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Two months later....

"I can't believe I leave for one day and come back to find our staff numbers cut in half…. Again!" Naruto scolded as he paced back and forth the length of the dining hall.

"I can't believe you trusted Shikamaru to control me." Sasuke spooned a mouthful of eggs into his mouth.

"How do you expect this mansion to remain in tip-top shape when you keep firing the people dedicated to doing so" The blonde flung his arms up in the air in exasperation.

"Hey, at least I didn’t fire all of them. I have my reasons so let me be, Dobe.” Sasuke snapped with a mouth full of rice.

"Naruto groaned and ran his fingers through his hair violently. "Girls," He called for the two maids standing at the opposite side of the room. "Take the master's food away. Do it now, he doesn't deserve to eat." He ordered with the flick of his wrist.

"Sasuke paused mid-chew to turn to his manager, "What? What did you say?" Sasuke glared at the man shooting daggers through him.

"The two maids turned to each other with worried looks and knitted brows, stuck between a rock and a hard place. Hesitantly, the maids gathered some of the silver trays of dishes before the incredulous idol. Sasuke’s arms reached out to cover the dishes suddenly.

"No, take this and you're fired!" The master threatened.

"Naruto watched as the girls shot panicked looks to each other because of the conflicting orders. ”Girls, do it because I'm not allowing this dictator any more power."

"Still, the maids felt Sasuke's menacing stare looking deep into their souls sending shivers down their spines.

"His mother put me in full charge of her spoiled little baby, so he won't be firing anybody as long as I'm around."

"With that said, the girls breathed a relieved sigh and pried the bowls and silverware away from Sasuke's grasp and disappeared behind the kitchen door which flung back and forth after they passed through.

"What the hell is wrong with you? I'm going to starve!" Sasuke rose from his seat at the head of the table, both hands clutching the edge of the polished wood with white knuckles.

"I told you before that you need to stop this! I don't care if you try your best to remain clean, we need these employees- These people!

"You can't just fire them whenever you lose your temper because they're a big part of this household and they need jobs.” Naruto took a deep breath before he continued quietly, "Now, I've restricted you from things like your car, phone, and debit cards. Plus you aren't allowed to leave the house besides when school starts in the fall and for schedules."

“Naruto-!"

“No.”


“Are you serious?”


“Dead. I already blocked your shit so you won't be able to get any of your items. And try as you may to bribe the staff, but they won't accept it. I had a meeting with all of them about this." Naruto grabbed a rolled up newspaper that sat at the corner of the table and used it to whack the back of Sasuke's head. "Behave now!”

"Naruto strode purposefully towards the door to the foyer to create distance between him and Sasuke but the latter was fast and trailed him out the door prancing at his manager's heels. "When and how can I get my stuff back?" Sasuke searched Naruto's facial expression for for any sort of hint.

"Naruto sighed and stopped in front of his office. "Until we get our employees back. Which I doubt we will because you're such an asshole." He said as he held the door open ushering Sasuke to enter first.

"Naruto rounded his desk and took a seat in a padded wheeled desk chair. "I'm going to send the local newspaper something for the job section, since we are so desperate."

"Why don't you just title it something like, 'Maid and Butler Opening For Uchiha Sasuke's Mansion' or whatever. I guarantee that we'll get tons of girls lined up for this job." Sasuke reached over to grab a pen from the desk clicking it incessently, smug grin on his face.

"Naruto propped an elbow on his desk, rested his chin in the palm of his hand, and began tapping his temple with a finger as he scrolled down the computer screen in search of something.

"Sasuke- two reasons why that wouldn't work: One, you may attract fangirls. They would be too busy admiring you to do their job. And two, well actually, that might work out since nobody likes you anyways." Naruto joked as he snatched the utensil from in between Sasuke's fingers.
"

"So rude." Sasuke said quietly. He knew never to take those words to heart, because it obviously wasn't true. Naruto was not only his manager, but his childhood friend grew accustomed to Naruto’s personality since they were children. No matter how hurtful the words may be and how coolly Naruto says it, they are connected. Family. The brother Sasuke wished he had.

"No, I’m just being real" Naruto smiled as he clicked open the document he was looking for. "Now let's see here. Big bold letters saying: 'Help wanted as maid/butler at estate' How does that sound?" He paused for a response.

"Sure, it's fine."

"Naruto only sighed, understanding that his friends response was only to placate him. A few minutes of silence passed as Naruto typed quickly across the keyboard. The manager cleared his throat to gain Sasuke's attention.

"Help wanted as maid/butler at high class mansion in Konoha. Advantages include free lodging and food in exchange for labor. Monthly pay will be discussed at the interview. If interested, please call- Blah blah, insert the information here." Naruto clasped his hands together with satisfaction and watched for Sasuke's reaction.

""Wait, do all the workers sleep here?" Sasuke asked with surprise.

""Yes, Sasuke. They do sleep here, which is why when you call at three in the morning they come running, Teme."

"From Sasuke’s continued puzzled look, Naruto could tell he was thinking a bit too hard. Hard enough to pop a blood vessel. Naruto wiped a hand down his face in disappointment at his friend obliviousness. "Some stay downstairs in the extra rooms, or out in the backyard unit."

"There's a house in the back? Are you talking about the two story shed?" Sasuke asked on the edge of his chair. Naruto face palmed and shook his head. He remained silent as Sasuke kept urging him to answer his question. Naruto ignored follow up questions and pressed “post” on the listing.

___________

"Sakura, are you being serious right now?" Asked Ino incredulously with her mouth hanging wide enough to catch a ball in it.

"Yeah." Sakura replied tapping the side of her coffee mug. "My job is shit here, and my rent is due in two weeks which wipes out my check almost completely." The pinkette looked out into the rest of the bookstore from the open entrance of the cafe. "Do you think that this wasn't a good idea? Coming here I mean.” The corners of her mouth falling.

"You've got to be kidding me right now. Come on, you deserve to be here! You just need some help." Ino stated with enthusiasm.

"Well what do you suggest I do?" She took a sip of her lukewarm coffee. Oatmilk and Splenda, just the way she liked it.

"Ino paused and stirred a packet of raw sugar into her drink and thought for a moment.
"Can't you just ask for money?" She tried suggesting even though he knew the answer. It was worth a shot. No harm in asking.

“Ino. Really now, you think I'm going to ask my parents for money? There's no way in hell that is happening. I came to-"



"Follow my dream and prove to my dad that I can make it through without any help." Ino finished Sakura's exact words in a mocking tone. "Yeah, I know. I've heard that millions of times, but I don't know what else to say about this." Ino felt pity for her friend and frustration at herself for not being able to do more for her.

"Tell me, how did you manage life here without help?”



Ino cleared her throat and extended herself across the table towards Sakura as if she was going to share the most powerful secret in the universe. ”First of all, keep away from the nightclubs and drinks you're drawn to." Ino put up two fingers to represent her list. She bit her lip in thought.

”Eating out so often, and avoid boys- the broke ones, I mean. And it also wouldn’t hurt to limit yourself on Uchiha Sasuke merch.” Ino’s eyes drifted to Sakura’s bag which toted a limited edition keychain attached to the handle. While this was one of the more subtle indications of Sakura’s admiration from the idol, she had been friends with her long enough to know that her love does not stop at just keychains

Sakura’s cheeks tinted a cherry shade. “H-hey! It’s just an every once in a while thing, okay?” It almost sounded like she was trying to convince herself instead of her friend.

“Mhm." Ino raised a knowing eyebrow. Sakura had always been weak in the knees for her favorite singer and Ino knew this well. Who wouldn’t? Uchiha Sasuke was not just known for his music or dance skills, but more notably his appearance; Hair as dark as night, a jaw line chiseled by the gods, the piercing black eyes of his smoldering gaze and not to mention his toned body. However, his voice was Sakura’s favorite part.

Sakura crossed her arms over her chest with a frown as she listened to her best friend speak between sips of her macchiato.

”But what you really need to watch and grow is your savings account. Maybe even work two jobs if you can. That's what I did."



"Two jobs is so much work." Sakura rubbed her temples with two fingers. Just thinking about the stress she would undergo gave her a headache. It’s hard enough with just one job, but two jobs plus school would definitely burn her out. College hadn't even started yet and here she was, blowing her money a bit too fast, riding the excitement of being on her own. Sakura was book smart but that didn’t necessarily translate into her checkbook.



”Well,” Ino took another sip. “You could always go back home and become the failure your dad expects you to be.”



"Not an option."

Ino smiled and looked up to Sakura with crossed arms. "Then you better start looking!” She said.



"Yes ma’am!” Sakura rolled her eyes as she slinked away from her seat and made for a corner of the store where they kept stacks of newspapers. The young woman scanned the rack for the most recent issue of "Konoha Times" murmuring to herself. "Today is.... Sunday. No paper today."



She settled for the paper published yesterday and took two copies- one for herself and one for Ino. Approaching the table, Sakura plopped a copy of the paper in front of the blonde and then took a seat opposite of her. "Let me know if you find something." Sakura flipped the page to the job section.



The women reviewed each listing nodding their heads at potential choices and shaking their heads at ridiculous jobs that they never even knew existed. After a few minutes, Sakura dropped the paper onto the table and leaned backwards into a stretch.



”Inoooo~” She whined melodically.



"Did you even read them all?”



“…No. You do it for me." Sakura replied in a childish voice with her eyes glimmering pleadingly.



"Geeze, I feel like we're back in high school doing a project together."



Ino flipped the page, her blue eyes immediately falling upon huge capitalized letters in the center of the paper. She looked over the details of the listing, mouth growing into a white smile. "Sakura, you had better take a look at the back page. I think we found you a job."

Sakura's face lit up, a twinkle in her eyes, "Really?" She exclaimed as she clamored for the correct page.



 HELP WANTED AS MAID/BUTLER AT ESTATE IN KONOHA



Desperately in need of help in caring for estate and master's needs!





Benefits: Free lodging and food for every meal of the day in exchange for labor.



Income: Pays well; shall be discussed in further detail at interview.


Please call the number below if interested!
xxx-xxx-xxxx

"Free lodging and food and an income? Ino, this is great! I mean, this means I don't have to pay for anything as long as I work there!" Sakura threw her arms above her head squealing. Customers in the vicinity turned their heads in curiosity.

“This is perfect! Hello, living in an estate? A mansion? This going to be grea-!”



"Can I see that article please?" A woman only a bit older than Sakura asked her. Sakura looked at the woman with some caution but nonetheless agreed to hand her the paper. The woman shook her head disapprovingly.

"What's wrong?" Ino asked her curiously.

"I bet all of the staff has been fired already. What a shame." She whispered at no one in particular. ”Are you two talking about this ad right here?" Her finger pointed to the listing of interest.

"Yes, I'm going to apply for it.” Sakura said. "Is there a problem?"

"Not really my problem anymore. More of yours, if you decide to take that job." She said placing the paper carefully back on the table. "I'm Ayame, a former maid of that household. I can assure you that your life will be hell there in that mansion."

The two women furrowed their brows and asked her to elaborate on her experience.



"The master, he-who-shall-not-be-named, is a total inconsiderate asshole. You may recognize him as a charismatic figure but he really is a totally different man when you meet him. The job itself isn't hard, but the problem is the master. He's one of two sons of a famous record label owner." She explained.

"He doesn't care about others' feelings at all and loses his temper often. When he does, he fires a bunch of people. And I'm not exaggerating when I say a bunch. The day I was fired, I also witnessed four others leave before me. His manager is really nice and tries his best to stop him, most of the time he does, but not all. Obviously." Ayame ended with a huff, her face reddening with anger.




Sakura thought for a moment of the consequences both of applying for this job and looking elsewhere. There was no way she was going to get this sweet a deal anywhere else. She can’t sleep in the broom closet of a cafe or department store.

”I’d rather take the free room and board and deal with this guy. I’ve been through worse. Thanks for the heads up though!” Sakura smiled graciously.

Ayame returned the gesture.

”Don't say I didn't warn you. Good luck.” The woman pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose and walked towards the exit.


Ino and Sakura stared at each other attempting to process what happened and the information which was disclosed. Sakura reached into her sweatshirt pocket pulling out her phone. She carefully punched in the digits from the newspaper into his keypad.

"It's not like I haven't been through hell already. This is going to be a piece of cake."