Sakura

Heart, hello? It's the mind speaking. I know you don't usually take suggestions, but, please, for the love of God, stop with the fast beating! Sure, that gesture was kind of him and, not going to lie, he looks really good tonight, but you mustn't lose! Not right now!

I refuse to let my hand clutch my chest, even though instinct tells me to. I can't let him think that got to me as bad as it did. Not just because this is a competition, but my pride is at stake here.

Okay, okay. Thank you for calming down, heart.

Sasuke walks back to his seat as if nothing happened, his face ever so emotionless as he takes his wine glass. As he eyes me above the rim, I can see a spark of something in his onyx eyes.

Fucking ass, can he tell?

Composing myself, I present an easygoing smile. "Thanks. I wasn't that cold, you know?"

"Maybe you weren't, but the constant shuffling of your feet made it obvious you were a little uncomfortable."

"Paying attention to my legs, aren't you?"

"You wore the dress for this occasion, didn't you? Shouldn't I at least admire them?"

Not letting him get the best of me, I hit back, "Yes. I'd be offended if you hadn't."

The momentary pause tells me he's a little taken aback. Good. This is a game for two.

"So?"

"So?" He parrots, a brow raised.

"How do they look?" I tease.

His eyes turn serious as he peers closer, his focus solely on me. "You want an honest opinion?"

My face tells him to get on with it.

"They look great. You do, as well."

Now, how in the world can he say that with a straight face? I feel heat rise on my face, and as much as I try to suppress it, I can tell he knows I'm a little flustered. This is not how I planned this night would go.

Is he some sort of secret Casanova? How else could he just blurt something like that out? I mean, I would have noticed if he brought a woman to his apartment or something, right? Or maybe he has a separate place for that? Suddenly, I feel my chest tighten. Why am I so concerned about this?

"Uh," I say dumbly. "Wow. Thank you."

"You didn't expect a compliment?"

"Not from you."

He scoffs. "I'm not as heartless as you think I am."

"How am I supposed to know that?"

"You have a point there."

The waiter comes back, interrupting our conversation and the two of us order our food. A carbonara for me, and steak for himself. With that he leaves us alone once more.

"I really am curious though."

"About what?"

"Are you really okay with taking this project on?"

"It's kind of hard to say no now that we're currently on a date for this project, is it not, Haruno?"

"Just answer the question, Uchiha."

He looks deep in thought. "I don't think I'm someone who can be forced to do anything."

I give him an incredulous look. "That doesn't exactly answer my question."

Shrugging, he doesn't look too concerned over it. "Think of it how you will."

The night continues and, to my surprise, it isn't too hard to spark a conversation with him. In fact, we talked all night long. We talked about work, what made us choose HMM, why we chose the apartment building. I asked him why he decided to work as a writer instead of work under his family, and he didn't hesitate to answer.

"I still work with my family's business, but I do like my independence, so I took this job, as well."

"You're working two different jobs?"

Our plates are almost empty, our utensils laid onto the table forgotten.

He nods. "Though I work for my family when I'm called for."

"Kind of like a contractor?"

"You could say that."

"Wow, no wonder you're so anal sometimes."

"And here I thought we'd make it one night without name calling."

Laughing, I wave it off. "Baby steps."

"How am I 'anal'?"

"You're really asking me that, Mr. Perfect? Everything you have is basically in order. I wouldn't be surprised if your closet is color coded. Well, I say 'color' lightly."

His silence must prove me right, making me laugh some more. And his squinted eyes tell me he doesn't appreciate my humor.

"Relax, I didn't mean it to offend you," I say between chuckles.

He sighs. "If you must know, I don't have to worry about clothes when they're all of similar color. I don't need to spend my early mornings having to worry."

"Wait, you only wear the same colors because you don't want to bother with styling? That's it?"

"And what of it?"

I pout. Huh, and here I thought he just hated color. If that's the case… "Okay, Uchiha. Next date, I'm taking you shopping."

"No."

"Please?"

"Why in the world would we need to do that?"

"Shopping brings people closer together!"

"I'd rather not."

I grin. "I'll have you say yes one way or another. I can be very persuasive."

Seeing the ruffled expression on his face may have made my night.

Our evening draws to a close, and we walk side by side through the front doors of the building.

"You know, I would have paid for my dinner."

"Isn't it the standard for the man to pay?"

I scoff. "It's the twenty-first century. What if I wanted to pay?"

"You would have stopped me." That irritating smirk is back.

Harrumphing, I decide not to press on and change the subject. "Where did you park your car?"

"Don't worry. I'll ask the staff to help me hail a cab."

He doesn't seem too pleased. "It's late."

"Yes?" I tilt my head. "I can handle it. Thanks for tonight, by the way. It went better than I thought it'd go." I extend a hand to him.

"Hm." He doesn't take it, only looks at it.

Frowning, I take his hand and put it on mine for a firm shake. "Looking forward to the rest of our time together."

It takes him a bit, but he walks to the parking lot and without saying a word of farewell. I let out a disappointed breath. What was I expecting? This is work. The easy conversations and the eased tension is probably only for work purposes. Once the date's done, all of that disappears. I expected that, yet I'm still let down.

Walking to the valet, I ask him for help hailing a cab and he nods in agreement after a polite greeting. I wait by the entrance, my eyes fixed on my phone, seeing the e-mail telling me that the project and my involvement had been announced earlier tonight. Whoever edited our photos together did really well, I'll give them that.

A cough breaks me from my concentration and my head goes up to meet a very familiar face. "Sasuke?"

He gives a small nod towards the black car behind him. "Get in."

The ride back to the apartment building is a little awkward, if I'm being honest. With the radio off and neither of us speaking, all I can do is stare out of the window and look at the passing buildings and people walking by.

It's practical to be riding back together. We do live in the same building after all. But it is pretty weird.

Once parked, we walk to the elevator together, him a short distance in front of me while I dwell in my thoughts.

"It's unusual for you to be so quiet." Sasuke speaks as we wait for the elevator.

I decide to answer truthfully. "Don't you think it feels a little… foreign to be walking back home like this?"

"No."

"No?"

"It's not like this is the first time we've ever taken the elevator together."

Ugh, he doesn't get it. It really is just me. I shake my head. No, Sakura. It doesn't feel oddly domestic. We're just co-workers who live across from each other, shut up.

The elevator pings, signaling its arrival and we walk into the empty shaft and I watch my reflection on the metal doors as it closes.

"Are you writing your article immediately after getting home?"

He nods. "Might as well, when it's fresh in my memory."

"Always so diligent."

"Don't pretend you aren't doing the same."

I shrug. "True."

He smirks. "And I suspect you aren't going to tell me anything?"

"Would you?"

"No."

"Of course not."

He seems more relaxed now than he was in the car. To be fair, I'm feeling more relaxed now compared to then, too. Maybe it's because this was the first time I'd ever ridden in his car or it's the aftereffects of the date, but it felt… unusual. Honestly, I didn't hate it, but it was oddly intimate, couple-like.

I scoff. As if that'd ever happen. Still, it wasn't a terrible feeling.

We arrive on our floor and walk to our respective doors, not a single word uttered. I turn the key to my door, and my hand is on the knob, but I hesitate. God, am I really going to do this? Instincts say do it, mind says hell no.

.

.

.

Fuck it.

"Hey, Sasuke?"

He looks back, puzzled.

Determined, I walk until I'm right in front of him. Why the hell did he have to be so tall? On my toes, I lean in and press my lips onto his cheek, turning around quickly to avoid seeing his face, grabbing the door knob, turning it, and escaping before I see his face.

I didn't know that if I had stayed, I would have finally seen some color on his cheeks, ears red with my unexpected move.

A week later

( w w w . kunoichiwomensjournal . c o m )

KONOHA WOMEN'S JOURNAL
Konoha's Premier Women's Magazine

Men vs. Women
Shinobi vs. Kunoichi

Of LBDs and Unexpected Evenings
Sometimes things don't go exactly how you wanted them to go, and sometimes, it's for the better.

I'm going to be completely honest. I wasn't too keen on taking this project on. Though I'm very flattered to be voted on by the readers, this was something that was completely out of my element. I mean, you all know me as the fitness guru of Kunoichi. But, truthfully, that wasn't the only reason I was apprehensive.

It's no secret among the staff here at Kunoichi that my project partner and I aren't known to be so friendly towards each other. Call it whatever you will, animosity or just simple workplace rivalry, but we always seemed to clash in meetings. This project gave me an opportunity to get to know the man who never failed to get under my skin, and it's helped shed some light on his behavior.

Now, don't get me wrong. I'm no dating expert. That job is thankfully taken by Ino here in Kunoichi. I've been single for a while, and to have to go on a date with someone I didn't get along too well with was kind of daunting. But one thing I do know is that it's never a bad idea to take out the LBD from the depths of my closet for these kind of things. Normally, I'd have no doubts it would work, but this was the elusive Sasuke Uchiha here, so I was surprised to see him so caught off guard with my attire, let alone to be complimented. Turns out the Uchiha is still a man, despite how nonchalant he may appear.

The night started out with me arriving at the Spades (I know, fancy) at 7 on the dot, and obviously, he was already there, seated and waiting for me. He liked the dress, if his ogling my legs was something to judge by, but I didn't expect him to be so considerate. With all of his leg watching, he kind of noticed I hadn't brought out the LBD in quite a while, so he walked over to my seat to cover my legs with his jacket. I didn't want to admit it, but that was unexpectedly sweet of him. I had fully thought that night was going to be tense, if not more awkward, but conversation came pretty easily.

Of course, I'd keep most of that to myself, but he was more tolerable than expected, dare I say, a decent date. Or, to be honest, a decent man.

He's the type to stay quiet, aloof and mysterious at first glance, but I can tell he's more guarded than anything. I mean, who wouldn't be with his family backgound. Always wearing darker colors, apparently because he doesn't care too much for matching his clothes in the morning, and always so succinct, he doesn't mince words, but he's not one to shy away from teasing banter. Needless to say, the night was illuminating to say the least.

I know what you're all asking yourselves. Would I actually date him if not for this project? As of now, I wouldn't know how to answer that. There's still something that's keeping his wall up that I don't think would ever come down, and I prefer a relationship where we're both able to share things freely, and I just don't know if Uchiha is that kind of guy. Besides, this is more for research purposes than reality, and right now, it seems he's not the type who wants romance. I don't think he ever will.

All in all, it was a good night. He was in his best behavior, and replacing our normal sparring words were cordial conversations and teasing banter that I found myself enjoying. But all I know for now is that I'm not caving. Neither will he. It'll be exciting to see where this goes.

Sincerely,
Sakura H.

...

Ino's Corner
Who's smitten? I think they both are.

Hello, lovelies! Isn't this fun? As the very person who pitched this idea to the higher ups, I am stoked to see how this is moving forward, however don't think I've forgiven any of you for letting me lose the popularity poll, but I digress. I don't think I would have been chosen as representative regardless, because of my position in this magazine. Honestly, it's a lot more fun watching all of this from the sidelines.

Not going to lie, I saw Sakura before she left for her date, and that LBD was no joke, so it was no surprise to me that Uchiha was so focused on her when she walked in! But, reading Sakura's article, I'm more surprised that they didn't do anything afterwards.

See, saying this both as her best friend and relationship advice columnist, I've seen their "sparring words" in action, and I've always interpreted that as flirting. You all should see our boardroom meetings! The way those two go back and forth, I'm surprised they haven't boned each other yet. I'm surprised it hadn't happened after the date. Then again, Sasuke isn't the only guarded one here. Sakura's a realist, yes, but she also tends to wear her heart on her sleeves.

Now, I haven't read the Shinobi men's articles yet, but even without it, I know that both Sasuke and Sakura are downplaying how the night went. If I were to guess, Sakura probably had moments being flustered, and Sasuke was enjoying her company more than he'd let on. It's known by, like, 85% of Konoha's population how most Uchihas act, and Sasuke isn't so different in that regard, but if Sakura had managed to maintain a conversation with the elusive Uchiha bachelor, than maybe she did better than she thought she did. That dude's a tough one to crack, and let me tell you, I've tried.

Anyways, let's get onto specifics, shall we?

Sasuke ogling her? Point for Sakura.

Sakura's reaction to his little jacket move? Point for Sasuke.

Sakura being able to get Sasuke to open up? Point for Sakura.

Sasuke giving her a ride at the end of the night? Definite point for the penis-having gender.

It looks to me that the first date has ended in a tie, but I saw it coming. If anything, maybe this little project might help these two get over their petty little rivalry and see what's underneath all that tension, but that's a story for another time, lovelies.

Love and Kisses,
Ino

( w w w . shinobi . c o m )

SHINOBI
Trusted by Konoha's Men

Men vs. Women
Shinobi vs. Kunoichi

"In conclusion, it was a decently pleasant evening."
- Sasuke Uchiha, Senior Editor of Fitness

This isn't part of my contract, nor has it ever been. When I was told of this project and my unceremonious win on a poll I had no news of ever being published, I was certain on withdrawing from said project. However, I was brought up with the notion that a job is a job and since I am being paid rather well for this project, I decided to agree. But the main reason for my agreement came in the form of pastel pink.

The office is aware of our tense relationship. We are two different types of people. She's loud. I prefer silence. She's a bright splash of color, while I preferred muted tones. It was expected that I would vehemently refuse this project, but call it curiosity. Is this woman the same outside of the office? Judging from one night, I would have to say, for the most part, yes. However, not in the unpleasant way I thought previously.

She's certainly more agreeable outside of the workplace. With her first appearance in the Spades, she stood in front of our table in what she called her "Catwoman" dress. Certainly worn to throw me off. And it worked. It was the first time she had ever worn a black dress that I've seen. But it was clear to me that she felt uncomfortable. With her constant shuffling, I decided to lend her my jacket to cover up. I never understood the notion of wearing uncomfortable clothes to impress someone. It's not to say she did not look good, she is a beautiful woman, whether she's aware of it or not. Judging from her reaction to my compliment, it striked me that she wasn't.

Apart from the dress, she ordered a drink I knew would inevitably be sweet, and it was. We spoke to each other with ease, less verbal fights and more curiosity, and I found myself answering her questions without trepidation. She's a charming woman, I give her that, however she is not as good at covering her true feelings as she thinks she is. There were moments she would try to hide how flustered she was, when I gave her my jacket, for example. And there were other moments where I'd find myself watching the way she would brush her hair away to tuck it behind her ear when she was nervous. Then, the moment I had offered her a ride home. The shade on her face almost matched her hair.

I am a man who never minces his words, and I am not one to deny that she's certainly more appealing to me now than she was before. But that does not mean I would do anything for certain at the moment. However, with her kiss on the cheek as farewell, perhaps she's changed her perception of me already. But knowing that woman, I shouldn't be so sure.

In conclusion, it was a decently pleasant evening.

...

"Hook, Line, and Sinker!"
- Kiba Inuzuka, Senior Editor of Sex and Women

Well, well, folks. I didn't think the Uchiha had it in him, but from my point of view, it looks like he had the upper hand here.

Got to hand it to him, that jacket move was pure genius, and based on his own words, I think Ms. Haruno herself appreciated it very much. Though, to give her credit, the standard "Little Black Dress" for women is also a good move. It certainly caught our very own Uchiha off guard. But, as Shinobi's trusted Sex and Women Editor, Sasuke won this round, hands down.

First of all, while Ms. Haruno brought out the "LBD," Sasuke threw her for a loop, too, with our always black suit clothed man here showing up with a white shirt. She'd always comment on his lack of colors at work, so it must have been a sight to see him in something other than that, for sure. Women tend to look at the details more than we do, and based on her usual actions, Ms. Haruno's no different.

Second of all, the place. It takes a hell of a long time to get a table at The Spades, and it's no surprise to me that Uchiha managed to snag one, so that certainly should have made an impression.

Third, fellow men, it's okay to be a little less guarded on the first date. If anything, that impresses your date even more when you're not afraid to talk about little things in your life. Key word here is "little". Too much and you might scare them off. Sasuke, here, did just that, and I didn't even have to tell them. (Hiding something from us, Uchiha?)

Lastly, the ride home and the kiss on the cheek. It's shocking to me that she accepted his offer, seeing as the two butt heads more than Naruto and I in the office, so it means the date may have gone better than Sasuke here is letting on. I mean, a kiss on the cheek? She's hooked, gentlemen. But let's be real, Sasuke doesn't say enough. Whatever happened in that car ride and afterwards, huh? Maybe we'll never know.

My verdict? Easy win for Uchiha here, hands down. Better luck next time, Kunoichi.

"Where's his office?" I demand, pissed and waving the new copy of Shinobi in my hand.

The receptionist, clearly startled, maybe a little afraid, looks at me with wide eyes. "Who?"

"You know who I'm looking for." I didn't have time for this.

"Go," he stutters. "Go straight and then take the first left. His office has his name on the door. It's in that hallway."

I walk away, heels clicking loudly on the floor as several curious gazes follow me.

"That's Sakura Haruno, right?"

"Yeah."

"Looks like a storm coming."

"You think she read the articles?"

"Obviously."

Note:

Sasuke's article wasn't too bad, but Kiba... Bro... jkerfhskjdfhsd

Next up, Sasuke's POV! How do you think he reacted to Kiba's article?

BTW, websites as pictures are on ao3, tumblr (both connectedfeelings), and twitter (cxtwithclxws)!