Konoha Kara No Dansei

Konoha Kara No Dansei

Warnings: %&*$#% cursing, ooc Neji, violent Sakura, plot development

Lots to talk about this time around. Kishimoto has finally decided to tell all and reveal Naruto’s dad’s name, and just at the time I start a fanfic using ‘Arashi’ XP I probably won’t change it for this story, since his name isn’t really important to the plot, but maybe I’ll go back and change his first name to canon later.

Also, there will be other pairings, but don’t count on them being hot yaoi XD, the main pairing is NaruSasu but most of the other pairings in this fic are straight, sorry! I say most, there is another yaoi pairing hinted at, but I won’t say which. :P (Anything Sai says doesn’t count.)

Chapter 3

Mmmm, coffee.

Although Naruto’s heart belonged to ramen, he had to admit, he had a soft spot for coffee. Good old coffee, rich with cream and with enough sugar added in to induce diabetes in a lesser mortal. Hey, you only live once, right?

Naruto took long gulps the overly sweet liquid, enjoying the pleasantly warm feeling it left in his stomach and throat as he approached the Konoha building. The air conditioning blew down on his head as he entered through the front revolving door. The sudden chilly blast felt really good since last night’s rain had left the city air humid and sticky.

The lobby wasn’t empty like it had been the first morning Naruto arrived at the Konoha Building, but crowded with other employees. They were all chatting and making their way up to their offices, all of them in freshly starched business attire. It made Naruto all the more grateful that photographers could get away with dressing casually.

Holding the thick strap of his camera bag securely on his shoulder and using his free hand to sip coffee, he made his way straight towards the elevators on the left, the ones that came out near his studio.

Naruto had done a bit of soul-searching last night, and decided that… he was damn tired of moping around! Well, by Naruto’s standards he had been moping. That energy could be put to much better use. For instance, he could be wooing a certain pink haired girl, or making fun of preppy models.

He dropped the empty coffee cup into a trashcan as he passed by, his mind turning to the two models he had met.

For reasons Naruto couldn’t fathom, Neji hadn’t given him any lip since Naruto had verbally assaulting him. Now, Naruto was the self-declared king of overreaction, and it was possible he had taken things a little too far. So Neji probably had every right to consider him an enemy. However... in the few times he had seen Neji in the last week, the model was actually acting somewhat nice to him. A first Naruto thought he was imagining it, but now he was sure that Neji had, well… accepted him. For whatever reason. Weird.

If Neji was weird then Sai was downright freaky. Naruto had become somewhat more accustomed to Sai’s unique quirks over the past few days. But that was soley because the model took every opportunity to make a perverted comment. Damn fruity boy with his emotionless smile and penis obsession.

On the other hand, Gaara and Sasuke seemed to have a knack for staying illusive. They were probably held up in the bathroom powdering their noses all week. Ah well, Naruto would meet them today anyway. It was his first official day working for Konoha Kara No Dansei after all, and he was finally getting paid, and paid well, to take pictures.

He had a goal. Naruto was going to show all these arrogant New Yorkers just what a small town boy could do. Within a week, two tops, everyone in this building would recognize him and his talent. He would definitely make sure of that.

He pressed his way into an already overcrowded elevator, grinning at the people who gave him apprehensive glances. Though whether it was because of his blazing orange trench coat or because they recognized him from the fight in the cafeteria he couldn’t tell, but he was pleased all the same. Seems he was already well on his way to being recognized.

“Excuse me, sorry,” he said as he brushed past a woman, pressing against the wall of the elevator to make room for the people who came in after him. Once they were packed together tightly the doors closed and they started moving upward.

It was slow going because the elevator stopped at nearly every floor, but as people stepped off and the crowd thinned, Naruto spotted another person who stood out just as much as he did. Well, almost as much.

Naruto assumed the guy was a janitor, because the old man was standing with his hand resting on a wheeled trashcan. His hair was outrageously long and stark white, pulled into a ponytail that covered his back. The guy also looked like he had just been to the beach, with his flower patterned shirt, shorts and sandals (worn with socks). He was also openly leering at the backside the woman Naruto had brushed against with his mouth hanging open, a bit of drool sliding down to his chin.

Naruto frowned at the pervert. He was probably some old ex-hippie. That would explain the ridiculously long hair and the red lines painted on his face. Probably. Dirty old man.

This went on for several floors, Naruto glancing over every now and then to see if the woman had noticed yet. She hadn’t, and the pervert either didn’t realize or didn’t care that he looked like he was about to let out a cartoon style wolf whistle. Naruto rolled his eyes, turning away to watch the digital number at the top of the elevator going up. It wasn’t hurting anything so he was pretty much content to ignore the open gawking.

That is, until he saw a hand reaching for the woman’s butt.

Naruto sprang into action. He made a grab for the pervert’s wrist, but the old man saw him coming and changed course at the last moment. Naruto ended up with a hand full of butt cheek.

“EEK!!” The girl screamed and jumped away.

Naruto froze as she whipped around to shoot a venomous glare at him, along with the angry frowns from everyone else on the elevator. He paled, a guilty looking hand still held out in front of him, frozen in his shock. The pervert chuckled.

“Wa-Wait! This isn’t what you think!!” Naruto shouted, gaining enough sense to blush and wave his hands around. Pain shot through his jaw as the girl slapped him across his face.

The next moment the elevator door opened and Naruto stumbled out, cursing and rubbing a hand against his abused cheek. The girl huffed and jabbed the close-door button. Just before the door shut the old man put a hand on the door and pushed it open again.

“Very sorry, miss. This is my stop,” he said with a generous amount of mirth, pushing his trashcan out of the elevator. The door closed as he approached Naruto, who was still trying to massage away the pain in his face.

Naruto turned to see the old pervert grinning at him. “Bold, kid. Very bold.”

“What?! I was trying to stop YOU!! Pervert!!!” Naruto screeched.

“Why do you think I’m calling you bold?” The old pervert asked cheekily.

Not knowing how to respond to that, Naruto settled for glaring at the man. Except that the man had started walking away, pushing his trashcan in front of him.

Naruto sputtered and sprinted after him. “HEY!! Hold on, you- you perverted-hippie-janitor!!”

The janitor raised an eyebrow at Naruto, “Name’s Jiraiya, kid.”

“Whatever! Listen, I could have gotten into a lot of trouble because of you! She slapped me!”

“What? Never been slapped by a woman before?” Jiraiya asked, grinning and wiggling his eyebrows.

Naruto glared. Was that really something to be proud of? “That’s not the point! That wasn’t my fault! I want people to recognize me, but not that way!! Fix this!!”

“What do you want me to do? It’s not like I can change what happened.”

“I don’t know! This is your fault!” Naruto pointed out stubbornly.

“I’ll tell you what,” Jiraiya stopped walking and turned to the blond. “How about I go commit some really perverted acts? I guarantee they’ll have forgotten all about you by lunch,” he suggested, sounding far too keen on the idea.

Naruto narrowed his eyes.

Jiraiya laughed and Naruto got the feeling the old man was going to do perverted things either way. “You’re Naruto, aren’t you?” Jiraiya asked.

Naruto blinked in surprise and stared up at him for a few moments before nodding.

Jiraiya smiled, “Thought so. Mind if I give you a tip, Naruto? One photographer to another?”

Naruto’s eyes widened in momentary surprise. “Um… sure.”

“Make love to your models.”

Jiraiya reached a hand towards Naruto’s quickly retreating back. “Metaphorically! I meant metaphorically!”

Naruto slowly turned back around, giving Jiraiya a suspicious glare.

“Sorry, old terminology dies hard. What I meant was, encourage them. A model will always work better if they think you think they’re sexy,” Jiraiya explained, sounding completely serious.

Naruto grudgingly supposed that made sense, not that he wouldn’t rather be tied to a cement block at the bottom of a lake.

“I’ll keep that in mind…”

The old pervert snickered, “Well I wouldn’t want to take up any more of your time. See you around, kid.”

Naruto watched Jiraiya turn and leave, still pushing that trashcan along. He wondered if maybe he had been mistaken about Jiraiya being a janitor, but if the old man was a photographer like he claimed, why was he hanging around here pushing trashcans?

The blond’s thoughts were cut short when he suddenly remembered there was somewhere he had to be right now.

“Shit!” Naruto took off running.

-:-

Naruto burst into the studio ten minutes late, slamming the doors loudly against the walls in his rush.

“I’m here! I’m here!” he shouted as he hurried forward, stumbling and dodging around the haphazardly placed wires and backdrops. He wished he hadn’t been in such a rush setting up.

“Oh! Such a youthful entrance! Well done, Naruto!” Gai exclaimed while Lee also gave a shout of approval.

Naruto laughed as he approached the group across the large, white room.

The ‘Green Beasts’, as they liked to be called, had become extremely apologetic about assaulting Naruto, after they found out the whole story of course, and Naruto was generous enough to forgive them. Especially since he had discovered that those two were funny as hell to hang out with. Aside from their ridiculous looks, they were always going on about youth or energy or something, and it amused Naruto as much as it annoyed their client.

Neji sighed from the green fold our chair he was sitting in and pinched the bridge of his nose. Ino swatted the hand away irritably before continuing to apply Neji’s makeup, trying to make sure his forehead wouldn’t shine.

“Just go get my water bottle please,” Neji instructed, waving a hand in his managers’ direction.

“Right!” the two sped off towards the dressing room, passing by Sai and Sakura on the way.

The dark haired model caught Naruto’s eye and smiled at the conditioned glare Naruto sent at him. He was already in costume and makeup, and looking extremely pleased that he got to wear a belly shirt on Naruto’s first day of shooting.

Sakura just looked pissed.

“Naruto! You’re late!” she shouted as she approached him, placing her hands on her hips and frowning at him. Today she was wearing a tight fitting t-shirt with a skull and crossbones pattern, complete with matching earrings.

“Wah! I’m sorry!” Naruto tried to look as apologetic a possible, “It’s not my fault! There was this pervert was holding me up on the elevator!”

Sai looked positively ecstatic, “Kinky.”

Sakura’s eyes widened slightly before she snorted, quickly covering her mouth with a hand. Naruto stared at Sai in confusion for a few moments before his face contorted in disgust. “What? EWW, No!! Not me you sicko!! He was trying to molest some lady!”

Sai merely continued to smile. Naruto growled while Sakura giggled.

“Seriously Naruto,” Sakura persisted, straightening her face, “Shino will throw a fit if he finds out you’re coming in late.”

Naruto waved a hand dismissively. “Wouldn’t want that,” he chuckled. “He might actually have to take off his glasses and glare at me. I’d be a pile of cinders before that’s done.”

Naruto winced when Sakura punched his arm for being an idiot. Damn, that girl could punch hard. “Just don’t make a habit of it, okay?” she huffed, “Tsunade really had to wear him down to hire you in the first place.”

Naruto was a little annoyed that he was getting lectured for something that totally wasn’t his fault, but Sakura was pretty enough to merit instant forgiveness.

“Won’t happen again!” he grinned and give her a two finger salute.

Sakura returned the smile, “Good. Well, Sai is the only one finished, so you can start with him if you like.” She gestured at Sai, whose smile seemed to grow a few centimeters wider.

Naruto inwardly groaned and he could feel his eye developed a tick as he looked at the serenely smiling model. He didn’t want to give Sai the satisfaction of knowing he was afraid of being alone with him, so he couldn’t readily back down. Not that Naruto was shaking in his shoes or anything. The boy was just too damn eager to get into his pants.

Or at least make Naruto uncomfortable, he still wasn’t sure whether Sai was just messing with his head or not.

“Fine.” Naruto grouched, cramming as much distain into the word as he could muster. “But you keep your hands to yourself!” he warned, jabbing a finger in Sai’s direction.

“Nothing to grab down there anyway,” Sai commented easily.

“EH?!!” Naruto squawked.

Sakura started to tell them to get on with it when a new girl interrupted her, walking over from the direction of the dressing room. Naruto couldn’t help but notice that Sakura seemed irritated by the blonde girl’s appearance.

“Sakura, Gaara doesn’t like the outfit you picked out,” Temari informed her in a businesslike manner.

Sakura let out a frustrated sigh. “That’s the center piece for our Shibui Line, he has to wear it! It’s not an option.”

Temari shook her head, “You know he won’t, once he has his mind is made up…”

“Yeah, yeah. I’ll get him something different,” Sakura conceded. It was pretty obvious that this had been a problem before. Even in the short time Naruto had known her, Sakura didn’t seem like the type to give in so readily.

“We’ll just have switch up the roster a little,” she muttered to herself, flipping open a small book where she kept her notes. “Sasuke can wear the center piece and Gaara can-”

“WHAT?!!” Neji jumped out of his seat, nearly causing Ino to stab his retina with the eyeliner in the process. “You can’t give the center piece to Sasuke, I’m his senior!”

Sakura glared, “And I’m the head designer. It’s my job to decide who wears what.”

Neji’s nostrils flared with anger and his glare turned piercing, but he held his tongue. Sakura allowed a smug smile to form on her face, knowing she had the upper hand.

“Come on,” Neji snapped, grabbing Naruto’s sleeve and pulling him across the room. Naruto was a little startled, but allowed himself to be dragged away. Sai followed after, looking completely unconcerned, albeit a little disappointed that he wasn’t getting alone time with Naruto today. Naruto saw Sakura and Ino head into the dressing room with the blonde girl.

“This is getting ridiculous,” Neji spat. “Two months that guy has been here. Two months!”

“I don’t understand what you’re going on about,” Naruto said bluntly. Did these models always have to fuss about something?

Neji just grunted and roughly released the blond to go stand in front of the cream colored backdrop with his arms crossed. Furrowing his brows, Naruto turned a questioning glance at Sai instead.

“Sasuke,” Sai offered in explanation, coming to stand next to blond.

“The other model?” Naruto asked, allowing his face to relax. He had heard about Sasuke in passing but didn’t really know anything about the man. Though Kiba had insinuated that he was uptight like Neji. Ugh. That’s just what he needed.

“Four years I’ve worked here. This is what I get for my hard work,” Neji grumbled, catching their attention. “I get one-upped by some nobody who doesn’t even bother to show up half the time.”

Naruto frowned. Even if he wasn’t too fond of Neji, he still didn’t like to see people getting cheated out of what was theirs. “Well that sucks. What’s so great about Sasuke?”

“Nothing,” Neji said firmly.

“Oh, that’s not true,” Sai spoke up. “Sasuke’s a natural model. He knows just how to carry himself to make all the girls swoon, and believe me, they have good reason to,” Sai said dreamily, apparently caught up in his own fantasy world. Naruto resisted the urge to gag.

“Apparently he was already popular with the local girls, and when he became a model, he shot to the top of the charts within the first week,” Neji explained irritably.

Naruto set down his camera bag and opened it. Sai watched with interest as Naruto attached a lens and the flash to his camera. Neji continued, unabated.

“He says he’s just doing it to get money for his education, but I don’t buy that for a moment. The sooner he packs his bags the better, because he’s dragging all of us down with him.”

Naruto held up his camera and snapped a picture.

Neji froze in horror, mouth agape, as Naruto looked down at the camera’s digital screen. The blond photographer grinned maliciously. “I think I’ll call it, ‘Gossiping Fruitcake’.”

Sai peeked over Naruto’s shoulder. “I think he’s more of a poof.”

“Wha- What the-? Don’t take pictures of me when I’m not looking!”

“Why not? It’s got character. It says, ‘My mouth may be big enough for a bird to nest in, but at least I’m pretty’.”

Neji advanced with the intention of taking the camera by force, but Lee and Gai choose that moment to appear and block his way. “Neji! We could not locate your water bottle! But we brought you a new, far more refreshing bottle!” Gai held up the plastic bottle enthusiastically.

“It’s grape flavored!” Lee added happily.

Neji scowled at their intrusion, and his expression darkened further as Naruto burst out laughing. “No thank you.”

“Haven’t you guys started yet?” Sakura asked as she approached them, Ino at her side and three people behind her.

One was the blond girl, Temari, and the other two were men, a man wearing dark clothing and face paint, and a redhead with a tattoo on his forehead. The redhead was easily the most eye catching of the bunch.

The kanji tattoo was bright red, plainly visible where the boy’s short messy hair had been parted. His outfit was clearly one of Sakura’s designs, as it was covered with straps and belts twisting around his red shirt and baggy pants. He also had three piercing in each ear, and a long complicated chain was looped between the holes, Naruto thought it must have been hella painful to get in.

The boy, who could only be Gaara, locked eyes with him sharply. Naruto physically drew back at the wrathful glare he was getting. Gaara looked like would have loved to cut Naruto’s throat and chop him into little pieces. Or maybe it was just all the eye makeup…

Naruto squinted, trying to make out the redhead’s expression, but it did about as much good as staring into Shino’s glasses. The boy had no eyebrows for one thing and his eyes were so covered by eyeliner it was impossible to tell if he was really glaring or not. The rest of his face was impassive.

Naruto fumed. What’s up with that? Was it some kind of fashion statement?

The models lined up. Sai stood in the middle, his smile ever present and a hand rubbing his exposed stomach suggestively. Neji was to one side with a scowl and his nose in the air while Gai and Lee shouted words of encouragement and praise from the sidelines. Gaara stood stiffly, staring a Naruto without blinking; sending cold shivers down the photographer’s spine.

It was like a meeting of the creepy bastards club. He was staring to regret this. Just how was he supposed to survive spending nearly every day with them?

Naruto held his camera up to the side with one hand, resting the other on his hip and giving the men before him a potent glare. “We’re still missing one prima-donna.”

“Oh, I’m sure Sasuke will be along soon! Just go ahead and start with the others!” Sakura said hastily.

Naruto barely had time to wonder why Sakura was defending their missing model before the sound of the door opening drew their attention.

A dark haired man with porcelain pale skin entered the room, looking thoroughly irritated. Naruto about dropped his camera.

“AHH!! You’re that asshole from last night!!” Naruto shouted in anger and surprise, pointing a finger towards the bastard in question.

The pale man looked up, his eyes widening just slightly and his frown deepening significantly when he saw the blond. He narrowed his eyes into a glare.

Naruto was working hard to restrain himself from visibly shaking with anger. There it was again!! That very same god damned condescending glare!! What the fuck was this guy’s problem?!!

Naruto took a breath, preparing to shout some more.

“Naruto!” Sakura punched him on the arm. Hard.

“OW! Geez!! Damn, girl!” Naruto rubbed his bruised appendage, his eyes twitching as he tried to stop them from watering.

“Maa, sorry everyone. We hit a deer on the way here,” an idle drawl was heard before another man entered though the door, a book held in front of his face.

A deer? In the streets of New York City? Naruto thought with confusion.

The man lowered the book from his face and Naruto could see that another weirdo had arrived. Even though he was a young man the guy had a head of tufted white hair, and he was wearing some kind of mask that covered the lower half of his face, and a band of the same material was covering his left eye. But despite having most of his face covered, Naruto had absolutely no trouble making out this guy’s expressions. His visible eye was tilted up and a halfway apologetic smile shown through the mask.

“Sasuke,” Ino ran forward eagerly, causing Sakura to twitch.

She invaded the model’s personal space. Seeming impervious to the glare he was now shooting at her, Ino suggested cheerfully. “We should get to work on your makeup! Let’s let the others get started and we can go to the dressing room so we don’t disturb them!” she suggested cheerfully.

“Ino!” Sakura pulled roughly on her friend’s shoulder, putting some distance between her and the model. “He has to get dressed first!”

“But he doesn’t need your help for that! Just tell him what outfit to wear!”

“Well Sasuke doesn’t even need makeup, his face is perfect just as it is!”

Sasuke closed his eyes, willing away the headache he could feel forming. “Shut up.”

The girls were immediately silent, both gazing at Sasuke expectantly. This only irritated the raven more.

“What am I wearing?” he asked Sakura directly.

Ino gritted her teeth with jealously. Sakura blushed and couldn’t help stuttering a little, “The- the Shibui center piece! It’s up front on the blue hanger, I know it was supposed to be Gaara’s but, um…” She trailed off as Sasuke walked away towards the dressing room, hands in his pockets.

Naruto couldn’t believe it. This was Sasuke?! The most popular model in New York?! Didn’t people have any taste?!!

The blond photographer watched helplessly as Sakura followed Sasuke into the dressing room, giving helpful instructions on how best to put on the outfit, which the raven ignored.

What the hell did Sakura see in him?!! Was Naruto the only one who could see what a bastard he was? And he wasn’t even that great looking!! He was mediocre at best!!

“You must be our new photographer.”

The statement snapped Naruto’s attention away from the two, and he looked up at the taller masked man. “Kakashi Hatake, Sasuke’s manager and temporary chauffer,” he introduced himself cheerfully, holding out the hand that wasn’t holding the book.

Naruto took it, shaking hands with the man. At least this guy didn’t seem like a jerk. “Naruto Uzumaki,” Naruto returned the favor, forcing a smile.

For a brief moment the handshake paused.

The smile fell from Naruto’s face before Kakashi moved his hand again, finishing the handshake before releasing Naruto. His expression never changed.

“I look forward to working with you,” Kakashi said, sounding sincere. His eye turned into a U shape. “I hope Sasuke doesn’t scare you off.”

Him?! Scare Me?!

Fear was the furthest thing from Naruto’s mind at the moment. So far it was all he could do to restrain the overwhelming need to punch Sasuke in the face.

“Pfffft, not likely!” Naruto shouted energetically, squinting his eyes shut and holding up his fists.

Kakashi chuckled.

-:-

Naruto snapped a few shots, holding his camera sideways in front of his face to get a long ways picture. He sighed irritably.

“Sai, would you wipe that smile off your face?! It’s starting to creep me out!”

The model merely continued to smile, running a hand along the outer seem of his tight pants and gripping at the chain dangling from his pocket. His other hand, clad in a glove with the fingers cut off, ran through his dark bangs. The effect would have very sexy if he wasn’t smiling like a moron.

Naruto puffed out his cheeks. “Don’t you have any other expressions? Or are you just always thinking of something pervy?”

“Only when you’re around, Naruto,” Sai replied, saying Naruto’s name with a slow roll of the tongue.

Naruto growled, “I’m serious! Cut it out!”

Sai dropped the smile, a small, fake frown now gracing his features.

Naruto rolled his eyes and prepared to take the shot, looking through the lens of his camera. After a moment he let out a frustrated groan.

“Can you open your eyes? You look like you’re not getting enough bran.”

The smile returned. “I will if you will.”

Naruto quickly opened his eyes, which had been squinted shut in anger, lifting an eyebrow at the strange request. Sai then complied; his dark eyes looking straight into Naruto’s blue ones.

After a few moments Sai’s eyes lowered to half-mast. “I could get used to staring into your eyes.”

“AAARRRHH!! Never mind! Go back to the old expression!!”

-:-

Gaara turned, leaning slightly as he looked over his left shoulder at the blond taking his picture. His red shirt hung low in the back, exposing the tops of his shoulder blades.

Naruto’s eyebrows twitched.

“Okay, now turn around please,” Naruto instructed.

The redhead did as he was told, his chained earrings jangling as he did so.

Okay, so Gaara was semi-tolerable. He didn’t grate on Naruto’s nerves like the rest of his models did, anyway. But… Naruto was having another problem.

Pale green eyes that promised a very painful death gazed down at Naruto, and the blond about wet himself. He jumped back and hastily pointed off to the side.

“Ah, okay! Now look over there!” Naruto shouted, his hand shaking. Gaara obediently did as he was told.

Naruto let out a sign of relief when those eyes were no longer looking at him. Gaara was really freaking him out!! It wasn’t just the death glare, but the boy hadn’t spoken one single word all day!! And there were a lot of places he could hide weapons in that outfit. He was psychopath! Naruto was sure of it!!

“Wow,” the blond girl, who was Gaara’s sister and manager, Temari, came up to stand next to Naruto. “He really likes you. Gaara usually just poses whatever way he feels like.”

“Wha- What?!!” Naruto sputtered, unable to believe it.

The redhead turned back, glaring (or looking, whatever) at Naruto again.

NOOOOO!!! Naruto cried inside his head.

-:-

“Don’t tilt the camera up so much. You’ll make my head look big,” Neji said haughtily as he unbuttoned the white sleeveless shirt he was wearing, allowing it to fall open and expose his chest.

“And don’t snap off pictures whenever you feel like it! Wait until I’m ready!” he roared as the camera continually flashed in his face, making him see spots.

Naruto snickered and continued to press the button over and over again, mostly to annoy him.

“Show him your youthful vigor, Neji!” Gai cheered from off to the side. “Remember to set a good example for your fans! Be a nice guy!” The large green clad man struck a pose, giving the thumbs up and grinning, a bright shine imitating from his teeth.

“Ooh! Sir, you’re so awesome!” Lee cheered. “Listen to Gai, Neji! He knows how to be a nice guy!” Lee said enthusiastically, giving the exact same pose.

For a moment, Neji and Naruto stared. Then Naruto held up his camera, aimed and took a shot of the green beasts in their nice guy pose.

Their mouths fell open in identical looks of shocked surprise.

Neji twitched badly as Naruto smiled down at his camera’s digital screen. “You- What are you doing?!! You’re supposed to be taking picture of me!!”

“But… that was just awesome,” Naruto said.

Lee looked up at his mentor, “Does this make us famous, sir?”

“NO IT DOES NOT!!” Neji bellowed.

-:-

Sasuke didn’t reemerge from the dressing room until it was his turn to be photographed.

Talk about anti-social, Naruto thought grumpily as he watched Sakura and Ino fuss over the brunet’s appearance.

Most everyone had left after their portion was done. Gaara and his siblings were the first to leave around noon. They were only in the studio for about two hours overall, including the time it took to take Sai’s pictures before him. Naruto felt pretty relieved when Gaara stalked out of the room, Temari and Kankuro sprinting to keep up.

Neji took much longer because he was insanely picky about how his hair fell and wanted to look at every picture Naruto took and delete them at his discretion. He got pretty mad when Naruto wouldn’t let him touch his camera, too. Gai and Lee finally dragged Neji out, enthusiastically promising him a late lunch.

So Naruto was now left with Sai, who was sitting on some boxes Naruto hadn’t bothered to clear out of the room, giving the blond a tentative stare, and Kakashi, who was leaning against the wall, reading his yellow book. Naruto was starting to get a suspicious feeling about that book. Every now and then Kakashi would blush and giggle while reading it.

Looking irritable, Sasuke pushed between the two girls blocking his way and strode over to stand in front of the backdrop.

He crossed his arms and glared down his nose at the blond, as if questioning whether Naruto was worthy of basking in his almighty fucking glow.

Naruto repressed the urge to throw his camera in the asshole’s face. He didn’t want bastard-germs all over it.

He glanced over at Sakura, who was having an elbowing contest with Ino, each trying to be the one to stand closer.

He couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy. Sure, it’d be one thing if Sasuke and Sakura were an item; Naruto wasn’t some jealous stalker or anything. But Sasuke obviously wasn’t interested in her! He ignored her ninety percent of the time and treated her like shit the rest!

It wasn’t just her either, but everyone! Sasuke even treated strangers in need like they were vermin! Last night proved that.

“I’d like to get this done sometime this week, Dobe.”

Naruto’s mind was forced back into the present as he was reminded that Sasuke was standing right in front of him raising a slender eyebrow.

He’d been so busy berating Sasuke in his mind; he had almost forgot he could do it in person.

“Oi! What was that, you bastard?!” Naruto shouted loudly.

“Naruto!” Sakura shouted again, only this time she wasn’t within punching distance.

Sasuke closed his eyes for a moment, sighing quietly in exasperation. “Hurry it up. I have things to do.”

Naruto huffed, “You can’t rush art, stupid, and this is probably going to take a while. Considering there’s nothing much worth photographing,” he looked Sasuke up and down, a disgusted grimace on his face.

Sasuke’s eyebrow twitched and his frown deepened. “I should have figured you were the new photographer. It only takes about two brain cells to point and click a camera after all.”

Naruto’s mouth fell open in shock and then he roared with unrestrained rage. “You take that back, you bastard!!”

The model gave him a cool, level stare. Apparently responding to such a childish comeback was beneath him. Naruto growled.

“What the hell is your problem, anyway?!! You really do think you’re all that, don’t you?!!”

Sasuke’s patience was wearing thin. “Just shut up and take the fucking pictures, moron.”

“Rawr,” Sai batted his hand like a playful cat. They ignored him.

Naruto gritted his teeth. “You want a picture? How do you like this?” He held his hand right out and flipped Sasuke the bird.

Sasuke’s eyes widened just long enough for Naruto to capture the shot, his hand in the picture and Sasuke’s stunned face in the background.

A satisfied grin spread across Naruto’s face.

“That’s quite enough!” the blond heard Sakura shout right before his ear was grabbed and yanked roughly. He let out a yelp.

“Can you at least try to be professional?” she grouched, folding her arms and glaring at Naruto.

“Bu- But Saakkurraaa!!” he whimpered.

Sasuke turned towards the dressing room, hands in his pockets. “I’m leaving.”

“Huh? But Sasuke!” Ino scurried after him. “You still have two other outfits to get done! From the times you missed before, remember?” she asked pleadingly.

Sasuke ignored her and disappeared into the dressing room. Ino turned to give Sakura and pleading look.

“This is your fault!” Sakura said to Naruto, glaring. “Do you know how much we have to get done before this deadline? Next time learn to keep your loud mouth shut!”

She released the blond with a final yank on his ear and went to join Ino, the two quickly following Sasuke into the dressing room.

Naruto rubbed his ear, pouting. This wasn’t his fault!! It was all that bastard Sasuke!! Why was he getting off so easy?!! Damn conceded pissy bastard model!!

Sai slid off the boxes he was sitting on and walked over to place a hand on the fuming blond’s shoulder. “Don’t take it personally. Sakura just has a temper. If you want, I could kiss your ear and make it better.”

Naruto’s face contorted with rage. “Fuck off!!”

Kakashi watched over the top of his book, momentarily distracted from his beloved reading material. It was no Come Come Paradise, but it seemed there was a little drama unfolding between Sasuke and his coworkers.

He honestly wasn’t sure if this was something he should include in his report. But it was amusing in any case.

-:-

Sasuke unlocked to door to his apartment and walked inside. He dropped the keys into a small bowl on the table next to the coat rack, and proceeded down the dark hallway, shrugging his heavy book bag off his back and holding it at his side.

He felt his way into the nearly empty living room, running a hand along the wall until he found the light switch.

The overhead lamps turned on with the switch, filling the high-rise apartment with a soft light.

Sasuke wasn’t much for decorating to begin with, and since he hadn’t planned on being in this apartment for very long he didn’t see the point of filling it with a lot of things he wouldn’t use. So the living room and connected kitchenette were sparsely furnished, carrying only a few items in each. The most notable of which were the barstools at the kitchen counter, the TV and the leather couch positioned in front of it. A few newspapers were strewn across the floor in front of the couch, where he had left them.

A man sitting on the couch looked up at Sasuke’s arrival, a small frown on his handsome features. Sasuke was only slightly surprised to see his older brother in his apartment, and more irritated than anything.

“You’re finally back, Otouto,” Itachi said as Sasuke walked past him and dropped his book bag next a stool at the bar. “What took you so long?”

“Obviously, I had classes tonight,” Sasuke growled, stepping forward and crossing his arms. “Where have you been? I haven’t heard anything for over a week.”

Itachi sighed; he should have known his stubborn little brother wouldn’t let that go so easily. Sasuke hated being left out of the loop, and that had been happening a lot recently. Luckily, this time Itachi was here to give him some information about the investigation.

“We think the lead I told you about is correct,” Itachi said, his impassionate eyes leveling with Sasuke’s glare. “We’ve been running a thorough background check on him. I’ve hardly been outside the precinct myself as of late.”

Sasuke grunted. Itachi never told him anything unless it was absolutely necessary. In Itachi’s mind, it was some fucked up way of protecting him. So this had to be going somewhere.

“So that’s it then. We’re done?” he asked shortly.

Itachi gave the younger man a stony gaze. “We won’t be done until the killer is behind bars, Sasuke.”

“That is not what I meant, Aniki,” Sasuke sighed, frustrated. “Am I finished? Because as much as I enjoy getting ogled and pestered for autographs on a daily basis, I’d like to quit so I can concentrate on more important things. Finishing college, for instance,” Sasuke snapped irritably.

A small, amused smile formed on Itachi’s face. “I’m afraid not, little brother. The chief has asked that you stay undercover for the time being, and continue to inform us of anything suspicious happening inside Konoha.” He paused momentarily, giving Sasuke a meaningful look. “Your participation is vital to this investigation, and you did agree to this role.”

Sasuke’s glare intensified. Yes, he had agreed to participate in a police investigation by playing the part of a male model, but no one could have predicted he would become so popular so quickly. It was completely idiotic. He couldn’t go anywhere in the building discretely and what’s worse he was being recognized outside Konoha too. Especially at school. The girls who had swooned over him before seemed to multiply tenfold and grow a hell of a lot bolder in the last two months.

And what had all his hard work and suffering accomplished? Nothing.

“If I haven’t found anything by now then there’s nothing there,” Sasuke argued. “Go follow your new lead, you can’t convict Konoha without any evidence.”

Itachi frowned, running a hand through his bangs. “No, there’s not enough evidence to convict him either.”

Sasuke took a breath, looking away. He spoke softly. “Five models are dead. Brutally murdered. You’d think the police would be able to find something.”

“All those deaths were within Konoha’s enemies. We can’t clear the company, especially now, Otouto,” Itachi continued, his voice growing just slightly stronger and Sasuke knew he had finally come to the point of his visit.

“The man we’ve been observing was invited to work for Konoha Kara No Dansei, and closely with the models as well.”

Sasuke’s eyes shot open in surprise.

Itachi nodded. “This cannot be a coincidence. It all but confirms our suspicions of both Konoha and Naruto Uzumaki, though there’s no evidence to warrant an arrest.”

“Naruto Uzumaki? The photographer?” Sasuke asked, disbelieving. Itachi nodded in the affirmative, looking sober.

“That can’t be right,” the raven shook his head. “These murders were the work of a bloodthirsty mastermind. Naruto’s far too stupid-”

“Sasuke…” Itachi said softly, his eyes meeting his brother’s. “I tried to talk the chief out of asking you to stay. This is getting deeper and much more dangerous than what you signed up for.”

Sasuke hated that look.

He hated it when Itachi tried to protect him because it made him feel weak and useless. It reminded him of that time long ago, and it made him feel like he was child again, sobbing and crying out for his parents while he soaked his brother’s shirt with tears. Itachi hadn’t cried then. Sasuke wasn’t sure he had ever cried.

Sasuke turned away, glaring at the wall. “You shouldn’t have bothered. The whole of Konoha was a suspect before, why would one more person differ me?” He stalked towards the kitchen, shoulders hunched forward. “Are you planning to eat dinner here?” he asked, trying to sound irritated, thought it came out with a more hopeful tone to it.

Itachi smiled slightly, standing up from the couch. “Just take care of yourself, Otouto,” he said as he walked towards the hallway.

Sasuke gave an indiscriminant “Hn,” as he heard the door to the apartment open and then close again.