My friend got me addicted to Neji x Gaara fan fictions and I knew I had to try to write at least one. I decided to take the risk with this one. I hope you enjoy it.

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NARUTO.

(Neji POV)

I love reading books. It's one of my favorite things to do. Recently I read a romance novel whose main character is a basketball player. He was so determined and amazing. I practically ran to the gym.

That's where I saw him. He was beautiful I couldn't deny it. His aquamarine eyes were intensely focused on the game.

His movements were graceful. I gazed at him, enchanted, as he took a shot it went in perfectly. I knew then it was love at first sight.

A flash of green caught my eye and I saw my friend, Lee. I waved at him as he approached me.

"Don't tell me you're interested in joining the basketball club my youthful friend,"

"So what if I am?"

"Neji, you can't do it,"

"What makes you think that? I can do it, I know I can," I scoffed at him, offended.

"Neji you're a klutz, your physical strength is laughable, you take too long to learn basics, and I am saying this because I don't want to see you hurt and disappointed in the end,"

I folded my arms on my chest and entered the gym, Lee following behind closely.

"Neji, seriously don't,"

I ignored him and approached Gai, the basketball club's coach.

"I would like to join the besketball club,"

"Don't coach Gai, Neji will just get hurt,"

I silenced him with a glare and turned back to coach Gai waiting for his reply. I could tell he was contemplating about this and I knew the words that would get me in the club.

"Coach Gai I don't want to waste my youth. I want to enjoy every moment of it. I want to join the basketball club to enjoy my youth,"

Coach Gai showed me his good guy pose with tears in his eyes. I glanced at Lee and noticed his eyes swimming with tears. I bit down a smile as he slung an arm around my neck while using the other to wipe his tears.

"Exactly Neji! Enjoy your youth while you can, my friend. I support you a hundred percent,"

Well that was a fast change of attitude. I patted his arm and I looked at coach Gai for confirmation.

"Neji you can start tomorrow. Let us enjoy our youth together!"

Lee and coach Gai had their arms lock together as they went off to a corner to celebrate youth. I sat down on the bleachers watching the boy with red hair. His jersey had the number one on it and in bold letters read Sabaku. The name was familiar. I know I heard of it somewhere but I just can't remember.

When he was done, he was surrounded by girls and I felt my heart slump in my chest. He's straight but at least I get to be close to him. I listened as his voice echoed a bit in the gym.

"Could you not be so noisy? This is a gym for practicing,"

The girls weren't listening to him they just kept on complimenting him and offering him things. He sighed and walked to the exit in my direction, ignoring them all. My heart fluttered as he got closer.

"Gaara it's about time, let's go,"

I turned and saw a blonde girl waiting for him. She was tapping her foot impatiently on the floor. I felt my chest throb. He has a girlfriend.

"Where are we going sis?"

"Kankuro has a performance coming up so we're picking him up from the theater before he does anything stupid and embarrassing,"

I know eaves dropping was a low thing to do but I couldn't help myself. She wasn't his girlfriend but his sister. He glanced at me and my heart skipped a beat.

God I feel like a girl with these mood swings. I'm really falling for this guy and I will be able to see him almost every day playing basketball. I walked away from the gym feeling the excitement and happiness bubble inside me.

"Are you serious Neji? Don't tell me this is because of one of your books,"

I sat down on the counter of our kitchen as I watched my cousin prepare food for us.

"It's not like I can't play sports Hinata,"

She had her back turned to me as she stirred the pot. I could sense that she was frowning as I kept silent, waiting for her attack.

"And when we tried to get you to play sports before you scoffed at us and said you'd rather read books. Why the sudden change of heart?"

"I've always had a soft spot for basketball and I decided it was time for me to try it,"

I bit my lip. Both Hinata and I know that's a lie. I spent all my time reading even during class. She turned to me, ladle in hand held in a threatening position pointing at me.

"Okay Neji, tell me the truth. Why do you want to play basketball?"

I gulped and pushed the ladle away from me. I looked away from her.

"I told you I want to try basketball and that's all,"

She clucked her tongue and began stirring again. I sighed in relief.

"Whatever. When you are ready to fess up, just come to me,"

I smiled and ruffled her hair, hopping off the counter.

"I'll keep that in mind,"

I ran off before she could hit me with the ladle. Tomorrow couldn't come any sooner for me. I want to see him already. I want to know how it feels.

I felt a bit embarrassed about making the story centered for the first few chapters then suddenly shifting and making the others on the left side so I fixed :D

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