Author notes: I've always wondered if Akamaru could have a good friendship with Neji after the war. The episode where the ninken carried Neji on his back caught my attention. It made me think about the possibility of their bond.
Chapter Summary: Sakura and Neji starting their new chapter of life. Whatever happens—better or worst, they'll face it together.
Chapter 13 Till death do us part
After a refreshing shower, Neji stood in front of the mirror, towel tied around his waist, the morning light catching every perfect feature of his face as he shaved. Sakura watched from the doorway, grinning at the memory of how his stubble had scratched her skin—a sweet reminder of their closeness.
"Your stubble was like a weapon last night," she teased.
Neji chuckled, still focused on the mirror. "I'll make sure it's smoother tonight," he replied, giving her a smirk through their reflection.
"Honestly? I kind of liked it," she admitted, eyes glued to the razor's steady glide over his cheek. Dear God. How did he make even shaving look so sexy? She leaned closer. "Can I give it a try?" she asked impulsively.
Amused, Neji nodded. He handed her the razor and let her take over. Neji steadied himself as the pinkette mimicked his movements carefully, Neji couldn't help but laugh softly at her serious expression.
Their laughter mixed with the morning air as they finished up together. When it was all done, he lifted her onto the vanity counter effortlessly and held her by the waist. Their eyes met for a brief moment before Neji leaned in to kiss her gently—intimate and casual.
"I think I could get used to starting my mornings like this," Sakura murmured contentedly against his lips, wrapping her arms around his neck. The heavenly scent of aftershave lingered between them.
"Me too," Neji agreed softly.
Sakura traced her fingers along his now smooth jawline, mesmerized by how handsome he looked. Her gaze dropped to his lips before pulling him into another kiss—a promise of more mornings just like this one filled with laughter and closeness.
Today was a big day for them—it was their first date since making it official. As they stepped out of his quarters, Sakura noticed the fluffy white ninken lounging in the garden. The dog perked up and wagged his tail excitedly when he saw Neji, like they were old friends or something. She hadn't realized there was more to Neji's connection with the dog than met the eye.
"Hey Neji," Sakura said, nodding toward the dog. "Why's Akamaru-chan still hanging around your place? Wasn't he supposed to head back after dropping us off last night?" She'd been wondering about it since yesterday.
Neji bent down to give his friend a nice pat. "Oh, Akamaru," he greeted warmly. "Guess he just wanted to make sure I didn't mess up our first date." He flashed Sakura a warm smile that made her stomach flutter.
She watched him whisper something into Akamaru's ear, and the dog barked happily back at him. The whole interaction made her even more intrigued. She felt increasingly enchanted by the man she was getting to know, each revelation adding depth to her affection. "Seems like he's pretty attached to you," she mused.
"Yeah, we've got this unexpected friendship going on," Neji replied with a grin that suggested there was more to the story than he was letting on. "I'll have to tell you about it sometime."
"You always keep your secrets!"
"They're no secrets," Neji said with another grin. "Let's just say Akamaru's been my confidant more than once when I need someone who listens and doesn't judge."
Sakura felt warmth spread through her chest as she listened, feeling closer to him with each little revelation he shared. "Well, from now on," she said softly, "you can share those stories with me."
[In town]
Neji and Sakura strolled into town hand in hand, their fingers naturally interlocked. Akamaru tagged along for a bit, his presence a welcome addition to their little entourage, then veered off to head back to the Inuzuka compound, satisfied that his friend was in good company.
The village buzzed with life—vendors were calling out their specials, kids were darting around playing games. Everything felt right as they went from being just comrades to something more significant.
"So," Sakura said as they stopped at a busy intersection, "what's the big plan for today?"
Neji thought for a moment and smiled. "Why don't we just see where the day takes us?"
Sakura nodded, loving the idea of a carefree morning. They had an appointment at the hospital later—something serious that loomed over her thoughts—but right now, she was thrilled to be on her first real date with Neji. They were soaking up these simple moments together, making up for lost time, ready to embrace whatever came their way with open arms and grateful hearts.
As they wandered through the lively market, they took in all the colorful stalls and fresh produce. Sakura chatted with everyone like she'd known them forever, charming them into offering fresh fruits and veggies along with some health tips.
Neji stood by her side, soaking in her energy as she connected effortlessly with everyone. Her spirit was contagious; he couldn't help but get drawn into her world of easy-going friendship. Hand in hand, they stopped at food stalls to try local snacks—sharing bites of dango, yakitori and mochi, looking every bit like a couple in love, while laughing over sticky fingers and sweet flavors.
At an ice cream stand, Sakura couldn't decide between chocolate or vanilla—her hesitation was more cute than anything else. Neji watched her fondly. It was these little things that captivated him—the way everything about Sakura seemed as graceful and lovely as cherry blossoms in bloom.
Renowned in Konoha, Hyuuga Neji was now talk of the town, and not just for his jutsu or striking looks. People were talking about his relationship with Haruno Sakura. Known for his stoic demeanor, the prodigy now wore a genuine smile whenever he was with the cherry blossom. The way he looked at Sakura screamed, 'That's my girl.' The way he looked at Sakura screamed, "That's my girl." Folks were amazed that the formidable pink-haired kunoichi had picked him over the Uchiha.
Sakura was totally aware of all the attention they were getting. Having such a hot boyfriend fun and a hassle—men wanted to befriend him, and women openly admired him. But Neji ever composed, blissfully oblivious to the stir they caused.
"Neji, did you see how many people tripped staring at you?"
He took a quick look around before shrugging with casual indifference. "Guess I should've warned you about my undeniable charm."
Sakura laughed loud and clear. "Oh please! It's not your charm causing traffic jams—it's half the village craning their necks to see your new 'affectionate' side."
"I thought they were checking out you," he shot back smoothly.
"Yeah right," she rolled her eyes playfully. "They're dying to know who managed to tame the great Hyuuga Neji."
"So I'm some kind of wild beast now?" he asked, pretending to be offended.
"A very handsome beast," she grinned.
"In bed?" Neji chuckled under his breath and squeezed her hand tighter—a silent promise with every lighthearted banter that he'd never let go.
"Smooth talker," she chided lightly, feeling her cheeks warm under his gaze.
"Well," he replied with genuine affection in his voice as he locked eyes with her, "at least I only have eyes for one person."
Her heart fluttered as warmth spread over her face. His sincerity made it easy to forget all the curious onlookers around them. Yeah, dating Konoha's heartthrob could get a bit wild sometimes, but Sakura loved every moment of it!
As they walked down the street, Sakura and Neji stopped in front of a wedding boutique. "Look at that!" Sakura pointed at a prominently displayed photo in the window. It was from their recent shoot with the Hokage couple, and seeing it there made her heart skip a beat. It was a sweet reminder of their blossoming relationship, like an official celebration of their love.
"Wow, that's us," Neji chuckled, glancing at her with that warm look she loved.
"We have to get a copy of this."
Excitedly pulling Neji inside, Sakura insisted on getting a copy of that picture. Holding it in her hands, made Sakura smile dreamily; lost in thought. It looked just like a wedding portrait, their smiles so bright it almost felt like peeking into their future that felt more certain with each passing day!
Later, they wandered into Ino's family flower shop. "These are pretty," Sakura said, picking up a bouquet for Neji. In a burst of spontaneity, Sakura turned to Neji and blurted out, "Hey... wanna marry me?"
Neji raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Are you serious?" he asked with a smirk that softened into something more tender when she nodded, not quite believing she was serious. But there was undeniable sincerity in her eyes that made him pause a moment longer than usual—he appreciated the gesture nonetheless.
To wrap up their day, they visited a local shrine to pray for Neji's health. As they strolled through the park around it, they found themselves on a bench by the lake, watching the ducks paddle by peacefully, letting the peaceful atmosphere envelop them.
"This is nice," Neji murmured as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
Sakura leaned against him with a content sigh. "Yeah... it's perfect."
[Konoha Hospital]
Neji and Sakura strolled hand in hand toward Konoha Hospital, their lively chatter slowing as they got closer. Today was the big day they'd learn more about the threat Neji was facing and what could be done about it. It was going to be a tough conversation, no doubt about it.
Inside the meeting room, the tension could be cut with a knife. Hyuuga Hiashi, Tsunade, Shizune, and Hinata were all there. Hiashi nodded at Sakura, surprisingly supportive. "Sakura," he said calmly, "I'm trusting you with Neji's life." It was clear he respected her not just as a medic but as someone important to his nephew.
Neji watched Sakura and his uncle exchange words that seemed full of understanding and trust. He hadn't expected them to click like this. Seemingly a bond that had strengthened over previous discussions. The pinkette met his eyes with a smile that promised everything would be okay.
Tsunade stepped up next, her voice firm but caring. "You both know what's riding on this, right? It's something serious."
Sakura didn't hesitate. "I know, shishou, but I love him," she said firmly, squeezing Neji's hand just a bit tighter.
Neji felt overwhelmed by her words; they hit him right in the heart.
Hiashi handed Sakura a report with all the details on Neji's condition. As she flipped through the pages filled with perplexing numbers and medical jargon, reality hit hard. Even though Neji'd been freed from the cage bird seal during the war, but without it acting as a damper of his excessive chakra, an untamed energy inside him had been awakened. He had only about five years before the dormant threat consumed him entirely.
Sakura felt helpless for a moment and tears threatened to spill over. Hinata reached out to her for support, and they quietly cried together.
Neji stood by them silently, wanting so badly to comfort these two women who meant so much to him but unable to find the right words. Instead, he stayed close—as a quiet pillar, present in their time of need.
Tsunade watched her apprentice struggle with emotions she knew all too well from her own past losses. Shizune placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. Hiashi observed Sakura's emotional display with gratitude; knowing she genuinely cared for his nephew was oddly comforting amidst all this uncertainty. He felt grateful she was in Neji's life, entrusting his care to her.
Despite being scared out of his mind, Neji wiped her tears away gently. "Hey, I'll be alright…" he said, masking his own apprehensions. He had thought his fate was sealed during the war, and every day since felt like a gift. He cherished whatever time he had left with her.
Sakura looked at him, her fingers brushing lightly over his cheek. "Neji, are you gonna tell me what went down?"
Neji sat there, surrounded by everyone, and sharing his unsettling experiences he'd been through with a calmness that didn't match how chaotic he felt inside.
His grievous injuries from the last Shinobi World War were still a constant reminder of how much a person could take. He had to keep going back to the hospital for check-ups. Lately, strange thing was happening with his overused Kekkei Genkai; it felt like something was there gripping and slipping away, each time getting more intense and making him worry about a relapse of his old wounds.
Everyone listened closely as Neji shared his story. They got how serious it was and appreciated him even more for sharing.
"Yesterday," he said, "I started feeling these crazy chakra surges… Things just flew across my room without me lifting a finger. It was like I wasn't in control of my own body. I tried taking sedatives, but they stopped working. I had to get outta there before someone got hurt; I almost hit a kid walking by. Using everything I had left in me, I managed to teleport myself away using space-time jutsu."
Hinata took a deep breath as Shizune scribbled down her scroll, capturing every detail. Hiashi's brows knitted together, he knew something was up, but not this bad.
Sakura sat next to Neji, soaking in what he was saying about his struggles. With every word, she got a clearer picture of him. The man had such a strong heart, capable of enduring so much and still be kind—that was what she loved most about him.
Neji continued, "I just felt this pull to Crescent Lake," he said, pausing as the memory rushed back. "When I got there... I just collapsed into the water. It was like everything started making sense as energy surged around me." He stopped for a moment. "In the lake, it wasn't just my reflection I saw—there were glimpses of others who'd been through similar paths before me... Akamaru found me floating and dragged me out of the lake. After that, it's all kind of a blur."
"And you came back," Sakura said softly after listening closely to his story. Her eyes showed how proud she was of him.
"Yeah," Neji replied with a small smile at her—it eased some of his inner tension.
Tsunade leaned forward with curiosity. "Sounds like it's more than just chakra issues."
"I think there's something deeper going on," Hinata mused thoughtfully.
Hiashi sat there deep in thought. Everything hinted at their hidden legacy—the Tennin bloodline awakening in Neji. This dormant genetic power within him was massive yet chaotic—a potent yet unpredictable chakra resonance that overwhelming him. The residual energy of his cage bird seal suppressed this power, preventing Neji from inheriting it. The Tennin bloodline ran strong in the body of branch house member—a reality the clan head couldn't overlook. What if Hizashi—his late brother—had led the clan instead? Maybe things would have been different. Letting his brother die for him had been a mistake; perhaps Hizashi was the leader their clan truly needed all along.
Sakura thought back about Crescent Lake and its gentle ripples reflecting moonlight like silver threads. She was convinced that its ancient waters held the key to helping Neji. With her medical skills and the lake's powers combined, she hoped to make a difference. It wasn't just about her duty as a healer or uncovering the Hyuuga legacy anymore; it was deeply personal. Her feelings for Neji had grown so much she couldn't bear losing him again.
As they discussed treatment options, Sakura was already forming a plan in her mind. She paid attention to everyone's input, grateful for their support and insights while trying to keep things upbeat despite the heavy news. They were all there to talk about the Hyuuga boy's progress and next steps. The atmosphere was serious but hopeful, with treatment set to kick off soon.
Sakura and Neji stepped out of the hospital into the warm afternoon sun, the beautiful day did little to lift the cloud over them. Still, her feelings for Neji only grew stronger. They strolled along, holding hands without any real destination in mind, just content to be with each other. She stole a glance at the man beside her, her heart doing that familiar little skip it always did.
Waking up next to him each morning felt like she'd found a missing part of herself. Their light-hearted banter was a constant joy, and even his camaraderie with Akamaru-chan added an extra spark to her life.
They stopped outside an unassuming Office of Marital Affairs, its wooden beams decorated with symbols of Konoha's unity. Sakura had everything ready: the wedding portrait where Neji tried his best to smile and the delicate bouquet she picked up for him earlier that day. Her heart was racing.
"Neji," she blurted out suddenly, turning to him and grabbing his hand. "Let's get married."
He looked at her, eyebrows raised. "Married? Right now? With everything going on?"
"Yes!" She nodded eagerly, grinning from ear to ear. "I've been thinking about it all day… I don't want to wait any longer."
"You're not thinking rational. Aren't you scared? Of what all this means?" he asked, always so sensible.
"I'm not scared when I'm with you."
"You should be!" He said sharply.
People passing by started glancing at them curiously, but Sakura didn't care. She was focused entirely on their conversation. "Whatever comes our way—for better or worse—we'll handle it together," she insisted, her voice slightly shaky but determined. "I want to be your wife. Why won't you let me?"
Her words hung in the air like a heartfelt plea demanding an answer. Neji's expression softened as he met her gaze. "We just started dating; let's not rush into this."
Her love for Neji was a steadfast force, yet never reckless. He was the best guy she knew, no one came close to what he meant to her. Smart and undeniably good-looking, and charming in that cocky way she found endearing. There was a comfort certainty that he would always be there ready to love and protect her. Being with him felt like everything clicked into place.
She squeezed his hand a little tighter. "You know, as shinobi, we've been taught that tomorrow isn't promised." Her voice caught a bit as tears glistened in her eyes. "I can't imagine doing life without you."
"Sakura..." Neji began but she cut him off with a kiss.
"You're stuck with me," she declared. "I don't want anyone else—you're the one I want to be with!"
A smile broke through Neji's serious demeanor as he wrapped his arms around her, admiring her fierce spirit he loved so much. "I want to be with you too," he admitted, letting out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding.
Sakura's eyes sparkled with joy at his words. "So... you agree?" she asked eagerly, her excitement barely contained.
Neji nodded, absolutely sure about his decision. "Yeah," he affirmed, pulling her in for another kiss. "Let's make it happen."
Being with the cherry blossom was where he belonged. Her incredible ability to make him feel comfortable and cherished calmed him like no one else. She made vulnerability safe. Whatever came next, they'd decide together, uncertainties and all. He wanted forever with her; it was spontaneous but felt right.
With the clock ticking down on the day, they decided to find wedding bands fast. They hit up a nearby jeweler and picked out a pair of simple platinum rings. The rings were unadorned yet elegant, perfectly symbolizing their relationship—a bond that was genuine and needed no extras.
Rings in hand, they raced to the registrar's office before closing time. Breathless but beaming with happiness, they made it just in time as the staff was wrapping up for the day.
Inside, the officiants were seasoned pros at handling all kinds of matrimonial surprises. They'd seen every type of couple imaginable, but even they did a double-take when this unexpected pair walked in. Slightly disheveled from their sprint to the office but absolutely glowing, the officiants quickly got over their surprise and exchanged knowing smiles. These two might not be a typical match, yet they seemed just perfect together. Without missing a beat, they began the registration process. Life sure has its surprises.
The ceremony room was small and charming. It was sparsely furnished—a simple desk, a few chairs, and a window overlooking the bustling streets of Konoha made it feel like any other government office—except for the fluttering nerves and bubbling excitement filling it.
"Last-minute weddings are always exciting. No witnesses?" Mr. Yamada, the commissioner for oaths, asked with a curious smile as he glanced at them over his glasses.
Neji looked at his partner with a hint of uncertainty. "Uh… do we need one?"
"We could call Ino and Lee if we have to," Sakura suggested thoughtfully.
The elderly man smiling reassuringly. "No worries at all. It's quite common to skip that formality. Just thought I'd ask."
They both relaxed as Mr. Yamada turned his attention to Neji. "Mr. Hyuuga, are sure you won't need your clan's approval for this?" After all, it was Hyuuga Neji standing before him—one didn't bypass clan traditions lightly.
Neji smirked, ready to respond, but Sakura beat him to it. "Bending rules and defying expectations is pretty much his specialty."
He chuckled in agreement. "The council might be shocked, but bending rules isn't new for me."
Sakura smiled back at him, appreciating his calm confidence. They didn't need grand ceremonies or council approvals; they had each other, and that was more than enough.
Mr. Yamada chuckled warmly before turning to Sakura with an amused look on his face. "And Haruno-san, your parents? Won't they be surprised about this sudden son-in-law?"
Neji echoed the question playfully, "Think they'll be okay with me just dropping into their lives?"
Sakura laughed heartily. "They adore you! Honestly, who doesn't in Konoha?"
Mr. Yamada nodded approvingly as he handed them forms to sign. "Well then! Konoha's most adored couple shall have my blessing too!"
With an impeccable flourish, Neji signed his name on the paper, and Sakura added hers right next to it with equal grace. They moved over to a modest arch adorned with faux flowers, where Mr. Yamada was waiting. He cleared his throat and started with the usual vows.
"Hyuuga Neji, do you take Haruno Sakura to be your lawfully wedded wife? Promise to be faithful, respectful, and responsible?"
Neji looked at Sakura, his gaze as steady as ever. "I do."
Mr. Yamada turned to the pinkette. "And do you, Haruno Sakura—"
"I do!" she jumped in before he even finished. Her excitement surprised him a bit, and she flashed a big grin as Neji chuckled beside her.
With formalities aside, they moved on to what really mattered—their personal vows.
Neji held her hands and started speaking. "Sakura," he said, his voice calm but full of emotion, "do you trust our love enough to walk with me through all my past and future shadows?"
Emerald eyes filled with tears as she smiled warmly at him. "Our love is my faith and my strength," she replied. "I'll be your light every step of the way."
"Will you love me for who I am—warts and all?"
"Absolutely!" she responded almost instantly. "I love every single part of you just as you are!"
"And are you ready for our kids to inherit my clan's complicated legacy?" he added amusingly.
Sakura laughed melodically at his tone, moments like these kept their connection balanced perfectly. "Bring it on! I can handle whatever comes our way."
It was Sakura's turn as she gazed into his white eyes. "Neji, will you promise to cherish me and keep us laughing even when things get tough? Promise you'll always be my best friend?"
A rare sparkle lit up his usually calm demeanor. "I promise I'll keep surprising you with those random jokes that you love so much."
She chuckled softly. "And you'll keep our love alive with passion and tenderness?"
"Always," he vowed sincerely. "I'll give everything I have for us."
Finally, she asked the question closest to her heart. "Do you promise never to leave me? To guard my heart so it never breaks?"
Neji watched her fondly. "I'm never leaving you, Sakura," he pledged deeply yet lovingly. "I'll love you till death do us part."
Her fingers entwined tightly with his as if trying to hold onto this moment forever. "I love you too, Neji," she echoed through tears of joy. "Till death do us part."
Mr. Yamada had seen countless couples come and go, but today felt different. In front of him stood an unlikely pair with a connection that seemed deeper than he could easily describe. Maybe it was shared experiences or something unspoken between them. Whatever it was, he could feel it in the room.
"Beautifully said," Mr. Yamada murmured, touched by their vows. "Alright, let's do the rings."
With slightly trembling hands, Sakura slipped the wedding band onto Neji's finger. He followed suit with steady hands despite the emotions swirling around him.
After they exchanged rings and vows, Mr. Yamada smiled warmly at them. "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may share your first married kiss."
With those words, Neji leaned in and kissed Sakura deeply, making her knees feel weak with the intensity of it all.
Around them, clerks and registrars peeked over their desks and filing cabinets to sneak a look at this unexpected display of passion. Their cheeks flushed with second-hand excitement, maybe even a little envy at the chemistry between the two. "Jesus..." one whispered to another. Who would've thought the reserved Hyuuga could kiss like that? Even Mr. Yamada looked surprised as he watched the scene unfold, his cheeks turning pink. He cleared his throat, nudging everyone back to work.
"Wow," Sakura murmured as she pulled back slightly, her face still warm from both the kiss and their audience's reactions. "You know you've got quite the reputation now," she teased.
"I wanted our first married kiss to be unforgettable," Neji replied with a low, rumbling voice that made Sakura's heart skip a beat.
Mr. Yamada cleared his throat again, trying to regain their attention. "You two should probably get going before you cause any more disruptions or heart palpitations around here."
Sakura giggled at the awkwardness while Neji allowed himself a moment of lightheartedness. Their happiness seemed to fill up the small marriage registry office.
"Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Hyuuga," Mr. Yamada said genuinely.
Sakura marveled at how natural it felt to be called Mrs. Hyuuga. The title now bound them together legally and emotionally, marking a new milestone in their lives.
Neji bowed respectfully. "Thank you for officiating our ceremony."
"Yes! Thank you!" Sakura chimed in as they turned to leave, hand-in-hand.
Outside in the crisp air, Sakura let out a content smile. "I can't believe we did it! We're actually married!" she exclaimed, glancing at their marriage certificate in awe.
"Destiny has a way of surprising us, doesn't it?"
"You really surprised me back there," she admitted, looking up at him with eyes full of affection.
"I guess there's more to me than meets the eye," he said cheekily. "Like an onion."
"An onion? Really?"
Neji nodded with mock seriousness. "Yep, layers upon layers of surprises."
Sakura rolled her eyes but smiled affectionately as she pulled him down for another kiss—a promise of many more surprises in their life together.
"Neji, I love you—so much!"
End notes: 2 more chapters to end this story!