A/N: So it's decided! By popular vote, Yukimura/Sasuke all the way! Responses to reviews are at the bottom. Thank you, everyone!

Once again, the closest I have come to owning Samurai deeper Kyo is when Akira showed up in my dreams and turned a bowl of jell-o into a block of flavored ice. Thank you, Akira, but that doesn't help me much, here.

Sasuke arrived at the recording studio early to avoid suspicion. People would begin to suspect things if they saw his bicycle.

Sighing into the silence, he looked himself over one more time. He, Sasuke Sarutobi, was wearing a suit. Not just any suit; a tacky reporter suit. According to Saizo, it was the latest style, and he wouldn't have any employee of his representing him wear anything less 'haute culture' . . . of course, that also meant that Sasuke was under threat of death to return the outfit in mint condition.

This really wasn't his day.

'You should be thankful, you know?' Kotaro's words from last night echoed in his memory, 'This job of yours is probably the closest either of us will ever get to stardom. . . ' Kotaro was right, but when he put it that way, it just made him feel worse about it.

The door opened slightly, and Sasuke rose immediately, holding his notebook at the ready like a real reporter would. But the person who emerged wasn't exactly who he was expecting.

"Yo!" A tall thin man with red hair waved a hand in greeting as he walked through the door. He had a cheerful attitude, and carried himself with a degree of sureness, but seemed a little out-of-it. "What are you doing, little guy?" he smiled.

"L-little guy?" he twitched an eyebrow, "I'm a reporter for a fashion magazine, Sarutobi Sasuke. Who are YOU?"

The man laughed, bending down and pointing a finger at Sasuke's face, "Oh, I see. You're not just a little guy. You're a little brat. Well, I'm not Yukimura Sanada if that's what you're thinking. But look!" He spread his arms wide, "I dress nicely, right? Will you consider me for your article as well?"

"Maybe. It depends who you ARE." Sasuke rolled his eyes mentally. Bandanas are SO last season. . .

. . . wait! What the heck was he thinking?! Sasuke cringed, putting his hand on his head in frustration with himself. This was getting scary.

"Uh. . . kid, are you okay?" The man asked, still smiling, but with a more serious tone. "If it really bothers you that much, I'm Benitora." He pointed to himself, smiling. Sasuke glared at the weird name he was forced to call him. For goodness' sake, it's not like this is the feudal era.

"O-okay, whatever, tiger man. Why are you here?"

"For the music, of course!" He said, sweeping himself into the rotating chair in the control room, and spinning around once or twice. He caught himself on the electronics board. "I help him out over here in the sound booth." Benitora crossed his arms behind his head.

"You have a lot of dedication to come in so early every day."

"I could say the same for you," Benitora smiled, turning around in the chair, "Or are you a fan?"

"No. I'm here for work. Aren't you?"

"Well, no, now that you mention it." Benitora said outright. Sasuke raised his eyebrows considerably. Benitora pointed to a girl in an employee picture on the wall, "You see her? That's the woman I'm going to marry."

"You're engaged?"

"Well, we are. She just doesn't know it yet." Benitora put his arms behind his head again, "That's why I'm here. You gotta sit back and ask yourself that sometimes. Why are you here, Sasuke?"

"I'm here for work," Sasuke glared. Benitora opened his eyes, surprised.

"Okay, okay. I get it. No need to get all defensive."

It was then that the phone rang. Benitora quickly answered with a couple yeses and a few nods of acknowledgement. He finally hung up, and gathered his bag and coat.

"Sorry, kid, we came early for nothing. Yukimura's called in a sick day. See you tomorrow, I guess . . . for. . . work, right?" He left. Sasuke was left looking confused.

Wait. Yukimura seemed perfectly fine the other day. What happened? Would he still get paid for coming in? Sasuke didn't think that was how this job worked. He fumbled for the cell phone Saizo gave him and quickly went to the speed dial that already had his office phone programmed in. It rang a few times.

"Hello. You've reached Saizo's fashion and design. How may I help you?"

"Saizo? It's Sasuke."

"Wha? A crisis already?!"

"Yukimura called in sick. What do I do?"

"What do you mean, 'what do you do'? He was fine yesterday, so he probably called in sick for a day off. Find him. What kind of stalk- - I mean-- what kind of bodyguard are you?"

"You mean . . . at his apartment?" Sasuke raised his eyebrows incredulously.

"Wherever he is, yes. Now, if you'll excuse me, we're having a bit of a crisis over the purple patterned cloth. I'll see you at. . . or, actually. . ."

"What?"

"Come over. Now."

"What?!"

"You want to get paid or not?"

"Fine."

"Good boy."

The phone clicked off and Sasuke was left with a dial tone. He glared at the plastic machine in his hand. This really wasn't his day.

"So, what's this about?" Sasuke crossed his arms.

"It's a special. . ." Saizo closed the shades in his office and turned around dramatically, ". . . top secret mission."

"Is that supposed to be scary?" Sasuke rolled his eyes.

"No, I'm serious." He sat down at his dimly lit desk. "I have information from my sources that Yukimura is not sick today, but he needed a day off. He also is expected to be at a party this evening, and I— wasn't invited." Saizo said regretfully.

"Which obviously rules out the possibility that I can go. . ." Sasuke used his senses of deduction, hoping that he'd get the night off.

"Wrong! You're going."

"huh?" Sasuke didn't quite understand.

"You forget that you're talking to one of the leading designers of the decade, and designing entails more than just clothing." Saizo's stern expression was maintained. "I'm also skilled at designing people."

"I don't understand. . ."

"You're going to that party as a famous model. No one here will deny that you work for me. I certainly won't. Models these days get a lot more respect than designers." He mumbled the last statement, then raised his voice, "My top model was invited, and so you'll go with him, but first I have to make you presentable."

"Waaait. . . .hold on a minute." Sasuke threw his hands out in front of him in protest, "Me? A model? For what?!"

"Umm. . . petites?"

"No way. I can't do this!" Sasuke rose from the chair angrily.

"Don't get so angry. It's not like you have to do a photo shoot. You really aren't fit to be a model. . . but I can make you look like you are."

Sasuke sat down reluctantly, still a little peeved, "That's fine, but what if someone figures out that I wasn't invited?"

"Then you get kicked out." Saizo shrugged.

"What if Yukimura recognizes me?"

"It can't be helped. Tell him you're a journalist AND a model."

"Isn't that suspicious?" he looked incredulously.

"There are stranger things." Saizo replied, "Do we have an agreement? I'd like to get started, because we have a lot of work to do with you."

"I guess."

Sasuke watched the designer as he pulled in a moving rack of clothes and a tray of cosmetics and hair products. He directed him to a chair and strapped him in. It moved up like a dentist chair, and it looked like he was getting prepared for an operation. He opened his eyes tentatively to see Saizo looming over him with a smirk and an ominous-looking silver tool. It was kind of sharp. Maybe . . . this wasn't such a good idea. . . hey what's he going to do with. . .

"AHHHHHH!"

Saizo wiped his forehead with the back of his hand as he waited for Sasuke to get out of the chair.

"Well minus the girly screams, I think we did well . . ." Saizo smirked in reference to their little encounter with the eyebrow tweezers. Really, all he did was touch up his hair, and put a little make-up on him. Nothing drastic.

"Hmm. . ." Sasuke looked at his face in the mirror closely, "Well, I didn't think there was anything wrong with me before, but I guess I see the difference."

"See, it wasn't all that bad. Now, here." He held out a handful of hangers with clothes on them, "Try these on. I picked them out for you, but I have to see if they fit."

It didn't take Sasuke long to change, and when he came out, he actually looked. . . pretty? Okay, let's leave it as 'slightly feminine'. Saizo chose a slim-cut dark blue collared shirt and long black jeans. Sasuke couldn't remember the last time he wore a pair of long jeans. He was so used to long pants being formal. . . something you'd wear with a suit jacket. His casual wardrobe was shorts . . . more shorts . . . short shorts. . . well, you get the idea.

"Hmmm . . . well you look sort of girly. . . but it's good. I approve. Wear that." Saizo said confidently, "Now, shoo. I have things to do. I called for a limo. It'll take you and Hotaru to the club."

"Hotaru?"

"My lead model. You know; the one who was invited. If he says you're with him, you shouldn't have any problem getting in. You certainly look the part. It starts in about an hour, but when you're a celebrity, you're allowed to arrive fashionably early." He winked, "Make sure you follow Yukimura's every move. I want a full report." He waved as he walked away.

Sasuke could barely find the right button on the elevator; so many thoughts were swimming in his head. He'd never really been to a big party before. He knew he looked okay; like a star. But he quickly remembered his reason for all this. He needed to make sure he was a good spy during the night. Yukimura was a scheming person. Sasuke could sense it by just meeting him that one time. He didn't even have to look in his eyes to know that this was more than a difficult task.

Sasuke was supposed to be reading him, and yet. . . it felt like Yukimura was the one doing all the reading. His eyes. . . Sasuke let a shiver run down his spine. Were you supposed to be this afraid of a person that should be afraid of you?

He walked outside to see the limo waiting. He wondered if it was for him. Suddenly he heard a honk of the car horn, which shocked him. Sasuke jumped, and quickly ran up to the door, climbing in. He nearly had a heart attack when he came face to face with two glaring red eyes, and two indignant crossed arms.

"You're. . . Hotaru . . ." Sasuke gulped.

"No, I'm the tooth fairy." The model spat. Without moving a muscle, he raised his voice to reach the front. "Hey, driver, let's get this pathetic ride going. I'm bored."

Silence.

Glare.

More silence.

"You're Saizo's spy, right?" Hotaru asked, nearly sending Sasuke into shock at hearing him speak.

"Yeah, I guess. . ."

"Psh. Figures. That guy's got it really bad for Yukimura. Everyone knows. I think Yukimura does, too. How could he not, you know?"

"Uh huh. . ."

"You ever heard that guy sing? He's not anything special. Just charisma, you know? No talent."

"Yeah. . ." Sasuke fiddled with his fingers idly.

"Do you even have an opinion? I hate weak guys like you."

"What? I'm not weak! I have opinions, but I'm just a little distracted right now, okay?! I'm not exactly cut out for this. . ." Sasuke admitted.

"What? You DO know why you're doing this, don't you?" Hotaru asked stoically.

"Well, I know that Saizo's worried about Yukimura being. . . abused in a relationship, or something along those lines."

"B.S." Hotaru spat, "He's just jealous because Yukimura's so damn flirty with everyone."

"Really?" Sasuke raised his eyebrows.

"Yeah. But Saizo's shy, so it makes sense he'd get someone like you. You must be strong, too. There was one time Yukimura got in a fight with this one guy, and got punched in the face. His bodyguards immediately restrained the guy, and Yukimura really beat him shitless later, but Saizo had a scare. He'd do anything to prevent that from happening again." Hotaru stopped, looking at Sasuke, who was busy taking in this information.

"Yukimura doesn't seem like the fighting type." He finally said after a long pause.

"Well, he is. . . so much that I don't think I'd want to be the one to take him on." Hotaru said truthfully as the club came into view. Hotaru motioned to the door as they pulled up to the curb. "Ladies first."

Sasuke came out of the car, and was immediately bombarded with cameras and white light. He instinctively put his hand over his face. Hotaru followed him, and took Sasuke's hand down from his face. Apparently to look professional you need to pretend that you aren't blind.

He saw Hotaru mouth 'follow me' and he trailed the taller man's feet through the carpeted front until they were in safe territory.

"Don't they know I'm not anybody?" Sasuke asked angrily.

"No." Hotaru answered, "They photograph everyone. Besides, the car we came in has Saizo's company logo. They were aiming for me."

"I see." Sasuke said, only mildly irritated, now.

"You'd better stick to the bar. You should be able to see Yukimura come in from there, and he usually heads over there first thing, anyway." Hotaru paused, "Get it? I'm ditching you."

"Yeah. I get it. I'll come find you when Yukimura leaves." With that, Hotaru felt it was okay to leave and Sasuke headed over to the bar. Yukimura did seem to have a thing for alcohol. It was strange. He never really understood alcohol. He'd never really tasted it, but it didn't smell too good. Kotaro had assured him there was nothing special about it. . . that all it does is make people do stupid things.

Walking into the club (yes, it was a club that had been rented out for the party . . . and a large one at that) the music was louder than it had been when he was outside. It wasn't techno. There was actually a live band with a bass, saxophone, trumpet, piano, drums, and flute. An odd combination, but it was pleasant dancing music. There was really no one on the dance floor. Everyone seemed content to sit at the tables.

"Hey, what can I get for you?" The bartender asked Sasuke as he approached and took a seat.

"err. . . ginger ale?" Sasuke asked. The bartender gave him a weird look, but filled up a glass with the soda and gave it to him, anyway. Sasuke started taking a sip of it while he looked over to the door and nearly choked, sending half the glass of ginger all spurting out in front of him. Yukimura had just walked in.

Stay calm. . . stay calm. . . Aaah! He's heading over here!

Sasuke tried to slink as far down in the bar stool as possible, but with no avail. The pop star walked up casually and slid onto the stool, asking the bartender for some sake. Sasuke hid his eyes in his ginger ale, sweating. It would look strange if he just left, and then he probably wouldn't be able to watch him as well. This was too complicated. Why was he afraid? He wasn't afraid of anything!

"Hello there." Yukimura suddenly said.

Sasuke didn't want to turn his head. He wasn't talking to him. He was probably talking to the bartender. Right? Right?!

"Sorry. I'm being rude. I'm Yukimura Sanada. I believe we were poorly introduced yesterday in Saizo's office."

Okay definitely talking to Sasuke, there. Good going, genius. He turned his head, and gave him an annoyed look.

"I remember who you are."

"Oh, good. Then you should have no reason to ignore me." The sly man smiled.

"I wasn't ignoring you!" Sasuke protested. This guy knew just how to push all his buttons.

"Is that right? I'm sorry, then. So what brings you to a party like this? Surely a journalist wouldn't have been invited." Yukimura emphasized his point. There definitely was reason to be suspect to these questions. Sasuke couldn't believe that Saizo thought this plan was foolproof. From the way the man had phrased and asked his question, it was clear he was onto something.

"Hotaru brought me. He's my superior." Sasuke added, "I'm a. . . model."

Yukimura raised his eyebrows at this, "Oh? Cooking, journalism, AND modeling. That's quite an accomplishment. That is, I knew you were good-looking, but usually models are built differently. I like that, though." The singer's eyes scaled him up and down. It seemed he approved of Saizo's taste.

He watched as Yukimura thanked the bartender for the sake as it was handed to him. He wondered slightly what it tasted like, but not too much. He was happy that Yukimura didn't see through anything, so he could keep doing his job. Or if he did see through it, then he was thankful he didn't say anything.

"You hear that Sasuke?" A question suddenly arose.

"What?" it caught him off guard.

"The music. It's one of my favorite songs."

"Oh." Sasuke didn't know what to say. The guy was so awkward to talk to. Yes, he was handsome. This, he already knew, but that's not what made him hard to talk to. Maybe it's just that he didn't like lying? Even if he was sure Yukimura knew? But he wasn't so sure that it became a normal conversation. There was something about him that rubbed his fur the wrong way, and still made him feel good.

If he had fur, that is.

"Do you dance?"

"Huh?" Sasuke jumped.

"Nevermind." Yukimura turned away and sipped his sake. Suddenly, he turned to his other side, where a girl was clearly unoccupied. "Would YOU like to dance?"

Uh oh. . . panic. This is exactly the thing that Sasuke was hired to prevent. His senses went haywire. Before she said yes, and went off to dance, and then probably grope Yukimura and get him in bed he had to do something! Anything!

"I can dance!" Sasuke jumped up with a determined expression.

"I thought you didn't want to." Yukimura turned back to Sasuke and smirked, clearly amused by Sasuke's enthusiasm.

"I- that is- I would be okay with that. Maybe for just one song, since--" He paused, and lowered his voice with embarrassment, "- since it's your favorite."

"Well, now. That's what we call. . ." he put his mouth close to Sasuke's ear, ". . . a change of heart."

Sasuke barely had time to blush as he was forced to follow the singer onto the dance floor. He was a little embarrassed since there were maybe only two couples dancing. He wanted to hide in the corner, but Yukimura seemed to enjoy the center stage. There was no choice but to follow the leader.

"Do you know how to swing?" Yukimura asked, smirking.

". . .a little." Sasuke lied.

"Okay. . . Well, let's just dance, then. " Yukimura took Sasuke's hand loosely and Sasuke just stood there. It seemed that his whole body had frozen in place. "What's wrong?"

"S-sorry. I'm just. . ." Sasuke stuttered, "I need to go."

He shook off Yukimura's hand and ran away. What was going on, here? Why was he doing this? He was just standing on the dance floor with the most attractive, most frightening person he knew, and thoughts were running through his head that shouldn't have been.

Was he. . . attract-. . . no, don't even say it.

Sasuke headed for the bathroom. He pushed open the door, and went straight to the sing. He turned on the cold water faucet and splashed some on his face, letting the make-up run off his face. He took a towel and wiped it off for good. This wasn't who he was. What was getting into him?

Suddenly there was a flush in the bathroom stall, and a familiar pair of glaring red eyes came out.

"Hotaru!" Sasuke exclaimed. Thank God.

"Yeah. What is it?" He said, washing his hands.

"Can we go?"

"Sure, I'm done. . . this party sucks. But isn't Yukimura still here?" He dried them off with a towel.

"It doesn't matter. He's fine. Let's go. I don't belong here." Sasuke held his arms sadly, looking at the blue cloth that surrounded his arms. That didn't belong on him, either.

"Yeah, sure, whatever, but if Saizo gets mad, you're going to take the rap."

Sasuke nodded. He knew. They walked out of the bathrooms, and when they came into the main room, Sasuke's eyes searched for Yukimura, but he couldn't find him anywhere. Usually he had exceptional eyes, but they weren't working right now. Either that or. . .

". . . he's gone." Hotaru announced as they left the club, pointing to a section of curb in the lot where Yukimura's limo must have just pulled out. "You're a lucky bum."

"Yeah. . . lucky. . ." Sasuke looked at the parking space.

What was with that, anyway? He shook his head in confusion. This really wasn't his day.

...............My wonderful reviewers! I love you all!!! /gives everyone candy/............

Chiharu Yillana- Saizo IS dedicated, but there's a fine line between dedication and obsession. Yes, this story's nuts, but so am I, so we're even. /hands you a bag of cashews/ Thanks for the review!

Miracle Chiisai- XD Thank you! It was such a long time ago, but I remember your review really made my day when I read it. It took me awhile to update ;; truth be told, because I didn't expect to. You encouraged me, though! Thank you!

Froz Flame- You CAN hear Yukimura sing!! Ogata Megumi is wonderful in the character voice album. She has not one, but TWO songs. XD Hopefully we will get some cross-dressing in here. I have a few ideas. :D

Cathy Barton- Hey, Cathy, what's up? :D I was actually thinking of Aya, there, too. Hahaha. I like rice crackers /chews on one/

Tri- I'm sorry I made you wait so long for an update. Thanks for leaving a review!! I hope that you haven't given up on this story yet. :D

Crystal- I agree! The world DOES need more yukimura/sasuke stories, so I'm glad I continued. Hopefully since I have a plan, now, it'll take me less time to update. Thanks for leaving a review! :D

Hiei449- Well, I've decided to make it yukimura/sasuke! Hurrah! Thanks for leaving a review, and I hope you enjoyed this chapter.

Tali- heeey. Thanks. I think Saizo is a little sugar high, myself, but I'm glad you think he makes a good fashion designer.

Renn- You know, you're name reminds me of Trigun. Sort of. Renn-Rem-Reminem. . . oO In any case, thank you for reviewing!! Perhaps this update was not asap, but I'll try to do better next time.

Naroki- I agree. Yukimura/Saizo does not work. Saizo obviously has affection for Yukimura that is not returned. Yukimura does seem to like Sasuke, and I believe it is returned, or can learn to be returned. It just may take time.

Danes- Look, I did! XD Thanks for the review!

Syuma-san- KAWAMURAAAAA! How did you know I love Kawamura? Are you just that good? /stares intently/ Fellow P.O.T. fan, I love you right now. I love you almost as much as Atobe loves himself. Almost.

Ami- :D Your review makes me smile. I didn't know how anyone would react to Yuki/Sasu. I'm really glad people like it. Thank you!

Eternity's Angel of Mercy- Thanks very much! Here's the second chapter. I hope you enjoyed it! It will get cuter if all the forces of cuteness are with us. Have you ever heard that "duct tape is like the force, it has a light side, a dark side, and holds everything together' joke? Well, I'm not that clever, but I thought it was funny. :D

Ramen-sama- I love you too!! XD

NephilimTear- I don't know, I can see Saizo acting like that. I just. . . exaggerated his stranger tendencies. You don't get to see very much of him, so I guess I used a bit of creative license. Thank you for reviewing!! I'm glad you enjoyed the first chapter and I hope this one was up to standard!

Zaelle- Hi! I'm on your author alert list right? I hope at least you read it and liked it XD I have a feeling that no one's going to read this chapter. I'm so flattered that you started reading more Yuki/Sasu because of me. :D Thank you!

Lethal-chan- Not a lot of people like Saizo? I love him!!! XD I hope you liked Yukimura's interaction with Sasuke. Thanks so much for your review! Wait, I think I see you outside my house, now, too! /waves/. Thank you for waiting!! :D

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