Disclaimers: I did not create Naruto nor did I make Beauty & The Beast- a sad fact, but still a fact. This is purely a SasuNaru fanfic using someone else's characters.

Beauty & The Beast: A D-Rank Mission

Chapter 2

D~,'~~~

Earlier That Day

"Are you serious? We have to do another freaking D-rank mission?" Naruto sat on the floor in Tsunade's office, grumbling. While the other two on Team 7 weren't thrilled by the prospect of another low-level "mission", Naruto was currently the only one throwing a fit in the Hokage's office.

"I mean- come on, Granny! We're shinobi! Why are we chasing cats and walking old ladies across the street? It's ridiculous!"

The Hokage slammed her palms on her desk as she stood up, glowering down at the incessant blonde. "Shut up, brat! This is Team 7's mission. You'll do it whether you like it or not."

Naruto flopped onto his back, glaring at the ceiling. "Fine.. what is it anyways?"

"You will be.. performing."

Naruto sat up, mouth agape. "Like as strippers?! I mean Sasuke could probably get a good crowd going, but.."

Sakura drove her fist into the back of his head while Sasuke choked on his own spit. Kakashi slapped him on the back to clear his windpipe.

"Do you even hear yourself when you talk?"

"Hmm? Did you say something sensei?"

"Dammit Naruto, will you focus?" Tsunade snapped. "You're not stripping you moron- you're acting. In a play. The theatre troupe is short a few people for their newest performance, and they asked if a few young shinobi could help out. That would be you three."

"So, what play are we doing Lady Tsunade?" Sakura asked.

"Beauty and the Beast."

D~,'~~~

"Alright team. First part of the mission- trying on your costumes. Sakura, here's yours, and Sasuke- this one's for you. Naruto, they are still in the process of finishing your's so you will just have to wait."

"Fine by me."

"Alright. We'll head over to the dressing rooms for you to change before joining the rest of the theatre troupe."

The trio followed in tow behind their sensai, with Sakura daydreaming about slow dancing with Sasuke, staring at him with sickeningly sweet affection, and Naruto walking on his other side, hands behind his head, staring at the clouds.

When they made it to the dressing rooms the group split up and agreed to meet just outside of the auditorium. Naruto headed over and leaned against a post, waiting for the other two. Kakashi had already wandered off somewhere to read his book. No surprise there.

Naruto laughed when he saw Sasuke walk towards him. "Ha! Oh my god- you're the Beast!" Sasuke wore a fur vest over his bare chest, furry gloves, and ragged pants. Naruto hated to admit it, but he wore it well.

"Naruto, if you say one more word-"

"No- it actually looks good!" Sasuke blushed and turned his face away, hoping Naruto hadn't noticed.

"Hn." Sasuke joined him against the post. As they waited they commented about the other actors milling around.

"Who do you think the old hag is, Sasuke? Is that Granny Tsunade back there?"

The "old hag" strode over to them and pulled back her outfit to reveal a "beautiful enchantress".

"Hey Sakura, when're you going to be the beautiful enchantress?" Naruto joked, earning another smack to the head.

Don't embarrass me in front of Sasuke you jerk! She mentally screamed. She glanced over at the furry Uchiha. He's the Beast- and of course, he looks amazing.

She felt a sudden surge of jealousy and rage bubble up. Who is playing Belle? she wondered. Who gets to dance with.. oh my god- who gets to KISS my Sasuke??!

The team was ushered on stage and the group was told that they would start today with the narrator before passing out each person's script. "Today will be about practicing your lines and getting to know the crew." Everyone nodded, then shuffled over to the various chairs scattered across the stage. Once the crew was seated, the introduction began-

Once upon a time in a far away land, a young prince lived in a shining castle...

D~,'~~~

"You'll be playing Belle."

"I'm WHAT?!" Naruto shrieked.

"Naruto! Don't make a scene!" Sakura looked around to find that the entire crew had stopped to stare at them. "But- I mean, I could play Belle.."

"No, I'm sorry my dear. Parts have already been chosen."

An elderly man strolled up with the utmost pageantry, peering down at the trio with interest. Half moon spectacles hung low on his sharp nose, and brilliant green eyes sparkled behind them.

"And Uzumaki here was specifically picked out for this part" the man smiled, "and I know he'll be just marvelous at it. Don't you agree, Sasuke?"

All eyes spun to land on the furry Uchiha, who looked equally shocked. "Why would I know?"

"Oh, no reason. No reason at all.." the man's eyes gleamed with mischief for a moment before he suddenly turned and clapped his hands.

"Alright people- time to get your lines and begin rehearsalllllllll!" He sang out 'rehearsal' with a faint flutter of his hand, and a few actor applauded as the rest shuffled off to gather their scripts.

"What a weirdo.." Sakura murmured, eyeing up the rather flamboyant director.

"You know- I actually like him!" Naruto replied back, "He's like a fancier Sasuke."

Kakashi sputtered out a laugh, which Sasuke cooled down with an icy stare. Kakashi dropped his hand down on Naruto's hair, ruffling his blonde mane. "I like the way you think, Naruto."

"Don't make it awkward, Kakashi-sensei."

The silver haired shinobi smiled behind his mask, his visible eye crinkling up in its signature u-shape. "Wouldn't dream of it."

As he sauntered back to the audience chairs he muttered, "I'll leave that completely up to you."

D~,'~~~