I don't own Naruto.

Chapter 10: Patrol Duty and Complications

"Did you say earth and water?"

"Yes, captain is that a problem?"

"No, I just don't know that many shinobi with that combination." In fact, I only know one. "I am limited in those two areas of ninjutsu, but I am sure we can work some things out."

"That is fine, captain, I wasn't expecting you to teach me any affinity jutsus." Besides, I happen to know your affinity isn't earth or water. "When would you like to start?"

"We will begin this evening after dinner by discussing what goals we have for the next six months."

"Very well, captain, and thank you again for helping me." Neji nodded and walked away, there was too much on his mind for him to answer.

This medic is so much like Kura it's scary. Same chakra affinity, almost the same skill level, and her mannerisms are nearly identical. The worst part is this medic even makes me feel like Kura did. The week or so after the dinner party and announcement was going so well. I know that I am in love with her, but the betrayal. While I know it really wasn't her choice, but I can't help but feel hurt. Therefore, I accepted the position of captain and immediately took the open border patrol. But here is this medic who reminds me of Kura in every way but in looks. Those feelings I have for Kura are the same ones I have for this medic. Do all emotions work this way? Once you feel them, do they show up more often? I don't know and I have no way of finding out.

Sakura was ecstatic – it had worked. There is no way he knew it was me he would have said something. For a while, I thought that maybe he had suspected but he never made any sounds about it. Oh how I wish I could tell him and celebrate. I have to hold the guise until my six months is up. Hopefully by that time he has forgiven me. While I understand that he was upset with me for not telling him, I feel he kind of overreacted. Then again I am not one to talk I overreact to everything. I just hope we can get through the next six months with no problems.

Dinner was a quiet affair because the ANBU team Neji's squad had replaced returned to Konoha. After dinner, Neji and Sakura took first watch so they could talk.

"What do you wish to achieve through this training?"

"Many of my jutsus are currently attack jutsus. As a medic I need jutsu designed for protection and deflection."

"Why ask for my help?" So they told him I specifically requested him.

"I had heard how you developed your clan's signature defensive move with no outside help and hoped your ingenuity would aid in my pursuit."

"Where did you hear that?"

Uh-oh I forgot that that is not a commonly known bit of information."Haruno-sama mentioned it when I asked about how to improve my jutsu." Neji visibly relaxed.

"You know Kura…ahem…Sakura-san?"

"Yes, she trained me as a medic." Neji nodded slightly but Sakura could tell that he was still lost in thought. Taking a chance, she decided to find out just how mad he was at her for the betrayal.

"Captain, is everything alright?" Unfortunately, for Sakura when she asked she unconsciously placed her hand on his shoulder – a move Neji associated with her. She was surprised when Neji turned his head sharply and their eyes met through their masks.

Neji stared into the ANBU medic's eyes trying to figure her out. Once again, she reminded him of Sakura and how much he missed her. He wished he had talked to her before he left. Emotions swamped him and all he wanted was Sakura with him. He reached up to touch the medic's face when his hand came into contact with porcelain. He jerked his hand back and immediately walked away.

For a brief second Sakura saw in Neji's eyes what she had seen before she left. When he pulled away, she was upset, but knew that he still needed time. It took a minute but she realized that it was good he pulled away. It meant that he didn't want to betray her.

Across the compound Neji's face was contorted in confusion. Is it possible to love two people?