Sasuke

"Wear a white shirt."

I look up from the documents I was reviewing to see Kakashi leaning on the doorframe of my office door, eyes filled with a blend of determination and mirth. No doubt he's enjoying what's coming. Unfortunately, I do not share the sentiment.

"Don't you have work to do?" I ask, eyes going back to the documents, not wanting to give him any more attention.

"As the head of Shinobi Magazine, yes, I do, and this is one of the many important tasks I have to do."

I fight the urge to roll my eyes.

He may be my superior, but the way he acts makes it hard to believe. Though, I suppose only a select few could get away with this behavior towards him, myself and Naruto included. It's partly because we've known him before he became our superior in the workplace, and he allows such conduct from us. Anyone else, I'm not too sure. He never was one to be too strict, but I've heard he had a quiet intimidating aura about him from other employees. Frankly, I don't see it, but that's perhaps because of our history.

"I have articles to review for the magazine you head, so make it quick."

"No need to be so cold, Sasuke," he walks closer to my desk, arms loosening from the fold above his chest and settling to his sides. "I don't think your date would appreciate it if you act this way tonight."

My hold on the papers in my hand tighten, feeling my annoyance grow. "This is how we've acted towards each other for a while. I doubt she'd care."

The older man had the nerve to chuckle. "Now, what did those papers do to you?" He settles onto the seat before my desk. "And that's how you two treated each other before you were assigned this story. As much as this amuses me, and believe me, it does, you still have to bring back good results. You're representing the magazine, after all."

"Need I remind you-"

"That you didn't sign up for this, I know. But it's your job."

I sigh, my frustration slowly ebbing with the breath I let out. He's right. It's my job. But it doesn't mean I enjoy being tabloid fodder for Konoha City's enjoyment.

"Is that all you came here for?"

"Wear a white shirt."

"This again?" I place the papers on my desk.

"Trust me. It'll do you good."

"Do him good for what?"

Great, one nuisance after another.

Naruto walks in unbothered by my glare as he slides onto the empty seat facing my desk.

"For his date tonight."

"It's tonight?" He exclaims. "Couldn't wait to start it, huh, teme?" I have half the nerve to punch that knowing smile off of his face, but this is the office.

"Does no one here care about their job?" I grumble, rubbing the temples of my forehead.

"Hey, I care. The problem is you care too much." Naruto shrugs. "Anyway, you gotta sweep Sakura-chan down her feet tonight."

"It's 'sweep her off her feet', Naruto," Kakashi corrects him. "But he's right. And wearing a white shirt would help with that."

"Does he even own anything that isn't a dark color?"

"If not, he could stop by a store when I cut off his hours this afternoon."

"I'm still here," I interrupt, reminding them that they're talking about me in my presence. "And cut off my hours?"

"It's the big date. I consider it a benefit for you and the company that you get more time to get ready."

"If cutting my hours today can spare me more of nonsensical 'advice' from you two, then I have no objections."

"Also, try to be more relaxed with her tonight. The way you talk sometimes makes me think that you're about to give a business proposal." Naruto nodded to himself.

"What's this, a party without me?" Kiba's head peeks from the door frame.

Not another one.

The three begin to converse, Naruto and Kiba's voices considerably louder than Kakashi's, but the anticipation in their voices is clear. You'd think they were the ones that have to go through this dinner.

My phone vibrates on the table, somehow saving me the trouble of having to actively listen to another one of their absurd ideas. Ironically, my savior is a text from the woman that I have to endure a night with.

Please tell me I'm not the
only one suffering through
dating advice from my
co-workers.
Haruno

Looks like we're on the same boat.

I shake my head, eyes briefly looking up to see the three grown men talking about my 'non-existent love life' as if they're all still in high school.

A proper text from you.
Considerably, an improvement
from last night.
Me

Her reply comes quickly.

Oh stfu
Haruno

you didn't answer
my question
Haruno

To answer your question,
yes. I currently have three
idiots in my office gossiping
instead of doing their jobs.
Me

awww does this mean im
not the only ridiculous one
in your life? :(((
Haruno

Far from it. However, you're
almost at the top spot.
Me

damn who do i have to beat?
Haruno

A blond loudmouth.
Me

lol thats funny
Haruno

i have one of those too
Haruno

looks like we have one thing
in common.
Haruno

That's surprising.
Me

wont be the only thing surprising ;)
Haruno

I tilt my head, suddenly curious about where this conversation is going.

Care to enlighten me?
Me

hey if i didnt know any better
id say youre flirting w me
Haruno

Isn't that what I'm supposed to
be doing?
Me

It takes her a little longer to reply, and I feel my lips forming a smirk.

careful, uchiha
Haruno

i might think youre actually
taking this job seriously
Haruno

It is a job. And I don't intend
on letting you win.
Me

first youre flirting and now
a threat
Haruno

youre giving me whiplash
Haruno

Tonight. 7PM.
Me

counting the hours
(rolling eyes emoji)
Haruno

"Would you look at that."

Naruto's voice makes me lift my head to meet the three pairs of knowing eyes staring at me.

"Who ya texting there, Uchiha?" Kiba's grin is wide and entirely too irritating.

"Could it be the one and only Sakura Haruno?"

"I almost detected a smile there, teme~" Naruto teases, leaning over my desk to try and steal my phone away which only adds to my vexation.

"Looks like he's actually doing better than we thought. Are the rumors true then? You and Haruno have the hots for each other?" Kiba is just as bad as Naruto in not knowing when to shut his mouth.

"Why do you think everyone's so interested in this project? People have been waiting for this moment."

Kakashi places a hand on Naruto's shoulder. "Well, that's enough for today. Let's all get back to work, shall we?"

"What? But-"

"We have a magazine to run." He begins pulling the two by their collars, leading them out the door with protests from the two, but they quiet down and walk out the door to their offices, disappearing into the hallway. But before Kakashi leaves, he speaks.

"White shirt." With a wink, he's gone.

This again?

Contrary to popular belief, I did own white shirts. However, maybe unsurprisingly to most, it's all hidden away in a sea of black and grey in my closet. Am I truly that predictable?

No, I shouldn't give into their teasing, let alone Kakashi's relentless pursuit in the 'white shirt' suggestion. Still, only a few hours left until I have to meet her at The Spades and his words are slowly burning its way into my mind.

Sasuke Uchiha, you are not listening to Kakashi Hatake of all people.

And yet, my eyes find the white dress shirt within the dark colors. It's annoying. Almost as annoying as the bright pink I'm scheduled to see tonight.

"Do you really think she's not out there right now buying some new dress to throw you off?"

Fuck, sometimes Kakashi did make sense.

Notes:

Sorry this is so late, but school started and I'm suddenly swamped.

Hopefully you enjoyed this! I love writing the guys teasing Sasuke. There's gonna be another chapter tomorrow in exchange for the long wait!

Keep safe, y'all! Just to let you guys know, I do read all of your comments, and even though I can't reply to all of them, I appreciate every single one! Lots of love!