..Chapter Two..

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Sasuke scanned the game titles in Gamestop. His eyes flickered over ot the exit and he scowled. Just where the hell was his blond compatriot anyway? He promised to meet him over half an hour ago. He reached into his pocket to check for any texts or last minute messages. Sometimes his phone didn't ring or vibrate. He grunted when nothing came up.

That dropout was going to pay for making him wait. This had been his idea after all. Sure, Sasuke wanted the latest edition to the Final Fantasy line. He'd put a deposit down on it just to make sure he got his copy after all. And it was probably waiting there at the counter for him. Brand new Playstation 3 and the shiny new remade copy of Final Fantasy 7. All new graphics but the same old story. He could feel his mouth salivating in thought. Those bastards at Square Enix had been teasing him for three fucking years now since the release video at the gaming convention. He didn't get to go to it because it had been during an important semester. But oh, he'd watched video over three hundred times on youtube. Glaring at it, staring at it, wanting to touch it's complex yumminess.

Fucking bastards.

And now it was here. It was calling to him. Hell, he hadn't even bothered buying a Playstation 3 because he didn't see the point without that game. Even when FFXIII Had come out he'd refused to buy it. There just wasn't much point with that all favored seven taunting him from the screen of his decked out lap top.

And now, NOW, when all was said and done. When he was waiting for that fool to come meet him, he still didn't have the game in his hands. He'd promised that idiot he'd wait for him before buying it. And then they'd go over to his house and enjoy the pure bliss and final days of summer by enjoying the holy eye candy that was Final Fantasy Seven Revised/Revisited.

He didn't realize he'd been glaring at the cashier until the woman looked ready to hide in a hole and die under his scrutiny. He grunted.

Fucking women.

Irritated, unsatisfied and all overly frustrated he made his way out of the store and headed out to look for his friend. Perhaps the moron got distracted by a shiny object and his ADD had kicked in. Or maybe he'd found some annoying wench to spend his time with. Fucking flirt. He always did that to him. They could have a perfectly fine day and then out of no where he'd start making small talk with some hot thing on two legs in a skirt.

Good thing he was picky or Sasuke would have to endure slut and after countless slut. Naruto had more chicks for friends than he had words in his voluntary speech. The only good thing about his infatuations was the ability to send those bimbos after him to Naruto. It was much easier to get the dropout to cut them down nicely than do it himself. He would, but it wouldn't be nice. And nine times out of ten Naruto felt the need to explain to them just why he didn't want them around.

It's not that he didn't want to sleep with them. He'd done that with plenty of women. He just didn't find many of them likeable. Why, oh why, was it so hard to find a girl who was down to earth? Someone who wasn't a complete moron? Someone who, heaven help him, actually enjoyed playing a righteous twelve hours strait of Galaga on his classic Atari? Oh, that's right, because most of them were already taken or really not hot. Or, really fucking annoying.

Where the hell was that dick?!

He wanted his fucking game and he wanted it now.

He grunted as he spotted a tuff of blond ahead of him. And then his gaze danced over to the guy next to him. What the fuck? Who in the hell had pink hair? Did he dye it? Why would he want pink hair? It couldn't possibly be natural. He didn't believe it.

Still...

The style was nice. And the guy had pretty decent taste in clothes. God, how old was he? Fifteen? His frame was so small despite being just as tall as Naruto. And his face had a very... effeminate aspect to it. Had Naruto finally shacked up with a guy? Was the pink haired looking dandy gay? He sure looked it in the face. But his clothes spoke otherwise. Still... he was dressed pretty clean cut. A lot better than that jackass Kiba Naruto sought to hang with at every possible corner.

When he finally reached them his hands were suck in his pockets as he glared daggers at Naruto. "Over a half a fucking hour, dropout." His lips were a flat line and his voice was icy. "I've been waiting over half a fucking hour for you. Do you have any idea what day it is, asshole?"

Naruto smiled sheepishly and rubbed the back of his head with a free hand. "Ah... no?"

He voice was like venom. "Are you serious? What were you doing? Shopping with this jackass? Today is the day."

The pink haired one frowned at him. Apparently he didn't like being insulted. Sasuke didn't care.

Naruto frowned. "Hey, be nice, this is--"

"I don't give a fuck. Today seven comes out. Revisited, you prick. All new graphics and a new bonus summon. New cut scenes. We," he muttered with narrowed slits, "were suppose to buy it today, get the system, go home and stay room bound till we beat it. Or did you forget?"

Naruto sighed. "I ah..."

"Are you talking about Final Fantasy Seven?" Pink brows rose.

At least the twit had a brain. Perhaps he was salvageable despite keeping his best friend distracted. "Yes," he muttered angrily. He eyes bore into Naruto. "You know how long I've been waiting for this. You--"

"I know! Fucking Christ, Sasuke. It's not like it can't wait five more minutes. The shop is--Sasuke!" He groaned at his retreating back. He eyes dashed over to Sakura. "Sometimes I fucking swear he acts just like a girl. C'mon." He half ran half walked after Sasuke. "Bastard! Wait up! I'm sorry!"

Sakura allowed an amused smile to grace her lips and chased on after Naruto.

Sasuke said nothing. His eyes narrowed to deadly slits as he stared forward.

"Aw, come on, Sasuke. I didn't mean it." Nothing. "Listen, if you let this go I'll buy you the strategy guide."

He eyes flickered slightly.

"And a figurine. The Paine one from X-2 you liked so much. Ok?" His eyes looked puppy dogish.

He grunted and crossed his arms over his chest. He turned his head to the side in a snooty fashion.

"Fine," Naruto ground out. "I'll get you all three plus the new Cloud one. My last offer."

He was silent a while longer... and then... "...Alright."

Naruto let out a sigh of relief as Sakura caught up next to him.

"Say, I still need to introduce you." The blond grinned.

"Whatever," Sasuke sighed.

Naruto looked over at her. "Don't mind him. He's always a jackass." He looked back at Sasuke. "This is Vincent. Vince, this is Sasuke."

Sakura smiled softly. "Nice to meet you." When she got nothing in return she frowned a bit. This was probably going to be harder than she thought. But, she knew that going into this right? Right.

As they entered the game shop she decided to trail after him. "So... you like the Final Fantasy line?"

"Always have," he muttered and stepped up to the counter. Naruto seemed to be busy picked out the items he'd promised Sasuke earlier.

"Who's your favorite character?" She smiled brightly. When all he did was give her a look and went back to waiting for his preordered items she frowned. Silent treatment eh? Man, even as a guy she was having a hard time cracking his shell. No matter. If he wasn't going to talk she would do it for the both of them. "Personally I think Paine is my favorite. But only because of how she dresses. A lot of people think she's a Lulu clone. I don't care though." She was still smiling. "My favorite title was eight, but I still loved seven. I think it's kinda irritating how everyone calls Cloud emo. I mean, emos complain a lot, cry and pretty much stay depressed." She wrinkled her nose. "Other than being... well... depressed Cloud was normally just quiet and reserved." She sighed in the middle of her tangent. "I did always hate Aris. She was such a moron. And Tifa really wasn't any better. The only thing she had going for her in her huge knobs." Brownie points for commenting on the boobs! That sounded manly even if she thought it true. "And why did they shrink when she got on Advent Children?" Her eyes rolled. "The only halfway decent character on that game that was a chick was Yuffie and man that girl was--"

"--Annoying," he interrupted and looked at Vincent.

"Yes," Sakura agreed with a bright smile. "She was. But hey, you've got to have at least one happy girl on a team of drama queens, right?"

A smirk creased his features. "I suppose."

Progress! Inner Sakura screamed. If she kept this up he'd be as good as hers before school started. Ok, now she was just getting way to ahead of herself. Baby steps, girl. Baby steps. "Did you have a favorite character from eight?"

He shrugged. "I never played it. Too many people said it was a remake of seven with crappier characters."

Her mouth formed a wide O of shock. "Really?" She frowned. "I liked it..." Her brows creased.

He eyed the guy out of the corner of his eye. He wasn't sure what to make of him. "You don't seem like the type who plays RPGs."

She arched a brow. "Yeah? what type do I seem like?"

He smirked and leaned further into the counter. Whatever the cashier was busy with she was easily forgotten. "I'd say you like sports games." His eyes narrowed. "You don't carry yourself like couch potato." He looked him up and down. "If anything I'd say you skate board. Maybe... surf."

She laughed at him. "Not too bad. I do skateboard. I've only surfed once in my life though. and it didn't end pretty." Her own eyes narrowed on him.

He arched a brow. "What?"

"Oh, well, I figured since you guess my hobbies I should do the same with you." She smirked at him; almost an exact mirror of his own.

He was almost amused, which, was rare for him. The guy had him intrigued. In fact, if he were actually a she, he'd almost hazard to guess Vince was flirting with him. "Very well. Take your best shot."

Sakura gave him a hard once over. Today he was dressed in a black dress shirt that was opened wide and untucked. Beneath it was a black cotton shirt that hugged his every curve. It was tucked into a pair of dark blue jeans. Everything about the attire seemed new or well kept. He was pretty clean cut for one of Naruto's friends. She took a long look at his neck and noted a seas shell choker. Hm... That might explain why he asked about surfing, right? Maybe...

Still, what could she go on just by looking at him? He stood confidently and yet lazy all at once. She knew he hated fan girls and he like RPGs. And, much like he'd figured about her, she could see he wasn't a couch potato.

"Hm," she murmured. "You're a clean cut guy. If you don't surf you like the ocean. Or you want to surf one day. As games go..." She pondered for a moment. "You probably like anything with a good story. In fact, I bet good money on it that you like to read. And not just any old book. I think... maybe..." She smiled. "Epic tragedies or fantasy novel. Maybe even sci fi. Hell, I'd almost peg you for being a huge fan of stuff like Star Wars or The Last Starfighter." She thought some more. "But I bet you like sports too. After all, you are friends with Naruto."

He resisted the urge to star at him blankly. He wasn't dead on but he was closer than Sasuke would imagine him to come. His lips pursed a bit.

"Am I right?"

"I won't say." another smirk and he turned to the cashier to pay his items.

She wanted to pout but didn't. Good for nothing baka, as they'd say in Japan. Was he teasing her or just trying to be irritating? Maybe a bit of both. She didn't say anything as Naruto played for Sasuke's 'toys' and they left the shop.

"So, do you care if we bring Vince with?" Naruto offered.

Sasuke shrugged. "Do what you want." And then he was walking a few steps ahead of them.

Sakura fumed at his back. Just moments ago he was being mister nice guy and now he'd turned into an ass in the coarse of a couple of minutes. How did anyone expect her to win the bet like this? Bah!

"Don't sweat it, Vince." Naruto was whispering in her ear. "Once we get to his place and start playing he might soften up."

"Might?" She whispered softly.

Naruto grunted and spoke low right next to her. "You can't expect this to happen over night. Do you two have a time limit on it?"

She shook her head. "Till the end of the year is what we both assumed."

He grinned. "At least we have plenty of time."

"Plenty of time for what, dropout?" Sasuke stopped and looked over at them

Sakura froze. Oh shit, he didn't hear us did he?! Fuck, this is so gonna blow up in my face!

Naruto rolled his eyes and played it off cool. "Plenty of time to kick your ass at FFVII by getting further in the game without dying than you!"

Sasuke eyed him a moment and then just turned back and started walking again. "Whatever, dumbass."

Sakura let out a breath she hadn't even realized she'd been holding in. If she kept slipping up like this he'd find out her ruse pretty quick. She silently thanked the gods for a guy as exuberant as Naruto helping her out. He might be pretty dimwitted most of the time... but now and then those random bouts of intelligence came in damned handy.

ooo

The mall hadn't been too far from her house so she'd just had Ino drop her off after the hair dresser and never bothered with the car. So, she ended up having to get a ride with Naruto to Sasuke's house. Not that she didn't want to ride with the stoic man she had to seduce guised as a man... wait... that really did sound just as weird as it should have.Sakura frowned as she got out of the car and made her way up the large driveway. Anyway, it's not that she didn't want to... she did... but she still had to get her wits about her and plot how she was going to do this in the first place.

She glanced up at the large house. Alright, so the guy was loaded. Or someone was. Maybe just his parents. She shouldn't be that shocked really. Her house was probably just as grand. His, without a doubt, was definitely bigger.

"Come on, Vince!"

She blinked and dashed up the steps after Sasuke and Naruto. She glanced back at the car. She'd really need to get Naruto to take her back home tonight. All those clothes in his trunk had to be sorted and placed in her closet pronto. And she still needed to get her stuff from Ino tomorrow. Would it really be a problem enrolling her in that school this last minute? Did Ino have documents for that as well?

She hoped so.

Because if today was any indication of how the rest of her year was going to go she was surely in for a bumpy ride. A real bumpy ride.

If she thought the outside of his house was huge... well man, the inside seemed even bigger. The entire front room of the joint was like one big ballroom with a curved stairway leading down. And directly in front was another going up the balcony-like second level. Just how much money did these people have? Her home was modest by comparison.

Sakura quickly followed the boys up the stairs and down to the left of the balcony type hallway. Her hand ran over the bronze colored railing. She stopped when they did and walked in to Sasuke's luxurious room. Well, she thought it was luxurious. He was probably so use to it he didn't care. It was about the same size as her suite. But the colors were boldly different.

Posters plasters the royal blue walls. Some were of famous sufers in black and white stills and others were of games he liked. All were in frames. His bed was a large loft and under it was a desk with a chair. On the desk sat a closed lap top. Right across from her was a large bay window with a cushioned black seat. It looked to be the perfect spot for reading. To her left was a large white pull down screen. And in front of that were several bean bag chairs with an XBOX 360 hooked up to what looked like a DVD player and the complex network of a computer. A small table was pulled out of the center and on it was a mouse and keyboard. She looked up at the ceiling and noted a projector. A very expensive projector. With that kind of hook up he could play anything from computer games, the movies online to DVDs. Geese. She'd have to bribe her dad into one of those. It was way better than her flat screen.

She watched as the boys set about hooking everything up.

"Oi, Vince, can you give me hand with this?"

Sakura blinked and jumped to help him with the wires.

"Naruto, you goof, haven't you figured out by now the AV hookups go in the slots that are color coded?"

Naruto grinned. "Good thing I have you."

"Dumbass," Sasuke muttered and took a seat. It didn't take took long to get everything hooked up and ready to go. Naruto flicked off the lights and Sakura took a seat between the boys. It was agreed that since Sasuke bought the game he'd go first. After that Naruto and then her.

"We gonna use the strategy guide?"

"Nah," Naruto replied. "We never do the first time 'round. It's cheating." He grinned.

Sasuke scoffed.

Sakura arched her brows at him.

He shrugged. "He did it for ten. And then proceeded to ruin the game for me."

Naruto pouted. "You still haven't forgiven me for that one? Geeze, it wasn't even that good of a game."

Sasuke rolled his eyes. "Yes, it was."

"No--"

"Shh!" Sakura stated with a smile. "It's starting," she whispered reverently.

Sasuke glanced at Vincent out of the corner of his eye and arched a brow. Naruto had never been a huge fan of the games. He only played them because Sasuke liked them so much. So... in a way it was... nice? Yes, nice to have someone else in his midst who enjoyed the games as much as he did. He didn't even mind it when the guy had rambled in the shop. Something, a trait, he couldn't stand in anyone.

His eyes narrowed his features, scanning his cold green hues and his soft cheeks. Those lips... were they not too soft and plump to be a mans? He wanted to frown but resisted the urge. He was just some dude. He shouldn't be thinking about it too much. His brain would crumble at such thoughts.

Still... his eyes traveled to the cut scene he'd watched hundreds of times and could never get enough of... he was interesting if nothing else...

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

AN: Wow, another chapter in the same day. Woot. I need to work on my other stories with as much heat as I do this one. I've yet to write a story where Sasuke is a gamer with a thing for FF, much less into surfing. Hm, I wonder what some of this other hobbies could be, ne?

I thought this chapter really funny. Especially the first part where he's griping about Naruto and the game to himself. I still haven't decided whether or not to included Itachi in this story. What do you think? I so adore Weasel-chan. -squee!-

Yeah, I'm not even a fan girl of Sasuke. I just love the idea of him ending up with Sakura. And way love the idea of it happening this way. 'Cause, yea right he'd let some pink haired girl get close to him. -grins-

Please review, favorite or make suggestions. All comments are welcome. Constructive criticism is encouraged but flames will be ignored.

--Blade