Summary: Sasuke, a rock star, meets one of his fans as they were about to buy the same and last copy of a certain CD. Who says they can't fall in love since this is just one world after all. Completely AU. Mainly SasuSaku.
Pairings: SasuSaku, NaruHina, NejiTenten, ItachiNoOne (final!!!), AnkoKaka
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto and if I did, I would probably promote the pairings up there.
Just One World after All
Chapter Five – They Share
It was late afternoon Sasuke was driving Sakura to her apartment. Sakura managed to convince Sasuke that the Golden Phoenix was actually a good restaurant, that he didn't need to get the expensive brand of string (replacements mind you) for his guitar when the cheaper ones were decent and actually good quality (he was buying the brand, she insisted) and she managed to have a fun and decent afternoon. Looking at the clock on the dashboard, it read 5:30 and knowing Hinata, she'd probably be home already.
It was a quiet drive, nothing much said and hardly any sound escaping except for the soft humming of music from the radio. Surprisingly, he didn't always listen to rock music, something Sakura didn't expect. Anyway, it was a welcome change from the rock songs she heard when they went to the restaurant, to the mall, and in the mall.
"Jade Stone is found at the next right, Sasuke-kun," said Sakura as she saw the name of the street very near her own apartment. Sasuke nodded as he revved up the engine slightly, causing Sakura to be pushed into the seat ever so slightly. As they whizzed by the street and took a right, the leaves of the trees fluttered slightly in the breeze, a couple or so leaves falling out and flying gracefully in the wind before plummeting down onto the pavement or onto the asphalt street. Soon enough, Sakura had opened the gate with the remote control, something she always had with her. Driving in, Sasuke noticed how simple and decent the place was. Parking near her apartment, Sasuke looked at her and told her something.
"So, what you're saying is that you want---" said Sakura before Sasuke muffled her voice with his hand. Glaring at her, he kept his hand on her mouth until he was absolutely sure that she wouldn't say anything about that. "What was that for?!" she asked, slightly exasperated, after Sasuke released his hand from her mouth.
"Oh come on, do you think people won't attack this car, or me, when they hear you say that? I doubt there are no people out here. Come on, I'm a rock star and people like to do these things, especially when I've got no security nearby," said Sasuke in a matter-of-factly tone. Sakura raised an eyebrow before sighing. Clutching her purse, she stepped out of the car then faced Sasuke with a smile.
"Sure, why not. Care to pick me up at ten on Sunday?" replied Sakura as she crossed her arms, "I'm sure Hinata-chan will have plans or something, or at least not mind if I go out on Sunday." Sasuke nodded and turned his attention back at the driveway in front of him. Invisibly waving goodbye (he was never the expressive one), he backed up and left the place. "That was sudden," mused Sakura as she turned on her heel and opened her purse, fumbling within its contents for her house keys, "I mean, we've only known each other for a couple of days, less really. Maybe, I'm the only one he knows who won't attack him for being a rock star." Continuing her train of thoughts, Sakura opened the door, walked inside and made her way to her room for some rest, possibly going on the Internet to check out things about Paris.
"Sakura-chan?" asked Hinata tentatively as the pink haired girl passed the living room. Hearing her voice, Sakura stopped in her tracks and backtracked a bit so she could face the pearl-eyed girl. Raising her eyebrow, Sakura motioned for her to continue. "Can I tell you something?" asked Hinata, blushing slightly, something she always did. Nodding, Sakura walked over to her best friend and sat down on the couch, waiting for her to tell her... whatever was to be told. "Naruto-kun asked me if I wanted to spend time with him on Sunday," squeaked Hinata as she twiddled her fingers, "He said something about me being the only one who didn't make fun of him earlier."
"Oh wow! That's great news Hinata-chan!" said Sakura as she hugged her best friend, "I'm sure you deserve every minute of his time for him to ask you that!" Hinata smiled slightly, blushing profusely.
"Is it alright with you, though?" asked Hinata, a worried expression visible on her face. Sakura laughed slightly. "What? It's not? I'm sorry for even asking!" apologized Hinata, fearful of hurting her best friend. Still chuckling, Sakura made a motion to try and stop her giggles. As soon as she did, she explained to Hinata why she reacted that way.
"Of course it's okay! Sasuke-kun asked me to help him do something on Sunday. Baking lessons really but we're not going to his house, something about his brother being there and making him extremely uncomfortable," explained Sakura as she hugged her best friend, "And even if I didn't have plans, I'd still urge you to go! It's not everyday that a boy asks you to go out with him, you know." Smiling sincerely, she let go of her best friend. "Anyway, I still have to go search some things about Paris. Do you already have the schedule for the French Lessons I asked for?" said Sakura as she rose. Hinata nodded as she handed her roommate a slip of paper. "Thanks so much!" said Sakura as she took it gratefully. Walking towards the stairs, she faced her roommate before going upstairs, "Call me if you need me! I'll be in my room!" With that, she waved slightly and then went up.
"I'm so lucky to have Sakura-chan as a best friend," mused Hinata as she smiled inwardly, "She understands so much! I hope she'll have luck with Paris. I'm fully supporting her decision, even if I won't go with her."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunday Morning
A jittery blonde figure waited outside of Sakura and Hinata's apartment. It was about nine in the morning and the malls and places would open at around ten. As he made a motion to ring the doorbell, he did, but he quickly retracted his hand and put it in his pocket and stepped back a little. He wasn't shy of meeting up with either Sakura or Hinata but he was pretty nervous of people popping up suddenly and attacking him. It had happened a couple of times and it was no pretty sight. He always ended up having clothes ruined far beyond repair. Soon enough, Sakura answered the door and gasped slightly as she saw the person. It was Naruto.
"Naruto! Hey! Welcome," greeted Sakura as she stepped aside in order to let him in, "Come on in. Hinata's just fixing herself up." Naruto greeted Sakura in return as he entered the apartment. "Want a little snack before you go? We still have a couple of blueberry muffins from the Bakery." Naruto nodded as he smiled at Sakura who just smiled in return.
"So, how had the rest of your week been?" asked Naruto conversationally, he never really liked it to be that quiet, unless he sensed that everyone was in real deep thought. "Ours was great; at least, I seem to think so. Neji broke a couple of strings on his guitar which caused him to go into a fit of curses. Itachi had been pressing too hard on the strings of his bass and he has a couple of wounds and really sore fingers now. Sasuke, in his words, is creatively dumb right now so he can't think of any songs or at least any idea for one. As for me, I've had a great week!" said Naruto happily as he sat down on a chair that was near the kitchen.
"Really? Hinata-chan, Ryuki, Sae, Nakuru and I have been busy all week with the Bakery. Because of this, Hinata-chan and I decided to give the three a day off and ourselves too. Besides, Hinata-chan and I have plans today and we do close twice a month, on Sundays, to have a day off for ourselves," explained Sakura as she handed Naruto a muffin and a tall, cool glass of water, which he took thankfully. "So it was pretty normal. Just then, they heard footsteps which caused them to look at the stairs. As Naruto bit into his muffin, Hinata came down wearing a plain jean skirt, black sandals and a light purple shirt. It brought out the violet hue in her dark colored hair. "Oh, look, there's Hinata," said Sakura as she walked over to an empty seat.
"Hello, Naruto-kun," said Hinata shyly as she walked over to where the other two were, "Did you wait for long?" Naruto shook his head as he took a sip of water then another bite from the muffin. "Can we go as soon as Sakura-chan has? I don't want her to wait all alone," said Hinata as she looked at the pink haired girl.
"Oh go ahead," chided Sakura as she looked at Hinata. Eyeing Naruto and his hand with the half-eaten muffin, she retracted her statement. "Or maybe, you can go after Naruto finishes his muffin," said Sakura somewhat idly, "I still need to get ready since I don't think it's such a good idea to go out simply wearing a shirt and a pair of shorts. Plus, I could always surf the Internet if I still have to wait a while." Hinata nodded as she looked at Naruto who had just finished his muffin.
"Thanks for the muffin and the water!" said Naruto gratefully after gulping down the remainder of the water in his glass, "Hope you have fun in your plans today, Sakura-chan!" Rising from his seat, he waved goodbye to the pink haired girl as he made his way to the door and exited the place, waiting for Hinata outside. Sakura motioned for Hinata to go on ahead, saying it was okay for her to be alone.
"If you need me, I have my phone," reminded Hinata as she made her way to the door, "And I do hope you and Sasuke-san have a good time learning how to bake!" With that the shy girl waved goodbye before exiting the door. Sakura waved goodbye until Hinata had exited the place. Sighing, she stood up and walked over to the couch. Slumping on it, she hugged a pillow and thought aloud to herself.
"That girl should really not mind leaving me alone at times," thought Sakura out loud as she sighed slightly, "I mean, I do that sometimes to her and she doesn't mind. She should know I don't too." Hugging the pillow tightly, she sighed into it. Her head was whirling with so many things. Things about Paris, the French Lessons, the Bakery and the effect of her decision on it, Hinata-chan, everything! It was something she really wanted to do but now, she was having second thoughts. Though French Lessons were one thing, Paris was just a whole different thing! Even if it was just for a few years and she'd come back to Kyoto, it was still pretty hard for her to truly make that decision.
As Sakura buried her head in the pillow, flashbacks from when she first started culinary arts started in her head. Actually, she had taken Hotel and Restaurant Management then took a few weeks off then worked for a while in order to start Blossoms. She was already a talented chef, ever since she was ten. She was fascinated with baking and took summer lessons for a few of years then she took regular lessons when she was fifteen. When she had started out in college, she was still pretty shy because she hadn't really known anyone, besides Hinata. It was a fun four years and she would never trade that time for anything in the world.
"Oh, it's nine-twenty already," murmured Sakura as she sat up straight and glanced at the clock, "Better get ready." Standing up and thrusting the pillow down to the couch, she began walking up to her room to change.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Uchiha Mansion
Sasuke stole out of his room, making his way to the first floor then to the garage to start his way to Sakura's apartment. Okay, he didn't know why he wanted to learn how to bake in the first place but he just did so sue him for wanting to learn. He wanted to become different from his brother, he did not want to solely be able to play the instrument of choice and follow a set path their parents, more especially their father, set for them. It was for both of them to be successful businessman and continue their life as owners of their company. Sure, his brother was becoming that, even if he was still the excellent bassist of Sharingan, but he, Uchiha Sasuke, was not.
He didn't give a damn that if he didn't become a member of the company, he would not inherit even a fourth of their remaining riches. He was already given an eighth of their riches in total plus he was earning a lot as the lead vocalist and guitarist of Sharingan. Even if their family was not one of the richest families, he would still be living a comfortable life as a rock star. Although he knew that his time as a rock star was limited, whether he was still with Sharingan or as a soloist, he had enough brains to become a good business man in a company, even if it wasn't their own.
"Where do you think you're going, little brother?" asked Itachi as Sasuke passed his brother's room. The younger Uchiha stiffened as he heard his older brother's voice. Looking straight at him, Sasuke felt the intense gaze of Itachi's crimson eyes bear into him, as if he wanted to create two holes within Sasuke. "Well?" prodded Itachi as he raised an eyebrow.
"Going out," muttered Sasuke as civilly as possible, "And in any case, it's none of your business." Sasuke was about to walk off but something Itachi had said made him stop.
"You're going to meet up with that Haruno girl, aren't you?" asked Itachi as innocently as possible.
"And you know how?" asked Sasuke, his voice piercing as acid, "It's not like my life is important to you, the one whom father is always pleased with ever since I can remember." With that, Sasuke began walking towards the stairs to go down. Itachi was about to shout something out but stopped as he crossed his arms and eyed his younger brother as he somewhat stomped down, pissed at what had just happened.
"He won't grow up to be what you want him to be father, even though I will," said Itachi to himself as he turned around and entered his black, scarlet and silver room, "And he never will accept anyone's way but his own." Grunting slightly, Itachi picked up his bass, plugged it into his amplifier, and began playing his part in Truth in Dreams, another song he liked in their latest album. He had just been playing Exhausted so he decided to play another song.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hyuuga Mansion
"Neji-sama, there's someone at the door looking for you!" called out a maid as she hunted around the place for the moody young man. He was always some place you least expected him to be. Like if he was in his room when you last saw him, five minutes later, he'd be some place else like the garden or the library. "Neji-sama!" called out the maid once again as she searched around for Neji.
"What?" asked Neji exasperatedly as he poked his head out of his room. The maid yelped in surprise as she saw Neji's white eyes stare at her. Fumbling with her words, she told him that someone was waiting for him outside. "Tell whoever the person is to meet me in my room. Show the way if he or she doesn't know," said Neji grumpily as he went back inside, sat down on bed and continued reading the book that had caught his attention. And he was reading peacefully too. The maid fled fearfully as she made her way back to the door.
Neji's concentration was distorted by the fact that he didn't know who was visiting him. Of course it wouldn't be Itachi, the bastard never really spent time with any of them, except Sasuke but even spending time with Sasuke was a rare thing. Naruto was too simple-minded and too happy go lucky to want to spend time with his dear old buddy Neji (which he was thankful for) and he'd only go to the mansion if he was with another person. Sasuke, like his brother, wasn't really the type to go over alone to Neji's place. He was more of the type to go off somewhere, alone, and think. His choices were narrowed down to one. It couldn't be her anyway. She was supposed to be all the way in Tokyo for three weeks and if Neji remembered correctly, it had only been two and a half weeks.
"Hey Neji!" said a voice cheerfully as the one who owned that voice entered the library, finally letting Neji's distorted concentration rest. Snapping his eyes wide open, he turned around and saw her there, much to his amazement. Relaxing slightly, his ever so cocky attitude around her, Tenten, was put into overdrive. "How has three weeks been without me?" asked Tenten as she skipped slightly and sat down on his bed, causing the young man to sit up straight and look at Tenten calmly.
"Like this," he replied as he pulled her close and crushed his lips against hers. Tenten's eyes widened as he did this. Neji smirked internally as he felt her squirm slightly at the sudden kiss. Pulling away, he had a self-satisfied smirk plastered on his face while Tenten had a somewhat scowl on his face. "Oh come on, I know you liked it," said Neji smoothly, so full of himself. Tenten whacked him slightly though she knew he was right. He was always right when it came to things like this.
"Still unexpected you know," muttered Tenten pitifully as she crossed her arms and pouted. Neji laughed slightly as he sat Indian style on his bed and continued reading the stray book. They were silent for a few moments, Neji not really caring since he was engrossed in that book. "What's that?" asked Tenten, finally not being able to stand the silence since she and Neji were always talking or something whenever they had alone time.
"A book about ninjas," he replied, showing her the cover of the book, "Why?"
"Just wanted to know," she replied as she tweaked Neji's, "Not a crime, is it?" Neji grunted as he shook her fingers away from his face and continued reading the book.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jade Stone Apartments
Sakura ran towards the door as her hair, tied back in a ponytail, bobbed rhythmically. She was wearing a pair of jeans, a pale pink shirt with dark pink cherry blossoms printed haphazardly and a pair of black sandals. It was nearly ten and that might be Sasuke already. Opening the door, she greeted whoever was at the door and that person just happened to be Sasuke.
"Hello, Sasuke-kun," greeted Sakura cheerfully as she motioned for him to enter, "Could you wait for a few more minutes? I just have to get my bag ready and then we can go." Sasuke nodded as he proceeded to the sofa which Sakura had pointed to. As Sakura got ready, Sasuke looked at the furnishings of the apartment. It wasn't extravagant nor did it look like they had hardly any money. The furniture was made up of varying shades of white and light colored wood. Though the furniture were traditional Japanese inspired, it still looked pretty modern.
"Done!" said Sakura as she appeared again, this time, donning a plain white messenger bag with a couple of pockets in front. "Shall we go?" Sasuke looked at her passively then nodded. With that, Sakura followed Sasuke out the door, making sure to lock the apartment. "Where are we going?" asked Sakura as she followed him to his black convertible.
"How about Blossoms? It's locked for the day, right?" asked Sasuke as he opened the locks of the car, allowing Sakura and himself to enter. The girl nodded as she climbed in. "Then we could have it there?" he said as he started the car.
"Okay, I don't see why not," said Sakura as the car backed out of its parking slot, out of the apartment complex and began to make its way to the Bakery. Glancing at Sasuke, Sakura noticed that he looked a little more annoyed than usual. Looking straight ahead, she sighed softly, noting that today would be an interesting day, a very interesting day.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To Be Continued...
ARGH!!! I made you guys wait for two months and for that, I am so terribly sorry! I feel so terrible... thank you, however, to those who reviewed and somehow eased off my writer's block a little.
Anyway, I decided against the chapter being all about Sakura and Sasuke! There were parts where it was about Hinata and Sakura; Naruto, Hinata and Sakura; Itachi and Sasuke; Neji and Tenten (makes an appearance) and at the end, a slight bit of Sasuke and Sakura!
Hah! I think you guys thought Sakura and Sasuke would go out on a date! In a sense they are, but it's more of baking lessons! Don't ask me why I thought of that... Oh! And as you know, Paris has been mentioned quite a number of times in the beginning of this story. I know how the story will end and eventually go, Paris involved, but getting to that part is a pretty tricky thing to do. Seeing as how I might have a hard time, maybe, this story will have twenty chapters (at most).
Anyway, I really hope I can update as often as I can (and not make you guys wait for two months!!!)! Please read my new fic, When Worlds Collide which is also a SasuSaku, completely AU (different plot, of course) and I might have other pairings but the main one will be Sasuke/Sakura!
With all that said, thanks for being patient, for reading this chapter, and taking time to read my notes! As always, I bid you adieu and remember to review! Here's a little tidbit for you guys involving the next chapter –hears people 'yay!' in the background-
Next Chapter: Chapter Six – They Know
Chapter Preview: "So why don't you just let it out of your system," said Sasuke impassively as he stirred the batter the way Sakura had shown him to, "After all, it is your life and your decision. What people think shouldn't be the reason why you'll inch for the no when you know you want to do it." Sakura shrugged slightly as she watched him stir. She didn't know why she told him, but she did anyway. Maybe, because there was just something about him that made her feel she could talk about anything, and perhaps, even trust him, despite knowing each other for such a short time.