A/N: I hope I didn't keep you guys and gals waiting too long. I really like how these first few shots have turned out. I think I'm getting a little better, well at least I hope I am. I will let you folks be the judge of that.
#4.2
Sasuke sighed for he knew the hundredth time. His father, brother, and future mother-in-law were having lunch at her home. For the life of him he couldn't see why they needed to meet with the annoying women before the party later that night.
Sasuke looked to his side to see his brother busy on his phone. 'Probably texting that loud mouth friend of his' Sasuke thought to himself. To be honest, Sasuke couldn't be more grateful for Itachi than he was now. He was glad Itachi decided to wake him that morning because there was no way he wanted his father to catch him with Neji.
*buzz buzz*
From: Itachi
Thinking about your brunette lover? :3
Sasuke blushed and shot his brother a glare. He was really starting to regret the nice thoughts he had earlier about his brother.
*buzz buzz*
From: Itachi
This lady's voice is giving me a headache. :/
Sasuke knew how Itachi felt. She was just as loud and annoying as her daughter who they were currently waiting on.
To: Itachi
Tell that to your power hungry father.
"So Mrs. Haruno, I suppose the small details will be worked out at the end of the party."
"Ah yes! I cannot tell you how happy my Sakura is about all this!"
Sasuke rolled his eyes and Itachi couldn't help but give a small snort.
"Sasuke is excited about this too, aren't you son?" Fugaku asked Sasuke.
"Thrilled," Sasuke answered drily causing his brother to chuckle. It was official now; Fugaku was an asshole in Sasuke's opinion. He knew Sasuke wasn't thrilled about marry Sakura.
"Ahh, please excuse my son's rude sense of humor. Sakura is a lovely young woman."
Mebuki laughed. "It's fine really Mr. Uchiha. Sakura already informed me of their pervious relationship. I know he is just being modest."
"What relationship?" Sasuke asked. He was very curious as to what Sakura told her mother their relationship was.
Mrs. Haruno took a sip of her tea and smiled. "She told me you two have been very close since high school," she answered with a wink.
Sasuke frowned. "If you mean she closely stalked me, then…yeah I guess she was always close by."
"Sasuke!" Mr. Uchiha quickly apologized to Mebuki. "Itachi would you keep Mrs. Haruno company, I need to have a word with your brother," he said motioning for Sasuke to follow him.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
"What the hell was that?!"
Sasuke just frowned and looked away from his father. Normally he would have just gone along with whatever his father said, but for some reason today he didn't feel like. "What's the problem?"
"Don't answer me with a question boy! We have an agreement and a contract to complete," his father hissed. "You will not make any more ridiculous remarks regarding that woman's daughter. Is that understood?"
Sasuke snorted. "Please, we don't need their business. Their account is worth less than mother spends on shoes."
"Why can't you be like your brother and do your part in making this business successful?"
"I'm not Itachi and he isn't the one having to marry some over grown fangirl!" Sasuke yelled. "Their account is useless to us. So why make me marry her of all people."
"You watch your tone with me. You know nothing of how this business works. It doesn't matter if their account is worth what we spend on lunch today. It's about the potential in what they have to offer. Mr. Haruno is an underrated mastermind and the Uchiha is going to benefit from owning and controlling his every move. That's what this contract is about!"
"With all do respect father, but that's dumb. We're risking a lot taking them on and not to mention you're ruining my life."
"What do you purpose then Mr. know it all?" His father asked folding his arms. "You seem like you have a lot to say today. If you can give me someone, anyone, who is better suited to work under the Uchiha name then I'll stop this right now."
Sasuke looked at his father. He could tell his father was dead serious. "The Hyuga," Sasuke simply answered.
"Are you mad?! There is no way I will work with those arrogant twins, ever. I can barely stand I had to invite them tonight."
"There is no one better suited for us to merge with….and you call yourself a business man," Sasuke mumbled the last part. He always knew his father only dealt with the Hyuga twins because his mother wouldn't have a social gathering unless they were invited. Whether his father wanted to admit it or not; the Hyuga were a must have on any guest list for upscale parties.
Fugaku frowned at his son. "I aim to be the best and not second to anyone. Now you get your shit together and go back in there. I don't want to hear anymore rude comments about Sakura. Am I clear?"
"Crystal…" Sasuke replied following his father back into the dining area.
"Ah, I apologize for the wait. Itachi why don't give you mother a call and see what time she plans to arrive."
Itachi didn't respond he just picked up his phone and dialed his mother's number.
"Hello!"
"Mother, its Itachi."
"I know your voice sweetheart. Is there anything you need?" Mikoto asked.
"Yes, father was wondering when you were going to arrive at the lunch meeting." Itachi could faintly hear a second voice in the background that told him his mother wasn't alone.
"Hmmm, I have other plans."
Itachi sighed. "Mother this was planned a week ago. Father is requesting your presence here." Itachi hated when he had to play middle man for his parents. Especially when his mother decided to change her mind at the last minute. "Where are you?"
"How could I forget when your father reminded me every single day…I out with Neji right now, so I won't be coming," Mikoto answered.
"Well where is she?" Fugaku asked Itachi.
"Out with Neji," Itachi answered.
This made Sasuke look towards his brother. What would Neji and his mother be doing together today of all times?
"Why?" Mr. Uchiha asked.
"Tell him that Neji and I have plans, so unless he wants me to bring him along then I'm not coming."
"She's not going to be able to make," Itachi said to everyone at the table.
"Besides, this is my charity party tonight they are turning into some business deal instead!"
Itachi sighed. "I understand, mother but-"
"No buts sweetheart! Your father is always doing this!"
Mikoto was now talking loud enough for everyone at the able to hear her. Fugaku took Itachi's phone and walked out on the balcony to continue the conversation.
"So she's with Neji?" Sasuke asked his brother.
"That's what she said. It sounded like she was talking through her car phone," Itachi answered relaxing more in his seat. "She's probably taking him shopping."
"Maybe," Sasuke said.
"You know he's the 'daughter' she never had," Itachi said with a small smile.
"Yeah, he kinda is. You remember when she took him to get his hair done?" Sasuke asked.
Itachi couldn't help but laugh out loud. "How could I forget? He looked just like a little girl with all those tight curls."
Mrs. Haruno looked between the two young men as they talked. It was obvious that they were close with this Neji person. "Who is Neji?"
Both Itachi and Sasuke looked at her. "He's been a friend of Sasuke and mine since we were young."
"Oh, you both seem very fond of him," she said.
"That we are," Sasuke said softly. He had tried not to think about Neji. He hated the way he just left without talking him. Now here he was agreeing to marry someone he didn't even like. "Would you excuse me?"
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sasuke saw his father staring angrily at his brother's phone. He could only conclude that the conversation did not go as planned. Not to mention his father never really like Neji much.
"What?" his father asked. "Is Sakura and her father here now?"
Sasuke was beginning to feel nervous now. He knew what he wanted to say but should he, was the question going on in his head. His father was a good man, but a tough one to fully understand and please. "I don't want to marry Sakura."
"We've been through this Sasuke-"
"No," Sasuke said shaking his head. "I don't like her and I will never love her the way a husband is supposed to love his wife."
It was Fugaku turn to be confused. "Love will come later."
"I'm in love with someone else," Sasuke said with a blush looking down.
Fugaku looked at Sasuke. He could understand Sasuke's feelings, but not everything in life goes the way people want it to. "I'll entertain your thoughts of love. Who is she? Maybe she comes from a good family."
"Neji."
Sasuke was surprised at his father calm expression at his answer. He was expecting to get yelled at or something. Instead his father just stood there looking at him. "That changes nothing."
"What?"
"Just what I said. You want that Hyuga fairy, fine. Then have him in your own time. You will marry Sakura and she is to not know of your other ventures involving the Hyuga. I can't afford to have word of your inappropriate relationship getting out."
Sasuke couldn't believe what he was hearing. His father wanted him to still marry Sakura and even have Neji on the side. "I can't do that to him!"
"Uchiha men don't date other men. If you want to keep that annoying Hyuga around that is your only choice. I knew that Hyuga was a bad influence on you from the beginning. So if you want to keep fucking that Hyuga bitch you will do as I say!"
Sasuke frowned. "You're an asshole."
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Neji stood inside Mikoto's bedroom sized closet. He had actually enjoyed his day with her. He wasn't really big on shopping but he couldn't tell her no.
"Neji, which do you think would go better with this black dress, the royal blue pumps or the red peep toe?"
"Pumps," Neji answered. To be honest either shoe would have been fine in his opinion. No knew how much of a fashion nut Mrs. Uchiha was beside him and her family.
"Remember; when the party starts you find Sasuke."
"Yes, and tell him how I feel," Neji finished.
"No, I was going to say lay a big one on him. But if you want to talk to him first than that's fine too I suppose."
Neji couldn't help but shake his head.
"Just pull him to the side and you give him a choice. Either he chooses you or you guys can't be friends anymore," Mikoto said folding her arms. "He needs to know that you mean business Neji."
"I just don't want to lose him," Neji said softly.
"And you want. But you can't wait your whole life for Sasuke to later decide he wants to be with you. You've loved him a long time and of he doesn't choose you tonight then I am ordering you to open your heart for someone else."
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The party was in full swing. Neji had greeted his father and uncle when they first arrived. Mikoto was now mingling with the crowd dragging Neji along with her. She had introduced him to some very interesting people and even got him a few clients to jump start his real estate business. Very rich clients at that. It was obvious that Mikoto was loved by many because so many people always attended her charity parties.
"Oh look there go my boys," Mikoto said linking her and Neji's arms together. He was really nervous as they approach the group. For some reason he started to criticize himself. 'Maybe I should have just worn my hair straight and wore a darker suite' Neji told himself.
"Ah, hello Mrs. Uchiha it is so nice to see you and you look amazing by the way," Mrs. Haruno said taking Mikoto's free hand in hers.
"Thank you Mrs. Haruno."
"Yes, I must agree with my mother you're lovely as always," Sakura added as she hung off Sasuke's arm.
"Dear."
"Fugaku," Mikoto said and smiled, "I must apologize for my absence at the lunch meeting today. I had double booked my plans."
"Oh it was no problem really." This time is was Mr. Haruno who spoke up.
"Where are my manners, this is Neji Hyuga. He's Hizashi Hyuga's son," Mikoto said with a smile.
"Oh wow, really? It's a pleasure to meet you. Big fan of your father's work," Mr. Haruno said shaking Neji's hand.
"The pleasure is mine sir," Neji replied. He then turned to look at Sasuke who was shamelessly staring at him. Neji couldn't help but blush.
"So you are the famous Neji I've heard about. You are quite the looker," Mrs. Haruno said.
"Thank you…"
"This is my daughter Sakura," Mrs. Haruno said pulling Sakura forward.
"Yes, we already know each other from high school," Neji replied. "Sasuke…"
Sasuke just turned and walked away motioning for Neji to follow him. Neji followed Sasuke out to the balcony and stood beside him. "Sasuke, we need to talk."
"Alright," Sasuke said turning to face Neji. He had really missed Neji.
"All I have to say is that I love you and I hope that we can take whatever this is between us a little further. I don't want you to marry Sakura."
Sasuke couldn't help but take everything Neji said to heart. This meant more than anything to him that Neji was willing to make himself so vulnerable in front of him, again. Sasuke couldn't help but admire Neji for his courage to be who he wanted to be without needing to please anyone. He had already made up his mind on what he planned to do.
"Sasuke…"
Sasuke was brought from his thoughts when he heard Neji call his name. It was almost hard for him to look Neji in the eyes. 'Dammit! Why is he so damn cute?' Sasuke asked himself.
"I know this is a lot to take in but you have to give me an answer."
Sasuke wasn't sure what he should say. He was due to announce his engagement to Sakura any minute and seal the deal between their companies.
"Sasuke!"
Sasuke and Neji turned to see Sasuke's father standing in the doorway. Sasuke looked at Neji and couldn't help but feel his heart clench a little at the sad expression on Neji's face.
"Coming," he said walking around Neji. It hurt him to see his friend that way. It was like a dream come true hearing Neji say he loved him.
"You handled it?" His father asked as they walked towards the center of the room.
Sasuke couldn't help but frown a little. He looked back and saw his mother at Neji's side holding his hand. "It's handled."
"Good evening everyone and thank you for coming to our monthly charity ball. It is my pleasure to introduce my youngest son Sasuke, for he has something he would like to say." Fugaku handed Sasuke the microphone.
Sasuke took a deep breath and looked around the room quickly. He noticed a few familiar faces along with some he had never seen before. This was the big moment. Whatever he said right now was going to determine the rest of his life.
"As my father stated I have something very important to say." Sasuke looked to his right and he saw his brother nod at him. "I would like to introduce everyone to someone very special to me. This person and I have been friends for a very long time and have recently taken our relationship to the next level and I honestly couldn't be happier." Sasuke looked and saw Neji seated at the back of the room. He couldn't help but give a small smile at the sight of the pouting Hyuga.
"As you all may know, my family's company is looking to merge with the best minds in the business. I know this may come as a shock to everyone, but we will make our union official through marriage. I would like for my brother and Neji Hyuga to join me in the center."
Fugaku gave his son a warning look. He hoped Sasuke wasn't planning on doing anything stupid. 'This can't be good' Fugaku thought to himself.
Neji slowly made his way through the crowd. He didn't understand why Sasuke would ask him to join him. He was about to announce his engagement and the last thing Neji wanted was to be up there while Sakura through herself all over Sasuke. Neji Finally reached the center and stood next to Itachi. He couldn't bear to look at Sasuke, so he hid himself close to Itachi's side.
Itachi took the mic. "As Sasuke said earlier we are going to merge with the best minds in the business through a marriage contract. I would to personally like to thank both Hiashi and Hizashi Hyuga for ageing to represent the Uchiha name within their company."
The crowd clapped and Neji gave the elder Uchiha brother a confused look. Since when did they have a contract with his family? It didn't make any sense at all and especially not since Sasuke was still the one getting married. Was he going to marry Hinata or Hanabi?
Fugaku was livid. He should have known his sons would pull something like this. It made it even worse since Itachi was in his right to negotiate and arranged contract agreements since he was his business partner.
"And with the consent of Neji," Itachi said looking down at him. "We will make this arrangement official."
"I don't understand," Neji said looking at both Sasuke and Itachi. Why would they need his ok for the deal to go through? He wasn't even in the same business as his father and uncle so he really had no say in what was done with it.
Sasuke smiled. "Neji," he said moving to stand in front of the smaller male. Sasuke was trying to fight his blush down and he hoped this would work like Itachi said it would.
"Sasuke, what's going on?" Neji asked.
Gasp could be heard all around the room when Sasuke got down on one knee in front of Neji. 'This is not happening,' Neji told himself. There was no way Sasuke was going to do what he thought he was about to do.
Itachi cleared his throat and Sasuke shot his brother a glare. He knew Itachi was telling him to hurry up. Taking a deep breath Sasuke took Neji's hand in his. "Neji in front of all these people here today. I ask you asked both my friend and love of my life. Would you marry me?"
Mikoto squealed loudly and ran towards Neji wrapping her arms around him.
Itachi sighed. "Um, mother he hasn't gave his answer yet."
"Mom…" Mikoto looked down and saw the irritated look on Sasuke's face. She smiled and stepped back a little to give them some space.
"So, what do you say?"
Neji smirked at Sasuke. "Hmmm, I guess marrying you wouldn't be too bad."
"Yay!" Mikoto cheered and started to clap. She then hugged Neji again. "We're going to be family!"
Sasuke stood and was pulled into a group hug with his mother and Neji. She seemed happier about the whole thing than they did to Sasuke. When Sasuke looked into Neji's eyes, he knew he'd made the right choice. He could see himself waking up to his face for the rest of his life. Sasuke then placed a soft kiss on Neji's lips.
"It's going to be a pleasure doing business with you."
Fugaku just looked at the Hyuga. "I won't be doing any business with you or your brother."
"Awe, Fugaku don't be like that," Hizashi said patting him on the back. "You know you've always secretly like us."
Fugaku snorted in response. "Don't be a fool Hyuga. I can't stand you or your uptight brother."
"The pots calling the kettle black," Hizashi said smiling.
Both Hiashi and Fugaku frowned at him. "Whatever our differences are will have to be out behind us now. This is business and we're both good at what we do. So how about a truce since we're going to be family soon."
"Fine," Hiashi said holding his hand out for Fugaku to shake.
"It's not like I have a choice," Fugaku said tightly shaking Hiashi's hand.
"Plus, you can't pretend like it doesn't make you feel a little good to see your son happy," Hizashi said looking at the newly engaged couple.
Fugaku had to admit that Sasuke did look happier than he'd seen him in a long time. It was going to take some getting used to having Neji being Sasuke's partner. He wasn't sure what this would do to their family's reputation let alone what it does to the business now. He would deal with Neji only when he had to for the sake of Sasuke; because he knew it was going to be a long time before he even considered approving their relationship. Now he had to deal with the Haruno family.
Fugaku sighed, "Sasuke was causing way more trouble than he's worth."
A/N: I hope you guys liked this! Please feel free to leave me an idea for the next one-shot.
*This one is longest one so far. Took a lot of time and I didn't finish it as quickly as I wanted to but I didn't keep you guys waiting too long for the update.
Excuse all mistakes guys; sorry in advance because I'm sure there are some words or a sentence or two that need to be fixed. I tried to catch everything, but you know how that goes when re-reading your own work. Everything pretty much looks good. Well until next time!
-SasuNejiUchiha-