Sakura was woken by the sound of her phone vibrating to life on Sasuke's bed side table.

Groaning a hello Sakura answered the phone to have her blonde friend Ino scream through the receiver.

"Don't groan at me Haruno! Holy shit where you are!? Oh crap your house and then you left in a rush at work and-"

"Ino calm down."

"Calm down?! Sakura you don't have a house. Where did you stay last night?! That's it I'm come to get you and you can stay with me and Shika-"

"Ino seriously calm down. I'm fine. Besides I'm at Sasuke's he leant me his bed."

Dead silence passed through the phone and Sakura's mind finally caught up to her mouth making her rush to clarify.

"Ino that's not what I meant-"

"Who's Sasuke? Was he good?"

"Oh for the love- Ino listen you're taking things way wrong. Sasuke and I aren't a thing or do stuff he's my bodyguard and... never mind this is way too complicated over the phone in the morning." Sakura huffed a sigh wanting to restart the entire morning, even if she had only been up for ten minutes.

"Listen here forehead you have dirt and as your BFF I am entitled to know what's going on! I have to start my shift at noon so that gives you three hours to get up on your day off and come meet me for coffee. No excuses. Love ya!" Ino quickly ended the call leaving no room for argument and Sakura groaned.

Tossing her phone on the hardwood floor Sakura grumbled as she climbed from under the warm silken sheets. Sasuke's bed had been the best night sleep she ever got and now she had to leave it behind.

Looking around the room Sakura actually took in Sasuke's style. The large king bed was draped with black silken sheets, the bed frame had four gold posts that made it seem for royalty. Bed side tables and a few small dressers made of cherry wood were placed around the room was massive with deep red painted walls. Sasuke didn't have many decorations, but above his bed was a large hand painting of what Sakura thought looked like a dark archangel.

Finally stretching and digging her toes in a lusciously soft dark carpet Sakura went to use Sasuke's guest bathroom, sure he had his attached to his bedroom but that seemed weird.

Grabbing her clothes Sakura quickly made it to the bathroom and started the shower which immediately poured out scolding hot water. Climbing under the spray Sakura quickly got clean and climbed out, knowing if she took her time she'd never leave that amazing shower.

Putting on jeans and a lite purple side shoulder shirt she bought yesterday Sakura slipped into her work sneakers before stepping out of the bathroom.

Tip toeing down the hardwood hallway Sakura mentally checked that she had her phone and cash in her back pocket. Glancing at the clock Sasuke had in his kitchen it read 8:47.

The shifting of leather caught her attention reminding her that Sasuke was laying on his couch.

Being as quiet as she humanly could Sakura slipped behind the sleeping Sasuke. Looking over the couch back she saw the man who she was going to run from a second time. Sasuke was facing away from her, one arm dangled off the edge while the other curled under his head. His expression was completely calm while his chest rose and fell.

Sakura didn't need a repeat of bad behavior so she back peddled to the kitchen to leave a note.

Morning Sasuke. I went to meet up with a friend and didn't want to wake you, I have my phone so call if you need to. Hopefully this note is better than me just leaving.

~Sakura

Smiling to herself Sakura quickly made it to the door and headed to meet Ino.

By the time Sakura had gotten to the cafe she saw Ino already sitting at an outside table with two hot cups.

Long blonde hair was tied in a ponytail that cascaded down a white lab coat. Purple scrubs highlighted blue eyes that were outlined with eyeliner.

"There you are!" Ino smiled brightly at Sakura who gratefully took the hot tea.

"Thanks for getting me tea. It was mission impossible to get here."

"Okay forehead you have dirt."

"Ino it's not really stuff I'm allowed to share or want to for that matter. If you want to know why I was at a man's place well it's because I don't have a house."

"Oh quit the crap Haruno tell who this Sasuke fellow is. I can understand if someone lends their bed to a new homeless person but you said bodyguard."

"Well I didn't mean bodyguard I-"

"Whoa that guy is sexy." Ino was looking behind Sakura as she interrupted.

"Ino you wanted this information at least pay attention." Sakura turned around to search the crowd but found no one decent.

"He stepped into a shop. Anyways you were saying."

"I said I didn't mean bodyguard I meant-"

"Boyfriend." A deep voice cut Sakura off and her whole body tensed, she knew who was behind her.

Ino looked absolutely shocked and was trying to make a connection between Sasuke and Sakura.

"Sasuke. Looks like you found me easily this time."

"Yes, well someone has to keep an eye on you."

"You don't have to be my babysitter."

"Then don't be annoying and run off I wouldn't have to be."

Sakura opened her mouth to retort when Sasuke cut her off and introduced himself to Ino.

Silence passed over the trio as Ino let her mouth drop open.

"You're dating an Uchiha!?"

People around them turned to look at the table as Sasuke tensed. Chit chat that involved the Uchiha name was heard from different people.

"Ino shhh you need to lower your voice."

"Forehead this is huge! I mean I'm so happy you found a man but oh wow this is incredible. I have to tell-"

"No!" Sasuke and Sakura both yelled in unison.

"Why not?"

"I'm not one to have my life status plastered into everyone's knowledge. You're the social person of this friendship Ino Pig remember."

"Oh come on Sakura! This is big for you. I know you aren't one to be the center of attention but-"

"People will know on their own soon enough. Give it a little more time and word will get out."

Sakura and Ino stared wide eyed at Sasuke who leaned back in his chair.

"Sakura I don't blame you if you tell her what's really going on but she has to keep quiet." Sasuke he leaned up to Sakura's ear to whisper. The heat from his words tickled her ear and made her body warmer.

Swallowing hard Sakura steadied herself for the longest discussion of her life.

"Ino what I'm about to share with you does not leave this table. You can't even tell Shika."

"Sakura are you in trouble?" Ino's voice was serious as her eyes searched Sakura for the truth.

"No and yes."

Taking another breath Sakura leaned on the table as Sasuke excused himself to get his own cup of tea. Starting from the beginning Sakura retold everything only leaving out Sasuke as her bodyguard as Ino sat there in shock. Sasuke watched people looking for anything strange and wondering why Sakura kept him in her story as her boyfriend instead of being honest. Even with numerous people around Sakura told the story so lowly that no one just passing by heard the details.

When Sakura finally sat back in her chair she wasn't interested in her tea anymore just waiting for Ino's onslaught of questioning. Storytelling had reminded Sakura once again of her cruel situation but she felt lighter having someone not involved she could go to.

"Only one question I have is what happens now?"

Moments passed before Sakura looked out at the passing cars and responded.

"I don't know Ino."

Sasuke played with his empty cup while speaking.

"The community will eventually find out. The media with find a leak or someone will willingly tell stories. Like I said it's going to get rough. I've dealt with this my whole life I know how they can be vicious. On the flip side your father is also a factor. Either way you are going to be famous real quick once word is out."

Sakura heaved a sigh at Sasuke's words and looked at Ino who was staring right back.

"Well I won't be telling anyone anything but if you ever need something Sakura I'm here. I don't mean to cut us short but it looks like I'm about fifteen minutes late."

"Oh crap I'm sorry Ino."

"Pfft don't worry about it you and I both know no one cares when we're late. Later you two!"

Ino waved goodbye and walked away leaving Sakura and Sasuke to sit quietly before Sasuke broke it a cocky smirk on his lips.

"So looks like you finally agree with me about the whole boyfriend story working."

"Oh shut it Uchiha." Sakura bite back a retort before getting up to leave the egotistical man in the streets alone.

Sasuke and Sakura walked along the street passing time in silence, but fully enjoying the weather while the sun bathed the town in warmth.

Sakura had her hands knitted behind her back while staring up at a glass skyscraper that had black tinted windows that sparkled differently from the other buildings. Being truly in awe of such a beautifully taunting building Sakura was caught off guard when Sasuke grabbed her hand and pulled her along.

"Sasuke wait! That building is so unique don't you agree? I mean I wonder what person decided to have a black glass building, it contrasts with all the other plain colors." Sakura spoke while trying to unlatch Sasuke's grip.

"Sure I'll agree it stands out but when you know the place better than your own home the novelty wears off." Sasuke was annoyed that out of all the sights they had seen Sakura was fascinated by his family company.

"Oh come on Sasuke, it can't be that bad."

Sasuke opened his mouth for a cocky reply when his phone vibrated from his back pocket. Stopping at a busy intersection Sasuke released Sakura's hand and answered his phone.

"Uchiha...yes sir...sir Ms. Haruno needs more time-...no sir...fine we shall be there in ten sir." Ending the call Sasuke exhaled heavily through his nose, annoyance had a muscle ticking in his jaw.

Sakura had been watching Sasuke the entire time and once her name was mentioned she was even more interested, but looking at Sasuke told her not to push for information.

"Looks like things are progressing faster than I anticipated. Sakura it's time you go shopping."

"What? You get off the phone sounding rather annoyed and you're first thing to say is I'm going shopping?" Sakura was beyond confused. Was Sasuke a hater of shopping or what was the phone call really about?

Sakura opened her mouth to voice her question when Sasuke reclaimed his grip on her wrist and drug her across the road.

"Sasuke we have been walking for like twenty blocks! Let go of my wrist already I am capable of walking! Stop being such an ass, seriously you were actually civil five minutes ago then you get a call and turn into Prince Asshole!"

Sasuke ignored the strange looks Sakura was creating from passersby, and kept his trudge forward even lengthening his strides to make Sakura practically run on purpose.

By the time they reached their destination Sakura had sweat beading her forehead while glaring death at a smirking cool Uchiha.

"What's wrong short stuff?"

"Oh go fu-"

"Don't finish that sentence. And you've got a potty mouth." Sasuke glared lightly at his charge before motioning Sakura into a boutique.

"What are we doing here? I can't exactly afford jeans that are probably made from children's tears. I may be a doctor but I have a tight budget."

Sasuke rolled his eyes, waiting for the owner to finally take Sakura and get her prepped.

"Oh Sasuke!"

Speak of the devil here came the owner. A tall busty woman came walking from a rack of clothing, long dark hair flowed behind her. Sakura felt her insecurity surge taking in the female who was dressed in a purple turtle neck shirt with a black pencil skirt and heels.

Sasuke shoved his hands in his pockets and rolled on his heels before plopping down onto one of the black leather couches that were scattered throughout the store.

"We'll it's good to know you still haven't learned how to introduce people."

Sakura was shocked at the soft voice the lady had, with her high end boutique Sakura was expecting a cocky rich attitude.

"Hinata you're the best at female appeal for this situation, besides Naruto is the one who told the Minister to have us come here."

"Wow I don't think I've ever heard you say his name so casually. Usually it's dobe or moron." Sakura watched as Sasuke and Hinata talked casually.

"Anyways you can sit here while I take my new client to get prepped."

"Excuse me? And I'm Sakura."

"Oh we'll then Sakura, I'm Hinata I've been chosen to be your personal make up, hair, and clothing designer. "

"I can't afford this." Sakura was shaking her head and backing to the door when Sasuke sighed and talked in a bored tone.

"The Prime Minister has decided to move his public speech to next week at an annual dinner. So basically Hinata is got the next few hours to get you ready for your first high class dinner party. So do behave so I can sit here and nap."

Sakura was ready to panic when Hinata placed a hand on her arm softly and spoke, "Sakura I know that this is all new to you, but from personal experience I can just say Sasuke and Naruto if he's working will be right with you. My advice is just trust your guard."

Sakura bit her lip and allowed Hinata to guide her further into clothing and material that was for a life of wealthy.

Sasuke watched the form of Sakura disappear into a back changing area while pulling out his buzzing phone.

"Uchiha."

"Always so one worded Sasuke. Mother did teach us words for a reason it's called communication."

"Well Itachi if you have only called for harassment on your little brother I sadly lack the time. I'm on guard duty at the moment."

"Wouldn't want to keep you from the pink ball of fun you recently acquired then. However I do have some news for you."

"Yea? What would that be? You coming out of the closet?"

"No smart ass actually father has recently let go of the reigns and it is now just me owning the company. He signed an agreement to retire everything and all his duties. Basically little brother the VP position is now waiting for you to move in to it. I'll need you in here to take office ASAP I've taken into account your current charge, Sakura, I believe I read is the new girl you watch. Anyways you may finish your current objective with her while taking partial time for the company but any time after being a guard is now solely your hobby. The details with your hire bosses has been handled. Be warned brother the paparazzi will be looking for the family VP story so getting the Primes daughter mixed in only makes their job easier. Careful. Oh got to go Sasuke I have another call."

Itachi hung up leaving Sasuke slightly shocked and annoyed. Not only was he a full time VP but had the damn paparazzi following him again on top of Sakura. Looked like he and Sakura were about to become the couple to watch.

That thought alone had a headache storming.

Sakura walked back to Sasuke after confirming her address for delivery for the clothes. Sasuke sat in the same place with a murderous glare plastered onto the adjacent wall.

"What's wrong the stick up you crack get lost?" Sakura's laugh died slowly when Sasuke looked at her and updated her on his little phone call.

Turning on her heel she said nothing, her level of happiness dove to the floor.

Once outside Sasuke grabbed her forearm to stop her pointless walking.

"Don't just go walking off. Besides what's got you thinking?"

"Nothing."

"Bullshit."

Sakura looked into dark eyes. A feeling of sadness was eating away at her. Sakura yearned to tell Sasuke that she didn't want him to leave but he was just doing a job. That's all she was. A job….right?

Shaking her head she bit her lip and spoke,

"Nothing really you'll go off to be the VP with your brother and do great things. Now you can be the man you always wanted to be."

Sasuke's eyes widened slightly before squinting.

"That's it you think I'm leaving you. Sakura I'm not leaving until you return to a normal life. I promised I'd be here for you and I don't cross my word."

"Oh save the crap Sasuke you got what you've always wanted just go and be happy."

"I am happy. Right now as a guard I'm doing what I do best. Pushing numbers is the damn hobby, having those things switched is a little tedious. You're not getting rid of me yet pinky."

"Says the-"

"Shit."

"Wha-"

Sasuke grabbed Sakura arm to walk into another store but a group of people came closing in. The paparazzi had found their prey and were closing in.

Sasuke swore again. They were blocked at both ends the only way to go was across the street.

Stepping off the curb lights started flashing as the herd of people ran to catch a photo. Sakura pieced together the ensuing chaos and Sasuke and Sakura dove through moving traffic. Running down an alley they came out beside a theatre. The sound of a stampede sounded of narrow alley walls. Sakura drank in a lungful of air as Sasuke liked barely winded. Grabbing into her arm again the couple ran down a sidewalk weaving between citizens. Sasuke grabbed Sakura around the waist and pulled her flush against his front as they tried leaning on a wall as people passed. Sasuke was betting this would be the best way to ditch their entourage.

"Look over here!"

Sakura and Sasuke looked across the street to find a lone man snapping a perfect picture of them holding one another before jumping into a cab and tearing away.

Sasuke swore a few creative words before slamming a hand into a brick wall. Blood dripped to the ground as Sakura watched stunned horror as Sasuke's body sang with tension.

"Sasuke?" Sakura dared to draw his attention and cringed when his eyes met hers. Green clashes with eyes tinged with what looked like red rage. Blinking the red vanished from Sasuke's iris it seemed as he took it the sight of his bleeding hand.

"Five bucks says we are on the news in two hours." Sasuke's voice was sarcastic because he knew he was right.

His whole life he ran and hid, at a young age he knew the time for a story to post. Having bored them by his early teen years he had lived in some peace. Now with Sakura he was back to being on the map. Looked like he was going to live the spot lite life right along with his charge. The thought had him laughing. Ironic how you spend time running away when it all just catches up anyways.

"Let's just get you home so I can wrap that hand. Hopefully nothing's broken."

"It's not. Let's go. Cab!"

Sasuke winced slightly as Sakura dabbed at his hand with rubbing alcohol. Nothing had been broken like he thought but he had scraped his knuckles raw.

Picking up gauze Sakura spoke, "That was crazy. Is there going to always be a mob of people?"

"Unfortunately."

Sakura mentally sagged at the revelation. Could this really be her new life? Would she ever be able to be in true peace again after all of this? And Sasuke….

Shaking her head to stop her course of thought.

She mentally yelled at herself, "Sasuke is doing his job, I don't mean anything. After all of this he will go onto be the great millionaire who looks down at people like me."

Sasuke pulled his wrapped hand away when Sakura had stopped and seemed to wander into her thoughts.

Getting up Sasuke let Sakura think while he ventured to the kitchen to retrieve two wine flutes and a bottle of expensive white wine he had been saving for a while. There was nothing to celebrate but after running around the city and their lives being dealt more shit cards he felt they deserved it.

Quickly popping the cork and pouring two glasses he sauntered back to the couch where Sakura was still lost in the world of her conscious.

Nudging her shoulder with the glass she absentmindedly took the cool beverage and drank, it took a moment for her to process the tinge of burning alcohol. Turing to look at Sasuke she watched him sip his own drink while fishing around for his cigarettes and lighting one.

"Those things will rob you of your sex appeal and before you know it women will run from your looks instead of flock." Sakura spoke while lightly giggling.

Sasuke too another pull from the stick before replying, "I know. It's exactly why I do it."

"Tired of your own genes?"

"Exhausted." Sasuke actually laughed slightly.

The two sat talking about nothing in particular while the wine bottle slowly emptied, by the time it was gone both felt warmer and light headed.

Sakura listened intently to Sasuke's story about being a guard. He had started at sixteen and was named the best marksmen in the corps. Sakura was in awe even more as Sasuke let the alcohol take control over his mouth and he opened up.

He was breaking a number of rules by opening up and getting cozy with his charge yet he didn't have the faith to care, and that though wormed into his mind and sat there. Sakura was working her way past years of barriers he had built to protect himself, and it unnerved him.

Adjusting in his spot he swallowed hard as facts blurred together, he couldn't let her get close. "For her own safety I need to remember this is a job, and I can't risk things being fogged up by my own desires. Besides what if she belongs to someone else?"

Sasuke stood up at that thought and gathered the empty bottle walking to the kitchen, Sakura had fallen asleep ten minutes ago.

The thought that he might not be able to have what he wanted boiled his blood.

Uchiha's got what they wanted whether through force or whatever means, and because Sakura was his charge she came wrapped in yellow caution tape.

Rule number one of the guard corps: Never mix pleasure with work.

Slamming the bottle onto the counter the glass cracked from shear force, Sakura jolted awake.

"Sasuke?"

"You should get to bed."

Sakura was stunned by his arctic voice and cold demeanor, they had fun and now he acted so distant. Standing she walked over to him as he leaned against the counter his hands gripping the counter so hard his muscles were sprang tight.

"Sasuke are-"

"Sakura. Bed."

Flinching from his simple command tears stung. Did she do something wrong?

"Sasuke-"

Sasuke turned to stare dead into green eyes that held such confused sadness. Sasuke mentally hated himself in that moment, because he put that sadness in her eyes when more than anything he wanted to take all her pain away.

Biting back hot tears Sakura turned and walked back to her barrowed room, shutting the door and sinking to the floor.

Sasuke sighed heavily. He didn't want to be the cold monster he knew he could be, but she was better at arm's length. He could do his job and protect her that way. Mentally trying to reassure himself it was better this way he sank into a kitchen chair and grabbed another bottle. This time however he drank bourbon.