I don't own Naruto.

Chapter 11: Apologies and Betrayals

Hiashi and Tsunade glanced at each other; this is not a good turn of events.

"Would you care to explain that statement?"

"No, if I get into that again I will become more irritated."

"Very well then. We are going to begin by checking your chakra levels. Hiashi."

"May I, Sakura-san?"

"Of course you may Hiashi-sama, seeing as you asked for permission." Hiashi narrowed his eyes. I sincerely hope my nephew didn't do what I think he did.

After spending all morning being berated by his younger, female cousins, Neji now had a list of ways to "apologize and make up to Sakura for my male idiocy." First stop is the Yamanaka Flower Shop. When he walked in Ino looked up and grinned.

"Let me guess, you want to know which flowers to buy for Sakura to apologize."

"I take it she stopped by this morning to talk."

"She did and while I get the arrangement ready you are going to sit and listen." Neji was about to protest but when he saw the glare Ino was sending him he resigned himself to sit and listen.

Hiashi was once again impressed with Sakura. By the end of the meeting, she had completed the jutsu. He was lost in thoughts of pink-haired and white-eyed grandchildren that when Hisao greeted him at the gates of the Hyuuga compound he was caught off guard.

"Hisao-san did you need me for something?"

"Yes, Hiashi, we need to discuss Neji's and Hinata's future." Hiashi glared at Hisao, but walked with him anyway. He knew this discussion was going to happen he just hoped he could hold the elders off long enough for Neji and Sakura to be ready.

Sakura practically skipped out of the Hokage tower – not only had she completed the jutsu, but Tsunade had set up a mock training session so she could test it against Kakashi's sharingan.

As she made her way to meet her team at Ichiraku's Sakura thought more about what had transpired between her and Neji the night before. While she was irritated at his methods she had to admit to herself that it was nice, he had cared enough to check. She decided to apologize for overreacting the next time she saw him.

Neji had stationed himself half way between the Hokage tower and Ichiraku's hoping to catch Sakura before she met up with Naruto and Kakashi. (He did not want to have to explain to them why he was apologizing to Sakura). As Neji mentally cringed at the thought, he saw Sakura walking towards him.

"Sakura-san." Sakura turned towards Neji's voice and couldn't suppress the smile at want she saw. "I would like to apologize for my actions last night. It was improper for me to invade your privacy like that."

"Thank you Neji, but I feel I must apologize as well. I overreacted to your concern. Being around Naruto and Jiraiya so often that it has made me rather protective of my privacy." Neji smiled.

"Understood." Neji said as he offered Sakura the flowers.

"Thank you, Neji." Sakura said as she accepted the flowers. "I am meeting Naruto and Kakashi at Ichiraku's and then we are going to train. Would you care to join us?"

"Yes, I would like that." Neji said. Then before he could ask if her teammates would mind Sakura took his hand and began to walk. Her small hand in his made his pulse rush and he was certain that he loved her.

Happiness and fear spread through Neji at this realization. He was sure given time, he could show Sakura that he loved her and she would love him back, but would the elders give him that time?

Neji was forced to concentrate on Kakashi when they arrived. He didn't want to take any chances with the look Kakashi was giving him.

Hinata had tea prepared for Hiashi when he emerged from the council meeting. As Hinata poured, she took the chance to observe her father. He actually looked relaxed. She hoped this was a good sign for both her and Neji.

"Thank you, Hinata."

"You are welcome father. How was the meeting?" Hiashi smiled.

"It went better than expected. The council has given Naruto permission to court you for a period of one year. If all goes well you two may then wed." Hinata smiled. She couldn't wait to tell Naruto.

"What did they decide regarding Neji and Sakura?"

"Well because Neji is now the head of the clan they were not as lenient on the time frame." Hinata frowned, but Hiashi continued. "However, they have given Neji a period of six months to court Sakura before they force the issue."

"That's better than you were hoping."

"Yes, it is."

It was decided that it would be a two versus two spar: Sakura and Neji versus Naruto and Kakashi. When they reached the training grounds the two teams split up to warm up and formulate strategies.

"So, Neji, how do you want to do this?"

"Well, I am a close range fighter and you can disrupt the area without being close to your opponents. So if you can distract them long enough for me to get in close?"

"That works. Just so you know Kakashi favors fire and lightning jutsus while Naruto uses wind."

"How about you Sakura?"

"Me? I use earth and water."

"Really, that's an unusual combination."

"Well my natural affinity is water, and because of the techniques Tsunade taught me it only made sense to work on earth jutsu."

"Hey, you two ready?"

"Bring it on, Naruto."

As Hiashi prepared to train with Hanabi, he remembered his earlier irritation with his nephew. The impromptu council meeting had distracted him. He sighed; he would have to wait to corner Neji. Hanabi came in and they began. Hanabi realized quickly that her father was distracted.

"Father, is everything alright?"

"I apologize Hanabi. I am a bit distracted. I must speak to Neji about something." At the sound of Hanabi's laughter, Hiashi narrowed his eyes. Hanabi calmed herself enough to talk.

"Neji was at breakfast with Hinata and me this morning, and told us about the "eye incident" last night?"

"So he did do it."

"Yes, and she definitely let him know she did not appreciate it."

"What did you tell him?"

"Well after explaining to him his faux pas we came up with a plan. He should be handing her a bouquet of her favorite followers and apologizing for his male idiocy right about now." Hiashi nodded satisfied that his daughters talked some sense into his nephew.

At the training grounds, four individuals were breathing hard taking in all of the destruction around them.

"That rocked! You are going to have to come around more often Neji."

"Hn."

"He's right, you and Sakura compliment each other's fighting styles well." Sakura beamed as Kakashi gave his indirect approval of Neji. Outwardly, Neji didn't show any emotion, inwardly he felt like he could fly. Sakura's (very dangerous) father figure just gave his seal of approval. Now all Neji had to do was convince Sakura, and somehow he didn't think it was going to be very difficult.

"So, Neji, when can you come again? Tomorrow?"

"Naruto, not everyone recovers as quickly as you do."

"That's okay, Sakura. Unfortunately my ANBU team is on call for the next three day rotation."

"Well then, when you get relieved." Neji nodded. "How about you Kakashi-sensei?"

"Naruto, stop calling me sensei. I can't tomorrow. Tsunade asked me to test a potential ANBU medic."

"Aww, Sakura-chan?"

"Hospital duty, Naruto."

"You people are no fun. Well since you all can't spar tomorrow you are coming to get ramen with me now." As Naruto walked away, Kakashi and Sakura sighed and began to follow. Neji wasn't exactly sure what to do. Sakura solved his dilemma by taking his hand and tugging him along.

Neji smiled and he knew Sakura would at least be open to trying a relationship. He kept his walk leisurely to make sure Naruto and Kakashi were not within hearing distance. Taking a deep breath, he took a chance.

"Sakura, I have really enjoyed your company these last few days. While I know this is quite sudden, but we have known each other since we were genin. Also, I know my family has a reputation and can be pushy, especially since we appeared together Saturday…"

"Neji, did you want to ask me something?"

"Yes, I was hoping you would agree to enter into a relationship with me?" Neji held his breath as he waited for Sakura to answer.

"I'd love to be your girlfriend, Neji." She said as she slid onto a stool at Ichiraku. As Neji sat next to her, he glanced at Kakashi and Naruto on his other side. Neither was looking at him. Neji relaxed they either didn't hear or approved.

Dinner was a rather quiet affair. When Sakura was done Neji offered to walk her home. They chatted about a myriad of topics, but Neji noticed Sakura looked nervous.

"Is everything okay Sakura?"

"Yeah I just need to tell you something and I don't know how you will react."

"It can't be that bad." Sakura sighed and was about to tell Neji her secret when an ANBU materialized.

"Hyuuga Neji you are needed at HQ." Neji nodded and waited for the ANBU to disappear before he turned back to Sakura.

"Sorry, I have to go. Would you like to come to the compound for dinner when I get back?" Sakura nodded and said goodnight.