The Wild Card

Chapter 1: The Agent.

Pairing: NaruSasu

Rating: M

Summary: When Uchiha Sasuke, tycoon, cut-throat agent of Sharingan Sports Services, is handed the case of wild card Uzumaki Naruto, a twenty three year old, child prodigy Football star, he eagerly takes on the challenge, not know he would get caught up in a primal lightning storm.

N/B: Yes, there is a difference between 'football' and 'soccer'.

N/B2: I'm writing this from Sasuke's P.O.V. I've decide that our favourite 'ice prince of darkness' needs some redemption.

"No, that just won't do," Sasuke said calmly on the phone, while lightly tapping his foot on the pristine ceramic tiled floor of his office. "Fukimato- san, Momochi Zabuza will not appear at your banquet for a mere sum of eight-five thousand yen." he stated drolly.

"Uchiha-san," was quietly called out from the doorway by his executive assistant Haku. Holding up a slender, pianist finger to his diminutive assistant, Sasuke waited a second and then a serpentine smile crossed his face, "Yes, a hundred and fifty will suffice... and yes he will be there on time...arigato."

He hung up, slightly smirking. "Yes, Haku?" he asked barely glancing up while marking down the arrangement on his organizer.

The little, but obscenely brilliant, man stepped into the hallowed space of the CEO office than only three people were allowed to enter, himself, Itachi, and the star himself Sasuke Uchiha. Cinnamon hair pulled back into a low ponytail, decked out in muted, knife edged seamed grey slacks, a bone white pristine shirt and a cashmere grey vest Haku silently handed him a folder.

"And this is?" he asked absently, glancing at the clock on the mantle to check the time, it was eleven fifteen; he had a lunch meeting at twelve sharp with all the investors of the company and his reclusive artist brother, and silent partner, Itachi himself.

"A new client." Haku said lowly.

It always screwed with Sasuke's mind that gentle, well-mannered and feminine Haku had a baritone.

"Who?" He asked, tapping the details of his prior agreement into his PDA.

"Uzumaki Naruto, the just drafted, wild card of the Kohona's Wolfs. It was brought to our attention by Hatake-san. Supposedly an old friend of his was Uzumaki-san's late mentor. He is concerned the Uzumaki isn't dealing with his money and other assets like he should and he wants the best to deal with it."

Sasuke sat back. Hatake Kakashi was one of the most important investors in the company. If he had an interest in this person then Sasuke had an obligation to honour it.

"Hn." Sasuke pondered, reaching for the file. "What is his background?"

Opening the manila folder he was greeted with a photograph of a blinding blond individual with shimmering, artic blue, mischievous eyes and a cocky smirk.

"We just know that he was an orphan, his parents died in a car crash when he was two." Haku started, "His godfather Iruka, raised him until he was twelve years old, then unfortunately he died of cancer. He, Uzumaki, bounced from home to home until apparently Hatake-san took over the case. He sent him to a boarding school in Hokkaido, The Kyuubi Academy for Boys."

"Hmmm... good school..." Sasuke said, while flipping through the contents of the folder, "Known for its production of exemplary athletes."

"Yes." Haku continued, "After he graduated from there he took a trip to Bali, and went underground for some time."

"Underground?" Sasuke said, arching up a midnight eyebrow. "For how long?"

"Two years." Haku replied.

"I wonder what he did in those years." He mused to himself.

"He resurfaced in Tokyo seven months ago, playing football with a community club in West Province. He was spotted by a martial arts scout, who referred him to the coach of the Kohona's Wolf's . He was immediately grafted as their quarterback."

Sasuke flipped back to the picture, something about the image intrigued him. "What, exactly, do Hatake-san wants me to do for him?"

Haku shifted, "Uzumaki-san is unpredictable and unstable. He's known for disappearing for days without contact to his manager and he spends like there is no tomorrow."

"A child then." Sasuke deduced, blankly.

Haku remained silent. The clock was nearly eleven forty-five, Sasuke had to go. Standing up to retrieve his Armani jacket and striding to the French doors, the twenty six year old said, "Haku, tell Hatake-san, I'll meet him tomorrow at nine am sharp, and I want specifics about this," Sasuke paused "...person."

"I will, Uchiha-san." Haku bowed. It also freaked Sasuke out about Haku's strict traditional mannerisms. If he was in the Meiji Era, and being a woman, he would be a perfect shogun's wife.

He left and made his way to his personal elevator, down one story and emerged into the corporate boardroom. Most of the investors, ranging from the old traditional ways to the new world entrepreneurs, were already present, mingling with each other and comparing the profit margins of their respective corporations.

"Ah-hem." A small, discreet cough cut through the air, from an elderly woman, the matriarch of 'Raiki Publishing', the only one media corporation was trusted to faithfully report on the developments in the firm.

Slowly everyone sat down, the heads situated in plush, padded armchairs with their executive assistants standing directly right behind them; notepads primed and ready to jot down all the important information.

"Let's get to business." Sasuke said directly, cutting out the formal greetings. "Before you are the reports and breakdowns on the profit margins for the past year." He smirked inwardly, "It is my pleasure to report that the profit margin had increased twenty point five per cent, and the losses have fallen to two per cent, resulting in the hideous increase in all your bank accounts."

Low chuckles resounded through the air.

"And also in your folder is the temporary budget proposal for this year. Examine them to your hearts' desire, but I assure you, it financially sound... I should know; I went over them myself."

Minutes passed, then:

"Uchiha-san?" the marketing director of merchandise of Hamai toys asked apprehensively, "Where are we now on the Uami problem?"

Uami Jarai was a young client of Sharingan Services. He was a developing tennis star, and the figurehead leading the fort for a new strains of tennis paraphernalia that was to hit the market three months ago...until he started to take banned steroids and performance drugs, his habit discovered by a pink-haired reporter from the Kohona's News Network and his problem was then blasted over every media medium in existence, the radio, the television, especially the internet.

Shargian Inc. had to immediately pull his contract and dismiss him from the program. The media slurs and law battle had raged a full six weeks, until Sasuke had contracted a private law firm, paid them an obscene amount of money and the problem disappeared in two days.

"That problem is solved, Kenkai-san. Jarai-kun had been permanently expelled from this firm."

A sigh of relief went through the room. They had to liquidate the sporting goods to just manage and match the overhead price of production. Most of the toys and gears were donated to charities across the provinces of Japan.

"And how are the prospects for the Akamaru project?" someone else asked,

The Akamaru project was a pilot project under way, for older athletes to mentor young ones. It was a proposal by the Youth Arm of the Ministry, for two reasons, a, to foster a mentorship program sorely needed in the sector and b, to be in the spotlight, publicity is a must to raise investments.

"The Akamaru project is bearing fruit." Sasuke said turning around and switching on the mini projector. An image of the chess and Go prodigy Hyuuga Neji sitting one on side of a go board with a teen from Kohona Elementary School on the other side. Both were concentrating on the pieces, and miraculously, Neji, the ice prince, had a small smile on his face.

Another image of the enigma Momochi Zabuza; huge, hulky and dominating aikido specialist, demonstrating the proper way to hold a sword to a young boyish girl form the municipal High School.

"Any more questions?" he asked, black eyes scanning the room.

"What about the shares in the Rising Phoenix magazine?" Nakusho Imaki, the CEO of 'Images' the leading sports shoe store in Kohona asked.

"The shares are being bought. The rate for the share sales against the Dragon Master magazine from 'Red Sand Corp' is five to one." He answered smoothly.

"We are ahead then." One board member confirmed, "That's all I wanted to hear."

Sasuke smiled, mysteriously. "And I have another benefit for everyone...as of now, all the executive and managerial shares have doubled in worth."

A wave of shock ran thought the room.

"Really?"

"Yes really." Sasuke assured, standing up. "Happy new fiscal year everyone."

All the members slowly and regally left the room, leaving just Sasuke and the reclusive Itachi, skulking in the corner.

"Aniki." He acknowledged.

"Otouto." Itachi replied, levering his lean form from the corner he had situated himself in. "I see that you are in complete control of the company... I knew you would be the best thing for it."

A small smile flitted across Sasuke's face, it wasn't every day he heard a compliment form his older, genius, brother.

"Arigato." He said, "How's Bali...and you lover?" he asked.

Itachi smirked, "Bali is a hot a hell, and Kisame is hotter."

"Too much information, brother." Sasuke said rolling his eyes. "I'm glad for you though."

Itachi stepped up, right into his younger sibling space, knowing damn well that Sasuke has space issues. "And you otouto? You haven't been the same since the Hyuuga left."

Sasuke managed a small smile, faint memories of his past flame flicking in his mind. Shuffling some papers into his briefcase, "I'm okay...we parted because we weren't... that compatible."

"Hn." Itachi accepted the plain excuse, and it was an excuse, for what it was. "Try and get someone in your life. Sasuke, in contradiction of what Tou-san used to say, business isn't everything."

A sigh.

"I know." He hurried to change the subject, "Lunch?"

A cock of the head, lowering lids over dark red eyes, and a small whimsical smile; Sasuke marvelled; Itachi really had mellowed with time away from the stifling obligations of the Uchiha family.

"Hai." He agreed. "Where?"

"Ichiraku's." Sasuke said, packing his files up into a leather briefcase.

An eyebrow skyrocketed.

"Don't look at me that way nii-san," Sasuke said, not even looking up, "it's good."

"If you say so."

Home was dreary as always. The spacious, slightly bohemian decorated space was situated in the midst of the bourgeois sector of Kohona, catering to the disgusting rich and pampered elite; a chain away from a beautiful bay, sporting yachts of all sizes, private clubs and individual lawn space more than three acres of luscious foliage.

Exhausted, Sasuke kicked off his hand crafted Luis Vuitton shoes and deposited his keys on the small table in the foyer and running his hand through his hair, he sighed.

Flopping down into the hideously comfortable sofa, he closed his eyes and leaned back. Life was a routine for him. Get up at five thirty am in the morning, do a five kilo run, come back, shower, coffee (he does not eat breakfast for some reason), do some office work, get dressed, and ship off to the office. Work, work and work some more until his eyes burn, while being the most haughty and sarcastic boss on earth. Go home, do some martial arts, shower, eat, do some more work and got to bed.

And he was satisfied with it.

He didn't want even a microscopic shift in his life, business or social. He was very happy with it as it was; thank you very much.

Huffing to get up, he mechanically stripped off his cutting edge suit and just as mechanically put on his black silk Gi. Sliding the bamboo partition to his home dojo, he inhaled the calming scent of the sandalwood and acai incense that was always burning. Pressing the small timer that measured how long he was to exercise, he then started, unconsciously, going through a sequence of forms while his mind slipped off to somewhere else.

Sasuke knew he was living a lie but he ignored it. He painfully understood that he was just existing without know the purpose of it all. Raised as a prodigy of the Uchiha clan, a whole generation of business magnates, he and his brother were expected to do the same. Until Itachi, an unrepentant artist, told the status quota to fuck itself and after gathering his affairs in order, ran away to Bali, just after setting Sasuke (then just about to graduate from the University with a double degree in Business and Economics), up with an obscene investment to start a business of his own, he left.

Time slipped by.

While doing a series of kicks, Sasuke took a second to reflect on the advice he was given by Itachi, about getting a person in his life.

A derisive snort.

He didn't want another person to mess up his life anymore. Since coming out of the closet when he was a senior in high school, his case was constantly under fire from not only his peers, but his family also. Fugaku –may he rot in hell- couldn't look on his younger son, (or his heir Itachi) without a touch of scorn in his eyes and a derisive smile on his face, just holding back his cutting comments because he was Mikoto's darling baby boy and she would give him hell if he ever disowned him. Fugaku, it seemed, felt slighted and disgraced that both of his sons, magnificent strains of the Uchiha clan were gay.

'Dearest daddy.' Sasuke thought, smiling inwardly, mockingly.

A small chime resounded throughout the space, indicating he was done. Sighing and running a hand though his wet hair, he exited the deep mahogany wood room and slowly made his way to his private sauna.

One of his most precious places in his home, it took his architect hell to design it and his engineer tears and pain to construct the lifelike copy of the mini waterfall that was in the middle of the Uchiha's premises. Sasuke, no bones about it, was a pain in the ass, with all his detailed, explicit and direct orders to make an absolute mini reincarnation of the old Uchiha spring that was the delight of the clan's land and if here was just a little modification, believe him, there would be hell to pay. Faux basalt stones climbing almost as high as the ceiling, dazzling, faceted gems mixed with river pebbles and sand scattered on the bottom of the pool, carefully cultivated plants and an imbedded music system that played recordings of muted birdsong.

It was a miniature haven, designed for peace and solitude from all the swirling madness around him. Sinking into the lukewarm waters he calmly went about cleansing his aching and tired person. Pausing a moment to appreciate the gentle fall of water and the rising misty haze above the gurgling pool he sighed again, staring into space.

And as usual, it was cut short.

A harsh, blaring ring cut through the air. His cell phone, which was placed on a ledge above the water, was ringing off the hook, with a specific ring indicating Haku.

"Yes," he drawled.

"Uchiha-san, my apologies for the disturbance," clearly the Yuki had picked up on the situation, "but Hatake-san says he will meet you at nine tomorrow."

"Anything else?" Sasuke asked, gearing up to get out of the hypnotic lull of the surroundings.

"No."

"Haku, send all the information we have on Uzumaki to my email...everything about his past, his finances, his hobbies... I need to know what makes him tick." He ordered.

"You will receive it in an hour." He was assured.

"Good," Sasuke smirked, "...and Haku-"

"Yes?" a curious tone.

"Tell your Momochi 'hi' for me." He said smirking and immediately hanging up the phone, while levering himself out of the bath.

'Time to get to work'.

Stepping into his office at seven am sharp, Sasuke did a double take.

There was someone, not authorized, in his office. His sacred place, his utopia, his haven, his space...his office. His left eye started to twitch...homicidally.

Kakashi Hatake, silver haired, scarf wearing, slouching, porn reading, non-assuming president of 'The Chidori Connection' the leading, cutting-edge, hybrid brand of sports racing car company in the five nations, was calmly lounging in one of his plush, grey office chairs, put there for just for appearance and certainly not for any kind of utility.

A twitch.

"Hatake-san." He acknowledged, forcing himself to take two more steps into his office. "How are you?" the pleasantries were coming out of his mouth like regurgitated glass.

His eyes narrowed, indicating a smirk beneath the horrible purple scarf he always wore wrapped around his lower face.

"Fine, thank you. Nice office gaki."

Sasuke ignored the slight. "How did you enter?" he asked, ready to decapitate anyone who allowed his old... 'friend'... to come into his office.

Kakashi's eyes closed slightly "Your beautiful assistant... I was surprised to know that he/she isn't under you by now."

Crass as usual.

"Thank you but no...Haku is involved with someone." Sasuke retorted, "And I would never get involved with one of my employees."

"Yeah, yeah...whatever. Anyways, I came to discuss the Uzumaki." Kakashi said, getting a serious tone in his voice. Leaning forward he stared the Uchiha in his eye.

"I'm concerned." Kakashi said, "His godfather Umino Iruka was my..." he trailed off.

Sasuke smirked, "I do not need to know what you two had, just get to the point."

"He left me in charge of Naruto, but I was overseas at the time of his death, so I couldn't attend to him. Only when I came back to Japan, I took over his case."

Kakashi rubbed a palm over his face, scratching lightly at his forehead. "The 'usurotankachi' is causing me to follow behind his footsteps, taking care of his commitments... and his debts."

"What exactly is he doing to rack up all those expenses," Sasuke asked, "...the investment into the Ramen restaurant I can understand, but the buying of twenty trampolines, the monthly provision of medicine and other provisions to the Kohona's Endangered Fox Breed Pound, the purchase of a water-ski, the construct of a home interior basketball court?"

Kakashi chuckled, "You've seen his credit report. Yes, all that and more. I'm just concerned for his finances. And another thing, he goes through partners just like his money... I've never seen him with the same girl or boy more than a week."

'He's bi.' Sasuke realized. "Hatake-san, have you ever considered putting a limit on his expenses?"

A snort, "Please Uchiha, Naru will just find some other way to do what he wants, better I deal with the expenses than getting him out of jail."

"Hn...Okay, tell him to meet me at-"

He was abruptly cut off, "Nope, he's not going to meet you anywhere...we're going to him." Kakashi said.

Sasuke paused, his mind frantically seeking an excuse, "I'm sorry but I have a meeting with the governor for this district in- "

"No, you don't." Kakashi retorted, getting up making his way to the frosted door. His lean, tightly corded, almost six foot frame, dressed like a casual teenager, low riding jeans, sweat shirt and that mismatched scarf wound over the lower half of his face.

"How do you know?" he demanded, eyes looking like they would cut through steel. Kakashi's eyes formed a genial U shape.

"Your assistant."

Sasuke made a mental note to deal with Haku when he came back.

"Where are we going?" hoping to ever power it wasn't a restaurant, bar or somewhere unhygienic.

"The stadium." was the reply.

'Damn'. He mentally cursed, palming his briefcase and adjusting his tie. "Lead the way."

In the elevator ride down the fifteen stories, Kakashi casually said, "You know Uchiha, you really should get laid. You're way too uptight."

The Kohona stadium, built by the last governor over seven years ago, was miraculously, clean. Stepping onto the platform, overlooking the well tendered grass, the silver shining seats and, more importantly, the mass of hulking, steroids addicted, inane, barbarians constantly inflicting injuries to themselves down on the field.

Sasuke inwardly sneered.

"The blond one." Kakashi pointed out from their standpoint on the edge of the bleachers.

"Hn."

Turning around Kakashi took out his cell phone and call the coach; Sasuke could see the stout man, half a field away, answer.

"Kabuto, it's me...yeah...send Naru up... I need to talk to him pronto...arigato." he hung up.

Watching carefully, Sasuke saw the blond man, twist around to the vicinity of the seats, clapped someone near him on the shoulder and started a slow trot over.

Sasuke glanced down to his leather watch. He would give this meeting not more than thirty minutes, if it wasn't over by then, he would def-

"Scarecrow!"

Sasuke's head jerked up, to behold a tall, six foot two, muscle bound, helmet wearing, person invading his visual field.

"Naruto." was calmly returned. "Please take that unsightly thing off." Kakashi said, indicating to the mud smeared helmet.

Tan arms went up, and yanked the blazing red helmet off, revealing a mad mess of untameable hair, striking blue eyes, narrow nose with a sprinkle of faint freckles, and full, inviting pink lips.

The man, Naruto apparently, grabbed Kakashi by the hand and dragged him into a fierce hug, while babbling, "Long time no see man, where have you been?"

Calmly Kakashi replied, "Naruto, I saw you two days ago, at home. I told you I was on a business trip."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever." He released him, eyes dancing. They promptly shifted over to Sasuke who was standing a little behind the Hatake.

"And who's this sensei?" the blond asked.

"Naru, this is Uchiha Sasuke, the person I told you about, he going to– " Kakashi started,

"Babysit me." was injected.

Sasuke bristled, eyes narrowing to slits. "If you still act like a child, then you are in need of one."

"Whoa...kitten's got claws." Naruto prodded, head titling to the left, "Tell me S'uke, why should I need you?"

'S'uke?' the affronted Uchiha's mind screamed, 'oh no way in hell did he just do that.'

Blankly Sasuke returned; "Because, clearly, you are the most irresponsible, reckless and inept person to manage his own finances."

"And you are?" he said crossing over his invisible proximity border and into Sasuke's personal space. A mix of grass, sweat, brut cologne and primal pheromones assaulted Sasuke's senses, but being the liquid nitrogen, prince of the underworld, his face depicted no reaction.

A small, deliberate raise of his midnight eyebrow, turning to Kakashi he asked, "Why am I here again?"

Kakashi uttered a small laugh, "Calm down Uchiha...damn you get more and more like you father every day."

"I'm nothing like him." Sasuke half growled, dark eyes flashing.

A raise of hands, "See, that's exactly what I'm talking about."

Sasuke's cell phone erupted, palming the small device he turned away. "What?" he hissed venomously.

"Sir, Hyuuga-san is on his way to the office. It was impromptu. He says it's urgent. Instruct me." Haku said steadily, his monotone voice slightly calming the Uchiha down.

Sasuke ran a hand over his face, his stomach clenching upon the chance of seeing his old lover, face-to-face for over six months. "Tell him, I'll see him."

Clicking the phone off, he turned to his audience, he said calmly; "I have to go Hakate-san. It's urgent."

"Okay, gaki." He replied.

Sasuke turned to the blond behemoth standing before him. Against his will his eyes took in the tight flex of corded muscles in his thighs. Sasuke felt like slapping himself in the face.

"You know how to reach me." He said with an imperious flick of his midnight bangs, spinning around he strode through the platform, acutely aware of the pair of eyes boring into his back.

Clicking the unlock button on his black Ferrari he got in, started the engine and peeled out of the driveway. The highways were slightly congested and Sasuke took the time to gear himself up for a meeting with someone he didn't want to see for at least five more years.

'Fate' he thought, 'is a menopausal bitch.'

The ride up to his office was worse than bone crushing torture.

Sasuke's iron clad resolve was building up by the second. He... just... did... not... want... to... see... Neji. Breathing deeply through his nose, he tried to calm his frayed nerves. Blanking his face, he resolutely stepped out the elevator. Was it him or did the room suddenly become void of air?

Hyuuga Neji; tall, statuesque, brilliant prodigy of the clan was sitting casually in the lobby, legs crossed, reading a newspaper.

He glanced up.

Sasuke stiffened.

Like slow motion, Neji folded the paper precisely, got up and ambled his way over to the Uchiha. Dressed as usual in his beloved whites, Neji could be mistaken for an angel, what with all his perfect angular features, luscious hair, and brilliant eyes, he was a vision.

"Sasuke." He intoned.

"Hyuuga," he replied defiantly.

A smirk. "Aren't you going to let me in?" Neji asked, indicating the locked doorway behind him.

Sasuke rolled his eyes, "You know my reason Neji. I do not, under any circumstances, allow anybody but me, Itachi and Haku into my office."

"Very well," he said, "We'll go somewhere else."

"I just got here." Sasuke retorted.

"Yes," Neji answered, "And no you're leaving."

Sasuke took a moment to observe his old rival, for they were rivals in every aspect. Intelligence, business, competition, martial arts, even the very colours they wore were rivals, Sasuke love black and red, Neji fancied white and silver. Whoever said opposites attract were either dead wrong, or completely insane.

Not even turning to Haku resolutely ignoring them he said, "Haku, cancel all my meetings and if anyone calls, tell them I'm busy."

"Affirmative." He answered.

Sasuke jerked his head to the right, indicating the elevator. "Let's go, Hyuuga."

A/N; Why do I do this to myself...it's like I get these rabid bunnies that stalk me until I give in. Gear up all, this is going to be a ride.