KONICHIWA!

Time for a new Sasuhina story. I figured this one should get started as my other story Fate(MODERN) comes to an end. This one will be in the Narutoverse and its pretty much my first time dabbling in this area.I looking for a beta, so if you're interested, please PM me.

Enjoy

A/N Neji is alive in this story. And please excuse me if I get some details wrong. Feel free to review

Sasuke

With the war over, ninjas were glad to return to their villages. In the Leaf Village, major repairs had been underway, more importantly, plans were made for grand celebrations in honor of the ninjas that came back alive. To be more specific, the young hero Naruto Uzumaki. However, our young hero was worried about a more pressing matter. His best-friend, Sasuke Uchiha. With the aid of Kakashi, Tsunade and non to surprisingly, Sakura's support, they fought tooth and nail to have Sasuke not executed, but spend 6 months in jail, and be on probation for another 6 months.

Sasuke was granted a special leave to at least participate in the celebration. Not that he wanted to, but if it was a chance outside his lonely and completely boring cell, he'd take it. He was given a dark blue yukata to wear and followed his friend -clad in an a plain orange yukata- to the center of the village, where everything was taking place. Bright stalls lined up the crowded streets. Everyone was in a festive mood and were eager to try out every food and game on display. When Naruto passed by, many were quick to speak with the blonde, and those who saw Sasuke, glared in his direction. For a moment, Sasuke considered heading back to his cell.

"Come on teme, we have to hurry to meet up with the others," Naruto shouted.

"Hn," Sasuke replied, not particularly interested in meeting the other members of Konoha twelve. Correction, Konoha thirteen, with Sai in the picture. Soon enough, Naruto was waving frantically and calling for Sakura. Sakura, standing with Ino and Sai, waved back. She blushed, much to Naruto's disappointment but shrugging it off quickly, at Sasuke.

"Its good to see you Sasuke," Sakura said. Sasuke replied with a curt nod as Ino announced that they should all catch up with the rest who were waiting at the park. And when they did, much to Sasuke's annoyance, it became a chatty affair. The grace was that the others weren't exactly comfortable with making conversation with him.

"Where's Hinata and Neji?" Naruto asked.

"Hinata said she had a family thing to deal with before coming here," Kiba replied, "They'll meet us at the barbecue restaurant"

Naruto nodded at this and went off to speak with Sakura. Sasuke trailed behind the others as they spoke animatedly ahead of him. He noticed that the silent Aburame had fallen in step with him. What was his name again, Chiro? Shiro? Wait, Shino, that's it.

"Uchiha san," Shino greeted.

"Aburame," Sasuke returned.

"How are you finding the festival?" Shino asked, figuring he should at least attempt conversation with a former classmate. Sasuke remained silent for a minute before replying

"Not particularly entertaining, not that I'm here for the festival"

"Oh?" Shino raised an eyebrow.

"I'm sure you wouldn't pass up the opportunity to be outside if it means not being in your cell"

"That's understandable"

For the rest of the short walk, the duo continued their conversation. Sasuke felt odd and yet somewhat relieved to have a simple ordinary conversation with a fellow ninja that wasn't the members of team seven. It made him wonder how his life would be different if he decided to make, dare he say it, 'friends'. He shook his head, he couldn't change the past. What's done is done, he could only look forward towards the unknown future.

Hinata

Hinata walked silently beside Neji, both making their way to the barbecue restaurant to meet with the rest of their friends. Hinata wasn't particularly feeling very festive, thinking about the events preceding that moment...

Flashback...

Hinata had just finished tying the obi of her lilac kimono when a branch member informed her that her father wished to speak with her. She quickly tucked a small dragon hair-comb in her hair which had been twisted into a side bun. Since she was unsure how long it would take speaking with her father, she asked the same branch member to pass a message to her teammates that she would meet them at the restaurant. Hinata hurried to the family room, knowing her father would be there. She slid open the shoji door, entered and closed it behind her. She bowed to her father and sat across him seiza style.

"You wanted to speak with me father?" Hinata asked, glad she didn't stutter.

"As you know, the war is over and life in the village has to continue. You still have a lot of training to put in if you want to become Head of the Hyuuga. You are sixteen now, you survived a war andI would like for us to begin your training immediately," Hiashi said.

"Father," Hinata began, "as much as I appreciate your confidence in me, I humbly ask that I have year away from the village"

"And why is that? As it is, your place as heiress is far more important"

"There's something I have to do. And its out of the village"

"I can not fulfill that request. Your duty is to your clan. And what is this thing you have to do?"

"I can't... say"

"Then you will not remain and begin your training. Unless you want Neji or Hanabi to take your place, I suggest you get your priorities straightened out. You are dismissed"

Flashback end...

Hinata sighed loudly, catching Neji's attention.

"Is everything alright, Hinata-sama?" Neji inquired. Hinata shook her head, smiling.

"Its nothing Nii-san"

"Its not nothing if you're thinking hard"

"I suppose I'm worried that we'll be late. The others might be worried"

Hinata wasn't sure if Neji believed her, but he did not press further. The soon reached the restaurant and found that the others had already made themselves comfortable in one of the private rooms.

"You guys made it!" Naruto shouted. Sakura hit Naruto's head.

"Use your inside voice," Sakura hissed.

"We apologize for our tardiness," Neji said, taking a seat next to Ten-ten. Hinata greeted everyone and sat in between Shino and Kiba, and by coincidence, across from Naruto.

"Glad you made it Hina," Kiba barked. Hinata had to scold her body into not wincing at Kiba's loud voice. She smiled instead.

"I am too. Hello Shino," Hinata whispered.

"Hinata. Did everything go well with your family?" Shino asked softly.

"Somewhat," Hinata answered honestly. She surveyed the room, giving short waves to Ten-ten, Sakura and Ino. Hinata noticed that next to Naruto was Sasuke. He must have sensed her gaze, for his dark eyes caught hers.

"Uchiha-san," Hinata said.

"Hyuuga"

Much to her surprise, Sasuke resumed his conversation with Shino. Hinata thought back to the conversation with her father. She had to leave soon, she had to keep her promise. All around her, her friends were rather jouyous, with Seeing Sasuke was just a reminder of that. Don't worry Itachi, Hinata thought, I will not fail you.