Persuasion

When Sakura started visiting the main house, Neji was decidedly indifferent. It didn't really concern him; she came to tutor his cousin who was training to become a medic-nin. (Apparently her gentle nature was ideal for this kind of field)

But then he started noting obvious differences in his life, and this did concern him.

Normally, the Hyuuga main house was quiet, reserved, and rather gloomy, but with Sakura, it was as if a veil had been lifted and the previous black and white turned into color and became, dare he say, happier.

As soon as he would arrive home and see that bright burst of pink hair, the atmosphere seemed to lighten of its own accord. And it wasn't just the house, but Neji even felt his own spirits lift considerably.

With Sakura around, he smiled more, carried himself easier, and even felt the need to –gasp- engage in frivolous conversation (as long as Sakura was somehow involved of course).

Truthfully, Neji didn't know what to do with the strange changes occurring within and around him. And because he didn't know he became angry.

How dare he feel happy! Who said he wanted to feel this way in the first place?

Luckily for the household (who didn't particularly like to deal with a sulking Neji), this train of thinking was short-lived because…well…Sakura. Just because he didn't want to feel happy didn't make the jade-eyed woman any less potent, nor him less susceptible to her.

But, sadly, all good things must come to an end.

After awhile, Hinata no longer needed Sakura's tutoring, which meant she would no longer be making these visits.

Neji found he liked this even less than he had liked being happy, so he made up his mind to do something about it.

Sakura and Hinata sat on the porch one evening, talking and giggling like they always did. The only difference was this would be the last night Sakura would be visiting.

So, when Hinata was called away for a moment by her father, Neji decided it was time to make his move.

"Haruno-san," Neji calmly greeted, moving to take a seat next to the kunoichi and trying to remain indifferent, even over the thousand-watt smile she was currently giving him.

"Oh, hey Neji-san!" Sakura replied brightly, moving her body so she was facing the pale-eyed boy.

Neji felt his face soften slightly in a way he wasn't quite happy about, but still managed to say evenly, "I heard Hinata-san has been doing well in her training."

Sakura smiled proudly. "Oh yes! She's been doing very well. She doesn't even need my tutoring anymore."

"I see." Neji offered cryptically, but then he saw Sakura's smile turn slightly bitter-sweet.

"But I'll really miss coming over here to visit with you," she admitted, her eyes shining apologetically.

Neji took a deep breath before he spoke quietly. "There is nothing stopping you from visiting if you wish to."

Sakura blinked in surprise and gave a lop-sided smile, her eyes gazing out across the courtyard. "I'll see Hinata plenty at the hospital now, so what would be the purpose of me coming?" She paused and green eyes found pale ones as she added, "Unless you can think of a reason for me to come by?"

And that was it.

A hand suddenly reached out and took hold of her chin, and before either really knew what was happening, the distance between them was being closed and their lips touched.

Neji was slow at first, brushing her lips with his own in brief, gentle strokes while enjoying the softness. She was warm and sweet and he immediately wanted more so he pulled her closer with this other hand cradling the back of her head.

Now his kisses turned hungry and full of want, and finding herself, Sakura replied similarly, tangling her fingers in his soft chocolate locks and pushing herself further to him.

His tongue slid across her bottom lip and she eagerly parted to allow him to taste her further. Shyly, she met his tongue with her own in a slow caress and Neji felt as if he was on fire. He felt he could definitely get used to this feeling.

But all too soon, the two had to part for air and Neji found himself looking down at a panting, yet quite happy, Sakura. He couldn't help but feel pleased seeing how her eyes were glazed and her cheeks were almost as pink as her hair.

Smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth, Neji finally found his voice. "I hope I have given you a satisfactory reason to return."

Sakura contemplated this for a moment before grinning slyly and pulling his face back down to hers.

"That was pretty good, but I think I need more persuading."

fin

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Yay Neji, I reallly to luff him! Well I hope everyone liked this one, it was fun to write : ) It had been about a week since I updated and so I sat myself down and made myself come up with something, and I did. Since Neji was the winner of voting this week, he got the story. Oh, and thanks so much to everyone who has been reviewing and voting for what pairings you want. You make me so happy! You are all so awesome!

Ok so votes for DeiSaku and SasoSaku have been running pretty evenly, so I was thinking I might try a DeiSakuSaso if people don't mind. boggles but who knows, maybe there will be a landslide for one particular pairing...either way, keep on reviewing and voting!

Votes:

Neji/Saku 10

Saso/Saku 7

Dei/Saku 6

Kaka/Saku 3

Gaa/Saku 3

Sai/Saku 2

Kabuto/Saku 2

Lee/Saku 1

--Miss Soupy