Title: The Very Best
Rating: M
Pairing: (Main) Sasuke/Ino, Itachi/Sakura, Itachi/Ino (one-sided), Orochimaru/Sasuke (one-sided), Gaara/Naruto
Summary: AU. Modeling was always Ino's dream, but, as she finds out, it's not as glamourous as it seems. At least she has another newcomer to look to: Sasuke Uchiha, whose brother is a world-renowned fashion photographer. But to be the very best, Sasuke and Ino must both make decisions that could make or break their careers in the modeling business forever.
Warning: Rape, homosexuality, language, dark themes.
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any characters of that anime/manga mentioned.

Chapter One

"Ino Yamanaka," Itachi said, extending a hand to the young woman. Ino stood up and nervously shook it. She couldn't believe that she was actually in the presence of Itachi Uchiha, the hot fashion photographer right now.

"I'm so glad you could make it," Ino said, her bright blue eyes taking in Itachi. She felt confident in her abilities now that she was standing in front of the man who could make her a known face in the modeling business. "I know that you're extremely busy."

"I could always find time for you," Itachi said, smirking. Ino nearly swooned. Ino took her place back in the restaurant booth, Itachi sitting across from her. They weren't here for a meal, though Ino had ordered a light salad as soon as she got there. It was the cheapest thing on the menu and it was her dinner.

"Thank you, sir," Ino said, smiling. Itachi took a long look at her, his eyes traveling over every exposed inch of her. Ino reddened a bit when he got to her breasts, which were larger than most model's.

"You are a very talented model, Ino. Don't let anybody tell you otherwise. I've seen your portfolio and I watched your recent fashion show. Very impressive." Ino nearly swooned again. She nodded thankfully.

"I didn't think I'd make it this far," Ino said. Itachi chuckled and smirked again. He crossed his arms and leaned forward. His long hair was down, part of it falling over his shoulder.

"You still have much farther to go before you can even make it to the Little League," Itachi said. "But... I can help you with that. I'm having a shoot with some other models this Friday and I'd love for you to participate. I think you have the skill to fit right in with these models - some of whom you may recognize from fashion magazines."

"I'd be honored," she said. She was nervous, so nervous that she had actually lost her nerve to speak. Ha! Sakura would have a field day when she knew Ino had actually been speechless. Itachi scribbled an address on the back of his business card and handed it to Ino. She took it gratefully.

"I look forward to seeing you," Itachi said. He stood up and walked away. Ino just stared at the business card and grinned widely. Her first major photo shoot with Itachi Uchiha. She knew exactly how many girls would kill to be in her position, which made her all the more excited. Her mother had told her that she was wasting her time, that she'd never make it farther than a few no-name photographers.

Well, she sure showed her. Ino carefully put the business card into her clutch and waited patiently for her salad, sipping her water.


Thoughts?