Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or its characters. But if I do, I will make Sasuke return to Konoha and confess his love for Sakura.

A/N: This is my first NejiSaku fic and it's pretty contradictory in my statement above. Anyways, please read and review… Dozo!

By the way, Sasuke and Sakura are both 18 and Neji's 19 already.

Chapter 1:

Sasuke has just finished his training in Otogakure. It's been six years since he has left Konoha. He really missed his village and most especially Sakura. She doesn't know but Sakura has developed his feelings for her. She thought that he doesn't care but it was hell seeing her cry, pleading for her to stay. Sasuke gritted his teeth. He wanted to return badly. He shook his head. Just a little more time. He needs to kill Orochimaru and of course, Itachi. Nobody must stop him from fulfilling his plans and nobody must harm Sakura. He continued training but after a few minutes, was disrupted by Kabuto's knocking. He got pissed off.

"Gomen for intruding, Sasuke-sama. Orochimaru-sama's calling for you." Kabuto said.

Sasuke grumbled as he followed Kabuto.

xXx

Sakura has just finished her duty in the hospital. She began walking home. It's been six years and she hasn't forgotten Sasuke or her love for him. Many suitors tried but she dumped them. Sakura was walking in a street lined with cherry blossom trees. She remembered the night when Sasuke left. There are so many reasons why she should hate him but she couldn't. Sasuke doesn't care for him but she couldn't forget everything about him. She sat under a cherry blossom tree and stared up the sky. Neji saw her from afar. Neji has secretly loved Sakura. From the moment they had met in the chuunin exam, he fell for her. She was also the reason why Neji rejected Tenten when she confessed her feelings for him.

A/N: I 'm sorry for those who like NejiTen pairing.

Neji hated Sasuke. He was too foolish to let Sakura go. He was idiotic for he didn't care about Sakura. Neji wanted to kill Sasuke for hurting the fragile flower. Neji wanted to approach her but thought that she deserves a moment of thinking. Neji sighed and went home. The following morning, Neji woke up and headed to Tsunade's office to check for a mission. He knocked before opening the door. He was surprised to see Sakura there. Sakura greeted him. He asked for Tsunade.

"Tsunade-shishou had to go someplace. She said that it would be real quick." Sakura said.

Neji nodded. He turned towards the door.

"Wait, Neji-san. Tsuande-shishou gave you a mission." Sakura told him.

Sakura handed Neji an envelope where the mission is. Neji thanked Sakura and left. Sakura went to the hospital. She changed into her medic's uniform and began working. She finished an operation and went to the nurses' quarters to rest for a while. She saw the nurses giggling. She was puzzled.

"Sakura-san, someone gave you this." A nurse said.

Sakura saw a large, white and cuddly teddy bear. She was happy and at the same time confused. Who could've given her a bear like that? Tsunade returned and called Sakura to assist her in an operation. After her duty, she got the bear and went home smiling. Neji was, again, looking at Sakura from afar. He smiled upon seeing a smile on Sakura's face after many years.

"So, when do you plan on telling her how you really feel?" Neji heard Tenten say.

Neji was startled. Tenten smiled.

"Don't worry I'm fine. I'm over you. You better tell her how you truly feel." Tenten said.

"Everything has its time." Neji told her.

Sakura went into her room and cuddled the bear as she lay in her bed. She wondered who gave her that bear. She went in her veranda and looked at the starry sky.

INNER SAKURA:

Why do you still love someone far from you? Why wait for him when you know that he won't return?

Sakura sighed and leaned on the railings of her veranda.

xXx

Sasuke has decided on when to kill the Sound-nins. He smirked at this thought. Orochimaru asked why. Sasuke shook his head.

Just wait Sakura… I'll be back in no time

xXx

Sakura sneezed. She went back into her room fearing that he might catch a cold. The next day, Sakura went to Tsunade's office.

"Sakura, you have to go to a mission with Team Gai, ok?" Tsunade said.

Sakura asked why. Tenten smirked while Neji remained cool. Tsunade explained the mission. They have to escort a certain someone to Kirigakure. Assassinsmay come and try to kill him so they have to protect him.

"I haven't agreed on this mission yet." Sakura said.

"Sakura, you have been coped up in the hospital and in my office for six years. It's time you have a mission again." Tsunade told her.

"But…" Sakura protested.

"No buts, Haruno Sakura." Tsunade sternly said.

Sakura pouted. Neji turned away so as not to allow anyone to see him blush. After many buts' and no's, Sakura lost to Tsunade and prepared herself for the mission. Team Gai and Sakura met the client, and they began their mission. The mission was going well until shinobis came and tried to kill the client. Team Gai attacked the shinobis while Sakura stayed by the client's side. A shinobi ran past Tenten and was going to attack Sakura. Sakura got a kunai. Neji interfered and hit the shinobi.

"Neji, don't underestimate me. I can take care of myself." Sakura said.

A shinobi quickly appeared at the back of the guy. Sakura hit the shinobi and he flew twenty feet away. Sakura smiled at the dumbfounded client. Soon, the shinobis retreated. Sakura healed Team Gai. Neji apologized at Sakura. Sakura just smiled at him. Night came and they decided to camp. Tenten gathered firewood while Lee and Gai set the tents. Neji checked the area, making sure that there are no other people. Sakura set up genjutsus and traps. They gathered around the fire and ate dinner. After that, they all went to sleep, except Gai who'll watch over them. After two hours, Gai woke Neji who took Gai's place in guarding. Making sure that Gai has fallen asleep, Neji went closer to Sakura. He stared at Sakura for a while. He smiled and traced Sakura's face. Neji kissed Sakura's forehead and went back to guarding them. The next day, they all arranged their things and continued heading to Kirigakure. On the way, they have to go through a mine.

"Isn't there another way, Neji?" Gai asked.

Neji activated his byakugan and scanned the area for another path. He shook his head. There was no other choice but to go through the mine. As soon as they stepped inside, the shinobis from yesterday showed up and attacked team Gai.

"Gai-sensei, go ahead. I'll take care of this." Neji said.

Gai disagreed. A shinobi threw an explosive tag and caused debris to fall.

"Gai-sensei, hayaku!" Neji said.

Even if it's against his will, Gai left Neji with the others. Sakura stopped at the other end of the mine.

"I'll go help Neji." Sakura said and ran back inside.

Lee tried to stop Sakura but boulders blocked the entrance. Sakura searched for Neji. Neji has finished the last of the shinobis. He felt Sakura's chakra.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Neji asked.

"I can't just leave you." Sakura said.

Neji sighed. A large boulder was going to fall on Sakura. Neji pushed her. His foot was caught under the boulder. Neji cringed in pain. Sakura saw Neji. She put on her gloves and punched the boulder into pieces. Neji tried to stand up but his ankle was sprained. He fell over Sakura. They were both shocked, realizing that their lips were just inches away. Neji quickly sat up. Sakura healed Neji's ankle. Neji used his byakugan to see the right path. They walked to find the exit. Sakura hit the boulders so that they could pass. Neji told her that they should rest first. They sat on the cold, hard ground.

"Sakura, do you still love Sasuke?" Neji asked.

Sakura was surprised of what Neji asked her.

"Why? What does he have that other guys don't?" Neji questioned.

Sakura remained silent. Neji pulled Sakura closer to him. Sakura was shocked. Neji was hugging her.

"Forget everything about him. I'm here. I'll love you… I'll take care of you…" Neji said sincerely.

Sakura was yet again, surprised.

"Ne…ji…" Sakura muttered.

A couple of hours later, the two continued to find their way out. They heard Lee's voice and followed it. Sakura hit the rocks and boulders until they finally came out. Lee hugged Sakura. Tenten sweatdropped. Gai yakked about the springtime of youth, bla, bla. They have managed to accompany the client to his house safe and sound. Team Gai headed back to Konoha. Neji and Sakura haven't spoken to each other yet. Sakura was pretty confused and Neji was too uncomfortable to start a conversation. They arrived back in Konoha and reported the mission to Tsunade. Sakura was going to the hospital for her duty when Neji grabbed her hand. He looked at her deep in her emerald green orbs. Sakura thought that she'd melt.

"Will you give me a chance?" Neji asked.

"I…I'll think about it…" Sakura said.

Neji let Sakura go and walked away. Sakura was still confused.

END OF CHAPTER 1

A/N: I hope you liked my first chapter.. XDD please review!! No flames, constructive criticism may be accepted.. XDD And please don't tell me that my story is too fast. I know... but no matter how I try to prolong it, I can't I'm sorry!! It's my weakness.. coz I'm a very straight to the point person.. Gomen!!