JAZZ and SCOTCH.
(A Naruto Fan Fiction)
CHAPTER ONE.
There's something nihilistic about living in the city; that at any point someone could attain the ever fleeting ideal of success, despite the posh businessmen and women pulling the strings; It is this thought that drives forward those who contend fate with little in their pockets but bus-fair.
The placid puddles break beneath the hastening feet of the city jettisoning water and oil into the air, leaving those begging sodden in the oleaginous blood of Konohagakure's streets. Amongst the clacking of high heals and crowds of trench coats and briefcases stood a small coffee shop. The establishment, although minuscule when compared to the vast size of the city around it, welcomed everyone into its french-pane doors to relax and enjoy a cup of freshly pressed coffee.
The atmosphere was charming, the walls were painted with soft earth tones and the floor was a nice off white cream. Leather couches sat by a small gas fireplace, people reading novels sat at bistro tables and customers with laptops, sat in booths all engrossed in their own worlds.
"Really? I've never known Shikamaru to ever go out of his way for anything- are you sure?" The question was barked out with intrigue more so than uttered with doubt. The young man graced with the youth of his early twenties and an unruly mane of umber hair framed his strong features. The young man was wearing a gray hoodie and a pair of distressed black jeans, he playfully reached over and smacked his friend's shoulder laughing.
A short exclamation of mock annoyance overcame the raucous nature of the busy coffee shop as a boy in his late teens, dressed in an orange jacket, black tee-shirt and blue jeans; his head was adorned with a mop of brilliant golden hair that bounced as he dramatized his overly obvious attempt at fraudulent hurt, "Of course I'm sure! I was told by Ino, who was told by Sakura, who was in turn told by some guy living in a box, who was told by the President." Naruto paused, as if for dramatic emphasis, "Jesus, Kiba you think I didn't check for myself? I got it from the source."
"Honestly Naruto? Can you blame anyone for even having the smallest amount of doubt?" A short burst of chuckles escaped the brunets lips, "Shikamaru engaged to some hotshot blonde from Sunagakure- seems kinda out there man."
"Well it's true dog breath!" Naruto grinned prodding Kiba in the chest with his index finger.
"Whatever, whisker boy." He retorted slapping Naruto's finger away.
Naruto glanced down to his friend's companion a massive white hound and he glanced between the hound and its owner who was babying his mocha, "So- Kiba, any word on that girl from Akamaru's obedience school that you've refused to even try to ask out? Whats it been four months?" Naruto's smile grew as the blush on Kiba's face became more evident and his friend's inability to act casually.
"Shut the hell up Naruto, besides your love life isn't anything to brag about."
"That's just because I haven't met the right girl yet!"
"Right- and when you do, I'm sure she'll come to love that you're- what was it Sai calls you?." Kiba howled with laughter as Naruto's face adopted the darkest shade of red he had ever witnessed on anyone.
"Fuck you K-Kiba!" Naruto called out, slamming his fist on the table standing up and thrusting his right hand forward pointing dramatically at his friend's face, "I have all the proper equipment and its perfectly proportionate if not bigger!"
"Jeez Naruto, chill." Kiba swiveled his head around and groaned at all the people now actively staring at them now, "You're embarrassing yourself and most importantly- me!" A small bark came as if almost an agreement from the large canine. Kiba let out a strangled sigh and reaches for his wallet, "Naruto have you been practicing our new ensemble?", as the last syllable escaped his lips, he had uncovered a small white business card from within the confines of his leather wallet.
Naruto's eyes narrowed, "Of course I have Kiba, you know I don't joke around when it comes to that." Naruto lips slowly fell as he lowered himself back into his seat. "I don't go back on my word, I will make it big- and you'll be right their next to me."
"I know, I'm just- I'm just making sure man, remember that talent scout is going to be at the club tomorrow night," Kiba slides the business card over to his blond band-mate, "We might get our big break man, and there won't be anymore lonely, empty flats, late bills, or stale leftover ramen."
Naruto smirked at the ramen comment as he took the white rectangular card stock and glanced at its faces; plain, simple, and underwhelming. He couldn't help but think that the card spoke loudly about its owner: Business.
Orochimaru Yamaguchi
Talent Scout and Music Producer
Otogakure Records
"Who gave this to you again Kiba? It wasn't directly given to you by this Orochimaru guy- was it?" Naruto asked skeptically as he observed the writing scribbled upon the back of the card, '2100 at the Katsuya Jazz Bar'.
"No- it was-" Kiba made a face as he burned a hole into the shops ceiling trying to remember, "Jeez, uh... whats his name again?" Kiba mumbled to himself as he ran a hand through his hair, "Kabuto I think his name was; said something about him being this Orochimaru guy's secretary or something. I bumped into him outside the bar. Oh, speaking of the bar- Tsunade was asking about you again." Kiba looked down at his mocha and glanced back up to his blond friend.
"Hn."
"Naruto, you can't keep this up she's worried about you, I mean she wont out right admit it- but I can tell." Kiba stood up and placed his hand on Naruto's shoulder, "It's been six months, she needs you too man."
"Yeah, I guess your right."
"I'm always right." He says with a chuckle, "I'll see you tomorrow- and Tsunade?"
"Yeah, tomorrow. Tsunade- I'll stop by tonight." Naruto almost whispered.
Kiba's mouth twitches downward a bit, but nods as he and Akamaru make their way out of the small coffee shop, leaving Naruto to his thoughts.
Naruto sighed, "My coffee's gone cold."
Authors Note:
Thank you checking this story out, I'm very aware that it's rather on the short side. I'm somewhat testing the waters since I haven't ever attempted anything outside the horror genre let alone a fan-fiction. I do plan on updating weekly (Dependent on Reviews), hopefully I can keep to that schedule. Please leave me a review with some helpful artistic criticism if applicable, thank you once again. Much love!
-Whoka