Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, I am just merely borrowing the characters to use and abuse as I please!

The Million Dollar Scheme

Chapter 5

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How often does someone change routine and approach their morning differently? According to Konoha's dark prince also known for his futuristic technologies never change his routine. One would suggest he was crazy if he did for the reason he was a control freak with an odd fetish for…tomatoes!

But let's just say on the course of this present day his PA did assume he was crazy because he did change his routine. He didn't perform his daily morning activities or eat breakfast made by Ayame and leave his man cave to run his multi-millionaire empire. Oh no, instead he roused in an empty bed and remain there. His eyes flutter to greet the world while his lips part slightly. He called for her in a voice softer than grass coated in midmorning dew and continued to lay on his back, eyes glued on the ceiling breathing in his daily dose of loneliness.

He reached to feel the empty space beside him before turning onto his side to actually inspect the void. And Sasuke could almost depict Hinata occupying the bed space beside him. How nice it would have feel if it was real. The Uchiha finally sigh his defeat he held since the day he laid eyes on her. It was impossible to make her interested and win her sole attention. Sasuke cover his eyes to shade the sunrise and groan from his fail attempts he had with her. Their last encounter didn't do any good besides prove him that she was terrified of him. She didn't want him like how the other girls wanted him; it was obvious. She didn't want his body because it was already hers, but then he figure she might want…

Flowers? He thought and reflected on every occasion he'd seen when a women received flowers. And this is not what it sounds like. Oh Kami no, he was not categorize to present flowers for ladies. He was promiscuous and purchasing flowers would only cause him to waste paper. Heck, instead he was the observer on the sideline watching the entertainment unfold before him. The infamous Uchiha couldn't help himself, but stare during his lunch dates when a male stranger just, puff voila, present a bouquet of red roses behind him for his date. And Sasuke would scoff at the girl's supposedly surprise expression because in his viewpoint, who would be foolish enough to fall for such an old 'flowers hidden behind his back' ploy?!

He wasn't one to perform such lousy schemes…

—Ding Dong!

And yes, Sasuke was a hypocrite.

The Hyuga bombshell frowned, kissing her teeth. She was suspicious of the doorbell. It was rare for someone to pay her an early visit and visitors usually inform her ahead of time. Hinata released the last strand of hair rolled in the curling iron and sighed her anxiety once her bare feet touch the cool tile on the foyer. Hinata was straining not to have a heart attack with the thought of him being there when the door opens. Her shaky fingers grip the smooth knob and twist the door open to greet—

—Eh…?

She was so absorb by the potted sunflower on her front porch that she didn't even notice a pair of dark, observant eyes watching her from inside his superb McLaren F1 GTR.

And he strived for a low-profile visit that wasn't so inconspicuous for the reason that he cruised through a not-so-top-notch neighborhood in a top-end Euro import car that would definitely attract attention. And he claimed Naruto was a baka…

Sasuke was trying awfully hard to stop himself from smirking at the wild hues of pink and red shading her cheeks. If giving flowers to a beautiful lady showed priceless smiles, Sasuke would make it a daily task just so he can frame Hinata's heart shape face in his hands and shower her with kisses. He watched Hinata return to her home with the sunflower propped against her hip and tucked under one arm before driving off to work. Hinata has to admit that she was beside herself with glee that the week had gone so well. She caught herself smiling, completely oblivious of the fact that miles away Sasuke was in a similar state.

"What?" Hinata's voice echoed throughout the empty residence. In return she received a clueless stare from her loyal teacup yorkie Neji had given her for a house warming gift. He appear so small on the loveseat and Hinata almost laugh at his attempt to jump off the loveseat that was thrice his height.

"You need help Lavee?" A soft whimper escaped his mouth. Hinata breathe a soft giggle before setting down the flower pot on the coffee table, lifting a hand to pat Lavee's head and the tiny thing didn't oppose the wonderful nails of his owner against his fluffy head. "Better?"

A moan of approval from Lavee had Hinata giggle again after she ruffled his hair. Grabbing the little bundle, Hinata let him on the ground before she shuffled into the kitchen to grab a bite of breakfast. Hinata hum a lullaby as she maneuver in the kitchen to prepare her meal. This world is beautiful... she smiled in remembrance of the sunflower, but it was quickly devour into an upturn strained line, and its also very merciless. She had stopped for a moment to gaze at a particular scenery ahead the open window. The sunlight had filtered through the clouds above and pillar of bright rays sprawl over several tree crowns. It was beautiful, and there was something about it that lifted the darkness in her chest, if only slightly.

"Ne Lavee," his ears perk up. "Why does Otou-sama always try to manipulate us?"

Pearl eyes turn to stare hard at the photo hanging on the wall opposite of her with no unconditional love, but a carefully placed apathy that had been laced with disdain. "What is he trying to accomplish?"

Without a doubt she was filled with happiness once upon a time. But now it was different, very different it made her feel lonely. "Why?" Heaving, Hinata allowed the torrent of pain out her body not bothering to hold anything back as all the pain consume her. She will not allow her shoulders to carry another burden, never again.

"He used me." Hinata hissed, her hands clenched tight at her side. "But I will not allow him to use Hanabi."

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Gaara slump deep into a chair in the garage to give his body a rest after the prolong activity he participated since sunrise.

"Tsk, what a drag." The heat was unbearable and he was extra warm wrapped in the colorful leather suit.

"Good job today, Sabuka." His crew chief praised said male who was in the process of unzipping the upper half of the leather suit. Gaara tied the sleeve arms around his waist and grabbed his helmet before rounding a corner to enter the shower room. Half of his day was mostly spent on advancing his motorcycle for the Hertz British grand prix. After five hours of multiple practice test, radio communication with his engineers and mechanics exhausted the living daylight out of him. Gaara wanted nothing else, but to leave the circuit and see her. Undoubtedly, he enjoy his career and love what he does, but at times he just want to relax.

The red head hissed when the course of hot water boiled his skin. He found solace in that moment under the shower within the confines of hot water against his tense muscles. Such wonderful solitude. People in the lockers kept to themselves and didn't approach him unlike in the garage or the crowd. He could barely manage everyone's attention and it troubled him most with where to direct his attention in those places. He never asked for frame, only desired to perform his passion.

He loved it. The caress of adrenaline that made him sane when strong wind push against his frame. Gaara would always subjected to a man and machine communication with his motorcycle when he lean all of his weight forward above the gas tank. Hands fasten on the handlebars. Eyes secure behind a visor, his head's sanctuary was a damn helmet. The lightweight machine with unguarded metal panels made him move like the speed of sound. Unlike motor vehicles where feet are secure within metal fragment, on a motorcycle and especially on a MotoGP bike, the speed current made his feet can't keep on the ground. And on the race track he have to keep moving, can't stay in one place.

A dangerous affair.

Water cascade around him like liberation, dripping through his hair like the caresses of wind when he ride on his motorcycle. Gaara tugged a pristine white towel and proceeded to dry himself. Within moments he was out of the shower, freshly dressed before marching out of the steam clogged room to enter the garage again. Displayed in the center of the garage was his motorcycle attached with wires as an engineer run the last test on it. Gaara gently palm the seat of the beast that helped him win three world championship and joked with the engineer to take good care of her. He made his way out of the garage after a quick respectful handshake with his racing partner and left the circuit with one destination in mind.

"Welcome." A sales associate greeted with a smile that shouts she fancied him.

"Hinata." He asked.

"Excuse me?" She was batting her eyelashes and bending over to expose her grand canyon of fake cleavage.

"I'm looking for makeup artist Hyuga Hinata."

The sale associate produced a pout that disturb him. He was immensely grateful to have met Hinata who was sane, very different from other girls. He watched the female scurried to the back before a head full of lavish blue hair emerge from where the lady entered. Immediately she detected him like a radar and made her way toward him with a gleeful smile.

I could never get used to this, he thought with an amused perk of his lip. Gaara observed the face of the woman he adore more then anything. Long lashes resting evenly on pale yet vibrant cheeks. The color fused to a sharp pink on her plump lips. Her lovely hand was slender resting against his forearm, fingers gazing. "Aren't you suppose to be at the airport, mister?"

And at that moment he let himself truly rest in a rare emotion called happiness after her melodic voice stroke his ears.

"I wanted to see you before I leave." He admitted and Gaara was sure he discovered five new shades of red on Hinata's cheek. He couldn't help himself any longer and dipped his chin to press a sloppy kiss against her parted mouth.

"Gaara-kun!" She squealed.

And Gaara let out a low chuckle when Hinata covered her mouth in an attempt to stop him from pressing more kisses against her lovely lips. In a final display of tenderness, Hinata reached over to tug on his blazer making quick adjustment on his clothes to look presentable. With a smile, Hinata lift both hands to adjust the slim tie around his neck before letting her fingers rest against the steady pulsing of his heartbeat under his jaw. "Good luck on your race."

"Hm..." The butterfly touch of her fingers was warm and inviting.

"Bring home the winning cup, okay."

"Hm." His mind was cloudy.

"Even if you lose, your still number one to me."

Gaara snorted, "I'll win."

Hinata retract her hand and point a finger on his chest. "You better not be reckless too, okay."

"Hai-hai. What are you going to do after work?" He inquired.

He watched the lines on her forehead narrow. "I have to go somewhere." Was all she said and Gaara didn't press her to continue.

Lifting a hand, Gaara gently tugged the ink of blue hair from her face, awed by the transformation the sunlight burned over the tresses of her scalp before softly caressing her cheek. "I have to go..."

"Hm," and both of them laughed at her way of imitating his earlier responses.

Hinata waved him off by the sidewalk before she trudge back into the shop and met a pair of black orbs that asked, "Ano, you know Sabaku no Gaara?"

"Hai, are you a fan of his?"

"Hm, actually am I." She looked so shy admitting that to Hinata. The bluenette couldn't help herself, but tease this stranger that oh so happen to be her co-worker.

"Matsuri?" Said girl's ear perked when Hinata pronounced her name. "I'll make sure Gaara-kun personally sign an autograph for you."

And Gaara thought he'd discover five new shades of red on Hinata, psssh.

"Thank you, Hyuga-san."

"Hinata."

"Hm," Matsuri's eyes widen a fraction.

"Call me Hinata." Matsuri test the name on her tongue and Hinata liked how her name came out of Matsuri's voice.

"Ano, sorry to come out straight forward but are you and Gaara-san perhaps in a romantic relationship?"

And Hinata let out a low giggle, "No."

"Then why did he kis—" she immediately cover her mouth, embarrassed. "Sorry!"

"Kissed me?" Hinata inquired, "He does that a lot." And the bluenette made it seem as though it was a normal thing for a guy to just kiss a girl he considered a friend.

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It has been too long since he'd been home. The picture in his hand indicate that. There was never a time he frown whenever he looked at the same picture over again for three years. Not until now. There was a pinch of sadness that engulf his heart when his fingertip traced along the edge of her face on the picture. She appeared so happy and he could guess she must look different by now. Perhaps her hair has gotten longer and let down instead of the same buns he grew fond of. The last time he converse with her was eight months ago through a quick webcam chat that disconnect them. It was brief, but also the best soothing moment he had in a very long time given the duty he does.

"Lieutenant commander Darui is looking for you."

Neji looked up and caught the eyes of his fellow petty officer. His quick nod allowed the petty officer to return to his task of informing other Anbu members of their symposium. Neji allow himself to smile after the petty officer left his small barrack. The sight of himself in the mirror linger. Assuredly Tenten would definitely be shock by his current mien. Eight months ago, she made a comment on wanting to groom his stubble beard and that she loved the look on him. But with his beard fully grown now and an inch off his jawline, he was uncertain if she'll like it, but the beard suits the environment he was in. She made no comment on the length of his hair that set above his shoulders where he could tie it into a small ponytail. He guess she liked it.

Neji placed the photo back in the parcel before sliding it under his bed. He strode through the long corridor passing a window he happen to peer through.

Flash of throwbacks from his commence in Anbu surge through his mind akin to a shutter freeway photo. The harshest training he'd endure in life almost eradicate his sole self emotionally, mentally, and physically. Neji was a healthy, fit individual that scored his Anbu physical screening test at a high mark exceeding his peers. And with his intelligent mind also gave him an advantage to benefits of becoming an Anbu candidate. Neji could smell victory and to say he was never nervous was a lie. That proposition occur during his interview. The motivator was his gateway in getting to Anbu and Neji's main motive was to leave a good impression. He tried to calm his nerves by chanting prayers to Kami. Who know how many times he had smooth the fabric on his thigh to kill off the anxious feeling. Oh the long wait was dreading that it had Neji sit uptight when his name was summon. No one knew what happened behind closed door. Some individuals left the office with a lifeless expression and Neji made sure he wasn't accounted as one of them. Only a few selective were chosen and it was nerve-wracking. Thus, Neji second guess himself until—

"Thank you, sir." He manage to find his voice.

The world finally paid Neji back for his efforts. The burden on his shoulders have lifted, for the world have finally open a whole new door for him, but it was his choice to pave the path and continue forward. He didn't hesitate to paint the pavement and accepted the offer. The motivator submitted Neji's request to enter the Anbu Special Warfare training pipeline again, he suffered more in hell training.

This is us, Neji continue to stare at the platinum sky retracing old memories of earlier training days, of old comrades he'd seen lives taken during battles and of new comrades he accommodated to family. Not define as me, myself, and I…it is about the plural, we and us. Been around the world twice, talked to everyone once. No one dare to utter what we're thinking. We are efficient, no hugs but a quick slap on the back. This is Anbu.

The walk to the Lieutenant's office was brisk as expected since Neji had been trained to make his strides full with firm posture. Faces passed by in blurs, lines of soldiers jog passed him in an attempt to finish their daily drills. His observant eyes watched the soldiers blinked away beads of sweat as they hurdled over ropes and wires, determination lace deep in their irises something he was accustom to. Neji's gaze shift to admire the leaves that flutter onto the dirt from each gust of wind and his strides slower in steps. Finally, it seemed the journey had ended when he round a corner. He could see the dark door of Lieutenant commander Darui. Neji turned to a passing soldier mimicking a parting salute before entering the office.

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Sasuke had a manilla folder containing information on his next project cracked open at the spine against the oak desk. He turned the page gingerly, consuming in each printed words with the utmost interest through his flawless glasses. To anyone his glasses would look like every standard glasses, but actually the performance on his pair exceed more than just aiding the eyesight. One of his prominent inventions available for consumers. It could scan word to word as he skim through physical documents and transfer the data into his main server, Susano. That wasn't the only feature it had, it could translate foreign writings immediately into an individual's native language. The glasses came in many classes to operate specifically for an individual's preference. Most of the health industry have the pair that feature electromagnetic radiation gamma rays and x-rays that was portable and most surgeons stopped using MRI machines. Every glasses have a camera that operate on the lens and a push button by the hinge. He was a genius.

Said genius finally have a moment of silence after all the fussing he received earlier from his PA in regard to his rather late absence. Ah hem, the flower shop detour. Honestly, didn't he have enough of Naruto in one day? He didn't need a second mouth, excluding his kaa-san, to lecture him. In other words he didn't have enough of the blubber mouth male since he employed not only one but two Uzumaki and now here he was releasing an exasperated sigh. What was he thinking when Naruto recommend his cousin Sasuke so blindly accepted? The actuality of it made him rub circular motions on his temples yet his relief was short lived when a loud crash outside his door resound throughout his office. But the noise disappear just as fast as it came giving him the opportunity to finish his task. And he attempt to until the commotion recur, everything amplified from rapid footsteps to groans and sharp hisses. Rubbing the bridge of his nose, Sasuke summon Susano and demand him to return with a damn good report of the distraction that prevent him from completing his task. And dammit it was too good to be true. Susano was either slow or the distraction was too fast it caught up to his threshold.

"You are not permitted to enter!" Karin screeched, the door swung open. The loud thump of metal hitting wood indicate the use of strong force. Whoever used that strength demand his attention and he wonder on the struggle circumstances she'd withstand just to get under his door frame many have failed to come near. A fighter, he smirked.

Through the space in between, their eyes met. Onyx on pearl and the bereft of courtesy was shared without a care. Their hard stare didn't waver that it belittle Karen whose throat was caught from the tension. Within seconds the equivalent of a model everyone thought of her as stood on her full height that it made the site appear as though she was dwarfing Sasuke.

"Close the door Karen," Sasuke ordered, eyes blinking and betraying no emotion. "Let no one dis—"

His sentence was devour by her collected fury voice he thought she was incapable of having. Karen was relentless, but his sharp nod made her turn on her rear and shut the door. Hinata's persona appeared measly, thus true colors of her's surprised him immensely and he realized she was his best bargain. Now he have to play his cards right and win the gamble he entertained her otou-sama with.

"Fuck off Uchiha," she snarled.

And Sasuke snorted, "Such courteous."

"Get used to it." Sasuke could feel a touch of outrage in her tone. Two could play, he mused. After all, it was a gamble and she was the bargaining chip. He would have to play right and throw his first card.

"Oh I will." He was elated to have her get a taste of his medicine. The frustrations she pend on him was enough for Sasuke to throw it back at her. "Definitely will get use to you after I marry Hanabi."

At once Hinata's fist full of wrath slammed on his desk.

Only an observer could detect the slight flinch his shoulder made. He nearly held his posture. Nothing could possibly break his façade except her, he learned.

The strike was loud even to his ears and he wondered how much more force does she want to exert to truly cause damage. "Uchiha!"

He made no comment other then a short, "I have more important matters." And settled on skimming his documents, waiting to witness her turmoil. A minute turned to four. He could see her figure still glued to the same spot since her outburst.

Definitely a fighter, he conclude. He was certain her face have massed into a plead.

So lifting his orbs away from the papers to meet her's awaiting to witness the inevitable. Black orbs that held a cocky smirk slowly smeared off his lips when he met pearl orbs. The scene shocked him. Instead of the face he pictured, deep in her irises held a murderous anger that sent a force through Sasuke's fingers strong enough to crumple the documents making the papers give a sharp whine.

The action of his fingers was enough to reassure Hinata she still predominant him since their encounter, her every being affected him.

"Stay away from my sister." Her final words.

Hinata inhaled a sharp breath before taking a step back. Her footsteps inflicted him it sent explosions of yearn the more she moved away, taking all the colors in the world with her.

"I..." the words refused to show clamping his mouth shut and Sasuke allowed the moment to implore her to stay with his eyes. Desperately he begged her to look back at him, but she yanked the door open. With a firm click, the door shut and Sasuke was alone. So utterly alone.

"Not even a thank you for the flower..." He whispered to himself.

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It was not much, the view outside his window but it had grown to become his place of calm and relaxation. The visit Sasuke paid him the day before was quite a surprise and his proposal was even more shocking. Rubbing his temples, Hiashi settled in his chair before his conscience revisit the episode that occurred yesterday in the very same room he occupied.

"I want your daughter." Hiashi mouth upturn into a frown. As hard as he try to recall, he was certain the Uchiha never engage his daughters in the past so what made this fool suddenly interested? The two exchanged stares. Hiashi had a bemused facial reaction meanwhile Sasuke's remain collected.

Hiashi pulled out a bottle of sake and only poured himself a glass since Sasuke refused his prior offer. Sasuke watched in dread, waiting for the man ahead of him to speak. The silence prolonged and Hiashi assume the brat have his hidden hands ball into fists. The Hyuga lowered his glass, squared his shoulders and first proceed with, "What are your intentions, Uchiha?"

"I have none."

"Oh," Hiashi raised a brow. "Sure you don't."

And it was a direct clout to the guts for Sasuke. "We are business man, Uchiha. I am sure you know the rules of monopoly. You can't trust anybody, not even business partners. The only individual you can trust is yourself."

"I am aware of that." And Hiashi scoff at Sasuke'e well-mannered façade.

"You can drop the act, Uchiha." And the true Sasuke emerged, a smirk present on his lip. "You've never been courteous in the past so why act now."

"Alright, I will cut straight to the chase since the Sasuke you know get to the point without wasting time. And I am sure you also know of this rule, am I correct?"

Hiashi made no other comment beside showing his anger by growling. "Do keep in mind that I am the approver of your ill proposal, Uchiha." He snarled.

Sasuke rolled his eyes, intertwined his fingers above the desk. "I want Hyuga Hinata."

How many more surprises would Hiashi get?

"Not Hanabi?"

"I don't like to repeat myself."

Hiashi contemplate the whole scenario before releasing an inhumane laugh. Sasuke scowl at the sight in front of him. Wasn't Hinata a great girl that drove Sasuke mad? But at the moment, the very thing that gave her life seemed out of character as if her name sicken him.

"What part of my proposal is so laughable?" He just had to ask.

"What made you think she would accept this? You seriously think she would come to you willingly? You are more of a fool than she is."

Despite the table separating them, Sasuke reached over and grab a hold of Hiashi's dressed shirt. "You don't f'ken call me a fool nor her!"

From all of the short outburst of events, Hiashi still appeared calm. He yanked Sasuke's hands off him before smoothing the wrinkle tie.

"But," he said with careful words. "I am willing to accept your offer and in return I get a share of your corporation."

It was Sasuke's turn to contemplate the scenario. Sasuke know by heart that his technologies exceed Hiashi's outdated ones and said business man always tried to strike a deal with Sasuke and what perfect timing to propose the idea now.

"Deal." Sasuke settle in his seat, back to the collected man everyone saw him as.

"But," Hiashi raised a hand. "I know my daughter and I know she will immediately turn down the proposal once this news reach her. In order for her to agree on your proposal, you must play under my cards and use someone dear to her as bait. That's the only way for her to willingly agree."

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