Hey, hey!

This chapter is temptation and tension in a nutshell. So, enjoy!

S/N: So! I had a fan request of a SakuHina one shot. The SakuHina that I'm posting today isn't what was wanted by the fan, but I fell in love with it. It's a lemon fic. Ends with NaruHina and SasuSaku. I waited to post my one shot until I posted this chapter, because I just think it would be cool to post it same day. So, I hope you guys enjoy.

Now on with this story.

'Letter writing'

Hinata,

I know that you're on a mission. So, I don't expect you to reply back for a while. I know Naruto has been the one sending you majority of the letters lately. I just needed time, from reading the scrolls.

I want to kill every last councilman. I want to destroy Konoha. I want to destroy and hurt a lot of people and I understand I shouldn't fall into these dark thoughts. So, I've been meditating more. Talking heavily with Jiraiya and Naruto. Trying to understand things better.

I wanted you to immediately come to me when you told us about the councilman. It's not safe in Konoha for you, but I understand if that is not your wish. Just be careful.

It won't be too much longer before we are together again. These past few months has been challenging and I fear it will be challenging for you until you are in my arms again. I'm sorry for being selfish, but I do not want to share you. You and Naruto are mine. You are ours.

Just wait for me a little longer. Please.

I need you.

-Sasuke

Hinata was sprinting. Running and jumping over rubble and debris in the abandoned village. The letter from Sasuke ran through her mind as she sprinted to the other side of the fight zone. She was initially with her partner, Phoenix. They were supporting two other ninja's on the mission, who were fighting an Akatsuki man, named Kakuzu.

Phoenix instructed Eagle about providing support to team ten. Advising that they were not faring well against the Akatsuki man. At first, Eagle didn't want to leave her partner, however Phoenix reminded her that this wasn't about them. This was about the mission and he would be fine. Afterall, Phoenix was second in command of Anbu for a reason.

So, at this moment Eagle was sprinting to the other side to aid team ten. She activated her Byakugan on her way over and she had her sights on the Akatsuki man that made contact with Ino. When Hinata sprinted into the clearing she whisked by Shikamaru.

"Stop!"

Hinata almost tripped over herself at hearing Shikamaru. "Hinata STOP!" For him to violate an Anbu's privacy and actually call her name Hinata halted, but still ended up running right into the Akatsuki man. "Hey! Get off me!"

Before the white-haired man had a chance to swipe at Hinata with his scythe, she used her feet to repel off his chest and created a gap between them. "He's connected to Ino! If you hurt him, you hurt her. If you kill him. You kill her!"

Hinata whipped her head back to look at Ino as she listened to Shikamaru. Ino was on the ground holding her stomach. She had a gash there and Hinata assumed it was from this mans scythe. It was bad, she needed to get it treated quickly. Hinata looked back at the white-haired man. "How do we end this?"

Shikamaru assessed the situation. His mind was scrambled. It was very hard to think in this moment, he wasn't going to lie. He didn't want Ino to go on this mission, lately he didn't want Ino to go on any missions with him. Let alone out the village. Intelligence and interrogation. That was Ino's field. She carried physical strength, but just like him, that wasn't her major.

Having Ino out in danger ruined his mind frame. How he thought about things and how he planned. It was hard right now, but if he wanted to get Ino out of this alive and worry about her mission assignments later. Shikamaru had to focus.

His eyes scanned the man that he learned name was Hidan. The Akatsuki-nin had this circle he had created when he first connection with Ino after consuming her blood. When they had got him out the circle and Hinata had ran into him, Shikamaru noticed Ino didn't wince in pain. So, that meant there was a perimeter they could attack him and Ino wouldn't get hurt.

"This circle here Hinata. If you just keep him out of it and attack him, then you won't harm Ino." Hinata nodded her head as she kept her eyes on the skeleton looking man. He made eye contact with Hinata and grinned from ear to ear. "After I'm done with you. I'm gonna enjoy watching that smart ass cry over his chick."

Hidan charged at Hinata. Coming back into the circle, but Hinata met him head on and used every ounce of strength she had to push him back out. "Rotation!" Physical strength wasn't Hinata's field, but she made up for it in skill. She watched Hidan get pushed back several feet and she ran to close the gap between them.

Shikamaru watched the fight. He had never seen Hinata like this. He could hardly believe this little fire cracker was Hinata. Shikamaru looked back down and saw that Ino was starting to turn pale and was sweating. He cursed under his breath. Choji was on another mission and Asuma was pulled to help Kakashi with a mission. It was just him, Ino and two other Jonin assigned with them. This was fucking horrible, four jonin struggled to fight two men.

"Hang in there." Ino didn't respond to him with words. She only nodded her head. Shikamaru frowned at this. "Ino…you shouldn't have done this. It should be me right now, not you."

Ino smiled at him. She finally opened her eyes, ignoring the pain and looked at Shikamaru. "The world needs Shikamaru Nara a lot more than it needs me…I need you a lot more than you need me. I couldn't continue on without you Shika."

Shikamaru took a deep breath and squared his jaw. "You shouldn't have jumped in front of me and took that hit. You're talking crazy if you think you need me more. Now, stay still."

Shikamaru stood up and walked to the perimeter of the line he didn't want Hidan to cross. He'd have to get through him first if he wanted to get across this line. "Hey! Don't waste too much energy on this guy Hinata. He's immortal. No matter how badly hurt he is, he'll just piece himself back together."

Shikamaru watched as Hinata still engaged with Hidan. The man was fast and agile, something Hinata was skilled in. Hinata was flexible and could contort her body just like Hidan to avoid an attack.

Hidan had a manic smile on his face as he swiped at Hinata with his scythe. He picked up his pace and was pushing Hinata back more and more on the defense. Forcing her periodically to use her rotation to repel him so he wouldn't get too close. She was growing tired of the constant attacks with no sign of Hidan letting up.

"What's wrong?! Getting tired? Well I'm just starting up!" When Hidan slashed at Hinata this time she dodged it and he came up with a kunai in his other hand, stabbing the side of Hinata's mask. Hinata had turned her head in time and the tip of the kunai got stuck in the hole of her eagle mask and when she turned it pulled the kunai from Hidan's grasps.

"Hinata!" Shikamaru watched and it looked like Hinata had just lost an eye. He watched as Hinata's twin lion fist burned bright and she swung back at Hidan. Hitting him and knocking him into a building a few feet away. Hinata yanked the kunai out and Shikamaru could see her eye, unharmed. Hidan cracked through the small barrier between the mask and her eye, but luckily Hinata's reflexes kicked in before he got too deep.

Hinata looked at Shikamaru before she slowly turned her head to Hidan. Watching as he started to peel himself from the building. "Shikamaru."

"Can you dismember him. Take him apart. The more he's separated from his body, the less of a threat. That should eventually disconnect him from Ino and kill him. Or closest to killing him."

Hinata pulled out her bow and one arrow from her holster on her back. "I can do that." One of her arrows became engulfed in lighting and she aimed directly at Hidan, taking a millisecond before releasing the arrow and hitting Hidan right in the thigh. Watching as the hit exploded his leg. She turned to Ino and was relieved to see Ino was okay.

Hinata wasted no time in pulling another arrow out and hitting Hidan next in his right arm, then his left arm and finally his other thigh. Watching as each swift impact made a piece of his body explode. Hinata slowly advanced Hidan as she did this. Until she was standing over his limbless body. All that remained was his torso, neck and head.

"If you can do it vocally. Release your hold on her, and I will spare you." Hidan looked at Hinata like she was insane. "Do I look stupid to you? Do I look like some coward?! Fuck you, you crazy bitch!" Hinata frowned through her mask. Such disgusting words. "Can you not release your curse?"

Hidan said nothing as he practically growled at Hinata. He watched as Hinata's arrow that she had reeled back in her bow became engulfed in flames. "Cremation shall do the trick." Hinata said this as she shot her arrow right in Hidan's head. She watched as his whole body started to burn. His screaming could be heard from at least a mile as he cursed her. Cursed her to hell.

Hinata watched as his skin started to melt from the heat and the layers that started to peel off. "This is moving too slow." Hinata pulled another arrow out and hit Hidan's burning body again. Then again. Until he was consumed by an inferno and she could see his body becoming black and turning to ash.

Hinata backed away because the smell was becoming too much. She turned to look at Shikamaru and saw that the circle was now gone. Shikamaru only smiled for a split second before rushing back to Ino. Hinata right on his tail. "Is she okay?"

Ino had her hand pressed firmly on her gash. Her hand glowing a very dim green color because she was just too weak from the fight to heal herself. Hinata took a deep breath and slowly removed Ino's hand. Bracing herself for Ino's scream of pain. "It's going to be okay."

Ino looked at Hinata confused. How could she say that, she was practically split open spilling her organs out. Ino watched as Hinata's hand glowed green and was working over Ino's injury. "Between my studies, I have kept my promise and trained with Lady Tsunade. Being a medic-nin is important in our line of work. I now understand that it should be focused on more."

Ino leaned her head on the ground and smiled as she looked up at the sky, "I was the medic-nin on the team." Hinata nodded her head, "And you should have stood down and done as little combat as possible."

Ino laughed at this. She was sure Shikamaru was eating this up right now. She was feeling slightly better now and could tell Hinata was doing a damn good job at healing her. "This will be enough to get you back to Konoha Ino. So proper medical staff can care to you. I must go check on Phoenix."

Hinata didn't wait for a reply as she stood up and immediately sprinted back across the field. Jumping and running over debris again. Trying her best to get back to Neji as fast as possible. When she was in vision of Neji she slowed down as she saw he was okay. A little battered and bruised, his uniform wouldn't make it to the cleaners, but Neji was okay and that was all that mattered.

The Jonin that were with Shikamaru and Ino and got separated were looking at Neji absolutely flabbergasted and a little scared. "Eagle. Everything is fine?"

Hinata nodded her head. She saw Neji tilt his head as he looked at Hinata's hole in her mask where her eye is. Hinata could see this upset Neji greatly. "I am fine. The remainder of this team is fine as well. I had to heal Yamanaka. So, we have to get back to Konoha so she can get proper care."

Neji nodded his head. He walked over to the Akatsuki man's robe and picked it up off the ground. "We collect all the evidence around the scene first. So we can take it back and have it looked at. Check the pockets as well. I'll meet you over there when I'm done here. I am sure you are tired of running back and forward."

It was a light joke, Hinata knew that. Only Neji and Hinata could see that she smiled under mask before sprinting back across the field. As Hinata was jumping, she almost felt like she was stunned into stillness. She looked up and saw a crow fly straight towards her. Hinata braced herself and covered her face from the large, fast creature. Just for it to stop right in front of her.

Hinata lowered her hands and looked at the bird. Noticing it had a letter in its beak. Hinata gently took the letter and watched as the crow took off again. She opened the letter and scanned over it before resuming her mission to get to Shikamaru and Ino.

The two members of team ten watched as Hinata sprinted back towards them. She had to be freaking exhausted. "I…have to gather evidence. Clear the scene and we will be heading back to Konoha."

Hinata placed the letter in her pouch and proceeded to scan the area.

'You have a lake you frequent and cherish. Meet me there tomorrow at midnight.'

Hinata paced back and forward around the lack. She had on her white shortened kimono and slippers. Her hair was tied into a pony tail in the middle of her head and her hair fell down to her waist. Neji sat on the ground. He had on a brownish-black robe, his chest exposed, but wrapped up from his previous fight with the Akatsuki man. He had his back leaning against the tree while he just watched Hinata make herself a nervous wreck.

"You know, you could have said no."

Hinata stopped pacing and looked at Neji. She frowned at him because she knew he was being sarcastic. "It was a group decision. You and father decided it would be best to see what Uchiha Itachi wanted."

Neji grinned at Hinata and shrugged his shoulders. "If you felt like it was that bad of an idea, you would have vetoed the decision. You've done it before. Don't give me that 'out voted' excuse. You're curious just like the rest of us."

Hinata snapped her mouth shut and puffed her cheeks out slightly.

Both Neji and Hinata became silent when they sensed someone approaching them. Itachi came into the clearing and looked way better than he did when they first saw him. Meaning the medication worked. He didn't even have stress markings under his eyes anymore. "Thank you for coming."

Both Hyuga's were silent as they waited for Itachi to continue. The older Uchiha smiled at their silence. "I deserve the looks. Our last encounter wasn't exactly the best, but now I have a feeling with age and wisdom, you see we are not too much different."

Hinata still didn't trust this man. He murdered his entire clan. Who would do such a thing to the innocent women and children? Direct order or not. "I sent the scroll to Sasuke. It is up to him to decide his relationship with you. I killed that councilman for my own reasons. For my clan. I do not understand why you called for us."

Itachi continued to have a small smile on his face. He looked at the nature scene around them and just felt so at peace now. "Now that I am not sick anymore. I can plan for things differently. You helped me get the medication. Thank you. Believe it or not, what happened to the Uchiha clan can easily happen to the Hyuga clan. Do not think Konoha will not turn on you if you keep pushing to abolish the caged bird seal? Especially since they told your father no multiple times."

Hinata eyes widened. How did he know about this?

Itachi held his hand out and a butterfly found his finger with the help of the moon light. "I wasn't going to follow Danzo's orders without knowing his history and a little about him. He's a manipulator. Granted at that time I was very impressionable. He morphed me to be something that I never wanted to be and I hate myself every day for it. Just like me, you probably think in your head about the innocent lives I've taken. Well, I think about it every second of every minute. So, I don't need any more people judging me. I judge myself hard enough."

Itachi watched as another butterfly came towards him. In the night life they found someone as dark as him. "I will handle my sins when the time comes. Right now, we have a common enemy because if you think Danzo doesn't know about the two of you yet. You are sadly mistaken. Be alert. Watch your back and protect your family."

Neji crossed his arms over his sore chest as he looked at Itachi, "So. You want him dead. If he's our common enemy then surely you want him dead as well." Hinata turned and looked at Neji before she looked back at Itachi. "I want him to suffer first."

Neji and Itachi looked at Hinata. Both their facial expressions showed they were amused and slightly shocked by her words. Hinata frowned as she looked at Itachi, "He's not going to get the right justice from our council. The majority of them fear or respect him too much. I want to expose him. Expose everyone on that list, but especially Danzo. He has to come to us for revenge, then it will be self-defense."

"Aww. I get it. Sneaky little sister." Neji had a smug grin on his face as he looked at Hinata. Itachi tilted his head as he looked at Hinata as well. He was impressed. "Ensuring you don't get your family's name dirty. Very impressive, who knew you had such mischief in you this whole time. I must warn you. Danzo will not go down without a fight."

Hinata finally let out a small smile as she looked at Itachi, "Neither will the Hyuga clan. We are a dynasty for a reason."

Sasuke,

I read Naruto's last letter. He talks a lot about the sweets and fruits that turtle island has. Please make sure he gets his vegetables in. Yes, fruit is very good for you, but it is also important to get your veggies in.

I guess I am rambling because I am nervous to tell you that during my last mission. Your brother contacted me through a messenger crow. He asked me and Neji to meet him alone, so we did. Please do not be angry, I am in no way trying to get you to forgive Itachi. I believe whatever you decide to do with your relationship with him is up to you.

Itachi wants Danzo dead. He has the same goal as myself and Neji. I wish to have some type of partnership with him, but I will not if you say no. Honestly as I write this I think about what I am doing. I'm forming a bond with an Akatsuki member. Someone in a terrorist group and a missing-nin. That is where I'm willing to go for my clan.

Sometimes I feel like I am slipping. Going down the wrong path because my heart has become so blackened. Is this the rough patch that you've been going through? Naruto first, then you and now it is hitting me? I don't want Naruto to worry. I don't want you to worry. I am just rambling.

I miss you and Naruto-kun, but I will not ask you to stop and come back to me. Just know I miss you and I need you as well.

Love,

Hinata

Hinata sent the letter with a heavy sigh. She perked back up slightly when she heard a knock on the front door. Neji and Tenten were out, so she went to get the door. Just to see it was Ino and Sakura. "Yay! You're home and not on duty." Hinata looked at Ino curiously, "Umm. Is something wrong?"

Ino just replied by pulling Hinata outside her home. "Let's go for a walk Hinata!" Both Sakura and Ino latched on to both of Hinata's arms and walked with her down the road.

Sakura laid her head on Hinata's shoulder and smiled as they walked. "I never got a chance to say thank you in the hospital Hinata. You being there for Ino really means a lot."

Hinata was silent. She didn't know what to say. It was a mission and Ino was a friend, of course she would do her best to save Ino's life.

Ino let out a sigh, "Can you believe Shika has been giving me the silent treatment? No house invites, no taking me out for dinner. Barely any affection to me, and Shikamaru always gives me the affection I want! I'm so miserable. He won't talk to me about what happened. I know he's upset."

Hinata looked at Ino with a saddened expression. "I'm sorry to hear that. Is there anything I can do Ino?" Said person eye's sparkled. Ino turned to Hinata and smiled brightly, "Well! Since you asked, why don't we visit that tattoo shop. The one you and Neji got your Anbu tattoos from. Let's get some ink!"

Sakura clung closer to Hinata, "Yeah! What do you say Hinata? Sounds like fun. Right? Maybe you can get a pretty cherry blossom on you. I know you like collecting flowers, press that in your book." Ino gave Sakura a dull look before looking back at Hinata, "Pleaseee Hinata!"

So now they were on their way to the tattoo shop.

Ino covered her face as she laid on her stomach on the tattoo artist table. Her teeth were clenched and her eyes were squeezed shut. "Oi! Hinata how did you and Neji do this?! Ouch!" Hinata smiled at Ino as she laid on her back on the tattoo artist table in the middle of Ino and Sakura. "Wait until your skin becomes numb. The pain will fade away."

Sakura grinned at Ino, "Aww you're just sensitive Ino! Grow a pair. Oh ouch!" Sakura gripped her table as she laid on her back. Hinata and Ino laughed at Sakura and the three of them exchanged chipper looks between one another. Much happier than they were before they got there.

Hinata smiled at her tattoo artist. She was a female. All the artist were females. Which was good because Ino was getting something very…different on her rear end. "Hey Hinata?"

Said person looked at Sakura curiously. "How are you doing? No urges or anything. Right?"

Yes. Shikamaru, Ino and Sakura knew about Hinata's road to recovery. She had told them a few months ago that she was a recovering addict from alcohol. That it wasn't easy, but she was happy that she was two years sober now. "I've been a bit on edge lately. It's almost three years of me not seeing Naruto-kun and Sasuke-kun, but coming here with you and Ino has really helped me. Thank you."

Sakura looked at Hinata and smiled. It was a genuine one and Sakura blushed a little while looking at Hinata. "Well we care about you. You're special to us Hinata."

Again Ino gave Sakura a harsh look. She was overstepping boundaries here. It was wrong for Sakura to do this when Hinata was at her most vulnerable. She just admitted to being at a low point of her recovery right now. While Sakura meant this meaningfully and really did have some type of feelings for Hinata. Getting Hinata mixed up and confused right now is not what a person in recovery needed.

"What are you getting again Hinata?" Ino looked at Hinata to break up whatever moment Sakura was trying to create with her. Hinata looked over at Ino and blinked. "Oh. I…umm. I thought it would be something to make me happier, and something Naruto-kun and Sasuke-kun would love. Their clan symbols."

Ino looked over to Hinata's tattoo artist, "On both sides of your ribs. Like Naruto and Sasuke are your ribs, your protectors. Makes sense, since you love them." Ino looked over at Sakura and saw the cherry blossom glare at her. Hinata seemed obvious to this and nodded her head at Ino with a smile.

When the girls were finished they opted to have dinner at Hinata's house. When they walked in the front door Hinata noticed that the kitchen was occupied. "Oh. Neji, Shikamaru. What are you two doing here?"

Neji arched his brow at Hinata. "I live here." Hinata blushed at the obvious answer, which caused Neji to grin. "Nara over here has been asking me 101 questions over intel and the Akatsuki. He followed me home, but I'm sure it was all his plan so he could meet you three here."

Shikamaru looked at Neji in a bored manner before a grin covered his face. "Aye. You're more observant than I thought. What I expect from an Anbu co-captain I suppose." He then turned and looked at the three girls. "What did the three of you get from the tattoo shop? We saw you guys walk inside."

Sakura rolled her eyes, Hinata blushed and avoided all eye contact and Ino crossed her arms and glared at Shikamaru. The nerve of this guy. Ignoring her for days and not even saying anything to her when he saw her out in public. She hated when Shikamaru was mad at her, it felt like she didn't exist to him.

It was the worse feeling ever.

Hinata looked at Ino for a moment and noticed the hurt in her eyes and how Shikamaru stared at her so nonchalant. Like he didn't care about how Ino was feeling. When in reality Hinata knew he just didn't want to open up about the situation. Shikamaru was terrified, he almost lost the love of his life and the reality of being a ninja really started to sink in for all of them.

Shikamaru almost lost his future wife. The woman he wanted to be the mother of his children. He almost lost it all. In a manner of seconds. He didn't think Ino understood that.

"You smoke. Correct Shikamaru? We have hookah if you'd like to stay for tea and some snacks. We could all congregate in the sitting room." Hinata spoke up and smiled at Shikamaru. Neji grinned at how Hinata was trying to ease the tension in the room. Such a subtle leader.

Shikamaru looked at Hinata and gave her a bland look. Clearly able to see what she was trying to do, but he wanted to be around Ino. "I'll take you up on the offer."

Soon everyone gathered in the large, closed off lounging area. It was a quiet, private area closed off from the rest of the home. Neji liked to keep the lights dim in this room. He had red soft lights in the room because it made it easier for him to meditate, even Hinata admitted it made the atmosphere better.

Shikamaru felt like all dōjutsu users just had sensitive eyes is all. Modern day vampires.

On the low table, large table in the center of the room was the hookah, large enough for multiple people. Multiple flavors were sitting on the table beside it, but right now Neji had placed a purple berry on it. It was Tenten's favorite. Tea cups were placed on a large tray on the table and everyone had their fill of tea and snacks.

Right now Hinata was sitting beside Shikamaru. Ino being just as stubborn as Shikamaru and sat on the other side of Hinata. They were leaning their backs against the wall and were sitting on nice soft cushions. It was a very relaxing environment.

Shikamaru watched Hinata inhale from one of the Hookah cords and looked impressed. "You know, something a lot of ninja's do to eliminate their craving for substance abuse is smoke cigarettes. I'm surprised you're not a cig smoker. Try one?" Shikamaru had a cigarette in between his lips and took it out to offer it to Hinata.

The two thought nothing of it. The atmosphere was very relaxing and Shikamaru was close enough friends with Hinata that he was comfortable to do this. Neji watched the scene and arched his brow with a grin. Oh boy. He'd hold this scene in until he saw Naruto and Sasuke again.

"Yeah go ahead Hinata. Shorten your life span like genius over there." Ino mumbled this, but Shikamaru and Hinata still heard her. The young Nara grinned at Ino, use to her insults and he knew smiling at her in this moment would further anger her. Hinata looked between the two of them and cleared her throat. "Sure."

She opened her mouth slightly and Shikamaru placed the cigarette in between her lips. Shikamaru took a lighter out and lit it up for her, "Don't take it like you would a hookah. Take your time with it." Hinata listened and took a slow inhale of it. The taste, it was awful. However, the immediate light headed feeling you'd get from a chug of strong liquor was the same she felt now.

Hinata took a few more inhales before the taste was unbearable. Spit was filling her mouth and it was just disgusting. After the fourth inhale Hinata shook her head and gave the cigarette back to Shikamaru, who put it out with a big smile on his face. He watched Hinata grab her tea and take two big gulps. "The taste is something you have to get used to."

Hinata shook her head as she placed her tea cup down, "I…could never get used to that taste. I am sorry." Shikamaru smiled as he looked from Hinata to Neji, who was staring at the two in amusement.

"Hey. Smoking a cigarette isn't her thing. Good news, your cousin isn't a garbage can. She doesn't want to consume every and anything that could give her a high or intoxicated feeling. If you can be picky, it means you don't need it as much as you think. Congratulations on making it this far Hinata. I've heard about how bad it's gotten for you. You're making big steps."

Hinata smiled at the compliment. "Neji isn't my cousin."

Neji laughed as he saw the utterly confused face on Shikamaru, Ino and Sakura. Shikamaru inhaled the hookah before speaking again. "What? Since when? So you two have been keeping a secret for years that you're not cousins? No way you just found this out."

Shikamaru looked at Ino and saw that she was utterly confused as well. Showing that she didn't know any of this. "Hate to bring up the elephant in the room, but let's just address it. You two Hyuga's have been acting weird as hell since you've come back from that Akatsuki abduction."

Ino whipped her head at Shikamaru and gave him a sharp look. "Shikamaru!"

Said person ignored the heated stares from Ino and Sakura. "I'm being honest. Neji by passes his teammates and sensei and enrolls himself for the Jonin exams. Goes straight to Anbu, which by the way blew everyone's mind. What really was the red flag from all of this was Hinata following after you Neji. Hinata? In Anbu? Plus she's excelling in it and you two have a name for yourselves already. In a time frame of like two years. That's really off the charts."

Neji leaned over and inhaled from his own Hookah cord as he sat beside Tenten. He looked at Shikamaru and grinned, "So, what are you implying?"

Shikamaru tilted his head as he looked at Neji, "Well, you're not angry. So, I'm not wrong. What the hell happened?"

Neji looked at Hinata and arched his brow, "You started all of this." Hinata smiled at him before looking at Shikamaru. "The Akatsuki man that kidnapped us was an Uchiha, I'm sure you know."

Shikamaru nodded his head. Everyone knew it was Sasuke's brother. "We were beaten. He wouldn't stop unless I agreed to go to the Nara's farm and get medication for him. I agreed. He told me to take from the Hokage's vault scrolls, and medication from your farm. I did both of them while they held Neji hostage and tortured him."

Sakura and Ino frowned at this. They didn't want to bring up such a memory for Hinata, however their friend seemed very comfortable talking about this now.

Shikamaru eyed Hinata for a moment, how calm she was. "So, one scroll was the ingredients. I'm sure. Only medication ingredients that are of great importance is placed in the Hokage's vault. So that Itachi guy had to have been really sick."

Hinata nodded her head at the theory. Shikamaru still eyed her though, "What was the other scroll?"

Hinata had a saddened smile as she thought the memory over, "The scroll said that my father was denied the option from the council to remove the caged bird seal from the Hyuga clan. Stating it would ruin the pureness of the clan and that the Hyuga clan couldn't venture out of Konoha to live elsewhere. It also stated they approved for my father to provide my uncle with a child. My mother and father had a child before me and that child was Neji. He's my brother."

"Oh shit." Ino's mouth dropped. Her eyes almost popped out her head and she couldn't for the life of her close her mouth.

"WHAT?!" Sakura had a similar expression as Ino. She looked from Hinata to Neji, the older sibling giving Sakura a dark look. "This doesn't go outside this room. This doesn't go to the Hokage. Got it?"

Sakura was the first to clamp her mouth shut. "Of course! What do you take me for?" Neji chose not to answer that one. Sakura was a very sneaky one when she wanted to be.

Shikamaru shook his head as he processed everything. "So. You want revenge. That's all I'm getting out of all of this. What you said happened to you, an average person would want revenge, because this sounds totally fucked up. In reality, Konoha placed the seal on Neji, since your father didn't really want to and was basically forced to do it to his own son."

Neji reached up and touched his forehead. Almost forgetting he still had his protector on. He reached up to untie it and Shikamaru looked to see a blank, clean forehead. "What in the entire fuck…Hinata. Your dad did this?"

Neji shook his head, "Against his advice, Hinata did it. Lord Hiashi advised her that if the council were to find out, it could put her in a lot of trouble because he would not back her up on this. It would bring too much repercussions to our clan. I even told her she didn't have to do it."

Hinata smiled as she looked at Neji. "All main house Hyuga's of a high stature know how to reverse the seal. Caged bird seal is not permanent. I am the only one that was willing to reverse it. The first one to do it in a very long time." Neji looked at Hinata and smiled back at her. She gave him his freedom back that he thought was forever lost.

Shikamaru couldn't stop staring at Neji's cleared forehead. Just looking at the blank space meant a lot. It actually made him feel emotional, because no one deserved to be imprisoned like Neji was.

"Neji's right. You could get in some deep shit Hinata. You're taking on a lot ya know. Still, because of your honesty and what you did out there for me and Ino. I owe you. In a few years our fathers will step down from the council, and it will be me and you there. So, consider yourself with a lifelong ally."

Ino smiled as she looked at Shikamaru and then back to Hinata, "Me too. I'll be taking over head of the Yamanaka clan, taking the council position. Count me in too."

Sakura opened her arms to Hinata. Like she was requesting for a hug. Hinata smiled at Sakura and crawled over to her and accepted the hug from her friend before sitting beside her. "Of course my parents work in the Hokage's office. Been loyal aids for all Hokages for decades, you have my loyalty Hinata. Now and forever."

Hinata smiled happily and leaned her head on Sakura's shoulder, "Thank you Sakura."

Shikamaru looked back at Ino, who was now beside him since Hinata had moved positions. "How are you going to run the Yamanaka clan and the Nara clan?" He had a relaxed look on his face. His eyes were low and he looked at Ino with amusement.

Ino frowned at Shikamaru. Not liking the games he has been playing with her for weeks. "Didn't know you still wanted me to take that role." Shikamaru leaned his back on the wall and rested his head on the wall as well. He drew one leg up and propped his arm on his lifted knee. "Don't play stupid Ino."

Ino leaned her back against the wall and crossed her arms under her chest. She refused to look at him. She felt as if the room had divided into their own separate conversations. Plus the smoke from the Hookah had clouded the area. It seemed like it was just Shikamaru and herself. "Don't pretend like you've been normal these last few weeks. You've been avoiding me. Distant. A total asshole."

Shikamaru tilted his head to look at Ino as his head was still leaned against the wall. "You've been reckless. More than usual. That's not your style. You've never been one to risk a mission by throwing your life on the line. It's harder to do missions with you now."

Ino shrugged her shoulders. Feeling as if Shikamaru was saying her skills had gone down or that they weren't compatible anymore. "Well then I'll work with a different team or department. Someone will find my skills worthy."

Shikamaru sighed and watched as the room filled with more Hookah smoke. "That's not what I'm saying. Don't play the dumb blonde act with me Ino."

Ino fought a lump from forming in her throat. "I'm not going to stay on a team with you and just watch you die Shikamaru. Your life is more valuable than mine. The village needs a Nara."

Shikamaru tapped his knee as he listened to Ino. "The village needs a Yamanaka. Especially one as skilled as you Ino. I can think of a million reasons why everyone including me needs you. You're a good fighter. You're an excellent ninja. The reality is I personally don't want you in the field anymore, but I can't control you Ino. I can't make you do anything you don't want to do. I just question if you would do it because I asked you to."

Ino took a deep breath and looked at Shikamaru. He turned his head to look at Ino and all mischief and sarcasm had left him. "You're asking me to just give up everything I worked hard on? I want to make you happy Shikamaru, I really do, but I can't be that wife you picture in your head."

Shikamaru shrugged his shoulders. "You've been talking about switching over to the intel department for almost a year Ino. You made jonin, it'll be easy to submit the paperwork and make the switch. Your skills would dominate over there."

Ino let out a deep breath. She had seriously been thinking about switching. Shikamaru already knew this. "Ino. I know you're good. I rely on you out there more than you think, but I've already did the risk assessment in my head of who I'm willing to lose. If a mission went bad. Ino, I'm willing to risk losing myself more than I'm willing to risk losing you. I have to protect you at all cost. You took my ability to do that when we were out there. I saw my whole life fade away when you were sliced."

Shikamaru shook his head as he looked off to the side, "I lose you then I lose the game. Life is the game Ino, and I'll opt out of playing it if you're not there to play it with me." Ino swallowed a sob as she listened. Her brows furrowed together and she nodded her head multiple times. "I get it. Okay, you win."

Shikamaru leaned into Ino and reached to wrap his arm around her lower back, just for Ino to jolt in his hold. Like he stung her. Shikamaru pulled back and looked at Ino confused. He reached over to Ino's waist and felt some tape at the bottom half. "What's this?"

Ino gave him a cheeky smile, "I wanted to get something that would make you forgive me." Shikamaru now had a look of concern, she was just at a tattoo shop. "Ino." Said person looked around the room before looking at Shikamaru. She turned around and quickly lowered her skirt to reveal a clear wrapped tattoo on her left butt cheek.

Shikamaru was usually walking on Ino's right so when he had a chance he always rubbed her left butt cheek when it looked like he was just holding her waist.

He only got a quick look because Ino didn't want to have her butt exposed for long. Still Shikamaru saw it. His name in bold letters on her ass with a deer symbol and a heart beside it. "Ino. This is permanent. This is insane."

Ino turned and looked at Shikamaru with a bright smile. Her eyes dancing mischievously. "You make me insane Shika. You make me think and act insane. I can't help but do insane things for you. Like risking my life. I listen to you, and only you because you've never steered me the wrong way."

Shikamaru just stared at her. His eyes were wide and this had to be the most…attractive thing Ino has ever said to him. It was the first time Shikamaru has ever been 'angry' with Ino and it drove her absolutely insane.

Ino was such a head strong person. Honestly Shikamaru didn't know he had such a control over her. It was hot. "Let's get out of here. I have the house to myself. Parents are out of town."

Shikamaru stood up and offered Ino his hand. Ino smiled up brightly at Shikamaru as she took his hand and stood up. Shikamaru pulled Ino into him for a moment and whispered in her ear before letting her go.

Hinata and Sakura watched as Ino's face became bright red and how she let Shikamaru tug her away. Hinata smiled at the scene, her eyes went over to her brother and saw Neji stand up as well with Tenten. "Hinata. Will you clean up tonight?"

She smiled and nodded her head to Neji as he stood up to leave out the room as well. Taking Tenten to their room for more privacy.

Sakura laid her head on Hinata's shoulder when she saw it was just the two of them in the room with the door closed. "This is nice. It was a nice night." Hinata hummed in agreeance. She leaned her head against the wall and rested it there as she smelled the fruity smell of the Hookah. Everything felt so perfect right now.

Hinata closed her eyes, relaxed and let out a sigh of content when she felt Sakura rub her shoulders soothingly. It reminded her of when she would give Naruto and Sasuke massages. Or when Naruto and Sasuke would give her a massage.

A lot of things Sakura did reminded her of Naruto and Sasuke.

"Relax Hinata."

Said person furrowed her brows as she felt Sakura start to trail her dainty fingers along her body. Every part Sakura touched, it felt like Hinata's body was on fire. This wasn't a foreign feeling, just a much more intense feeling now that Hinata wasn't 13 anymore.

However, it was starting to feel like the wrong thing to do.

"Sakura?"

"Shh. Just relax Hinata. You deserve a break every now and then. We all do." Sakura ran her hands up Hinata's neck and watched as Hinata stretched her neck out for Sakura. The young cherry blossom leaned in and kissed the base of Hinata's throat.

"You give so much for everyone. Especially Naruto and Sasuke. They have each other while they are gone. Who do you have Hinata? We all need someone in our line of work."

Hinata didn't know why she felt stuck. Why she felt as if she couldn't move. She felt like she just polished off two bottles of alcohol. She felt light headed. She felt good.

She wasn't supposed to feel this way with Sakura.

'Just wait for me a little longer. Please.'

Hinata felt Sakura run her tongue up her neck to the corner of her lips. Leaving a soft kiss, inviting Hinata to engage.

Sakura's touch was warm. Her skin was soft. She smelled so good. Hinata hasn't had such affection in a very long time. She hasn't been looked at with such passion in a long time. Her lips haven't felt another pair of lips in a long time.

Hinata was losing her senses. She wanted to feel the human body again. She wanted to feel pretty again. To feel as if she was something special.

Sakura turned Hinata's head to look at her. Those emerald eyes were enticing. Sakura was beautiful inside and out. A great friend and if Hinata wasn't attached to two people right now this night would be different.

When it was all said and done. Sakura's beauty and charm couldn't override her love for Naruto and Sasuke. Right now Hinata wanted Sakura, but at the end of the day. She needed Naruto and Sasuke. "I can't Sakura."

Sakura leaned up and eskimo kissed Hinata. "You won't be selfish? Not even this once? You need affection Hinata. You'll crack if you don't have it sooner or later. Let me help you release."

Hinata squeezed her eyes shut and shook her head as she painfully pulled away from Sakura. Taking deep breaths. She felt like she was denying an addiction craving. This was horrible. Hinata was starting to feel sick. "I'm sorry. Please don't be mad at me, but I can't do this."

Sakura smiled at Hinata as she leaned back. "I'm not angry. I think it's amazing you've had so much willpower for Naruto and Sasuke. They're out there, sharing their love with each other and you're here. Waiting. I just really hope the wait is all worth it Hinata because you're a great catch. Maybe you should remind Naruto and Sasuke and they'll hurry back up to you. If they don't…I'll get through to you sooner or later."

Sakura's smile fell off her face as she watched Hinata start to wipe at her eyes. Like she was trying to stop tears from falling. "Hinata. I didn't mean to hurt you. I hope this didn't do anything to your recovery. I just…wanted to show you how special you are."

Hinata nodded her head and smiled at Sakura. Sniffing her nose while doing so. "N-N-No. It's fine. You really are an amazing person Sakura. You're very sweet. You're funny and you are a great friend. I feel awful if I gave you the wrong signals. I don't want you to stop being my friend. I'm so, so sorry."

Sakura smiled again at Hinata and tilted her head at Hinata's innocence. "Man. Those knuckleheads really don't know the gem they've left to fend for herself. Hinata, I'm not going to stop being your friend. I'll always be your friend. I care a lot about you. I just wanted you to live a little. You're always so focused on your family. Progressing, which I get. We all want to progress, but live your life Hinata. Everyone is living theirs but you."

Hinata stood up and started to clean up the room everyone once occupied. Sakura sighed and started to help Hinata.

"Don't you agree Hinata? Neji has Tenten. He's happy and living his life. They're due to be married next month. Shikamaru and Ino are about to walk down the aisle the way they act. Me and Kiba, well we're wild and crazy right now, but we know at the end of all of this all we want is each other. So many people around you are living Hinata. In this crazy loveless world we live in. Hinata you have to LIVE."

Hinata paused as she was picking up the tea tray. What life was there to live for her? She was chained to leading her clan until the day she died. "I am living. The life I'm living is fine, who I have in my life right now is fine. What I have with Naruto and Sasuke right now is what I want. I am okay Sakura…please."

Hinata was lying. She wasn't okay, but Sakura didn't have to know that.

Sakura let out a sigh but still smiled at Hinata's bravery. "Okay girly. Sorry for meddling."

The two cleaned up the room and Hinata escorted Sakura to the front door. The two smiled at one another, the tension from earlier had faded away and the two females were now close again. "Well, I still had fun tonight Hinata. Invite me over any time."

Hinata smiled at Sakura. "Yes! Anytime, you are always welcomed." The two hugged. Sakura pulled Hinata in closer and gave her a kiss on the cheek. Still a bit personal, but sometimes Sakura could be like that in an innocent manner. Hinata gave a nervous smile as Sakura pulled away and waved at Sakura as she left for the night.

When Hinata closed the front door she let out a heavy breath only to be startled even more to see Neji leaning against the kitchen counter staring at Hinata with an amused grin. "Well, I thought for sure that tonight would be a night of many regrets on your end Hinata. That talk we had last year about temptation Hinata. That was temptation that just walked out that door."

Hinata cleared her throat as she went to the sink to clean the dirty dishes, "You heard everything?" Neji watched Hinata. His arms were crossed over his chest and he was wearing his night attire. A white cotton shirt and pajama grey pants. His hair was in a loose low sloppy bun as he looked at her.

Hinata chose to ignore the love bites on his collar bone.

"I heard enough. Uncle was right. That Haruno girl is sneaky. Good person, but sneaky. She almost sweet talked you to bed." Neji tried his hardest to suppress his amusement, but a chuckle escaped him.

Hinata turned and glared at her brother. "She wanted nothing, but my body tonight. Sakura is head over heels for Kiba and he loves her. They are just…different." Hinata wasn't stupid. She knew Sakura just wanted her for a good time. To have 'fun' and then later down the road pretend it meant nothing. Hinata didn't work like that. She didn't treat intimacy like that.

Again Neji swallowed a laugh, "That being said. She made good points. You seem more lonely than usual. Even more short tempered. It's almost three years now since those two have been gone. That is enough time to be away from your significant others. Don't you think?"

Hinata closed her eyes and let out a sigh, "You think I should 'let loose' as well?"

Neji shrugged his shoulders. His arms still crossed. "No, but I'm more curious why you couldn't justify your relationship better to Sakura. Sounds like you are reaching a crossroad. Maybe you are feeling left out from Naruto and Sasuke. Maybe Sakura's words really struck a nerve because there is some truth there."

Hinata turned the water off. She'd finish the dishes in the morning. She turned to look at Neji and looked over all miserable. "I feel as if I betrayed Naruto and Sasuke. I feel horrible. I have to tell them."

Neji looked off to the side, "While I advise you to really think that over. However, if you are that comfortable spilling something like that during a long-distance relationship, then be my guess. I will even be generous enough to give you tomorrow off. Let you stay home and communicate with Naruto and Sasuke as long as you need to get this…elephant between the three of you settled. Sounds good?"

Hinata smiled at Neji in a relieved manner, "Thank you. I will make this up to you."

Neji leaned up from the kitchen counter, not wanting to leave Tenten for long. "Please Hinata. Not necessary. Also, keep in mind that you have nothing to apologize for. You didn't start any of this. Sakura did and you declined her advancements. So, don't beat yourself up. I know you are in that busy head of yours, so stop it."

Before Neji left he walked up to Hinata and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. Hinata looked up at Neji and smiled. She had to go to her room and write Naruto and Sasuke immediately.

End of chapter.

As you can see 'temptation' is Sakura. Just a little challenge for NaruHinaSasu. Testing Hinata's love, which Hinata is defending her relationship, but everything seems to be hanging on a thread. Hinata misses her boys. She misses being loved and closing herself off from such affection for so long would hurt any person.

This chapter was meant to show the shift of their ages. As you can see, things are getting more mature and will only go from there. Especially with Hinata's character.

Next chapter. Naruto and Sasuke find out about the night.

See you Wednesday!