The war had long ended and everyone once again knew peace and not only that, it seemed nearly everyone was paired with someone. Shikamaru is in Suna now with Temari but everyone saw that coming, what we didn't see was Ino and Gaara. Last I heard Choji had also found someone in the sand village. Hinata finally got the courage to ask Naruto out and now they have been dating for over a year, Sakura is still single but Lee and Sai are fighting over her. Tenten and Kiba also surprised us by getting together, Shino was dating someone but no one knows what happened with that. Lastly there was Neji, he was just impossible, always training and just didn't know about love.

Then there is me, I'm single but not from lake of trying. You see I just happened to fall for an idiot. Everyone called him a genius, best and brightest of the Hyuga clan, well this so called genius knows less than nothing about love. Honestly children know 100 times more about love then he does! Genius, pfft year right.

Everyone knows I love him, even the Hyuga clan knows! And they have all tried helping out but... well listening is another thing he doesn't seem that good at. We have been on a few dates and I've even told him I loved him but I don't think he got it considering his reply was "yes you to" that's the same reply I get every time. I also made a point of mentioning I don't mean as family or a friend which he replies "why would you?"

Hinata's dad also tried talking to him but still nothing. Oh right, I should mention that Hiashi and I, well it's hard to explain it, were not friends but he welcomes me to his home. I wanted to get closer to Neji but he spent so much time inside the Hyuga compound and not being a part of the family I wasn't allow to just wonder in for no reason. Now I'm not one to brag but if there's one thing I can do its cook and after Hinata told me Hiashi's favourite dish I didn't hesitate to bring it over. It took time but now I'm free to wonder in and out, plus the Hyuga clan is on my side now.

Tonight Naruto and Hinata have invited us all too some fancy restaurant, everyone is currently betting on why, so far pregnancy is winning. Being a fancy place I put on my white and purple knee length dress, slipped on my dark purple flats and headed towards Neji's hoping for once in his life he was ready on time. When it came to missions or any other ninja related task he was never late, dinner or social events though was a whole other story.

Leaving my shoes at the front steps I walked silently down the wooden halls until I came to his place. Since being accepted by the main branch Neji now had a place in the main housing area, only a few meters away from Hiashi's own house. I stood outside tightening the white ribbon in my hair before knocking on his door.

"Neji? Are you ready yet? You were meant to be waiting at the front!"

"Come in" he called back sounding annoyed

I slid the door open and entered the small grand house. After sliding the door closed behind me I looked around for the Hyuga, when I finally did find him it took all my skills as a ninja not to burst out laughing.
It was a scene I was sadly all too familiar with, he was standing in front of the floor length mirror without a shirt on trying to force his brush though a nasty looking knot.

"Geez you could have at least put a shirt on" I sighed "now give me the brush before you pull your hair out"

He handed me the brush as I handed him the rest of his clothing, as he started on the buttons of his shirt I gently started on the knot. By the time I was tightening the white ribbon in his hair Neji had managed to get his shirt, tie and jacket on.

"Honestly, if you have made us late I won't bring you anything to eat tomorrow" I frowned "now get your shoes and let's go"

"We won't be late"

"I'd like to get to these places without running one of these days"

Like I expected we ended up havening to run but we did make it in time although everyone else was already there.

"Glad to see you guys turned up" Kiba smirked

"Were not late" Neji stated

"So did we miss anything?" I asked sitting next to Sakura with Neji on my other side

"We were just catching up" Tenten said

The night was filled with laughter and stories and yelling, Naruto kept calling Iruka, lady Tsunade, Kakashi, Yamato and Kurenai old. After we had all finished our food Naruto stood up getting all our attention with Hinata standing shyly next to him.

"We have something we wanted to tell you" Naruto announced

"Finally got the girl pregnant hey Naruto?" Kiba shouted only to get hit by Tenten

"pre-preg" Hinata stuttered getting redder every second

"No it's nothing like that" Naruto waved off "Hinata and I are getting married" he said proudly grabbing Hinata's hand to show us the ring

It was simple but still incredibly beautiful. There were cheers around the table as everyone congratulated them, well the girls did anyway they guys mainly cringed hoping their partners didn't want a ring just yet.

"Sakura, we should get married to" Lee said already on one knee

"If Sakura marries anyone it will be me" Sai said calmly

"I'm not marrying either of you!" she shouted hitting them both making the rest of us laugh

"So when is the wedding?" Kakashi asked

"We were thinking in the summer, right Naruto?"

"Sure and everyone is invited!"

"Oh Naruto" Hinata sighed

Neji and I walked home together, going home was about the only time we got to walk, but I don't really know what one of our homes we were walking towards.

"I'm happy for them" I smiled "you know this means Naruto's going to be part of your family"

"Not by blood" he frowned

"So when are we going to get married then?" I asked grabbing his arm

"Marriage is pointless"

"I think marriage is wonderful" I sighed leaning on his shoulder

We ended back at the Hyuga compound where I let out a sigh; I was kind of hoping he would walk me home like a gentleman.

"Aww my place is so far away" I groaned "I know how about a sleep over?"

"Aren't you a bit old for sleep overs?"

"Never" I smirked letting myself in "better hurry up or ill lock you out"

Once we got back to his place he left me in the lounge room with a pillow that was way too thin and a blanket that was way too thick for this weather, plus the couch wasn't that good for sleeping on either. Being a ninja I was used to sleeping in any situation and place but well there was a slight chance I was just being difficult. Leaving the pillow and blanket where they were I silently made my way to Neji's room, it sounded like he was sleeping so as quietly as possible I opened the door and crept into his bedroom.

Neji had a large queen bed but even so he had this habit of sleeping right in the middle, I had only just lifted up the blanket the tiniest bit when I heard the bed moving. Slowly I turned my head to look at him only to be met with those clouded eyes of his.

"What are you doing?" he asked with a groan

"Honestly you can't expect a lady to sleep on a couch" I pointed out "besides your bed is so much more comfy"

"Hn" he grumbled moving to the other side

I quickly got myself comfy before he changed his mind, once I was sure he wasn't going to suddenly kick me out I rolled over to look at him only he had his back facing me.

"You know it would be much easier if you just let me sleep in here to begin with" I explained

"This is why I don't" he grumbled

"Hey Neji.. You awake?" I asked after a long silence

"Unfortunately yes" he muttered

"I was wondering, about Naruto and Hinata, when they get married he's going to move into the Hyuga compound right?"

"I don't want to think about it" he sighed

"Then when they have kids there will be little Naruto and Hinata's running around"

I heard him groan and when I looked over I saw he had moved a pillow over his head.

"What? I think a little Naruto and Hinata would be so cute"

The next morning I woke up with the sun and despite having a kind of late night I was wide awake and ready for the day, Neji however was still sleeping. Quietly I left the room and headed to the kitchen, I made him a simple breakfast then clean up afterwards leaving it on the bench. I would have stayed but I had 3 genin waiting for me, I still had to go home and change yet.

I spent the morning training with my team then after that I bought lunch to Hiashi and Neji, sometime after Hinata and Naruto started dating I somehow got the role of food bringer, not that I minded in the least. They were busy training so I left it for them then headed off to meet with Neru; he was worried about falling behind his teammates so I said I would train him this afternoon. After that I had gate duty then finally, when most others would be in bed sleeping I slowly headed home yawning.

I didn't bother with anything to eat, I wasn't all that hungry and I was tired so I just fell down on my bed drifting off straight away. The next couple of days were about the same but then during training with Nero Hinata called out to me.

"Do you need something?" I asked picking up my water bottle

"Are you busy tonight?"

"Gate duty but I can switch shifts, why what's happening?"

"Naruto is coming home for dinner tonight; I thought you might like to join us"

"Naruto huh? I'm sure Neji is pleased with that, yeah ok, I'll be there"

"Great, I'll see you tonight then" she smiled running off

"Alright Nero" I called out facing him "one more hour then that's it for today"

"But Yuko-sensei" he groaned

"Hey you came to me worried about being left behind so come on, do you want to catch up to the others or not?"

"Right" he sighed

After training I traded shifts with Mitsuru then got cleaned up a bit before heading to Hiashi's, once I got there though already a verbal fight had started between Naruto and Neji.

"Don't worry I'm here now, no need to fight" I smirked walking between them

"Yuko what are you doing here?" Naruto asked

"Naruto I told you she was coming" Hinata explained

"Eh? You did?"

"Idiot" Neji scoffed

Dinner wasn't that bad but it was a little exhausting trying to keep Neji from saying... well pretty much anything, Hinata had her work cut out for her two. Honestly these two in the same family, it only spelled disaster, it's a wonder how they got along with missions. It was getting late before we all called it a night, although it was worth it so see the fear in Naruto's face when Hinata said they would stay here the night. Hiashi really knows how to scare the poor boy without saying a single word.

"Well goodnight everyone" Hinata smiled

"Goodnight Hinata" I waved as her and Naruto left the house

"Neji I'll see you in the morning, Yuko" Hiashi said standing with a small nod my way

"Goodnight sir" I smiled

Once he left the room it was only Neji and I, glancing at my watch I knew if I didn't leave soon I would be late for my shift.

"I suppose you are staying again?" he asked standing

"Again? I haven't stayed over in ages" I giggled standing to "and I can't"

"You can't?" he asked looking at me "why?"

"Well I have the late gate shift" I smiled

"Since when?"

"I've had gate watch all month" I frowned "I got the other day off because of Naruto and Hinata but I had to trade shifts to come here tonight. Anyway I should get going, don't want to be late"

With a quick wave I headed off, the night went by painfully slow, it was hard keeping my eyes open but when it was finally time to go home half of me wanted to just stay there and sleep. By the time I reached my house it was only 3 hours until I had to wake up again, deciding to be safe I set my alarm then crawled into bed.

Surprisingly I woke up the next morning feeling wide awake and refreshed, my alarm didn't go off either, when I looked over at it however my beautiful peaceful morning was shattered. Already it was nearing 11am, I should have been with my team at 7 but here I was only now waking up.

"Why didn't you wake me!" I shouted shaking the clock

I got changed as fast as I could then sprinted out the front door heading straight towards the training ground trying to think up an excuse. Once I got there though my students were nowhere in sight which was odd, even if I was this late they didn't normally just leave, unless they went looking for me.

"Dammit" I muttered bitting my thumb "they could be anywhere"

I started asking around the village but no one had any idea, I even checked their homes but they hadn't gone back. There was only one person that would be able to help me but I didn't really want to disturb them. I ended up outside the Hyuga compound pacing back and forward for a while until finally decided to go in. I went straight to where Neji and Hiashi would be training but no one was there, it was getting close to lunch but unless a mission came up they didn't stop for a break until I bought it.

"Yuko, you're here early" Hinata said behind me

"Umm do you know where Neji is?"

"No... I haven't seen him all morning"

"Oh.." I sighed

"Did you need help with something?"

"Well... I kind of slept in this morning and can't seem to find my team" I confessed with a small laugh "I was hoping Neji could find them for me"

"I can help if you like, I'm not doing anything"

"Are you sure?"

"Of course" she smiled

After confirming they weren't around the main town area we headed towards the outer areas where they would either be training or being lazy.

"When I got up this morning father and Neji weren't training" Hinata said as we ran through the trees

"Really? I thought maybe they finished early or something..."

"No, when I asked father he said Neji cancelled training for the day"

"Never thought I would hear that... oh wait, did the Hokage need him?"

"Personal reasons, that's what he told father anyway"

"pers... it's like I don't even know him anymore" I giggled "well I'm sure whatever it is he has his reasons, maybe he was blackmailed into helping someone or something"

"There just up ahead" she said with a smile

"I never thought having a team would be so... well there like little siblings you know?"

"I'm sure they will be happy to see you"

"One more time" someone called out

"Right" my students said all together

"Hey... Hinata... did that sound like..."

"Well I should get going; I told Naruto I would meet him for lunch. Goodbye Yuko"

"Oh uhh bye.."

"It wouldn't be Neji.. But still... who is with my team"

I came out just in time to have to dodge a kunai.

"Watch it guys" I said standing upside down on the branch "you almost took of my head"

"Yuko-sensei!" they shouted dropping their defensives

"Hey, sorry about this morning..." I said landing on the floor

Once I was safely on the ground I looked up at who had been training them, nothing could have prepared me to see Neji standing there with his arms folded.

"Ne-Neji?" I whispered

"Were so happy to see you!" Luna said running towards me

"Is Neji-sensei being mean?" I asked crouching down to her level

"Perhaps if they trained harder" Neji started to say but stopped once I shot him a glare

"Well how about I take you all to lunch, my treat"

"Really? Count me in then" Koji shouted already walking towards town

"Neji-sensei are you joining us?" I asked standing up "consider it a thankyou"

"Thank you for what?" he huffed turning away

"For training my students of course"

"Training?" Neru asked "more like near killing"

"He wasn't that bad" Luna hissed at him

"You just think he's cute" Koji laughed out loudly

"I do not!" she screeched chasing him

"Koji, Luna!" I called out but they were already gone

"Don't worry Yuko-sensei, I'll make sure they don't kill each other" Neru said running after them "wait for me!"

"So what do you say?"

"I should return to my training"

"Oh come on, have a little fun I mean you have the day off right? Why use it training besides I didn't make you anything today and you have to eat sometime"

"I will get something at home"

"You're impossible" I sighed turning away from him "well I'll see you around then"

"That's it?"

"Well yeah" I said looking back "I'm not going to beg you to come to a lunch, if you don't want to come then you don't have to. You've made your choice and by now I know when to just give up, anyway I should go make sure my students haven't hurt themselves"

"Oh Neji... and I thought..."

Shaking my head from those thoughts I gave Neji a small wave with a bright smile before going after my students. After lunch I headed home to clean up a bit, while I was putting everything back where it belonged I noticed my alarm on the floor with a frown I picked it up. After changing the batteries a few times I finally had to admit that it was just dead, I was ready to throw it out when I noticed something. I had guessed that after all the years of hitting it that the thing had finally died but at the back was scratch marks from what looked like a kunai. With my own I followed the marks and pulled the back of and saw the mess of cut wires, would explain why new batteries didn't work but still who and why.

"But I still need a new one" I sighed tossing it into the bin

With my purse in hand I headed back out to the store to try and find a new alarm clock, while I was down there I ran into Hinata and Naruto, apparently he had thrown, and smashed, Hinata's clock this morning. I told them about what happened to mine and they seemed just as confused by it, I mean it didn't really make sense, who would go out of their way to do that? And did they really have to break it.

"Oh look, its Neji" Hinata said pointing out the window "are you going to invite him to join us Yuko?"

"He's probably busy, besides its just clock shopping, shouldn't take me too long to find one then I have some D-rank missions to finish so there's no point really"

"Oh... ok then" she said quietly

"Here we go, this one will do" I said grabbing the cheapest, plain looking one "well I'll see you guys later then"

After paying for my clock I left the shop and started the walk home, after putting it on my bench I was out the door once more heading towards the Hokage's. I was currently trying to save up for a new bed, the one I had was old and about ready to fall apart, plus it killed my back so I was taking whatever mission there was for the extra cash. I guess sleeping on a bed as soft as clouds so often wasn't helping my standards either, I often wondered if what Neji would do if I just moved his bed to my house, decided it might just be easier to save up for my own though.

Today I had to repair a hole in someone's roof and fence, find a pet cat, two dogs and a bird then finally, as a favour, do a quick survey to see if anything else needed doing, like I didn't have enough to do before guard duty. A few times during the day I ran into people but finding lost animals was honestly harder than it sounded so I didn't have much time to talk, they all seemed worried about me for some reason though.

"Yuko!" Yuziko called out getting my attention

"Is something wrong?"

"Actually I was going to ask you that"

"I'm fine... why do you ask?"

"Well you got Neji to take you're place tonight... I thought something must be wrong for you to cancel all together"

"What? But I nev... oh don't worry I'm fine, I'll be there tomorrow night on time and everything"

"That's good, well see you then"

"Yeah... bye"

"Neji is taking my place? He's never done that before... or take my students either" I thought looking towards the Hyuga compound "well I guess now I can take that C-rank mission"

After returning the bird to its owner I headed to the Hokage's hoping no one else had taken the mission I was happy to hear no one had. The mission wasn't that hard, I was meant scout out some suspicious people near a small village not far from here. After packing some weapons for just in case I tightened my headband making sure it wasn't going to slip off or something then headed to the gate were Neji and an unhappy looking Yuziko sat.

"Yuko?" Neji asked

"Yuko!" Yuziko shouted jumping to his feet "what are you doing here? Come to chat or something? There's plenty of room if you want to stay!"

"Sorry, I'm on my way out, should be back in a few hours"

"So this is why you got Neji to cover huh? Leaving me for some night time excitement"

"Yeah you could say that, I need the money and this mission pays higher than sitting there"

"You need the money, why?" Neji asked

"Just stuff, anyway have to get going, don't want to get back to late, see you soon"