EDITED: 4/1/17- minor spelling and grammar errors.

~~~~~~~~

33

"Come on, hurry!"

"All the good spots will be taken if we don't hurry up! Move it!"

"W-Wait, Ino! S-Sakura! My yukata..."

"Heh. I guess I'll see you slowpokes later. Come on, Hinata, you can ride Akamaru with me!"

The Hyuuga heiress looked up gratefully at her teammate. "Arigato, Kiba-kun." Meanwhile, Ino and the rest of the girls all hobbled quickly to secure the best spot for the night's fireworks display.

Every year at the last day of the Matsuri, Konoha ends the festivities with the most ornate fireworks display. It is one of the highlighted festival events and is popular among couples and young people. It's one hour before Konohagakure's night sky is lit up with the bright explosives, and most of the people have begun flocking towards the village square, where the fireworks display is set to begin.

"The village square will be crowded!" Kiba shouted to Lee and Naruto who began to race in a stupid attempt to be the first to sit beside Sakura. "Better go to the park instead!"

Ino's eyes brightened up. "Great idea Kiba!" She took Tenten's hand in her left and Sai in the other. She dragged them in a run, which was impressive considering the blonde was in a yukata. "Come on! Forehead-girl let's go!"

Sakura hurried after Ino. "You bet, Pig!"

The rest of the group namely Shino, Choji, Shikamaru, Temari, Kankuro and Gaara followed at a more leisurely pace. Kiba assisted Hinata on Akamaru's back.

"You okay, Hinata?" he asked as he settled behind the kunoichi.

"H-Hai. Thanks again Kiba-kun."

Kiba smirked. "No problem. Don't want you tripping over lest I get the brunt of your cousin's foul mood." He gave Akamaru a pat on the side, and the huge ninken began to lope.

"You mean, Neji-nii?"

The Inuzuka grunted and rubbed the spot where Hinata's kanzashi had lightly hit his cheek. "Yes. Haven't you noticed him the whole night?"

Hinata looked away from Kiba. "Well, I just thought he-he doesn't like the crowd."

They had reached the park and true to Kiba's thoughts, it was fairly deserted, with only a few couples and small families laying down blankets in preparation for the fireworks. None of their friends had arrived yet and Kiba smirked in satisfaction. Thank heavens for Akamaru, his effort to walk had somehow lessened.

"Find us a spot eh, Akamaru?"

The dog yipped and trotted towards a slight uphill. The grass was dry and from here, they had an outstanding view of Konoha's night sky, uninterrupted by other people. Kiba whistled the dog to stop and alighted first. He took Hinata by the waist and lifted her down. The Hyuuga heiress muttered a shy 'thank you.'

Soon enough their friends arrived one after the other: Ino, Sai, Tenten and Sakura—with the girls gasping a little with their running. Kiba had Akamaru run to meet them and they all plopped gratefully on the grass.

"My feet now hurt, Yamanaka!" Tenten muttered, taking off her geta sandals.

Ino just flipped her long hair out of the way as she sat on the ground. "Oh can it, Tenten! Would you rather we miss this?"

Sakura just hummed contentedly as she leaned back.

Choji, Shino, Shikamaru and the Sand Siblings shortly arrived. They settled on the grass, and the Nara had taken on lying down and closing his eyes while Temari sat quietly beside him. Chouji had opened a new pack of potato chips and Shino had settled near Hinata. Kankuro sat beside his brother quietly.

"H-how about Naruto-kun and Lee-san?" Hinata asked as she adjusted the folds of her yukata. Kiba sat beside her and gave her a smug grin.

"Relax, Hinata. Your boyfriend will be here," he teased. The Hyuuga promptly blushed, which earned amused chuckles from Ino, Sakura and Tenten.

"H-h-he's not—please don't say that!"

Kiba laughed. He nudged his teammate lightly. "I sent Akamaru after him and Lee. They'll be here soon."

They passed the time talking and laughing while they waited for the fireworks display. As the night deepened, the air grew colder and the group relaxed. Above them, the sky was dark with tiny stars and a half moon served as illumination. It was peaceful and calming. Hinata breathed deeply, smiling contentedly as she basked in the company of her friends.

Their small chitchat was interrupted by the loud arrival of Naruto, Lee and Akamaru. The ninken settled near his master and Naruto and Lee squabbled to sit beside Sakura. The pinkette bopped Naruto and Tenten grabbed Lee's ear to settle the two shinobi. Naruto sat on Sakura's left and beside Hinata (much to the delight of the indigo-haired kunoichi) while Lee sat a little to the pinkette's right—still considered to be a good seat. Next to Lee is Tenten and behind her was Ino and Sai.

"Naruto-kun and I brought some food!" Lee said and opened a bag.

"Hai! Hai!" Naruto said. "We got us ramen in all five flavors and more ramen—"

At this the group face palmed. Sakura began breathing heavily, eyes shut as if mentally counting one to ten. It was Ino who did the job for her.

"It's all ramen, you baka!" the blonde exclaimed.

Sakura shook Naruto wildly. "And not to mention, where will we get hot water to cook it in!" She yelled.

Beside Naruto, Hinata gasped and eyed Sakura warily. On one hand, she pitied Naruto because he's always at the receiving end of Sakura's anger. But on the other hand... Hinata sighed. This is Uzumaki Naruto, the guy she had liked since she was a young girl. It was his bright personality that she was first attracted to, after all.

She watched her friends and smiled contentedly. After being shaken like a rattle, Naruto had engaged Kiba and Shino in a conversation about jutsu, while Lee and Tenten along with Sakura were in light conversation about missions. From where she sat Hinata could see Sai writing something on his pad while Ino chattered away, blonde hair glinting under the moonlight. A little distance from her, Shikamaru was on the grass, watching the night sky. Temari was seated beside him, also looking up. The Kazekage and Kankuro are quiet beside them.

Hinata's eyes travelled from Shino and then back to everyone in their group until they settled at Tenten. At once, the Hyuuga realized that another shinobi from their clique was missing. She clenched a fist at her chest.

'N-Neji-nii?'

~~~~~~~

59 minutes and 59 seconds.

Neji slipped back into the dark alley, eyes watching the movements of the group of shinobi. He could make out the orange yukata of Naruto and Sakura's red ensemble as they walked along the crowded street. Not far from them is Sai and the others.

He pressed himself against the wall, careful to hide his presence. When they had passed, Neji stepped backwards further into the alley. Merging with the darkness, he leapt swiftly and maneuvered between the dank backstreets of various shops and restaurants before emerging into a side street. After making sure that he was not being followed, Neji walked on, dodged some civilians who were walking towards the opposite direction. He finally stopped at the foot of the tallest monument in the village.

He looked up and activated his Byakugan. In the dim lights, he saw no one and his chest clenched instinctively. But he shook his head lightly. There were still some minutes left, and he knew it wouldn't be easy for her to slip away to their meeting place. In fact, Neji had even prepared for the possibility of seeing her wolf, instead of her tonight, with the message that the kunoichi could not come and meet him. The risks after all, are not that miniscule.

Neji clutched the small box in his pocket. In spite of that unwanted possibility, he still hoped that he was wrong. He still hoped that she'd be there, just like he's here waiting for her.

The Hyuuga breathed deeply. He walked towards the Hokage Monument. As he climbed each step, his heart began beating faster like the taiko being beat in time with the festivities. He only felt like this whenever he's faced with a mission. Who knew that a simple meeting with a girl will be enough to make the Hyuuga's heart drum out of sync?

Except, this isn't just any girl. And this is still a mission. What makes this different from his other missions is that Neji had grown emotionally attached to the task.

'Rule #04: A shinobi must always put the mission first.'

'Rule #15: Shinobi are tools. Leave all emotions behind.'

Neji clenched his fists, finally reaching the topmost of the Monument. The night air was chilly and the silence a little unnerving. Far from the bustle of people and the steady thrum of music, he took a deep breath.

He lived by rules all his life: Hyuuga Main House rules, Branch House rules and when he joined the Academy, shinobi rules. But he learned soon enough that not one rule is absolute. And in his case, the red-haired kunoichi happened to have broken all of the rules he abided to in his entire life.

His pocket watch showed 5 minutes to 2100H. His senses heightened to hyperdrive. Neji tensed at the slightest movement of wind, the slightest sound of that distinct gait he had grown accustomed to.

Slow, painful minutes passed by.

The Hokage Monument stood still.

His heart had not stopped beating loudly since.

Still, there's no sign of the kunoichi.

~~~~~~~

Akira was met by her pack when she re-emerged from the clearing.

"Ookami!" She opened her arms and readied for the white ball of fur that glomped her. "Oof!" She stumbled backwards at the force, laughing. "Sachiko!" The pack surrounded her then, excitedly barking.

"Happy Birthday Hime-chan!" Akai exclaimed, joining her and Sachiko on the ground. Akira hugged the red wolf, her arms not enough to encircle Akai's broad form.

"Did you like our present, Hime?" Yuudai asked. He barked in surprise when he too was engulfed in a tight hug by Akira.

She buried her face in his thick fur. "Of course, I liked it!" Akira felt fresh tears spring up her eyes at the sight of her Ookami, her family. She wiped a tear with the back of her hand. "I'm very happy. Thank you so much." She motioned for Kuroi and Kishi, and the two wolves approached her. They nuzzled her neck affectionately. Akira did not bother hiding her tears of joy. Truly, she had never been this happy in any of her birthdays. She touched Genma's present now pressed against her chest through the fabric of her flak jacket.

"So," she sat cross-legged in the middle of her wolves. "Who told Genma-san? Hmm?"

Yuudai raised a paw sheepishly. "I did, Hime-chan. Well, we thought we'd do something special for once. Also, Sachiko told us how she overheard you and the Hyuuga kid...though I still don't think highly of him."

"Oh give it a rest, Yuudai-nii!" Sachiko said. "I told you, Neji-san's okay! Anyway, we know you'll be on duty Hime, on the day that he asked you to meet him! How romantic!"

As Sachiko gushed, the other members of the pack rolled their eyes and made faces in disgust. The white wolf ignored them.

"So then, we decided to tell Genma-san about it," Kishi said. "But we didn't tell him who you're meeting with, just that you want to spend your birthday with someone special. He caught on with the idea and asked us what could be a perfect present. And to set the record straight," he glanced at Yuudai, "I have reservations with regards to the Hyuuga kid but if he makes you happy, Hime, then I'll roll along with whatever."

"Me too," added Akai. "Something's off with that boy and I'm not particularly thrilled about him being around our Hime but if you're okay with him Hime-chan, then fine." He sat on his haunches. "Anyway, we told Genma-san that you'd like something nice—though aside from food, I dunno what else could be better."

Akira sighed and shook her head at her wolves. Their distrust towards Neji was not unfounded and she understood where they're coming from. But it cannot be denied that he is something positive in her life right now. She reached over to scruff the red wolf's ear fondly.

"Genma-san actually asked us if you'd like the photograph," Kuroi then said in his deep voice. "He showed it to me when I met him during his rounds and with the pack's approval, we all thought it was okay." He then sat beside Akai. "And I agree with Kishi and Akai about the Hyuuga kid."

Akira smiled widely at her wolves. "It's more than okay, Kuroi," she said gently. "I love it. Thank you very much! You guys...you do so much for me." She looked at the wolves at her feet. "And I'm fine with your reservations with Neji. To be honest, I'm still a little unsure about him too."

Sachiko had sidled to her. "But I thought you love him?" She sat facing Akira.

"Well..."

Five pairs of Ookami eyes were staring at her, waiting for her answer. Akira sighed heavily. "I... I still don't know."

"But you like him very much, right?" Sachiko persisted, eyes hopeful. "Otherwise you wouldn't let him be so near you." The four other wolves barked in agreement.

The redhead shrugged. Although she's close to the wolves and share most of her thoughts with them, it embarrassed her to admit that she does indeed like the Hyuuga very much.

"You'll still go and see him?" asked Yuudai.

"Yeah, I think I will," she replied. "It would be rude to let him wait."

"Then we'll come along," said Akai, standing up to his full height. "Just so he won't get the wrong ideas." Yuudai barked in approval.

Akira groaned. "If you come along, then who will watch the perimeter?" She shook her head for the nth time that night. When overprotectiveness hits her wolves... "I'll be fine and I'll only be gone for about three hours. If I'm not back by midnight then by all means tear him to shreds."

A sadistic chill permeated among the male members of the pack while Sachiko was the only one who protested.

"He better returns you in one piece Hime," Yuudai threatened. "Or he will find himself in pieces."

Akira buried her face in her hands. 'Oh dear...'

There was a short pause before Kishi suddenly perked up. "Hey, aren't you missing something, Hime-chan?"

"What, Kishi?"

In sudden unspoken consensus, the wolves barked in unison and tried to get Akira off her feet. Akira looked around in confusion. "Wait—"

Kishi stood up and using his snout, pushed Akira up to stand. "Hime, have you forgotten?" He pushed Akira harder and the kunoichi wobbled a little as she found her balance upright.

"Ookami, what're—"

Before she could finish her sentence, Akai and Kuroi bit her opposite sleeves and dragged her. Confused at the sudden change in action of her wolves, Akira ran along. Kishi, Sachiko and Yuudai went beside her.

Sachiko squealed excitedly. "Faster Hime-chan! Ah, you are not gonna put our efforts to waste!"

Akira's eyes widened in confusion. "What—" She turned to Yuudai. "What's this, Yuudai?"

"Apparently, it's 2100H."

That was enough to propel the kunoichi to volition. Akira channeled chakra to her legs. With the added surge, she leapt over a low-lying branch. Kuroi and Akai had let go of her sleeves and watched as the kunoichi ran, hair waving wildly behind her. They pulled back as they reached the edges of their assigned perimeters.

Just before Akira headed towards the Hokage Monument, she paused and turned to her wolves.

"Ookami..."

Instinctively, the wolves stood in attention and waited for orders. Instead, Akira smiled and even in the dark, her eyes were bright as they reflected the moonlight.

"Ookami, thank you."

~~~~~~~

Neji closed his eyes, steadying his breathing. He gripped the railing, the cold metal bringing added chill to his bones.

'Breathe.'

He forced himself to stay calm, to avoid thinking that maybe the kunoichi had decided to jilt him, or maybe she really had no intention of seeing him—after all, he didn't ask if she wanted to go. Neji clenched his fist. That thought alone was enough for one huge guilt trip.

'No. Just...Breathe.'

He followed his instinct and drew a deep breath. Along with the cool night air entering his lungs was the throb of that distinct chakra signature—pulsing and unsteady. He opened his eyes.

Green met pale lavender.

~~~~~~~~

Akira took heavy gulps of air in an attempt to steady her erratic heartbeat. She could feel herself shaking—probably because she dashed as fast as she could, and because Neji is looking at her like she was the most interesting creature he'd ever seen.

The kunoichi took a step forward, growing increasingly self-conscious. She could not help but smile at the sight of him. She knew she probably looked like an idiot, but she was just relieved that he kept his word. The butterflies in her chest multiplied ten-fold.

She approached him. "Hi."

When he didn't speak, Akira looked away. "I'm sorry if I was late, I sort of...ran into something." She looked back at him.

He only smirked in reply. "It's okay Akira."

Akira sighed in relief. "I wasn't too late, am I?"

"No. Still ways away from Kakashi-sensei."

She chuckled. He motioned for her to come closer and she did, blushing as he took her hand in his. Like a moth drawn to a flame, she sidled up to his side, as if she always belonged there. Akira snuck a look at the Hyuuga. His features were illuminated by the dim lights that decorated the Monument. He looked regal as ever, the dark kimono ensemble highlighting his strong jaw and aquiline nose.

She followed his eyes that were looking at the village below. Atop the Hokage Monument, they have a great view of the village and against the dark sky, there was nothing grander than Konoha alive with bright lights. They could hear the strains of music and the lively pulsating vibe of the village they called home. At this thought, Akira could not help but smile. Months ago, she thought otherwise. But after meeting him somehow, she has changed her mind.

They were silent as they enjoyed the view. Konoha is beautiful tonight but to Neji, it paled in comparison to the woman beside him. Discreetly, he snuck a long look. She exchanged her mini skirt and red haori with the standard Konoha shinobi attire: flak-jacket, dark pants and long-sleeved shirt. The uniform plus the obvious addition of weapons hid her curves, and the stiff flak jacket added bulk to her lithe frame. He was used to seeing her in shorter clothes, but this change in attire didn't make her any less feminine to his eyes. Her long crimson hair pulled back in a ponytail still retained its charm amidst the hitaite on her forehead, the slight flush on her cheeks and the curve of a smile on her lips still reminded him that the shinobi at his side is very much a woman.

A faint smile was on her lips. "Who would've thought it could be beautiful?" she said softly. She leaned forwards the railings. "Wow." She turned to look at him. "Do you know this is the closest I've been to the Matsuri since I was seven?"

Neji watched the kunoichi. Her smiled widened as she turned her attention back to the colorful parade happening below. To Neji, the village is his home and he had always found it beautiful, even with its flaws. While Konoha is still in the process of rebuilding after the damage it sustained from Orochimaru's attack, it has slowly regained its old grandeur. As a shinobi of the leaf, Neji is proud of it.

But watching the kunoichi now, he knew she probably doesn't share his views on the village. He still has a lot to learn about the Satsuna but as he watched her admiring the night sky, Neji sighed. 'In time...' he reminded himself.

Akira noticed him staring at her and blushed. "What?"

Neji shook his head. He shifted their joined hands. "I bought you food. I figured you have been on a strict beef-jerky-and-water-diet lately."

The kunoichi grinned. "Hell yeah. You're a life-saver!"

He smirked in amusement. After laying out the food he brought with him, they sat together and enjoyed the small feast.

The kunoichi's eyes brightened at the food he brought. She had survived on instant ramen and the dry food rations for almost a week. The only time she was able to eat warm food was during her off-duty day, and even then, all she ate was ramen and take-out. The bento box Neji brought her was a welcome change.

They shared the food between them, relapsing into idle chat. Akira told him of her uneventful patrol duty and the week prior. Neji frowned when she told him of the little incident with Saito.

"But he hasn't approached me since," Akira said, laying a hand over Neji's arm as the man stiffened with ill-hidden killing intent. "Besides, with the Ookami around, he'd be an idiot to even try."

"Where does he live?"

Akira's eyes widened. "No. You're not thinking of—"

Neji's unwavering stare told her what he's truly thinking. Akira gripped his arm tighter. Soon Neji relaxed a little and sighed.

"I was just going to give him a warning," he said, still a ghost of a frown on his lips.

Akira shook her head. "There's no need for that. Genma-san did already." She returned to her meal. "Besides, I don't want to give the village more reasons to spite me." She looked up to smile at him. "Still, thank you for the concern."

He didn't reply, but she blushed at the look he gave her. Akira averted her stare and stuffed her mouth full instead. Really, he should stop looking at her like that, he makes it difficult for her to breathe normally.

At the thought, she remembered what her wolves had said earlier. Among the pack, only Sachiko was openly welcoming of Neji's presence in their lives. Yuudai had always been outspoken about his misgivings, while Kishi, Akai and Kuroi had reservations. Their suspicions aren't unfounded though, with nothing but negativity around them, it's difficult for the wolves to be open to other people.

Akira glanced at Neji. She's wary of him too, but as days passed, her wariness had begun to wear off. He had not shown her any ill intention. He rarely even asked anything personal about her, and...

"I'd understand if... if you'd...if you want to leave." She pulled her hand away from him but he refused to let go. Akira looked at Neji and his eyes bore into hers.

"How many times do I have to tell you that I won't leave you?"

'I don't want to leave him either,' she thought, for once being honest with herself. She had developed feelings for the shinobi and really, she's tired of this tug-o-war within her.

"What's wrong?"

She must've been staring at him for quite a while. Akira blushed and promptly looked away. "Nothing, just—just remembered the wolves," she said. It wasn't totally a lie for she had been thinking of the pack before her mind drifted to thoughts of him.

Neji nodded. "And how are the pack?"

Akira then remembered what they said just a while ago: "He better return you in one piece Hime," Yuudai threatened. "Or he will find himself in pieces." Akira could not help but chuckle. "They're doing good."

"I take it, they still not okay with me," said Neji. "Especially Yuudai-san."

Akira's stare softened. She chose her words carefully. "Well, they're still not used to having someone...around me constantly." She sighed. "The only people that remained a constant in my life after everything, are Iruka-sensei and Naruto. So, I hope you forgive them for the occasional, umm, you know...threats and stuff. And I apologize in advance in their behalf."

"I understand," Neji replied, smiling a little. "Just tell them not to bite my head off."

Akira laughed. "They promised and Musha Ookami never go back on their promises!"

They continued with their meal, with light chatter about trivial things. After eating, the pair cleared away the bento boxes to the nearest trash can. They sat side by side with Neji's arm over the kunoichi's shoulder in a half embrace. She leaned against him and the Hyuuga was glad that she isn't withdrawing from his touch or from his presence.

He listened as she continued to tell him of her patrol duties, how she spent the festival in the boring darkness of the forest.

"It wasn't exactly boring though," she said. "I finished reading a novel, I was with the wolves and they provided enough entertainment."

Neji hummed in reply, just enjoying the feel of her warmth against his side. Her thick uniform was a little troublesome for him but he didn't mind. Just being with the kunoichi was enough.

He allowed the kunoichi to pace the conversation, only answering questions when she asked. He did not want to pressure her into divulging personal matters. She told him of her days in the orphanage, how she was never allowed anywhere outside its immediate vicinity so the only way she could enjoy the Matsuri is through the roof which she climbed.

"The orphanage isn't really a tall building, so I wasn't really seeing much, only the fireworks. The next time I got close enough to see the parade was when I was a genin. Then after that, when I was assigned patrol missions."

The kunoichi then sighed as if remembering a distant memory.

"You mentioned your grandmother," Neji said carefully, watching the kunoichi's face.

Akira nodded. "Yeah. My grandmother is my only family next to the wolves. She raised me since I was a baby. My last memory of the Matsuri was when I was seven and she took me to the parade. Months later, she died." She shrugged and hugged her knees together. "Since then I have volunteered to take patrol duties during the Matsuri to, I don't know, try to cope perhaps."

"I'm sorry."

She turned her head to look at him. "It's fine." She bit her lip before blurting, "Would—would you like to meet my grandmother?"

Neji paused.

Initially, he wanted to do things that would benefit his mission; take advantage of her vulnerability and her isolation but being with her now, looking at her, holding her...just how much is he willing to sacrifice for this mission? For his village?

She was looking up at him inquisitively and he realized he had been too quiet. He smiled.

"I'd be honored," Neji replied, giving the girl's arm a short squeeze.

Akira smiled and looked away.

Neji was glad that Akira seemed more relaxed now, unlike in the past where she'd immediately raise up her walls just at his slightest contact. He understood her trepidation, but he also welcomed the idea that the kunoichi is becoming more comfortable with him, opening like a book long forgotten.

"I think my granny will like you," she suddenly said, smiling. "She likes uppity, rich people with excellent manners."

Neji frowned, remembering their first mission together at Nadeshiko no Sato. Akira called him "annoying, rich and uppity" back then and he didn't like it.

"I'm not rich, I'm not uppity but yes, I was brought up with manners. If that would gain the favor of Satsuna-Obaa-sama, then I guess I'm fine with it."

"Oh I think she'll approve, my grandmother's pretty easy to please. Besides, you've been good to me, and for us...that's all that matters." She blushed at her last statement and looked away from him.

Neji smirked.

"That leaves four then."

"Four?"

"Yes, four. I figured Sachiko-san has approved of me, and if you say that Satsuna-Obaa-sama is okay with me being 'uppity, rich and with excellent manners' then that leaves Yuudai-san, Kishi-san, Kuroi-san and Akai-san's approval."

Akira returned his stare, her green eyes wide with mixed hesitation and tenderness. The pink hue on her cheeks remained and Neji was hard-pressed not to take advantage of her stillness. The kunoichi visibly tensed.

"Approval for what?" she asked him, a little breathless.

Neji took a deep breath. "To be with you," he said simply.

The kunoichi seemed to have stopped breathing as she continued to look at him, emerald eyes wide. In the distance, the deep sound of taiko and gong echoed, signaling the countdown til the fireworks display. Neji felt the girl tremble against him, and he was surprised when she moved from his side to face him fully.

Akira felt her heart drumming in her chest. She was certain he could hear it but she didn't mind. Many times, she often wondered where she truly stood with the Hyuuga, even going as far as doubting him. But she soon realized that he had been clear from the start, and the realization of his admission threw her in for a loop.

"You're in my personal space, Hyuuga."

"As you are in mine, Satsuna. And I don't really mind."

"I'm not really an expert on reading people like Yamanaka," he said, his voice filled with controlled laughter. "But for a moment there, I was damn sure you were jealous. For what it's worth, I'm...relieved...that it's not purely from my end."

"You asked why I didn't leave you? Because I can't. I still don't understand why but I do know one thing. I can't leave you, Satsuna."

"You'll tell me when you're ready. And I'll be here to listen."

"Approval for what?" she asked him, a little breathless.

Neji took a deep breath. "To be with you," he said simply.

Their eyes met—green and lavender—and the beating of the taiko from the Matsuri below them matched the erratic beating of her heart as Akira leaned to hold Neji's face in her hand. The Hyuuga tensed but remained still as she pressed her forehead with his, the cold metal of her hitaite against the bandages that covered his family seal.

"You have my approval," Akira whispered and she closed the distance between them by pressing her lips on his.

Neji froze for a minute, the sudden action of the kunoichi causing his mind to blank temporarily. Her warm hands on his cheek and her lips moist against his was enough to wake him from his stupor and he pressed her close, ignoring the rough bulk of her flak jacket against him. Her hands travelled from his face to loop around his neck. Neji responded by wrapping his arms around her waist, keeping her close to him.

Akira reveled in his touch, giving in to the primal voice in her head that had wanted him since the beginning. She felt him break away, only to breathe and then he claimed her mouth once more, and Akira was lost in the whirlpool of emotions and new sensations.

Shortly, they broke away for air. The sound of the taiko and gongs had ceased in the distance, only to be replaced by the loud cheers of spectators as Konoha's night sky became alive with the explosion of fireworks.

Akira looked up, a smile slowly forming on her lips as she watched the sky light up with so many colors. She breathed deeply, craning her neck to see more of the wonderful sight. When another bout of fireworks was lit, her smile widened and she looked down at Neji.

In an unspoken agreement, they both stood by the edge of the Hokage Monument, admiring the unparalleled beauty of Konoha. The sky was bright with the hundreds of paper lanterns and the fireworks display. Different patterns of brightly colored wheels, dragons littered the night sky. It was breathtakingly beautiful.

Neji looked at the kunoichi beside him, taking in the delicate features that hid behind the harsh façade: her flushed skin, the tangle of red locks blown gently by the wind, lips curled into a rare smile and eyes made brighter by the fireworks. The bright lights illuminated her face and since he had known her, Neji had not seen the kunoichi this happy. He gripped her hand tighter in his, causing the Satsuna to look up at him.

He took this as his chance and he handed her the small box he kept in his pocket all along. Akira's eyes widened.

She carefully opened the small box with trembling fingers. She gasped at the sight of the intricate Tsuba*. Under the lights of the fireworks, the accessory gleamed. The smooth round edges were of plain silver but the carvings had the intricate details of a wolf's head. Akira stared up at Neji who was watching her.

"Happy birthday, Akira."

She shook her head, willing to stop the tears that had sprung up her eyes for the second time that night, but she failed.

Neji pulled her close and the kunoichi settled into his embrace, burying her face onto his chest. Above them, the night sky was in its full glory, bright lights showering their figures with multiple hues. He felt her tremble in his arms and he looked down to meet her stare.

Akira's eyes swept over Neji's face and she saw her own desire mirrored in his pearlescent gaze.

Her eyes had darkened into emeralds. She pressed her forehead against his, his mouth hovering over hers.

"I love you," she whispered, the loud noise from the festival drowning the words, making it seem non-existent.

But Neji heard, and he claimed her mouth, losing himself to the familiar yet new sensations of her mouth on his, the taste of her tears, her hair whipping against him, the feel of her arms around his neck, the scent of wild flowers filling his head.

And in the whirlwind of lights, sounds and heart beats, there is only her... and to him, that is all that mattered.

~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR'S NOTES:

*Tsuba- it is a part of the katana, roughly equivalent to the hand-guard so that the wielder does not hurt his hand. It is also used to block strikes and could also be used to disarm. In the olden times, Tsuba are made with such attention to details, with intricate carvings. Sometimes it contains the signature of the maker. Most Tsuba are made of strong metals but from what I read, modern Tsuba nowadays are fashioned to appeal more to the eyes than for practical use.

Alright, now to address some of the details in this chapter:

1. Why Tsuba instead of something romantic like a necklace or a ring? For practical reasons because jewelry will get in the way of fighting.

2. A friend told me that it seemed strange for Neji to be anxious just waiting for Akira. While I acknowledge my friend's comment, I have to say that it wasn't really strange because it's established in the fic that Akira is never late. So the fact that she's late now, is worrisome for Neji.

3. The Ookami, with the exception of Sachiko, are still not comfortable with the relationship of Akira and Neji. In the first version of this chapter (including chapter 32), I wrote a part there where the wolves argue amongst each other about Neji's inclusion in Akira's social circle. I intended that scene to be included in this chapter but removed it eventually since I felt that it didn't really fit well in this chapter. I wanted to focus on Akira's growing feelings for Neji and since this chapter happens on her birthday, I want our protagonist to be happy for a bit.

4. I know you guys are surprised when Akira confessed her love for Neji. Some might say it's out of character for her to be easily in love with Neji, given that she has deep-seated trust issues. However, I think it's just plausible and logical that she falls in love because the only real relationships she had are with her wolves and grandmother (familial love), Iruka and Naruto (brotherly love) and Hayate (which she sees as her mentor). Other than that, she has no inkling of what it's like to be in a romantic relationship with a man and thus has no past experiences to compare her current feelings for Neji with. So it's easy for her to deduce that she loves him not as a brother or friend, but as a man. Besides, it's not as if she made the decision over night. I have mentioned in past chapters how Akira struggled with her emotions towards Neji, often pushing him away. Her constant tug-o-war with herself is the reason why it took 27 chapters for them to kiss, haha!

5. In addition, Akira had been starved of companionship for a long time so when the first person came along and made his intentions clear (aka Neji), her first reaction is to push the person away, and then eventually, let him in. And I think it just made sense. Though if you think otherwise, please feel free to tell me, I'm open to suggestions and discussion.

6. Yes, I intended Neji not to return Akira's admission. Why? Because I'm sadistic like that. Lol. But really, the last couple of lines are open for interpretation, be my guest, I'm interested to read what you think.

Okay, that was one hell of an Author's Notes. If you enjoyed my story, please drop a vote or a review. Any feedback is welcome!

Thanks in advance and I appreciate your support!