Chapter 2

It's been two months...two long and awkward months for Sasuke after the small encounter with Sakura after the bar she's been avoiding him like the plague if it wasn't business-related nothing else was communicated to him there was a few times he would try to make conversation but she would shut it down just as fast as it started he was starting to think that she had her pick and choose over who she talks to personally and he just wasn't one which to him sucked because he enjoyed her company he wishes she would just talk to him but looks like he will be the one to break the ice or whatever it was.

Sitting in her office Sakura was deep in thoughts and her feelings she hasn't been the best the past year and a half ...she has been diving herself into work and anything that relate to home that would keep her mind off what was going on outside of the office and to say the least she hasn't been feeling the best after filing for divorce a year ago but overall fighting a divorce and working has been taking its toll on her not only was she fighting to keep her sanity and her belongings she was fighting to keep her feelings in check a sudden knock pulled Sakura from her thoughts before they went any further

"knock-knock"

"come in"

Walking into the office was one of the many people Sakura tried to avoid in life and it was Sasuke...well you see after what happened a few months ago Sakura tried to keep her distance away from him to not make anything more weird for him here she wanted to make him as comfortable as possible because lord knows she can't afford to lose yet another designer let alone so close to this month's deadlines

"Hey...umm can I talk to you?" Sasuke asked

"Yeah of course come on and take a seat! What is it that you want to talk about? "Please don't quit"

"This isn't exactly work-related...umm I just feel like...you been avoiding me, I know it's probably a long shot and inaccurate I mean obviously you run this magazine and you have a lot on your hands and you're probably busy with your own life outside of he-

"You're rambling," Sakura said

"Oh sorry, so are you?"

"Am I what?"

Resisting the urge to roll his eyes at her he looks at her and asks her again

"Avoiding me? Are you avoiding me, Ms. Haruno"

"Of course haven't been avoiding you Liar...shut up! That wouldn't be exactly professional and I need to be able to communicate with you I have been talking to you! More lies

"Right...I just thought...nevermind I guess you're right sorry for bothering you enjoy the rest of your day"

Well, that didn't solve anything I could tell she was lying to me...I guess the whole of making friends with the boss was a blow from the beginning...

"Yo, what's with the long face? Bad day? Peering up at the voice Sasuke noticed it was Naruto talking to him

"Something like that I guess"

"I saw you coming out of Sakura's office... Bad news I suppose naruto asked

"Nothing like that at least not I suppose"

"Are you sure? You sound torn dude"

"can I ask you a question?"

"yeah sure shoot"

"how long have you known Sakura"

Looking at Sasuke Naruto couldn't help the grin that started to spread across his face...who would've thought the new boy would fall for the boss

"what are you smiling at?" Sasuke asked with a slight glare

"oh nothing j just didn't expect you to fall so fast for her I mean you've only been here a few months and quite frankly, I never see you guys talking and if I do it's always business stuff," Naruto said with the biggest grin on his face

I never said anything about falling for her...wha- tch forget it Sasuke said walking away

Hey hey now...don't go running away I get it I do...look I've known Sakura since we were 15 and all of the years I've known here she's always been a tough person to crack...she never opens up completely to anyone so I say just give her sometime alright she'll come around if she wants and if you want to get to know her to tell her she's not the type for hints or anything like that you gotta be straight up with her...she's a guarded person especially after this past year

"Ah...what do you mean about this last year? Did something happen to her?" Sasuke asked curiosity taking over

"Not my business to tell...take my advise she's a tough one but she also one of the most caring people around" walking away naruto couldn't wait to see what would happen with those two after that little conversation and little just a little eavesdropping he was rooting for the two now he gets why Sasuke was acting the way he is I mean he has seen many men come and try to break the woman but only one has been successful and the same guy made her put her walls back up and made them even tougher before if everything goes well he just may be the one to knock the walls down...hopefully especially after getting to know him a little these few months

Walking back into his office Sasuke thinks of what Naruto told him...I'm annoyed because I don't know why she is bothering me so much and why I suddenly feel this need to be around her it's all so annoying especially her after hearing her lie to me while looking me straight in my eyes doesn't sit right...why is this so...whatever I need to finish my work this just might be an all-nighter anyway

With both Sakura and Sasuke sitting in their offices they can't help but think of each other they're both confused about the whole them situation because they both have this feeling and they can't explain why Sasuke has never had a problem making a friend but then again it was always them trying to be his friend but with Sakura it's different he feels differently...is that why it's so hard Sakura, on the other hand, has never been the type to open up to someone she's always had her guard up in case things don't go a certain way she's not the type to open so fast but with Sasuke when he's in her presence she feels something but whatever that something is she's not gonna let it take over from what she's feeling she's not opening up to no man

Late into the night Sakura start to feel hungry everyone in the office has left and gone home for the night but Sakura was left finishing and finalizing work to be sent off and printed for this months magazine she's proud of the work that has been put into this month and she's impressed with articles, interviews, and the photos, since arriving here at Konoha magazine Sasuke work hasn't gone unnoticed the sales have increased a lot the photos and digital work has been outstanding and her boss has never been impressed with the photos if he keeps up Sakura can see him moving up in the rank faster than most ever would sakura decides to step out to get food finally Sakura walks down the hall as she walking she sees the light to Sasuke's offices still on knocking on the door she hears him invite her in

"Hey I thought everyone had left already"

"Oh I'm just finishing up some work getting a head start on next months work"

"Well then I see someone going for the overachiever award," Sakura said with a smile and teasing in her voice

Rolling his eyes at her Sasuke turns around to look at her with a smile on his face finding her teasing funny

"If I wanted to b picked on I would've just called my brother"

"Alright alright I'm sorry can't help it"

"well since you're here do you want something to nest in about to order something," sakura asked

"yeah sure I can eat haven't eaten since lunch and I'm gonna be here a little while longer"

"Okay then let's order"

While Sasuke went down to get the food Sakura curiosity got the best of her and she started to look around the office the place was more..colorful than she imagined there where art design and photostat hanging everywhere photos scattered all over his desk and she sees a photography studio set up in the corner the room seemed to fit him she thinks

"Got the food here's yours," Sasuke said handing her food over to her

"Thanks, it smells amazing im gonna let you eat," Sakura said while turning to walk out the office

"Sakura...l

"Yeah" Sakura Turing around to Sasuke to see what he wanted

"You can stay...to ya know eat and stuff...you don't have to...but...umm yeah Sasuke said cheeks Turing a rosy color

"Yeah I guess I can stay for a bit lord knows I need a break" cracking a smile at Sasuke Sakura looks around to see where she can sit but every seat was taken by phots and what not

"We can sit over here on the couch it's not crowded by things and there's a table also"

"Okay"

Both sitting down the air was filled with tension both not knowing what to say to each other keeping her head down in her food Sakura was mentally cursing herself for agreeing to eat in his office not knowing what to say and not wanting to make anything awkward she decided that she would just keep her head down and eat and then leave but I guess Sasuke had other plans for the break

So how long have you been working for the magazine? Sasuke asked trying to make conversation

"I've been working here since I was 19 years old I started as an intern actually and after five years going on six I became the head chief," Sakura said with pride I never thought she would've gotten this far when I signed up for the internship I was just a sophomore in college and after finishing I was offered a job and just after two years I was promoted

"That's amazing...you've must've impressed some people here to move so quickly through the company"

Yeah umm for three years I trained under a woman with a smile but fierce attitude an when she finally decided to retire she recommended me for the job of taking her place and I guess the bosses agreed and boom here I am Sakura said flipping my her hair over her shoulder

"Woah there miss cocky don't get too prideful Sasuke said laughing

"Hey what I'm not being cocky" Sakura said laughing too. "it takes some years to even get a pay raise in this kind of industry" Well enough about me tell me a little more about you? Sakura said

"What do you want to know? Are you gonna ask about my love life again Sasuke said smirking at her

"What hey I was just kidding then...don't gotta bring it back up sakura said laughing "I see you have a knack for teasing others Sakura said sticking out her tongue

"No...just you Sasuke said

"Oh...well that's quite rude of you Sakura said looking away getting red in the face "Anyway back to the questions! When did you get into art?

"Always loved it didn't start until high school"

"When is your birthday?

"July 23rd"

"Did you ever see yourself working for a magazine?"

"Not at first I wanted to start my own thing just strictly what I do but when I was in college I took a liking to magazines and I guess everything just kind of fell in place"

"When you say like to magazines do you mean like magazines like this one or...ya know the ones with the girl's tits hanging out? Sakura asked smirking at him which then turned to a goofy smile when she saw him turn red in the face and look away from her

"Ahaha! That's so gross!"Sakura said laughing and point her finger at Sasuke

"What I was a teenage guy in college it's normal! "Sasuke said Turing red as a tomato "everyone does it! I'm pretty sure you had guy calendars hanging in your room"

"I did not! I was one of the innocent ones" Sakura said giggling

"Yeah right I don't believe it"

"You don't have to...at least I know you where one of those kinds of boys"

"Whatever"

"Aww, the little Sasuke doesn't like be teased do he sakura said in a mocking voice "do you want a hug?"

"Shut up," Sasuke said smiling a little he was enjoying her teasing not that he would admit he found it rather cute

"Alright I'm done," Sakura said leaning back on to the sofa "you're fun time mess with"

Two hours passed since joining Sasuke for dinner and Sakura was enjoying Sasuke's company she's now glad she joined him she learned a lot about him over the past two hours and she sees a friendship with Sasuke now going forward

Sasuke was happy that he got the ice to break between him and Sakura he enjoyed her company more than he thought he would be learned a something about her tonight but most were vague answers and not too in-depth but he accepted them he definitely would like to do this again

"Well I guess I should start packing to head home"

"Yeah I too have to be back here in the morning anyway"

"I'll see later Sasuke"

"Yeah see ya...thanks for tonight, "Sasuke said looking at her with a smile

Nodding her head and leaving the office Sasuke start to clean up around him he had a warm feeling in his chest he felt really good he liked talking to Sakura more than he thought he would. Grabbing his things and walking out of the building he makes a mental note to talk to Sakura a lot more...and possibly stay late a lot more

Walking back to her office Sakura spots Shikamaru and Sasuke talking she smiles and waves and counting in her way

"Huh, I guess whatever weird tension you two had is gone now? Shikamaru said

"Yeah we talked last night cleared the air," Sasuke said looking down with a smirk

"I will never come to your office again"

"WHAT?!? NO! Nothing happened we just talked that's all" Sasuke said with a little panic in his voice

"Right...whatever you say I'm going back to work...if your gonna do it in your office remind me to never touch anything...bye

"It wasn't like that!!"

Walking away waving his hand Shikamaru had a smirk on his face he knows Sasuke has a thing for the boss... even if the boy didn't see it himself...to be wrapped around a woman's finger...he knows the feeling all too well after all he's married to a woman just like Sakura after all his wife and Sakura are friends...women

Turning into his office red in the face Sasuke tries to think of anything other than what Shikamaru put in his mind...he never thought that way of Sakura and now thanks to a mind that won't shut off he has things flashing threw his mind that shouldn't for crying out loud she's his boss...HIS FRIEND! Repeating the word friends over and over again he begins to work and not think of her and him...in a bed together

Thanks a lot, shikamaru...didn't take you for the person to think in such a way

Oh please you know you wouldn't mind the thoughts I mean she's hot just imagine fisting her hai-

FOR FUCK SAKE SHUT UP MIND!

This is gonna be a long day!

Sakura and Ino were sitting in a cafe talking and eating lunch

"So how everything going ya know with the divorce and all?

"Huh, it's almost finalized it was a tough and hard fight against him but...Sakura sighed putting her head in he hands "it was so difficult mean he wanted everything and I'm just happy it's finally getting done with so I can move in with my life"

"Yeah...we'll just know I'm here always," ino said reaching for Sakura's hand

"Thanks, Ino" smiling at her Sakura decided to switch the conversation away from her "so your date last night how did it go??"

"Aw it was so fun Sai is the best person...he said all the nicest things and treated me like such a queen if this keeps up I can see so much more for us soon! Ino said smiling like a schoolgirl

"I hope so he's such a nice guy and you took look great together"

"I didn't take well by myself? Ino said mocking her with a smile

"Ahaha no no just that you to look cute together that's all..."Sakura said laughing

"Sooo... Ms. Haruno, there's a little thing going around that you and me art designer stayed late at the office...is that true Ino asked with a wide smirk on her face

"Yeah we did we just ate and talked for a few hours...there's nothing more to it"

"So you mean to tell me that a guy that hot was with you last night for some hours and y'all just talked? Ino said looking at her in disbelief

"Yeah I mean we've only just had a proper conversation last night and you expect me to just hook up with him like that"

"Sakura honey you need it"

"I do not I'm perfectly fine thank you very much I don't need def nor do I need a gu Sakura said crossing her arms over her chest

"Whatever you say I'm just saying use while you still got the energy to do it"

"Oh be quiet Ino...worry about your own sex life I mean after all when's the last time you even got some"

Sakura said with a smile "I mean after all you just met Sai and aren't you the one that said take it slow"

"Yes but ya know to heal and all that but like there's nothing wrong with having options"

"Hmm I'll think about it"

"Take your time there's no rush" ino winked at her

Both leaving the cafe the headed back to work agreeing to meet up after work to get drinks soon Sakura missed spending time with Ino and her friends she hasn't been able to be around as much as she would like but that didn't stop the conversation at work but that would have to wait

"We'll look at what we have here" hearing the voice behind her speak Sakura blood instantly boiled over and her heart picking up speed she turned around to meet with a face she never wants to see again and another she has seen and very much heard in her old house bedroom Her soon to be ex-husband and his little girlfriend Sydney

"Leave me alone I don't have time for you or any of your bullshit today," Sakura said turning around to continue walking to her car

"Aw come on Sakura I just wanted you to properly meet my soon to be new wife Sydney"

"Hi Sydney bye Sydney get the fuck away from me Jared"

"Aw don't mind her baby she just bitter that she's about to lose everything she owns"

"Oh please the only thing I'm gonna lose is a two-timer, no money playboy who can't get it up to save his! Why don't ya go and tell ya Sydney just how much you pay for those pills of yours" Sakura said with a smirk "now why don't you and your Sydney keep it pushing"

Jared glaring at Sakura, approaching her with a violent glint in his eyes be posture he was blocked by a man who stood a few inches taller than him and the man spoke his voice deep and threatening with a glare plaster to his face thy could send someone running

"I believe she told you to leave"

"And just who the hell are you this has nothing to do with you," Jared said backing away

"It does especially if you even think of getting any closer"

"Sasuke it's not worth it...come on," Sakura said pulling his arm

Walking away from the pair Sakura continues to drag Sasuke to her car

"Sakura what was all of that about?" Sasuke asked still looking quite mad still

"It was nothing...just forget it" Sakura Sighed "it's too complicated to explain anyway"

"It didn't seem like nothing Sakura...

"We need to head back to the office" do you need a ride?"

"No, I'm good I'll see you at the office"

"Okay"

Heading back to the office Sakura went straight to her office not wanting to be bothered just after having a pretty good decent day finally her luck just had to switch she just wished this all ends she's tired of it all

Sasuke got back to the office passing Sakura office he thought it would be good to talk to her but decided against it thinking she might need her time after what happened she looked pretty upset and Sasuke isn't the type to pry in others business even if it worries him to no end he hopes she okay


Okay this chapter took a lot to write because I wanted to give insight into Sakuras life a little and how her feelings are and I also wanted to give Sasuke a different perspective on things like in this you can see him like struggling to figure out his feelings but keep his distance in respect this chapter was different and I like it enjoyxxx