Band Verse
**My plan for Band Verse is to have a timeline, but there will be a couple of 'shorts' at the end whose placement can be put just about anywhere. The 'chapter-ish' Accusation, located at the end is one of those. Accusation is probably the real reason I began to work on Band Verse. (I had already done the three story window scene but was going to add it to: A Sweet Release.)
Anyways, I know some parts are not funny, but this wasn't supposed to be a full comedy. And yes poor Sakura, but hey she's got an awesome job (which will come out more in the next chapter/update).
I hope you enjoy reading Chapter 2 of Band Verse with the following clips: Backbone, Dignity, and Accusation.
Edit 5-18-11 Thank you Geniusly-Unique, the names have been changed.
Z.z - Reviews are always appreciated; whether to express joy or to critique. **
Backbone
Sakura was surprised at how down to earth all of the band members seemed to be… well, perhaps down to earth wasn't the correct phrase. Down to earth implied that they were reasonable, non-narcissistic, ordinary people and they definitely weren't that. What she meant by down to earth was the way they welcomed and treated her like one of their own.
In fact, the oldest Uchiha of the group was beyond narcissistic and was anything but humble. Kisame was a giant blue man and the only way ordinary could be related to him was if it was tattooed onto his skin. Sasori had tendencies to emerge from shadows with his hand-made manikins and practice ventriloquism. When it came to Kakuzu and money the word reasonable was never uttered. Hidan practically worshipped his pet hairless cat, Jashin. Deidara was a home decorator on steroids. Konan had a weird obsession with collecting paper and Tobi was a twenty-two year old man who acted like a five-year old. Then there was Pein… and that man had issues with control.
No, they were not down to earth people. Not at all. But Sakura was happy with that. It made her appear normal. It was also nice to have people close to her and she soon found out that with each passing day their odd habits, or ritualistic chants, were slowly growing on her. She hadn't realized what was happening until she finally got a letter from Naruto and didn't open it until that night, when normally it would have been the first thing she would have done.
She summed it up to being too busy to be lonely. For once again, she'd found a makeshift family that kept her busy. So busy, in fact, that the normal plagues of everyday life such as thoughts of medical school and snotty ex-best friend text messages no longer bothered her or came upon her mind.
Every day was an adventure of being a mediator between fights, doing art projects with Deidara, creating new expense sheets for Kakuzu, taking Tobi shopping, looking at new clothes designs with Konan.
Everything seemed perfect. It was a life that she could only describe as 'full'. She didn't think anything could bring her down from such a wonderful high.
That is until Naruto's fourth letter arrived. She'd read it while waiting for the group to get out of a recording session. It announced that Sasuke and him were coming home to celebrate Mikoto's birthday, which was being hosted by Itachi; which was putting "the bas_ in a _ mood."
She'd only told Naruto that she'd gotten a new job, not where or with whom. Her mail always went to her post office box.
There was only one thing she could do. Ask Itachi to shut his trap at the so called "Birthday Party" and then hide in her room.
Sakura sighed easing her back against the seat outside the recording studio door. She rubbed her forehead; she could come clean too.
Pein looked up from his business laptop. "Everything ok?"
Sakura blinked. It was odd for him to ask about anyone else. "No. I told Naruto I got a new job but I didn't tell him I was working with The Red Clouds—they'll probably never talk to me—and now they are coming back because Itachi's hosting a birthday party and he's obviously going to tell them about me—then Sasuke will go ballistic and then they'll be angry with me and demand that I quick—but I want this job and need the money so I'll say no—then they'll never be friends with me again." She gasped for breath.
Pein raised an eyebrow. "I didn't know Itachi was hosting a party. For whom will it be held for?"
Sakura stared at him speechless, was that the only thing he got out of it? She shook her head deciding not to ask and just answer his question, "Mikoto's; his mother's. "
"Ah," the man looked back down and the door opened.
"Are we done for the day?" Kisame asked stretching, touching the ceiling.
"Yes," Pein replied closing his laptop. His eyes then focused upon Itachi.
"Itachi, I did not know you were hosting a birthday party for your mother."
Itachi stared at the man blankly for several moments. "I did not know either."
Pein turned to Sakura, "Why did you tell me Itachi was hosting a party?"
Sakura snapped the paper in the air. "Because that's what Naruto said was making Sasuke throw a –"
The paper was snatched from her grasp at the mention of Sasuke. The onxy eyes scanned the paper. Sakura opened her mouth to demand it back, when Itachi let the paper fall from his fingers. The man then flipped out his phone.
"Mother," the man sounded irritated. There was a pause before his eyes narrowed. "I'm sorry, mom."
He rolled his eyes. "I'm sorry, mommy." He grounded his teeth. "Why have I been told that I am the person who will be hosting your party?"
..
"And when were you planning to let me know," he began to pace.
..
"You can't invite yourself and others over to a house that people live in and—"
..
"Mom they are business associates not—"
..
"Alright they are my friends, but it doesn't matter what I call them; they don't know you and yet you invite yourself into their house."
..
"Again mom, they don't know you. I doubt they would want to come to a stranger's birthday party even if it were somewhere else."
..
"Yes, I'm sorry I should have introduced you sooner…"
..
"No, I'm not sure a birthday party is the best place to make introductions."
..
"But—"
..
"Yes mother*… Sorry, mom." The phone slammed shut and Itachi glared down at it.
"You just got owned by your 'mommy'," Hidan laughed.
"You obviously haven't met her!" Itachi snarled, and then paused. He smirked evilly. "But don't worry, you soon will; she's holding her birthday at our place next Saturday."
Z.z
And so Saturday came.
Sakura smiled as she taped the last streamer up. "All done?" she asked Deidara.
"Yep-un."
Kisame had finished baking earlier and was now just putting on the finishing touches.
The doorbell rang and Itachi opened it; letting in Mikoto, her husband, the Lightening Fox band members and a thinly clad woman.
"My baby!" Itachi was pounced on by the over exuberant woman. Itachi gave her a quick squeeze before setting the small woman back down. His dad nodded at him in greeting and his brother stared him down.
"Sasuke," Mikoto reprimanded, "introduce your little friends to Itachi."
Saskue sighed and Naruto took over introductions.
"I'm Naruto, this is Kiba, that's Juugo and the guy with the bushy brows is Lee."
Itachi turned his gaze to the woman, who was turning a shade that was close to her vibrant red hair.
"I'm Karin, a new singer for Lightning Fox."
Mikoto turned in surprise. She thought the girl was a girlfriend. "What happened to the Sakura girl, the one with pink hair; she used to have the prettiest voice."
"Umm." Naruto sidestepped nervously, "Orochimaru, our manager, thought Karin would be a better fit."
"Oh, really?"
"Of course," Karin smiled with a giggle, "Orochimaru knows best."
Itachi turned and Deidara raised his one viewable eyebrow. Sakura was gone. Itachi noticed the kitchen door swinging.
"Please excuse me, I'll just be a second then I'll make introductions."
Itachi slipped through the door and quietly whispered. "Sakura I didn't know you sang—" He stopped at the sound of sobs.
He watched the pink haired woman cling to the very surprised Kisame.
Itachi dragged a hand through his hair. He was an idiot, he needed to grow a backbone around his mother. If he had, there wouldn't be a girl crying in his kitchen.
/ continued because you would hate me if I didn't :P
Dignity
She had escaped to her room and had stayed there the remainder of the party. It hurt. Her whole heart felt as though it had been ripped to shreds. The knowledge hurt, but not being told hurt more. Naruto's letter hadn't mentioned it, or even suggested it. He probably wanted to spare her. Or tell her in person.
She opened her internet explorer and opened Lightning Fox's official fan site. Nothing mentioned a new member, of course, it wouldn't though; she was the site's creator back when they were in high school. She was the designer and president. She made the 'news' posts.
The fact that she hadn't know was cutting her deep. She'd been ignoring the site because of her new job. She wasn't the president they needed. Naruto had even failed to give her a clue about the new singer.
They'd traded her in. Maybe it was time she returned the favor. Closing down the site was a childish idea. She would hand it over; it wasn't like she'd been able to give the site the proper attention it needed.
She 'passed the torch' to her second in command, Akumi88, before lowering herself to 'member' standards.
She was done.
She turned off the screen and laid on her bed. Maybe it would all be a bad dream.
Z.z
She awoke to 'Love in the Streets' being sung by Naruto's voice. She groaned. She was so warm and comfortable; why did the idiot have to call?
The noise got louder as it got closer to her ear. Sakura blinked as the phone dropped next to her head.
Ignoring the fact that she did not reach for the phone and it moved, she flipped the phone open and held it to her ear.
"Hello?" her voice sounded scratchy for some reason.
"Sakura, Hinata just called me."
Sakura shot up. "Is she ok?"
"Yeah but are—"
Sakura turned to investigate the movement beside her.
"—you?"
Sakura blinked when she met onyx eyes. Her eyes then followed his arm, which was securely wrapped around her waist.
"Sak-?"
"Pevert!" Sakura screeched slamming Itachi in the chest with an open palm.
"Sakura I'm not trying to—"
"How _ long have you been in my bed!"
"Sakura did someone steal your woman dignity?" Great, Naruto had her on speakerphone. But the woman was too busy to answer Lee's question.
She slammed the man in the chest again before he reached out and plucked the phone from her grasp. He shut the flip, ending the phone conversation.
She was drawing back to punch him again before he pulled her into a tight hug against his chest. She pulled out of it.
"I was just checking to see if you were feeling ok." Then he'd gotten distracted by a photo album which held pictures of his adorable brother, then how comfortable her bed was, then by how smoother her hair slipped through his fingers. Then by how her smell of sweet cranberries infiltrated his senses, then how warm her body was. Then by how cute she looked curled against him. Then he'd fallen asleep…
She glared down at him. "And why would you do that?"
Itachi smiled, she was like a Pomeranian; so small yet completely energized against an opponent. "My guests were the ones that upset you."
Sakura froze as the memories from the other day washed over her. She let herself drop onto his chest. The phone started singing again.
It wasn't cute, Itachi sighed brushing a hand through her hair. He pulled her once again into a hug, this time she didn't resist.
"I don't understand," she mumbled, "I thought they were against having a girl in the band."
Itachi leaned in breathing in her scent. "Sasuke told me later that Karin is their manager's goddaughter."
She looped an arm around his waist and pulled herself closer to him.
Itachi rested his head on top of her's. This felt good. If only it was happening under different circumstances.
The door to the bedroom opened.
Immediately Itachi was yanked from the bed by his hair. "You've a mess to clean up downstairs." Konan snarled dragging him out of the room. She tossed him out the door then turned back. "You can continue to rest; today's your day off, sweetie."
Sakura laughed as the door slammed shut. Her head turned toward the singing phone. She didn't want to answer it, but now they thought something bad had happened to her.
Sakura sighed and opened her cell. "Hey."
"Sakura are you ok?—Your dignity as—Sakura I'll kill him for you!" Three cries and a 'hn' rang across the phone.
"I'm fine Kiba. My woman dignity is intact Lee. And there is no need to kill anybody."
"Are you sure? Do you want me to come over to your apartment, laugh in that high-pitch voice of yours if he's holding you hostage."
Sakura paused. She had forgotten to tell them about moving. "I'm sorry Naruto, I totally forgot to tell you. I moved and I was just fighting with one of my room-eh-house mates. "
"You moved! Where are you? Who are you with? Did you do a background check? How much is the rent? Is it a decent neighborhood? How-"
"Naruto, I'm fine and the place is wonderful."
"Tell me where you are!"
No, telling Naruto was not a good idea, especially over speaker phone. "Look Naruto I got to go," She blew into the phone, "I'm breaking up."
She ended the call and turned off the phone. Sakura sighed and slipped back under the covers. She probably just created a bigger mess for herself.
She nuzzeled her way into the still warm spot. She would let it go for a couple days, let them calm down.
Breathing, Sakura sighed in contentment. Peach, Sakura realized, Itachi smelled like a peach. She smiled. Not just any peach, a bed-and-bath lotion peach. She was in the mood for torturing someone too.
Accusation (note: oc Sasori)
She was out of her mind; that was obvious. After ripping apart the couch, DVD organizer, ottoman and Pein's personal desk, she entered the kitchen. The damage she left in her wake was indescribable.
No one had tried to stop her or even noticed what she was up too. Deidara was watching 'The Gumby Show' re-runs and even being tossed off the couch did nothing to disrupt his concentration on the T.V. Kakazu was listening to techno while counting money and was unable to hear her chaos. Sasori finally, after several loud booms, made his way to the living room.
The indifferent eyes took in the mess with only a slight glimmer of acknowledgement. The room had definitely changed. The damage resembled the time Tobi got a hold of an energy drink. He shook his head with disgust at the area that once held a desk, everyone would end up paying for it; Pein was going to be too pissed to even think straight, which meant that anyone within line of sight would become a kill target.
Sasori turned his head to the kitchen, where another loud boom echoed throughout the house. The red head peered through the doorway at the scene. Flour coated the entire entertainment kitchen. Every can and box, which had been stacked neatly in the pantry and cupboards yet now laid littered across the counters, also sported a nice coat of white powder.
Kisame would be pissed. If there was one thing he wanted it was a clean kitchen to cook in.
Sasori raised an eyebrow at the culprit who was currently digging underneath the sink and setting out cleaning supplies. The cleaning supplies were highly toxic and could certainly kill a medium sized hairless cat such as Jashin, the only thing Hidan loved in the world, or a 5 11 twenty-two year old teenager such as Tobi. To state it plainly: putting chemicals on the ground (or out in the open for that matter) was a very bad thing. They put child locks on the drug and cleaning supplies cabinets for a reason.
Sasori debated whether it would be worth his effort to try and stop her. She'd already pissed off Pein, no doubt if they even tried to put the desk back together (assuming they could find the pieces) he would know someone had touched the desk. In retribution for even 'touching' the desk he would put them on tour for eight months straight. Kisame would be pissed, but it could possibly be rectified by offering to the buy the man a new appliance for his kitchen or a new knife for his collection. They could clean the kitchen but it looked like an eight hour task and the man who owned it would be home, Sasori looked at the clock, in five minutes. At least the man would no longer find the pink tornado something to laugh at anymore. Maybe if they were lucky Pein would fire her. No doubt the Uchiha would step in though, for some reason the man seemed attracted to the verbal fireball. It was probably due to the close vicinity she had to his brother. The man was a tad bit uncanny when things came to his 'darling, little brother'.
Sasori stared at the chemicals. Killing Jashin, even though the cat seemed impenetrable by how many times Kakazu tried to strangle it and failed, would increase the temper of Hidan. Increasing the temperament of Hidan always resulted in an increased vocal and lung capacity by said man. And it was for that reason Sasori decided to intervene. He couldn't care less about another stomach pump for Tobi, last time he was in the hospital the peace and quiet had been nice.
"Sakura," Sasori drawled out.
She turned.
The redhead didn't even have time to react as he was raised several feet into the air by a hand belonging to the woman.
The fury in her green eyes increased his breathing rate. The grim determination of her mouth made him salivate. She was truly an angel of wrath ready to inflict death on any unwary stranger. She was what he'd been looking for; a muse. Already lyrics were forming in his head as he choked for air.
"Where is it?"
Her voice was so low and demanding. A viola could perhaps capture her energy, venom and fire. He needed something to write with. Wasn't there a white board somewhere… Yes, behind him. One arm brushed whatever recipe Kisame had written, the other uncapped the pen. Without even trying to glance, Sasori tried to scribble down the musical notes echoing in his mind.
"I said where is it?" It was a monstrous roar in the voice of a high alto.
Both hands now jammed him against the cabinet and the grip on his neck was eased as she grabbed his shirt. She was letting him live, if for just a few more seconds. It was almost a merciful act, one that a true angel might preform. Wrath and mercy, opposites yet combined… Torch fire anger and glorious understanding… A violin for her mercy then… Yes in a flat key set several octaves above the main melody.
Her eyes seemed to glimmer red as her question went unanswered.
The cabinet's pressure on his back was released and his throat was once again caught in the grip of the beast. Interweaving harmonics… That was what he needed.
"You're useless Sasori!"
The cabinets blurred by him as he was sent spinning through the air. The wind seemed to ripple against his hair and clothing. Cymbals, he needed cymbals. His body landed with a thump and a screeching "Meow!" – Drums and an electric violin or guitar, either would do.
"Jashin!" a low baritone was making its appearance.
No… It should have been playing all; an instrument brewing in the background. Sasori's hand continued moving, marking the floor within his reach as he wrote the music he saw in his mind's eye.
"You _ idiot get off of him!"
"You." It was a hissing command reaching from the darkness to claim another wandering soul. The angel had returned. Hell had no fury like a woman- Could he capture the significance though?
Something slammed him on the back shoving his hand upward. It was just what he needed an upward scale of notes to symbolize the end was coming to the soul. A low growl came from behind Sasori. How could he forget, a drum roll would be perfect.
"Jashin you ok-"
"Where is it!"
"Get off me you crazy _"
The soul, the baritone, was struggling to survive as the viola thrashed and ripped it to shreds.
"Put the knife down! I know nothing! Leave me alone! Leave me the _ alone!"
The begging, the pleading for life; this song would be his masterpiece.
"Sakura," A calm tenor was demanding the attention of the wraith, the angel, the beast, the glorious being, the monster.
"Oh? Yes, dear precious Uchiha," sarcasm and venom dripped from the soft spoken words. She was such a stained yet stunning creature. "It was you, wasn't it? Where is it?"
"No." How could one be so calm? "You've made a mess of the place, Pein is pissed. Jashin almost died, Tobi was eyeing the green bottles on the floor as soon as he came in to put the groceries away and Kisame has yet to see the kitchen."
-"What about my kitchen?" -
A trumpet… He needed a trumpet in the back ground proclaiming battle. Who would win? The stained angel or the wandering, calm knight?
"Not only have you been throwing accusations around like-"
"Tell me!" She was furious.
-Silence-
Sasori turned. There went Itachi tainting his muse with a kiss. Although, bringing the audience to the climax and then letting the music drop into silence. A perfect ending makes the audience think… hmm…
"My darling brother's music CD is in the van; where you left it."
"Oh…"
"No apology?"
"No, you probably would have stolen it if you had the chance."
There was no defense against that…
Z.z
*hehe, my mom can't stand to be called mother.
Hope you enjoyed
