Change of Scenery
I don't own Naruto, there that's my disclaimer.
Both frozen at the sound of the voice; he had seen her.
"Frozen in happiness? I'm flattered."
"Uchiha," Neji spoke
"Hyuga, good to see you. I'd love to discuss how you've been, but see you're not the one I'm looking to talk to." Uchiha spoke
Sakura took a second to steel herself up before replying to him. "What do you want?"
"No pleasantries? We haven't seen each other in years! Not even a small Hi?" Sasuke kept pushing, hoping to hit that button. Watching the Kunoichi glare at him. She wanted to know why he was playing with her. "Nothing? I thought there would be something for the boy you love." Knowing that would hit a nerve
"That love left when you left me on a bench. I'll repeat myself, what do you want?"
"Right, to the point. Now, what I was is -you."
Glad for the quick thinking, "You don't get to come back after years and say that. You don't get me."
"You'll want me."
"No, I won't. I never will." Sakura spoke, watching Neji move into his battle stance. Sakura had moved to put her gloves on when she got back to camp.
"So, it's come to this. We have to fight. You and Naruto, always fight first, talk later. So be it." Sasuke came at Sakura, ignoring Neji completely. Sakura didn't seem to be having a problem keeping up with him.
"You have improved, that's impressive," Sasuke smirked
"Hn," Sakura replied, giving him the old Uchiha syllable.
"Oh, you want it to be that way." Sakura didn't notice his eyes until now, they were transferring from their black to blood-red. "You could have just come with me!" He yelled
Neji jumped in, trying to help Sakura the best he could. Neji could see the chakra building within Sakura, not sure what she had up her sleeve. Hearing her yell to him to move, he jumped back watching. Watching her punch the ground, shocking Sasuke. Before they knew it, Sakura had disappeared. Neji was the first to see her, she was moving at the speed of Lee. Also noticing a shift in her chakra, it was the green hue he associated with her, was turning blue. Dawning on him, they were chakra scalpels. Watching the Uchiha do his best to keep them away from him, as he must know from Kabuto. Then it happened, she somehow got his right arm and left leg.
Neji and Naruto ran at them, one seeing the buildup and the other knowing that Sakura wasn't in her right mind. The buildup was in her right palm and growing. Naruto grabbed Uchiha who was caught off guard by the killer intent Sakura had, Neji had Sakura. Jumping in between the two prepared to close chakra points, watching Sakura's hand stop just inches away from his heart.
Sasuke had a shocked expression on his face, looking at Sakura and her eyes. Naruto wasted no time, putting the chakra rope around Sasuke. The rest of the team had arrived moments before, watching Sakura almost kill their former teammate. All of them were in shock, they'd seen Sakura mad; this was beyond that. This wasn't the Sakura they knew.
"Sakura?" Neji spoke softly his hand holding her arm, watching her hardened features softening if only slightly. Watching the chakra disperse, changing from blue back to green.
"You did it Sakura," Neji spoke nodding to the other group going to take Sasuke back to the village. "We should head back to the village," Neji spoke suggesting to her
Watching the rest of the team leave with Sasuke, he stayed behind with Sakura.
"I was getting ready to kill him," Sakura started "He's faster than that. He wasn't giving his all and I almost killed him! I let my emotions get in my way!" Feeling disgusted with herself, ripping her arm from Neji's grasp
"He was taunting you the whole time."
"That is no excuse! You know that as well as I do!" Sakura stopped gasping out. Putting her hand on her shoulder feeling the blood and then the rest of the injuries she sustained.
"You need to heal yourself. I didn't notice these during the fight."
"A genjutsu," Sakura spoke finishing up on the major wounds
"You are anything but weak," Neji spoke bluntly
"If he's been going full-on, I never would have been able to beat him."
"Can't you just take a compliment?"
"Not when I don't deserve it. We need to get back to the Hokage, she is expecting us." Sakura spoke softly, turning in the direction of the village. Making sure Neji was ready, she took off Neji beside her
Running past the guards that were waving them by, moving hastily to the Hokage tower. Shizune opened the door, ushering them in. Tsunade stood at her desk, giving the two that were late a look. The rest of the team was staring at her, holding her head high.
"I had to heal myself before we could return," Sakura answered her mentors look; Tsunade beckoned her over
Checking her over quickly, it was clear that she was out of danger. Motioning her to sit down, Neji stood beside her.
"Good job at bringing him in. Sakura, from what your team has said it was you to fight him."
"Hai," Sakura answered
"What can you tell about him?"
"The fight was difficult, but Uchiha wasn't giving his all during it. I could tell that he was holding back, he kept taunting me. From what I've gathered is he wanted to get a rise out of me." Sakura told her mentor what had happened, Tsunade turned to Neji who nodded his confirmation
"Alright. Get me your mission reports as soon as possible. Sakura and Neji, I must speak to you privately. Everyone else get out." Tsunade spoke rubbing her face. Once the door closed, Tsunade moved to stand in front of her desk.
"Sakura, do you know why I sent you on this mission?"
"To make sure that I could do fieldwork. See if I'm capable of handling it?" Sakura asked back
Tsunade chuckled, just like her to avoid questions. Maybe she'd trained her too well. "No, it is neither of those. I've noticed that between your training with me, the duties at the hospital, and your own training, you are losing yourself."
"Tsunade, I am-." Sakura spoke back
"Sakura shut up and listen to me. Some people are concerned about you. I am concerned about you." Tsunade spoke, seeing her student's head fall. The tension in her shoulders growing, hating that the next step could potentially break her. "Until further notice, you are relieved of all hospital duties. Our training time on Wednesdays will continue if you want. On the plus side, Lord Hiashi has spoken to me. He would like to speak to you after our meeting. I know what happened with Sasuke, Naruto told me. You need to take this time to heal yourself. You've done enough. Understood?"
"Hai, Lady Hokage," Sakura spoke leaving her head down
Tsunade sighed, not as bad but in a different way. "Sakura, look at me," Tsunade spoke softly
Sakura lifted her head, showing the tears that were making their way down her face. The one thing she refused to let fall was her stern features. Neji looked between the two women, trying to figure out what he should do if anything.
"We all have a point in our careers where we must step back and find ourselves again. Think of this as a type of training, learn to find that middle ground. You're no longer that little girl that can't help herself, you've grown into a well-known Kunoichi and medic. Take pride in that. Go see Hiashi and see what that old bat wants. Don't tell him I said that-." Tsunade gave a fierce look to Neji who gave a sharp nod. "Sakura, it will be okay. Think of all the chances you'll have for fieldwork; you could even go back to traveling like you wanted to do."
Sakura gave a small sad smile.
"Trust me when I saw this is just a hill you have to get over." Tsunade patted her face; she'd grown attached to this young woman. "Neji, report back to me tomorrow morning for another mission. Go on, get going." Tsunade stood moving behind her desk
Being dismissed, the duo left. Watching them leave, she hated that. Knowing that was what was best for her, she couldn't have her become more unstable. Whatever Hiashi had planned, it had better work.
-X-
Neji followed Sakura, not feeling right to leave her alone at this moment. Neither spoke, with Neji refusing to initiate the conversation. Had it been anyone else, including his own teammates, he'd have left them back at the Hokage tower. There was no reason for him to stay with the girl beside him. It was as if his mind decided this without him.
Sakura was hoping that when she left the Hokage tower she could find someplace to wallow in her self-pity. At least for a few moments before making her way to the Hyuga compound. Neji ruined those plans. Not sure why he stuck around, he was confusing, and she sure as hell didn't need that. All she could remember from all the time she'd spent with him, he cared only for himself and maybe Hinata. That was probably due to her becoming the heiress to the Hyuga clan. Reaching her destination, she did everything she could to halt all the thoughts in her head.
"Why did you follow me?" Sakura asked her intruder
"You're to meet with Lord Hiashi, as am I," Neji answered
"I don't need you watching over me, I'm fine."
"That is not the reason Hurano-san, I always meet with Uncle after my missions." Neji spoke. Most of what he said was true, the meetings usually happened the next day. That was a detail that could be overlooked.
"Oh. I understand, I'm sorry Hyuga-san." Sakura started. "I needed a moment; I understand why it happened. Just- oh never mind." She stopped herself from letting out her feelings to the one who didn't seem to have any
"Are you ready? Uncle doesn't like to be kept waiting." Neji tried to get her moving again, she seemed to do better while moving
"Hai, let's go."
Neji nodded, leading her in the direction of the compound. Being as it was still a distance away, that could have been avoided if she hadn't led him to a hill. It didn't seem like a special hill, just something out of the way. There were much better places to go to find some peace. Reaching the compound in record time, Neji was greeted by the guards allowing the pink-haired girl in with him. Smirking when he heard the gasp that came from the girl beside him, glancing at her from the corner of his eye. Watching her look everywhere while greeting some of the family that came a crossed their path. She was beautiful. Almost stopping in his tracks, he couldn't believe that he'd uttered that thought.
"Hyuga-san, is there something wrong?" Sakura asked him, worry etched into her face
"No, sorry. I just remembered that I'm to see Lee after I returned from this mission." Neji spoke, glad that he was a fast talker
"Would you mind if I joined you? I haven't seen Lee in some time." Sakura spoke, and Neji saw a little light in her eyes. He wouldn't admit to it, but it made him feel a certain kind of way.
"Of course, Hurano-san," Neji spoke, opening the door for her
"Thank you. Oh, and please call me Sakura. I've had enough of the formalities at the hospital and clan council."
"Then I insist you call me Neji then."
Sakura gave him a soft smile, "Fine."
Sakura felt slightly better, Neji seemed to have a calming effect that helped her. Allowing herself to relax some might have helped too. She remembered the boy from years ago, as of now he was the same boy. Cold, distant, and kept to himself, yet there was something else about him she couldn't pick up on. He seemed to grow up and allow for conversation, maybe she could like this new personality he had.
Neji stopped them outside a large Shoji door, lightly knocking they waited to enter.
"Come." The voice was soft but firm
Observing the room, it wasn't highly decorated. One could consider it plain, to Sakura it was done beautifully. Noticing Hiashi behind the desk, he appeared to be reading a scroll.
"Lord Hiashi," Neji announced himself, bowing. Sakura took the same cue to do the same
Hiashi glanced up, all the anger leaving his face. "Nephew, Miss Hurano, I am glad you're back. I take it that the mission was a success?"
"Yes sir, Sak- Hurano-san, brought Uchiha back to the village in custody."
"Uchiha is back?" Hiashi spoke surprised
"Uchiha Sasuke, sir." Neji fixed his answer
Hiashi smiled, one that made Neji nervous. He never saw his uncle smile, what was he up to. "I am sure you are wondering why I have asked you to come here Miss Hurano. As you might have heard my daughter, Hanabi is looking to become a medic. She is in desperate need in many areas, surprisingly she is lacking in her chakra control."
"I can certainly recommend someone that could help her sir." Sakura responded
Chuckling, "I see that I must make myself more forward. What I am proposing is that person be you to help my daughter. You have the best abilities out of anyone. I have spoken to the Hokage, she thinks this is a wonderful idea. She also made she that we discuss your payment for this. Our clan would be honored if you would live with us, we would care for your apartment. Once the training is done, you can return to that one, or we could even help with an upgrade if you wished for it. Something to consider is we do try to eat as a family when possible.
"Another thing I'd like you to consider is that as a fellow clan leader, I would like to assist you and train you. Your sensei is wonderful at many things, being a clan head is not one. He is not a good example of what to do during those meetings." Hiashi explained
"Train me, what do you mean?" Sakura asked confused
"As in diplomatic arrangements and techniques. I knew both of your parents; they were hardheaded but were excellent shinobis. Unfortunately, they did not pass on the knowledge to their rightful heir when they could. I do not have their knowledge before you ask, I do not know the Huranos before them. I am willing to teach you what I can, show you the way."
Sakura was speechless, was this happening. Could this really be happening? The Hyuga's never made- no, never gave offers like this to outsiders.
"What do you think Miss Hurano?"
"Yes, of course! I would be honored to do this, Lord Hiashi." Sakura bowed
"No Miss Hurano, it is the Hyuga Clans' honor. You have saved us all at one time or another." Hiashi smiled
"Thank you."
"Of course. If you don't mind, I will be sending movers to get your stuff and bring it here. If that is acceptable to you, I would get an overnight bag."
"Oh, yes that is fine." Sakura wasn't used to being pampered if that was what this was considered
"Alright, your belongings will be placed in your room. Neji, there is a room vacant next to you. We've started updating some of the rooms in the main house, we do not wish to disturb you." Hiashi spoke to them "Neji, you will also be the one to show Miss Hurano around and help her if she needs it. You are her guide while she resides with us. A breakdown of our dining times; Breakfast at 7, lunch at noon, and dinner at 7. If you need anything, please ask Neji or me."
"Thank you, I hope that I reach your expectations."
Hiashi smiled, "I am sure you will. One last thing before you go."
"Hai?"
"Is there any way to get Uzumaki out of the orange jumpsuit?"
Sakura laughed, "If I knew how I would have done it already! If I figure it out, I'll let you know!"
Hiashi chuckled at the girl, "Thank you, you're both dismissed. I will see you at dinner."
Sakura and Neji bowed leaving Hiashi's office. "I guess I should go get a bag. Then we can go see Lee." Sakura spoke, turning to Neji to see what his thoughts were
Leading them outside, "Of course, lead the way."
Sakura nodded, feeling the tension grow. Not sure and not wanting to address it, she led the way to her place in silence. It was normal for the thoughts in her mind to keep her company, it had been so long since she'd held a conversation outside of the hospital.
Neji didn't pay attention to the atmosphere; he was going over his Uncle's words. He didn't understand when he decided to upgrade the room out of the blue, they'd never done it! Knowing that he would have to get to the bottom of whatever his uncle had planned, he didn't like the surprises that were in store.
Neji noticed one thing; Sakura was quiet. He'd heard it from Naruto, he was witnessing that he wasn't over exaggerating it. Sakura was more mature and held herself in a different way than other Kunoichis. However, her skills in talking lacked. Not like he could say much, he too lacked that ability. Maybe she was a different person on missions. She had to be, she acted too professional for that.
"I'm not used to having someone around me." Sakura finally spoke, "I'm not complaining. I- I just don't even know how to explain it."
"I understand," Neji spoke truthfully. He never spent much time with anyone, unless needed.
"Thanks for understanding. My place is where it was the last time you were there, well before the mission briefing, we had." Sakura explained
"I noticed that you've decorated sparsely."
"The motivation wasn't there before. Now it's turned into I was too busy to do anything."
"I see." Neji didn't like the small talk, hoping that it would end
"It's right up there," Sakura said, not taking the hit
"You don't have to make conversation," Neji told her plainly
"I know. I guess I have missed talking about anything other than medical stuff. It's been a long time since I haven't had to worry about being professional, I can just be me for a change." Sakura explained, trying to find the right words
"Those times become few and far between, so that is understandable. You have to find time to do things for yourself." Neji spoke as if he was speaking from experience
Nodding in reply, they had made it to her apartment. Letting them in, Sakura threw her keys in the little bowl by the door. Telling Neji to make himself comfortable, she left to start packing. Grabbing her only duffle bag, she started in the bathroom. Everything in there was either empty or beyond packing, throwing it all in the garbage. Moving to her room, she started with weapons and then to the dressers. Opening draw after draw, they were empty. Sakura sighed once more, seriously had she gotten that bad?
"Something wrong?" Neji asked, hearing the multitude of sighs
"No- yeah. I'm going to have to go shopping. I'm lacking in, well, everything. I didn't realize how little of everything I had. Most of the clothes I have are now dirty due to the mission." Sakura spoke, looking at the half-full bag.
"After dinner, I can take you to the shops if you wish." Neji spoke, noticing a picture laying down to the one he took. He hadn't noticed that the other night
"Thank you, I don't see how you get around the compound! It's huge!" Sakura smiled, moving from the bedroom to kitchen
"Just takes time." Neji answered, moving to the photo picking it up. It was the picture of team seven. "Why do you have this facing down?"
Sakura peaked around the corner, "Why look at it and feel disappointment? If you were the weak one, the girl whose most important thought would be 'Would Sasuke-Kun think this cute?'. Would you look at it?" Sakura asked him back
"Hai," Neji answered her. Sakura looked at him shocked, wanting him to elaborate on his answer. "It would remind me to be and do better. Remind me of how far I'd come and that I was better than that." Neji explained, knowing he wouldn't hear the end of it
"ArigotÅ." Sakura smiled, placing that in the bag.
"I see you still have this." Neji spoke watching Sakura put the other photo in her bag.
"Yeah."
"Why?"
"I guess the memories behind it remind me of the girl I could've been. Worried less about boys and more about being myself." Sakura smiled, "Plus, it's a good picture and one of the only ones I have left of my childhood."
Neji nodded, there wasn't anything more to say.
"Well, there isn't much left to pack," Sakura spoke following Neji to the door, grabbing the key.
"That will be easier on you. We should get going to Lee's." Sakura nodded, following Neji this time around
Walking side by side, Sakura noticed she was at least a foot shorter than the Hyuga beside her. His hair still in the high ponytail from the mission. She wondered if that was how he wore it now. Whenever he came in from a mission, his hair was more or less a mess. Feeling the nagging from inner-Sakura now that her mind had calmed down, it was time to silence her for a while.
"When I was kicked out of my parents' house and fell sick, you came to see me." Sakura made the statement
"Yes, I did." Neji stated back
"Why?"
"It felt right at the time."
Sakura still didn't understand, "Would you do it again?"
"Yes." Neji spoke, stopping at a door. This didn't allow any more time to question his antics.
Knocking on the door, they waited for the occupants to come to relieve him of the awkward conversation. He didn't feel like pouring his heart out in a public setting. Watching the door swing open revealed Lee and Tenten.
"She said yes!" Lee shouted
Startled at the outburst. "What?" Neji asked
"My rival, I win again! I told you! I was to ask the lady of my dreams to marry me!" Lee exclaimed, "Tenten said yes!"
Tenten was beaming next to him, Neji was finally able to put everything together. "I am happy for both of you."
"Thank you! Sakura-chan, I am so glad you could hear the wonderful news!"
Sakura smiled softly at her friends, "I'm happy for both of you! It is wonderful news!" Trying to put her best face forward
"We must go tell Guy-sensei this news!" Lee spoke, barely staying on the ground. "Please excuse us, it was good to see you both!" Moving out of their way, they shut their door leaving them
"That was unexpected," Sakura spoke
"Very." Neji agreed
After the odd encounter with Lee and Tenten, they headed back to the compound. Neji showed Sakura her room, telling her he'd be back in an hour for dinner. Setting out to put the few items she had away, she placed the two photos she had on a small table by the bedroll. Nothing that had happened in the last twenty-four hours made sense. It all started with this mission, then Sasuke. Now she was on a vacation from the hospital. Thinking that way made it easier to think about. Lastly, there was Lord Hiashi's offer, that landed her next door to Neji.
They had talked more now in the few hours together, than the mission and years past! It was unnerving how comfortable she felt with him. Maybe it was because he was the first person in a while to spend time with her. That had to be it.
Looking to her door after there was knocking, "Come in."
Neji entered the room with something in his arms. "I wasn't sure if you had a change of clothes for tonight. Hinata had these for you to borrow." He walked over to where she was sitting
Moving to stand, "Thank you, Hyu- Neji-san." Sakura smiled taking the garments from him
"Of course." Giving a slight nod, he left her with the clothes. Also, he left her with a growing feeling she did not understand nor like.
Knowing she couldn't ponder on her feelings for long, the shower was calling her name. Using the provided shower supplies, she was glad to get the caked-on sweat off her body. Getting out and trying on the borrowed clothes, that were rather snug. Grateful for them, she couldn't wait until she could have some of her own. Throwing all her dirty clothes into the basket by the door, she'd figure out where to wash these. With time to spare, Sakura emptied her bag on the floor starting to go through it. Wanting to make sure she needed nothing, she started a list of the things that she would need.
Hearing the knocking again, "I'm early, may I come in?" it was Neji
"Sure," Sakura called, sorting her things
Neji came to stand beside Sakura, gazing over her things. His eyes settled on her chakra gloves. Grabbing them, they were old and deteriorating. "Being as you're making a list; you should put these on it."
Having a pen and paper, she was creating a list when Neji spoke. Peering up to him, he was holding her gloves. "I'll see. They're not usually cheap, I saved for six months to get those. The essentials are more important."
Nodding, understanding, he watched on making the list. There was no rhyme or reason to it, just thrown together. Not at all what he pictured her list would look like. "We should leave for dinner if we are to arrive on time."
"Perfect timing. I'm done." Sakura smiled standing, placing the list into her pocket
The Hyuga led the way to the dining room, which was eerily quiet. Even for the Hyuga house. Neji usually heard Hanabi running her mouth off about something. Opening the door for Sakura, he figured it out.
"Happy Birthday!" They heard; it was mostly Naruto that was heard screaming
Sakura stood shocked, "It's my birthday?"
"March 28th, right? Was I wrong?" Naruto went into full panic mode
"No, you were right. Thank you, Naruto." Sakura smiled at him. It wasn't huge, but it was big enough to make her brother happy
Naruto came and engulfed her in a hug, then laughed nervously. "I was worried there for a minute."
Sakura chuckled, just like Naruto to try and do something for her. It didn't always work out, but he tried.
"Miss Hurano, Mr. Uzumaki told me that it was your birthday. I have had the cooks prepare something special for us. Let's all sit, Neji has a seat next to him that is open."
Taking their seats, the food started to come out. The food was extraordinary. Some of the best food Sakura had ever had, granted hospital food wasn't that great.
"Who forgets their own birthday?" Hanabi questioned, Sakura looked over to her new student
"Hanabi, not now." Her father chastised her
"No! It's a perfect time! You expect her to train me?" Annoyance was laced in her voice
"You don't even-." Naruto began
Sakura held her hand up to her friend, "You want to know why I don't remember my birthday; I will tell you. It's the day I was old enough to pay rent, days after my teammate left the village, and the day my parents died. Worst of all, it was the day I wasn't strong enough to save a little boy. That little boy who was so far gone due to sound deciding that it would be fun to experiment on little children. I had to be the one to end his suffering. There you have it. There has been nothing good coming out of my birthday in the past years. Why celebrate? Would you like to remember those things?" Sakura explained, watching the girl squirm in her seat
"Sakura-." Hinata started
"Miss Hurano, I am sorry for my daughter's words." Lord Hiashi spoke, "Hanabi, after dinner you will with me to discuss your actions. From this point, you will address her with respect is that understood?"
"Yes sir. I'm sorry sensei." Hanabi spoke
Sakura nodded, "Monday, you can show me your apology. We begin our day at four." Her voice was firm
Hanabi nodded, clearly learning that she should think before letting the words flow from her mouth. After a moment, Naruto started talking again about some of the good times they had on missions. As always, Hinata and Sakura would jump in to fix some of the details that went askew. One thing Sakura could always count on was Naruto's never-ending chatter.
Dinner ended with a quick dessert. Naruto and Hinata gave Sakura hugs before leaving to walk in the gardens, Hiashi excused himself and Hanabi.
"Are you ready?" Neji asked
"Sure. Do we clean up?" Sakura asked, looking at the mess
"No, someone will be in after we leave." Neji started out the door, with Sakura moving to catch up
Taking until the time they were outside of the compound to catch up to Neji's strides. His strides were almost double hers! Walking through the streets, so many things had changed. What never changed was the number of people that would stop her, thanking her. Even the little kids, mainly little boys, would bring her flowers.
"You have a knack for the people, they adore you," Neji stated watching displays of affection, what he didn't appreciate was the little boys giving him nasty looks
"I guess I do. This is the first time in a while that I've been out and about! My time has been spent either at the hospital or training, thankfully Naruto and Kaka kept my house stocked." Sakura laughed
Reaching the first stop, Sakura began work on her list. Moving from shop to shop picking up the items she required, if she didn't have the strength to carry these bags she'd be doomed. Heading into one of the last shops, she found what she was looking for. Finding a pair of chakra gloves that she liked, and fit in, she pondered the price. Finally asking the vendor how much.
Sakura sighed, hearing the price. Calculating her budget, she only had enough for the next stop. "Not today. I can't, thank you." Continuing to the last store, Neji announced he had to grab something. Waving him off, she continued to grab some clothes she liked.
Once Neji returned, Sakura was finishing up. Noticing that he came back empty-handed, Sakura pointed that out. Giving the reply that wanted was gone when he got back, ending that conversation. Sakura bought a good amount of clothes, even finding some new daily clothes that were out of her norm. Neji took some of the bags off her hands, making their way back to the compound. Helping her to sort the bags, he stopped when she started putting things away. Looking at everything, she might have overspent.
"I'm going to let you get settled, I have to be up early tomorrow," Neji spoke, achieving Sakura's attention
"Oh, I'm sorry. I got so wrapped up in putting everything away." Sakura blushed, which didn't make sense to her
"It's fine," Neji spoke. Moving closer to her, "I have one more thing for you." Neji pulled out a box, holding it out for her
Looking at the box, trying to figure out what it was. Neji held the bottom, allowing her to take the top off. Brushing his fingers, sent a shock to her. Not sure why she felt that she'd touched him several times being his medic. Taking off the top, she couldn't believe what she was seeing. Picking them up, she turned them around.
"Happy Birthday," Neji spoke softly
"Thank you, but I can't accept these," Sakura spoke
"Why not?"
"They're too expensive. Plus, I haven't gotten a gift in years."
"It's time to change that then." Watching her smile, an actual smile.
"Thank you, this means a lot!" Before she thought, her body was already moving. Hugging Neji. As soon as she realized what had happened, she started to pull away. However, she felt Neji pull her back returning the gesture. Pulling apart, the blush returned to her cheeks.
"You're welcome, Sakura. Goodnight." Neji spoke softly, not even giving her time to think or respond
(I'm not one for April Fools and typically get fooled, so hopefully, this uplifts your spirits on this day. Please enjoy it and give it love! ~DQ)