Author Notes: We've reached the story's halfway point. Thank you for following the story. This chapter exploring their relationship in greater depth. Here's a cute, fluffy chapter with a little smut at the end. Enjoy!

Chapter 6 Blame It On The Heat

A vivid dream about Sakura jolted Neji awake. Ever since she returned from Suna, his mind has been constantly on her. He scowled at the tightness of his morning wood, debating whether to address it immediately or wait for it to subside.

He passed the loyalty trial test and was granted temporary freedom from the endless clan meetings, a much-needed blessing in disguise. Additionally, he was given a month off from Anbu-related responsibilities from the Hokage.

While not teaching the kunoichi to waltz, Neji kept himself occupied with various tasks to distract his mind from thinking about her.

Neji arrived at his favorite training spot in the compound, the Earth Training Ground. Setting up a barrier to ward off intruders. Non-qualifying members were advised to stay away.

The sounds of combat training reverberated across the vast plains and dense woods, causing a flock of birds to scatter in fear. Neji, panting heavily, unleashed his Infinite Kaiten, leaving a massive crater in his wake. The energy wave effortlessly repelled numerous imaginary creatures summoned from the training scroll. Rising from his stance, Neji gazed up at the sky.

"Hyaku roku-jū hachi (168), souka…"

Neji took a moment to catch his breath. He scowled as his Byakugan missed a target. His curse seal was gone, and his Byakugan was stronger than ever. Time to wait for his next check-up.

The Anbu captain finished his intense training session, sweat glistening on his toned chest. He wiped the sweat off with his shirt before putting it back on and casually fixing his hair into a ponytail. As the sun set on the horizon and the moon rose, he smoothly dismantled the training barrier and stepped out from the mist, feeling calm.

After a day that felt longer than a Monday of helping out at the hospital and doing wedding prep with Hinata, Sakura was exhausted. It was time to give the Hyuuga private onsen another try.

The Hyuuga compound was more than just living spaces; it was like its own district, complete with training grounds, meeting spaces, libraries, an indoor spa, and exclusive hot springs. Sakura couldn't help but feel a tad envious.

Having recently dipped her toes into the Oasis onsen in the residential area, she was all set to explore the forest one located at the far end of the compound.

Sakura arrived at the Forest Onsen, surrounded by towering mountains, breathing in the aromatic essence of the cypress and gazing out at the mountainous terrain that stretched before her.

The traditional bath house, like most others, was divided into two sections. Hinata had mentioned that the onsen had alternating days for each gender, but she couldn't recall the specific day.

Torn between the vast mountain view in the distance and the cascading waterfall view, Sakura hesitated. Glancing around with a careful eye, she didn't think she'd run into anyone given the late hour. Choosing the path to the right, she was led to a breathtaking series of cascading waterfalls. She prayed she wouldn't accidentally enter the men's section tonight.

Sakura entered the communal showers. The space had already been meticulously cleaned by the retainers. After undressing, she carefully folded each piece of clothing and placed them neatly in a basket. Then, she proceeded to the bathing stations to rinse and wash. Wrapping a soft towel around her torso, she headed outside, ready to enjoy the great outdoors.

As she trotted down the path to the onsen area, she concealed her chakra signature. Soaring trees stood between the two areas, creating a natural privacy barrier. Crickets chirped, and leaves rustled in the crisp, clean air. The path was softly illuminated by the moonlight, with garden lampposts guiding the way to the open-air onsens.

The onsen area had all the trappings of a traditional onsen. Pristine and inviting. Thick clouds of steam rise from the water, making the night sky sparkle in its reflection. The sound of the waterfall echoed through the canyon, creating a continuous melody of water crashing against the boulders on its descent to the pool below.

Sakura took a moment to appreciate her surroundings, with only the tranquil sound of a waterfall to accompany her. Despite being well-versed in navigating the busy public bathhouses in town, having the private onsen all to herself was a delightful rarity.

She placed her towel on a stone bench and casually tested the temperature of the hot spring water by dipping her toe in. She shivered as the cool night air hit her, recoiling for a moment before fully immersing herself in the water.

Surrounded by a cloud of steam, the natural properties rejuvenated her, relieving her fatigue and soothing her weary muscles. It helped her relax after her intense dancing lesson with the Hyuuga prodigy.

After a grueling day of training, Neji found solace in his nightly ritual. A soothing bath before bed. It was his way of avoiding interactions with his clansmen and their house guests, cherishing the peace and quiet.

Under the rising moon, Neji made his way towards the distant hot springs, the soothing sound of rushing water guiding his way. As he approached, he detected a hidden chakra signature in the hot springs ahead. Unperturbed, it might be Tokuma, his fellow late-night training companion.

At the bath station, Neji disrobed himself, took a rinse, and then made his way to the outdoor hot springs. He trotted down the path, listening to the sound of water splashing. His keen senses allowed him to effortlessly perceive even the subtle movements in his surroundings without relying on his kekkei genkai. Through the misty veil ahead, a glimpse of pink caught his attention.

He stopped dead in his tracks, wondering, 'What on earth is she doing here?'

The pinkette was enjoying her time in the onsen. Her skin had a healthy flush, likely from the warmth, looking as smooth as ever.

His gaze followed the curve of her collarbone to the alluring sight of her mesmerizing bosom. The size was just right and utterly tempting. The gentle contours of her toned physique beckoned him, as if whispering an invitation for his touch. The temptation to join her in the steamy hot springs overpowered his will to ignore it.

Jeez, what am I thinking?

Neji couldn't help but caught in a moment of pure attraction briefly before the kunoichi submerged herself further into the water.

The Anbu captain never let his mind stray. He dismissed any inappropriate thoughts of the lady immediately. Having encountered numerous situations during missions or in public bathhouses with the Jinchuriki and other boys his age, he always handled them with ease and maturity. His days of awkward teenage hormones were far behind him.

Sakura found herself lulled by the soothing sounds of the waterfall and rustling leaves, leading her to lower her guard. However, just as she relaxed, a shadow approached, prompting her to snap back to alertness. She spun around and instinctively shielded her torso with crossed arms, caught off guard and panicked by the unexpected intrusion.

Oh no! Who is it?

"Well, what do we have here? Sneaking around on Hyuuga property, Haruno?" The man asked, asserting authority.

Sakura's heart raced and froze when she saw the man approaching with his mesmerizing voice, the steam parting to reveal his striking figure. He stood there almost naked, looking absolutely dashing and exuding a level of hotness like nobody's business, leaving Sakura breathless.

"N-NEJI–!" She gasped and panicked. She knew something had gone wrong and quickly made up an excuse, "I-I was just... um... taking a midnight stroll and got lost! Yeah, that's it!"

"Lost, huh? Well, you better come up with a better excuse next time. Are you sure you're not just a pervert trying to sneak into the men's side for a peek?" He arched an eyebrow and casually teased.

"I-It was really just a misunderstanding! I swear it wasn't intentional," the pinkette's face turned bright red like a cherry!

"Relax, Sakura. I was just messing with you."

Sakura couldn't help but steal glances at the Anbu captain's toned body. It was truly a masterpiece. His towel barely covered his lower half, hanging low to reveal a tantalizing V-line that she dared not venture further. His chiseled abs and commanding presence left her feeling flustered and intrigued. His long hair, damp and glossy like obsidian, cascaded like a waterfall. And those shining white eyes fixed on hers mesmerized her.

In the soft glow of the moonlight, he seemed almost otherworldly, like a mythological god brought to life.

Flashback to the day they bumped into each other at a public onsen with the other boys. He wasn't even trying to be charming, but those memories flooded back to her.

He noticed the pinkette had been boldly staring at his body as she wandered south.

"Find something pleasing?" A playful smirk graced his lips.

Sakura totally felt like a total pervert now, completely exposed and vulnerable in front of her crush for the first time. The onsens alternate between genders each day. If she had paid more attention to what Hinata had said earlier, things might have been different.

"W-What? It's not like I was the only one (doing the staring). If anyone's doing the ogling here, it's you!"

Neji tossed the towel her way, his aim swift and true. Sakura quickly draped it around herself and held it close. It was a small gesture, but it meant the world to her in that moment.

"Come on, let me escort you to the women's side before someone else catches you here."

The area was completely sealed off with iron barriers, making it impossible to escape using shunshin jutsu without running into him. "Okay, I owe you one. Let's just pretend this never happened, okay?"

Neji, deeply immersed in a dialogue with Sakura, was abruptly disrupted by the detection of a familiar chakra signature rapidly approaching. His Byakugan narrowed with urgency, focusing on the distant presence. He knew he had to act quickly to deter the unwanted guests.

Without a second thought, Neji vanished in a flash with shunshin no jutsu, reappearing in the hot springs. He instinctively shielded Sakura from view, pulling her close.

Neji found himself waist-deep in water, his drenched long hair clinging to his skin. The scorching hot water felt like nothing compared to the burning sensation her naked body ignited within him.

(Sound of water splashing)

Soft waves of water gently lapped against the warm rocks.

As a shadow ominously towered over her, she demanded her release, "N-Neji, what on earth are you up to?" Her fists clenched tight, ready for a lethal strike.

"Wait–" Neji intervened hastily, drawing on the enhanced strength from his bloodlimit to counteract the force of her impending blow. "I didn't plan this. Please, just stay close, Haruno. We're not alone."

Sakura was totally zoned out by the soothing waterfall and the prodigy's smoking hot presence stealing all the attention when out of the blue, she felt someone approaching.

She snapped back to reality and said, "Wait, who's this night owl? Isn't it pretty late already?" She quizzed as she looked at the Hyuuga.

"Well, aren't we both night owl too?" He retorted with his usual cool demeanor. The kunoichi rolled her eyes at his nonchalant response.

"Fine, but this better be worth it!"

"Trust me, Sakura. It's the only way right now. Just act natural and stay close."

Every time the Anbu captain uttered those words to her, they always came true, just like he said they would.

After a dip and wading in the water, his towel decided to give up the ghost, unraveling itself and leaving him exposed. Normally not bothered by such things, Neji felt an unexpected urge for a towel tonight.

Sakura ogled as he readjusted the towel around his hips. She eyed the Hyuuga up close – his toned muscles glistening with water droplets. His battle scars accentuated his manly good looks, were all on display just for her pleasure.

Don't let yourself be infatuated.

Sakura, no longer the lovesick teenager she once was, found herself at a hot spring with Neji. She had never shared such an intimate moment with a man in a bathhouse. It was both thrilling and nerve-wracking to be so close to him.

Watching the natural ingredients in the warm water work their magic, her focus shifted. She observed as the minor cuts on Neji's torso from his training began to mend, with dried blood slowly vanishing before her eyes. Appreciating the simple beauty of nature's ability to heal and rejuvenate.

Neji felt her eyes on him and smoothly brought up the healing properties of the hot springs, noticing the medic's fascination with them. She pouted, a bit miffed that he hadn't mentioned it sooner. He raised an eyebrow in mock offense, retorting that it was she who insisted on healing him the last time, wasn't it?

"I appreciate the help with my deepest wound, the real magic comes from your chakra-infused hands," he said, his eyes meeting hers with a playful twinkle.

"Look who's finally admitting he needs a bit of help."

"But let's not get carried away with that healing magic. Now shh. Just pretend we're having a leisurely soak and keep your voice down, Haruno."

As Neji leaned in, Sakura felt a rush of excitement as his lips hovered tantalizingly close to hers, pausing just before they could meet. She was already feeling dizzy, unsure if it was from the impending kiss or the rising temperature around them. The sound of approaching footsteps interrupted her thoughts, and an aged and wise voice spoke from behind them.

His warm breath enticed her as they shared this unexpected vulnerability and trust. The kiss was respectful and reserved. It was a deliberate gesture, yet it stirred something deep within her soul.

"Well, well, isn't it our little rebel. Quite scandalous behavior for our young prodigy."

The elder's voice sparked hostility in Neji, who was accustomed to being belittled due to his branch family status. However, Neji remained composed and responded politely, acknowledging the elder's presence.

"A pleasant evening to you, Hyuuga-sama." He subtly suggested that it might be time for the elder to retire for the night, given the late hour.

The elder stood there, observing as the couple huddled together, steam rising around them in an aura of secrecy.

"Don't pretend innocence here, boy! Caught red-handed in the hot spring with a lady friend. I always knew you were trouble. Just when I thought you couldn't sink any lower..."

Sakura watched as Neji pulled away, his sexy Adam's apple bobbing as he spoke.

Neji turned his gaze to the kunoichi and smirked, noticing the blush that had developed on her face. He was impressed by how she remained composed under such circumstances. He hoped his gesture hadn't angered her.

He spoke over his shoulders, "I apologize for any disturbance. I believed the hot spring was unoccupied at this late hour. It was meant as a private interval for me, not as a show of disrespect."

"Apologies won't undo the damage you have done, boy. Your lack of respect for boundaries is evident, regardless of the circumstances."

The elder frowned at Neji's disrespect and questioned his loyalty to the clan. Undeterred, the young Hyuuga stated that his loyalty was not in question, but rather his right to live his life freely.

Sakura could feel the growing tension crackling between them, like an impending storm. Neji cradled her close, resting her head against his chest, feeling his heartbeat quicken. Sakura appreciated his protective gesture. It wasn't so bad to linger a little while longer in his embrace.

She stole a glance at the elderly's wrinkled face over Neji's shoulders, struggling as she watched someone she cared about being treated poorly. His smooth forehead hinted at his clear ties to the main family.

"Being a prodigy doesn't automatically grant you expertise in all areas. You're overstepping your bounds! You seem to have forgotten your position within our clan. It's disheartening to witness such blatant disregard for the established hierarchy."

The pink-haired kunoichi could not contain her anger as she confronted the old Hyuuga, whose words dripped with arrogance and disdain towards Neji. Her voice cut through the tension like a sharp kunai.

"Pardon, but why do you think you have the right to determine Neji's fate?" she demanded. "Who are you to decide who belongs in this clan and who doesn't?"

The elder remained stoic, but a flicker of surprise appeared in his eyes at the lady's boldness.

"And who do you think you are to challenge our traditions and me?" His words oozed with condescension.

Sakura's temper flared even more at his dismissive attitude, "I am someone who will not stand by and watch as you belittle Neji and question his loyalty to the clan. He has proven himself time and time again, and he deserves respect, not your contempt."

"Sakura–"

His keen eyes revealed to him that she was the apprentice of Godaime, known for her remarkable fiery temper that could rival a blazing inferno, along with her distinctive pink hair.

"Are you perhaps the mistress behind Neji's refusal of his second marriage arrangement, Lady Haruno?" He probed, trying to unsettle her with personal attacks.

Sakura's eyes widened not at the elder's accusation, but at the information he disclosed. How many times had she been told that she wasn't the one for him? Her heart was constricted.

"I am no one's mistress. Neji is a dear friend to me. You have no right to question our bond or our intentions."

Neji felt touched as the pinkette stood up for him. He didn't mind if she found out about his disagreements with his clan. As she heard about his upcoming engagement, her expression shifted. Did his betrothal bother her?

"Neji, speak the truth. Is Haruno Sakura your lover?"

Neji, surprising them with his unexpected admission, declared, "Sakura is not just a friend; she is my beloved," winking as he brushed a strand of wet hair away from her face.

Neji's words hung in the air. The revelation had Sakura freeze in disbelief.

The elder, taken aback, said, "But it doesn't excuse your interference in our family affairs, Lady Haruno."

"My relationship with Neji is based on love and mutual respect. I will not apologize for caring about him as more than just a friend. And he certainly has the right to make his own decisions without any influence from me or anyone else."

Neji stated calmly but firmly, "I stand by my choice, and I will not let anyone dictate who I can or cannot be with. Sakura is my partner, and that's how it's going to stay. Now if you could kindly excuse us."

It was a silent dare. If he could read between the lines and pick up on the subtle warning, Neji wouldn't have to escalate the situation further. He glanced back at the kunoichi.

Neji offered a sheepish smile. "Sorry for dragging you into this," he said apologetically. "No need to dwell on what my clan put me through," he continued, cradling her jaw with both hands.

"You may have initiated it, but I definitely played my part, didn't I? Consider it a mission!"

"We still need to perfect our disguises," Neji added with a smirk.

He found himself annoyed by the senior's stubbornness in granting them privacy. Maybe he should've been more direct in letting him know they were a couple.

"If you seek to punish me for upholding my principles and finding peace in the hot springs, then so be it. I do not seek your understanding, Hyuuga-sama."

The esteemed Hyuuga elder remained unruffled in front of the Tenseigan inheritor. "No amount of victories in battle can compensate for your shameless act, Neji."

"Shameful act, you say..." The prodigious child arched an eyebrow, slightly amused, and countered, "You mean something like this?"

Sakura felt Neji's thumb brush against her bottom lip, hinting at his next move. Her focus on his full lips. Before she could process it, he leaned in and planted a soft kiss on her lips.

Her heart raced as their lips met, even though it was just a disguise. His kisses were deliberate and not intrusive. She was taken aback but allowed herself to enjoy the moment as he kissed her tenderly.

The elder seethed at their disrespect, his face twisted in rage, his pale eyes narrowing in disdain. The boy had always maintained a flawless public image, never displaying any hint of impropriety.

Their passion made the elder feel sick.

"Your actions are indeed bold and audacious, Hyuuga Neji! Keep trying! You have succeeded in getting under my skin," he continued when the couple ignored his presence. "You believe you're so untouchable that you can just go around doing whatever you please without facing any consequences? Rest assured, I will bring this matter before the council, and they will be made aware of your deeds. The day may come when you deeply regret having chosen to defy me!"

Do you know how much I love it when you take the lead with kisses like this?

The man may seem as cold as a glacier, but don't be fooled by his poker face. Under that icy exterior, there was a whole lot of heat! He nibbled and sucked on her bottom lips in a perfect blend of pressure and motion, eliciting a moan from her. It was enticing and spellbinding. She instinctively reached out and touched his chest, feeling the warmth coming from his body.

Neji groaned when the kunoichi returned his kiss with just as much intensity. One kiss after another, refusing to part. The slow kiss turned into a passionate display of desire.

He felt his chest tighten the second he felt the hot water pressing down on his manhood. It was unbelievable to him that a kiss could make him yearn so much for more. He managed to hide his growth from Sakura by using the dense fog and the darkness that shrouded the night. Right then, he felt her fingers straying south, dangerously nearing his private region. Her touch, or subtle hints of affection, reached him.

He kissed her one more time before he pulled his face away, grabbing her wrist and lifting it off his body.

"Sakura," he muttered, catching his breath as he gathered himself in a moment of clarity. "You wouldn't want any misunderstandings... with that wandering hand of yours, right?"

Time slipped away unnoticed, and the clan elder was nowhere in sight.

They intended it to be a disguise, yet their complete engrossment and absorption in each other was almost frightening.

Sakura blinked her eyes a few times, realizations dawning on her. She looked down and gasped as she noticed her hand had wandered towards his pubic region unintentionally.

"Whoa, Neji! I swear it was a reflex! I wasn't aiming for... that!"

"You almost gave me a heart attack," Neji chuckled, feigning innocence. "You'll get into trouble if you keep this up."

Her cheeks burned at his meaning.

"Y-You started this whole mess by kissing me first. I-I was just trying to reciprocate the favor! And now you're acting all innocent like it was my fault?" Sakura scolded, her heart beating loudly in her ribcage, feeling embarrassed and flustered.

"Agreed. I guess I'll have to forgive you... this time. It's all right. I had everything under control," he assured, flashing her a charming smile.

"Is this your way of handling your patrons?" Sakura found herself asking this way, which was a bit possessive, but she couldn't deny it. She had completely fallen in love with him, and there was no turning back.

"Jealous, Sakura? I didn't know you cared so much," he smirked, his molten white eyes locked on her with amusement.

"Jealous of what? Your lack of tact and subtlety?"

Neji gazed into her eyes, seeking signs of regret or justification. Instead, her sincere admission that she desired him filled him with joy.

"Feisty one, aren't you? Jealousy doesn't look good on you, Sakura. It brings out your fiery side."

With a sharp intake of breath, Sakura's patience snapped as she scolded the Hyuuga for his actions, making it clear that his behavior was completely uncalled for.

"Understand this, your cocky attitude towards kissing may not bother you, and that's your right. But I should start to worry about all those poor, innocent patrons or other fangirls of yours. Your flippant actions could inflict unnecessary harm on them. You must learn to respect the emotions of others," she continued to rant at Neji, labeling him the 'biggest jerk' if he continued his nonchalant behavior.

Neji found himself on the receiving end of Sakura's outburst, her words cutting through his previous teasing. Her fingers clenched his bicep so hard that it almost ruptured.

Neji felt her anger was a rollercoaster of hurt and unspoken emotions. She was beyond upset, as if she had just caught him red-handed, casually kissing another girl!

He had unintentionally crossed a line with his casual attitude towards affection. He couldn't shake the feeling that he had made a mistake. Feeling terrible seeing Sakura so mad at him, he vowed to make it right.

Sakura, will it make a difference if I tell you that I love you?

"Thanks for the help," she said curtly, her tone laced with frustration. "Now, just move out of my way!"

She gave his chest a solid thump, pushing him away to create some distance.

"The exit's all yours…" But as Neji turned to comply with her request, he felt a rush of embarrassment. His gaze inadvertently shifted downward, only to meet a sight that made his heart skip a beat. He quickly averted his gaze, his cheeks tinged with pink. "U-Um, Sakura, could you please… keep your senses."

Sakura's eyes widened in realization as she felt the cool air against her skin. It was then that Sakura noticed something was amiss – her towel had slid down her body during the commotion of their heated exchange, leaving her exposed in front of Neji.

'Oh heavens... Could this get any worse?'

Her face turned crimson as she hurriedly fixed her towel before making a hasty exit, disappearing in a whirlwind of petals.

As thunder rumbled and lightning flashed across the night sky, a light drizzle began to moisten everything in its path. The water's surface was dotted with tiny ripples. Neji decided to wait for her to finish changing before leaving the onsen.

The drizzle gradually turned into steady rain, each droplet landing on the ground with a satisfying thud. The raindrops eased the tension in his body and quieted the chaotic thoughts in his mind.

Sakura lay in bed, thinking about her Anbu captain neighbor. His oversized flannel nightshirt barely covered her thighs, but it carried his comforting scent that made her smile.

Sakura closed her eyes, trying to sleep, but his kiss lingered in her mind. Their chemistry was undeniable.

Her entire being trembled with the unquenchable desire to have him with her. She let her mind wander toward her deepest desires.

She slipped a finger into her slickness, imagine his touch. She moaned and fantasized about him. With her walls closing around her fingers, she squirmed and bucked her hips, inching closer to the edge. Her body trembled, surrendering to the climax.

Sakura flopped onto her bed, panting, satisfied but still feeling the delicious sensation.

Neji, with his kind heart, was making every effort to support her in her predicament just now. His every move was calculated and deliberate, preserving his Hyuuga dignity and reputation.

The fact that he went to such lengths to kiss her in public must surely signify something meaningful, shouldn't it?

Poor Sakura couldn't stop tossing and turning for what felt like forever until exhaustion finally won over and she crashed into a deep sleep.

Neji arrived home soaked from the rain, quickly freshened up, and found peace after a shower. As he lay in bed, he reflected on the awkward moment they had just shared.

Their banter was enjoyable until a slight tension arose, leaving her somewhat perturbed by his actions. He was aware of his mistake, yet he was prepared to face the consequences without any justification.

If he can smooth things over and not provoke her further, maybe there's hope for him to finally spill his heart out.

He couldn't quite pinpoint why he was being so bold, throwing caution to the wind when it came to gender norms. Perhaps it was the heat that ignited something within him. As his lips met the cherry blossom, she didn't resist his gesture. Deep down, he knew that if he allowed this to continue, his long-held desire for her would become impossible to stop.

Neji struggled to contain his growing excitement. It intensified, and he groaned as he felt his desire consuming him and refusing to go away.

He stripped naked on the bed, running his hand across his length. His mind wandered to thoughts of the pink-haired kunoichi, doing things he knew he shouldn't crave. She took him into her mouth, almost two-thirds of him, as he moved…

He was never the epitome of decorum for their clan, not even in his own perception. While he may have been seen as a gentleman, deep down, he was just an ordinary man.

With a quick hand and a rush of pleasure, he reached his climax, spilling onto his chest and dribbling onto his fingers throughout its unloading. After cleaning up the mess, he returned to bed after using the bathroom.

He had been so preoccupied with satisfying his ego for a while that he had neglected his primal needs at times. Either he endured too long to satisfy himself or Sakura was a particularly stirring subject. Eventually, he succumbed to sleepiness and gave in.

End Note: Ahh! The smut. I've wanted to write this since the beginning of the story. I hope you enjoy this chapter as much as I enjoy writing it.

Fact: In Japan, bathers must be completely naked before entering an onsen, facilities are divided by gender.

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