Authors Note: I hope you enjoy this chapter, I will not be working much on my other stories but they will be finished in a matter of time, my ideas are a little jumbled right now, so they will have to wait until my train of thought returns, sorry to everyone who is waiting for the next chapters. Please read and tell me what you think of the story so far, what you like/hate/would change anything. This shall provide me with useful information. Constructive criticism is much obliged. Thanks. And here is chapter 3.
Chapter 3: Cinderella's helpful mice
Gaara awoke to the annoyance of the sun shining through the blinds of the window, cursing the sun for being so bright. He looked at the clock at the side of his grand bed, throwing the covers off his semi clad body. Time was ticking and precious revenge time was being wasted, the billionaire stretched his limbs as he headed to the showers. The red head turned the knob to the coldest possible after having a very peculiar dream, about a certain victim. All he had to do was buy some flowers, apologize and pretend she was worth his while, ask her on a couple of dates, earn her trust, use her and then dump her. It was all so simple in his mind. He made sure that today he would have the day off. He dried himself from the icy drops slipping down his fine toned body, picking an Armani type of suit, he dressed himself, combing back his hair he added a little gel to hold the hair in place, and then called to the kitchen ordering them to bring his usual. He took the opportunity to make a call to the flower shop just a block away requesting a bouquet; it was on speed dial, especially since he was a notorious playboy. Flowers usually helped him in these kinds of situations.
The food arrived at his door; he took a couple of bites and sips of his coffee, needing much of the energy. He left the food in the sink knowing a maid will come in and clean. Taking the elevator to the lobby he waited for the valet to bring one of his car's; which were all the latest models. As soon as the valet arrived he took the keys and drove the Mercedes to the flower shop just a block away.
She just finished laundry that morning, wincing as the bruises on her arms touched the water. To hide them she knew that the she'd have to dig out her old wrist bands, if she wanted to work today with no questions asked. Last night had been one of the scariest encounters that she had ever had. Those horrible eyes that tormented her emerald ones, she tried forgetting but couldn't, there was a hidden meaning in them. 'Anyway' she distracted her thoughts; Tayuya wasn't late last night, "thank god", she told herself. If she was late punishments were harsh, such as doing chores for a month with no picture for her hard and tremendous labor, not only that but having to sleep in the creepy attic were she knew 'he' worked, and she didn't want to find out what he was doing. Following one meal a day and serious pain which would be inflicted on her by her sisters, hired by her step-mother, and yes she would take that pain or receive harsher punishments which in this case were given by 'him' instructed by the madam, but 'he' seems pleasured at the thought Sakura recalled as it only happened once. She distracted herself with chores hoping never to be in a situation of that sort again. Checking the time she knew she accomplished a lot in this hour, she ate, finished putting the laundry out for air, and got dressed." Now to find those wrist bands," getting her bag from her room, she was pretty glad that everyone was out today; things were so much easier that way. Sakura climbed the stairs and reached her bag, picking up her wristbands in a box in the closet and checked her wallet to see if she had her bus pass. The address on the card was nearby her recently dropped job, so she figured out the bus to take. She exited the house unaware of the dangers that lurked near.
She arrived at the stop not too far from her house, waiting for her means of transportation to arrive.
"Five minutes early" she looked at her watch.
Hearing the sound of an engine, she prepared herself for the bus, only to stare in bewilderment as a Mercedes sped and stopped in front of her. Soon she regained her composure realizing who the driver was. Staying cool and firm she readied for an expected confrontation. He got out of the vehicle dressed in the most finest of suits a man can own and before she uttered a word, flowers fell into her vacant hands. She stared at the bouquet and then back to the ex-red head boss; completely speechless.
"Haruno Sakura," her eyes traveled to his as he uttered her name. "I would like to apologize for my unfortunate behavior yesterday. I am sorry that I released my anger at you. I was stressed with the opening of my new establishment, and things weren't going as I planned." He stated, "I as a business owner should have been able to keep a straight figure, I apologize. So please accept my apology and I would like it if you would return to work." He waited for a bit to get a reaction out of his victim.
Even though she was reluctant to, she gave a small smile, "…I accept your apology, and thanks for the flowers, but…" as she was going to tell him some important info he continued.
"Please return, I have a new position available, it is a great pay, I am in need of a secretary." He hated begging but he needed to lure in the catch.
"I wish I could accept the offer, but I have a new one and I am on my way to it right now, sorry." She claimed, glad the bus drew near.
"Oh in that case, how about I drive you there, it will be faster than taking a bus, and I still would like to make it up to you."
"Thanks for the offer, but my bus is here. Good luck finding a secretary, and thanks for the bouquet. She smiled as she entered the bus giving her ticket and walking to the back of the automobile only to realize that he followed her on board.
"What are you doing?" she said gazing into the masterminds eyes.
"Taking the bus…I think that's obvious" he said, smiling and dropping the lowest bill he had on him, only for the driver to tell him that him it's too much, only to be shut up by a glare from the red head.
"But why? You have a perfectly good car there" she said pointing out to the window.
"Cause I want to know what's so good about a bus to reject my offer to drive you." He replied.
She glazed around to notice that they were attracting attention and she pulled him to a seat in the back and the bus finally moved.
"Look, it's nice that you offered me a ride, but I like my independence, and second I don't know you very well… "But you could now"," he interrupted.
She sighed and switched the topic, "What about your car?"
"I can get someone to collect it for me." He claimed with a smile.
"Oh" she said than averted her gaze to the front, trying to hide the silence.
"So where are you working at now?" he asked initiating a conversation.
"uh, at this place" she answered simply and gave him the card she received last night.
He looked at the card and a sudden realization hit him. Not only did this shop belong to Ino, it was close to his hotel. Looks like the odds were in his favor. An inward grin was plastered on his face.
"Do you know the store?" she asked seeing that he was either smiling or grinning.
"Yes, a friend owns that place." He turned to focus on her.
"Really" she blurted.
"Yes, the owner is Yamanaka Ino."
"Ah, I met her last night, wow it's a small world huh?" she smiled.
He didn't want to admit it but when she smiled she seemed to glow, he thrust the idea out of his mind as she started to mention that they were nearing a station.
"We'll have to change buses here." She said pressing a stop request button and got up.
He stood up holding onto the railing as the bus came to a sudden stop, only to catch the rosette before she flew forward.
"Thanks" she muttered as they walked off the bus only after she said thanks to the bus driver.
"We can take the same bus, unless you're heading somewhere else" she stated.
"No, I'll go with you; I was going to see Ino this morning anyway." He fibbed.
"Alright then, there's the bus" she claimed as it approached them.
"Do you take the bus every day?" he asked as he placed a bill, and she handed the bus ticked to the driver.
"Yes, just like many people as you see." She answered searching for a chair only to find a crowded bus and only poles to hold onto. He followed her to the middle of the bus where she held onto a pole, and he grabbed for the bars above.
"Don't you have a car?" he asked.
"No, my family does." She said leaving the bit of step-family out, knowing it will be inquired with more questions.
"Can't you get anyone to drop you off." He asked.
"No, my family is busy with their own lives and I don't want to bother them." She claimed.
"Still I'm sure that they would be happy to give you a ride once in a while."
She switched the topic, "Sorry but I didn't catch your name last time sir?"
"Oh, Sabaku Gaara", he was very stunned many people knew his name through his devious and cold reputation.
"Sabaku-san, do you have family?"
"Yes, an older brother and sister?"
"Do you ask them for rides?"
"No"
"See"
"But that's because I have a car." He stated.
It was a good thing that they were nearing there stop and she made sure to hold onto the pole this time as she pressed the button.
"Looks like we arrived" he said. And they left the bus and walked a few steps before they reached their destination.
As soon as they entered, the red head took control of the situation.
"I know where her office is, follow me" he said breaking the silence.
"Oh thanks" she said awarding him a smile. They passed by the busy secretary who was constantly talking on the phone and typing like there was no tomorrow, and into the elevator. Where then they were taken to the 8th floor. During the travel up Gaara was wondering why the hell she was quiet usually the girls around him would talk constantly and bore him as he blocked out whatever they said. So he took it upon himself to start,
"Not much of a talker" he stated.
"huh, uh I guess, sorry" she retorted. She was glad that the elevator was fast and that they were now on the 8th floor.
"BRING MORE LIGHTS, HURRY NO NOT THAT COLOR" were the first things the rosette took upon entering the floor, now wondering what kind of work she got herself into. They got a little closer to the shoot ahead of them, finding the blonde chasing and yelling at the complete retards who messed up. Turning to let off steam she met the eyes of the rosette and the playboy.
"Saku glad you could make it, and Gaara this is a surprise what can I do for you?"
"Well… "one second" the blonde interrupted. "Hinata!"
A moonlight eyed, raven haired, milk like skin girl approached, "Yes Ino."
"Take over for me, and ask someone to bring a latte to my office!"
She nodded and returned but gave a silent hello to both of them.
"Let's go into my office" Ino stated moving a side and curtsying her hand to the direction of the office.
They walked past the floor's secretary desk and to the end of the hall where two giant doors lurked ahead as two gentle men pushed the doors open.
"Thanks boys" she stated as they shut the doors and then gestured towards the chairs.
"Nice flowers"
"oh thanks"
"Here I'll place them in water till you leave nobody likes dead things" she stated. Sakura mouthed another thanks.
"Please have a seat, so Gaara how can I help you?"
"Just came for a visit"
"Really! I'm honored" she knew he doesn't visit, he was up to something and she needed to know what.
Sakura didn't think much of it, it wasn't her business anyway.
"So Saku-chan, how are you?"
"Good, thank you." She said a bit flustered more like anxious.
"Well then how about we take a walk, Gaara we'll be back shortly, how do you like your coffee?"
"Two cream no sugar."
The door was once again opened by the two gentlemen and closed shortly after they exited.
"Sorry to be haste but…"
"No that's okay. I need a personal secretary, as you saw earlier everything was in chaos, that was because I recently fired my personal secretary"
"But that girl, Hinata was it, isn't she…"
"No she is my partner and head of costumes and pictures, while I am in charge of designs, models and final products."
"Oh, but I don't think I'm…" "No all you need is a little practice, it's not that hard."
"What kinds of things would I be doing?"
"Scheduling my appointments, making sure things occur on time. Simple stuff, so don't worry. You'll learn with experience, m'kay. "
"Sure, so when do I…" "start, how about now" the blonde interjected, "first things first you'll need to represent me so let's take your look to the next level eh?"
"Huh," the rosette exclaimed.
"Hinata" the blonde called.
"Yes"
"Sakura Hinata, Hinata Sakura" Sakura bowed only to be grasped by the hand and tugged forward by the moonlit eyed girl. "No need for that, you can call me whatever you like, see you later Ino," remarked Hinata. With that the blonde left to entertain her company and Hinata pulled the unwanted victim towards the elevator and to the first floor where a ride was waiting for them.
Ino entered her office to find the red head sipping the coffee and awaiting ever so patiently.
"It is a nice surprise to see you here. So what do I owe the honor or were you interested in something or should I say someone else."
"You really think ill of me don't you?"
"Well you can't blame me, can you? After all I didn't trash other's lives"
"Justice is served, you can look it at however you like."
"Just stay away from Sakura I don't want to sacrifice another secretary."
"You hired her!"
"Yes, you seem surprised"
He hid and stood cool and sipped again at his coffee, recollecting his thoughts. Starring at the flowers he had given the rosette.
Meanwhile…
"So Sakura tell me about yourself"
"I'm seventeen , my birthday is next week Friday March 28th"
"Go on, what are your hobbies?"
"I don't really know"
"Huh,"
"Well it's hard to explain but I can't remember,"
"Do have some sort of amnesia?" Hinata questioned.
"Not that I was told of but I was in an accident before and I can't well I suffered memory loss due to such incident, at least that's what the doctors say."
"But don't you have family wouldn't they have told you?" retorted Hinata.
"That's just it, they died in the crash, I'm the remaining survivor"
"But then who are you living with?"
"Don't worry I am not living alone," just before another word was uttered the chauffeur interjected.
"Miss we are here would you like me to wait here."
"That would be nice, thank you."
He parked and swung around the car to open the door. "Have a good day miss."
"Thanks" Sakura followed after the Raven haired girl into a city mall awaiting a painful day of shopping.
"Alright first things first, you'll need a couple of suites and some items for our upcoming parties, and new shoes. So let's get started."
Sakura was dazzled and a bit nervous the stores looked expensive. As if knowing her worries Hinata stated, "Don't worry clothes here are well free for our company, we help them and they help us." She winked giving a warm smile, lifting the rosettes distress.
As they entered they were greeted with warm plastered smiles and the manager expecting their arrival.
"Hello ladies what can I help you with today?"
"Hello Sai-san it's been a long time", Sakura laid her eyes on the tall, onyx haired, pale skinned man. He was gorgeous, very simple and yet elegant.
"Yes, and this is…" he asked.
"Oh sorry, my name is Sakura" she stated bowing.
"No need for that, I'm Sai, pleasure to meet you" he said taking her hand and placing a chaste kiss. Only intimidating the rosette, "so let me guess she's the newbie"
"You guessed it." Hinata replied, "We'll be needing your expertise today, something to represent us every day and for usual parties."
"First things first, Sakura-chan would you follow me to the fitting rooms, we need to have you measured."
Her eyes screamed 'WHAT THE HELL!', as she backed a bit and looked over to Hinata, waiting for help.
"Don't worry Sakura I don't bite" he teased, only to make her nervous yet angry at the same time.
"It's okay trust me he's no pervert." Whispered Hinata as she gentle pushed Sakura in his direction and followed.
"Would any of you like something to drink?" asked the peculiar man.
"A latte for me, Sakura?"
"Nothing, I'm fine,"
"Don't worry it's not like I'll poison you." Stated the enthused, "Water is fine" she quickly claimed.
He turned his head and led them to the back of the third floor in the humongous store (which is 3 floors to be exact) *Note that this is not a typical Japanese department store*. :D Once reaching destination she was pushed into the fitting room drape closed after by Sai, "you see that robe!"
"Yes"
"Remove your clothing and put that on, that's not negotiable."
"But…"
"You have a minute unless you prefer being nude while I measure"
"No"
"59 seconds better get going" Hinata just smiling. Sakura inwardly fuming stripped as fast as possible to her underwear, leaving the wrist bands on and threw on the robe placing a pile of to her clothes to the side of the chamber.
"Ready or not here I come" He stated as he swung the drape, revealing Sakura dressed in a long-sleeved robe, the robe going a little underneath the knee, and a sash fastened at the waist. Her hair fell in front of her shoulders. Sai was dazzled, she was utterlybreathtaking he had no idea from the way that she was dressed she had this marvelous figure. A cough from the raven haired friend brought him back to reality, "quite cute" he stated, giving some blush to the stunned rosette. "Now let's get to work," as he got closer she would step back a little, "would you hold still and lift your arms!"
Sakura complied after her back hit the wall and realized that there was no-where to escape to. Taking his measuring tape out from his pocket he measure her hand length, her waist which he realized was making her very uncomfortable, and her height.
"Alright-y then we're finished, all we need to do is pick out some styles in the catalog for the dress and choose some suits from the store. You can get dressed if you like now or would you rather walk in those" he taunted to the rosette as she ignored him and entered the changing chamber.
Hinata and Sai went on ahead and chose a couple of suits, one a cool grey skirt and jacket, another a white blouse and deep gray skirt, a black pant with a cream blouse, and a light pink blouse with a watercolor black pant. Sakura waited as they began to thrust many items at her. After bringing a heap of clothing, Sakura the first suit (aka cool grey skirt and jacket) and put it on. Sai and Hinata meanwhile drank bits of their coffee awaiting the transformation.
As she stepped out she was met with critical eyes. "I like the outfit Sai, but are those bumps part of the design" referred Hinata to her wrists.
"No," he stated as he lifted the sleeve to find the problem, yes you guessed it the wrist bands.
"Well no wonder," he peeled them off only to be shocked by what he saw, not only he but the raven haired beauty
"Sakura…" she began….
Back at Ino's office…an hour later
"So how do you know Sakura?" asked the un-amused blonde.
"I could ask you the same question?"
"Last night I meet her at the bus station, you?"
"She worked for me,"
"So why were you with her here?"
"Coincidence" he stated rather cool.
"Did you fire her?"
"No, but I believe that is no business to you," retorted he.
Realizing this was not getting anywhere Ino dropped the subject and changed to another,
"Will you be attending Hyuga's party next Friday?"
"Perhaps," he replied, rewarded with an awkward silence.
Ino began to realize that he wasn't leaving until a certain someone came back and speaking of the devil the door opened revealing her partner and the new defined Sakura. Hair cut and styled, a custom made suit, accessories on her wrist and black high heal shoes. Not only amazing the blonde of the transformation but dumbfounding the fiery red head…
Lost: End of chapter 3
Thanks for the reviews everyone, please continue to review as it will help inspire me to write more. I hope you enjoyed this lengthy chapter. Just a heads up for everyone the next two stories updated will be Promised and I will break free. Sorry for the wait.
GaaSakuforever O.o
Ja ne! (see ya later)
