Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto
A/N: Here's Chapter ten! Sorry for the late update, guys. I hope reviews will still keep on coming! Oh! Thank you, Skye! Actually, she's my beta-reader and she's doing a great job! Try rereading all the past chapters and there you'll see the improvement of grammar. I just hope I can improve my own grammar, but still, Skye's been giving me useful tips.
Beta-Reader: Skye Waves to all readers
BR/N: Go back and reread all the old chapters! They're all proofread and edited and the characters should be less out of character. If you find any grammatical errors, let me know. poke poke Read! And enjoy the awesome new chapter!
Chapter ten
"You looked surprised," Neji smirked at Haruno Sakura and the raven-haired guy, "And so do you, Uchiha. Actually, you look pissed. You haven't changed one bit."
"I said," Sasuke repeated, "Hands off her, Hyuuga."
"Why?" Neji replied sarcastically, "Is something bothering you, Uchiha? Is this girl worth any of your time?" he asked, rather surprised.
"It's none of your business, Hyuuga." Sasuke smirked. He wasn't going to lose to the jerk that easily.
But the cherry-headed girl didn't pay much attention to the argument. Actually, she still couldn't believe her eyes. Sakura felt a little embarrassed, she was actually standing beside him. . . the Hyuuga. The handsome and famous model, Hyuuga Neji! Even though Sakura wasn't really into celebrity gossip and stuff like her friend, Ino, she had heard a couple of good things about him. Mostly about how good-looking he was and how well he could sing. Sakura started mentally cursing herself for her stupidity. She should've recognized Neji earlier.
Even though Sakura was outright staring at his face (specifically his daring silver eyes), she couldn't help glancing at Sasuke just a few steps away from them with an unexplainably wrathful expression. What could possibly make him that angry? Maybe because of Sakura's habitual tardiness?. . . Or was it something else?
"Wait," Sakura interrupted their murderous glares, "You know each other?"
Neji broke the staring contest with Sasuke and faced Sakura, a grin creeping on his face. "Why? Do you?" he asked back.
"I asked first," Sakura argued, trying to keep her cool.
Sasuke looked at Sakura. "Unfortunately, we do, Haruno. We know each other very well," he glared at Neji and asked sarcastically, "Right, Hyuuga?"
Neji nodded curtly.
There was a pregnant silence. Sasuke stepped closer to the pair while Sakura became more uneasy and blushed several shades of red. She was trapped between the two. On her right side was Hyuuga Neji, a (for the most part) nice but mysterious and quiet guy with silver eyes. On her left was Uchiha Sasuke, a mysterious and bastard kind of guy with onyx eyes.
Sakura felt embarrassed to be stuck between two gorgeous guys in a silent and empty wing of KTV Corp. She blushed and started thinking of something to say.
'Ino, eat your heart out! Hahahaha!' Inner Sakura laughed wickedly.
Sakura groaned at her inner self. There was no way she was going to say that, it was beyond lame.
"So," Sakura spoke nervously, "How did you two meet?" she asked with a small fake laugh, hoping to get their attention. Needless to say, she failed. Pathetic indeed.
Neither man answered. Neji glanced at her from the corner of his eye and turned back. Sasuke didn't bother acknowledging the fact that she had spoken. They were still immersed in their own little world. Sakura felt a little out of place but understood right away. It must've been something really personal.
"Okay, so you don't want to answer that one." Sakura whispered, basically to herself since she had no idea if they were even listening.
Finally, Sasuke spoke and shattered the silence that had previously devoured the area. "Why have you returned, Hyuuga?" he asked, semi-interested in what Neji had to say. He still ignored Sakura completely.
She was interested too, so she stared at Neji, mentally telling him to answer Sasuke's question.
The long-haired man smirked and shook his head.
Sasuke impatiently asked, "What's so funny?" He glared at him while gritting his teeth.
"You mean, you don't know?" Neji inquired, chuckling condescendingly, "Honestly, Uchiha!"
Sakura could feel Sasuke's blood boiling with anger, but what could she do? She couldn't simply interrupt their personal conversation because that would be rude, not to mention the fact that neither of them would listen to her. She was about to say something when Neji finally spoke.
"I was invited."
Sasuke then glared at him coldly. "Who would invite you to my building, Hyuuga?" he asked, "After what you've done? Are you insane?"
Sakura gasped. 'This is his building? Whoa. . .And what did Neji do? I'm already confused.'
They really did have their own world; she looked at them with a questioning expression. There were lots of questions she wanted them to answer but she would have to wait.
"I was surprised too." Neji smirked. "I didn't expect KTV Corp. to want me back. I mean, besides modeling, they expected me to enter the music world again. I'm here for my contract signing." He explained, "I got a call from KTV while I was enjoying one of the sunny beaches of Hawaii."
"Whoa," Sakura gasped, "You've actually been there? What was it like?"
Neji nodded at Sakura. "It's nice, you should visit some time."
Sakura smiled warmly, while Sasuke got even more pissed.
"You didn't answer my question, Hyuuga." Sasuke spoke warningly, "Who invited you to come back?"
"You wouldn't believe it." Neji said deviously.
"Try me." Sasuke challenged him. Sakura perked up and listened attentively.
"Your brother called me," Neji replied. "I'd say it was pretty generous of him."
'Sasuke has a brother? I've never heard anything about that before." Sakura thought, curious.
"Itachi invited me back, Sasuke." Neji smirked, "He has, after all, the same position that you have right now, so I assume there won't be a problem. Right?"
Sakura saw Sasuke lower his gaze and clench his fists. Somehow, Sakura could picture what might have happened in the past, but it was a grainy image. For the time being, she had to shut up and respect Sasuke's privacy. Suddenly, Sakura swore she heard Sasuke whispering something.
"Itachi. . ." He grit his teeth and clenched his fists. "Itachi planned all of this!"
Meanwhile. . .
"What should I do? What should I do?" Uzumaki Naruto panicked inside the ladies' bathroom.
The blonde was in serious trouble. He cautiously but carefully lay the unconscious Hinata on the ground. Naruto placed her head gently on his lap while fanning her, still worrying.
"I won't leave you here alone, don't worry," Naruto whispered into her ear then smiled, "It's all my fault after all."
He examined the girl's face. She was sleeping quite peacefully and he had to admit she was pretty cute. Naruto grinned; he had a lot of explaining to do when she woke up. He better do it slowly and calmly, and make sure she didn't freak out. Again.
Finally, Hinata groaned and stirred. Naruto sat nervously and didn't move a muscle. She opened her eyes slowly but they were covered quickly when she reached for her forehead. She then carefully sat up. She didn't seem to notice the other's presence. Hinata began massaging her forehead gently.
Naruto sat there and looked at her back. Well, she wasn't facing him, which would explain why she didn't notice him.
"What a headache. . ." Hinata complained to herself.
"Uh. . .?" was all Naruto managed to say.
Hinata was surprised to hear the same voice he heard earlier. She jumped up and whirled around to face Naruto. The first thing she saw was a pair of charming baby blue eyes, blonde hair and a wide grin. He stood up and smiled at the shocked Hinata.
"Hi!" he greeted her cheerfully, "I guess you're okay now. Don't faint on me again, okay? Can I start my explanation?" he asked carefully.
Hinata blinked. She drew a deep breath and yet again, began screaming at the top of her lungs.
"W-wait!" Naruto panicked, "I-I can explain everything!"
The black-haired girl's knees weakened and she fainted. Luckily, Naruto was there to catch her.
Naruto groaned. "Not again!" he complained, and then decided to carry poor Hinata on his back to the office the band shared. Naruto started grumbling to himself.
'Sasuke and Kakashi are going to kill me! Oh, I'm in so much trouble. . .'
Another awkward silence covered the hall where Neji, Sasuke and Sakura stood. The Uchiha still couldn't believe it; he just lowered his hate-filled glare and grit his teeth. Sakura could tell that Neji was somewhat amused. As for herself, she just stood silently between the two handsome men, wearing a questioning expression.
"I answered your question, Uchiha." Neji stated calmly then looked at Sakura.
"How about you?" Neji finally acknowledged the beautiful pink-haired girl beside him. "You are. . .?"
Sakura blinked, "Me?" she asked. She had been so engrossed with the earlier exchange that she had managed to forget that she was there. She had started thinking it was like TV, where the characters never address the viewers.
"Your name?" Neji simply asked, giving off an uninterested vibe as he glanced at his wristwatch.
"Haruno," Sakura replied softly. "Haruno Sakura."
"Hm? I see," Neji then looked at her, "Well, what business do you have with Uchiha?"
Upon hearing his name, Sasuke jerked his head up to stare at Neji and Sakura. He was surprised at first, but soon recovered and placed a devious grin on his lips. He crept quietly towards the girl.
"Well, actually. . ." Sakura began to reply, but was startled into stopping. A warm hand had brushed hers.
Sasuke quickly grabbed Sakura's delicate hand and entwined it with his. Neji and Sakura were shocked. Of course, out of the two, Sakura was more surprised. She quickly glanced up at Sasuke, her face a lovely shade of pink, and gave him a 'How-dare-you' look. However, Sasuke didn't seem to care. Sakura tried to subtly break free from his grip, but he wouldn't let her.
'What are you planning, blue-haired bastard?' Sakura panicked mentally, 'I swear, after all of this, I'll kill you myself!'
'Oh, C'mon! Admit it! You like it, don't you?' Inner Sakura glared accusingly.
'No, I don't!' Sakura protested, 'I don't like him one bit!'
As she looked up at Sasuke again, she could clearly see all his handsome features. Sakura couldn't help but blush harder.
'Traitor!' Inner Sakura hissed, but Sakura completely ignored her and found herself getting lost in Sasuke's calm eyes.
"As you can see," Sasuke said in a deep tone, "She's working for my company too. In fact, she's here for the exact same reason you are, Hyuuga."
"Contract signing," Neji replied with a serious face. "You don't say?"
"Yes," Sasuke smirked icily, "She's going to be part of the band." He squeezed Sakura's hand slightly tighter.
"Ouch! Ah, I mean. . ." Sakura faked a laugh. "Yes, I'm here to sign my contract."
Neji examined Sakura from head to toe. Sakura felt embarrassed at first, but she glanced at Sasuke and when she saw his face, she could tell that he was trying to calm her down. Not for the first time, Sakura felt a slightly different Sasuke. Different from the cold bastard he normally was. She recognized him, the Sasuke she met when she tried out for the audition. The one that gave her confidence.
"Yes," Neji nodded curtly, "She's pretty talented. I can tell. Good work, Uchiha."
Sasuke nodded his acknowledgement. Neji glanced at his watch once again.
"I have to go," Neji said in a unpleased tone. "Farewell."
"Say 'hello' to my brother for me," Sasuke retorted sarcastically, finally removing his hand from it's grip on Sakura's.
"I'll keep that in mind," Neji smirked, "And Sakura. . ."
Sakura looked up at him, awakened from her short daydream but still slightly dazed.
"See you around." he smiled at her.
Sakura smiled back warmly. He didn't seem to be a particularly bad guy, so why was Sasuke so mad at him? Speaking of Sasuke, she quickly turned and looked at him. As soon as Neji vanished, her look turned into a glare.
"Why did you do that?" Sakura shouted angrily at him, "You don't have the right!"
Sasuke looked surprised at first but then smirked. "You didn't like it?" he asked. "I could've sworn otherwise."
Sakura turned pink. 'He must have noticed my blushing! Damn it!' She was so embarrassed that she was about to slap Sasuke, but he quickly grabbed her right hand and stepped forward, closer to her.
He then whispered, "I'm not gonna let you slap me again, Haruno." His warm breath tickled her ear and gave Sakura a tingling sensation.
Sakura, for once, gave up and sighed deeply. It wasn't like there was anything she could do. Sasuke's grip was incredibly strong, and her other hand was still numb from the different yet wonderful feeling she felt when he held it.
"I hate you." Sakura whispered unconvincingly, trying to hold back her tears of embarrassment. Finally, Sasuke loosened his grip and smirked superiorly. Inner Sakura idly wondered if that was the only type of smile he could manage.
Sakura sniffed and glared at him. "I'm leaving," She declared and turned to do just that. Before she could walk away, she felt a familiar, warm yet soft grip on her left hand. Sasuke was keeping her from going.
"Let go of me, blue-haired bastard!" she shouted.
"No," Sasuke spoke calmly. "You gave your word to Neji. You're here for your contract signing."
As Sasuke mentioned Neji's name, Sakura paused and faced him once again.
She sighed, "Okay, I'll sign my contract. On two conditions."
"What are those?" Sasuke asked.
"First, I want you to tell me what really happened between you and Neji," Sakura replied.
"It's your right to know," he stated calmly, "But I'll need help from Kakashi and Naruto to explain."
"Sure," Sakura smiled, "And the other one. . ."
"What is it?" Sasuke asked, slightly impatient.
"I want your sincere apology." Sakura grinned.
"For what!" he protested, as if afraid to damage his extensive pride.
"For everything you did wrong from the moment we met!" Sakura declared.
Sasuke clenched his fists and gave her a murderous gaze. Sakura grinned mischievously. 'So this is one of his severe dislikes. Gotta add that to my list!'
"I'm waiting." Sakura sang, playing with a pink lock of hair.
Sasuke was silent, clearly hesitating.
"Well, if that's what you want. I'll go," Sakura whispered and sighed dramatically. She proceeded to act like she was leaving when the long-awaited moment finally arrived.
"Gomen." Uchiha Sasuke muttered.
Sakura was surprised, but not in a bad way. She looked straight into his onyx eyes and flashed him a genuine smile.
"I accept your apology!" Sakura exclaimed happily.
"I was not asking for your forgiveness, I merely wanted to say sorry." Sasuke mumbled icily.
"That's fine with me!" she grinned. He grabbed her hand for the third time and was about to drag her to the band's office when Sakura came up with another idea.
"Oh, wait!" she mumbled shyly, "One more thing!"
"That's already three conditions, Haruno!" the guitarist protested. When he looked at her emerald-colored eyes, however, he sighed. "What is it?"
"Uchiha Sasuke," she smiled, "Call me Sakura. . ."
'Sakura?. . .Not a bad idea. . .Not a bad idea at all.'
. . . to be continued. . .
A/N: Well, Another chapter ending! And I have to think of another continuation. Yes, I admit. I haven't completely made up my mind yet. Whether it'll be Sasuke/Sakura or Naji/Sakura. So, I'm counting my votes. So far, Sasuke/Sakura got the lead obviously, but Neji fans, please wait. I'm gonna add up some fluffy scenes that'll make the love triangle better or. . .complicated? Oh, Thanks for the reviews everyone! It's been so helpful! Oh, thanks again, Skye, for editing my story!