Chapter 8:
Written to the sounds of: Dan Fogelburg, Daphne and Celeste, Dresden Dolls, and Evan & Jaron.
It was after she herself had exited the baths that Ai finally asked Tayuya, "Why do you think… that Miname was jealous?"
Tayuya smiled slightly in a very knowing way as the two walked through the underground corridors, "Well, this i is /i Sound," she said. She led Ai down another hallway.
"And?" Ai asked, listening intently.
"Well," said Tayuya hesitantly, "In Sound, being gifted with abilities like being able to sing like you can makes you special. It's a rare talent." As they walked, Tayuya beamed, "If you could use it… Turn it into a jutsu, it would be amazing. That's what I've managed to do with my flute."
Ai looked flustered, "I don't know if I could—
Tayuya shook her head, "I'm sure you could if you had help."
Ai looked to her hopefully.
Tayuya surprised her by saying, "Have you shown Sasuke? Has he heard you? What does he think?"
Ai blushed crimson instantly.
It took Tayuya a moment to notice before, "Whoa… Ai, are you…" Suddenly a smirk flickered across her face. "You i like /i Sasuke?"
Ai blushed deeper, if that was possible, and held her hands up in a defensive stance, waving them frantically as if trying to shoo the idea away. "No! No, it's just that the idea of singing in front of anyone makes me embarrassed!"
Tayuya shrugged, "Lying will get you nowhere."
Ai's eyes narrowed in frustration. "I'm telling the truth! I'm serious! I do not i like /i Sasuke!"
It was then that Ai, not watching where she was going, bumped into someone, causing them both to fall to the ground. "Oh my god, I am so sorry, I—"
"It's nothing," said the young man as he stood up, "I should have been paying more attention, myself."
"Why don't you watch where you're going next time, Kabuto!" Tayuya fumed.
"Actually, maybe bumping into you wasn't such a bad thing," said Kabuto absent mindedly.
"What's that supposed to mean?!" Tayuya demanded.
"I was just on my way to get Ai," Kabuto said, "Orochimaru's orders."
"Oh," said Tayuya, adopting a tone almost as timid as Ai's at the mention of the serpent master's name. "Well Ai, I guess I'll see you around." And with that she scurried off down the hallway, looking as though she were trying to outrun the plague.
Ai started, "Why was she—"
"It's not of importance," said Kabuto, "You're wanted quickly in Lord Orochimaru's presence."
Ai nodded, a dazed look upon her face that turned quickly to fear, "I didn't do anything wrong, did I?" she asked.
"No… Well, I don't believe so. He didn't sound exactly angry when he called for you. Come on, we have to go." Kabuto didn't hesitate to take her arm and lead her away.
Finder77: You know, sorry it's a bit short… Okay, REALLY short. But I'm short on time. And I wanted to update. Please take a moment to review, it means so much to me. If I'm a starving writer and reviews are my food, you won't let me go hungry, will you?!
