Company Kids

A GeekCheerleader fanfic.

A/N: This is my first fanfic, so I hope you like it!

Disclaimer: The day I own Naruto is the day I spontaneously grow angel wings and fly. When it happens, I'll let you know.

Chapter One

I sighed to myself, sitting in my brand new bedroom after I had just finished unpacking the last box. I now had a huge mountain of cardboard next to my bed. It was a nice room, I suppose. There was a black and pink striped quilt on my bed, and my black dresser was in the corner. My closet was full of clothing, and my bookshelf sat under a plasma screen television. It was an apology gift from my parents, as well as a celebration gift for the move.

What can I say? I can be bribed into compliance sometimes.

It's not so bad. I'll still attend the same school. Unfortunately, this move was due to my father joining the ranks of Konoha Inc.

That meant I, Sakura Haruno, was becoming the very thing I detested. I am now a Company Kid.

Company Kids wouldn't be so bad if—Well, if they weren't assholes. They're like… An asshole's asshole, for Pete's sake! There were nine of those holier-than-thou bastards. I didn't even have the option to ignore them. One of my friends was adopted by a Konoha Inc. executive, and they pretty much absorbed his entire life. He couldn't hang out with anyone that wasn't one of them. They'd controlled him completely, and even now I'd only seen glimpses of him in the hallways. Before, he was my best friend. Now, he treated me like dirt. So does every other Company Kid.

Not anymore. Now that I was one of them, they'd try to get all buddy-buddy again. Screw that. I'm keeping my friends, thank you very much. Screw those egotistic jerks.

I growled to myself, tossing a tennis ball above my solid oak door, so that when it bounced off of the white wall I could easily catch it. My long, naturally pink hair was tied back in a ponytail, and my jade green eyes scanned the room judgmentally.

I repeated this process several times before there was a knock on my door. I opened the door, only to see two of the people I hated most in my life.

Itachi and Sasuke Uchiha.

Sasuke Uchiha was Konoha High's star football quarterback. His jet black hair was spiked backwards, most likely to do about a thousand pounds of hair gel. His eyes were dark, supposedly mysterious obsidian. I always found them kind of creepy. Like, pools of death or some cheesy horror movie cliché. He was a total cold fish. He completely ignored his raging, most likely rabid fangirls. I wonder if he even has a heart under that pale skin of his. Speaking of his skin, why was it so freaking perfect? I mean, he must use a thousand skin care products.

All in all, he was an egotistic, power hungry bastard.

He was rivaled in asshole-ness by his brother, Itachi Uchiha. Itachi is a senior, while Sasuke is a freshman. Itachi had rugged, god like looks because he is, in fact, a male model. I shit you not. All of the Company Kids are, but Itachi is the most serious about it. His black hair was tied in a low ponytail, and his eyes were a kind of freaky crimson color. He was supposed to be some kind of serious badass, but he's really just a womanizing pretty boy. He sleeps with any woman that'll have him, and let me tell you, there are a lot of those. He probably has herpes. It would serve him right.

Okay, you're probably wondering why I'm such a hater. The truth is, I used to have a crush on Sasuke. That ended when I was starting Middle School, about ten seconds after it started. That was the first day Sasuke, Itachi and I met.

How about a pretty little flashback?

…

I smiled brightly, clutching my bright pink backpack on my first day at a new school. My pink hair was tied in two little pigtails, and I looked excitedly around the hallways. I spun around, in my little red dress and rain boots, folding up my pink and red umbrella. My elbow accidentally bumped into someone, and I turned to apologize.

That's when I saw a really cute boy, and his cute older brother. They both had black hair, but the older one had these mesmerizing crimson eyes. The younger one's eyes were this deep obsidian.

I smiled, "I'm sorry. My name is Sakura. It's nice to meet you."

The younger one sneered, crossing his arms, "Piss off."

The older one laughed, without even chastising his younger brother. In fact, he nodded in agreement, "Listen, kid. You're not even a Company Kid, so we won't associate with the likes of you. I don't care if you want an autograph, you'll just have to watch from afar like everyone else."

I stood there, mouth gaping, for what felt like forever. I couldn't even believe it! All I had done was apologize! Who was he to make fun of me for not being a Company Kid? I mean, my dad might not get a ridiculous salary like theirs did, but did that mean it wasn't okay to say hello?

"Close your mouth, idiot," The younger one huffed, "You look like a retarded fish. Although, it does take some attention away from your giant forehead."

That was the boiling point.

That was the day that I, Sakura Haruno, punched Sasuke Uchiha in his annoying little face.

I realize that little encounter labeled me as a total outcast in the school, but if I had to go back, I would so do it again. It was worth it to see the look on that little prick's face.

…

That leaves now, where both Sasuke and Itachi were standing outside my bedroom door.

"Uh," I started awkwardly, "Hi?"

Sasuke nodded, and held out his hand, "I'm Sasuke Uchiha. Welcome to the neighborhood, Sakura."

Itachi did the same, "I'm Itachi Uchiha. We live next door, and our fathers will be working together. It's a pleasure to meet you. I hope we can be friends."

Needless to say, I slammed the door in their faces and hid under my bed, wondering what kind of freaky serial killer plot this was. I mean, they've ignored me since middle school, so where did they get off being friendly now? There had to be something wrong with them. Right?

Sasuke spoke from the other side of the door, "Hn. Rude much, Haruno?"

"Don't be impertinent, Sasuke," Itachi chuckled, "Sakura probably just wants to change out of those extremely attractive pink panties."

Screw my life. I totally forgot. I had opened the door wearing this little pink pair of incredibly indecent panties that I only wore as pajamas, not to mention the tight white tank top. Ugh.

I opened the door just enough so that I could see them, and I muttered, "Leave me alone."

"That's not very hospitable of you, Sakura." Itachi smirked. Sasuke only glowered like an immature little boy.

"Oh. Excuse me, your almighty Uchiha-ness, did I bruise your mighty ego? Spare me." I rolled my eyes, closing the door once more.

"Hey," Sasuke banged on the door, "Where do you get off being like that? You don't even know us."

Oh, no he didn't. "Where do I get off?" I flung the door open, snarling, "You little hypocrites! You've spent your whole life judging, but when you get a taste of your own medicine, I'm the bad guy?"

"Well," Itachi tilted his head, "Aren't you a hypocrite as well? You're accusing us of being judgmental. That, in itself, is judgmental."

I went for a witty retort, but I was stunned speechless. After a moment, I hissed, "Why won't you just die already?"

Sasuke nodded, grabbing my wrist, "Pizza at Uzumaki's place it is." He yanked me out of my room, pulling me down the carpeted stairs and out my front door. Unfortunately, I wasn't quite strong enough to get away. Personally, I think he's on steroids.

For the record, what did he hear in that conversation that made him assume I wanted to eat pizza with him?

"Let go of me!" I hissed, attempting to escape to the freedom of my apartment, "I will kill all of you! Slowly! With a spork! Furthermore—Naruto's place?" All violent thoughts I've been having come to an abrupt halt. That's right. Now that I was a Company Kid, I was worthy enough to hang out with Naruto again.

Naruto Uzumaki, my ex-best friend.

We used to play together all the time. We were absolutely inseparable. He was my best friend, my confidant, and my all around goofball. I was his cheerleader, his supporter, his translator so he could get a childhood "girlfriend".

That is, until we were twelve years old. Now, I can't really blame him for being adopted. It is absolutely not his fault that his parents died in a car crash, and I could never hold that against him. In fact, he lived with us for a few months.

Until he got adopted. I wasn't mad that he'd been adopted. Goodness, no. I was thrilled for him. I'd been his shoulder to cry on this whole time, and it was nice to see life moving on. He'd been adopted by a man named Jiraiya. He was one of the rich executives at Konoha Inc.

Naruto, by then, was beginning to be happy again. He made all sorts of plans. Jiraiya had a pool, and Naruto was adamant about having me over to hang out and swim every day for the rest of our lives. That was fine, for about a freaking week.

Then, he started changing. He started hanging out with the rest of the Corporation Kids, and just left me by myself. He left me to be best friends with the people we both swore we couldn't stand.

That's a betrayal I just don't think I can forgive.

So when I was pulled towards a pretty white house with a balcony, a pool, and a freaking limo in their driveway, I was understandably a little concerned. I hadn't seen Naruto in years, besides passing glances in school. We both know those weren't friendly glances either.

As I was about to enter the house, not willingly mind you, I realized something. I'm still not wearing pants. Not only that, but I'm certain that all of the Company Kids are male.

Ohmygod.

I made on last attempt to escape, shouting everything from rape to loud curses and death threats.

That is, until the door opened, and I was face to face with my ex-best friend. I felt my face heat up. He'd gotten handsome. I had to remember, he was the enemy.

His cerulean blue eyes widened, and a large grin spread across his face as he whispered, "S-Sakura?" He sounded disbelieving. I didn't believe it myself.

"Naruto," I whispered. It had been such a long time, and the feelings of longing and loneliness from back then instantaneously reappeared. He left me to be with the enemy. He was a traitor. I was supposed to hate him. So why was it so hard?

I knew, deep down inside, that no matter what I still wanted him to be my friend again.

He enveloped me in a bone crushing hug, leaving me wriggling in the tight embrace. His blonde hair was still as spiked as ever, and he still had those strange whisker-like marks on his cheeks. He was dressed in a sports jersey from a team I didn't know. I think it might be a hockey team, if that helps any. Maybe baseball. I know the jersey isn't for football—Even I, as non-athletic and lame as I am, watch football. He also had these rugged looking black jeans, and sneakers.

This only reminded me that I'm not wearing pants.

"I missed you, Sakura! Sasuke said he was bringing someone new over, but I had no idea it was you!" He laughed again, the happy, over excited laugh that was still full of as much joy as when we were kids. His voice was deeper. He definitely wasn't a little boy any more. He was way taller than me. He was a man now.

And I was a girl standing outside his house without pants.

"Uh, Naruto? Can I borrow some shorts?" I spoke up awkwardly.

It might just be me, but I personally don't think that when someone says that to you, you should look. That's exactly what Naruto did. His eyes drifted downwards, and his face turned bright red as he immediately looked away.

"U-Uh, al-alright, S-S-Sakura," He gulped, running inside. Sasuke and Itachi followed, dragging me along.

It was a damn beautiful house. There was a huge marble staircase, and glorious paintings on the walls. The wooden floors gleamed, and I smiled, whispering, "Wow."

Naruto came running down the stairs, and thrust a pair of black basketball shorts into my hands. He turned away, still bright red as I slipped them on. I undid my ponytail, using the band to tie a knot in the shorts, so that they wouldn't fall.

Apparently, the Uchihas lack hormones. I mean, what kind of guy ignores a girl in panties? I'm happy he's not some creep or something, but—I have curves, dammit! He's just being an ass! I mean, I know Naruto's childish and everything, but at least he acknowledges a pretty girl in her underwear.

Feh. Men.

Naruto pulled me into the living room, where six other people were sitting. He sat down, and I plopped myself next to him. Itachi sat on the other side of me, and Sasuke sat beside him.

"Alright," Naruto grinned, "This is Sakura Haruno. Everyone introduce themselves."

"That's not necessary," I smiled half-heartedly, "We go to the same school. I know them." It would be like the Company Kids to assume that just because they didn't know anyone else's names, no one knew theirs.

Kiba Inuzuka was in my grade. He had spiked brown hair, brown eyes, and red triangles tattooed on his cheeks. He had a big, wolfish grin. He was supposed to be some sort of animal lover, but he was still a Company Kid. He still ignored everyone as if they were beneath him.

Shikamaru Nara was in my grade as well. He had dark brown hair in a high ponytail, and he always wore a scowl. He was supposed to be some super genius kid, but he was also extremely lazy. I mean, seriously lazy. That in itself really burned my toast. I mean, I work my ass off to keep my grades perfect. I study for tests like I'm getting paid. Him? No. He just waltzes in and aces the tests, after a whole year of sleeping through the reviews.

Gaara No Sabaku was probably one of the worst Company Kids. He had blood red hair, and sea foam green eyes with black around them. I didn't know if he wore eyeliner, or what. He had the kanji for love tattooed above his eye. His mother died, and for the record I'm not blaming him for this part, and two of his siblings were sent to live with his grandparents. After that, and this is the part I blame him for, he started to ignore his siblings. They weren't Company Kids like him—Not in the development, anyway. He treats them like dirt. They're some of my best friends, and I hate him for it.

Neji Hyuuga was another personal enemy of mine. He had long, chocolate brown hair tied off at the end and pearly white eyes. He seemed gentlemanly, but he absolutely snubbed his cousin Hinata. Their parents were supposed to be partners in this business, but Neji's father usurped the power from Hinata. Now, this was a family quarrel. I can't blame them for that. I can blame him for being absolutely horrible to Hinata at school. She's an absolute sweetheart, and I don't think that it's okay for family to snub, pick on, and emotionally/physically abuse each other.

Deidara Iwa was Itachi's age. He had long, blonde hair in a ponytail, with bangs over one of his blue eyes. He actually looks like one of my friends; Ino Yamanaka. I actually didn't know much about him. He spent all his time in the art room, shutting the entire world out. Maybe that's why I didn't like him much. He was also an aspiring pyromaniac, and had a bad habit of setting things on fire. Oh, I remember why I don't like him. The things he burns? That included my backpack, full of about two weeks of biology report.

Sasori Akasuna was weird. He was the same age as Deidara and Itachi. He had dark red hair, and his eyes were always a tired amber color. He looked like he was on drugs, basically. Not only that, but he also fought with Deidara constantly about art, and made puppets. Kankouro, my friend and Gaara's brother, made puppets too, but they were smaller. Sasori just had that kind of I'll-cut-your-skin-off-and-make-a-puppet-out-of-it vibe. I had reason to fear him, okay?

I spoke awkwardly, "Uh, hi. It's nice to meet you." Why did I feel like I'm getting initiated into a cult? Oh. I guess I kind of am.

Kiba smiled brightly, walking to a big mahogany table and grabbing a few boxes of pizza. He set them down in the middle of the group, and flipped the top one open. All the boys dove forward, grabbing pizza and shoving it into their mouths.

I hung back, unsure. Sasuke seemed to notice, and he handed me a piece of the cheesy goodness. Mumbling a quick thank you, I took a bite. Damn, it was delicious. It was the best freaking pizza I've ever had in my whole life. I don't know where rich people get their pizza, but I will hunt down that shop if it's the last thing I do—

I'm rambling. It was really good pizza.

"So," Deidara grinned, "You're one of us now, yeah! Welcome!"

Sasori raised an eyebrow, "You're the first girl to come here you know. Of course, whores not included."

"Uh," I nearly choked on my pizza, "Thank you?" I wasn't comfortable with this. I already missed hanging out with my friends; Ino, Kankouro, Temari, Hinata, Sai, Lee, and Kimimaro. I missed them a lot. If I got stuck in this group, they wouldn't let me see my old friends anymore. I won't let that happen.

I stood up, determined to make my leave, but Naruto shot up as well, "Let's go swimming!"

"Um," I paused, edging towards the exit, "I don't have a bathing suit."

"Oh yeah," Naruto pouted.

"She can swim naked." Kiba smirked. Before I could hit him, Naruto had already tackled him to the ground. They proceeded to roll around like idiots.

I kind of pitied the whole situation. I mean, I haven't seen Naruto in all these years. I know he got sucked into this Company Kid thing, but did that mean I shouldn't reconnect with him? I sighed, giving in, "I'll go home and get a bathing suit."

Naruto jumped up, excited, "Great! Get some pajamas too, so you can sleep over!"

I didn't know about that. They were boys, after all. They didn't seem to have hormones, save Kiba who evidently wants to see me naked, so it was probably safe. But… still.

I promised I'd ask, and made my way home.

I grumbled to myself as I made my way back to Naruto's house, dressed in a black bikini with pink cherry pattern. The one time I count on my father to be as anti-male and overprotective as usual, he smiles and tells me to have fun. That's bad parenting. What if I was a liar? What if I went to some wild party and got pregnant? What if I went clubbing and got raped and murdered?

My thoughts drifted to the boys themselves. They didn't actually seem mean. Why were they so snobby in school? They didn't talk to anyone outside of their little circle. As Ino put it, they were like a Company cult.

Maybe on day three they'll make me eat a human sacrifice. Ew.

I arrived at the house and knocked three times. The door opened immediately, revealing a grinning Naruto in an orange swimsuit with the large, navy blue cutout of a hibiscus flower on the left leg. I turned, in an attempt to hide a monster blush. He got really handsome.

You know, while he was busy ignoring me.

I tossed my black bag on the living room floor, and looked up to see Naruto refusing to meet my eyes. His face was bright red. I suppose the avoidance streak hasn't completely worn off yet.

He walked to the large sliding glass door that led to the pool, motioning for me to follow. I stepped outside a moment after he did, and gasped at what I saw.

It was a large, rectangle pool with a large boulder on the side. There was a little waterfall cascading into the pool from the boulder, with a space underneath the overhang that was big enough to stand over. It had gotten dark already, and the pool lights were lit, along with tiki torches. There was a hot tub on the left side of the pool.

Then, there were the boys. Oh my, the boys.

Sasuke, Gaara, and Neji were lounging in the hot tub. When I came out, they looked up. Sasuke nodded, granting me permission to join them. I smiled, slipping into the water and moaning at how freaking amazing it felt.

I guess the water was too hot for them, because the three boys turned a bit pink. Maybe they've been in too long. Cooking yourself isn't good for you, you know. "Hey," I tilted my head slightly, "Are you guys alright? How long have you been in here?"

Gaara, who was next to me, looked like he was getting redder. I reached out, placing a hand on his forehead. I said, "I think you have a fever."

He snapped away, not looking at me, "I'm fine."

"Oh," I paused awkwardly, "Um, alright." I get it. Maybe the nod was just to acknowledge my presence. Maybe they didn't want me to join them in the first place.

I sighed, and stood, ready to get out.

Neji grabbed my arm, reaching across Gaara to do so, "Where are you going?"

"O-oh," I mumbled, "I just figured you three wanted me to go…"

They all muttered at the same time, "Stay."

I'm not exactly sure why that one word made me so happy. Maybe it was me knowing that I had really been accepted. I was a higher up. That thought in itself came with loads of guilt.

What about my friends? The ones I soon wouldn't be allowed to talk to. I pulled my hand out of Neji's grasp, "I'll be right back." I had to ask, once and for all. Were the rumors really true? Did this group make sure you never talked to anyone on the outside? Is that why Naruto ignored me for all those years? I had to know. I walked inside, searching for Itachi. He would know.

Unfortunately for me, I found myself in quite an awkward position. Two arms wrapped around my waist, and I nearly jumped in surprise. I let out a small squeak, "What the heck?"

There was a chuckle, and a deep voice spoke, "Sakura, you're just so cute. You can't blame me for noticing."

Anyone have that pre-rape feeling? I do.

I recognized the voice as Sasori's, from the few times I've heard him speak in class. Never to me, but in art he would always argue loudly with Deidara. "Uh, Sasori? Kindly let me go. I have to—" What was I going to go ask again? My head was all befuddled, and I was blushing bright red.

"I don't want to let you go," He said, in a sort of whiny tone, "You should stay right here and be mine."

I hope he realized we were in Naruto's living room. That would be incredibly weird. Besides, um, no. Just no. "Sasori," I growled, kind of agitated, "I'm not some whore. You don't even know me yet."

"Sakura," He turned me around, pressing me into the wall, "I do know you. You're in my art class. I've been watching you for years. You're not just any girl. You're special."

"Special Ed, maybe," I smiled weakly, still wriggling at a desperate attempt to get out of this incredibly weird situation. This had definitely never happened to me before. Watching me? Serial killer? Serial killer. Serial killer! Serial killer! Ohmygod.

"I'm serious. You're no fangirl, that's for sure. In fact, it's like you hate me. All of us. It's incredibly attractive," He licked my cheek. Ew. "So, I'll say it again. Be mine."

"Uh, I'm going to have to pass. But, um, please don't skin me and make a puppet out of that skin, okay?" I kneed him in his man-area, and made my escape.

I had to spend the night with these people? The rest of high school? God, help me.

A/N: This is ten pages long. Please review! I'll love you forever!

Okay, Sakucentric spotlight! On every update, I'll include a story I highly recommend. This update's Sakucentric Spotlight features…

Creature Café by dragontamer ri-chan

It's a super cute MultiSaku that has Sakura dressed up like a waitress with kitty ears. Neko! Anyways, she basically has to deal with patrons who like her, a boss who likes her, a security guard who likes her, and—Well, I guess I'll have to wait for an update. I can't help but wonder who she's going to end up with. My vote would go to the security guard. Boss and worker relationships? So cliché. But the security guard would follow her around, so they'd connect. Ne? Read it and see who YOU like the best, okay?

I was planning on putting this up the 21st, but… I didn't get to. Haha. Sorry. So, I'll be internet-less for a bit. I'll update by next week, okay?

G.C.