Updates: This is one of my favorite chapters. Completely rewrite this to make it more engaging and descriptive. [sept,1]
Author Notes: Thank you for following the story! In this chapter, we're going to dig deeper into their relationship. Alright, let's jump straight into the story with a whole chapter of fluffiness!
Chapter 3 Heal My Wounds
In the heart of the compound, was Neji's living quarters, a modest abode adjacent to the main house. This proximity was a privilege reserved for esteemed members, one he had rightfully earned.
The Hyuuga slid open the door, gesturing for the kunoichi to enter. "Please, come in," he said softly. "You can leave your shoes here… like before."
"Right, not my first visit," she replied, slipping off her sandals by the entrance. "I'm here for your routine checkup. After what, three years?"
"Yeah, it's been that long."
Sakura appreciated the understated elegance of his quarters. Moonlight filtered through glass, gently illuminating the room. The space echoed Neji: neat, quiet, no-nonsense – his sanctuary from duties and obligations.
Everything looked as she remembered. A soothing, earthy reed scent filled the air. The contemporary living area exuded modesty and simplicity, contrasting the main house. Its hushed elegance mirrored the Hyuuga's composed and disciplined nature, with minimalist furnishings speaking of refined taste and sophistication.
Sakura felt his eyes on her, a familiar flutter in her stomach as he closed the sliding door. He turned on the lights, gradually bathing the room in a warm glow.
"Your house… is well-kept," she observed, scanning the room.
"Hm… I try. Honestly, I'm hardly ever home to make a mess anyway."
The Anbu captain shrugged off his cloak, neatly hanging it with his sling carrier and sword. As he did so, Sakura stole a quick glance at the man, she couldn't help but notice his strong shoulders and toned biceps highlighted by his sleeveless vest.
"I get that. Being an Anbu must demand a lot of your time," she sympathized.
Neji nodded. "It does."
Sakura's gaze wandered the room, settling on a medical cabinet above his drawer. She smiled softly, thinking, typical 'hospital-phobic'. Curiosity piqued, she opened it to find first-aid supplies in disarray. While touching his belongings felt off-limits, what caught her attention were vials of sedatives and syringes tucked among the items.
Neji noticed her gaze and said, "Don't worry, it's just a precaution. The Hyuuga medics set it up. Feel free to use anything you need."
"That's good to know," Sakura replied, nodding. "Always best to be prepared, right?" An undercurrent of tension rippled between them as their eyes met.
"Absolutely," Neji agreed. "Excuse me for a moment. Please, make yourself comfortable."
"Oh, sure thing, Neji. I'll just... look around a bit." Sakura said as the man left to remove his Anbu gear.
Alone, she took in her surroundings. The space was quintessentially Neji, cozy, with soft lighting and minimalist decor. A plush blue linen two-seat couch dominated the center, flanked by two barely-used armchairs. The setup invited relaxation and intimate conversations after a long day.
Peeking into the kitchen, Sakura noted its pristine condition. A full set of cooking tools caught her eye, sparking curiosity about the man's culinary prowess. A compact dining area seemed perfect for cozy dinners.
Her gaze drifted to the king-size bed in the corner, triggering a pang of jealousy as she imagined the Hyuuga sleeping with his ex. Unbidden thoughts of giving that bed a good thrashing flitted through her mind. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself.
A meticulously organized desk piled with scrolls caught her attention. A medical report marked 'classified' piqued her interest, drawing her towards it.
"Haruno," Neji called over his shoulder.
Sakura jumped slightly. "Y-Yes?"
Neji glanced back, noticing her proximity to the report. "I'd appreciate if you didn't pry into that," he said calmly while continuing to remove his gear.
"Oh, I-I wasn't… I mean, I just happened to look that way. Really!" Sakura lied, flustered.
Neji raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. "I see. I appreciate your honesty," he replied dryly, choosing to let it go.
Eager to move past the awkward moment, Sakura redirected her attention. Her eyes landed on Anbu Captain across the room, now by the bathroom door in his black undershirt, having shed his vest. She watched, amused, as he wrestled with his arm guards after removing his forehead binding.
"Need some help with those?" Sakura offered, already approaching. She couldn't help but notice how he towered over her, a solid six feet of lean muscle and grace.
"If you wouldn't mind," Neji replied. "They're being stubborn today."
After freeing him from the arm guards, Sakura's fingers lingered. "While I'm at it, let me help you with this too," she said, tugging at his undershirt.
"Planning to undress me now, Haruno? How forward of you," Neji remarked, his expression unreadable.
"It's all part of the medical routine, I'll have you know!" Sakura retorted, her cheeks warming. "I'm sure plenty of medics would jump at the chance to undress you."
"Oh really?" His poker face was impeccable. "And here I thought you were different, Haruno."
Sakura rolled her eyes. "It's not like I haven't seen you naked before. I've seen enough, thank you very much."
Neji's lips quirked. "Well, as long as it's for medical purposes, I suppose I can allow it. Just don't get any wild ideas about taking off anything else, doctor."
Caught off guard by his unique blend of dry humor and subtle undertones. She blurted out, "That's the last thing on my mind!" Immediately regretting her words.
Neji's eyes widened a fraction. "Ouch, Haruno. You wound me more than this cut."
Realizing her blunder, Sakura scrambled to backpedal. "I mean... not that you're not... I just..."
Neji's lips curved into a smirk. "Relax, Haruno. Your professional integrity is safe with me. Just teasing you," he said, playfully ruffling her pink hair.
Did the pinkette truly not see him in that light?
'Great job, genius. Again, you made things awkward and gave him the wrong idea... Why can't I just speak like a normal human being around him?' She groaned internally.
"Let me just... help you with that," she offered, hoping to salvage the situation.
"I've got it. Don't worry about it," Neji politely declined, deciding to handle it himself. He had gotten used to baring his body for attending medics, as part of the routine.
With a smooth motion that would make a stripper jealous, the man took off his shirt, only wincing slightly. As the fabric lifted away, a fresh trickle of blood revealed the true extent of his injury.
"Holy crap, it's worse than I thought. We need to get that cleaned up," Sakura said, her brow furrowing with concern.
"I've had worse," he replied with a soft, reassuring smile.
Sakura already heading to the living room for the first-aid kit. "Sure, and I'm secretly Lady Tsunade in disguise. Just sit tight on the couch and don't move a muscle!"
"Yes, ma'am."
Sakura returned with the first-aid kit to find her favorite patient sitting comfortably on the couch. The soft lighting did no favors in hiding his impressive physique, causing her to pause momentarily, appreciating the view. His skin, marked by only a few scars from his most iconic battles. Years of rigorous training had sculpted him into a perfect balance of lean muscle and grace.
As she approached, their eyes met. Neji's gaze briefly flickered downward before snapping back up, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. Sakura felt a sudden flutter in her stomach, suddenly aware of her lack of undergarments. Had he noticed?
"Hm? Is my fashion sense that offensive?" She held out an oversized shirt with a large orange swirl printed in the center. "Or is Naruto's hand-me-down too much for your refined tastes?"
"I wouldn't dare critique the wardrobe of Konoha's best medic-nin."
The Anbu captain was accustomed to sharing tents with kunoichi, always maintained proper boundaries. They were adults, after all. This was no big deal, right?
"Well, maybe I should raid your wardrobe next. I bet you have some great Hyuuga loungewear hidden away."
"I assure you, my clothing is far more practical. Are you trying to ask for it, Haruno? You could just ask nicely."
"Neji!" Sakura exclaimed, her blush deepening as she realized how her words might have sounded. "I-I swear I'm not some weirdo!"
Was the pinkette flirting with him after drawing a line just moments ago?
Neji chuckled softly, wincing slightly as the movement jostled his wound. "Relax, Haruno. No judgment here. Now, are you going to help me with this wound?"
Sakura huffed, momentarily overcoming her embarrassment. "Right. Now, let's take a look at that injury of yours," she said, moving closer. She settled down in front of him, examining the nasty shoulder wound where signs of infection were spreading.
"Poisoned chakra? Trying to outdo yourself?" she quipped, her skilled hands working to remove every trace of poison. "Most people bring flowers when they catch up. You bring infected wounds."
"I'm not most people."
"Clearly," Sakura muttered, fighting the urge to pounce on him and kiss him senseless. This wasn't just anyone; it was him.
The captain looked more chiseled than she remembered - lean and defined, not overly muscular. Her eyes traced the lines of his chest down to his abs and the sexy V-line disappearing into his pants, hinting at what lay beneath. She mentally chided herself. Professionalism, woman!
As she applied antiseptic, he mused, "You know, for someone who claims to have seen it all, you're awfully focused on my chest."
Busted by those all-seeing white eyes, Sakura recovered smoothly. "I'm admiring my handiwork from our last encounter while checking for other injuries. It's called being thorough."
"Of course," he nodded, smirking, "And I suppose all professionals blush when tending to their patients?"
Sakura felt her cheeks warm. It was a professional yet strangely intimate moment with the Hyuuga, their connection as strong as ever. Maybe getting all hot and bothered wasn't so bad after all.
"Well, next time maybe focus less on practicing your charming smile with your medic. No wonder your wound's a mess!"
"Ah, but then I wouldn't have the pleasure of catching up with my favorite medic, would I?"
Sakura's hands glowed with a soft green light as she began the healing process, her chakra enveloping her patient. As the energy flowed between them, memories surfaced unbidden, transporting them both to a time two years past.
The war had ended, but for him, a new battle had just begun. His bloodline had undergone a drastic, painful change, leaving him temporarily blind and in constant agony. Through it all, Sakura had been his unwavering support, his anchor in a storm of suffering.
She'd spent countless hours researching his condition, even managing to gain unprecedented access to the closely-guarded Hyuuga clan archives. Her dedication fostered a deep trust between them. The moment his Tenseigan fully transformed remained etched in her mind—its otherworldly beauty shimmering as it locked onto her gaze.
But time and circumstance had pulled them apart, turning their bond into a bittersweet memory.
Her chakra knit his cells back together with practiced efficiency. Her occasional instructions were met with soft hums of compliance. The man handling the regeneration process well, Sakura admired his stoic endurance of the pain, a trait she'd always respected.
"I'm sure we could find less painful ways to catch up," she quipped, fighting a smile as she applied a bandage with perhaps a bit more force than necessary. "Now hold still while I finish this."
"Ouch! I see your bedside manner hasn't improved."
"Keep it up, and I'll show you just how much it hasn't," Sakura threatened, her eyes sparkling with mirth despite her words.
Their familiar banter filled the room, bridging the gap of their two-year separation with surprising ease. Yet, as Sakura observed his battered appearance, concern grew within her. It was good to have him back, injuries and all, but what had happened during their time apart?
"Speaking of which, how did you end up like this? Fall out of a tree?" She asked softly, her hand already glowing green with healing chakra. She gently tended to the scrapes and bruises littering his body.
"Would you believe me if I said I tripped over a cat?" Neji attempted a weak joke.
"Not for a second. Try again, Hyuuga," Sakura replied, her tone firm but caring.
Neji sighed, knowing he couldn't hide anything from the perceptive medic. "It was… a slip-up on my part," he muttered, averting his gaze.
Sakura's pink brow furrowed in disbelief. "A slip-up?! You?" She echoed skeptically. The man before her was renowned for his grace and precision in battle. With his Tenseigan, he was practically untouchable. His combat prowess was often compared to that of an Uchiha – unmatched and nearly invincible. "That's hard to believe, Neji. That must have been one epic slip. What really happened?"
Her emerald eyes bore into him, silently demanding answers. Feeling the weight of her concerned gaze, Neji relented.
As he recounted the incident, Sakura's eyes widening with each word, struggling to reconcile the image of the invincible shinobi she knew with the injured man before her.
The Anbu captain had been tasked with retrieving an artifact from a heavily guarded location. During the mission, the object accidentally activated, plunging his squad into a fierce battle. Their attempt to seal it away had gone awry midway through the process. He described how he'd depleted his Tenseigan chakra and had nearly plummeted to his death, only managing to soften his fall at the last moment.
As he spoke, Sakura felt a cold dread settle in her stomach.
"It's... complicated," Neji concluded. "We did manage to deactivate the weapon, though." He trailed off, unwilling to disclose the hidden threat now lurking in his nerves – a rapid shutdown triggered during the incident.
Sakura grasped the severity of the assault, realizing it had been deadly enough to potentially wipe out the entire squad. As the leader, Neji must have pushed himself to the limit to protect his comrades. Her expression shifted from concern to barely contained anger. The burning tenketsu all over his body were a testament to the extreme measures he had taken.
Her hands trembled as she tended to his wounds in the dim light of his quarters. "You can't keep doing this to yourself," she said, her voice quivering with a mixture of frustration and concern. "Your body has limits, even if your will doesn't."
"I did what was required of me," Neji replied softly. "I understand your worry, but you must trust in my abilities."
His pale eyes met hers, a blend of stubbornness and resignation evident in his gaze. She worked in strained silence, channeling her healing chakra into his battered form while struggling to contain her emotions.
"Neji, why do you always push yourself to such extremes—" Before she could finish her thought, a sudden wave of dizziness washed over her. The strain of expending so much chakra finally took its toll.
"Sakura—"
Her eyes fluttered as she collapsed into his arms, her pink hair splaying across his chest. Her body felt alarmingly frail against his, succumbing to exhaustion.
Neji cradling the pinkette in his arms, his face set in a scowl despite his gentle hold. "You should've told me you were exhausted," he chided.
"Guess you need me to keep lecturing you on proper mission safety," Sakura quipped weakly. Despite her fatigue, she knew she'd do it all over again for him without hesitation. "I wanted to make sure you were okay... I know you're capable, Neji. Just remember Konoha needs you in one piece."
"I know, and I appreciate that," Neji said, his voice tinged with frustration and concern. He was acutely aware of how much she had overexerted herself for his sake.
She cupped his face, her touch feather-light as she examined him. The worry on her face was now mirrored in his own. All his injuries were healed, his face still unfairly handsome.
"Does it... hurt? And don't you dare lie to me," she asked, her emerald eyes searching his face.
Neji suppressed a shudder. "It doesn't hurt all that much," he lied, neglecting to mention that when pushed to his limits, his tenketsu burned as if his body were engulfed in flames. He had endured worse; this was manageable. "It's you who needs some rest now, Haruno."
Carefully, he checked Sakura for signs of illness. He pressed the back of his hand to her forehead, then moved to her wrist to feel her pulse. Other than the heavy dark circles under her eyes, he observed only chakra exhaustion.
Sakura's heart fluttered as his fingertips grazed her skin, his touch a blend of gentleness and clinical precision. She wondered how those hands might feel in a more intimate context. As he withdrew his hand, her heart sank slightly, but she took comfort in still being held in his arms.
Neji held her for a moment longer, he couldn't help but notice the way her face flushed, her nervousness palpable as her chakra swirled excitedly around her heart. Could this be a sign of affection?
The air between them crackled with unspoken emotions, their eyes locked in a gaze that hinted at a deeper connection—one that neither was quite ready to acknowledge, yet impossible to ignore.
"Careful now, Haruno," Neji teased, his voice low. "If you make a habit of falling into people's laps like this, it might lead to some... misunderstandings."
Sakura's pulse quickened, acutely aware of their proximity and the lingering warmth of his body. She wanted to tell him that it was because of him - only him - that she felt this way. It had been some time since Sakura last found herself in such a situation, and it was still with him.
"I-I don't make a habit of this! It's just... well, it's you…!" The words hung in the air, laden with unspoken meaning.
Neji's eyebrow arched, pale eyes twinkling with amusement. "Oh? So I'm special, then?"
Fighting the urge to confess her true feelings, Sakura opted for a playful retort. "Don't let it go to your head. I'm not one of your desperate patrons, swooning at your feet!"
"Ah, but you didn't deny being desperate."
A rare chuckle escaped his lips that made Sakura's heart skip. "I-I'm not desperate!" She protested.
"Shame," Neji replied, eyes narrowing mischievously. "And here I was, hoping you might be."
"Keep talking like that, and I might just reopen that wound!" Her retort came with a sharp edge, realizing too late the danger of bantering with a master interrogator.
Neji effortlessly lifted the kunoichi from the couch, his voice a low murmur against her ear, "Just remember, next time you collapse into my arms, I might not let you go that easily."
His words sent Sakura's mind spinning. She found herself wishing she could push him back onto the couch, allowing them to sink into its depths and get intimate!
As Neji held her against his chest, his heart raced. Her loose clothing did little to conceal the warmth of her skin, and the subtle pressure of her nipple against him tested his composure. The intimate contact tested his resolve, reminding him that he was, after all, only human.
Seeking to maintain some semblance of propriety, Neji retrieved a pajama from his dresser. As he draped it over her, it felt like both a shield and a gesture of decorum. Steeling himself for the short walk to her lodgings next door.
Walking through the dimly lit veranda, the scenario felt all too familiar for the Hyuuga. How many times had he carried the kunoichi back to their tent? In these vulnerable moments, she'd instinctively seek his warmth, clinging to him like a shield against the relentless battles they faced.
During his recuperation, Neji found himself in an unexpected new role: confidant. As his vision slowly returned, the first color he saw was a hazy pink - her hair. From that moment, pink became his favorite color, a symbol of hope and healing.
For the first time outside their professional lives, he listened to the medic's relationship struggles. As he delved deeper into understanding her, a strange feeling stirred within him. Each mention of Uchiha Sasuke stirred something unfamiliar – a twinge of what he could only describe as jealousy. This emotion, so foreign to him, was both unmistakable and unsettling.
Neji respected Sakura as his medic, comrade, and dear friend, making the difficult choice to bury his own feelings. He didn't want to upset her or compromise their hard-earned trust. He knew better than to interfere in their relationship. He believed Sasuke would protect her faithfully and never abandon her again. Though surprised they hadn't exchanged vows, but it wasn't his place to comment.
Sakura savored this moment of closeness with the Hyuuga, rekindling memories of her once-hidden affection. For years, she had kept her feelings for him locked away, ever since his betrothal was announced. Watching the Otsutsuki clan head join Neji's hand with his daughter's had driven Sakura to accept a long-term mission in Suna. The pain of seeing him promised to another still gave her heartburn.
Neji carried her inside, gently laying her on the bed and covering her with a soft blanket before taking a seat beside her. He brushed a strand of pink hair from her face, his white eyes carefully assessing her condition.
As he sat there, his mind wandered. He was certain her stay was connected to Hinata somehow, likely an attempt at matchmaking. The war had devastated Konoha, leaving much of it in ruins, including Sakura's apartment. Her parents, he recalled, were still traveling the world, having narrowly escaped death during the war.
"Why are you still up at this ungodly hour?" He asked softly.
Who needs sleep when you've got unrequited love and a charming Anbu Captain by your side?
"The feeling of so being watch by so many pairs of white eyes doesn't sit well with me."
"We never intrude, Haruno. We respect privacy," he commented as he moved closer, his face looming over her, his long fringe cascading. His white eyes glowed as he focused intently on her chakra network. As expected, the veins near her temple visibly bulged with chakra disruptions, clearly indicating pain and fatigue.
Sakura's playful demeanor finally faded, revealing her true exhaustion. "I haven't slept for three days. My eyelids feel heavier than Lee's leg weights."
"That sounds like quite a demanding job you had in Suna. Stay still," he prompted softly.
As the prodigy prepared to heal her, Sakura found herself drawn to him in a new way. In this role reversal, the exhausted medic was now under the care of the attentive Hyuuga.
With precision, he struck several tenketsu points, channeling a gentle stream of chakra from his fingertips. Sakura shivered at the initial touch, feeling the resonance between their energies. The sensation was soothing, a perfect blend of pain relief and rejuvenation.
She marveled at the Gentle Touch technique Hinata had mentioned. Their precise chakra control felt almost like medical ninjutsu. As expected of a prodigy from the Hyuuga clan, Neji had mastered this healing art.
"How does it feel?" he asked softly, his fingers working methodically at her temples. He studied her face, watching as pain gave way to contentment.
Sakura's eyelids fluttered open, meeting his concerned gaze. The last traces of tension melted away, replaced by a comforting warmth that spread throughout her body.
"Amazing," she sighed, offering him a grateful smile. "I had no idea the Gentle Fist could be used like this."
"There's more to our techniques than combat. Though I admit, I've rarely had cause to use it this way."
"Well, you could have fooled me. This feels incredible," Sakura murmured, relaxing further under his touch.
"I'm glad it helps. You carry too much tension."
"Occupational hazard," Sakura replied. "The hospital is always busy."
"Your dedication is... inspiring," Neji admitted, his admiration evident. "I've seen how hard you push yourself. I wanted to help, even in a small way."
A warmth bloomed in Sakura's chest, unrelated to his healing touch.
"I'm going to start on your shoulders," he said softly, giving her a heads-up before the treatment. Her muscles felt like rocks beneath his fingers, tight from overwork. With skilled, rhythmic motions, he began to work out the knots.
As Neji reached a particularly stubborn spot, Sakura winced slightly. He immediately eased his pressure, concern evident. "Too much?" he asked.
"No, it's fine," Sakura assured him. "It's just... I'm not used to being taken care of like this. It's usually the other way around."
"Everyone needs support sometimes, even the formidable medic. You've always been there for others. Let someone be there for you for a change."
His words struck a chord within Sakura. Being on the receiving end of care felt foreign, yet oddly comforting. "Neji, is there anything you can't do?"
He paused, his hands resting lightly on her shoulders, and raised an eyebrow in silent question.
"You're quite the therapist!" Sakura exclaimed. "Have you ever considered pursuing medical ninjutsu?"
"Don't try to flatter me. I'm going to start charging you."
Sakura found herself drawn to his face again - the subtle shades in his clear, striking eyes, the slight furrow of concentration between his brows. Even frowning, the man was undeniably handsome.
"Don't be a jerk, Neji! I'm just complimenting you."
Neji's smirk grew, secretly pleased with her attention. He'd noticed her studying him for a while, finding it a pleasant distraction.
Clearing his throat to break the spell, he said in a slightly husky voice, "Enough talk. Close your eyes and rest. Your body needs time to adjust."
"Fine," Sakura conceded. "But only because you asked so nicely."
As she settled back the exhaustion in her body began to fade. After 72 sleepless hours, she gratefully surrendered to slumber.
Neji gently removed her hair tie, placing it on the nightstand. He ran his fingers through her messy bun, loosening it. Hesitating briefly, he softly kissed her diamond seal, guilt pricking at him for the forbidden act. With a final glance at her peaceful face, he quietly closed the sliding door and retreated to his quarters.
End Note: Thanks for reading this! I hope you enjoy their moments as much as I enjoyed writing them.
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