CHAPTER 5

Itachi hadn't had such wonderful sleep for a while. There hadn't been any noise like in New York at all, just what he'd always wanted. Quiet. Peaceful. And he wondered why he had left home in the first place. When he woke up this morning, it had been to the sound of birds chirping outside his window and then soon after that the voices of girls talking. He was pretty sure it wasn't Sarada or Sakura. The maids perhaps?

Now fully awake and refreshed after his shower, he sighed in content. It couldn't get any better than this, sitting here with his brothers in the morning sun in their pretty courtyard with cherry and magnolia trees in full bloom surrounding them.

Woof! Woof!

"Holy smokes!" Tobi said, perching up in his chair. "Is that?"

"Doby," Sasuke supplied, more interested than he wanted himself to be.

The dog appeared from the direction of the pond and dashed straight at them. Doby stopped by Shisui and greeted him by jumping around the man's leg with delight. Shisui picked him up and let him sit on his lap as he fed the dog his bacon.

"Man, Doby really likes to hang around here, doesn't he?" Tobi said.

"That's because his owner lives nearby," Obito put in.

"We should return Doby and the memory stick to her after breakfast," Madara suggested.

"I concur," Shisui added, feeding Doby yet another piece of his bacon.

Izuna, who was sitting beside Shisui, stroked Doby's head. The dog was obviously enjoying being the center of attention and stuck his tongue out in delight.

Sasuke reached out, got himself another perfectly cooked, golden-brown toast and was just about to sit down when he saw her. His heart, to its own accord, did a good somersault at the sight, and naturally the toast decided to do a somersault of its own as well all the way to the marble floor because Sasuke's fingers and thumb seemed to have lost their gripping function.

She was in their house, and Sasuke couldn't believe his eyes. He felt another hard thump in his chest.

"She's in our house," he whispered in amazement.

The brothers turned their eyes toward the house, and sure enough, the girl they were talking about was there. Not to mention the fact that she looked amazing in that lilac dress and heels, and yes, talking to Fugaku—their dad—in a most intimate way.

When they thought it wouldn't get any weirder, Fugaku pulled the girl into his arms and kissed her on the cheek.

The brothers stared at the scene before them in shocked surprise, confused, as millions of questions ran through their minds. A moment later, she pulled back and rushed out the opened French door and right into the courtyard.

Hinata nearly fell off her three-inch Jimmy Choo pumps when she came face-to-face with the seven brothers again. This isn't happening, she thought to herself. She couldn't believe it. Just couldn't! She thought she'd get away with it. She thought they would still be in bed until midday, and she therefore wouldn't have to face them. At least not this soon.

Well, at least she was decently dressed this morning and in a better position.

"Doby," she said.

"Woof!" the dog replied.

"You found him." Fugaku suddenly appeared behind her, one hand holding his coffee cup and one arm wrapped around her shoulder, which of course caused the brothers to stare at him in confusion.

"Shouldn't you be thanking your brothers for that?" Fugaku asked Hinata, a cheeky smile on his face.

The brothers blinked, and then Sasuke said, none too quietly, "What?"

"Brothers?" Itachi shouted.

"We're her brothers?" Obito asked in disbelief, pointing a finger at Hinata. It had to be a joke—a very big, fat joke that none of them liked.

Fugaku cocked his head to one side—a gesture they all knew very well that meant he was disappointed and was indeed very serious with the whole situation. He glanced from one of his sons to the other, his eyes sharp as he said,

"Don't tell me you forgot Hinata? Shocking. Most shocking. Your own adopted sister."

A long silence followed. Hinata knew Fugaku was doing this on purpose. She knew he knew the brothers didn't remember her. She knew he knew she didn't want to meet them again. She knew he took pleasure in shocking his seven sons by introducing her to them with such weird timing.

She gritted her teeth and said, "Doby! Come here. You're in trouble, young man."

Doby jumped out of Shisui's arms, trotted to her, and rubbed his head against her legs to say he was sorry. She bent down to pick him up. The view was too enticing not to notice and the brothers simply stared at her—enchanted.

Fugaku noticed his sons staring and coughed loudly to bring them back to Earth.

"I'm going back in," Hinata said, turning around.

"No, you're not." Fugaku held her by the shoulder, rather a bit too firmly for her liking, to prevent her from escaping.

"Have breakfast with your brothers." He emphasized the word brothers again.

"I've had mine, thanks," Hinata replied, desperate to get out.

Fugaku was having none of it and made her sit in the empty chair between Madara and Izuna. Then he left to get more food, muttering to himself he really needed another cup of coffee because one wasn't enough, and a certain person refused to offer him another, as too much was bad for his health.

Hinata heard him and said loudly, "Too much caffeine isn't good for you, Daddy Fugaku."

Fugaku secretly smiled. Ah! Just the exact response he needed. Once at the door, he had a quick glance at his seven sons and saw the sour expressions on their faces. Ah! Yet another satisfying response. Daddy Fugaku, indeed.

Hinata placed Doby on her lap in front of her as if to form some sort of barrier between her and the brothers. Izuna reached out to pet the dog. Hinata got very annoyed when Doby rubbed his head against the handsome man's palm and then even moved from her lap onto Izuna's to sit. Not a moment later, the dog began to enjoy some of Izuna's delicious bacon.

"Doby, behave yourself. No more bacon, all right?" She lectured. "Your cholesterol isn't too good at the moment."

Doby ignored her, and just when she thought she couldn't handle the brothers staring at her in silence any longer and was ready to leave this weird situation in the past, Itachi said, "So you're Sally?"

Hinata gritted her teeth and her cheeks turned to become pink. "My name is Hinata. Pronounced Hi-na-ta. It's a Japanese name meaning SunShine."

She thought she really needed to get that important information out for them to understand. She really did hate the name Sally. It rhymed with silly, after all. Yes, Hinata wasn't a "Silly Sally." Hinata was Hinata. Full stop!

"Sally means princess," Itachi said, his eyes on her.

"And you were the one giving the nickname to me," Hinata replied sarcastically. "I believe it also sounds rather like silly. Sally is silly. Hinata is silly."

The brothers shuffled uncomfortably in their seats as though all of a sudden memories came flooding back.

Itachi couldn't believe this beautiful girl was Hinata, their adopted sister from years ago. The girl who Sakura and Sarada had always picked on and made fun of. She was the girl he had secretly liked to watch from afar because she interested him. There had been too many incidents in the past involving her that he hadn't wanted to remember, and when he started boarding school, he'd pushed all of those memories out of his mind and locked them deep within him. Eventually, he'd forgotten all about her because he'd never seen her again—that was until yesterday and then today.

Again he felt that odd pain throbbing within him, oddly hard to control.

Fugaku reappeared with another big tray of scones, savory muffins, fried eggs, and toast. He placed it in the center of the table and sat down in the empty chair next to Itachi.

"So…," He began. "Where are we up to?"

The brothers didn't know how to respond because none of them wanted to talk. Fugaku reached out for toast and began to eat it. The silence continued.

Sasuke, sitting there silently staring at Hinata, gritted his teeth at the odd throbbing pain that continued to pound deep within his heart. Now he knew why he'd felt that odd, aching sensation back when he'd first sighted the island. It was because of her, Hinata, his adopted sister. He'd wanted to forget about her and in fact had done marvelously well for the past years. Not even a small thought of her had ever occurred to him. That was until today. Now every fragment of memory about her rushed back to him knocking him over like a blast of ice-cold water, making him almost breathless. She was the Hinata he used to care about, used to like—used to love even. But that particular incident thirteen years ago had changed everything.

"Hinata," Fugaku said loudly, breaking the silence, "Shino phoned last night, asking for you."

Hinata looked up. The brothers turned their attention to their dad then. Fugaku could tell curiosity was eating at them, and he grinned rather pleasantly.

"But since you weren't feeling well, he left you a message."

"What is it?" Hinata asked.

"He was asking if you'd be free this afternoon."

"I'm free," Hinata said quickly. Anything to get out of staying at home with these men.

"Good. I told him you're free. He needs help at the lab, running tests."

"His research, I suppose," Hinata murmured under her breath. "He'll be at Fuka's birthday party anyway, so I'll go to the lab with him after."

"Of course," Fugaku said, smiling. "So Itachi." He turned to his son who was watching Hinata way too intensely, which of course warmed Fugaku's blood. "Would you like to be a volunteer?"

Itachi turned to his father and blinked. "What?" Obviously, he wasn't paying attention.

"Shino needs healthy volunteers for his research," Fugaku said. "Unfortunately, I'm too old."

Hinata knew where Fugaku was going and quickly put in, "I'm sure he already has enough volunteers."

"I'd be happy to volunteer," Madara said. "What do I have to do?"

"Not much." Fugaku chuckled. "Just sit and let Hinata take your blood."

Hinata frowned at Fugaku. Her adopted father laughed at her sour expression.

"I'll volunteer," Izuna said quickly.

"Me too," Tobi said. "So, erm, Hinata, does it hurt? Taking blood, I mean."

The brothers were quite shocked that Tobi had managed to say their adopted sister's name without a hint of a quiver in his voice, as if it were absolutely natural for him. But then again, Tobi had been rather young when Hinata had been adopted, and so his interactions with her hadn't been much of anything before she'd left for boarding school. Hence he didn't feel awkward calling her by her actual name.

"Maybe a little," she said, smiling at him.

Itachi nearly choked on his breath when she smiled. It was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen. It was the same, of course, for the rest of his brothers because they couldn't stop staring at her once again.

Fugaku, on the other hand, suddenly realized that not only did all his sons like Hinata, but they were smitten with her. In a million years he never imagined that could be possible. Now he wondered if he'd be having more trouble keeping them away from Hinata.

"Oh my, my!" Hana uttered the moment she was outside. "Look at you guys, taking my precious Hinata away." She came to stand behind her friend, and after greeting her seven cousins good morning, she pulled Hinata up and told seriously that they were going to be late if they didn't hurry.

"What's the hurry?" Izuna asked.

"Fuka's birthday party," Hana said. "Hinata and I were asked to help. It starts at ten. Oh, why don't you guys come along? I'm sure you remember Fuka? She's turning eighteen today."

"Yeah," Tobi said. "I remember Fuka."

Fuka Granger, Mr. Mayor's one and only darling, was only a few years younger than Tobi himself. He remembered her back in elementary school as the girl with golden-brown hair and warm-brown eyes who always talked and talked and talked.

"Good," Hana said. "See you guys there." She then dragged Hinata, who was only too glad to be taken away, into the house to get their bags.

The brothers watched Hinata go—each had his very own odd expression on his handsome face.

"You know…," Hana began, her eyes on the peaceful scenery of lush, green rolling hills in the distance. "You never talk about them much."

Hinata stared at the long, straight road ahead as they made good speed along the motorway toward Mr. Mayor's house in town. "What do you mean?"

"The brothers," Hana said, adjusting herself on the seat. "You didn't talk about them much back in high school. What was that all about?"

Hinata shrugged her shoulders. "Was there any need?"

"Was there any need?" Hana asked in disbelief. "You didn't even tell me you were Uncle Fugaku's adopted daughter until I actually found out myself. And that was because Uncle Fugaku himself came for the parents' interview regarding you, and I thought he came to visit me. That was really embarrassing."

Hinata laughed. "Well, yes, I suppose I should have told you, but at the time I thought it didn't really matter."

Hana shook her head. "If you were to announce to everyone that you were Uncle Fugaku's adopted daughter, those bitches wouldn't have bullied you."

Hinata knew whom Hana was referring to. Those bitches were their ex-classmates from high school, Karin Uzumaki, the hot cheerleader, and her throng of worshipers.

"They'd still bully me anyway," Hinata said, her mind flashing back to those times in high school. It had been tough and very unpleasant—especially if you got picked on your first day by the prettiest and most influential girl in the school.

And she had been right. They had continued to bully her even after they had found out she was adopted and had no blood relation whatsoever with the Uchihas. Hence, they argued that she was not a real Uchiha and therefore had only thought of her as a little parasite that clung to this powerful, wealthy family in order to have a good life.

"I suppose," Hana said, frowning darkly. "Does it feel awkward?"

"You mean having the brothers around? Totally," Hinata replied without hesitation. "I haven't seen them for years and now—"

"Totally understandable."

Hinata sighed, and Hana began another unwelcoming subject. It was Shino Aburame.

"Seriously, Hana." Hinata chuckled. "If he really liked me, he would've asked me out by now."

"Shino is a bit shy," Hana said. "You'd have to make the first move."

"Me? No way!" Hinata said. "You know me. I can't do that stuff. And besides, why should I? It'll be a total waste of time if he's not interested in me. And I told you before. I have other plans. I'm not interested in a relationship right now."

"Come on," Hana said. "You're twenty-three. If you don't start now, you'll miss the boat. In fact, I'm already thinking you're missing out on a lot of things right now."

"Such as?" Hinata prompted.

"Sex," Hana said without hesitation.

Hinata chuckled. "Sex? And I'm missing out how?"

"You're still a bloody virgin," Hana said. "I mean, I'm not judging you or anything. You know me. You're my best friend, and I totally respect you for that. But come on… Sex is like the best thing ever."

Hinata cocked her head to one side. "I'm sure it's very pleasant and all, especially when you do it with someone you love."

Hana nodded. "Totally. Just so you know, I've only ever done it with Utakata."

"And I'm glad to hear that," Hinata said.

"So what?" Hana asked curiously. "Are you waiting for your Prince Charming or something?"

Hinata chuckled. "I'll know when I'm ready for it."

"For what?"

"For both. The relationship and the sex," she replied. "And now can we talk about something else?"

Hana chuckled. "Okay. Okay. Your real mom. It's about her, right?"

Hinata nodded. "It's what I want. You know how much I want to find her. How much I want to meet her."

"I understand," Hana said. "And I promise not to push things along with you and Shino. But I know for sure that he really likes you."

Hinata laughed. Hana was Hana. She could never stay out of other people's business, especially Hinata's.

Once the girls arrived at the Granger mansion in South Hampton some twenty minutes later, they got busy helping out setting the scene—Hinata with the food and drinks and Hana with the decorations. By twelve o'clock, most of the guests had arrived, and Hinata was quite pleased to see Fugaku and Mikoto amongst them but not so pleased when she spotted the brothers—all seven of them—making such a grand entrance as to cause all the young girls to gasp in awe and break into fits of girlish giggles.

"I can't believe they came," she muttered under her breath, watching a flock of girls rush up to them and surround them, begging for their undivided attention.

"Hinata darling?" Mrs. Granger called out.

Hinata turned to see Mr. Mayor's perfect trophy wife. At only forty-five years of age, she looked way younger than she was with the fine features of a small nose, large brown eyes, and dark brown hair. She was also very nice, as expected of her for being the wife of the city mayor. Except most of the time she was very cheap, and that was why she and Hana were here helping out since only three waitresses were hired for the special occasion.

"Why don't you be a dear and give those handsome young men some drinks?" She nodded toward the Uchiha brothers near the entrance now almost engulfed by young females.

"Of course," Hinata replied and silently added, Not that I'm one of your waitresses. She wondered why it had to be her who had to offer the brothers their drinks and not one of the waitresses.

"Since you're so good with drinks and all, you know, considering the fact that you used to be a waitress and of course now own a café." Mrs. Granger chuckled. "And the waitresses are all busy with the food."

"Of course, Mrs. Granger," Hinata managed to reply with a straight face. She wanted to tell the woman that if she were to spend a bit more money and hire more waitresses, then they wouldn't be having this problem, and Hinata herself wouldn't have to deal with the brothers.

"All right," she said. "Why don't you go and enjoy yourself with your daughter? I'll deal with the drinks."

"Oh, thank you, darling. You're a godsend," Mrs. Granger said and then sailed off to greet Fugaku and Mikoto.

Hinata poured champagne into seven glasses, placed them onto the silver tray, and expertly carried it with one hand as she headed to the brothers. Now she felt like a freaking waitress again, and of course the brothers didn't seem to have noticed her presence at all with the massive flock of females swarming around them. It was only a moment later when she realized Fuka, the birthday girl, was one of them. Fuka, it seemed, didn't have any luck at getting herself noticed by the brothers either.

"Hinata," Fuka said excitedly, her eyes bright and shiny. "I can't believe they're here. I heard they're coming to Hana's wedding, but for them to come here, my birthday? I can't believe this. Oh, they're so handsome. Please, Hinata, introduce me to them. Please. I remember Tobi. He's a couple of years older than me. We were in the same elementary school."

Hinata sighed. This was getting even more complicated than she thought. She just wanted to run out of there. Only she couldn't because she was wearing these blasted high heels she found rather difficult to walk in. Then there was also the fact that she still had to offer these glasses of champagne to the brothers, which she'd already promised Mrs. Granger she'd do. That was when a sudden thought struck her. Of course, if Fuka wanted to get introduced to the brothers, then she should.

"Fuka?" She smiled prettily at the younger girl. "Why don't you give these drinks to them and introduce yourself?"

"What? Really?" Fuka asked, doubt in her voice.

"Really. You are, after all, the birthday girl, and it's only natural you welcome your guests," Hinata lectured, shoving the silver tray to Fuka. "Here."

"Oh, but I can't!" Fuka shrieked, pushing the tray back and shaking her head at the same time. "I don't know how to hold this thing." She pointed to the tray. "I might drop it, and it'd be embarrassing."

"You won't drop it," Hinata said firmly. "Here, spread your palm."

"No. No. No." Fuka shook herhead.

"Yes. Yes. Yes. Look! You'll be all right. I promise," Hinata urged, practically pushing the tray to Fuka now.

"Are you sure?" Fuka asked uncertainly.

"Very sure," Hinata confirmed and handed Fuka the tray. With hands that shook, Fuka held tight to the tray, praying she wouldn't send it crashing to the floor—or on anyone, for that matter.

"See? You're doing fine," Hinata said. "Now go and offer the drinks to the Uchiha brothers."

"Okay," Fuka said, nervousness echoing in her voice. Then just as she was about to turn, she nearly fainted when she saw Madara, Itachi, and Sasuke behind Hinata, standing there looking very handsome and taking her breath away. Itachi gave her a smile, and she froze, her heart pounding hard within her chest.

"Are those for us?" Tobi asked from behind her, his warm breath fanning against the skin of her neck.

Fuka jumped, sending the tray flying in midair and the champagne splashing on Hinata, her dress soaking wet. The tray landed on the marble floor, spinning a couple of times before it finally laid to rest. The glasses at the same time smashed into tiny pieces.

Hinata sighed, and Fuka froze in shock.

"Oh my God! I'm so sorry, Hinata," she said. "So sorry."

Hinata managed to smile, though inside she was rather pissed. She didn't blame Fuka for that, though. It was Tobi's fault for surprising the girl, which had caused her to jump and send the tray crashing.

"It's all right, Fuka," she said.

"No, it's not. You're totally wet. Your dress is ruined," Fuka muttered. "I'm really sorry."

"It's fine. I'll go home and change."

"Sorry." Tobi butted in. "That was my fault." He turned to Fuka and gave her an apologetic smile. "I'm really sorry, Fuka. I didn't mean to surprise you like that."

Fuka blushed as she gazed up at him, speechless.

"Damn right, it's your fault," Izuna said. "You've ruined her dress."

Tobi cocked his head to one side and moved over to Hinata. "Sorry about that, Hinata," he said. "And since I'm responsible, why don't I take you home to change?"

"You'll do no such thing," Shisui said. "It's my responsibility to take her home."

"Your responsibility?" Tobi asked, outraged. "What have you done? I'm responsible!" He turned to Hinata. "Come, Hinata." He wrapped his hand around her arm and was ready to lead her out when Izuna pulled Hinata to his side.

"Mind what you're touching, young pup," he said coolly.

Hinata couldn't believe what the brothers were doing. What was going on here? Why were they all of a sudden treating her like this? She was totally confused.

"Why are you guys making such a big fuss about this?" Itachi asked his brothers.

"Because she's wet," Izuna said.

"Because she looks uncomfortable," Tobi put in.

"And smells of champagne," Shisui added, moving his nose closer to Hinata and inhaling. "Hmm, delicious." He grinned cheekily.

Hinata scowled at him and moved back. "I can take care of myself, thank you very much. I have a car, and I can drive perfectly well."

No one was listening to her, however, as they continued their debate.

"Itachi, give us the key," Izuna said. "I'll take her home."

Shisui was having none of it. He caught Hinata by the wrist and led her to the door. "Come on, darling sis. Let's get that wet thing off you."

Sasuke said abruptly, "Just stop the fuss already. She can just change here."

Shisui stopped just as he was about to step his foot out the door. Hinata pulled back and said, "I said I can look after myself."

Izuna nodded his head at Sasuke's perfect suggestion. "That's not a bad idea."

"I'm sure Fuka has something she can borrow." Madara added with a smile.

Hinata was getting very annoyed. She freed her hand from Shisui's grasp and moved so she could get away—from all of them. The brothers, however, were blocking her exits—from all directions. They were surrounding her now—a giant, tall wall of masculine bodies in jeans and formal shirts that made Hinata catch her breath and made her head spin. She was thinking of escaping through the door, but when she glanced behind her and saw Shisui nodding his head and giving her that flirty smile of his, she kicked that thought out the door first. The front, on the other hand, was blocked by Itachi and Madara. To her right stood Izuna and Tobi, and her left, Sasuke and Obito. Oh God! What is going on here? All she wanted to do was to get away and change, for Christ's sake.

"Um," Fuka said from somewhere behind Tobi, "I do have lots of dresses."

The brothers turned to look at her, which caused Fuka to blush considerably for gaining their undivided attention.

"Why doesn't Hinata change here? Surely at least one of my dresses will fit her."

Hinata wasn't pleased they weren't consulting her regarding what she wanted to do with her wet dress. This pissed her off even more when Itachi said, "It's sorted, then."

She wanted to box his ear when he turned to her and ordered her to, "Go change."

Instead of doing as she was told, which she was very bad at, she glared at him, telling him to go and order someone else around.

Itachi understood she was standing her ground. He sighed and said, "You're wet and—"

Hinata frowned. When she realized he was gazing at her breasts, she glanced down. Instantly, she went bright red. The thin material of her dress was soaking wet, clinging to her skin and clearly showing the shape of her breasts.

She covered herself by crossing her arms across her chest, her frown even darker as she glanced at the brothers. Shisui and Izuna were hiding their smiles. Sasuke's face was expressionless. Madara shoved his glasses up the bridge of his nose. Tobi blushed. And Obito tried to keep his face as straight as he could.

"Come on, Fuka," she said tightly, heading toward the grand stairs, her head held high.

"Err, okay," Fuka replied, hiding a smile as well. "We'll be back in a minute," she said to the brothers.

The brothers' eyes followed them as they climbed the stairs.

Izuna whistled. "Nice package."

"Nice legs," Shisui said.

These remarks were of course rewarded with a dark scowl from Itachi and a hard shove from Tobi to Shisui.

Madara said sternly, "She's your adopted sister."

This quieted Izuna and Shisui. Tobi sighed.

Hinata, on the other side, wanted to die from humiliation as she headed up the stairs, unaware that her seven adopted brothers were admiring her slender legs. She just couldn't believe they'd seen her breasts—well, the shape of them anyway.

Once they were on the first floor and in Fuka's very pink and very large bedroom, Hinata sank on the cozy king-size bed and groaned.

"Which one do you want?" Fuka asked.

Hinata sat up and watched Fuka, who was standing in front of her gigantic walk-in wardrobe filled with designer-brand clothes, holding up a few of her dresses. And yes, they were party dresses all right. Frills. Lots and lots of frills and lots and lots of pink. And yes, lots and lots of dresses with no straps.

"Holy smokes!" Hinata said, her eyes almost blinded by the color pink.

"I know." Fuka chuckled. "I love clothes."

"I can totally see," Hinata uttered in amazement, blinking a couple of times.

"Let's find one that fits you," Fuka suggested.

Twenty minutes later, Hinata stood in front of the full-length mirror, staring at herself for the second time that day. She couldn't believe she was wearing this. It was a cute dress—for a sixteen-year-old girl—and she was no sixteen-year-old girl.

"Sorry," Fuka said. "It's the only one that fits you."

Well, it wasn't so bad. It was a satin strapless dress, baby blue, not pink, thank God. There was some very pretty draping to the side of her waist, and it had a tutu-like skirt. The only thing Hinata really opposed was that the dress was designed in such a way as to push one's breasts up and—voilà!

"You look amazing, Hinata," Fuka said in awe. "I wish I looked like you. You look so pretty."

Yeah. Hinata had heard that many times before. Sometimes she liked it. Then other times she really hated it because of the way she got treated.

"Your boobs!" Fuka made a face that showed she was awed as well as envious.

"And your shoes are a perfect match with the dress. Jimmy Choo, isn't it?"

"Yeah. Thanks," Hinata said. "I'll return the dress tomorrow."

"Oh no, that's okay. If it's all right, I'll come up to the house and get it myself," she said eagerly.

That was when it dawned on Hinata. She realized Fuka wanted to see her adopted brothers again. Or is it just one in particular?

She chuckled. "All right. Then maybe you could stay for dinner or something," she suggested.

"That'll be great," Fuka said eagerly.

"Come on. I think it's time to blow out those eighteen candles of yours," Hinata said, heading out the door, and Fuka happily followed.

When the girls reached the ground floor again, the brothers were still there waiting for them. Tobi grinned like an idiot. Madara nodded appreciatively. Izuna whistled. Shisui winked. Obito cocked his head and said, "Not bad." And Itachi and Sasuke didn't look too pleased.

Hinata wasn't pleased either that they had to be there, witnessing her awkwardly descending the stairs in her heels and short skirt.

"What do you think, Tobi?" Fuka asked. "Doesn't she look great? I wore that dress on my sixteenth birthday. Do you remember? But it fits her perfectly."

"Yes, it's beautiful," Tobi said, his eyes on Hinata.

"Do you really remember me wearing that on my sixteenth birthday back in New York?" Fuka asked him, her eyes bright.

Tobi blinked and then laughed uneasily, remembering no such thing.

"She looks like a sixteen-year-old girl," Itachi said, a hint of disapproval in his voice.

"Who wants to get laid," Sasuke muttered under his breath.

"You look very nice, Hinata," Madara said.

The brothers didn't miss Madara saying Hinata's name for the first time either, as though he were really cherishing it.

Sasuke turned on his heel and headed toward the drawing room to join everyone else. Itachi turned and left as well.

Hinata was quite pissed with Itachi's behavior thus far. Oh, she'd heard him all right when he said she looked like a sixteen-year-old girl. She wasn't an ignorant sixteen-year-old girl, for Pete's sake.

She was also pissed with Sasuke, who had said she wanted to get laid. Yes, she was a virgin, but she never wanted to look like she wanted to get laid—ever!

"Come on," Fuka said to Tobi. "It's time." She grabbed his hand and led the way to the drawing room. Tobi laughed uncomfortably as he trailed behind her. Hinata, Madara, Izuna, Shisui, and Obito followed them.

It was jam-packed with guests in the drawing room, and before long, Mr. Granger gave a good, long speech for his daughter's eighteenth birthday. Then when it was ready, the cake was brought in, and a chorus of "Happy Birthday" followed. Fuka happily blew out the candles that stood on top of the biggest and grandest cake Hinata had ever seen. So that was what Mrs. Granger had splashed her money on—the cake!

"Sorry I'm late," a voice suddenly said behind Hinata while everyone was cheering loudly. Hinata turned to see the boyishly handsome Shino Aburame smiling at her.

"Hey," she said. "Where have you been?"

"Hey," he said back. "At the lab. You look great."

"Err, thanks," she replied. "Want some cake?"

"Sure."

Some twenty minutes later, Fugaku came over to his sons, wondering why they were looking so serious at a party. When he turned to observe the object of their interest, he grinned.

"Who's he?" Tobi asked.

"Shino Aburame," Fugaku said. "Dr. Shino Aburame."

"Are they dating or something?" Izuna asked.

"Not that I know of," Fugaku said honestly. This was of course followed by sighs of relief from Izuna and Tobi.

"Come on. I'll introduce him," Fugaku announced and led his sons toward Shino and Hinata, knowing very well they were dying to know who this guy really was in relation to Hinata.

"I don't trust that guy," Tobi whispered to Itachi.

"Why not? He's a doctor." Madara chuckled from behind.

"Oh, shut up," Tobi snapped.

Fugaku heard the conversation and hid a smile. "Hinata?" he said the moment he was beside her. "A new dress?"

Hinata turned and gave her adopted father a grand smile. "Accident," she said. "And your sons are to blame." She glared at the brothers, who looked as though they were ready to pick a fight with their defensive stances and serious faces.

"Really?" Fugaku asked and turned to his sons. "Which one of you is responsible?"

"Me," Tobi said without hesitation. "In that case, I believe you owe Hinata. How about repaying her by volunteering for Dr. Aburame's research?"

"Oh. That's great," Shino said before Hinata could say no. "And they are?"

"My sons," Fugaku said. "Madara, I believe, is the same age as you."

Madara shook hands with Shino—tightly. He also made sure his hand was on the top, which pleased him and his brothers mightily.

"Izuna." Fugaku nodded to Izuna. "Shisui, Itachi, and Tobi." Then he nodded toward his other sons. "Obito and Sasuke."

Shino shook hands with all of them, pleased. "Are you all volunteering for my research?"

When the brothers all nodded, Shino clasped his hands together and said, "Why don't we go to the lab now? I'm quite eager to—"

Hinata wasn't happy. All of them? Volunteering for the research? Good God!

"But, Shino, you haven't had lunch yet," she cut in. None of the brothers had lunch yet either, and they were quite upset she didn't notice—especially Tobi.

"Besides," she added, "it's rude to leave a party without saying farewell to the hosts."

Shino chuckled. "All right. We'll eat first."

Hinata sighed and walked away to get some food. She'd do anything to delay going to the lab with the brothers. God! She had to take their blood, and the thought didn't sit well with her. She was an expert at venepuncture, having had excellent experience working in the hospital as a lab scientist, and as part of the job description she had to bleed patients as well. It was just that now she wasn't sure if she'd be able to do a proper job simply because it was the brothers.

It was an hour later when Hinata reluctantly wished Fuka a happy birthday and told the girl she had to leave. Then she found herself sitting in the back seat by herself while Tobi sat in the front seat next to Shino, who was driving the car. Behind them, Itachi drove the silver Mercedes with Madara and Izuna as passengers, and Shisui drove the black one with Sasuke and Obito as passengers.

Hinata was even more uncomfortable to be surrounded by eight very tall men in the small lift as they headed up to the fifth floor of the public hospital where the main lab was located. She held her breath until they got out, and by then her lungs were starving for oxygen and her whole body was aching because she'd been so tense.

Sherry, the lab assistant working under Shino, greeted them as they came in. She was quite shocked to see the Uchiha brothers with Hinata. She blushed profusely when they smiled at her, and her hands shook uncontrollably when she handed them each questionnaires a little while later.

"What's this for?" Izuna asked.

"Err, your well-being questionnaires," Sherry replied, blushing again. "It's just the standard. Take your time. I'm here to help if you need any. When you're done, Hinata will take your blood."

The brothers got down to it, answering questions about their diet, medications (if they had any), daily routine, and exercise regime. Shisui and Izuna, as usual, treated it like a competition and raced through the questionnaires. But it was Itachi who finished first and headed out of the small reception area to the lab behind. Shisui muttered under his breath as he watched his brother go. Madara put his pen down and chuckled.

Once he stepped into the laboratory area, Itachi was taken aback by the scene before him. There were massive machines running tests everywhere, some as big and as long as the length of the whole room and connected together like trains. There was quite a number of staff on the floor, working, putting test tubes filled with blood through the analyzers.

He spotted Hinata in a small office on the other side of the lab. He headed for her, and once there he saw she'd put on a lab coat and had her long hair tied back into a ponytail.

He knocked on the door.

She turned.

The sight of her knocked the wind out of him. She looked sophisticated and professional in her lab coat. Not to mention sexy as hell. He swallowed. And then he remembered how to breathe properly.

"You've finished your questionnaires, then?" she asked.

He cleared his throat, which had gone dry all of a sudden. "Yeah."

"Sit down."

He didn't move. More specifically, he didn't hear her. He was too busy looking at her.

Hinata cocked her head to one side, wondering what was wrong with him. "Itachi?" she asked.

Itachi blinked. It was the first time she'd called him by his name, and it caused his blood to tingle deliciously. "Huh?"

"Don't tell me you're afraid of needles," she said.

He was offended. "I'm not afraid of needles."

"Then why didn't you sit down like I told you to?

"I was busy—" He stopped short. He couldn't possibly tell her he was too busy looking at her and that he couldn't take his eyes off her.

"Then why don't you sit down?" she suggested.

He nodded and went to sit down on the comfy chair, his large frame overpowering the sofa.

"Which arm?" she asked.

"Whichever," he replied, watching her.

Hinata bit her lip and told her heart to stop beating so fast. It was only Itachi, for God's sake. He was her adopted brother. Nothing more. But why was her heart beating so fast, and why were her hands shaking?

She came round to look at his arm up close. Her fingers gently touched against the skin of his forearm, feeling for his vein.

Itachi held his breath for a second. When he breathed again, his heart was beating so fast he thought he wasn't going to make it. He could smell her wonderful scent—the very same one from when he'd first met her—and it made his head swim in delight. He could feel the heat of her body against his, and his whole being stirred in pleasure.

"You have good veins," she said, her face so close to his that Itachi could feel the warmth of her breath fanning over his skin, which sent pleasure rushing through his body.

"I won't have any problem at all," she continued—more to reassure herself than him, of course.

She stood up straight and prepared the tubes and needle. She wiped his skin clean with an alcohol swipe and then put a tourniquet around his arm. She told him to fist his hand to pump out the vein. He did as he was told, all the time watching her closely.

Hinata felt quite nervous by the fact that he was always looking at her. She didn't know why, but she had the feeling he'd done that before when they were children. There was something in the way he was staring at her that made her nervous. Something that stirred her on the inside, making her restless.

"This will hurt a bit," she said, leaning down toward him, and then she slowly inserted the sharp needle through his skin and into to his vein.

He didn't even flinch. In fact, it didn't look like he felt the needle going into his skin at all as he sat there watching her.

Hinata hoped he was only staring at her because he didn't want to see the needle, like most people do, and so he concentrated his attention on something else. But it would have been nice if it was the painting on the wall or the rubbish bin to the side or, even better yet, the computer screen in the corner of the room… not her face.

She quickly and steadily inserted a tube. Itachi's blood easily rushed out from the needle and spurted into the tightly vacuumed tube.

As this was happening, Itachi was staring at Hinata's thick, dark lashes that were curved upward at just the right angle that enhanced her eyes. Then he moved his eyes down to her lips—plump, luscious lips ready to be kissed and sucked.

Itachi unconsciously closed his eyes, feeling his blood stirring knowingly—almost painfully. His fingers itched to touch, to feel those soft ruby lips. When he opened his eyes again, he found himself staring at her chest. Since she was leaning toward him, and the fact that she was wearing that stupid doll-like strapless dress that barely covered her upper portion, he had a very good view of her lovely, round breasts thrusting out toward him, almost begging him to fondle, to kiss, and to—

I can't take this anymore, he thought and scowled darkly, his whole body fully alert with desire.

"Are we done yet?" he asked none too gently. Hinata glanced up at him and their eyes met. He stared at her for a moment, lost in the depth of the lavender.

Hinata quickly glanced away, her stomach flipping and her heart pounding. "Nearly done," she whispered, her throat dry.

After taking another tube, she undid the tourniquet, loosening it around his arm and then slowly took the needle out, and at the same time, placing a cotton bud on the injured spot. "Hold this," she told him.

Itachi pressed his finger on the cotton bud while Hinata labeled the tubes with his name and date of birth.

He noticed and said, "You know my birthdate?"

She gave him a smile and said, "Bet you don't know mine." Then she added, "I don't even know my real date of birth."

Itachi saw the look on her face he'd seen so many times when they were children. He suddenly felt that protectiveness over her again. It nearly broke his heart, and he had the sudden urge to pull her into his arms. Just as quickly, he realized that was a stupid thing to want to do, and so he abruptly got up, leaving the room in haste, which confused the hell out of Hinata.

"Okay. Leave," she said. "I'm not begging you to stay."

Just then, Tobi barged in and eagerly took the seat. "I'm ready," he said, offering his arm for Hinata. Madara, Shisui, Obito, Izuna, and Sasuke were behind him, waiting by the door. Madara didn't miss Itachi's sudden bad mood as he walked out.

Hinata couldn't help but laugh at Tobi's eagerness, which of course pleased Tobi mightily. Madara, on the other hand, thought the youngest of the brothers was the first to break into Hinata's heart and wondered if he'd be the first to steal it as well.

Itachi and Izuna weren't pleased, however. "It's going to hurt just a little," Hinata said, and before she could pick up the needle, she was being pulled around and found herself facing Itachi's wall of hard chest. She blinked, looked up, and saw him looking down at her—not her face, but her chest—which she minded very much.

She also minded very much that he was so close to her and the fact that he was touching her again—without her permission.

The brothers were all watching Itachi with interest, wondering what he was doing. Itachi didn't give a hoot that it was inappropriate for him to be doing this, however, and he pulled Hinata's lab coat tight across her front, covering her exposed chest from prying eyes. Then he buttoned the coat up for her—one by one—very slowly, all the way to her collar.

As he was doing this, Tobi blinked several times, confused. Madara secretly smiled as he immediately knew why Itachi was in such a foul mood. Izuna and Shisui shook their heads, knowing very well they were going to miss out on a very good view. Sasuke scoffed. And Obito chuckled.

Hinata wasn't pleased that Itachi was suddenly acting as if he was her real brother and worried about what she looked like wearing such a revealing outfit. She took a step back and glared at him once he was done.

"Hurry up," he said and strode out the door again.

"I'll take my time, thank you very much," she replied through gritted teeth and swore she'd make him sorry for humiliating her in front of his brothers.

And indeed, she did take her time as she slowly and meticulously bled the rest of the brothers. Tobi closed one eye and sneaked a peek with another as Hinata inserted the sharp needle into his skin. He jumped and gasped, which caused Hinata to giggle at his reaction. That of course pleased Tobi nicely, and he was indeed rather sorry that the process finished all too soon. Shisui was the manly one. He sat and relaxed back as he watched her work, his eyes always on her pretty face, a nice smile playing about his lips.

"Are we done already?" he asked, a look of displeasure written on his face, disappointed that the procedure ended all too soon.

"Did you want me to take another tube?" She teased.

"No, you're not," Izuna said from behind. "I've been waiting for ages already. Now scoot!" He pulled Shisui by the arm and shoved his brother from the chair.

"Just hurry up, will you!" Itachi called out. His voice was thoroughly impatient.

Hinata pulled a face as she prepared another set of equipment.

"She'll be taking her time," Izuna replied. "Isn't that right, Hinata? Take your time, my sweet. I don't want you to rush such a delicate job."

Hinata chuckled. "Of course not."

"See?" Izuna nodded to his brother to tell them he was right. "Our dear sister agrees."

A dark scowl from Itachi greeted him. Obito looked heavenward. Tobi was confused why Itachi was so pissed. Shisui chuckled. Madara shook his head. And Sasuke looked as impassive as ever.

When the needle went in, Izuna kept his face straight and even rewarded her with one of his charming, handsome smiles for not hurting him too much. Hinata was pleased indeed that when it was Obito's and then Madara's turn they were being very nice and polite as they simply sat there quietly while she did her job. Once they were done, she sighed with relief and thought it wasn't so bad after all. Her joy, however, didn't last long when Madara finally got out of the chair and he said, "And lastly, our Sasuke."

Hinata nearly dropped the test tube she held in her hand. She swallowed and suddenly felt her whole body go tense. She saw Sasuke take the seat and nearly stop breathing altogether.

Was it just her, or was the room suddenly very hot? Calm down, Hinata. Just calm down—she told herself. It's only Sasuke, your adopted brother.

With her mind still on the man sitting near her, she prepared the needle and was about to jab it into his skin when she realized something wasn't right. Holy Mother of Jesus! She nearly forgot to clean his arm.

She put the needle down, picked up the alcohol swipe, and turned to him. Honest to God, she really did try not to look at him, but she couldn't help herself. She glanced up and her eyes met his. Instantly, she was drawn into the deep pool of the mauve-black color. Her heart, of its own accord, pounded like it had no tomorrow.

Sasuke held his breath as he gazed at her, taking in the exotic beauty who had stolen his interest since they'd met again yesterday after so many years. Then it all came back to him—the light scent of cherry blossom, the warmth of her breath, and the delicious sensations within his being when she was near. And that kiss in his dream last night? It was from her when they'd been children. That realization knocked the wind out of him, and he felt as though he couldn't breathe.

Breathe, Sasuke, breathe! the voice in his head shouted at him.

Hinata quickly looked away, feeling her heart aching within her chest because of the way he was looking at her. This wasn't the same Sasuke she'd known back in childhood. This Sasuke hated her. This Sasuke was disgusted with her. And she had to keep that in mind and stay as far away from him as possible. Thus she turned her attention to bleeding him instead.

She made quick work of it and was indeed very glad it was finally over. Hence when Shino was busy giving the brothers a tour around the lab and going to extreme lengths to explain why his research was so important, even showing them how the analyzers worked, Hinata hid in the bathroom, freshened up, and tried her best to regain her composure before coming back out to face the brothers once again.

A/N: Please review.

French(Guest): Thank you. Hope you enjoyed this chapter as well.

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Naruto and Fairy Tail: I am glad you like it. Hope you enjoyed this chapter as well. Thank you for the review.

Splaaash-attack:I am glad you like you for the review.

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flornoir: Young Hinata is shy and uncomfortable about herself. But she is not very shy when she grows up. She stands up for herself when the need arise. You can expect to see a normal Hinata who is not too bold and not too shy, just a neutral character. Sarada and sakura will never change. I hope you like this chap. Thank you for the Review.

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