A/N: I love reviewers! ^^ Anyways, for sasusaku fans please bear for some more chapters! I myself am more of a fan of this couple but I'd like to show the depth of the relationship between the characters. And also some Nejisaku moments, because seriously, the Neji I have in mind for this fic is really overwhelming, anyone agree with me? LOL
But this is a sasusaku fic, I swear!ü
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"Good afternoon Uchiha-san" Ayumi greeted as she bowed her head to Uchiha Fugaku. She came along with her parents for lunch in a luxurious hotel only to see the Uchiha head having a lunch meeting in said hotel as well. The Hazugawa couple had shook hands with Fugaku when the Uchiha stood to greet them.
Fugaku inclined his head at the young woman. "Has Sasuke mentioned he would accompany you for tonight's ball?
Actually, no. Ayumi thought, but also thought better of saying it. She nodded her head respectfully as a sign of affirmation.
The Uchiha seem pleased, or at least as pleased as he could be.
"Very well then, see you tonight" he addressed to the Hazugawa family.
She watched as the stoic yet impossibly influential man walked back to his business associates. This is the very man who would risk his son's happiness to secure future income and glory.
And guilt seeped through her being as she acknowledged the fact that she allowed herself to be a tool of this man to forgo his plan.
This the man who controls her relationship with Sasuke, and for that she should be thankful, for if it weren't for him the engagement would have ended sooner than anything else. "It wouldn't even have started in the first place' she though bitterly.
Well it makes her happy so who was she to refuse? 'He'll learn to love me' she convinced herself as she sat down to have lunch.
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Chapter 10: Heart over Mind
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"Why princess you look exceptionally lovely" praised Fujimori once he saw a glimpse of his only daughter. She reminds him too much of his late wife, and for that she treasures her all the more.
Sakura smiled at her father through the mirror she is currently in front of, checking for anything out of place in her look. She let some curls fall from her hair-do to frame her face.
"Oh stop that forehead, you're okay" muttered Ino as she also appreciated her 'masterpiece'. She is now applying the final touches in Hinata's make-up, who actually doesn't need any so she kept it light, much like she'd done with Sakura's, Tenten's and hers.
Fujimori released a hearty laugh, "well I thank you for forcing Sakura into that pretty dress of yours Ino, and I must say you look gorgeous as well as Hinata" he pondered for a bit then continued thoughtfully, "I just hope that Neji and Hiashi won't overreact with that exposed skin of hers", Hinata blushed a bit.
"It's no problem at all Fujimori-san, I do know how Sakura doesn't want to spend much for this type of occasions and I have the perfect accessory for Hinata-chan" Ino answered and she stood up from Sakura's comfy bed to thank Fujimori for the compliment.
Fujimori nodded as he proceeded to look for another occupant of the room.
"She's still in the closet father, I'll bet my shoes that she doesn't want you to see her that's why she's slowing down on purpose" Sakura said with a laugh to which Ino supported with a "you got that right".
The fully-suited doctor, at his early forties, shook his head and chuckled.
"Well girls, I best be leaving now, I know how'd all of you want to have a late entrance as you teens might say"
"Thanks Papa, I'll see you there" Sakura said as she gave her father a light kiss on the cheek, not to ruin her lip gloss which Ino will probably kill her once it happened.
"Okay Tenten, the coast is clear, you can dazzle us anytime now" Ino shouted through the closet door.
"shut up" Tenten muttered as she came out of Sakura's closet, wearing a gown of Sakura's which she worn to a dress show in America last year and her hair tied in a high ponytail for once, curled. It was a sparkling green color, strapless, flowing just before her silver shoes, and on the left side there is a slit running a few inches above her knees to the bottom.
"Oh Tenten it suits you!" Ino exclaimed, ecstatic. She was wearing a creation of her own, a satin white gown flowing down to the floor behind but only reaching her knees when in front views. It is clasped around the neck, exposing her flawless back with her hair done the same with Sakura's, tied in a bun. She's going for the clean, white look, so she partnered some white heels and a white purse, with the necessary jewelry here and there.
"I a-agree with Ino-chan" Hinata murmured. She's been more comfortable with the others after spending much time with them. She is also wearing a gown from the bunch which Ino personally brought for the others to choose from. It was a pale blue glossy bubble tube-dress ending just above her knees, and with her shoes tied all the way just inches below her knees.
Sakura eyed her for a second and after awhile sighed dramatically, "it looks a lot better on you Twenty". After rampaging through Ino's bunch she came across a red one strapped long gown, the satin was see-through from knees below. She had on a similar pair of Hinata's shoes only it was black.
Tenten sighed exasperatedly, she decided it was best to not comment on what they've said. "Can we go now?" she almost whined.
At the exact timing a knock was heard and Shizu entered, praising each of them, and announcing the arrival of Neji. "He's downstairs Miss Sakura"
Before Sakura could complain for her formality Ino stood up, "well let's go girls, we wouldn't want to be too late now would we?" Tenten nodded immediately as Hinata stood up and got ready. "We'll see you there Forehead". She gave Hinata a fur-like blazer for her to put on, "it's synthetic" she winked to the pale-eyed girl.
The three of them were riding on the limousine of the Yamanaka family, they were just waiting for Sakura's ride, which is Neji, before leaving. Shikamaru was too lazy to pick up Ino anyway, which she surprisingly allowed with the thought of forcing him for a dance tonight.
Sakura smiled and nodded as she entered her walk-in closet to get her purse.
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x0x
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Now Neji isn't the usual type of guy to wait at the other end of the staircase, so he was there, outside, leaning on his car, as the three walked out of the mansion. The limousine was only in front of his. He looked up as he heard footsteps approaching. He smirked.
"The moon is lovely tonight, but it pales beyond compare to these three dazzling young ladies in front of me" he said suavely as he reached for Ino's hand, for she was in front, and placed a feathery kiss on it.
Ino rolled her eyes playfully, "no need to flatter us Neji, we know that already" and they both chuckled lightly.
He led them to the limo and raised a hand to stop the driver from opening the door, "allow me" and he turned to the girls and smirked.
"You're quite the ladies man, thank you" Ino answered sassily and concluded that Neji is in a good mood tonight. She got inside.
Hinata was next and she bowed her head as her cousin scrutinized her dress, "oh come on Neji! It's perfectly modest! I even gave her something to cover her up" Ino muttered from inside.
Neji smiled at his beloved cousin, "You look beautiful Hinata" he said, like a proud brother. Hinata smiled thankfully in return and entered as well.
Lastly was Tenten, her heart was thumping wildly as she watched Neji's playful demeanor with them awhile ago, then his genuine smile to Hinata. She almost sweat as Neji averted his gaze to her. He looked at her but she quickly averted her gaze elsewhere. "You look lovely. It's such a pleasure to be graced with the opportunity of seeing you in a dress Miss Tenten" he smirked.
Praised girl did her best to glare at him despite feeling faint, "Same goes for you Neji, formalwear suits you" she surprised herself by not stuttering.
Neji smiled, so they are in civil terms, friends if he dare say. "It suits you, really". And Tenten caught her breath on her throat, though she noticed the smile wasn't as beautiful as the one he had given Hinata awhile ago, she'll take it.
She smiled, a shy smile, and slid in the limo. Neji crouched down, "See you ladies, we'll be there shortly" and he closed the door. It left Tenten thinking on how Neji will react to seeing Sakura. Or how could she have compared with Sakura in his eyes upon seeing her in the dress she is wearing, how Neji complimented Sakura when she was the one wearing it before. 'It was surely beyond lovely' she thought sadly.
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x0x
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Sakura took her beaded black purse not before opening the box just beneath it.
She held it on her lap for a minute, debating whether to open it or not. But then sighed dejectedly, 'there's nothing to lose' she thought.
She lifted the lid with almost shaky hands and held the dress in front of her, staring at it fondly. It was a midnight-blue, off-shoulder long gown, with simple diamond embroidery on it. She sighed again. Ino almost had her wear it.
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"Ugh! I hate these kind if parties! The last minute ones! It doesn't give you time to go shopping for the right ornaments!" Ino complained as she rummaged through Sakura's closet.
Sakura stared amusedly as her friend raided her closet. She glanced at the closet door when it opened a bit, "Is it safe?" Tenten asked, almost afraid. She shook her head with humouredly. "We'll be out here, please tame her" Tenten pleaded. "I'll do my best" Sakura answered.
"Don't you have anything in here forehead?!" Ino exclaimed.
Sakura thought of pretending to be insulted, but it would only eat more time. It is also true that most of her available clothes and dresses are not fitted for such an occasion.
"Sorry Ino-pig, but exactly what are you looking for? You brought a ton of dress to choose from"
"Something!" Ino answered to which Sakura raised her brow. "Just let me look in here for awhile ok? I found the perfect dress for Hinata, I figured you'd have others in here for Tenten and yourself"
"But I have my eye on that red dress of yours" Sakura said.
"I know! That'll do if I don't find anything in here" Ino answered back as she stuck her face on one of the cabinets again.
Sakura shook her head lightly and sighed, she'll need Shizu's help in cleaning the mess Ino made.
"Hey, what's this?" Ino asked, more to herself. And Sakura heard her ruffling to the stuff located beneath the folded clothes.
"This looks like something" Ino alleged happily as she faced Sakura while holding a fairly large, white box. "Oh Ino! No!"
Before she could open it she was stopped by Sakura's hands, she felt it to be a little shaking and a bit sweaty, thus giving her the idea that whatever it is inside it was making Sakura anxious.
"Sakura? What's wrong?" she asked the dazed girl beside her worriedly.
"Anything but this" Sakura started softly. When Ino looked at her questionably she continued, "it's… it's a gift from Mikoto-san"
Realization dawned on her friend and Ino's eyes turned soft. "Would it be wrong for you to wear it now?" she asked sensitively.
Sakura breathed in, "It would be wrong to wear it in any other instance, I can't… I feel like I don't have the right to wear it anywhere"
Ino hugged her friend, afraid that she might start the waterworks, "Oh Sak, it was a gift to you, it's yours to keep. But you really don't have to wear it now, you can go with the red one okay?" The pink-head nodded. "Now stop that before you ruin any make-up"
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Sakura almost slapped herself to keep from crying, she glanced at her phone and found out she spent too much time making Neji wait. She neatly returned the dress in the box and kept it again at the bottom of one dresser.
With one last look-over on in front of the mirror she stepped out of the room.
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x0x
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"No adjective can describe you right now, forgive me, I'll have to widen my vocabulary" Neji said with a smirk as Sakura descended through the stairs and took Neji's outstretched arm.
Sakura smiled as she noticed how Neji seem to stare upon seeing her, he only breathed in deeply when she was nearing him, it's to pull himself together she guessed.
She shook her head lightly, "It wounds me sire, and here I was going to say how dashing you look with that suit of yours" the pinkette enunciated.
Neji smirked handsomely once again as he escorted Sakura to his car. "You're breathtaking" he whispered softly against her ear and kissed her tenderly on the cheek, and he opened the door for her.
Sakura, blushing lightly, smiled at him and slid in the front seat. As Neji went to the driver's seat and started the ignition, "I didn't know you were one to wait by the stairs" Sakura joked.
"Well you took your time there, I was beginning to think you locked yourself up" he answered back with a smirk and drove swiftly.
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x0x
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"My, my, that's a divine pair you have there Fugaku" a classy elderly woman said to the Uchiha head. Fugaku nodded his head and introduced the pair behind him, "Natsumi, my youngest son, Sasuke" Sasuke gave a small bow "and Ayumi Hazugawa" said girl bowed as well.
"Hazugawa huh? They're great for each other then" the woman said, but Sasuke could tell it was nothing genuine, unlike all those others snotty business classes they've been introduced to awhile ago who said nothing but congratulated them for the match made in heaven.
"Don't wander too far Sasuke, I might introduce you to a few others, you need to be acquainted well with your future competitors" Fugaku had said lowly and sternly as he drifted off to his fellow business-minded people.
Sasuke almost breathed a sigh of relief as he subtly shook off Ayumi's hands which were locked in his arms throughout the night. He checked his watch and found he still has three more hours to suffer.
"Find some friends" he muttered to the frowning Ayumi without even facing her, he walked away before she had the chance to speak.
He began to search for familiar faces, but especially for a one with pink hair. Ino and the others have arrived half an hour ago but no Sakura in sight, and though he scorns to notice, Neji isn't anywhere to be found either. He had a very brief encounter with Sakura's father in the first few minutes he had arrived and he all but bowed with respect to which Fujimori responded with a curt nod then went the other way. Sasuke sighed, he has every right to be like that, he thought.
He leaned on the table and got himself some punch. There are two boys around his age entertaining their dates by the other side, him facing towards the window, them facing the entrance. Endless smirks and whispers followed by infinite giggles.
Suddenly, the chattering of the group halted with a gasp from one of the girls, apparently Sasuke isn't one to snoop but he's curious as to what surprised this overly flirting couples.
"Oh my god, he is yummy!" the girl gushed to her friend. You'd think their dates would feel even the tiniest bit offended but no, they're also to busy checking someone else out.
And Kami help him he wanted to pluck their eyeballs out, it was Sakura! With Neji who is undoubtedly the 'yummy' one as described.
Sasuke found himself staring, like most of the other people who noticed, as the two entered in the most elegant way possible. He'd hate to admit it but they do look like a royal couple, the ball formally starts with the arrival of the prince and his princess. Cursing occupied his thoughts next.
Neji then guided Sakura towards a table to the farthest side to avoid any more attention. But it was Fujimori who was then flooded with questions and praises for the very good choice his daughter has made.
'Looks like you've been outdone father… so have I' he thought bitterly.
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x0x
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An hour and a half left before this boring party ends. Sasuke sighed and played with the glass of wine he was holding. He had successfully avoided Ayumi and his father and is now with his savior, Naruto, and the whole group actually, which painfully mocks our hero as he is sitting across the 'couple of the evening'.
He now thought of how he and Sakura never had the chance to attend such gatherings. He scowled to himself, he doing nothing but further ruining his already suck-up evening by feeding himself to the green monster.
The idea of leaving already crossed his mind, his father won't mind now right? After all, he's been introduced to almost everyone inside the venue that he could actually list them and have a 30 page booklet, font size 10 mind you. He'll just have to bring Ayumi along so his father will not think twice once he asks permission. After all, he can't just ditch then expect not to be caught, his father knows him all too well.
He was about to do just that until requests, as always, were sent to Sakura. Request for any song, just to entertain the guests. "Let the star sing now eh Fujimori" a man chided to the singer's father.
This is why annual balls were being held occasionally, it is for different clans and wildly known corporations show off their prodigies and heirs, some even having to perform on the stage in the middle of the hall. Hinata had just performed awhile ago, finishing a very nice piece of Beethoven in the grand piano, it took all her courage not to faint on stage. You could actually feel the pride bursting from Hiashi.
Now it's Sakura's turn, she was not necessarily forced by her father, it's something she does in her own free will. She had planned this last night, her present for Neji's upcoming birthday.
So she took a deep breath and excused herself from her friends, not before locking eyes with Sasuke from across her, she looked away quickly. What she's going to do will serve not only as a gift but also an apology for Neji, for what happened in the chateau. But a part of her is telling she'd have to hurt one if she wants to please the other. She didn't like that particular logic in her head but instincts tell her it is nothing but the truth.
But Sasuke.. he won't feel anything right? He is after all, a friend, yes, just a friend. That was where Sakura's line of thought is. After all, Sasuke and the bit- Ayumi is a match made in heaven, as she have heard from the gossiping of old ladies by the cocktail corner.
Sasuke eyed Sakura questioningly, he thought they were pass evading each other, but what was that about? His senses and brain are telling him to stick to his plan and just have a goodnight sleep but his heart, the cursed thing that holds what is known as his feelings, won't let him move an inch. It's as if it won't pump blood towards his other body parts once he disobeyed. His heart won over his mind. Does it really want to inflict more pain on itself? He thought idly.
Sakura was on stage now, with a pretty- no, a contagious smile on her face as she greeted everyone a good evening, she paused for some seconds and cleared her throat.
"I wrote this for a very special person. One I hold dearly… his someone who understands me… more than anyone else could, he's my pillar as I like to say"
Sasuke found himself chanting 'please let it be her father, please let it be her father, please let it be her father' over and over again, in his thoughts only of course.
"This is for you, my fiancé, Neji. Advance happy birthday" she said with the same smile, the one any guy would die for.
And Sasuke could have wished he just died on the spot.
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Tbc.. ü