Author's Note: I'm happy that the people who actually reviewed like my story.
Unfortunately I'm also beginning to feel extremely discouraged. The reviews motivate me, and if there's not enough reviews; for me to feel safe enough to continue, the motivation dissolves.
But anyway, I love how I make Hinata seem a little more outspoken. It makes her role in the story a lot more interesting.
By the way there is some sort of flashback in this chapter. You'll notice it. 'Earlier'.
NikkyDOOM xox

Characters (c) Masashi Kishimoto
Story (c) NikkyDOOM

Naruto sat on his bed lazily, leaning against a wall.
Ever since the kiss in the elevator, he'd become a zombie. He hardly uttered a word to Neji when he had bumped into him.

Who does he think he is? Kissing me like that! He's so lucky I don't get up right now, and hunt his ass down. Even if it means I have to tear up every patch of land on this campus. Even if it means I have to knock on every single door in this dorm, asking for the prestigious, Sasuke Uchiha.

The door opened, Kiba setting his bag down and kicking the door closed.
"Hey."
Naruto just stared at him.
He haughtily crossed his arms over his chest.

"What's eating you?" Kiba asked.
He hated when Naruto was in one of his 'moods'. It really bugged him, and if he hadn't been helping split the rent for the dorm he would have kicked him out a long time ago.
"Nothing."
Naruto's alarm went off, signaling it was time for work.

Speaking of work, when Naruto had gotten back from his lunch break; Sasuke was gone.
He was left to photograph Ino Yamanaka.

"Isn't it about time you get going, Naruto? You're gonna be late for work. I'd think you'd be waking up right about now anyway."
"He kissed me."
Kiba's eyes could have exploded.
"What? When? Where? Who kissed you and got away with it? Because I have to hand it to him, he has balls."
"That's the problem! He wasn't a she."
Kiba leered. "Well then? Who was it?"
"Sasuke Uchiha."
"Are you serious? With all the chicks that idly stand by waiting for him to breathe? They actually stalk him you know. Gave me the impression he liked the attention."
"Well he gave you the wrong idea."
"Wow. Out of all the guys for you to work with. And on the first day." Kiba chuckled to himself. "You're some piece of work, Naruto."
"Shut up, Kiba. Just shut up. When I find that bastard, I guarantee you he's going to be meeting my fist."

Naruto stood behind the bar.
"Naruto?"
He looked over at TenTen.
"What is it?"
"Nothing, you just seem distracted. Wake up."

Naruto, TenTen, and Neji worked at a bar/night club called 'Azure'.
It brought in all sorts of crowds, from hipsters to celebrities.

"Yeah Naruto, pick up the slack." Neji said in annoyance.

Neji Hyuuga would rather not work with Naruto at all. To him, Naruto seemed to be moronic, and a pain on the side of his ass. No matter what way Neji scrutinized him, it seemed Naruto would surprise him every time. Neji didn't like the unpredictable. He liked being in control, knowing what to expect. But with Naruto it was different.
And it intrigued him.

"Whatever."
Naruto continued to pour drinks until a soft voice called out to him.
"Bartender?"
He recognized the voice, he just couldn't recall from where.
Naruto turned over.
There sat a very dainty Hyuuga, her violet eyes staring back at Naruto.
"Hinata! Hey!"
Hinata smiled. "Wow Naruto. Didn't know you held down two jobs. And school? What can't you do?"
He nodded. "I can't cook. Aside from that, I manage."
Naruto gave her a lopsided grin. "What can I get you?"
"Hmm. How about a Manhattan?"
"Comin' right up." Naruto turned away from her.

"Hinata?"
The girl turned over and embraced her cousin.
"Hey Neji."
Neji pulled away. He elegantly raised an eyebrow.
"You know him?"
He was of course referring to Naruto.
"Yeah, he started today at Orochimaru's agency."
"Well… that's great."
He glanced at Naruto with disdain in his eyes. Of course he had said that with sarcasm intended. Actually, the way he had put it; his words dripped with venom.

"Manhattan."
Naruto placed the glass in front of Hinata.
The music in the club had stopped playing, the Dj coming on.
"Look who's here! The ever-welcome, Sasuke Uchiha!"
There was applause, along with whispers.
The spotlight had been set on Sasuke, who had been hiding out in a corner with his entourage.
A light scowl spread across his soft features. Seems he really had been hiding.

Naruto's heartbeat ceased.
He looked like a deer caught in headlights, and he knew it.
His face started getting hot; a light blush formulating despite his efforts to push it down.
Hinata smirked.
"Well, I guess I should go say hello. You should come with me Naruto. After all, we're all co-workers."
Naruto shook his head. "No, that's okay. I am still working. Er, can't leave my post; sorry."
TenTen poked him on the shoulder.
"Actually, Naruto… your shift just ended."

Gee thanks TenTen. Some friend you are.

"Oh come on Naruto! I won't take no for an answer."

How did Naruto get himself into these situations?
Why couldn't he say no to Hinata's persistence on the whole matter?
He just couldn't turn down a girl. Her pout nearly devoured him from the inside out, causing his heart to sink heavily into his stomach.

They now both sat in the corner along with Sasuke, Ino, a guy that resembled Sasuke in more ways than one, and a girl with pink hair and delicate features.
Naruto sat next to Hinata, not really saying a word to anyone; instead just sipping on the last of his scotch on the rocks.
He knew Sasuke was eyeing him.
And he knew Sasuke was smirking.

Didn't I guarantee the next time I saw this guy I'd rip his fucking face off? What am I doing sitting here? Why am I not taking a cab back to the dorm? Why did my shift end so early?
Why?
WHY?

Hinata giggled.Inner Naruto shot himself in the head.
Sasuke sighed, obviously bored.
"You haven't introduced us, little brother." Itachi said tenuously.
Sasuke rolled his eyes.
He had no idea why he had let himself give into his brother. It happens each and every time.
"That's Naruto; new photographer at Orochimaru's. Hinata; really cute intern."
Hinata blushed prettily.
Itachi grinned.
"I'm Itachi Uchiha. Sasuke's older brother. This is my girlfriend, Sakura Haruno."
Hinata shook Sakura's hand.
"Nice to meet you."
Naruto nodded in acknowledgement. He felt awkward enough, he didn't want to go stumbling on his words.
Earlier he had been this extremely blunt and cut-to-the-chase guy.
But after Sasuke had kissed him, he became a blundering idiot. It confused him, and made him some what angry.
His confidence and nonchalance had been swept away by a kiss.
A kiss from a guy.
Not only at that, but a guy he didn't even know.

Ino winked at Naruto.
"I think we already know each other."
Naruto grinned.

Earlier

Naruto poked one of his assistants on the shoulder.
"Yo. Have you seen my camera?"
The assistant handed him a coffee. "Nope. You gave me the film and that's about it."
Naruto scratched his head. "Oh, right. Think you can help me look for it?"
"Sorry, lunch break."
The assistant walked out of the room.
Naruto took a sip of his coffee before wandering around searching for his camera.
He stuck his head in a few rooms, not finding anything or anyone.
"Dammit. Where is everybody?"
He opened a door, not really looking in.
"They're out to lunch."
Naruto's jaw dropped. His coffee slipped out of his hand.
There stood a very naked Ino.
Naruto being the guy he is, quickly covered his eyes and blushed deeply.
"U-uh I'm sorry I was jus-"
She held up the camera. "Looking for this?"
"Looking for what?"
Ino laughed. "You know, you can uncover your eyes now. I have a robe on."
Naruto dropped his hands from his face. "Sorry, I really didn't mean to walk in on you."
"You act like you've never seen a girl before."
Ino handed him his camera.
"W-well I'm just not used to walking in on my naked co-workers."
Naruto still hadn't stopped blushing.
"You know what kid? You're cute. Here's my number."
She handed him a card.
Naruto just stared at it.
"I don't bite. Don't be scared to give me a call when you're feeling lonely."

An extremely loud dance song pulsating with bass came on.
"This is my favorite song!" Sakura squealed.
"Let's not let it go to waste then." Itachi replied.
They both got up, walking towards the dance floor.
Itachi had tapped Hinata lightly on the shoulder, casting his arm out.
She wrapped her arm around his; following Itachi and Sakura into the crowd.

"I really like this song too Sasuke!" Ino said excitedly. "Come dance with me!"
"I'll pass."
Ino frowned, before getting up and disappearing into the crowd.

"So we're finally alone." Sasuke said seductively.
Naruto's expression remained adamant. As much as he tried to pretend and ignore Sasuke, he couldn't. It was like a ringing in his ears.
Sasuke had gotten up, taking a seat next to Naruto.
He was little too close for comfort, his eyes callously burning into Naruto's cerulean ones.
Naruto chortled nervously.
Sasuke placed a hand on Naruto's knee.
Naruto inched away. "Look at the time, I gotta go."
Naruto shot up quickly, running out of the club as fast as he could.
He didn't even stop to grab his jacket. He didn't even stop to say goodbye to TenTen.

"Naruto!"
Neji rolled his eyes. "TenTen, let him go."
"No, just I'm wondering where he's off to in such a hurry. What if something's wrong?"
"Who cares? Come on lets go. Don't forget the idiot's jacket."