I Wanna Be A Supermodel

Summary: Tenten is an ordinary girl who was thrown into the crazy world of showbiz. Can she survive? Pairings are: NaruHina SasuSaku InoShikaTema and eventual NejiTen. Read & Review pls!

CHIBIKAKASHI: I'm baaaaaaack!

SARAFU-CHAN: Oh, it's just you.

CHIBIKAKASHI: (confused) What, no hugs and no welcome back speech?

SARAFU-CHAN: Sorry. It's just that I spent a week on my cousin's house on the province again and they went along with me back here in my house so that they can have a vacation on the city. Anywayz, while going out to eat at McDonalds, my cousin who is supposed to be "sick" decided to spend his time surfing the net and ended up nosebleeding himself to death at Torrie Wilson's pictures. And what's worse, I don't have any internet account left! (sob)

CHIBIKAKASHI: …

SARAFU-CHAN: GAAAGH! Even if you don't say anything, I'm sure you're getting perverted thoughts!

CHIBIKAKASHI: Can you blame me? Torrie Wilson's hot!

SARAFU-CHAN: Grr…Mail time…

hibiyuru: Here's another update and more ice cream! (gives yummy ice cream)

i-dream-of-blue-eyes: That's right. You're so understanding! And I hate high heels too! The horror! Um, yeah. So anyway, thanks for sticking the stickers in your sticker book. People will now know that Kakashi's an inner coward. (throws an ice cream which turns out to be…rocky road!)

Confuzzled: Yup, I'm 100 Pinoy! (hands ice cream) Ito na poh! Kelangan mabait ako, nasa pagpapalaki yata sa akin. Tenks sa review, next time baka mabigyan ko po kayo ng masarap na halo-halo ice cream! (halohalo na, ice cream pa? bonga!)

MisChibiOus: That's right, I just read the recent mangas (up to 256) and there are hints that it might be ShikaXTema eventually. Still, I support ShikaXIno because…just cause it's cute! Em, sorry. Not a good excuse? Hehe… I just became accustomed to ShikaIno and old habits die hard. Don't get me wrong though! Temari's a cool character so in my ficcy, she's gonna give Ino a run for her money. (evil laugh here) Um, yeah I almost forgot your ice cream. (hands an ice cream)

FireDragonBL: Of course! (reads the story) Waaagh! That was good! Oh my! (gives two ice creams) Your story made my day complete.

paperpenman: (hand an ice cream) Here ya go! Hope this satisfies you until the next chapter. Damn, I thought you were having a heart attack. Um, maybe the previews kinda spoil the next chappies but anything for you!

barukakanata: (blushes) Oh, that was so sweet. Thank you. (throws a super delicious ice cream) Personally, I feel so happy when you said that this is one of the best fics you've read. Hope you support IWBAS more on the future.

moolightpath: Hehe, sometimes I don't log in too cause I'm lazy. (gives an ice cream)

animEvivvErz: Here comes the chapter 6! Hurray! (hands an ice cream) Yup, I love Kakashi. He's a good muse in chibi form and all of his ideas…well we'll get to that more in the upcoming chapters.

lunarangel: Heeh, in this new chapter you'll find out more about Naruto and Hinata's past. Stay tuned! (throws ice cream) And about that soap opera thing, I just so happen to be a hopeless romantic with the hobby of watching mushy and fluffy telenovelas and such.

Lady Snow Blood: (drinks hot chocolate) This is good! Thanks! Hope you enjoy this new chapter!

Preventer Squall: Hey, you acted just like…Lee and Gai! (goes into Gai-mode) That is right! Love is all about sacrifices, you have to gamble! Sometimes you lose, sometimes you win! But if you win, you will instantly feel the sensation of loving and being loved back! Show the person you love your fiery desire to take care of him/her! Life is good, life filled with love is better. Show your youthful spirit and fight for your loved one until the end! (goes back to normal) Sorry, got carried away. (hands an ice cream) And you are right. If only Naruto wasn't so dense!

Tokimonster: (throws an ice cream) Yup, here's another update!

SARAFU-CHAN: Well, just for laughs, I met the local voice actor of Sasuke here in the Philippines and I had him singing "I hate you I hat you I really really hate you" in the tone of "My Place" by Nelly. It was kinda funny. I imagined Sasuke singing that in front of Itachi.

CHIBIKAKASHI: Hey, didn't CHIBIITACHI guest here last chapter? What happened to him?

SARAFU-CHAN: He got embarrassed and ran away, the poor baby.

CHIBIKAKASHI: (eyes twitch) You did not just say that.

SARAFU-CHAN: Anyway, Naruto is owned by…gasp someone who is a genius and with initials of K.M and who is definitely not me!

CHIBIKAKASHI:… no surprise there…

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Tenten spent the whole day practicing on how to be a "proper" model. She tired her feet and was forced by her oh-so-great manager Hyuuga Neji to learn "proper manners." Um, yeah. But before that he made her endure three painful hours of walking in high heels. The guy Neji brought with him told her to stand straight and use her legs properly. But dammit, she already knows how to use her legs properly! Her mom was the one who taught her how to walk and now some guy comes waltzing in telling her that that is nothing to be proud of. Life is so unfair. Yesterday's books on top of your head was already enough but now this?

"Sigh. For the last part of the lesson, kick off your shoes." The instructor said, sounding impatient.

"Huh?" Tenten looked at her high heels and sighed in relief. She quickly took them off and turned her attention back to the instructor. "Okay, step 1 is done. What's next?"

The instructor straightened himself up and took of his own shoes. He started walking gracefully and then gestured for Tenten to do the same. Tenten scratched her head and walked too, but the instructor didn't look quite pleased.

"No no!" The instructor protested, shaking a well-manicured hand up in the air. "You're doing it all wrong!" He walked again, this time more slowly. "Pretend you're in stilettos by walking on the balls of your feet. This will strengthen wobbly ankles and weak calves. With enough practice, you'll be able to slink around even in the nastiest pair of heels you can find."

"Okay. Right."

It took Tenten about ten minutes to get the hang of it and five minutes more to finally manage on getting the instructor to shut up.

"That's all for today. I guess I'll see you next time." She frowned, her forehead creasing at the thought of teaching this girl gain. "So, Miss Tenten where is your manager?"

Tenten noticed the dreamy smile escaping from the instructor's lips. "Don't know. Um, wait! I think he told me to wait here. He might be coming soon cause he'll be the one to drive me home." Tenten remembered how she managed to persuade her arrogant manager to drive her home. She didn't stop bugging him until he finally lost it and made her a deal.

FLASHBACK:

"Come on Manny, just consider this as a favor." Said Tenten as she tried putting on her best pout.

"I don't do anyone any favor." Hyuuga Neji shot back, unable to believe that Tenten can be too persuasive. "And what's with the Manny?"

"It's a nickname." Tenten happily chirped. "Manager sounds kinda long. You still have to say ma-na-ger. I mean, is it a waste of saliva or what? Anyway, I have some matters to discuss with you after you take me home."

Neji just raised an eyebrow quizzically.

"Look, it'll be very important for me okay? It's about modeling too." This seemed to get Neji's attention. "If you do me this teeny tiny little favor, you'll find it out."

"What do I get out of it?" Neji asked, glaring at Tenten.

Tenten smiled. "The satisfaction that you'll finally get to see my house."

"So this is your house."

Neji looked at the small bungalow with disgust. Tenten's right, she IS poor. Some electrical wires are sticking on the side and the white paint has already rubbed off. The roof looks like it needs repair ASAP making Neji wonder what Tenten and her family would do if a strong typhoon will pass by. The neighborhood she lives in is what Neji wouldn't quite call "friendly." It was more like a squatter area to him.

"Yes, it must be a squatter area…" muttered Neji to himself as he gingerly rubbed his temples.

"Manny, did you notice a while ago when you came back to get me, that instructor er, glomped you?" Tenten asked, remembering the incident just a while ago on how the instructor practically pounced on an unsuspecting Neji.

Neji just craned his neck and responded with a grunt. Actually, it was more like he wrestled me…

"I think he's gay." Tenten blurted out, speaking her mind.

"Took you long enough to figure that out." Neji said sarcastically. "What kind of decent and respectable man would paint his nails pink anyway?"

"Yup, he's gay."

"Okay, enough with this stupid chit-chat. Let's cut to the chase. What is the thing pertaining to modeling that brought me here? I just hope this wouldn't be a waste of my time because I've got a lot of things to do." Neji nonchalantly said as he turned to face Tenten.

"Um, yeah…" Tenten's eyes rolled upwards as if begging the gods from heaven to help her summon every bit of her courage so that she can keep a straight face. "See we're poor right? I used to make a living in the market. I was fired after that but luckily, Kakashi already contacted me, asking me to be a model. And… Well, my dear Auntie is beginning to wonder why I'm not waking up early to go the market place and why I'm always going out in a semi-formal attire. So…"

"So?" Neji asked, getting impatient.

"Pleasehelpmeexplaintomyauntaboutmynewprofession!" Tenten quickly said.

Neji stared at Tenten as if she just grew two heads. "That was stupid."

"Okay fine! I want you to help me explain to my aunt about my new career as a model." Neji glared at her, making her feel rater uncomfortable. "Oh come on! This is part of modeling! Hello! My aunt doesn't know I'm a model that's a muchie biggie problem-o!"

"No offense, but this is a family problem." Neji replied indifferently, turning to go.

"No! You don't understand!" Tenten kneeled and quickly held Neji's right leg. "My Aunt hates showbiz! You've got to help me explain it to her!" Neji was now trying to shake off Tenten but to no avail. "Please!"

This time Neji finally managed to get Tenten away from him. "You are seriously in need of a psychiatrist."

"You have to go to our house and meet my aunt!" Tenten whined as she pulled Neji with her. "Manager!" The people passing by are now looking at them in amusement. Nothing says great entertainment than watching two people fight against each other like a married couple.

"No!" Neji said firmly. "And why should I explain the situation to your aunt anyway? Am I your boyfriend or something! Let go! Hey! It's your fault for not telling her!" Neji was getting pissed. She was embarrassing him in front of other people.

"But you're my MANAGER!"

"Hn! Fine!" Shouted Neji as he finally lost his temper.

"Yes!"

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

"So, Ma'am did you have a good day?" Naruto cheerfully asked the young executive as he opened up the car door.

Hyuuga Hinata, on the other hand, lowered her head as she avoided Naruto's eyes. "F-fine N-Naruto-kun…"

"Hinata-sama, you don't have to lie to me you know!" Naruto said, quickly noticing Hinata's sad face. He pointed at his face. "Look at me! I am a certified lie detector and I can tell that you're lying! You shouldn't lie! My former teacher Iruka once told me that lying is VERY bad! It'll get you into trouble and send you to hell. But you're not supposed to be in hell 'cause Hinata-sama is an angel!" Naruto quickly gave Hinata his fox-like grin.

"A-angel?" Hinata repeated, blushing.

"Yup. People who are good would turn into angels and they will sprout wings." Naruto stated. He then flapped his arms. "I don't know about the wing part, but it'll be fun to fly in the sky."

"Y-yes. I like the sound of that." Hinata smiled, silently wondering how this blonde-haired boy can suddenly make her smile.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

"Auntie, this is Hyuuga Neji."

The old woman's face lightened up as she giggled like a school girl. "Haha, I get it. You've been missing your job because of this fine young man." Tenten stood up, ready to say something but the old woman continued "Oh don't be such a shy soul sweetheart, I've gone through this rebellious stage myself." She gave Neji a wink which made him involuntarily cringe. "I know it is very hard for you two, especially you Tenten. God bless your soul, I know you couldn't keep this secret from me."

"Auntie…"

"Oh hush Tenten!" Tenten's aunt snapped, before turning to Neji. "I'm sorry, she can be rude sometimes. Why I remember when she was young, she accidentally knocked out one of our neighbor's tooth just by a mere punch-"

"Auntie!" Tenten cried out, as red as a tomato.

Neji watched in amusement as Tenten argued with her aunt who was, by the way, insisting that she shows Tenten's baby pictures which includes: Tenten's First Words (Which was "knife." ), Tenten's First Fight (Lee joined in too and guess what? They won!), Tenten's First Singing Contest (In which sadly, it rained when it was Tenten's turn on the microphone) and the most horrid of all…Tenten's First Baby Bath.

Tenten might kill someone if Neji ever sees that one. No, that sounded wrong…Tenten would kill someone if Neji ever sees that one.

Finally, Neji decided to intervene on the silly conversation of Tenten and her aunt. He loudly coughed, getting both of Tenten and her aunt's attention. "Actually, you seem to have misunderstood us, Madam."

The old woman smiled. "What are you talking about?"

"Auntie, Neji's my manager." Tenten said gently.

"Ma- manager?" Tenten's aunt repeated, sounding shocked. Her face paled as she looked at Neji questioningly.

"That's right. Tenten has already been in contract with the Hyuuga Corporation to become a model." Neji said indifferently. "I feel sorry for you if she didn't tell you first but I am sure she must've had her reasons." He took a glance at Tenten who nodded.

"Tenten…y-you…" Her aunt was on the verge of tears. "How come you didn't tell me!"

"Auntie, I'm so sorry. I forgot about it and well, I know that you dislike this kind of-"

"Dislike!" Tenten's aunt's voice boomed like a speaker as she towered over Tenten. "I HATE IT! You are just like your mom!" At that very instant, she quickly covered her mouth, staring at Tenten's surprised face in horror. "Forget what I said…J-just get out of this house. I don't want to see you again…"

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FLASHBACK:

A young eight-year old Hinata was walking along the lively streets of Downtown Konoha. Her father, Hyuuga Hiashi had taken the liberty of giving her a confidence-shattering spank that would affect her for years. She wiped a tear on her eye, remembering how her father insulted her, saying that she is a disgrace to the Hyuuga family name.

How was an eight-year old to know that failing an exam would result to this?

Hinata ran away. She couldn't face her father or any of her relatives. After all, she is a disgrace right? Her two year old sister Hanabi, her parents seem to have taken a liking to her. They have so many dreams for Hanabi, that Hyuuga who they are hoping would not be as weak and as dumb as Hinata is. Maybe it would be better if she goes to a far away place. Somewhere where they can't find her.

Looking at the street lights in awe, Hinata headed to the direction of the temple where the Summer Festival was taking place. As her timid young feet led her to the wonderful place, Hinata immediately felt the vibrant festive spirit overcoming her. Emptying her pockets, she smiled as she found some money. She brightly headed to a booth to get a prize.

The festival must be over. They are already closing the booths and turning off the lights surrounding the temple. Hinata took a bite at the cotton candy she bought and looked at the peaceful pond near the temple, admiring its beauty. Hinata's eyes traveled at the opposite side of the pond and she noticed twinkling tiny lights like beacons in a lonely dark sea.

"Fireflies!" A voice behind her gasped.

Hinata frightfully turned around only to see a blonde-haired boy with a toy frog pointing at the lights happily. He took a seat beside Hinata and held out a hand. "Hi! I'm Naruto! Uzumaki Naruto."

Hinata shyly took the outstretched hand and said meekly, "H-Hyuuga H-Hinata."

"H-Hinata?" Naruto asked, stammering too. "That's a funny name."

"A-Actually i-it's…" Hinata took a deep breath. "Hinata."

"Oh. Hinata. Cool name! Can I call you Hinata-chan huh?" Naruto asked again, filled with energy. Without waiting for her answer, he happily turned back his attention at the fireflies. "Okay, Hinata-chan it is! Even the fireflies agree."

"T-this is the f-first time I've s-seen one," Hinata confessed. It was true. She had only read about it in textbooks but because she spent her days locked up in the sheltered protection only the Hyuuga Mansion can give to study, she had never been exposed to the outdoors long enough. No, her family wouldn't let her.

Naruto gaped at her incredulously. "Seriously?" He suddenly got up and ran towards the place where the fireflies are and went back just as quickly. He approached Hinata and showed him the living jewel caged within her cupped hands. "Here, Hinata-chan. Take a look."

Hinata crouched down and peered enthrallingly through Naruto's fingers at the jittery bulb of green. "I-It's so b-beautiful."

"That's right! Now you've seen a firefly. Iruka-sensei once told me that they are also called lightning bugs. Actually, I was thinking of using them to generate electricity in our house so that we don't have to pay any electric bills!" Naruto exclaimed as he released the insect up in the air. "Speaking of Iruka-sensei, I wonder where he could be? He told me he'll come and get me sooner or later."

Hinata felt sad. So Naruto would go home soon. Knowing that, she won't have anyone to talk to later. She hugged her knees and cried silently.

"Hinata-chan are you crying?" Naruto asked, noticing the girl's sudden silence. He leaned in to take a closer look. "H-Hey, are you okay?" The girl fell silent, not feeling the need to respond. Naruto cannot help but notice his companion's fragile beauty in the halo of the opalescent moonlight.

"Naruto!"

Naruto instantly recognized the voice of his teacher, Iruka. He did a double take and turned to around to face Hinata. She was definitely depressed, her pale white eyes getting all red. Smiling goofily he took Hinata's hand and placed the frog stuffed toy there.

"N-Naruto-kun?" The surprised girl looked at the cute toy then to her new friend. "W-Why are you g-giving me t-this?"

Naruto's grin widened as he raised a thumbs-up at Hinata. "Cause that toy froggie needs a friend! If I take it home with me, I might just toss it at the back of my bed leaving it to collect dust particles. Demo…" He looked thoughtful for a moment. "If I give it to you, I know you'll take good care of Mr. Froggie. You look like a person I can really trust, ya know? Besides, that toy froggie would make sure you'll never be sad again!"

Hinata's eyes widened. Sure she had always been given expensive gifts on her birthday but this toy frog…It seems as if it was the only gift she received that was coming from the heart.

"Well I'm off! Maybe I'll see you again someday. Bye Hinata-chan!" He casually waved a hand before disappearing into the darkness.

Hinata stared at the at the toy frog with a downcast gaze. "M-Mr. F-Froggie-san?" She used a cold, clammy hand to chill her flushed cheek. That was the nicest thing anyone had ever done for her and yet, she still hadn't known Naruto-kun for a long time. Gazing up at the fireflies peacefully, she slumped over at the cold grass, sleeping under the starlight…

Only to be found by some policemen and be taken to the Hyuuga Mansion again the next day.

"Hinata-sama?"

"A-Anou…N-Naruto-kun?" Hinata gently rubbed her eyes. So she had fallen asleep on the car. "I'm s-sorry, I just had a d-dream." Hinata took the toy frog from her bag and looked at it in a mirthful trance.

"Wow! A toy froggie!" Naruto took the stuffed toy from Hinata and smiled at it. "You know, I remember a toy froggie like this before! I once gave it to a friend a long time ago back in the Summer Festival!"

Hinata's heart jumped. Even in her dreams or waking hours, she would always immediately know who it was. Maybe he was the same Naruto? "N-Naruto-kun, do you remember that person whom you gave it to?"

Naruto scratched his head as his face became screwed in thinking. "Eh…I don't remember sorry." Hinata facefaulted. "But what I do know is that she is shy too like you! And that she hadn't seen fireflies before! And also, she was crying before I left her! And…" He turned to Hinata. "…I think she looks like you."

It was him.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Sasuke growled at his manager.

It was now official. He would star in the stupid show called "The Race For Sasuke's Heart Show!" He disliked the idea a lot. But Kakashi is his manager so…

"Sasuke-kun!" Sigh. More fan girls. How come? Life is so unfair. He glared at the girls and surprisingly enough, they didn't back away immediately. Kakashi stepped in, and thankfully, managed to get rid of those annoying and screaming fan girls.

"Kakashi, when would the shooting take place anyway?" Sasuke asked his manager in exasperation. How Kakashi can walk while reading his beloved porn novel without bumping into things was beyond Sasuke's comprehension.

"Today."

"Oh, to-TODAY!" Sasuke exclaimed loudly. Well, a little bit too loud for him anyway.

Kakashi flipped a page of his Icha Icha Tactics, as he eyed the distressed matinee idol. "Oh come on, don't be such a prune. It'll be fantastic. There's little ole you stuck with two of the most popular and demanded female superstars of today. And to top it all off, they would be both fighting to win your affection. What guy won't accept that proposal?" He grinned sheepishly, making Sasuke shrug.

"And this is coming from the guy who publicly reads an X-rated novel?"

Kakashi pretended to look offended. "That's mean Sasuke-kun. Leave the books alone!"

The two walked and came to Studio 4, where the shooting of The Race For Sasuke's Heart Show would take place. Sasuke uncomfortably looked at the set and shrugged even more when he saw a familiar pink-haired girl coming towards his direction.

"Sasuke-kun!"

"Great." Sasuke muttered to himself as Haruno Sakura walked over to him, smiling cheerfully. "Haruno, what now?"

"Sasuke-kun, I just came to say hi!" Sakura beamed but then sweatdropped as Sasuke gave her an unconvinced look. "Um, hi?"

"Whatever." Sasuke walked away, shaking his head. Women are so weird…and troublesome…

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Shikamaru yawned as he lazily strolled along the parking lot. It was a good day today, he thought. Luckily, he and his hardworking secretary Temari had finished the plans on the promotion for the new theme park that would be opened by the Hyuuga Corporation. The Hyuugas sure are wealthy… Turning to the left, he quickly spotted two hazy figures in the distance.

Hazy but familiar.

It sounds troublesome but Shikamaru's curiosity got the better of him. He took a closer look at the garden beside the parking along and saw them…

His bestfriend Chouji was beside a crying Ino, patting her shoulder. Shikamaru's eyes twitched. This is so not happening. He rubbed his eyes, hoping it would just be some kind of illusion because of the heat but they were still there. He slapped his cheek a few times and then felt its aching effects after he saw Ino cry on Chouji's shoulder.

Shikamaru hated that troublesome feeling. Jealousy. How come? Why is Ino crying on Chouji's shoulder and telling him about her problems instead of him? Isn't he her best friend? What's happening? Did she lose her trust for him? Shikamaru shook his head. He would be the first one she would run into whenever she feels as if she is carrying the world on her shoulders.

So…How come?

Shikamaru wordlessly left. Maybe…

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Meanwhile, Ino was smiling at Chouji as she wiped her tears with a handkerchief. "Thanks Chouji. You're a real friend. I mean, first that forehead-girl going on about rivaling me and then losing my bestfriend to some girl who I don't even know about… It just sort of hurt me in a way. I just missed the shooting of The Race For Sasuke's Heart Show today you know." She then grabbed the bag of chips from Chouji's hand.

"Hey!"

"Sigh. I watched some television shows and when the girl gets broken-hearted; she would always cry her eyes out or feel as if it was the end of the world." Ino sighed again as she slapped Chouji's hand away which was attempting to get the chips from her. Taking a handful of chips, she continued, "But I decided to just pig out. When they see how fat I've become, they'll realize how dangerously depressed I have been ever since they started to ignore me. Grr! That Sakura and Shikamaru's secretary!" She furiously munched on the chips in anger. "Dwey dwill dwave dweir dway!"

"Eh?" It was an unintelligent response on Chouji's part as he drooled on the bag of chips.

Ino swallowed first and took the bottle of water from her bag. "What I meant to say was that they will have their day!"

"Oh…" Chouji frowned. Ino was consuming all of his chips and it was the last bag he got for the day. "Ino, aren't you on a diet?"

Ino dropped the chips suddenly as realization dawned on her. She slapped her forehead and pulled her hair in frustration. "Aaagh, you're right!" She stood up, ignoring Chouji's cries at the sudden loss of his chips. "What have I done to myself! I'm ruining my natural beauty!" She turned to a crying Chouji. "Gee, you're right Chouji! Thanks! I'll show them! After I embarrass that ungrateful Sakura, I shall come and get Shika-kun back away from the clutches of evil!"

"…" Chouji was mourning over his chips.

"I don't need Shika-kun to formulate a plan for me, I can do it myself. I'll find a way or my name isn't Yamanaka Ino!"

At last, the sun shined once again at the east valleys of Konoha. Ino had finally gotten over her depression over Sasuke and Shikamaru. The Yamanaka name would be in its full glory again. Justice will soon prevail. Son Goku would finally retire on being an anime legend and help Barney The Dinosaur stop Spongebob's secret evil plans…

"My chips!"

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

The shooting of The Race For Sasuke's Heart Show was cancelled because Ino didn't show up. Sakura looked at Tsunade's desk and then quietly gazed at the clock which gave a loud "TOOT!" signaling that it is already six in the evening. Pulling a strand of hair away from her face, she quickly straightened up as Tsunade entered the room.

"Sakura, are you alright?" Tsunade asked in concern as she took her seat.

"Yeah, I'm fine."

Tsunade gave a doubtful look before crossing her legs. "You know, what you did was brave but stupid."

"Tell me something I don't know," Sakura answered with a nervous smile.

"This…controversy is hot news for the entertainment world today and it might really affect your career…" Tsunade sighed. "Sakura, even if you are pretty, talented and well-liked, it won't change the fact that you are now living in the eyes of the public. They would know what you would do and judge it like it's an everyday thing. This is the kind of topic that gossipers poke fun of and the enemy of any aspiring actress."

Sakura exhaled sharply, unable to look Tsunade in the eye. "I know."

"I'll ask you one thing Sakura. Do you really love Sasuke?" Tsunade asked calmly.

"I do, I really do. Ever since I was a little kid but…It's hard to wait for someone who doesn't love you back. And it hurts even more if you have this feeling…" Sakura hesitated. "A feeling…that you already know he won't wait…"

Tsunade watched Sakura casted her gaze downwards as she bit her lip in frustration.

"Then let go."

Sakura gaped at her for a moment then smiled. "I can't and I don't think I could. Maybe that's the harder part than waiting…Leaving it all behind."

"Even after what he did to you a while ago?" Tsunade pressed on.

"Haha!" Sakura gave a sad smile. "Tsunade-san, I'm used to it. Didn't I tell you that I was once part of a three-man group with Sasuke back in highschool? Trust me, it's normal. Well, for Sasuke at least."

FLASHBACK:

The director approached Uchiha Sasuke and Haruno Sakura with a frown plastered all over his wrinkled face. Sakura knows this look. It was the same look she had when she found out when she was in the sixth grade that she can't take the role of Sleeping Beauty in a class play.

"Bad news, the shooting will be temporarily cancelled." The director stated as he sighed. "Yamanaka Ino didn't turn out today and we kept on ringing her cellphone but to no avail."

'I hope something bad didn't happen to her,' thought Sakura. After all, Ino USED to be her bestfriend.

"That's good," said Sasuke as he rose up from his chair. "Can I go now?"

"Um, s-sure. Whatever you want, Mr. Uchiha." The director replied, scratching his head. He was confused that an actor would be glad that his show was cancelled.

Sakura paused for a moment and then caught up with Sasuke. "So Sasuke what are your plans for tonight? I was hoping that maybe…um… (DO IT SAKURA! THIS IS IT! YOU CAN DO THIS!) we can have dinner. Together? " She blushed as she looked at Sasuke expectantly. Sasuke only muttered a rude and careless grunt. "Is that a yes or a no?"

Sasuke turned around to face Sakura and smirked. Hope rose within Sakura and as her alter-ego cheered in delight, Sasuke just HAD to be Sasuke. "No."

"No?" Sakura repeated, shaking her head in disbelief.

"No."

He then went away, leaving Sakura still standing there. Sakura couldn't believe the rejection and turned to go only to face the entire staff of The Race For Sasuke's Heart Show gawking at her. They had obviously seen that embarrassing moment.

"Here we are, Sakura-san!" Lee happily said as he gestured at Sakura's house. "Hope you had a wonderful trip!" And just for extra measure, he gave his good-guy pose to make Sakura feel happy only to find out that she just ignored it.

"Thank you, Lee."

"Sakura-san, you look terribly sad." Lee noticed as he glanced at Sakura's face. " Please smile because youth is fading away from your very beautiful face!"

Sakura faked a smile. "I'm really fine. No need to worry." She then went towards her house and waved at Lee. But oh no, Lee is not the one to be discouraged easily! What if a kidnapper was waiting inside the house, ready to strike his dear Sakura-chan at any moment? No, his bodyguard duty doesn't end there!

"Sakura-chan!" Sakura blinked at his given honorific. "I mean, Sakura-san. I am a good bodyguard and I offer to take you inside your house safely!"

"Um. Okay."

Lee followed Sakura. He wants to make sure that she'll be safe from harm. He, Rock Lee, would protect the person he truly loves! Sakura abruptly stopped and turned to Lee smiling.

"Lee, thank you for being a good bodyguard. Good night." Sakura closed the door. Lee stood there, awe-struck. Even after what happened, she was still smiling. He wanted to know if she was alright. The bowl-haired boy knelt and pressed his ear to the door, scourging himself further by listening to the sound of the girl's heartbreak.

He was right. She was crying.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

SARAFU-CHAN: Yay! Chappie 6 is done! Time to celebrate!

CHIBIKAKASHI: WOOH! All right! And what better way to celebrate than have an Icha Icha Paradise collection reading marathon!

SARAFU-CHAN: …

CHIBIKAKASHI: (shrugs) Guess not everyone share my interests.

SARAFU-CHAN: Anywayz, no previews for the next chappie this time just as much as I hate to say it. (cries) Writer's block! The bane of any writer's existence!

CHIBIKAKASHI: For you readers out there, just give Sarafu-chan some ideas or suggestions.

SARAFU-CHAN: Actually, I already have some mainly on the NejiTen part and why Tenten's aunt detests Tenten's new career. I also have some ideas for SasuSaku but the others… Anyway, read and review!