Guess who? Meliesan's review inspired me to continue anyways. I might not be able to update every week or so, but I will finish this! I lose inspiration so reviews would be appreciated –hint hint- I still love you guys!
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"Now remember Tenten, stick to The Plan."
I rolled my eyes. Here she goes again. Sasuke threatened to tell if I didn't go as his date, so my only option was to go with both boys.
Sounds weird right? Well after Temari yelled at me for three straight hours she went into secret agent mode. She came up with a plan, along with Caroline who was more than happy to assist me in my time of need. She was the only designer I knew I could trust with my secret.
I was amazed that things could work out, after all the drama I'd been through. I leaned back on my bed as Temari revised the finer points of our secret plan. In exactly 24 hours I would be at a charity ball for one of the state's biggest children's hospitals. Not to be callus, but I couldn't exactly remember its name. I knew that I loved children though, and had Anko send the hospital a check for a million dollars.
"I get it Tema." I groaned into my pillow as she added something new to the plan.
Temari glared at me over her notebook. "Look, it's bad enough you've been lying to me for years, the least you can do is cooperate."
"I AM cooperating."
She smacked me in the forehead with her pen. Ouch that hurt. "No you aren't, you're being a big baby. Now what dress are you wearing?"
"A girly one?" I guessed.
She heaved a dramatic sigh and plopped down beside me, mumbling something about hopeless supermodels.
I felt bad for her, honestly I did but I had bigger fish to fry.
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When I speak of bigger fish to fry, I mean another dinner at the Uchiha mansion. Mrs. Uchiha was so charmed with me, that she invited me over again. This time I behaved and pulled all my hair back into a low ponytail. I still wore a t-shirt and jeans but according to Mom it was an improvement. I think she'd prefer my wearing a ballroom gown.
Thankfully Mom was not invited to the charity ball; otherwise it would be a disaster. She may have her head in the clouds but she is very observant. "Honey why are you wearing that bra?"
See what I mean?
"Mom it's my lucky bra."
I could see Dad blanch as he pressed the doorbell. This time they left their fancy gate open, so driving up was a piece of cake. A valet drove our car to the side of the house, instantly winning Mom's affections.
"Lucky or not, if you get wet it'll be visible."
Nag, nag, nag.
A pompous butler opened the door, looking down his noodle-like nose at us. "Welcome." He sniffed.
We tiptoed in shyly, still unused to all the grandeur of the Uchiha mansion. Mr. Noodle Nose escorted us into a ginormous living room with enough furniture for twenty people and their Grandma's.
"Hello Tenten, its so nice to see you again." Mrs. Uchiha enveloped me in a warm embrace. I returned the hug and glanced over her shoulders. It was only her and her husband.
As if she could read my mind she pulled back, holding my hands in a motherly gesture. Her hands were nice and warm. "The boys are out right now getting ready for tomorrows ball." She explained, smiling sweetly "I wanted it to be just us."
I nodded, just a little disappointed. I was so used to drama that normalcy freaked me out. How weird is that? "Understood."
"It's okay with you, isn't it?" She searched my eyes for any traitorous emotions.
I put my poker face on "Yes of course."
She looked a little disappointed, but quickly pulled away to greet my family. I seated myself in an enormous comfortable armchair across the room from Mr. Uchiha. Something about his stern stare frightened me. Maybe I was just nervous knowing he was the only one who didn't even pretend to care about me. He wanted his land and he'd do anything to get it.
He glared at me during the whole visit. I don't know how, but I think he knows something. I would approach him the next day as Tohru and see if he knew. Sasuke wouldn't tell him, would he?
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"Darling, you're gorgeous!"
"Why do I have to do this again?"
"Shut up, Shika and just help me!"
"Dear God: Why me?"
You could probably guess who was talking. I was in Temari's apartment getting ready for my first showing. Caroline, wonderful woman that she is was the main source of my misery. After my shower she stuffed me into her dress, proclaiming that I absolutely MUST model her next line on the catwalk. Yeah, like that'd ever happen.
Temari and I had agreed to inform Shikamaru of my situation. He didn't freak out, he only stared at me for a long moment and said "I figured something like that was going on. You don't get that much money from McDonalds." I guess I wasn't half the genius I thought I was.
The dress was the main component of Temari's 'super brilliant plan.' It was a special dress Caroline had yet to reveal, one that could be worn inside out or outside in. The whole plan was for me to come in as Tenten and hang out for about an hour before Neji was to arrive. Then we would have Shikamaru burst in announcing a 'family emergency', I would run out, flip my dress, change my shoes hair and contacts, and come in as Tohru.
It wasn't the best laid plan, but Shikamaru said that it was the best we could come up with on such a short notice. Since Shika is a genius, we had to take his advice. It was either that or get discovered in front of the press, the LAST thing I needed.
I winced as Caroline pulled my long brown hair into a severe bun, allowing some wisps to 'tastefully' frame my face. The earrings she gave me were simple studs so I could pull them out easier for my change back to Tohru.
I sighed as she applied a little foundation and lip gloss. When I become Tohru she would add eyeliner, mascara, and a little blush. The whole point was to make Tenten more simple and natural while Tohru would be glamorous.
"We're done!" Temari announced as she touched up my lip gloss. "I must say you look lovely. Very natural, very Tenten. You'll knock him dead."
"I'd like to knock him dead." I grumbled irately.
Caroline smiled "He should be here within thirty minutes." She clapped her hands delightedly; forgetting that I hated his guts "I'll meet you outside to do your makeup. Its a good thing Tohru's hair is usually wavy, so all you have to do is take out the bun."
"Don't forget to change shoes." Temari advised.
"And act differently as yourself. Be shy, a little clumsy, and very cute. Can you do that?" Caroline asked seriously.
I rolled my eyes "I've been pretending this long, I think I can be cutesy."
"Perfect! You are ready!"
I stood up, trying the shoes out. They were a hundred dollars, cheap in the eyes of most, definitely vintage but very cute. I stared at my reflection. I did look natural, that was what I wanted. "Okay." I said to the cutesy girl in the mirror "Let's do it."
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"You look great." Sasuke said as I stepped out Temari's apartment and glided down the steps.
I gave him a sideways glance; my lip curled up in dry humor "That's very cliché of you."
We didn't say anything else until after we got in his limo and pulled up to the five star hotel where the ball was being held. Being in an elevator with the Uchiha did not sound fun.
A man opened the door accompanied by the flash of thousands of bulbs. Wow, they really rolled out the red carpet here. I prepared to step out but was halted as Sasuke's hand gripped me, yanking me back into the limo.
"What are you planning?" He hissed into my ear. Dang, he was smart.
I batted my eyes innocently. "Me? Why, nothing at all? Why would you suspect me of planning something? Don't you trust me Sasuke-kun."
"You're lying." His obsidian eyes darkened dangerously.
I gave him my smuggest smirk and patted his cheek. "Maybe. Maybe not." I stepped out the limo before he could yank me back again.
I almost waved at the paparazzi before remembering that I was going as Tenten, not Tohru. I stepped back and smiled shyly, giving a tiny wave as Sasuke came up from behind me, his hands shoved in his pockets.
He leaned towards me, his lips brushing my ear. I shivered involuntarily. "I'm watching you." He whispered.
To the casual observer, it would look like he was comforting me, or even offering kindly advice. I forced my smile to widen as I faced him "How very sweet of you!" I gushed loudly enough for a nearby photographer to hear.
Sasuke's eyes narrowed. He looked like he was going to say something else, but another vehicle pulled up behind us. We walked towards the hotel. There were a few more flashes, but most of the attention was drawn on the occupants of the other limo.
The ballroom was absolutely lovely. It was a large Cinderella-style ballroom with a few delicately decorated tables on the side for refreshments or snacks. A D.J. stood in the corner setting up his music and turntables while a well dressed jazz band was currently standing by the fountain in the middle of the room and playing gentle music.
I wondered why I never went to this hotel before. It was certainly far away enough. Perhaps one day 'McDonalds' could give me a bonus and I could take my parents here for a night or two. A well dressed man was about to relieve me of my jacket when he realized I didn't have one.
I smoothed my dress down. This time I didn't need to feign nervousness; I was terrified that things wouldn't work out as smoothly as planned. At least no one would recognize the dress too well. The side I was wearing was your typical little black dress with a slightly frilled skirt and no sleeves. On the other side it was purple with one sleeve that could be pulled out of a hidden pocket. The changes were tiny but significant enough to make it look completely different.
"Sasuke-kun! How very nice to see you!"
We both turned to see Sakura galloping towards us. What was she doing here? I gave Sasuke a confused glance.
"Her parents are rich." He explained.
Oh yeah, I kept on forgetting. They owned a company two cities over. It wasn't half as big as the Uchiha or Hyuuga, but it had enough publicity to warrant them receiving invitations to charity balls such as this one.
Sakura literally threw herself at Sasuke and gave him what seemed to be a bear hug. After clinging to him for longer than necessary she pulled back and 'recognized me'. "Oh." She gave me a dramatic once over "It's you. Nice dress, did you get it from Wal-Mart."
I was insulted. Caroline worked hard on this design. Sakura was obviously faking the hatred, even a blind person could tell it was cute.
Compared to her undying love for Tohru, this was downright hateful. It was hard being used to people treating you one way, and having them treat you another. She was so sweet when I was Tohru. Chump. "Sakura!" I gave my fakest smile "How nice to see you! I just love your dress!" I hated her dress. It was pink with pink sequins and pink heels. "It's so very…pink. Looks like you had an accident in a Barbie factory."
"There's a reason why Barbie is popular and you aren't." she snapped, her green eyes narrowing.
That's how its gonna be? Oh it is on girlfriend! I folded my arms "If Barbie is so popular, why do you have to buy all her friends?" I retorted, all sass.
She gaped at me for about five seconds before flouncing off, a blur of pink. I turned to Sasuke who was suppressing a smile. I winked boldly "And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how you handle bitches."
Sasuke put a finger over my mouth. I felt my cheeks heat up at the strangely intimate action. "Never swear aloud at these functions."
I pulled my head back, glaring at him "What do you think I am? A moron? I've been to these before stupid! I was just…"
"Slipping up?" he supplied helpfully.
"Oh shut up." I glowered. "I'm getting some snacks. You want some?"
"The man is supposed to get the snacks for the woman." He deadpanned.
I smiled sweetly "Why do you think I'm getting them?" I stormed off before he could retort. I had to remind myself that I had only one more hour of this torture. I made eye contact with a few celebrity acquaintances of mine, but they only stared back dully like I wasn't worth their time. People sure are snooty when you're not famous.
I saw Caroline enter, and noticed Anko in the corner eyeing the wine bottles. Sasuke was busy talking to some tall old man; he didn't need his finger food yet. I took a little detour in Anko's direction.
"Hello," I noticed a few people in the corner of my eye staring at me "You look bored."
Anko opened her mouth to yell a greeting. I gave her the evil eye. "That's because I am bored." She said, mellowing out as she followed my mental wavelength.
My eyes swept the ball room "This is beautiful, I've never been to anything like this before."
"Aren't you Sasuke Uchiha's date?" I recognized the gleam in the man's eyes. He was one of the few reporters allowed entrance.
I forced myself to be friendly "Why yes, I am." I used my stage blush.
"Well my name is Marcus Edwards from The City Times. I'd like to ask you a few questions…"
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After a long boring interview with Marcus, eating some snacks, and dancing once with Sasuke I knew it was time. I caught Caroline's eyes from across the room. She was talking with a few well known designers. I gave her the nod and watched as she excused herself, exiting with a grace known only to her.
I pulled my cell phone out of one of the many hidden pockets. "Temari? It's time."
I watched in satisfaction as the battery died.
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"LET ME IN! THAT'S MY FRIEND IN THERE! IT'S AN EMERGENCY! PLEASE!"
I heard the commotion from the entrance as guards wrestled with the desperate boy. Game on. I put on my surprised face and joined the crowd of nosy onlookers heading towards the door. Shikamaru was more animated than I'd seen him in months.
"Shikamaru!" my voice was absolutely perfect "What are you doing here?"
One guard who held him by the scruff of his shirt turned to me "You know this guy?"
"Yes! That's my friend! Let him in please!
They reluctantly released Shikamaru who hurtled himself towards me, his clothes ruffled, and gasping for breath. "I tried…calling you." He panted.
"My battery died." I explained, cautious of the ever growing audience "What's wrong?"
"There's been an accident."
I gasped "What?"
"You're Grandma… she was in an accident." Shikamaru's eyes were sympathetic "Your Mom called me because she couldn't reach you. Your family's at the hospital awaiting results."
I covered my mouth, my face the picture of shock and horror. "No…" I whispered.
"Please." Shikamaru pleaded, grabbing my arm softly "I'll take you there."
"But I…" I glanced around the crowd of curious people "I mean…"
"She might not make it."
I nodded, my face determined. "Alright. Let me say goodbye to…" a hand rest on my shoulder. I turned it was Sasuke.
"What's going on?" He asked a little suspiciously, his eyes scanning my face. I was surprised to see a hint of sympathy in them. I didn't need him believing this too! Imagine how mad he'd be when I come in as Tohru!
"I-I" I stammered for real "I have to go."
I leaned up and unexpectedly kissed his cheek before racing off with Shikamaru. During the whole race to the car I wondered why I kissed him. Maybe I felt bad about lying to him. I didn't have time to ponder this. I had to change into Tohru before Neji arrived.
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"Are you done in there?" Caroline hollered through the door.
I couldn't' believe this. I was in a mall restroom getting dressed. I knew that if someone watched the security cameras I'd be dead, which is why I had myself well covered when I entered the store. I know a giant sweatshirt isn't the best disguise, but no one gave me a second look, which was good.
I slipped the dress over my head and tugged it down, fixing the single sleeve and pulling my hair down, running my fingers through it. "Okay!" I stepped out.
Caroline attacked my face, applying extra lip gloss, eyeliner, mascara, and a tiny bit of blush. I changed shoes and applied bracelets, earrings, and a necklace. The whole transition took about ten minutes. After she was done she pulled back at arms length to inspect me.
After thoroughly checking she gave me an overenthusiastic thumbs up.
I sighed in relief. "Thank you so much Caroline, I can't even tell you how much I appreciate this."
"No problem." She hugged me "Anything for my number one model."
"No seriously," I interrupted "Anytime you need a model just give me a call. I'll even do it for free!"
She laughed lightly before leading me out the restroom. "Let's hurry, you're keeping prince charming waiting."
"Ugh he is so not my prince charming."
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I won't lie, I was nervous.
Neji and I had agreed to meet in the parking lot of a cheap motel about two miles down from the hotel where the ball was being held. Sitting in the backseat of Caroline's spare car I twisted the hem of the dress. Where was he? We agreed to meet at 8:30.
Headlights illuminated my vehicle. There he was. I stepped out slowly as the limo pulled up. A sleepy looking family of five stood in the motel doorway gaping. I guess its not everyday you see celebrities and limos at a seedy motel like this. I gave them an amused smile before climbing in, not even waiting for anyone to open the door.
Neji was seated across from me dressed in a black designer suit with a dark blue tie. Blue must've been his favorite color. I returned his shy smile "Hey, glad you could make it."
"I never leave a lady hanging." He said politely.
"Ready to rock the ball?" I asked with extra playfulness in my voice. Now I could be myself, only a model. It felt good. I hated pretending to be something I'm not, and I am definitely not shy.
"I'm ready to make an appearance if that's what you're talking about." His voice was still vaguely distant and extremely polite.
I frowned. "Are you okay?"
He nodded slowly while rubbing his temples "Yes just fine, sorry I'm a little tired."
"Perfectly understandable." I gave my award winning smile "You are only human."
"Does the great Tohru ever get tired?"
I threw back my head and laughed "No of course not! That's what coffee is for!"
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By the time we entered the hotel the party was definitely jumping. The D.J. played 'Just Dance' with the bass higher than usual. The flashes from the red carpet and cheers couldn't drown out the bass that I could feel from the soles of my recently changed shoes.
I smiled at Neji. A flash went off. Oh great, I can see it now. 'Hollywood Romance' or something dumb like that. I gave him a playful grimace before leading him into the hotel.
Anko practically tackled me as I came in the door. Her wiry arms nearly choked me to death. "Tohru! It's so good to see you! You look great. Lovely dress darling."
I raised an eyebrow at my overly affectionate manager. I laughed and ruffled her spiky ponytail. "Anko are you drunk?"
"No…I'm from Texas."
I shared a confused gaze with Neji. He shrugged slightly, his gray eyes confused. He has such gorgeous eyes… "Um okay…" I knew that she was straight from Tokyo "Whatever you say cowgirl."
Anko giggled, slapping my back painfully before twirling off, still managing to be foxy in her inebriated state.
Several acquaintances surged forward to make small talk with me. Neji was having a tough time having a polite conversation with Mr. Uchiha… MR. UCHIHA!
I turned sharply and was met with a pair of glowering black eyes. I felt my knees go weak in fear and shame. Oh crap.
"Sasuke." My voice was no more than a whisper, but I knew he could read my lips.
He shook his head curtly before stalking off, disappearing in the throngs of celebrities and wannabe's. Neji wrapped an arm around my waist as he laughed at something an older business man said. My eyes couldn't leave the path that Sasuke made when he left. I had hurt my friend and I knew I'd pay dearly for it.
Even though he did practically trick me into going, it gave me no right to lie to him like that. I didn't want to make Sasuke angry, even though we'd known each other for a short while I still considered him close to me, yet here I go hurting him like I did Temari. Thankfully Temari was forgiving but not everyone else knew me like she did.
It seems like all I did was burn bridges lately.
I wiped any forming tears from my eyes and forced myself to smile and enjoy myself. I met a pair of smoldering dark eyes and was filled with hope for one brief second. The hope disappeared as I recognized the older Uchiha.
Oh crap, he was headed straight toward me. This day couldn't get any worse if it tried.
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End ChapterI did it! I updated Cliché. I'm so happy and hope you are too. If not you have every reason to hate my guts.
I just saw The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button today. It was freaking brilliant! The best movie of the year by far! YOU MUST WATCH BENJAMIN BUTTON! I FREAKING LOVE IT! It is so very good, I cried at the end, middle, and beginning. The characters are so well developed and likeable (excluding the main female) and the story is brilliant. BENJAMIN BUTTON IS THE BEST MOVIE OF THE YEAR!!!!!!!
I think I'm done ranting. Please review! Pretty please? For me?