Chapter Summary: Sakura and Neji find comfort in each other. Old tensions resurfaced, pushing them to confront feelings they'd long buried. Are you ready for a little more smut? Slow burn.

Author Notes: I am deeply obsessed with this pairing. The signs of Aries and Cancer don't really work well together as a couple. To make them get along, the story needs to show them struggling and working hard. Appreciate your time spent on this story.

Prompt: Some angst,past trauma,language, mature situation, eventual smut, intense love reciprocate

Chapter 11 A Resolved Misunderstanding 1

Crescent Lake was a hidden spot at Konoha's eastern border. Concealed by canyon walls, it appeared only with the right lunar phase. The crescent-shaped lake, fed by natural springs, glimmered under the night sky and was filled with ancient power that called to those spiritually attuned. This sacred place was accessible only to Hamura's true descendants and their close companions. Reaching the lake required navigating challenging terrain. An eerie silence hung over the area, broken by faint wheezing near the water. Sakura was new to this mystical place, drawn by the sound, and hurried over. When she arrived, she found Neji lying on the ground, soaked and looking unwell. Akamaru, Kiba's loyal companion, huddled protectively by his side, whimpering.

"Neji!" Sakura shouted as she knelt beside him. Her heart raced as she tried to warm him, cradling his trembling body carefully. "Stay with me," she said, her voice full of concern. Neji groaned from crippling headaches, eyes closed in pain, his chest heaving as he fought for control. Pushing aside her panic, Sakura focused on providing whatever respite she could. Her fingers glowed with healing energy as she touched his temples to ease his suffering.

"Just hang on," she whispered firmly. "I've got you." Slowly, his cries calmed, but he stayed curled up in her arms for support. His white eyes looked distant and bloodshot, with dark veins protruding unnaturally around them—something was clearly wrong.

"N-Neji…? Your eyes…" Sakura said nervously. Akamaru barked anxiously as a dark energy flickered around the Hyuuga like a shadow. That dark energy gave her chills. Though his pain had lessened, his soul seemed to be slipping further into darkness with each passing second, becoming a vessel for the dark energy.

"N-Neji…?" Sakura called again. It was likely the dormant force that had scared Hitomi-san away previously. Sakura approached undeterred, her mind was warning her otherwise.

Suddenly, Neji's voice changed—dark and distorted—and said mockingly, "Your pathetic friend is gone, there's only me now."

The ninken growled protectively at this new presence that had consumed his friend.

"You're lying. Neji, I know you're still in there! Come back to me!" Sakura insisted desperately as she reached out to hold onto him tighter.

"S-Sakura, this isn't me anymore," Neji groaned, clutching his head in agony. "Get out of my head—" His voice suddenly changed, deeper and more menacing. "Your friend is weak. I'm power incarnate. Why would I ever go back to a life of servitude?"

"Neji's not weak," Sakura retorted, her eyes fiery with determination. "He's spent his whole life fighting against fate and destiny. He won't give up that easily!"

"You really think you know him?" The entity sneered through Neji's face, its malice twisting his features. "I am all his deepest desires, his hidden rage, his suppressed ambitions. Neji belongs to me now, and soon enough, so will this village!"

"You're wrong!" Sakura shot back fiercely. "I know Neji better than anyone! We've been through hell together; he values his bonds and his home more than anything. He'd never want this! And you definitely don't know me if you think I'm giving up on him!"

The entity laughed coldly, squeezing her throat with a grip that felt like iron bands around her neck. "He can't hear you."

Struggling for breath yet refusing to surrender, Sakura managed to whisper through the darkness enveloping them both. "Neji... I'm here for you... please!"

For a moment—a fleeting heartbeat of time—Neji fought through the shadows and fell to his knees as if waking from a nightmare. Sakura didn't hesitate; she was at his side in an instant.

"Sakura," he breathed out shakily as bits of himself resurfaced amidst the chaos inside him. His white eyes regained focus but remaining deep-set and unfathomable. "Leave."

"I'm not leaving you!" she vowed with unwavering conviction.

"This isn't your fight. Your presence here is... annoying!" he rasped hoarsely, battling against himself but still lashing out with words sharp enough to cut.

His expression hardened, reflecting self-loathing for his vindictive nature. He wielded his words like weapons, his pride demanding nothing less than what he believed he deserved.

"Call me whatever you want, but I'm not giving up on you," she replied resolutely, meeting him head-on despite the storm raging within him and between them both.

There was silence fraught with tension before something within Neji shifted again; pulling Sakura into a kiss that was part desperation, part resolve—something neither of them saw coming, let alone could control. It was intense, his tongue demanding as it met hers in a chaotic dance that left everything else blurred.

Reject me, so that I can push you out of my mind.

"Neji! What was that?" Sakura gasped as she broke free from his grip. Despite her shock, she stood firm, trying to process the whirlwind of feelings. She could see that beneath all the chaos was the man she deeply cared for— she wouldn't abandon him no matter what he broken or lost he seemed.

The storm in his eyes matched the turmoil inside him. "Do you hate it when I do this to you?" He snapped, his usual calm shattered. Sakura took a deep breath, her mind still spinning.

"I'm sorry… I shouldn't have," Neji confessed. "There's this darkness in me now... You're better off staying away."

"You can't just kiss me like that and then act like it's nothing!" Sakura shot back, her voice tinged with frustration.

Neji's voice dropped to a hoarse whisper. "It's not nothing. You've stirred something in me… You shouldn't have kissed me like you meant it... touched me like you cared. If you didn't mean it... don't lead me on."

"I didn't mean to—"

"You did," he interrupted, uncertainty clouding his pale eyes as he stared at her. "Do you know what believing in us has done to me?"

Sakura's eyes flashed with a mix of anger and confusion as she tried to navigate his shifting emotions. "And what about what you're doing to me? One minute you're all over me; the next, it's like I don't exist!" Her voice matched his intensity.

Neji glared at her but then turned away. "Leave before I make you regret staying," he muttered.

Sakura stood her ground, defiant. "No, I'm not about to walk away now when you need me most." She reached out her hand to touch him, but he recoiled.

"No way am I leaving—not when you need someone." She reached out again, but Neji pulled back.

"You don't need to do this," he said softly.

"I know I messed up," Sakura confessed. "I tried to help, but I went about it all wrong. Please don't be mad."

Neji paused, trying to find the right words. "I'm not mad... just confused. Did that night mean so little to you? You act like nothing happened. Just tell me you regret it."

"No, Neji! I don't regret it at all!"

"Then... was I not enough for you?"

"Not at all! You were... are... amazing," she insisted, feeling the sting of his hurt in her chest. "I'm really sorry. Hurting you was never my intention…"

"Sakura, I'm tired of guessing your feelings," Neji admitted, letting his vulnerability show for the first time. "Maybe I misread everything... maybe it's always been one-sided."

Her heart raced as his words settled around them, and her eyes showed her own turmoil. She hadn't realized how deeply she'd affected him—the man she loved—until now. All because of her actions.

"No, Neji! It was never one-sided!"

The tension between them was palpable as years of unspoken feelings came rushing out.

"Sakura," Neji began, his voice low and serious. "I'm not into casual flings."

"And you think I am?" Sakura shot back, her eyes blazing with hurt and frustration. "I don't give myself away like that! That night happened because of how much you mean to me."

The complex man remained silent, letting her words sink in. It was like a storm was brewing inside him.

"I didn't choose you on a whim," she continued softly. "I chose you because... because I love you!" Her eyes shone with sincerity and hope for what might be possible between them.

Neji's control snapped and clenched his jaw, "Sakura, you don't even know what I want…"

"So tell me," she urged.

He sighed, letting frustration slip into his words. "I want you, Sakura. I want to fuck the hell out of you—no holding back—until we're both done and all you're calling is my name! Sorry if that sounds rough."

"A-Are you trying to kill me with those words? 'Cause it's definitely working!" She blushed bright red, his words sparking something deep inside her.

"If you're not serious, you should go," he warned gently, giving her an out. "If you don't, I might just lose control anytime and defile you right here!"

"You talk big for someone who's scared to act!"

"You…!" Neji took her hand and placed it against his crotch. "Feel that? I want everything with you, Sakura. I want to make you mine, entirely mine!"

Sakura was breathless for a moment, wide-eyed and flushed. He wasn't joking about the defiling part! "T-Then make me yours." She wrapped her hand around his length before he dragged it away from his body.

"Sakura, you... don't have to force yourself into this."

"I'm not forcing anything. I've loved you for as long as I can remember."

Neji paused, his tone turning sincere. "I can't do relationships right now. It's complicated."

She pulled him close, wrapping him in an embrace that softened the world around them. Her touch was gentle and protective as she whispered against his temple. "Then let's simplify it!"

In her arms, Neji felt a rare sense of peace, allowed to be vulnerable for once in his life. With Sakura, he didn't have to be perfect or unbreakable; he could be real and share the parts of himself he had kept hidden from everyone else. He could open his heart by mending the misunderstandings that had them separated, thread by thread, learning how to properly handle this feeling.

"I could lose my sight or maybe... die young," he confessed finally, the weight of those words sinking into the space between them.

Sakura's heart clenched painfully at his admission but despite feeling helpless in the face of such vulnerability—they could face whatever came together as long as they had each other.

"Is this why...?" Sakura started, recalling their argument in the shower. "You weren't just scared of responsibility, right?"

Neji nodded, eyes full of pain. "I was terrified of starting a family I might not be around to see grow. I didn't mean to hurt you. I just... don't know how much time I have left."

Sakura's breath hitched as understanding dawned. This was his fear. It all made sense now—his guarded heart. "I'm not asking for forever," Sakura said softly. "I just want to be with you for however long we have. Don't push me away. Let me in, let me love you."

Neji pulled Sakura close, his defenses crumbling. "Promise you won't stand me up? Standing me up hurt my pride, you know?"

"Never," she smiled. "I'm sorry, Neji. I promise I won't do it again!"

"You've seen my torments. Aren't you scared?"

Sakura felt her heart swell, she loved him so much more than she ever could Sasuke. "Your torments are mine too, but I'm not scared. Every moment with you matters, whether it's a lifetime or just today." Their fingers intertwined—mutual feelings undeniable.

Neji gave her an intense look. "I'm a man tied to fate. Why stick around?"

"Because I see everything in you," she said softly. "You're strong and dependable. Your fate doesn't define you—your choices do. You've shown me your beautiful heart. You challenge me to think and value myself better and that's what I love about you." The Hyuuga listened carefully, his eyes locked on hers. "With you, I feel at peace. That's the future I want. I love you, Neji," she finished.

"Thank you for believing in me and loving me. I can't promise a long life, but I promise to be worthy of your love." He leaned in and kissed her softly, gratitude pouring through the gesture.

"You already are," she whispered back, touching his cheek lovingly.

Feeling lighter, Neji teased her with a grin. "So tell me, was it love at first sight?"

Sakura laughed. "Seriously? Back then, I was all about Sasuke."

"Well, as top rookie of my year, did I at least make some impression?"

Sakura deadpanned. "Honestly? I couldn't stand you, Mr. Number One Rookie," Sakura teased. "You were like Sasuke but with extra arrogance and less charm. Watching you Gentle Fist your cousin during the Chunin exams was a real heart-stopper!"

Neji chuckled. "Ah, yes, my not-so-great family bonding moment. You did notice me! I was going for the 'bad boy' vibe."

"Your hair did look good," she admitted with a laugh. "But yeah, you were an uptight jerk with fate issues who needed a good punch back then!"

"And now?" Neji asked, his voice low and warm.

"Now," she said as they kissed again, laughing together. "I love the reformed bad boy you've become."

Neji's smirk widened.

They sat close under the stars, grinning like fools. Who would've thought they'd go from rivals to this? Years of friendship, respect, and unacknowledged longing led to this moment, charged with electricity. Their bodies hummed with a newly awakened desire. Mutual trusting and deep-seated affection spread like wildfire.

"S-So," Sakura whispered, biting her lip. "Are you going to defile me or not, reformed bad boy?"

Neji chuckled. "You bet."

He lifted her gently, their lips meeting in a kiss that was everything they'd imagined and more. Hands began to explore familiar territory but with renewed appreciation and newfound urgency.

"W-Wait," her voice shaky, trying to think straight. "Shouldn't we... I mean, Akamaru-chan could give us a ride home?"

"I don't think I can make it that far," Neji admitted, his voice ragged.

"Here?" she asked, torn between caution and wanting him right now.

"Yes, let me love you right here," he said softly. "Ride me into oblivion, will you?"

Sakura's heart pounded as she looked into his eyes—they were filled with the same love and desire she felt. His casual confidence was infectious. She felt a rare freedom being with him like this—raw and unfiltered.

She reached up to touch his face, tracing her fingers along his jawline. "Screw it... Screw you," she whispered, feeling the thrill of their boldness. Making love under the open sky wasn't planned, but it felt just right.

Their desire they need for each other was equally intense, with both desperate for more. He let her tug his pants down, freeing his throbbing member. A few purposeful strokes of himself from base to tip had him ready them. They were lost in each other, their bodies moving as one, perfectly in tune with each other and their surroundings. A lot of kisses were exchanged—a week's worth of longing finally finding release.

Sakura and Neji lay sprawled under a canopy of stars, hearts pounding in sync as they caught their breath, and neither was inclined to get up just yet.

"God…!" she gasped.

Neji paused to meet her gaze with concern in his eyes. "You good?"

The cherry blossom nodded. "Oh yeah… more than good."

"You like me like this?" Neji's voice was low and warm, filled with genuine curiosity.

"Absolutely," she breathed out with a laugh full of joy and longing fulfilled.

Neji flashed her that smile she loved so much—the one that made her heart soar—and Sakura couldn't help but gaze at him with pure adoration. They stayed there for what felt like forever under that endless sky, happy to just be together in their little patch of paradise.

They got off and made their way to the lake, washed away the remnants of their recent intimacy. Their hands were tightly clasped, neither wanting to let go, as if afraid the moment would slip away.

"Hey, you okay?" Sakura asked softly, her free hand catching his arm, tiredness settling in his pale eyes.

"Yeah, I'm good. Just tired," Neji admitted with a small squeeze of her hand. Every muscle in his body felt wonderfully spent. Swaying slightly on his feet, Sakura instinctively wrapped an arm around his waist to steady him. He leaned into her support, grateful for it. "Sorry about this. I think my body's finally cashing in."

"Neji! Why didn't you say you were this worn out?" Sakura exclaimed, suddenly realizing how much their time together had drained him. Fresh from battling his inner demons before they'd gotten lost in each other.

The scene took her back to another night when she'd treated his wounds, recalling the tenderness they'd shared in his quarters. It was sweet but also a wake-up call; their devotion ran deep, but maybe they pushed themselves too hard for each other sometimes.

"I couldn't help it," he said with a half-hearted chuckle. "You make me feel so alive."

Sakura chuckled despite herself. "Alive? You look like you're about to keel over! We should head back—Hinata's probably freaking out by now!"

"Relax," Neji replied. "She was here minutes ago. With Inuzuka..."

Sakura froze. "Wait, you mean they saw us... while we were...?" Her cheeks turned bright red.

"Caught in the act? Yep," he filled in, totally unfazed.

"You kept going even with them watching?!"

"Believe it. Hinata and Kiba might think twice about coming to this lake again," he smirked, eyes twinkling.

"I can't believe you," she said, still shocked at his nerve. "Where's your dignity, Neji?" It was an ageless, boyish grin that Sakura had come to adore. "You're lucky I love you."

"So tell me, Sakura," Neji started with a teasing tone. "would you have been as eager to fit every inch of me inside you even if you knew they were watching you do it?" His question was so shameless, yet it flowed from his lips with natural grace.

The pinkette's face turned beet red. "I… Y-yes," she mumbled.

A slow, satisfied smile spread across Neji's face gloriously, his pearl-like eyes gleaming with affection. "That's my girl."

"K-Kiba-kun, wait up!" Hinata called, her cheeks turning pink as she grabbed his arm.

"What the hell?" Kiba grimaced, his nose twitching. "Is that what I think it is? Damn, I can't unsee that!"

Hinata quickly pulled him away. Kiba let himself be led off. As they moved away from the scene, he tried to process it. "Wasn't that your cousin? Mr. Always-Perfect? What happened to all his propriety?"

"Well," Hinata hesitated, "Naruto did say love can change people…" Hinata trying to defend her cousin's honor.

Kiba snorted. "Change? Looks like he's gone full rebel now that he's in love! And Akamaru's just sitting there watching like it's a normal thing. Some wingman he is!"

"Akamaru and Neji have been hanging out a lot lately."

"Ever since I got busy with the pups and Akamaru retired, he's been hanging with Neji too much. Your uptight cousin's rubbing off on him—next thing you know, Akamaru will be doing yoga and drinking tea!"

"I don't think 'uptight' really fits him anymore."

"Yeah, who knew the stick up his ass was removable?"

"Kiba-kun! Be nice!"

"Hey, it was a compliment!" Kiba laughed.