I have no more excuses. I have been busy as hell (there was literally no time to breathe) but I honestly think that I could've gotten this chapter out much earlier. So, I humbly present to you the next installments if you guys still haven't given up on me. That's right. It's a DOUBLE UPDATE as thanks for your wonderful support. Lol.

Distance

It was a week after their hectic trip, and the group was back in Tokyo. Right now, Naruto was sitting in front of his doorstep, well, he was actually squatting, and staring bug-eyed at the latest copy of Y² (courtesy of Tomoko).

"No…" He groaned, slapping his forehead with the glossy magazine. "I told them not to choose that one!"

As he laid the magazine back onto the floor, he stared at the picture, which was printed in full colour for a better effect, with mixed feelings. Pride, fascination, embarrassment… and a slight sliver of happiness. He was thankful for the fact that Sasuke hadn't roasted him alive after the shoot. Wasn't scowling and slapping his hand away lightly comparatively mild to the kick in the jaw he was expecting? I mean, Naruto shrugged to himself, slipping on his shoes, it was just work! And with a grin, he took off, heading for Konoha Studios.


"Keep that expression, Naruto." Tomoko shifted, trying to get a better angle of their faces. "Sasuke, could you turn your head slightly to the—yes! Yes! That's the feeling I want!"

Both were currently lazing on a white fabric couch, with Naruto on his back, his head barely touching the side of Sasuke's thighs. The other was sitting upright, legs crossed and bearing a loose-fitting pair of glasses (according to Miku, it had to be Prada and fitted with square lenses) to read the book he was holding. Naruto had on a Abercrombie & Fitch pale, sleeveless orange t-shirt, lined white at it's hems, and a pair of black shorts, the loose enough for comfort but tight enough to cling. Sasuke sported a Neil Barrett white shirt with black buttons lovingly stitched on and some grey slacks from the same brand. Apparently, Tomoko wanted a more 'homey' look so most of the material used to make the clothes were made out of cotton. In order to fit the theme better, Neji had decided upon slacks that flared out at the bottom hems, so that the 'flowing' of fabric could be captured on lens. Sasuke's shirt itself had a calculated stiffness, seemingly to have undergone a few washings already. The tan leather cuff that Naruto wore was Hinata's idea.

Miku however, was still not satisfied, so several props were meticulously placed to make the area more like a living room, including a 36-inch plasma TV. Tsunade kept a careful eye on things from one corner of the studio, making sure that the standard was met. Though Shizune stood vigil by Tsunade's side with Tonton, the rest of Konoha's staff had disappeared, their jobs done.

"Right. Now that this boring commission is over…" Tomoko scoffed, "Y² shooting starts now." She whipped out another camera with flourish.

"You take commissions?" Naruto asked, stretching his stiff limbs.

"Only from loyal subscribers of the magazine. Customer service is important, y'know?" She laughed, the sound echoing lightly through her makeshift studio.

"Then, you're managing the magazine alone now?" Naruto reached forward for the glass of water set down on the glass coffee table.

"There's plenty of writers working on next month's edition as we speak. Speaking of which, what's Konoha going to do? Autumn's coming up." The young woman spoke, fiddling with one of the zoom adjustments.

"We're goin' to Paris next month!" Naruto bounced on the couch, obviously excited and earning himself a grunt of annoyance from the Uchiha.

"I see." Tomoko nodded, not really paying attention. "Now, I want you two to act as if you're living together. Nothing sensual this time, I just want a very fun, casual but sweet atmosphere. Got that? Do try to… hm, be creative."

Both of the models stiffened. Sasuke sent Naruto one of his famous Uchiha glares, mentally snarling at the blonde for forcing him to 'practice' when they didn't need to. Naruto avoided his gaze with a nervous grin before putting his hands together—a half-attempt at apologizing. Sasuke turned his gaze to the floor, still fuming. However, Tomoko had already begun snapping pictures.

They tried a few different shots. Now being used to close proximity, they had no trouble with excessive skin contact, such as Naruto draping himself over Sasuke as he tried to finish reading or Sasuke resting his head on Naruto's lap as the blonde stared out the window, palm holding his cheek. But somehow, Tomoko just kept them waiting again. Contemplating on what to do next, Sasuke lifted himself off Naruto, stretching to reach for another book from the small shelf. A mischievous smile spread slowly across Naruto's face as Sasuke's hand closed in on the spine of a book. With a rather loud yelp, and several clicks from the camera, the moment was forever immortalized. Tomoko nodded in satisfaction, motioning towards the entrance of the studio.

The clattering of the book onto the floor reverberated through both models ears, the loud sound snapping them out of their own world.


"Is this the best you can do?" Neji threw the portfolio of pictures onto the worktable, his disgust evident. "And you say you're part of the Main family."

Though not her first time hearing this, Hinata still flinched. She pressed her index fingers together, a small attempt at comforting herself. Neji stared her down with narrowed eyes, one hand on his hip. Hinata risked a glance at the same eyes she possessed and quickly hung her head once more. She saw, and felt his bitterness, contempt but most of all, she knew that he too, was suffering. He bore the same eyes as her father—she knew the both of them suffered but did not show it. Compassion replaced the sadness that filled her heart, and the depth of the lavender in her eyes grew with that emotion. An impulse sparked in her, and Hinata, for the first time in her life, met Neji's gaze with a steady one of her own. The long-haired man balked slightly from surprise, but quickly recovered, lifting his chin slightly—a familiar, arrogant gesture.

"Yes, Neji-nii-san." Hinata straightened her slumped shoulders. "I am from the Main family. I try my best at my work and I enjoy it, even though it is never as good as yours or Father's. But Neji-nii-san, you are not doing so."

The cold genius crossed his arms, silently daring her to continue.

And she did.

"You are suffering because you know that the Main family will never recognize you even though you have the talent. You are resentful, frustrated and filled with hurt. Neji-nii-san, you never try your best anymore." Hinata was not intimidated.

"Since when has my work ever been sub-standard?" Neji hands tightened their hold on his forearms, his voice dropping dangerously low as his face darkened with fury.

"It has not." Hinata's face broke into a melancholic smile. "You can go much farther. Even now, you have surpassed many of the Main family members. Neji-nii-san, why do you restrict yourself?"

"I do not want to hear this from a failure." He hissed, swiping pieces of fabric of the table beside them.

"When have you last enjoyed the process of creating?" Hinata continued, a certain memory flashing in front of her eyes.

"Shut up." His trembling fist collided with the table's surface, drawing several stares from around them.

It did not deter her. She was determined to help him. She wanted to share some of his burden, to carry some of that hate. And so, she continued, delivering the final blow.

"Why have you caged yourself, Neji-nii-san, when you can actually fly?"

"You will never…" Neji stopped, so filled with rage he was at a loss of words. "You will never understand!" Instinctively, he raised his hand.

The slap was so loud that it attracted the attention of all the others, so harsh that Hinata was thrown back by the sheer force of it. Landing on her side against the cold floor, she slowly sat up again. She lifted her head, still staring at him with those eyes, filled with pity and strangely enough, determination. Well aware that her cheek was bleeding, she did not cup it but instead chose to hold Neji's stare.

"Don't you dare look at me with those eyes!" Neji raised his palm again, only to have to meet a strong resistance in the middle of it's descent.

"And don't you dare touch her again!" Naruto shouted, his knuckles white from the strength he had to use to stop Neji.

The two models had opened the door to this sight upon their return, and the blonde sprinted to plant himself firmly between the two Hyuugas. Hinata blinked in surprise whilst Neji wrenched his wrist away from Naruto's grasp and elbowed him sharply in the stomach.

"Do not interfere. Failures have no right to talk." Neji glared at Naruto, who was on his knees, coughing from the impact.

"What about you then, huh, bastard?" Naruto snapped, staggering back up. "What right does someone who never gives his best shot have to say?" Naruto tackled Neji onto the floor, lifting his fist to punch the stylist.

"You have no inkling of my circumstances!" Neji swiftly blocked the punch aimed at him, catching Naruto in a hold before throwing him off. "I will never be able to inherit Hyuuga Corp. even though I hold the same family name! It's the same as how you failures will always remain failures! We are all tied down to inescapable destinies of our own!"

"Inescapable destinies? What crap!" Naruto snorted, the rage making his eyes alight with blue fire.

Then, he pounced, throwing his entire weight forward. Neji side-stepped instinctively, slipping into a fighting stance, palm held up and ready to strike Naruto's charging body. Hinata's eyes widened with recognition and her throat constricted with horror.

But the hit never contacted.

Naruto suddenly swerved away from Neji's palm, using his back to collide with the Hyuuga's side. The both of them went down with a grunt and a messy tangle of limbs. Taking the advantage of the fact that Neji was disorientated, Naruto smashed his forehead against the struggling Hyuuga, the impact so hard it made the lavender-eyed designer's vision swim.

A moment was all he needed.

"I make my own destiny. Nothing has never been 'fated' in my life." Naruto ground out through gritted teeth, his eyes blazing as he locked eyes with Neji. "Fate is just another excuse to not even try!"

Neji growled, almost feral and struggled to break free from Naruto's severe grip on his arms. Naruto tightened his hold even further, opening his mouth to make another point before his fingers grew slack. The weight of Naruto was the suddenly lifted off Neji, and Neji felt himself being pulled in the opposite direction by Shikamaru. His eyes caught the glimpse of the blonde thrashing against the Uchiha, who had an arm wrapped around the former's chest and something… something flickered in them. Neji's clicked his tongue in frustration, slapped away the hand that was still holding onto him and strode over to the forgotten port-folio. With frightening nonchalance, he ripped the pieces of paper into halves, and then the halves into further halves again. Turning his heel, he left, with the scraps of paper floating gently onto the floor.

The noise around Hinata dimmed and she blinked twice in quick succession.

She had mistaken those falling pieces for feathers.


"Hn. You had it coming."

"But he was such a—ow! A bastard! What'd you do that for?" Naruto covered his forehead gently, leaning away from the Uchiha.

His fingers grazed against where Sasuke had slapped his forehead none-too-gently, and met soft material. A bruising patch? Naruto's eyebrows shot up in query. But Sasuke didn't spare him another look, walking out of the studio already, hands in pockets. A large grin slowly worked it's way up to Naruto's lips, before being transformed into a grimace.

"Ow! Ow, ow, Sakura-chan!" He whined, the offending pinch making his ear throb. "That hurts!"

"This is what you get for meddling in other people's affairs." Sakura said, eyes closed and merciless. "What were you thinking? Now stay here, Shizune-san and I have to tend to that back you crashed against Neji. You're supposed to shirtless for tomorrow's session!" She huffed in exasperation.

Through teary eyes, Naruto managed to whimper out, "But…"

"No excuses."


"You sure you're alright?" Tsunade said, her tone softer than usual.

"Yes." Hinata nodded. "It's…" She paused, struggling to find a way to explain.

"…not the first time, is it?" Tsunade continued for her, resting a cheek on her hand.

Hinata lowered her head—there was nothing else to be said. Big, glossy pictures stared back at her. And printed on them were two faces that she very well recognized. Her eyes widened incredibly and milliseconds after that, a blush raced across her cheeks. She hastened to shadow her open mouth with a loosely curled fist (it was not befitting of a heiress after all), her gaze never leaving the pictures. Tsunade tilted her head before glancing down.

"Oh these?" She scoffed. "Don't look so surprised. They're still brats—you've seen better."

"M-may," She swallowed, "may I take a look?"

She held it in her hands, her shock slowly dissolving. Naruto had on his signature fox grin, but it's feral qualities were very much toned down by the cheeky light of his eyes. As she shifted her gaze to Sasuke, she blushed again. Well, the hand groping Sasuke's butt was rather… prominent. Sasuke's face was a mixture of surprise and embarrassment. The slight red dusting on his pale cheeks was accentuated by the white of his shirt. He looked quite comical.

Comical, but cute?

Hinata shook her head slightly, sending a silent apology to the Uchiha whom she knew would not be amused if he had heard her thoughts. She thanked Tsunade, returned the picture and left, contemplating what she had seen. It was something. Hinata couldn't put her finger on it, but it was definitely something. And what bothered her the most was that…

It didn't sit well with her.

Her pace quickened, but she didn't know where she was going. So absorbed in her thoughts, she accidentally bumped into someone else walking the streets.

"O-oh!" Hinata recoiled, "I'm so sorry. Are you alright?" She looked up, and met with a pair of red eyes.

Well, they flashed red to her. But in reality, they were just plain black—common to the Japanese. His hair was black too, tied up in a loose ponytail.

"It's fine." A deep, velvety voice replied her.

Hinata watched the back retreating into the glass doors of a local hospital, puzzled. Judging from those eye bags, he was probably an insomniac.


Sasuke tread lightly through the busy morning crowd, also deep in thought. For the first time in his life, he had felt uncomfortable during a shoot. He had posed nude before, with and without women. But… No, it wasn't the fact that Naruto was a guy. No, it wasn't that the blonde had groped him. Maybe uncomfortable wasn't the word.

Sasuke had felt unprepared.

He knew and trained to have the exact mindset the photographer wanted whenever he stated the requirements. But Naruto… Naruto didn't have to do that. He didn't have to ready himself or think about what to do. He was ever spontaneous and was quick to voice any misunderstandings. Then, he just took the plunge. Sasuke's jaw hardened, a slow resentment being cradled in his heart.

He made it look so easy.

Suddenly, realization hit him.

And as fast as it came, it dissipated. He scoffed quietly to himself—there was no way that Naruto was better than him. The blonde only had basic training, that was it. He was childish, and had no pride as a model. Thinking about it was a waste of time.

"Why, if it isn't Hatake Kakashi's boy?"

Sasuke's neck snapped up, and was face-to-face with director and owner of the Sound himself. Instinctively, his eyes narrowed.

"Orochimaru." He gave a curt nod.

The man closed his eyes and chuckled in amusement, the sound grating to Sasuke's ears.

"You should be a little more respectful to your elders, Sasuke-kun." The older man purred, laying a hand on his shoulder.

Sasuke leaned away from the plastic fingers, ever so slightly. Those bright slit-like pupils, with their eyelids coated a deep shade of purple, coupled with the pallor complexion was unsettling. Add that to his long neck, he looked very much like a snake. Orochimaru surveyed him carefully (he had the presence of mind to do it discreetly), gauging his reaction. Then, the hand on Sasuke's shoulder lifted.

"How's modeling with Konoha?" Orochimaru took a step back, his long hair swaying with the movement.

"Busy." Sasuke's answer was clipped.

"That is a given. I do recall that there was a certain blonde by the name of Uzumaki Naruto who was working with you?" He mentioned thoughtfully, arms clicking as he gestured. "It must be trying. Especially when he's so incompetent."

Silence met his comments.

Orochimaru paused, as he was obviously expecting some sort of reaction. When he didn't get any, the smile on his face just grew wider. The raven didn't notice, apparently still lost in his own thoughts.

"Or perhaps you don't think so…" Orochimaru shrugged, leaning against a wall that was nearby. "Getting a little soft, aren't we?"

"Are you implying something?" Sasuke glared at the older man, knowing that he was being toyed with.

"Well, normally if someone if better than you, you train to surpass them…"

Sasuke's glare intensified.

"Or you could crush them." Orochimaru lifted up a hand for emphasis, "If you do not have such resolve, it would be a bit difficult to execute revenge on a certain someone, would it not?"

"That is my own personal business." Sasuke bit out, spite evident.

"I'm just stating my opinion, Sasuke-kun. I came from Konoha, and I know how they waste precious time and resources. There is no motivation in that place. They don't push the models hard enough."

The hands that were still in his pockets clenched into tight fists.

"And that is why I'm here to offer you a contract with Sound."

Sasuke raised a skeptical eyebrow, still wary.

"We have a strict protocol that models adhere to. And I personally provide training for all our models. Anyone who fails to improve their performance at the end of one month however, will have their contract terminated." Orochimaru elaborated. "It's a way of knowing whether you're improving, or otherwise."

"How is their performance judged?" Sasuke asked, his tone cold.

"We have connections with major fashion groups in majority of the world. It is not only me who decides, but you will also be facing selections from a variety of people. Reporters, fashion designers, brand owners, veteran models… This is so that the weak are eliminated as to not waste our effort. The better you are, the more privileges you are granted, of course." Orochimaru chuckled.

He knew.

"I will take my leave now if you'll excuse me. I am flying down south for a shoot in the tropical rainforest. And it has not even been a day since I landed in Japan." Orochimaru's eyes gleamed a brighter yellow as he held out a business card to the Uchiha. "Contact me if you wish."

Sasuke eyed the card suspiciously. One minute passed, then two… Then, he was stepping forward to receive it. And at that point, Orochimaru's smile turned cruel.

He knew he had won this one.


"Are you doooone?" A high-pitched shrill filled the room, making Tsunade snap the pen she was writing with.

"Ugh, nasty. You've got ink all over the hand, granny!" Naruto pointed.

The remains of the pen that had once been smacked him right on the nose, leaving a rather interesting pattern. Naruto yelped, using his sleeve to wipe the black-coloured liquid off him. He felt a pain blossom on his ear before he could open his mouth to complain, courtesy of Sakura's steel-like fingers on his ear.

"Ow, geez, Sakura-chan!" Naruto cried, tears once again springing to his eyes, "Not the—ow! What is with you? First the left ear, now the right! It'll be my nose next!"

"It'll be a punch to your gut if you don't be quiet." She let out an exasperated sigh.

"There's a poolside shoot coming up at Park Hyatt Tokyo. You will be doing swimwear as well as a few shots for the hotel." Tsunade spoke without looking at them, signing with a new pen Shizune had brought for her.

"At a poolside, huh…" Naruto pondered, holding the back of his head.

"Then, you'll be off to Hokkaido. The Travel+Living magazine wants male models for an ad on tourism in Japan. You don't have to bring so many clothes—you're not going to be wearing much most of the time."

"What? But the temperatures there can drop to 12 degrees Celsius during autumn! Below ten with wind-chill!" The words were out before Sakura could stop them.

"Oh, really?" Tsunade took another piece of document from the file tray beside her. "Well, you're not going there. So it's not your problem. Naruto, after the first shoot, you're expected to meet up with the photographer at Daiichi Takimotokan. They've hired their own stylist and make-up artist from Suna so only you and Sasuke will making this trip." She finished before turning to a somewhat disappointed Sakura.

"Hot springs? Sweet!" Naruto pumped his fist in the air.

"Suna? As in the major cosmetics group?" Sakura voiced out in awe.

The Hokage nodded, "You will be working on your first shoot for a smalltime gadget and technology magazine." Tsunade said as the pink-head snapped to full attention. "Anko, Sai and I will be coming to make sure nothing goes wrong."

Sakura's forest-green orbs lit up with obvious joy, "Yes, ma'am!"

"Very well. You may both—,"

"Alright then! See ya, granny!" Naruto bolted off without glancing behind, much to Tsunade's annoyance.

"Naruto!" Sakura's yell went unheeded.

"Damn brat…" Tsunade rubbed at her temples, passing a crisp, white envelope to Sakura. "Their tickets are inside. You are dismissed. Get ready for your shoot tomorrow, Sakura. I want you here by 8am sharp."

"Understood!" Sakura nodded enthusiastically, bowed and left the studio.


"The elder Hyuuga still hasn't come back yet?" Tsunade stood up, walking towards the full-glass window behind her seat.

"No, Tsunade-sama. I am sure Hinata has tried to contact him. But it seems to no avail. The rift in their family is wide." Shizune shook her head, laying a gentle hand on Tonton's back.

Slight chuckling could be heard from the one she stood next too and the dark-haired assistant turned to her boss in slight puzzlement. Tsunade tapped the glass with a knuckle, her eyes dancing with mirth as she spoke her next words.

"It may be, but there's a certain bridge that's going to be built soon."


The stylist/designer didn't make it that far from the studio before stopping. But that did not mean his rage had dissipated. He let out a small, trembling sigh that he had not realized he had been holding. He allowed his head to fall back, pale lavender eyes shifting to gaze at the sky.

A single, very ordinary sparrow took flight, obscuring his vision with a smudge of brown for just a moment.

"Neji?"

It was almost like a ripple—smooth and effortless. Neji immediately eased himself back into the confines of his mask. The man who called his name came up to him, bearing the same-coloured orbs and satin-like brown hair that fell past his waist.

"Hiashi-sama." Neji nodded slowly, acknowledging him, acknowledging his uncle.

"What brings you here at this time of the day?" Hiashi blinked at him with curious eyes.

His voice, though soft, still had a tone of authority in it.

"Taking a stroll." Neji straightened up, meeting his eyes.

"The Hokage has informed me of your recent… disagreement."

Neji bit back a curse. He did not want his father to be questioned about the upbringing of his child, especially by the family elders.

"I was actually thinking about visiting your father today." Hiashi continued, turning his head in the general direction of Neji's home.

The clenched fist was hidden well beneath the long sleeves of Neji's white blouse. Hiashi started his way towards where Neji lived after saying that, and the younger Hyuuga had no choice but to follow in silence.

Once they reached the humble terrace house (a far cry from the Hyuuga private living quarters in Roppongi Hills), Hiashi knocked the door thrice, each a clear and distinct sound. Two seconds later, the door opened, revealing an exact replica of Hiashi. There were wrinkles around his eyes, which shown with warmth and kindness—much like Hinata's. One had to wonder whether their children had been swapped at birth.

"Brother." Hizashi spoke, a small smile making his lips quirk as he opened the door wider, to allow entry.

"Hizashi." Hiashi greeted his younger twin, tenderness seeping into his expression.

"Has my son troubled you in any way? It is rare for you to make personal trips." Hizashi observed as the other two made their way inside.

"There are certain things that need to be discussed."

"Is that so?" Hizashi led them towards the dining table. "Neji, would you prepare us some tea?"

"Yes, father."

"He's been left in the dark for too long." Hiashi murmured.

Hizashi's eyes widened, first with surprise, then with concern, "What happened?"

Hiashi related to his brother what he had heard from Tsunade.

"I had no idea…" Hizashi exhaled slowly. "My apologies, brother. Is Hinata… Is Hinata alright?"

"Her injuries were minor—so they should not pose any worries. I'm more concerned about the emotional turmoil Neji is going through. We should tell him that it was your choice from the beginning."

Neji hand paused in mid-air, the teacup hovering just in front of his father. He looked at him questioningly.

"Neji," Hizashi started after a calculated pause, "it was my decision to sacrifice all I had for Hyuuga Corp."

Neji blinked once. His father was still meeting his gaze evenly. There was no lie behind that statement.

"…Why?" Neji's voice dropped to a whisper, everything seemingly to have deflated out of him.

"I wanted to be free from the cage that was the Main Family. Though my wish was according to what the Main Family wanted."

"I tried to stop him, but Hizashi used the Gentle Fist on me and went ahead with his decision." Hiashi's lips curved into a small but rare smile.

Somehow the thought of his uncle being defeated by his father in their family's traditional martial arts style was a bit…

"In the end, it was my decision and my decision alone. Brother would have stopped me but he couldn't. Forgive me, Neji. I did not know that your suffering was so great." Hizashi was then enveloped by a deep sadness. "Neji, I have shown you naught but my bitterness towards the Main Family before we were released. But Neji, do not become like me. Do not hold resentment. Do not keep hatred in your heart."

"I too, have to apologize, Neji." Hiashi, much to Neji and his father's surprise, bowed his head low. "For not being able to stop your father as well as for keeping the truth from you. Your family would have lived a much better life if I has succeeded in persuading your father. However, I do not expect your forgiveness."

The atmosphere grew quiet after that. A gentle, yet thoughtful silence. Hizashi sipped his tea mildly whereas Hiashi kept his bowed posture towards Neji, his face grave… but not unkind.

"Raise your head." Neji managed to reply, still numb from the recent turn of events. When Hiashi stayed in the same position, Neji repeated his words once again, "Raise your head, Hiashi-sama."

And as he did, Hiashi saw that Neji was staring out through the open doors of the small balcony… with a startlingly serene expression on his face. Something shone in Hiashi's eyes when he realized what Neji was looking at, and he had to blink to make the feeling go away. There is no such thing as fateHiashi turned to his brother, his eyes silently conveying his thoughts.

Both the young adult and his father were fixated on a brilliant flock of birds, soaring magnificently through the mid-autumn skies.


Sakura stopped in front of the apartment block, trying not to let herself gape. The luxury that was provided to models (obviously those that were good at their job) bordered on obscene for her. She knew that modeling agencies do not provide anything for their models except for Konoha and Sound, which defied the norm.

The girl came, from what she'd like to hope, a 'normal' middle-class family, very much different compared to the Yamanaka family that were already very well-off. Sakura had always been envious of Ino—she was beautiful, had the money and would have a well-established business to run after high school (already she was making international deliveries). Though she was pretty much above average when it came to academic performance, Ino had a sharp mind and a sharper tongue when it came to business deals. She also excelled in her family business itself—flower arrangement. A unique ability for discerning whatever the customer wanted a bouquet of flowers to mean or say, coupled with the fact that she was adept at choosing and creating a balance with colours. A formidable florist.

Though she can be air-headed,Sakura reluctantly admitted something that brought a smile to her face as childhood memories resurfaced, she has a kind heart that shows at the most unexpected of times.

She was glad that the animosity had reduced significantly during their last meeting. However, that was another story altogether.

This… This was something else. A penthouse. An entire floor. The main lobby was already so… decorated. It's more of a hotel here, dammit! Sakura took a deep breath, suddenly nervous.

"But Sasuke!" Naruto's voice could be heard three floors down.

"I said no." Came the more controlled, deeper baritone of the Uchiha.

"Like I said—,"

"Personal items are not allowed in hot springs." Sasuke interjected.

Sakura's fist stopped just before the door. Albeit curious, that was not the reason why she hadn't knocked. It was the way that Sasuke talked to Naruto. More often than not, they'd be bickering in the studio or during one of their jobs, but Sakura had just realized that Sasuke was talking.

Talking normally to Naruto.

"But it's just a rubber duckie!" Naruto did his habit of dragging out the last syllable of the word, making a vein on Sakura's forehead pop out.

Amazingly, the Uchiha's response was not one of irritation. Then again, if one had to put up with this 24/7, one had to develop some sort of immunity. Or go insane. Sasuke had wisely chosen the former.

"It's still a personal item. And," Sasuke spoke before Naruto could interrupt him, "therefore, it's not allowed."

"But why…?" Sakura could practically see Naruto's face contorted in devastation. "Wah! What the—bastard!"

The sound of something hard clattered against the floor. Sakura flinched, her hand accidentally rapping the door to their apartment.

"I could've gotten killed!"

Two pairs of footsteps approached the entrance.

"Having you killed by a calculator? Hn. Not a bad thought." She thought she heard hints of Sasuke's smile.

And before Sakura could comprehend what was happening. The door opened to two young, handsome models, their gazes curious but warm.

No... Sakura grinned up at them, holding up the envelope and a peace sign. Two young, handsome friends.


It was a simple, but beautiful room they were given. After just having checked in into the Daiichi Takamotokan, Naruto and Sasuke were brought to their room on the seventh floor. The room had a brilliant view of the well-tended gardens below. A traditional Japanese style garden, complete with a rather large pond that was filled with equally large koi fish. The leaves of the trees in the garden were a plethora of colours—green, orange, red and yellow—and there was even a bamboo grove at one little corner. Naruto immediately flopped onto the tatami flooring, sighing in contentment. Outside, dusk had already fallen, and the crickets were starting their chorus. They were to meet the photographer the next day.

"It feels good to be able to stretch after sitting for so long in the train."

"Hn." Sasuke walked over him, taking the kettle from one of the cabinets.

"Hey, Sasuke!" Naruto flipped over, legs dangling in the air as he watched Sasuke make tea. "Wanna go check out the hot springs?"

"We're going there tomorrow." Sasuke snapped, apparently in a foul mood.

"Alright already! Geez," Naruto pouted, "lighten up! You've been like that since morning. Even while we were at the pool."

Sasuke chose not to answer, refusing to look at Naruto. He did however, set the kettle he was holding down. Naruto sat up slowly, taking everything in.

"Did something happen?" He asked.

"Nothing." Came his short reply.

Naruto decided right then and there what he was going to do. Failing to suppress the growing grin on his face, he caught Sasuke (who was preoccupied with his thoughts) by the wrist and sprinted out of the room. Sasuke stumbled after him, snapping back to the present.

"What the hell are you doing, moron?" Sasuke growled, trying to shake his wrist free.

"This isn't the first time it's happened, Sasuke!" Naruto laughed, practically flying down the hallways, scaring various hotel guests and employees. "You shouldn't have let your guard down!"

This action only served as fuel to the fire, and Sasuke made his fury apparent.

"Naruto," Sasuke spat, his eyes darkening, "let go. Now."

"Nope!" The blonde showed no signs of intimidation and continued his run.

The duo struggled with each other, one pulling to the front and the other jamming his heels into the wooden flooring. Unfortunately for Sasuke, the floor was spick and span, beautifully polished and slippery. It was hard to stop with soft cotton indoor slippers. Naruto made his way to one of the many hot spring baths in the ryoukan-styled hotel and jerked to an abrupt halt. Sasuke managed to free himself from Naruto's grip but as he turned to walk away, he was drenched from head to toe.

"Shit!" The raven hissed, obviously in pain.

That normally happened when one jumped right into the hot springs… or when somebody else threw a bucket of hot spring water on you. Sasuke had the joy of experiencing the second possibility.

He gritted his teeth, shoulders trembling with unrestrained anger, and charged back at Naruto, whose expression had suddenly turned serious. Sasuke grabbed hold of Naruto T-shirt, barely hearing the fabric rip and was going to punch him. Naruto caught his fist just before the impact, moving forward to collide his forehead with Sasuke's. But then, Naruto flinched after the hit, making a strangulated sound of pain and quickly pulled away, with Sasuke still holding on to his blouse. As a result, Sasuke fell forward with Naruto as the blonde slipped on the wet the floor, sending the both of them tumbling into the hot spring. The other guests using the baths fled, not wanting to be in the middle of a fist-fight.

Naruto resurfaced first, shaking his head vigorously, droplets of water flung off his hair in every direction. Sasuke followed soon after, opting to sit down instead of standing up immediately. It was a bit difficult when there was somebody standing between his legs. Both were red and panting from exertion.

"Ow, dammit!" Naruto tenderly touched his forehead, wincing as he did so. "That freakin' hurt!"

"Dobe," Sasuke began, sighing tiredly, "the term 'using your head more' doesn't involve multiple head butts."

"Shut up!" Naruto tried, and failed miserably to stomp his foot in the water. "I know that! Ow, ow, ow… The first bruise was just showing, y'know!"

"I didn't ask you to do it." Sasuke frowned, his own forehead starting to throb.

Naruto squatted back down, giving Sasuke a once-over before grunting in satisfaction.

"What?" Sasuke asked, looking at the blonde.

"That helped. Even if it was just a bit." Naruto cracked another one of his smiles, holding out a hand.

'Truce?' was what his aqua orbs seemed to be saying.

"Idiot." Sasuke knocked the back of Naruto's head lightly with his fist, the hand coming to rest on Naruto's wet hair.

Probably because Naruto's hair was soft or it could've even been the heat, but either way, Sasuke was filled with a sudden urge once again. His fingers ghosted across Naruto's forehead, slightly swollen from suffering so many impacts and paused at the center before continuing. Naruto became still from slight surprise, his smile chased away. Their breathing grew calm and they unknowingly basked in the moment, with Sasuke's gentle fingers still on Naruto's forehead, the movements somewhat akin to a caress.

So lost were they in their own world, the both of them jumped when the silence that had fallen shattered.

"Sirs!" The woman yelled for what seemed to be the umpteenth time (when really, it was just the first). "Even though you are guests here, you are not allowed to use the hot springs fully clothed! Please change at once!" Even the tag that read 'manager' glinted angrily under the soft lighting.

"Wah! I'm sorry! I really didn't realize!" Naruto quickly stood up, rubbing the back of his head. "We accidentally slipped into the baths."

Sasuke bowed his head slightly in apology, and the two models left for their room, dripping wet and shoulders shaking in mirth.


"You're kidding me, right?" Kankuro eyed the two models he was assigned, the both of them sporting purple bruises on their heads.

Well, one bruise was bigger than the other, but that was hardly the point. Kankuro opened his kit, sifting through the colours to be used. Had models, Kankuro wondered silently, begun to bang their heads against walls to ease their frustrations and troubles? As he applied the base for the first model, the black-haired one, he silently cursed—the bruise showed clearly on his pale skin. He would have to blend a dark coloured foundation with layers of lighter powders to match Sasuke's complexion. As he was immersed in deep thought, a finger poked him on the shoulder. He flicked the annoying appendage away. It came back again. He flicked it away. This process repeated five times.

"What, for the love of God, do you want?" He whirled around, a vein popping just above the corner of his left eyebrow.

Blue eyes just blinked back at him, amused, "Just wanted to know why you like purple make-up."

Temari sniggered from behind him.

"It's not make-up. It's a tattoo. Temporary markings." Kankuro explained, with a hint of pride. "Something like a rite of passage that Suna's artists have to go through."

"Still looks like make-up to me." Naruto wrinkled his nose, not quite getting the point.

"Is he always like that?" Kankuro asked no one in particular, going back to his work.

He did not miss however, the small smirk that flashed across Sasuke's face. But in a blink of an eye, it was gone. The shoot was simple—the photographer did not demand much other than wide, toothy grins to show how much they were enjoying themselves in Japan's hot springs. Kankuro and Temari watched over nonchalantly, arms crossed and waiting.

"By the way, why are you here?" Naruto asked, curious. "I thought you had to help at the café."

"Tomoko's managing it herself with Kouno and Shihoudani since she left. She fired me, asking me to model for Suna."

"Oh." Naruto's mind went back to when they first met the two during the Y² shoot.

"She came here to disturb me." Kankuro snorted, earning himself a soft hit on the nose from Temari's wooden fan.

"Don't think too highly of yourself. Gaara…" Temari stopped, as if struggling to find the right words. "Gaara needs us."

"We saw your first few pictures from Y², by the way." Kankuro swiftly changed the topic, ignoring Naruto's raised eyebrows. "You guys weren't bad."

"That's just another way of saying 'not good'." Naruto pouted.

"But we have seen better." Temari mentioned.

This particular comment made Sasuke turn back to their conversation, ears listening.

"Akatsuki and Sound are both doing very well, even though some of their beauty looks unnatural. There's a difference though," Temari whipped open her fan with flourish, "Akatsuki's models do not do plastic surgery. Their looks and skills are in another league all together."

From the corner of his eye, Naruto saw Sasuke's hand turn into a tight fist.

"But Konoha's not that bad too." Naruto tried to steer the conversation in another direction. "And Suna's pretty good when it comes to make-up."

"Especially that guy—what's his name?" The teal-eyed woman continued, "Ah, that's right. Itachi. We heard that he ditched Konoha and his family to stand at the apex of the fashion world today. He's in a league of his own."

Sasuke stood up abruptly, the bangs on his face casting a dark shadow over his eyes, preventing anyone from guessing his thoughts. Without so much of a sound, he left the room, not caring if the photographer wanted to get some extra shots. Naruto was going to dart after him when Kankuro's next words stopped him in his tracks.

"Quite the sensitive one, ain't he?"

"It seems like he really hates his brother." Temari observed her nails, as if bored.

"You knew…?" Naruto growled out, his voice going dangerously low. "You knew about everything and you still carried out that conversation?"

"Oh?" Temari grinned, her eyes glinting with a malicious light. "You already knew? That Uchiha's getting more recognition. We didn't think he'd be that emotional. That's a sign of weakness."

Naruto was standing with his back facing them, but that didn't contain his rage, which was rolling off him in waves. His fist collided strongly with the wall beside him, and his head turned just enough for him to glare with one orb. The gaze was as cold as steel. Temari met that look with a feral one of her one, just to spite him to do something.

"Why you…" His fist trembled against the wall, itching to hit something.

"I don't appreciate violence directed to my sister, y'know." Kankuro's voice cut in, slow but laced with threats.

Naruto stormed off, his indoor shoes tapping loudly against the floor, presumably to look for the Uchiha. Guests and hotel staff alike jumped out of his way, not wanting to face someone's whose face resembled a black cloud. One housekeeper however, was not so lucky. She was too slow, carrying a heavy stack of newspapers so she ended up crashing right into Naruto, causing the both of them to stumble. The blonde caught her as the newspapers flew out of her hold, scattering across the floor.

"Sorry." His reply was distracted as he bent to help her pick up what had fallen.

They were old papers some dating back to two months ago. When most of it had been retrieved, the lady turned to Naruto, hoping to thank him. But Naruto's eyes were riveted on one particular article he had picked up. He was reading the same sentence over and over again.

"Hey!" Naruto said suddenly, his face lighting up completely, "Can I keep this?"

"O-Of course, sir." The employer stammered, taken aback by the sudden transformation.

"Thanks!" And he sprinted off, faster than before.


When Sasuke finally reached the privacy room that he shared with Naruto, he let out an enraged cry, lashing at the wall with a fist but just stopping short of hitting it. He recalled what had happened last night, after the unplanned meeting with Orochimaru in the morning, which had resulted in a distracted, snappish attitude today.

"Hello there, Sasuke~"

The Uchiha refused to let his eye twitch at the familiar tone.

"How are you enjoying Konoha so far?" Kakashi's voice drawled lazily over the phone.

Sasuke paused in his train of thought, seeming to weigh his answer.

"Then, I'll take your silence as a positive implication." Kakashi's visible eye crinkled with smile lines in another part of the world.

Sasuke looked away from his desk, blinking slowly to face the window. It was already dark out, and most ordinary people would be returning to their families, looking forward to a nice, home-cooked dinner with an atmosphere warm enough to chase away the cold that penetrated the house. Sasuke's thoughts were bitter. If only they knew that he simple illusion of happiness could be shattered so easily by the very ones they so trusted and loved.

"Sasuke." Kakashi immediately turned dead serious.

The raven refocused and waited.

"Do not be possessed by vengeance."

Those words. Something that Sasuke knew was always on his manager's mind but never spoken, till now. An almost-forbidden topic. Kakashi only ever approached him about it once. Sasuke had ignored him completely. But this time…

Slowly, ever so slowly, Sasuke's eyes narrowed to slits, the red in them swirling dangerously. The pale fingers gripping the phone were trembling.

"You will not gain anything." Kakashi's voice grew soft.

"Do not speak as if you know me," Sasuke hissed, "Kakashi." He added for good measure.

And all Kakashi heard next was the dial tone.


Naruto flew down the hallway in a flash of yellow, effectively bulldozing through everything in his path. He was gripping a newspaper cutout so tightly, it was crumpled.

He acknowledged me.

If one could read fast enough, the headlines of the article read 'Uchiha sees Uzumaki as a rival and friend', with snapshots of the both of them (plus other Sound models) doing the Versace show in Milan. Naruto whooped with an obvious, infectious joy, his feet stomping across the wooden flooring.

He acknowledged me.

Naruto didn't even bother to knock—he burst into the shared hotel room, not wondering why the door was not closed, also dropping his room key in the process.

He acknowledged me!

It was at that exact moment, when Naruto's eyes met Sasuke's, that he knew that something was very, very wrong.


He knew the man was troubled after their recent contact with Orochimaru in London over two weeks ago. They were still renting a flat in London, near the main office of Sound Agency. It seemed that Orochimaru was gone for the week. Though Iruka could still remember the rage in the older man's eyes as if it were yesterday.

It was, truth to be told, a little frightening.

They approached him when he was alone one day, walking back to the office, presumably from lunch.

Kakashi had his hands in the pockets of his slacks, face calm and tone soft. He was staring at the former Konoha employee straight in the eye. The anger that seeped into Kakashi's lone eye made it cold steel, resulting a expression that showed he could kill without remorse.

"Stay away from my model, Orochimaru." His voice, though soft, sliced through the air with the sharpness of a blade. "I'm quite sure you won't want to die so soon."

He then walked off languidly, back to his usual self. Orochimaru smirked to himself and continued his journey as if nothing had happened. Iruka was on the other side of the road, stunned… when he was supposed to be watching Orochimaru's reaction.

Not once had Kakashi spoken to anyone like that.

They were speculating, and it was quite obvious, that Orochimaru had taken a liking to Uchiha Sasuke. Kakashi heard through a grapevine that the perverse man was trying to win the raven over to Sound. Most likely, Kakashi thought, by playing the 'Itachi revenge' card. He'll be damned if he had to hand over the child entrusted to him since the age of seven to Orochimaru so easily. However, legal guardians could only do so much. And so, he did the only thing he could do right then.

He called Sasuke. Who was back in Japan.

Iruka knew that was when to leave him alone, and busied himself with cooking a simple meal. Fifteen minutes later, he came back, knocked on the door.

"Kakashi-san?" Iruka set the baby-blue apron he was wearing, after having finished preparing dinner.

Kakashi had a grave face, with his head bowed down in utter defeat—he looked devastated.

Iruka moved over to him cautiously, with much concern. Dinner was forgotten and the agent of Uzumaki Naruto stood behind Kakashi to read the e-mail displayed on the laptop screen. Iruka exhaled slowly through his nose as the words began to sink in, the realization hitting him hard as well. Kakashi lifted his head until he was gazing up at the cream-coloured ceiling, and Iruka's heart ached at the despair he caught a glimpse of in those eyes. Squeezing his eyes shut as if experiencing great physical pain, Kakashi let out a barely audible sigh.

Tanned arms came to wrap tenderly around him, holding him, grounding the broken man to reality. Sweet nothings were whispered into his ears, by a voice he had grown to yearn for.

But Iruka, and to some extent, Kakashi knew, that "it's going to be OK" would only serve for Kakashi to make it through the night.

Before the next course of action was to be taken.


"Sasuke…" Naruto inched forward, stomach beginning to churn. "Sasuke, what the hell did you do?"

The other young adult did not move, his back not blocking the flickering light of his laptop screen. Naruto repeated his question, stepping closer and shouting louder. When Sasuke didn't answer, Naruto shoved the Uchiha aside, to frantically read what was on the screen.

Sasuke made no move to stop the blonde, only choosing to watch the horror grow on Naruto's features.

To the Hokage,

I regret to inform you that I would like to tender my resignation as of now as I am transferring to Sound.

Uchiha Sasuke.

"What the…" Naruto stumbled backwards in shock and disbelief.

"What the hell is going on, Sasuke?" Naruto gritted his teeth when he was met with further silence. "Answer me, damn it!"

"It's none of your business." Sasuke strode over, snapped the laptop shut and continued to pack his bag—a task he set out to do earlier.

"And what do you mean by that?" Naruto's palm shot out, slamming into the door of the closet next to Sasuke's back, making it shudder.

"It means exactly what it means." Sasuke said, turning around, face-to-face with the blonde.

Naruto flinched at the empty, detached tone.

"Why are you suddenly going to work for that snake-bastard? You know what he does to his models!" He roared.

"I've said this before." Sasuke was eerily calm. "I'll do anything to kill him. If working with Orochimaru will give me a chance to do so, then I shall work for him."

"Do you actually trust him? That freaking asshole? What—,"

"Enough, Naruto." Sasuke pushed past his now former colleague. "It has nothing to do with you."

"It has everything to do with me!" Naruto swung Sasuke by the collar until the other's spine crashed into the nearest wall with a violent, painful crack. "You think I'm just going to let you go? You think I'm just going to let you walk right into the hands of that bastard?" Naruto spat, trembling with emotion. "Teme, you really think I'm that sort of person?"

"It would be convenient if you were." Sasuke snapped back, nearing his limit.

"You were my first bond! Since my childhood, I've always been alone. You were the first to reach out to me! You were someone I could call a rival, a friend, a brother! You were the first to actually acknowledge me… Even Sakura-chan didn't before!"

Sasuke blinked owlishly back at him, unaffected.

"So were these all lies?" Naruto threw the newspaper cutting he was holding onto the floor. "These just ways to enable you to get to your brother, weren't they? Huh?"

"No, they weren't." Sasuke's answer was simple, and not hesitant.

Naruto's arms went slack, "So why…?"

"If I have the emotional capacity to surpass my best friend, then I will have a higher possibility of finishing Itachi off."

"What kind of… bullshit is that?" Naruto clenched his fists, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

"You will never understand, Naruto—what it means to lose a bond. You were alone from the start, I wasn't. Don't lump me in the same category as you." Sasuke glared at him. "You're holding me back. I won't get any closer to destroying him if I stick around Konoha and waste time playing games with you." Sasuke smirked, bringing his face just centimeters away from the blonde's. "You're in the way, Naruto…" A different light entered Sasuke's eyes, more sinister than anything else, "so I will just have to remove the competition."

Naruto snapped.

"Sasuke!" He drove his fist, his anger, his hurt, everything, right into Sasuke's stomach.

Sasuke coughed and staggered slightly. But the light in his eyes did not fade… and he was still smirking.

"You should've chosen better, Naruto." Sasuke returned fire, punching Naruto in the face, before ramming his shoulder into the Uzumaki's chin right after. "A model's career very much depends on his face."

Naruto's vision swam as he struggled towards the Uchiha. Why? A thought penetrated the fog that occupied his mind. Why can't I ever reach him?

"I'm going to drag you back here," Naruto gritted his teeth, recovering, "and make you forfeit that e-mail!"

Sasuke zipped up the rest of his bag and rested it lightly over his shoulder. "It's already been approved. Give it up, Naruto."

"What the—Tsunade-baachan!" Naruto's eyes widened. "No. There's no way I'll ever give up, you bastard!"

He tried again, this time to reach for Sasuke's forearm, but ended up getting hit over the head with the duffel bag. Naruto bit his lip until it bled, refusing to cry out, his swirling vision not stopping him. Sasuke however, took advantage of the moment, walking briskly towards the empty lift that just happened to have it's doors open. Naruto made it just in time… to see the doors closing on the raven.

"Fuck!" Naruto rammed his fist into the lift doors so hard, blood dripped down his wrist, onto the expensive wooden flooring.

He sank down on his knees, finally, finally letting the salty tears escape his eyes.

Inside the descending left, Sasuke leaned heavily against the wall, visibly shaken, but breathing a small, ragged sigh of relief. Trust Naruto to get his emotions all mixed up again. Trust Naruto to get him riled up like this. He could not fathom why his chest was so uncomfortably tight when he saw Naruto doing his best to hold back the forming tears. Or when he heard the loud slam just seconds after the lift began to move.

His fingers reached out, tracing the spot he assumed to have been hit by Naruto, an equally pained expression on his face. Thrice he did it, before resting his forehead on the same place.

The lift reached the lobby soon after and Sasuke walked out, breathing calm, mind clear.

Without so much of a glance backwards, the Uchiha left.