AN:My FINAL chapter!...I'm so glad to have finished one...thanks everyone...specially those who gave me encouragement...okay...finally you'll know who Sakura chooses...believe me I had a hard time deciding...I can't please everyone...but this for me is the best ending...thanks for your reviews!...oh and I have another story coming up so please watch out for it...:)

Chapter 8: When Dark Clouds Disappear

It wasn't hard to find Neji's home. Everyone in town knew the guy. She took a couple of turns and found his apartment. She decided against knocking, Neji probably won't open the door if he found out that it was her.

She turned the door knob and was pleased that it was unlocked.

Now who's too trusting Hyuuga?...

It was dark inside, and she flipped the switch.

And when she saw what was in front of her, she wished she hadn't turned on the light.

Sitting on the couch was Neji, and on his lap was a blonde haired woman.

She felt something clench her insides. Pain shot through her heart, it was so intense that she was almost blinded.

But she prevented her tears from coming out.

She was kissing him...more like eating his face...she thought angrily.

Wait...why am I jealous all of a sudden...I have no right...

She was so deep in thought that she didn't realize that they have stopped, both staring at her. It was the woman's voice that brought her back to reality. Her voice was husky, obviously not pleased that she was interupted.

"Let me guess, you're Sakura."

"W-wha?...Oh, yeah...uhm...hey how'd you know?"

The woman laughed.

"How can I NOT know, Neji talks about you non-stop. And now I see why he keeps on avoiding my advances, but a while ago, he actually allowed me to touch him..." She looked at Sakura knowingly. "...a lover's quarrel? I could teach you a few ways to wash away his anger...just push the right button-"

"Temari! Shut the hell up and get out!"

Neji finally spoke, his face showed no emotion, but his voice boomed with anger.

"Alright, alright! I'm leaving, geez, lighten up will you. You're so ugly when you're like that."

Sakura couldn't contain her laughter, Temari smiled and winked at her. She was supposed to hate the woman, but she ended up liking her. A few more days in Suna and they'd be best buds.

"Don't mind him Sakura-san, He may be like that but I can tell, you mean so much to him."

Sakura blushed, Neji Told her to get out again.

Her heart was beating madly, she was aware of everything. From the closing of the door as Temari went out, to Neji's sharp intake of breath. She was looking at everywhere but him. It was so easy to think of what to do when he's not in front of her. But now that he's there, her mind was blank and she didn't have a single clue on what to do.

"Sakura, why are you here."

He turned his back from her, he must not let his control slip. He would ignore his emotions and overcome this. But it was easier said than done, her mere presence was enough to drive him mad. Now that his question was asked, he didn't want it answered.

"Uhm..." Why am I here?...

"It's not a hard question Sakura."

"I...I followed you...because, there's something I want to know..."

"And what do you want to know?"

He silently cursed himself, why can't he just keep his big mouth shut?

"Neji-kun..."

He took another intake of breath...Sakura, don't...don't call me that, you don't know how close I am to breaking out of my chains...

"Why did you leave?"

He hardened his voice when he replied.

"It's none of your damn business. But just so you know, there are much more important things than you and I, you're flattering yourself too much if you're thinking that I left because of you. I have my responsibilities. I don't need you, I don't care about you. So why would I feel so damn alone if I am not with you! Why do I have to spend each night thinking about you! Why do I feel so mad when I saw you with Sasuke?"

He closed his eyes, he lost it, he lost control, and not only does she now know what she has done to him, she now saw a part of him he tried so hard to hide.

She remained speechless, staring at his back.

"Are you happy now Sakura? Now that you have brought me to my knees?"

Her reply was to touch her forehead to his back, her hands at her sides. His body stiffened at her actions but he didn't move away from her.

"I'm sorry Neji-kun, I didn't know how much pain I've caused you. I was selfish, to tell you the truth, I came because I was confused, I...I wanted to know what your feelings are for me...Neji-kun...please don't get mad, just let me stay with you like this for a while, then I promise you I won't bother you again. I'll be out of your life. And you won't feel pain or sufferings anymore..."

He felt her tears through his clothes, and he felt so much guilt. He never meant those hurting words, it was he who was selfish, and it was she who was hurt the most. He had no right to lash out at her, he was not even worthy of her tears.

And so when he felt her warmth leaving, he quickly turned around and pulled her to him. He wrapped his arms on her waist and buried his head in the crook of her neck. He breathed in her scent, and that was all it took for him to release all his inhibitions.

"No, don't go away. Stay..."

"N-Neji-kun?..."

"It's me who must ask for forgiveness."

Sakura's arms wrapped themselves on Neji's neck, and it was enough to make him understand that he was forgiven. He raised his head and looked directly in her eyes, a second later, his lips were on hers.

They were dancing around fire and they loved it. His hands started caressing her sides. She opened her mouth when he traced it with his tongue and the kiss deepened. His lips left her mouth and traveled down her throat, she arched her back when his hands cupped her left breast. He nearlr ripped her clothes when he heard her moan his name.

But this is also when he decided that they should stop, she still wasn't ready for this. He gave her one more kiss then pulled her to his room.

"Sleep here. I promise to be good."

She laughed at what he said.

They were lying on the bed, his arm was under her head, her head was on his chest and her arms were across his stomach. They were contented.

"Neji-kun, thank you."

"For what?"

"For stopping earlier, because I didn't want you to."

He smirked at her and kissed her forehead.

"Don't thank me yet, I might forget my promise."

She laughed again then closed her eyes. It was the first time, since they were apart, that they both slept with a smile on their faces.

Sakura was the first to wake up the next day. She watched his sleeping face fondly, she traced his face with her finger, then she leaned down and kiss his lips gently.

Finally the she was beginning to put the pieces of the puzzle together, there was only one thing left to do.

She got up from bed and wrote Neji a letter.

After a few minutes, she went out of his apartment and walked towards the inn.

But Sasuke was not there, a note was left for her. He went back to Konoha.

And because she was not one to give up easily, she decided to follow him there.

She knew she should have told Neji first, but she knew he would insist on coming along, but she wanted to do this alone. She must.

When she arrived in Konoha, she immidiately asked for his whereabouts. But no one has seen him yet.

Following her instincts, she went to the park where they used to hang out. Indeed, he was there.

"What the hell were you thinking Sasuke!"

He turned around, shock written on his face.

"Sakura!"

"Why did you leave abruptly Sasuke? i wanted to talk to you."

"I guess that's why...you see...I told myself that I wouldn't get hurt if you chose him. But I lied Sakura. I love you so much, and it would be so hard for me to let go."

"How did you find out?"

"I realized it when you ran after him. I guess I already knew even before we left here, I just didn't want to accept it. But if it makes you happy, then I'd try."

"I'm sorry Sasuke."

"Don't be, I made a mistake, and this is the price I have to pay. Just be happy Sakura, that would be enough for me."

"I'll always love you Sasuke, but not in the same way as before."

"Then that's more than enough for me."

He cupped her face before kissing her on her forehead, then he hugged her tightly, knowing that it would be the last time that he could do so. When they parted, they smiled at each other.

"So what're you gong to do now Sasuke?"

"I'm going back to Sound today. There's nothing left for me here anyway. But I'd visit sometimes."

"Promise?"

"I promise."

That said, Sasuke started walking away from her. He smiled at himself, knowing that in such a short time, she managed to change his views in life. For the first time ever, he was enjoying every bit of his surroundings. Sure he may not be able to find another one like her, but he didn't mind. He won't forget her or his feelings for her, but as long as he knows that she's smiling, it would be enough to fill the empty space in his heart…Maybe it's time to forgive my brother…

The gates of the village was near, Sasuke saw someone leaning on one of the posts. It was Neji.

"Hyuuga, I didn't know you like me that much, how long have you been waiting for me?"

"Don't flatter yourself Uchiha, I heard your conversation with Sakura."

"Really? Well good for you. Just make sure you won't hurt her or I'll kill you."

They smirked at each other.

"Sasuke...thank you."

"Don't thank me yet, I might steal her away from you someday...but for now...you're welcome."

He found Sakura where he thought she'd be.

Under the cherry blossom.

She was really a beautiful sight to behold, with her long pink hair flowing freely in the wind. If he didn't know her better, the picture she presented to him right now would be enough to make him fall for her.

She was annoying most of the time...

She was the reason why sleeps so late at night and wakes so early in the morning...

She broke all his defenses...

She made him lower his pride...

She has a short temper and she fusses over small things...

And she's the reason why his well organized life was now jumbled...

But she was also sweet and kind...

She was there to understand him...

She was herself all the time...

And with all the love she has shown to him...

How can he not fall in love with her...

She stood under the tree Neji gave her, she was thinking about a lot of things, but mostly about Neji. She knew that she has a place in his heart, but she still didn't know if that was because he loves her. But she chose him, because her heart screams for him, and because she wanted him in her life.

She COULD live without Neji...she just DIDN'T want to...

She also knew that he wouldn't say the words yet, but she was willing to wait, even if it would be a long while.

She was contented that they were together.

She was happy that he finally shared with her a part of himself.

She was in love with Neji, and that's all that matters.

"Hey there gorgeous."

She jumped when she felt his lips on her ear.

"Neji-kun! What are you doing here?"

"Well, I missed you, so I followed you. I searched evreywhere for you. And now I'm tired and it's your fault. So I'm never letting you go because I'm going to punish you."

She giggled playfully at him.

"You're so sweet Neji-kun" She told him sarcastically.

"Well I could try harder."

Neji smirked at her and Sakura just rolled her eyes.

"Why do I find that hard to believe?"

"Wanna try me?"

"Fine." She challenged him.

He moved close to her then embraced her loosely.

"I love you."

And her jaw dropped.

She didn't have to wait long after all...

She smiled.

"You win Hyuuga...I love you too."

They kissed under the cherry blossom tree...

Until the stars went up in the sky...

Literally.

THE END