just about to knock. Hanabi beamed at the sight of Hinata.

"Happy birthday!" She squealed, jumping onto Hinata.

Hinata hugged Hanabi back, thanking her.

"I was just about to come get you Onee-san! Let's go eat now, we've got a feast to attend!" She called out as she pulled Hinata towards to the dining area.

"A feast?"

"Yup! Prepared by yours truly," Hanabi grinned as she gestured towards herself.

Hinata laughed, her sister was truly an amusing and wonderful child. Hinata followed Hanabi into the dining area where only two plates were set up. Hanabi caught on to Hinata's confusion.

"I just wanted to spend some time with just you today. After all, either the elders of Sasuke hog you majority of the time," she teased.

Hinata blushed, throwing her hands in front of her face. She attempted to deny it but Hanabi only laughed. Hinata pouted as she sat in her seat. It would be pointless to argue with Hanabi. Hanabi grinned as she placed the dishes on the table.

"Zenzai and cinnamon rolls?" Hinata questioned in disbelief.

"Mhmm! You're two favourite dishes. Probably not lunch appropriate but I think tonight's dinner will have enough appropriate foods, ne?"

Hinata smiled, "Thanks Hanabi. You've gotten quite talented at cooking."

Hanabi blushed and scratched her cheek at the compliment.

"Ah!" Hanabi exclaimed, "Before I forget… here's your present Onee-san."

Hanabi reached from below the table and pulled out a wrapped up present. She grinned as she handed it over to Hinata.

"It really seems like fate was on my side when I chose this, Onee-san."

Hinata raised her eyebrow at her sister. What on earth could that possibly mean? Knowing Hanabi, it could be anything. She shook her head, deciding to ignore what that statement implicated. Hinata tore the wrapping and began to open the present. She stopped the moment she saw something lacy.

"Hanabi…is this?"

Hanabi laughed, "Yep!"

Hinata blushed, as she tore open the rest of the wrapping. She turned to see if anyone else was in the room before bringing the lingerie out. It was a once piece, high legged lingerie. The top half of the piece was a long v shaped that stopped just above the belly button by the looks of it. Though, it could hardly be considered a v line. It was a black lace that was very soft at the touch. The back was strappy, less detailed than the front. She stared at the front again. I'm not sure if this can even hold my breasts. Though, it's still very lovely.

"So what do you think?" Hanabi asked in a smug tone.

"I really like it," Hinata whispered in hopes no one else heard her, "though I'm not sure if it can really support you know…"

Hanabi shrugged, "It's not like it will be on for long. If Sasuke saw you on that, I'm sure it would be on the ground in seconds."

"Hanabi! It's not – I – I-"

Her sister only laughed at Hinata's embarrassed state. "Sheesh, no need to hide it from Onee-san. I'm not a baby, you know. Plus, trust me – you'll be needing this real soon."

Hinata raised her eyebrow, again with the strange implications. Before she could ask, Hanabi clapped her hands together, declaring that they start since she was very hungry. Hinata sighed, deciding to let it go again. After all, she too was quite famished.

xx

Thanks for reading, please review! I really appreciate the feedback. Hopefully, another update comes soon.