Forgetting Sasuke

Disclaimer: Kishimoto-sensei owns them. I only borrow as they provide me with much amusement.

*Thanks to all my reviewers!!!*

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White-lavender eyes framed by dark hair swam in front of her again. His face, hauntingly beautiful, his touch… touching her in places that… that… oh God, that…

Sakura awoke slowly, feeling groggy and almost out-of-body. She looked around the room. The sunlight was streaming in through her bedroom window. A look at the clock showed it was 10:00 AM. ‘I’ve been sleeping for almost fourteen hours…’ she realized with a start.

Once again that face flashed in front of her. She closed her eyes and shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. ‘What the hell kind of a dream was that, anyway? And Hyuuga Neji of all people…’

She swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood up. “I don’t care what Shishou says. I’ve got things I need to do today and I’m going to friggin do them,” she said to herself, turning the dial for the shower head, waiting for the water to warm up.

Stepping into the shower was akin to a divine experience. She could feel all the tension slipping away. Maybe a little rest was just what she needed. ‘But I can’t sit around all day. I have things to do, and Naruto-‘ “Oh shit,” she said aloud. “I slept through breakfast with Naruto this morning. He’s going to be so-“

“Sakura-chan!” she heard, shouted from her front door, accompanied by persistent banging. “Sakura-chan! Open up! Sakura-chan!”

“Just a minute, Naruto!” she cried at the top of her lungs, hoping she could get to the door before the idiot beat it down.

She grabbed a towel and wrapped it around her body, another around her hair, and ran for the door. “Kage bunshin no jutsu!” she heard from the other side.

“Naruto, no!” she yelled as she yanked the door open, getting kicked in the face by a replication. She fell back, landing hard on her ass.

“Sakura-chan! I’m sooo sorry!” Naruto cried, dispelling his replications and running in to help pick her up. He grabbed her a bit too harshly, causing the towel to slip as she got to her feet. Two people walked by, giving Naruto and Sakura shocked looks through the front door.

“Naruto!” she screamed, hitting him soundly on the head while diving for her towel.

“Sorry!” he called again, rushing forward to shut the door. He turned back to face her, hoping she wouldn’t kill him. “I’m sorry, Sakura-chan. I was just worried about you. You’re never late for anything, and then when you didn’t show up for breakfast this morning-”

“Naruto, I’m fine! Can you wait here a minute, please?” He nodded, color rising up his cheeks.

She hurried into her room and got dressed quickly, not bothering to mess with her hair. She met him back in the living room. “Can I get you anything?”

“No, no. Just-“

“Yes, you want to know what’s going on. I just had a stupid accident yesterday and Tsunade-shishou made me take this awful medication which happened to knock me out for several hours. I apologize I didn’t make it. I just overslept is all.”

Naruto nodded like he usually did when pretending to listen and not hearing a word. Sakura sighed. “Wait, accident!” It finally registered. “Are you hurt?”

“I’m fine, Naruto, I promise.”

“Well, it’s not too late to get lunch. Ichiraku’s?” he suggested enthusiastically.

“You do realize if you eat nothing but Ramen, you’re going to die, right?”

He smiled his usual, happily foolish smile. “Kakashi-sensei tells me that all the time too, but I haven’t died yet!”

“What an accomplishment,” she muttered, tying her hitai-ate into her hair and pulling the rest back with a band. She attached her shuriken pouch and kunai holster, grabbed her keys and they left.

* * * * *

“So you’re sure you’re okay,” Naruto asked for the third time since they left Ichiraku’s over an hour ago.

“Naruto, if you ask me one more time, I will not be held responsible for my actions!” Sakura shouted.

“Sorry, sorry. I just worry, you know,” he said, nodding sheepishly. She knew he cared. She studied his happy features, smiling. ‘He cares so much about me, about everyone in his life… I’m so lucky to have such a friend.’

“Neji!” Naruto shouted, “why did you leave so abruptly yesterday?” Sakura looked up to see Naruto flagging the Hyuuga down, and he was heading this way.

His image flashed before her eyes again, / his lips… warm and soft on hers, his hands… touching her body… forcing her to surrender…/

As he approached she could feel herself flush. His gaze met hers and she immediately looked away.

“I had things I needed to take care of yesterday. I do apologize for not being able to stay longer. I trust you and Hinata-sama had fun.” His eyes looked between her and Naruto. Sakura tried to make eye contact, but could feel the heat rising in her cheeks.

“Oh, yeah. It’s a shame you couldn’t stay. Listen, if you’re still interested, Sasame-“

Sakura looked up, startled. A girl? She looked at Neji. He answered simply, “Naruto, I do not mean this disrespectfully, but I was never interested. Please do not presume to set me up on a blind date again.” Naruto looked sheepish. It was rapidly becoming his ‘expression-of-the-day.’ Neji turned his attention to Sakura. “I trust you’re feeling better?”

“Hm? Oh! Yes! Yes, much better. Thank you for your assistance yesterday. It was… appreciated.”

Neji studied her. He nodded. “Remember what Hokage-sama said, you need rest. Don’t overdo it.”

/ Hands, roaming over her, claiming her, his breath hot on her skin…/

Sakura shook her head forcefully. “No, I won’t.”

“How’d you know about Sakura-chan’s accident?”

“He found me just after it happened,” Sakura said, grateful for the distraction. Anything to keep her from having to concentrate on Neji.

“So Neji, Hinata-chan said-“

“You guys have fun,” Sakura interrupted. “Naruto, I’ll catch up with you later. Neji.”

Neji tuned Nartuo out as he went on and on about something-or-other. He watched Sakura as she disappeared into the crowd. ‘Hmm…’

* * * * *


“Sakura, I told you to take it easy today,” Tsunade chastised. They were standing in front of Yamanaka’s flower shop. Sakura had just been about to walk in to see Ino when Tsunade caught her.

“Shishou, I’m fine. Really. I promise I am. I can’t just sit around at home all day doing nothing. I’m not out training, I’m not even doing anything strenuous. I’m just doing some errands. Really!” Sakura added for emphasis when she saw the disbelieving look on her mentor’s face. “I’ll go home soon, I promise!”

Tsunade looked over her apprentice. Sakura had the same fire Tsunade did so many years ago. “You’ve given me your word, Sakura, and I’ll hold you to it. Don’t think I won’t find out if you-”

“I won’t,” Sakura replied easily. Tsunade gave her one more look before continuing about her business. Sakura walked into the shop.

“What was that about?” Ino asked.

Sakura shook her head. “I had one teeny little accident yesterday and now everyone is telling me how I need to be all careful and not overdo it. Honestly, I’m a medic-nin. I think I’d know my own limits,” she said, rolling her eyes.

“No kidding. But honestly, Sakura, getting yelled at by the Hokage, you’re not over doing it, are you?” Sakura’s eyes burned the threat of death into her friends. Ino laughed it off. “No, of course you’re not. You’re a little goody two shoes.”

“Ino-pig, I’m warning you…” Sakura said, her eyes flames.

“Dad, I’m going out with Sakura real quick. Be back in ten,” Ino called, to which a muffled, “okay,” could be heard from the back.

They stepped out into the street. “Coffee?” Ino suggested.

“Let’s be really, really bad and go get milkshakes,” Sakura said, a wicked grin playing at her lips.

“Not that you need it,” Ino said teasingly. Sakura stopped in her tracks. “Kidding, Sakura! Kidding. Geez… Milkshakes sound great. After the day I’ve had…”

The two walked into a little soda shop and ordered, Ino recounting her guy troubles to her listening friend. A few times, she looked out into the street, having the strange feeling of being watched. “Sakura, are you paying attention or not?” Ino asked, clearly exasperated.

“What? Sorry, Ino. I was just thinking of something.”

“What’s so important you’re ignoring your best friend?” Ino asked, hurt, but also concerned.

“I just, well, this is going to sound crazy, but for a minute, I felt like I was being watched.”

Ino’s eyes got wide. “Really?” she asked in a hushed whisper. Then she laughed. “Duh, Sakura! Hokage-sama’s probably got you being tailed for being out of bed!”

Sakura stared at Ino in stupefied disbelief. “What?”

“Come on, Sakura! She was just yelling at you not fifteen minutes ago about being out of bed, and she threatened she’d know about it if you didn’t go home soon. She’s probably got you followed.”

Sakura sighed. “She would do something like that, wouldn’t she?” She took a long gulp of strawberry milkshake and sighed again. “She knows me too well.”

“Cheer up, Sakura,” Ino said, a wicked twinkle in her eye, “perhaps it’s some dashing young jounin like Genma who’s just waiting to sweep you off your feet.”

Sakura glared. “It’s probably a genin team in need of an easy mission. Besides, what makes you think there are any cute jounins just dying to sweep either of us off our feet?”

“Well, you never know,” Ino replied. “Anyway, I’ve got to get back before dad kills me. Besides, you need to head home before your tail reports to Hokage-sama that you didn’t get home and you really will be in trouble.”

They finished their drinks and left, heading back to the shop. Sakura looked over her shoulder a couple of times (and getting berated by Ino for doing so) but never found anyone.

* * * * *


Neji watched Sakura as she and Ino walked down the street, chatting animatedly. He’d just happened to hear the latter half of Tsunade’s chastisement of Sakura, waited until Sakura had gone, and stepped up to say hello, easily being recruited to play Sakura’s shadow and make sure she didn’t hurt herself. Perfect.

They went into the soda shop. Neji leaned against the tree, propped high up on a branch and out of sight. Activating the Byakugan, he simply watched.

Sakura talked with her hands a lot, for emphasis, demonstration, just because she could. Ino did the likewise, although not near to the same extent. Perhaps it was a girl thing. Neji wasn’t sure, but there was something about it that made it endearing.

There was something sensual about the way that straw sat on Sakura’s bottom lip, waiting for her lips to encircle it fully and drink, but not quite there. She did this a few times, pausing, as if waiting for something, but only fleetingly. The hesitated moment would pass and her lips would dominate it, sucking slowly… He wanted her lips.

He thought back to earlier, how she flushed when she saw him, how she seemed almost to stumble over words. The events that transpired yesterday afternoon also came to mind. Her breath, her coloring, the way her chest heaved, the way her lips quivered, yes, yes he had to have her.

The girls got up and left, heading back toward the flower shop. Neji could see Sakura turn, looking over her shoulder a couple of times, sensing his presence, hidden though he was.

He was already planning the next course of action.

* * * * *

The sun was on its downward descent. Soon came and went, and Sakura knew it was time to go home. It had been a relatively long day, all things considered, but relaxing nonetheless. It was the first time in a while that she was able to just take in the village, feeling a whole new appreciation for everything.

She walked the familiar path back to her home. The streets had cleared and everyone was eating dinner with their families. Sakura smiled, thinking of Naruto and Hinata, out on their date, hopefully at somewhere other than Ichiraku’s. ‘She’ll dump him before it even gets anywhere if he keeps taking her only there,’ Sakura smirked.

She stared into the empty street and for some reason thought of Sasuke, of how lonely it must have been for him after losing his family, how devastated he must have felt, how hard it all must have been…

And then Naruto, happy Naruto, who brought so much light and happiness into her life, trying to pull her through those dark days, even when he himself was in so much pain. How he could lose, and be nearly killed by, his best friend and still always put her feelings first… it amazed her.

She sighed, realizing how tired she was. It had been a long day. It would be nice to get home, crawl into bed and just sleep. /Fingers caressing… light kisses… fire within…/ Color returned to her cheeks. “God, why do I keep thinking about that ridiculous dream!?” she chastised herself aloud.

“What dream?” came a voice. She looked up, startled. ‘Why him? Of all people, why him?’ Hyuuga Neji looked at her with mild interest.

“Neji… what are you doing here?” she asked, clearly surprised.

“I was on an errand for Gai-sensei and am on my way home,” he replied simply, watching her expression evolve from shock to understanding. “And you?”

“Also going home,” she replied, a furious blush creeping into her cheeks.

“Hokage-sama gave you orders to stay home and rest,” he said indifferently. “I’m surprised. I never took you for a rule breaker.”

Sakura’s green eyes flamed, burning into Neji’s. “You wouldn’t know anything about it. You don’t know me,” she replied angrily. “Spending one afternoon together, for no other reason than a very extenuating circumstance might I add, does not make you an authority on me.”

“Why are you so angry?” he asked in a disinterested tone, his expression indifferent.

Sakura opened her mouth to say something, but stopped, feeling like a stupid child getting gently scolded by a patient, understanding parent. “I…” she couldn’t think of a single thing to say. Embarrassment was taking hold; she couldn’t stop the flames rising in her cheeks.

Neji watched in amusement as pink crept up Sakura’s neck into her cheeks. He hit a nerve. Excellent. He stared at her beautiful features as her eyes darted around everywhere avoiding his at all costs. He held the smile creeping at the corners of his lips in by sheer will power only.

Sakura could only stare at the ground in front of her, feeling very much the chastised child. Neji’s toes were fascinatingly cute sticking out of his ninja shoes. She’d never noticed how slender they were, how slender all of him was. Her eyes scanned his toes and legs, which were lean and muscular, his hips and waist masculine and well defined, long arms with slender, delicate fingers, a powerful chest, graceful neck, a gorgeously sculpted jaw and those gorgeous pale eyes, all framed by long, dark lochs… his lips… his lips looked soft and… kissable…

“You’re staring,” Neji said simply.

“Eh!?” Sakura cried, caught in an action she was unaware she was doing. “I-” She flushed all over again. “Uh…”

Neji sighed. “Are you alright?”

Sakura glared at Neji, angry again at being called out. “Of course. I’m fine. I do need to be on my way, though, Hyuuga-san, so if you’ll please excuse me.”

‘Hyuuga-san?’ Neji thought in mild amusement. ‘She must really be flustered.’ He nodded slowly, “I understand, however I must inform you that given the situation, I am obligated to escort you home. You’re quite flushed, indicating a strong possibility that you have not recovered from your injury. I am certain Hokage-sama would want to make sure her star pupil is looked after when in such a state.”

Fury rose in Sakura unlike any she’d ever known. Her hands, hung at her sides, balled into fists, finger nails digging into her skin. Her eyes began to burn and her lips quivered in absolute rage. “You are absolutely infuriating,” she growled through clenched teeth. Neji simply looked at her, completely nonplussed, which only fuelled her anger. “Do you only have one expression? Are you permanently stuck in this one facial-muscular position?” she shouted, her voice rising, “Do you not react to anything at all?”

Neji moved with lightning speed and Sakura found herself against a wall, his arms pinning hers down on both sides, his face only inches from hers. “As a matter of fact,” he smirked slightly, “I find myself reacting very much to you.”