Chapter 1: Sasukes POV

High school was over, and so was my wondrous popularity. Of course, as soon as my youthful face grew slightly rugged, the screaming fan girls immediately moved on. They started to realize there was no attention coming from my end, and eventually smartened up enough to give their attention to someone deserving of it. I wish I could say I wasn't phased, but in reality it was one of the biggest shocks I've had to face. To go from having girls faint by simply brushing their shoulder to being constantly ignored is quite painful as well as awakening. I wasn't much of a talker in the first place, but in the rare occasion there was something I needed to get off my chest, I always had someone more than willing to lend an ear. Throughout high school, all I wished for on a daily basis was some peace and quiet, yet now that I received it, I was faced with nothing but regret. Why couldn't I bask in the glory of fame and followers when I had the chance? The only sound that ever filled the gloomy empty box I call an apartment was the sound of the high way, much too close to my house. I sometimes liked to stare out the window and watch the cars go by. I wondered if those people are going to see their loved ones, if they even had loved ones. Maybe they were like me, lonely and depressed. I wish I at least had someone to blame for this earth shattering sadness, but there is only myself at fault.

I developed a little bit of a personality disorder, I guess you could say. A mix of social anxiety, with a little bit of post traumatic stress disorder, and a pinch of cocky attitude. Who am I kidding, anyone else you'd ask would tell you ninety-three percent of my personality consists of cocky attitude. I can't deny it or I can't continue lying to myself. I was full of shit, I chased people away, and I am now in a rut that somehow feels permanent. Here I am, 19 years old, feeling more sorry for myself than that hooker down the street.

My living situation was less than pleasant. I was the lone survivor of my family. My parents both passed away in an unknown accident, at least that's what my brother told me. Every time I tried to bring up the subject, he'd either throw a tantrum and leave or smack me. One day my parents were here, and the next they never returned home from work. Before I got to learn the truth, my brother's hooligan friends got him murdered in a drive by shooting. It's rather ironic he was the one involved in illegal activity when my entire family deemed him to be the intelligent one, the one who would bring pride to my parents. The rest of my extended family is nowhere to be found. Well, I guess I shouldn't say that. I'd probably find them with ease if I bothered to search. They didn't look for me, and I wasn't particularly interested in looking for them either. This leaves me with nothing, except a giant inheritance from my parents.

One of the greatest mistakes I'd made was continuing to live in a house this size. I never realized thatthis amount of empty space could make one feel empty inside as well. Furniture shopping was never much of an interest to me, so my house was very simplistic and well organized in contrast to my thoughts and feelings which were unorganized and jumbled. Some days when I walk into my house and I see the stairs straight ahead of me, I giggle a little. It amuses me knowing that there is a giant floor upstairs filled with empty bedrooms. It amazes me to know that less than a year ago I thought this much space would barely suffice. I don't recall what I was planning to do with the space. A part of me feels it was in memory of my family. My father always loved grand things and my mother loved modest, simple things. This house represents both of them in someway. I sold a majority of my family's things when they passed away. It was too much to bear, smelling their scent every time I walked by their room and hearing their music every time I turned on the record player. Maybe along with selling their things, I should have sold this house. I could've bought a little one bedroom apartment, and even that would be more than enough.

In terms of schooling, as soon as high school was over I decided to enclose myself within the safety of my spacious house (I would call it a home, if I were feeling more comfortable living here.) Despite the amount of scholarships being shoved in my face by universities, I wasn't interested. I had enough money to last me my entire life, and then some. Then again, I didn't spend too much money on myself. Not becomes I am greedy, but because I don't see the need to indulge myself in buying things for the ephemeral happiness they offer. I sometimes wish I had accepted an offer just so I could get away from this place I've been my whole life, this place that sucks away whatever happiness is left in my minuscule heart.

You may be wondering by now, how exactly I'm doing in the relationship department. If you had any sense left in you, you'd realize I'm doomed to be single forever because no girl shall ever want to be with me. Why would they? I have nothing to offer but a place to stay, and nearly unlimited bundles of cash. I have no warmth, no sense of security to offer. I have no kindness left in me to make anyone feel worthy of respect. I gave up from the first day of high school, back in grade 9, when I realized girls were annoying and guys were jealous freaks. Having a relationship now is the least of my worries, but maybe should be placed higher on the priorities list considering I'm destined to rot in this house alone. Not even alone with 4 cats; simply alone. Sometimes, I wonder if there is such a thing as soul mates, but then I remember it's all fairy tales. How can someone wish to spend the rest of their lives with me?

Lately, I had started looking for a job. Of course, I don't need the money. I need to get out, I need to be a part of something. My whole life I've done nothing but sulk in sadness that originated out of thin air. Maybe then I could meet some people and make some friends. Those friends have to be quiet, and enjoy sitting around doing nothing the way I do most of the time. I checked the newspaper daily for any new job opportunities, but nothing seemed to fit my interests. I don't even know what my interests are, if I have any. I seem to have had a nonchalant attitude towards everything I've ever encountered throughout my whole life. Sometimes-

Ring-Ring

"Hello? No." -clicks-

Fucking telemarketers. The only people to ever call my house are telemarketers which is fairly sad if you really think about it. How lonesome. Of course, when I'm out and about, buying the supplies I need for the week, no one can really see the sadness in my eyes. I've been told my eyes scream murder and hatred rather than depression. Although I've had my bouts of violence in life, especially high school, I never considered myself to be someone who would go on murderous rampages throughout town. Where was I? I've been sending out resumes, but people have yet to call me back. I've applied to various places such as the Yamanaka flower shop, the ramen shop, and most recently the town's local newspaper, the Guardian. I had nothing interesting to say, but I do have my writing skills which I wouldn't mind putting to good use.

Continuing my train of thought, I came to the conclusion that heading down to the Guardian "headquarters" as they called it would be the best way to show the employers my interest in being hired. Yes, it's true; I have absolutely no job experience. What I do have though is amazing concentration and multitasking. It's incredibly easy for me to get work done, and get it done right. This is speaking from school experience only, but I'm sure it can be applied to the work force as well.

On my walk (vehicles are for tools) there, I couldn't help but feel the stares singe through my skin and hear the whispers rape my ears.

Look who finally came out of hiding.

He still lives around here?

Wow, was he in a fight? His eyes are so dark underneath...

Why was everyone so crazy about him?

It stopped affecting me long ago. Well, this has only been happening for a year, but my ability to adapt is incredible. I simply keep my head down, and pretend I don't notice. I don't really care about what they have to say about me, to be completely honest. If I don't care about anyone, why exactly would I care about their vicious thoughts toward me? I don't have any pleasant thoughts about them, but at least I don't go around yelling them to everyone that crosses my path.

Nothing has changed since I was a child. The cherry blossoms never failed to bloom beautifully in the spring, giving me a giddy feeling deep within my heart, a feeling that shouldn't be felt by a 19 year old, according to what my father would say about my brother. This year, the blossoms were more beautiful than ever. Caressing the details of the petals with my vision, a sudden pang of distress shot right through me. The Guardian people had only heard my professional sounding voice through a telephone. They have yet to see my face, and the so called demonic eyes I posses. What impression would I make going in disheveled and smelling like rotten cheese?

I ran back to my house as fast as I could, took a shower, and for the first time in my life put some effort into my appearance. I gelled my hair into the spikes I used to wear back in high school, put on my typical black clothes, only this time they were laundered and a spray of the cologne that the girls used to go crazy for. Feeling a lot more confident, I headed back to the Guardian, and walked in through the front doors without a care. I was overwhelmed by the amount of doors and stairs that lead to the many different sections of the headquarters. It did look massive from the outside, but having walked through these doors for the first time, this is definitely not what I expected.

I was immediately greeted by a stout man wearing a Security vest.

"What are you looking for son?" My lost expression may have given me away.

"The receptionist I guess," I said with a bored tone, the one that was part of my voice for as long as I can remember.

"I'll take you there, not to worry," he said, forcing a smile.

I followed him through what seemed to be a labyrinth. After what felt like forever, we finally reached a desk where a pink haired woman was talking on the phone. I politely thanked the security guard with a simple nod (it was sufficient in my opinion), and waited for the lady to get off the phone. The longer I watched her, the more I continued to wonder if I had seen her somewhere before. Her clueless green eyes and choppy cherry blossom hair stuck neatly in a pony tail felt extremely familiar. Even her red zip up shirt and small frame continued to make me wonder if I had possibly attended high school with her. It was sort of rude to leave me standing here, and continue talking on the phone. I mean, she could-My thoughts were quickly interrupted by her sudden choking. I hadn't realized she noticed me starting.

"Are you okay?" I asked with no sense of urgency in my voice. I had to say something, if I wanted to make a good impression.

"Yeah -cough-, perfect," she said without hesitating another second. "How can I help you?"

Her eyes were bulging out of her head, in the least attractive way. She must've recognized me.

"I sent in my resume a couple of weeks ago, and did an over the phone interview last Monday. I have yet to receive a call back, and I was wondering if there was any way I could check the status of my application." I tried not to look into her eyes too much. This was awkward enough.

"Oh.. You're going to be working here?" She said with a slight flirtatious giggle.

It was simple enough. She was interested in me once again, this should be so easy. Although, it kind of makes me sad. I had to spend extra time on my appearance just so I could receive the assistance I should receive in the first place. I bet if I headed here directly without running back home to get properly ready, she wouldn't even have recognized me or given me the time of day.

"Well... Hopefully. That's if you want to help me out." I smirked near the end of my sentence, immediately detecting the pupils in her eyes grow larger. My mother always told me when I was little that when a girls pupils get bigger at the sight of me, she's interested. It has not failed me once.

"Oh! Yes! I'd love to!" She grinned immensely. "Let me just get my manager for you, one second."

I watched her get up in haste, and running out of the room before I could ask her if she even knew my name.

Within minutes she came back, tired and out of breath. "Mr. Hatake will be waiting for you upstairs."

As if I knew how to get upstairs.

"Oh right, do you need assistance getting there?" She acted surprised.

I simply nodded, feeling I no longer had to act playful and flirty around her. She had served her purpose.

I followed her close behind, but not too close. The last thing I wanted was to continue giving her the wrong impression. She stopped behind giant glass doors, and motioned for me to go ahead. Reluctantly, I stepped in and turned my head to watch her head back towards her little office. Looking straight ahead, I saw a tall man with grey hair sitting in an incredibly soft looking office chair. His face didn't look a day over 25, which made me wonder why his hair would be such an odd colour. He must've noticed my eerie quietness, because he suddenly cleared his throat. I understood what he was expecting.

"Hello Mr. Hatake, my name is S-"

"I know. Mrs. Haruno informed me you wanted to see me concerning your job application. Sit down Sasuke," his tone wasn't too serious, I noticed. It was slightly endearing, the way you'd expect a teachers to be. I followed his instruction, and sat down in the leather chair placed directly in front of his, across the beautifully carved wooden table.

"Now, I was not the one who did the interview so please, tell me why you feel you would be a great member of our reporter team."

It was easy to feel comfortable around him.

"I am an avid reader and writer in my spare time, and feel my writing abilities are perfect for your requirements. I work efficiently, and put my time and skills to good use unlike the majority of the people that work for you, I'm willing to bet." I skipped mentioning the fact that all my time is spare time.

"You are a great writer Sasuke. The samples I received from my hiring team were definitely what I am looking for. Now what exactly is your availability?"

Don't sound too desperate.

"I can work everyday, except weekends." I said, hesitating a couple of seconds.

"Excellent. Now I have someone for you to meet." He happily punched in some numbers into his cell phone, and mumbled something into his ear piece.

A couple of minutes later, the most obnoxious looking boy ran in through the door, and sat down on the chair beside me, beaming with joy.

"You may be wondering what this is."

No shit, why is there another guy in here, acting as if he just received the biggest bonus of his life?

"Yes, I don't understand." I gave the boy a cold stare. He didn't even seem to notice.

"It is part of our probation program. You work for 1 month with someone who is new, just as yourself, and if we feel you are both doing your job properly, you can continue to work here. Of course, I expect nothing but the best from you two."

"So why must I work with him?"

"Why not?" exclaimed the blonde with a look of concern.

"Oh Sasuke, please. I'm sure you guys will be buddies in no time." He smiled at the two of us, as if he expected a massive bonding moment to ensue.

"Come on you two, shake hands."

Looking at the blonde, I felt nothing but disgust. Why must he be so fucking excited? I thought this job would be me doing my writing in peace. Of course the initial intention was to make a couple of friends, but not this over excited idiot. He was too much for me.

He smiled as great as he could, sticking his hand out toward me. I hesitantly shook his hand, immediately retracting it.

"I'm so glad to meet you uh..." he said, clearly not knowing my name. How could he anyway? This dumbass of a boss can't expect us to be psychics.

"Where are my manners? I forgot to introduce you two! Sasuke Uchiha, meet Naruto Uzumaki."

What did I get myself into?

-x-

I'm not sure how long I will take to update, but hopefully not too long. Please, review and let me know what you think!