December

Final installment of the story. Thank you so much for sticking with this story to the end, I love y'all!

Disclaimer: Nope

Neji x Sakura

"Sakura, a new year is approaching. This is the time for change and a fresh start."

"I think that's just what I need Neji."

Sakura couldn't handle much more of this.

"Pardon you asshole." Sakura growled under her breath as she got bumped once again from a drunken stranger attending the New Years Eve party.

"Sakura are you okay?" A deep, extremely sexy voice asked her as a hand grabbed her elbow. Sakura turned around and was met with a pair of moon-like eyes that never failed to make her shudder.

Neji Hyugga was the definition of a perfect man. He was charming, intelligent,a successful lawyer, and extremely polite.

Not to mention beyond sexy.

Neji and Sakura were introduced by Tsunade at the hospital one day. They talked and connected and before Sakura knew it Neji had asked Sakura out on a date. Sakura felt comfortable around Neji. He didn't know any of her past relationships so he was so much easier to be around than the others.

"I've heard you've just gotten over a breakup." Neji asked her one day over their numerous coffee discussions.

"Yes." Sakura responded curtly and took a sip of her cappuccino.

"Would you mind me asking why the breakup?" Neji raised his eyebrows and his translucent eyes bore into hers.

"I was just dating a guy who was close with another guy I had a prior relationship with." Sakura gave a sheepish smile, "I promise I'm not a slut."

Neji smirked and finished his coffee. "I would never Sakura-san."

He signaled for the waitress who came to deliver their checks. Sakura began pulling out her wallet but was stopped by Neji.

"It's on me."

"No, I can't do that."

"How else am I supposed to assume this is a date?" Neji's smirk widened at the surprised look on the pinkette's face.

"Sakura, a new year is approaching. This is the time for a change and fresh start."

Sakura smiled, "I think that's exactly what I need Neji."

So here they were, almost a month later, at Neji's law firm's New Years Eve party.

Sakura, however, was not having the time of her life.

For the number of hours she had been attending the party she had been separated from Neji and had been pushed around everywhere by a bunch of intoxicated attorneys.

"Yes Neji, I'm fine." Sakura smiled and looked at the handsome gentleman who was drawing every female's attention.

"I don't think I ever thanked you for accompanying me to this event Sakura." Neji purred and lightly kissed Sakura's clavicle causing her to shudder.

"It's my pleasure Neji." Sakura smiled and blushed harder once he kissed her hand.

"Love, I have to go talk to a possible client so," Neji paused in the middle of his sentence.

"Go, go be business-y, I'll catch up with you later." Sakura waved him off.

Neji kissed her cheek and left her to go discuss business. Sakura was hell bent on finding a quiet area of this busy party.

Finally Sakura found a quiet corner of the large building and sat herself down with her glass of champagne in her hand. She sighed and leaned her head against the window. She began thinking of Neji.

Neji was perfect in every sense of the word. Sakura felt comfortable around him, but she was beginning to feel too comfortable. Sakura didn't expect Neji to be the serious relationship type, but he proved that he was. He had openly let her know that he expected to be married soon, whether she was his future wife or not. He wanted a family.

And he wanted it fast.

Sakura sighed and rubbed her face. She needed to break off this relationship. She didn't want get married or have kids, not soon anyway. Her career into becoming a successful surgeon was just now setting off and she wanted to feel stable before she had kids.

Another month, another man. Sakura was really getting sick of this vicious cycle she seemed to have going on with each man. Sure, she was still friends with the majority of them, but she wanted to be able to fall in love without being scared.

She watched the television as the countdown continued, only two minutes remaining in the year. She heard about the numerous New Years Resolutions being passed through people.

'I'm not going to be scared, I'm going to take chances.' Sakura vowed to herself in her head. She continued to watch the time slowly count down.

Unaware to her there was a figure approaching her. She watched the numbers slowly lower and finally the seconds began counting down.

Break up with Neji. Further her career. Try new things. Travel to different places. Meet new people. Apologize to the people she had hurt. Don't take her friends for granted.

Sakura named off all the goals for the new year as she watched the screen.

Five

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Four

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"Sakura."

Three

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Two

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Sakura turned around at the familiar masculine voice.

"Itachi."

One

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"I've missed you Sakura."

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And so a new year begins.

Happy New Year everybody. May you all have a successful 2012.

ShelbySabaku