Author's Note: Hello readers. The concept for the story is rather funny, actually, since it all started from a conversation I was having with my dad about my brother and manners. xD you'll see what I mean when you read. I kind of wrote this on a spur of the moment, so I don't really have a plot going here... for now. I potentially want to make Hinata appear in here should I continue, so yeah. I'm still working out the kinks to the concept. After I wrote the flashback, I kind of just kept on writing what came to my head... so we'll just see how you guys like this and I'll decide whether I should write more or not. Please don't hesitate to leave feedback in a review, and toss in some ideas if you want. Happy reading!

Disclaimer: Naruto belongs to Masashi Kishimoto.

Rating: Teen for now, but could move up to Mature later.

Warnings: Please overlook the grammar and spelling errors. I obviously don't have a beta (yet), being a newbie and all!

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Chapter One

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A gentleman knows that accepting an invitation is like signing a business contract. His host promises to entertain the guests, and he agrees to do his part to make the event a success.

His arrival is punctual — not too early and not more than fifteen minutes late, especially if a meal is being served. He participates in the activities that have been planned, and he makes pleasant conversation with the other guests. He does not overindulge at the bar, nor does he gorge himself at the dinner table — although he takes a second helping when it is offered.

When the party is winding down, he leaves with efficient grace. He thanks his host or hostess and says goodbye to any new friends he may have made.

And once he steps foot into his abode, then and only then can he drop his smile and afford to sigh in exasperation.

Sasuke Uchiha ran a hand through ebony locks.

"Stupid clan functions..." he growled to himself, shoving off his suit jacket as he tossed it onto a smooth black leather armchair. Undoing the tie that was done a little too tightly, and had been only one of the many things annoying him that night, he went straight upstairs and headed to his bedroom.

Roughly pushing the door ajar, he began to strip his articles of clothing one by one until he was left in his boxers. Proceeding to the bathroom, he filled the marble sink up until there was enough cold water for him to cup, splashing it on his face.

He caught his reflection in the mirror as he looked back up to cold, dark eyes.

He was still frowning.

After running a hand through his hair, its usual spikes at the back were left slightly deflated. Slightly-darkened bags were ever so lightly present next to the faintest of lines that could be made under his eyes, somewhat resembling that of his older brother.

'That good for nothing, bastard.'

It was because of him that Sasuke was caught in the middle of situations like these to start with. When the older Uchiha wasn't around, everything else was forced on to him, without his word or say in how he felt in the matter. It was only coincidence that his dear older brother would have other plans to attend to, somewhere else to be. Anywhere else but where they really need him the most. Every time when the event held great significance and the utmost importance, he'd somehow slip by, leaving him to fill in his shoes as his stand in.

'The weasel.'

Sasuke sighed, shutting the faucet water off after quickly brushing his teeth and flossing. Making his way out of the bathroom, he strode languidly towards his bed, trying to get comfortable under the sheets. Laying down on his back, face to the ceiling, he closed his eyes in contemplation.

Ever since he was but a young boy learning his ABC's, he was raised in the way of proper etiquette and mannerisms by his father. As head of Uchiha Enterprises, it was only natural of him to expect his sons to carry on the Uchiha pride, upholding it's reputation and living up to its name. Regardless of the fact that the position as next leader was more than promised to Itachi once Fugaku stepped down, their father wasn't any less strict on Sasuke's upbringing. Age was but a number, and though the Uchiha were more or less traditional than the next old-age clan that has been around for generations, the spot as heir was essentially up for grabs.

It was a logical concept on its own, Sasuke mused to himself once when he thought about it. Just because one was older, their age alone did not automatically qualify them as the best fit to be leader. With the factor of age pardoned, Sasuke now actually stood a fair chance this way of proving himself worthy.

So for years on, though it was never explicitly stated, Sasuke and Itachi were in a long, silent competition between brothers over the title for heir. The latter, expressively indifferent on the outside towards the situation — as far as if it's a different story on the inside, Sasuke would never know — and the former, trying to prove that he was better than said latter.

Countless times, Sasuke could recall instances off the top of his head of when his nii-san would crush him. Embarrass him. Triumph over him, and smile that annoying, knowing smile of his every single damn time. He furrowed his brows in aggravation as a memory washed over his senses, and a deep familiar voice grew louder in the back of his head.

"Get up."

An 11 year old Sasuke fell to his knees as his opponent kneed him hard in the stomach. Panting heavily and holding the spot that he was sure was going to bruise later, he looked up into onyx eyes that were much like his in every way.

Itachi's eyes were always cold and calculating, but there was something else in his stare that Sasuke couldn't name as the younger Uchiha struggled to his feet, getting back into his fighting stance.

They had been sparring for nearly 2 hours straight, and Itachi being Itachi, was never one to take fighting lightly. That also included practice sparring. In this dog eat dog world, only the best and the strongest survived. One must be prepared for anything.

"Falling behind already, Sasuke?"

Invigorated frustration replaced his feelings of fatigue as the young Uchiha charged with all his might into his nii-san, who didn't move a muscle; as if he was expecting nothing more than a mere hug. Sasuke grew all the more angry inside, wanting his brother to take him seriously. Wanting to prove him wrong.

And though Sasuke would never admit it — he wanted to make him proud.

He was always number two with him. When he did good and got a 96%, Itachi would do better and excel with a 100%. Where he messed up once in executing a taijutsu combo, Itachi would perform and execute it flawlessly. Where he needed something re-done, Itachi would only need one shot. Sasuke hated just as much as he grudgingly respected his brother. Out of all the people he was trying to prove himself to, his brother was number one.

He was gifted in every way, and unlike him, he didn't need to try. Itachi was and had everything everyone wanted for themselves, and it was no exception to Sasuke. He was his idol.

Until they grew older, anyway.

Before Itachi started to spend less time with him and more time on his studies. Before the practice sessions in taijutsu to better himself had turned harsh, eventually seizing itself all together until training was something he did alone. Before the loving, caring brother he knew from his days as a 7 year old grew cold and gradually distant.

Itachi never explained himself; Sasuke never asked.

He assumed it was his way of a hint to step up his game on his own.

"I will never lose to you!" Sasuke yelled, ready to punch his brother in the face before Itachi turned to dodge at the last minute. Stopping his punch with one mere hand, he turned and twisted it uncomfortably behind Sasuke's back, not missing the upward tug of the older Uchiha's lips. Sasuke could practically see his smirk behind his head, as he struggled out of his firm grasp on him. He emitted a deep, low chuckle, sending chills down the younger Uchiha's nerves.

"Just try and prove me wrong then, little brother."

Squeezing his eyes shut tightly, Sasuke unconsciously gripped the sheets in a tight hold as he roughly turned to his side. He didn't want to go on remembering anything anymore. It was pointless, and he was tired. There was no use in recalling memories of how things used to be; of how the people in his flashbacks were long gone, now replaced by the alter-egos of themselves.

Somewhere along the way, he had forgotten just when and how things changed. The brother he used to look up to was now the same man shunning his responsibilities down on to him. The more he thought about it, the more he cursed himself for being such a young, prideful fool.

The position as Uchiha heir was honestly something he could give less than two fucks about. When it came down to it, all he really wanted was to just beat Itachi. All he longed for was his approval, his acceptance. If the only way for him to see his worth was through snatching his position as heir, then so be it.

Turning his head to face the blinking neon red lights of his digital alarm clock, he grunted as he closed his eyes, this time in an attempt to get some much needed sleep. It was 12:28 AM, and he had to be in the office for work later that day in less than 6 hours. The past 2 weeks had been nothing but a routine for him — wake up, work, eat, sleep, repeat. It was currently Wednesday by less than half an hour ago, and he mentally sighed as he told himself that at least it was only a few days away from the weekend he had off.

All he had to do was get through some more paperwork and drab meetings, plus another clan function he had to attend to with another clan on Friday night. Too weary to recall which clan it was, Sasuke yawned as he slowly willed himself to sleep. So long as they weren't anything like the talkative Yamanakas he had to deal with tonight, he told himself that he'd manage.