I don't own Naruto.

Chapter 7: Developments

Sakura had just spent an exhausting morning giving Ino every single detail about the dinner party last night. Ino "oohed" and "aahed" throughout the recounting, but it was Ino's final statement that left Sakura reeling.

"Well, Sakura, it sounds like you and Neji have everyone else's approval to get married, so let me know when you two set the date. Remember, I am your maid of honor."

Sakura barely squeaked out a good bye to Ino as she pondered her words.

Could I like Neji? I did have a good time with him last night, and he is smart as well as a good shinobi. Ever since the chuunin exams, he has mellowed out as well. You love him. I, well, maybe, let's just wait and see.

She was so lost in her thoughts that that before she realized it she was standing in front of the Hokage's office.

"Are you going in Sakura-san?"

Neji woke up Sunday morning and felt unusually refreshed. Recalling what had happened the night before he couldn't help the small smile that appeared. He had been so determined to make last night completely miserable for his date. Then he saw Sakura and all the diabolical plans for the evening went right out of his head. Neji was still thinking about Sakura as he walked to breakfast.

"Good-morning Neji-sama. How are you today?" Hinata asks slightly startling Neji.

"I am well, Hinata. And please just call me Neji, drop the honorific."

"Okay, Neji-nii. Did you enjoy the party last night?"

Neji hesitated before answering. He knew Sakura had impressed his family last night and he feared that there would be pressure for them to wed. He didn't necessarily detest the idea of marrying Sakura. However, from what he knew of her he figured that she would need to be in love with whom she married. Neji wasn't sure she could ever love him like that. He ignored the sting he felt in his chest at the thought and chose to answer his cousin honestly.

"Yes, I did enjoy myself last night. How about you?"

"Very much so, and I spoke with father this morning. He said that the elders were quite impressed with Naruto."

"That's wonderful, Hinata."

"Yes it is. So what were you planning on doing today?"

"Training and then checking in with headquarters."

"Well if you are free a bunch of us are eating lunch at Ichiraku's, you are welcome to come."

"I will consider it." Hinata nodded before continuing on her way out of the compound.

Neji was heading to the training grounds when Hiashi stopped him.

"Good morning, Neji. Off to go train?"

"Good morning, Hiashi, and yes."

"How did you feel last night's dinner went?"

"Extremely well. Naruto behaved almost impeccably, and the elders seemed to approve of everything."

"They did Neji. In fact, Sakura-san made quite an impression on the elders as well."

Neji sighed. "I was afraid of that."

"Oh, why?" Neji eyed his uncle speculatively. While it was true that they had grown closer since the truth about his father's death was revealed. Neji still wasn't sure how much to trust his uncle. Then again, he may be able to offer some advice. Mentally shrugging Neji decided to see what his uncle had to say.

"I am worried that the elders will try to force us into something before we are ready. I would like to do this at my pace without the elders breathing down my neck."

"So am I to assume you would like to form a relationship with her?"

"I will admit that I felt something last night and would like to explore it further."

"Very well then. I will do my best to keep the elders from pestering you." Hiashi said before nodding and heading towards the front of the complex.

Neji stood there momentarily stunned, but recovered and immediately began formulating plans on how to encounter Sakura more often. He figured he would start at Ichiraku's this afternoon.

Tsunade had summoned Hiashi first thing in the morning. She wanted to see what his opinion of the couple was after last night, and if he would help with Sakura's research. Of course, she was quite pleased with how her apprentice presented herself last night, and thought that there was definitely a spark between the two young shinobi.

Hiashi walked swiftly through the streets of Konoha on his way to the Hokage tower. After speaking with Neji, he was quite pleased. His nephew had confirmed his suspicion that there could possibly be something between the two young shinobi. While Hiashi was impressed with Naruto's level of maturity last night, he was more impressed with Sakura's poise. She had handled the entire evening (from Neji's inauguration announcement to the not so subtle insinuations from the elders) magnificently. As he approached the office door, he saw Sakura standing there seemingly lost in her own thoughts. Hmm, let's see if I can gauge her feelings after last night.

"Are you going in Sakura-san?" The sudden voice from behind her startled Sakura and she spun around rather quickly.

"Oh, um, yes, I was Hyuuga-san. Were you summoned as well?"

"Yes, is everything alright Sakura-san?" Hiashi inquired as he reached past the young woman to push open the office door.

"Yes, everything is fine. Why do you ask?"

"You just seem distracted. In fact, Neji was acting in a very similar manner this morning."

"Really?" Sakura asked but by the faraway look in her eyes, he knew she wasn't looking for an answer. Smirking he gently grasped her shoulder and led her into the office.

"Ah, good morning Hiashi, Sakura. I am glad you could make it."

"Good morning Hokage, it is my pleasure." Hiashi responded. Sakura was still lost in thought. Tsunade raised her eyebrows in question and turned to Hiashi. He smirked and nodded which caused Tsunade to smile. Things were going as planned.

"Well then let's begin this meeting. Hiashi the other day I asked you to observe me, more specifically my chakra patterns, and told you it was for research." Hiashi nodded and Tsunade noticed that Sakura had returned to this planet and was now paying attention. "The reason I requested that of you was because my apprentice, Sakura, approached me with a request. She would like to create a jutsu of her own. She presented her ideas to me and I have agreed to help her with her research."

"That is good to hear, Hokage, we could always use new jutsu. However, I fail to see how I would be useful."

"Sakura please explain to Hiashi your theory."

"Very well." Sakura said as she turned to Hiashi and began her explanation.

The entire walk to team Gai's training grounds Neji couldn't chase images of pink hair and green eyes from his mind. He knew there was something between them he just didn't know what. He had never been good with women because of his stoic nature. Yet last night all he did was act like himself and Sakura didn't seem to mind. In fact, he was pretty sure she enjoyed herself.

"Hey, Neji, nice for you to join us."

"Yes, my eternal rival, you were late which is not like you."

"I apologize. Hiashi-sama stopped me on my way out this morning."

"Oh, that's right your family's dinner party was last night. How did it go?"

"It went well, Tenten. It was announced that I will be the next head of the clan, and my date was not who I expected."

"Really, who was your youthful date last night?"

"Sakura-san."

"Really, I saw her this morning and she was rather distracted while walking."

"What do you mean?"

"Well she seemed like she was daydreaming about something – or maybe someone." Tenten said as she watched Neji's reaction carefully. Just as I thought, although with that faraway look in his eyes he has fallen harder than I thought.

"So are we going to train or just stand here all day?"

"We can train but I am meeting Hinata and some others at Ichiraku's for lunch so I will not be here all day." Tenten smiled before disappearing because she knew Sakura would be at lunch as well.

By the time Hiashi had gotten back to the Hyuuga compound he had managed to calm down his mind somewhat. What Sakura-san had described to him in the meeting had his mind working overtime. If she could pull this off it could change the shinobi world. Needless to say he was more than willing to help with the research.

"Hello father. How did your meeting with the Hokage go?"

"Very well. Where are you headed?"

"I am meeting most of the Konoha 11 at Ichiraku for lunch."

"Is Neji going?"

"I invited him, but I don't know if he will go."

"Good."

"Father, about Neji and Sakura?"

"What about them?"

"I couldn't help but notice that the elders were very impressed with Sakura. And I believe they are well suited for each other."

"I agree with your sentiments Hinata, but let us allow Neji some time to do things on his own before we interfere." Hinata didn't try to hide her smile.

"Very well, father."

Sakura was extremely excited, the meeting with Tsunade had gone better than she expected. When Tsunade had first introduced the idea of bringing Hiashi into the research to aid with it Sakura was a bit skeptical. However, after last night and this morning Sakura couldn't help but feel that she was one step closer to reaching her goal.

Sakura was brought out of her thoughts by Lee's youthful exuberance. He was profusely apologizing to Neji for injuring him during training. Wait, Neji's injured. Sakura immediately pushed her way through the crowds toward team Gai. She got there just in time to hear Neji refuse to go to the hospital.

"Lee-san, there is no need for Neji to go to the hospital." Neji smirked. "However, as soon as we reach Ichiraku he is going to let me heal him." Neji's smirk disappeared; however, Tenten's smile widened. Although Sakura was aware of the presence of the other two-team members, her focus was solely on Neji.

It was a short walk to Ichiraku's and Sakura was absolutely adamant on healing Neji the second she could. He tried to stop her but one look in Sakura's eyes had him sitting quietly on a stool. As she began to focus, Neji was mesmerized by the way her eyes went cloudy and the green glow that encased her hands. However, nothing prepared him for the sensation that went coursing through his body the second Sakura laid her hands on him.

Oh my kami, I never realized how much of an effect her chakra had on me. Even while she is searching for my injuries the chakra spreads a calming sensation through my entire body. Which is probably a good thing because her touch increases my heart rate. Just as Neji was about to slip into complete relaxation he felt her fingertips brush his cheek.

Neji snapped his eyes open only to come face to face with slightly hazy jade eyes. It took him a second but he focused himself enough to realize she was probing his brain to see if there were any injuries. Belatedly he realized that the small headache he had had disappeared.

Sakura removed her hands from Neji when she was satisfied with the healing. As her eyes refocused, she became aware of how close she was standing to Neji. Quickly she backed away but tripped over someone's foot. Before she had the chance to right herself, strong hands settled on her waist.

"Thank you, Neji."

"You are welcome, but I should also thank you, Sakura, for healing me."

"Any time." Sakura answered as she stared into his breathtaking eyes.

"Oi, if you two are done now can we sit and order. I'm starving."

Neji and Sakura broke out of the fog that had settled around them and nodded to Naruto. The rest of the meal went by quickly with the topic of conversation the Hyuuga dinner party of the previous night. Sakura blushed (very becomingly in Neji's opinion) when Hinata told her how she had impressed the Hyuuga elders. Her color darkened when Neji confirmed that bit of information, and did so with a smile.

As the lunch came to an end Neji turned to address Sakura.

"Sakura if you have nothing planned for this evening I was wondering if you wished to accompany me to dinner?"

"Neji I would love to but I have a shift at the hospital. You see it is easier to spend time at the hospital at night so I can be free in needed for the things during the day." Neji searched her face and found that she was telling the truth. He also saw true regret in her eyes. "But I would enjoy your company until then."

Neji smiled. "When do you have to be there?"

"Three o'clock, so in about an hour or so."

"Would you like to take a walk?" Sakura nodded and stood, as did Neji. As the two walked away, the group they had eaten with had stopped talking.

"Well, well, if I do say so myself they look good together." Ino said pleased that she had guessed correctly.

"The cherry blossom and my eternal rival are the epitome of youthfulness."

"So what do we do to help things along?"

"Nothing."

"But why not Hinata-chan?"

"Because my father asked me to tell everyone not to interfere. He feels that Neji will move things along in his own way." Ino huffed but reluctantly agreed before she smirked.

"That doesn't mean we can't spy."

Neji and Sakura spent an hour just walking around Konoha. They conversed easily about many different subjects. Sakura found that Neji was extremely knowledgeable about almost everything. Neji found that although Sakura talked a lot everything she said was well thought out.

By the time, the two reached the hospital the two knew more about each other than their families did. They also found that they were very reluctant to leave each other's company. Eventually they agreed to train together the next day. Sakura was in the most wonderful mood during her hospital shift. She definitely enjoyed the walk she had with Neji, and he was such a good conversationalist. She never heard him talk that much before, but she silently vowed to get him to talk more often.

Shizune noticed Sakura's light mood and inquired about it.

"So, Sakura-san, who put you in such a good mood this afternoon?"

Sakura blushed and stuttered.

"I-I-I don't know what you are talking about."

"Oh come on Sakura, I don't think I have ever seen you in this type of mood. Besides I heard that the Hyuuga dinner party went rather well last night."

Sakura's blush deepened and Shizune knew that she had hit the nail on the head.

"So what is it about Neji that gets you this excited? Did he kiss you?"

"Shizune! No, he did not."

"Well then what?"

"I am not sure. He just has this confident air about him, but he isn't arrogant. Well, at least not anymore." She said remembering the first chuunin exams. "He is also very smart, and a great conversationalist. Not to mention he is a very loyal, hardworking ninja."

Sakura was so caught up in her description that she failed to recognize the growing smile on Shizune's face.

"Well, then little sister, let me know when the wedding is." Shizune said as she walked down the hall. Just as she turned the corner, she heard Sakura's voice.

"Shizune!" Laughing Shizune made her way directly to Tsunade's office. She couldn't wait to tell Tsunade about this new information.

Neji sat down to dinner and immediately Hinata, Hanabi, and Hiashi noticed that something was different. Hinata decided to take a stab at what it was.

"So, Neji, where did you go after lunch today?" Neji looked up and Hinata and she would swear he smiled.

"I walked Sakura to work at the hospital." He now had everyone's full attention.

"How did that go?" Hiashi asked slightly surprised Neji moved so quickly. Before Neji could answer there was a knock at the door and a fully dressed ANBU entered.

"Hyuuga Neji you are requested at headquarters immediately." At Neji's nod, the ANBU disappeared and Hiashi was surprised for the second time. Neji openly scowled as he stood to leave. Neji is usually very willing to go on missions.

"Neji, is everything alright?"

Schooling his features Neji answered his uncle.

"Yes, it is just that I was supposed to train with Sakura tomorrow and have no way to tell her I have to cancel."

"Do not worry I will make sure she is informed." With an appreciative look, Neji bowed and hastily left for his mission.