Chapter Eleven: What Hurts the Most

Disclaimer: After years of working on this fic, we STILL do not own Naruto.

Author's Note: Surprise! WE ARE STILL ALIVE. And can't apologize enough for not updating often. :\ But here it is! The next chapter. In all honesty, we completely forgot what the plotline was supposed to be following last chapter's preview ("I can tell this isn't you, your cover's blown."), but we did feel the need to get the story moving some, so you'll find this chapter uncharacteristically angsty (or so we hope!)! We know there isn't much humor here, but don't worry, there is more than enough time for humor in later chapters (because we do still hope to finish this fanfiction). So, without further ado, we present to you chapter eleven :)

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Sakura shakily stepped out of the elevator on the 50th floor of Uchiha Inc., her lunch break having finished only a minute ago, greeted by her blonde "cousin" who had enthusiastically jumped up from his desk at her arrival.

"Hey Saku-" Naruto's enthusiasm quickly transformed into concern after one look at Sakura's uneasy face. "What's wrong?!"

Sakura ignored his question and walked straight down the hall into her boss' room, not bothering to knock. After the mud incidence a few months prior, both she and Sasuke had abandoned the norms of formality that typically exist between a CEO and his employees, and were nearing the level of comfort he and Naruto shared. Sasuke didn't look up as she entered his office, and continued scribbling away on the large stack of paper adorning his desk like a centerpiece.

"Sasuke…" Sakura began, struggling to keep her voice from shaking as much as her hands were, which she hastily moved behind her back.

"Hn." His typical response to most questions.

"I was wondering…if I could possibly have a few hours off on Thursday morning and come in to work late."

At this, Sasuke put down his pen and met her gaze, interest having taken over him.

"This isn't something I typically allow. Why?"

Sakura bit her lip slightly, choosing her words carefully. "Family troubles."

Her boss watched her closely for a second before picking up his pen again. "I suppose that's legitimate. I expect you back here by 2, then."

"Thank you, Sasuke," Sakura said in the most professional way she could before silently exiting the room and shutting the door quietly behind her.

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Flashback

As Sakura exited the 50-floor building and walked out onto the busy streets of Konoha, as they always were around noon during workdays, she grasped her coat tightly in an effort to shield her from the harsh winter weather. It took her a moment to notice a tall man leaning against the building, slowly exhaling a ring of smoke as he lowered his cigarette. His face was handsome; rugged, uneven facial hair gave off an aura of mystery, complemented by lack of emotion visible in his bored eyes. His hair was pulled back into a messy ponytail, and he carelessly flicked his cigarette onto the street ahead before glancing at Sakura out of the corner of his eye. He's gotten more attractive since the last time I saw him. Too bad he's Ino's, even if neither of them will admit it!

"It's been a while since I've seen you, Shikamaru," Sakura smiled as she walked towards her old friend. "I'm surprised, actually; usually you just call me every few weeks to give me updates on how the company's doing."

"It was a drag coming all the way out here, believe me," he said as his eyes traveled over the cars driving past them. His eyebrows furrowed slightly as he stood, deep in thought. Sakura noticed, and something inside the pit of her stomach worried her. He's here in person. Something's not right.

"What's up, then? It must be important if you've come by my lunch break."

Not wanting to beat around the bush, Shikamaru took a deep breath before speaking.

"Sakura, I came here asking if you could come by Haruno Co. in two days' time. There are some problems at the company-"

"But last time we talked you said everything was going okay! Did TenTen stop supplying? Have sales gone down dramatically? We're not being sued or anything, are-" Sakura's interruption was cut short when Shikamaru gently, but firmly, took hold of her shoulders. Looking her in the eye for a moment, he leaned in and spoke softly into her ear.

"Your father is sick, Sakura, and his condition is only getting worse."

Before Sakura could fully grasp the extent of what she had just been told, Shikamaru had disappeared out of sight.

End Flashback

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Naruto barged into his best friend's office after Sakura had gone home, only to find Sasuke filing away the last of the day's paperwork.

"You gave Sakura the day off on Thursday??" the blonde asked incredulously.

"So you were eavesdropping?" Sasuke responded coolly.

"You shouldn't be surprised, you know."

"I never said I was."

"Answer the question, teme!"

Sasuke locked the drawers and sat back down at his desk to face his friend.

"I didn't give her Thursday off, but she's coming in late."

"Oh. Is she okay?"

"Family troubles."

"…family troubles…that's weird. I haven't heard anything…" Naruto said thoughtfully, since Sakura was his cousin, after all.

"I expect it was a lie."

"Then why did you give her time off?" Naruto raised his eyebrow. Giving his employees what they asked for was very unlike Sasuke.

"…they're coming."

Naruto's eyes widened and he nodded his head slightly in understanding before holding the door open for him and his boss to finally leave the stuffy office.

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Thursday, December 4th, 8 AM, outside the building of Haruno and Co.

Sakura thought she felt her heart stop for a moment. I haven't seen this place in so long; I can't believe I hadn't even thought to come by and visit it myself. She hesitantly climbed the steps and entered the polished glass door.

The lobby was homely; a small chandelier hung in the middle of a spacious circular room, and a polished oak secretary's desk stood against the far side of the area. A crackling fire in the leftmost side of the room kept it warm and toasty. Sakura couldn't help but hold back a smile as she rushed towards the desk, taking Hinata by surprise.

"Oh, Sakura-sama!" Hinata cried as she came around the other side of the desk and gave her old friend a warm hug. "I haven't seen you in weeks! How are you feeling?"

Sakura smile faltered a little when she remembered her father. Hinata realized, and looked down sadly.

"How's my father, Hinata?" The purple haired girl wrung her hands – a nervous habit of hers that Sakura first noticed during Hinata's job interview. She recognized habit well, at this point. Hinata looked up slowly and met Sakura's eyes with her mysterious lavender ones.

"He's not very well, Sakura-sama. He wanted to see you, so he sent Shikamaru-kun to ask you to come by." Hinata started towards the elevator with Sakura following closely behind. Together they ascended 34 floors till they reached the top of the building. Haruno and Co. wasn't as large as Uchiha Inc., and had always been a humble company. Sakura recalled the first day she had stepped foot in Uchiha Inc. – its ostentatious presentation had taken her completely by surprise, and the handsome and well-kept CEO didn't help. How can you be thinking about him at a time like this? She mentally scolded herself as they got off the 35th floor.

Ino rushed over to them, knocking her secretary's chair over in the process, grabbing Sakura in a tight hug. "Forehead! It's so good to see you!" Ino had taken over Sakura's old desk since she had been away, and was now assuming the role of co-CEO alongside her father. Shikamaru's desk stood opposite Ino's, as he was Haruno's right-hand man and head corporate spy.

"Let her go, you don't want to suffocate her." Shikamaru rolled his eyes as he stood up to greet her as well. It feels so weird to be back here. I never realized how much I missed everyone. The four friends stood together in silence, all eyeing the tall, polished door separating them from the CEO of Haruno and Co.

Sakura took a deep breath as she started towards her father's room, the other three hesitantly following. She knocked quietly on the door before allowing herself in.

Sitting in front of her was a fragment of what Sakura remembered her father to be. He was physically much weaker than before, and the lines on his face more prominent than ever. He looked up at her with his kind, emerald eyes, and gave her a sad smile. The complete opposite of her new boss.

Sakura, completely taken aback by her father's state, ran to him and knelt down at his feet.

"Father…what's happened to you?!" she cried as she took his bony hand in hers. Why didn't I come to see him before?

"Sakura, my little girl, you seem more happy than ever before." He smiled at the irony of his statement, as Sakura sat kneeling before him, tears forming in the corners of her eyes.

"What are you talking about? I can't believe I haven't seen you since I've left. I feel like such a terrible person, and a complete failure as a daughter-" Haruno silenced her by slowly raising her to her feet.

"Your eyes are shining brighter than I've ever seen them, and your voice sounds richer and more at peace every time you call me." Sakura made a move to interrupt, but her father continued sternly, "Now Sakura, take a seat across my desk because I have things of importance to discuss with you. Would you three please give us a moment alone?" Haruno turned his attention to Ino, Shikamaru, and Hinata, who obeyed wordlessly and shut the door behind them. Sakura took her seat across from her father.

"Now listen, Sakura," Haruno began, "Haruno and Co. is a dying company. You and I both know that, and you know that's why you're currently working at Uchiha Inc. Our company is doing well enough to survive on its own for another half a year, 8 months at best."

I didn't know things were that bad…why didn't Shikamaru tell me?

"I told Shikamaru not to tell you because I wanted to talk to you in person about this. As I'm sure he has told you, however much I objected, I'm not in the greatest shape of my life," he laughed warmly as he folded his hands on top of each other. "I'm telling you this because I want you to really focus on your mission at Uchiha Inc. I know you're trying your best," Sakura winced, "but I want you to have a secure future in case I'm not here six months from now to oversee business."

"What are you talking about, father, of course you'll be-" Haruno put a hand up to stop her.

"Sakura I've done more in one lifetime than I could have ever asked for. I've started a successful weapons company, albeit the market for weapons is down right now, and have gotten to know wonderful people like Shikamaru-kun, Ino-san, and Hinata-san. I've been able to provide you with a successful education and have watched you grow into a beautiful and ambitious young woman. There's not anything more I can ask for, other than your continuing success, and for that I urge you to try to secure this deal with Uchiha Inc."

Sakura looked down at her hands, knowing that any sort of objection to her father's wise words was futile.

"I've told you all that I've needed to, and it's time that you returned to your job. I'll have Shikamaru keep in touch."

Haruno stood up and walked over to his daughter.

"I'm very proud of you, Sakura," he assured her warmly as he gave her a soft kiss on the top of her head. Sakura stood up and wrapped her arms around her father, cherishing the precious few moments she had with him.

"I love you, father," she whispered in his ear as she let go. Standing opposite him, she tried to regain her composure. "I will do my best, and in six month's time I guarantee that this company will be back on top." SHANNARO!!

Haruno smiled, eyes twinkling, as he opened the door for her to leave.

As she walked out of the building, she replayed what her father had said to her in her mind. I know you're trying your best… If this is my best, I'm failing miserably. I really need to focus, it's been almost a year and a half and what have I got to show for it? It's time to take this seriously. Sakura hailed a taxi and wiped a single tear off her cheek before stepping inside the vehicle.

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Thursday, December 4th, 8 AM, Uchiha Inc.

"Good morning, teme!" Naruto cried happily as he got off the elevator in time for work…early. Sasuke was just unlocking the door to his office.

"Why are you here so early?"

"Aren't you happy to see me?" Naruto pouted as he walked over to Sasuke. The dark haired man rolled his eyes as the blonde strolled into his office, took a seat at the large chair behind the desk, and put his feet nonchalantly on a fresh stack of paperwork.

"So…when are they coming?" Naruto asked as he examined his fingernails.

"…they should be here any minute." Sasuke replied as he shoved Naruto off his chair and sat down on it. Unfazed, Naruto sat on the edge of the desk instead.

"Why are they coming again?"

"For the same reason as always."

"To humiliate you and this company, and make you feel worthless. I don't understand why you put up with it, Sasuke." Naruto stared his friend in the eyes, but Sasuke didn't respond. Before Naruto could say another word, there was a sharp knock on the door. Naruto stood up and folded his arms, ready for the storm.

A moment later, the door swung open, revealing a tall blonde man, dressed from head to toe in black, long bangs concealing half of his face while the rest of his long golden hair was pulled back into a ponytail. Behind him stood a man dressed the same, black bangs covering his face as well, but not enough to hide the familiar, blinding red eyes. The blonde smirked at seeing Naruto.

"Well, well, well. It's been a while since I've seen you, Uzumaki. Still sucking up to the Uchiha, here?" the blonde laughed and Naruto's eyes narrowed. It was obvious the man was trying to provoke him, as he always did.

"I could say the same to you, Deidara." His grin faltered slightly and his eyes narrowed as well. Sasuke kept his gaze on the man behind him.

"What is it you want, Itachi?" he said coldly, putting a temporary halt to the rivalry between Naruto and Deidara.

"…just came by to check up on my little brother," Itachi stated, no hint of emotion apparent in his tone. Deidara spoke again.

"Yeah, we wanted to see how poorly your company's been doing. Don't think we don't know that business is going down – it's our job to keep up with what's going on here. It only makes us all the more successful," Naruto's hands tightened into fists as he continued, "Where's that pink-haired tool you hired, Sasuke? Itachi was telling me about her earlier; I was hoping we'd meet," he grinned at the CEO and Naruto's eyes began to turn fiery red in anger.

"She's not here, thank god," Naruto said between clenched teeth. Deidara sighed and folded his arms.

"Don't let her get away from you now, Sasuke. Remember what Itachi told you last time he was here?"

Naruto turned to face Sasuke, whose eyes were still stuck on the older man behind Deidara, seemingly uninterested in Deidara's question. What did Itachi tell him last time? The blonde thought to himself.

Itachi made no move to speak, so Deidara took the lead once again.

"'Don't drive her away, lest you want to spend the rest of your life miserable and alone.'"

Naruto's fists shook slightly as he made an effort to keep calm. Deidara glanced behind him at his mentor, and grinned coyly at the two younger men in the room. He had a knack for pushing Naruto's buttons, and he was well aware of that fact. "I mean, you don't want to end up like this guy over here, living off the lowly salary of your soon-to-be dead-end job, resorting to living in a small apart all by your-"

Deidara staggered backwards, clutching his face, eyes wide with surprise, as Naruto panted heavily with his fist still in the air. He calmly wiped the blood that was trickling out of his busted lip before turning back to Naruto and smirked at him before throwing a punch in retaliation. There was an earsplitting crunch as his fist collided with Naruto's nose, and the blonde was almost knocked to the ground. Itachi stood unmoving, still at the entrance of the office, calmly watching the chaotic scene before him. Naruto jumped up quickly, ignoring his obviously broken nose, and made another move to hit Deidara.

"NARUTO, THAT'S ENOUGH," Sasuke finally intervened, and both men stood glaring daggers at each other, realizing that the fight was over.

"…Deidara," Itachi called the older blonde, ready to depart. Deidara threw one last menacing glare at Naruto before turning to Sasuke.

"I can't wait for our next encounter," he grinned before leaving the office behind Itachi.

Naruto turned angrily to his boss, eyes still red, not bothering to keep his composure any longer.

"HOW COULD YOU LET HIM SAY THAT?!" he yelled. Sasuke didn't stop him. "He completely BASHED our company and practically called Sakura a WHORE! I don't understand why you don't STAND UP FOR YOURSELF, Sasuke! And all that BULLSHIT about you living 'ALONE and MISERABLE.' It just makes me SICK-"

"Naruto, take the rest of the day off to get your nose looked at," Sasuke said as he shuffled his papers. He knew Naruto was extremely sensitive when it came down to matters of loneliness; he just wasn't as good at hiding it as Sasuke was.

"Sakura does like you, Sasuke, and you know it. And even if she didn't, there's no way you'd ever end up alone and miserable. I'm SURE of it," Naruto said shakily as he hastily tried to hide the tears forming in his eyes. Sasuke couldn't bring himself to look at him, for fear that the blonde's wall would crumble right before him, and instead said nothing. Naruto gave him one last look before leaving the room.

Sasuke sighed and put his head in his hands. I know, Naruto. It's because I'm lucky enough to have you.

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Author's Note: We won't be updating a preview for the next chapter on here, but we do have an idea for it, so don't worry :) As always, don't forget to review! And thank you to all our dedicated readers :)