I am so very sorry for the late update. I've had music exams for the past week but the good news is that i now have a six week holiday so i have plenty of time to write. Also thank you so much for those who have been supporting me till now, if you didn't support me, i may have already dropped this fic. So please, please continue to review. Now please enjoy the chapter!

Also, please give me feedback from this chapter. Usually i write my chapters in first person but this time i wrote it in third person for a change, so please tell me from which person do you prefer me to write the story in?

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of the characters.

Chapter 7- Here at Last

Sakura and Ino were engrossed in observing the various displays of ties through the windows of a certain shop. There were too many to choose from and all of them would've looked great on president Sabaku.

"Ino, there's so much to choose from! Which one looks better?" Sakura sighed in annoyance.

Ino had an arm underneath her chin. "Hmm… I don't know."

"Ino… Aren't you the one who was whinging me to buy a tie for him?"

"Yeah, so?"

"Then you better hurry up and choose one for me!" Sakura continued to rant.

"Why should I choose one for him, it's your present not mine to choose." Ino countered.

Sakura let out a heavy sigh. Great, we decided on a present and we've been walking for two hours and we haven't even bought a thing yet. Then a sky blue tie caught her eyes. It was striped with lines of darker blues and white. Sakura tapped Ino on the shoulder.

"What do you think of that one?" She asked as she pointed to it.

"Why did you choose that one? It totally contradicts the president's hair colour."

"First because contradiction can be good and second, blue is my favourite colour."

Ino snorted. "Contradiction can be good?"

"Um, yes? Ino haven't you seen artists using disharmonious colours in their artworks? Classic example; Van Gough?"

Ino resisted the urge to roll her eyes at Sakura. That was just Sakura's personality- too nerdy for her own good. Though, she wasn't to blame for adopting such an arty nature when she grew up in such an arty background.

"Okay, so even if contradiction is good… What's the point of it?"

"Well I thought that maybe highlighting his hair would be good. Since I really like his hair colour and the ties I see him wear are never colourful, always the same old black or some other dull colour. It doesn't even have patterns on it!"

"Then we'll get that one," was Ino's answer.

"Are you sure he'll like it though?" Sakura asked again still uncertain whether to buy it or not.

"Seriously, have more confidence in yourself."

Sakura pondered for a moment. "Okay then, it's decided."

Sakura tied her hair up neatly into a bun, brushing the stray strips of hair behind her ears. She slipped into a purple party gown decorated with a few silk ribbons and flowers. It was simple, just to her liking. Though what she didn't like about it was that it was a tad too long for her. I should be fine, when I wear high heels, it should be perfect.

"Hey Sakura. Are you done yet? You've been in the bathroom for ages!"

"Coming!" Sakura exited the bathroom. "How do I look?" Sakura asked Ino nervously.

"Really pretty, Sakura. President Sabaku won't know what hit him." Ino replied reassuringly.

Sakura let out a sigh of relief and rolled her eyes simultaneously. "You don't realise that the dress is a bit too long for me?"

Ino stared at Sakura's feet and giggled. "It is too."

Sakura frowned at her reaction. This gown was her mother's and her mother was just slightly taller.

"How do I look?" Ino asked Sakura as she twirled in a circle making her dress slightly flow upwards. Ino's dress was turquoise coloured and was made to hug her figure nicely, emphasising her curves. Her hair was tied in her usual ponytail, the exception being her clear hair tie was replaced with a dark blue ribbon.

"Do you want my truthful response?" Sakura asked feigning worry.

Ino raised her eyebrow. "Well, um, yes?" She replied feeling somewhat anxious.

Sakura burst into a fit of laughter. "Just kidding, don't look so nervous! You look totally pretty, maybe even seductive."

Ino suddenly turned all confident, her face brimming with pride and certainty. "Exactly what I wanted."

Sakura resisted the urge to roll her eyes at her again. Today was finally the day, the reason why they were all in Japan and why they were all dressed up; President Sabaku's birthday.

"Let's go down now, you don't want Shino to come and get us." Ino said as she reached for the door. "By the way, don't forget the present." She added, eyeing a small, black gift bag placed on the bed.

Sakura smiled. "I won't."

They arrived at the same mansion from last time. Though this time, there seemed to be more guests and they were dressed more… excessively. Basically, meaning over the top. The men were the same as last time, in their usual black suits but the women went crazy for attention and wore heavily decorated gowns and make up.

They walked on the red carpet laid out on the car parks to the entrance of the mansion. Talk about over-exaggeration. Sakura thought to herself. She looked to her left, where Ino was supposed to be standing. She found that Ino had ditched her again and was openly flirting with a bunch of corporate managers and whatnots.

When she was in the grand ballroom, she was absolutely stunned. It somehow looked different from last time. The chandelier tonight gleamed in perfection and the decorations which hung on the walls looked fabulous. Even the polished marble floors were shined till their reflections could be clearly seen like a mirror.

"Sakura?" Someone called out from behind her.

Sakura whipped her head around and was shocked to see who was standing before her.

"Mama, papa?" She responded puzzled.

"Oh, it really is you! What are you doing here?" Her mother asked excitedly.

"Um, the orchestra…"

"Doesn't that dress look so pretty on my sweet girl?" Her mother continued to say. Though Sakura really couldn't respond to what she was saying.

"So this was the party you were going to play for." Her father said.

"Err, yeah, what are you guys doing here?"

"The father of the president of the Sabaku Enterprise is one of our old acquaintances." Her parents chorused cheerfully.

"Oh," Was the only reply Sakura could think of.

Then, Sakura spotted president Sabaku and a middle aged man walking towards them. As they came across, random guests would walk up to them and congratulate the president for his 21st birthday. Crap, I can't let them see each other or else they'll know about president Sabaku!

"M-mama, let's go get some food." Sakura said as she steered her parents towards the tables of food. Too late.

"Yumiko-chan! Gray-kun!" The man called out. Hearing their names, Sakura's parents turned their heads and greeted the man.

Sakura kept her eyes on the floor hoping that president Sabaku wouldn't reveal the fact that they knew each other.

"Ah, Hiro-san." Sakura's mother called in return, waving her hand like she usually did to greet people.

"It's been so long." Her father added, holding out his hand for a handshake which 'Hiro-san' gladly reciprocated.

"Yeah, how's life for you now?" The man asked, his eyes shining with excitement and happiness.

"We're all good. Well, not as good as you, owning such a big company now." Sakura's father proceeded jokily.

They started laughing. "Oh, I forgot," he placed a hand on president Sabaku's shoulder, "this is my youngest son, who is also my company's president."

"My, my, what a handsome young man, turning 21 I see." Sakura's mother teased.

"Yes, your son seems like a fine young man, you should be proud and happy to have such a son." Sakura's father said, joining her mother in her praises.

"Thank you," Sakura didn't need to look up to realise it was president Sabaku who had said this, "and this is?" He carried on.

"Oh my, how rude of me, this is my daughter Sakura, she's here as a member of the orchestra." Her mother introduced.

"Ah, I see, you have an extremely talented daughter."

If it was possible, Sakura wished she could become invisible but to her dismay, it wasn't possible after all. She took her eyes away from the floor and gathered the courage to look president Sabaku straight in the face. "Yes, pleased to meet you." She said as she did a little curtsy.

President Sabaku's eyes softened when he realised it was Sakura. He had the sneaking suspicion it had been her when he first saw her bright coral pink hair. He also thought her parents looked familiar, he would never forget the couple who took Sakura away from him. It wasn't the time to say that he knew Sakura because if his father knew that he actually cared for a girl, he would be leaping with joy and naturally assume that she was his girlfriend. His father was concerned whether he would ever find a girlfriend since he has never dated and his two other siblings were either engaged or in a relationship. Lately, his father was even beginning to suspect that he was gay.

President Sabaku and Sakura's eyes held each other's for a moment.

There was the silent message that they both got.

Please act like you don't know me.

"Your daughter is very beautiful, does she have a boyfriend yet?" The president's father continued asking.

Sakura blushed furiously at the question. She was embarrassed that it was becoming a chat topic amongst their parents and that they were talking about it in front of president Sabaku.

"No." Sakura's father responded seriously.

Sakura's mother gave out a loud sigh. "If only she did. What about your son? A dashing young man like him, he should have a girlfriend by now too."

His father also gave out a sigh. "Only I wished he did, I don't understand him, there are so many pretty and wonderful girls out there yet he doesn't date. Of my three children he is the only one who doesn't date"

"Father." President Sabaku started, trying to hush his dad.

Sakura's mother gave an understanding nod. She understood exactly how he was feeling about his son.

"Maybe my daughter and your son could get together." Her mother jokily suggested.

"Mother!" Sakura whispered trying not to appear rude as she shot her mother an 'are you absurd' look.

"Well, I wouldn't mind such a fine son-in-law." Her father agreed. Is my father actually agreeing? I can't believe this.

The president's father laughed. "That might actually work." He turned to president Sabaku. "What do you think son? Would you take Sakura-san to be your girlfriend?"

Both their parents continued laughing and joking about the two but to them, they were extremely embarrassed and wanted nothing more than to disappear.

Suddenly, the lights went off and the stage lights turned on. A young man walked up the stage with a microphone and began speaking.

"Today, we gather, to congratulate our President of the Sabaku Enterprise on his 21st birthday!" There was a huge round of applause and cheers.

"We are also very lucky today, to be able to hear a live performance from one of the finest orchestras in the world. Please put your hands together to welcome the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra!"

Sakura turned back to her parents and the president and his father. "Well, I guess that's me, so please excuse me."

She made her way to the stage along with the other members of the orchestra.

The man on the stage began to speak again. "Before we begin, let's have our conductor Aburame-san speak a few words."

Shino strutted to the stage, where he too was offered a microphone. "Today, our orchestra was specially invited to perform at the president's birthday. We feel tremendously honoured and we would like to thank Jiraiya-san for inviting us. The music for this performance was all chosen by Jiraiya-san. The highlight of our performance today is the piano concerto; The Emperor concerto and I'm sure everyone knows what this piece expresses. Therefore, please enjoy our performance."

When Shino finished his speech, he returned to his designated position and waited for everyone to finish their preparations. Then with a wave of his baton, they began playing. The room was completely filled with their steady music, every guest already captivated with the brilliant sounds. Though some parts of the pieces were playful, the members of the orchestra remained serious and tried their hardest to give the best they can possibly give to the audience. Especially Sakura.

When the performance was finished, the hall roared with claps and cheers. Those on the stage politely bowed and continued whatever they were doing before the performance. As for Sakura, she went back to join her parents.

As she was walking back, a bunch of young women surrounded her.

"Hey, why are you getting so close to the president?" A young woman with blond hair asked. She could have been pretty but under all the thick make up and especially the mascara, it was hard to tell. Their scrutinising looks told Sakura that they think they're more superior to her.

"Why do you care?" Sakura answered with a question of her own.

"You're just a lowly pianist, you should know your place." Another girl called out.

Sakura resisted the urge to roll her eyes. So this is what it is. "Why should I know my place? The president likes me so what can you do about it?" She bluffed. It was just to annoy those spoiled rich brats.

It worked as the women's faces flustered in anger. "You bitch!"

Sakura acted as though nothing had happened and that they did not just insult her. "If you'll excuse me now, I have to join the president and my parents." She lingered on the word president.

She then pushed through the mini crowd formed around her. As she reached for an opening, someone tripped her over causing her to fall on her side.

"Oh my, how careless of you, Miss Evergreen." The blond female mocked sardonically.

They all laughed at her and bullied her. It was embarrassing as all eyes were on her. She wasn't the type of girl to feel like crying, instead she felt like getting back up and slapping the bitch out of her senses but she couldn't. It was his birthday. She didn't want to cause a commotion.

She was preparing to stand up by herself when someone held out a hand, offering her help. She took it and when she realised who it was she was taken aback. It was president Sabaku.

"Ladies, could you please show manners and etiquette at my birthday like you were trained to? Please refrain from your wild side today, it is extremely unlady-like. This is not a zoo." The president insulted. Even though he had badly insulted them, it still sounded respectful and polite to the ears.

He led Sakura back to their parents, acting as though nothing happened. Luckily, they didn't notice a thing, including Sakura's humiliating fall.

"That was a lovely performance, Sakura-san." The president's father praised.

"No, not at all." Sakura replied humbly.

"It was perfect. Thank you very much for taking the time to perform at my birthday." The president thanked.

Sakura smiled. So it's not good anymore but perfect now huh? "It was a pleasure to perform and take part at your birthday."

President Sabaku's heart skipped a beat as he saw Sakura's charming smile. Please don't look like that especially not in front of our parents.

The president's father smiled at his son's slight response to the girl's smile. He could sense that his son was quite fond of her. "Why don't you go and offer some of our desserts to Sakura-san and have a chat meanwhile. I want to talk about the old times with Yumiko and Gray."

President Sabaku complied and led Sakura to the tables nearby. As they walked further away from their parents till they were out of their hearing distance, Sakura broke the silence. "So you think my performance was perfect this time not just good?"

He smiled. "I've always thought your performances were perfect."

Sakura scowled playfully. "Liar, last time you said it was good." She stressed the word good.

He smiled mockingly. "Well, I take that back, it was perfect. They've always been."

"Ne, president, would you really consider me to be your girlfriend?" She asked slyly and devilishly.

He was thrown by that question but was quick to recover. "That would be up to you Sakura, if you are willing then I can accept." He retorted.

She giggled. "I guess… Let's go outside for some air, I don't really feel like eating."

The president led Sakura to a garden outside the hall. The garden outside was equally breathtaking as the ballroom as every corner of the garden had a rose bush which let out an ever so sweet fragrance. There was even a fountain in the middle, decorated with some cherubs holding a vase of water.

Sakura breathed in deeply, enjoying the scent of roses. They sat down by the fountain on a grassy patch of land. She pulled out a small black box from her clutch bag and handed it to the president.

"Happy birthday."

He wasn't expecting a birthday present from her as he was content with just seeing her. He slowly opened the box and saw a baby blue tie. As he pulled the tie out, he realised there was something else in the box. It was a silver watch. He took the watch out, it was the style of watches he liked but what he liked most about it were the words engraved on the metal surface at the back of the watch.

It read;

January 19th
Happy birthday Sabaku-kun!
Love, Sakura.

He wondered if there was a special meaning behind giving a watch as a present. Probably wanting him to think of her every minute and second of his life.

"Do you like it?"

He nodded a yes. "Thank you."

He put on the watch; it fitted perfectly as though it were made just for him. Then a sly thought came to him. He held out the blue tie to her. Sakura cast him a quizzical look. "Help me put it on."

Sakura blushed at his request. "You don't have to wear it now… Besides, you already have a tie on." She said defensively as she pointed to the plain scarlet tie he was wearing.

"I want to wear yours." He affirmed as he took off the tie he was wearing. "Now, I don't have a tie anymore." He continued as he laid the red one on the grass beside him.

Sakura's blush never faded away and only deepened. She looked up at him shyly through her fringe, avoiding eye contact with him.

"What's the matter? It's my birthday isn't it?"

"Y-yes but…"

"Then, treat this as a birthday wish."

Sakura reluctantly agreed, picking up the tie she had chosen for him. She knelt before him, peering down into his mischievous jade orbs. First, she encircled her arms around his neck, pulling the tie around him. She was in an awkward and intimate position and was feeling rather uncomfortable as she tried not to touch him but he was enjoying every minute of it. How tantalising. He mused to himself. Then she tried to fix the knot at the front. She executed the process slowly attempting to make it as perfect as possible.

As Sakura had expected, the tie did look good on him and suited him quite well. Sakura smiled in relief. As she was about to release the tie from her hold, he held onto her hands. Sakura looked into his eyes again, they weren't mischievous anymore instead, they were now gentle and conveyed something she couldn't quite put a finger on. It was like a need or a want for something, for her.

I don't care anymore. She said to herself as she tugged on the tie, making him fall forwards. She pulled him into a kiss. Her soft lips gently massaged his, urging for him to return the kiss. President Sabaku was too dazed to respond but when he accepted what was happening, he smiled and returned the kiss like she had hoped he would.

Sakura pushed him backwards, causing him to fall on his back on top of the grassy land. Sakura too, fell with him though she fell on his chest, never breaking the kiss. She licked and tugged at his lower lip. President Sabaku didn't want to play gentle anymore and flipped Sakura, reversing their positions so that she was lying on her back and he was on top. It was just his personality to be the dominant one.

The chaste kisses they were having a while ago eventually transformed into more vigorous and passionate kisses.

"Sakura…" He moaned in between the kisses.

Sakura also moaned in reply but couldn't say anything as continued with his assaults.

It was his turn to pull at her lower lip, asking for entrance. So she gave it and his tongue darted in to explore her sweet cavern. She tasted like strawberries, just sweet. Even though he usually didn't enjoy sweet delicacies, he enjoyed her taste nevertheless. His tongue met hers and they curled around each other, wrestling for dominance. He leaned on his side beside Sakura, turning her to her side as well, as he wrapped his arm around her waist and rested a hand at the back of her head, pulling her closer. Every now and then, a small pant would escape Sakura's lips, making him want to kiss her even more.

Through the groans of their pleasure, they could hear the clock tower ring 12 times, signifying midnight. Sakura broke the kiss and pushed him away.

They both gasped for air. He looked at her confusingly. Did she not like it? He thought worriedly to himself.

Then a small smirk graced her swollen lips. "Sabaku-kun, it's past your birthday now."

He chuckled. "It seems so."

Sakura stood up, looking down at him. "Sabaku-kun, for your 21st birthday, I give you the second kiss I've ever had in my life so you better treasure it well!"

For a moment he was jealous that he only took her second kiss. He pulled her wrist making her fall on him. She yelped at the unexpected movement. She sat on his lap with her back facing him. "Who stole your first?" He whispered in her ears, smelling the scent of her shampoo.

"Why should I tell you?" She teased.

He pulled her tighter to him. "It seems that I won't be releasing you anytime soon."

She gave a sigh of defeat. "Remember the boy I told you about from the orphanage?"

"Hn."

"Yeah, him. There, happy?"

He contemplated it before the memories came rushing back to him. The time where he tricked her to look away and when she looked back he kissed her. He chuckled at himself. He got jealous of himself, how funny.

"Great, my hair's messed up." She complained as she re-tied her hair into a neat bun like before. He released his grip on her and they both walked back into the ballroom, wearing his new watch and tie.

When Sakura found her parents, she discovered that they were still talking to the president's father. As her parents saw her approach them, they excused themselves, saying it was late and that they should be leaving. So they said their goodbyes and left.

President Sabaku watched Sakura and her parents disappear out the door as he stood with his father. His father chuckled to himself.

"What's so funny?" President Sabaku asked inquisitively.

"You have a nice tie that's all."

Damn. He swore inwardly to himself. Got caught.

"It seems you've taken quite a liking to my old friend's daughter aye?"

He didn't reply, only kept silent. You don't know how deep I've fallen, father.

So, how did you like the kiss? I thought i should add it in for making you wait so long. I apologise again for updating so late. Again, please, please review, you are my pillar of support which makes me continue! Like before, criticism is also welcome but don't be so harsh as to make me cry! And whether you have something to say about my fic or not just come and say hi! It's not that hard. What should i do in the next chapter now?

Well, thanks for those who have continued till now and I'll see you in the next chapter! =]