Chapter Summary: Intoxication comes with a wild night of light drinking and rare intimacy. Too much unrequited love, too much self-restraint. Heavy fluff. Enjoy!
Chapter 7 Dizzyingly Yours
Neji woke up later than usual, feeling under the weather—probably caught a cold from last night's rain. After downing some medicine, he shuffled to the kitchen for a calming cup of ginger tea.
Meanwhile, Sakura lay in bed, her mind tangled with thoughts from the previous night. Needing some air, she stepped outside into the garden, which was still damp from the rain, breathing in deeply. The scent of herbal tea wafted over, but it was quickly overpowered by a sharp odor of ammonia and sulfur.
Curious and concerned, Sakura peeked through Neji's kitchen window next door. There he was, standing at the counter with his long hair tousled around his face. Even sick, his skin seemed warm and inviting against his white t-shirt and grey sweatpants. He was sipping tea slowly when their eyes met through the glass.
"Good morning," he mouthed with a guilty smile. He hated being sick.
Sakura's green eyes narrowed with determination as she entered his place uninvited. Without saying much, she took his arm and steered him to the couch, wrapped him in a cozy throw blanket, and checked his temperature with her hand on his forehead, clearly worried.
"I'm going to whip up something special for you," Sakura promised, flashing a confident smile.
In no time, she gathered ingredients from the kitchen—peppermint leaves, lemongrass, and hand-picked hibiscus from the garden. The mixture came together beautifully as she expertly combined them over the fire.
Neji watched her with admiration, amazed at how naturally she navigated his space. Soon enough, a fresh citrus aroma filled the air as the pot bubbled away.
Sakura poured it into a glass and handed it to Neji, maintaining eye contact. Her gaze was firm yet warm. "Well, Neji, feeling a bit helpless? Drink up and let's get you back on your feet!"
Neji's attention drifted at the vibrant colors swirling in the liquid. The rich scent piqued his curiosity.
"Need me to feed you like a baby bird?" she teased, then blushed at her own words.
"I think I can handle it. But your offer is tempting," he replied with a playful cough.
"Oh, please. Just drink it before I make you drink all of it."
"Alright, alright!" he laughed. "No need to get violent." With that, Neji downed the potion, dramatically grimacing at its taste.
Neji winced as the bitter taste of the medicine hit his tongue. "Is this payback for last night?" he teased, handing the cup back to Sakura with a smirk.
Sakura chuckled, watching him squirm. "Maybe," she replied, crossing her arms. "Actions have consequences, you know."
Despite the bitterness, Neji felt a surprising warmth spread through him, easing his discomfort. The sensation left him shivering slightly, but it was oddly comforting. He handed the cup back to Sakura with a wry smile.
"So," she said, grabbing his wrist before he could pull away. "About that kiss..." Before she could finish, Neji gently grasped her wrist too and pulled her closer into an embrace.
"Sakura," he began softly, knowing he'd overstepped with that kiss. Maybe she hadn't wanted it. "I know I messed up," he admitted softly, aware of how little physical contact there usually was between them. "I didn't mean for things to get awkward."
Before he could say more, the sliding door whooshed open. Startled, they both jerked back like guilty teens caught in the act. They turned to see who had walked in.
Neji had been so absorbed in his thoughts during their conversation that he hadn't noticed anything around them. He sighed internally—so much for clearing up the misunderstanding in private.
'Ugh, every time,' Sakura muttered, trying to snap back to reality after being so engrossed with Neji, frustrated. Interruptions had become their uninvited guest every time they tried to talk. Yesterday, it was the clan elder. This time, it was Hanabi, the youngest heiress of the Hyuuga clan, burst into her cousin's quarters with her usual energy.
Hanabi paused in the doorway, taking in the scene with wide eyes. Her cousin sitting closely with Sakura, her bubblegum pink hair unmistakable. His hand was on her waist while her fingers curled around his wrist. It was a picture of quiet intimacy.
She hesitated at the threshold, trying to make sense of the scene before her. Was it just a casual touch between friends? Was there something deeper rekindling between them? Was there more to their interaction on the couch? A whirlwind of thoughts and feelings swept through her mind.
"What's going on here?" she finally asked. Old habits die hard, and her cousin's quarters rarely saw visitors. Yet here was the medic, again.
Neji calmly remarked, "Knock next time, Hanabi-sama," he said with a gentle but firm tone.
He reminded himself to lock his door more often now that he had regular visitors.
"I saw you coming back in the rain last night," Hanabi explained, holding out a small tray with a steaming bowl on it. "Thought you might catch cold, so I made you something light."
Sakura's heart skipped at the memory of last night.
"That's thoughtful of you," Neji replied with a slight smile. "But I've already taken some medicine, so there's no need to worry."
As the chosen prodigy of the clan, Neji was assigned as her mentor, a decision that thrilled Hanabi beyond words. His mastery of their bloodline abilities was unparalleled, a living testament to the clan's legacy. As days turned into weeks, her admiration for her cousin only deepened. His dedication to mastering their bloodline abilities inspired her to push herself harder in training. Yet, beneath her composed exterior, Hanabi began to wonder if what she felt was more than mere admiration.
Feeling out of place, Sakura cleared her throat awkwardly. "Neji, a light meal would probably do you good," she said, trying to be helpful. "I should get going now. See you both later."
Neji gave her an apologetic glance as she turned to leave. "Thanks for taking care of me earlier and for that potion you made, Sakura."
With that acknowledgment, Sakura stepped outside, determined to find another moment alone with him and talk things through later.
Tonight, the Hokage couple threw a private bash at Konoha's swankiest club, promising an epic night of unforgettable fun. While shopping for party outfits in the bustling district, Ino noticed the pinkette seemed unusually grumpy.
Sakura was frustrated because she couldn't find the Hyuuga prodigy, she needed to talk to him. He had been tied up with clan meetings all day. She wondered if it was about their less-than-appropriate encounter at the hot spring.
As they chatted, Sakura accidentally spilled details about her unexpected encounter last night with the Hyuuga prodigy. Hinata was stunned by the scandalous rumor about her cousin—that it was true!
The pinkette stood in front of the full-length mirror, eyeing her outfit with a mix of hesitation and confidence. "I guess it's kinda flattering, right?" she muttered.
Hinata peeked over, cheeks flushed pink. "Umm... uh…"
Ino strutted over with a smirk. "Damn, girl! Who knew you could nail the whole tarts and vicars theme? Forehead, you're on fire!"
"Oh please. Neji wouldn't know what hit him with all of this," she gestured grandly to her ensemble.
"Believe me, Sakura-chan. Neji nii-san won't know what hit him either! You two are just waiting for the right moment to finally admit your feelings."
Ino rolled her eyes. "Seriously though, how long are you two going to keep pretending nothing's going on? Picture this: dim lights, some bass-heavy music playing... and you two cozying up in some corner like it's straight out of a rom-com!"
The idea made Sakura's heart race with excitement.
"And maybe a little drink might help ease the nerves," Hinata added with a supportive smile.
"Definitely! Alcohol is the ultimate icebreaker. Might just give you the nudge you need!"
"But what if he doesn't feel the same?" Sakura fretted. "I don't want things to get weird between us."
"Sometimes life requires big leaps of faith, Sakura-chan. I'm pretty sure he's into you too!" Hinata reassured her gently. "Trust me on this one."
"You won't know until you try, forehead. Hyuuga Neji might just surprise you after he loosens up tonight."
Sakura took a deep breath and nodded resolutely. "Okay then, I'm going for it!"
"Yeah!" Hinata agreed enthusiastically. "Just see where the night takes you."
"That's the spirit! Go get your man!"
Sakura stood nervously at the entrance of the grand clubhouse, tugging at her new dress. "I can't believe you talked me into this, Ino-pig."
Ino, looking stunning in her cardinal bishop bodysuit, winked. "Oh, come on. It's all for fun! How often do we get to crash parties with the elite and patrons and pretend we belong?" She adjusted the daring straps of her outfit.
Rolling her eyes, Sakura replied, "I'd rather be in my combat gear than this... whatever this is."
"Well, tonight you're not a kunoichi; you're a goddess of sexiness. Embrace it! Who cares if we look like party-crashers? It's about having fun."
The buzz around the exclusive party was electric. Everyone wanted a way in—from shinobi hoping for an invite to civilians eager to catch a glimpse of the event. Sakura and Ino, breezed past security into the lavish scene inside.
The club pulsed with energy, a lavish haven of glamour and excitement. Dim lighting cast shadows over figures dancing around gleaming poles, while vibrant music filled the space. Comrades mingled with patrons alike, laughter blending seamlessly with the clinking of glasses as everyone swayed to the rhythm of the night. The special dress code added an extra layer of style to the night's theme. Onstage, a fiery redhead mesmerized everyone with her performance.
Sakura took a calming breath and leaned into Ino's supportive grip. "Alright," she said with a smirk. "Let's make this night unforgettable."
Ino grinned back, nodding as they weaved through the crowd towards the exclusive VVIP lounge upstairs, a spot reserved for special guests. Familiar faces greeted them as they entered.
Hinata spotted them first, waving enthusiastically. "Sakura! Ino! Over here!"
The lounge was nothing short of luxurious, with plush leather seating perfectly positioned to overlook the dance floor below. Just steps from the bar, Sakura snagged a cocktail before settling in beside the Hokage couple.
Tonight wasn't just any party; it was about celebrating love among friends who felt like family—and maybe catching up with some old faces too.
Half an hour later, Sakura found herself sitting at the sleek marble bar. The club was a whirl of opulence, with low-lit chandeliers and rich velvet drapes everywhere you looked. Her fingers traced absentmindedly around her cocktail glass as she scanned the room for someone she hoped to see tonight but hadn't yet spotted. Just as she took another sip, two sharply dressed shinobi approached her confidently. "Well, if it isn't Haruno Sakura," said the taller one with a wink. "Care to join us for a dance?"
Sakura gave them a polite but firm smile. "Thanks, but no thanks."
The second gentleman raised an eyebrow. "You don't recognize us? We're pretty big deals in Hidden Cloud," he said, his voice tinged with disbelief.
Sakura smiled apologetically, "Sorry, you must've slipped my radar."
The taller man chuckled, though there was a hint of irritation in his tone. "You're missing out on meeting some legends tonight."
Sakura shrugged nonchalantly. "Guess I'll survive."
Before their banter could go any further, a familiar voice sliced through the music. "Gentlemen, is there a problem here?" The voice was smooth, firm yet respectful.
Hyuuga Neji appeared beside Sakura, his commanding attention as always. The two shinobi immediately backed off, recognizing him right away. Their interaction piqued the interest of nearby onlookers.
The men straightened up at once upon seeing him. "Ah, Hyuuga Neji!" one stammered nervously. The Teisengan Hyuuga wasn't someone to mess with.
"N-No problem at all," one muttered.
Neji nodded calmly said, "Let's keep things peaceful tonight." It was his cousin's party, he wanted to avoid any unnecessary commotion.
The men disappeared into the crowd.
Sakura looked up at the Hyuuga with a smile. "You always have great timing," she teased. He smirked back at her. "Even without your rescue act, I can handle them just fine."
Neji meeting her gaze with warmth. "I never doubted that for a second."
They shared a brief smile that conveyed mutual understanding and camaraderie before Hanabi appeared at his side, gently tugging on his sleeve. Neji gave Sakura a slight bow before walking away with Hanabi in tow.
Sakura glanced over at Neji, who was the picture-perfect embodiment of the 'tarts and vicars' theme. He wore a crisp white clergy vestment highlighted with bold red and gold accents, giving him the regal look of a bishop. His tailored shirt and trousers beneath fit his tall, toned frame perfectly, and his long hair flowed elegantly down his back. A simple yet elegant necklace rested on his chest, completing the look with effortless grace and catching everyone's eye in the room.
Sakura then noticed Hanabi in an outfit identical to Neji's. It was obvious she had picked it out for him. Hanabi went to sit with her sister, while Neji made his way over to Sasuke, joining their old squad at the other end of the lounge.
Her ex, Sasuke, was there too, effortlessly charming everyone with his sharp black clergy vest and his jet-black hair adding to his enigmatic aura. His admirers quickly dispersed under the watchful gaze of his fiancée.
Both prodigies, Sasuke and Neji were undeniably the stars of the night.
As the evening unfolded, Sakura drink in hand and laughter filling the air, mingled with her friends. Her eyes darting between Neji and Sasuke. The two men were relaxing together, sharing drinks and deep in conversation. It was clear they were more than just colleagues; they were trusted members of Hokage's inner circle, alongside Shikamaru, the trusted advisor. Lee suggested they take a break from work talk and enjoy the night.
She found herself captivated by Neji's quiet intensity. There was something about him—the way he exuded calm confidence from years of training—that demanded her attention every time they gathered. Yet every glance she stole at the man was met with his piercing white eyes—a reminder that staring at a Hyuuga was unwise—but she couldn't help it.
The party was in full swing, fueled by spirited drinking games and energetic dancing. A thrilling challenge was underway where players had to choose between completing a card's dare or downing three daring shots. Everyone stuck to the rules, for now.
Hinata, the bride, found herself in quite a predicament. A hunky male stripper, his chest covered in cream, had everyone's attention. She blushed like a ripe tomato, not thrilled about this spectacle unfolding before her future husband. As tradition demanded, she got to pick someone to handle the cream-licking task!
Quick as lightning, the other cheeky bridesmaids nudged the pink-haired kunoichi forward into the spotlight. With no way out, Sakura faced her creamy fate head-on, much to Neji's amusement as he tried not to laugh.
Soon after, Sakura faced another challenge, her dare was to kiss a stripper for a full minute. Her cheeks still flushed from earlier embarrassment, she opted for three shots instead.
Lee set the bar high by boldly downing his shots. Then came Neji's turn. Not fond of drinking, he waved off the triple-shot dare. A stunning showgirl with flowing locks began dancing seductively on his lap, her hands gliding over his chest before finally settling onto him.
From across the room, Sakura watched as Neji engaged with the showgirl with mixed feelings. His smug expression irked her as he kept his hands respectfully at bay but still seemed too pleased with himself. When the bunny-girl leaned in for a kiss, Neji smoothly dodged it, offering Sakura some relief but it didn't make her feel any better!
Two hours into the party, things got wild. Lee spun on stage like a tornado in a Taijutsu showdown, while Tenten mingled on the dance floor, either scouting for Mr. Right or at least Mr. Right Now among the rich and attractive shinobi. Chouji devoured the cute bunny, while Kiba kept his antics PG-13. Genma had slipped away to a private room with an exotic dancer, and Shino lurked in the shadows, up to who knows what.
The two affectionate couples were inseparable amidst the chaos. A heavily pregnant Temari dragged her husband home early. Meanwhile, Sakura and her former sensei opted for a more relaxed night, sipping wine and people-watching. As she indulged more wine, she felt pleasantly light-headed and regretted turning down dance offers earlier. Who wouldn't want to mingle with hotties while single? Stranger or not.
Sakura jumped at Ino's invitation to hit the dance floor again. Cheers to second chances! This time, she was all in.
From the sidelines, Neji watched Sakura join her bestie on the dance floor. Her outfit— a striking combination of black mesh, an alluring heart-shaped corset, and a sheer lace skirt, left little to the imagination yet exuded elegance and charm that captivated him completely. Clearly aiming to impress tonight, leaving him undeniably flustered by her presence.
Sakura found herself unexpectedly pulled onto the stage, joining the pole dancer amidst dim lights and pulsing music. Though she played along with enthusiasm, she was inwardly annoyed by the dancer's overly familiar touch. Yet, she kept her composure, knowing she was using this moment to provoke a certain white-eyed man watching from afar. As they danced on, she could sense it was working! Her eyes met his, and an electric intensity hung between them.
From across the room, Neji's grip on his drink tightened. He watched the dancer's hand trace her curves and his lips graze her neck. A mix of irritation and intrigue made him clench his jaw.
He smirked from his corner, effortlessly observing up signs of her tipsy state. The alcohol had given her an unusual boldness, smoothing out any awkward edges and loosening her usual restraint. It reminded him of her affinity for drinks, much like her mentor's. Still composed despite her drunkenness, she managed to put on quite an entertaining show.
Caught up in watching her every move, Neji found himself staring longer than he intended, he forced himself to look away with a knowing smile.
After about thirty minutes, Sakura tapped Ino on the shoulder, signaling she needed a break. Navigating through the party crowd, she stumbled slightly, bumping into people as she made her way out. In her tipsy haze, the world seemed to swirl around her, but one figure stood out—Neji. His suave demeanor and striking appearance were unmistakable in the dimly lit venue. She swayed over to him as he lounged on a barstool, brooding over his drink like he owned the place.
Neji enjoyed a drink or two at the party but preferred staying under the radar. The pounding music and flashing lights only heightened his sense of disconnection. As the night wore on, he observed the wild antics around him with a raised eyebrow.
Far from his comfort zone, he felt trapped in what seemed like a private strip club, surrounded by a haze of sweat, hormones, and alcohol. He even stumbled upon people having sex in the restroom. Clearly out of place, he knew he was there for a reason—to fulfill his role as the designated sober buddy, just like Shino.
Alone at the marble bar, sipping his martini, Neji hoped for a quiet escape. His plan fizzled when he saw Sakura weaving through the crowd toward him; her grin set his senses on high alert.
"Hey, handsome," Sakura slurred, tapping his shoulder and leaning against the bar. "Mind some company? Why so broody tonight?"
Neji smirked, gesturing to the stool beside him. "Just been entertained watching you try to out-dance that poor guy on the pole."
Sakura laughed, sliding onto the stool. "Jealous much?" She winked, ordering a drink.
"Didn't realize you picked up pole dancing as well."
She rolled her eyes. "And you, Mr. Serious? Didn't know you were so friendly with the bunnies here. That lap dance was intense."
"What can I say? Man of many talents. Jealous?"
"Of your terrible taste? Never."
Their laughter cut through the thumping music, turning Neji's night around. Grinning, he took a sip. "I've got impeccable taste—you're here, aren't you?"
"Should I be dancin' for you instead?" Sakura challenged, emboldened by their banter as she finished her drink, inching closer.
He raised an eyebrow in amusement. "Careful, keep talking like that and you might land yourself in hot water," he jested lightly, his voice carried a subtle warning undertone.
"Oh right, like the hot spring incident?" she shot back cheekily.
"Surprisingly bold tonight, aren't we?" Neji commented, feeling a shift in their playful energy.
"Bold?" she repeated with a playful grin as she slid onto his lap, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. Her eyes met his white eyes with a daring spark. "Is this bold enough?"
He blinked in surprise but quickly steadied her with an arm around her waist. "Have you been practicing this just for me?" he joked smoothly.
"Maybe," she teased, shifting to get comfortable.
Neji's grin widened as he studied her with interest. The pinkette had definitely set her sights on him tonight. "And what's with the lack of fabric? Trying to distract every shinobi here or just me?" he asked with a cocky smirk, eyeing her barely-there outfit.
"Maybe both. Does it work?" she purred back, her confidence shining like her pink hair under the neon lights.
Their banter escalated into a duel of wits. "So, what's your plan? Seduce everyone into submission?" he quipped, his voice smooth as silk. With a gentlemanly flair, he shrugged off his cloak and draped it over her shoulders.
His cloak settled around her shoulders, and the scent of his aftershave enveloped her—an intoxicating scent that made her heart skip.
"Tryin' to keep me warm or just jealous of all my admirers?"
"We can't have our best medical ninja catching a cold. That's one thing," he mused. "But keeping you from causing chaos is another."
Sakura blushed but didn't miss a beat, swatting at his chest. "You… You're insufferable!" He caught her hand mid-swat, holding it gently for longer than needed.
The bantering of this unexpected pair drew amused glances from around the room, even making Kakashi sensei chuckle as he passed by with his drink.
Sakura leaned in, grinning mischievously. "Why don't we give them somethin' worth watchin'?"
Without waiting for Neji's reply, she leaned in and kissed him—a soft, lingering kiss that seemed to freeze time. To her relief, he didn't pull away. Their kiss was reminiscent of last night's heated encounter at the hot spring.
Nearby, Hinata watched in surprise. Seeing her usually reserved cousin acting so openly affectionate was unexpectedly sweet. Maybe the man wasn't as rigid as he appeared.
Neji was startled by the kiss but pleased that the pinkette chosen him instead of someone random. Pulling back slightly but still close enough to feel her breath, he murmured, "As much as I enjoy your attention, you're making quite a scene, Haruno."
Sakura chuckled softly and peppered his face with kisses. "Who cares 'bout them when I've got you?" At last, she had his undivided attention without interruptions. She was determined to seize the moment.
Neji instinctively dodged her kisses this time; too much public affection wasn't quite his style.
Under the dim lights of the bustling bar, Sasuke's onyx eyes zeroed in on a familiar face. Sakura, with her signature pink hair, sat comfortably on Hyuuga's lap, his hand resting casually on her waist, both of them laughing at some private joke. He felt a pang of irritation and concern as he approached them.
"Sakura, don't you think you've had enough?" Sasuke asked, barely audible over the pulsing music.
She rolled her eyes, clearly annoyed. "Sasuke, mind your own business. We're not together anymore."
His gaze flicked to Hyuuga then back to her. "I know," Sasuke replied tersely. "But do you really have to be all over Hyuuga?"
Neji observed from beneath lowered lashes, his expression calm but alert, a slight frown shadowing his features. The last thing he wanted was to be dragged into a spat between exes, least of all at such an important celebration for his cousin.
"Why do you care? You've got a fiancée now, remember? Maybe it's time you moved on," Sakura reminded him sharply.
Sasuke frowned deeply. "It's not that simple."
"It is! Live your life and let me live mine."
He clenched his jaw, jealousy simmering beneath his cool exterior. "Are you doing this to spite me?"
"Spite you? This isn't about you anymore!" Sakura retorted, her voice firm. "I like Neji, and last I checked, he didn't have any objections. That's all that matters!"
Neji tried to process her words and their implications. Was there any part of him that could actually be happy about this? He didn't mind being a piece in her plan to distance herself from the Uchiha. The tension was palpable, neither willing to back down. Finally, hoping to defuse the situation without taking sides, he stepped in.
"Uchiha," he said with a measured tone. "Sakura's choices are hers alone." He gave her a supportive glance before continuing, his voice steady and diplomatic. "Look, this really isn't the time or place for this argument. We're here to enjoy the party, let's keep it that way."
His words hung in the air like a peace offering.
"Neji's right; let's not ruin the night," Sakura agreed with a nod.
As the music swelled into another beat drop, the Uchiha watched her for a moment before his shoulders relaxed in defeat.
"Fine. Enjoy the party," he muttered, turning away slowly, but not without one last glance at Neji, who met his gaze evenly—no hostility, just understanding. Sasuke gave him a brief nod before turning away, trusting Neji to look after her.
Sakura watched Sasuke go, feeling a mix of relief and satisfaction as Neji gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.
"He'll be okay," Neji reassured her, his voice reflecting maturity and understanding. They had been close comrades for years as part of the Hokage's team; he knew Uchiha well enough to believe that he'd work through this eventually.
Sakura had always been a part of Sasuke's life, but now it felt like she was slipping away. Whether influenced by alcohol or not, she'd moved on to be with the Hyuuga, a twist he never saw coming. The bittersweet ache of letting go gnawed at him. Yet, with the decision made to rebuild his clan, Karin was now at the center of his plans and priorities. It was time to let go of past attachments.
As the tension faded, a lighter atmosphere enveloped Sakura and Neji. Observers lost interest and returned to their conversations as Uchiha Sasuke walked away to his fiancée across the room.
Sakura, still comfortably perched on his lap, felt a mix of relief and residual irritation as she leaned back into his embrace. She'd made quite the scene turning down Sasuke in front of everyone, but Neji had taken it all in stride.
"Thanks for keeping your cool back there," she murmured, appreciating his steady presence.
"Didn't know I was your rejection tool," he teased, trying to lift her spirits. If she needed someone to lean on tonight, he was glad it was him. If that meant being a buffer, he was fine with it.
Sakura rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a smile at his easygoing nature. "It's not like that," she insisted earnestly. "You're... more than just that to me." Her cheeks were slightly flushed from the drinks she'd had—but also from her newfound courage to speak openly. "I meant what I said."
Neji raised an eyebrow and gently brushed a strand of hair from her face. "You've definitely had a few too many tonight. Let's talk about this when you're more sober."
Sakura's emerald eyes flashed with unexpected intensity. "It's not just the alcohol talking," she insisted firmly. "I really like you, Neji." Her cheeks turned an even deeper shade of pink as she confessed her feelings boldly.
Neji met her gaze with warmth and a hint of surprise, feeling an unfamiliar flutter in his chest that told him this might just be the start of something real.
"About last night," he began, brushing a thumb across her cheek. "That kiss… Did I overstep? Are you upset with me?" He paused, choosing his words carefully. "Maybe it would've been simpler if I hadn't done it."
She smiled softly. "No, Neji, why would I be upset? I like you. Complicated doesn't mean a mistake. In fact, I wouldn't mind if you wanted to kiss me again."
Her words gave him the courage he needed as he inched closer. In the dim light, the air crackled with energy as their eyes locked once more.
"If that's really what you want..." Neji murmured, leaning in to close the distance between them.
Neji captured her lips in a second, more daring kiss. He gently licked between her parted lips, seeking permission to deepen the embrace—a gesture of both dominance and command. Sakura responded with equal fervor, their tongues intertwining in a fiery dance. Her teeth instinctively grazed his bottom lip, making him groan as the metallic taste snapped him back to reality. With a rush of sanity, he broke the kiss, realizing they had lost all sense of public decency. Sakura whimpered softly as he pulled away, breathless and struggling to catch her breath.
Their passionate exchange had not gone unnoticed; it had drawn the attention of more shinobi around them—everyone knew better than to interrupt such undeniable chemistry. Nearby, the kunoichi squad watched them like a live-action rom-com.
Neji gently pulled Sakura closer, feeling the warmth radiating from her and seeing the intensity in her eyes. He was aroused too, aware that letting her sit on his lap might be unwise. When the alcohol wore off, she might regret this moment.
He tilted her head to rest against his neck, shielding her flushed cheeks and blazing gaze from onlookers. He understood that such raw emotion was meant to be private, not shared with the world.
Sakura couldn't quite fathom how long they had been making out. Time seemed to stretch and bend in the dimly lit club, where the lights blurred into a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of colors around them. Leaning into Neji's embrace, she felt safe and loved. The dizzy sensation that filled her was hard to place—was it from the drink she'd had earlier or the mind-numbing kiss they were sharing? Either way, she didn't want it to end.
Ino elbowed Hinata with a grin. "Did you see that? I've always known there was something between them!" Her eyes were still wide in awe of their mind-numbingly long kiss.
"I always knew there was chemistry between them."
Tenten joined them, eyes wide with delight. "Who knew Neji had it in him to be such a romantic?"
Having been close to Neji, Tenten knew him as someone tightly bound by his clan's strict rules. Public displays of affection were rare for him, so when he broke those boundaries, it was a bold statement of his true feelings.
Ino shook her head in disbelief. "I mean, I knew he was good at fighting, but this...!"
"Honestly, it's been amazing watching their love grow from just gratitude to something so deep and beautiful," Hinata gushed.
Meanwhile, Lee stood frozen. Still tipsy from a night of drinking, he found himself suddenly sober. He'd stumbled into something that rocked his world—not out of jealousy but surprise. Sakura, his platonic muse, and Neji, his steadfast companion—together in a way he'd never imagined. He had always thought their trio was held together by shared laughs and friendly jabs. But this? This was electric. A warm smile crept onto his face.
In a bustling club's cozy corner, Kakashi lounged with a drink in hand, his eyes crinkling with amusement as he tilted his head. Nudging his vibrant friend, Gai, he nodded towards the bar.
"Jeez…" Kakashi mused, half-amused beneath his mask. "Seems our students have invented a new form of sparring. Not sure that jutsu is meant for public viewing."
Gai beamed, radiating enthusiasm. "Ah, the flames of youth! Remember our own wild days?"
"Vaguely," Kakashi chuckled. "But I don't remember putting on quite this kind of show." He shook his head, imagining how quickly rumors would spread by morning.
Across the room, the Hyuuga's protective stance toward Sakura was unmistakable and endearing. It was sweet to see it evolve from childhood antics to something real and profound as adults.
Kakashi respected Neji for his valor during the war and saving Naruto. The boy was truly a hero, and Sakura had always been brave enough to follow her heart. He trusted her choice in Neji. He could already envision the young man leading his clan one day.
Might Guy puffed out his chest with pride. Seeing the pink-haired kunoichi bring out this softer side of Neji filled him with joy, not just witnessing power but emotional growth too.
Meanwhile, the Godaime watched the scene with a worried heart. A mix of emotions swirled within her—pride for her apprentice's blossoming love with the charming Hyuuga, yet concern over the potential complications it could bring.
The intricate history of his clan and the potential dangers tied to his lineage cast a shadow over Tsunade's mind. Though she respected Sakura's strength and independence, matters of the heart often led to unpredictable paths.
Determined to protect her cherished apprentice from potential heartache, Tsunade knew she needed to have a frank discussion with Sakura, to warn her about the risks that accompanied this budding romance.
Naruto couldn't believe what he was seeing: his best man, and Hinata's maid of honor cozying up right in front of everyone! Was Sakura really that drunk? And Neji—the uptight Hyuuga who always preached about rules and decorum—caught up in all this? The same guy who had lectured him endlessly about public decency. The kiss was anything but reserved; it was passionate and hungry! Now look at him—the tables had truly turned.
Neji, on the other hand, took stock of the situation. He was keenly aware of Naruto's incredulous gaze zeroing in on him but remained unfazed, as if publicly declaring his love was just another day at the office, with a straight face, completely unbothered by the chaos he'd inadvertently sparked.
Hinata chuckled softly beside him, clearly amused by his reaction. She had been pointing out the obvious for ages now— the bond between them—but Naruto just couldn't wrap his head around it until now.
Neji caught the determined look in the future groom's eyes from across the bustling club. Naruto was clearly on a mission, and Neji had a pretty good idea what—or rather, who—it was about. Just as he started towards him, eager to talk things out, he was intercepted by a throng of patrons offering congratulations and small talk. The Hyuuga chuckled to himself, watching his buddy fumble through polite conversation with that ever-present grin on his face. He knew Naruto wanted to confront him about Sakura. It was only a matter of time before they'd get that chance to talk alone—away from the party chaos.
Meanwhile, Hanabi couldn't shake off the sting of jealousy. It was the second time that day she felt this unsettling emotion creeping up on her. Earlier, she'd seen them cozying up together in his quarters, and now this.
As the party wound down and guests began to depart, most of them were a little buzzed. Sakura, also feeling the effects, fell asleep on Neji's shoulder. Hinata approached with a gentle smile and tried to wake Sakura, who mumbled and held onto Neji tightly. With arms wrapped around him like a human plushie, she wasn't letting go anytime soon.
Hinata, realizing this situation needed some handling, asked her cousin to play delivery man and get the cherry blossom back to the Hyuuga compound.
Despite the curious glances directed their way, Neji carried Sakura with a protective tenderness as they left the club in an apparition.