Gomen, minna, it seemed like the servers were down on ff.n so I couldn't post for a while.

Ahem...important announcement. Given the past history of Sakura-bashing in my stories, you know as well as I do that I absolutely DETEST, ABHOR, HATE HATE HATE the pink b&#ch. It pains me VERY VERY VERY much to write the following paragraphs describing Sakura, but since I have no point of view in this story, (it is all Naru's, Neji's, and will be Sasuke's POV), I have no choice but to write the descriptions of Sakura through Naruto's POV. My deepest apologies go out to all you readers who have been looking forward to Sakura-bashing, but I promise I promise I promise there WILL be Sakura-bashing in the further updates in this fic. In fact, the next update will Sakura-bash, and this I promise you. I also deeply apologize for any mentions of NejiSaku in the fic. I apologize, but I need a bit of NejiSaku to coax the jealousy out of Naru. It is rather complicated, but you will find out if you bother to read this abysmally long author's note and the rest of the story. Don't worry, the intended pairing will be either NejiNaru or SasuNaru, I haven't made up my mind yet.

Also, all you Sakura fans that are reading this right now, I highly advise you to stop. There will be Sakura-bashing in this fic, and I will not tolerate flames on the subject of Sakura-bashing. If you do send me a flame, I will ban you from reviewing.

Thanks, apologies, and Sakura voodoo dolls complete with a set of sharp, pointy, and extremely explosive objects go out to all my reviewers. Thank you. I will shut up now and get on with the fic.

Chapter...um...6: The Newcomer Arrives

Naruto sat lazily on his bed, playing idly with a lock of his hair. Lee had taken leave to visit his legal guardian Gai, and Kiba was once more in the kennels, tending to his precious dogs. Neji had not yet called for the blonde; it was still an unwritten rule that Naruto wasn't to come unless Neji summoned him. It gave the Hyuuga his preferred privacy, but sometimes Naruto wished he could just come automatically to Neji's side; it would've further forged their bond of friendship. His ears perked up as Lee called for him to report to Neji. Smiling happily, he bounded out of the room and zipped down to Neji's study, ready for another day with his friend.

He came to a halt in front of Neji's study, thoroughly puzzled at the sight he found. The door was ajar and Neji wasn't present, such a rare case, for the Hyuuga almost never left his study. Naruto heard a commotion outside, nothing serious, but a commotion all the same. Curious, he bounced over to the site and came up short, cocking his head curiously at the scene. Neji was making his way down the stairs of the foyer to a beautifully crafted car parked outside the building. The blonde could sense the obvious excitement that rippled from the Hyuuga in waves, and by his stance and the pace of his step, Neji seemed eager to reveal what was inside the car. That was very odd indeed; as another unwritten rule, Neji never showed eagerness. Naruto hid behind the door, bobbing on the balls of his feet to peek over the windowsill, his cornflower eyes brimming with curiosity.

The blonde saw the Hyuuga take hold of the door and pull it open, revealing the contents inside the car. Nothing was visible to Naruto but pitch black for a second, and then a form materalized out of the darkness and exposed itself to the world. A slim, slender leg stepped out of the car, followed by a body. A young woman—more of a girl, really-- extracted herself from the vehicle, leaning gingerly on Neji's hand for support. She was extremely pretty, her rippling cherry-hued hair cascading down her shoulders in waves, and her eyes an intense, emerald color. She had a finely shaped nose, high-cut cheekbones, and a prominent jaw that seemed to accent her full, firm lips. She was dressed in a classic schoolgirl sailor uniform that complimented her figure, signifying she was one of high class.

Steadying herself, the girl laughed and flung herself into Neji's arms, enfolding him in a fierce hug. Naruto felt a pang shoot through his chest, and suddenly the feel of his heart beating in his chest gave him a feeling of immense pain. He tried to calm his breathing, but failed miserably when he discovered he had a rather large lump in his throat. His eyes suddenly stung; he rubbed them furiously, chiding himself for these strange emotions, and continued to watch in silence as the woman stayed with her body pressed against his master. Never before had Neji tolerated such emotional displays; surely he wouldn't now……would he?

Naruto silently observed the scene that played out before him with a calm, unemotional visage, yet a deluge of emotions was swirling and roiling inside of him with a great amount of chaos. Neji was startled by the sudden unexpected hug, but Naruto would've never expected what the Hyuuga did next. Neji's face broke out in a genuine smile, and he wrapped his arms around the other, hugging her fiercely as well. What looked like a smile spread its way across her face (Naruto couldn't really tell; she was quite a distance away) and she buried her face in Neji's chest, her fingers entwined in his hair. The two stayed like that for quite some time before she broke loose, Neji gently leading her into the house.

Naruto jumped down from his hold on the sill, eyes dilated in utter shock. A surge of something like jealously raged through his body, making a distant roar in his ears. Never before in his months of servitude had he been allowed to touch the Hyuuga, but now a foreign girl had just flung herself into his arms, and Neji had responded well to the action. Gritting his teeth so hard that they hurt, Naruto stalked to the entrance of the doorway and pasted what he hoped was a remotely welcoming smile on his face. Neji caught his gaze and redirected the young woman to him, smiling amiably.

"Naruto, I'd like you to meet Haruno Sakura." The girl smiled warmly, and extended her hand in greeting.

"Pleased to meet you Naruto." Neji could've sworn he saw a slight faltering in Naruto's hand as he extended it towards Sakura, but he blamed it solely on imagination; after all, Naruto didn't have any reason to bear ill wishes towards the girl.

"I'm delighted to meet you as well, Sakura-san. Rare have I seen one who could crack Neji's stern visage. You should visit more often." Though it was exactly in reverse of Naruto's true thoughts, he steadied his voice and shielded his true emotions, not wanting to disgrace himself in front of the Hyuuga. Sakura smiled back at him.

"I will be staying for a few weeks, at least. Tell me, of what relation are you to Neji?" Naruto opted for the more formal answer.

"I am his personal servant." Deep green eyes sparkled in amusement, and Sakura laughed.

"His personal servant, hmm? I'd have never guessed." Sakura paused, her eyes scanning the intricate architecture of Neji's house.

"And such luxury you live in, Neji! The Hyuuga business must have gone well this season." Neji nodded, grasping Sakura by the shoulders and steering her inside. She shook him off playfully.

"Don't bother with the formalities; I can manage by myself, thank you." Neji smiled.

"I have prepared a room for you." Her mint-green orbs lit up.

"I was looking forward to that. Such luxury you live in." She repeated. Neji sighed.

"Though I'm surrounded by artifacts of great wealth, it still doesn't help the knowledge that I live in a cage, though a gilded one." The girl laughed again. Naruto inwardly winced. Her laugh seemed a little too cheerful; judging by the way she held herself, Naruto could easily conclude that this one had little knowledge stashed in her mind.

"All your confusing analogies truly perplex me to no end. Lighten up." Neji smiled back.

"If you wish." Sakura turned to him with eagerness.

"Really? So then if I, say, told you to grab a handful of the stars for me, would you agree?" Neji feigned thoughtfulness.

"Well I would; but one must require a price now and then." The other giggled.

"Anything you ask."

So wrapped up in their own little world were they, that they failed to notice the prominent trudge in Naruto's walk, nor the slight scowl that crossed his features. Loaded down with the many bags and belongings of the newcomer, Naruto lagged behind quite a ways, watching hopelessly as the two surged on ahead of him. Nevertheless, all feelings of ire towards the visitor put aside, the blonde had a job to do, and though he wasn't doing it for the girl, he had his duty to the Hyuuga. Readjusting Sakura's suitcase, he made a valiant effort to keep up, making it just in time to see Neji show Sakura her room. Dropping the bags rather forcefully on the floor, Naruto straightened and wished the girl a pleasant night, bowing and closing the door behind her.

Now alone with the Hyuuga, Naruto thought it the best time to strengthen their friendship, but was greatly disappointed when Neji waved him off and retreated inside his room. Lingering outside the doors of the Hyuuga's bedroom, Naruto stared sadly at the doors for a long period of time before giving up and departing to the comfort of the servants quarters. Shooing off the questions concerning the newcomer from a curious Kiba, Naruto feigned exhaustion and got into bed beside the Inuzuka, telling him about the Sakura girl to satisfy the dog-boy and convincing him that everything was fine. Everything was far from fine, though; Naruto had finally come to accept the feeling that had been plaguing him all day.

Jealousy.

Neji loosed his hair from its customary tie and fell backwards onto his bed. Letting out his breath in a low, soft hiss, he entwined his hands behind his head, staring up into the blood-red canopy of his bed. Sakura was a mere friend—more like an acquaintance, in truth-- yet she had acted a little too…enthusiastic around him. He did consider her not more than a good friend, but somehow he'd gotten the feeling that she wanted something more. He could've been wrong, mistaking her enthusiasm for excitement at residing in a house so well furnished, but he was still a bit wary by her enthusiasm.

His thoughts turned yet again to his companion, friend, and servant. Naruto was indeed an enigma; though these eyes of his gave him the ability to clearly read any person though subtle their actions were, Naruto had sent various mixed signals when he encountered Sakura, though it might have been that he was an extremely good actor. The blonde had seemed welcoming enough when Sakura had arrived, even pleased to meet her, but when he'd unceremoniously dumped her bags on the ground at the entrance to her room, his mood had shifted slightly, and Neji caught the beginnings of disdain and annoyance stain the edges of his aura. Though it could be that Naruto was simply burdened by the load of Sakura's belongings; Neji had to give it to him, Sakura could pack enough to supply a whole army with a month's worth of belongings.

The dreams he'd been having had gone back to normal once he'd paid his visit to the blonde in the dead of that night, but still he slept fitfully. Sakura proved a worthy distraction; it took his mind off those mesmerizing sky blue orbs and gave him something to entertain himself with. If he was preoccupied with Sakura, Naruto would grow scarce; a beneficial thing in the Hyuuga's eyes, for too much of a good thing, especially Naruto, would further fray his already worn nerves. Neji nodded inwardly. He'd ease up a bit on his relationship with Naruto until Sakura had departed, and they could go back to their old friendship once more. Yes, that was it. Naruto was sure to understand; rarely did the blonde take badly to something Neji did unless it was with a valid reason. He'd understand; besides, he had the dog-boy to amuse himself with.

The Hyuuga rolled over, grasping yet again for the elusive strands of sleep. Sighing, he got up from the bed, pacing his room. Once more he could not sleep. It was extremely harsh on his nerves, which were quite battered from Naruto (though unintentionally) and his affairs with his uncle. He decided to pay a visit to the hot springs in the west wing of the mansion. Neji loved the hot springs; the thermal temperatures loosed the knots and kinks in his muscles, always leaving him satisfied and relaxed. His decision made, Neji grabbed a nearby robe and padded down to the springs, looking forward to a nice, long soak in the waters.

In the Servant's Quarters

Naruto rolled over to make room for Kiba on the bed. The Inuzuka bounded into the sheets, snuggling into the pillows before settling down by the blonde's side. Turning, he addressed the blonde.

"So I heard that Sakura arrived today." Naruto wrinkled his nose as a response. Kiba laughed.

"You don't like her either?" Naruto perked up.

"She's come here before?" Kiba winced.

"Yeah, a few times before you arrived. She's taken quite a liking to Neji." Kiba said, unintentionally rubbing salt into Naruto's gaping, bloody, and extremely painful wound.

"So I've seen. She's practically hanging off his chest. Though he seems to tolerate her." Kiba rolled over, staring at the ceiling.

"That bitch charms anyone who gets within a five-foot radius of her." Naruto scowled.

"She's too….she's too cheerful. Too energetic, too everything." Kiba nodded.

"Sakura has always been a self-centered, fickle girl. She's impulsive, irresponsible, and she doesn't have a lot of knowledge. She's filthy rich and was spoiled rotten by her parents ever since she was a child. She doesn't have a single spark of independence in her; she relies on her parents and friends for everything. They buy her jewelry, dresses….the works. Her looks add on as well; she's extremely pretty, resulting in every single male alive bowing down and worshipping the ground she walks on, save for Neji and Sasuke. She's cheerful most of the time, but she has a temper like I've never seen before. This one time I overheard her yelling at one of Neji's servants for not preparing her bath at exactly six o'clock….she threw herself on the floor and started pounding with her fists and kicking wildly." Naruto grimaced.

"She's that bad?" Kiba nodded grimly.

"Neji tolerates her because she's never dared to show her dark side to his face without risking their friendship." Naruto nodded. Kiba sighed.

"That isn't the worst part. Maybe you'll find out when you get to know her better." Naruto snorted.

"Do you think I actually want to know her better?" Kiba smiled.

"That's the spirit." Naruto sighed and stood up.

"I'm going to visit the hot springs. They aren't far away; I'll be back soon." Kiba yawned and rolled over.

"Have a good time." Naruto nodded and slipped quietly away.

Snatching a nearby towel from the rack in the bathroom, he made his way down the corridors of the mansion and emerged in a hot steamy environment. The steam cleared, and it took Naruto a while to rehinge his jaw. The hot springs were like no other hot springs Naruto had encountered before; vines, leaves, and various flowers and greenery hung from the granite rocks in brief explosions of green. A waterfall fed the hot springs, which were surrounded by glittering crystals and rocks of all assortments.

Malachite crystals stained the rocks a deep emerald green, while pillars of marble held up the ceiling. The moonlight streaming in from the window illuminated the room to a soft, gentle bluish-gray, plunging the room into a dreamlike mood. A wild, eager look in his eyes, Naruto thanked what lucky stars had persuaded him to bathe in the middle of the night. Yelping merrily, he stripped and plunged into the waters, letting out an audible sigh as the water soothed his spirit. Flipping over on his back, he swam several swift laps across the wide surface area of the pools, then settled for marinating himself in the hot water.

Neji couldn't help but feel the sense of foreboding as he made his way down to the hot springs. Something wasn't right. On second thought….something was too right. The Hyuuga shook off the nagging feeling that resided in the pit of his stomach, reassuring himself that absolutely nothing could go wrong with a little trip to the hot springs. Smiling to himself, he opened the door to the springs and entered the room.

It puzzled him that the waters were so chaotic. Usually the waters of the springs stayed tranquil and calm, nothing breaking their still surface save the waterfall that fed them. Neji could make out a few waves breaking across the surface, moving back and forth at a fairly fast pace. His peripheral vision caught a dark shape that had materialized out of the steam, though what it was, the Hyuuga could not tell. Turning towards it, Neji advanced curiously, realizing too late that it was a body, a human body, very much alive and with a frowzy nest of blonde hair atop its head.

He cursed the steam around him that so suddenly decided to clear, revealing Naruto in all his naked glory. Panic jolted through him as the full realization that Naruto was alone with him in the hot springs, naked, and in the dark. Neji immediately clamped his eyes shut, or at least he tried to, but they would not close and he was hit with the full force of the vision that was pure Naruto. The blonde was swaying seductively under the waterfall that fed the hot springs, washing himself with an almost lazy air.

Now that the blonde had captured the Hyuuga's gaze, it was impossible for Neji to look away, though how desperately he tried. Naruto's body drew his stare like a magnet, fixating his opalescent orbs on every glorious contour of the blonde's torso, every curve of his shoulders, neck, and waist. And the way he moved….Neji dug his nails into his hands until they pierced through the skin, leaving red crescents imprinted into his palm. Naruto moved with the grace of a dancer, his lithe body weaving back and forth under the waterfall with sultry, sinuous movements. Blood rushed somewhere south in the Hyuuga's anatomy, and Neji clamped his teeth down as hard as he could on his lip, crushing it completely with the amount of pressure used to regain control of himself.

Naruto turned so he was facing the Hyuuga, still moving with poise beneath the waterfall. Neji couldn't breathe; his breath and hitched somewhere in between his larynx and his trachea, which was a good thing; had Neji dared to expel the air from his lungs, it probably would've come out in a moan, signaling his presence, and drawing Naruto over to investigate. And if Naruto came over….Neji didn't know whether he possessed enough willpower to restrain from taking the blonde right on the spot.

The moon shifted overhead and a beam of white light streamed in through the window, illuminating the blonde in a makeshift spotlight. The rays of light turned Naruto's body an unearthly blue-white shade, accentuating every shadow and curve which dwelled in the blonde, magnifying Naruto's being. Naruto looked every bit like a god descended from the heavens, from the serene look on his countenance, to the way his finely chiseled body wove artfully in between the cascade of the waterfall.

He didn't know what prompted him to turn and open his eyes directly to see a shadowy figure scrutinizing his every move. It was at that moment, Naruto revolved around and opened his eyes to gaze right into what looked like a pair of snow-white pearls. They were floating in midair; why they were doing so, Naruto would never know, but he couldn't quite see what they were attached to, for the steam shrouding the room suddenly decided to come down in a misty haze and the pearls were hidden from view. That was odd; once the steam rose again, the pearls were gone, though Naruto could've sworn he saw something flicker beyond the doorway. Shrugging to himself, he finished his bath, and dried himself off, padding softly back to his room and falling asleep next to Kiba.

When Neji had cursed the steam before, he now thanked it from the very bottom of his heart for shielding him from the sight of the blonde. The very instant the blonde had caught his gaze with his own, Neji had frozen, not daring to move lest he did something to the blonde that he would forever regret. He'd gone as stiff as a railspike, hoping, praying to whatever gods there were that Naruto wouldn't recognize him. The blonde didn't seem to though; he just stared at him directly in the eyes until the steam fogged up, then went back to bathing. Neji breathed a shaky sigh of relief and slipped out slowly, beating a hasty retreat to his bed.

The Hyuuga blew through his door and collapsed on his bed, gasping heavily, sweat running in thick rivulets down his face. He mentally willed himself to think of anything but Naruto. He knew full well that the dreams, the painfully pleasurable dreams would come back to haunt him again, but rather than fight them, he simply gave up, for though torturous they were, they still provided pleasure. The Hyuuga had long since learned to accept things that he couldn't change. Sighing, he drifted off to sleep; a bit ironic really, after witnessing such a marvelous yet nerve-racking sight; but to his dismay, the dreams were back with a vengeance, and once again he awoke, screaming to the heavens in silent sweet agony.

Thanks and plushies go out to all my loyal reviewers. Momo-chan, Fei-chan, Yukishiroi-chan, peanut-chan, smiley-face-chan, Death's Hand-chan, arimi-yume chan, Clow Angel-chan, and ( )-chan, thank you for supporting me in my quest for spreading NejiNaru.

Bai bai till next chappie.