The Life and Times of the Kazekage's Assistant

Disclaimer:I don't own Naruto. This story is inspired by a novel by Lauren Weisberger. I do own Tsubasa Imamura, any other OCs in the story, the designer labels and names of the magazines/newspapers, and the plot.

Author's Note: Everyone likes some birthday fun! Especially me, since my birthday has just passed (July 22nd is the best day ever in my book). I don't know about you, but I'm feeling 22!

Chapter Thirty-One: Endurance

It was a good old-fashioned stalemate. Two alphas glaring, waiting for the other to bend.

And normally, I would have caved. Before the high-strung and aggressive dishwater blonde—so much more superior in combat, assertiveness, looks and everything else—I would have characteristically given in and allowed her yet another win over me.

However, not this time.

This time I was in charge. Gaara himself had placed me above her on the chain of command. She was my subordinate. I wouldn't allow her to usurp my authority.

I'm in charge. I'm in charge. I'm in charge.

Although my blood was boiling inside me, I willed myself into a calm composure. I smiled sweetly at Temari and said, "I am in charge of Project Suna. So we'll do things my way."

Then I ignored her. Well, mostly. I could see her arch her brow in surprise but she notably squelched a further reaction.

Before us, the volunteers seemed to quiver. Looking from me to Temari, from Temari to me and then back at Temari, in an attempt to understand who the true leader of the project was, the volunteers were utterly confused. They were nervous too. That was evident in their wide-eyed gazes and fidgeting. No one wanted to make the mistake of following the wrong order like a game of 'Simon Says.'

Temari gave a careless shrug of her shoulders, looked over the volunteers and said, "You heard her."

I may have imagined it, but I could have sworn I saw Temari smile a small, peculiar, slight twist of the right corner of her lips, smile.

For once, I'd won and it was one of the greatest feelings I'd ever experienced.

Things had been moving forward with my restoration plans for Suna's Old Town. There had been some minor speed bumps, what with Temari acclimating to working underneath me as opposed to ordering me around and some construction plans gone awry, but all in all we had remarkable progress. Old Town was almost back to its original splendor. I couldn't have been more thrilled.

Club Sheik, Evening

It was a wonder how I managed to get myself cleaned up and dolled up in a matter of an hour. Smiling into my compact mirror before pocketing it, I made my way toward the doors of Club Sheik. The entire club had been rented out that evening specifically for Kankuro and Tazuna, the birthday duo.

The moment I entered, everything was as I expected it to be (along with a myriad of thriving guests, music, drinks and contagious excitement).

Tazuna was trying to teach an awkward Sanosuke-Sensei how to dance. The sight had to be one of the funniest I'd ever encountered. I would have never imagined Sanosuke-Sensei would swallow his pride for anyone—let alone a woman—and take to the dance floor (unless he was drunk). Yet there he was. And I could see the sincerity in his eyes. He was truly doing his best to emulate Tazuna's rhythm.

Sorachi and Hoshiro were present, drinking near the bar and clearly enjoying one another's company. They hadn't even noticed me walk in. The two were totally absorbed with each other and it made me happy to see them that way. For far too long I had hoped there would be a spark between the two, a flame, a something.

I spied Shikamaru in the corner, hands stuffed in pockets, head tilted upward as he attempted to forget his surroundings. You could tell the guy was dying a little inside with each passing moment. He was more than obviously pretending the flashing lights above were clouds floating aimlessly through the sky. Temari was next to him, looking annoyed as usual. Her patience with Shikamaru was almost lost. It would only be a matter of time before she either aggressively plucked one of his hands from his pockets—or both—and dragged him out to the dance floor or ditched him in his place and found a more suitable partner. I could see she was mulling over her decision still. It was almost hilarious to see her looking so awkward, indecisive and irritated at once.

Game face on, Kankuro flirted shamelessly with one of Tazuna's model friends, likely trying to coax some kind of (sexual) favor from her because he was the birthday boy. She didn't seem too interested. She appeared to have her eye on a tall, dark and handsome that was preoccupied with his group of friends so much so he could care less about female contact (funny the things you pick up from people-watching).

My eyes darted across the room. As suspected, Kanoka stood with her arms crossed to compliment her pouty expression as she glared in Kankuro's direction. I don't understand why she even bothered with him or why Matsuri bothered to try to console her. Both of them looked rather pathetic, but I supposed I could be overly critical of my bitch-faced coworkers.

Slowly, my gaze returned to Kankuro. I took in the scene around him and spotted my boss at last. Gaara sat at the bar, sipping a glass of water. He appeared extremely bored as one of Temari's more popular models made an attempt at breaking the ice with him.

She was really turning it on too. She stood with excellent posture to show off her more-than-well-developed chest (obvi, a fake rack). Her bedroom stare was full throttle as was her beaming smiles. She kept casually tossing her hair back to expose her neck as if she was inviting a vampire a chance to bite down.

Miss Rack-City wasn't being shy at all, I noted as she touched her fingers to Gaara's wrist as she spoke, trying to make things more intimate.

I remember how jealous I used to get when similar situations arose, but I had learned to maintain my composure better since then. I had also learned that Gaara wasn't one to flirt or to give consequence to forward women. Not his style at all.

He'd be polite, as best he could, but the glazed look in his eyes always revealed his inner fight against the tedium of a worthless conversation with full company. I can't say that I'd ever seen Gaara be very responsive to advances from other women although a great deal tried for his attention.

I approached cautiously. I hadn't wanted to interrupt in case he changed his mind (I wasn't a cock-block, as Kankuro would have called it), but when Gaara caught sight of me he immediately excused himself from the conversation and motioned for me to take the seat next to his.

The model, dismayed and jilted as she was, still handled herself with grace by strutting her way toward Kankuro (who had no luck with the first girl he had spoken with, but likely would with this next one because she needed an ego boost). The moment she appeared before him, he wasted no time in hitting on her.

"Tsubasa-san, it's nice to see you've made it," Gaara greeted.

"It took me three cabs and some serious jogging, but I made it," I teased. I sat myself at the barstool next to his and ordered a non-alcoholic drink. I wasn't taking chances of getting drunk yet again in front of my boss. I wanted to limit my chances of embarrassing myself. "How's the party going for you?"

He gave a slight shrug. "You know events like these make me feel uncomfortable."

I nodded. "That's why I thought I'd join you. Give you some company."

"And I appreciate that." His eyes locked onto mine. There was a hint of playfulness behind them as he added, "I also appreciate being saved from that woman. I am not much for flirtation."

I raised my brow at his statement. "I wouldn't say that," I challenged teasingly.

He gave a brief but unmistakable smirk. "And why is that?"

I could feel my face begin to flush. I almost regretted not getting that alcoholic beverage because I would have been able to blame my reddened cheeks on becoming tipsy in a dire moment like this one.

Those inescapable eyes were on me. He was waiting for my response, but my mind was frozen. I didn't know what to say. I had nothing to fire back with.

I should have been flirty or clever, some manner of witty and charming, but nothing came to me.

In my hesitation, the same smirk from earlier returned to his lips as he leaned forward, leaned notably closer toward me. "Perhaps it's because you're the only one who has experienced my attempts at flirtation."

I felt myself jerk back only to realize that Tazuna's arms were around my neck (which worked out fine because I would have fallen back myself at the unexpected remark). Her face pressed up to mine so that we were cheek to cheek. She was nuzzling and squishing my face.

With a pout she said, "Kazekage-sama, how selfish of you to keep Tsubie-chan for so long. Now, if you don't mind I will be taking her."

I could only offer a confused and meek smile as I was pulled onto the dance floor. I could tell by the way Tazuna was swaying that she was at least tipsy. Awkwardly, I mimicked similar movements to hers. I wasn't entirely sure if I was doing them properly, but I tried my best. Again, I wished I had been tipsy to make things easier and more relaxing for me.

The music was suddenly interrupted by Temari. She appeared on a small stage, microphone to her lips as she wished both her brother and number one model happy birthdays. After a short speech followed by everyone singing 'happy birthday,' she allowed the guests to return to the original music and their dance partners who had wandered slightly during the intermission.

It would be just my luck that a slow song would begin. I people-watched to see the outcome of dance partners and also to find a non-socially-awkward opportunity for me.

Naturally, Kanoka had found her way to Kankuro and had become his partner (saw that coming, assertive little thing that she is). Tazuna was securely wrapped in Sanosuke-Sensei's arms. It was heart-warming to see the two so blissfully unaware of everyone else around them. They only existed to each other.

Temari erupted through the crowd before me. I put distance between myself and the blonde she-devil that was most commonly known for making my life a hectic hell as she gripped Shikamaru and forced him to hold her properly as they danced. He looked so perturbed, and oddly, turned on by the action. I would never understand those two.

I searched desperately for Hoshiro and Sorachi, praying that somehow they could save me from the lack of a partner, but as fate would have it, they were already gazing longingly into one another's eyes. I couldn't possibly disrupt their special moment so I avoided them as I weaved through the crowd coupled guests. Everyone seemed partnered or preoccupied, nowhere for me to socially insert myself. I was worried I would have to stand by myself and endure being alone until the song ended until I felt a slight tap at my shoulder.

A shudder ran through me, like feet hitting pavement hard as I turned around with longing anticipation. I smiled at the sight of my boss. His hand was already extended for me to accept.

"Do me the honor?" he asked gently, and suddenly, no one else in the room mattered.

"What kind of girlfriend would I be if I didn't?" It was a small joke.

I placed my hand into his, trying not to show an outward reaction to the touch. He pulled me into him, set his free hand at the small of my back, resting just above the curve of my rear. I couldn't help but blush at the intimacy.

"Not a very good one," he grunted.

My head hid in the safety of his chest, unable to meet his eyes in that moment. I felt too vulnerable, too frightened by the overwhelming sensations.

Seeing Gaara was like seeing the sun for the first time in my life. I had grown accustomed to darkness and cowered before his brilliant rays. I couldn't understand their warmth or their glow, but I felt compelled to become closer to the light in any way I could. No matter the means.

I sneaked a glance at him. His eyes were closed as if he wanted to peacefully cherish the moment. "I never would have imagined myself dancing with a woman like this." I guessed that he must have felt my gaze upon him.

We pulled apart briefly so he could twirl me. My dress fanned out beneath, blossomed like a flower. Then he brought me back to him.

"I have to admit, you've changed me and my perspective quite a bit, Tsubasa-san."

I remained quiet, not knowing how to respond and not entirely certain a response was what he wanted. I think he would rather me listen.

The song ended, but we were still dancing although a new one with a faster pace had started. We continued our slow dancing and our private conversation.

"I'm glad I can make an impact on someone as important as you are, Kazekage-sama," I said, trying to keep it professional. It was a defense mechanism. I realized that. I was fighting my feelings (most of my feelings revolved around succumbing to reckless thoughts like pressing my lips to his and never breaking free). "You've made one on me as well."

He smiled. "Tsubasa-san, I think you have become my closest friend."

Those words would resonate and linger with me for the remainder of the evening, and perhaps the remainder of my life.

"And you've become mine," I sheepishly admitted.

"Let's not tell Tazuna-san or your teammates," Gaara said with a wink. "They may become envious."

Then we laughed together and enjoyed the rest of the evening within one another's company. We didn't part ways until the celebration had come to an end and guests were eager to find themselves tangled within their bed sheets.

While they nestled blissfully in their beds, I laid wide awake in mine as I wrestled with my conflicting thoughts and emotions. If Gaara continued his kindness toward me, he would doom me. Of that, I was certain.

I stopped myself at that thought, realizing I was already damned. I was condemned to him the moment I had met him. Things would never work between us in a real way. That was another certainty.

He'd move on to marry some suitable woman, hand-picked by the council or by his siblings, they would produce a suitable heir, and I'd either end back up with Kiba (last resort, but I'd rather be a crazy cat lady) or settle with a Sand shinobi who barely piqued my interest. In both my scenarios, I could already predict how my mind will wander back to Gaara, how my heart will irrevocably and always be with him.

I would just have to endure.

A/N: Because my birthday has just passed, that was my gift to you. I have a second gift for you—the pilot chapter of my KakashixOC fanfiction will be posted simultaneously with this chapter. Go to my stories and you will find my newest ff, "It's a Kind of Magic."

As for this chapter, I hope you enjoyed the birthday fun. I do love birthdays and celebrations, and I hope you all do too.

Tsubasa's birthday is also coming up in the story soon too. What are your fondest birthday memories? What would you like to see Tsubasa get for her birthday? Or see happen to her? Let me know in a review!