Hello, i know it's a new story and i shouldn't be starting it with others in pregress but i really wanted to write this, it was on my mind for a few days. Pleas please please review, it would mean the world to me, not just following. It lets me know what i can improve or just make me feel like i should continue it or not. Thank you! And for those interested, check out my other stories!

-HidingBehindMyMask

He could feel the nerves darting around his body, causing havoc as they did, making his fingers go numb around the microphone. He took a deep breath and attempted to calm down but knew it was useless, once in this state there was no going back. He looked over his shoulder and received 3 pairs of thumbs up, making him calm down slightly and smile briefly. It was time. The man in front of him spoke in his headset before addressing him.

"You're on in 2 minutes, anything you need before you go?"

Naruto nodded and handed the man a blindfold, getting a perplexed look in return.

"Would you mind tying this over my eyes and leading me to the center when it's my turn?" At the frown on the man's face he added with pleading fox-eyes. "Pleeease?" He saw the man's resolve crumble in seconds and internally punched the air in victory as the man nodded.

After his blindfold was tied on he calmed slowly, the darkness a relief. He briefly heard the man countdown from 3 and then grasped his elbow and gently lead his to the center of the stage. He could hear the screams of the crowd as he came out, before they died down slightly, probably thoroughly confused at his appearance. The man stopped and whispered a 'good luck kid' before leaving him standing, blindfolded, on stage in front of 5000 people.

The crowd went silent after a minute, before he heard a female voice call out above the noise. "Hello, what's your name?"

Naruto cleared the lump in his throat before answering. "Naruto Uzumaki."

"Now Naruto, can you tell us why you're blindfolded?" Naruto tensed slightly at this, knowing the question would come up but wishing it didn't.

"Well i can't stand multiple stares on my figure. I get agitated and start hyperventilating."

There was silence for a second before another voice, male this time, spoke up.

"Then how come you aren't doing it now?"

"I can't see them now, so it doesn't affect me."

"And why do these things happen to you?" The woman spoke again.

His voice turned colder as he murmured. "I'd rather not talk about that."

There was a soft hum before she spoke again. "Fair enough, now, Naruto, what are you going to be doing for us tonight?"

"Singing."

"And what will you be singing?"

"Sullen girl by Fiona Apple."

Another hum. "Are you sure a fool like you could take a song like that?" This time it was a different voice, deeper, colder, and mocking. Naruto felt his anger flare and bit back an insult, settling for a simple "Yes, i'm sure, otherwise i wouldn't have chosen it now would I?"

He heard several oooohs and aaahs from the crowd and felt a slightly flash of pride. At least the crowd seemed to like him well enough, unlike that bum from before.

"I've seen plenty of idiots who are convinced they chose the right song when in fact, they murdered a beautiful song. What makes you any different?"

He grit his teeth and muttered darkly. "Well i've seen plenty of judges who thought they could judge a singing voice by the first appearance, when, in fact, they were wong. Now, you tell me, how are you any different."

The crowd erupted in laughter and screams, causing Naruto to bite his lip. He took things too far. This was a judge! He could buzz him off right now because of his banter! But, to his surprise, he heard a dark chuckle coming from the man. "Well, i'm still pretty convinced of my earlier statement, so why don't you try to prove me wrong?"

Naruto frowned and unconsciously stuck his hip out, his free hand resting on the other hip. "Well i most certainly will." He heard whistles and calls from the crowd, causing him to smirk slightly.

The woman from before cleared her throat, giggling lightly, and spoke quickly.

"Alright then, off you go."

He nodded once before waiting for the music to start. As the soft but haunting melody flowed through the speakers he let his previously tense stance loosen, swaying lightly from side to side as he closed his eyes behind his blindfold. He opened his mouth and his voice filled the room, soft, but strong, emotion carried by the song.

Days like this
I don't know what
To do with myself
All day and all night
I wander the halls
Along the walls and
Under my breath
I say to myself
I need fuel
To take flight
And there's too
Much going on
But it's calm under
The waves
In the blue of my oblivion
Under the waves in
The blue of my oblivion

After the first line applause and calls resounded through the room, but Naruto was already lost in the music, body swaying on it's own, voice staying soft.

Is that why they call me
A sullen boy, sullen boy
They don't know
I used to sail the
Deep and tranquil sea
But he washed me shore
And he took my pearl
And left an empty
Shell of me
As he sang the second verse his voice hardened visibly, but never lost its grace, only adding to the emotion dripping from his every word. His grip on his mic tightened, and his other hand clenched into a fist over his heart.

And there's too
Much going on
But it's calm under the waves
In the blue of my oblivion
Under the waves
In the blue of my oblivion
Under the waves
In the blue of my oblivion
It's calm under the waves
In the blue of my oblivion

As he sang the last part his voice was trembling slightly, and when he finished his was shaking and panting. It took his a while to realize the room was filled with applause and screams, and he smiled softly. He had done it, people had liked his singing. But most importantly, he got his buried emotion out. He had finally taken the first step to his new beginning.