Chapter Three

It was now Thursday evening. 6:15 to be exact. Sakura sat in her room debating between two dresses Ino lent her. Both were simple but she didn't know which would be best for a first date. Neji called her Tuesday afternoon letting her know that he made reservations at 8 o'clock Thursday night. Sakura checked the weather forecast hoping it'd help her choose a dress. Fortunately, Ino had a wide variety of outfits.

She reluctantly stood up and grabbed the capped sleeved black dress. It had small rose-like details (also in black). Simple enough for a date. Right? She went to shower and when she came back, she called Ino to come by to help with her hair.

"I still can't believe you go that hard ass to take you on a date."

"I didn't ask for it, Ino. Hinata said he's been avoiding her."

"He probably doesn't want to hear her gush over it. I think we're going to keep it down. I can curl it up a bit, if you want."

"Whatever you think would look best."

"When is Neji going to be here?"

Sakura looked at the clock on her desk. "Fifteen minutes."

"Procrastinator. If you knew he was going to be here so soon, why did you wait for me to come over. You are so lucky I know how to work under pressure."

Five minutes late, Ino handed Sakura a hand mirror. Sakura chose not to wear makeup and her hair only had a few curls to give off a wavy look. She stood and went to grab the heels Ino brought over. Soon enough she was patting herself down making sure everything was settled.

A knock came to the door. Sakura sighed before opening the door. When she did, her breath was caught in her throat. Neji had his long, brown hair loosely tied back. He wore a black suit, red silk button up shirt and a black silk tie. She shook her head to clear it when she saw him smile.

"You look dazzling." Neji said through the smile.

"Hi. Thank you. Let me grab my purse."

Neji waited at the door.

"I should leave now. Have fun, Sakura." The girls hugged before Ino left.

"I'm ready."

Neji stretched out his arm. Sakura took his arm as he led her to his car.

"I hope you don't mind seafood." He asked as they started to pull away.

"I don't mind."

"Good. This place is highly requested."

"You didn't have to go into too much trouble." Sakura felt maybe she should have dressed a bit more formal.

"Nonsense. It's a good place for us to sit and talk. That's the point, isn't it?"

"I guess that you're right."

The pulled into a restaurant Sakura knew she'd never be able to afford. She was seriously regretting her attire.

Neji handed his keys to the valet. He must have sensed Sakura's reservations because he placed a hand on her shoulder. "You look perfect."

Sakura blushed as she followed Neji to the podium. "Two for Hyuuga."

"Right this way, Sir."

They followed the host to a booth near the back of the restaurant.

The waitress appeared. "What can I start you off with? We have an excellent wine selection."

"Two glass of red wine, please. Chef's choice." Neji answered. "And two glasses of water too. Please."

"Right away, sir."

"I hope you didn't mind me ordering for you?"

Sakura looked around before answering. The room was dimly lit with floor to ceiling windows on two walls. "I'm not very familiar with wine, so I don't mind."

Their wine and water arrived. "Have you made up your mind on what you'd like to eat?"

"Not yet. Sakura, is there anything you'd like?"

"I'm not picky. Anything is fine."

Neji nodded before turning his attention to the waitress. "Two of whatever the chef has on the special menu tonight, please."

"Right way." The waitress smiled at Neji before she scattered away.

Sakura didn't miss how the waitress wasn't acknowledging her existence. It sort of angered her.

"Is there anything wrong?" Neji questioned.

She shook her head. "No. Nothing. So, tell me a little about yourself?"

"What would you like to know?" He asked sipping his wine.

"Ok. First question would be, did you always want to be a part of your uncle's business?"

"No. Not at first at least. It was meant for Hinata to take over but when she said she wanted to become a doctor her second year of high school it fell on my shoulders."

"Do you resent her for it?"

"No."

"I'm sorry. I don't mean to be so personal. Ok. How about what's your favorite color?"

"I think white. You can't hide things on a white surface."

"I can understand that."

"What about you?"

"Me?" Sakura wasn't expecting him to ask many questions.

"Yes. This is a date after all. It's a give and take when it comes to questioning. So? What's your favorite color?"

Sakura sipped her wine. "I like pinks and blues."

"What kind of movies do you like?"

"I guess I'm a typical girl when it comes to movies. Comedies and romance. And you?"

"Drama, mostly. I also like horror movies."

Sakura wasn't expecting that answer. "Horror movies? I didn't peg you as a torture porn buff."

Neji's rose his eyebrow, "torture porn?"

"Yeah. People that get satisfaction watching scary movies. You just don't seem the type."

"It's one of my vices. Not many people know about it. Do you like horror movies?"

"Sometimes but most of the time I have my eyes covered."

Neji cocked a smile again, chuckling. "I'd like to see you cower. You have this bravado that I didn't think you'd be scared of much. If anything at all."

"I guess there's still a lot that still needs to be known of each other."

Their plates arrived. Again, the waitress only showed attention towards Neji. Sakura had to count to ten before she snapped at her. She was not jealous. It was just rude.

"Are you sure nothing is wrong?" Neji asked once the offensive waitress left.

"I just think she's being very rude. She's only talking to you and every time she looks at me it's with distain."

"Pay her no mind. She's just jealous she isn't you." He said taking a bite of his fish.

Sakura sighed before starting to eat. Dinner was very good. But it made it difficult to have conversations with food in their mouths.

Once they finished, the waitress returned to collect their plates. This time Neji reached out to Sakura's hand. She was surprised at first but turned her hand so their fingers laced. Sakura wanted to smile when she noticed the waitress walking away with a humph.

Neji smiled, "I don't think we'll have to worry about her anymore tonight. Would you like dessert?"

"I don't think I can eat anymore. Thank you."

"Well the night is still young. Would you like to go for a walk?"

"That sounds great."

Neji called for the check, paid then stood to help Sakura out of the booth. It was a warm night out.

"Are there any more questions you'd like to ask?" He questioned.

"I have one but I'm not sure you'll answer."

"If I don't like the question, I won't answer."

"Fair enough. It's about your tattoo."

Neji's lips pressed together. "It happened the one time I felt like rebelling. I went out with a few friends from school. We did some things and next thing I remember I was in a tattooing chair. I did consider having it removed but it's grown on me."

"I like it." Sakura stopped so she could touch it. She was expecting him to pull away but he just stood still. She suddenly felt heat rushing to her checks. "I'm sorry. I should have asked first."

"Don't apologize. Consider yourself luck. I don't let anyone touch it." He went in to brush a lock of hair out of her eye.

The heat on Sakura's cheek seemed to have reached her whole body. They started walking again.

"I have a question for you." He stated.

"Sure."

"With all the studying you do, when was the last time you had a date?"

Sakura wasn't sure if she wanted to answer but felt compelled to. "Last time I went out was maybe three years ago. Going to the party last weekend was a fluke."

"I wouldn't say that." Neji stopped walking.

Sakura stopped too. Looking back questionably. "Why is that?"

"Well, I met you."

Sakura raised an eyebrow. "You believe is coincidences?"

Neji shrugged. "Why not? Life is full of them. Not everything is planned out."

"You seem the kind of person to have your whole life planned out."

Sakura say Neji looking around before finding what he was looking for. He walked over to a bench. Sakura followed sitting down next to him. Neji casually placed an arm behind her.

"I believe everything happens for a reason. Some things you can't change, like the family you were born into. But others, such as who you have as friends, is a bunch of choices."

"I guess so. When Hinata talks about you she always says you shy away from people. Only speaking to them when you have too."

"She's right. I'm not a very sociable person. I keep my inner circle very small."

"I have a few friends. I don't really see them much outside of classes but I do try to at least go out for a movie or coffee."

"Seems fair. You don't have classes in the morning, do you?"

"Actually, I do."

"Then let's get you home." Neji stood stretching out his hand.

Sakura took it but noticed Neji not releasing her hand. They walked back to the restaurant hand in hand. It made Sakura feel relaxed. She also liked the feel of it. It was softer than she would have expected. Neji gave the valet his ticket. When the car came parked in front of them, Neji opened the door for her before closing it again and walking to his side.

They reached the dorms. She was about to get out but Neji told her to wait. He strolled over to her side, opening the door for her. They stayed quiet on their walk to her room. When they reached it, Sakura fiddled with her purse.

"I had a nice time. Thank you." She said looking at him. HIs white eyes seemed to have a light gray hue to them.

"Thank you for joining me. I had fun."

Sakura fished out her keys. She slid the key in and turned it. She turned around again. "Good night." She was about to turn away again when she heard her name whispered. She turned to see Neji. He placed a hand on her arm before tucking her hair behind her ear. She felt herself blush again.

She saw him take in a breath before he leaned in lightly kissing her. Sakura was in shook but closed her eyes enjoying the soft pair of lips on hers.

Neji pulled away smiling running his thumb on her lower lip. "Good night." He turned and walked away.

Sakura quickly walked in her room and leaned against her door. She touched her lips and smile. Yes, it was a good night.

A/N I forgot their favorite colors so I made them up. :)