Warning: This is a rated M fic. I suppose you're not dense enough to realize what I mean. wink. Please take this seriously. And to make up for the last chapter's shortness, this one is shall we say, a bit longer than usual.

A/N: Chiea owns nothing, except for the adorable hunk of a man/boy named Tom Felton. Nah, kidding. This chapter is dedicated to Rhonda21 whose birth month is incidentally the same as mine. Belated Happy birthday!! Hug!! I wonder if I'd reach 200 reviews…

ACT VII

What it Means to Reciprocate

Steam rose into the winter air as the warmth of the cup of tea met with the cool winds of winter, as it was being twirled gently by dainty gloved hands in a moment of distraction. Emerald eyes watched the swirling caramel tinted liquid swirl in a spiral that seemed to begin and end at the same area, as with her latest predicaments-Kiba's approaching wedding the late in the spring and another, equally troubling figure.

"Are you all right, Sakura dear?"

Perspicacious eyes of opal reminiscent of her current source of confusion looked at her in worry. Lady Hinata, wife to Baron Lamaize reached out to gently to pry the poor teacup from her hands as a blonde woman grasped her other, stroking it with as much as gentleness as she could muster to offer comfort to their rather troubled friend. At the moment, all three women were seated near a greenhouse in the Sabaku Estate as their respective partners were currently enjoying themselves in a sport not too far from them.

It was late in the winter season and only a few drops of snow lingered, as Konoha was not really prolific in terms of snow and such, the cold season was only accompanied by cool winds and gray skies. Thus, all three dressed warmly in their traveling habits enjoyed biscuits, warm cups of tea and conversation until the youngest decided to traipse off into her own little world.

"I beg you pardon m'lady. I am probably tired from yesterday's performance. I suppose the ten hours of slumber I had last night did not suffice.."

Temari frowned and patted her friend's arm, obviously believing the actress' statement but the same cannot be said for the brunette who continued to look at Sakura's eyes for something.

BOOM!

"Did you see that shot?! It was spectacular as always!! Can you beat that Sasuke? Neji? Huh?? Huh?! Huh!"

A tall blonde man was smiling impishly at his companions, seeing as his shot easily shattered the clay pigeon into smithereens. To his annoyance however, everyone seemed to be keen on ignoring him.

"Shut up. It was a fluke and you know it."

An ebony haired man was currently stuffing powder unto his rifle, Lord Sasuke Uchiha. The Duke of Kurobara was busy throwing subtle glances at the greenhouse a distance from them, Inspector Shikamaru was busy trying to hold the baron from jumping his best friend for the rude comment before as Kankuro Sabaku, the host of this gathering watched amusedly from the side. It was because of an invitation from him that these men were gathered in his residence here in Konoha, in what was stated as an afternoon of leisure comprised of target shooting and polo. All five men were currently betting in good humor on who will have shattered the most number of targets, to which Neji and Sasuke were tied.

Temari shook her head admonishingly at the blatant display of according to her, the man with the most testosterone.

"These men will never grow up. Heaven knows how my babe feels, knowing he is surrounded by buffoons who have no wish whatsoever to keep us in peace."

She patted her bulging abdomen, which was as far as the eight month into her pregnancy.

"Would you ladies like to come inside? They are getting really louder each passing moment.."

But Sakura was no longer listening as she was too enamored by the figure approaching their table- well not only the person himself but the lovely creature bearing him. In what little sunlight permeated the thick fluffs of clouds, the creature's silky golden mane shone the purest of gold moving fluidly with each hastened step towards them. Each step was taken with a gust of power unique to palomino horses. The rider's stare, whose vivid coloring of scarlet mane and deep forest orbs was just as powerful as the animal's. His eyes were locked unto hers, unblinking, unmoving, as if issuing a challenge of domination and Sakura could not help but be flustered as he came closer to her, likened to a predator nearing his prey. And when she was nearly within arms reach he stopped, awaiting her reaction.

She tentatively reached out a pale hand and smoothed the stallion's head to which it let out a sound of satisfaction. She moved her hand carefully across the length of silky locks and she was warped to a beloved childhood memory, back when her home was across the ocean and everything can be healed with a kiss on a cut or the warmth of a mother's hug.

"You are fond of horses."

It was his first directly spoken statement to her and it concerned neither her sensational relationship with the Duke nor her performances as belladonna, two topics people usually hounded her on; two of the most significant events of her life in the country of Fire.

"A long time ago. Yes, very much."

And he was silent, gone the predatory look in his features, nor his disdainful façade. He looked at her curiously and a fleeting look of anguish graced his face before disappearing again into his stoic mask. He held out a hand to her, to what she surmised as an invitation to ride.

"Gaara! Where the devil have you been? You've missed the target shooting!"

The incredibly boisterous blond sat without a hint of grace at all beside his charming wife, followed by Shikamaru who was supposed to sit across from his wife but was unceremoniously dragged by her to her side and Neji who sullenly looked at Gaara before sitting himself on Sakura's right since Sasuke had already claimed the seat to her left. It did not take Neji a second longer that something had happened prior to their arrival judging from the thoughtful glances his cousin kept throwing on the petal haired woman's direction.

"What have you been speaking about in our absence?"

Temari, bless her for her naivety spoke loudly.

"Sakura has been fatigued over her performance last eve and kept on staring at her lovely cup of tea. Before we can pry off any more information about her condition, she was too enamored by Gaara's steed to notice us. I reckon even if a cyclone were to suddenly appear from the heavens, she would not bat an eyelash!! I never knew you liked horses Sakura."

She smiled uncomfortably at everyone since it occurred to her it must be odd to hear that a woman of her status was fond of animals. Neji suddenly turned to face her.

"You must terribly miss your home love. The Haruno estate has stables full of horses. Why don't we head off to Kiri and await Spring there? In fact, I have on good authority that we may all go, if the fair lady agrees of course."

She looked at him confusedly and a feeling of impending doom rose from her gut. She has not been home for years and surely, the place would be in a state of desolation and chaos, as the bank would have definitely not kept it in grandeur as she was paying it off.

Everyone will find out about the sham!!!

But his grace have not faltered in his gaze and before she can even protest.. Naruto was already rejoicing.

"That my friend is the best thing I have heard all day!! We will accept the invitation, right, Hinata?"

Hinata nodded weakly and looked hopefully at Sakura.

I hope, for your sake and mine that you know what you are bloody doing.

Sakura smiled convincingly and beamed at Neji.

"Well I suppose we'll be making the necessary arrangements then.. Of course Kankuro, Gaara, Shikamaru, Temari, Sasuke, you are all invited as well.."

Before the expecting mother can even squeal in delight, her husband's hand touched her forearm gently.

"I'm afraid her condition restricts her from going on travels, especially somewhere quite distant. I am not mistaken in thinking that your residence is in Kiri, Miss Sakura?"

Though his wife was apparently his concern, his eyes were set on the Duke of Kurobara in what could have been a wordless conversation

"Very well then. How about the others? It would be disheartening if you cannot make it."

Sasuke looked reluctant but after a glance at the belladonna, nodded in consent.

"With great regret I must say I cannot go. I'd have to attend to the Sabaku affairs in Konoha but Gaara can come along, right, brother?"

To everyone's surprise, the redhead agreed immediately with a curt nod. Preparations were made two nights from that afternoon.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. :: …………………………………

The sun was setting, the orange rays painted streaks of dark pink as it met the darkness of the sky. Sakura looked longingly at the farthest point her eyes could see, as each moment that passed heightened her trepidation on what could be waiting for her on her arrival at Kiri. Her annoyance at a certain person has ebbed and replaced with curiosity as she wondered what on earth prompted her faux amore to even suggest going back to her home. Nevertheless she avoided speaking to him for the past two days and allowed him to organize the whole trip without as much as hearing from her.

A warm palm touched her shoulder and with every ounce of her will resisted the shriek that almost tore from her throat.

"Is anything a matter? You have been awfully quiet ever since we set sail. I did not want to bother you but maybe.. I thought..that..that.."

Her soft voice was almost drowned out by the lash of waves below them. Sakura smiled adoringly at how Hinata fought to find the words to say without offending her. She was truly a quiet and meek woman but the baroness' efforts to extend her friendship were incredibly endearing.

"I have a lot on my mind Lady Hinata. It's been almost six years since I set foot on Kiri.. have I said something wrong mlady?"

Hinata's lips were curved downwards and with a reproving, albeit kind smile she spoke softly..

"What have I told you about the honorifics Sakura? We are friends after all and you'll be marrying my cousin.."

Not this topic again..

She smiled despite herself and bit her tongue to stop the inappropriate yet true words from coming out. It encouraged Hinata to continue speaking though.

"I have never seen him like this ever since she.. walked out of his life.. This past years he closed himself from everyone.. I know he cares about me.. Naruto.. Shikamaru.. Sasuke.. but he changed.. He drowned himself on business affairs to forget I suppose.. He's so different from Naruto it's pretty hard to believe they're friends."

Hinata smiled fondly as her memories seemingly came back to her. Sakura listened with fervor, she wanted to know more about him without knowing why..

"The four of them, Naruto, Sasuke, Neji and Shikamaru, have known each other since they were children. Well, that is even if Sasuke and Neji are constantly trying to outdo each other in almost everything.. It is sad actually.. Sasuke's older brother suddenly disappeared when he was five making him the sole heir of the Uchiha family. He constantly looked for a brother figure, I've been told. And when he met my cousin in school.. I suppose he found him a worthy rival. In academics, sports, business…….."

She looked at her companion in the corner of her eye, she whispered almost knowingly..

"Maybe even in the matters of the heart.."

Unfortunately, the receiver of the statement was distracted by Naruto who was beckoning them to eat supper.

During the five days of their journey, Sakura had made all attempts, to which she was successful, to avoid his grace.

He hasn't even bothered to ask me how I feel about all of this.. And god if we were ever found out..

At one time, he had managed to corner her but after muttering a clipped 'good morning' she had managed to escape by calling Sasuke's attention.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. :: …………………………………

Six coaches awaited them and to Hinata's pleasant surprise, Sakura declared that they should travel together as she wanted to point various locations that they would pass on their way to the estate. Naruto looked almost confusedly at Neji but did not say anything.

"Princess Sakura?"

All eyes turned to one of the coach drivers who was staring unabashedly at Sakura, who at the moment looked confused, then blushed to the tips of her ears.

"It has been quite a while, Mister Ebisu.. It's.. a pleasure to see you again.."

"Oh it really has!! Look at you now, all changed and grown up!! He's waiting for you, you know. He could not even pick up a novel when word got out that you were coming back.." A/N: Guess who?

His dark eyes appraised her form appreciatively but halted when he felt two pairs of eyes bore holes onto his head.

"Well we must get going then.."

On their way to the estate, Sakura kept her anxiety in check by telling Hinata anything her mind remembered as they passed through the country hills and farms. Through all this, she felt her heart beat louder and louder as she realized they were getting nearer and nearer.. After a few moments, the chaise came to a stop and nearly did her breathing.. She barely heard the coachman's announcement of their arrival.

The door opened and she ushered Hinata out first, who was assisted by her husband. As she stood up an outstretched hand greeted her and to no small amount of astonishment, it belonged to the very person she was trying to avoid. She acted as naturally as possible and laid her hand on his. She sensed his approval immediately as that patented smirk of his tugged on his lips; to her shock however, he placed both his hands on her waist and hoisted her down the coach steps effortlessly. She felt her cheeks turn warm and whispered her thanks before hastily removing herself from him.

She was immediately distracted however when she noticed familiar figures lined up on the stairs leading to the entrance of the Haruno mansion. People whom she recognized as her servants, from the old butler, to a grinning Shizune who had somehow arrived before her. With large smiles on their faces they bowed respectfully to their long absent employer.

"Welcome home, Mistress Sakura!"

She beamed at all of them, moving her eyes from figure to figure in search of that elusive head of grey. Out of nowhere, a rapier zoomed towards her side which she caught almost reflexively.

"Been a while, princess.."

To her guests' confusion(which was most obvious in the blond baron's face) she ran towards the offender in what they all surmised was in retaliation but ended with a fit of giggles as she hugged him excitedly. After twirling her around a few times, the tall man patted her head in a gesture of mock caring.

"Well maybe you will manage to coerce me to wed you since you, thru some unbelievable force have actually managed to grow past my waist princess.."

And as if to illustrate his point, he used his palm to gauge her height. Sakura laughed again making the others as confused as ever, an explanation was a necessity for them at that moment.

"I do not recall…being that short.. Professor Kakashi.."

"WHAT?!"

Naruto's scream echoed over the compound while Hinata was calming him down, rubbing his back, Sasuke stared at the older man, his forehead scrunched in thought, Gaara looked stoically at the sudden turn of events and Neji, well his eyes did not even blink as he tried to comprehend the situation. Without another word he walked towards the other carriages where their servants were unloading their luggage, barking out orders rather coldly which made them all panic. Naruto watched all this with curiosity.

"Neji sure looks unhappy."

Hinata, Sasuke and Gaara looked at Naruto as if he grew a second head.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. :: …………………………………

The mansion's ceilings were painted a light cream, bright golden carvings lined the archways as elegant crystal chandeliers provided lighting to the hall, thick dark burgundy Persian carpets covered the marble floors. It was easily deducible that the place was well kept and one would not think that this place had suffered neglect a few months before. Everything seemed new and just purchased; Sakura had a clear idea of what took place and who was entirely responsible for the feat.

As they passed portraits of her ancestors on their way to the guest rooms, a painting had gotten attention from almost all her guests. A large life size painting of a child wearing a boy's cap and trousers, his gleaming pink hair escaping from the cap framing his small round face while a few strands covered his left eye. He was smirking cockily, like an errant child might look after pulling a troublesome stunt.

Naruto looked closer, tilting his head in thought.

"I didn't know you had a brother Sakura. He can easily pass for your twin too!!"

Sakura made a strangled noise at the back of her throat while Kakashi in his amusement, threw his head back in loud guffaws. In an effort to redeem her self esteem, she had tried to walk swiftly.

This time, it was she who had stopped in mid step. A painting of a young child with long locks of pastel cherry was in the embrace of an older woman who looked exactly like her, except that her eyes were a soft azure. They were both in smiles, the child's emerald eyes exuded innocence and bliss, as her mother's was a softer look of contentment.

"Well we better get going then, so we can all rest..."

Coal black eyes never moved away from her.

After having settled everyone unto their respective quarters, Sakura had wandered off the gardens. Snow was melting everywhere and to her delight, most of the blooms her mother had loved so much were still thriving, probably thanks to Kakashi. She walked past the arches of rose vines whose delicate buds of pink and white swayed delicately in the wind, past the fountain with statues of little cherubs gazing onto passers by, past the bed of canary yellow tulips and snowdrops and onto the dozens of maple trees which marked the southern boundary of their land, as well as the brook that separated hers from the next estate.

She smiled as she reached the clear flowing waters of the brook and as she had used to do when she was a child, sat on the thick carpet of grass. All care for decorum and manners appropriate for a young lady was thrown into the wind. Here she was little Sakura, her young self who wouldn't give a pin about fashion and all the other frivolities of her adult life in Konoha.

"You really should tell someone when you decide to go out, Sakura."

To her shock and horror, the quiet charcoal eyed lord had followed her, without her noticing at all. He walked closer to her and like her, set his back against the tree and watched her lazily.

"Old habits die hard.. I figured you might come here you know..."

FLASHBACK

And suddenly she was looking at twelve year old self, knees bent to her chest, rocking herself while salty trails of tears cascaded from her flushed cheeks. She was mourning for the loss of her only relative left as she will not, and would not cry in front of her servants.

I have to be strong for her.. I can't stop crying.. because I might forget her.. oh mother..

A white embroidered handkerchief was offered to her by a young man who looked like in his late teens. His lips were set in a grim line and his obsidian eyes had no emotion whatsoever. In a rare moment of weakness, all pleasantries were forgotten and she hugged him like her life depended on it. He looked hesitant but managed to slowly wrap an arm around her fragile body.

"I can't forget her.. She's my mother.. but she left me..like my father.. they all left me.."

She continued to weep and clutched his shirt as she did and he had no option but to comfort her though he felt awkward at the moment. His voice was deep for his age, as if aged by wisdom and suffering in the past.

"You can never forget someone important.. Their memories will be with you always no matter what you do.."

He looked around in search of something and a small triumphant gleam in his eyes showed. He stood up and walked across the brook, getting his boots and trousers wet. He picked of bunches of pink blossoms and carried it back to the child whose eyes were still glassy with unshed tears.

"These are called carnations.. Do you know what they symbolize?"

She shook her head and her long flowing hair was freed from the restraint of the cap she wore. He looked astounded for a moment, obviously thinking the child was a young boy. After a moment passed, a small yet sincere smile graced his lips.

"Someone told me that it meant 'I'll never forget you..' So if you don't want to forget her, always give her these flowers.. I reckon she'd understand.."

END OF FLASHBACK.

"It was you!! You were that man I saw years ago!!"

Sasuke smirked triumphantly and placed a slender finger on her cheek.

"I never thought we'd see each other again after that.. You see the estate next to yours? Our family used to own it."

"Why didn't you tell me then?"

"Why princess, you never asked."

She looked ready to throttle him but to his surprise she laughed melodiously, like wind chimes during summer. And despite himself, he couldn't help but join her in laughter.

MEANWHILE:

In the drawing room near the gardens, his grace was drinking his afternoon cup of tea and quietly pondering his thoughts. The door opened and it was Gaara who entered, but instead of helping himself to a cup of tea, he opened a crystal decanter and poured himself a glass of whisky.

"I suppose that you know that your beau and your friend went out for a walk in the gardens, Kurobara?"

Opal eyes spared no emotion and his voice did not betray him either.

"I am aware of course. If you are insinuating that the two of them will betray me I doubt that. I have faith in the two of them. I was just finished with my cup, I'd better be going now."

And like a caged lion he waited for her return in her own bedroom, having no trouble locating it at all since he was here a month ago with an excuse of business to oversee the renovation. After two hours of waiting her door opened and she entered without noticing him at all. He did recognize with a slight pang in his heart that she was happier now than before she had left.

"I thought you'd be back much later.."

Her head snapped in attention, a mixture of shock, guilt and anxiety immediately showed on her face before she could even reign her raging emotions. He was standing tall, with his back against the wall in a posture that seemed relaxed but one look at his eyes washed all that away. He looked, for the first time genuinely angry and as to why, she did not have the faintest idea. He slowly reduced the distance between them by approaching her slowly. Sakura, unknown to herself took a reflex step back for each one he took until her back met the cold wall.

"Do you remember what I told you, even before you've accepted my proposal of acting as my beau?"

Her mouth went dry as he placed both arms on either side of her, effectively trapping her between the wall and his body. His gaze was so penetrating she felt like he could see right through her. She felt herself trembling but her acting skills had resurfaced and she spoke in the most bored voice she could summon.

"Which words are you referring to, your grace?"

His eyes were drawn to her parted lips, and he slowly leaned over until their eyes were at the same level.

"Fidelity."

And his control had snapped, he bridged the distance between their lips and kissed her hungrily, as if he were starved of her taste. Before she can even register what was happening one of his hands had settled on her nape, pulling her face closer to his, as the other moved to her back, pushing her body off the wall and into his, caressing her back and her side, making her melt further onto his embrace. Intending to push him away, she placed her palms on his chest but what could have been a shove ended as a caress, smoothing his chest towards his shoulders. She kept her lips still but when she felt him tug at her lower lip, caution was sent to hell in a picnic basket. She opened her mouth to his, delighting in the warmth of his tongue as it caressed hers, coaxing her to dance with him. She splayed her hands onto his chest again, making Neji shudder and as he felt her tongue move without his provocation, he crushed her to him, his thighs and legs pressing against her own. She could feel his heat emanating, permeating the thickness of their clothes. He dragged his lips from hers and pressed butterfly kisses on her cheek, her temple before taking a detour to her slender neck, alternatively licking then biting softly the supple skin as his thumbs massaged her hip bone. Her breaths were coming out in pants and gasps, inciting him further into the throes of lust. He stilled himself and tried to ease the quick beating of his heart by breathing ever so slowly and deeply to control himself once again.

"Sakura..if you don't want the wedding date…. to be moved earlier.. you better get out.."

She barely registered what he said through the foggy haze of her mind..

"What?"

His eyes locked to hers magnetically and she felt the need to kiss him again grow stronger..

"I said.. if you… would rather not… bear me a child.. at this moment.. you would move away… now.."

She blushed as she realized what he wanted to say and with great regret(though she did not understand why..) she rushed away from him out of her own chambers. In her haste, she did not realize a figure was standing beside her door, with lips set in the widest of smirks and onyx eyes sparkling with mirth.

It was none other than Lord Sasuke Uchiha himself.

A/N:

Is it hot in here or is it just me?

And just in case no one got the princess jibe; it was Sakura's old nickname. Why so? See the next chapter. She's not exactly what she seems after all.. Bwahahaa..

Sigh…this chapter is like covering four pairings. GaaSaku, KakaSaku, SasuSaku and NejiSaku!! And you wouldn't believe the craziness of this chapter, I had three locations, the Sabaku residence, the boat and the Haruno estate.. Gah..

I'm not that happy with this chapter and I will revise it in the not so foreseeable future.. I hope..

Is the chapter confusing? Annoying? I think it's because I crammed two chapters into one. I don't think readers would be happy if I dragged it out for too long.. Or do I have to separate it and elucidate further? But if I do that, the next chapter might take a bit longer to come out. My poor brain cells are fried. Decisions decisions..

Review Replies:

Frienz4ever: Yep slowly, but not exactly conventionally. They're both stubborn and all. Thanks for reading!!

Cheetahgirlchanel: Really? Or I missed the sarcasm.. Hmm.. But the person would show himself later on.. Thankies!!

Mashanator: Thank you for saying you liked the story! Im beginning to lose hope on it though.

HokeyPokey: Don't worry I got it, hehe.. it was hard trying to fit them in a very different setting, while trying to change their characteristics as little as possible, but thank you for appreciating it! Kiba-kun's role is not over, actually, it is sooo far from over. And hopefully the chapter satisfied your request for smexiness!! Hehe

xxxSethKisaraxxx: Thank you for clicking on to my fic!!

Sakura5584: I think the writing thing is a pocky side effect though, hehe. Thanks for reviewing!

Gina01: I do hope your feathery friends are alive and well, you might want to teach them a bit of taekwando you know, to ward off potential predators!! Haha, thanks for keeping on reading and reviewing!!

Heartless Ghost: There's the NejiSaku bit er.. chunk.. okay really really big part.. Where's my pocky?? Gimmmmeeeee!!

DoctorMeowzie: Graduating ka na pala ng high school, malapit lang age natin!! No, really. Bah, whatever. Sembreak eh, hence the update!! Thank you sa review ha!

Sayomi-sama: Oh yes, the evil biatch from hell aka Ami will still be waving around her clutches and cause mayhem everywhere. Trouble is brewing!! Thank you for reading and reviewing!

B-toot: Yepyep, I'm for the most part Filipino! Hehe, you too? I really didn't have trouble deciding who'd be the doctor, kabuto fit the bill to a tee. Thanks for reading Yellow Roses which is a bit depressing, have you read The Talk? That was my craziest story ever. As you can see, jealousy still is raging in this chapter. As well as hormones and all. Anyways, thanks for reading!

Animeobssession260: Yay! I agree, NejiSaku is the best!! Now only if we can get Kishimoto to agree with us..

Hellbound-spirit: Oh you'll be in for a surprise in the next chapter. (insert evil laugh here.) Thank you for reviewing!

Ginacat: Here's the update which is as late as ever!! Hope you won't kill me. Love and Peace!

Rhonda21: Belated happy birthday!! This chapter is a real turning point for these two lovers and don't worry, more NejiSaku moments to come but maybe not as intense. At least for a bit. Bwaahhahaha. Glad to see you hate Ami as much as I do!! Until next chapter!

Poornmiserable: Well, any change of mind regarding Sasuke-kun's intentions? He is really a deep character here, but that doesn't mean he wont be tad evil..Hehe, thanks for the review.

Gin-inu: I've described another side of Neji in this chapter, one of his darker characteristics. I hope it wasn't too much though.. Thanks for reading! Hug!! And yeah, do update your stories ne?? Good luck!!:)

blackXheart: Thank you for reviewing and reading the previous chapter! Chilled watermelon hits the spot all the time. Or maybe melon shake.. (drools..)

Kawaii Koneko92: Here's the next chapter as promised! Thank you for reading!

XxShadow-Of-LiesxX: I LOOOOOVED THE POCKY!! Hug!!! Yep, Neji and Sakura deserve each other!!

Natsuhiboshi: More NejiSaku for you!! And more to come!

Hyousetsu: Here's another serving of the story!! Thank you for the review!

Luv's lyric: I guess the Neji in this chapter isn't that much subdued ne (fans herself..) Thank you for having reviewed not only this story but also When the Snow Melts. Heaven knows when I'll finish that but I'm really trying.. Again, many thanks!:)

Koshkosh: Have I ever told you I love it when you review? You my friend are very informative, as well as provide the feedback I am in dire need off. Kudos!! And Ami happens to be sakura-chan's evil-sent-from-the-depths-of-hell cousin. Oh yes, her meddling is faar from over, I tell you. Er Neji kinda kissed sakura senseless in this chapter I think. Eheheh. Hugz!!

BlondeHurricane: I agree with the SaiSaku bit. But my beta's a bit delirious as well as lazy. She is a bit moody I'd admit but if someone had actually said something like Ami did to my face, I'd probably blast her off to smithereens as well. (evil very toothy grin)

Silver Fox Trot: I agree, before Sakura had even gotten a chance to show Sasuke how much she's improved over the years, Yamato (with good intentions of course) runs to the fray, ruining that defining moment I really really really wanted to see. Sasuke's been telling her how weak and how much of a burden she was, that moment would have been the loveliest PAYBACK ever. Grrr. Kishimoto probably has his reasons and all but well, we can only hope they'd face each other again.

TheCashewNuts: You had a head start on the pink carnations thing, hehe. This one is a bit longer than usual, thanks to the threat of pitchforks and silver bullets and a bit late too. Hehe, oh well, thanks for the encouragement! I hope you keep on coming out with good NejiSaku stories as well. Then maybe we can convince Kishimoto that they are destined!! BUWAHAHAHAHHA. Okay maybe not but we can try.

PrincessRen: Yes, Sakura-chan is reaaaaaally confused as hell. And now Sasuke's digging deeper and deeper into her life, Kiba's wedding is becoming nearer, Gaara's acting weird and it's chaos. I love it when the heroine has so many hunks.

MagenKyotenChiten: Here's the update, thanks for reading!!

Did I miss anyone?

Oh guys, I need your help. I read a DracoHermione story years back but I cannot for the love of heaven remember the title or the author. I liked it so much too. T.T Well a journalist(no not Rita Skeeter), was interviewing Draco about his marriage to Hermione and near the end of the interview, the interviewer was crying. Hellp.. Just the title or the author will do. Thanks in advance!

So again, if you see any typos, grammar blow-ups and such, do tell me, ne? This is the un beta-ed version. (she's probably lounging off somewhere, it is the much awaited sembreak after all)

Thank you for reading and reviewing!!

Happy Halloween everyone and until next time!!

Chiea