Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto. This story is just fan made.

Note: In this story, Chapter 700 and the Last Naruto the Movie did not happen (obviously because NaruHina happened and this is SasuHina). Story timeline starts a few years after the war ended and Uchiha Sasuke left to be a wandering ninja.

Konoha eleven should be twenty-one to twenty two years old and their appearance should be based on The Last Naruto the Movie.

-o-o-o-

Chapter One

Hinata pulled the dried sunflowers from the bamboo vase beside Neji's grave and replaced it with fresh ones. This time, the flower bouquet she brought from the Yamanaka flower shop consisted of baby's breath and white roses.

Leaning away from the large slab of stone, she inspected her little flower arrangement and was satisfied with the results. The roses where just on the right angle for the sun to hit it, making the small droplets of moisture on its snowy petals glistened like little diamonds.

It has been years since her Neji-Nii died but she was still hurting everyday—although not as bad in the past. Neji died for what he believed, but it doesn't mean she just have to let it go that easy. His presence in her life was just too engraved.

Hinata heard movements from her right. She doesn't need to move her head in order to know who it was. The sure footsteps accompanied by heavy paws were just too recognizable.

Or at least for those people who knew Kiba Inuzuka well.

"I know I'd find you in here." Kiba said as he sat next to his teammate. Akamaru instantly dropped his huge head on Hinata's lap and Kiba growled, slapping the huge dog's lap playfully. "That's my place buddy."

Akamaru whined but rolled away, letting Kiba take his place. The Inuzuka laid his head on the Hyuga's lap and sighed, one arm rising up to cover his eyes from the sun. It has been a long day and he was tired. Being the newly promoted captain in the tracking division was not at all glory—that he knew now—he has to live up to the expectations of the people who believed he has the skill for such rank.

"Hi Neji." He mumbled. "Do you know how hard it is to ward boys away from your cousin these days? You left me and Shino one hell of a job man."

Hinata giggled. "Kiba-kun…"

"Naruto is planning a small get together in his apartment. Do you want to go?"

Hinata heard of the plans for the event days ago. Ino has been talking about it non-stop while Naruto had invited her personally when he passed by the class she was teaching in the academy.

Kakashi Rukodaime has given Naruto a part time job in the academy and it was something that made almost all of the girls in the school happy. After the war, Naruto became really famous and it catapulted him into the 'heartthrob' department.

"I'm not so sure…" She mumbled.

"Sorry… can't hear you."

"You have amazing hearing."

Kiba shrugged. "Because I won't listen to anything if you pass. Come on Hinata." He removed his arm from his eyes and looked at her slyly. "Don't you want to see Naruto?"

Instantly, Hinata looked away as a blush appeared on her cheeks. In all honesty, she had given up on Naruto years ago since he never did really show any recognition for her feelings. Sure she was still hoping since he had always been her "hero", but that hope was slowly dying.

Maybe… Naruto was just too far for her to reach.

"I…"

Kiba clicked his tongue. "Hinata. You are one hell of a woman. A lot of men are crazy about you and are dying to get your attention. Believe me… since I already had beaten a few."

"Kiba…"

"Naruto is naïve when it comes to girls. He just needs a little push to the right direction."

"I have to—"

"If you won't go, then I won't go." Kiba said with resolve. Sometimes, Hinata was just as stubborn as him and it needed more than reason to make her budge. "And if the two of us won't go, I'm sure Shino won't. Then the rest of our classmates will change our group name into team party pooper. You like that?"

Hinata smiled. "Team party pooper."

"Now we don't want to tarnish our team's name…" Kiba made a serious face and shook his head. "It's going to be a shame since we are a good looking team. Well, nobody could see much of Shino face but bad ass, mysterious guys are considered good looking these days so we are safe."

Hinata suppressed a giggle. If anyone knew where her funny bone was, it was Kiba.

"You should go Hinata. Our team's reputation depends on you."

In the end, Hinata could do nothing but agree since Kiba won't stop bothering her until she said so. When they parted ways, Kiba made her promise a thousand times that she won't change her mind on the last minute for he was surely going to sulk.

She rolled her eyes playfully at that since she could never leave her teammates hanging. And she never, ever breaks a promise.

Well Kiba knows that. He was just trying to make her smile like he always does.

Hanabi scratched her chin. "You look good in your clothes Hinata-nee."

Hinata glanced at the clock that says seven o'clock in the evening before looking at her clothes. It was a simple purple long sleeved shirt and a brown skirt that reaches her ankles. It was one of her day to day clothes but Hanabi always thinks her…pretty.

It was very nice of her little sister.

"It's very simple." She found herself saying, wishing for a bit that she has Ino's flair and confidence. Ino could wear anything that she wanted because she was not only good looking but has a flair that would make anyone look at her twice.

"Simple looks good on you. It makes your eyes and hair more visible." Hanabi stretched her thin arms up and yawned. It was then that Hinata noticed the scratches and bruises on her little sister's hands. Hanabi caught her gaze and hid her hands from Hinata's view by putting them behind her back.

Hinata shook her head. "You have been training hard."

"Father wants me prepared for next month. It's okay. I'm used to it." Hanabi smiled, trying to ease Hinata's mood that suddenly made a three hundred degree turn. Her older sister was worse than a mother…really. Every little thing upsets her.

Hinata pressed her lips until it was nothing but a thin line. Next month was for Hanabi's formal introduction as heiress of the Hyuga clan. It was honor and condemnation for both of them. Honor for Hanabi because it will mark her as one of the prodigies, out ranking her older sister's birthright… but it was also condemnation since she was going to carry the burden of the clan on her young shoulders.

For Hinata, it was a breath of fresh air since she won't be the center of attention inside the clan anymore. No scrutinizing eyes would guard her every move, just waiting for her to stumble or fall. On the other hand, it was a little disappointing that what was supposed to be her rightful place was taken away from her because she was weak. Also , she was surely going to be remembered as the disinherited Hyuga princess…and if that was not bad enough, her future children will surely bear the cursed seal.

"Hinata-Neesan." Hanabi sighed. "Don't ponder over it too much. I know the Hyuga leadership is your rightful birthright… but father cannot be reasoned with. I've tried many times. And when it comes to the caged bird seal, don't worry. The Hyuga elders will kill me first before I let one be on your forehead."

Hinata ruffled the younger Hyuga's hair. It was returned with a scowl and Hanabi backed away.

"Argh! I just combed my hair!"

"Thanks Hanabi." Hinata giggled. Her sister was too cute. "So… I have to go now."

"Yeah yeah. Go to your…" Hanabi folded her hands together and batted her eyelashes, trying her best to imitate an expression that was love stricken. "Naruto-kun!"

"Hanabi!"

Hanabi laughed and started jogging the opposite direction. "Have a good time Hinata-nee!"

"As if I don't know what's happening between you and Konohamaru-kun."

Hanabi stumbled and she wheeled her head with disbelief written on her face. "What the…"

Hinata smiled and turned her back on her sister. "Good bye Hanabi… have a good night."

::

Yamanaka Ino chugged down the bottle of liquor and the rest of the Konoha eleven males except for Shino and Shikamaru—who were busy playing shogi at the moment— watched in awe. After emptying the contents of the bottle, Ino wiped her lips rugged style and bowed with a grin.

Everyone in the room clapped.

"Wow Ino!" Kiba's wild eyes were wide. "You drink like a man!"

"Ino… drink moderately." Shikamaru called lazily from his spot. The last time that Ino was drunk, he was task to bring her home and clean her up because he was her teammate… and no one wanted to deal with a drunken Ino.

It was like dealing with a female version of Rock Lee… minus the thick eyebrows and short black hair.

Ino pouted. "I am perfectly sober."

"I do not mean that you're drunk. I am just saying that you should drink moderately."

Sakura raised her hands up. She was sitting next to Sai who was inspecting Naruto's small frog wallet with a stoic face. "Now who wants a game?"

Naruto jumped from his spot next to Tenten and Lee who were busy eating soba sandwiches Ino had brought as a contribution. "Oh! I do!"

"Okay…let's form a circle guys!" Sakura called and then glared at the two shogi players. "And you two… stop playing."

Hinata rose from her seat without a word. She was holding a glass of grape juice on her hand which Kiba grabbed. He placed it on top the table and dragged her with him as the group formed a circle. To Hinata's chagrin Kiba pushed her none too gently to the place where Naruto was about to sat.

She squeaked.

Naruto caught her by the waist, his reflexes always so smooth. "Hinata-chan."

Hinata instantly blushed red. "I'm…sorry."

"Nah. It's okay."

Hinata tilted her head back and gave Kiba a look. He replied with a thumbs-up and a non too subtle wink. Trying to compose herself in front of her ex-crush, Hinata politely detached herself from Naruto's hold.

"Why don't you sit beside me Hinata-chan?" Naruto asked, patting the spot next between him and Sakura.

Hinata blinked. "Ah…next to you?"

"Yeah."

"O-okay…."

Hinata shyly sat beside her childhood crush, ignoring Ino's grin and Shino's raised eyebrows. Kiba was wiggling his eyebrows at her while Tenten giggled. At that moment, she managed a smile. It was funny how everyone seems to know her feelings for the blonde hero.

Sadly, Naruto doesn't seem to notice.

"What game are we playing?" Ino asked.

"Truth and Drink." Sakara answered happily.

"Isn't that supposed to be truth or dare?"

The Haruno shook her bubblegum pink hair and raised a finger. "I improved it. Okay… so we are going to play a truth game. If someone can't answer honestly, he or she got to drink that." She pointed a finger at the bottles of sake Kiba was arranging in the middle of the circle. There was also a shot glass.

Hinata looked hesitantly at the bottles of alcohol.

Naruto grinned. "Alright! Now who is going to ask first?"

"Of course me." Sakura said and looked around. She spotted Ino who was giggling at what Lee just said. "Ino pig. I'll ask you first."

"Sure forehead. Fire away."

"Who do you have your eyes on at the moment?" Sakura asked and her eyes glinted slyly. Ino has shared a few days ago about the growing fondness she has for Sai and Sakura just wanted to mess with her best friend's head. She knew Ino won't spill the beans out…or at least not when Sai was still in the same room.

Ino narrowed her eyes at the Haruno. "I love you…but sometimes I just want to choke you."

Kiba shrugged. "So?"

"Urgh." Ino rolled her eyes and reached for the bottle. Everyone's eyes widened when Ino poured herself a glass. Ino was never popular for holding back, and it was a surprise that she won't answer the question. "Okay… my turn." She looked around and stopped on Hinata.

Hinata held her breath. Since Sakura started it, she was sure that the questions that are going to follow are personal and embarrassing ones. It is a game to make everyone drink…so the more embarrassing the question was, the better.

"Okay…Hinata-chan."

"Go easy on my girl Ino." Kiba warned. "She is not a drinker."

"I agree." Shino added.

Ino whipped her hair back with an annoyed look. "Gosh. Overly protective teammates."

Hinata clasped her hands on top of her lap. Now that Ino said her name, everyone's eyes were on her. What makes her more conscious was the fact that Naruto stopped talking and was now facing her with observant blue eyes.

"Tell me your dirtiest secret."

Everyone's mouth gaped.

Hinata frowned. "Dirtiest secret?"

"Yeah."

Hinata knew she has no dirty secrets…but everyone was looking at her like she was going to spill the hottest beans of the century. So just for the sake of not disappointing, she took a deep breath and reach for the glass.

And the reaction from everyone was epic.

Ino gasped and Kiba dropped the sandwich he was holding. Sakura was looking at her pointedly while Shikamaru looked like he was not bored anymore. Shino said nothing but his stiff posture says it all.

Hinata mentally slapped herself but poured sake on the glass. She swallowed the liquid alcohol trying her best not to taste it and gently placed the shot glass back.

"Oh…our princess has some dirty secrets." Ino slurred.

Kiba sighed and rubbed his head.

"Okay Hina. Now pick someone to ask."

Hinata instantly thought of Naruto, but change her mind and decided to go for Shino. The game played smoothly and everyone got their laughs and drinks.

"Okay…my turn again." Ino hiccupped, a proof that she was already tipsy. "Are you still a virgin?"

Sakura spat the cookie she was chewing. "Oh my gosh Ino pig!"

"Answer it if you dare forehead."

"I am not going to discuss my private life with all of you!" Sakura hissed and grabbed the shot glass. Naruto was grinning next to Hinata so Sakura shot her teammate a look. "Do you want me to punch that smile off your face baka?"

"Ah…sorry."

Sakura looked at Hinata. "Same question Hinata."

Hinata squeaked and across her, Kiba growled as he poured the Hyuga a glass. "Don't say anything Hinata. You don't have to answer. Just drink this."

After a few more rounds, Hinata felt dizzy. The sake was strong and she was not a heavy drinker unlike the rest. When she gazed at Rock Lee, the handsome green beast was already giggling like a girl—telltale signs of him being drunk. "I think I have to get some air." She said softly.

"Do you want me to go with you?" Shino asked.

"N-no…" She stood up and Naruto looked at her with concern. Somewhere in the circle, someone was chanting the Shinobi creed with feelings. The voice suspiciously belongs to Choji.

"I'll go with you Hinata." He offered, standing up.

"No…I…I can manag—" She tried standing up but her knees felt a little shaky. Naruto instantly took her by the hand and looked at Kiba as if asking for permission. The dog lover responded with a nod.

Hinata caught the exchange but she felt dizzy to say something about it.

"Come Hinata-chan." Naruto said and began leading her out.

When they were outside the Uzumaki's apartment, Hinata fanned herself with her hands and began inhaling large lungfuls of air. She was feeling hot and cold sweat was on her brow. They both stopped near a bench so she took a seat.

Naruto remained standing and he pocketed his right hand—the one with the bandages.

"The sake is too strong for you?"

She giggled. "I am not a drinker."

"I know."

"I'm sorry. I don't want to take you out of the game. Y-you should go back."

"Nah."

"I'm so sorry Naruto-kun."

Naruto scratched his blonde head. "What are you apologizing for silly?"

"Ah." Hinata looked away and bit her lip.

"You know…" Naruto looked up with a smile. He stared at the bright moon above them. "When we have get together parties… I kind of wish Sasuke is here to join us. I mean… sure he travels to find inner peace and all that stuff but I just want my best friend back."

"You have him back." Hinata murmured.

"In a way… but not the way I wanted."

"The war… brought a lot of changes Naruto-kun. I think it is better to let time heal all pains."

Naruto sighed and looked at her., suddenly remembering Neji's last wish before he died—it was to protect Hinata. "Yeah."

Suddenly both stiffened, aware of a new chakra signature near their radars. Naruto suddenly wheeled around and Hinata stood from the bench.

"I recognize that chakra anywhere."Naruto muttered as he looked up. Hinata followed his lead so she also raised her chin—and only to dropped her jaw when she saw a person wearing a tattered black cloak standing on top of the light post.

Naruto grinned. "Long time no see Teme…and I'm just talking about you."

"Dobe."

Hinata blinked as the man perched on top of the post dropped like a rocket but landed gracefully on the ground like a cat. A few seconds later, she took a step back when she truly comprehended who it was.

It was Uchiha Sasuke.

-o-o-o-