Today was a very important day, Hiashi Hyuga was stepping down soon and needed to appoint a new head to train and sustain the Hyuga name. The meeting started at 7am sharp. All Hyūga assembled in the meeting chamber and took their appointed seats. Neji, as well as the other Branch members sat directly across from the Main, in rows.

He noticed Hinata, she looked like she was about to puke, he had to agree that he himself was nervous as well. He looked over to his grandfather an elder of the clan, although Hiashi was head of the clan himself a lot of decisions could be overruled by what the elders wanted.

Hiashi started his statement, he explained that he has come of age to step down and officially offer the position as head to either one of his two daughters: Hinata, Hanabi or his nephew, Neji.

"What? Neji Hyuga? He's a branch member." Silent hushed comments flew all over the room. How could Neji possibly be appointed head?

"I understand that I have two daughters, but I also have a nephew who has shown exceptional talent and demonstrated great devotion to the Hyuga clan by protecting Hinata during the war. However Hinata's actions will not go unnoticed as well, she too has shown great growth and confidence as a Shinobi and a member of the Hyuga. And Hanabi, is only 14 years old, she is too young to be appointed nor trained for this position given the circumstance of time and experience."

"Hiashi-Sama you have gotten soft, that is Neji's responsibility as a branch member, to protect the main!" An elder sitting to Hiashi's left exclaimed. Hiashi put his hand up so as to halt the recurring murmurs of the branch and main members.

"We no longer live in a world that is nor one that will be divided by gender, race, or anything for that matter. It is merely a suggestion while we look at our options."

"Then appoint Hinata-sama, she is after all your first born."

"But there has never been a female Head ever. Hiashi got unlucky with his own offspring"

Neji stared bewildered, was Hiashi really having a change of heart about Branch members and possibly allowing and overuse and change such a drastic rule? Hinata on the other hand looked around nervously everyone was encouraging her to accept and to be head and that she should accept. She knew the only reason they were accepting her was so they wouldn't appoint Neji, it was unfair to him and she knew she had to speak up.

"I think Neji-nii San would make a great head of the clan. He is loyal, dedicated but most important he is strong. If anyone should be head it's him and not I."

Neji stared at Hinata, not happy with her response but not upset at it either. He's always tried to make her sure of herself, doing THAT was not giving her a good case. Neji didn't know if he wanted to be head, at this point it's not like it mattered. Sure he would be the first branch member to be on top but they would still be able to control him with his mark.

"This is ridiculous, Hiashi can't you just wait until Hanabi-Sama is of age in a few years?"

"And have you manipulate her so you can have her run the clan however you want? Absolutely not."

Hiashi was not dumb nor blind he knew exactly why the other elders behind me didn't want Neji as clan head. He had no doubt in his mind Hinata and him could both change the Hyuga for better with the changing times and for generations to come.

Hiashi was made head when he was 20 years old. And his father remained as his advisor, however Hiashi would soon understand what a big mistake it would be to have him as such. Hiashi was manipulated all the same because of the same thing his father was suggesting with Hanabi. He soon came to realization all the mistakes he made with his own children, his brother, and Neji, he did not want the next head to make the same errors he did.

Every which way it would be a win win situation, choosing Neji and hopefully Hiashi's father could be replaced as advisor by himself. Or Hinata could be head and choose her own father as advisor, or whomever she pleases as long as it's not one of the elders.

Sighing Hiashi made his decision.

"I've decided" his deep voice echoing off the walls silencing the other member.

"I will appoint, my first born eldest daughter: Hinata Hyuga."

Hinata stood up, as tradition she had to bow before her father and accept or decline. She sat and before she bowed to looked over to Neji to her left, he nodded at her to accept. Of course she should accept.

"I accept, Hiashi-sama"

"And who will you appoint as your advisor" The elders smirked at one another ready for one of their own names to be said.

"Hyuga Neji."

If Neji was sipping tea, he would have definitely choked on it right about now.

"What ?! That is ridiculous you cannot pick a branch member as advisor nor can they hold any position as such."

"There is no rule against having me pick my advisor, it is my choice is it not ?"

Hiashi smiled at his daughter. She sure had grown a lot and was correct there is no rule against picking advisors. And she definitely made the right choice picking Neji. Neji rose and accepted his own position, the Hyuga was changing, many were grateful and others were not so pleased.

-X-

"You will start your training as head next week Hinata, this just assures you are next in line. The elders are on my case about you and Neji running the clan soon, you know how they are "old school" and their ideals are very outdated. There hasn't been one arranged marriage or anything of that sort since I've been head, so I doubt they will try to instill that now."

"M-marriage?"

Hiashi laughed softly.

"Yes child, but I am aware you are far too young for that now. I trust that you will do great things for the clan as head and that you and Neji will make even better partners."

"Hai, thank you Otōsan. I hope to make the clan proud, thank you for... believing in me."

"It's true, I doubted your ability at first, however I now see I was just blinded by the misguidance of the elders."

With that Hiashi bowed and left her quarters, Hinata sat alone in her room to think about what had just transpired. Was she read to be head? That was immense responsibility, it is tradition that in one exact year the ceremony to become the official head was to be held. So no pressure right ?

Neji knocked on her cracked door.

"May I come in?"

"Of course."

There was an awkward silence, Neji could feel the tension and see that she was deep in thought.

"How does it feel to be the first female head the Hyuga?"

"Uhm, I don't know, it doesn't feel real to me. I never thought he would appoint me."

"He believes in you, so do I, thank you as well for believing in me to be your advisor. I hope to be of great help as you lead us in the future Hinata-sama."

He bowed to her. He was always so prim and proper, but not when he was embarrassed and caught in certain awkward situations. Hinata had been meaning to ask Neji about the whole Tenten situation but decided against it. When he felt ready to share he would do so.

"No need to be so proper Neji-nii, for the time being let's just enjoy this year while we still have it before we become old and boring."

"Is that what you think being head will do to you?"

Smiling Hinata shrugged her shoulders at Neji. Neji excused himself, said he had to run his 'afternoon errands.' Whatever that means.

-X-

Hinata met up with Naruto for some tea, this had become a regular for the both of them for a few weeks now. Being just friends was great on Hinata's part seeing as there was no pressure or stress to be together. Yet.

Hinata hasn't decided whether she was going to tell Naruto the news yet about her being appointed head. But it seemed like Kiba would have her beated.

"Well if it isn't the new HYUGA HEAD!" Kiba bellowed as he plopped himself next to Hinata giving her a side hug. He found Hinata through scent, the news was spreading like wildfire.

"K-kiba-kun!"

"Wait... WHAT?!"

Hinata gave a heated stare at Kiba. He backed off realizing his mistake, his mouth open making an "oh" gesture. He slowly crept away from her to be at a safe distance away from her.

"I was going to tell you today over tea Naruto-kun I'm sorry."

"It's okay! But that's great wow! I'm so happy for you!"

"We need to celebrate Hinata!" Kiba grinned widely. There was no way the possibility of having a party was escaping Kiba. He loved a good party, but this also was very important to his teammate who he was very proud of.

"Ano... I don't know Kiba-kun my training for head hasn't even begun and..."

"Nonsense! This is great news. Let's at least have a small get together for you to tell the rest of the gang!"

"I think that's a great idea Hinata!"

Naruto beamed, he too liked parties.

"Okay okay but something small please!" Kiba yipped in excitement, he ran out of the shop talking about his plans, but he boosted out too quick before Hinata could tell him to not go overboard.

"Are you okay, Hinata?"

"Mhm? Oh yes.. just worried that Kiba-kun will do too much for something so little..."

Naruto leaned over the table, invading her personal space completely.

"Don't ever think for one second this isn't a big deal, this is huge. You're finally getting the credit that you deserve as a shinobi and someone part of the Hyuga clan."

Hinata placed her hand over his bandaged one, spending all this time with him calmed her nerves finally. She no longer got too flustered around Naruto, nor fainted, nor turned the color of Sasuke's tomato garden.

"Thank you, Naruto-kun you've always been cheering me and helping me best myself."

It was Naruto's time to be flustered around her, how the tables have turned... He just stared at where her hand was as he shrunk back into his chair and had no idea what to do with himself. Noticing how uncomfortable he looked she took her hand back.

"Are you okay.?"

"Oh y-yea! Sorry I'm okay! I'm still just shocked and super happy for you Hinata."

Laughing softly she took her tea cup and brought it up to mouth, peeking over at him through her cup. He was so cute, hell he always was cute, especially with that new haircut of his, it was very short now but it suited him a lot, made him look more mature.

-X-

"You need to bend your knees more. And stop lifting your butt so high up it looks...awkward."

"I think I know how to do it thank you very much."

"You're distracted. You're never this off during training. What's wrong.?"

"Nothing."

Neji sighed very much annoyed.

"Is this still about-"

"NO."

Yes. It is.

"Then what's wrong."

"I didn't really sleep much last night, I'm tired Neji."

She sat down and rested her back to the tree she was standing in front of. She closed her eyes and hoped he'd call off training for today she was too embarrassed to recall yesterday's happenings.

Much to her surprise he sat down right next to her joined her up against the tree. He forced her head on to his chest and rested his arm over her back.

"I'm sorry I can't be the man you want me to be. At the moment..."

"Hey wait that's not-"

"I know it's not, I'm still going to apologize, intimacy is a hard thing for me. It always has been, Hinata and Hanabi have done their best to get me to where I am right now. After the war, after what happened, I still have those dark memories within me. I am not prepared."

"I understand that. Now. You never really talked to me before about what's going on in your head and I know that too is also hard for you to do."

Tenten took her head off his chest to look at him directly.

"I should be the one that's sorry for being too.. forward with you... I'm really sorry about yesterday..."

Neji smiled lovingly at her and brushed hand over her cheek down to her shoulder as he brought her face closer to his. Their apologies now sealed with a kiss, as he gingerly took his hand from her shoulder to the front of her neck now gracefully touching her collarbones.

"That doesn't help..."

"Oh! I'm sorry I didn't realize where my hand went." He retracted his hand back down to the side of his own body.

"Mhm yea you sure you have no experience in intimacy?" She lightly teased. He stood up abruptly and offered her his hand to stand up as well.

"No. Now stop being annoying and let's get back to training, you can sleep after."

Tenten groaned loudly, she recalled thought she was going to get away with it this time. But even though he was now her boyfriend didn't seem to change his strictness with her. All in all she was glad.

After a few more hours of training Tenten's fatigue disappeared knowing she could finally not let awkward situations haunt her thoughts at night because Neji is a grand man who always seems to make the best out of certain situations.

"Hinata-sama made clan head."

Tenten whipped her head around from packing her tools in her bag.

"WHAT?!"

"And I'm her advisor."

"WHY ARE YOU ONLY TELLING THIS NOW THAT'S AMAZING NEJI!"

She leaped into his arms showering his cheeks with small kisses. Although he wasn't used to THIS much affection he did not mind at the moment.

"This is big! For you, for Hinata and for the clan."

"Yea Hinata-sama and I are aware of how our positions seem great for now. There is still the issue with the elders, most clan orders have to go through them as well and they really aren't ones for change."

Tenten kept her arms wrapped around Neji's neck as she took in all his words. She was incredibly excited and worried at the same time but mostly excited.

"So what happens now?"

"Hinata starts training for head and taught all the regulations and has to read up on all documentations needed, then in exactly a year from now she will be officially head."

"Wow that's big. Is she the first female?"

"Yes"

"Jesus Christ about time a woman ran that old sausage fest of a clan of yours.!"

Neji awkwardly sunk into himself not liking the way she described his clan, made him feel rather uncomfortable, but this is just her teasing again.

"Thank you for your support, but due to this my free time most likely would become limited as well, which is why I wanted to let you know beforehand so that you aren't so surprised when I make myself scarce."

"Sounds gross."

"Tenten.." Neji warned. But she laughed off her statement as they made their way back.

-X-

Naruto was at a loss, he had just gotten amazing news about his future girlfriend (it's a work in progress) and he had no idea what gift to grant her.

It's not everyday you become head of one of the most important clans in all of Konoha. What gift could possibly say 'I love you, and hey congratulations.?'

Approximately three months had passed since the moon mission and he was making slow progress like Hinata wanted but he could see the longing in her eyes to be more and god to do more but he had to ignore it to be the man she deserved!

Thinking about the possible gifts to buy: soap or perfume ? But what if she got offended and thought she smelled bad. NEXT. Jewelry? She's a ninja for God's sake they don't wear jewelry. NEXT

This was pointless he needed to seek help. He was desperate again which meant he had to find either Kiba or Shikamaru. Great.

Dashing out of his apartment window he made his way out to find Kiba, maybe they could stop to Shikamaru's place and the three of them could brainstorm something brilliant. They both helped a lot last time.

He found Kiba eating at a nearby sushi shop. He took a seat next to his friend and he greeted him kindly.

"What's up, not to be an ass and to the point but what do you want."

"I need help." Kiba gave him an aloof look and stuffed his mouth with a piece of cooked eel.

"It's about Hinata." He sighed in disbelief the only way to get Kiba's attention was to mention either one of this teammates. Although Kiba and Naruto butted heads a lot he knew he'd treat Hinata right and he was treating her very well from what she was telling him so he was aware of their little "let's be friends" predicament.

"I want to get her a gift congratulating her for becoming clan head. But I have no idea what to get her!"

"Eh? Hinata is not really big on gifts she didn't even let Shino and me get her something for her birthday three months ago."

"HER BIRTHDAY PASSED AND YOU DIDN'T TELL ME?!"

"Would you calm down, her birthday was before Hanabi was kidnapped and y'all had to go to moon and whatnot so you're good. Point is it's a real pain to get her anything, it's been like that forever."

Naruto grabbed the sides of his head and banged his chin into the table.

"I'm doomed!"

"Hey now look. Hinata despite being very modest she's a very grateful person at the same time, I'm pretty sure she would love anything especially knowing if it came from you." Kiba assured his distraught friend.

"Really? You think so."

"I know so. Now hey, you said you wanted to see what kind of input Shikamaru could add let's go find him!" Kiba grinned widely his canines shining brightly as he smiled.

"Hell yea!"

They walked out of the Sushi shop and Kiba left money on the table on his way out.

"So last I remember Shikamaru got his own small place not too far from here I think he lives near the Hokage tower seeing as he's a Rep of the union or whatever."

"Mhm yea that makes sense he's been super busy lately with all that paperwork and saucing up the Kazekages sister" Kiba wiggles his eyebrow.

"She's kind of scary, but I doubt anything is going on between them they denied it back when I came back from my training with Ero-Sennin."

"Nah you're blind those two have chemistry like you wouldn't believe, and also yea she's scary but she's good looking"

Naruto and Kiba joked around a bit until they made their way up the steps to find Shikamaru's door when Kiba instantly grabbed the back of his shirt to pull him back a few steps. When Naruto turned to face him with a look of question Kiba answered.

"Let's not bother him I don't think now is a really good time..."

"What do you mean! This is Shikamaru we're talking about his lazy ass is probably just seeping." Naruto said with a a small laugh as he continued his way to Shikamaru's door.

Kiba looked nervous but continued to try and steer Naruto away from Shikamaru's door.

"What's going on."

"I REALLY think we should come back another time Naruto.."

"Screw that." Naruto ran up to Shikamaru's door escaping Kiba's hold and turned the doorknob slightly. It was opened

"Wow who leaves their door open and unlocked what a dumbass right ?"

Next thing you know Naruto yells for Shikamaru entering his home, you know totally invading his privacy. Naruto walks in a bit and notices a scatter of loose articles of clothing at the entrance of his apartment. Totally normal right.

"Naruto don't do this come on!" Kiba growled trying to do the right thing in this situation

"Gee he's pretty messy ok well let's go before he notices we're here and he-" Naruto makes contact with a small article of clothing, a woman's to be more exact.

"What the hell are you two doing here!?"

Shikamaru asked angrily wearing only a pair of undergarments covering his lower half. His hair was down and he was flushed with color and sweaty and had scratch marks on his chest and. Oh...

"Shikamaru.. Do you have a girl here..?!"

"Naruto! Let's go! I'm so sorry man I tried to get him out of here."

"You are ridiculous, what are you doing breaking into people's houses dumbass?"

"Who leaves their door UNLOCKED. But given the situation I guess you were too busy" Naruto said with a wagging of his eyebrow. Annoyed Shikamaru grabbed the doorknob behind his annoying friend.

"Get out you're such a headache."

"Naruto come on it's not a good idea we're here if we're lucky she might let us leave alive."

Kiba knew exactly who was in that room with Shikamaru. He heard them when they made it to his floor that's why Kiba tried to warn Naruto about interrupting them, he could also smell the act in all its glory given his gifted sense of smell and hearing.

"Wait who?"

Kiba needed to remind himself to congratulate Shikamaru because he finally made a move, or she did? To be honest at this point it didn't really matter he got somewhere!

"Listen you guys need to leave, obviously I'm kind of BUSY."

"You don't need to tell us twice bye!"

Kiba this time was not so gentle grabbing at his collar as he jumped them off the floor of his apartment leaving Shikamaru and his not so mystery woman.

Signing Shikamaru closed the door to his apartment and walked back to his bedroom. And sat on the edge of his bed.

"He's always causing trouble huh?" Temari stated still wrapped in his bedsheets in a clear post coital position.

"Yea, he broke into my apartment! Fuck, I'm sorry" Temari crawled over to him and wrapped her arms over his shoulders from behind.

"At least he interrupted at the end when we were pretty much done." She kissed the are between his neck and ear.

"Yea well I would have much rather not been interrupted at all."

"Accidents happen, to be fair he didn't know I was here."

"Yea but Kiba did he probably knows it was you through his sense of smell...Also you're being way too nice and forgiving about this whole thing."

"Mhm I guess I'm just very at ease right now, maybe because I got to see you" She whispered softly into his ear.

"Hn. Right. I should probably see what Naruto wanted, it's not like him to bother me like this."

Shikamaru gave Temari a look of confirmation and she nodded at him.

"Go. I'll be fine, I'll wait for you when you come back."

-X-

"Why do I only get into these predicaments with you." Kiba sighed pinching the bridge of his nose in the process.

"Now you see why we don't just break into our friends houses.?"

"Oh definitely. So who do you think was the girl in Shikamaru's room?"

"Man you really are dumb. Obviously it was the Kazekage's sister, Temari."

"You say obviously like you're 100% sure."

Kiba grinned at his friend tapping his nose.

"Never fails to identify."

"So you could smell them.?... OH! That's why you warned me beforehand!"

"Yup. My sense of smell is like no other."

"Cool! Oh. Wait, gross..."

-X-

Shikamaru begrudgingly made his way to Naruto's place, he knocked lightly the knuckle of his index finger and waited a response.

Naruto answered shortly, when he took a look at his friend he smiled awkwardly.

"H-hey... Whats up.?"

"What's up? No what's up with you, what did you need my help with so urgently you decided to break into my place?" Shikamaru raised his eyebrow at him in question.

"I actually needed advice. Since it helped out a lot last time."

"With?"

"Hinata."

"Ah. Girl troubles again?"

"Well. Not really I need ideas on what to gift her for a special occasion an-"

"I barely know her myself, if you need to gift someone something it's a good idea to observe them and question their likes and dislikes." He shrugged his shoulders "works for me".

"Yea I see that makes sense, thanks! Also listen. Sorry about before and the whole... you know."

"It's fine."

"So, Temari?"

Shikamaru shuffled away from his door turning to leave he was not about to have that conversation.

"Oh come on! I'll ask next time so be prepared!"

"Yea yea whatever." Shikamaru waved away at his really annoying friend.

The next time he would see Hinata he would ask more about her and what she likes and dislikes but wouldn't that seem too obvious? Suddenly he had a better idea that topped even Shikamaru's.

-X-

"Hey I'm back." Shikamaru said as he closed his apartment door.

"I hope you don't mind I used your bath."

"Nah. You're good, I'm sorry about all that mess." Shikamaru lazily stated. Temari's hair was all wet from her shower. She had cleaned herself up and was now in her basic ninja gear. Shikamaru plopped himself on his couch.

"Advice on girl stuff he's trying to tie things up finally with Hinata."

"Wow really? I'd figure behind you he'd be the last to try and make moves on a girl. But even you surprised me a lot so who knows." She shrugged her shoulders as she turned to grab her fan that was stabilized against the couch in the living room.

"Well I'm off to report back to the Hokage. I guess I'll see you later tonight?"

Shikamaru looked up at her and smiled softly nodding in affirmation.

"I'll see you tonight."

With that she left his small apartment. Shikamaru tilted his head back against his couch he couldn't believe that he had just made love for the first time.

-X-

"Small gathering maximum 30 people."

"What?! That's insane, 100 people."

"Kiba-kun no. I shouldn't even be allowing this to happen and I am in secrecy, so please."

"Ugh fine. I guess we can go to a nice restaurant and celebrate there."

Kiba had met up with Hinata to discuss his rowdy party plans only to have Hinata shut them down. She didn't want anything too big and Kiba had to respect her wishes which he did.

Hinata asked Kiba to keep the alcohol at a minimum as she didn't want things to get out of hand.

"What? Hinata what's a party without alcohol.?"

"I didn't say none. I said to please keep it at a minimum."

"Heh you practicing giving out orders for when you become clan head?"

Hinata tried to glare at him but Kiba just started laughing harder when she did.

Please read and review I really value other people's opinions and input! Anyways until next time!