Naruto jogged besides Ayame as they did their daily run on the beach. Fortunately clouds covered the sky forcing the temperature down. Ayame was still distracted from her conversation with Sasuke earlier that day. "Ayame, watch-" Ayame face planted into the sand as Naruto tried to warn her. A huge rock protruded from the sand, which caused her to fall. She winced at the sharp pain that shot through her body. Naruto rushed to her side asking a million questions and Ayame brushed him off. She sat on the sand rubbing her ankle while Naruto ran off. She was so stupid how could she forget to watch where she was going. Soon Naruto came back with Sakura and she gather chakra pointed it at Ayame's ankle. Green sparks jutted from Sakura's hand to Ayame's ankle.

"Thanks, Sakura, but that was unnecessary it was only slightly twisted." Ayame smiled getting up slowly. She saw the others come, "Naruto did you go yelling that I was going to die or something?"

"Um…" Naruto rubbed his head.

"Naruto," She narrowed her eyes at him. "They can't be leaving their position just to heal a slightly injured ankle."

"I know but… you need to be healthy, especially if Itachi shows up." Naruto said.

"What's going on, we heard Naruto screaming for Sakura saying that you were in great pain." Neji asked.

"It's nothing, you guys should get back to your post. But Sasuke I'm sorry to say that I won't be able to help you train anymore today." Ayame sensed Sasuke's annoyances at the change in schedule. Everyone has been working very hard since they came here; they've been working well into late night. She could see it in their faces they needed a break. "On the other hand, why don't we have some fun?"

"I don't have time for fun." Sasuke muttered.

"Sure you do, everyone has time for fun," Naruto slapped his back and Sasuke growled in annoyance.

"You can train and have fun at the same time. Since I won't be able to train with you. Why don't we have an obstacles course for you and Naruto." Ayame said to Sasuke.

"That sounds great!" Naruto replied.

"Are you in, Sasuke?" Sakura asked quietly.

"I guess so, though I don't see how it will help with my training." Sasuke rolled his eyes.

"Trust me, it will help. Now Sakura and Sai I need you to come with me over there." Ayame pointed a good distance away from their current position. Naruto lunged forwards trying to hear them but Neji kept a good grip onto Naruto's jacket. He relaxed once he realized that it was useless. Ayame came back; Sai and Sakura darted away.

"All right, now Sasuke here's your map and Naruto here's yours. On your way you will encounter obstacles they can be logical or fighting. Sakura and Sai are setting them up as we speak and they will be at the end. Then once you reach them and they confirmed that you picked up everything on the list then it's a mad dash back towards Neji and me." Ayame explained.

"What are the rules," Sasuke threw his hands into his pocket.

"There is none." Ayame replied.

"Meaning we can steal the other person's collection." Sasuke inquired.

"Yep, but both of you have different goods to collect. If you wanted to do that then yes you can. There are no rules after all, well wait… don't kill each other." Ayame looked up and saw a black eagle in the sky flying in a circle. "That's the signal. They are ready. All right, ready, set, go." Ayame shouted. Naruto and Sasuke dashed towards the woods. Once they were out of sight she went and sat down on the rock that she tripped over. "Sit down Neji, it's going to be a while." He shook his head and continued to stand across from her. "Fine then, but let's do something I'm getting bored. How about tag."

"Tag." Neji spoke.

"Yeah, its fun."

"We are too old for that."

"Oh come on, loosen up a little. Tag!" Ayame touched Neji's shoulder and ran away from him. He sighed and chased after her. She darted his fingers and disappeared. He stopped, confusedly looked around but she couldn't be seen.

"Ayame," Neji cautiously searched the area, and then he found himself falling backwards. She appeared out of the sand, laughing at him.

"Gotcha," Ayame continued to laugh at his expense. However Neji wasn't going to be tricked so easily. He quickly wrapped his legs in between hers pulling her on him.

"Nope, I got you." Neji smirked as Ayame's hands where on his chest stopping her from crashing into his head. His arms encased her back pulling her closer to him. Ayame's eyes widen as he kissed her cheek. She felt his heart pound violently as they just stared at each other. She knew she had to respond but it shook her up. She didn't except this from him, or did she. Now that she thought about it, he was constantly looking out for her. Also he sought her out after she blew up on Naruto in the forest after Itachi fought with her. And last night his words echoed throughout her mind.

Neji looked into her eyes trying to find any reaction. She was shocked, but he predicted that would happen. If he wanted to show her how he felt, it was now while they were alone and far from everyone. She gave him emotions he's never felt and for the first time he acted on impulse. He moved his left hand towards her head pulling it down slowly while raising his. Ayame could feel his breath against her face, yet she still couldn't react. It wasn't like her to just freeze up. Neji seeing that she wouldn't make a move decided to take the initiative and pressed his lips against hers. Ayame melted in his arms, she felt weird, excited. Not exactly how she felt with Itachi but still felt something. His arms overpowered her body and pressed her deeper into him. Then Itachi's face flashed into Ayame's mind. She pushed herself out of Neji's arms and scrambled backwards.

"Did I offend you?" Neji puzzled sat up.

"No, its not that…it's just that-"Ayame touched her lips.

"Itachi" Neji hung his head. Ayame's heart started to pound, she did not know what to do. Neji was a great guy and considerate towards her. However, Itachi, well he was just Itachi. He was nowhere near being as kind and gentle as Neji. Ayame's mind imported information overload she constantly went between Neji and Itachi. She shook her head, seeing that Neji was looking for some response. She wanted to say yes and be with him, but there was that one part that was Itachi's and always will be. It was the same part that screamed to leave Kabuto during her younger years. She ignored it then because she hardly saw Itachi, but could she now. Obviously their relationship was never going to work unless someone gave in. She knew that Itachi was too stubborn to stop his tormenting of Sasuke. Yet, she was just as stubborn and would never fall back on her promise.

"I'm sorry Neji." The words automatically flooded from her mouth. Her eyes widened after saying those words, realizing what she had chosen.

"I guess a person can not change destiny in every matter." He hung his head low and Ayame wanted to hold him, to make him feel better. Yet she knew that the words he wanted to hear she could never say. Ayame understood now, she loved Itachi no matter what. Until either of them are ready for a relationship she will never date anybody else, but him.

"Neji, I'm so-"

"You can not help it. I guess love is the only field where destiny can not be changed." He got up and turned his back. The surroundings around him blurred up and he lifted a finger to his eyes, they were wet. Quickly he straightened himself up and faced her. He must be strong; it is not his nature to be weak. "Can I ask you one question?"

"Anything."

"If Itachi was not in the picture, would you consider me?"

"Yes, I would." Ayame tilted her head slightly while giving him a small grin.

"If you will excuse me I would like to get back to my post."

"Of course," Ayame nodded, "Neji please don't give up on making your own destiny."

"Don't worry I won't." He ran towards the village and Ayame stood there sitting on the ground.