Disclaimer: Chiea doesn't own Naruto. But someday, she will own Neji! (good guy pose)
Note: Definitely not as angsty as Yellow Roses. Heck, it's not even angst.
Summary: Set two years after Yellow Roses. NejiSaku Frustration levels hit an all time high. His confession keeps getting interrupted. She thinks he sees her as a friend. Will things ever progress beyond friendship? Will they ever have the dreaded talk?
The sequel to Yellow Roses
The Talk
By chiea
The sun shone down in Konoha, creating an atmosphere of blistering heat. It was the middle of summer, when the temperature would soar cruelly, nearly frying everything in the poor village.
Two figures were seated inside a flower shop in the middle of the said village, seeking refuge in the cool air provided by air conditioning. One was seated on one of the plush chairs in front of a desk, sipping a cool drink while the other was standing behind the desk, lips set in a huge frown.
"Thanks for the lemonade Ino. God, it's hell outside, good thing you're here today, I would've melted outside."
A roseate woman looked up at her best friend who was twirling a lock of her platinum blonde hair and giving her a weird look.
"Are you all right Ino?"
Emerald eyes shone with worry but the woman in question simply stared at her, bringing her face closer hers.
"Tell me Sakura. Did Neji make a move on you?"
Sakura turned a hundred shades of red, each one darker than the next. There probably was something really interesting on the floor because that was the only thing she could look at.
Without looking up, she spoke in a small voice.
"No."
The blond woman threw her hands in the air in exasperation, blowing a lock of hair that had loosened from her high ponytail.
"This is insane! God knows how long the man has been stalking you-"
The impossible happened, Sakura's face turned darker than it was before.
"He wasn't stalking me Ino, he was-"
"Yeah right, he was only following you for the last, what? Five? Six years? Until now he still does!
"He's just being a good teammate, making sure that nothing bad happens to me. After all, he promised that to Lee-san."
"Oh sure, and he ogles your butt in the process, making sure it won't get hurt! Wake up and smell the roses Sakura."
She was frowning now, but the blush stayed on her face.
A smile made its way into Ino's face, making her temporarily forgot the current situation.
"He doesn't ogle my ass Ino, your just being you're overly perverted self again!"
Ino's last sentence made her unconsciously look around for the flowers. Her emerald eyes landed on a patch of long stemmed yellow roses, blooming fully for the world to admire. It made her remember what happened a few years back, when she had let go of her feelings for a certain raven haired avenger. It was also then that her very unusual relationship with the Hyuuga prodigy started. They were always seen together, he keeps her company during his free time, "I get bored easily", he said when she asked the reason once.
Even in missions they were always sent together by the Hokage, sometimes missions for a platoon of five, sometimes only for the two of them.
'Is Tsunade-sama up to something?'
Pink brows rose and knit together, doubt reflecting in her expressive face.
'Nah, she probably doesn't know.'
Sakura had admitted to herself sometime ago, probably even before her final farewell to the Avenger that she had tiny feelings for the ANBU captain, okay tiny back then and currently as tiny as a whale could get. She had slowly come to realize that Neji could have played a part in her letting go. A none too small part at that.
Now only if Hyuuga Neji would come to his senses. Then again, she wasn't even sure if he had feelings for her whatsoever.
'He probably sees me like a friend. Or a sister.'
A soft sigh escaped her pink lips.
"Me? Pervert! You're the closet pervert here!
Ino's shrill voice rang in the shop, scaring some of the birds that were resting outside the windowsill.
Seeing her friend was not replying she followed her line of sight. Something akin to pity and sadness settled on her face when she realized what she had been looking at.
"Still thinking about him, Sakura?"
Her voice was softer when she spoke, at the same moment resting her hand on Sakura's shoulder.
She was snapped out of her reverie to see Ino's eyes filled with worry.
"Eh? It's nothing Ino. I've moved on remember? He'd never come back. And if he did, he'd never love me. Never."
A sad smile adorned Sakura's face, making Ino partly guilty for lashing out on her earlier. She really couldn't blame herself, really. She was only looking out after her best friend, who had been like a sister to her. She had helped Ino become what she is now, happy and content as she could be, as Shikamaru's fiancé. She'd never admit it, but she was eternally grateful to Sakura who had knocked some courage to Shikamaru to propose to her. Ino had only wanted Sakura to be happy as she was. Heaven knew that after all that she had been through, she had deserved it-probably more than anyone else. It was in front of her, all this time and the stupid girl and man-that sexy hunk of a man were too slow, too damn stubborn to admit it. It had frustrated her to no end and that is why, Yamanaka Ino had taken it to herself to get them together or at least make someone do something about it.
She smiled at Sakura before speaking softly.
"But you'll find someone who'll treasure you Sakura. Oh wait, you've already found it, Neji really likes you!"
And there it was again.
"He doesn't like me Ino, I'm his FRIEND! Get it, tomodachi? Nakama? Ami? Compadre? Kaibigan (why is this here?)? What part of that don't you understand?"
"UGGHHH! The whole fricking village knows about it Sakura! Do you think they're dumb? Even Naruto knows! You guys are always together, not to mention that you are the only female to get a reaction, a positive one from that man! Now if the two of you would kiss and make up and give me peace, all would be well!
Ino was about to tear her long hair from the frustration when the bell by the door rang, signaling someone else was in the store. She had tried to compose herself, chanting that a screaming banshee for a saleslady was bad for business but after seeing who it was she went into battle mode again.
"Why the hell are you here? Aren't you supposed to be in the Hokage's tower, looking over plans and that type of stuff?"
A pair of lazy eyes regarded her coolly before moving to look at Sakura.
"Yo, Sakura."
"Hello, Shika! How's work?"
She smiled at him, inwardly laughing at Ino's face which looked like a volcano that was about to erupt. They did this to her, leaving her out during conversations to bug her out, especially when she was PMSing like how she is now. And no matter how many times they did it, it still gets the desired effect. Call it what you will, but Ino has referred to Sakura, more often than not, even more often than forehead girl, as Shikamaru's partner in crime. They were like siblings, very troublesome; as Shikamaru often says, siblings. There was even a time that she thought that the two were dating. But that's another story.
"I'M SPEAKING TO YOU SHIKAMARU! LISTEN DAMMIT!"
She was practically screaming in Shikamaru's ear now, whose eyes were closed tightly.
"Oi Ino, give it a rest. Shika might turn deaf. Right Shika?"
"What?"
Shikamaru's right eye was still closed, head turned towards Sakura.
"I said, you might turn deaf."
"What! Speak louder."
"I said-never mind."
She plopped down the chair again, sipping her nearly forgotten glass of drink.
Shikamaru smirked and moved to plant a soft kiss on Ino's lips, appeasing her anger.
Ino smiled seductively, whispering in his ear.
"Missed me?"
Sakura's eyes became nearly as large as plates when she saw what was happening.
"EEWW! Not here Ino!"
"What jealous? Then get Neji!"
Shikamaru rolled his eyes at the two women.
"Do you guys have nothing else to talk about?"
"She started it!"
They spoke at the same time, both pouting at the other.
"Did not!"
"Stop saying what I'm saying"
They spoke in unison again, making Shikamaru smirk.
"I give up!"
They looked at each other, then laughed together.
"Women. Tch. Troublesome."
When the laughter subsided, Sakura moved to stand, lips still curved in a smile.
"I have to go guys, I still have to go elsewhere."
"Meeting Neji again, Sakura?"
Ino was smirking at Sakura and Shikamaru snapped in attention.
"I came here to pick you up Sakura. We have a mission"
Emerald and Sapphire stared at her in disbelief.
"Why didn't you say so. Let's go. Later Ino."
"Later forehead. And remember what I said about Neji!"
Sakura was already out the door with Shikamaru following her.
'I wonder if Neji is also in the mission..'
Sakura sighed and Shikamaru gave her a questioning look.
"It's nothing. We better hurry, Shisho hates waiting."
Shikamaru nodded and with a puff of smoke, they were gone.
Meanwhile, somewhere in Konoha..
"Uzumaki, Hinata-sama is not here."
Silver eyes looked down at the slightly shorter Uzumaki Naruto who was currently standing in front oh him, all giddy about seeing his "Hinata-chan" today.
"EEEHHHHHHH! But she said she'll be here! What if she's been kidnapped? AIEEE! Poor Hinata-chan! I'll save you!"
Neji had to fight the urge to kick the man to shut him up, it was only because of patience acquired during his years of training that he had restrained to and also because the man was Hyuuga heiress' boyfriend and on top of that, he was Sakura's best friend.
"She would be back later."
Naruto's eyes turned to look at him and he was startled, inwardly of course by the puppy dog eyes look it was sporting.
"Really?"
Did the man have no shame?
Apparently…
Not.
"Yes."
"Really?"
The blonde asked again. Neji turned around and was about to leave when Naruto spoke again, this time serious in tone.
"How's Sakura?"
Neji thought he was dreaming.
'Did he ask what I think he just did?'
Naruto thought that he didn't hear him and spoke again, this time a little louder.
"How's Sakura?"
'He really asked..'
"Why are you asking me Uzumaki? Ask her yourself."
Naruto shrugged and sat on the tatami mat lying in front of him.
"The two of you are always together. Is something going on? Something I should know about?"
One of Naruto's brows lifted, as if daring Neji to deny it.
It was not a hidden fact that Uzumaki Naruto had regarded her female teammate as a younger sister. And would gladly rip to shreds any male who had dared to come within a ten feet radius-just like he did. It was also a known fact that to get to Haruno Sakura, they must pass first her self proclaimed older brother, preferably in one piece of course. The mere mention of Naruto sent shivers in the spine of even Sakura's most loyal and passionate suitors. Sakura of course found his over protectiveness suffocating at times but let him do as he pleases anyway, some of her suitors were really pesky and overzealous.
A dark frown immediately appeared on his face at the thought.
He really did not consider himself as a suitor, he was way above that, Sakura cares for him. She said so herself. An intense feeling of pride ran through his veins, cloaking him in warmth.
However, he wasn't sure about the woman's feelings for him. Sure, they were always together, during missions and out of them where he would accidentally run into her and ask her to eat or walk with him.
Was there something going on between them? He wasn't sure, but there was something going on in him, he was sure as hell about that one-for six years now. He didn't consider it at first, thinking it was a fleeting attraction but the so called fleeting attraction made his heart beat wildly when she spoke to him, made him feel butterflies when she smiled at him and kept him awake until dawn during the evening.
It was just a mild fleeting attraction after all.
Sure, mild.
Wait. He was past the point of self denial. He had realized long ago that denying was well, pointless.
'No use delaying the inevitable anyway.'
"Nothing is going on Uzumaki."
"Then why the hell are you smiling?"
"I am not smiling Uzumaki, you must be going blind."
He turned again but was stopped by a tug on his arm.
"You're attracted to Sakura, the whole village knows, hell even clueless Shino knows! She probably likes you too, why won't you tell her? Isn't she good enough for you!"
The blonde man boy was starting to get angry now.
Neji's eyes scanned the rest of the room.
"I never said she wasn't good enough for me."
"Then tell her how you feel! Sheeshh!"
'Wait, the whole village knew? Of course they do, after you practically killed her suitors with your glare and threatened them behind her back, they would.'
He groaned inwardly again and another thought popped in his head.
'It's not like I haven't tried telling her. I've been trying to do that for a year now.'
Frustration hit an all time high.
Memories of his first failed attempt at the confession flashed before his eyes.
The moon reflected on the crystal water of the Lake. Petals of falling cherry blossoms flew in the air like a snowstorm. Two figures were walking slowly in the lakeshore, one was dressed in a pale green kimono, with small blossoms delicately woven on her shoulder down to her legs. Candy colored locks were held together by a pair of chopsticks, with a few stray locks adorning her glowing, happy face. Beside her was a man dressed in a beige jacket with a pair of black shorts. His long, chestnut hair was flowing freely, swaying in the playful spring breeze. A konoha hitai-ite was wrapped around his forehead, keeping some strands in place. His hands were buried in his pockets, clutching at something nervously.
It was her birthday on that day and by some accident, they had lost Hinata, Naruto, Ino and Shikamaru who had come with them. She was left alone with this quiet man who she considered as one of her closest friends, her confidante and deep down, the keeper of her heart.
He had suggested that they take a walk so that they could find the others and they had wound up by the lake. Somehow, the universe had conspired and there he was, where he wanted to be. He had thought about what he was going to do for a while now and after more than a months time of contemplation, he had come to a conclusion. They would have the dreaded talk. What would they talk about, you ask? What else, of what he should make of their relationship, whatever that was. You could say that it was the crossroads, where there was more than one result. Whatever that was, he was willing to face it, so if she rejects him, he could go on with his life, find someone else, live miserably for the rest of his life and-
He had cut his thoughts there. No, he was not nervous not at all. His hands were shaking because it was cold, yes that's it, it was really cold, freezing even. In the middle of spring.
Unknown to himself, he had sighed audibly, catching the attention of the lovely kunoichi beside him.
"Are you all right Neji? Are you bored?"
An almost sad look reflected on her jade eyes and he suddenly felt bad about what he made her think.
His voice though, was calm and unwavering as ever.
"No, not at all Sakura."
'Spit it out! Now!'
"As in now?"
"Hmm? Did you say anything, Neji?"
He was suddenly grateful of the darkness for it hid the small tinge of pink coloring his porcelain cheeks.
'What the hell was that? You're a Hyuuga for Hokage's sake!'
"Nothing at all Sakura."
She moved her face close to his, hands reaching up to touch his forehead.
Neji practically burned red hot.
"You're a bit warm. Maybe we should head back?"
Her emerald eyes shone with kindness and concern and he felt like he could die tomorrow. But he has something to tell her first.
He swallowed hard and prepared to say the words that may very well change his life.
"Sakura, I.."
"SAKKKKKKKURRRRAAAAAAAAAA!"
A booming male voice shouted from the other side of the shore. It belonged to none other than one of Sakura's long time suitors, one of her genin friends, another ANBU captain and former teammate of Hinata.
"Kiba! What a pleasant surprise!"
The world practically crumbled for Neji.
Kiba was blushing profusely, even redder than a ripe tomato.
"Er, I got you something for your birthday, Sakura, it's not much, but here."
He gently placed a wrapped package on her hands before giving her a quick hug.
From all of Sakura's suitors, Inuzuka Kiba was one of the few who had the audacity to actually touch her and speak to her without losing a limb. The man was Naruto's long time friend and even the blond fox restrains himself when it comes to other's act of courtship.
Neji however was a different story. They weren't friends but he was Sakura's and he had a hunch that Sakura, along with Hinata-sama would not be happy if he breaks his leg or two.
"Well, I gotta go now, Akamaru's probably raided the dango stalls again. Ja ne, Sakura, Hyuuga!"
Sakura waved happily at Kiba, who was now slowly disappearing from their view.
'Ruined. Mood. Kill. Dog-boy. Ruined. Mood. Failed.'
"Daijobu, Neji-kun?"
Her gentle voice calmed him a great deal, but when it registered that she called him with a suffix, the ever sacred kun suffix, his heart nearly stopped.
Realizing her mistake, Sakura apologized profusely but was stopped by Neji.
He took her small hand with his left hand while the right dug at his pocket. He took out a something and gently placed it on her palm.
It was a necklace, platinum with a small pendant hanging from it. The pendant was a pristine white pearl, surrounded by studs of small diamonds, making it look like a flower.
"I can't take this Neji- I"
With his other hand he closed her palm, and he gently lowered his eyes to the level of her orbs.
"Happy Birthday Sakura."
Before she could thank him, another voice broke.
"OOiiiiiiiiii! Where have you guys been? We've been looking all over for you guys, you just disappeared on us! I was worried Sakura-chan!"
Naruto was looking at Sakura, Hinata looked at Neji, then at her and burst into a sit of giggles. Ino looked annoyed and was glaring daggers at the unaware Naruto and Shikamaru's lips were curved into a smirk.
"Let's go back, I'm hungry. Anyone for ramen?"
"Shut up Naruto. Hurry up Shika!"
"Naruto-kun do you want to go to Ichiraku?"
They were walking towards the town now, with the four leading the group and the other two lagging.
Sakura suddenly stopped walking and stood on her tiptoes to whisper something in Neji's ear.
"Arigatou, Neji."
She had smiled and continued to walk, with Neji by her side, a small, true smile showing in his lips.
End of Flashback
He was snapped out of his thoughts when he heard the names Sakura, Kiba and wedding all in the same sentence.
"What did you say, Uzumaki?"
"Sheesh, were you listening to what I've been saying for the past thirty minutes Neji?"
Seeing he won't bother to conjure up a reply, he spoke again.
"I said that Kiba was planning on asking Sakura-chan to marry him. He says that we are at the marrying age, well we are 23, well maybe not you, you're older, back to the story, and then I asked him if he thinks Sakura-chan will say yes."
He looked at Neji who was trying hard to keep his emotions in check.
"And he says, she might, who knows, it's not like she's dating anyone."
A certain Hyuuga prodigy was thinking of creative ways to torture a certain Inuzuka Kiba.
"Then I tell him, I think she likes Neji."
Then the whole world stopped. Naruto. Naruto, Kyuubi vessel, fox boy, Hinata's boyfriend, ANBU, town's loudest idiot, Sakura's best friend-thinks that Sakura likes him.
"And you know what he says? Huh HUH? You're no fun Neji, he says, I dunno, but he likes her and she doesn't know, might as well make a move before any shit happens"
Screw torture, he was going to kill Kiba. Wait. Kiba thinks that he likes Sakura? Kiba thinks he likes Sakura! Was he that transparent? Looks like the whole town knows and the only person who doesn't is the center of affection. Damn.
"Oi Neji, are you listening? Yoohooo!"
"Uzumaki."
That immediately got Naruto's attention.
"I thought that you would never allow any male to get close to Sakura. Why are you telling me this?"
Naruto pondered on the question and spoke as if the answer was the most obvious thing in the world.
"I won't allow any male to get close to Sakura, unless she likes him and he isn't some maniac like Jiraiya-sensei. You figure things from there. I thought you were a genius, Neji."
He snorted. His azure eyes rested on the bonsai to his right. A second later, a look of horror crossed his face.
"AIIEEE! I was supposed to meet Hinata-chan at the park! That's why she isn't here!"
He was gone out the door in a blur, leaving Neji to gather his thoughts. He was alerted by the sounds of footsteps. A chuunin was standing in front of him.
"Hyuuga-san. Godaime Hokage-sama asked for you. Mission briefing."
He nodded at the chuunin who disappeared in a cloud of smoke.
Soon after, he stood up and followed, thoughts still revolving around a pink haired kunoichi.
NOTES:
There you go, the sequel to Yellow roses. It's not angst in case you haven't noticed, breakthrough ne?
Gonna be multichapter, around 5 chapters maximum.
It really is frustrating if you're not even sure of what your relationship is. Actually, it could drive some people insane! Heheh
Do I continue with the fic or what?
Spelling errors, grammar bloopers?
Drop me a line.
Please don't forget to review, helps get chapters done.
Thanks for reading!