Thank you for all the nice reviews on Strength and Stronger. I decided to try my hand at a Neji/Sakura fic. So you should know, Italics is basically Neji thinking about the past. Regular font will be Sakura talking at any moment in time.

Anonymous

Back there, when she hugged him, stopped him from killing the soundnin, I felt so alone. Sure, I had TenTen hitting on me constantly, and Lee was always trying to at least knock me off guard, but seeing their bodies connect, match perfectly, I was lost.

She is beautiful, smart, sarcastic, and almost perfect. The one thing I hate about her is that she's Sasuke's. She'll never be mine. I hate that.

'He's weak' was all I could think when he couldn't even beat Lee. 'He'll never make it to the second exam! This is going to be so easy'

She made it through, but only because of her love for Sasuke. Not for herself, or for me.

When he left all I could think for at least a year was "She's mine! All I have to do is ask, she won't reject me like Lee, I know, because I love her from a distance yet love her close enough that she doesn't know yet that she is not in love with him."

"TenTen, what should I do? I'd really like to ask this girl out, but I don't know if she likes me."

"Who is it? If you know her personality, you'll have a better chance of getting a positive response."

"Well she's a smart, beautiful, and strong kunoichi."

"Well that narrows it down quite a bit to about every kunoichi in our grade and the grade under us."

"I can see if I can find out more."

"That would be good. Lee knows me so well he treats me like royalty, but that's only because we're teammates."

"Oh, okay."

"Neji, I don't want to see you emotionally hurt, so don't do something stupid."

"You know me, TenTen, I always think things through."

I waited years to finally sum up the courage to talk to her about her personal life; we were friends ever since Sasuke left. I had pity on her, seeing as she couldn't see how naive she was being. Waiting for Sasuke to come back to her. It wasn't one of her smarter choices, but I guess that's what they mean "Love is blind" or something like that.

Neji is such a sweet person. He really cares about how I feel. If he asked me out I would probably say yes, if there was proof Sasuke wasn't coming back.

He makes sure that I'm okay, not depressed or suicidal. I never took him for the type to check up on you every other day when going through emotional stress. He truly is a sweet person.

I'm always waiting for Sasuke at the gates to the entrance of the village. He never comes. I guess I'll wait for him forever. I still love him, I think….

At least I know now that she's not going to accept a date from anyone but Sasuke unless he truly is gone. I won't say I hope he's gone, but I do wish he is.

TenTen keeps asking if I've found out more about this girl I like I tell her yes.

"TenTen, I appreciate the help, but I've decided to do things my way."

"That's okay too, Neji-kun! I'm happy for you!"

"You don't have to call me Neji-kun, Neji is fine."

"Okay Neji!"

"Neji, can I talk to you?" Lee asks.

"Sure,"

"Neji, I've noticed you and Sakura lately have become closer. Are you going out?"

"No."

"You clearly like her, why don't you ask her out?"

"She told me herself that she won't accept a date from anyone but Sasuke."

"Or you."

"Lee, now your just saying that to watch someone who can stand up to A.N.B.U. from hostile lands, get knocked down by a pink-haired girl."

"That's not true. She told me herself that she likes you…a lot."

"We can't be talking about the same Sakura here."

"I'm talking about Haruno Sakura. Who are you talking about?"

"Haruno Sakura, as well."

"See, I told you, she likes you. Just ask her out."

"We'll see."

Neji's been distant lately, I don't know if it has to do with me, but I'd like to find out. When he would visit me as my bodyguard while I slept he would hold my hand, whisper, "It's okay, Sakura, I won't let anyone hurt you." He doesn't do that any more. I miss it dearly.

I guess after Sasuke left, I got kind of paranoid. Neji was the only person who understood, or at least pretended to understand, what my feelings were.

I hope we can still be friends.

Well, Haruno Sakura has captured my heart and won't let go. How long will I survive, loving her from the shadows? I truly don't know.

For the longest time I was her bodyguard. She was paranoid at almost every little sound. Sometimes I found it annoying, sometimes calming her down would calm me down. How long will I survive?

I love her. Does she love me?

The only question I need to ask her is, "Will you go out with me?" or "Would you like to do dinner sometime?"

Why can't I ask her? When I'm around her I…I act kind of like a fool. I don't know why. Is this a crush, or is this love?

I don't think I'll ever know.

The opportunity came and went several times. Now, I think this is my last chance.

Neji's been so kind up 'till now. I wonder what's wrong. Some days he's still my bodyguard, but on those days he's distant. Cold. Like Sasuke was. I don't think I'll ever understand either of them.

"Sakura, would you like to have dinner sometime?" I ask.

Her answer, "Yes. I'd love that."

Okay, that's me trying my had at a Neji/Sakura fic. So what'cha think? Is it any good? I liked it, but it's not exactly my brain child. Maybe next time. Truthfully I planned for Neji to get jilted but, oh well! Sayonara!