A/N: Here is the newest chapter. I will re-write the story as planned, but I will be posting it under a new Story titled "Demon Eyes: Reloaded". Just ignore the blatant Matrix title rip-off. I'm going to continue with the story as originally planned and written. I hope you like it.
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.
Hinata slipped into Naruto's office Monday, and blinked at him. He was seated at his desk, reading the paper. It wasn't the fact that he was reading the paper, it was the huge vicious fox-like smile that crossed his features.
"Interesting story?" Hinata asked softly, stepping towards the desk. Naruto's blue eyes flickered to her, and Hinata could see a flash of vindictive pleasure in their blue depths, before it flickered away.
"Yep, really interesting. What's up?" Naruto tilted his head, a real grin playing on his lips. Hinata laid down the folder, and fought her heart to stop beating so hard. Lately, she was acting like an overgrown schoolgirl around him. It was foolish, and she utterly hated the feeling.
"Neji-nii-san wants these signed by noon." She murmured, nodding down. The folder was thick, and Naruto shot it a glare. He grabbed it and flipped it open, giving an annoyed sigh.
"I think he's trying to kill me," He muttered.
"I don't think so, but knowing Neji-nii-san, death by paperwork seems likely." Hinata said dryly. Naruto looked up at her, and laughed. Hinata's heart skipped a few beats, making her flush. He didn't notice though, looking back down at the papers.
"Yeah, that is Neji's MO." Naruto shook his head. "Spring Break is over, huh?"
"Yes sir, and I thank you for watching her." Hinata said. "Lena wanted me to tell you thank you. She had fun, and she thinks she had the best report in the entire Freshman class."
"Really?" Naruto grinned widely, looking nothing more then a giant kid. "Tell her that she's welcome here at any time. No matter what. I had fun too. She's a smart kid."
"Too smart" Hinata agreed with a nod. She glanced at the clock and sighed. "I have to get back to work. Excuse me." She bowed slightly and walked out, trying to force the blush away. She didn't want to let him know how she felt. She knew he had a problem with the way Rebecca threw herself at him, and she didn't want to be like that.
Not that she was brave enough to throw herself at a man, but she felt herself falling into a hole. It had started when she had gone to the party with him. Naruto Uzumaki was sweet, kind, and even a little mysterious behind a boyish, childish exterior. He was bright and sunny, and she had never thought that she would ever fall for a man like that. She had been fighting it still, knowing that he was her boss and her cousin's best friend. The last week, the way he had treated Lena, had hammered the last nail in that proverbial coffin.
She slipped into the break room, letting out a breathe of relief that it was empty. She sat down at the single table, and slammed her forehead onto the tabletop.
"Ow," She breathed. She couldn't lie to herself anymore.
She was in love with Naruto Uzumaki.
Naruto was in a good mood. Actually, it was a great mood. It was for an awful reason, and he wondered slightly about his own vindictive nature, but it didn't make a difference. He was still in an excellent mood. He had once heard the proverb 'What goes around, comes around'. Finally, karma was kicking in.
He grinned down at his paper, the headline blaring out at him, 'SAKURA HARUNO: As sweet as we though?'.
He made a mental note to do something nice for Konohamaru later.
The article itself was pure gold: We all know Sakura Haruno. Famous for her leading roles in movies Clash in the Land of Snow , The Will of Fire, and Fading to Black, she's a common name in your average movie-loving household. In her personal life, she's been seen with the ever loved Sasuke Uchiha.
Most don't know, that she isn't all she seems. This journalist must give Ms. Haruno credit though. She is skilled in the art of acting. So much so, that she is able to act her way through life. Sources, and even personal experiences with the beautiful woman, make it clear; that sugar-sweet exterior is not the true Sakura Haruno.
What has brought this unflattering light on Ms. Haruno, you may ask? The current breakup between her and Sasuke Uchiha mostly. Certain accusations against Mr. Uchiha has unearthed not only Ms. Haruno's true nature, but certain past scandals that had never made it to the public eye.
The most shocking, is the fact that Ms. Haruno has used one of Mr. Uchiha's best and closest friends to get close to Mr. Uchiha. This friend has declined to speak about the experience, but eyewitnesses and close friends state that it was a rough time. Ms. Haruno used this man's kindness and feelings against him, for her own purposes. The only question this journalist could think of asking was "Why?" No one honestly knows.
"I know that Uchiha had no clue," One close source, who asked to remain unnamed, commented. "Uchiha cannot take liars and people who use others for their own personal gain. He has a personal code, and what Haruno did would never be tolerated."
I think that it is obvious. Ms. Haruno's relationship with Mr. Uchiha is broked beyond repair. We can only hope that Mr. Uchiha finds a better person next time.
Naruto smirked, though he was slightly uneasy about the fact that his relationship with Sakura had been told. Of course, he hadn't been named, but still, it wouldn't take Sasuke long to realize who it was. Naruto had been first on the 'Sakura-is-a-bitch" train, and the only close friends that Sasuke has ever had was Naruto, Gaara, and Neji.
Naruto was curious as to who that "close source" was. It almost sounded like Gaara, but Gaara wasn't really in the mood to deal with Konohhamaru. Ever since the party, it was obvious that the man was on a short fuse. Poor Matsuri was on pins and needles as well, trying not to attract her boss's wrath. If Naruto didn't think it would do more damage then good, he would've sent Gaara home already. Or have called Temari.
He was still considering calling Temari.
The door opened and he glance up and almost gulped. The Uchiha Death Glare was not a pleasant thing to be receiving.
"Yes, Teme?" Naruto grinned, though it was slightly hesitant.
"Dobe," Sasuke growled, storming in and slamming a paper onto Naruto's desk. Naruto sighed, glancing down at the headline.
"Kono did pretty good with that article, huh?" he asked calmly.
"Dobe, when the hell did you have a relationship with Sakura?" The question was quiet, but there was mudering intent behind it. Naruto winced.
"College, but it's not important. It wasn't important then either."
"You should've told me."
"I should've?" Naruto looked his best friend in the eye. "Why? So you could ruin a relationship that could've made you happy? That made you happy. If I'd told you, it could've made things tense between us. Besides, she truly loved you. There was a difference with her feelings for you, then what she was feeling for me."
"She lied to you and me." Sasuke snapped. "That's why!"
"Nah." Naruto shrugged and leaned back. "It wasn't worth it. It's not worth it now to drudge it up. Nobody even knew about, except for maybe Gaara. It wasn't important."
Sasuke glared, fists clenching and unclenching at his side for a moment. Naruto waited quietly, not breaking eye contact. Finally, Sasuke sighed, and the fight left him. He settled into the chair across the desk from Naruto.
"I hate you, Dobe," He muttered quietly.
"That's what you always say when I make sense!" Naruto laughed. Sasuke ignored him, turing his attention to the papers strewn across the desk.
"What's this?" He asked, nodding.
Naruto grumbled. "Something Neji wanted me to sign. I haven't even started."
"Lazy dobe," Sasuke smirked. He rose. "I'll just leave you to your work." He began to leave.
"Evil!" Naruto whined. He grew solemn for a moment though, "Has Gaara changed any?"
Sasuke paused. "He's still the same he's been for the last two weeks. He's not better or worse."
"Dammit" Naruto cursed.
"I don't think this is anything you can help with, Naruto," Sasuke looked back. "Probably be best to just drop it. And do not call Temari. I don't think she can help with this."
"F-ing Uchihas and their mind reading powers." Naruto sighed and nodded. "Got it."
Sasuke smirked as he left.
