AN: And so I return...O.O"...I know it's been a long time...a little too long, I know...I'd like to start by apologizing for my lateness...lol, I've had a lot going on in terms of personal life, school, among other things, and unfortunately stayed caught up in all of that for a little longer that I would have liked...I'd like to say that it's all over and I will be updating more frequently, but, I really don't know if I can say that with 100% confidence that it will actually happen...:( But I'll try!

So, without further adieu, the new chapter! :D

(Disclaimer; I do not own Naruto nor any of the characters therein, I do own Kiame and Ayame, however.)
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Chapter 3: Late

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"So he knew it was you, right off the bat?" My longtime friend, and college roommate, Naru asked, tipping back her glass of Bacardi as she spoke.

I sighed as I leaned against our bar table, trying to keep my spirits from falling. I wish just one day could go as I hoped it would…today would have been nice, for instance. I mean, at least I have a job; but a boss that wasn't a total ass would be better than having to put up with that arrogant guy for the rest of the year. A chorus of yells broke me from my thoughts-this pub was busier than I remember…"Yeah, so you can just imagine how the interview went after that."

Naru shook her head, causing her sandy blonde hair to bob around her face. She'd changed since I'd last saw her (even though that was just over 2 months ago); her hair was shorter, much shorter, and was almost pixie cut if it weren't for the bangs she now kept swept over the left of her cheek. She still wore the same silver-rimmed, circular glasses, which would have reminded me of my own be it I wore mine permanently. Behind the glasses, she had blue eyes, again, like myself, but they were more of a green than a blue-it really depended on lighting, I suppose. "So what'd you do?" She chuckled, pushing my drink back toward me.

"If you think getting me drunk will make the story come out, well, it won't." I laughed at her, though nonetheless taking a mouthful of the beverage she'd passed my way.

Naru's laugh grew louder. "It was worth a try."

"Hey!"

I glanced up, surprised that someone's yell could overpower the roar of the bar and crowd, but rolled my eyes upon realizing it was my oh so endearing sister; of course she could drown out the noise of a pub; it was Kiame we were talking about here. She came strolling up, brown hair flaring wildly behind her, as she took my blonde haired best friend in a large, sibling like hug. "I didn't know you'd be here!" She exclaimed, pulling back long enough to glance over her outfit. It was a simple vested top, with matching jeans and a embellished hoodie beneath. "And girl, you look hot!"

Naru blushed as she once again took her seat, waving away my sister's comment. She looked as if she were about to verbally protest, or maybe play off of the statement (Naru liked to do things like that) but I butted in before she got the chance. "Why are you dressed like that?" I stated, taking into account my own sister's attire.

Kiame glanced down at her, incredibly tight and uncomfortably revealing, emerald dress and contrasting rust coloured jacket, looking slightly hurt-though I knew that to be a lie. "What's wrong with it?" She asked, glancing back up at me.

"Nothing," I shrugged, turning my playful look into a dark glare. "So long as I don't have an army of suitors staying at my apartment later. I do want to sleep sometime before work tomorrow."

Kiame rolled her eyes and stuck her tongue out at me, "Has anyone ever told you you're mean when you're drunk?"

Again, I shrugged her off, well, before she realized exactly what I'd said; then I couldn't get her to let go of me. "I can't believe you actually nailed the interview!" Kiame squealed, a little too close to my ear. Since when did she get this strong? "I'm so proud of you! I knew you could do it!"

Naru laughed as she called the bartender over for more drinks, "I don't know if making her boss want to fire her on the first day really counts as 'nailing it.'"

Kiame's grip on me loosened, just enough for her to look me in the eye. "What is she talking about, Ayame?" Her happy green eyes were narrowed, staring me over; searching for an explanation. Ahhh, great, now she's mad at me.
What's up with all of these mood swings?

I smiled, a little forced, as I pushed her away, attempting to come up with a response, when I noticed the last of our party strolling up to join us. Both my sister and Naru turned to see the girl's I was now gesturing to, recognition beaming on their faces. "Claire, Serrah!" (I'd have to thank them for their timed arrival later…)

Sisters (well, twins…(fraternal, not identical like Kiame and myself)), Claire and Serrah, grinned as they saw our group welcoming them to the table. They had changed too; was everyone going through a make-over this season?

Claire's once long brown hair was now chopped and layered in a series of dyed auburn strands, extending and resting just above her shoulders. Serrah's hair was relatively the same, brown and straight, but she too had also swapped length for the shorter shoulder-do. Both girl's were relatively the same height, a short 5' 3", but with the shoes they both wore I'd wager they were now around 5'4-5'5. Claire wore her signature leather jacket (the cold was reminding me of how much I missed my own…If only I could have kept ahold of my coffee…), with a black V-neck shirt and matching cargo pants beneath; in contrast, her sister, Serrah, wore a jean jacket (man was it cold here…), with a stylish purple hoodie and (again) jeans that matched her coat. Their brown, lens clad eyes met mine as they both took their seats alongside of us. "How have you guys been?" I asked, hoping Kiame had forgotten about Naru's statement from earlier.

"Good," Claire responded, folding her arms on the table. "Well, getting ready for a recital now, but yeah..."

"Oh," Kiame spoke up this time. "That's right, I remember you mentioning that last week. (Sometimes I forgot that my sister was still in college herself…) When is it again?"

"October 21st," She responded, smiling, "I was meaning to invite all of you to come listen, if you want to, that is..."

"I will," I grinned, nudging Naru, "And we will all be there too."

Claire nodded, giving her sister a sudden nudge. "Tell them what you've been up to?"

Serrah glanced up, surprised, then somewhat frustrated, before she sighed, trying to hide her discomfort. "Well, uhm…I just submitted a few rough drafts to some publishers…" She glanced back down at her lap. Both of the girl's spoke softly, more so than what'd you normally hear (not that I really minded), but sometimes it was a little hard to hear them…especially in a room such as this. "But I haven't heard anything back from them yet."

Naru chuckled, "You will! You just sent them out a few weeks ago, right?"

Serrah looked up and nodded, "Last Tuesday."

"You'll hear back soon," I chimmed in, trying to give a reassuring smile. "No need to worry."

"Tonight we party!" Kiame yelled, clanking her, now empty, glass on the table. "A night of celebration and success! To us girls!"

I rolled my eyes, putting my beverage in the air. The others did so as well, clinking glasses together and cheering softly. "To us."

"So," Naru rounded on me as she passed another drink in my direction. Her bright eyes were gleaming with evil intentions-either that, or a small buzz; it was sort of hard to tell at this point. "We all want to hear about this interview, Ayame."

The eye roll came again. Just when I thought she had forgotten… "No, you really don't…"

"Yeah we do," Claire stated, smiling, "Kiame told us a little, but we didn't get to hear the whole story."

I glanced over at my sister, who was grinning back at me with a forced kindness; she really is something else. "Thanks, Kia."

She chuckled, "Anytime."

"Ahhh, come on and tell us already!" Naru pouted, blowing a tuft of her hair from her eyes. "You've had me waiting all night!" She emphasized her pout by sticking her lip out further; wonder where she learned that trick from….Kiame….?

I took a long draught of my drink and released a content sigh as the alcohol began to burn throughout my body; there wouldn't be any getting out of this now…I had the whole team rounded on me… "Fine, fine." The group seemed giddy as they all turned to give their attention to me (well, me and their beverages). "What do you want to know?"

"The beginning!" Serrah stated, "We didn't get to hear the whole thing yet!"

"Alright," I sighed and began to speak…"Earlier today I got a call back from a company I'd applied to a few weeks ago." I explained, "I'm sure you're all familiar with Akatsuki Enterprises?"

A few in the group nodded, seeming surprised; a callback to me was like winning the lottery, at least they understood.

"Alright, well, they called. I answered, and it turns out I actually managed to get an interview for this afternoon. So, I told Kiame, and of course," I gestured to my sister with my eyes, which made her grin in return-she felt no shame. "She wanted to pick out my clothes. Well, the things I'd already had in my closet weren't good enough, so she decided we should go shopping; a few hours before I had to leave for my interview."

"All of your clothes were messed up," She huffed, pouting slightly.

I continued on, rolling my eyes. "So, because all of my clothes were messed up, we went shopping. I, having been up early this morning and haven't eaten-up to this point, anyway, decided we should get a cup of coffee while we were out. So, we stopped at the little shop around main," They all nodded intently, if there was anything my friends loved more than their respective college studies, it was coffee; and if there was anything they knew more than coffee, well, they knew where to find the best, and this place we went to just happened to be that.

Claire sighed, taking a mouthful of her drink. "I feel like I know where this is going…"

I nodded, again, continuing. "So, off we went; coffee in hand, and on a mission to find quality, affordable, dress-clothes. We start walking, gazing around at the shops and such," I waved my hands to gesture exactly what I meant, "When Kiame took ahold of my hand, dragging me down the sidewalk. I didn't really think much of it, since Kiame does this all the time-"

"No I don't." My sister huffed, pointing a finger at me.

"Yes, you do." I stated, waving her away. "So, here I am, being dragged along," I moved my hands again, trying to illustrate my point, "When this person suddenly walks out of the shop that we had just previously gazed into the window of. Kiame veers, missing whomever was stupid enough to get in the way, but, I-"

"Ahhhh…" Naru sighed, giving me a look of sympathy. "You hit them didn't you?"

Fighting the urge to hide my face, I nodded, earning a series of gasps and empathetic gazes from my entourage. "So you can just imagine how wonderfully that panned out…" I sighed (how many times had I done that tonight?) "Turns out the guy was my new boss…When I fell on him, I covered us both in scalding coffee, and, well…he had apparently been on the phone with some Japanese corporation trying to solidify a company deal, which…incidentally…never went through….because I…probably…broke his phone when I landed on him."

"Wow…" Claire mumbled.

"Yeah," Naru chuckled a little, not the reaction I expected. "You really fucked that one up."

"I know," I grumbled, drinking the last of my rum. "And my boss has made it a personal vendetta to ensure I never forget about it...so, yay…"

"Well," Kiame slammed her glass down and called to the bartender, whom began to prepare us another round. "The past is in the past, today, we celebrate the fact that you got a job, we celebrate _'s upcoming recital, _'s-hopeful-book, maybe even series, and togetherness!" The shots previously ordered were brought to the table, right on cue, "To us!"

I laughed, of course Kiame could lighten the mood, it was her forte after all. "To us."

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I woke the next morning, groggier and in considerably more pain than usual. When did we get back home?...I glanced around the room, still dark from the evening, taking in the shadows of my friends laying in various places along the floor. Someone must have guided me to my bedroom at some time during in the night, that or we all just decided to pass out in here…Which reminds me…just how much did I end up drinking last night..?

Ahhh…A headache started to pound its way into my head; thinking definitely wasn't helping right now…man, I really regretted doing all of that…I sighed, well, if I didn't feel like shit now, I would at….oh…..

OH

Ohhhhhhh FUCK
….

Throwing whatever pathetic means of coverage I'd had on myself throughout the night, I lunged from-what I guess to be-my bed, and made haste for the bathroom, careful not to trip over my friends bodies. If I thought my boss would give me hell about the coffee situation, well, I had a feeling he would only make it worse if I were late on the first day of work…Turning the knobs and whistles to their appropriate positions, I jumped into the shower, relieved when the steaming hot water rolled over my sticky and beverage covered skin.

Taking time to scrub my hair (thoroughly seeing as it was definitely smelly), and washing my body, I figured I had only spent around 10 minutes in and out of the cleaning vesicle (shower, if you want to call it that too…)-good timing, in my opinion. Maybe I could make up for some of my lost time and make it to work before he noticed I was late…Here's to hoping…

Tossing a towel around my still damp body, I ran back into my room (again, careful for my friends bodies), searching through my closet for something presentable to wear. I settled on a pair of plain gray trousers (Kiame insisted on these at the store the other day), a black peasant top, and similarly colored heels (again, she insisted); it would have to do.

I darted back to the bathroom, furiously scrubbing my mouth with toothpaste and mouthwash, all I needed was for someone to smell my breath and think me an alcoholic…Once done with my mouth, I brushed out my still incredibly wet hair, threw on a small layer of foundation, and made for the door.
Ah, what a start to the first day…

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Traffic, as usual, was bad around this time in the morning, like I figured it would be. Detroit was a business city after all, it was to be expected, still…it didn't really help my souring mood to sit in the said traffic all morning…

"Miss Azikuria," I glanced up from the floor, surprised to find that I was now standing in the foyer of the main tower. "Good morning." I blurted, to no one in particular.

Shirane, my guide from yesterday, was seated at her welcoming desk, grinning, and possibly holding back a laugh, "Good morning to you as well. You know, you're running a little late," This time she did chuckle, gesturing up to the large clock mounted on the wall above her.

The scowl from my drive reappeared…so did the headache. Great. "Ah, yeah. I was caught in traffic…"

Shirane moved from her place around the desk and came to stand alongside me, manicured hand outstretched. "You probably don't remember all of the floors you need to take; how about I show you to your office?"

I nodded and began to follow her, taking a mental sigh of relief. It's a good thing she offered to show me the way; otherwise I would have been wandering around this building forever…
We took the same passage as the other day, hallways, offices, etc, before we settled in front of the elevator doors. "So, I'm guessing Mr. Uchiha doesn't really tolerate tardiness?"

Shirane chuckled, sarcastically, but gave me a look of empathy soon after. Great. "Something along those lines," She sighed, "He was already in a bad mood whenever he came in this morning, he didn't even take his morning coffee the girl's bought him. So, who knows what he will be like when you get there."

Again, the scowl. "Oh boy…Just what I needed..."

"It's alright." Shirane gave me a smile, patting me lightly on the shoulder. "He can't really fire you on the first day."

I nodded, knowing that could very well not be true. "What time does he normally come in the office?" I asked, looking for something to break the silence. Granted I would normally enjoy said quiet, as would my growing headache, but I needed to find out his schedule…at least if I hoped to avoid situations like this again…

The snow-haired girl shook her head. "It depends on whether or not he even leaves the office at all. But, I suppose if he does go home, it's around 7, or on rare occasion 8, that he comes in the next morning." She glanced up at me as we entered the elevator, giving me a wry smile. "Are you hoping to make up for this morning?"

I made mental note of the keys Shirane pressed into elevator key pad, ensuring I would be able to find my way be it I found myself in this situation again, and shook my head. "No, but if I know his hours, at least I know what time to set my alarm for in the mornings (or gauge whether or not I should accept an offer from my friends to go out drinking on a work-night…which I probably won't be doing again)."

My guide chuckled again, gesturing to the now open elevator doors, "In that case, I hope you have a wonderful first day, Ms. Azikuria, and many more to follow."

I gave a small bow as I stepped out onto the floor, gracious for her help. "Thank you."

"Ms. Azikuria?"
I turned-from the now closing elevator-to find a lean, model-like woman standing before me; one of my bosses assistants, no doubt. She had long, silky blonde hair and a narrow, foxlike face that was now twisted into that of a, very rehearsed and annoyed, welcome-it made me a little uncomfortable. Her clothes were exquisite-however-tight, and tailored just for her small-body type, and all painted in that of bright cream colour. "Ms. Azikuria?" She asked again, a little more forcefulness in her voice than before.

A twinge of anger hit me at her tone; I really wasn't in the mood for this. "Yes."

"You're late." She stated, clicking an earpiece-which I had failed to notice until now-on her ear. The anger I'd just felt a moment ago? Yeah, that was now growing. "Yes, Mr. Uchiha." Oh great… I completely forgot that I'd still have to deal with him. "Yes, she's right here…Yes, I'll call them…Yes, she is…I'm bringing her in now." She glanced back up to me, her welcoming smile becoming stretched and fake. "If you'll follow me, Miss."

I swallowed the nerves, which I hadn't even known were there, back down and followed the woman to the room I'd been introduced to yesterday. "He's waiting for you inside."

I nodded, not even bothering to say thank-you, and walked into his office, immediately regretting my decision.

My boss wasn't sitting at his desk like I'd presumed him to be-like he had been yesterday-he was standing in front of it, taping his fingers on the tabletop in slow, painfully calculated rhythms. I felt myself swallow a little harder than usual… "That's odd," His voice was calmer than I thought it would have been, but it still sounded cold and uninviting. His dark, charcoal coloured eyes suddenly glanced me over, narrowing when they met back with my own blue ones. "I figured, since you are as late as you are, you happened upon an accident on your way into work. Did you?"

It took me a second to process what he'd said, but eventually I shook my head no. "Ah, well, was there some sort of family trouble then? Or car trouble, perhaps?"

"No." I snapped, suddenly seeing where this was going.

His hand began to tap a little slower than before. "Hmm, then do explain to me why you are late, then, Ms. Azikuria. And do," He gestured to one of the chairs he had seated before him, for clients, I presume, "Come in and take a seat."

I scowled and slowly made my way across the room, placing myself-with a little more force than necessary-within the chair he had gestured for me. Suddenly I felt like I was back in school, seated before the principal after doing something wrong, or defending my sister, after she had done something wrong… Needless to say, I didn't really like the feeling…neither did my headache.

Mr. Uchiha made his way from the front of his desk to his own chair, carefully unbuttoning his suit jacket before taking a seat. Today, he wore a white shirt, black shoes, and grey tie with matching jacket and slacks; not really colours I imagined him to wear, shades black or blue seemed to be more of his thing. "Why are you late." He stated, not really asking.

"I ran into some traffic this morning." I answered, trying not to let my anger get the better of me.

"As did I," He quipped. "Yet I was here on time."

"And yet you're here before me."

"Yet I'm here before you."

His dark black eyes didn't waver; they simply stared at me, waiting for me to answer. I scowled. Was he really just going to sit here hounding me about this all morning? Frankly, I wasn't in the mood to hear it, both my headache and my mood didn't really have the patience for it. "Look" I snapped. "I'm sorry I was late, and I will try to do better next time, but I really don't think you need to know the logistics." He opened his mouth, to retort I suppose, but again, I cut him off. "Whether or not you're my boss, my private life is my business. If you need my cause of tardiness written up, then I will be happy to do so; but I promise I won't be back if that's how you treat a simple misunderstanding in a business such as this."

Mr. Uchiha stared at me, not really saying anything.
In a way, it felt really good to be able to finally tell someone off, I felt it stewing all morning, but it just had to be…well…him…and I just HAD to threaten to quit…on the first bloody day…Great...

"I'm really tempted to fire you right now," My heart suddenly dropped…what did he say? I...Don't get me wrong, I expected that to make him mad, but...Fire?...on…on the first day? T-That has to be some sort of record, right? The black haired man sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "…Do you know how to make coffee?"

I glanced up at him, shocked. "W-what?"

Mr. Uchiha sighed, again, stressing the words for extra emphasis. "I know you like to drink coffee, at least from first-hand experience," I winced at the memory, "But do you know how to make it."

I blushed slightly, standing from my seat. "Y-yeah."

"Unless you really meant what you said, and you intend to quit, then disregard what I just asked. Otherwise, I take it black. Go make me some…please."

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AN: Lol, I felt like the chapter title fit my not updating situation appropriately...If anyone noticed that...lol...

SOOOOOOOOOO...

Thank you to BeatriceParadisio, The Guest Reviewer, SilverWolfMaiden, and others for both Reviewing, favoriting, or following this story D": It means so much to me!

BeatriceParadisio; You wrote such lovely reviews...D": Thank you again, and I really appreciate the constructive statements, I'll try to work some of them in as I continue writing both this story and more to follow. :D Maybe even change some formatting in the following chapters or something...lol. But really, I cannot thank you enough for the kind words! :D hugglez to you, my friend!

Guest; I'm going to try my best! O.O lol

To my college buddies; I hope you liked the references to you guys in there...XD lol, and to the twins, I hope you liked the FF XIII names...XD

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Thank you again to all for reading, favoriting, reviewing, or following, once more, they mean the world to me! :D more updates shall be coming in the future! Feel free to comment with some things I may need to improve, etc!

Happy Spring!

-Aria