Ok, so here is another unbeta'd chapter. I make no promises on the next chapter but I hope to have it up very soon. Also like Shikamaru, I am lazy, so that search to find a beta reader...you get the picture.
It was about a week later when Sakura was tackled by Ino on her way home from the hospital. She'd learned that Neji had been sent off on a mission from the paperwork she'd organized for Tsunade-sama. Since then she'd gone on with life, waiting until he'd get back and they could pick up where they'd left off.
"We need to talk NOW," the blond koichini demanded, hands on her hips.
"Ok, what's going on Ino-pig?" Sakura asked.
"Not here, lets go to your house," Ino was looking around them, as if someone was going to jump out of the crowd.
Sakura looked at her, "Is everything okay?" She waited for the answer as Ino studied her face.
"No you're right, lets go to one of the training grounds, just in case."
Sakura nodded and silently they raced to one of the training grounds further back way from the village. Silently she waited for Ino to start. Whatever this was, Ino seemed to think she was going to take it bad. Her heart pounded a little.
"I heard it from some old oba-chans while they were picking up flowers from our store. That there's something going on between you and Hyuga Neji?" Ino asked quickly.
Sakura's face turned a bit red, "There's...something going on, yes, but not enough for people to be talking about it? What did they say?"
"They were talking about how it was disgraceful, how Neji-sama was flaunting his whore around town the other day. Sakura, apparently the whole town knows about your relationship and says that you're his newest mistress!" Ino said.
Sakura saw red, "What the hell are you talking about! We haven't done anything like that! We're not even dating! Why would they say that? Newest mistress, I'm not some kept woman!" She started pacing back and forth, creating small fractures in the earth.
"Apparently someone saw you two in a rather intimate embrace and said something. Since Neji's been away on a mission, I don't think they've been able to talk to him about it at all. But Sakura, it wasn't just at the flower shop that I heard something. I walked around town for a little bit and had heard it from a few other people."
Sakura went up to one of the training logs and just started punching it, until it lay, torn out of the ground into small pieces. She sank and held her knees, burrowing her face between them. Ino came up behind her then and knelt beside her. Sakura turned to look at her friend, "It started a few months ago when we were sparing. I figured out a way to get around Neji's defences and it turned...sexual. You remember when Naruto treated us to Ramen in celebration? After that we've been, having a private little fight between us, trying to get the better of the other one. Last week, we sort of called a truce, but Neji was called away on a mission before anything could be figured out. I really like him, but we all know how much influence his clan has over him. Do you think he'd be able to stand against them?"
Ino's hand came up and stroked her hair back from her face,"We should try and talk to Hinata, maybe she knows something. I just hope the guys don't find out about this...they'll never let it go."
"This feels worse than Sasuke not acknowledging me Ino. After all this time, I've worked so hard to be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with my boys and to have some stupid inbred clan tell me that I'm a whore. It makes me sick," Sakura said as she got up. "What right do they have anyway? Lets go, I'm hungry."
Quietly they started back into town, side by side. Sakura was glad that Ino was her friend. After all they'd been through, Ino always stuck with her. Luck was with them and they found Hinata having dinner with Naruto, Sai and Shino at the ramen stand in town.
"Sakura-chan!" Naruto sang out, "Come join us." He moved closer to Hinata to make room for the two girls.
Sakura turned to Ino and murmured, "Lets wait to talk about this for now." They both sat down and ordered a meal. Sakura tried to relax, but since walking back into town with Ino, she couldn't help but think that everyone was staring at her. She hadn't felt dirty ever with Neji, no matter what they'd be doing and really it was a bit prudish to try and pull that moral code on her or any ninja. They were trained to give their bodies for the safety of the village, be it in violence or in passion. Some of the best assassins were kunoichi who excelled in the arts of pleasure and seduction. While the boys were taught the basics, the girls were given a more in depth look and training. How dare any clan family think that she was a whore.
"SAKURA-CHAN!" several voices yelling at her broke her from her thoughts and she looked up startled.
"Sorry Sakura-chan, but Hinata-chan asked you the same question a few times and you completely ignored her." Naruto gave her a foxy grin.
Sakura shook her head, "Sorry Hinata-chan."
"It's okay Sakura-chan, I just wondered if you wanted to train with tessen's with me? With Hinabi-chan starting in genin team and Neji-niisan off on a mission, I really don't have anyone that I'd rather practice with."
"I didn't know you all were skilled with using a tessen Hinata-chan. I'd love to train with you, but I have to warn you that I'm not really all that knowledgeable," Sakura said. She was delighted to find someone to help her. She had thought of asking Ten Ten, but having Hinata offer was even better.
"I usually train in the mornings, would 6am be okay with you?"
"Sure Hinata-chan, I'll be there tomorrow."
"I'll wait for you at the main gate then."
"Did you get your tessen from the weapons shop then Ugly?" Sai asked.
Sakura's face turned red and she nodded.
"That's great Sakura! I know you've been wanting that one for awhile...Ano, I thought you were going to wait is all." Naruto slapped Sakura on the back at this.
"Neji-niisan bought it for her," Hinata announced.
All conversation stopped as they turned to stare at Sakura.
"Ano, Sakura does this have anything to do with that technique that Hinata-chan tau..."Naruto went flying backwards about 10 feet with a well placed flick of Sakura's fingers.
Giggling Hinata continued, "I was there when the bill was delivered and you should have seen Otosan's face, Neji-niisan's never done anything like that before."
"So Ugly has a boyfriend, well it was bound to happen sooner or later," remarked Sai.
Naruto hesitantly sat back down in his seat. Glancing at Sakura he turned the conversation to whether or not Shino's bugs liked ramen. Sakura pushed her Hyuga-problem to the back of her head. Apparently as far as Hinata-chan was concerned there were no issues. She'd figure out what was going on sooner or later.