Chapter Nine: Cookies and Celebration
"Why are we doing this again?" Neji asked, turning his face towards Sakura. Her pale hair was loose and just below her shoulders, her jade green eyes shown with excitement, and there was a cheerful bounce in her step. "My clan is already having one celebration for my birthday. Must there be two?"
Sakura wore a dark red, sleeveless, V-neck dress that fell halfway down her thighs and black knee-high boots. It was a drastic change of clothing compared to all the white, tan, and gray she'd been wearing at the compound. The dress had arrived that morning in a package delivered to the compound as a gift from Ino along with the details about the location for the party. Neji spent the majority of their walk on the sidewalks glaring menacingly at the various male shinobi and civilians alike that paid a little too much attention to his friend. His own shirt and pants were a simple design of white and tan.
"It's also a celebration for my promotion to jounin," Sakura answered. "And Ino just wants to cheer everyone up with some levity." She elbowed him teasingly in the ribs. "Lighten up, Neji Hyuga."
Neji scowled at her and brushed aside her elbow. In the process he noticed her nails were painted dark red to match the dress. When had she done that? "And we're going by your parents house first, why?"
"The more questions you ask, the longer you won't be able to supervise Naruto with Hinata while they wait for us at the bar," Sakura pointed out in a sing-song voice.
His right eye twitched. Everyone in the Hyuga clan started to kowtow to his every whim and here was Sakura Haruno teasing him and bossing him around. He snapped to attention when she stopped abruptly outside the front door of a simple yellow wooden house. She knocked her knuckles against the front door. It sprung open with a large, harried, pink-haired man to greet them.
"This is a surprise," he said reaching out and embracing Sakura. He turned suspicious blue-gray eyes at Neji. "I take it you're Neji Hyuga? My name is Kizashi Haruno. My daughter saved your life."
Neji stared back expressionless at the large man. How did petite Sakura come from such a gigantic man? "I am Neji Hyuga and yes, she did," he agreed. It wasn't like he asked to be brought back, but it was all a moot point now.
"Kizashi! Stop standing there with the door open! In or out!" a feminine voice, whom Neji assumed was Sakura's mother, shouted from deep within the house.
Kizashi sighed and then ushered them inside. "Better hurry before we all get in trouble," he said.
Neji scanned the house, taking in the details of the pictures hanging on the walls, the houseplants that nearly created a jungle in the living room, and all the ribbons and medals that hung on the wall representing Sakura's academic achievements. She had more medals and ribbons than he did! And he was the smartest student in his class.
A blonde woman with jade green eyes like Sakura's poked her head out of the kitchen. "Welcome home, sweetie," she said smiling at Sakura. "I see Ino got that dress to you. You look beautiful!" Then she directed her eyes at Neji. "And you must be Neji. I'm Mebuki. Come into the kitchen. I just finished a batch of cookies."
"No thanks, Mom. We're about to eat with Ino and the others," Sakura explained. "I wanted to see if you received the invitation for the celebration with the Hyuga Clan for Neji's birthday this weekend."
"And you'll bring these cookies with you to share. It's not every day my baby makes jounin and you're going to at least have a cookie. Besides, you know how much Naruto loves them," Mebuki said in a bossy tone. She used a spatula to scoop the fresh cookies from the cookie sheets and deposited them into a plastic bowl. She sealed the top and then shoved the container at Sakura. "No arguing!"
"Why don't you two sit at the table?" Kizashi invited. Neji and Sakura sat across from him at the round dinner table. "And yes, we did receive the invitation. Though, we were stunned to be included in such a private event."
Mebuki shut off the oven and ventured over to the refrigerator where she took down a thick paper supported by a magnet. "Here's the formal invitation," she said placing it on the table between Neji and Sakura. It was made from mitsumata paper with elegant navy script embossed upon it. "So, any idea why we're being invited?"
"Your daughter has offered to help me. In order to appease my uncle, we told him that I was courting Sakura. The official announcement will be made at my party and it's important that her parents are there," Neji said bluntly. When he stated it aloud, it sounded like a very foolish idea. "She's buying me time until I can change the clan policies, now that I've been named heir," he explained.
"So you're not really courting?" Kizashi clarified, his blue-gray eyes narrowed suspiciously.
"No, and Lord Hiashi seems to have no intention of ending my stay at the compound!" Sakura cried out in frustration throwing her hands into the air. "I was hoping you two could request me back home so that I can return to the hospital and do what I do best. I've already trained the Hyugas in basic first aid and I'm confident that Naruto will be fine there. He and Hinata are courting for real. There's no reason for me to stay," Sakura reasoned.
Kizashi pointed an accusing finger at Neji. "Are you trying to say that my daughter isn't good enough for you to court?"
"What? No!" Neji answered, shocked at her father's tone. "Things are confusing. I went from subservient member of the Branch Family to heir of the Head Family. I can't even see my teammates anymore. And the only way I can leave the village on a mission is if I travel on a team of all jounin ranked individuals and with a highly skilled medical ninja - either Sakura or the Hokage herself!"
"Oh, that is troublesome," Kizashi said, his hand fell heavily to the table. "And you're okay with this?" he asked Sakura.
"I brought Neji back to life without stopping to think that maybe he didn't want to be brought back." She turned to face Neji, her eyes shown with emotion and she averted her eyes when she met his attentive gaze. "He sacrificed himself heroically during that last battle. I took that away and now he's in this strange situation. This is a consequence to my selfish decision," Sakura admitted.
"It wasn't selfish," Mebuki said. "All of your old school mates helped. Naruto was right beside you when it happened. I know, because he told me so." She turned to Neji. "You must be a very special friend that so many sacrificed part of their lives for you."
Neji looked away uncomfortable with the attention. The more he learned about Sakura resurrecting him, the less angry he felt about it, and the deeper his regret for his initial attitude towards her. "So, if you could request Sakura back then Uncle Hiashi would have to release her. She'll still keep up the charade of courting, but worry not, I will respect your daughter and not take advantage of her kindness."
Kizashi burst out laughing. "As if anyone could make Sakura do something she didn't want." He grinned at Mebuki. "We always wanted to see how the other half lived. One of the Noble clans of Konoha!" His expression grew solemn. "I remember your father, Hizashi, from the academy. Kizashi and Hizashi! He was a good student and was always kind and considerate."
"I try to honor his memory every day," Neji said, dipping his chin humbly.
"That's enough of this depressive talk. Sakura, we'll be there, but I don't know if we'll have much say. You are emancipated," Mebuki said.
"My uncle will respect your wishes out of a sense of propriety," Neji assured her.
"I see. Well, since you two won't be eating dinner with us go and get out of here. Celebrate with your friends," Mebuki ordered. "And take those cookies with you!"
With his arms full of a container of cookies, Neji escorted Sakura outside. They hurried to the bar Ino had reserved for their celebration. "Are your parents always so forceful?"
"You have no idea," Sakura assured him. She pulled back her hair into a high ponytail, displaying the elegant curve of her pale neck. "It's so hot and sticky outside in this humidity. Ugh."
Neji was pretty warm himself, but he didn't complain.
"You must be miserable with all that hair," Sakura said. She reached out, grasped his hair at the base of his neck, rolled it up and held it away from his back. She blew a cool breath against his exposed skin and he felt goosebumps trail down his arms. "See! I bet that's better!"
Neji stopped abruptly and grabbed Sakura's wrist gently. "Sakura, perhaps you've failed to notice, but there are many people on these streets and they are watching us."
Sakura shifted so that she stood in front of him, his hand still around her wrist. "Neji, I know we're being watched. I promised you my help in convincing your uncle of our courtship. Won't he believe reports received away from the compound so much more than what he sees under his own roof?"
Neji released her wrist and brought his hand against her shoulder and adjusted the strap of the red dress. "Very well," he murmured quietly. A movement to his right caught his eye and he recognized his uncle's advisor, Ishida. They were being spied upon after all. He should have realized Sakura's flirtatious actions were nothing more than an attempt to play the part.
OoO
Hinata and Naruto sat at a table in the Shinobi Lounge. She was dressed in a new solid white A-line dress and Naruto wore a black suit with an orange tie. It was a fairly small izakaya with a long wooden wet bar, a dozen tables, and a decently sized dance floor in the back. Soft rock music drifted over the speakers filling the establishment with a laid back, relaxing atmosphere.
Everyone had agreed to tabe-hodai, the all you can eat, price for unlimited food, but the drinks were charged separate. The owner, Mr. Wantanabe, was a friend of Ino's parents and after the loss of Inoichi he'd gone out of his way to keep up the spirits of the Yamanaka women. Ino had arranged to reserve the entire drinking establishment for a three hour period. She sat at the counter next to Tenten ready to greet their friends as they entered. Choji was in intense conversation with one of the chefs near the kitchen.
"I've never been in here before," Hinata whispered, leaning towards Naruto on her left. She brushed her arm against his and smiled at the innocent touch. Even after kissing her long-time crush, merely being in his presence sent fluttering sensations in her belly.
Naruto's bright blue eyes were trained on the door of the izakaya, but he turned towards her after she spoke. "Really? I've been here twice. Iruka brought me here for my last birthday. Before that, I had to chase after Jiraiya as he hid from Granny Tsunade inside here. It doubles as a popular karaoke bar." His eyes drifted back towards the door. "What's taking them so long?"
"Do you think they're in trouble?" Hinata asked. Her father had been reluctant to allow the four of them to leave for the evening, but when they explained it was to celebrate Sakura's promotion and Neji's birthday he eventually agreed. There had been compromises and a pair of Hyuga clan guards, Ko and Daisuke, stood just outside of the open door of the drinking lounge. Mr. Wantanabe didn't mind because it allowed him to give his bouncer the night off. "I've never met Sakura's parents."
"Ah, they're cool. Kizashi has this crazy pink hair!" Naruto held his hands up on either side of his head to indicate the bigness of the hair. "It's in the shape of a star! And her mother, Mebuki, she's very bossy, but she makes the best cookies!"
"I suppose I'll see them at the family celebration this weekend," Hinata said. She waved her hand at Kiba and Shino when they entered the izakaya. Kiba paused at the counter and spoke with the bartender before making his way over to their table. Shino ventured over to the table in the darkest corner and hid in the shadows.
"Hey, are you two having an actual conversation? You're dressed like a couple at a Western wedding. No one is passed out?" Kiba asked with a waggle of his dark eyebrows. He burst out laughing at his own attempt at humor.
Hinata's cheeks burned at his teasing, but Naruto glowered at the dog owner. He took hold of Hinata's hand and held it under the table, his grip strong and calloused. Her cheeks burned more, but she couldn't suppress the small smile upon her lips. "I am officially courting Hinata," Naruto explained.
Kiba held his hands up defensively and grinned, his fanged canines prominently displayed. "No problem here, you two. I'm happy for you!" Their waitress returned to their table with a wooden tray full of hot hand towels, drinks, and a tsukidashi appetizer. She gave each of them an oshibori to clean their hands. She then set the edamame in the center of the table and a drink in front of each of them. They were tumblers full of a strange blueish-green liquid. It smelled like sour apples.
"We didn't order these," Hinata protested.
"Thank you, Mikasa. I ordered the cocktails. It's on me," Kiba said. "I wanted to thank you both for being badasses on the battle field. I was truly impressed and haven't had a chance to really show my gratitude."
"I will be back with your waters in a moment," Mikasa said with a courteous bow before returning to the kitchen in the back.
"Thanks, Kiba," Naruto said. He picked up his drink and took a generous swallow. "You still don't have a chance at being Hokage!"
"The Springtime of Youth is upon us!" Rock Lee proclaimed as he ran inside of the bar. Both Hyuga guards shook their heads in amusement familiar with Neji's energetic teammate. "Let us celebrate our dear friends, Neji and Sakura!" He spun around, an eager smile upon his face. He blinked in confusion.
"They're not here you, genius," Ino said with a roll of her eyes. "Oh hey, Shikamaru, Temari," she greeted the couple with a wave of her hand as they entered the doorway to the lounge. Shikamaru sauntered in with Temari beside him. She had stayed in the village after the last battle for an indefinite period to serve as liaison between Sand and Leaf.
Choji had a tray in his arms that he carried to the center table. The tray was laden with various foods - yakitori, kushiyaki, sashimi, karaage, tofu, and tsukemono. "Itadakimasu everyone!" he exclaimed. Mikasa hurried after him with a tray full of glasses of water that she deposited in front of the guests.
"Don't worry, they'll be here," Naruto said, squeezing Hinata's hand. "And if they're not here in fifteen minutes I'll get them myself." As if his words had prophetic effect, Neji and Sakura entered the bar. His hands were full of a plastic container. "Cookies!" Naruto exclaimed, jumping up from the table and running towards Neji. He snatched the container out of Neji's hands. "Tell your mom thanks," he said to Sakura. He opened the lid and shoved a warm cinnamon and chocolate chip cookie into his mouth. "You've got to try these!" he said, carrying the container back to their booth and setting it in front of Hinata.
Kiba reached for a cookie, but Naruto slapped his hand away. "Wait your turn," he said while chewing. Hinata took one of the cookies and bit a small piece off - it was good! She pushed the container closer to Kiba and he snatched a couple.
"Don't eat too many, Kiba," Hinata scolded. "Dessert should be saved."
"I'll get us a couple of plates from Choji's table," Naruto offered. "Mikasa looks a little overwhelmed trying to get everyone their drinks." He hurried off to gather dishes for them and Hinata felt her heart swell at his thoughtfulness.
"Happy birthday, Neji!" Tenten said, launching herself at Neji and wrapping her arms around his waist in a hug. Sakura stepped out of the way and Ko and Daisuke both flinched at their posts, trying to decide whether or not to intervene. "I've missed you so much! Those two are driving me insane! When are you coming back?" she asked, her hands still at his waist.
Neji reached down and gently pushed away Tenten's hands. "Like I said the other night, I'm only allowed on missions with other jounin."
Tenten's dark eyes pinched at the corners as she turned her attention to Sakura. "Congratulations, again, on your promotion," she said with a forced smile.
"I think I should intervene," Kiba said. He picked up his drink and started for Tenten. "Congratulations Jounin Haruno and Happy Birthday Hyuga!" Kiba greeted with a grin. He held his drink out to Tenten. "You've got to try this, Tenten. I'd like your opinion on it."
"Oh, well okay," Tenten said with a confused smile.
Sakura walked past Neji and grabbed hold of Ino's hands. "All right, let's get this party started! Can we do something about the music?"
Ino pointed to Mr. Wantanabe. "I believe you can ask the esteemed proprietor."
Naruto returned with a plate of food for him and Hinata. "Where did Kiba go?"
"He went to save Neji from Tenten's attentions," Hinata said with a frown. She didn't realize that her cousin's teammate might have a crush on him. That would surely prove awkward when news of Neji and Sakura's supposed courtship became public knowledge.
"My rival!" Lee cried loudly reaching out to hug Neji. Neji stood there stoically with his arms at his sides and thinly pressed lips. "Join me at a table!" Lee said, grabbing hold of Neji's elbow and pulling him to the table catty corner to Hinata and Naruto's table. "Lovely Waitress, what is your name?"
The waitress cautiously approached the booth and placed the last couple of waters in front of them. "Mikasa," she introduced herself. "Would you like something to drink?"
"Yes! A tall jug of sake for my friend and I!" Lee said.
"I'm not sure it's a good idea for you to drink," Neji protested quietly. "You have that drunken fist problem."
"It's a celebration for my rival and the most lovely kunoichi of Konoha!" Lee announced. He stared longing at Sakura.
Neji looked in Hinata's direction and his lavender eyes pleaded silently for help.
The soft rock music abruptly stopped and a techno pop song burst over the loudspeakers. Sakura stood on the side of the dance floor with a microphone normally used for karaoke. "Okay guys! Let's get this party started!" She and Ino started to dance together, the two old friends laughing and having a good time while a multicolored strobe light shone down on them.
"That looks fun," Naruto said with a grin. "Let's join them," he said extending his hand to Hinata.
She shook her head vehemently. "Not just yet." She picked up a kushiyaki and slowly picked off the vegetables from the end of the skewer with her teeth.
Naruto's smile dimmed and he narrowed his eyes. "It will be fun. Are you sure?"
She chewed and swallowed her mouthful. "It's okay, don't worry about me. Go have fun! I'd like to watch, okay?" Hinata explained. She didn't miss the look of curiosity Ko shot towards her. She didn't want reports of inappropriate behavior sent back to her father. Ko wouldn't say anything detrimental to her, but Daisuke would in a heartbeat.
OoO
Sakura slid off her boots and grinned as Ino raised her arms in the air and rocked her long blond hair from side to side. Ino looked great in her purple cocktail dress and white strappy shoes.
"That dress looks sexy on you," Ino said with a grin. "I knew it would!"
Sakura smoothed her hands down the length of her skirt. "I was a little worried. I've not worn something like this before, but Hinata said it was pretty. And red is the Haruno color, so thank you."
"No problem. I owed you for my behavior. Besides, Sasuke won't be able to resist you wearing this," Ino said with a mischievous grin.
"Ino, I told you, I'm not looking for a relationship outside of friendship with anyone," Sakura chided.
Before Ino could respond, Naruto joined them on the dance floor with a cookie in hand. "Your mom is the best, Sakura-chan!" He finished the cookie and then started breakdancing. She forgot what a total goofball Naruto was on the dance floor.
Sakura looked across the izakaya and caught Neji's eye. He looked a little exacerbated by his teammates. Just when she was about to ask Ino if she actually invited Sasuke, she spied the brooding Uchiha at the entrance to the izakaya. Sasuke took a seat at the bar and Sai continued towards the dance floor. "Thank you for inviting him, Ino," Sakura whispered in her friend's ear.
"What are you doing?" Sai asked, looking between the trio on the dance floor.
"We're having fun!" Ino said, grabbing hold of Sai's hands and pulling him onto the floor with her. He stared at her dumbfounded for a moment, before a familiar fake smile spread across his lips and he started moving to the music.
"Go ask Hinata to dance again. I know for a fact that she's a good dancer," Sakura said to Naruto. "I'll go talk with Sasuke and make sure he has something to eat."
"All right," Naruto said. He hurried off the floor and this time didn't return until Hinata was with him.
Sakura slipped on her boots. She then danced around the waitress as Mikasa set another jug of sake in front of Lee. Neji, Lee, Tenten, and Kiba were crowded around one of the tables, everyone speaking animatedly except for Neji. The Hyuga heir sat there stoically and quietly. Sakura grinned to herself. This was a celebration for his birthday so he better get used to people wanting to spend time with with him! She picked up a couple of skewers of chicken and vegetables, as well a bowl of edamame from Choji's table.
Sasuke turned on his stool and watched Sakura's progress to him with dark, observant eyes. "Why did you stop dancing?" he asked. "It looked like you were having fun."
"I was, but I wanted to talk with you. Thank you for coming, Sasuke," Sakura said. She sat in the stool next to him and placed the food in front of him. She helped herself to one of the edamame and placed the empty shell in the waste bowl. "I was worried you wouldn't be able to make it."
Sasuke followed her example by taking an edamame. "My house arrest is over by the end of this week once Kakashi returns. Technically, I'm his ward. But since Sai is one of my ANBU guards he received special permission to let me come. My actions have been evidence of my willingness to return to daily Konoha life. So, starting next week, I'll resume genin duties of chasing cats and gardening," Sasuke said with a small smirk.
"I'm sure you'll make an excellent cat catcher," Sakura assured him. She asked for a water from Mr. Wantanbe and Sasuke asked for the same. She turned her attention back to him. "Are you looking forward to the Chunin Promotion Exam? Naruto would be happy to spar with you."
"And you?" Sasuke asked.
Sakura shrugged. "I have a tendency to destroy the practice fields," she confessed. "Though our restrictions with the Hyuga clan should loosen up. My two weeks are about to be up and now that Naruto and Hinata are courting Hiashi isn't going to want to upset the future Hokage."
"You mean me?" Sasuke joked.
"Normally, I'd say that anything is possible, but no one is taking the title of Hokage away from Naruto. I'll see to it myself," she said cracking her knuckles together. Mr. Wantanabe set their glasses of water in front of them on the counter. "Thank you," Sakura murmured. She closed her eyes and took a refreshing drink. She really had worked up a fever on the dance floor.
"You look very pretty," Sasuke said quietly.
Sakura opened her eyes in surprise. "Thank you." She turned on her stool with her back against the bar and faced the tables and dance floor. Somehow, Kiba had convinced Tenten to join him on the dance floor. Temari and Shikamaru were also dancing. She looked back at Sasuke with an eager smile. "You want to dance with me?"
Sasuke shook his head. "No." He stared down at his glass. "I want to ask if you've given any more thought to helping me with my goal."
"I just can't make any promises like that, Sasuke," Sakura said, angling back towards him. She really wished things were simple and she could agree and turn her sullen friend into a happy man. "Can't we just work on healing our friendship?"
Sasuke looked up from his glass and met her gaze, his dark eyes were intense and scary. He reached out and touched the back of her hand. "Sakura."
"Excuse me," Neji said. He stood right behind Sakura and she jumped at his unexpected proximity and pulled her hand away from Sasuke. "Would you like to dance?"
"Go ahead," Sasuke said. He turned back to his glass of water, the muscle in his jaw twitched in barely restrained anger.
"Kiba is trying to teach a line dance," Neji explained. "You are welcome to come too, Sasuke. Even Shino is out there."
"No thanks," Sasuke answered. "Thank you for the food, Sakura."
"You're welcome," Sakura said. She eased off her stool and followed after Neji. "I'm surprised you're wanting to dance," she confessed.
"I thought you could use rescuing," Neji said. His eyes skimmed over towards Lee and he cringed. "That one's going to need help getting home."
Sakura wanted to protest that she didn't need rescuing from Sasuke, but maybe she did. What was he about to ask? After years of being a runaway shinobi, why was it so important that he settle down so fast? They reached the dance floor where Kiba tried to explain a complicated line dance that he learned from his older sister.
Neji watched Kiba's every movement with an intense focus in his pale eyes. Sakura paid more attention to him paying attention that she failed to pick up some of the basic steps.
"What are you doing?" Neji asked, a frown on his face as she used her left foot to slide instead of her right. "You're backwards."
"I'm just a little confused," Sakura said with an embarrassed smile. She noticed that everyone else had learned the line dance just fine. Hinata and Naruto made it look easy.
"I'll show you, follow me," Neji said. He stood behind her and placed his hands on her hips. "Ready, go," he said when the next stanza in the song started. "Right hip, then left hip, then slide right, then slide left. Spin," he coached her through the basic steps. Sakura laughed, excited to have performed the dance correctly for the first time. When she spun around she caught a genuine smile on Neji's normally impassive face.
"I didn't realize the smartest girl in our class needed a private tutorial!" Kiba said, standing in front of Sakura and Neji. "You have it now?"
Sakura nodded, but at that moment she glanced up and met Sasuke's unhappy gaze. "I think I've had enough dancing for now," Sakura said. A flash of silvery-white caught her eye. "Wait, is that Kakashi and Gai?"
"What are you doing?" Kiba cried out rushing past them to the back of the dance floor. "It's not time for karaoke yet!"
Neji followed Sakura's gaze. "I thought they were both on a mission."
"I guess they're back," Sakura surmised. She watched as Kakashi approached Sasuke and stole some food from his plate. "Let's go say hi."
"All right," Neji agreed following after her. Behind them, Tenten's voice started drifting over the loudspeaker singing a popular pop song. "I hate karaoke," Neji grumbled.
"My favorite student!" Kakashi greeted when Sakura drew near. He reached out and ruffled her hair. "Are you making sure my ward here socializes?"
"I was trying to, but he's so stubborn," Sakura answered. She reached up and smoothed out her hair. It was funny, she could be dressed like a mature woman, but Kakashi had a gift to make her feel like she was twelve years old and he was her older brother that liked teasing at any opportunity. "What are you doing here?"
"I went to check on my ward here, but imagine my surprise when he wasn't home!" Kakashi said. "One of the guards told me about Sai's getting special permission to come and celebrate your promotion to jounin!" He snatched an edamame and snacked on it under his mask.
"Happy birthday, Neji!" Gai cried, throwing his arms around Neji's shoulders and drawing him in for a hug. "You are a man! A man in the Springtime of his Youth!"
"Um, thanks, Gai-sensei," Neji said, gently extracting himself from his teacher's embrace.
Gai opened his mouth to say more, tears welled in his eyes, but his attention focused on the dance floor. "Tenten is sharing the power of her voice!" He hurried off in her direction.
"I have to admit you're a better teacher than most options, Kakashi," Sasuke joked.
"And you're an ingrate," Kakashi said, snatching another edamame. "Your brother was much more respectful when he was under my leadership."
"You were on a team with Itachi?" Sasuke asked in surprise.
"Yep, I was the leader on his ANBU team," Kakashi said. He turned to Sakura and Neji. "Go on back to the dance floor. Have fun. I need to talk with Sasuke privately, if you don't mind," he said with a friendly eye crinkle.
"Of course," Sakura said. She reached out and hugged Kakashi briefly. His eyes widened in surprise. "I'm glad you're back." She followed Neji back to the dance floor, but now she didn't feel bad about ignoring Sasuke. A quick look over her shoulder revealed that the last Uchiha was already in deep conversation with his former mentor.
"You okay?" Neji asked.
"I think this celebration was a great idea," Sakura said hooking her arm in the crook of Neji's elbow. "Can we go over that line dance again?"
"Sure," Neji agreed. Tenten was now singing a duet with Gai at the microphone. "You think you can purge some of the alcohol from Lee's blood?"
"That's why we're going back to the dance floor," Sakura whispered. "Just get me close enough and I'll heal him before he even knows what's happening!"
"I'm starting to look forward to our next mission together," Neji said with an amused smirk.
A/N: So, I hope you enjoyed this latest chapter. It took me nearly a month to perfect it and set the right tone! I did end up caving and started a Sakura x Kakashi story, Life Lessons, last week. Anyways, thanks for sticking with me in this story even though I'm scatter-brained and take on too many stories at one time! Next chapter is Neji's much anticipated birthday! Thanks so much for your very appreciated reviews!
