The Crane Machine
Thanks to those of you who reviewed. I have a goal: to find the loyal Neji x Sakura fans who will stand by me. They have turned into my favourite pairing and I have A LOT of stories planned for them! I have to have the fans for lots of reviews! Surprisingly, I found all the Gaara x Sakura fans easily... and they just keep coming to read Her Secret Hell. So, thus begins my journey to find you loyal NxS fans.
Oh, this story was influenced from a picture on Deviantart... Here is the link: hyatt-ayanami.deviantart. com/art/naruto-plushieees-51910984
Remove the space between . and com after copying and pasting into your search bar. Also, if you can, leave the artist a nice comment for her wonderful work.
Part II
"You have pink on your lower lip" Hiashi said with a small smirk and no hint of lying.
Neji's eyes widened and he panicked before, instinctively, raising his hand and wiping at the gloss Sakura was sure to have left. Hinata gasped at Neji while Hiashi remained smirking at his own victory. Hanabi looked between the three not understanding.
Removing his hand, he didn't see any other colour from his lip, and when he looked up to see a smirking Hiashi and a shocked Hinata; he knew he had been tricked. "You kissed S-Sakura-chan!" Hinata asked in disbelief. She didn't want her friend hurt, not by her cousin after everything she had done for her.
"I… uh… well…"
Hiashi calmly raised the cup to his lips and took a sip of his tea, feeling completely victorious. "You kissed Sakura?!" Hanabi asked with a grin.
"I assume you took control of the situation" Hiashi said with glee, though his stoic face remained. Neji's face began to grow hotter, he needed to excuse himself, or change the subject, quickly. "Our clan male's are known for being well-mannered and direct"
"Uh… she was heading over to learn of Hinata's results. However, when she found out I was delivering them; she said she would drop by another time so as not to intrude on her time with her family…"
Hiashi nodded, respecting Sakura that extra bit, before turning to Hinata who began to talk. "I need to head over and tell her! She'll be growing impatient" Hinata announced feeling guilty for sitting chatting with family. "May I be excused?" She turned to Hiashi who recognised this as a tactic of Neji's to at least lessen the amount of people listening in to such matters. It also took conversation away from the fact he had kissed Sakura. Hiashi mentally congratulated Neji… he was a worthy opponent.
"You may… only if Neji accompanies you" He smiled softly up at his daughter as Neji looked over cautiously.
Hinata nodded as Neji rose to his feet with a bow and made his way out of the room. If he thought Hiashi was tough on the matter… he had no idea. Now, she wanted to know why he kissed her friend and what he planned on doing about it.
oOo
Stepping out into the still bright sky, Hinata walked slowly out of the Hyuuga compound, followed closely by Neji, who stubbornly placed his hands in his pockets, as if warning her he wouldn't say anything. The air had grown colder, signalling the fast incoming of the long night ahead, and Hinata quickly zipped up her purple hoodie, burying her face in the high colour, and then looking slyly over to Neji.
"I can't believe you kissed Sakura-chan" She said watching for anything strange from her cousin.
"Hn"
"You should know she becomes emotionally attached easily" Hinata said sadly, thinking about the Uchiha she had trouble getting over.
"Hn"
"Neji-nii-san… was it your first kiss?" She had already assumed it was; after all, Neji wasn't the sort of guy who would make out with any attractive female who came his way. Heck, she didn't even think he would make out with somebody. An arranged marriage would be the most likely way to get him romantically involved with another.
Looking away sharply told Hinata of his embarrassment. After all, he was twenty years old and had only just kissed a girl for the first time. That could be considered… a little sad.
"It doesn't make you useless if it was. At least, now I know you chose her for more than just a little fun" Hinata replied earning Neji's curious sideward glance. "You… like her then… right?" She asked to make sure. "You can tell me"
Relaxing slightly at his cousin's generous offer to listen, he fully trusted her not to tell another soul. It would be beneath her to do so, and she knew it. "I never bothered with women. To be honest, I sided with Shikamaru… they are troublesome. Most are useless and clingy too."
"What about Sakura?"
"She's different. She has already proven her worth in more ways than one. She seems to understand how to act in the right moment. If she isn't teasing me, she openly laughs to make things comfortable. I don't understand it… she's just, different"
"So you won't break her… right?" Hinata asked with a sweet smile.
"Break her?"
"You're not the type of person to not see an opportunity through to the end…" Hinata partly suggested with a forceful hint.
"Hn" Neji smirked looking ahead to the roads they followed around their beloved country. "I won't break her"
"Let's hope she doesn't break you… literally" Hinata joked with a giggle imagining Neji's usual demeanour aggravating the pink-haired Jounin enough to punch him.
"I hope not" He replied with an unsure expression, pulling his lips into a thin, grim line.
oOo
For the past two hours she had paced the house restlessly. The moment she arrived home, she had grabbed as much food as she could handle eating in one go, to make up for her missing a meal throughout the day. She called Ino and Tenten soon after, inviting them out to party and sing loudly through the streets without a care for their safety.
They, naturally, agreed.
She moved on to calling Hinata's teammates, Kiba and Shino, although the later took some finding since she didn't have his number. Even more time consuming, was convincing the bug user to come along for the celebration. Of course, he is loyal to his teammates and would hate to leave the most fragile disappointed.
Naruto was also invited in hope to please the young Hyuuga heiress or at least motivate her to talk to him after a few drinks. She also invited Sasuke, Rock Lee, Choji and Shikamaru, reuniting the entries of the first Chuunin exam they all experienced. Now, she needed to break the celebratory news to Hinata, and if she couldn't make it, they would all party regardless and repeat the process the following night when she could.
The only problem that left her with was Neji.
He, too, was invited along as her cousin and a member of the rookie twelve, but she couldn't phone up and invite him too while they were spending time together. Bonding… something the Hyuuga family needed much more of.
There was also the nagging feeling in her mind, curious as to how she should act around him now. Whether or not he actually meant it as the start of something, or just a spur of the moment accident was beyond Sakura.
What if he was playing with her? Maybe he regretted it. Would that mean they would become awkward around each other? Perhaps he would avoid her, thinking she would become clingy. Yes, that would most likely happen.
The only solution she knew to combat the heartache sure to come was to act as if she didn't care. Put up her own defences… mask the true pain she would surely feel should he choose not to focus his gorgeous eyes upon her once more. Perhaps, she shouldn't have let herself become so attached to him.
Their casual encounters and polite talks at the household he dwelled were pictured as innocent and friendly. Surprisingly, they understood each other and knew exactly when the other felt uncomfortable. More so for her, since her teasing was usually directed towards him.
Then, after a day of healing, talking, laughing and even smiling… he kissed her. She held no thoughts during the kiss. Only the desire to match him for every taste… for every pull... for every tug. Yes, after a day and a simple kiss he had managed to change her feelings towards him completely.
She had fallen for the white-eyed, Hyuuga prodigy. Badly.
Though, she didn't dare say she loved him. It would be very childish of her. One kiss couldn't alter her mind that drastically. Although he could invade her every thought in a not so innocent way.
Stripping her usual pink uniform away from her skin, she stepped into the hot, steamy water she had run into her large, circular bath. Her muscles loosened in the soothing heat from the water and she began to relax against the shiny white edge of the large
container.
It all depended on him now. He was the one who kissed her. It was his fault he turned her into a child with a serious crush. He would have to be the one who made up his mind on what would become of them.
She let her mind wonder on different possible scenarios which could occur from the situation he brought on. Some made her blush and grin stupidly at herself. A Hyuuga was quite the catch; it would be stupid of her not to giggle so freely. The others, made her frown and hold her legs for support.
Whatever the decision, she could pull through. She was stronger now.
But should he choose to ignore what had happened, and regret it… she would realise just what she had lost; the friendship of an honest, reliable Shinobi, who she had grown to understand… even if it was a difficult and tedious journey.
After rubbing at her skin and massaging her petal pink hair, she hooked the small plug with her toes and pulled the little chain, draining the water. She stepped out of the lowering water and dried her damp skin. She threw a loose forest-green shirt over her head and pulled matching shorts up her long legs.
Combing her wet hair through, she left it alone and walked out into the open area where her couch lay. Making herself comfortable came easy until she snuggled back against the corner. Something lumpy dug in her back making her pout and groan in annoyance. She grabbed the retched nuisance and glared at the soft lump she held until her eyes focused on the small, familiar plush.
Looking back with carefully stitched, silver eyes, the expression the small soft cuddly held was enough to make her giggle at the likeliness. Maybe some sleep would be nice about now. She clutched the teddy to her chest and let her eyes close in hope for a small nap.
It was short lived.
Sensing a presence passing her window, she looked up to confirm a figure just walking out of view and a hesitant knock at the door. Frowning in thought, she stood up and placed Mini-Neji back on her couch. She wasn't expecting visitors.
She opened the door, clutching two kunai just in case, and came face to face with a smiling Hinata. "H-Hinata!?" She squealed in fright quickly hiding the already identified kunai behind her back.
Said Hyuuga giggled at her friend's still-wet hair and short amount of clothes. She let her eyes travel over to her cousin to see the cocky air he held about him had diminished and he was staring intently at her legs in shock. Only, Sakura didn't know this and presumed the chakra signals were coming strictly from Hinata and not her cousin who was resting against the railing of her apartment. If she turned her head to the right, she would get quite an embarrassing shock.
"How did you score?! Did you pass?!" Sakura asked excitedly grabbing the purple-haired girl's hands in her own.
"I…I did. With honours" she replied with a happy smile.
"Honours!? That's amazing!" Sakura squealed again, pulling the girl in for a hug. Once her head was thrown over the slightly shorter girl's right shoulder, she noticed another figure she hadn't sensed before.
She looked over to see Neji raising his eyebrow in her direction and coughing politely into his hand. Her face blushed brightly and she grabbed Hinata's shoulders to turn her directly to Neji so she could hide herself behind the shy woman.
"N-Neji?!" She asked cowering behind Hinata to hide her lack of clothing.
"Sakura" He replied highly amused with the situation. Though his eyes didn't move from her own.
"What brings y-you here?" She asked as Hinata looked between the two feeling uncomfortable. Since when had they started addressing each other like this?
"I was asked to accompany Hinata-sama" He replied closing his eyes with a relaxed posture.
"Oh" She said ashamed at the disappointment in her tone. She took the opportunity to dash for her open door while he couldn't see. His bloodline wasn't activated, so he wasn't peering at her secretly. "Well, come in… let me, uh… change" She said running through the house before he had the chance to witness her exposed legs once more.
He looked up to Hinata who was laughing silently at him; the only indication was her shaking shoulders. "Be quiet" He whispered back following her into the apartment and shutting the door.
They took a seat on the couch and he inspected Hinata curiously to see why she was fidgeting. Her hand emerged from behind her and her laughing continued as she looked into the eyes of his 'identical' plush.
When Sakura emerged, she was wearing green, tight shorts, much alike the pair she wore during her genin days. Her heart was hammering in her chest at facing Neji quicker than she had expected… or had prepared for.
"So Hinata… any plans for tonight?" Sakura asked ignoring the one seated couch and sitting on the floor. Neji watched as she sat with her legs bent at each side, allowing his head to tilt slightly.
"Erm… I-I didn't think about it…" She answered with a finger to her lips.
"Bzzt!" Sakura joked before swinging her legs in front and crossing them. "You're coming out with a little group I put together…" She grinned as Hinata smiled in thanks, "You too Neji" She quickly demanded bending one knee up to rest her elbow.
Snapping his head up from watching her fidget into different positions, he stared at the two before focusing on Sakura, who began to get nervous under his stare. "What group?" He asked before it seemed as if he hadn't been listening.
"The rookie twelve! Isn't that great!" She chirped swinging a leg behind her while she still rested on the other.
Neji looked down at her legs before looking back up into her eyes. "Lee is attending?" He asked feeling put off by the idea. Images of a hyperactive, or worse… drunk, Lee invaded his mind, trying to challenge him to a dance off.
"Yeah!" She grinned stretching out her back leg in a quick stretch before curling them both in front of her.
Hinata seemed neutral and unfazed by her strange sitting habit. Clearly used to it. "Sounds great Sakura, thank you"
"Check it out! Even Shino is coming!" She said in amazement.
"W-What?" Even Hinata didn't expect that one.
"Yea, rest assured, nobody escapes Haruno Sakura!" She stated proudly.
Neji looked over to her for a brief moment. Did that include him, if she was interested? He hoped so… it would make things easier.
"That's great Sakura! What's the plan?" Hinata asked more bravely.
"Right! The plan is, get ready, and get your ass out to The Bolt for seven… meet up with the guys…"
"Impressive plan" Neji slyly added with a tiny smile.
Sakura looked over with a sharp pout before turning back to Hinata, possessing one of those 'scheming' grins. "Yeah, should be a fun night… good music, good drinks… good company" She added revealing a line of sparkling white teeth.
Hinata nodded before stopping and analysing the hidden meaning. "H-He… Is… N-Naruto… he… I" Sh stuttered feeling herself blushing.
"Naruto? Yeah, that dork's coming too" She stated casually itching her ear lobe.
"S-Sakura-chan… I-I don't know…"
"No way! Now's your chance Hinata!" Sakura said rising to her knees with spirit. "Show 'im what you're made of!"
"It would be a shame to let down your teammates and friends…" Neji inputted making Hinata feel guilty.
"A-Alright"
"Great! Now that that is settled… what you gonna wear?!" Sakura squealed in excitement. Neji rolled his eyes and leaned back against the couch. Girl talk…
"Hopefully a little more than Sakura" He decided to add with his eyes closed cockily.
"Excuse me" Sakura began, "It wasn't like I was expecting company Neji-kun. If I knew an upcoming pervert such as yourself was popping in for a visit, I would have dressed in thermals…" She snappily replied with a victory smirk.
Neji's eyes opened to glare at her. He most certainly wasn't a pervert. And what was with the thermal comment? She suddenly took a one hundred and eighty degree turn and practically declared she wasn't happy with the kiss. Or maybe something else was eating her… she didn't disagree when he had made his move.
He would have to let her make her own mind up. Her mixed signals were confusing and crippling his heartbeat right now.
"Pervert?" He questioned making it seem as if he was oblivious to the reasons.
"Well, Mini-Neji is a pervert… and he takes after you, so… when you put two and two together"
Hinata giggled at the sidelines but the pair seemed oblivious. "Mini-Neji is most certainly not a pervert" He corrected feeling incredibly stupid for referring to stuffed dolls like such.
Sakura laughed and pointed at the white-eyed prodigy, "He tried to molest Mini-Sakura"
"She didn't complain" He said with an upturned lip.
Sakura took in a deep breath about to reply but gave up with a small 'humph'. 'Bloody men'
"I should get going now" Hinata declared from the sidelines, standing up and turning to leave. "We need to get ready after all, right?" She asked Sakura with a smile.
"Oh, yeah!" She said as if only just remembering. She stood up and walked the two Hyuuga's to the door. One Hinata was outside, she waved quickly and walked straight down the outside balcony where several other apartment doors were aligned. Once she disappeared, she realised Neji was still standing in front of her.
Feeling heat rush to her cheeks, she stared back wit equal intensity before he smirked and looked at her choice of clothing. "You know, if Hinata hadn't been present I would have assumed you were waiting for me" He said before disappearing with uncatchable speed.
Sakura blushed and held herself, looking down at the thin amount of clothing she held. Did that mean he was still interested? Or testing her reaction towards the kiss? Maybe he thought she was expecting too much from it… or just being the usual rude jerk.
oOo
It was infuriating; this little game. One couldn't fathom how it clenched at his sanity and burned in his gut. Was it some sort of test? After the day's event, she should have assumed what he wanted and become aware of his interest.
It was pitch black in the over crowded club full of dancers and music which thumped in his chest. The occasional brightly, coloured light would beam in different directions, illuminating the closeness of the paired dancers, which sometimes even came in threes. With their bodies rubbing in all the wrong, or perhaps right, areas, he couldn't keep his thoughts from trailing in her direction. Never had he felt so overprotective…
When they arrived at the popular club, sharp greetings were exchanged before Naruto loudly ordered everybody inside the club, where it became much harder to talk or even communicate without shouting or using over exaggerated gestures. Thankfully, she remained seated with Hinata and Tenten, yelling pointless banter at one another while sipping some exotic looking drinks. Even after the five dance offers she had received from scantly clothed men with seductive smiles… yes, he was keeping count.
He even stopped two or so men from even walking in that direction with a sharp, but meaningful look which warned them. Whether they were actually approaching the surrounding tables or his cousin and teammate was beyond him. He still felt victorious.
Until a certain male, with suspiciously black hair and dull, blue eyes approached her, with his best smile in place. From just one look, Neji knew he was over-confident and, most likely, always achieved what he put his mind to. It seemed his mind was currently looking over Sakura's slim figure in her sexy little glowing, emerald dress, which was cut to mid-thigh and revealed a lot of skin… too much for Neji to feel relaxed about.
From his location, leaning against the bar with Kiba, Naruto and Shino, he couldn't make out what words were being exchanged at the table their group had initially sat at. What he did know, is that the male's intentions lasted longer than a night's worth of dancing.
He could vaguely see Hinata looking over at him with pleading, worried eyes as he watched with hatred as the man attempted to chat up what he had already claimed as his own. Although, he hadn't showed this 'claim' openly in front of an audience who would take heed, they should sense his protective presence. They were either too stupid to notice it or they had balls. This guy knew what he was doing.
After sending some challenging facial expressions his way, Sakura's eyebrow's furrowed in thought at whatever the male had said. Hinata's eyes widened slightly, and Tenten looked slightly impressed, though partly worried about something. A change from the scheming grin she held earlier as she eyed up a victim from across the dance floor. In the next second, the weapon mistress's face turned into a small smirk before she looked directly at Sakura, who turned in time to match the look. Gradually, the man's hand extended and Sakura looked at the offer, considering his proposal.
Neji's own face turned sour and annoyed. She wouldn't honestly accept whatever the man had offered, would she? Perhaps, letting her make the decision wasn't something he could wait for. In fact, she seemed to slyly glance his way every time another male asked her to dance. Being the gentleman, Neji decided to take the lead from now on and play his role… as possessively as he had to.
Another sideward glance was sent his way from Sakura, however, she didn't expect to have already captivated his own line of sight. They watched each other for a brief moment, which seemed to last an eternity as the room faded out in sight and sound, and there was only them. As soon as it began, it ended just as quickly as she took his hand with a saddened smile, which looked strained.
Hinata looked over to him. For once, she wanted her cousin to break his stupid act and come clean with her… before the next in line wooed Sakura and he would lose her. She was his first kiss after all, as sad as it seemed for a twenty year old. She was also the only woman her cousin had showed remote interest in. He was a fool to let this opportunity pass.
oOo
Biting her lip in frustration, she began to feel unworthy of his time. Not once had he looked at her, from what she knew, or even spoken a word to her. Her head was beginning to take on a light, heaviness as her heart hammered uncontrollably.
Couldn't he see that she had declined every dance request that night? She even went so far as to frighten some of the more persistent ones off. Then, there were the full-figured women who had been ogling him all night. Their perfectly rounded chests and extremely low-cut tops which dangled loosely around what they could offer him. She didn't bother scaring those women off. They were beautiful, tall, slim-figured women and had much more experience than herself. Their legs seemed to never end as did the sultry looks they sent him. Seeing these women pouting or winking at him made her stomach burn uncomfortably and her throat swell up in a nervous lump.
She was pleased he didn't seem to acknowledge their assets or even their presence. It seemed almost instinct as the 'no's flew from his mouth. That made her pleased.
"S-Sakura-chan… maybe you should just talk to him…" Hinata asked loudly over the music.
"Yeah Sakura…" Tenten added after being filled in with the details. "Trust me, he's a difficult bastard… but not ignorant. I'll bet he's been watching you all night"
"I'll bet he doesn't even know what I'm wearing!" Sakura shot back feeling defeated. She picked up her fruity blue drink and downed its contents quicker than Tenten would have dared to. Said brunette gulped with worried eyes. The pink-haired medic was slowly becoming incapacitated.
Apparently, Tsunade didn't just teach her medical jutsus and herbal remedies. "Sakura-chan… m-maybe you should slow down" Asked her worried friend from the sidelines. She sent a shot over to Neji who sharply looked away acting as if he hadn't been watching.
"No" Sakura harshly dismissed another male who was about to open his mouth. He foolishly stumbled backwards and walked away.
"Come on Sakura, he isn't getting rid of those girls for no reason" Tenten said sipping her own drink as if demonstrating how Sakura should slow down.
"It's alright guys… it doesn't matter. It never did. This is reality…" Sakura strongly stated, issuing her word as law. "I, just have to move on right? Just like I always do…"
Her eyebrows saddened in thought before she shook her head gently, so as not to make her brain feel like mush. Hinata and Tenten looked on in worry. Knowing Neji, they didn't want him to miss this chance.
"So guys… we came to party right?" Sakura asked with a strained smile before signalling a passing waiter, who skilfully laid three new drinks in front of each of them. "How 'bout another?" She asked with a grin.
"I still have one" Tenten giggled.
"Well, you have another now" She laughed more happily, feeling herself becoming stronger. "What's that one?" She asked pointing to Tenten's drink.
"My fourth" She replied with a raised eyebrow.
Looking to Hinata silently asking the same question, the shy girl replied, "Same"
As she gazed at her own drink she frowned. "This is my seventh. Hurry up girls!" She laughed loudly, receiving their own form of laughter in response. "So Hinata… how about we go grab some guys and dance?" she asked slyly, before looking over to Naruto.
"S-Sakura-chan… I can't!" A beet red Hinata replied hiding her mouth in another drink.
"Come on! He said you looked beautiful! It's your golden opportunity! You two Tenten! Kiba has been sending you some serious signals all night!"
"No way, I like to play hard to get" Tenten stated before coming up with a plan. Congratulating herself, she looked over to Neji who was downing something strong and then to Kiba who caught her stare and winked with a grin. Laughing silently to herself, she looked over to Sakura who was about to down another drink.
"Stop!" She said intervening. "Here's how I like to play" Tenten stated placing her drink back on the table as Hinata listened in with interest. "I like to find my prey first, and then rope them into my little act. I pick a substitute and play hard to get; trust me, it has men eating out the palm of your hand"
"I… don't understand" Sakura said with a silly grin.
Tenten sighed before leaning in further to give direct, simple instructions. "Find a man, dance with him al the while shooting naughty little looks over to your true victim."
"T-Tenten!" Hinata said in shock. Looking over to her cousin again, she began to feel more concern for how things could play out… and the victim Sakura would choose should she take the hint and use this little suggested tactic. As awful and gambling as it sounded, Hinata had to agree. If it would snap her cousin into action, she was rooting for Sakura.
"I see" Sakura added snapping Hinata out of her thoughts. Just at the right time, a man with pitch black hair came over and focused his seductive smile on Sakura.
"I couldn't help but notice you sitting without a partner… maybe you would like to dance?" He asked tilting his head invitingly.
Sakura raised her eyebrow as if showing the man how stupid she thought he was. Through instinct, she began her usual tactics for getting rid of the man. "Beat it little boy… I only dance with more promising individuals" She smirked in reply before crossing her arms in defiance.
"Oh, you'll find none of those here" He began making Sakura inwardly laughed before thinking of what Neji's sarcastic reply would have been. "…why not settle for the next best thing? I can always be more promising in… other areas."
Tenten raised an eyebrow at the man. Impressive, she supposed. Thinking on the plan, she kicked herself for not seeing an opportunity when it comes her way and quickly kicked Sakura to suggest the same thing. Looking directly at the young Jounin, Tenten's eyes spoke more words than she could ever manage to speak over the music. Taking the hint, Sakura turned in time to watch the man's hand extend.
It was her chance, right? Would it work? What if he didn't even see the offer, or didn't care? The plan could go up in smoke and she would be left with an overly horny twenty-something year old, demanding sex from her. Her head rose to get another glimpse at her current interest to find he was looking back into her eyes, an unknown emotion stirring within the depths of the silver pools. What did that look mean?
Whatever it meant, she realised she had his attention and would be able to continue with the plan. Whether or not he cared would come next.
Taking the man's overly smooth hand, to which she crinkled her nose at, she rose from her chair and let him take her to the dance floor. When they got their, she used her strength to stop the man, who was confused about her grip and power. Her true mission wouldn't be able to see if they steered even further.
Tenten dragged Hinata to her feet before marching over towards the guys. "Hey guys having fun?" She asked sweetly wanting to laugh at the irony while Neji sat burning holes into the man' head who took Sakura away. "Anyway, I demand…" She tapped her lip in thought before pointing 'randomly' at Naruto, "…you to dance with the group's new medic nin!" She pushed Hinata encouragingly before turning on the spot and strutting away sending a backwards glance at Kiba who swallowed.
What were they up to?
Hinata was blushing deeply now as Naruto looked her in the eyes and grinned. "Sure! Come on Hinata-chan!" He yelled grabbing her hand and almost running out onto the dance floor.
Neji shook his head and looked back over to Sakura, who was being led by the man who had his hand's placed sloppily on her hips. Teeth began to rub together in anger at the show. Was she provoking him? Testing his patience? Testing his willpower? Perhaps she was testing this man's life span?
Either way, all three wouldn't be lasting long.
His vision of the two was blocked by several dancers, as the man sneakily led Sakura to the centre of the floor going against her original spot. His eyes searched frantically for the pair through the crowd, but failed in his search. There were too many bodies and with the lighting conditions, he was having no such luck.
Opting for a less obvious choice, he activated his bloodline with a whisper and began to look for her chakra signal, which was a light green in comparison to the weaker, blue shades around her. Taking a closer look, he watched as the man became closer to her as she skilfully placed his hands in safe places when they wondered. Having no time to feel a little safer at her silent rejections, he moved in for the kill not wanting to waste another second while she was in that loser's arms.
In the process of pushing through the uncooperative crowds, his mind rushed through the questionings of her decisions to dance with this man. After calming himself enough to think rationally, he used his knowledge in the Shinobi world to figure out the exact cause.
She had been talking quite casually before the man came over. He didn't think on using his bloodline to read his lips movements at the time, but what he had said only stirred the medic, there had to be something he was missing. As he passed through another couple with a harsh shove, he locked eyes with his teammate, Tenten, who was dancing with some uncomfortable business man. The sight itself looked bizarre as she assumed control over their movements and he uncomfortably tugged at the tie around his neck unless he was frantically wiping his brow.
The sight itself made him stop in thought. She didn't seem to be remotely interested in the man as he tried his hardest to attract her attention, or at the very least, keep up with her none too easy movements. But after a short smile in response, she looked back immediately at the bar. Confused, he turned to see Kiba biting his lip with a furrowed brow. He kept switching from foot to foot in agitation before he took one last, long drink and pushed away from the group, which now only consisted of Shino, on a war path.
Scanning the area, he quickly kept track of Sakura's location before looking to the spectacle about to take place. In an instant, Kiba was regarding the man in a none too friendly manner. After a small shove to hint at the man to leave, he hooked Tenten around the waste as she giggled and watched him closely through hooded eyes.
Oh, so that was their game?
The long look she sent the weapon's mistress before accepting this man's grubby hand was in confirmation? Well, if she wanted a game of cat and mouse, she was in for a rough ride…
Because this game was already over the moment she decided he was the cat.
Heading forward more positively, he pushed the remaining people out of his path before he spotted the familiar pink hair he had grown fond of.
"Found you" He said teasingly to himself before walking with a purpose to the dancing pair. Before he got there he briefly examined the man's chakra signals to find out any tell tale signs of what he was.
Unlike the rest of his clan, Neji became strangely aware of the different flow of currents in different people. For example; when seeing or meeting business men for missions, or just by coincidence, their whole chakra flow seemed constantly erratic and on the edge. Clear signs of stress from the job.
Or perhaps the part timer's in the flower shop the Yamanaka's owned. Not that he went into flower shops… he passed them whilst in the midst of the observations he was carrying out on everyday citizens of Konoha.
Mothers seemed to have a lighter blue chakra, which could dart between being out of control to quite content and relaxed. If he couldn't figure out a lifestyle from a certain individual, he could definitely work out a few things about their personality.
This 'fine' young man seemed to be no different.
His chakra was a deeper blue than the rest and the way it swirled in a constant flow, which seemed to be escalating, suggested he was becoming more worked up about something. It didn't take Shikamaru's IQ to work out what… or who. Heck, the midnight blue seemed to be pooling in his lower abdomen and travelling further down than Neji cared to venture.
He came here for 'fun' and his choice was the girl he kept trying to molest. As for the deep blue colour, Neji figured he must be a Shinobi of sorts to turn his chakra's source into a shade. Much like Sakura's light green, or Naruto's deep red. It suggested his specific use for chakra was targeted in one area alone.
Placing a large hand on the man's shoulder, Neji prepared his other for a counterattack should the Shinobi decide to let instinct take control. Surprisingly, the man only turned, clearly caught off guard and removed one hand from the pink-haired woman's hip to turn and look him up and down. What kind of ninja was he?
"I'm cutting in" Was all he said as he further dragged the man from his claim's body.
oOo
Sakura bit her lip and tightened her eyes nervously. The unknown man behind her had a lot on his mind, as his wondering hands had pointed out. No, perhaps it wasn't his eager touch which told her this:
But the bulge being roughly pressed against her ass.
On several occasions she had pushed him a little more with a firm look. Didn't he take the hint? But this wasn't the reason behind her nervous reactions. A certain Hyuuga hadn't came over like Tenten's plan had suggested. The nerves that ate her alive were warning her of the possibility that he really had no further interest. The bastard behind her had even moved her from the area she chose to work in. Her moves were pointless; she wasn't enjoying this man's company.
He leaned into her ear, letting his sticky breath play on her neck, leaking different strong scents of alcohol all over her shoulder. She didn't bother to fight off how tense she was, or how she moved away from the man.
"This club's getting old, how about we go somewhere more… quiet?" He asked with a seductive smile which made Sakura roll her eyes and the shoulder his chin rested on. After his head was removed she inwardly laughed at his crude chat up lines.
Her heart began to hammer in her chest at the thought of what Neji could be saying to her right now. It wouldn't be as tacky as this man, surely. In fact, she much preferred the walk from the hospital, joking on like children, than the words she exchanged with the man promising her sex. As if…
Just as she was about to pull away from the man and end this pointless sham, his right hand left her hip and the presence was torn from her body. Turning in surprise, Sakura looked up to find that he had come over, just like Tenten had told. After giving the man a quick pull, he gave a quick explanation which made Sakura's heart beat more wildly and her face flush at the possibilities.
"I'm cutting in" Was all he said once the man was behind him with an unimpressed scowl. He looked to Sakura as if expecting her to argue and wish for him to be by her side but she simply sent the man an acted sigh of disappointment. Once the man left, Sakura felt his chakra beginning to rise from his lower regions to his stomach. Someone wasn't going home happy tonight.
As she looked up, she came face to face with an extremely close Hyuuga whose eyes were burning into her own with unanswered questions.
"Is this what you wanted?" He asked with a little tone of anger which he tried to hide.
"I don't understand what you mean" She answered plainly as he hooked his hands around her back and pulled her closer, he rested his forehead on her own, which for once was not protected by his headband, but instead, thin black bindings.
"So Tenten didn't influence your decision to dance with that imbecile?" He accused with slowly narrowing eyes.
She matched his own firm look and replied, "Maybe I just wanted to dance"
"Then what stopped you accepting the first five offers?"
Sakura's eyes widened as she looked up into waiting silver. "You kept count?" She asked trying not to laugh at the happiness swelling up in her chest.
Neji twisted his lips as if holding back before he answered, "Maybe"
This time, Sakura did laugh. She linked her arms around his neck and allowed her body to rest against his as the beat of the music slowed and couples alike rested on one another while moving slowly.
"Did you know him?" Neji pressed uncaring for how many questions he was asking until he was satisfied.
Sakura sighed and answered him with a bored tone, "No… just some Chuunin out celebrating his exam results"
"Chuunin?" He asked with a raised eyebrow. The male couldn't have been more than a year or two younger than himself. He was already a Jounin way before then.
"Yeah a Chuunin…" Sakura replied with a small knowing smile. "…not everybody is as great as you" She quickly muttered looking off to the side at the intimate couples dancing.
At feeling a warm, welcoming breath playing on her neck, she felt lips against her skin before he changed course and nibbled at her ear, "Then why did you dance with him?" He said in between working his light touches on her ear, which made tingle all over.
"Well, you weren't exactly offering"
"You didn't ask"
Sakura laughed before pulling away to look him in the eye. "Don't you remember? Like me, Mini-Sakura doesn't jump a man… she waits for him"
Neji smiled down at her, aware that anybody could see the sacred happiness he was showing before he claimed her lips more possessively than he had earlier that day.
It started out soft until she responded a little rougher, effectively enticing him into upping his game. He sent a shiver down her spine after licking her bottom lip, demanding her permission, so his tongue could battle against her own in a seductive game. He began to circle and explore her mouth, as she did his until the need for air became desperate and they pulled away panting.
"Walk with me" Sakura asked with hopeful eyes after reclaiming her breath. Neji nodded also feeling the need to escape the suffocating club into some fresh air. Once outside, Sakura let her arms spread taking in the cool, night's breeze with a smile.
Neji followed behind her, hands in pockets and looked around the streets out of habit,
"Relax!" Sakura laughed pulling him from his mid-night investigation. She stopped in front of him with a playful look in her eye. "The only people attacking us tonight aren't smart enough to think of using stealth… or tactic" She giggled.
Neji smirked in return before both he and Sakura looked over to the small group of four party goers, two of which were feeling the air hit their drunken state. From behind the three, a fourth was leaning against the wall eyeing the two Jounin up as if in thought.
Sakura scoffed at the image. He reminded her of Sasuke only the Uchiha had reason to feel victorious before he begun. "Oh hey… err, Toshiba… right?" Sakura asked in faux kindness.
Said man scowled before replying, "It's Doshiku" His eyes turned to slits as he looked towards Neji, whose eyes were closed in a relaxed state. "I believe you interrupted our time together" He said before gritting his teeth anxiously.
"Save it, Chuunin, don't let the victory of one exam go to your head…" Neji commented back full of his Hyuuga arrogance and pride. "…you could get hurt." Pearl eyes opened in malice as he looked upon the men in a patronising manner.
Two of the men let out unsure gasps before looking to the other men. One of the men narrowed his eyes as he mentally summed up their options, making Neji realise he was the only one thinking something through. The man who had his hand's over Sakura had walked to the front of the group during Neji's explanation. He took a step back after gritting his teeth visibly.
They knew who possessed the white eyes. None other than the famous Hyuuga clan.
One of the men from behind promptly ran away leaving the other three to glare at his back as he escaped their view. Once Doshiku turned back to face his rival, he came face to face with an icy glare from the older Jounin. "Don't let your eyes leave your target" Neji commented tapping three chakra points in the man's chest before roughly pushing him to the floor.
Sakura grimaced for the man. It was quite frustrating to know you had your chakra depleted with a gentle tap but overall, she was getting bubblier at the idea of having such a strong Shinobi by her side.
"Take him home" Neji ordered seeing the men tense up but take him home, one in fear and the other in dismay.
"My hero" Sakura said in a breathy, girlish sigh before walking down the street, leaving Neji to catch up to her. Once he was in step with her, he tenderly grasped her hand in his own, displaying them as an item for any late-night passer bys to see.
Sakura felt her face flush before she smiled to herself and continued down the streets, taking a few back alleys until they reach a wider shopping district. "Sakura, I wasn't using you when I kissed you" Neji said in hope of ridding her of any doubt she held.
Turning to look up at him, Sakura smiled and gave his hand a gentle squeeze. "That's nice to hear" She answered back. "But what does it mean?"
Sighing, Neji looked to the road, unsure of how to choose his words. He never was good at this stuff. "I have more than just a passing interest in you. I've never bothered with women before, so I wouldn't know how to word it."
Sakura smiled feeling her heart become light. "Hey Neji" She began until he turned his head I her direction. "I'm moody and have a hellish temper. I get very jealous and expect contact at least once a day, even if it's a call" She said looking up to his confusion, watching as it turned into understanding.
"Hn, I can handle that" He smiled looking to the road, but keeping his eye on her. "I'm stubborn, challenging and possessive. I don't like jealousy and use whatever tactic possible to eliminate the feeling."
"Let's not forget that ego of yours!" Sakura laughed with a nod. "I guess I'll stick with you, if that's an offer…"
"It is an offer"
"Very well, I accept" She said suppressing a giggle. "…and I challenge you!"
Looking over in wonder, Neji let a smirk rise to his face as she pointed towards the glimmering light of a nearby machine… an all too familiar machine.
As she approached, she inserted a coin with one hand, while the other dragged her newly acquired 'partner' over to the machine. Once she let go of his hand, Neji found himself pouting at the lost contact, before his blank expression took place once more.
After fiddling with the giant, metal claw she hooked her prize and grabbed it from the plastic, clear flap at the bottom. She held it out for Neji to inspect before he moved her aside and started up the machine once more. They were seriously running out of plushes.
Sakura smiled excitedly as she watched his own prize become hooked by the three pincers before it fell with a dull thud. Removing the doll, he held it up against Sakura's own, letting the two press gently against one another.
Sakura smiled mischievously before dropping her arm and hooking hands with his own, rough ones. The two dolls fell to their sides as they walked off down the street in a slow, relaxing walk before beginning idle chat, just to hear the sound of the other's voice.
The two dolls flopped loosely by their side, one with vibrant blonde hair and a hideous orange jumpsuit, while the other perfectly replicated the shy Hyuuga heiress, pearl eyes and all.
Those two were in for a shock, should they encounter the same happenings.
The End…
There ya go, my cute little two-shot which had been bugging the hell outta me... because there just aren't enough stories for this pairing.
I couldn't continue my other story because all I could think of was how cute this story would be if it were every written. I don't know if I did a good job at it, but please feel free to review your opinion.
If you flame, please don't be rude or insulting about it. Just say why you didn't like it or whatever, there is no need for angry qualms so be nice about it. Thank you.
Vote on my profile for the next multiple chaptered story I will write for this pairing.
