Model Fixation

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

Chapter 1

Never judge a book by its cover.

A figurative idiom that expresses the power of vanity. It is human nature to recoil in disgust or fear from appearances not accepted by social standards. That is the nature of vanity. With vanity come webs of pride, deceit and hurt - Pride of ones physical attributes, deceit from ones jealousy and hurt from ones fabrication.

In a modern world where appearance is everything, society has slowly pushed away the wisdom beneath this expression. A plain covered novel, filled with beautifully constructed words left to collect dust whilst illustrative covers of sound publication reigns public attention. It is with such actions that the ideals of society have consciously formed the expression of "Appearance will get you anywhere".

This much is true, and that is how Haruno Sakura scored a job with Konoha's most highly regarded modelling agency.

"Cute face, flawless skin too."

"Body isn't bad either, taller would be better."

"Legs are nice. Toned and slender. Nice length as well. Hmmm…breast a bit small but nice hips."

"Her forehead is a tad bit wide though."

Glare. "Eyes are nice. Great colour."

"One of her eyes is a bit bigger than the other though."

Another glare. "You can't tell unless you look closely and what are you on about! We all don't have symmetrical features!"

"I guess….Sasuke and Ino's are pretty symmetrical though…."

"Kami loves them. We, on the other hand are unfortunately blessed with asymmetrical faces. Look your left eye is higher than your right. On the other hand her nose is sharp enough."

"Hmm…a tad bit wide though…just a little…"

Frustrated tug of hair. "GOSH! You weren't this picky with the other models!!!"

"I don't like her."

"WHAT!!! You haven't even met her yet! All we have are photos!!! Look, what you have been observing are her physical features. Here, have a look at her expressions. See the difference between her and this girl? "

"She shines."

"Exactly! Only a handful of models we have employed have this kind of aura and expression and this type of look is rare and unique. Exotic I must say, I mean how many girls have you seen that has pink hair and green eyes, and most of them become the best of the best."

"Isn't her hair dyed?"

"Says here that it's her natural colour."

"Fine. She's in."

If there were a word to describe what Sakura was feeling, it would be happiness. There are phases when one falls from emotions to emotions – happiness to depression to anxiety to pleasure. For Sakura, it is at its peak of happiness. As one would feel when a sense of achievement has been conquered.

The highlight of Sakura's day was that phone call notifying her of her acceptance to Konoha's Modelling Corporation. After many years of self-indulgent she had achieved her greatest goal. Many years she has busied herself with physical training and materialised herself with skin care products, cosmetics and trends of current fashion. It is time for Sakura to make herself known after all, in this world of vanity.

Like most people before an important event, Sakura could hardly sleep. Her excitement and anxiousness kept her tossing and turning until early morning before she finally dozed off. Her outfit for tomorrow was already chosen and placed neatly over her desk chair. Her necessities packed in her black, quilted Chanel bag – wallet, pack of tissues, camera, pen and notepad and a pouch of cosmetics consisting of eyeliner, a small pack of q-tips, eyelash curler, mascara, blotting paper, two pallets of eye-shadow, and her favourite pale pink lipstick, lip balm and clear lip gloss.

Sakura took one last look at her reflection in the dark tinted windows of Konoha's Modelling Corporation. Her hair fell in loose waves over her shoulder, her side fringe swept neatly to the left. Underneath, her tanned, flawless face discarded the need for foundation, using only concealer to cover the few blemishes and light dark circles that appeared under her eyes from her lack of normally 8 hours sleep that had been cut down to 6 hours due to her inability to fall asleep.

Her top eyelids were highlighted with a shimmery and sheer gold eye-shadow and lined with a black liquid liner, starting from the inner corner of her eyes as a thin stroke to a heavier line that was flicked upwards creating an look of cat's eyes. For her lower lids, a pencil liner was used to outline the lid starting from the outer edge of the eyeball and joining the bold flick outwards. A darker eye-shadow was used to blend in the liner and white eye-shadow lined the inner rim of her eyes. Black mascara accentuated freshly curled lashes, creating a bigger and opened illusion of the eyes. Her eyebrows are dusted and filled lightly with a light pinkish colour. Pale pink blush adorned the apples of her cheekbones and her full lips are brushed with a nude coloured lipstick and highlighted with a similar coloured gloss. This is Sakura's normal day makeup – minus the bold liner – and it is a simple look that accentuates Sakura's best features – her eyes – without going over the top.

Accompanying her fresh look was a long gem-studded singlet under a grey boyfriend jacket, sleeves rolled up to the elbows. Black skinny jeans moulded tightly around lean long legs and her dainty feet were clad in tanned high-heeled strapped sandals. Well-manicured nails, both on her fingers and toes are painted pale emerald green.

Shifting her bag over to her right shoulder, Sakura unclasped it and pulled out her cool bottle of water, which she had grabbed from her fridge earlier that morning. As she tipped her head and brought the cool rim to her lips, she glimpsed a couple of nicely dressed models entering the front door. Placing her bottle back into her bag and with another glance at her reflection, she smoothed down her jacket, squared her back and walked into the beginning of her new life.

Everything inside the establishment screamed modern, classy and sophisticated. The walls were made of marble with ceiling mirrors and crystal chandeliers. Famous works hung grandly from the pale walls. Some were paintings, most were photographs of models taken by highly acclaimed photographers.

Photographs of the most famous and beautiful models, including Uchiha Sasuke and Yamanaka Ino where framed and placed along the sidewalls. On the far right Sakura glimpsed one of her favourite advertisements for Marc Jacobs Handbags, modelled by one of her favourites – TenTen and photographed by a well known photographer, Hyuuga Hinata. Dressed in a long slim, strapped floral dress TenTen has her back towards the viewer with a silver Marc Jacobs bag slung over her right shoulder in her hand. What attracted Sakura to this picture was not her dress or the bag, but the cheeky smile TenTen has as she looked over her left shoulder.

However as Sakura approached the reception at the back end of the room, the masterpiece in modelling history spanned the whole back wall. Shot by highest and most famous photographer Uchiha Itachi and modelled by his own brother Sasuke and renowned beauty Ino, it was by far the most beautiful piece ever.

The "Golden Couple" as one would call them. Sakura has seen the piece in advertisements and over the Internet. In fact, it is currently her wallpaper. The work was surreal, magnificent, beautiful, breathtaking, hell words can't even describe the emotions, colours and image it displays. Set with the desert as the backdrop, Ino was dressed in a flowing purple empire dress. Her hair in loose curls and adorned with a beautiful and sparkling crystal headband that dipped to her forehead where a read ruby sat. Her eyes, blended with dark greys and blacks and outlined with black kohl liner, drew attention to her sharp baby blue eyes. Her cheeks were dusted lightly with a peachy blush and lips painted in nude. To put it simply, she was stunning. She was laughing, smiling at the camera, happiness sparkled in her eyes, bent at the waist, hands clutched onto the only support holding her up around her waist – Sasuke's arms.

It was hard to tell what he was wearing as he was behind Ino, but from what Sakura could see, it was more casual that what Ino wore. She could see his lean and taut muscled arms around Ino, he was looking down at her – from his expression one would think of love and adoration. To viewers, it would seem a couple in love. At this, Sakura's chest tightened and her eyes slightly narrowed then adverted her eyes back to the reception and stalked forward.

Highly air-conned and a fresh smell of comfort, Sakura never felt so alive. Adrenaline pumped through her blood, raising her temperature and turning her cheeks from pale pink to a darker shade. Perspiration began to gather on her hairline and from the palms of her hand. Inside she was hyperventilating, but forcing herself to take deep breaths, she managed to calm down her bodily functions to her normal state.

Level 3 room 4b - the induction room for newly recruited models. As Sakura waited for one of the many 10 lifts to arrive, she couldn't help but observe her surroundings. Across from her a few beautiful models clad in stylish designer dresses and heels giggled and laughed behind painted nails, other smaller groups of people stood around the other lifts chatting and a few steps beside her were two more leggy models in short dresses and heels. One was a pale, rosy-lipped red head with sultry red eyes and the other was a creamy purple haired gal with dark violet eyes. Both were as stunning as each other and Sakura unconsciously tugged on the edges of her jacket, contemplating whether she should have worn a dress instead.

The lift signalled its arrival and Sakura stepped back a bit as a group of people rushed out the elevator.

"WOO! RAMEN!" A blur of blond whipped past her and Sakura could have sworn that it was another one of her favourite model figures – Uzumaki Naruto. Silently she shook her head and smiled as she stepped into the elevator. Beside her she heard the red and violet haired girls complaining about Naruto's manner and that he has spoilt their perfect hair when whooshing past them.

The ride to the third level was short and stuffy. She had been pushed to the back of the elevator and the mass amount of people piling into that lift caused her to be pressed up against bodies of strangers she didn't even know. Thankfully they were girls, in fact most of the occupants were female, save for a very tall and boyish brown haired male that was a couple of bodies in front of her, in her direction and unfortunately staring at her with a wolfish grin.

He was handsome that much was right. Two dimples appeared as he smiled, one on each side. His brown eyes crinkled with laughter with a hint of mischief in them. Below his eyes were two triangles tattooed, giving him a more fierce and exotic appearance. His long sharp nose added to his attractiveness and his thin lips that were formed into a cheeky smile made Sakura blush.

Glad that the lift had finally stopped at level 3 after the excruciatingly short venture from the bottom level, Sakura quickly brushed past him and the other inhabitants praying that the cute guy was not one of the new models. Turning her head she was surprised to see the brunette step out and gave her a wink when his gaze met her eyes. Blushing crimson again, Sakura turned away and briskly walked over to room 4b.

The interior of the room was as magnificent as the reception below. More photos hung from the walls and modern wooden walls structured the architecture of the confinement. A full-length clear window filled the length of the back wall and Sakura could see the tall buildings and bridges outside. There was a backdrop and lights set up on the far left of the room and a state propped up on the right. Apart from those there were no other furniture occupying the room. A photography crew chatted idly to the left while fixing the finishing's touches of the set up.

About 20 or so models where gathered in the room. A few looking as nervous as Sakura was, but most had an air of confidence around them. Everyone was dressed in designer clothes and most of the girls where in dresses, she dryly noted. She also noticed that there were also two of models leggy models from downstairs within the crowed. Suddenly, Sakura felt a tug on the lower half of her stomach and wasn't sure if this was the right choice. Swallowing slowing, she fought of the nerves by closing her eyes and calmly counting to ten.

A tap of her shoulder surprised her and she let out a gasp as she quickly turned around to see none other than the cute guy who was smiling at her in the elevator.

"Sorry! Didn't mean to scare you!" He was more gorgeous close up and Sakura glimpsed a row of perfect white teeth as he flashed her another one of his grins. "I'm Kiba. What's your name?"

Swallowing again she manage a squeak of "Sakura!" before flushing under his gazed for the third time.

Flashing another one of his smiles, he put out his right hand. "Nice to meet you Sakura. I hope we can be friends."

Hesitantly, Sakura smiled back and took his hand. "Nice to meet you too."

Before Kiba could say another word, the door opened and in strolled a busty blond and a white longhaired man. Everyone was silent as they walked up to the podium. Even Sakura held her breath. The blond looked as beautiful and professional as one could be. The same could be said about the man beside her except he had a cheeky grin and a aura of playfulness around him, but as he winked at the girls in front Sakura was sure it was more perverted-ness than playful.

"Ladies and Gents. Welcome to Konoha Modelling Corporation." The lady spoke in a loud and clear voice. "I am Tsunade, co-ordinator of section C for new comers and will be in charge today. Jiariya here-" she pointed at the guy beside her – "is one of the co-owners of this corporation and had a say in picking out the models for today's induction. Before you all beam happy smiles and squeal like pigs, let me say that modelling is not an easy job. You have to watch what you eat, exercise and tone everyday and in no manner are you to abuse your body. Remember your body is your key in this industry and if today I see that you are not fit for this world that you will be excused from this company. Am I clear?"

A mummer of nervous yes replied. Sakura could feel the tug in her stomach returning and her palms starting to sweat. She gulped audibly and beside her Kiba could she her nervous gestures. Placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder, he leaned down, as he was a head taller than her, and whispered. "You'll be fine Sakura. You're one of the most studding models in here I've seen." With that he flashed her a breath-taking smile, another one of her coy winks and turned back to listen as Tsunade started again.

Beside him Sakura's mouth gaped open. Did he just call her beautiful? She was vaguely aware of what Tsunade was saying as she had long toned out her surrounding and the only thing going around her head was Someone called me beautiful! Shaking herself out of her trance she swallowed and turned back with a determined gleam in her eyes to listen to the co-ordinator.

Beside the blond, Jiariya whispered quietly. "Don't scare them too much darling. They are freshly hand picked by me after all." Tsunade looked at him with a frown and hissed. "Keep your dirty thoughts to yourself, you pervert!"

Looking below the sea of hopeful faces, she wondered if any of them would even past the tests she had of them. As she scanned the crowd, her eyes fell on a pink haired girl who had caught her gaze with fierce green eyes. What mesmerising eyes! And what a unique beauty she is too. Tsunade smiled inwardly and gleefully contemplated whether she should assign her to Sasuke or Neji for the first task. Shrugging that thought aside she finished up her speech.

"To recognised if I see any ones of you fit for this business, you will go through two tasks. If I think you have the ability to move into the world of modelling you will be accepted here, if not then I am sorry but perhaps you would need to reconsider your future. Is that understood?" More murmurs and nods responded to her question.

Smiling, Tsunade conclude with a surprise. "Well then, I hope your all ready as your first task will start as of now. Let me introduce you to Uchiha Sasuke, Hyuuga Neji, Yamanaka Ino and Ogawa TenTen!"

As the top four famous models walked in, gasps and squeals could be heard around the room. Beside Sakura, Kiba's eyes lighted at the sight of Ino and TenTen, but Sakura could hardly speak and as the bile rose to her throat she wasn't sure if she could do it anymore as standing in front of her, after 2 years of taunting and 7 years of separation, was her childhood crush Uchiha Sasuke and the sole reason of why she was there in the first place. This was truly survival of the vainest.

A/N: Woah. Ok never written that much before for a chapter~ O.O I must say I'm shocked at my recent ability haha :p. This story came to be after…..I actually don't know…I just have this story in my head and I don't think ill be updating my other stories if people want me to go on with this story. So if you still want me to continue then please review and tell me so and please also tell me your comments about this story. I'll be hearing from you all I hope!

p.s – I'm pretty sure there might heaps of grammatical errors and very sorry for that, but please enjoy!

Much love!

Chibza

Chapter 2

*Extract*

His hand ghosted over the curve of her lower back, emitting heat that made Sakura shudder from shivers that ran down her spine. She closed her eyes and swallowed, wishing for her body to calm down and focus on why she was here in the first place. A touch on the top curve of her derrière shot her eyes open and she gasped in surprise.