Pranksters

Pranksters Chapter 5

Playing Dirty


“What’s wrong with the outfit?” Sasuke asked. He could already feel a headache starting.

Naruto clung to his white robe, holding the two folds across his chest tightly. “Outfit? What outfit? I’m in my underwear!” He looked around wildly, as though everyone cared enough to pay all their attention to him.

“No dobe, your underwear has never been that stylish. Consider it a gift.” He uncrossed his arms, reaching for the robe’s tie around his waist.

“You didn’t tell me I’d be posing in my underwear!” Naruto stepped out of reach.

Sasuke wasn’t feeling patient. “You asked me to help with your guy problem. I’m helping. This is how you will repay me unless you want me to explain to your roommate why I was giving you a back massage a few nights ago.” Naruto gulped visibly. His grip on the robe loosened. “Relax,” Sasuke urged, “the majority of people here have seen me in less than that. No one will look twice.”

“Yeah, but it’s not everyone else I’m worried about,” Naruto admitted. Sasuke followed his gaze to the young intern hovering by the coffee table talking to the assistants.

“Is that your competition?” Sasuke asked. He noted her designer suit and matching shoes. Either Sabaku was shelling it out or she got around. She wasn’t paid enough to be able to afford Chanel.

“Her name is Matsuri,” Naruto growled.

She was pretty: smooth skin, shiny brown hair that was obviously dyed, and a slim body with just enough hint of curves. But knowing Sabaku’s status and his looks, he could very easily do better.

“You sure they’re fucking?” Sasuke smiled when she noted his stare, pushing back a lock of hair shyly and exposing her face better. “You’ve seen them?”

“No! Of course not! It’s just, she knew about his tattoo,” Naruto whispered. Sasuke snorted. Leave it to Naruto to miss the obvious.

“Hold that thought,” Sasuke began sauntering over to the coffee table. He kept his eyes fixed on her the entire way, knowing how good he looked in his clothes and knowing that she noticed it too. She tried not to look at him, eyes darting quickly after each furtive glance. She tried to look absorbed in the conversation she was having with his assistant, nodding enthusiastically with one word responses.

“Udon, Mr. Sabaku is late. Fetch him from the dressing room.” He kept his eyes on her while speaking, smiling a little more when her cheeks flushed.

“Yes, Mr. Uchiha,” Udon rolled his eyes before scampering away. Sasuke would allow him to get away with it, this time.

Sasuke leaned against the table, stretching his torso back a little and allowing the tight black shirt to outline his abs. He didn’t think the cheap folding table was meant to support him so he held back his weight despite the discomfort.

“See anything you like?” he said, waiting for her brown eyes to meet his. The response in her cheeks was immediate. “We have tea somewhere if you don’t like coffee,” he gestured to the untouched brown containers of decaf and caffeinated beverage. Her mouth parted open a little in understanding. His meaning sank in belatedly, just as he intended it.

“Coffee is fine!” she said, hand darting out to grab one of the neatly stacked white cups. Her voice sounded too high.

“I’ve never seen you before,” he continued. Her hands shook a little as she poured the dark steaming liquid into the thin paper cup. “You must be with Sabaku’s camp.”

She pressed her pink lips together and nodded, keeping her eyes averted while she added milk and sugar. Her slim pale wrists were just visible from under her sleeves. “I’m his personal assistant. My name is Matsuri.”

“Cute name for a cute girl…” She blushed again, shaking her head to deny it. Sasuke crossed his arms, knowing how the position showed off his toning nicely. He ignored the way the table groaned a little. “Matsuri… that name sounds familiar.” He pressed a finger to his mouth, biting his lip slightly. She followed every movement, thinking he wasn’t looking at her. “Ah yes, I heard that name from Naruto. I hear you and Mr. Sabaku have a rather special working relationship. It’s too bad,” his eyes slid over her body, “it seems like every time I get back, all the good ones are taken.”

He waited for the denial her body was already professing.

“I wouldn’t say taken,” she breathed over her coffee cup. “It’s more of a schoolgirl crush...” Her words were sincere enough to lead Sasuke to believe that her feelings at least were real. Her crush, apparently, was unrequited.

“Good coffee?” he asked. He pushed his weight off the table and stood.

“Yes,” she smiled, then visibly relaxed, letting her eyes fully meet his before a sudden look of panic marred her expression. “Oh my gosh! I’m so sorry! Would you like some?” She rushed to pull out a paper cup and pour him some.

“Black is fine,” he smiled. He turned to look at Naruto, but caught Juugo’s angry look instead. His one genuine smile of the day quickly faded.

A tap on his shoulder gave him little time to brood. He turned his head to find a pretty redhead scowling at him. He was clinging to his robe as tightly as Naruto had been.

“Uchiha!” Sabaku whispered harshly. “This is not what I bargained for!” Udon looked ready to keel over. He leaned over the coffee table heavily, his glasses nearly slipping off his nose. It seems getting Sabaku to leave his dressing room had not been an easy task.

Unlike Naruto’s messy spikes and lack of makeup, Sabaku had received the full treatment. His heavily lined eyes and fake lashes made his green eyes pop with startling clarity. His pale face was framed nicely by the curled extensions tamed into a female do. His already pale skin would look like milk in the camera light and his thin lips were plumper and fuller thanks to a few lipstick secrets.

“You didn’t say I would be a girl!” Sasuke was amused by his outrage. Obviously he had never modeled before. Sasuke looked to Naruto to entreat his help, but the dobe was stupefied. He could probably drown in his own slobber while he daydreamed about who knows what.

Sasuke took a sip of his coffee calmly and wished away his headache.

“I suppose I should have warned you,” he rubbed the bridge of his nose. “But I’m afraid this can’t be changed. I need you in this role.” Gaara’s angry expression remained locked. “I am lucky your looks are androgynous enough. It’s a rare feature in a model.” He walked towards his gear on the other table. His mockups rested on the surface. “Do you know the name of this new fragrance?” Gaara shook his head, but he was listening. “It’s Aijin the old word for lover, or mistress; the other woman,” he smirked. “I chose you for this,” Sasuke pressed a finger to the exposed tattoo. The blood red character for love beautifully marked his smooth, pale forehead. “Are you saying you aren’t up to the job?”

Gaara paused. He stood a little straighter, his shoulders relaxing into their familiar rigid stance. “Then why is he the guy?”

Sasuke looked over at Naruto, who after forgetting about his earlier embarrassment over underwear, had somehow recovered from the shock of seeing his roommate dolled up. He chatted excitedly with Juugo and Udon, arms waving wildly to illustrate what seemed like reeling in a fish.

“You’ll find out soon enough.” Sasuke picked up the camera, checked his settings and brought it over to the tripod. “Liz,” he shouted to the newest assistant, “Get the fan. Udon, you take the camera. Press this to shoot.” Udon took the reins, looking through the lens once to check the field of vision. Sasuke pulled off his shirt and let it drop onto the covered floor. His assistant rushed to pick it up. “Come here, Naruto. Practice rounds.”

Naruto quelled his moment of panic, shooting a nervous glance at Gaara before nodding. Sasuke sensed a moment’s hesitation before his face hardened into a familiar resolve and he disrobed with seeming confidence. A familiar tattoo greeted him, spirals and swirls scattered across washboard abs. Sasuke was pleased to see the white boxer briefs clung to him nicely, not hiding an inch of his shapely behind. Sasuke waited for him by the taped x on the floor, holding a hand out to him and positioning him in front. “I want your back to the camera, quarter profile. And tense your shoulders. I want them rippling.”

“Aye, aye captain,” Naruto saluted. He placed his feet correctly, facing Sasuke with smiling eyes before he flexed dramatically.

“Ha, ha,” Sasuke flicked the blond’s forehead. He then tugged Naruto’s chin downwards, pressing their noses together. He looked straight into those blue eyes until they stopped smiling. “This fragrance is called Aijin,” he projected his voice to everyone. “It’s not for your mother, it’s not for your sister, and it’s definitely not for your wife.” He slipped an arm underneath Naruto’s and pulled their bodies together. “It’s for your lover, your mistress, or the secret affair no one should know about. It’s for the one you crave, but shouldn’t have.” He gave Naruto a pointed look. Naruto’s eyes flashed defiance. Sasuke was pleased he could catch on so quickly.

He placed his cheek against Naruto’s shoulder, fingers brushing against his waist. “We’re ready, Udon.” Sasuke’s mouth just brushed Naruto’s shoulder. Naruto’s fingers dug into his waist more firmly, creating the tension he needed in his back and arms. Sasuke looked at the camera with half lidded eyes. The first flash nearly blinded him and after a few more he stopped seeing and felt his way along. They touched at different points: noses, cheeks, fingers to lips. Sasuke tried a variety of attitudes, trusting Naruto to follow. For a few brief minutes everything in the studio vanished except the flash of the camera and Naruto’s careful touches.

Sasuke looked up into sultry blue eyes. For a moment he remembered when that look was commonplace, and even expected. He remembered when he didn’t have to try so hard to create it.

He turned their bodies in full profile, stopping to press his forehead against the other man’s chest.

“That’s the last of the roll,” Udon spoke up.

“Great,” Sasuke slowly pried himself away. “Change the roll; make sure you give that one to Aya directly.” He pretended like that look hadn’t affected him. “Good work Naruto. I want to see that same attitude when I get your roommate down here. And no humping in my studio,” he said softly. Naruto scowled. Sasuke ignored him, accepting his discarded shirt and slipping it on. He took his time when he noted Matsuri watching him.

Sabaku was watching quietly from the coffee table where he left him. His crossed arms usually made him look stern, but with so much makeup he looked like an upset girlfriend. “So Sabaku, any complaints about Naruto…?” Gaara seemed annoyed, but he was silent. Sasuke leaned against the table again, looking over at Naruto who was showing off his tattoo to the other assistants. “He’s a quick learner, but you’ll have to lead him. Unlike us analytical types he doesn’t think, he feels. Whatever attitude you bring in front of the camera, he’ll follow.” Gaara nodded. Sasuke smiled at the balled up fists still clenching his white robe.

Udon signaled as soon as the camera was ready. Sasuke waved a hand in front of him. “After you,” he said.

Sabaku hesitated. He seemed more uncomfortable than Naruto, but after noting Sasuke’s amused look, he looked Sasuke straight in the eye and threw off his robe with a little more flair than necessary. To Sasuke, his self consciousness was evident. He walked a little straighter than usual, not meeting anyone’s gaze and yet managing to still look straight ahead. Sasuke followed behind, doing little to disguise his amusement. His eyes roamed over the slim build of his model—at the long neck and narrower, more slender shoulders. His waist was slim, shoulders tapering down into the coveted y shape most males craved, but perhaps after too many years behind a desk Sabaku had less time to bulk up than the rest of them. His lean shape, angled correctly, could be mistaken for a more athletic woman’s. Hidden behind Naruto’s frame, he would do nicely.

Naruto resumed the first pose, waiting patiently while Sasuke directed Sabaku. Sasuke was pleased that he was right in entrusting this part to his former lover. Awkwardness aside, he was easier to work with than most. Sasuke noted the deep breath Naruto took when he directed them to get closer. Choosing them turned out to be more perfect than he first imagined. He stepped away to view them together.

Naruto had just enough height on the slightly shorter man to create some intimate shots. His bulkier frame was enough to eclipse the paler body; the smooth expanse of sun tanned skin made a nice contrast with Gaara’s paleness, like milk and honey. He would have to reconsider making this black and white.

“Udon, get my camera bag. I am switching to the colored film.”

“I thought Inuzuka wanted black and white,” Udon replied.

“I think we can change his mind. If not, we’ll photoshop the colors. Now go.”

Udon scurried to his bag to fish out the requested items. Sasuke focused on his shot, using his fingers to frame his distance and angle. Gaara was looking uncomfortable, or so he guessed by how stiff he looked.

“You’re not a statue Sabaku, relax. This is a play and you’re the star. Think about your character.” He stepped to the right and to the left. He decided to stick with the quarter profile first. “This beautiful man in front of you wants you.” Gaara’s blush was immediate. Sasuke smiled, wondering how awkward living together had been since he spilled Naruto’s secret. Judging by Naruto’s lack of progress, he still didn’t know Sabaku was pretending nothing had changed.

The little devil at his shoulder was suddenly more outspoken than his quiet other. “He wants you, but can he have you?” Sasuke teased. “Are you his? Or are you the forbidden fruit he can’t have? Do you want him or do you deliberately keep him wrapped around your little finger? You have the power. Think about how you use it.”

Gaara’s expression softened. To everyone else this was make-believe, but to Gaara, Sasuke knew how truthfully his words rang.

“Whatever you decide on, make sure that tattoo is in the shot,” Sasuke said.

Udon snapped the film in place. “The camera is ready, Mr. Uchiha.”

“Thanks,” Sasuke said, allowing his hands to drop. “Start posing ladies,” he told them, curious to see how Gaara would proceed. To someone like Naruto, showing emotion was never a challenge, but for someone like the fierce CEO of Sabaku Groups, Sasuke was certain, emotion was difficult to express. This was not a situation where he could hide his true feelings behind a mask. This was not an activity meant to let him hide.

Sasuke picked up the camera and looked into the lens. What would his camera discover today?

“Ready?” he asked.

Naruto was staring intently at Gaara. He gave a nod, not allowing his personal feelings to get in the way. Gaara nodded as well, but Sasuke could already see he didn’t mean it. He changed his angle, letting Sabaku’s nervousness slide.

“I hope that’s not the first pose. You’re not a dominatrix. A little less fierce, Sabaku.” His model lowered his artificial eyelashes half mast in embarrassment. Sasuke snapped the first shot. “He’s your lover, don’t look so angry. You want him to want you, not run away.” Gaara looked up at Naruto apologetically, as apologetic as he imagined Sabaku could ever be.

“There you go.”

Click, click, click.

“I like that. Keep your hand there. Spread out your fingers a little. Naruto, you’re not flexing!”

Click, click, click.

Both men were responsive to his words, adjusting a hand, a chin angle or the direction of their eyes. As they progressed, Naruto was allowing his hands to roam a little more than he had earlier. His look shifted from intense lust to a more sincere yearning; the set became less of a stereotypical perfume ad and more of a Monday night drama.

Sasuke shifted his angle again. Sabaku’s face was now just visible over Naruto’s shoulder.

“Naruto, I want you to touch his face.”

Naruto hesistated for a brief second before a large hand brushed Sabaku’s soft looking cheek. “Keep going,” Sasuke urged. His touches looked gentle; brushing a thumb over a cheek, pressing a strand of red hair and even pushing back a stray bang to expose the tattoo more clearly. “That’s good,” Sasuke shifted his angle over to the right. Playing with the profiles, he hadn’t planned to use much of Naruto’s face, but the sincere longing expressed there was too good to pass up. He noted the changing curve in Sabaku’s mouth and the tension in his body that said he was holding back.

Finally these two had reached a moment of honesty. Sasuke began shooting more furiously. This was the moment he needed. This was going to be the ad that put Inuzuka on the world map.

And yet part of his success was dulled by the fact that he was exploiting these two for the sake of commercialism. Sure most of the people here thought they were acting, but to Sasuke, and to Gaara and Naruto, the moment of question, of hesitation, of utter sincerity from one look to another was absolutely real. They were questioning each other and discovering the truth that, until now, had not been communicated.

It was almost painful to watch Naruto’s pleading look and the troubled indecision with which Sabaku held him back. He wondered if during this time Sabaku hadn’t reevaluated Naruto; if perhaps his plan to make the loud blond look more attractive in the past week hadn’t been an absolute success. And if these two were attracted to one another, then why the hell hadn’t either of them done something about it?

“That’s a good pose,” Sasuke tried to sound sincere. “Now embrace him.” Naruto’s cheeks flushed, but he didn’t tear his eyes away from Gaara. Gaara averted his eyes as he stepped forward slowly, bringing their chests together while his arms wrapped around Naruto carefully. “Remember Sabaku, you want him,” he said experimentally. Naruto’s back rippled as his arms flexed, his arms wrapping around Gaara tightly, shoving their bodies even closer together. Gaara’s eyes widened in surprise before closing; his open mouth must have sighed as he rested his head on Naruto’s shoulder.

And while two men experienced a new level of intimacy they hadn’t allowed themselves to experience before, Sasuke’s camera was capturing all of it.

They held each other quietly with both eyes squeezed shut while the studio watched on in silence. Sasuke knew he couldn’t push them any farther than this today. He lowered his camera. “That’s it for today. I’ll get the proofs as soon as possible and let you know if we need any follow ups.” Sabaku opened his eyes startled and pulled away quickly. Sasuke was certain Naruto noticed the gesture. Sasuke turned his back to them, allowing a moment of privacy.

“You’re both welcome to keep the clothes,” Udon spoke up. “If you need me to, I can show you back to the dressing rooms. You’re free now, but please meet here in half an hour. Mr. Inuzuka will be arriving soon and he expressed a desire to meet and greet both of the models.”

“Got it, Udon and thanks,” Naruto said. He retrieved his robe and slipped it back on.

“Take care of this for me, Udon.” Sasuke handed the camera to his assistant before returning to his makeshift desk. “And don’t botch up that roll.”

“Of course not,” Udon said a little sharply. He took the camera carefully. “Same film for Inuzuka…?” He reached for the new rolls, but Sasuke held up a hand.

“Leave that to me. I want that roll developed A.S.A.P. I want proofs in before Inuzuka is out the door.” Udon nodded and let go of the film in his hand.

“Excuse me then.” He bowed slightly and dashed out of the studio.

Sasuke watched him leave; noting that Naruto was once again chatting with Juugo. Gaara was busy consulting his assistant. He narrowed his eyes when Juugo’s face relaxed into a smile, a hearty laugh reverberating through the studio. He wondered how Naruto did it.

“Naruto,” both men paused to look at him. Juugo’s smile quickly faded. “I left some clothes for you to wear in the dressing room.”

“But I have clothes,” Naruto quirked an eyebrow.

“And if you’re going to pretend to be a model today you’ll pretend to have fashion sense as well. Just wear them while Inuzuka is here. You can change as soon as he’s gone.” Naruto snorted and crossed his arms—his way of conceding.

“What time does dogface get here anyways?” he sneered.

“…Within the half hour.” Sasuke let his eyes trail over Naruto with a slight leer. Naruto’s eyes popped out a little, looking down at the robe gaping open at the chest.

“Well Juugo, it’s been a pleasure as always, but if you’ll excuse me!” He backed away quickly, his voice a little too panicked and bowed hastily. Juugo smiled and waved his right hand as Naruto scampered away.

Sasuke watched the exchange, hating how jealous he was of Naruto’s ability to put Juugo at ease. “I didn’t know I paid you to flirt with the models,” Sasuke blurted.

Juugo shot him a look, quietly walking back to his post. Sasuke’s head began to pound a little more.

Half an hour later the set was changed and just about ready for Inuzuka. Pastries from Ginza’s finest bakery were set out on the table for the growling stomachs reminding them that it was almost time for lunch. Naruto strolled back in denim jeans, black blazer and an orange polo. Sasuke sighed and greeted his over pleased friend. “This isn’t so bad,” Naruto smiled.

Sasuke pulled one hand forward, folding up the jacket sleeves to the middle of his forearm, repeating the same with the next sleeve. Naruto bore it quietly for once until Sasuke reached for his collar to pull it up.

“Hey! You know I hater popped collars! I’ll look like a fruit!”

“Humor me,” Sasuke pulled away to inspect him. He looked him up and down noting the shade of orange went well with his complexion, dulled by the black jacket and giving him a professional yet casual look. This would do: sporty and preppy. The image suited his vibrant personality and the brands were expensive enough to show taste. Sasuke gave a rare smile before returning to his errands. He was running behind schedule, but thankfully, so was Inuzuka.

“Uchiha,” Sabaku approached him. “I have a meeting at three. How late will this run?” He was back to his normal self, free of the makeup and masculine looking in his power suit.

“Work…? On a Saturday…?” Sasuke leered, redirecting his gaze to Matsuri.

Sabaku followed his gaze. “A client is coming in from Osaka. Today was the earliest he could fly in.” He sounded impatient and tired. Sasuke noted the shadows under his eyes that weren’t there earlier with all the makeup. He reevaluated how Sabaku had taken the news about Naruto.

Sasuke nodded; satisfied it wasn’t just an excuse. “Inuzuka should be here soon. Make your excuses to him.” Gaara nodded and excused himself quickly. Sasuke would allow Sabaku to decide which client was more important to him.

“If it isn’t Uzumaki!” a loud voice caught their attention from the doorway. Sasuke turned to see the new arrival. Famous designer Inuzuka Kiba stood in the doorway with his entourage. Sasuke quickly noted Inuzuka’s stylish black and white ensemble. His brown hair was spiked up as it usually was and his shades were firmly perched on his nose despite the fairly dim lighting in the studio. His style had changed little since they were kids. He was relieved to see he had left the dogs at home.

“If it isn’t dogface! What took you so long? Your mom have to throw you in the shower again?” Sasuke cringed a little at Naruto’s rudeness.

Inuzuka put an arm around Uzumaki’s shoulder, shooting him a grin before locking him into a noogie. “You’re rude as always. Nice to see some people haven’t changed,” Kiba laughed. “So where have you been? What have you been up to?” Their conversation lowered into chuckles and friendly smiles. They probably hadn’t seen each other since high school and yet it was like nothing had changed.

“I didn’t realize they knew each other,” Gaara spoke up.

“We all went to school together,” Sasuke explained. “Naruto brought a lot of us together.”

Sasuke watched the shy young woman with blue black hair approaching. “Hinata!” Naruto shouted, “You look fantastic! What have you been up to?”

“He seems very comfortable,” Gaara noted.

“He’s good at this—networking, much more than I am.” Gaara glanced at him curiously. “He’s a good model too. I asked him to come with me the first time I left. He has the looks and the personality to thrive in this industry.”

Gaara’s eyes were trained on his roommate, his pale brow furrowed in thought.

“Then why,” he paused, face scrunching, “that is, if…”

“We were still together,” Sasuke hazarded a guess to the question, allowing a moment’s peace for the information to settle between them. “But Naruto isn’t the type to give up his dreams for some else’s. It was hard at first, but I respect him and his decisions; and when this is over, I’ll say good-bye as I always do and we’ll both return to our normal lives.”

“When this is over?” Sasuke thought he heard a hint of annoyance.

“Yes. When this is over,” he reiterated. “I’m here for a job.” He looked Gaara straight in the eye. “And when it’s finished I’ll return to France and Naruto can pretend he doesn’t have a future as a model, or with one.”

Sasuke didn’t conceal the hint of a smile, tempted to see the effect. Gaara offered no response, but he looked a little more perturbed than he had a moment ago.

“Does he know this?” he asked cautiously.

Sasuke looked over at the loud blond chatting excitedly with Inuzuka. He tried to look stern, wistful, or anything that would sell Sabaku on this sob story. “He would be a fool not to,” he said.

Gaara evidently didn’t like this answer. Sasuke wondered if he was feeling protective or jealous. Either was deemed to be good in his book. It meant he was getting somewhere. “You don’t like that answer,” he said carefully. Gaara looked away. His face melted into familiar indifference. Sasuke tilted his head to try to catch his expression. “Would you have me try to court him honorably? To steal him from this place…? Or should I cut my ties with him entirely?”

The last suggestion evoked a response. Gaara’s surprise was minute.

“Does it matter what I think?” he replied sharply.

Jealousy was certainly a part of it, Sasuke decided. He crossed his arms and smirked. “No. Not really.” At least that part of his plan was working.

“Hey Uzumaki, are you finished gossiping yet?” Kiba’s brown eyes turned to regard Sasuke and Sabaku. His earlier joviality faded into a stern look and a straighter posture. Kiba bowed politely and said his formal greeting. Sasuke responded in turn. “Sorry to have you come out here on a Saturday. I know how busy you are.”

Kiba slid into an easy grin. “Don’t try to kiss my ass, Uchiha. I know you don’t mean it.”

Sasuke bowed. “Then shall we get introductions out of the way? You know Uzumaki obviously, but have you met Mr. Sabaku?” Kiba noted his tone. He was being disrespectful.

“Head of the Sabaku groups; Mr. Gaara Sabaku…correct?” Kiba extended his hand and shook Gaara’s warmly. “I hear you’re in charge of our ad campaign. I’m counting on you.”

“I should be thanking you,” Gaara smiled, it seemed unnatural coming from someone who is usually so stern. “It is a great honor working with you and Mr. Uchiha.”

“You obviously haven’t worked with Uchiha much,” Kiba laughed. Sasuke pretended to be amused. “So where are the models?” Kiba said quickly. He looked around the studio, noting the other staff members.

“You’ve just met them,” Sasuke relaxed his stance. He glanced at Naruto who was chatting with the Hyuuga heiress.

Kiba glanced from Naruto to Gaara, then back to Sasuke. “You only used guys?”

“I think you’ll be impressed with the results.” Kiba looked skeptical. Sasuke hoped to god his assistants were competent enough to get those proofs done in time to convince him.

“If you say so,” Kiba left it at that. “So I heard you need a few shots of my ugly mug. Shall we get started?” He aimed a thumb towards the set. Sasuke nodded, walking towards the camera. “Try to stay a bit longer, Sabaku. The proofs should be done soon.”
Gaara nodded. “Over here, Inuzuka.” Sasuke picked up his camera. “Stand by the taped x and pose however you like. This is for a bio pic so try to show a little of your personality.”

Kiba nodded. He chose a relaxed pose, hands in his pockets with his shoulders thrown back. He grinned at the camera, ready to go.

“Now I need a serious one.” Kiba crossed his arms, still looking casual though he wasn’t smiling. “That’s good.” Sasuke snapped another shot. “The next few shots are up to you.” Kiba returned to more playful poses. He flirted with the camera naturally. Sasuke was relieved. It was turning out to be a fairly easy day. The photo shoot progressed much more smoothly than most. Sasuke didn’t even use a full roll when he finished.

“That’s it,” he said. He lowered his camera to his side. “Good work everyone,” he said to his assistants. He checked the settings on his camera once more and took a look at some of the shots. He pretended to observe them closely, wishing ardently that Udon would return any moment now with those proofs.

“So how long are you in Japan?” Kiba asked him.

Sasuke flipped to the next shot, zooming in and out to check the quality. “Long enough,” he answered.

“You must be having fun in France. Hitting up all the hot babes, eh?”

“…Something like that,” he said.

“You’ll have to introduce me to some good models,” Kiba winked. Sasuke tried to smile. He was greatly relieved when he saw Udon arrive with a package in his hands.

“Here are the proofs, sir.”

“Thank you Udon, great timing.” He pulled them out and rushed them to the light table. He flicked on the light switch to show everyone the view. Holding the magnifier up to the proof, he looked for a few shots in particular.

Everyone was quiet while he concentrated. When he found the shots he was looking for he blocked out everything around him. After a few minutes of silence, he looked up and smiled. “Uzumaki, put down that pastry and get over here, you too Sabaku.” Both men dropped what they were doing to join him. “Inuzuka, take a good look at these models.” Kiba looked over both of them. True, Sabaku looked much more masculine without the makeup and his suit, but he could tell the designer was assessing them. “Now look at these photos. Tell me they both look like men.”

Kiba sat down on the provided stool and leaned over to look. He gave a low whistle as soon as he did. “Damn Uchiha, these are hot. As straight as I am, if you’re in the shots, I think the ladies would enjoy this ad.”

“Wrong proofs. Keep looking,” Sasuke encouraged him. “I know you wanted black and white, but I really think you should keep these in color.”

Kiba kept looking. His face lost its mirth, hardening into concentration. His game face was on. He looked at the rest of the shots carefully, checking over them repeatedly. Some minutes later, he stood up straight.

“They’re beyond my expectations. I should have known, putting you in charge.” He smiled and clapped a hand on Sasuke’s shoulder. “Damn Naruto! When did you get so hot? I better start lifting weights again.”

Naruto puffed up at the compliment. Sasuke noted that Kiba gave no comment on Gaara’s role as a female.

“We should keep quiet on Sabaku for now. The surprise will draw more attention to the campaign. Right, Sabaku?” Gaara nodded slowly. Sasuke noted that he was being very quiet. “…Still want black and white?” Sasuke turned to Kiba.

Kiba paused, crossing his arms while his head tilted to the side. “The colors are beautiful, but a little too sharp. Soften them and I’m okay with it.” Sasuke nodded. That would be easy enough.

“Don’t take this the wrong way, but you have very striking features Mr. Sabaku. Your eyes are amazing in these shots.” Sabaku nodded to say thank you. “Dude, Naruto… when did you start modeling? I know this is Sabaku’s first time, but you look like a pro!”

Naruto waved a hand in denial. “Sasuke is good at leading. I just followed him the first time around.”

“These shots are hot. Too bad Uchiha turned down being in my campaign. It seems like such a waste.” Kiba looked at the proofs again. “But I must admit, Mr. Sabaku is a better contrast for this ad. Maybe I’m just partial to the tattoo, but these last shots…” he whistled.

Sasuke watched Sabaku carefully. His expression changed little, but he seemed docile. His earlier hostility had all but disappeared.

“You give us too much credit,” Naruto said. “He may be a bastard, but he’s talented. Without him directing us these shots wouldn’t be half as good.” Sasuke was rather touched. It was rare for the dobe to be so humble.

“Well, I’ll let you guys fight over who deserves the credit, but I’m certainly impressed. Things are a go from my end. Keep up the good work. I hate to run, but I’ve got work to do. Sabaku, my people will be in touch. Hinata just gave the preliminary paperwork to your assistant. I’d like to get the contracts out of the way as soon as possible. Naruto, when you’re ready to hit the real party scene, call me. Knowing this guy, he keeps you holed up in some elitist crap hole far away from the real fun.” Naruto laughed, waving at him and bowing to Hinata as they left. “By the way, I love the jacket. Later!” Kiba waved.

Sasuke checked his watch. “Looks like you’ll be in time for your meeting,” he looked at Sabaku. “Otsukare-sama,” he dipped his head in both Naruto and Gaara’s direction. Gaara bowed and made his farewell greetings.

“I’ll be home late,” he said to Naruto in passing. “Matsuri, let’s go,” he called. The brunette gathered her things and hurried after him. She shot Sasuke a sly smile before leaving. He returned it with his usual charm.

“See you later,” Naruto said awkwardly. He waved half-heartedly, watching his roommate leave. Sasuke rolled his eyes at the long face.

“He’s meeting a client,” Sasuke assured him. “I turned my charms on his assistant earlier and like any woman, taken or no, she jumped ship under ten seconds.” Naruto scowled at him. “But this one happens to not be taken.” Naruto stopped his scowling. His mouth settled into a grim line. “She admitted it herself that he hasn’t touched her. It seems your roommate, at least, knows how to play.”

Naruto looked shocked. “You mean… he lied?”

“Did he ever say they were an item?”

“Well no,” he paused. His eyes stared into his memory. “But he may as well have.”

“He implied it,” Sasuke cut him off. “That’s not the same thing as lying. Just like we implied that we slept together.” Naruto’s tan was looking a little pale. “I told you—this is how the adults play. You still in or are you ready to give up?”

Naruto looked doubtful. Sasuke recognized the face and he knew that the concept of lying, or half lying didn’t sit well with him. Naruto had always been about open, honest communication and pranks or no pranks, anything not done in good fun was considered against his moral code. He looked troubled until his eyes landed on the proofs Inuzuka praised not minutes ago. His blue eyes hardened into a familiar determination.

“What do we do next?”