Disclaimer: We do not own Naruto.

Title: Landing Amongst the Stars

Genre: Romance/Drama/Angst


LANDING AMONGST THE STARS

Chapter Nine: Keeping Secrets

A collaboration by Winter Psyche and tornupleather


-Ino's POV-

Working under Kakashi was more pressure than I imagined. Some of the models weren't the friendliest of people, but the ones that recognized me from the fashion show offered their congratulations. I pulled on a red cotton summer dress admiring the way it contrasted against my fair skin. My arms automatically reached for a cream cardigan and my brown leather sandals.

"Sakura," I scanned the hooks where I kept my necklaces, "have you seen my silver necklace?"

"Which one?" She deadpanned, staring up from her chunky looking novel.

A frustrated sigh emitted from my glossed lips, "The one with the little bow and pearl charm!"

"Isn't it right there?" She pointed towards my night stand. I pursed my lips and stepped shamefully to pick up the chain, clasping it around my neck. Sakura inspected me curiously, "You look...fancy."

"I work for Kakashi Hatake," I put both hands on my waist, "of course I'm going to look fancy."

She shook her head, bubblegum tresses falling to the sides of her face, "I know, but you look especially fancy today."

I looked down, Sasori had offered me a ride home from work today. Maybe part of me did want to impress him, but I wasn't ready to admit that I had feelings for an Akatsuki member just yet.

"Oh my God!" A squeal escaped my best friend, something I'd gotten used to, "You like someone!"

My heart dropped to my stomach. Fuck.

She inched to the foot of the bed and rose on her knees, "That's why! Is it a certain red head we know...?"

Her eyes continued to scrutinize me.

Oh God. How could she have figured this out? Maybe she saw him dropping me off the other day. Or was it when we had coffee that one time? I suddenly realized how much I'd been seeing Sasori, you'd be a fool not to suspect something.

Not that anything is going on...

"Sakura," I didn't even know where to beginmy heart was pounding like crazy, I was surprised I could even breathe at this moment, "look, I wanted to tell you, but it's just...I know the guys wouldn't approve."

Her face twisted in confusion, "Gaara's their friend! I'm sure it won't be that big a deal."

Now my expression mirrored her's. So she didn't know...?

"How about I set you guys up?" She clapped her hands together, clearly proud of her new plan, "Shinobi is debuting next week on Saturday and they're having a celebratory party before, you should be his date!"

I stared at her hesitantly, "How are you going to get Gaara to ask me out?"

"You'll see!" She winked mischievously and crawled back to her book, "It's so exciting, isn't it? I can't believe they're going to debut. They've been practicing twenty-four-seven these days..."

"I know..." I replied, a feeling of pride bursting from my chest.

"Anyway, you go to work and leave everything to me!"

I rolled my eyes and checked my watch, if I left now I'd still have ten minutes to spare, "Right."

"Have fun at work!" Sakura grinned as she waved her hand energetically.

"Yeah, yeah." I tossed my phone into my bag and shut the door behind me.

Stepping into Kakashi's building was still something I've yet to get used to. I thought back to when I was cleaning up after shoots, getting coffee, and organizing desks; now I was actually doing what I came to Tokyo for. Something I hadn't expected though was seeing Sasori and Gaara so frequently. The two models were definitely serious about this side of their profession, but that never quelled the cold tension between them.

Today was my first time working with the two cousins. And boy were something else in front of the camera.

Although their relationship was not smooth at all, their looks complimented one another effortlessly. Sasori had a suggestive glint in his eyes, while Gaara's jade ones beamed intensely at the lens. I didn't have time to gawk though, if Kakashi heard I was busy staring at the modelshe'd fire me without another word.

"Ino," My superior called from the wardrobe rack, "could you fix them up?"

Knowing what he meant, I stepped over a few cables carefully towards Gaara. I reached for his collar and folded it properly, straightening out the shoulders of his shirt. I bent down and quickly hemmed the edges of his pants, feeling Sasori's stare was irritatingly distracting. Reluctantly, I turned to him and smoothed down his collar as well, he smirked at me and I rolled my eyes.

"Let's wrap this up, boys." The photographer bellowed and began snapping again as soon as I stepped off set.

"We're pretty much done for today." My superior scanned the room and smacked his lips together, "Yup, you're free to go."

I hated myself a little for wanting to stay and watch them finish up. My strides slowed, but eventually I ended up at the Starbucks next to the building.

"Grande americano, please." I mumbled to the barista as I dug for my wallet.

"Make that two." A voice I recognized as Gaara's ordered. He slid a twenty to the lanky cashier and pocketed his change moments later.

I walked with him to the other end of the counter, "Thanks, you didn't have to..."

He shrugged and took the drinks to a small rounded table. We sipped at our coffee silently for a moment, enjoying the soothing taste. I heard a short buzz emit from Gaara's end of the table, he pulled out his phone and chuckled.

"What's up?" I looked up at him curiously.

He simply handed me the Blackberry.

Sakura Haruno / May 31st, 3:26 PM

HEY GAARA. So I was thinking that since you didn't have a date for
your debut party, it would be a good idea to take Ino! :)
You could ask her today when you see her! (I'm sure she'll say yes!)
I hope you have a GREAT day at work!

"Idiot." I pressed a palm to my forehead, now he probably thought I liked him. I didn't think Sakura would actually have the nerve to even speak to Gaara.

"Look," My hands waved in front of me defensively, "Sakura's just being stupid, forg"

"I wouldn't mind." He stated calmly, irises bearing right into me.

My mind raced back to Sasori, how I had a glimmer of hope that he'd ask me. Then again, showing up to Shinobi's debut party on the arm of an Akatsuki member wouldn't be the best idea.

"Really, you don't have to give in, once you do, Sakura will thin—"

"Do you have another date in mind?" He folded his hands together, an inquisitive expression on his pale face.

Ah, shit. Sakura you suck.

"No!" I exclaimed a little too eagerly, "I just didn't want you to feel like you had to...um. Okay let's go together."

He curved his lips slightly into the most subtle smirk I've ever seen.

This time my phone buzzed and I pulled out my own Blackberry.

Sasori No Akasuna / May 31st, 3:31 PM

Hey, finished the fitting. Bringing the car around in five.

I stood and tossed my empty cup into the bin, "Well, I should go, I've got a meeting! See you back home."

Gaara nodded and continued to sip his coffee. As I reached the front of Kakashi's building, Sasori's vibrant red vehicle rounded the corner. My fingers pulled the door open and I seated myself comfortable against familiar leather.

"How'd the fitting go?" I asked after pulling the seat belt across my body.

He let out a sigh, "Long."

"At least you'll look good for the party. You excited to perform?" I smiled at him and fumbled curiously through the business cards he had sitting in the cup holder.

"It should be fun, there will be a lot of people, that's for sure. Everyone's anticipating for Shinobi to be a huge hit," Sasori's voice portrayed a tight bitterness.

I felt awkward knowing that once Shinobi debuted, they would be official competition for Akatsuki, even if they were sponsored by the same entertainment group.

"Speaking of the debut party," he massaged the base of his neck with one hand, "how about you be my date?"

I paused and stared at a business card I'd already seen twice. Why did everyone have such crappy timing?

"I really don't think Sasuke would like that..."

Neither would Sakura, Naruto, Kiba, Shikamaru, or Gaara.

He leaned back and exhaled audibly, "Damn that Uchiha, you really care that much?"

My eyes cast to the bright red on my toes, "Of course. He's my step-brother."

And because you already said yes to Gaara, idiot.

"Fine. At least have dinner with me tonight?" He offered casually, swerving to the front of Shinobi's building.

"Sure." I smiled at him and got out of the car.

He walked me to the door, hands in his pockets. A smirk reached his lips, "It's a date then."

I was left breathless, pushing myself through to Shinobi's flatso this was going to be a legitamet date. With Sasori. Tonight. As I passed a mirror, I giggled at my dazed expression.

Sighing I danced towards our room, "Oh, Sakuraaaaa!"


~Sakura's POV~

"Okay. We need to establish some rules," I stated matter-of-factly, staring across my room to a half-dressed, disheveled Sasuke Uchiha. It had been half a week since our first kiss and I was determined to instill some permanent boundaries. I tried not to let my gaze wander down to his perfectly cut abs.

I was failing.

"Alright," he replied, a twinkle of amusement in his deep-set onyx eyes. He was resting against the far wall, his hands comfortably in his jean pockets.

I picked up my phone and read off a list I had formulated, "Number one, Sasuke Uchiha must always keep his shirt on when making out with Sakura Haruno."

I didn't glance up, but I heard a deep throaty chuckle, "Why are you speaking in third person?"

I ignored him, "Number two, Sasuke Uchiha must never make eye-contact with Sakura Haruno when making out."

"Sakura—"

"Thirdly, Sasuke must never let his gaze linger on Sakura's body for more than three seconds."

"Hn."

"Fourthly, if Sasuke wants to preserve the life of Sakura Haruno, he will not mention his make out sessions with Sakura Haruno to his stepsister, Ino Yamanaka. Or anyone, for that matter."

"What we choose to do does not involve Ino."

"Oh yeah, try telling Ino that and see if she agrees," I retorted, "Wait a sec, never mind. Don't try that. Ever."

"Sakura, come here."

"I'm not done. Fourthly Sasuke Uchiha must on no terms go past second base—"

I was cut off by the sudden collision of his lips on mine. I opened my mouth to protest, but he deepened the kiss, slipping his tongue past my lips. His teeth nipped my lower lip hungrily, and I felt like I was drowning.

"You already broke the first rule," I panted.

Choosing to ignore me, he moved his lips more aggressively over mine, and I explored his mouth tentatively with my tongue. I gasped when he reached up my shirt and cupped my breast. I moaned at the sensation, and then blushed immediately, when he let out a primal growl.

We were on the bed now, he was on top of me and I could feel the heat of his body through the thin fabric of my tank top. When he brushed a finger over my nipple, I arched my back and let out a noise I never thought I could make. He seemed stunned by my slutty moan and then a smug expression fell across his face. But something carnal and dangerous burned behind his gaze and my heart skipped a beat.

God. Keep it in your pants, Sakura!

"You're breaking the second rule!" I blurted, covering his eyes with my hand.

Gently breaking out of my hold, he leaned in, pinning my arms above my head with his left hand in one quick motion. With his right, he lifted the tank top over my head, pulling it completely off. He drank in the sight of me, shirtless and I flushed at the desire emitting from his eyes. It was a side I had never seen of Sasuke and it made my pulse race all the faster. I could feel my body burn with a strange tingling sensation as Sasuke continued to stare. I was beginning to feel extremely self-conscious, and I opened my mouth tell him he had broken the third rule. But he spoke first.

"Beautiful…" he mumbled, staring back into my eyes. My breath caught, and electric pulses of heat flew down my spine, pooling into my…

Oh god.

"Sakura…"

"Sasuke don't say anything!" I clamped my eyes shut and willed myself to snap out of my lusty haze.

"What do you want?" Sasuke inquired, soothingly, caressing the side of my face. Sparks from his touch weren't making it easier to think.

"I just—"

"Oh Sakkkkkura! Sakura!" a voice sang from behind the door. "Open the door!"

"Oh SHIT!" I silently screamed, "She's back! She's early! Why is she early?"

"Sakura calm down," Sasuke said coolly, as he rolled off the bed casually.

"What the fuck are we going to do?" I half whispered and screamed, jumping up and scrambling to my feet.

"Just tell her," Sasuke shrugged, crossing his arms.

My jaw dropped in disbelief, "No. Way. In. Hell."

"Well, what do you propose?" Sasuke eyes narrowed as he gestured around us.

"Sakura? Open the door right now! I can hear you, you know."

"Shhhhh!" I shushed.

"I heard that! Sakura who're you with? Let me in!" Ino called, pounding on the door.

"Shit! Okay, just…hide and I'll get her to leave us alone!" I hissed practically pushing him into the closet.

"The closet? How cliché," Sasuke replied, clearly unhappy about the turn of events.

"Just stay quiet, for the love of all that is good in this world. If you think Naruto's wrath is bad…you don't know your sister!"

I still shivered at last week's confrontation with Naruto. But I knew I would much rather relive Naruto's anger than encroach on Ino's.

"Sakura Haruno! You open this door right this instant! How dare you have an affair without telling me!" Ino's giggling took away from her words.

She won't be laughing when she finds out who you were with.

"Uh, just one sec!" I dressed into a random shirt and slowly opened the door a fraction.

"My my, Sakura! Getting busy! Who is it? Do I know him?" Ino said smugly, propping both hand on her hips.

"Ino, uhm, if I promise to tell you later will you…leave?"

"Nope. I want to meet this mysterious man of yours."

From behind me, I heard Sasuke snort.

I switched tactics, "So...did Gaara ask you to the debut party?"

"Yes, actually he did...you're incredibly embarrassing, you know that?"

"Oh! I'm so happy!" I smiled, "And I can see you effects of your conversation. You seem in very high spirits today."

"Stop changing the subject Sak." Ino said, expressionless, "Let me in, or I'll force myself in."

"Please," I begged, "I tell you later, he's just extremely shy..."

"Excuse me, Sakura's lover!," she called pleasantly, looking past me into our room, "My name is Ino and I'm Sakura's best friend! You don't have to be shy!"

"Ino! Shush!"

"I'm very accepting and easy to impress! You don't have to worry about making a good impression!" she continued, trying to keep her laughter out of her voice.

"What are you doing?" an impossible voice came from down the hall...behind Ino.

"Hey Sasuke!" Ino beamed, "Guess what? Sakura's got a mysterious lover in her room!"

"S-Sasuke?" I heard myself gasp.

What the hell?

Sasuke appeared behind Ino, fully dressed and looking quite sharp...but how?

"C'mon, help me find out who it is!" Ino laughed, pressing against the door.

"I-Ino, let me explain," I replied uncertainly, glancing quickly behind me to the back of the room. The closet was wide open and empty.

"A mysterious lover, huh?" Sasuke smirked, "How interesting."

"I'll see him anyway! You're taking him to the debut party, right?" Ino inquired happily.

"No! He can't go!" I shot back quickly.

"Oh what a shame..." Ino actually looked disappointed.

"Well, I guess Sasuke will take you then." Ino smiled, turning on her heel, "Okay I'll leave you two...but this isn't over!"

My eyes bulged, "Ino! Wait!"

It was all I could do not to tackle Sasuke, who looked incredibly smug for someone who had almost been caught.


"So where did you say you were going?" I demanded, bouncing impatiently on our bed as I watched my best friend get dressed for her appointment.

"I already told you," she sighed exasperatedly, "Work stuff."

"That's awfully...vague." I narrowed my eyes in suspicion.

She ignored me, applying some strange shade above her eyes as she glanced in the mirror in front of her. Gazing over to the clock, a small smile spread across the face.

"I've never seen you this happy to go to work," I accused.

Then she turned, "Sakura. How are you accusing me, when you won't even tell me who you were apparently screwing on our bed?"

I felt my throat close up then.

Ugh, she still remembers...

"Don't look so surprised," Ino snapped, "Of course I remember."

"I told you...he's a shy person..."

"How did you meet him anyway? How are you meeting people?" It was Ino's turn to accuse me, and I blushed guiltily.

"Well you know how I've been working with Shikamaru?"

At least she knew that was true. Shikamaru had found me a couple days before goofing around on the piano, singing along to a few songs I had written in a moment of inspiration after intruding on one of their band's practices. Crazily enough, Shikamaru liked my stuff. Even crazier, he suggested I come to work with him, and I accepted almost too eagerly. After showing Tsunade my work, which had been one of the most intimidated and mortifying experiences of my life, she reluctantly allowed me to join up with Shikamaru's team.

Working with Shikamaru was like a dream—I got to listen in on their practices all the time, read over and edit proposed songs, and help write them. What more, I was constantly surrounded by the boys and I was definitely warming to their company. I learned that Shikamaru was probably the smartest person on the planet—but also the laziest, that Gaara was actually quite hilarious in a straight-faced sort of way, and Kiba could eat more than Naruto, which said something about his metabolism.

"So you're...hooking up with songwriters? Is that wise...? Getting involved with people who work for the band? I'm sure Sasuke won't like it. Not to mention Naruto."

UGH.

"Or...do you actually like him?" Ino asked, her tone a fraction more serious.

Oh God...where do I even...?

Did I like Sasuke? That was the ultimately question, wasn't it? I was attracted to him...that went without saying, but did I want to be with him? I had been carefully avoiding these questions for the past two weeks, trying to keep things light and careless between us...we were just making out, after all. Nothing past second base...but it was getting tougher and tougher to avoid the impending conversation.

...Not that Sasuke seemed to mind too much. He seemed perfectly content not talking about feelings and all the other icky stuff that involved expressing emotions of any kind. But there were times when things just got so intense, too personal. And that's when I'd feel myself closing up, turning cold from hot, using any tactics to maneuver ourselves back to being just friendly.

God and it was all so weird. He was Ino's step-brother. Someone I used to think of as family, someone I never thought I'd be kissing past the platonic stage.

It's official. There is something seriously wrong with me.

"Sakura...? Are you actually serious about this guy?" Ino cocked her head in genuine surprise, and her expression grew soft.

"No no no no. I'll probably never see him again, actually," I said hurriedly.

"Yeah I thought so...'cuz if he was a serious thing, you'd have told me," Ino said suspiciously.

"Duh!"

Ino smiled, assuring herself and began to pick through her unending closet of shoes.

"While you do that, I'm going to grab a glass of water," I rolled my eyes and made my way down the hall. All the boys had left for a meeting with Tsunade, which I had been invited to, but I had decided to stay home that evening to hang out with Ino until her 'appointment'. Because of our work, we hadn't been seeing as much time as we should be seeing and at times I found myself missing her. Not that I'd admit that to her, she was already confident I couldn't function properly without her.

"So what are you up to tonight?" Ino asked, joining me in the kitchen.

"Shikamaru invited to Violet Generation's concert tonight. He had two tickets and was going to invite TenTen, but she's sick, so he invited me," I smiled, as I thought back to when we both discovered our mutual love for the band. Well, Shikmaru wouldn't call it love...

Ino's faced adopted a shocked expression, "Oh, that's awesome! I had no idea you guys were so close."

"We've practically been working together everyday," I laughed, "But, I'm so excited! I've been listening to their music constantly."

Ino laughed at my expression, "Tell me how it goes."

"Try and have fun at your appointment."

"I'll try."


-Ino's POV-

Sasori eyed me as I observed the lake located not too far from the restaurant. He was a perfect gentleman the whole night, opening doors for me and pulling out my chair. Now that I thought about it, he's always done those things for me.

Would this be considered...dating? Am I dating Sasori?

I started thinking about how furious Sakura would be once she found out.

"What's on your mind?" He folded his arms on the table, dark brown orbs still focused on me. I began to grow comfortable under his gaze, something that used to intimidate me.

"If Sakura knew where I was right now," I sighed and rested my chin on the table, "she'd kill me."

Sasori's brows lifted slightly with amusement, "She hates me that much, huh?"

"No, no..." I lifted my head, "Sakura just hates secrets, and she doesn't exactly trust you."

He had a thoughtful expression on his face now, "Well your secret's safe with me."

I couldn't help but smile.

"Oh fuck." Sasori mumbled under his breath. His gaze shifted away from the window and he stood from our table, "We gotta go, Ino."

I was about to ask him why, but suddenly noticed a familiarly blinding flash. Instinctively, I turned away from the source and took Sasori's held out hand. He asked a passing waiter where the back door was and slipped him a ten. We hurried out of the building as quickly as possible and ran through a near by alley way, stopping in a narrow space between buildings.

"Seriously...?" I sighed, lowering my head.

"Sorry." He leaned on the wall, my hand still in his, "This isn't exactly what I had planned."

I was surprised at how apologetic he looked. I never dared to think Sasori would have actual feelings for me. Of all the girls he could be out with tonight, he chose to be with me though. That said something, right?

"Don't worry about it." I laughed taking three steps back to lean on the opposite wall. There was hardly any lighting, but his hair was still very visible to my eyes. My vision fell from his eyes to his lips, barely a shadow in the darkness.

Sasori moved towards me this time. He hovered over my petite stature, an arm extended to press against the wall I rested on. As much as I wanted to crash my lips onto his again, I took a hold of his hand and stepped to his side in one swift motion—guiding him out of the alley. He looked after me silently, puzzled at my sudden action.

Not tonight...

"I've been here a week and a half," I spoke softly as we returned to pedestrian side walks, "but I haven't really seen Tokyo."

He smirked and began leading me now. We walked for about ten minutes before I realized where he was taking me: the lake. We climbed a few stairs and reached the viewing dock.

"You were staring at it a lot during dinner." He released my hand and stuffed his into his pockets, "Thought you might want a better view."

"It's..." I lost my words as a overwhelming breath escaped me. My legs were intent on stepping closer to the edge, my fingers gently pressing against the wired fence. The fence only came up to my chest, allowing me to dangle my arms over it. I was still in awe at how beautiful the lake was, watching the city lights sit silently on its surface.

Then, I noticed a particularly bright building being reflected. My eyes searched for the original image, then paused at the sight of a tall red tower. The name seemed to escape my mind, causing me to hum thoughtfully.

"Tokyo Tower." Sasori stared up at it as well, not with as much wonder as I though.

"Have you ever been at the top?" I continued to gaze, leaning my head onto his toned bicep.

He wrapped his arm around me, pulling me close against his chest, "Not since I was a kid."

"I bet it's beautiful up there." My voice became breathy and gentle. Somehow being this close to him was soothing, and I felt...protected, safe.

Sasori pressed his lips to my temple, "I'm really glad I met you."

My entire body felt like it was going to melt, my knees were on the verge of giving in. As soon as he pulled his lips away, I craned my neck to look up into his eyes. Something was different about them, he held my irises in a tender gaze. His lips broke into a small smile.

"I should get you home." Sneaking a glance at his watch, I realized how late it had gotten.

My expression turned into a pout at which he chuckled at. We drove in comfortable silence, sneaking glances at each other once in a while. My eyes dropped to my feet when the Shinobi building came in sight. The night had passed so quickly...

He walked me to the front as usual, leaning forward and pressing his lips onto my cheek. My lips separated, and I'm sure I had on a dumbfounded expression.

"Goodnight, Ino."

"Night..." I whispered and watched him walk back to his vehicle, running inside before he turned to look back. I leaned outside the door to our flat and smiled to myself. Maybe falling for him wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.

It was too late anyway, just the thought of him sent tingles across my body. Before, I thought the only thing Sasori was interested in was meaningless sex with hot girls, but now I had a better sense of who he really was. Although I knew I didn't have him all figured out yet.

Sighing I opened the door and floated into the living room.


~Sakura~

"SHIKAMARU THAT WAS THE BEST CONCERT I'VE EVER BEEN TO!" I exclaimed dreamily, wrapping my arms around his neck.

"Ah, so those are tears of joy then," Shikamaru joked, returning my hug.

"Thank you so much for inviting me, you're truly the best!" I grinned, humming a Violet Generation song and skipping to the car. It was dark now and I wondered if Ino was home yet.

"Hinata and Neji are just so incredibly talented. God, Hinata is so cool. And Neji," I squealed thinking back on the pretty boy's performance. It was flawless.

We stepped into the car and in the corner of my eye I saw Shikamaru smirk, "You'll see them again soon."

I flailed, "What? When?"

"Our debut party. They'll be performing." Shikamaru started the ignition, slowly pulling out of the parking lot.

I sighed with overwhelming happiness, slumping against my seat, "Oh god. I could die of happiness right now."

"Don't die just yet," Shikamaru replied, "Sasuke won't be able to find a date by next week."

I grinned, pushing his arm playfully. Then I widened my eyes, "Hey! Wait a sec, Ino's going with Gaara and I'm going with Sasuke...but who're you going with? And what about Kiba and Naruto?"

"Naruto is going with Gaara's sister, Temari. She's flying over from Osaka with her brother Kankuro," Shikamaru explained.

It may have been my imagination, but I could've sworn Shikamaru's voice dropped and octave in the last part of the sentence.

"Oh, I had no idea Gaara had any siblings."

"Sure does. Kiba's taking Hinata actually," Shikamaru smiled bemused.

"Oh. My. God," I breathed, "Are you serious? I had no idea they were friends, let alone...!"

"They go way back," Shikamaru nodded, turning at an intersection.

Maybe it was the way the lights hit him, but all of a sudden I was acutely aware of how good-looking Shikamaru was. His hair was pulled back in his trademark pony-tail, and his lips were full like a girls, currently stretched back into a smirk. He had the most beautiful cheekbones I had ever seen. His long fingers were gripped firmly around the steering while, and I had no idea why I found it attractive.

"You're extremely handsome," I confessed in a rush.

His arched an eyebrow at my confession, "I've been described a lot of things."

"No, you are! And you're the smartest person I know. You're gifted with music and you're so nice," For some reason, I was compelled to express how I felt, "I bet you could get any girl you wanted."

"If only all girls shared your views," he smirked, and I could tell he was still joking, but there was a tightness around his eyes. So I knew he still didn't believe me.

"So who're you going with?" I grinned like an idiot.

"You've met TenTen," he smiled secretively.

UGH. Of course, it was her he had invited to the concert in the first place.

I scrunched up my face and Shikamaru chuckled softly.

"You could do so much better," I said confidently.

"We're only friends," he assured, pulling into our driveway, "and really, you've stolen my words."

I gazed at him in confusion, "What do you mean?"

All he needed to do was smirk and I understood.

He knows. He knows about me and Sasuke. Shit. Of course he does.

I face burned under his smug gaze, but I didn't dare protest.

"Don't worry," Shikamaru said, stepping out of the car gracefully, "I can keep a secret."


"Hey, how was the concert?" Ino grinned, getting up from her bed. She was dressed in her PJs and her hair pulled up in a messy bun.

"It was amazing," I sighed falling back against the door, "They're amazing."

"I'm glad it went well," Ino sang.

"You seem in a pretty good mood yourself," I beamed, "Did the meeting or appointment or whatever go well?"

It was her turn to sigh, "It went better than expected."

"Well that's good!" I smiled, diving onto the bed next to her, "Apparently Violet Generation is performing at the party! I'm so freaking excited!"

"Yeah it should be really fun," Ino smiled dreamily.

"All's good in the world."

"You said it."

"It's in a week."

"I know."

"I'm so excited."

"I know."


-Ino's POV-

"SHIT!"

I rolled my eyes, still sifting through dresses—unsure of what my attire for tonight would be, "What are you wailing about this time?"

"My notebook!" I didn't need to turn around to know she was gripping her pink tresses in urgently, "It has all the songs in it! Shikamaru is going to kill me!"

"Well, I haven't seen it." I sighed and pulled out a white dress only to return it to its original place. "Maybe it's at the office?"

"No, no, no it can't be! I had it…the debut party is tonight!" She was opening and closing drawers like a madwoman, flipping through papers. I had to admit though, our room became just as messy as the rest of this flat. Maybe cleaning up around here wouldn't be such a bad idea...

"Oh my God." Sakura's deadpan was something I hadn't anticipated.

This time I made the effort to turn, "What's wrong?"

"Sasori." She shook her head in disgust holding up a magazine.

"Oh," I tried not to seem too invested, "What about him?"

She rolled her eyes and continued to stare at the glossy booklet, "He's out with another bimbo."

My stomach turned uncomfortably. Rage burned in every part of my body, reddening my cheeks. All that bullshit about him actually caring about me. Suddenly I felt like an idiot for believing him, "Seriously? Who's the unlucky bitch?"

"Take a look," She handed me the magazine.

Looking at the picture, I could feel my knees weaken. This was the night we went for dinner, but got interrupted by paparazzi...oh God. If I hadn't turned away, they would have gotten my face in the shot. Sakura would have found out and that would be an even bigger disaster than Sasori dating another girl.

"Ohhh..." I faked a repulsed expression as well, "...gross."

"You definitely have better hair!" She exclaimed, scrunching her nose in disgust.

"Oh...thanks." I replied half-heartedly, "Yeah, I can't believe that guy..."

"I know!" Sakura returned to digging through piles of loose sheets and old magazines, "He just can't keep it in his pants!"

I blushed and turned back to face my closet.

"Back to your issue...Shikamaru has his own copies, right?" I studied a bright emerald dress that cut off mid thigh. I pressed the garment against a squirming Sakura, "Here."

"Who is this unfortunate girl?" Sakura wailed, scrutinizing the photo.

Shit.

"Sasori is an idiot, let's just forget him," I suggested quickly, pulling the magazine out of her hands. But she held on, tighter.

"Let go, Sakura," I gritted through my teeth.

"She looks awfully familiar though..." Her eyes were slits now.

"Sakura, he isn't worth your time! Put this dress on, I think it'll look nice on you."

"I guess…" She relented and finally let go of the damned magazine. She slumped and took the hanger from me., "and why am I wearing one of your dresses?"

I shook my head, "Because I know you don't own any."

She pouted and removed her shorts and tank top. I swiveled to find an outfit for myself when my eyes landed on a navy bandage dress. I quickly slipped into it and turned towards Sakura: who looked slightly uncomfortable in the dress I handed her. Nonetheless, she flawlessly pulled off the shade, her eyes seeming greener than usual.

"That's pretty." She swept her eyes over my garment as I handed her a set of silver bangles and some nude heels.

I placed a hand on the dresser for support as I slipped on some bright red heels, "Try not to fall and embarrass Sasuke."

"Right, 'cause I wouldn't be embarrassed at all." Her eyes rolled as she did a small practice lap in our room.

"You know what I mean." I giggled and stood a few inches taller than before, "I think they're waiting on us."

I opened the door and was immediately greeted with an image of the guys seated in the living room. Each of them looked so…handsome.

Sasuke was the first to stand, "Limo's here."

"Where's Kiba?" My best friend questioned to no one in particular.

"He's meeting us there with Hinata." Sasuke answered, looking her directly in the eyes.

I raised a brow when Sakura began inspecting her nails diligently, "Sakura, look where you're going."

Her head snapped up and she laughed nervously, "Oops."

"Dummy." I sighed and stepped into the limo next to Gaara. Once the vehicle began moving, Sakura and I looked at one another—both anxious. Having Shinobi and Akatsuki under the same roof was an awful idea, something I did not wish to experience. Especially since I would be on Gaara's arm. My mind began to wander, who would Sasori be taking then? Probably some gorgeous model…

Once we arrived, I noted that photographers and reporters were everywhere. We stepped out by couple—Gaara and I just in front of Sasuke and Sakura. My adrenaline was amped up as we stopped to let the paparazzi take their pictures. Gaara had a hand around my waist and I leaned into him a little, still smiling into blurs of flashing white. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Akatsuki arriving and suddenly I was eager to head into the building. Sensing my urgency, Gaara took my hand and lead me off the red carpet.

My gaze landed on the stage set up against the far wall.

"I'm really proud of you guys." I admitted shyly, slightly blushing once I noticed his hand was still wrapped around mine.

He looked down at me, "Thanks."

"You guys escaped in a hurry." Sakura crossed her arms over her chest, I couldn't help but notice Sasuke's firm grip on her waist. They actually didn't look that bad together. I giggled mentally at the idea of my best friend and my step-brother dating.

"I'm never going to get used to those cameras…" I resisted the urge to rub my eyes, knowing it would turn my makeup into a smudged mess. I noticed Sakura's expression turn sour as did her date's.

Curious, I turned around to see Akatsuki making a hell of an entrance: Itachi, dressed in a black shirt and white suit, had a beautiful woman on his arm. I recognized her as Kurenai Yuhi, a singer under FU Entertainment along with Shinobi, Akatsuki, and Violet Generation. Her hair was parted down the middle and curled to hit just below her shoulders. The strapless white dress contrasted her jet black locks, extending down to the floor and a slit beginning mid thigh.

Pein was in black slacks and a red blazer in coordination to Konan's glamorous crimson garment. The fabric swept along the floor as she waltzed in gracefully, her hair pinned up extravagantly. Behind them came Deidara in a typical black tuxedo, with a confident smile on his face as he escorted another man with scruffy brown hair.

It took me a second to process who and what gender his date was.

Is Deidara...?

My eyebrows arched curiously.

Then, Sasori entered in a metallic grey suit with both hands hidden in his pockets. His image captivated all my attention, the way his outfit complimented his vivid hair and pale complexion. I expressively scanned him up, until I noticed his glare, literally emitting murderous waves, on mine and Gaara's entwined hands.

I felt bile rise from my throat. Of course he was angry, I mentally kicked myself. I was with his cousin—the last person I should have been with. His lips curled back ever so slightly, but I didn't miss the snarl of warning: not to approach him that evening. It was at that moment a pale blond latched herself onto Sasori's arm and I widened my eyes and quickly looked away.

I was so screwed.


A/N: Jaycee here. Bet you guys weren't expecting the speedy update! Thanks so much again for all your lovely support. You're reviews always make our day!

Avis: As promised, we're completely on track with this story. Hopefully you all are enjoying the story and the direction we're taking it in. Thank-you all for your support as well as reviews, we love reading them. Next chapter will go up in about a week, so stay with us. :)