AN: An update! Con you believe it? I can't but it's a three day weekend for me in honor of Martin Luther King Day and I had the time to sit down and finish this one. Many thanks for the review! Kisses readers!

Chapter 8

On and on...
And on and on and on...

His heart hadn't stop racing after he sat down with his mother and father and he forced himself not to turn to that table. But he could still feel her, feel the warmth of her skin under his fingers, smell her perfume. It had been six years, but one moment that lasted all of ten seconds brought back everything he had loved in her…hated in her. What was so special about her to make him think these things after so long? To remember? He had exercised that woman from his life. Or so he thought. Sasuke became angry with the thought and moodily took a deep gulp of his wine.

"Something wrong Young Uchiha?" He turned to the voice, eyes piercing the woman who shared their table. What was her name again? He didn't pay much attention to her when she first showed up with her daughter. He didn't know her importance either. Why was she sitting at their table in the first place?

"Nothing that concerns you." He answered coolly turning his attention back to his father who was murmuring with his mother in quiet tones. Someone cleared their throat at the podium and all attention turned towards him.

"Dinner is served." And all at once there was a herd of servers coming into the ballroom with their hands loaded with silver platters of food. Sasuke sat back in his chair while he was served Bluefish Tuna with puréed potatoes and steamed baby artichokes. Soft chatter filled their table and Sasuke's gaze remained on his plate of food. He didn't want his parents to see how upset he was at the moment and there is no need for the strangers at the table to see as well.

He sensed her off to his right. Could pick up her faint tone chatting idly with the Hyuga heir and his family. He kept his eyes on is plate, but his ear toward her. He felt his pocket vibrate with a call but he didn't answer. It wasn't his phone anyways. She had forgotten to retrieve it after their earlier encounter. It was petty of him to keep it from her, but he didn't really care.

His father started coughing, alerted he glanced up to see his face had gone beet red and he was clutching his throat.

"Fugaku! Someone!" His mother slapped his back and Sasuke stood from his chair but someone beat him to it. A girl, with pink hair dressed in a long floor length dress of cream and silver began a series of abdominal thrusts. After the fourth one and chunk of half eaten tuna came spewing forth and landed in the middle of the table. His mother was fussing over him and his father was breathing raggedly.

"Sir! Sir! Are you alright?" Several concerned servers came to the table and his father nodded, sitting down to catch his breath.

"T-there was some kind of citric glaze on the Bluefish wasn't there?!" He roared, pounding the table. "I asked for my food to be prepared separately as to avoid this!"

The servers passed anxious looks between themselves. Sasuke didn't feel at once of pity for them and their mistake. Someone was going to lose their jobs tonight. His father was allergic to citrus and choking very publicly on a piece of fish made him look foolish and weak in front of a handful of elites.

"Mister Uchiha! They shall be dealt with at once!" A penguin looking man stepped into the crowd of spectators. Sasuke recognized him as the host of this fundraiser. The head surgeon of the Leaf Medical Village.

His father glared at all of them haughtily. "See that they are."

"Please, let's get back to dinner. I will personally see to your meal." He said nervously, his hand motioning to the table, head bowed low in terrified respect.

Once they were settled, his father turned to the guests at their table. More particularly the daughter. "You child, what is your name?" He asked.

The pink haired girl was pretty, he supposed. She was on athletic side, short pink hair with pale skin and big green eyes. He saw her stiffen in surprise at his father's domineering voice. But she didn't lower her head or eyes like he expected her too.

"Sakura Haruno." She said in a soft steady voice.

"She's an intern at Fire Medical." Her mother supplied proudly, touching her daughter's shoulder. "She'll be finishing her intership here in Leaf."

His mother smiled. Glad that the tension in her husband had diminished. "Oh? What field?"

"Pediatrics." Her mother said, speaking on her behalf. "Sakura absolutely loves children. I think she will make a wonderful wife and mother in the future. "

His father grunted and took a drink of his blood red wine. He kept his gaze fixated on Sakura, his thoughts mostly hidden. But Sasuke saw the curiosity in his eyes. "Thank you for what you did." He finally said. "I won't forget."

XOXO

Sami Haruno handed the money to the two nameless servers outside of Hiro Hotel.

"You were flawless." She praised them and they took the twin envelops and hastily left. Catching Fugaku Uchiha's interest was easier than she thought. She gazed through the windows to see Sakura and Sasuke dancing and smiled triumphantly. And so it begins.

XOXO

She was whirling on the dance floor in Neji's capable hands, enjoying herself despite what had occurred earlier. He made her at ease through the whole dinner and she was grateful that he was her friend.

After, they met a multitude of guest whom Neji knew or whom he was determined to meet. Some of the gossiping woman would try and grill her on their relationships, and the pushy Matchmaking Mamas tried to intimidate her but she held her ground, giving them answers Neji coached her on. Overall, the night had been wonderful.

"Congratulations for making it through the night." Neji commented, a small smirk on his lips. "Just fifteen more minutes and we'll be able to escape this place."

Ino laughed, shaking her head. The music ended.

"Ino?" She whirled to the familiar voice. She was dressed in a cream strapless gown with her short hair in romantic waves.

"Sakura?" They grinned widely at one another and embraced on the dance floor. "When did you get back to the capitol?"

Sakura laughed. "Me? When did you get back from Tea Country? It's been months since we talked!" She looked past Ino to the silent Hyuga standing attentively at her side.

"Oh! My manners!" Ino fluttered a hand to her chest. "Sakura, this is…"

"Neji Hyuga. Of course I recognized him." Sakura presented her hand and Neji bowed curtly over it. "Your date?" She asked coyly.

Ino laughed, entwining her arm into Neji's. "For tonight. Are you here with anyone?"

Sakura's smile faded a bit. "I came with Mother. But I was dancing with someone. He went to get us drinks."

Ino raised an interested brow. "A date?" She teased.

Sakura laughed. "Hardly! But our parents insisted we dance before the music ended."

"Oooh! Marriage on their minds?" Ino joked and Sakura giggled her cheeks flushing slightly.

"Anyone who marries Sasuke Uchiha is set for life socially and economically. Every family with eligible daughters knows that. I think my mother is insanely hopeful." She rolled her eyes and Ino tightened her hold on Neji's arm, blood draining from her face in shock.

"Sasuke Uchiha? You were dancing with him?" Her voice trembled lightly but Sakura didn't notice. Panic flared back to life and she looked around to see if she could see him anywhere. There, by the champagne fountain of crystal glasses, he was talking with an older gentleman with two glasses in his hands.

"I was. He's…reserved." Sakura said carefully, following her gaze. "He reminds me of someone." Ino heard the wistfulness in her tone. Something inside of her clenched. She didn't know what to feel about that unidentified feeling. Sasuke and Sakura?

"Aren't all Uchiha?" Neji drawled.

Sakura smiled, eyes locking onto his shamelessly. "I can say the same for the Hyuga." She joked and Neji smirked in humor. "Do you want to meet him?"

"No!" Ino said too quickly and too loudly making Sakura blink in puzzlement. She giggled nervously to cover her mistake. "No thank you. He looks too intimidating. Maybe some other time." In a million bajillion years she silently prayed. "Neji and I were just about to leave anyways."

Sakura frowned. "Oh. But we didn't get to talk! I'll give you my number and we'll do lunch to catch up." She said, motioning to her tables beyond the dance floor. Ino reluctantly went, grabbing her clutch on the way. She dug around in her purse but came up empty.

"Where—" Then her phone appeared in front of her like magic. "Thank you I must have…" She looked up and stopped breathing. He stared at her arrogantly, a brow raised with the beginnings of a leer playing on his mouth. "Dropped it." She finished, taking it from his hands. Her fingers foolishly trembled.

"Oh, I've seen you met anyways." Sakura unknowingly broke some of the tension developing between she and Sasuke. Where did he come from? He had been across the room three seconds ago! Neji should have warned her! He knew the horrid truth about their break up six years ago.

Sasuke raised a brow slightly. "You two know each other?"

Sakura nodded painfully unaware of the underlying strain between the two. "Ino and I went to school together when we were younger." She smiled at them both. "She's my best friend." Ino lifted her phone and touched a number sharing app and took Sakura's phone. She touched them briefly together and transferred her number into Sakura's contacts. She wanted to get out of this place now!

"We'll set up a date soon." Ino promised her. "Are you staying with your parents?"

"No. I'm at Falling Heights by Main Street. You?"

Ino hesitated, eyes darting to Sasuke. "I'm here in Leaf too." She said weakly. "I'm still getting settled." She fought a wince for the lie. Why wouldn't Sasuke go away! He was wreaking havoc on her nerves!

Sakura didn't notice the anxiety in Ino voice but that was alright. They were friends sure, but she didn't want Sakura to know about how things were between her and Sasuke. "I hear that. Invite me over when you're settled then."

Ino embraced her. "I will. It was so good to see you Sakura." Sakura hugged her back.

"You too. There's so much I want to talk to you about." She whispered but Ino caught the emotion in her voice and she tightened her hug in comfort. Sasuke and Neji loomed over them like shadows but Ino refused to look at Sasuke. He was trying to intimidate her by being so close. He knew how uncomfortable she was with him. It just like him, to prey on her emotions like that. When they were dating, he would do that to people he didn't like, but never to her. Her heart was breaking all over again from the glaring disdain he was eluding.

Back in the limo, Ino sighed in relief, sagging into the leather seat.

"An interesting night." Neji commented tiredly.

"Mmmm, that's an understatement." Ino said softly. "I thought that after all this time…that he…that we…ugh." She rubbed her eyes. "I don't know what I thought." She mournfully whispered.

"Past is past. It's a shame that others don't put it behind them." Neji said.

Ino smiled wryly. "Subtle pass on me too Neji. Don't worry. I'll be more prepared to face him in the future." She said stubbornly.

Neji studied her with unreadable lavender eyes. The moonlight made his face glow and his dark long hair fell neatly onto his shoulders. "Of that, I have no doubt."

XOXO

Itachi was waiting for her when she returned. The moment he looked at her he knew something was wrong.

"What happened?" He asked in concern, embracing her warmly. She closed her eyes and breathed in the comforting scent of him, her chaotic emotions calming considerably. She always felt so safe in his arms, like nothing or no one could hurt her. She loved him so much for that, for being so concerned and loving. She didn't know what she would do without him.

She told him about what had happened tonight and he listened attentively, his face blank and unreadable. He helped her take her hair down as she talked. His fingers soothingly massaged her head making her sigh and close her eyes in pure contentment. She was tired. He kissed the top of her head and she opened her eyes drowsily.

"Things will get better." He murmured comfortingly.

Ino tipped her head back for a kiss. "Will they?"

He kissed her before drawing back with a smirk. "They can't get worse." He mused and she smiled back.

"I love you Itachi."

"I love you Ino." And she melted when he kissed her again.

XOXO

Three Years Ago…

She felt like she had been punched in the gut. "W-what?" She asked thickly, swallowing the sudden sob that had her throat aching.

Sai avoided her devastated expression, sitting in a chair next to a window in the living room. His pale skin glowed golden in the sunlight and his hair fell into his eyes. He looked absolutely beautiful which only made her heart thump painfully harder in her chest. "You heard me. I can't do this with you anymore."

Tears streamed down her face, still he didn't look at her. "Do what?" She asked, her voice watery.

Sai sighed, his long artist fingers touching the warm window like he was going to pluck the streaming sunlight. "Be in this kind of relationship. What kind of relationship has to hide like ours does? Don't you get tired of lying to our family?" He sounded bored and Sakura took a step forward.

"But—"

"They won't let us be together no matter what we say." He interrupted gruffly.

"I know we can find a way!" Sakura protested. "You always said we would find a way! What has made you change your mind so suddenly? Everything was fine a few days ago and then—" Her eyes widened. A few days ago…

She marched to him and forced him to look at her. "What did my mother say?" She demanded, anger surging like fire. Her mother had made a surprise visit a few days ago. She and Sai were baking a cake, enjoying their night together when the doorbell rang. Her heart had dropped to her toes when she saw who it was, but it was late and she couldn't turn her mother away at the door. Sakura knew she had slyly planned it all on purpose.

Sai's expressionless mask broke when he saw her tears, her anguish and anger. His dark doe like eyes softened. "She told me what we already knew." He said.

Sakura's eyes narrowed. "She blackmailed you with something didn't she?! She told you to say all these horrible mean things to me!"

Sai's eyes widened in concern and he took her face into his cool hands. Her cheeks were hot from crying and tears dripped down and onto his fingers. He touched their foreheads together and Sakura took a breath to calm herself. "Tell me." She whispered. She clutched his shirt. "Tell me!" She cried and he dragged her into his arms, holding her tightly.

"Somehow…" He swallowed hard. "Somehow she found out that we had found my mother." Sakura gasped, eyes wide. "That deal she made with my father…it was true."

The deal. Him for an art gallery. "She said she would tell my father's wife about our meetings. I—She could lose everything if the deal was found to be broken. I just found her, I can't let them do this to her. That gallery is her whole livelihood."

Anger that had simmered now was boiling and she lurched out of his arms. "So you're going to chose her over us?" She accused. She knew her anger was misplaced, knew Sai's biological mother shouldn't suffer because of them but he had just met her! "You're sacrificing our love for a woman you just met! A woman who traded you for a gallery!"

Sai's mouth dropped open in protest. "Sakura…"

"No! You just decided all on your own that breaking up with me is the only way! I was willing to go to the very end for us to be together! I thought you were willing too! I thought you loved me like I loved you! I thought wrong!" She raged, tears blurring her eyes. "Fine! Go save the woman who traded you! Our love means nothing to you apparently!"

Sai tried to reach out for her but she moved away. "I do love you…" He began but she glared at him.

"Liar." She hissed. "If you did you wouldn't have been intimidated by my mother. You wouldn't have given in. You would have told me from the very beginning and together, we would have found a way. Instead you do this!" She took a calming breath (a few of them), intent on ignoring the guilt and hurt in his eyes.

Later, she would regret coming down on Sai's biological mother, but for now she was blinded by rage and betrayal.

"Tell my mother that we broke up." She said as calmly as she could, her chest heaving up and down. She narrowed her jade green eyes at him. "I hope you don't regret what you lost today. I hope you and Kiko live happily ever after." She said viciously and stormed out of their small condo. A place where she thought she would be out of her mother's grasp. A place where she found the greatest kind of happiness and now discovered the worst kind of heartbreak.

She knew Sai wasn't all to blame, but he had been there and had bowed to her mother's scheming. And for what? She seethed. He had given up on their relationship as soon as he decided that he would do what her mother wanted. She threw her rage at him because she could because he had been weak, because he had loved her.

But her mother...Sakura's rage doubled. She would regret meddling in her life. Sakura would make sure that her mother regretted ripping the only man she loved out of her arms…

XOXO

Things in her small workshop picked up when her designer friends started working. They each had their own area, each working on their own themed designs to get ready to test the market. There was a lot of planning in developing a line.

Kauri, the dark skinned, red head, golden eyed beauty was their outspoken assistant designer. She was the youngest of the group but had an eye for patterns and colors. She was the one who was kept up to date on the latest fashion trends, even developing a few of her own. She was loud and spirited and had to be reeled back in when she got too crazy with her ideas but she kept the design floor light and cheery. She and Temari were work partners.

Temari was a tall, sandy blonde Amazon with teal colored eyes and a sardonic smile that matched her personality at varying times. She and Ino were a lot alike, bossy, confident, easily annoyed. She headed their statistics. Like Kauri, she kept a sharp eye out for new trends. Always in one boutique after another, gathering sales data, buying trends and meeting core customers that their lingerie would appeal to. She headed their accounts as well, working closely with Ino's retired dad.

C was the only male in the group. Blonde haired, dark eyes, handsome and the biggest prick Ino had ever met. C had a worth all of his own. He was a perfectionist but had an open mind about each designer. Once a show mesh was made, he looked it over and added details and tightened measurements until the garment was perfect. He hand chose every model that would best display their hard work down the runway.

In Tea, when they had a fashion show, he was always behind the scenes, directing make-up and hair designers. Lacing corsets, snapping underwear and bras in place. Attaching garters and choosing skyscraper shoes. He was a busy little bee that had tunnel vision when it was showtime. He dressed smartly and dated only top models. Because of these skills, Ino tolerated his chauvinistic views on women. Despite what he thought of them, he knew how to make any woman feel and look breathtaking.

They adjourned from a team meeting just as the door to their work room opened. Everyone turned to the tall, vivacious brown haired woman that entered. Her warm chocolate brown eyes sparkled with her kindness and intelligence.

Perfect timing Ino thought, grinning. "Guys, I'd like you to meet Tenten Tamura. She is our new advertizing representative." She declared proudly, attentively watching C's expression. He didn't disappoint with a scowl blossoming over his handsome features.

"Her?" He asked coolly. Ino was going to snap back but Tenten stepped forward, her hips swaying. Dressed in a well tailored business suit of black with cherry red high heels, Tenten looked every inch a professional. She naturally eluded confidence and feminine strength.

"Yes. Me. Problem pretty boy?" She asked a spark of challenge in her usually friendly eyes. C wasn't one to back down and he wasn't one to dismiss a beauty either. Ino could tell he was attracted to her instantly. But he kept his face carefully composed. Only his eyes showed any emotion and right now, he looked annoyed.

"I hope you don't plan to pin our business on a childhood friend Ino. Much is at stake if she fails."

Kauri and Temari tensed and Ino bristled at the arrogant jib at her leadership. Tenten held up her hand when she heard Ino begin to protest. "Don't doubt my skill in marketing, and I won't doubt you fashion sense." She bit out making C stiffen. She hit a bull's eye with that remark. C was an egomaniac when it came to his wardrobe. Tenten smiled pleasantly at him. "I look forward to working with you. Ino I have to go, but it was nice seeing you after all this time." She hugged her. "Your trust is not misplaced." She whispered and then with one last pointed look at the male member of their group she turned and left.

C's gaze followed her as she departed and when he felt Ino's eyes on him he turned to her.

"What?" He scowled. Ino just smirked. The others caught on and smirked as well. C glared at them all.

"What?" He demanded again, like his attraction to Tenten wasn't obvious. He knew why they were looking at him like that. He just huffed and left the ivory meeting table to his work space.

Ino chuckled. This was going to be interesting.

XOXO

Fall and Winter crashed together quickly in Leaf and made the days shorter. But life didn't slow for any of them. Here at yet another party Ino wondered why life was going by so quickly. Both her boys were home from school for break and Itachi was just as busy. She wished she had more time with all of them. She sighed and walked across the ballroom floor to get away from the crowed. Or more particularly, a certain person.

If she was going to continue to go to these parties with Neji and Kiba, she would have to get used to seeing Sasuke there. True enough, the first party she saw him at three months ago brought a crash of memories. Of happiness and pain. She was proud of herself for not breaking down in front of him, even as he surveyed her with unhidden contempt and malice. She still shivered at the thought and it was only until she was back home and in Itachi's tender embrace did she recover from his cold gaze.

Reminding herself that she had Itachi made her stronger and more confident. Reminding herself that she had her boys made her fearless. But sometimes Sasame's little face would wonder in her mind and she would feel dread creep its way into her gut. What if he found out? She could take rejection from Sasuke, but she didn't know what he would say if he knew Sasame was his. She and Itachi concluded long ago that Sasuke would probably deny him altogether that's why Itachi's name was on his birth certificate. It was more than enough, more than she could ever ask for, for Itachi to claim him as their oldest. She never doubted how much Itachi loved him. He had been there from the very beginning and he would be there to the end. They were a family, she, Sasame, Itachi and little Taeyo. So it was okay that Sasuke didn't know. Still, it left her wondering what Sasuke would be like if he knew…

"Another boyfriend?" Ino jumped at his voice and turned to him in surprise. As soon as their gazes met a shot of chemistry cracked between them. He looked very dashing tonight at this black tie event. She didn't feel an inch of her confidence slip when his eyes roamed down her body in an apprising manner. She knew she looked beautiful dressed in a floor length strapless powder blue dress of silk and chiffon, embellished with crystals on the corset bodice. She always did, she thought in pure unadulterated vanity. His eyed traveled to the frosty window she was standing by, fogged with her body heat. She had absently wrote Sasame's name with her finger while she was lost in thought and quickly wiped it clean with her hand.

"He's an important person in my life." Was all she had to say before picking up her champagne flute to leave.

"Neji's conversing with the CEO of Fuda Foods. He's going to be busy for a while." Sasuke said when she tried to find her missing date.

Damn, Ino thought thinking of another escape from him. Being around him was unnerving enough. They had only spoke a few civil words when forced to at one of these parties. She had taken great pains to avoid him all night. Talking with him would wreak havoc on her emotions. Soon she spotted something, or rather someone who would save her.

"Looks like your date is looking for you. Oh, she found us." She gave him a tight smile. "Please excuse me." She took a step to leave, but Sasuke grabbed her arm making her spill her drink. She gave him an annoyed glare. "Let go." She whispered to him. Music had started and someone had intercepted Sasuke's date, roping her into a dance. She cursed the string quartet for their bad timing. He plucked the half empty drink from her fingers and placed it on a nearby marble bench.

"We should dance." Sasuke pulled her close to him. "People are staring and you know me and scenes." He murmured to her, arm around her waist to lead her to the floor. She wanted to resist, but he was right. People were looking at them. Where the hell was Neji?! She tried to look for him amidst the crowed of people, but dancing couples marred her sight.

Sasuke pulled her so close she could feel the heat of him through her dress. "A bit close aren't we?" Ino hissed through a polite smile.

He smirked back. "It's the Waltz. We're supposed to be close." His hand on her back flexed and she reluctantly placed her hand on his shoulder and placed her other in his warm hand. It was a dance where she had to let him lead. Moving on her tipytoes, she locked eyes with him and they began moving counter clockwise around the large ball room.

XOXO

Misa Hino wasn't paying attention to her dance partner at all, but she effortlessly kept the dance steps as she watched her date, Sasuke Uchiha dance with another woman.

She and Sasuke had met when he was in Sound Country and she learned early on that he was not a very showy person. He didn't like going to parties, or clubs, or…out. He never had time to do normal things couples do, but then again they weren't really a couple. What could you call what they were? Bed Buddies? Certainly it was true when they were in Sound Country but there were other girls in his life that could be called the same. He never just had one until now.

When she realized that she was the only one he was sleeping with she felt a keen sense of smugness. He must like her a lot, she thought at first. But she should have known better. That kind of wishful thinking was shattered as soon as it developed.

In Sound Country, she would visit him at least three times a week, now she was lucky to see him once in two weeks. She tried to tell herself it was work that was keeping him so busy but that illusion faded as well over time and they stopped seeing each other all together a month ago. Then she got a call out of nowhere from his assistant Suigetsu to see if she was busy this weekend and ask if she wanted to attend this black tie event with Sasuke.

Of course she agreed. Going somewhere public with Sasuke Uchiha? Damn straight she wanted to go! She got ready, bought a beautiful dress, spent the whole day at a spa and when the limo came and picked her up her happy bubble burst when she found out that she would be meeting him there. He wasn't even in the limo! What the hell was going on?

Her temper didn't fade once when she finally arrived and saw him waiting in the foyer for her an hour after the party started. He had avoided the whole paparazzi scene earlier, she knew and that only pissed her off more. He didn't want to be seen with her then? He didn't want the public to know who he had brought to this charity event? Then they made their rounds and he had introduced her as an acquaintance to anyone who had asked. Misa was used to these events, being born to high society back in Earth Country so she kept a polite smile about her lips and made small talk when appropriate. But inside she was sizzling with indignation.

Sasuke Uchiha, she was never going to forget this humiliation. Finally when she got him alone she asked why ask her to come anyway?

He looked at her with his heartbreakingly handsome smirk and said if she had wanted, she could go. He didn't even give her an answer! But she had suffered too much just to leave. She would stay until it ended and prove to him that she wasn't some insignificant woman with whom he could mess with. She had her pride damn it!

Now, seeing him dancing with a beautiful blonde made her smirk herself. The almighty Uchiha wasn't above using jealously huh? So that's why he asked her to come, to rub it in this other woman's face. Some of her awe of him dimmed. He wasn't some unreachable god like creature. He was just like the rest. Albeit more good looking and much wealthier than most in this world, but still. He was a person, just like her.

Once, she and a few of her friends (one of which was a past bed partner of his) were talking about said Uchiha and one mentioned that Sasuke was someone who could never commit because he had did it once before and learned his lesson. Someone had hurt him badly.

Another thing that was mentioned was the women Sasuke usually chose. None of them were ever blonde. Misa herself had long black hair. And never someone with blue eyes. Her eyes were sliver. But he was breaking all his rules now, dancing with a blonde, blue eyed women. Who was she? The way they were looking at one another told her that they knew each other. Misa frowned. Was this the girl that broke Sasuke's heart?

The dance took her away from the couple so she couldn't study them as much as she wanted. When it finally ended, she thanked her partner and excused herself to the bathroom. Of course, she went in search for Sasuke instead. He was nowhere to be seen in the ballroom, but she caught a flash of powder blue down the hall, apart from the main event. Misa looked around and quietly followed with long strides. She rounded the corner and then backed up and dashed against one of the marble pillars that lined the hotel hallway. Peeking around, stashed in the shallow shadows, Misa watched them.

The blonde was turned away from Sasuke looking out the garden view windows that lined the left side of the hallway. Low lamp light made the beading of her dress sparkly mystically and turned her hair into gold. Sasuke's eyes trailed across her bare shoulders. A spark of jealously stabbed her stomach. Misa never saw that kind of dark look of desire he displayed right now, even when they were in the midst of their carnal activities. But when the woman turned, his face blanked.

"So, Neji Huyga huh? I guess the saying is true. One man's trash can be another man's treasure. You two were always close though, so I'm not totally surprised." Sasuke said and the blonde folded her arms in front of her. Misa saw the flash of pain cross the blonde's gorgeous face when Sasuke first spoke. "What happened with Itachi? No happily ever after for you two?"

Itachi? Who was that?

"I'm shocked. You guys risked a lot to be together right? Messing around behind my back must have been emotionally draining." He folded his arms as well. "Where are the protests? You're not even trying to deny it now." He was beginning to sound angry at her lack of response.

The blonde finally sighed and locked eyes with him. A gutsy move, Misa thought. She could never stare steadily at an angered Sasuke like that. He was too intimidating. "What's the point? You made up your mind six years ago. I see it hasn't changed so why waste my breath." She sounded tired. "Is this why you dragged me here? To berate me again? Call me names? Hurt me? Let's just stop. I don't want to do this again."

Sasuke narrowed his eyes and suddenly trapped her against the window with his arms, leaning his body in until it was pressed against hers. "Stop? I'll never stop. Not until I destroy you like you destroyed me." One hand lifted from the window and stroked her cheek intimately. His voice dropped to a brusque timber, one of mixed emotions. Anger, sadness, hate, lust…it made Misa shiver. "I spent six years trying to rid myself of memories of you and I see you once and they all come flooding back."

The blonde was sucking in sharp breaths, eyes glittering with tears. "Sasuke…"

Then he kissed her, hard. Brutally. The blonde struggled and hit him in the chest, but Sasuke caught her wrists and pinned them to the window behind her while he continued to ravish her mouth. Tears continued to spill from the corner of her tightly closed eyes and finally, after what seemed like forever, Sasuke wretched his mouth from hers, breathing hard. Both their lips were wet and swollen and Sasuke looked stricken for a second, as if suddenly realizing what he had done. But Sasuke could master anything, Misa thought. He schooled his features and leaned back on his heels, still holding her wrists in his fingers.

"I'll make you regret everything Ino." He vowed before letting her go. Ino…that was her name. She had to be the one who had hurt Sasuke Misa decided. It was true that he never dated anyone blonde or anyone who had blue eyes but there was one other thing Sasuke Uchiha never did as well. He never kissed anyone. Never. Until now.

Misa flattened herself against the pillar as he left and when she was sure he was gone she gave a peek back at the blonde, Ino. She was standing straight as a rod with her hands clenched at her sides. Her chest was rising and falling with harsh breaths and her face, Misa saw that she had stopped crying, but now she just looked anguished. She stood there for a few minutes to gather herself together and when she did, she looked like nothing ever happened. Misa waited until she left before stepping from the pillar to rejoin the party.

She caught sight of them both, looking like nothing even happened. Sasuke was talking with a group of people and Ino was by Neji Hyuga, whispering something to him. Moments later, she and the Hyuga left. Misa snagged another flue of champagne and waited for Sasuke to come and get her. She wasn't surprised when he did ten minutes after Ino and Neji Hyuga left.

She watched him leave after Suigetsu dropped her off at her condo. She didn't care so much about spending time with Sasuke now. She was more interested in the blonde, Ino. Somehow, in some way she was going to learn the whole story about those two. She was stuck in Fire country until she finished her bookings at Aburame Models. She felt the chemistry crackle between them while they danced. And Sasuke, mister arrogant, Ice Prince of Fire…he was breaking all his rules over a girl.

Life here didn't seem so boring…