unedited/ not proofread (11/10/20)

Sakura

The moment I walk back into the Kunoichi offices on Monday morning, I'm met with proud grins and some very loud 'You go, girl's from multiple interns. On any other occasion, I may have flashed a smile or mouthed a thank you or two, but I don't today. No because every single proud grin and thumbs up only reminds me of Saturday noon.

Let's recap.

One, he kissed me Friday night after he found out about the video.

Two, I kissed him in the gym the next morning and had brunch with him an hour later.

Three, we fucked in my own living room after I said the stupidest thing I've ever even heard myself say out loud. I mean, 'Fuck this ridiculous woman?' Clearly, I've gone completely mad. Last night, it was definitely the wine. Now, I blame the mimosas. I don't know what to blame the incident in the gym on, but that isn't the point.

The point is I know that Sasuke Uchiha can fuck.

What am I going to do with this information? No clue, but it's ingrained in my memory, both to haunt me and to remind me that I had the best sex with a guy who speaks old age. His promise of me not forgetting has been fully fulfilled because I have no idea how I'm going to face him at the meeting with our bosses and the CEO to discuss the project's popularity.

After staring at each other, processing what just happened, I basically unsheathed himself from and ran into my bedroom. Why? I don't know, I just couldn't stay there staring at him. It also explains why I holed myself up in my apartment the rest of Saturday and all of Sunday and avoided my living room like the plague because I know the moment I see the couch, the memories will come rushing back. It's not like I don't want to remember the best orgasm of my almost thirty year old life, it's the fact that I did it with him that's the issue.

Was this a one time thing? For my sanity, it'd be better that way. But now there's this salacious craving for his touch I have that I don't know how to handle. You'd think a fully grown adult would woman up and just talk to the guy, but I've just been too busy freaking out and drowning in my own thoughts. And it's not like I can tell anyone about this. Ino would definitely freak out and gloat. TenTen would egg me on to continue whatever this thing between Sasuke and I is. Maybe Hinata? I don't want to bother her with this.

The elevator doors open, and I arrive at the top floor of the HMM building for the meeting with CEO Senju.

Right.

Right now, I have to be in work mode. None of my personal life nonsense right now. Just ignore the fact that the man whose fingers made me see heaven will be right across the table. I can do that. I am a professional.

The CEO's assistant leads me to the conference room and opens the door. Looks like I'm the last to arrive which is rare. I'm actually five minutes early. But based on Kurenai's grin and Tsunade's welcoming aura, it would seem everyone's in a good mood. Well, except…

Sasuke looks at me blankly, mouth in a thin line as I enter greeting everyone with a good morning and sitting down next to Kurenai. He's reading me, I think. I mean, I can't exactly blame him after I left him on my own couch after what we did. I should probably thank him for bringing my gym bag in after he left.

Shit, not now! Remember, you're at work, Sakura.

"Well, since everyone is here early, we may as well start," Tsunade says with a clap of her hands. Motioning for Kurenai and Kakashi to stand in front of the projector and begin, she walks the short distance to the seat at the end of the conference table.

On the projector is a chart exhibiting the number of clicks our websites and social media accounts have received in the past week since the first article and the video's release. Unsurprisingly, the project is doing very well. But I am surprised at how many views the video got. I keep my face neutral, however, as the bosses begin speaking.

"The collaboration project has received media attention, and we expect our physical issue sales to rise by fifteen percent."

"The views garnered on the video posted on KWJ's website tells us that the addition of visual media could help with the success of the project, as well as boost public interest."

Tsunade considers this. "So by visual media, do they want more photos, videos on the websites?"

Kakashi replies, "It could work, however, Kurenai and I have discussed that maybe it could be more effective if the two representatives would keep the interest up by posting on their own social media accounts."

Wait, they're suggesting we post photos of us on dates? My surprise is evident as Sasuke's eyes squint, noticing my discomfort. Right, he knows about my distaste of Konoha City gossip. This would only feed into that.

"It's a great idea, actually." Tsunade's eyes move back and forth from Sasuke to myself.

"While it does sound like a very effective idea, I'm pretty sure Sasuke doesn't have social media," I say, trying to find an out. I can feel Kakashi's attention on me, having heard me call Sasuke by his first name, and not 'Uchiha' like usual. I try to ignore it.

"Then, he can make one." Tsunade's head turns to the man. "Surely, you're capable of doing so for your job."

Sasuke seems a bit hesitant, I can tell by his answer not being an immediate one. Usually, he's quicker to deny or agree, even to the CEO herself. "If it's for the magazine, then yes, I am able."

What?

I look at him like he's crazy, but he doesn't react, his eyes darting to mine for a beat only to look away and give the CEO his attention.

After everything I told this guy! I swear, he's more of a work dog than I am. Is this payback for walking out on him? It has to be.

"Great. Then, let's do this," Tsunade starts, her hands clasped together. "With four dates remaining, I want at least one post from each of you each date, posted online to stir up the readers. To ride the momentum, may I suggest having your third one this week?"

"And what of the articles for the second," Sasuke pauses, giving me a knowing glance. "Date?"

He has a point. Because it was a video, we just assumed we had to continue with the article, but never had a confirmation from her herself.

"We'll still have Kiba's and Ino's articles published on the website, but I think it's best to move forward since everything is basically up there on tape."

That video was a double edged sword, then. Looks like having my pride get the best of me and moving my pride to the side both cost me my ass. Still, I can't be the only one feeling hesitant about this right now.

Sasuke's as stone-faced as ever, but when I look at him while Kakashi and Tsunade are discussing the numbers, he gives me a slight nod that I don't know how to translate.

"Do you two have anything already planned for this week?"

"I suggested lunch at Samehada."

The big boss doesn't look too pleased. "How about not just having shared meals and calling them dates for the entirety of this project? I'm sure you two can do something else than have wine and talk about work."

She has a point. There's only so many things you can write about a dinner and wine and LBDs. Then my mind goes back to a certain suggestion I had on that first date. "How about shopping?"

"Shopping?"

"Well, what better way for a woman to get to know a man than on a shopping trip? Our articles did mention his narrow wardrobe, and it's done in a more public setting, so readers may actually see us in the action and post it on social media, as well."

If I'm going to have to suffer through public scrutiny, then he's going to have to do it to all while I get to make fun of his dull fashion sense. By the looks of it, he isn't too pleased. Good.

She nods her head, mouth pursed. "That, I can get behind, Ms. Haruno."

As soon as the meeting ends and everyone files out of the conference room, I stop in my tracks as I feel a familiar hand on my upper arm. I turn and see a frowning Sasuke. "What is it now?"

"We need to talk."

As much as I want to run right now, he's right. We do need to talk. But it needs to be done somewhere people rarely go to. Even now, I sense eyes on us, trying to see how either of us will act around each other.

"Fine. But not here." I remove his hand on my arm, grabbing his wrist and leading him to the only place where I know we won't be watched.

I walk quickly, the sound of my heels on the floor echoing in the hallway until I see the familiar exit sign above the doors leading to the emergency staircase. Once the doors close, I take a deep breath, loosening my grip on his wrist before turning around.

"What was that?"

He glares at me. "Funny, considering I'm the one with the bone to pick."

"Really? No. You know I don't want more media attention, why didn't you say no to it?"

"And hear an earful from the woman who signs my checks?"

"Like you're short of money." I roll my eyes. "And you? On social media? I thought you hated it."

"I've never said that to you."

"Well, I don't need to be a psychic to know you hate it."

"Well, it appears that I have to become one to fully understand you."

"And what is that supposed to mean?"

He looks at me incredulously. "Do you want it spelled out for you, Sakura?"

"You're talking about Saturday?" I can't believe he's bringing this up now. Well, I can, but I just didn't want him to.

"What else? It's not exactly a normal occurrence for me to be left alone in someone else's home completely naked after burying myself insi-"

I cover my ears. "I don't need a verbal reminder. I was there too."

"So you'd obviously understand how strange it was."

"Yes, but hey, how else am I supposed to react when I got naked with you of all people."

"You truly know how to flatter people."

"Shut up."

"Need I remind you, you could have said no, and I would have walked away."

"I could have, but that isn't the point."

"Then, what is? Was it not you that said, and I quote 'Fuck this ridiculous woman'?"

That's really going to haunt me for a while, isn't it?

I sigh. "It was a momentary lapse of judgment."

He scoffs, taking a step closer to me, but this time, I stand my ground. "Is that why you started what you did at the gym, as well?"

"Yes."

"Your lips say yes, but the way you're avoiding my eyes tells a different story."

I swallow, forcing myself to look him right in the eye. There's that spark again. Oh, boy, not here. "And what story did you get from that, exactly?"

"I think you're confused about why you're attracted to me."

I try to laugh. "Wow, self absorbed much?"

He's right in front of me now. I have to tilt my head up to maintain our shared gaze. "It's the truth."

"Not my fault that you're more attracted to me than I am to you."

I can see mirth in his eyes. "Really?"

"You heard me."

"Then, I hope you don't eat your words when your body betrays you again." He's leaning down, our faces so close, I feel like I need to hold my breath.

"Oh, trust me. I won't bend. But I bet you will."

There's that fucking smirk again. I feel my stomach tighten. Nope. I'm not bending, especially not now.

"Is that a challenge, Sakura?"

And now he's saying my name. It's low. It's deep. It's like how he said it the other day, and I hate that I'm even picturing myself on top of him, straddling his legs, raking my nails into the skin of his back.

"Only if you want it to be."

He chuckles. "You're quite confident for a woman with goosebumps on her arms."

Instinctively, my hands go up to cover my upper arms. "We'll see who's laughing when you're hiding the tent in your pants during our shopping date on Saturday."

Shaking his head, he mutters, "Ridiculous." His gaze narrows at me, his lips taunting. "Challenge accepted then, Sa-ku-ra."

I hate that I can feel tingles down my spine when he says my name like that. I hate it so much.

Looks like our no games promise will last for the magazine. This game is purely between us. Hopefully, my body remembers this and won't be a traitor again. This game is not just a challenge, it's a promise. We're bound to do it again, but I won't be surrendering first. Not a chance in hell.

Now, I should probably go shopping with Ino beforehand. The LBD worked last time, but this time, I need something new. Something I know will bring that man down on his knees.

Notes:

As I've said, rivalry isn't over! Let the games begin. sjkdhskdjfh these two idiots really lmao