Konoha Times {OC x Various} Naruto AU

Chapter 28

A/N: I made a comically bad movie poster for the movie I made up. Plz don't judge.

The premier went a lot smoother than Nami expected. There were no crowds ready to throw tomatoes at her. No old hags yelling 'Boo' in her direction.

The movie was breathtaking. Aside from the fact that Nami couldn't stand to see or hear herself, she was impressed. Raised by the Night was action packed, it was romantic, and gut wrenching. Nami was proud, she did that. She couldn't help the radiant smile that lit up her face. Nami figured that maybe she was an actress after all. Nami made a name for herself and now felt confident in bringing a few of her books to a publisher. In fact, she had a meeting with a publisher in a week.

After pictures, it was time for the release party. The paparazzi went crazy seeing the industry titan, Tobirama, with the debut actress around his arm. Once safely inside the privacy of the party, Tobirama excused himself. He needed a moment away from people. Including Nami. She of all people understood this anxiety yet couldn't help herself from feeling hurt. Tobirama had never shut her out before.

She got herself a drink moments before she was bombarded by a crowd of celebrities. They wanted to know about her skincare routine, her dress, her man, her. She charmed them all with her answers that weren't really answers at all. Madara's voice echoed through her head, 'You'll learn how to put on a front and protect your heart the longer you're in this industry.'

Nami grew irritated when she recognized a few faces from her days at Uchiha Studios. Some smaller actors and actresses who wouldn't give her the time of day when she was but a lowly assistant.

She spotted Tobirama and politely excused herself.

"This is crazy! They all loved it."

"Did you think they wouldn't?"

"I don't know what I thought. I had no idea what to expect," Nami noticed she was struggling to keep up with Tobirama. He was taking large strides towards a back door, "Where are we going?"

"I'm going home. I have work to do."

"Wait, I thought we were leaving together. Let me grab my things."

"You stay."

"Without you?"

"Yes, in fact," Tobirama paused and turned towards her. Nami feared the look in his red eyes, "Why don't you call Madara over here to take my place."

"What?"

Tobirama pulled out his phone and sent a new article to her before walking out the door. Nami read the story. It was some bullshit tabloid that highlighted a photo that Sakura posted featuring Nami in her black dress and a photo of her outside the Uchiha building hugging Madara in the much sexier red dress. It called out that this outfit change occurred within less than thirty minutes. The tabloid then showed a picture of her at the premier with Tobirama. Her heart fluttered at the way he was looking at her. He was absolutely smitten. The article was then asking its readers who they though she looked better with, Tobirama or Madara. The poll favored Madara. Ouch. Even worse was the writer of the article – Zetsu.

Nami's heart ached for her lover. She went to grab her things. The night had been ruined for her.