I don't own Naruto, there that's my disclaimer.

Watching and waiting to see a breakdown. Knowing that everything could still be fresh in her mind, she hadn't had the time to ask. The last time they saw one another, she yelled at her proceeding to tell her their training was finished. Tsunade was tired and fed up with being Hokage, it was taking its toll on her in more than one way. Seeing the sparkle come to life in her life, it was clear that she was in full control of herself. The time away helped, along with the Hyuga's help.

"He's been wanting to speak to you. Only you, he's been asking for you since day one. We've tried all other avenues. Hell, we've even tried to push it off hoping that he would move on. Kakashi even tried to clone you, which he did well. Except that Sasuke seems to know you and your movements, even after all these years."

Sitting there, the thoughts ran through her mind. Taking the cup of sake and downing it, the taste no longer bothered her. Tsunade made sure of that during their times together. It was as if this was always bound to happen; their paths were to cross as if it was destiny.

"I'll do it. I will do it for the village." Sakura spoke with a fire behind her words, her inner screaming that she would crush this mission and Sasuke's soul if it came to it. Feeling the smirk come to her face, the lady before her smiled at her. Proud that she was doing it and with such a passion.

Rolling his eyes at this situation, not pleased with the outcome at all. Not sure what the Uchiha was up to, yet he didn't like that it involved Sakura. There was more to what he wanted, more to his desire to see the Kunoichi. Wondered what other information he had that he refused to give the numerous people that interrogated him. He was a stubborn prick.

Sakura stood, ready to tackle this mission. Watching her mentor's face, there was one last thing she wanted to say.

"I know this isn't ideal. Try to remain calm, no matter how hard it gets. You know you can't use chakra down there. Do try to listen to what he has to say, keep an open mind."

"I will do as I've been trained to do."

"No, it has to be more than that. That bastard won't take that it's what you've been trained to do. You can try to take that approach; I'll tell you now, it will get you nowhere with him."

"What does he want then? Me to coddle him?"

"I don't know. That is why I said keep an open mind with him, when I had my round with him, he seemed to genuinely want to speak with you. I'm not saying to trust him- don't give me that look. All I will say is keep an open mind."

"Hai, shishou."

Dismissed, Neji took the lead. Knowing exactly where they were heading, taking this trip several times now. Sakura watched the path they climbed, going further underground. Sakura had only gone this deep a handful of times, once to go to read old files for pleasure. Other's she was present with Tsunade, never actually knowing what she was doing down here. She hated it down her, it was damp, no sunlight and it felt as if someone was always around watching her.

Moved to catch up with Neji, hoping that he could help calm her nerves. It helped some, yet she could feel that he was just as tense. He didn't like this either, glad she wasn't alone. "Did you know this would be the mission?" Sakura asked softly, knowing that her voice would reflect harshly off the walls

"No. I found out with you."

"I'm not sure how well I'm going to do." Sakura responded; arms crossed in front of her.

"You will handle it just like always. This mission is just preposterous."

"I'll get it done and over with."

Arriving at the door, she took a deep breath preparing herself mentally and physically. Feeling Neji squeeze her arm, he released her opening the door. Holding her head high, she took the first steps in. Neji followed her in, closing them in. Seeing that Sasuke was seated at the table, he looked up. Standing up, he looked at both of them before laying his eyes on the pink-haired girl. Sakura grew irritated by how he was looking her over, growling slightly she saw a smirk on Sasuke's face.

"Hurano Sakura, I'm glad they finally listened to me." Sasuke sat back down motioning for the seat a cross from him

"Uchiha, I heard you wanted to speak to me." Moving to sit, hopefully that would help to ease her annoyance

"Yes, I did." Sakura stared at the boy before her, trying to not let her memories flood her.

Memories that she'd buried so deep, she hoped that she would never have to deal with them. "Is that your inner trying to come out?"

Sneering at him, "What do you know." Sasuke chuckled, leaning back

"I was your teammate for a couple of years. Plus, I listened to the sensei's back when you and Yamanaka fought. It was clear that you had a strong spirit."

"If I'm here just to hear you mock me, I'm done."

"No, wait." Sasuke spoke, making Sakura pause while moving from her chair

Sitting back down, she glared at the man. "I was making the observation that; you seem to still be struggling with me. I wanted to give you this information." Watching him lean forward, hands clasped on the table. "As you know already, Oro was to take my body over. I was going to be a host in a new form, this month. He wanted and needed you Sakura, I wasn't told of many details about it. I couldn't let them take you. I knew that if they got their hands on you, no one would be able to save you. Not even Naruto. The mission that was to capture you, I made sure I was in charge. I was the diligent little boy they wanted me to be. I had to make it look good, then it would be believable. Riling you up was always easy, I'm sure Naruto did it for fun back then. What I didn't expect was for you to grow up, it was clear that I underestimated you."

"You wanted to tell me I saved your ass."

Sasuke sighed, something Sakura had never seen. "There is more to this. Oro was also planning an attack against the leaf village. That was something I couldn't be a part of, yes, I left the village, but I couldn't attack my home. There are people here that I don't want to be involved in my actions. While on the missions that Oro sent me on, I found that the Akatsuki are moving and growing their numbers. In my free time, I've been able to browse for information. Finding intel about Itachi and my family. It was Danzō, he was the one behind the attack. Not Itachi. Itachi and Tobi were the ones to end the coup, the ones that thought they saved our people. Danzō had other plans, he took my people's Sharingan. You have to find my brother Sakura; he's been classed as a criminal while the true criminal is held with high regard in this village! The answers have to come out. I have to fix what I've broken and do what I can to keep this village safe. If Oro or the Akatsuki are planning attacks, you have to prepare. Naruto and you are the closest people I had to family."

Sitting back in her chair, trying to take in all this information. Watching for any hint that the boy before her was lying to her face. Yet, there wasn't anything there. How could she trust him now, after all these years? All the years he bad-mouthed her and told her she was weak. With her pleading with him to stay, he left her unconscious on a cold bench.

"Sakura." Sasuke started again, "I don't care if you love me, hate me, or even trust me. You have to believe me. You are the only one I trusted with this, you had to hear it from me. If I had told Naruto, he would have gone yelling through the streets creating a panic. You will handle it. You will do what you know is best, you always have."

Sakura wasn't sure what to think, the boy a crossed from her had barely said a full sentence to her when they were genin. Now he was trying to have a full conversation. "Sasuke, I-." Sakura stopped, clamping her mouth shut. Standing up suddenly, she didn't know what to say. He had never trusted anyone, why start now with someone he barely knew. How could she process all of this?

"Think about it. I will answer any questions you have; I am an open book." Sasuke spoke, "There is one question left for you."

Sakura stopped pacing the room, that was a surprise. He wanted to ask her a question? Looking to Neji, who gave a slight shrug. "Go on then."

"How are you?" He asked

Taking her by surprise, she snapped her head in his direction. What was this, try to surprise Sakura as much as possible day? Barely staying on her feet, she tried to keep a blank face. "I'm fine."

"No, you're not. I was your teammate. Plus, I know when a person has lost control."

Scuffing at him, a teammate from years ago. "We were teammates. Emphasis on the were."

Sakura listened to the foreign sound entering her ears. Looking to Sasuke to make sure he was alright. Yet, there he was laughing at her.

"People think that I'm the cynical one of our group." Sasuke finally stopped laughing, "Hell, at least I didn't pull a kunai on people when they were trying to help them."

"What?"

"The morning after your parents kicked you out, you pulled a kunai out when you heard your door slam."

"Oh, that."

"What happened that made you start sleeping with a kunai?"

"Nothing."

"Sakura, people don't start sleeping with a kunai until something happens," Sasuke spoke

"Fine, if you want to know. My dad attacked me one night. Well, he tried but my mom stopped it. From that moment on, I kept a kunai close by. I would leave early and come back late or not at all. Happy?" Sakura sneered

"No. Why didn't you tell us; we were your teammates."

"Teammates that were so focused on killing each other, they had no time for me. A team that knew nothing of me."

"Does Kakashi know?"

"Yes. I told him in the years after you left."

"Does Naruto know?"

"No. He never will, it doesn't leave this room." Sakura gave him a pointed look.

"Understood."

Sakura felt the nerves build; she hadn't wanted Neji to know. What would he think of her now? Would this change their relationship?

"You still have your stressed face on, the one that was used when Yamanaka was a bitch. Hell, even when you were learning something new." Sasuke spoke, changing the subject just as quick as it began

"How do you know that? You never gave me the time of day."

"Just because I didn't express my emotions or vocalize them, didn't mean I couldn't recognize them. Especially on those around me, you were the most expressive back then. Now, well, it's providing a challenge."

Rolling her eyes, "Yes, I was under some stress. It wasn't all Yamanaka. I wanted and needed to become stronger, I had to try to catch up to you and Naruto. The mission you allowed yourself to be caught on was the first in over a year. All I was doing was sleeping, training, working, and eating, in a way I'd isolated myself from people. In current times, I've taken an unwilling hiatus. That leads me to I am teaching someone basic medic skills, learning about my clan and how to run it. Then I've been improvising at some training. Yes, Yamanaka is mad at me once again."

"Why now?"

"Because I'm a cold-hearted bitch that tried to kill you."

Scuffing, "She was always a pretentious bitch, one that could never be as good as you. You've proved that."

"I'm over it."

"You don't need her in your life anyways." Sasuke announced as if she didn't know that already. "What have you been training and who have you been teaching?"

Rolling her eyes, this was not how she thought this would go today. He was supposed to be giving them information, not asking her the questions. "I'm supposed to be learning about you, not the other way around."

"This is what I asked for. Isn't that right Hyuga? Take the damn mask off and take a seat." Sasuke smirked hearing the Hyuga snarl

"How'd you know it was me?" He remained where he was

"I could spot your pompous ass anywhere. Take a seat."

"I don't have to listen to you."

"Just sit down so we can get on with this, please?" Sakura looked at him. Giving in to her, he came over to sit with them. Watching Sasuke smirk, pissed him off. Wondering what he was being cocky about now.

"Tell her what I told you and all the others that wanted to talk to me."

"That if she talks to you, you'll give us all you can." Neji spoke, feeling Sakura deflate some

"Fine. I have been teaching Hanabi to have basic medic skills. Also, she's needed some work with her genjutsu skills."

"Very charitable of you. What about your training? What is it you're doing?"

"I've been working with Neji-san and Lord Hiashi."

Watching him roll his eyes, "I figured as much. I could tell by your arms; they have faint bruises around your chakra points." Sasuke pointed at the visible arm

"Oh, that's not from them. It's my training, they are only giving me guidance on it."

"What the hell are you doing then?"

"Proving people wrong, while growing stronger. It's exactly what I've wanted to do."

"Be careful with whatever you're doing. Make sure those assholes don't take advantage of you."

Growling out in frustration, "I do know my own body, knowing when enough is enough. I'm not dumb like you or Naruto! On top of that, I wish people would stop worrying that the Hyuga's are taking advantage of me. I've been taking care of myself since I was a genin. Hell, Kakashi only took care of me the day my parents gave me the boot. He took care of you and Naruto back then."

"Your parents still aren't speaking to you?"

"Really hard to talk to a ghost, as you would know."

Sneering back at the girl, "When did they die?"

"A year after you decided to leave. They were sent out on a simple mission; however, it was more than what the job description was. We couldn't save them when they were brought in. Actually, we is incorrect. They refused my help, even on their death bed they refused that I was even their daughter."

"Seems that it was their loss."

Sakura nodded, "What else do you want to know?" Asking in hopes to move this along quickly
"More about you, the village. Maybe the dobe."

"Ichiraku has gotten bigger, they have tables now. They still have some bar stools at the front, but not much. Clearly, that made Naruto even happier, thankfully his time there has decreased. Hinata isn't a big fan of it. They're dating now, or is it considered courting?" Sakura looked to Neji

"I would go with dating."

"Okay, they've been dating for a year or so now."

"Good for them. I can't believe the Hyuga allowed it."

"Naruto can be rather persuasive if it's needed. The one thing that Hiashi-san would like to get rid of is the orange. Which, I doubt that will ever happen. But they're both really happy, Hinata's dream came true."

"Well, someone out of team seven needs happiness. It doesn't seem to come easy for any of us."

"No, it doesn't, it's definitely well deserved." Sakura spoke softly

Sasuke watched Sakura and had been. Once Neji came and took a seat beside Sakura, she seemed to relax. It wasn't very noticeable, but he knew it was there. "Tell me more about why you are on a hiatus."

"What more is there? I lost control and was unstable."

"There is always more."

Sighing, "I was no longer training with my teammates. My workload had been doubled, hell I was sleeping at the hospital most days. When there was time, I would be training on my own. Unless there was room for improvement. In a way, I didn't know I was driving myself crazy, then taking the mission in my state of mind was foolish. It gave shishou her answer about me, that I needed a break. In a way I've enjoyed the time away, making me realize I've missed missions."

"You have to stay stable, the rest of us are incapable of such ways." Sasuke smirked

"Clearly, someone is going to have to take care of you fools."

"Of course. You always say you're the burden, from my perspective that dobe and I will be the burdens to you for that reason alone." Sasuke spoke clear and serious

"A burden I took on back when we became a team."

Taking a moment, to register their thoughts. Sakura hoped that this was how this was supposed to be going. It wasn't like she could ask Neji, especially not in front of Sasuke.

"Back to your arms and your training. Why are your chakra points bruised? Why have you not healed them yet?"

"I've been trying to learn the ways of how the byakugan work to help Hanabi. So, there are times she uses too much chakra and bruises them. Then I'm working on using the chakra points in my arms to create a barrier like them, just without the 360 vision. Pushing out that much chakra through so many points is not easy, even for one with my control."

"Train yourself up by forcing out small amounts, do one arm at a time. Hell do it with only one chakra point at a time. That way they get used to the chakra flowing through them. Like you told Naruto and I, start small and build up to it. Now, back to why haven't you healed yourself?"

"Thank you, I should have thought of that. I just was too eager to try that, it's something to work on now." Sakura got that out of the way, it was something she should have thought of. Yet, like she said she was excited to try it. "Now for why I haven't healed myself. I haven't done it yet because my arms hurt when the chakra flows through them. I thought it would go away, but I guess having Hanabi training with me than practicing. They're just bruised beyond what I can heal."

"Let me see." Neji spoke, holding his hand out for an arm. Sakura offered her arm, to him watching what he did next. What she couldn't keep down was the blush that rose to her cheeks. One she hoped that Sasuke didn't see. Neji turned his kekki-Genki on, examining what the damage was to her chakra points.

No matter how much she wished Sasuke didn't see it, she was wrong. He could see the blush that rose. Watching their interaction, there was something between the two of them. Watched as the Hyuga examined her arm, turning it slightly and running his hands over them. "I can heal these tonight. It won't take much to do. They should feel better afterward, we can do it tonight while we have our tea."

"Do so now, I don't mind." Sasuke spoke, not sure that he liked the idea of them spending that much time together.

"That would be a violation of protocol," Neji answered, unimpressed with him eyeing them

"Tonight works fine. I don't plan on using any chakra between now and then." Sakura smiled
Rolling his eyes at them, there was clearly something there. Both of them were just clueless about it.

"Be careful with that training. I don't know the exact dates; all I know is that with me being captured they may push it forward. They are coming and they want you Sakura. Oro needs his arms, with me no longer being a candidate as my body is no longer usable. Your Hokage made sure of that."

"Good. I can take care of myself. We will need to inform Tsunade and Lord Hiashi."

"Why do you need to tell the Hyuga?" Sasuke asked

"Oh, I didn't mention that? I'm currently residing with them for the time being?" Sakura explained

"Why? Do you need somewhere to stay? The Uchiha compound is there, I did leave it to Naruto and you."

"No, that's not the reason. Hiashi-san offered it to me to give me a little less stress on my plate. Plus, it is only a portion of my payment for training Hanabi. I am their honored guest." Sakura smirked bumping Neji who rolled his eyes. "With you bringing up your family's plot. It's all cleaned up now. Thankfully I've learned a thing or two to get blood out of stuff, so there isn't any sign of the massacre there. I used the Uchiha money to do so. It was of the days that I was frustrated with training and just went and cleaned. It would be ready for if or when you came back."

Shaking his head, she was pissed off with him but went and did that. "Arigotō Sakura and gomen for everything. You always go above and beyond for us even when we've never deserved it."

"Yōkoso Sasuke. You may not be the most important person in my life anymore, but I'm glad you're back and willing to help us."

Smirking, "Bring a map with you tomorrow, I will point out all the bases that were known to me. Even some of the camps. Go, I've kept you long enough."

"We've only been here a few hours," Sakura spoke

"Tomorrow will be a long day. When you see the dobe again, tell him I'll see him. He better be ready to have his ass handed to him."

"Of course. He'll most likely say, tell teme he wishes! Blah-blah, then I'll be Hokage someday!" Sakura laughed, both knowing Naruto even after all this time. Standing up, moving to get ready to go. Neji joined her, moving to the door first. Sakura was surprised that Sasuke also stood with them.

"Can I ask for one more thing?" Sasuke asked

"What is it?" Sakura rebutted

"It-. It's not-." Sasuke blanched with his words, searching for the right words

"What?" Sakura pushed; he'd had no problems with his words today. Hell, he had plenty of them today. More than she'd ever heard! Now he was becoming the mute he used to be.

"Can I have a hug? If it's okay?" He started, getting looks from the other occupants of the room. The one was a death glare, confirming his suspicions. "I can't try anything! Plus, you might kill me." A big smirk arose on his lips

"I guess." Sakura went over to him

Sasuke pulled her tight, with Sakura returned the hug awkwardly. Not understanding what had gotten into the Uchiha to want to speak or even hug her. What had happened during his time with Oro that made him open up like this?

"Gomen for everything Sakura. I know that doesn't make anything better suddenly, just know that I've had time to think about my actions. Do be careful with the Head Hyuga, I know how clans work. They can undermine people without even knowing, Neji seems to have an understanding of it so let him help. Let him take care of you, you both seem to work together well."

Being taken back by his words, Sakura pulled away. Offering a small smile, still skeptical of the boy before her. "Apology accepted. I will see you tomorrow." Turning around before he could say anything more, she left the room.

Neji closed the door, moving to catch up with the girl. Making their way back up to civilization, Sakura noticed that Neji placed his mask back on. "He was protective of you." Neji finally spoke

"Yeah, I don't understand why he would be. He was different, time changing him."

"It is possible, with what he has been through and found out. It could have given him a new outlook on life."

"Yeah, that's possible. Now we'll see what he can offer us tomorrow. That will show us how much he has changed."

Neji stopped them before heading out, "I have some duties I have to finish. I'll see you at home for dinner?" Neji asked

"Of course." Smiling at the man before her. Watched him nod, then vanished. Before moving on, it hit her suddenly. She thought of him as a man, not a boy. When did that change? Then to add to it, think of the Hyuga compound as home. She hurried out of the building, wanting some fresh air. Not sure where to head, there were still a few hours before dinner. Not sure what to do with her time alone time, it wasn't something she'd gotten lately.

Neji moved back down to where the prisoner was being held. Having to move him back to the sleeping cell, then had to do a write-up on what had happened that day. Thinking back to moments ago, unsure of why he considered the Hyuga compound home. Or even asking Sakura if he'd see her at home, could he have sounded any more like Naruto at that moment. Even he hadn't considered it home in a long time, so why start now?

Having Sakura flash in his thoughts, she was the reason. She was the one that made him feel like he was home there, being comfortable there. The most he'd been in his life. He couldn't figure out the feelings he had regarding her. Was there more to it? What did she think of him, it's not like he could ask. He didn't want to be the one to ruin anything they did have.

Back to the room that housed the prisoner, he made his way in. Sasuke sat there, waiting patiently. He even had his arms ready for the cuffs, Neji moved to place the cuffs on his waiting arms.

"Back to my other cell, at least we have a moment to talk." Sasuke spoke still chatty

"What now?" Neji asked annoyed

"Take care of her, she will push away. She's never had someone to care for her, not like that. Us boys of her team pushed her away, her parents did the same thing. She's stubborn, always has been. You're going to have to push through the layers that have built up."

"What do you know of her?"

"Observation does wonders. She's grown in numerous ways, yet she is very much the same Sakura that I grew up with. She cares for you."

"We're friends, of course, we care about each other."

Scuffing at the Hyuga's ignorance, for being the intelligent one he sure acted dumb. "Those eyes of yours might have 360 vision; they're blind to what's in front of you."

Reaching the cell, Sasuke's cuffs were removed after Neji opened his door. Sasuke walked in, going to his bed to lay down. Closing the door with more force than necessary, Neji let him have the last word. Needing to find a distraction, the paperwork for today would do for now. Those words that the Uchiha spoke, no matter what he did wouldn't get away from his thoughts. Being as they were true, but not something that he could accept.

Sakura stood on the hill that everyone thought was just an ordinary hill, allowing them to think that. It would be something only she knew about out of her group of friends. Surrounded by trees, the calm breeze sometimes made her feel important. Sasuke threw her for a loop today, talking to her and asking about her. It was completely out of character for him. She was still stuck on the fact that she'd heard him talk more today than their entire time as teammates. Then to have him hug her. She was just done. To top it off, Neji called the Hyuga compound home and the fact that she agreed! Why were the men in her life so complicated?

Sitting there for a while, it was closing in on dinner time. Just sitting and slowly going through her thoughts, she felt better. Walking through town, she noticed people were rushing to get to where they were going. Kids were being called home for dinner; the shops were slowly shutting down. Everything was running fine, without anyone freaking out. What if what Sasuke said about an attack was true, it would bring chaos. Trying to purge the thoughts was easier said than done. She couldn't think of the future yet. They barely had all the information, plus stressing about it would do no good.

Nearing the destination, she saw the one person that seemed to be able to calm her. Waving to him, Neji paused waiting for her. Not knowing what to say, they both stayed silent. With dinner approaching rapidly they hurried, Neji surprised her by opening every door for her. Moving into the dining room, they'd made it just in time. Sitting in their spots, the servants brought out their food.

"I was sent a message you two would be late. Do you have a joint mission?" Hiashi broke the silence, diner had been in full swing without conversation. Making it easy for once to speak up.

"Yes, it is. It went better than expected, tomorrow is the day we may be late. Today was a warm-up you could say." Sakura answered

"Is it classified?" Hiashi asked, curiosity coursed through him

"It is an S-ranked mission," Neji responded before Sakura had the chance

"Sensei can do them?" Hanabi spoke, excitement and wonder written all over her face

"I thought you were a new Jōnin Sakura?" Hinata asked, they didn't give s-ranked mission to fresh Jōnin

"I am. It is something that is considered a special circumstance." Something she could finally answer

"Is it your first one Hurano-san?"

"First official one. I have done up to A-ranks, it should be successful."

"I am positive it will be," Hiashi said proudly

The rest of dinner consisted of small talk; Sakura wasn't in the mood to plaster a fake smile on. Glad that it was done, Sakura was the first one to leave. Feeling tired and sore wasn't a mixture she normally felt. Her feet took her in the direction of their room.

"Sakura!" Neji spoke loud enough for her to her. Slowing down for him to catch up, he did. "Are you okay?" Sakura could hear what sounded like worry in his voice.

Entering their room, Sakura took her place leaving Neji at the door. "My arms hurt. On top of that, I'm tired, probably because I normally don't deal with pain for this long." Watching Neji give her a soft look, he crossed the room taking the seat beside her. Without asking, he took the first arm he could grab. He wasn't the best medic-nin, but he knew that this little bit would help. Knowing that if he could heal them the majority of the way, she could take over.

"This is backward." Neji stated

Chuckling, he was right. "Yes, it is. Should I be a mute like you?"

"No!" Neji spoke a little more forcible than he wanted, but it caused her to laugh

"Arigotō for doing this for me. As you can imagine it's a bit embarrassing."

"Don't be embarrassed. Do you know how many times I've felt foolish about my injuries?"

"You never acted that way."

"Because you never treated me that way. Always kind and considerate, even when I was a bastard to you."

Sakura smiled at him, "Now look at you, doing the same for me." Neji paused looking up at her, giving a tiny lift of his lips he went back to work

"Uchiha had a good couple of points. Next time we train, we'll work on this. I can help you if you'd like that?" Neji spoke, suddenly insecure about it

"I would like that, a lot. It would be a bonus to not do this again, it kind of hurts." Neji smirked, reaching for her other arm. Seeing the familiar green hue return to the other arm, doing the finishing touches. Once he was done, he watched her heal the other arm the rest of the way.

"That feels amazing." Sakura smiled stretching

"Good." Neji watched her hold her stretch before relaxing again.

Neji adjusted himself to relax beside Sakura, not bothering to move. There was little to no space between the two, yet neither seemed to mind it. He wasn't tired, more or less bored. Feeling Sakura adjust to match his position, placing them closer than before.

"You've no idea how much better that feels." Sakura laughed

"Pushing chakra out doesn't take as much as one would think."

"Nope."

Falling into one of their quiet moments, enjoying each other's company. Neji took this time to try and meditate, not wanting to disturb this moment. Before he knew it he'd felt Sakura's head fall on his shoulder, he hadn't even noticed that she'd been falling asleep. Looking at her face, the features were relaxed rather than trying to hide everything away. Her mouth was slightly open, and her hair was on her face. Moving gently, he pushed the hair behind her ear. Knowing that if she'd been awake, it would have annoyed her.

Returning to his meditation, he let the girl beside him sleep some. Once it finally hit the later hours of the evening, Neji decided that it was time to finally head to their rooms. Gently shaking her shoulder, he started to try and wake her.

"Sakura, it's time to move to our rooms." Neji spoke softly, seeing her begin to open her eyes
Blinking to wake herself, she remembered that they were in their room. Noticing that her head was on Neji's shoulder, she sat up.

"Gomen. I guess I was more tired than I thought." Sakura spewed half asleep

"You were fine, I just took the time to meditate. We should get to our rooms, as we have an early morning." Neji spoke standing offering his hand to Sakura

Sakura took it, standing up to meet him. Neji walked with her, her hand still in his. Not sure if it was something he should point out, not that he really wanted to. He enjoyed the feeling of her hand intertwined with his. The walk was slow, whether it be due to Sakura's sleepy state or Neji didn't want this to end.

Sakura hadn't noticed their hands intertwined until they left the room. Fully awake for now, she noticed that Neji never dropped her hand. Not that she minded, feeling his calloused hands against hers wasn't something she'd felt in a long time. The last person she'd held hands with was Naruto, only because he'd grabbed them and started dragging her around. Stopping at her door, she looked up at Neji.

"Get some sleep," Neji spoke softly

"You too, see you in the morning." Sakura smiled softly

"Good night." Neji finally pulled his hand away. Before he left, he tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear.

"Night," Sakura spoke out, before entering her room. Noticing another vase of cherry blossom on the table, she'd forgotten to ask about them. It was too late to do anything about it now, hurrying to finish her bathroom stuff to get to bed. She was asleep almost instantly.

(And here is another one! Good news time! I'm hoping that by next month that I will be posting two chapters, as I'll have finished editing and the epilogue. I hope you enjoy this chapter, with some spins and some curve balls that you might not have seen! Please enjoy! Until next time ~DQ)