Chouji, a rather hefty and extraordinarily horizontally proportioned (ahem) man, stepped into a machine that is supposed to measure height, weight, body mass index, etc. He was not at all amused when after a minute, the said machine displayed this message: "One costumer at a time."
Chouji's Lesson In Life: A machine has its flaws too! You are handsome/beautiful any weight you are! (Right you are Chouji!)
I Wanna Be A Supermodel
Summary: Tenten is an ordinary girl who was thrown into the crazy world of showbiz. Can she survive? (NaruHina, SasuSaku, ShikaIno, NejiTen. AU)
I am so ASHAMED of you guys. Not to mention super duper mega guilty for not updating for almost a year. But the key term is almost, so for believing in me and supporting me all the way from the start, I shall now use my authoress powers and update. And as a special gift to you guys, I made an omake at the very end of this chappie. Kinda short, but very fluffy. I happen to think fluffy is good! If you don't, then just skip that part and, uh, try to review.
Special Thanks To: senx2, AlwaysBehind, i-dream-of-blue-eyes, Fantastical Queen Ebony Black, like...dude, harukakanata, animEvivvErz, Kodoku, moonlightpath, December Jewel, xx TODAY 4 U, lunarangel, Jays Arravan, jAi0rOku, goldenraven, rikku, hibiyuru, A.B34UT1FUL-Lie, psychedelic aya, ayasi, NePtUnIaN QuEeN, kendii, v son sayian, Teapotpot, Preventer Squall, deity of death1, Gasha-Aisu, MisSs005, Aryka, letlet, b0rEdToDeAtH, lover-boy-18, ice illuser, abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvxyz, Ninja -x- Kunoichi, Mint, Sesshy Freak, CrAzY-SiLLy-Me
I would like to go and ramble on and on like always but… A good friend told me that doesn't allow us (authors) to reply to the readers as part of the story we are writing (Er, I don't think I explained quite well. Sorry!). But I know you know that you're THE BOMB. Thank you for everything... And if you review, you'll get a free Naruto forehead protector! Be the envy of all your friends by showing off these ORIGINAL hitai-ate (sp?), all worn by one of the characters of Naruto. Limited editions only, so hurry and grab one now!
BTW, for this chapter, major OOCness of the characters and a lot of speeches made by Gai abound. Consider yourselves warned. Please. I don't want another reviewer telling me that "Tenten isn't like that! Your Tenten sucks!"
CHBIKAKASHI: Nope, nope and nohohohope. The authoress doesn't own Naruto. Like, duh.
And one more thing… Dedicated po ito sa mga Pinoys!
At age 7, Lee watched one of Maito Gai's action flicks wherein the said action star showed his kung-fu prowess. The little boy, who had always wanted to be just like his idol, would then secretly go to a training spot where he would practice his punches and kicks. He even went as far as copying the style of his idol: The famous but very much outdated bowl-cut hair and the green spandex suit.
"Even if I'm your bestfriend, I still can't understand what you see in that guy!" good-naturedly said once by a 10-year old Tenten as she watched her bestfriend kick a tree trunk in amusement.
"That's alright, Tenten!" Lee replied as he turned around and faced his bestfriend. "Someday, you would understand!" And then he did the "nice-guy pose" complete with the blinding teeth effect which he had been practicing every night.
"You're hopeless…" Tenten shook her head as Lee continued to kick the tree trunk.
"Oh, hello Gai-sensei!"
It is a dream come true for Lee to finally meet his beloved hero face-to-face.
"Lee!" The action star acknowledged Lee's presence and went to him. "How are you doing?"
But still…
"I'm fine! With your vital lessons in my mind, I never fail to wake up in the morning and be thankful to be so alive and youthful!" Lee responded enthusiastically as he saluted his idol.
There's something bothering him…
"That's the spirit!" Gai said as he laughed out loud. Lee joined him as well but inside, he was thinking of something else.
Would he be able to amount to anything just like his Sir Gai?
"Manny!" Tenten rushed to her manager's side and hid behind his back. "Who were those people?"
"Um… Stylists?" Neji helpfully supplied as he attempted to get Tenten to get away from him. Heavens, when would this girl ever grow up?
"Yes, I know they are stylists but what bizarre land did they come from?" Tenten said. "This one wanted me to wear purple lipstick. PURPLE LIPSTICK! And then there's this old woman who was trying to apply green eyeshadow with some glitter! Can you believe it? Have you ever heard of such a weird combination of make-up?"
'Look Tenten," Neji sighed as his brows furrowed in annoyance at the bun-haired girl. "They're professionals. They're just doing their job. Now go back in that room and do yours."
"I refuse to be styled into a clown!" Tenten firmly stated as she crossed her arms over her chest.
"Oh? And what would you do about it?" Neji's temper was rising. He was already troubled by the arrival of Hyuuga Hiashi that he didn't want to have some problems with Tenten too.
"I…" Tenten didn't know what to say next. "Well, I would apply my own make-up myself!"
"Since when did you learn to do make-up, pray tell?" asked Neji as he smirked.
"Since now!" The girl declared as she twirled and then winked at her manager.
"I do not believe you," Neji dragged Tenten towards the dressing room. "Now go back to the dressing room. There's a lot of work to be done so don't be stubborn about it. The show's tonight so you better be ready!"
"But Neji-kun! You have to TRUST ME! I'm better than all those stylists combined, I promise!" Tenten exclaimed.
Oh, what power those words have, especially the Neji-kun part. If only Tenten wasn't so charismatic. "Fine! Just go and get ready! If you mess this one up, you'll have to answer to me!"
"Thankyouthankyouthankyou!" Tenten was so happy that she kissed her manager in the cheek without realizing it. "I… Um, I… I have to go now!" Tenten realized her mistake and hurriedly ran to save herself from any more embarrassment.
As Tenten ran upstairs, Neji touched his cheek with the most dazed expression he ever wore.
Ah, the world of showbiz. Full of intrigue, deception, surprises, glamour and… rock stars. Oh yes, the world would be in chaos if there aren't any rock stars. Rock stars are cool and flashy and can dominate the whole world with their awesomeness. And Gaara of the village of Suna tops the list.
"What do you think of the village of Konoha?" One reporter asked as Gaara arrived from the Konoha airport.
"Hey, hey! No picture taking, okay?" Kankurou yelled while Gaara remained silent as he walked towards their private limousine.
Kankurou was getting tired of making the pesky reporters go away. Why are there such stupid paparazzi people in the world today? As far as Kankurou was concerned, the world would be a far better place without all those gossips.
But then again, gossips could be entertaining too.
"Kankurou! Is it true that you urged Gaara to have a concert here in Konoha because you got a girl here pregnant?"
Okay, so Kankurou stands corrected.
"So Lee, how did you find the seminar today?" Gai asked his new favorite student and future protégée.
"It was very enlightening!" Lee replied passionately. "I was moved by your heartwarming speech! You are right, Gai-sensei! The world really needs to be filled with more youthful people like us!"
"Oh Lee! I am glad that you understand my philosophy in life!" Gai looked like he would cry, and then he did.
"Gai-sensei! Do not cry!" Lee said but then he cried too.
"Oh, dear…" A random person passed by and saw the two green-clad idiots, er, I mean two lively people crying and drowning the whole place with their tears. "Who left this onion here?" The person picked it up carefully and went away.
After a few minutes, Gai wiped his tears. "Now that that's done and over with, I would like for us to have a bonding session."
"Really?" Lee's eyes widened.
"Yes! This would be a good opportunity for us to get to know each other better. A chance for us to tell the other the important events that is happening in the other's life!" Gai said.
"Er, I think I lost you on the 'other' part, Gai-sensei."
"Well it doesn't matter anyways!" Gai stated. "You just have to tell me some problems of yours and I'll give you advice! We'll start with that everytime we have a bonding session!"
"Oh Gai-sensei! You are truly kind!" Lee cried yet again. "No one can compare to you!"
"Thank you, Lee!" said Gai, thrilled. Suddenly, he pumped his fists, fire roaring in his eyes. "But remember, Lee, we mustn't let this air of pride inflate our egos. I can tell you by experience that overrated self-importance is much frowned upon in this society!"
"I know Gai-sensei! I won't let you down!" His voice was full of determination and eagerness to prove himself.
"So, are there any problems you would like to talk to me about?"
"Actually…"
"Omigod! I can't believe it!"
"Oh yeah! Like omigosh omigosh omigosh! Haruno Sakura live on this very studio! Omigosh!"
If you still haven't guessed yet, this is the conversation of two loyal die-hard fanatics. They came just to see their idol, Haruno Sakura, on Young and Loaded, a show about celebs and singers and other famous people. The catch is that you have to be under 25 though if you want to be featured in that show though. There is an exception of course. What you all might not know is that the execs of the show had been trying to get Kakashi to appear on the show for the longest time ever. But the white-haired man is a reluctant celebrity. Shucks, how sad.
"You guys are weird…" commented Yamanaka Ino. She went to the show in disguise so that no one would identify her. If someone did know that she's here, oh there would be blood courtesy of Sakura's reactionary fans.
"What did you just say?" The two whirled around suddenly and faced Ino with an angry expression.
"I..Er…"Ino cleared her throat. "I just said that I like Sakura."
The fanatics' faces softened. "Oh. We thought you said that we were weird. We were beginning to think that you're Ino-pig's fan."
"Um, no! Of course not! Who would want to idolize Ino?" And the blonde laughed so that her cover would not be blown even though inside, she had some profanities waiting to be lashed out to Sakura and her followers.
"Yeah!" One of the fanatics agreed. "She's such a stupid-"
"-dim witted-"
"-anorexic-"
"-ugly-"
"-hideous-"
"-bitchy-"
"-unattractive-"
"-slutty-"
"Okay! I think that's enough!" Ino loudly said for she couldn't stand to hear some more negative descriptions about herself. The blonde suddenly had to fight the urge to strangle the two fanatics and knot their necks together and put them in public display. These obsessed fanatics…
"… But I don't think she loves me…" Lee continued with his emotional true love story. Gai, the attentive and considerate guy that he is, listened to Lee the whole time. "What do you think should I do, Gai-sensei?" Lee sniffed. "Should I just give up?"
"Give up!" Gai looked like he was going to faint. "My dear boy! I thought that you are someone who is aspiring to be just like me, a man of courageous spirit and strong will! When I look at you, I can see myself in you. And now you are just going to GIVE UP! Never say those two words together in a sentence, I tell you! NEVER!" The famous action star was talking so loud and fast that he was a little out of breath. He then took a deep breath before continuing, "Do you know that the only people who give up are cowards? They complain and complain about their life but they do not gather enough strength to stand up and do something about their troubles! Lee, I would like to think that you are different from them. Prove to me that you are not like those lazy bones who couldn't even get their butts off their chairs!"
"Gai-sensei! I am not a coward!" Lee exclaimed. "But no matter how hard I try, Sakura would still-"
Lee's sentence was then cut off as Gai punched a fist directly at his face causing him to fall over. The boy only looked at his idol in surprise.
"In this world, there is no TRY!" Gai sounded impatient as he looked at Lee. "There is only DO! Do! Do! Do!" He placed a hand at his shocked student's shoulder. "Listen to me, Lee. I am telling you this so that in the future, you would not turn into a juvenile delinquent. Hard work is important. You know that right? You should not wait for the girl you love to just return your affections in a snap. NO! You have to earn the right to her heart. Many times you might suffer heartache but somebody once said that it is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all!" Lee's eyebrows furrowed as he began to understand Gai's sermon. "Lee, I understand that you are an example of a typical youth of today who is driven by his instincts. But do not let yourself become too instinctive! It pays to be more cautious. You must remember that there is a reason why your head is over your heart! TRUST me! I would never lead you wrong!"
It is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all!
Those words kept on echoing inside Lee's mind as he stared at his respected idol. He knows that he doesn't stand a grain of a chance against the sought-after actor Uchiha Sasuke. But his Sir Gai is right. Giving up on Sakura won't solve anything and would only make him feel worse. Lee stood up slowly. Now he knows what he has to do. Lee is as determined as hell to make Sakura return his affections and would give his all just to make her see that he is someone who could love her forever…Someone with a green spandex suit included.
"Gai-sensei!" Lee hugged Gai and cried. "I am sorry if my actions did not meet your expectations! But now, thanks to you, I truly understand! I would prove to you that I am not a coward!"
"Yes, Lee! YES!" Gai is delighted now that his protégé had finally understood what he is talking about. He started to cry and hug Lee back.
And this time, there are NO onions around.
"…"
Neji looked at Tenten with narrowed eyes. The girl was right; she can fix herself up without the use of the make-up artists and stylists the Cosmos Line hired. Neji straightened himself up and approached the model.
"How are you feeling?" He asked, trying to look apathetic.
"Nervous as hell," The bun-haired girl muttered as the Hyuuga's face darkened.
"You know, Tenten… Even though it's not in my nature to encourage people, I just want you to know that I think you would do a good job…" Neji said, surprising Tenten, and with much courage to admit it, himself also.
The girl lifted her eyebrows in surprise. "I… Really?"
Neji nodded.
"Look Neji. I know that this job means a lot to you…" said Tenten as she looked at her feet like a disappointed child who had just been scolded by his parents. "You know, at the back of my mind, I've always dreamt of having this job. But now, that I finally became a model, I feel like I can't do this. Do I have what it takes to make it in this business? There are infinitely more gorgeous girls out there. I'm not graceful. I'm not poised. I'm not that pretty or smart. Heck, my cooking skills aren't even that phenomenal. The best I can do is sesame dumplings!"
"I like sesame dumplings." Neji said.
Making the brunette look up. "H-Huh?"
"Tell you what, if you do a food job out there, I would take you out in an all-expenses paid shopping trip." The Hyuuga said in an effort to encourage her.
"Are you… Bribing me?" Tenten gasped as her eyed widened. Neji only shot an "I'm-not-kidding-and-so-should-you" glare. So soothingly, she added, "Just kidding, Neji-kun." Her face then became screwed up, a mix of confusion and astonishment. "But are you game for what I have in mind? Taking a girl out for a shopping spree means hours of torture for the beings with two X chromosomes."
"Yes, I am." Neji stated dully, his eyes crinkling in annoyance.
Tenten thought about it and since she did lose most of her clothes, the least she could do is actually buy some to replace them. And maybe shopping could be fun. After all, shopping is one of a girl's favorite pastime even though Tenten isn't exactly that much of a girly girl. And a nagging thought keeps on surfacing in her mind, Do it, Tenten! This could be your first date! Tenten smiled inwardly, the sudden thought of an unofficial date amusing her. Everything about this sudden shopping spree is on her favor. Now the problem would be the fashion show…
"Oh, what the heck!" Tenten finally said. "Prepare to whip out your platinum credit card Manny! That shopping trip is as good as mine!"
"Yes, yes." Neji looked like he wasn't that concerned about Tenten's remark. "Just make sure that you do a good job in front of the president. And for your own sake, stop wobbling whenever you walk in high heels."
"But the heels of the shoes you picked out for me is too high!" The model pointed out.
"I did not pick those…" Neji looked at the stilettos which were indeed beyond what the normal people would wear. He then rolled his eyes heavenwards. "Still, we've been through this Tenten. You're a trained model now so don't go complaining to me whenever you have a problem that's as small as this one."
"Oh, come on!"
"Just deal with it Ten squared."
"Ten squared? Where the heck did you get that nickname?"
The Hyuuga just shrugged. "I don't know. I was trying to be comical."
"Trying to be comical? God, then you probably don't have a sense of humor." Tenten shook her head. "How could I convince you that I'm right and you are wrong?"
"There is no changing of my view." Neji started to head upstairs.
There is a lot of truth in his words. Neji would be the last person to change his mind on anything. With a firm belief on his principles, once he has set his mind on something, he would stick to it until the end. However, Tenten knew EXACTLY how to push Neji's buttons.
"Oh?" Tenten smiled widely as her eyes twinkled mischievously. "Maybe you just need another kiss from moi?"
Neji stopped dead on his tracks.
The bun-haired boldly marched up and went ahead of her manager. She turned her back to look at Neji again and smiled. Sometimes, it's fun to annoy Neji like that. She giggled to herself. But then again, Tenten loves seeing her usually stoic manager wear a confused expression. It's so cute!
Apparently, Hyuuga Hiashi can be quite a killjoy.
It was Naruto's day off and he had looked forward to spending the whole day eating nothing but good old delicious ramen and then terrorizing, er, playing harmless pranks on his annoying neighbors. Yeah, harmless. But noooo… The president Hyuuga Hiashi arranged Hinata an important personal appointment that particular day, and Naruto's day-off had been moved to another day.
Did I say Hyuuga Hiashi can be quite a killjoy?
But since Naruto can be understanding when he needs to be, he agreed. Besides, it's for Hinata. She needed to be accompanied by someone as strong and brave like him! Anyway, her private meeting must be very important because it was the president himself who announced this.
"N-Naruto-kun…"
Naruto turned to look at a blushing Hyuuga Hinata. "Hai?"
"T-Thank you," She said briefly, a small smile forming on her lips. "I… I know you've been looking forward to this weekend because it's your day-off, N-Naruto-kun. F-For escorting me here, I thank you."
"Oi! Hinata-chan, I told you that it's not a problem!" Naruto then thumped his fist against his chest for emphasis. "I'm your bodyguard! It's my duty!" He then winked at Hinata, causing her to blush even more. "Besides, I'm you're friend, aren't I?"
"N-Naruto-kun…" Hinata's eyes softened.
As the two entered the lobby of Almond Hotel, a gigantic dog suddenly appeared out of nowhere and bit Naruto, making him yell loudly.
"Heeelp!" Naruto attempted to make the dog go away as he flapped his arms. "I'm too young to die! I still have to become a Hokage!"
The heiress of the Hyuuga Corporation tried to help, but Naruto would constantly move from one place to another, causing Hinata's attempts to be useless. People started looking at them and Hinata would even be the one to apologize in embarrassment everytime Naruto would push down or knock out an unknowing victim by accident.
"N-Naruto-kun! Please hold still!" Hinata pleaded when she finally caught up with Naruto.
"I CAN'T!" cried out Naruto, wildly spinning around so that the dog will release him. Instead, it only made the dog's fangs dig deeper. "OW!"
"Akamaru!" A voice suddenly called out, making the dog stop from biting Naruto's arm and run towards the source of the voice. The man bent down and patted the dog affectionately.
"So… dizzy…" Naruto fell unconscious, his eyes resembling a child's swirly lollipop.
Hinata quickly grabbed one of Naruto's hands and asked in concern, "N-Naruto-kun, are you alright? Please speak to me!"
The man walked towards the two and examined the blonde, "Hmm… It's not that serious. It's just one bite. He'll live. Nothing to get yourself too worn-out, Miss"
"Uhm…" Hinata's voice was shaking. "H-He doesn't have any rabies, does he?"
"Akamaru? Of course not!" The man laughed noisily as he gently patted the dog again. "But yeah… He could be terrifying sometimes but he's a very sweet dog." He stood up and held out a hand. "I'm sorry for the trouble. I'm Inuzuka Kiba, by the way."
Hinata shook Kiba's hand and smiled, "H-Hinata. Hyuuga Hinata."
"Hmm." The dog-lover tapped his chin thoughtfully. "A Hyuuga eh? I think I've heard your name before. Are you by any chance the heiress of the Hyuuga Corporation?"
Hinata nodded.
"Oh! That's good! You're the girl my boss is supposed to be meeting!" Kiba exclaimed happily, whistling. "Shino! Hey! I found your fiancée!"
Hinata's eyes widened.
Aburame Shino, heir of the Aburame Company, suddenly came out of nowhere. Kiba and his dog Akamaru didn't seem bothered by this, however. Shino then straightened his glasses and spoke.
"Kiba, I told you not call me in such an informal manner."
"Now Lee, although I question your taste in women, I still would be here to support you in every step of the way," said Gai encouragingly. "If I am correct, is Sakura the girl who became famous for her scandalous internet tapes?"
Lee reddened. "Gai-sensei! You are talking about Honda Sakura, the porn star! It is Haruno Sakura whom I am in love with!"
"Oh, right. My bad," Gai gave a light chuckle as Lee sighed in relief. "Don't worry. Everything would be fine! I am an expert when it comes on the matters of the hearts so I would be willing to help you find a way to get close to Sakura!"
"R-Really?"
"Why, of course!" Gai got into a funky pose. "Am I not Konoha's Green Cupid?"
"I thought it was Konoha's Green Beast." Lee interrupted.
"L-Lee… HOW DARE YOU!" Without warning, Gai gave Lee a fierce uppercut, sending the poor boy flying towards the other side of the wall.
"G-Gai -sensei…w-what was that for?" asked the protégée, eyes wide in confusion.
"I punched you… because it's wrong to correct your superior. Unless if it's a conceited superior then maybe it's okay." Gai made his way towards his adoring student. "But anyway, the point is, you should trust me. Trust is just as important as the fiery youth that dwells inside our hearts. Lee, I want you to trust me. That way, our youthful flames would not be extinguished easily."
"Yes Gai-sensei!" Lee enthusiastically said as he saluted his idol.
"There now! All better!" Gai smiled widely. "Now let's proceed to our gameplan…"
"I'm alive!" Naruto raised his hands dramatically in the air and sat up. "Yeah! Hey, wait a darn minute… Where am I?"
Kiba eyed him lazily, "Oh, so you're awake now. That's good, cause you snore so loudly I thought my ears were gonna bleed."
"Hey!" Naruto was ready to jump out at Kiba when Akamaru suddenly appeared right on his face. "Yowza!"
"Down Akamaru." Kiba said briskly. Akamaru quickly obeyed his master's command and went back to Kiba.
Naruto, meanwhile, was clutching his chest. "That dog… That terror of a dog… Why is it still here?"
"Naruto, don't ask stupid questions." Kiba warned, growling. "Akamaru's not a terror, okay? Sheesh."
"Hey, how did you know my name, dog-guy?" asked Naruto.
"Ah, well. I can't expect you to remember me anyway. From what I remember, you have the memory of a blunt axe," Kiba gave an exaggerated sigh while Naruto fumed. "The name's Inuzuka Kiba. We were classmates in elementary, remember? We used to fight a lot because you always suspect me of stealing your ramen."
Naruto's supposed-to-be-dead brain cells started working overtime again. "That's right, that's right! I remember it clearly now! We used to frequent detention class. Those were the days…" Naruto gazed dreamily through the distance. "But I still would not forget how you stole my precious ramens! Ramen-stealing is intolerable!"
"Since when do you use words such as 'intolerable' anyway?" Kiba asked, his eyebrows raised. "And that doesn't seem to fit in with the sentence you just used."
"Really? I mean- Ugh! Don't correct me!"
"Sure, whatever you say pal." Kiba said, suppressing the desire to groan at the blonde loudmouth.
"Wait, where's Hinata-chan?" Naruto suddenly asked, and then he looked around the room. With Hinata nowhere to be found, Naruto shifted his attention back to Kiba. "Kiba, where's Hinata-chan? What did you do to her?"
"Shut up Naruto. You talk too loud, you know." Kiba commented, not at all amused that again, Naruto suspected him of doing something that he did not do.
Naruto frowned. "What has my voice got to do with my question?"
"Nothing!" Kiba loudly grunted, not caring if Naruto heard him or not. Knowing Naruto, to get the information he wants, he'll continuously pester you until the day after tomorrow if you don't tell him exactly what he wants. Alright, better to get this over with. "The Hyuuga heiress. She's the one you're looking for, right?"
Naruto nodded vigorously.
"She's on Suite 26. In fact, she's with my boss right now, discussing about their coming engagement." Kiba explained.
Surprisingly or not, Naruto choked. "E-Engagement?"
"Yup," Kiba affirmed not-so-helpfully. "Shino's so lucky. That Hinata girl seems nice. What I wouldn't give to be her fiancé instead!"
Engagement… Fiancé… These two words keep on circling Naruto's mind. He shook his head, as if trying to will the two words away from his mind. In the end though, he gave up. Feeling defeated, he faced Kiba and asked an embarrassing question, "Kiba, what does engagement and fiancé mean?"
Kiba almost fell over.
After escaping from Sakura's crazy/rabid fans, Ino finally managed to get backstage. It wasn't easy and it was certainly life-risking, but Ino did it. Yep, all's gonna be good now. After this, Sakura will never be able to show her face again!
Ino smiled ruefully. It shouldn't have come to this. If only Sakura didn't say that. If only she didn't react that way. But it was Sakura who started it! Ino's mind reasoned. Too bad Ino's pride that knows no limits keep on preventing her from correcting her mistakes. But that is all in the past. She wouldn't back down. Oh no, not that she's gotten so far now, she wouldn't back down.
When a door suddenly opened, Ino quickly hid herself under a table.
"Ume-chan, thank you for all the help you gave me," Ino discreetly managed to hold up the tablecloth covering the table and saw that it was Sakura she heard. "You're the only one I can trust when it comes to my make-up."
The girl, Kasugano Ume, only giggled. "Oh, anything for you Sakura-san."
Sakura sighed. "If only there is an abundance of girls with pink hair in the world, then maybe they would also know how hard it is to use make-up with almost all of the colors of the rainbow clashing with your hair. But you Ume-chan… How do you do it? It's almost like magic! How do you make me look so good?"
Ume giggled yet again. "Oh, Sakura-san. I m only a make-up artist. The best I can do is enhance your features. You've got good looks from the start!
At this, Ino managed to stifle a barely audible groan. So this Ume girl is another one of Sakura's fans too?
"Oh wait," Sakura checked her watch and then smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry but I've got to go. We've got a quick rehearsal for a dance number at the opening of the show. Thanks again!"
"Bye, Sakura-san!" Ume waved a hand as Sakura disappeared out of sight. "Now where was- Uff!"
It was then that Ino decided to act. After Sakura left, she quickly dashed towards Sakura's makeup-artist and clamped her mouth shut. Ume looked at Ino with wide eyes.
How the hell did Naruto convince him to do this?
He, Inuzuka Kiba, tried to explain as patiently as possible to Naruto what the words 'fiancé' and 'engagement' meant. Obviously, the first try wasn't good enough for Naruto. So he had to draw stick-drawings of a girl and a boy getting married, complete with the bells and the church background, for Naruto to completely comprehend what he said. Thank goodness that Naruto knows what the word 'marriage' meant. If not, then maybe Kiba would've driven himself nuts.
But… How the hell did Naruto convince him to do this?
Now here he was, along with Naruto, at the front of Suite 26 looking as dumb as the blonde (no pun intended). At least that's what he thought. Naruto, who stole, er, borrowed without permission a stethoscope in the clinic, was using the said device to hear what is going on inside the room.
"This won't work." Kiba finally said, unable to take the embarrassment anymore. Whenever someone passes by, s/he would laugh possibly because of Naruto using a stethoscope or the sight of him holding an X-ray machine at the front of the door. Or probably both.
So the only thing he can ask himself now is… How the hell did Naruto convince him to do this?
"You're right, Kiba," Naruto said at last. "This would certainly not work."
"Huh?" Kiba turned to look at Naruto, his expression a marriage of shock and relief. "You mean… We'll already stop doing this nonsense?"
"Yup."
Kiba jumped energetically, thrilled that this garbage was already over. "Okay, then. I'll return the X-ray machine now. Give me the- What are you doing?"
In an instant, Naruto darted towards the door and slammed against it, the impact causing the door to break down. Dust covered Naruto from head to foot but that didn't seem to concern him. His eyes then scanned the room as he looked for Hinata… and her fiancé."
"You!" He pointed an accusing finger at Shino. "You monster! You won't succeed in your evil plan to take Hinata away, Auron!"
"N-Naruto-kun!" Hinata stammered, at a loss for anything to say.
"I am not Auron," Shino calmly said. "My name is Aburame Shino. I am pleased to meet you. However, I don't approve of you breaking down the door just to get in. You could have knocked if you wanted to join Hinata-san and I for tea."
"Tea? Cut the crap, Auron! You just want to steal Hinata away!" Naruto insisted, his eyes blazing. "Thankfully, the great Naruto is here! I won't let you get away with this! Let's fight now."
"Naruto-"
"Not now, Kiba! I'm getting ready for my big fight with Auron!"
"But-"
"Kiba! Don't disturb me!"
"NARUTO!" Kiba suddenly punched Naruto squarely on the face. "Stop acting all tough! That's my boss you're badmouthing! And don't you realize the trouble you're already in? You just broke down the door!" Kiba clutched Naruto's collar and yelled some more, "It's bad enough that you made me look like a fool by forcing me to help you in this stupid idiotic plan of yours! Good job, Naruto! Now the two of us will have to pay for that door you broke down!"
"Arf!" Akamaru barked, agreeing with his master.
Now Naruto was scared. He hadn't seen Kiba get angry like this back in their elementary days.
"That's enough!" Hinata stated firmly. The two looked at the Hyuuga heiress who stood up.
Ume's eyes widened. "I-Ino-san… You want me to do what?"
Ino sighed, a little annoyed. "Look, all you have to do is call Sakura back, put this little invention of mine on her face and then tell her that she looks great. Plain and simple."
"But…" Ume clasped the black tube of mascara. "This is the experimental mascara you were developing, Ino-san. And forgive me if I am wrong but isn't it a big failure? I mean, of course, I've just heard it and-"
"It IS a FAILURE, you dummy!" Ino managed to yell, making the poor makeup-artist stumble in fright.
"T-Then…W-Why do you want me to apply this to Sakura-san?" asked Ume cluelessly after a few seconds.
"Ugh!" This time, the blonde could only slap her forehead n frustration. "Don't you get it? So that after a few minutes after the mascara has been applied, it will smudge instantly, turning into the most disgusting shade of green ever! And then-"
"I know what this mascara does, Ino-san." Ume interrupted. "But what I meant to say was what your motive is to make me do such a horrible thing?"
"Horrible thing?" Ino's forehead creased. The word 'horrible' certainly didn't come to her mind when she thought of this plan. But now that Ume mentioned it… "J-Just do it, okay? Remember, you are a makeup-artist under me since you work in Cosmos too. If you don't do this then I'll make sure that you'll never find another work again. Understand?"
Ume slowly nodded. "U-Understand, Ino-san. Though I still don't know why you would want me to do such a thing. It is against the code of ethics. Sabotaging someone, Ino-san… How come you have gotten so low? Do you even read the Bible? Ah, Ino-san, unless of course if you're not Catholic. Of course, you are free to live the way you want but I guess-"
"Ume?"
"Yes, Ino-san?"
"Please shut up." The blonde massaged her head. Now she found out that when her assistant told her that Kasugano Ume is the type of girl who can talk to a brick wall, she wasn't kidding. This Ume girl sure is talkative.
A sudden knock on the door jolted Ino back to reality.
"Well?" Ino craned her neck to look at Ume. "Answer it! If it's Sakura, then stick to the plan! That way, you won't waste any time!"
"O-Okay," Ume coughed and then said. "Who is it?"
"Sakura, silly!"
Ino nodded as she hid again, this time beside a shelf. "Come in then!"
Sakura entered the room breezily, a smile on her face. She smiled even wider when she saw Ume's face. "Ah, Ume-chan! Good. You're the only one who can help me. A GIANT zit suddenly appeared on my face!" She had her hands set on begging position. "You'll help me right? With your magical makeup powers, you can help make this less noticeable right?"
Ume gestured with her hands that the pink-haired girl sit down first.
"I knew you could handle this, Ume-chan!" The cherry blossom princess gave a V-sign and sat down, smiling prettily. "Oh and by the way, I thought I heard some voices in here. But that might just be the work of my imagination right? Ha ha!"
"Y-Yes, Sakura-san. Maybe you're right. The imagination is prone to those things." responded Ume uneasily. "W-Wait a minute, Sakura-san. I'll just go and get my concealer palette. Ino watched, her eyes glowing in mischief, as Ume rushed to her work table and got her materials… excluding the black tube of mascara she gave her a while ago. What? Why didn't she… "Sakura-san, please stay still."
"I will."
Ino clenched her fist, gazing at Ume and Sakura in sudden fury. How could Ume do this? And after she had made it perfect clear that there's a bigh chance of her losing her job if she doesn't do this job.
What is your motive to make me do such a horrible thing?
Ino suddenly felt sick. She can't hide the fact that inside, doing this kinda makes her feel terrible.
Sabotaging someone, Ino-san…
This is all Sakura's fault! She's to blame! If she hadn't rivaled Ino then maybe this wouldn't have happened right? Right?
How come you have gotten so low?
"I… I'm sorry, Ino-san," Ino's trail of thoughts broke when she saw Ume standing, looking at her pensively. "If I get fired, then at least my conscious is clean."
'Hmp, this girl has the ability of making me feel guilty…' thought Ino as she began to walk out of the door. "It's alright. You still have your job. I apologize for disturbing your work, Ume."
From behind her, she could hear the makeup-artist babbling animatedly. "Then Ino-san, is this a test? It is a test, I'm quite certain of it! A test of morality right? Did I pass? Oh, I did didn't I? Then I suppose I should congratulate myself! I passed! Ino-san, thanks! You've opened my mind and my eyes about-"
A model must be poised and graceful. Check.
A model must be prepared to handle any kind of stage boo-boos with care. Another check!
A model must have the ability to be unaffected by the critics and be able to use their hurtful comments to improve. Booyah! This one's a check too!
A model must be able to wear a mask of indifference when faced with a crowd. Er… check?
Our favorite bun-haired model sighed, and then turned around to face the full-length mirror that Neji was brilliant enough to have installed in her own dressing room. However, the dressing room Neji gave her was a little tiny but that doesn't matter.
Especially when she looked hot tonight.
Growing up as a tomboy, she never thought of using this word on herself. Sure, Lee would sometimes call her cute but she knows that it's only playful teasing. She grew up admiring Haruno Sakura because of her beauty. Often, she would see her billboard ads and silently wish that it was her instead on those. But now, she never thought of this happening.
The thought of finally living her dream.
"President." Hyuuga Neji bowed courteously at the sight of the Hyuuga business tycoon.
Hyuuga Hiashi nodded curtly before speaking, "Neji, I've heard that you have found a new model to add to the ever-growing list of young talents we are supporting. Is this true?"
"Yes." answered Neji.
"Then I suppose she is a good model then," Hiashi smirked, noticing Neji becoming a lilt tense. "She's debuting tonight am I correct?"
"Yes."
"Good, good. Then I suppose I should wait for her grand entrance. If she caught your eye, then I think she must be quite a model." Hiashi remarked as he sat down on his chair. "And her name is?"
"Tenten," Neji responded. "She'll be the last model on the runway."
"Oh, then she is special," Hyuuga Hiashi nodded to himself, smiling. "But such a shame really. Yamanaka-san couldn't make it today at the launch of her own clothing line. I wonder why."
Neji sat beside Hiashi. "Perhaps she has other commitments."
Ino knew she did the right thing. Sure, it might be something she'll regret later on.
Walking alone on a deserted street without a care in the world if someone might actually recognize her, Ino still thought of Ume's words and her ex-bestfriend Sakura.
Gone were the days when they would go to each other's houses and play dollies, or have teas, or even have afternoon naps. Unconsciously, Ino smiled. She really missed that. She missed Sakura.
RING!
Ino picked up her cellphone right away. "Hello? Yamanaka Ino speaking." There was silence on the other line. "Hello? I don't know who you are but if you have something to tell me then speak up!"
"Ino…" The female voice on the other line said. "Do you know who I am?"
"Of course not!" Ino retorted, snorting sarcastically.
"It's me, Temari."
Ino froze. "Te-Temari? As in, like, Shikamaru's bitchy secretary? Oops. I mean-"
She heard Temari snicker. "Nice choice of words, Yamanaka. Though I think that it'll be better if you use the word to describe yourself."
"Shut up!" Ino growled, her grip on her cellphone tightening. "How did you get hold of my cell number anyway? And why did you call me anyway?"
"For your fist question, dear Ino, of course I got it from Shikamaru (Ino could feel her jaw sagging. Ooh, Shika-kun would pay for giving her MY cell number!). And the reason for this unexpected call was because I have some business to take care of." Temari explained.
"Wow. That really answered my question." Ino remarked dryly.
"I want you to do me a favor." Temari said, making Ino raise her eyebrows. "Look, I know that you might think I'm not serious but I am."
Ino switched the cell phone to her other ear. "And this favor?"
"Take care of him."
"Excuse me?"
Temari sighed tiredly. "You know who I'm talking about. Him."
The fashion designer was at a loss for a moment before grinning. "Him? Who are you talking about? Because if it's Sasuke-kun then-"
"Damn it! Do you think I'm talking about Uchiha?" Ino heard Temari yell. "I guess that this is a total waste of time then. And I thought… Well, you are a Sasuke-obsessed freak after all. Of course you wouldn't understand."
"Hey! Whoever said that I am a Sasuke-obsessed freak?" Ino yelled back, angry at the secretary's statement
"No one," Temari answered calmly. "But I'm sure everyone's thinking it."
"Thinking…it?" Io's heart beat faster.
"Don't worry, I won't disturb you anymore. You might be fantasizing about Sasuke just before I called you," Temari said mockingly. "A girl like you who can't see the good things right under her nose is despicable. I feel sorry for Shikamaru."
Shikamaru?
For the second time that day, Ino felt guilty. She felt tears coming, but she grinded her fists against her eye sockets for a minute to force them back. She didn't like this feeling. She didn't like this feeling very much.
Tenten looked at the audience charmingly. The roar of the audience was deafening. She did it! For once, everything went her way. She didn't trip or anything and for that, she was grateful. She scanned the crowd and looked for Neji. Instantly, she spotted him. Giving her prettiest smile, she waved a hand.
"Is she… waving at us?" The president found himself asking Neji when he saw the model waving at their direction.
"I believe so, President." Neji answered.
"Hmm, this girl knows respect," commented Hyuuga Hiashi, nodding approvingly.
"I…yes. You are right Hyuuga-sama. I wanted Tenten to be as courteous as possible so I trained her day and night." Neji said. If only you knew… He then looked at the girl on the stage, currently holding a bouquet of flowers. I'm so proud of you Tenten. He sighed. Now all I need to do is practice the art of not flinching when my credit card takes a mighty hit tomorrow.
(Because the reviewers asked for it, they will get it! Returning is the special PREVIEW section where you can take a sneak peek at what would happen in the next chapter!)
"Ahaha, Kakashi!" Gai gave a frighteningly scary pose that didn't even affect Kakashi. "Now it's my protégé against yours! Who will win the beautiful Haruno Sakura's heart?"
"I'm sure Sasuke will." Kakashi deadpanned as he closed his Icha Icha Paradise book.
CUT!
Ino's cerulean eyes flamed in anger as she slapped Chouji's hand away from the picnic basket. Her (cough, cough) overweight childhood friend only frowned in disappointment.
"You've had 7 club sandwiches already," said Ino in as-a-matter-of-fact voice. "But Shikamaru here…" Her eyes turned to the Nara genius. "…hasn't eaten even one bite."
CUT!
"Come on, Neji! Help me out on this one! Nobody likes to be married to some stranger!" Tenten reasoned, trying to get Neji to listen to her. "She's your cousin."
Neji sighed and then turned to look at the model. "Look, we can't do anything about it. Hyuuga Hiashi is the President. He can make Hinata do what he wants. Besides, he's his father. He knows what's good for her."
Tenten snorted. "Yeah, right."
CUT!
The girl…
"Hi-Hinata-chan?" Naruto approached the Hinata, cautious not to let the girl wake up. "Could you really be her?"
CUT!
"I won't allow you to do that!" Temari shouted, grabbing Kankurou by the collar. "This will solve nothing, I tell you! It won't bring our father's honor back! Kankurou, listen to me?"
"Heh. Too late for that." Said Kankurou as Temari watched, eyes wide, Gaara press on the switch.
OMAKE! Manny-Neji, Let Me Brush Your Hair!
"No."
Neji gave Tenten a warning glare, as if daring her to make the crime of the century AKA brush his beautiful, oh-so-perfect hair. It was bad enough that when he passed out last night from alcohol-overload (thanks to the intense prodding of Gai and Lee, who insisted that they had met before and were once like a "close-knit" family), it was Tenten who brought him back to his apartment.
Now… Now… Now, she even wants to brush his hair!
Neji shuddered violently at the thought. What if Tenten doesn't know how to deal with tangled hair? What if she used the wrong kind of comb (Neji thinks that the kind of brush you use affects how straight your hair would turn out to be)? There are so many what-ifs running through his mind, all of them very likely to give him a headache. Why, she might even mess up his crowning glory and tie it into pigtails or worse, into two buns just like hers! He's rather cut off his own arm than let Tenten brush his hair!
"Oh Manny…" Tenten held up a picture of him sleeping like a baby on his bed. "If you don't let me, this picture might accidentally leak out."
Okay, so maybe not.
"You wouldn't dare." Said Neji, glaring at Tenten hoping against hope that he can at least intimidate her. But of course, he knew better.
Tenten laughed in amusement. "Neji! Why are you so damn overprotective of your tresses? Yamanaka Ino doesn't hold a candle to you when it comes to your hair!"
"Hn." The one-word respond most often used by him and Uchiha Sasuke was all Tenten got for a reply.
"Trust me, Neji! I'll take good care of your hair!" Tenten exclaimed, her eyes twinkling. "It'll be just like magic!"
"I don't trust you enough to let you take care of my hair." Neji answered sarcastically, rolling his eyes.
"W-What…?" The model now looked downhearted. "But I just wanted to brush your hair! Is there anything wrong with that? I promise that nothing bad will happen to it. There won't be any tangles, split ends or… Or bald spots!"
"B-Bald spots?" Neji repeated, incredulous.
"Uhm, did I just say bald spots?" Tenten said, chuckling at Neji's expense. "I was just joking. Heehee. Neji, you're so funny. If only I could get you to let me brush your hair. Oh, and what shampoo do you use? The smell's really nice."
"None of your business," Neji snapped, not because of anger but because Tenten might find out his secret formula for his beautiful hair.
The bun-haired girl backed away and looked at Neji, crystal tears starting to form on her eyes. "Neji… how can you be so mean? It was just a simple request for helping you out last night. And it's not as if everyone will know. I just want to brush you hair."
Neji sighed. Powerless against a woman's tears… You're getting too soft! "Alright, what should I do?"
"YAY!" Tenten brightened up and started to do a victory dance. "I knew it! Neji, you've finally come to your senses. I'm so happy! Now, skooch over." Indicating with one of her hands to move so he can make some room for her, Neji, defeated and too crushed to answer, just obliged.
"Now then, the fun part begins!" Tenten cackled, making Neji wonder inwardly why on Earth did he agree to this madness. He could feel the gentle strokes of the brush and Tenten humming. "Hmm, Neji… You're hair is softer than I originally thought!"
"I take great pains just to make sure it stays on perfect condition." Neji casually answered.
"That's nice," He could just imagine Tenten nodding from behind him. "Don't worry, the picture you saw a while ago will not be seen by the others. Though I must admit that it'll be pretty entertaining if it would."
"Don't. You. Dare." Neji said, and if he was facing Tenten then he might just as well melt her like an ice cream left outside in the scorching heat of the sun.
"Aw. Party-pooper," Tenten pouted as she tucked some of Neji's hair behind his ear. "There. I'm finished now."
He knew he shouldn't have agreed to his. But when Neji saw the look Tenten was wearing, a look of satisfaction and cheerfulness, he smiled unrepentantly to himself. He would've been prepared to swallow his pride for her. After all, she was worth it.
"Smile for the camera!"
A sudden flash, and then… "Damn! Tenten!"
