Chapter Summary: Sakura spent some time with the kunoichi and encountered Neji after two years.

Chapter 2 Girls Night Out

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the sky, they left the bridal shop and headed toward the Hyuuga compound. Coming straight from trying on bridesmaid dresses after a long journey from Suna had left Sakura drained. All she wanted now was to relax before their girls' night out.

The compound was a stunning mix of modern and traditional Japanese architecture, all behind pristine white walls and guarded perimeters, showcasing the clan's pride in their heritage. It had changed so much over two years since her regular visits for her favorite patient's rehab.

The war-damaged areas were now restored, creating the feel of a private district with grand buildings and sprawling gardens—a testament to the clan's prosperity and influence. As they passed through elegant pavilions glowing under the setting sun, branch members greeted them with bows, acknowledging their heiress. Her upcoming wedding to the Hokage was a major event, an honor for her clan. Could this union be seen as a statement of the Hyuuga clan's superiority over the Uchiha clan?

After a few turns, they finally reached the branch family's charming courtyard. The setting sun cast a warm glow over the space, highlighting the elegant pavilions. Sakura took a deep breath, enjoying the crisp autumn air as she stepped into the garden.

Though it was smaller than the main estate, it felt cozy and well-kept. Hinata led Sakura further in, showing her to some secluded quarters set away from everything else.

"Welcome to your cozy retreat, Sakura-chan!" Hinata announced, as she unveiled a quaint building. "I thought you'd appreciate some peace and quiet here. Feel free to stay as long as you like—no checkout times or anything!" Sliding open the shoji door, Hinata ushered her pink-haired friend inside.

Sakura took in the simple yet elegant one-bedroom space. A warm smile spread across her face as nostalgia washed over her—the layout reminded her of where she'd spent countless hours during his rehab sessions.

"I guess you'll like it here. Neji-niisan's place is right next door—hasn't moved an inch," Hinata's pearly eyes sparkled.

Sakura's cheeks flushed slightly, realizing Hinata had caught her earlier glance toward his quarters, "You're such a matchmaker!"

Giggling softly, Hinata gently reminded her, "Well, you two have dance practice coming up! Gotta get along." As Sakura looked out the window towards her cousin's darkened room, she added cheerfully, "Oh yeah, niisan's out on a mission right now but should be back in a few days."

Sakura felt a flutter of excitement at seeing him again and felt grateful for her friend's thoughtfulness.

"Please make yourself at home! Use whatever you need," Hinata said warmly before heading out. "I'll see you later tonight for our get-together!"

Sakura settled into her new surroundings. She knew staying at the Hyuuga compound would mark the beginning of something special. She unpacked her things, took a refreshing shower, and settled in for a short nap before their evening gathering.

Sakura met up with her old friends for a long-overdue night out at a popular hangout, bustling with both shinobi and civilians enjoying a break. As she settled into a cozy corner, she noticed the surprised glances from the barmaids, realizing it had been a while since her last visit. The atmosphere was perfect for catching up as they toasted to friendship, chatting excitedly about the Hinata's upcoming wedding.

Nostalgia washed over Sakura as she sipped her non-alcoholic drink, still feeling the effects of her exhausting morning trip. Ino was going through a breakup with Nara and had a few too many drinks, becoming loud and tipsy. Sakura fondly remembered comforting Ino through tough times with comfort food and movie marathons. She was glad Ino had found happiness with an artist who understood her moods.

The conversation turned to Sakura's former love's engagement. Her friends always thought she'd end up with Uchiha, but life had other plans. Reflecting on the past, Sakura felt grateful for the tough lessons learned from war and how much she'd grown in understanding love. Her past relationship with Sasuke was full of exhilarating highs and brutal lows, with some heart wounds still healing. It wasn't what she truly wanted from life or love. That lovesick girl was gone; now stood a stronger, smarter Sakura who knew her worth. It hadn't been easy getting here, but Sakura felt good about her choices—no regrets—just lessons learned and personal growth. She'd come a long way and was ready for whatever the future held.

She swirled the ice in her glass, looking determined. "So, it's official. Sasuke and I? Done."

Hinata patted her arm supportively. "Breakups are tough, Sakura-chan. It's okay to have mixed feelings."

"Totally," Tenten chimed in, her practical nature shining through. "You guys have been through a lot. Keeping it friendly is key—no drama needed."

"Right. We've got too much history for things to get weird."

Hinata opened her mouth to add something but hiccupped instead, blushing pink. "Sorry!"

Tenten laughed, "Hinata, how many drinks have you had?"

Ino, clearly tipsy, waved at the bartender. "Hey! Another round over here!"

Sakura quickly cut in, "No more drinks for them." Ino pouted but let it go.

Ino leaned in closer, her curiosity piqued despite the alcohol. "So Hinata… what's up with your cousin's engagement being off?"

"It's complicated..." Hinata began carefully.

"Hard to see him agreeing to that arranged marriage," Tenten said thoughtfully. "He seems so... independent."

"He is," Hinata agreed wholeheartedly, "But our clan pressures can be... heavy sometimes. The marriage was supposed to be about tradition and alliances."

"I'm surprised he even considered it," Ino mused.

Hinata nodded thoughtfully. "Neji-niisan values his freedom but also his responsibilities."

"It's about more than just two people—it's about two clans, two legacies," Tenten added insightfully.

"So, Hyuuga and Otsutsuki… spill it. What went down?" Ino pressed on.

Hinata gave a gentle smile. "Neji keeps things pretty tight-lipped. If he wants to talk about it, he will. Maybe they just realized they wanted different things than what the clan expected. You know how things aren't always what they seem."

Ino smirked, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Or maybe his whole quiet thing drove her nuts! Imagine trying to get anything passionate out of him!"

The girls laughed together until Hinata gently piped up, "Hey now, let's not be too hard on him. He's just... you know, reserved."

Sakura had been quietly observing from the sidelines but finally chimed in with a thoughtful tone. "Let's not jump to conclusions, okay? We should respect that. Whatever went down between them is their business."

Ino's perceptive gaze shifted to her best friend, a knowing glint in her eye. "Speaking of personal business… Forehead, didn't you have a little crush on Neji after the war?"

Sakura nearly choked on her drink as her cheeks flushed red. Tenten perked up instantly at this revelation. "Ooh! Spill it! Don't keep us in suspense!"

"S-Shut it, Ino-pig!" Sakura shot back, trying to sound tough but failing. "It's not like that! We just work well together, okay? He's an amazing shinobi and I totally respect him." But as she tried to deny it, the kunoichis' grins only grew wider.

"Suuure," Ino slurred, clearly tipsy. "That must be why you're always volunteering to help with his missions? All work, huh? You sure had a lot to talk about with him for 'just business!' And those little checkups... C'mon girl, just admit it—you've got a crush!"

Sakura squirmed under their teasing grins but couldn't hold back a small smile herself. "Okay, fine! Maybe I do admire him... a lot."

"Told ya!" Ino clapped triumphantly, almost spilling her drink in the process. "Sakura, come on, you gotta tell him how you feel! Neji's single now!"

Hinata nodded supportively from across the table. "You've always had a good connection with him. Maybe he just needs to know how you feel."

Sakura had been quiet most of the night but finally joined in, reflecting on how long she'd admired Neji from afar, appreciating his strength, wisdom, and quiet demeanor. His recent breakup had stirred emotions she'd kept hidden—feelings that were both exciting and terrifying.

"I'll give him some time, with his breakup and all... He needs space, and I don't want to mess things up between us." Maybe once he's healed a bit, he'd notice her.

Tenten nodded supportively. "That's sweet and respectful of you," she said brightly, adding with a nudge, "but don't forget—when the time's right, go for it!"

Ino leaned over, her words slightly slurred as she tried to be subtle but failed. "Who knows? Maybe the Hyuuga's been low-key into you this whole time!"

Tenten chimed in cheerfully, "Yeah! I mean, what do you have to lose? We all know how amazing he is. And he'd be lucky to have you!"

Sakura felt warmth spreading through her chest at their encouragement. Her friendships were as important as anything else in her life—a reminder that love isn't just about romance. "Look, I appreciate it, really. But can we please not make my love life the main topic every time we meet for drinks?"

Her friends laughed and agreed to lay off for now as they clinked their glasses together once more. They continued chatting about everything from ninja training mishaps to romantic moments gone wrong. She felt grateful for these bonds of friendship that held them together through thick and thin—even over matters of the heart she'd care to admit aloud… well, until now anyway! Maybe someday she'd find the courage to step out of the shadows herself.

Sakura woke up in the middle of the night, her kunoichi instincts on high alert. Feeling the need for fresh air, she quietly left her bed and wandered into the courtyard, sitting on a stone bench in a perfectly manicured garden. The soft light from the garden lamps led her eyes to a peaceful koi pond with water lilies floating on gentle ripples and colorful koi swimming underneath. The sound of crickets softly filled the background.

Unbeknownst to Sakura, someone perched silently on the rooftop, patiently observing her every move from the shadows.

The cool night breeze played with her hair and brought with it the fresh scent of nature. She closed her eyes to enjoy the moment, but then heard a rustle in the bushes. A sleek black cat appeared, its green eyes glowing in the darkness. Despite this calm scene, she felt an eerie sensation as if someone was watching her. The thought of the clan's all-seeing abilities sent shivers down her spine, prompting her to heighten her guard. Her eyes widened when she saw a familiar silhouette glide through the dark with secrecy and grace. His chakra was expertly hidden, leaving Sakura to wonder how long he had been there.

With graceful ease, he jumped off the rooftop and landed silently on the pavement. Before she could react, she felt an invisible force pulling her backward under complete control—a unique ability belonging only to one Hyuuga. In an instant, she found herself against a solid chest with strong arms supporting her shoulders.

The moonlight cast a silver glow over them as Sakura realized she was face-to-face with him after what seemed forever. Their eyes met intensely—his gaze crystal clear as it pierced into hers. Time seemed to freeze as unspoken questions hung between them. His ANBU mask gave away nothing as he slowly let go of Sakura and stepped back respectfully.

With smooth movements, he removed his ANBU mask to reveal his face—the same one that had been on Sakura's mind for so long. His white cape billowed gently in the breeze—a sign of his rank as ANBU squad leader—and seeing him standing there took her breath away.

Sakura had grown to really respect and admire this guy over time. She often thought the day she risked everything for him, refusing to let go of the man who had selflessly sacrificed so much. She spent seven grueling days by his side, pulling him back from death's door, never leaving his side until he finally open his eyes.

Those endless nights of watching over him had shown her a side of him she hadn't seen before. During his rehab, the cool, distant mask he wore faded away as he healed, revealing someone more genuine and perhaps a bit vulnerable. As they spent more time together, Sakura began seeing him—and everything around her—in a new light.

Now, standing in the moonlit garden with him in front of her. With a soft grin, she broke the quiet. "Hey Neji. You're back," feeling a little flutter of warmth at seeing him again.

"Yeah," the Hyuuga nodded, trying to hide just how exhausted he was from his travels. "Been a while," keeping his usual straight face on.

"I hope I'm not bothering you," Sakura said, suddenly realizing how late it was.

He shook his head, smiling softly. "You're never a bother, Haruno." His eyes took in her casual look—a big orange t-shirt that had to be Naruto's, hanging mid-thigh with a hint of her curves showing through. How it suited her relaxed vibe perfectly. The diamond seal on her forehead, a testament to her immense growth and strength as a kunoichi, whose skills were respected far and wide. Despite looking a bit sleepy, her green eyes shone with energy. Her petal hair, tousled from sleep, framed her face beautifully. He'd come to appreciate these little things about her more and more.

He remembered his time healing at the hospital and at home—how she had cared for him with such skill and patience. It meant so much to him. Those days planted a seed that had grown while she'd been away from him and Konoha. He wondered why she was here now, at this hour, on the compound grounds. Was she visiting Hinata? Or maybe... there was another reason? Whatever it was, he realized he didn't mind running into her like this.

"Good to see you. Hope you've been doing alright?"

"I've been good, wrapped up with medical work in Suna."

Neji gave a slight nod. "Sounds important—making a difference as usual."

Sakura smiled, feeling a little nostalgic. His voice had that familiar, calming effect on her. She took in his appearance; he seemed tired yet still effortlessly handsome, with that slight stubble adding to his charm. Her keen medic eyes noticed the way he favored his left side slightly.

"Neji, you're hurt," she pointed out, cutting to the chase. "Let me take a look."

"It's nothing serious, Haruno. I can handle it," his pride warring with his pain.

"Oh come on, you really think I'm going to let that slide? Don't underestimate my skills?" she said firmly, giving him that look she had perfected over the years. "I'm not taking no for an answer."

Sakura knew some Hyuuga were able to do some simple healing with their precision in chakra control, and the prodigy himself was one of them.

"You know I didn't mean it like that," Neji protested weakly, knowing he wouldn't win this one. "I just don't want to bother you with something so minor."

She tapped his wounded shoulder lightly, causing him to flinch. "Minor or not, untreated injuries can turn into bigger problems."

Their eyes met—his filled with admiration and amusement at her persistence. "Did you know that your gentle taps can be deadly?" he joked dryly.

"Only when necessary," she grinned triumphantly. "So are you gonna be good or do I have to chase you down?" No one managed this patient better than her.

Neji allowed a faint smile. "You haven't changed at all, Haruno."

"And neither have you, Mr. I'm-Fine-I-Can-Handle-It-All," she teased right back.

His expression softened as fatigue mingled with fondness in his gaze. "Fine, if it'll make you happy... Plus I'm too tired to fight about it." He hesitated for a moment before adding softly, "Glad some things stay the same."

Curious, Sakura asked, "Like what?"

Neji looked at her directly. "Like you—always stubborn, always caring, always around when needed."

Sakura felt a warm blush creep up her cheeks and laughed lightly. "Well, someone's gotta keep you in check!"

With that exchange hanging in the air like old times rekindled, Neji finally gave in and gestured for the pinkette to follow him inside his quarters.

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