Author's note Part 1:

Hello again dearest readers! Well I really don't have an excuse for the late update. My muse decided that she wants to go on vacation-she's off somewhere in Bermuda I reckon.

Plus someone got me really pissed. I mean, I guess it's okay to borrow someone else's idea/s for your fic but really, a whole blasted story-verbatim? That is plagiarism. You know who you are and I hope that you won't do it again, not to me or anyone else. Thanks to those who informed me, it really was appreciated. So if you see any of my work not under the name of chi/chiea/mikaelachiea, that's not me, inform me, kay?

(Fiery aura switched off) Okay, blackrose113 has brought to my attention the usage of the term belladonna in place of prima donna. Actually, it wasn't an accident, meaning it was entirely a conscious and intentional effort on my part. Belladonna in Italian means "beautiful lady", in English you may mean deadly poison or the plant where it is derived from which is Atropa belladonna or nightshade if you will. I used the term belladonna for those reasons- which means Haruno Sakura, in this story or I suppose in the reality of anime, is ambivalent, a paradox-both lovely and deadly at the same time. I think you might agree with me on this.

Also another reason for my preference for the name was that the belladonna lily or Amaryllis belladonna is sometimes known as the "queen of all lilies", a title befitting she who is greatest amongst her peers-in this case singing. Hope that satisfied your query. But thanks for paying attention to the detail.

Thanks to:

Eliza-you're finally gonna get an answer to what Sakura and Kiba's relationship was!

Jamie H- thank you very much for reviewing! SO who's your pick? Neji? Sasuke?

Natsuhiboshi-another NejiSaku fan! Wahoo! Neji rules!

Inluvwithcoldheartedguys- here you go! More! Thankies for reading!

Cheshireneko- Ah, gomen! See if the dividers in this chappie is better.. Thanks for reviewing!

DoctorMeowzie- One of my favorite reviewers! Oh you will be the one chucking something heavy on Sasuke's face when you read the next chapter ! More KibaSaku as promised! GaasSaku soon to come?

PrincessRen- Oh you'll find about that in the later chapters! I download the manga scans from You'll have to register first, ne?

Sayomi-sama- Sasuke? A playboy? Nope he won't be one but he's gonna.. (whisper..whisper..) Thanks for reading!

Animemistress419-here's the update! Enjoy!

Shadow of lies- Very vocal, but we share the same sentiments! Go NEJI!

Blackheart- Here you go! Enjoy the latest installment!

Kawaii Koneko92- What flavor do you like? I have strawberry! MMmm.. I'll mail it to you dear! Thanks for reviewing!

Gina01- Tadaa! Neji goodness!

Rhonda21- You are absolutely right! Sasuke's face is still in the shadows! Spoiler alert! Don't you think that Sai has finally got some sense now! Finally, he realizes that his loyalty lies to Konoha! And Naruto who reminds him of his brother! I can practically hear the yaoi writers typing frantically at this moment! Heheh!

Konohagirl- Ack! I don't want to spoil the latest chapters but you can find the summaries at You're gonna want to tear your hair out if you're a Sasuke fan. Kishimoto still hasn't shown his face..yet.. But he's back, that's for sure! I can smell a duel between him and Naruto-kun!

Lexy499- If you squint hard enough, you'll see the plan out in this chapter somewhere! Thanks!

Gin-inu- Not so many reviews? Actually I never thought the fic would get so much attention! Thank you so much for your support! Hugs! By the way, I've read some of your stories, and I have got to say, you rock! My personal faves are I will beat you, a Nejisaku fic and Insomniac a Gaasaku ! Oi people, go read her stories, they're great! Go Neji! Yahoo!

Pureblood- Yep, I can hear you all the way here in Asia! I agree! Neji-kun's the best! No offense to other fans ne? Peace! Love and peace! (Vash inspired?)

Luv's lyric- Thank you very much for reviewing! The following chapter is unbeta-ed. I do hop you won't have a heart attack. Don't worry, I'll take care of you, I'm a nurse! Hehe

Leiral- NejiSaku goodness abound! Enjoy!

Did I miss anyone? Ah, the polls!

Neji- 23

Sasuke- 6

Gaara-2

Kakashi-2

Sai-1 (my beta voted him but refused to review. Lazy brat. She thinks Sai's abs are hot...)

Polls are still open. No flying voters, nyahaha. Goodness, landslide much?

Warning:

Monstrously long chapter. You will either hate Kiba with everything you've got or love him. Tell me in a review ne? This chapter is very KibaSaku… Don't mind the dots, they serve as my markers, not to mention dividers, so the lines won't bunch up..

Disclaimer:

The characters in this story are created by Masashi Kishimoto and are used only for entertainment purposes and not to raise any funds. No money was made on his behalf so no suing. Only the situations, settings, plot belong to me.

Act IV

Burn-a Brush with an Old Flame

Upper Brook Street

Another sigh escaped her lips as she sat on her four poster bed decorated in tones of forest green and silver, the thick duvet invitingly opened, almost begging her to lay between the sheets. The coldness of winter has finally arrived, making sleep a very desirable choice. She glanced at the larger of the two packages on her bed was unwrapped revealing a stunningly elegant gown of burgundy, layers of the finest silk topped with the softest of chiffons. She barely registered the excited squeal of her handmaid who was probably having a convulsion from the looks of things.

"-goodness, this is lovely Sakura! No, one of the loveliest gowns I've ever-"

She really wanted to sleep and the soft mattress beneath her practically demanded it. Maybe if she had slept, all the deception, hurt and maybe the stupid deal would disappear. Maybe it was a nightmare and when she wakes up, she'll be in their estate in Mist, with her mother trying desperately to make her into a woman. Those were the good days. A small envelope was placed on top of the dress, with the symbol of the duchy of Kurobara- an eagle clutching a single black rose with flames burning behind it, sealing the flap.

Sakura,

I would have rather given you the package personally but my meeting with my lawyers and creditors have prevented me from doing so. My sincerest apologies. Tonight there will be a ball held for a friend of mine-Inspector Shikamaru Nara and his wife, Madame Temari for their soon to be born child. All his business partners as well as mine will be attending, including the people who had practically demanded an heir from me. Thus your presence shall be appreciated at the aforementioned event.

I would have rather told you in advance but I though, there shant be a problem at all. I will not tolerate your absence. I will personally fetch you tonight at seven o'clock. Look your best.

'As if I would dare show up a wreck. As if I have a choice, the way he said it is like he thinks I have nothing else to do. Stupid duke! He didn't even sign his bloody name!'

"Shizune, I'm going to a ball tonight. Would you care to help me prepare?"

Of all her maids since she was a child, Sakura considered Shizune as her best. She didn't even consider her a servant, she had told her to drop the formalities since she was a little girl, to the annoyance of her grandmother. Shizune was like her older sister and when her mother died, Shizune never left her side.

"Why of course! Who gave you this lovely gown anyway, hmm? The handsome bloke? What was his name? Inuzuki? Inutaki? Inuyasha? Oh whatever."

Emerald eyes darkened but refused to show any sign of emotion. She stood up and without another word started for the bath.

Two hours later, Shizune, having finished Sakura's elaborate hairstyle was putting the final touches of powder on her mistress' face.

"There! Now stand up, and look at yourself in the mirror."

Shrugging, she stood up and gazed at her mirrored image.

"I look like a tomato."

Shizune, for the lack of a better word, snorted.

"You look like a goddess! For someone as lovely as you are, you sure have a low opinion of yourself dear. And I will I have none of your speeches about your forehead! Oh and you have to wear this too!"

She offered an opened box to Sakura who looked shocked. Resting on black velvet was a necklace of gold a deep ruby cut in the shape of a tear hanging from it. Beside it was a pair of earrings, also having scarlet gems dangling.

A soft knock on the door seemed to snap her back to reality.

"Miss Sakura, his grace is waiting on the drawing room."

"Tell him I'll be right down."

After clasping the last earring on one of her lobes she reached for the matching crimson mantle on her bed.

"Lady Tsunade may be back tonight from his lordship's home. You may want to arrive early, you know that her ladyship gets worried about you a lot."

Sakura nodded absently and then silently left the room.

downstairs at the drawing room

"You're early m'lord."

Pearl eyes snapped up and widened considerably.

Her hair was arranged in a French twist, not a single lock obscuring her bright face, nor her bare milky shoulders. The wine-red gown accentuated her fair porcelain skin, creating the illusion that her skin was glowing. It hugged her upper body well, flattering the curves of her bosom and her narrow waist. The lower part of the gown swirled around her like a mist, embroidered sparingly in the soft chiffon were small black roses-the very symbol of the land Neji was hailed duke of. Her arms were deliciously bare, hands grasping a scarlet mantle.

"That bad? I can still change after all-"

He looked at her like it was the most hare brained notion he has ever heard.

"You look stunning. And no, I'm not early. You happen to be late, dearest."

"You are in my home m'lord, there are no prying ears here. You can drop the flattery and pretenses."

He smirked at her and reached out for her hand.

"A duke can do as he pleases. Shall we?"

Moments later..

According to Neji, Naruto enjoyed throwing parties and did so at every excuse he could get. And the forthcoming birth of a child of his dear friend-Inspector Shikamaru was good enough reason to do so. Even if the said friend would rather not have one because according to him it was to quote, too troublesome. But the blonde indeed had his way with things as Kiba had pointed out some time in the past. And that is why, once again, she is standing in the entrance of the ballroom of the Uzumaki mansion.

'I wonder if he'll be here tonight…'

The butler cleared his throat and proclaimed loudly over the noise of the party.

"His grace, the duke of Kurobara, Lord Neji Hyuuga and Miss Sakura Haruno."

The noise suddenly reverted into silence that even the sound of a needle dropping would echo on the spacious room. All heads turned to their direction, some scrutinizing, some shocked, a few amused and others simply speechless. The couple walked gracefully down the carpeted staircase, the lady's hand resting on the crook of gentleman's arm while his other hand held that very hand, squeezing as if to give her support. When they were within a few meters from the spectators, the nearest gasped. They recognized the symbolism on the lady's ball gown- the mark of his grace himself.

A blur of gold and black stopped in front of them, startling Sakura.

"Glad to see you two made it! I see you brought your ladylove with you Neji! Looking pretty as always Sakura!"

Naruto grinned at the two of them, internally laughing as his loudly spoken statement, which served as a catalyst, for the silence suddenly turned into thunderous cacophony. Whispers from all over surrounded the hall.

"-you know, the singer? The former mistress of the captain of the-"

"-then it must be true! That his grace actually found a gir-"

"-and others lost a wager at Ichiraku's because his grace now has a bea-"

"-shameless woman! After playing the poor cap-"

Lovely chaos. Sakura treated every single whisper with cool disdain as the man beside her simply smirked. It was like the only person in the hall was Naruto and his lovely wife who finally reached the trio.

"Good evening, cousin Neji. Miss Sakura."

Sakura was about to curtsey when like Naruto, Hinata held up her hand, a motion to halt. Opalescent eyes, reminiscent of her companion's looked at her kindly.

"Family members do not need to address me like that.."

Sakura froze her smile in place.

'She's speaking like I'm already married to Neji for goodness sake!'

"Then please call me Sakura. No need for formalities."

She felt Neji squeeze her hand and she looked up to meet his eyes, currently sporting ill concealed amusement. He turned his eyes from her and looked past Naruto. A man dressed in a suit, whose hair was tied on a ponytail was walking towards them with a tan woman, whose abdomen swelled with a baby.

"I see you've finally agreed to throw a party, Nara."

"More like coerced."

Neji smirked at Shikamaru who was currently glaring at Naruto.

"I see. I would like you to meet Miss Sakura Haruno. Sakura, this is Inspector Shikamaru Nara and his wife, Temari."

Before Sakura could come up with a polite reply, Temari latched on her arm and gave her a wide smile.

"We've already met, you grace. I've been to all the performances of their troupe! I'm their biggest fan! I haven't congratulated you yet on becoming the belladonna! I thought that you would definitely take the place of Kurenai! And your latest per-"

She smiled and nodded to each and every statement of the blonde. It was true anyway, she attended every performance they had and approached Kurenai at every chance possible. And when she took the lead, she became the prime target.

'Look at the bright side. Everyone's warming up to you! Well even if everything is a farce..'

The music started and the noise a while ago was reduced to sporadic murmurings. Naruto surveyed the crowd and almost laughed loudly.

"Ah yes, Sakura. Sasuke would like to give you his greetings. He is currently engaged in another business venture, you know how he is. No fun."

"Please tell him hello for me then, my lord."

"There are other people I'd like you to meet my dear. If you'll excuse us, Temari."

"Oh all right. I'll see you later then, Sakura!"

She smiled and allowed Neji to guide her across the crowd.

"You're even popular with the females, Sakura."

Heat suffused her cheeks and a crimson stain covered it as his implication sunk.

"You are so.. ugghh.. annoying.."

She gasped as she realized that she has finally broken her control. Waiting for a sharp reprimand, she was utterly confused when the sound of deep baritone laughter escaped his lips.

"Finally, you speak your thoughts. I've been baiting you for a while and I have to admit, your control on yourself is astonishing, my sweet."

"You mean all this time you've been.."

"I see you finally found yourself a woman, Hyuuga."

Neji nodded in greeting to the man before him. A few others turned around and looked at them in scrutiny. Sakura looked at all their faces warmly while she thought of all the sketches of the business associates Neji gave her a week ago. Since he did not tolerate failure, he made sure that she knew all of their names and background information which unknown to her was provided by Shikamaru.

'So this tall guy is Genma Shinarui, the womanizer.. Oh god, this is the man who looks a lot like Lee! What's his name again? I can remember he loves fencing. Uhm.. Gay? Gui? Gai! His name is Gai Maito! And the one with the grin and sharp teeth is Kankurou Sabaku. That means, the readhead is his younger brother- he's the quiet one- Gaara Sabaku.'

"This lovely lady beside me is Sakura Haruno. These are my business associates, Sakura."

"I'm Genma Shinarui. It's a shame Hyuuga already has you for a beau."

He lowered his eyes to her level and kissed the back of her hand, unknown to anyone else, his tongue darted quickly to tease her skin. Sakura blushed hotly. Neji looked at him coolly.

"I see that even you, Neji were not immune to the beauty and allure of such a lovely creature! I am Gai Maito my dear, and I daresay you are incredibly beautiful! Ah the wonders of youth!"

'He sounds like Lee too. Related perhaps?'

Before his thick lips could come in contact with her skin, Kankurou grasped her hand quickly.

"I see you have found someone, Neji. Interesting."

Sakura smiled pleasantly, not betraying the rising panic that swelled in her chest. Neji had told she should be careful around Kankurou for it was he who convinced everyone that the duke should have an heir. Initially, the man was opposed to any business venture with the duke but since only he and the other members of his group had access to imported crude oil- which Neji believed will revolutionize technology- the duke had done any means necessary to achieve an agreement.

"A pleasure to meet all you."

Her emerald eyes looked expectantly at the last man, waiting for an introduction. Kankurou looked over his shoulder to his sibling. The young man frowned and stepped closer to them but maintained a space of three feet from her. She would have extended her hand for his to take but seeing the frigid look on eyes a lighter shade than hers, she decided against it.

"I am Gaara Sabaku."

And without another word he walked out of them towards the huge fountain of wine at the other side of the hall.

"Pardon my younger brother if he has offended you, Miss Sakura. He isn't the most gracious of people."

'That doesn't even begin to describe it.'

She smiled reassuringly.

"Oh no, I'm not bothered in the least."

"Very well then. Not only is she lovely but kind as well. You are very lucky, Hyuuga."

Neji nodded and much to Sakura's chagrin, gazed at her in an pleased manner.

"I know. Now if you'll excuse me gentlemen, I'd like to get a drink. Would you want one dear?"

'Oh no. You will not leave me here! You wouldn't dare!'

She bit her tongue to prevent herself from shouting inappropriate words and forced a smile.

"Please and thank you."

"Well if your escort will be elsewhere Miss Sakura, may you honor me with a dance?"

Genma smirked and without waiting for a reply, placed a warm hand at the small of her back guiding her onto the dance floor. He danced gracefully, eyes watching her form appreciatively.

"So Miss Sakura, the rumors were true. You have indeed captured Konoha's most eligible bachelor.."

"Actually it was the other way around. I find it hard to believe that a man like his grace would be captured by a flutter of eyelashes, dear Sir."

Genma laughed approvingly.

"Excellent point. I've heard that you sing for a troupe…"

The conversation with Genma was light and she was mildly entertained by his charming remarks.

"Mind if I cut in?"

Sakura's heart plummeted to her feet. Of all the people, of all the men in the hall why him?

"Of course. But be careful, she happens to be Lord Neji Hyuuga's woman."

With one last smile Genma left the pair, unable to feel the tension that was utterly palpable in the air.

"May I have this dance, Sakura."

'If I back out he'll think I'm avoiding him. That I'm a coward…'

And with all the power in each fiber of her being, she placed the most charming and unaffected smile on her face. Sienna eyes looked burning for a moment then became calm again.

"Of course Captain Inuzuka."

He placed a hand on her waist while the other clasped her hand gently. Those who recognized the young man stared at them unabashedly, while others strained closer to hear the words that were being exchanged. It appears that the haute ton will have another field day.

"Kiba. You used to call me that, Sakura."

She never took her smiling mask off. There will be rumors about them if she breaks her façade and Neji will not be pleased. Besides, so what if she was dancing with him, he was just another gentleman like the others. Never mind they were involved.

"I prefer to call you by your surname Sir Inuzuka. Where is your lovely fiancée? I received your wedding invitation, please give her my warmest gratitude."

"Ino isn't here. She is busy buying her trousseau and making the final wedding arrangements. Sakura what are you doing here?"

His tone was a bit forced, he was obviously keeping his temper in check.

"Attending a party like you. I don't see any problem with that."

One of her brows was raised as if she was stating a common fact. Kiba's temper dived and with all the control he could muster, spoke as softly as possible.

"Why are you here with him of all people?"

"Who I go with is my business. Frankly, I don't see why you should entangle yourself with my affairs. And his grace is excellent company."

Not giving a pin about everyone who was tuning in to their conversation, he hissed his acerbic reply.

"Don't speak to me like that Sakura. Don't you know what he really is? He doesn't care about you. He's just using you. I thought you were smart enough to figure that out. Do I have to help you every single time?"

"Don't you dare lecture me Kiba Inuzuka. What I do is none of your concern. It never was since you stepped out of my home months ago. I never nagged you, heck I never gave a damn about what you did with her, so don't start"

"I told you a hundred times, I don't love her. I'm doing this to reach my father's dream, to achieve the highest position in the government-the prime minister! Ino's father will make sure I get there in exchange for his daughter's hand. Of all the people, I thought you understood me."

"That blow was low. Even for you. I never hindered your goals. I even let you go. Did you see me stop you? Cry over you? You're free to do as you want. I never had control over you, never. So don't monopolize me. I belong to no one but myself."

"You're right. You don't belong to me Sakura. You belong with me. And I do not want to see anyone touching you. No one but me."

Tears were beginning to form at the corner of her eyes. But she held it back with all her force, she struggled to keep her smile in front, even if the words spoken were contrasting with the action.

"Be my mistress."

It was like she had been slapped. What did he think of her? Some lovesick puppy, willing to deal with leftover scraps of his love and time? Bastard. (A/N:ouch..) He continued with his statement, eyes of dark coffee shade never leaving her face.

"I don't love her but I will marry her. But we can make this work out. Trust me Sakura. Leave him."

Her voice had become soft, a mere notch above a whisper. Her eyes met his once again, emerald orbs burning with unshed tears and unspoken anger.

"Am I that gullible, Kiba? So stupid that you think that I'll believe you? Do you think that after everything that has happened, I'd still trust you?

Pulling out all stops, Kiba had said the one thing that she never wanted to hear again, not from him.

"But I love you Sakura."

'Dammit!'

A warm hand grasped her shoulder. She was about to slap it off, thinking it was Kiba but it was another. The familiar scent of sandalwood attacked her senses and as confusing as it was, she relaxed.

"I see you're feeling sick again, love. I hope you'll excuse her, Inuzuka. She hasn't been feeling well since this morning. You never know, the very reason for that might be my heir."

She heard the words but did not complain. Kiba shot the fiercest of glares at the aristocrat, the hand on Sakura's waist seemed to be tightening in act of possession.

"This is none of your business, Hyuuga."

All ears in the hall seemed to be listening, it was eerily silent. The duke was no more amused than the Captain, his piercing glare was testament to that. He looked at the younger man with cool disdain before setting his eyes on the emerald eyed woman.

"It is actually. You're holding the future Duchess of Kurobara."

"Not if I ha-"

It was Naruto to the rescue. To prevent a brawl from ensuing, a very public one at that he decided to get all the attention to himself.

"Hey people, dessert is served! Music maestro, what kind of a party is so silent!"

The crowd dispersed but everyone was still alert for the brewing situation below. Sakura, noticing that Kiba's attention was shifted to Neji broke from the hold on her waist. She moved closer to Neji who immediately enveloped her in a semi-embrace.

"I'm feeling dizzy your grace…"

The duke looked at her in an almost pitying manner before snapping his eyes to Naruto's.

"I'm afraid we'll have to retire for the night. Give my regards to Shikamaru, Temari and Hinata."

"Sure thing. Sakura, you may be exerting yourself too hard. Rest okay?"

And without further adieu, they walked towards the exit. All the while, Sakura bearing the intensity of Kiba's stare at the back of her neck. At the far end of the hall were two men, one sipping from his champagne glass, while the other's attention was turned towards the retreating form of the duke and his companion.

"Do you honestly believe that the woman is with Hyuuga?"

"I never thought I'd live to see the day you'll ask for my opinion, Gaara. And so distrusting too.."

"You're one to speak. You are practically betraying your friend, Uchiha.."

Obsidian eyes sparkled with mischief.

"Hmph.. It doesn't matter if they are together or not. I can break them apart.."

"All this because you want to be better than him at everything. Who needs enemies when one has friends like you, Uchiha."

At the coach:

She was silent at the duration of the ride home. Memories of her and a certain someone plagued her thoughts. Surprisingly, no tears fell from her glassy orbs. A black embroidered handkerchief was being offered to her by a large hand.

"You're family might think I did something horrible to you if they see you weeping, love. Tsk, think of what it will do to my reputation, making a helpless young woman sad."

There was no expression on his face but the jeering tone of his voice was enough to snap her back to reality.

"Thank you your grace.."

"And about that, I have a name you know."

She took the proffered handkerchief and used it to occupy her hands.

"I'm aware of that your grace."

"Use it then."

He smiled at her and for the first time during her dance with Kiba, her spirits were lifted up.

"Thank you. Neji."

The silence was comfortable until it was shattered.

"Did you just tell everyone at the party that I might be pregnant, Neji?"

to be continued…..

Next chapter:

"Well if it isn't the dirty blooded mongorel.. I'm surprised that you still have the gall to reside here and take advantage of grandmamma.."

"What are you doing here!"

"Unlike you, I actually have a right to be here. After all, I will be inheriting all of the Kaji's properties. I am absolutely sure that I will be the heiress of our, I mean my family, unlike the daughter of a runaway. You're like your mother. Brainless…"

"How dare you!"

Author's note Part 2:

How was it? Was Kiba terrible? Romantic? Personally, I would have decked him to next week if he asked me that.

And the tension is building up. What the holy hell is Sasuke up to? And Inner Sakura is finally unleashed! How will Neji take it?

With all the bloody handsome males of this fic, I'm getting more confused as to who's gonna get her in the end. Neji and Sasuke are still the top choices but you never know, someone else might come up.

More characters will be introduced next chapter. Including Neji's old.. (whisper..whisper..)

And I'm absolutely sure you are going to hate a certain character come next chapter. And it's not Ino. At least not yet.

Review people! Especially if you see errors with regards to grammar, spelling. This is un beta-ed.

Thanks for reading!