--- Chapter Two: A Dreadful Day ---

-Saku/Sasu-

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

Sakura's eyes shot open at the sound of her alarm clock. She groaned in annoyance and turned her head to see the clock -that so rudely disturbed her peaceful sleep- standing on the dresser next to her bed. Reading the time, a whimper emitted from her throat. She had only gotten five hours of sleep. Just five! No wonder she felt crankier than ever. Sakura turned the alarm clock off and closed her eyes, lying down for a few moments.

She knew that she had to get to work, her boss didn't like her. It wouldn't make things any better if she came late and her excuse was that she was too tired to get up. Even worse, the fact that the only reason she was exhaustedwas because she went to a club last night. She grudgingly got out of bed after another fifteen minutes of laying down, rubbing her eyes and then stretching her arms out. Her actions resembled that of a feline.

Sakura picked up the clothes that were neatly folded on top of the dresser and walked out the door and entered the bathroom that was right across from her room. She hovered over the sink, looking at her reflection in the mirror. She looked terrible! Her hair was disheveled, strands of her pink hair were sticking up, and she had a bed head. Other than her unkempt hair, you could see that she had bags under her eyes, obviously because of the lack of sleep she had gotten that night. Her eyes were practically closing. She felt way too tired to go to work.

"Not like I have a choice," Sakura muttered irritably to herself, placing her hand over her mouth as she let out another yawn.

After about twenty minutes, Sakura came out of the bathroom looking much better than when she had just woken up. Her pink wavy hair was let out. She was dressed in a white dress shirt with a white shirt underneath, black dress pants, and black heels. She had light make up on; some lip gloss and mascara.

The young pink haired woman quickly called a taxi to come pick her up. She didn't own a car, so a taxi was her only transportation to get to work on time. Sakura grabbed two folders that contained some important documents that she needed for work. She picked up her purse from the ground and threw her keys and cell phone inside.

When she opened the front door, she was surprised to see a woman standing there. She had an annoyed lookevident on her face. She was the owner of the house and lived on the second floor of the house. Sakura rented the bottom part of the 2-family household.

"Sara," said Sakura, surprise evident in her voice. "Is there something you need?"

Sara looked like a very strict lady. She had her hands placed on her hips. Her cold, icy, blue eyes were enough to intimidate anyone.

"Do you have the money?" asked Sara in a sharp tone.

'Shit!' thought Sakura. 'I haven't paid the rent in three months! No wonder she looks more pissed off than usual. Dammit, I forgot all about it. I don't have the money.'

Sakura shifted around nervously, "Um you see, what happened was-"

"You don't have it?" cut in Sara. Sakura shook her head, an apologetic look on her face. "That's it; you are to pay me all that you owe me before this week ends. I want you out of this house, tonight."

"What?!" asked Sakura in bewilderment. Her emerald eyes widened like saucers. Her mouth was wide open. "You're kicking me out?!"

"Yes," was Sara's blunt reply. "You haven't paid the rent in three months. You aren't responsible, Sakura. I want you out of this house by tonight. You will pay me all the rent that you owe me, before this week ends. If not, you're going to be in a lot of trouble."

"That's not fair!" exclaimed Sakura. "I haven't been paid from my work because I'm getting a new boss. Please, I'll have the money in two days. I haven't been paid enough these past few days in order to pay for the rent."

"Then how is it that you have enough money to go out at night with your friends?" asked Sara sternly. Sakura's eyes narrowed, how did she know about that? "Tell me, where did you go last night? A club, perhaps? I saw you come at around one on the morning, dressed in that little skirt and tube top of yours. You're not a child anymore, grow up! You have to be more responsible of your actions. You can't be going out and wasting money on clubs, you have to pay for shelter, food, and clothing. I need someone who is responsible and grown up- someone who will pay the rent. I'll end up losing the house. I just can't baby-sit you and let you do what you want anymore, sorry but, you are to leave before midnight."

"Where the hell am I supposed to live?!" asked Sakura angrily.

"That's your problem," said Sara nonchalantly as she left.

Sakura ran a hand through her pink locks, "Where does she expect me to go?"

Sakura angrily kicked the wall and stormed out of the house. She stayed outside waiting for the taxi to come. She had to block the sun from her eyes. It was quite sunny that day. She let the sun hit against her skin. She folded her arms over her chest, as she nervously tapped her foot on the concrete sidewalk.

She couldn't believe what was happening. Her day had started off terribly. She wondered what else life had in store for her that day. The taxi finally arrived and she got into the back of the car. There was a lot of traffic that morning so Sakura ended up ten minutes late to work.

'I wonder what Hana is going to say to me for being late,' thought Sakura. 'I can't wait 'til I get a new boss tomorrow! I just can't stand Hana; she hates me for no reason!'

Sakura made her way hurriedly along the blue-carpeted hallways, trying to get into her office quickly before her boss, Hana, spotted her. She quickly opened the door to her office and sat in the chair, turning on the computer. She inputted her password and immediately started to work. Not even a minute later, did Hana enter the office. Without a word she walked over to Sakura and looked at the computer screen, trying to see what Sakura was working on. She saw that Sakura hadn't even started to work on anything.

"Haruno, why is it taking you so long to get started on your work?" asked Hana in an annoyed tone. "Those documents are due by the end of the day, I hope you realize that."

"My computer is really slow an-"

"She just arrived," cut in a low, deep voice, filled with mischief. "She came late to work."

Sakura glared at the male that was standing at the doorway of her office. He had messy red hair, sea-foam green eyes, a perfect tan, a well-built body, and he was quite tall. His name was Gaara. He liked torturing Sakura, even though he was always found flirting with her.

"Thanks for ratting me out," said Sakura in a sarcastic tone, continuing to glare at the red-head. "You can leave now."

Gaara smirked, and instead of leaving, he entered the office and stood next to Hana. Hana gave Sakura a disapproving look.

"What's your excuse for coming late?"

"There was a lot of traffic this morning and-"

"And she was out at a club last night," Gaara once again cut in. "So she woke up a bit late."

Sakura looked at Gaara disbelievingly. Why was he getting into her business anyway? Why was he telling Hana everything, and getting Sakura into deep trouble? How did he know that she was at a club last night?! Her hands clenched into fists, as she looked at Gaara in disbelief and anger. Sakura was about to say something to Gaara but was stopped by Hana.

"You need to get your act together!" said an infuriated Hana. "You are getting a new boss tomorrow, and don't think that he'll let you off the hook. Do you know how many times you've been late to work?! You cannot be going out to clubs at night, especially when you have work the very next day. When are you going to learn to take responsibility in what you do? I am tired of telling the same thing over and over- grow up!"

'That's the same thing that Sara told me,' thought Sakura, wincing at the memory. 'I just lost my house, and now I might lose my job. What did I do so wrong to deserve this?! Why is this day going so wrong for me?'

"I am responsible and I am grown up," retorted Sakura.

"Then start acting it," said Hana in a deadpanned voice. "Go down to the small cafeteria and buy me a coffee. I'll pay you however much the coffee was worth once you bring it back. You know how I drink it, now hurry up."

Hana left Sakura's office, leaving her alone with Gaara. Sakura stared blankly at her computer. She sighed deeply, forgetting completely about the other presence in the room.

"I suggest you hurry on out and get her that coffee," said Gaara. "She's mad at you enough."

Sakura picked up her purse and stood in front of Gaara, their faces were only a few centimeters away from each other. Gaara could feel Sakura's breath on his neck; she was an inch or two shorter than him.

"I just lost my house," said Sakura bitterly. "Thanks for making it so that I nearly lose my job too."

Gaara shrugged his shoulders, "I knew that you wouldn't lose your job." Sakura stayed looking at him with an icy glare. "No one can get fired; technically she isn't our boss anymore. She already gave the new boss the list of workers he will have. If any are missing, she'll get in trouble."

"How did you know that I was at a club last night?" demanded Sakura.

"I was there too," said Gaara flatly.

"Were you spying on me?" asked Sakura, annoyed that he was trying to play games with her.

"Don't flatter yourself," said Gaara. "I like to go out to clubs at night. It was a mere coincidence that you happened to be at the same club that night too."

Sakura didn't see a sign of him lying, she sighed.

"Why would you tell her all of that anyway?" asked Sakura. "Why are you always making my life as horrible as can be? What have I done to you that was so wrong?"

"Nothing," was his blunt reply, their faces still so close to each other.

Sakura narrowed her eyes, "Then, why do you always do this to me?"

"Maybe it's because I like you," said Gaara nonchalantly.

Sakura's eyes widened a bit, but then she regained her composure. She knew how Gaara was, and she knew that there was no way that he could actually like her. The thought was just absurd! She couldn't even remember the last time that Gaara liked someone. He was much too stubborn to get a girlfriend. If he wanted one, she was sure that he could get one easily.

I mean seriously, more than half the girls in the whole business looked at him as if he were a piece of candy, as if in any moment they would jump on him and eat him up. Sakura wouldn't lie, she thought he was hot. But, she didn't like him- he was too much of an asshole.

Gaara got her in trouble nearly every day! Not only that, but it was obvious that he only cares for himself. His personality was terrible- in her opinion. Other than that, she probably would have been one of those other girls that drooled at the sight of him.

"You really got to stop lying and playing games with me," said Sakura as she walked out of the office.

"Who said that I was lying and playing games, Sakura?" Gaara whispered to himself as he clenched his fists and walked out of her office.

--

"Here you go, Hana," said Sakura as she handed Hana the coffee that she had asked for.

Hana put the container to her lips and took a sip of the coffee. After the first sip, she immediately put the coffee down. Sakura narrowed her eyes.

'If she tells me that she doesn't like it, I swear I'm going to strangle her,' thought Sakura.

"Something wrong?" asked Sakura bitterly.

"I forgot about the meeting!" said Hana frantically. "Hurry up! We have to go to the Conference Room. There are a few things to discuss!"

'We have a meeting?' thought Sakura; she didn't remember anyone mentioning the meeting to her. 'Great, more time to waste. I'm never going to finish those documents on time! Argh!'

Hana got up, taking her coffee and left out of her huge office. Sakura followed closely behind. When they entered the Conference Room, most of the workers in the business were standing around the huge table. Some were seated at the table, and there were two empty seats. One for the boss Hana, and one for Sakura. The reason Sakura was one of the workers who got to sit at the table was because she was one of the higher-ranked workers.

High-ranked, as in they got promotions and were now promoted into the highest area in working for their incorporation. Everyone who worked in the area and on the same floor as Sakura were also high-ranked. Sakura never understood why Hana had promoted her, considering the fact that she practically hated her but, she didn't care- as long as she got paid more.

Sakura felt a bit awkward, having to sit next to Gaara- especially after their last discussion. She still wasn't so sure of whether or not he was teasing her. She chose to stick with believing that he was being the usual ass that he is and he was just teasing.

"This is only about one-tenth of our business workers," started off Hana in that strict tone of hers. "This means that I will have about another nine meetings about this with the rest of the business workers. So do not waste any time with unnecessary questions or comments."

Everyone stayed quiet and had their eyes and full attention on Hana.

"This meeting is important because it involves the new business and new boss that you will be working for," said Hana, looking around at everyone, making sure that they were paying attention. "Certain people need to get their acts together," Hana looked directly as Sakura when she said this. More eyes shifted on to Sakura, making her feel uncomfortable, nervous, and annoyed that Hana always did something to make her feel embarrassed in front of all of the other workers. Hana turned away and looked at everyone else again as she continued with her speech. "Our business is moving into the Uchiha Incorporation. As all of you know, they're the richest and most powerful business in our nation. They have many people working there already, don't think they have any reason to keep you there if you don't do any work. They will definitely be more strict, so if you're late to work, if you don't finish your documents on time, and if you like to argue with your boss a lot," again Hana looked directly at Sakura. "Expect yourself to get fired in a matter of minutes."

"Do you have to direct all of that to me?!" asked Sakura angrily. "Tons of people here do the same! Some are worse than me! Why do you always have to act like I'm the worst worker here?!"

Hana slightly spun in her chair and gestured her hand toward Sakura, "There you go, that's just one of the many things that will get you fired when working with the Uchiha Incorporation- which I just notargue with your boss, it just shows how immature and stubborn you are. With one argument or two, you'll be fired on the spot!"

Sakura glared daggers at Hana. Gaara smirked and shook his head at the scene before him.

'She's too stubborn for her own good,' thought Gaara. 'Though that's just one of the many things that make her intriguing.'

"This is a waste of life!" said Sakura angrily as she stood up from her chair. "I don't need this; I have some important documents to finish."

With that said, Sakura stormed out of the Conference Room.

'Fuck her!' thought Sakura. 'I'm not going to stay there and listen to all her bullshit. God, I can't wait to get a new boss tomorrow! Anyone is better than her. Ugh, I have to go finish those documents. Those documents are needed for my new boss, which is the only reason why I'm so worked up about it. If it were for Hana, I wouldn't give a flying foo-doodle.'

--

"That girl has some serious problems," said Hana as she shook her head. "Oh well, back to the discussion. Your new boss is, Sasuke Uchiha. Tomorrow he will have everyone assembled in an auditorium at the lower part of the building- which all of you by now should know where the building is- at 7:30 sharp!" she looked at everyone to make sure that they heard the important piece of information that she had just announced. She turned to look at Gaara. "Haruno just walked out and missed this very important piece of information. Of course this action will get her fired, since she won't be at the formal meeting of your new boss. But, I will be the one who gets in trouble if he doesn't have every single worker over there that I have listed for him. So Gaara, it's up to you to tell her to be there at exactly 7:30a.m. You like to get her in a lot of trouble, but this is important- you better tell her."

Gaara nodded his head in understanding.

"Sasuke Uchiha is a very hard-working, imperturbable, impassive, bound and determined young man," said Hana. "You have every right to be scared and nervous around him. He takes his work and job very seriously. You better hand in every single document and project on time. I assure you, he won't even bother to ask for an explanation if you hand in anything late. He'll have you removed instantly."

She looked around at all of the workers and was pleased to see that some of them were nervous. "If you were out sick, then the project will be given to someone else. Other than that, there is no excuse whatsoever for not having any of your work in on time. For all of you slackers, I suggest you work harder." She looked towards certain people when she said this- obviously those people were the slackers. "Do not disrespect your new boss, do not joke around- he will not stand for any of it. He is a professional business man. Unless any of you have any questions, you're all dismissed."

--

Sakura was nearly done with one out of the two documents that she needed to finish. She felt her frustration and annoyance rise when she heard someone enter her office. She became more annoyed to notice that Gaara was the person to enter her office. The red head saw that she was getting pissed off and decided not to joke around with her at the moment.

"Tomorrow at 7:30 in the morning, sharp, you must be in the auditorium at the lower part of the new building that we will be working in," said Gaara in that deep, calm, collected voice he always spoke in.

"If this is a joke-"

"It's not," cut in Gaara.

Sakura stared at him for a few moments before nodding her head. Gaara gave a curt nod and left her office. Sakura sighed, now she would have to wake up earlier than she usually did. It didn't help that the Uchiha Inc. was about 40 minutes away from where she lived- used to live.

'Great,' thought Sakura. 'I nearly forgot that I don't live anywhere anymore! I'm homeless! Ah, what am I going to do?! I guess I'll have to ask to stay over someone's house for tonight- well, 'til I find an apartment to live in.'

"What a day," Sakura muttered to herself as she went back to working on the documents.

With Sasuke

"Are you excited about having new people working for you?" Naruto questioned Sasuke.

Sasuke was hanging out with his friends at Neji's house. Today was the only day that he didn't have to work because all the facility workers and his father were making arrangements for the new workers that would be coming in the very next day. He was only 20 years old and already he was the boss of one of, if not THE most powerful and richest company in the nation. That is quite an achievement.

His father was the former boss of the company, and as his son- Sasuke was to take over and run the business. So, it's not such an incredible thing that a 20 year old is running the business, but the fact that they gained more profit than they ever did in the last few years, with Sasuke now in charge- well that, is a huge accomplishment.

Sasuke just shrugged in response to Naruto's question as he threw the small basketball into the small hoop that was hanging on Neji's door. Naruto wasn't even sure if Sasuke had heard his question! It seemed like he was in his own little world, it was evident that half of his mind was paying attention, while the other half was somewhere else.

"Ya know," started of Shikamaru, causing all of the four other males to turn their heads toward him. Although, they all knew that his talking would be directed towards Sasuke, since he looked directly at Sasuke and no one else. "Ever since last night, you have seemed out of it. Are you still thinking about that chick, Sakura?"

Sasuke sighed as he fell onto the bed and threw the ball into the air and caught it, he did it a few times before sitting up.

"Damn," said Naruto, breaking the awkward silence that had formed. "You danced with her once and already she's got you hooked up on her. I'll admit- she's hot. But, her friends seemed completely positive when they said it would be hard to get a chance with her. They said that she's stubborn and that she only thinks about work. She will most likely want nothing to do with you, Sasuke-teme."

'That's not true,' thought Sasuke. 'We had a connection, I know we did. I know for a fact that she knows the same. She's the one that I want. She has left me yearning for her. Ever since last night, I have been craving for her. It's crazy, I never felt like this before. I just have to see her again, I need a chance with her. I don't know why but, it's just that everything about her makes me crazy- wanting more and more. I swear, I feel like she drugged me and now I'm addicted to her. I just- want to be able to see her again.'

"Don't you guys have her friends' numbers?" Sasuke suddenly asked.

"Right, we can just call and ask to hang out," said Kiba, wondering why they didn't do that earlier. "That way you can see if you will be able to have a chance with her or not."

Kiba took his cell phone out of his pocket and called Ino. He then put the phone on speaker so that the rest of the guys could listen to the conversation.

"Kiba?"

"Hey Ino," said Kiba into the phone. "I was wondering if you and your friends wanted to hang out with me and the rest of the guys today....?"

"That would be cool. Although, Sakura is working...so, she won't be joining us. Can't we hang out some other time, umm Saturday, perhaps?'

Sasuke seemed a bit disappointed and all the other guys sighed.

"She works on Sunday?" asked Kiba surprised.

"She works every day of the week accept Saturday, which was yesterday. Yeah, I know it sucks but, like I said- the girl is always worried and only cares for work.'

"Well, then I guess we'll see each other on Saturday," said Kiba, not so hyped about having to wait nearly a week to see her again.

"Yeah, I'll talk to you later. Bye Kiba."

"Bye," said Kiba as he hung up.

"So much for that," muttered Naruto. "Teme is going to kill himself if he doesn't see her by tomorrow!"

"Shut up dobe," hissed Sasuke as he glared at him. "I never said anything about liking her or anything."

"It's obvious that you do," said Neji, smirking triumphantly when Sasuke stayed silent and averted his eyes.

--

Sakura sighed in relief; she finally finished the documents that were needed for tomorrow. Just in time too, because in another half hour- she had be on her way home in order to pack up. It was already six o'clock. She barely ate anything, with the fact that she was trying so hard on finishing up her work in time. She would be getting paid overtime, since she stayed at work for an hour or two more than she had to.

'Ugh, now I have to go pack up my things,' thought Sakura. 'I should call up Tenten and ask her if I can stay for the night.'

Sakura got her purse and rummaged through it, looking for her cell phone. When she finally found it, she dialed Tenten's number.

"What's up, Sakura-chan?"

"Hey Tenten-chan," said Sakura softly. "May I stay over for the night?"

"Sure, I don't see why not. Not that I have a problem with it but, why do you want to stay over?"

Sakura sighed, "Sara kicked me out, I no longer have a home."

"-gasp- Oh my god, you have got to be kidding me!"

"I know right!" exclaimed Sakura. "That's what I said! She said that I'm not responsible and ugh, you don't know how mad I am."

"I just told Temari-chan, she came over. She wants to talk to you."

"Kay, put her on."

"Is it true?!"

"Yeah," answered Sakura sadly.

"That little bitch! Oh my god, I just can't believe it. Whoa, that must have ruined your whole day."

"It did," replied Sakura. "And it didn't help that your stupid brother continued to pester me and try to make things worse! I was so scared, because he told Hana a lot of things that would have gotten me fired! He's just lucky that she couldn't fire me, since we're getting our new boss tomorrow. I stormed out of the meeting about my new boss. I couldn't take Hana's bitchiness. Now I barely know anything about my new boss! Ugh, today was such a shitty day for me, and I don't know why!"

"Hahaha, I swear- I think Gaara likes you."

Sakura stayed quiet for a moment, 'He did sort of mention that he liked me. But, he was just teasing me. I know that he doesn't really like me. There is just no way.'

"That's crazy talk," said Sakura.

"Is it? Seriously, put the pieces together. He doesn't treat any other girl the way he treats you! He never jokes around and teases anyone the way he does with you. I never see Gaara have fun in bugging someone, other than you. Not only that, but he actually seems less colder and a bit more happy and out-going when he's around you. I don't know for sure but, I think that my little brother has a crush on you. ahh! You guys would make an adorable couple!"

"Ew no," said Sakura, starting to blush. "Don't even joke around like that. That's gross."

"Aww is little Sakura blushing?"

Sakura's blush deepened, "No! Now shut up and pass the phone to Tenten-chan."

"Hahahaha, relax- I was just kidding. Though, you two do make a cute couple, Hahahaha. Bye Sakura-chan, I'll talk to you later."

"Stupid Temari," muttered Sakura.

"Hahaha, that was an interesting conversation that you had with Temari-chan."

"Don't start with that!" whined Sakura.

"I won't, so when are you coming?"

"Can you come to my house?" asked Sakura. "In about an hour or two... I just need to pack my things and bring them over to your house."

"Okie dokie, so I'll be there around seven thirty to eight. Okay?"

"That would be great, thanks," said Sakura, in a much happier tone than before.

"Anytime, bye Sakura-chan."

"Bye Tenten-chan," said Sakura. "And again, thanks so much."

Sakura hung up and sighed, at least she had a place to crash for the night. Tomorrow would be a hard day; getting to work on time, meeting her new boss, getting accustomed to the new building and new people and new office, looking for a new home, and coming up with a way to pay Sara all that she owed her by the end of the week.

Sakura groaned, "Tomorrow will surely be a wonderful day, just like today was."

Each word was laced with sarcasm. Oh yeah, tomorrow would be a dreadful day and she just couldn't wait to see what luck she would be having tomorrow.

A/N: I hope you liked the chapter, please review!(:

With Love&Care---

-XEmerald Goddess Of The NightX-