Chapter 33

Hinata

Hinata woke Neji up tenderly, gently shaking his shoulder where he had fallen asleep in a secluded corner of their home. While he rested, she had been busy preparing dinner and packing it into their picnic basket. He hadn't felt like going back to his own place; the comfort of being with Hinata outweighed any desire for solitude.

Hanabi had popped in while she was preparing the meal. "Why is Neji-niisan sleeping in my room?" she asked, and Hinata giggled.

"Well, obviously he can't sleep in my room," she replied matter-of-factly. "Father would object."

Stretching and yawning, Neji took a quick shower, groaning happily as the warm spray hit his tired muscles and washed away the dirt and exhaustion from his latest mission. The water revitalized him, and he felt the grime and fatigue slip away.

When he emerged, Hinata was ready, her smile warm and inviting. "Ready?" she asked softly, holding out her hand.

"Always," Neji replied, taking her hand and giving it a gentle squeeze.

Together, they made their way to Jiraiya's Fountain Park. The park was after hours, and thankfully, there was no gatekeeper, so they strolled in casually, hand in hand. The evening air was cool and refreshing, and the sound of the fountain's gentle splashing was soothing.

They reached the fountain side and found a good patch of grass surrounded by a few bushes, offering them some privacy from any passersby.

Hinata spread out a blanket, and they settled down, enjoying the peaceful ambiance. She laid out the food, and they began to eat, savoring the delicious meal she had prepared.

"This is amazing, Hinata-sama," Neji said between bites. "You always know how to make everything perfect."

Hinata blushed, looking pleased. "I'm glad you like it. I wanted tonight to be special. Actually, I wanted your return to be special."

Neji sighed. "I wish I could stay longer," he said, gazing at her softly.

His intense gaze, her shy smile, and the way her eyes kept flitting to his lips and throat as he ate made it clear that their evening had more than just dinner in store.

Hinata subtly glanced around at their surroundings once more. The secluded spot, the soft murmur of the fountain, and the thrill of being hidden from view sparked a different kind of excitement in her. The ambiance couldn't have been more perfect; the gentle rustling of leaves, the occasional chirping of crickets, and the moon casting a silvery glow over the park created an atmosphere that was both serene and charged with anticipation.

Hinata turned back and saw Neji studying her, causing her to blush. She realized that he too was aware of the thrill and the signals she was emanating. They both shared the desire to turn the picnic into a more intimate rendezvous. His eyes conveyed what words could not, a silent conversation filled with longing and carefully controlled desire. The explicit letter they had exchanged during Neji's absence was dancing in both of their minds.

"Neji," Hinata whispered, her voice tinged with a mix of shyness and anticipation as she broke the silence. "It's been so long, and I..." She trailed off, her cheeks flushed, her breath quickening.

He nodded, his heated eyes reflecting the same longing, the same burning desire. "Yes, too long indeed," he replied softly.

Sakura

They walked back into the party together, and it wasn't long before Ino's sharp eyes caught sight of their joined hands. Her face lit up with joy, and she squealed in happiness.

"You told him!" she gasped. Shikamaru, standing nearby, pretended not to know what their conversation was about, but his subtle smirk betrayed him. He wasn't fooling anyone.

Sakura and Kiba exchanged a glance before nodding in affirmation.

"So even Shikamaru knew before me?" he complained, and they all chuckled.

"So... what happens now?" Ino asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity and joy.

Kiba looked at Sakura, silently encouraging her to answer for them both. Sakura took a deep breath, her eyes meeting Ino's.

"Well, we're going to figure this out together," she said, squeezing Kiba's hand for reassurance.

Kiba nodded, his expression serious yet tender as he gazed at her. "Yeah. It's a lot to take in. We know it won't be easy, but I'll be there for her every step of the way."

Ino's smile widened, and she practically bounced with excitement. "That's so wonderful to hear! You two are going to be amazing parents if you decide to be, I just know it!"

Shikamaru finally let out a small chuckle, shaking his head and clapped a hand on Kiba's shoulder. "Why would you both want to go through something so troublesome is beyond me. But it's great to see you two at least talking to each other again. Congratulations. This calls for more drinks."

The boys left to get drinks. Ino turned to Sakura, her face filled with concern. "So what's the deal with Tamaki?" she asked. "I saw her leave earlier with Akamaru, and she looked about ready to raise hell."

Sakura sighed, glancing around to make sure no one was listening. "Tamaki broke up with him," she said quietly.

Ino's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? Wow. That's... not surprising. Quite expected actually." She paused, her expression turning more serious. "Do you think you'll ever tell Kiba about the Rokudaime?"

Sakura's gaze drifted in the direction of Kiba and Shikamaru. She watched him for a moment, her mind racing with thoughts and memories. The sight of him, so at ease and animated, filled her with a mixture of emotions. She felt Ino's expectant eyes on her, waiting for an answer, but the words caught in her throat. Could she tell him? Should she?

"You need to realize something," Ino continued softly, "If Kiba is ready to accept you, why are you resisting? What are you resisting? I had a conversation with Hinata the other day, and it really opened my eyes."

Sakura looked at her friend, curiosity piqued. "Why, what did she say?"

Ino took a deep breath, recalling Hinata's words. "She said Kiba's love for you is unconditional and that he doesn't care about what happened in the past."

Sakura felt a pang of guilt. She glanced at him once more as the boys picked up the drinks. The memories of their past, the love and pain, all came rushing back.

Kiba caught her eye and smiled. His smile spoke volumes of his support and understanding. She smiled back.

"And I also think you should seek security and comfort in that love and let yourself be embraced by it, rather than chasing after something impossible and certain to leave you hurt," Ino continued. "But if you decide to get back with him, keep in mind that if you break his heart again, you might lose your friends. Hinata said she won't ever forgive you if that happens. Everyone saw how much Kiba loves you and what he went through. No one knows your side of the story, and even if they did, they wouldn't sympathize. So, yeah, you have to choose carefully. And you have to stick to your decision. You have your baby now to think of as well."

She bit her lip, Ino's words washing over her when the boys returned with the drinks. Kiba handed a glass of sparkling cider to her and she noticed he had the same. They all clinked glasses.

"To the future," Shikamaru announced, putting an arm around Ino, who giggled. Kiba replicated, putting an arm around Sakura, and she found herself giggling as well. She surreptitiously snuggled against him slightly, feeling the sense of belonging she had always felt cocooning her in his embrace.

Perhaps this would work out.

Unbeknownst to them, across the room, Hana and Kakashi were observing the scene. After weeks of tension and moping around, it was a relief to see Kiba and Sakura finally talking to each other again, their faces relaxed and at peace.

Hana turned to Kakashi, a soft smile playing on her lips.

"I'm glad they're finally talking again," Hana remarked. "It's been so tense between them. It's nice to see them at ease. They're so cute together, don't you think?"

Kakashi nodded, his keen eyes taking in the subtle details. "Yes, I've noticed they've been holding hands too. I wonder if their relationship status has changed."

Hana glanced back at the couple, a hopeful glint in her eyes. "It certainly looks like they're on better terms now. Maybe this is a new beginning for them."

Kakashi turned to Hana, a gentle smile curling beneath his mask. "Speaking of new beginnings, how about we head back to your home together tonight?"

Hana's cheeks flushed with a shy smile, and she nodded. "I'd like that," she said softly.

Hana and Kakashi slipped out quietly, their departure unnoticed by most.

Sakura saw Kakashi and Hana slip out, trying not to attract notice. It was a sign, a reminder of what she truly wanted. Or perhaps Kakashi was, as usual, influencing her decisions once more.

Ino's words echoed in her mind. "Kiba loves you, Sakura. You should stop waiting for Kakashi to look at you. We made the same mistake with Sasuke all these years and look how that turned out. We should create our own happiness."

With a newfound sense of clarity and determination, Sakura made her decision. She turned to Kiba, her heart pounding in her chest, and tapped his shoulder.

He turned around and smiled at her, his fangs glinting. In a moment of boldness, daring and determination, she leaned in and captured his lips in hers.

His eyes widened, but he gave in almost immediately, arms wrapping around her as he pulled her close. He kissed her back in earnest, fingers burying in her hair.

"I'd like to go home with you today," she whispered against his ear, ignoring the crowd around them.

Kiba's eyes fixed on hers in surprise. "Are you sure?" he asked, his voice husky with hope and desire. His breath was warm against her lips. He needed to hear her say it, to know that this was what she wanted too. "I only want what you want, Sakura-chan."

Sakura nodded, her eyes locked on his, shining with love and certainty. "Yes, I'm sure. Your words, they give me hope. I've missed you so much. And... I feel I'm ready. Please make me yours."

Kiba's face lit up with a wide smile, his eyes shining with joy. "Let's go then," he said, taking her hand in his.

They left the party together, hand in hand, leaving behind the uncertainties and fears that had once held them back. Sakura felt a sense of peace and happiness settle over her. She knew that with Kiba by her side, they could face anything together.

Hinata

They moved closer, their bodies brushing against each other. He held her face in his palms and hers landed on the curve of his neck. The intimacy of the moment, combined with the thrill of being in a public park yet hidden from common sight, made their hearts race. Every touch, every look, was charged with electricity.

"Shall I...?" he asked, seeking her permission. She interrupted eagerly, "Yes, please!" She clenched his shoulders tightly and closed her eyes expectantly.

Neji leaned in, capturing Hinata's lips in a tender kiss. It started softly, a gentle meeting of lips that spoke of love and yearning. But the kiss quickly deepened, fueled by the passion that had been building during their time apart. Their tongues danced together, exploring, tasting, expressing what words could not.

Hinata's hands slid down his shoulders, feeling the tension in his muscles as he responded to her touch. She sensed the effort it took for him to maintain control, to not let the moment overwhelm him completely. Her fingers moved up once more to trace the lines of his neck, then moved to tangle in his hair, pulling him even closer. Her mouth pressed hard against his.

Neji's hands roamed her back, responding to her desire to draw her even nearer. The warmth of their bodies, the shared breath, the closeness, all of it was intoxicating.

They fell back on the blanket, their picnic forgotten as their desire took over. The feel of the soft fabric beneath them and the cool night air on their skin only heightened their senses. Hinata climbed over him, her hair falling like a curtain over them both.

"I know we decided to stay chaste until our marriage," she panted, her voice trembling with emotion. Her lips were swollen and her face was completely flushed. "But I can't take it anymore."

"Are you sure?" Neji asked softly, his voice husky with hope and desire. His breath was warm against her lips. He needed to hear her say it, to know that this was what she wanted too. "I only want what you want, Hinata-sama."

Hinata nodded, her eyes locked on his, shining with love and certainty. "Yes, I'm sure. The words in your letter... You sounded sure too. I've missed you so much."

The excitement of being in such a daring location added to their fervor, making each touch, each kiss, all the more electrifying. They had been away from each other for too long, and this moment was a beautiful reunion, filled with love and longing.

The towering statue of Jiraiya loomed above them, a permanent smirk etched into his stone face, as if he were proud of the legacy he had left behind and the moments he continued to witness from his stony perch.

Neji smiled up at the statue of Jiraiya as he lay on his back, Hinata's soft weight over him. The stone figure seemed to smirk approvingly, as always a sneaky presence peeking in to witness moments of love for his eternal 'research.'

He felt the weight and significance of the moment as he paused and looked into Hinata's eyes. Her smile encouraged him, her trust and love evident in her gaze.

"I long for you," he responded, his voice a soft murmur filled with desire and tenderness. His hand moved to caress her cheek softly, the warmth of his touch sending a shiver down her spine.

Neji shifted slightly, lifting her gently as he repositioned himself. She remained on his lap, her legs straddling him. As she watched, he unbuttoned his shirt, each button undone with deliberate slowness, heightening the anticipation. He let the shirt fall from his arms, revealing his strong muscles and his well-built torso, loud with the scars from the war when he was staked. The sight of those scars reminded Hinata of the sacrifices he had made for her.

"Please make me yours," she all but begged, her voice a whisper that carried the weight of her longing. Her fingers traced the lines of his scars, a silent testament to how he had always considered her well-being over his.

Neji's eyes darkened with passion as he reached for her blouse. His movements were initially gentle, but then a sudden urgency overtook him. With a swift motion, he tugged her shirt off, almost ripping it apart in the process. The raw need in his actions mirrored the intensity of his emotions and Hinata's arousal peaked.

Nodding with determination, he whispered, "Then I shall oblige."

His words were a promise, a vow to fulfill her desires and to cherish her. He leaned in, capturing her lips once more, pressing their bodies together. The heat between them ignited a fire that had been smoldering for far too long.

Hinata's hands moved to Neji's back, feeling the ripple of his muscles beneath her fingertips. His hands, in turn, tugged at her bra, removing it effortlessly. He broke the kiss and pulled back to marvel at her curves, to observe her voluptuous bosom as he cradled them in his arms and dipped his head to take a nipple in his mouth. His lips closed in while his other hand kneaded her other breast, and she uttered sharp gasps as he licked and nibbled, sending waves of desire crashing all over her.

"Neji!" she gasped, spasming. Her entire body was aflame. She wanted him, now.

Neji's face was pressed against her chest, and he heard her loud heartbeat. He knew that this was where he was meant to be, with Hinata, forever.