S.H 

Awkward.

That seemed to be the only word Sakura could think of to describe her first meeting with Sasuke after they sorted things out. 

They were currently in the waiting room of Senju HQ, along with Naruto, waiting for their boss to call them up for a meeting. It was completely silent with the exception of voices and people typing faintly in the distance. 

Naruto groaned, "I hate this silence! You two - make up already!"

Fiddling with her purse, Sakura nervously spoke up. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have questioned your choices. I just made things more confusing."

"I-I'm sorry, too," Sasuke apologized, turning his head away so Sakura couldn't see his face. "I shouldn't have lashed out like that."

There was a few pauses before Naruto spoke up again, "You're such a sorry duo. Why don't you thank each other instead? 

Sasuke rolled his eyes, slightly annoyed that Naruto was acting as if he was a therapist to help with their relationship. "Thank you, Sakura, for not yelling back at me."

"Thank you, Sasuke, for valuing me more than your family," a tiny smile played at her lips and her cheeks burned scarlet at she said that aloud.

"Ms. Sakura, Mr. Sasuke, Mr. Naruto," Shizune walked into the waiting room with Ton-ton, interrupting their conversation. She smiled. "Ms. Tsunade is waiting for you."

"No need to be so formal, Shizune," Sakura smiled back at her. Shizune lead the trio up to Tsunade's office, walking past the familiar hallways as Naruto was rambling on about something to Shizune.

Eventually they reached the office on the top floor. Tsunade looked as head strong as ever, even with a pile of paperwork next to her. She beckoned Sasuke, Sakura and Naruto towards her, "Take a seat."

They all complied silently and Shizune rushed to stand next to Tsunade's comfortable armchair. Tsunade cleared her throat. "Before I continue, I would like you to confirm whether the news about you being on good terms is merely a rumor or not."

"It's not a rumor," Naruto excitedly answered. Tsunade raised an eyebrow at Sasuke and Sakura.

"It's true," Sakura responded and Sasuke nodded.

"Great," smiled Tsunade. "Because, Sasuke and Sakura, an excellent opportunity for your jobs has just come through. Ever heard of Guren?"

"Oh," Sakura snapped her fingers in recognition. "Ino's talked about that company once. Guren, I'm talking about the boss, she's a jewelry maker, right?"

"Right," Tsunade nodded before handing out stunning photos of pink, flawless crystals. "As you can see from the photos, she excels in making these crystals. And she would like a couple of my models to model them. Of course, I called you in earlier than the other models just to privately confirm your relationship. I have selected a few of your friends, Sai and Ino, Shikamaru and Temari, Neji and Tenten, and yes, Naruto, you and Hinata."

Sakura frowned as Naruto let out an excited squeal. Tsunade continued, "Guren is offering quite a lot of money, and on top of that, the shoot is to take place in Paris. Not only is this an opportunity for your jobs, it's an opportunity for you and your friends to explore the world as young adults."

"Paris?" Naruto's eyes were shining. "Oh my gosh, there will be so many places to take Hinata out!"

"Yes, you can go on dates too, I suppose," Tsunade rolled her eyes playfully. She slid three mostly identical pieces of paper towards the trio. Sakura picked hers up and began scanning it.

Dear Ms.Haruno,

As I'm sure Tsunade has told you, my name is Guren, head of the company, 'Guren', which specializes in jewelry showcasing pink, hand-crafted crystals. I have chosen to extend my stores to Paris, and I would like to post advertisements across the city; which is where this photoshoot comes in. 

With the scenery of 'the City of Love', and the couple groupings, I know you've put two and two together to realize that the theme for this photo shoot will be romance. And not the cute, school gilr w type - the sexual type.

Of course, I do know of the situation you are currently in with Mr. Uchiha, and would understand if you refuse this offer. If you do take up this offer, I'll have you know that the theme of this photoshoot will determine every component in it, which is why I've told you this first and foremost. 

You and Mr. Uchiha are needed to make this decision as a pair. Either both of you come, or none of you at all. I will not find a substitute if only one of you two attend.

It would be my absolute pleasure for you to star in this shoot, along with Mr. Uchiha. I sincerely hope you both can join us. If you consent, more details are on the back of the paper, along with my phone number and personal email address. 

Regards,

Guren

As Sakura debated whether or not to bother to flip the page to find out more details, she noticed that Naruto had already performed the action and was intently reading it. Sasuke was still reading the first page, going rereading some details perhaps, his face not showing any of his thoughts.

Tsunade cleared her throat, and all three pairs of eyes flicked to her. She leaned her head on a palm of a propped up hand and said, "Naruto, I know you've undoubtedly made the decision about taking up this offer. Go outside and tell Hinata and the others while I deal with Sakura and Sasuke. Shizune, accompany Naruto so that he doesn't make a ruckus of excitement."

"Hey!" whined Naruto. 

Shizune smiled. "Let's go."

When the two left, the room became considerably more quieter. Tsunade leaned towards Sasuke and Sakura. "Decide whether or not you're taking this offer. Now."

"I don't mind," Sasuke relaxed in his chair. With a lazy flick of his hand he said, "Sakura can decide."

Sakura didn't want to decide. Sakura wanted to punch Sasuke for putting the weight of the decision all on her. Nothing I can do about it now though, she thought. Taking a deep breath, she decided, "I'm sorry Tsunade, but I don't think we're the right people for the job. Maybe you can find another couple. I think Choji and Karui would be fine-"

"I don't want to hear possible substitutes," interrupted Tsunade. "I want to hear your reasoning."

"Well, I just think that it would be really awkward considering that for years I hated Sasuke and now I'm having to participate in sexual positions with him. This morning we weren't even on good terms. How can people assume we'll just...click? He might've changed in the past few years, I know I have. I think I'll pass on this opportunity."

"I've taught you well, Sakura. However," Tsunade lowered her voice. "The money you'll be getting is twenty five thousand dollars. If I were you, I wouldn't pass that up. But I do also want you to work in a comfortable environment. If, before the shoot, you spent a week with your friends and Sasuke alone in Paris without me or Shizune or any staff, do you two think you'll be able to rebuild your bond? Then would you agree to model for Guren?"

Twenty five thousand dollars.

That was a lot of money for one job. But that wasn't the reason why Sakura was hesitating from telling Tsunade her original decision again. The idea Tsunade proposed was quite ingenious, and Sakura did think that they would be able to rebuild their bond with the help of their friends too. She caught Sasuke's eyes and, in that moment, they both arrived at an answer. "We'll do it."

"Perfect," Tsunade grinned and clasped her hands. "Because I was going to fire you if you didn't."

Sakura's jaw dropped.

Tsunade chuckled, "Just kidding! Don't be so uptight all the time, Sakura! You too, Sasuke! Always so cold and moody! Maybe we should go over the details with some sake-"

Sakura had never seen Sasuke run out of a room so fast. She laughed before standing up too. "Tsunade, looks like I better go. Don't want Sasuke and Naruto to start fighting again. Thanks for everything."

"No, thank you," Tsunade thrusted Sakura and Sasuke's papers, as well as everyone else's into the pinkette's hands. "You keep those two under control."

The two laughed as Sakura walked out of the door and down to the front office of the Senju building. Everyone who had been invited to Paris was waiting there, all of them chattering excitedly about going overseas together. 

Amidst all of the loudness, Sakura went through her emails in peace. Ever since Kiba had given out her email address (without her consent), she had gotten a non-stop flood of emails. She scrolled quickly down the list of new emails, only expecting to see fans or haters. But one important name made her pause her scrolling abruptly. She hovered her finger over the name, unsure whether or not to read the email sent by Sasuke's father. 

Fugaku Uchiha. 

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S.H

"I cannot believe that we're going to Paris!" squealed Tenten over dinner. It had been an hour since everyone found out about their latest job opportunity, and it was all anyone could talk about.

Hinata nodded. "And the pay rate is so high too!"

"Of course it is, we're modeling for the Guren!" Ino's eyes shone. "The jewelry is drop dead gorgeous!"

"That crybaby better get me of those crystals," Temari said, referring to Shikamaru playfully.

"We all have to," Ino insisted. "I'm not acting sexy for some jewels that won't end up being mine."

"Ino!" scolded Tenten and Temari in unison, though they were both laughing.

"I'm kidding!" Ino giggled. "I'll be sexy for Sai, even if they pay me zero."

Hinata flushed, "I-I don't know if I can be sexy for N-Naruto-kun."

"Hina, don't go back to your stuttering days!" Ino slapped her back gently before winking. "Of course you can, you got huge jugs-"

"Ino!" Tenten and Temari yelled simultaneously again before promptly hive-fiving each other.

She rolled her eyes, but a big grin was stretched across her face. "Alright, sheesh."

"Sakura?" Hinata said tentatively. All eyes swiveled in concern to Sakura. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Sakura assured her, pushing away her confusion about Fugaku. 

Ino glanced at her worriedly. "You've been quiet all night, and we've all finished our dinner while you've barely touched yours.

"Is there something you're not telling us?" Tenten asked gently.

Sakura sighed. "I didn't want to drag you guys in, but..."

"Oh, tell us!" Temari said bossily. "We're your friends."

That's right. They're my friends. I can trust them.

Taking a deep breath, she showed them the email. They all read it attentively, confusion and worry all over their faces.

To Ms. Haruno, 

Since you already know who I am, I'll get straight to the point. I would like to schedule a private meeting with you in the main Uchiha house at eight o'clock in the evening in three days. Contact me back to confirm this time. If you cannot make it, I will schedule another time. This is an essential talk we must have. 

There will be no need for me to disclose my address. My staff will pick you up twenty minutes prior to our meeting. You know what we'll be talking about.

Regards,

Fugaku Uchiha, head of the Uchiha clan.

"It sounds so...serious," Sakura said quietly. 

Hinata frowned. "But you're not going to go, are you?"

"I don't have a choice," Sakura sighed, tiredly running a hand through her hair. "Even if I tell him that I can't make it, which I can, I'm sure he'll keep on looking to find times to talk to me. Plus, considering his wealth, I wouldn't be surprised if he could track me down. Anyways, I want to face this problem. Head on."

"Look at you being all brave," Temari smiled like a proud mother.

"Do you want us to accompany you to the Uchiha house?" Ino asked. "Just in case it turns out to be a brawl or something."

Sakura considered this before nodding. "Just stay in the car, though. Don't interfere with the conversation. If people start hitting or touching you, hit them. I know I'll punch as hard as I can."

"Perfect," grinned Tenten slightly maniacally. "A nice opportunity to try out my brand new numb-chucks."

"Try not to send anyone to the hospital, you two," Temari sweat-dropped. Everyone laughed, but when the laughter faded, the mood was dead serious.

"I suppose I'll let him know that we're all coming," Sakura said, already typing out the message. 

Hinata bit her lip. "What if he doesn't allow us?"

"So?" shrugged Sakura. "I don't care. I'm taking you with me whether or not he likes it."

"And are you going to tell Sasuke about this?"

Sakura paused her typing. Ino just voiced the question she had been pondering with ever since she got the email. She responded firmly,

"No."

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