Sasuke holds a single rose in his hand. The deepest color of red that symbolizes his affections and loyalty to [Name]. He walks into the building; the bright lights contrast with the starless night outside.

He fixes his tie before entering the art room. The hallways leading there are filled with the more introverted people--- Sasuke's people. But being the second son of the Uzumakis, he must make an appearance.

Entering the hall, a sign displays [Name's] full name as the featuring artist for tonight's auction. He smiles at the thought of her.

His dear [Name], achieving her dreams. His dear [Name], becoming famous off of this one auction. His dear [Name], possibly waiting for him to arrive. His beloved [Name], giggling next to another man...

Sasuke approaches [Name] and Neji. "Good evening."

She perks up at hearing his voice and turns. A gasp emits from her broad smile as she jumps up to hug Sasuke. "Oh! You look so good!"

He accepts the hug, loving the warmth it brings him. He hands her the rose, and she takes it, twirling the flower in her hands.

"Sasuke," Neji speaks, standing up to shake his hand. "Long time no see. Where's the family?"

Sasuke shrugs. "I don't live with them anymore. But I'm sure they'll be here soon."

Shocked to hear this, Neji just nods. "Well, [Name] and I have become well aquatinted. She's quite the charmer."

Sasuke chuckles, his eyes squinting at the other man humorlessly. "Oh, I know. Don't get too close, though. She'll sweet talk you into anything."

[Name] nudges Sasuke playfully. "Oh, hush! Like I've ever made you do anything you didn't want to already do!"

Their conversation is cut short by the arrival of the rest of the Uzumakis.

"[Name]! Darling! We're here!" They all hear Kushina squeak from across the room. "Oh! You look so pretty!"

The two women squeak and squawk at each other about their dresses. Kushina is in a flashy pink, which is why she wanted [Name] to wear pink too--- so they could match.

But now, none of that matters. Naruto greets and hugs [Name], complimenting her and handing her an expensive bouquet. Fully in pale pink and white flowers, complemented with eucalyptus, it outshines the single rose Sasuke had just given her.

"Wow. All of this for me?" [Name] laughs, tucking the deep red rose amongst the other flowers. Because of the long, uneven stem, it sits high above the rest, not quite fitting in.

Kushina bear hugs [Name] again. "You're like the closest thing to a daughter I'll ever get! I am going to spoil you rotten." Kushina pulls back and looks between her sons. "Not that I have anything against my dearest sons or anything."

She goes over and hugs Sasuke, whispering apologies into his ear. Only he can hear. "I love you. I love you, my boy. I'm sorry. I love you. Please come home."

Sasuke pats his mother's back but says nothing in turn. He eyes down Naruto, who doesn't seem to want to lose this staring contest either.

...

The auction commences. Rows and rows of seats fill with people. Their get-ups rival those of royalty. Minato and Kushina are the stars of the show, looking even more elegant than the people before them. Chattering slows to whispers and then silence.

Neji offers [Name] a seat next to his, but being the artist, she must sit near Kushina and give each piece a quick blurb. She must watch as her hard work brings joy to others.

The auction starts.

The first piece illustrates a young mother holding her child. There's a mix of resolve and weariness in her eyes as she peers upon her sleeping baby girl. Her face relax, but her mouth is in a firm line.

The colors she used were muddy, reminiscent of renaissance paintings of old. The vague features of each character in the piece made it easy to put oneself into their shoes.

The safe, peaceful baby in the arms of the strong-willed but in disrepair mother.

Kushina praises the piece before handing the microphone off to [Name] to explain. The artist didn't think this piece would be the first one up, but she supposes one must start off strong before getting into the weaker ones.

"This is a piece that represents my mother and me. My mother was strong, but this rigid, cruel world made her so tired. I made this for mothers everywhere. For the tired, the depressed, and worn out moms. The reluctant moms. For the moms who did their best with what they had."

[Name's] hands shake as she passes the microphone back to Kushina. She calms herself. She calms her breathing.

Minato starts the auction, and immediate bids come through. The more someone challenges the offer, the higher this piece's price becomes.

It sells for more than half a million.

[Name] smiles, containing her giddiness. The auction continues like this. Some paintings get several bids; others receive one. Some don't even get a bid at all. And that's okay. [Name] is just happy to be here--- happy to have this opportunity.

The following piece is brightly colored. Abstract objective art. It shows a face brightly distorted in hypnotic happiness. Love-sick and crazed. The background of the person is just as messy. Shapes and lines mix and intertwine with the features, and from afar, it looks simply abstract, with no objective.

Before [Name] can speak her blurb, Neji makes the first bid. "I'll take it for ten thousand."

[Name] finds Neji's face in the crowd and smiles. He catches her smile and winks. Another bid comes in, then more. Neji continues to offer higher and higher prices until he's the only one left.

"One hundred and eleven thousand going once, going twice," Minato pauses for a second. The painting is almost Neji's, and all Minato has to say is---

Sasuke raises his bidding paddle. "One hundred and fifteen thousand."

Neji swivels his head towards Sasuke. They have an intense moment, meeting eyes for a split second before Neji offers something higher.

All night Sasuke hasn't bid for a single thing. In fact, he's been staring at [Name] as if he's hanging on to every word she utters. But now, he wants something that Neji wants. Why now?

Their back and forth goes on for a while. Minato eggs them on with even higher bids.

"Do I hear one hundred forty?" Neji raises his paddle.

"Do I hear one hundred forty-five?" Sasuke raises his.

"Do I hear one hundred fifty?" Neji hesitates before raising his.

Sasuke suppresses a smirk. Between his abundant inheritance and his wealthy parents, it seems like he has unlimited amounts of money just hanging around. Although he's pretty well off, Neji has nothing close to the quantity Sasuke possesses.

[Name] watches them both. Her hands sweat as she thinks about who will receive her hard work. Whoever it is, she'll have to thank them.

"I'll give two hundred thousand for that," Sasuke finally says out loud. He looks to Neji. "Do you have any bids higher than that?"

Neji smiles. It's between condescending and a simper. "Unfortunately, I have to concede."

...

Hours pass. [Name] never realized how many pieces she created over all these years. Many find new homes, some in possession of the Uzumaki family. But, even after having a bidding war, Neji doesn't acquire a single one.

As the place begins its dispersal of people, [Name] stands on shaky legs. Sasuke looks to [Name], thinking if he should speak to her or not. This only hinders him, for Neji immediately approaches her.

"That was fun," Neji says casually. He hooks elbows with her, allowing her to lean on him. "How're you holding up?"

"I'm fine." She breathes, looking around the room. The party seems to die. There is no long after talks like at family reunions where you can't seem to rip mother away from Aunt Mary. [Name] thought some of these people were friends, but some were merely hook-ups, others complete strangers with distinguished social skills.

Neji pulls [Name] along. Far from Sasuke, but still within earshot. "I wanted to ask you something."

She smiles. "Ask away."

"You're an artist of many talents. You don't seem to stick to one genre of art, and for that matter, no one art style," he butters her up, which makes her grin. Sasuke glowers, clenching his jaw.

"Yeah and?"

"You seem," Neji looks [Name] up and down, "Flexible. Very flexible."

Giving him a knowing look, [Name] nudges his shoulder with her own. "Is this going somewhere or---"

"I'd like to commission you."

[Name's] jaw drops as she gasps. "What?! Really?!"

"Of course," Neji confirms. He faces her directly on and takes her hands. The warmth of his palms runs up her arms. "While I was bidding, I thought, why throw all my money to an auction where less than thirty percent of the money goes to you when I could just commission you instead. You'd have all the money, one hundred percent. That's why I conceded." He flashes a look at Sasuke, who seems to be watching them from the corner of his eye.

"Oh my gosh. I've never done a commission before." She feels the excitement bubble in her, and she has to suppress a happy dance. "I don't even know where to start! I'd have to get new paints and buy a new canvas. Which reminds me, how big did you---"

Neji puts a finger to her lips. "Now, now. Calm down. Don't rush it. I want to enjoy every moment with you while you make my piece."

"Ah. Sorry."

Neji chuckles, beginning to walk with her out of the room. Their voices echo as the place is nearly empty by now.

"Now, if you rush through it, I'd have to ask for another to see you again."

[Name] giggles. That beautiful sound makes both men's hearts clench. "Oh, Neji. You're such a flirt!"

Sasuke watches them go, seething with anger. If he hadn't hesitated, [Name] would be walking out with him and not Neji. She would've thanked him for support, held his hands, and he'd offer her a ride home.

He grips the painting he auctioned for, his knuckles turning white. 

He wants to snap it in half.

Just like how he wants to snap Neji in half.

...

A/N: Bro, do not check me on the validity of art auctions cause I don't know jack diddly squat. I researched it, and it seemed very boring, so I spiced it up a little. In real auctions, the artists don't ever participate, nor do they receive any money for it cause they're getting paid in ✨exposure.✨

Bye love you <3