A/N: Hey guys, I know it's been forever...just put away your pitchforks for awhile and hear me out. I plan to update again within the next week, ya dig? And...that's pretty big for me...just wish me luck, k? I hope you like the chapter, I rushed it for you guys :P Anyways...this chapter I would like to dedicate to...
Luna Rei Harmony...honestly, girl, you've been there for me for a long while; most of the way through my last fic and hopefully through this one... Love ya, girl!
Alright, thx for the reviews, faves, and alerts everybody!
Enjoy!
--x--
Honestly
--x--
I've fallen.
Fallen off of the cliff that held what little dignity I had left.
First, I'm taken hostage by this kid who decides he wants to tell all my personal shit on the tele.
Then, he comes back, parks his car in front of mine in the middle of a freeway (I SWEAR he did), and gets mad at me for pulverizing his overly expensive vehicle.
After I thought I HONESTLY had had enough of this guy, he practically blackmails me into working for him. As his personal slave, at that!
Finally…
He makes me like him.
I don't know what it is, how it's happening, or why Kami chose me in the first place, but I am indeed falling for this bastard.
Over and over, like a broken record, I tried to figure out where these feelings came from; I wasn't so shallow of a person to like him just because he was friggin' hot—though, "shallow" didn't apply to how badly I wanted to rape him.
What was he to me?
What did he do to gain my admiration?
If I thought on it…if I thought hard on it—and I mean really, REALLY hard—all I could think of for the whole week that I had been working for him…
…was him.
And, bam, instant attraction.
Sasuke had made me forget about the almost impossible goal I was trying to reach, of the parents I was hiding from, of the loving, doting godfather I yearned to please so very badly.
Part of me wanted to blame my lack of memory on the fact that Sasuke had me running this way and that—running errands and doing chores for him—acting as both his secretary and his maid. That part of me was the one that was scared to get hurt—that didn't want an attachment to something that would be gone in a little over a month.
You know…the smart side.
My other side—that stupid, romantic part of me—keeps saying it's because Sasuke makes me smile. He says all these things that honestly crack me up at times too. He makes me happy.
Sasuke makes me forget.
And right now, that's really all I need.
Honestly.
--
Chapter Three: Unhand Me, You Fool!
--
Scrubbing the floor with tired strokes of the Swiffer in my hands—the dum-dum had finally thought it fitting to get one, he had obvs never had a complaining maid before—I paused, rubbing at my sleepy eyes with a sigh before a 'ding' sound hit my ears.
I placed the cleaning utensil against a wall and cursed under my breath, hurriedly walking to the kitchen to open the waffle maker and fork out the poorly made waffle, smacking it on a plate filled with around six other ones. This should fill that ungrateful bastard up.
Slapping some bacon on the stove, I rushed over to the table and put the plate of waffles down next to the eggs when the phone rang.
"What the fuck is it now?" I murmured crudely to myself, placing my hands on my hips.
The ringing was persistent and I groaned and rolled my eyes, stomping over to the phone knowing too well that the Uchiha was far too uppity to answer the house phone.
"You've reached Sasuke Uchiha's home, how may I help you?"
"Ah, yes, this is Ken Nabiya from Konohagakure Weekly. We're calling for an interview with Mr. Uchiha. May I ask to whom I'm speaking?" came the annoying voice of a reporter in my ear.
I was no stranger to those people. I had only been working for Sasuke for a week and I already had had enough of their loud, fake voices.
"His secretary," I answered curtly. "And if you're looking for interview times, it would be best to contact his agent," I offered, trying to cut off the conversation before my bacon burned. I was just a simple maid only acting as his secretary after all.
"Perfect," exclaimed Ken. "Sasuke's agent told me to contact you then. You're Sakura Haruno, right?"
I slapped my forehead and shook my head back and forth. "Yes, this is she." I pursed my lips in agitation—into something like a pout. Sasuke's agent would do something like that. Try and completely shirk his duties so he could lounge around in his ten million dollar house all day too—just like Sasuke.
Figures.
"What time suits you, Mr. Kabiya?" I asked, giving up as I turned off the stove and walked over to the calendar Sasuke and his agent made me make for them. It had every single thing Sasuke's agent had set up for him to do while he was in Konoha. It had so much in there, I was surprised he didn't dictate when Sasuke was allowed to use the restroom or eat.
It did have his dieting days, though, I mean, geez!
"Oh, well we were thinking we could get some people out there today."
I flipped open the calendar with a bored expression and then trailed down the November page. "Well, today sounds fine. Let me just see what time—" My eyes widened when I set sight on what he had going on today.
Shit, it was my job to remind Sasuke what he had going on every day and I had totally forgotten that he had to attend a huge red carpet fashion show tonight for Ino. He had to buy her roses and everything!
"Uh, Mr. Nabiya? Yeah, I think we might have to reschedule the interview for another day. Sasuke is actually very busy this evening. Can I call you back later?"
"Ah—well…we could—"
"Sweet, thanks!" I said, hanging up on the unrelenting reporter and sprinting up the marble stairs to Sasuke's room. I knocked on his door and invited myself in once I heard a grunt.
Sasuke was reading his newspaper (that I brought him, mind you; the guy refuses to do anything for himself) and didn't so much as even glance at me when I walked in.
"Yes, Miss Haruno?"
Even though his eyes weren't on me, I felt kind of embarrassed that I had forgotten to remind him of what was happening in his schedule for today. I was convinced that the boy couldn't even keep up with his own agenda.
"I kinda…sorta forgot to tell you that you have to go to the Chanel runway show tonight. Sorry," I apologized sheepishly. He sometimes got angry when he wasn't told things ahead of time, and even though stoic in nature, it wasn't behind him to make my life a living hell.
One week here was enough to realize that.
"I know."
I blinked once, twice, before snapping out of my stupor. "You do?"
"Yup."
I shrugged. "Oh…well did you buy Ino's roses?"
"That's your job," he said simply, still not looking at me from behind his paper.
I looked at him crazy; though still totally understanding he couldn't see my face. "What?!" I screeched, hands on my hips as I leaned forward. "You should get them! Something like that is supposed to be from the heart!" I had only said that because I was sure Ino and Sasuke were over. It was apparent they were just good friends. Truth be told, I was the jealous type, and as much as I wanted to deny it, I had a HUMUNGO crush on dickhead over there.
He sighed, flipping a page in his newspaper. "Well…what she doesn't know won't hurt her."
I gasped and then crossed my arms, looking away. "I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that…" I mumbled mostly to myself. Asshole. "Besides, I can't get them. I have to finish cleaning the house and get ready myself. I won't have enough time." I pointed my nose into the air haughtily.
He scoffed. "As if you're going."
I looked him up and down with distaste. "What?! What is that supposed to mean? Of course I'm going; I'm your secretary," I said, adding little air quotes to the word 'secretary'. "What'll people think if I'm not there?"
"Nothing. It's not you they want to see, anyway. Besides, I don't want you embarrassing me with your spunky attitude and plain face. Go clean something, maid."
Pfft! Plain face my ass!
I glared, shaking my fist at him. To THINK I made this monster a loving breakfast from the heart! "You're a bastard!"
I could almost hear the smirk on his voice. "We want to go back to name-calling? It's danna, then."
"You know I'm not going to call you that!" I said through gritted teeth.
"You want your job or not?"
"SEXUAL HARRASSMENT!" I pleaded. "I'll call the po-po on your ass!"
"Tch, whatever…"
"I will, I swear!"
He finally looked at me through onyx eyes of amusement. "Then do it, Sakura." I growled at him, ready to pounce when he looked at my feet with disgust. He held up his hand. "Pause." I gave him a wary look. "What the hell are those?"
My distrustful eyes did not waver as I followed his gaze to my feet only to see my yellow ducky slippers there. They were so cute…
"They're my slippers," I finally answered, pursing my lips and then smirking boastingly. "Why—ya jealous?"
"No," he grumbled. "They're horrid; utterly ridiculous!" I could only gape at him. "Get them and the rest of your ugly body out of here."
I turned away a little; a little self-conscious about the squishy, yellow house shoes adorning my feet now. "Why're you hating on my ducks for?!" I questioned angrily. "Duck hater!"
He rolled his eyes again. "You're insane," he sighed before glaring at my slippers again. "Along with being fashionably retarded. Now get out of my room or I won't—" He let out a huge gust of air, leaning his head into his hand which was resting against the arm of the chair and then looking away. "Or…I won't let you go shopping for a new dress for tonight…"
At this point, I was just fired up that he had called me fashionably retarded! I dressed like I was Da Shit all the time! "You're such an ass! I can't believe you—" Wait…did he just invite me to the fashion show…?
Now, that's more like it!
I leaped into the air, smiling giddily as I ran up to the boy and glomped him. "Yay! Thank-you, Sasuke! Thank-you SO much!" I nuzzled into him, purring with delight before hearing him sigh irritably.
I was easily shoved off of him (as always—why could we only get touchy on his terms?) and on to the ground. "Yeah, whatever. Your credit card is in the office, attached to our contract."
I didn't think I could smile much wider.
He walked over to a drawer and pulled it open roughly. "What do you want to take?" he questioned monotonously.
It happened.
I gasped, holding my hands over my chest. I was sure I was all starry-eyed by now. "You mean, I get to pick?"
He narrowed his eyes. "If you hurry."
I scampered on over to the drawer and looked over the many keys in his drawer, one drawing me in. "Oooh, the Escalade!" I cooed, reaching my hand out to grab it, only to get slapped on the wrist.
I retracted my hand back, grabbing it on instinct as I pouted at the man next to me. "Hey! What's all the domestic violence for? You said I could pick!"
He crossed his arms, clutching the keys to the Escalade in his clenched fists. "Like hell I'd let you drive her," he grumbled. "We've seen your driving skills, Lady Fuck the Lambo Up."
What?! That was a onetime dealio, bub; I'd never get into an accident like that again! I was usually a very safe driver. But then I realized something.
I chuckled slightly to myself, a smirk slipping across my lips. "Her?" I scoffed, condescendingly.
I found it kind of adorable how Sasuke totally disregarded me. Except not—I don't like to be disregarded. But it was kind of cute how his nose wrinkled a little at my observation.
He threw the keys back in the drawer. "Yeah. The Escalade's my second favorite—right under the Lambo." He gave me a pointed glare.
I looked to the side, giving that "did I do that?" look and he held out the keys to the silver Mercedes. Whatevs, you can't really lose this game when Sasuke has, like, a ton of sweet rides.
I snatched the keys from his hand. "Thanks, sucka!" And I BOUNCED!
--
When I got back from shopping, I walked into the office to put the lovely credit card back in its place right next to our contract.
Oh, yes, we do have a contract.
You don't expect me to trust SCUM like him, do you?
Bitch, please! I needed legal assurance that I would be getting my money. And that seemed the only way…
Sasuke, who has eyes all around the house, immediately upon my arrival home checked on the car to see if there were any scratches on it even though I told him I was a safe driver.
"Wow, it made it back in one piece. What a pleasant surprise…"
"Shut-up." I smirked. "Have you even looked at the back yet?"
His eyes seemed to pop out of his skull. "What?!"
"Ha!" I tossed his keys over my back and heard him catch them. "Just fuckin' with ya!"
I made my way out the door, up the stairs, and into my room slightly proud at the joke I had played on the Uchiha. Actually, I found it pretty witty!
Stripping off my clothes, I jumped into the shower and washed my body as well as my hair before getting out and putting on my make-up with precision. I straightened out my hair except for my long bangs which I flipped out with a curler on both sides to frame my face and then I pulled on my dress and heels. This time when Sasuke came knocking at my door, I was actually ready.
I could feel his eyes on me when I exited my room and I smirked, striking a pose. "I look hot, right?" I put my hands on my hips and pouted, mock-posing once again. "It's Versace."
Sasuke gave a devilish smirk of his own, closing the short distance between us pretty efficiently, leaving only mere centimeters between us. Breath caught in my throat, just as it had a week earlier when he was this close, and he brought his hands up to rub circles in the silky, yellow fabric of my sleeveless dress right around my hips.
He leaned in, brushing his nose against mine before kissing my jaw, and I closed my eyes, enjoying the sudden pleasure of his hot breath against my neck.
"You look alright…" he mumbled huskily, making my legs feel like jelly.
My face was bright red when he took a step back and chuckled, marveling at his work. His onyx eyes only made me feel hotter, and I frowned, cursing at him as we made our way to the car.
Why did he always do that to me? You know, that thing…
That thing that makes me like him more and more every time I see him!
Ugh, honestly…
--
I love red carpet events! I mean, this is my first time being at one and everything, but I always liked to watch them on television. Everyone always showed up and looked drop-dead gorgeous at these things in their nice tux's and breathtaking dresses.
And here I was…
The secretary…
"Sakura, it's alright to smile at the camera."
"I have been smiling, you asshole!"
"You call that pained expression a smile? Ha, you make me laugh."
"Please, you're the one that always looks like he has a stick up his ass!"
Just when I was getting amazingly good at faking a smile at the many cameras that were trying to get even one shot of Sasuke, we had finally made it into a building where no paparazzi were allowed and I let out a deep breath. There were many celebrities around me once again, but it's almost like I was used to it…you know, I most def rubbed elbows with A-listers now and everything.
Don't get me wrong, though, I still brought my autograph book behind Sasuke's back again. He hates that thing, which makes me love it even more.
I rubbed my face with a pout. "Geez, I don't think I can fake one more smile. My cheeks hurt like hell!" I looked up at Sasuke who was shaking his head and rolling his eyes at me condescendingly and I smirked. "How do you do it, Sasuke? How can you fake smiles all the time and with a stick up your ass, too?"
He glared. "I do not fake my smiles," he denied, sounding a bit offended.
I scoffed. "Don't you lie to me!" I said, looking him up and down.
He looked at me sternly for awhile and then began walking away. "You're annoying…" he mumbled to mostly himself.
Right when I was going to retort, The Light from heaven started to shine upon me and this angel choir began sort of singing, if you will. My mouth instantly dropped.
Holy shit, it was Itachi Uchiha! The older Sex God!
Just like his younger brother, he was a model, but he was also a musician. I couldn't count the number of stars he wrote songs for.
Shizz, he was gorgeous too. Same stature and coal, black eyes as Sasuke, but his hair was longer—in a pony tail, I noticed.
Mmm…
Yummy.
I instinctively stared and drooled. The same face I gave Sasuke the first time I had met him, but that boy knows he didn't deserve it!
Suddenly, older Sex with Legs turned towards me and—OMYGOODNESS—smirked! I gasped, looking around to see if there was anyone else he could've been looking at which caused Sasuke to glare down at me.
"Sakura, why the hell are you drooling?" I only answered with more drooling, angering the younger Uchiha. He looked up to see what I was so fixated on and then sighed.
"Shit, we need to go," he said quickly, under his breath.
My eyes did not cease in their staring. "What the hell are you talking about? I'm not leaving!" My hands clenched excitedly in front of my face as I gasped. "Oh my God, Sasuke, he's coming this way!"
I felt Sasuke grab on to my arm, and I impulsively wanted to growl and gnaw his hand off. "Sakura, let's go," he said forcefully.
It was my turn to glare. I whipped around with a not-so-happy face on and snarled at the boy. "You're crazy!" I spat. "That's your brother, right? Introduce me!"
His hand only clenched harder around my arm and he gritted his teeth. "No!" He started to drag me away.
I began to whack him with my clutch purse. Like hell he would take away this opportunity from me! That guy was hot! "Unhand me, you fool!" I screeched. So, I had seen it in a few films…
"Stop making a spectacle of yourself, Sakura Haruno," he growled in a gravelly voice, eyes searching around to see if others were staring and how close his brother was getting to us.
I turned on him, pointing my finger in his face. "You will let go of me this instant, or I will—"
"Good evening, Sasuke."
We both instantly let go of one another and stood at attention, a hardened glare on Sasuke's face, and a flustered look on mine.
There was a gorgeous smirk plastered on Itachi's face, his eyes set. Up close, I noticed, he was a little shorter than Sasuke—about two inches or so.
Hmm…you learn something new every day.
"Itachi," greeted Sasuke harshly. And I really wanted to slap him into next week.
There was quite the silence as the brothers stared each other down before brilliant and wonderful Itachi broke it, clearing his throat. "May I ask who the lovely lady is you brought tonight? I don't think we've met before."
My knees tried to buckle beneath me.
"I don't think that's any of your—"
"Sakura Haruno!" I interrupted swiftly, extending my hand to shake his. "My name's Sakura Haruno. I'm Sasuke's new secretary." I smiled giddily as he reached out and took my hand.
"Well, it is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Haruno," said the elder Uchiha smoothly, lifting my hand to his lips tenderly and pecking it. "And might I say you look wonderful in your Versace this evening."
I didn't think my face could resemble my hair any more. "Thank-you, Mr. Uchiha, it is a pleasure to meet you as well," I acknowledged shakily, eyes sparkiling as big as diamonds. He was just so beautiful.
I could cry.
He smirked again. "Hn."
"We have to find our seats and get ready for the show," Sasuke grinded out stiffly. "So, if you will excuse us, Itachi." He grabbed my hand and began dragging me away again.
"Oh, of course," responded Itachi, a knowing hint to his voice.
"Wait, but I don't want to—"
"Do not start with me, Sakura." He only tugged me along more harshly.
"But I want to—"
"Shut-UP!"
--
The show was fabulous! If you ask me, Ino was the most stunning and beautiful model of them all. Most of the models were high-end just like Ino, but none could compare to her radiance, in my opinion.
Across the stage from us was Karin, who kept on waving and blowing kisses at Sasuke the whole night, making me want to throw up my dinner. She puffed her chest out at him the whole show too—she thought she was being sneaky and on the sly about it, but it was so obvious!
Man, I swear! That girl's the skankiest skank that ever skanked!
Sasuke definitely stared for awhile, but once I nudged him, all eyes were on Ino again, where they were supposed to be from the get-go. Karin saw. And anyone could tell by the heat rays coming from her eyes that she wasn't at all happy about it.
That only made me smile.
When the show was over, we shuffled on backstage before the fan girls could trample us and began to search for Ino. Sasuke greeted Ino with a kiss on the forehead before congratulating her on her show and whipping out the roses (that I bought!).
They were white roses—Ino's favorite. Funny it's real; I had actually read that in Vogue about a year prior.
It was amazing how gorgeous Ino looked; even in her laid back form of a baby blue silk robe, her hair cascading down her back in wavy curls and make up from her last walk down the runway still apparent on her face. And that smile—that perfect smile with those clear cut dimples…
Ugh, I wanted to be her!
Right after Ino thanked him for the roses, Sasuke pulled a black box from his pocket and I looked on curiously as he opened it to reveal some sort of trinket. When Ino gasped and clapped, rolling down the sleeve of her silk robe to show a delicate, silver charm bracelet with around six charms already on it, I finally understood the two's relationship.
They were honestly best friends.
I watched Sasuke clasp the new charm around one of the open rungs on the bracelet and Ino's eyes sparkled more when she looked at it, leading to her jumping into his arms for another hug. Sasuke looked so serene when he was around Ino, so happy.
I needed to be her!
"Sakura, thank-you for coming!" called the blonde, walking my way, Sasuke in tow. "I'm so glad you two came!" She hugged me tightly and I smiled, embracing her back. "How did you like it?"
"I loved it!" I swooned. "It was a gorgeous show. I hope to come to more."
"And, girl, you will have front row seats every time, I promise!"
I gasped. Tenten wouldn't believe this. "Really?" The blonde nodded.
"Ino."
We all looked over to see Itachi walking up to us, a boquet of white roses in his hand as well. I noticed Sasuke stiffening and Ino seemed to become aware of it to because she looked worriedly at the younger Uchiha, before squeezing his hand comfortingly.
She instantly broke out into a smile again when she jumped into Itachi's arms upon his arrival. "Itachi!" she squealed, giggling as he spun her around before placing her back on the ground gingerly and presenting her with the white roses.
I was so surprised. I had expected that between Sasuke and Ino, but I didn't expect for Ino to have that kind of relationship with Itachi—practically the same one she had with Sasuke.
Had anything happened romantically between these two as well?
Itachi's warm, short chuckle broke me from my train of thought. "You had quite a show, Ino. You've always looked wonderful in Chanel," he complimented.
Always?
How long had Ino known the Uchiha brothers?
"Thank-you! I was—"
"INO!"
The blonde sighed with a sheepish laugh. "Coming, shishou!" she called back reverentially. "I'm sorry, I'll have to see you guys later. Thanks for coming again!" She then looked at Sasuke, touching his arm softly. "Play nice," she whispered, winking at Itachi before walking away.
Itachi's smirk warmed my insides again, sending me over the edge. "That was a great show; Ino gets better every year. Don't you think so, Brother?"
"Aa…"
Itachi's scorching onyx orbs were on me again. "Was this your first show, Miss Haruno?"
For a minute, I almost forgot how to speak. "Ah—um…yes," I stammered. "I hope to go to many more…?" I repeated awkwardly looking at Sasuke to see he was not in a helping mood.
The older Uchiha chuckled again, making shivers run down my back. Oh my goodness, he was handsome! "Well, I hope to see you at more." I blushed, wanting so much to jump him and take him off to some closet somewhere. "Will you be coming to the Prada spring collection show in March?"
I bit my lip, looking down and knowing full well I wouldn't be around that long. "Well I—"
"She won't," Sasuke cut in and I looked at him strangely. "Sakura won't be available in March."
"Sasuke," started the eldest Uchiha in a belittling voice, as if he were talking to a child. "I think Miss Haruno is capable enough to answer for herself." He turned towards me. "If you don't mind me asking, why will you not be available in March, Miss Haruno?"
"She does mind." Sasuke's lips thinned. "It is none of your business, Itachi."
Itachi looked blankly between Sasuke and I, before a knowing glint flickered in his eyes. "Now, I understand." I furrowed my brows. I sure didn't understand. "You like Miss Haruno, don't you, little brother?"
I wanted to laugh.
But for fear of Sasuke attacking me and making me pay once we got home I didn't.
Sasuke. THE Sasuke Uchiha liking me? Please! The kid hated my guts! He just used me to do his dirty work and hit on whenever he felt necessary (much to my chagrin, since I actually liked him and all).
Sasuke only glared.
"It's fair game though, right?" questioned Itachi with a smirk, reaching out to lift up my chin. "If I like Miss Haruno, myself?" I gasped.
Oh...my God.
I felt Sasuke tremble with anger next to me and as quick as Itachi's hand was on my chin it was off and THE Sasuke Uchiha's lips (yes—those magnificently smooth things) were on mine.
Sasuke was kissing me.
Rather harshly at that.
I was shocked. It was over soon enough, but I couldn't move. For goodness sake, I could barely even breathe.
"No," said Sasuke gruffly, making my wide, teal eyes travel towards the sound of his voice. "It's not fair game because Sakura and I are dating." Sasuke grabbed my arm. "Come on, Sakura."
"Oh?" I heard Itachi chuckle, amusement evident in his voice as Sasuke pulled me towards the exit. "Well, regardless, I hope to see you very soon, Miss Haruno."
This time, when Sasuke dragged me away, I did not struggle.
I only followed.
--
Sasuke had been very quiet the whole car ride home. This terse and angry aura was seeping off of him and hitting me in the face the whole time, slightly slapping me out of the stupor that I was in since he kissed me and all. I couldn't believe it—why did he kiss me?
Did he think that proved something to his brother, 'cause it totally didn't.
It was an emotionless, cold kiss and it didn't feel right, left me less satisfied than I thought I would be after kissing Sasuke Uchiha.
Maybe because he didn't mean it.
When I looked over at Sasuke, all I saw were thin lips, and hard-set obsidian eyes. His hands were gripped around the steering wheel roughly, and he still had a tense look to him.
The silence was killing me though! I couldn't take it.
I coughed. "You know the dress Ino wore the first time she walked down the runway?" I questioned, looking at him with a forced smile. I rubbed my head in thought. "Ah—maybe it was the second…that pink one?" He kept his eyes on the road, not even pretending like he was listening to me. "Yeah, I really liked that one…"
Lame.
And of course, ice-man did not answer.
Can't he just throw me a bone? Honestly…
--
As soon as we were home, Sasuke locked himself in his room like some pubescent boy on a rampage and I sighed, slinking into the kitchen.
I poured the boy a glass of water and then prayed to Kami that he wouldn't try and hurt me for trying to help him. Why wouldn't he talk to me? He was acting so strange tonight.
I knocked on his door. "Sasuke?"
"What is it?" came his dull voice.
"I brought you some water," I offered weakly, ear against the door to hear what he would say next. No answer. I sighed, closing my eyes before taking his silence as allowance to enter his room.
When I walked in, he was reading a book on his bed and I set the water on his bedside table.
"It's room temperature," I said softly, meekly. "No ice cubes," I tried to joke, but to no avail. He only flipped a page in his book.
I sighed distraughtly again. It seemed I would be doing that a lot. I sat next to him on his bed, emerald eyes on my clasped hands. I looked at him sadly for a second, lips pouty, but he wouldn't look at me.
"Sasuke, please say something—anything! Call me stupid; say I have a bad sense of style!" I was getting pretty pathetic. "Just say something." He didn't.
I shook my head, furrowing my bubble-gum pink eyebrows. "Sasuke…is this about Itachi? It's obvious that you two don't get along very well…" I looked at him out of the corner of my eye. "Do you want to talk about it?" I inquired softly.
This time a snide laugh slipped through Sasuke's lips, and he looked at me through spiteful eyes. "You think I'd tell you—my maid?"
I took a deep breath, cooling my own anger down at that comment and bit my tongue so I wouldn't say anything. I knew it was his temper speaking and at least there were words coming from his mouth.
I tilted my head back, running a hand through my long, rosette-colored locks before fingering the hem line of my dress near my thigh.
"My parents got divorced when I was only seven." I could feel Sasuke's eyes of confusion settling on me. "I don't have any brothers or sisters so after they split up it was just me and my god-father, Kakashi." I smiled to myself when I thought about my loving, silver-haired (albeit pervy) god-father. "The only man I'll ever trust…My parents love each other, but they're different…so very different," I chuckled.
"My mom was a famous ballet dancer, gorgeous too. So, I always wanted to follow in her footsteps and be like her." I scoffed. "As a kid anyway…I think I was around thirteen when I realized I wanted to be a doctor, but I was too whipped to do anything about it.
"My dad's a traveling photographer…and surprisingly, he makes a lot of cash doing it. They could've paid for me to go to that summer camp at the hospital when I was fourteen, and they can pay for me to go to KU now." I shook my head and smiled sadly. "But they won't. They're trying to get me into that dance school like it's nobody's business."
Sasuke had put down his book by now.
I laughed. "One day, I visited my grandmother—who's always been too sickly to take care of me—and I asked her why my mom didn't want me to be a doctor—that if I was a doctor I could heal her and…and make her feel better…" I felt tears beginning to creep up my throat. "She said that it wasn't her that needed me and my healing, but my mother.
"I didn't understand, then," I whispered. "Because the next week, when I saw my grandmother being lowered beneath the earth at her funeral, it didn't exactly seem like my mother was the one that needed healing, but…" I sniffled, and then giggled as tears trickled down my face. I looked over to meet Sasuke's unreadable gaze.
"Look at me—I've gone and started crying. And all that just to make sure you wouldn't cry." I wiped my face, slightly embarrassed at my showing of emotions in front of the boy.
"Sakura…" said Sasuke softly. "Why are you telling me all of this?"
"Because, Sasuke, if we're going to live under the same roof, we should at least know a little about one another," I reasoned, giving him the 'duh' face.
He was quiet for awhile and then he looked down. "Well…I don't think I'm ready to talk about my family yet."
I smiled brightly, sympathetically. "I know." I scrunched up my knees and leaned my head against them for a little before sniffling and hopping out of his bed. "Are you hungry? I'll make you something real quick…"
Before I could leave the room, I felt his hand around my wrist. "Sakura…" he murmured in a husky, supple voice.
I turned around, swallowing. "Yeah?"
And before I knew it, I was being pulled into another lip-lock with Sasuke. This kiss was softer, more chaste than the other one. It caught me off-guard at first but once his hands were around my waist, I melted right into him, kissing him back. How could something so pure, so sweet tasting, be so hot at the same time?
I had been pulled into his lap, and his strong body felt like it was devouring me. Tastefully, of course. I wrapped my arms around his neck, and twirled his silky, black locks between my fingers before he nipped my bottom lip softly, causing me to moan, and parted from me, kissing the tip of my nose as well.
It took me awhile to open my eyes, and look into his half-lidded onyx orbs. He was beautiful up close and it was hard for me to not feel like I was dreaming.
He smirked, lifting his hand to swipe the leftover tears from my face, and move the hair from my eyes. I was still slightly out of breath from the kiss when he leaned forward to claim my lips again for one more short, soft kiss before leaning down and tasting my neck, nipping it and sucking at it.
I closed my eyes, entangling my fingers in his hair once again. His touches were so delicate and yielding, I was losing my mind. "Oh…Sasuke," I whispered. "Wha—what…" I licked my lips and swallowed thickly to wet my throat. "What is this?"
He smirked up at me again. "This is what I was going for when I kissed you in front of Itachi. But I guess it didn't work out that way."
I looked at him disbelievingly. "This…this is what you were going for?" I questioned breathily. My mind started spinning, and I blushed, thinking of what I would've done had this happened to me in public. "Sasuke, I would've passed out!"
He chuckled softly, pressing his forehead against mine. "Hn…Now what were you saying about making me something to eat? I'm starving."
I laughed as well. "You idiot, way to ruin the mood!"
--
The next morning I was up early as usual doing the Uchiha's dirty work. But this time…just this once, I SWEAR! I had a smile on my face.
I hummed a tune to myself as I polished the marble stairs, making sure to get all in the crevices. A clean home is a happy home.
Yay!
See? Good mood today!
The doorbell rang, and I put down the cleaning utensils skipping through the foyer and to the door. When I opened the door, I was a little surprised to see pretty Ino standing there with her six inch black pumps, black tights, and gorgeous, grey Burberry winter coat.
Burberry coat...
I could've cried.
"Sakura, hi…" greeted Ino. "May I come in?"
I raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, of course." I moved out of the way of the door so she could get in and then I closed it behind her. "Sasuke's still asleep, but I can wake him up if you need it," I proposed, taking her coat from her.
"Oh—no, dear." She shook her head. "It's you I came to talk to."
I hung her jacket up in the closet next to the door and furrowed my eyebrows with a perplexed expression. "Me..?" She nodded. "Well, alright."
I took her to a sitting room and then brought her some hot tea since it was so dang cold outside. She sipped on it before crossing her legs and sending her electric blue gaze my way.
"Sakura…do you know what a shishou is?"
I raised my pink eyebrow again and took a sip of my own tea. "Yeah…isn't it like a sempai? Someone who takes care of you—your master, right?" I wasn't exactly sure what it was—it's just kind of what I figured because of what I saw with Karin and Ino and their shishou's.
"Well…kind of," said Ino, looking over to the side. "But it's more like your founder. It's the person that spots you and gives you your first chance at stardom, but sometimes the two are interchangeable… The difference between your sempai and your shishou is that you do whatever your shishou says. That person is just as you said: your master."
Why was she telling me this?
"In Karin's case, the person you saw her calling shishou—Ms. Konan—is actually not her founder. She's like her sempai, her sensei, the person that's keeping the tabs on her, but she's not really running anything," explained Ino.
"All of Karin's orders actually come from her real shishou. Orochimaru, head of Oto Modeling Industries, is actually her shishou and, though Sasuke is more into his singing career now and usually takes everything up with his agent, Orochimaru is Sasuke's shishou as well, and it is very important that Sasuke stays faithful to his shishou."
Ino's eyebrows knitted together and she leaned in. "Sakura, do you understand why I'm telling you this?"
I shook my head slowly. "Sorry…not one bit."
The blonde took a deep breath. "I've seen the way you look and Sasuke and it's apparent that you like him." She smirked when she looked at my neck and I gasped, covering the red hickey up with a blush just the color of it. "I take it that he likes you as well, but…Karin is Orochimaru's new pet now, and he'll do anything to make her happy, which is why Karin's going to be in Sasuke's music video."
I pouted…so that was why. Damn.
"Karin wants Sasuke and Orochimaru can get him for her. Rumors are going to start, and because Sasuke won't want to start any more commotion by going against his shishou's wishes, he'll probably end up with Karin.
"Even if he doesn't, Karin's not going to give up so easy. The world of female models is vicious and catty, especially when Karin is involved. I just don't want to see you getting stuck in the middle of it." Ino looked down at her hands. "I want Sasuke to be happy and I really like you and everything…but it wouldn't be right if I didn't at least warn you of what could happen." She looked back up, giving me a empathetic stare. "I'm sorry if I've discouraged you…"
I wrapped my hands around the mug with warm tea in it. "No, it's alright," I laughed, looking her in the eyes. "Thanks for the warning, Ino."
As much as I wanted to heed Ino's word, I couldn't. Something like that couldn't deter me from what I wanted. I felt wonderful when I was with Sasuke, and Karin couldn't take that away from me.
She smiled. "You're welcome."
Just when we were going to pick up some pleasant conversation, Sasuke came down the stairs and into the sitting room. "Hey, Ino, what are you doing here?" asked the boy calmly, scratching his head in thought.
"Oh, just needed to have some girl talk with Sakura," replied the girl as she stood to go get her jacket from the closet.
"What did you talk about?" questioned Sasuke.
"None of you business, nosy!" she teased, sticking out her tongue. "Go eat some breakfast. It smells great. What is it, Sakura?"
"Pancakes," I answered. "Would you like to stay for some?"
She shook her head. "Sorry, can't. My shishou only allows me to eat carbs if I promise to work out." She winked at me and then she left.
"Hn." I looked at Sasuke, knowing he was trying to get my attention. "What did you two talk about?"
I rolled my eyes, jokingly. "She just said it was none of your bee's wax, bub."
"Hn…" he mumbled again. "Hey, I want to show you something. Follow me and close your eyes."
I looked at him like he was crazy. Honestly. "How do you expect me to close my eyes and follow you?"
He thoughtful expression crossed his features. "Hm…good point. Just follow me then."
Aww, man! Now whatever surprise he had set for me was going to be ruined!
I pouted and my nose wrinkled a little.
He led me up to my room and then told me to open the closet. I looked at him warily and then did as I was told. When I looked into my walk-in closet, I gasped, eyes practically popping out of their sockets.
Lining the walls were about a dozen pairs of designer jeans, nice shirts, and gorgeous dresses. Along the ground were just as many pairs of heels in all sorts of chic colors.
And right in center stage, hanging from one of the hangers in the back was a blue Burberry coat, looking almost the exact same as my favorite one I had to give away.
I took a deep intake of breath, trying to stay calm, but then I exploded—screaming and jumping into his arms. "Oh my God! How did you—when? Wait, I can't believe this…" I spluttered, looking at him frantically. "But why?"
He chuckled softly, smirking. "I did it yesterday, while you were out buying your dress. We'll get you some more stuff later, of course." My jaw dropped. More?! Was I drooling yet? The contours of his face seemed to tighten. "I don't think it's fair that you had to give away all your stuff. It's selfish of your parents to not give their own daughter the money that she needs as a minor." His smirk came back. "Besides, I can't have my secretary walking around in only one pair of Sevens and her Uggs."
I shook my head, and smiled. "Sasuke, I—I don't know what to say," I stammered, sparing a look at the Burberry coat. "You even got my favorite jacket too. Thank-you so much."
"Hn. You're welcome."
I quirked an eyebrow up. "But what's wrong with Uggs?"
He sighed. "Sakura…honestly. They're fugly."
"But they're comfy," I huffed, staring at him incredulously. "Besides, they were all the rage in highschool. All the cool kids had a real pair of Uggs."
"So it's okay to look ugly just because you're comfortable and all the lame people in school wore them?" He crossed his arms. "No, not how it works. You're going to be seen with me, now, so you should dress accordingly."
I pointed an accusing finger at him and frowned. "Listen, I'm going to wear my Uggs if I want."
I saw him grab something from my closet and edge closely to the door. "Not if they're burnt." He sprinted out of my room.
I gasped. "Sasuke! Don't you dare burn my Uggs!" I chased after him, a smile etching its way into my features.
Sorry, Ino, I can't regard your words.
"Found you, idiot!" I cried, leaping onto him, only to erupt into a fit of giggles when he tossed me over his shoulder and spun me around.
Because, right now, Sasuke Uchiha is not Karin's. He's mine.
A/N: Oh, geez, don't kill me. It's not the longest chapter, but at least it's out there, right? Anyways, thank-you for the reviews and I'll try to get another chapter up before my break is over, which is another weak from now
Also, if you want to see some ot the outfits these girl's are wearing, I can send you links! Not that anyone really cares :)
…REVIEW PLZ!
Luving me's like…
-chewingonpearls
