*Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto Franchise or anything related to it…just this story…*

Sakura sat on the bed and listened to Neji recall the events. Neji excluded his own thoughts about Sakura as he concluded the story. She shook her head like a worried mother.

"When will he realize that I'm just not into him? I mean you would think after the multiple beats he receives from me alone would give him a hint." She sighed then smiled. Neji couldn't help but smile with her.

"Sakura, you're a strong woman. I hope someone can truly make you happy someday," Neji spoke with a calm demeanor; his milky orbs reflecting his emotions. Sakura gazed at them for a moment and noticed they were more welcoming then before.

"Thank you Neji," She said sweetly. Neji was taken aback by the way her eyes idled on him.

'Why is she looking at me like that…she couldn't possibly…?' And on that note he cleared his throat and quickly exited the room; Sakura huffed and gotten offended.

----

Sakura signed the paper work for Kiba's release.

"Aww what? No goodbye kisses?" Kiba smirked as she rolled her eyes and quickly thrust the paperwork into his hands.

"Goodbye Kiba." Sakura quickly left the room and ran straight into Neji. She fumbled for words for a moment before speaking.

"Oh hello Neji-san. Are you here to see Kiba?"

"Well no. Actually the hokage wishes to speak with you." Sakura sighed and shook her head.

"It has got to be another mission."

-----

Sakura and Neji waited patiently in Tsunade's office as she watched the door.

"We are waiting on your other team mate, who is late as usual." She grumbled. A knock came to her door and she commanded they entered immediately. Neji and Sakura turned and saw that their delayed partner was Naruto and they both groaned in unison. After Tsunade handed them a scroll and gave them their instructions, she proceeded to chew Naruto out for his tardiness. Soon after the three were off to pack.

"Neji, are you going to be alright with Naruto joining us?" Sakura asked him as they waited for their delayed team mate. She could only replay the image Neji has painted for her of the beat down Neji has issued to the spiky haired loud mouth. Neji turned to her.

"I think you should be asking him that question Sakura." Neji spoke as he looked towards the sky. Sakura thought she had offended him when he vanished and quickly returned with a defeated Naruto.

"Damn those eyes of yours." Naruto cursed and Sakura smiled. She was relieved that the mission wasn't going to be too awkward.

----

They rested in a forest after their second day of traveling. They made a fire and sat around each other in silence, each in depth with their own thoughts.

'Why are they fighting? It's really pointless…'

'Damn it. Why does Neji have to be here?'

'Perhaps if I get a few moments alone with her, I could sort out my feelings for her…'

They all sighed together. Neji then cocked his head to the side and Naruto and Sakura became alert.

"How many?" She mouthed and Neji held up 2 fingers. They all separated and prepared an ambush for the unwelcomed ninjas.

Sakura and Neji met up a few feet away from the camp site and waited for Naruto's signal.

"I'm starting to get worried about him…" Sakura muttered as she looked around nervously. Neji cringed and quickly threw Sakura down before groaning in pain. A giant shuriken stuck him in the back.

"Neji!!"

*Hey sorry to leave you guys hanging here but I am trying to become a master of suspense! xD it's not going well though. So read and review for Chapter 2 please?*