A/N: Placed after the chapter.

Disclaimer: Chiea doesn't own the Naruto characters, only situations, drama, boxes of pocky which she might consume in an alarming rate if she doesn't get her ass out of her angsty cage. Hopefully she won't go around killing characters.

Something Wonderful

Act VI

The Ties of Fidelity

She heard the shuffling of feet on the thick mahogany carpet and the sound of a muffled voice. She opened her eyes ever so slowly and was hit by another wave of nausea. Looking around slowly, she recognized the familiar furnishings of her room, along with a fuzz of myriad of colors on one side and that there was someone standing on her bedside by the window. Squinting her eyes to get a clearer look and trying to slowly sit up were two things she reminded herself never to do again for her body felt like dead weight and she fell immediately back to a supine position. What was she doing here anyway, the last thing that she remembered was mingling amongst the guests in the after performance party.

"I see you are awake, Miss Haruno. I am Doctor Kabuto Yakushi, the family physician of the Hyuugas and I've been looking after you since last evening. How are you?"

"Horrible."

Amazing what an incredibly vexing situation can do to ones manners. Instead of being annoyed however, the man simply smiled and nodded approvingly.

"I suppose you want to know what happened last night that knocked you out. You, my dear, might have taken something that your body was not accustomed to resulting to your incredibly adverse reaction to the said substance. Simply put, you might be allergic to something. But your body had taken care of the problem, seeing as you have vomited for the most of last night."

She barely understood anything at the moment since her head felt like it was being split into half. She massaged her temples with one hand while the doctor checked her pulse on the other.

"So far you are doing all right. The headache will gradually disappear. I have given you a few tablets an hour ago but I doubt you remember that, seeing as you drifted in and out of consciousness. It is a good thing that you're body is healthy, should you have been afflicted with a disease of any sort, I might have given you an autopsy on this lovely afternoon instead."

"Lovely…. Afternoon? How long have I been like this?"

"It's four in the afternoon and Master Neji has brought you here at 10 last eve."

As if on cue, the door was opened and soft footsteps resounded in the room.

"Well, well well. They do say that rats can deal with anything even poison. Pity too. But I suppose I'd settle for your rattled appearance, not that it's any different from how you usually look. I'm surprised that you still have the gall to reside here and take advantage of grandmamma"

This had to be a nightmare. Emerald eyes closed and opened again, in an attempt to somehow make the person in front of her disappear. Unfortunately, brown eyes looked at her disdainfully and with an exasperated voice..

"I have enough to deal with, Ami. I suggest you leave my room at once.."

"Pardon me but last time I checked, I will be inheriting the house. Unlike you, I actually have a right to be here., 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…"

Kabuto looked back and forth but his existence seemed to have been forgotten by the two females. Despite her headache, Sakura stood up and was now facing Ami. Her eyes reflected enmity so deep, they were starting to change from their usual clear emerald to dark jade. Ami sneered, obviously enjoying her reaction.

"How dare you!"

"Aunt Nadeshiko had everything going for her. She was lovely, yes. But she just had to fall in love with that.. That..commoner.. And to add insult to injury, he is of foreign origin! Ha! If she were smart enough, she could have at least aborted you and had continued on with her life. But no, she married that man and gave birth to you. You and your father ruined her life!"

Slap!

Never in Sakura's life had she done any act of violence for she knew that it never solved anything. But there was always an exception to the rule. The shocked look in Ami's face, her now reddening cheek, was enough to give the issue another thought. Despite her frail condition, she managed to smirk. The door slammed open, stopping Ami in her stride to avenge herself. She glared heatedly at the newly arrived person only to have her jaw drop. She curtseyed gracefully, her eyes suddenly calm, then shone with well practiced coyness.

"Good afternoon, my lord duke. What brings you here, your grace? Are you in need of company?"

She sauntered towards him, not even deterred by the stoic, polite indifference that Neji gave her.

"To visit my beau of course. How are you feeling, Sakura?"

Neji walked past her and straight towards Sakura who was now standing not too far from them, watching the exchange with slight unease. The image of Uzuki and Neji wrapped in each others arms triggered another wave of nausea and she unceremoniously sat on top of her bed covers, massaging her temples furiously. Neji sat beside her and glanced at silver haired doctor. The physician frowned and nodded; Neji's face grew dark.

"Your grace? And that tramp! Prepostrous!"

All eyes turned to Ami who was turning scarlet in anger, and grasping her fan with strength that nearly turned her knuckles to white.

"You might like her now my lord, but she's only using you for influence and wealth! Ha! That woman who is a disgrace in the long line of the blue blooded kin of the Kaji's, an offspring of a black sheep and a foreigner, is nothing but a gold digger and opportunist! If I were his grace, I will leave her and search for another woman worthy of time and affection."

Sakura blanched, feeling Ami's words slice through her resolve like a sharp knife through her flesh. It was the horrible, naked truth; their relationship was a fraud, something that would garner her monetary benefit afterwards. She felt dirty and for the first time in her life, she felt herself agree with her cousin. Ami, seeing the defeated look on her cousin's face for the first time took her chance; she walked towards Sakura with determined strides, arm poised to strike. Neji had caught her upturned hand in mid air, silver eyes regarding her in a bored, almost frosty gaze.

"You do not touch her, nor talk to her like that. Do that again and I shall make sure that you are duly compensated. As for who I decide to spend my time with, it is none of your business. Do I make myself clear?"

She looked at the two of them disdainfully before bowing to Neji in an almost mocking way.

"Of course your grace. But I shall only say this once. You have been warned. Have a good day."

As Ami left the room quietly, another woman entered, sparing the occupants not a single glance, save for the pink haired woman.

"What on earth has happened to you, Sakura?"

"Grandmama!"

A tall blonde woman stood by the door, face warped with worry. She walked briskly towards the bed, and settled when she was face to face with her grandchild. A pale hand placed itself on Sakura's forehead while another stroked cherry locks repeatedly.

"For now she is only suffering from the after effects of her allergy to something she took last night. But worry not Lady Tsunade, Miss Sakura is no longer in danger. A few days of bed rest and plenty of fluids shall restore her vigor…"

"Thank you for taking care of her then doctor.. What are you doing sitting up, cherie? Lay down now and rest."

She gingerly laid a rather protesting Sakura on the bed and proceeded to tuck the covers around her. Then she turned around to look at the silver eyed duke who watched silently from the bed side.

"I heard that you have not yet slept a wink since last eve, Lord Hyuuga. It shall be in your best interest to retire this afternoon?"

She looked at him inquiringly, nearly challenging him to deny that little tidbit. It was not unknown to the servants of the Kaji residence that a certain handsome young man was paving the hallway carpets outside their young mistress' room from his worried pacing since the night after he rushed her home. Nor the fact that he went home for only an hour and half to change his clothing and then went back to the young woman's side. Most of the young maids were reprimanded for their unnecessary swooning, gossiping and stalking the guest since this morning by the stern Shizune. At the moment, the said guest was silent but refused to meet anyone in the eyes. Tsunade sighed and looked at the other occupant of the room, the exhausted looking physician.

"You too doctor, I am quite sure the maids and I are capable of restricting cherie from doing anything extraneous for a while.."

"Very well then.. Miss Sakura, do remember to rest and take fluids to regain your strength. Master Neji, I shall call on you tomorrow afternoon perhaps. A good day to all of you then."

"I'll see you on your way out then. Oh yes, Sakura dear, I have already spoken with his lordship. Know that I do approve of your choice. I shall come back up later with your lunch. I trust that you will behave a gentleman, Lord Hyuuga. We better go then doctor."

"Grandmama…."

Being the belladonna of Eros et Thanatos had no bearing on the flushed look that her grandmother's inane comments got out her. She was scarlet from her cheeks to the tip of her ears. Neji did not even look affronted, rather he smirked arrogantly at her.

"Oh don't be shy dear. I'll leave the two of you now.."

The door closed with an audible click, leaving the two of them alone for the first time since she found out about his past. She sat up slowly, emerald eyes staring longingly out the ceiling length glass windows, where the first flakes of snow drifted lazily on to the ground. Winter had arrived.

"I do not give a pin about what Miss Watanabi said. I have not decided to recruit you on to this ploy of ours because of your wonderful past."

She remained silent, transferring her gaze to the numerous bouquets of blossoms and cards on her bedside table. He frowned, not used to being ignored. Propriety and decorum aside, he had the gall to sit beside her on the bed. His hand tilted her face towards him, orbs of molten silver searching her face.

"You have been acting strangely for a while. Is it because half the ton had suddenly become interested on your "condition"? I even heard people ask about whether we were to wed. Does that upset you?"

He looked deadly serious, likely bordering on being offended. Her eyes darted to a figure behind him, not able to bear the intensity of his gaze.

"Madame Uzuki is very lovely.."

Her eyes widened when she realized she spoke her thoughts aloud. Her companion's brow raised a notch, seemingly caught off handed by her reply. Deciding to save face, she moved back from him and reached for one of the bunches of flowers on the table. Pink carnations. She traced the velvety petals with a finger gingerly. The other hand plucked a card from between the blooms, her name written in an elegant script on the outside.

Cerise,

Do get well.

Sasuke

A smile lit her lips, amusement sprouting from the incredibly laconic note a certain lord bothered to write. However, the fact that he did not even bother to write his title and his acknowledgement of her as an equal did not escape her. Suddenly, she felt herself being warped to a poignant, distant memory-involving these beautiful flowers and a certain someone. Someone with eyes as dark as the moonless night. It was becoming clearer, the reverie becoming more familiar when a voice broke her out of her trance.

"Could you be possibly jealous of Uzuki?"

There was no mockery, no accusation in his voice, it was actually a bit bland, a bit guarded in her opinion. Their eyes met and it seemed that time stopped-all thought of her reminiscence disappeared like dust.

"I have told you that it will be better if we have no feelings for each other exceeding that of friendship".

That had struck a deep nerve, and something wanted to surface. Her face grew warm, she felt like a child being reprimanded for something evil that she had done. After a few calming breaths she was about to refute his statement only to be interrupted once more.

Out of nowhere the door was slammed open by Tenten and Naruto who happen to race towards the door. Followed by an ecstatic Lee and Kotetsu

Tenten was cupping Sakura's cheeks, alternatively pinching disapprovingly and stroking gently.

"Sakura! What on earth happened to you! I look away for a moment and then you're being rushed home the next! And what is this I hear about your bethrotal, do pray tell."

Naruto was feeling Sakura's forehead then shaking his head vehemently.

"What have I told you about resting Sakura! Hmm? Hmm? Good thing Neji was there at the party. I knew something bad was going to happen, I should have dropped those ambassadors last night."

Lee was grasping both of her hands, his huge doe eyes regarding her with pity and regret.

"Your youth has been tampered with Sakura! Fear not, for I, Rock Lee shall always be on guard. Never shall you experience that sort of occurrence again! If I fail I shall sing the whole Macbeth play backwards ten times! I swear!

"Oh be quiet Lee.."

Kotetsu lightly tapped on the rather emotive man's shoulder before seating himself beside the belladonna. He patted her head in a playful manner, like a man would do to a little girl.

"Cerise needs rest. Do you want me to stay with you, hmmm? Kotetsu will make the pain go away.."

He wagged his eyebrows suggestively, earning a slap from Tenten, a reproachful look from Lee and an earful from Naruto, Sakura on the other hand laughed loudly. Neji watched quietly from the corner of the room, eyes resting on the arm Kotetsu placed around Sakura's shoulders.

"Don't corrupt innocent Sakura! Hey Neji, aren't you going to protect her? "

Tenten eyed the tall, emotionless man observing Sakura and the people around her cautiously. Realization hit her like a ton of bricks, this man standing right before her very eyes was the Duke of Kurobara, who was rumored to be courting her beloved friend. Things were starting to make sense, now if she could only tie the lose ends..

"Why on earth is everyone up here? Can you not see that Sakura needs rest?"

Kurenai looked disapprovingly at everyone who was fussing around Sakura before glancing at the reticent duke.

"Good afternoon your grace.. Tis a pleasure to meet you again.. Though the circumstances aren't quite as pleasant."

Wise scarlet eyes took in the tired lines on his face, fatigue, for he had not slept a wink since the night before, obviously was starting to set in. She bowed politely before turning her full attention on Sakura.

"Shizune told me. I apologize for not visiting earlier, Sarutobi has been rather fussy over my condition lately. One would think that it was him who was carrying a child in his womb.. Oh well, you need your rest. Come on children. Let's leave so she can rest. You too Lord Uzumaki."

"But..but…"

Cerulean eyes looked pleadingly at Kurenai but had no effect whatsoever.

"I'll be all right, Lord Naruto.. I mean Naruto.."

She smiled weakly at him and Naruto nodded happily and left without another protest. Kurenai winked almost imperceptibly before she closed the door which confused Sakura greatly.

The door opened slightly and a familiar pair of sienna eyes looked at the two of them perspicaciously. Tenten's voice held a pinch of ill concealed amusement and curiosity.

"We shall talk about everything later, Sakura. I shant take no for an answer either. Farewell and recover soon."

Upon the soft thud of the door being closed, the tension returned. Neji's words a while ago came back, like a violent wave hitting the shore. It was clear that he did not want to do anything with her, at least in the emotional and romantic sense.

Wrapped so much in her thoughts, she failed to notice that he was now standing directly in front of her. A warm hand tilted her chin up, so their eyes would meet. His expression was the softest she'd ever seen, not the customary polite façade he kept when dealing with other people, not the strong, seductive front he had when they first met or when he had kissed her senseless. He closed the distance between them and stopped when their lips were a scant centimeter apart. His eyes were penetrating, holding hers captive. All her thoughts screeched to a halt, there was nothing else, just her. And him.

"However, I honor all my promises, Sakura. That includes my vow of fidelity to you."

Instead of her lips, he kissed her softly on her forehead and left without another word.

She didn't know what was wrong with her but she felt her body warm up to such a chaste gesture and she didn't understand why something as innocent as that can jumble all her thoughts at once. She placed her fingers where his petal soft lips touched.

"I don't understand this.. Not at all.."

She looked at the windows where the flakes of snow continued to waft from the gray sky.

Meanwhile..

The light from a warm flame on the fireplace was the only source of light. A man with messy brown hair, was standing with his back towards the fire. He looked displeased and with brisk movements of his wrist, he continued to whirl his glass of brandy.

"I don't have anything against the chit, but it's better if we get rid of her. I tried, but I never expected interference at the most crucial moment. My next plan of action though would surely succeed."

The poor girl had nothing to do with this. It was just fate decided to intertwine their paths. He had to do this. He vowed to. A shuffling sound snapped him out of his train of thought. A person cloaked in the shadows stared back at him stoically.

"She is of better use to us alive than dead. She can distract Neji for the time being.."

Kankurou though thinking otherwise, had no choice but to agree. It was better to follow orders, this man before him was known to hold a grudge deeply, and it would be better not to anger him. So he will not to do anything detrimental to her. For now.

"Very well.."

To be continued..

Short chapter much? Prepare for Act VII, it's gonna be really really long. Check out my profile page for update days. Probably on August or early September depending on the schoolwork.

I am alive! Nyahaha! Well, for those who frequent my profile page, you'd know that I have been busy lately since school has already started and since I'm in Uni, I'm currently being flayed alive, left and right.

Boy, Sakura's confused. And about Sakura recognizing Sasuke, I've given you guys a clue! Does anyone know what pink carnations mean? If you do, you've got a lead! Neji came a bit cold in the middle part of the story. But it can't be helped, I, repeat, I'm not rushing things.

Can anyone guess who Kankuro was talking to? Hmmm?

As for my depression.. God, I don't even have time to be all depressed. Otherwise I'll get kicked out of school. T.T

I wasn't really supposed to update but after I saw the death threats, let's just say I don't find dreams of people chasing me with a spork pleasant. (wink..wink..)

Ah yes, my beta editor thinks that it's gonna be SaiSaku in the end. Yes, she is delusional and in need of counseling. I told her that maybe Sai was just really prone to blushing and was not crushing on Little Sakura-chan or maybe he's got dermatitis. Whatever.

Review Replies:

Hyousetsu: Thank you very much for reading and reviewing!

Konohagirl: Thankies for saying you like the twists! Though I can't promise you no one would die or nearly die (hint much?). Er, I'm a peace loving person so no war kay? You want pocky? Hehe

XxShadow-of-LiesxX: You know one of the guys who wanna get rid of sweet sakura-chan. Do you know who the other guy is? Nyahahaha.. Thanks for the review!

Razslover1: Thanks for saying you liked it!

Kawaii koneko92: Here's the update! And I'm working on the new plot, of course, another NejiSaku! I'm definitely a die hard fan!

Blonde Hurricane: I so wholeheartedly agree with the outfit thingy. Sans the nice view of the chest, it pretty much er sucks for the lack of a better word. Any idea on who Kankurou's conspirator is?

blackXheart: Yeah, depression sucks out all my energy and gives me a few extra pounds. Bleh. At least I'm seeing a bit of the light at the end of the tunnel. (I sound like I'm about to die?) Thank you very much for reviewing. And also don't get too depressed. I heard that a nice ice cream cone with sprinkles and fudge and cherries chases them away.. at least until they stay in your hips.. Anyways, thanks again!

xXcAnDiStArZxX: Oh my goodness, thank you for the reaction on Neji's characterization. I was beginning to think he sounded lame or dull! Yep, Sakura is definitely WAY cooler after the time skip. I hope Sakura bashers who say she's weak and all read that.

Natsuhiboshi: Not much Sasuke here! More Neji-kun as promised! Banzai!

Silver Fox Trot: Here's the next chappy! I hope you like it! Yup it made Sasuke-kun look fat. But Sai's starting to look hot! He looks nicer when he's not wearing the awful belly shirt of doom. Anyways thanks for reviewing!

Le-Garce-Fille: Eehehe, at least you wont kill me if something bad happens to Sakura. Thank you for saying you like the Pyramus and Thisbe part, and of course reviewing!

In love with cold hearted guys: Just curious, are you by any chance also in love with Sesshomaru from Inuyasha too? Anyways, here's the update, enjoy!

Toxicxkisses: Thank you very much for reviewing! And the SasuSaku moments haven't ended, still more to come. (NejiSaku fans don't kill me, it's part of the plot you see)

Sayomi-sama: I have updated! Ring the bells! I cant promise anything but I'll my best to try to finish the story. OOhh, thank goodness you liked the Uzuki part, coz I kinda felt that readers might think it was too sappy or something.. And the SasuSaku part, yep Sasuke's so devastatingly cunning here! But irresistible as well. Poor Sakura.

Doctor meowzie: No need to bring out the big guns in this chapter! Very minimal SasuSaku. Thank you for being concerned about my depressed state! (Sobrang salamat at medyo okay nako). Now I'm too hyper for my own good! Thank you for trying to cheer me up and I'd always love to hear from you. Arigatou!

The cashewnuts: Nut2! What's up! I've subscribed to the C2 and well, as we all know, NejiSaku rocks! Nyahaha! I'm starting to work on my other baby which is of course, a NejiSaku but I dunno when I can star posting the chapters.

Animemistress149: Here's the update! Thanks for the fab review!

Gin-inu: thanks for the advise, I mean it worked. I started working on this chapter after I uploaded the previous one and it took so darn long for me to get it right. Though I'm not sure if it's any good or anything but at least I felt great writing it. Then suddenly the inspiration kicked (plus threats) and bam! I finished the chapter though it's not as long as my other chaps. Thankies so much for the support!

Cheshireneko: Your Sasuke question will be probably be answered in the next chapter when well, jealousy strikes. Hahaha. That's true, she'll definitely end up with one of them. I hope Naruto and Sakura knock some sense into Sasuke. Yep, I've got other stories, still NejiSaku pairings. I don't know if you've read them already, Yellow Roses (which is a bit angsty) and The Talk (the only comedy/humor story I've done). Enjoy!

PrincessRen: The girl, Uzuki Yuugao/Hayate was actually Neji's old lover. And regarding the drink being spiked or what, the answer is already in this chapter. And regarding why Sasuke wants to whisk Sakura away from Neji, read the next chapter! Thank you for reviewing!

Jahannah12: Thank you for reviewing!

Monomaniacal: Noooo need to bring out the spork. Yet. Hehe, thank you for motivating me to continue writing!

Kelsey: I updated, where's my pocky? Gimmmmee!

Poornmiserable: I'd have to say he thinks he's too sexy for his own good but your second statement, it may be possible. Keep on reading (evil smile). Ahh yes, the question many want an answer to, why does Sasuke look familiar to Sakura? You'll find out in the next chapter or the one after that. And you are right! Sasuke isn't doing everything to spite Neji. There may be another reason. Hahaha. There's gonna be a bit of drama though. Ekekeke, Naruto seemed flirty with Sakura in this chapter. The part about Neji and Sasuke sharing Sakura is a pure stroke of genius! Talk about lucky! Thanks for reviewing!

0Aya0: A SasuSaku fan reading my fic, definitely a rarity! Enjoy the upcoming Neji-Saku-Sasu interactions! Let the triangle begin!

Rhonda21: See, Watanabe Ami happens to be Sakura's classmate in the anime who used to bully her and make Sakura cry. It was only when Ino threw the poisonous flowers in her face that she shut up. Nyahaha. I mentioned in the chappy why Sakura got all woozy and stuff. Oh well, thanks for reviewing!

iFool: whoa, one review for every chapter! Arigatou! You're the only person who noticed the age gap. I kinda had to do it to make the guys more mature than Sakura, plus because, well you'll find out later. And yep, Sasuke is so a flirt!

Raeas: Thank you for the review! Does Sasuke really scream villain? Well, he is scheming, that's for sure. It may be a happy ending but I hope to make people cry first. Hehe.

Heartless Ghost: Where's the pockyyyyyyyyyyyyyy! (gets bonked by the betaed..)Thank you very much for reviewing!

Koshkosh: A kindred soul! We both like non-canonical pairings, hence my obsession with NejiSaku. Probably because other pairings are overdone. True, it would be a shame to ruin his face but I'd love to drag him back to Konoha for poor Naruto-kun. How do you like the pace? I try to not get them together too quickly, it might not sound realistic anymore if I do that. And about Sakura developing feelings for Neji.. read on . Maintaining the vocabulary and the ambiance is such a pain in the derriere, thank you so much for paying attention to it.

Angel of the Ninja: Thank you for the fave! NejiSaku fics are rare in the fandom but there were more now than before that's for sure. Spread the NejiSaku love!

Rue: Well, that's for sure, he likes her because she's an alluring woman. As for like and even deeper, love, wait and see! Thank you for reviewing.

Well that's it.

Please review, comments, suggestions, grammatical errors, whatever.

By the way, how do you guys like Sakura in this story? Is she too girly? And how about Neji? Too arrogant? Tell meeeeeeeeee!

Until next time!

Chiea

Started: May 16, 2006

Finished: 6:20pm July 7,2006