ParaDOXical
By: Disordered Thoughts


Summary: Meet Uzumaki Naruto, the biggest loser to ever hit stardom.
Pairings: SasuNaru, slight NejiNaru and ItaNaru, KibaHina, ShikaTem and GaaraxOC
Rating: M (to be safe)
Warning: Yaoi, Shounen-Ai, Boy/Boy, AU, OOC, Profanities, Angst, a bit of lime and smut XD, Sakura & Ino bashing
Disclaimers: I do not owe the series. If I did, then Shippuden would be filled with shounen-ai fluff. Songs of ELLEGARDEN, SALIVA and SR-71 are not mine.

Note: Un-beta'd. Tenshi Ai123 I can't seem to access the email thingy in your profile. Gomenasai!


The One
I want to be the one, everybody wants
I want to be more than just another small-town-hero
Don't wanna
-SR-71-


Naruto woke up that evening finding Chezca carefully arranging all of the new clothes they bought in his cabinet. Before he could even ask questions, Chezca explained that the Uchiha carried him to bed, that the raven didn't leave his side as her request. As son she got back, Sasuke left exactly as Chezca steps into the apartment.

Chezca smugly watched Naruto blush deeper as she tells him this. The idea having Sasuke watching over him, taking care of him sends shivers down his spine moreover it's making him blush.

That Sunday, Sasuke really did drop by. Chezca prepare coffee for the raven and hot choco for Naruto and herself. Amidst drinking their hot drinks, Sasuke went down to business. Sasuke had Naruto read the contract. Chezca even doubled check it for him. Without batting an eyelash, Naruto signed it.

Their cups were empty by the time the business was over. Sasuke reminded Naruto about the band practice with that the raven left without much word. However, amidst the contract signing, you would notice the looks they've been giving each other. No, it's not that lustful, I-want-to-ravish-you look. Get your minds out of the gutter. It's more they're talking through their eyes and facial expressions. You could tell that the blonde is sending a wave of thankful glares at the brunette for taking care of him yesterday. The raven retaliated by giving Naruto the message that he is his manager and it's his responsibility. Nothing to thank about. It's been settled and it's all been done.

MONDAY
KONOHA HIGH

Sasuke's car parked his car in the VIP school parking lot and noticed Naruto getting out of Tsunade's car. The blonde woman hugged Naruto like a son and sends him off. Sasuke mentally smiled at the image. For an orphan like the idiot, he does deserve a mother figure like Tsunade. Sasuke steps out of his car and greeted Naruto, "Oi dobe."

Naruto halted and glared at him saying, "You say good morning, teme"

"Hn"

"You are really not a morning person." Naruto replied crossing his arms. Sasuke eyed Naruto's clothes and smirked. The blonde looks actually good today. For a change, the idiot didn't wear orange. Naruto with Chezca's help choose a pair of blue hipster jeans and a dark-red shirt with a black fox-print on the back. Naruto decided to wear a clipped-on dangling tear drop earring and a rocker bracelet on his right wrist. The blonde even used the new bag that was bought for him. It has skulls design on them, it was a shoulder bag and on his back is his guitar.

Sasuke eyes the guitar saying, "You didn't forget."

Naruto rolls his eyes, "Of course not teme, I'm not dumb you know."

"Whatever dobe. Come on let's go. We'll be late." Sasuke replied. The two of them walked towards the main entrance. The raven then observes that the Demon Woman is not with the blonde. "Where's the Demon Woman?" he asks.

"She went home first to get some clothes. She'll be right here in a minute." Naruto replied. As they entered the school building, Naruto felt as if he anted to choke. The students were staring at him as if they've seen a ghost. He seemed frozen stiff on the spot. Sasuke noticing this muttered, "Let's get going dobe." With that he grabs Naruto by the arm and dragged him alongside him.

Naruto frowned at the demanding action, jerks his arm off the raven's grip muttering, "Let go teme."

"What the…"

"The loser is walking together with the Uchiha."

"The loser… he looks different."

"Why does he have a guitar?"

The whispers came like bees and its stinging Naruto's ears. Soon these whispers will reach the two bitches. Sasuke spotted Kiba, Gaara, Shikamaru and Neji by the lockers. Naruto noticed that Kiba is carrying a box that seemingly is filled with his things that he usually keeps in his locker.

"Hey blondie! We had your locker changed. Now your locker is besides us, yours is between Sasuke's and Neji's." Kiba replied. "Here is your locker combination" Shikamaru replied handing him a piece of paper.

Naruto took it and said, "Thanks." He then opened his new locker and with Kiba's help, he started putting his things inside. It wasn't much. Naruto didn't put much in his locker since people tend to break in and destroy or steal his things. His old one is already battered. He could remember that he changed his lock for like 15 times already.

"I hope nobody will try to break in and steal something. Worst destroy something." Naruto muttered darkly.

"Let me see them try." Neji replied dangerously. He then eyed Naruto's outfit saying, "I like the style. Not too loud and subtle but an eye turner."

Naruto grins and said, "Thanks Neji. Chez help me in choosing what to wear."

"By the way, where is she?" Gaara ask. Naruto is about to answer when Chezca replied, "Right here."

Everyone turned towards her. The girl approached them winking at Naruto. Her black shirt attracted a few students. Chezca is wearing a shirt with the words "DIE BITCHES!" printed boldly on front. Chezca noticed the new locker and said, "Looks like you have a new locker Naru-chan" she grins and said, "Too bad I don't use a locker. If I have one I could request a transfer sp that mine will be close to yours."

Kiba whistled and said, "Whoah! Sandman here doesn't have a locker. He shares with Shikamaru who is so damn lazy to put anything there except for his shougi game set."

"Lockers are troublesome" Shikamaru replied lazily. Kiba swore he saw Gaara rolls his eyes. He wanted to bring it up but he feared for his own life so he opted not to.

Chezca turns to Naruto grinning. She waves a piece of paper in front of the blonde and said, "Guess what? Jiraiya-san also changed my schedule. I also have the same schedule as yours Naru-chan!"

Naruto beamed and said, "Cool! We're still together!" Neji looks at Chezca saying, "You really won't let him out of your sight."

"Of course, Naru-chan is my best friend and do you really think I'll trust him to you?" The demon woman exclaimed without blinking and true to her words.

"Troublesome, let's go or else we'll be all late." Shikamaru replied, without further ado they all went to their classes, together.

IRUKA'S CLASS
ENGLISH

Sakura frowned upon the news that Ino brought to her. It's almost laughable. Uzumaki Naruto. The Loser walking and talking along side Paradoxical, worst, he was seen being dragged by her precious Sasuke-kun. Ino herself can't believe the news she has heard nevertheless the told her conniving pink-heard friend about it.

"I'm going to maim whoever spread this false rumor." Sakura seethed. Ino rolls her eyes and said, "But pray tell me what if the rumors are true?"

Sakura flips her hair and crossed her legs. "That's impossible Ino-pig. Sasuke-kun or Paradoxical will never talk to a loser less walks alongside one." She scowls and replied, "I made sure that no one will be nice to that loser."

"Forehead, I don't know. I have a bad feeling about this. The loser is not here. What if it's true?" Ino asks. Sakura clenched her fists and said, "Then that blonde idiot will pay."

Ino mentally noted not to piss her pink-haired friend further. Sakura is in a foul mood ever since Tamaro's parents were called by the principal regarding to what they did to Naruto. Tamaro is grounded for a month and is not allowed to see Sakura. It could only mean on thing, there is no humping session for her dear friend for awhile.

The blonde girl wonders why Sakura still wanted Sasuke as a boyfriend. Tamaro is rich as hell as the Uchiha. Hell, He is also handsome. Sakura can never go wrong with Tamaro. Not only that, she has Tamaro wrapped around her fingers. Ino mentally rolls her eyes. Does she really have to wonder? Uchiha Sasuke is a trophy boyfriend. You bag him; consider yourself famous ten times fold and every girl's in whole Japan envy. That's why she is competing for Sasuke's affection. Unfortunately, they haven't been successful in seducing the raven. Now, the rumors of the loser being chummy with him hit a nerve. If it's true, what did the blonde do to get the raven to notice him where in they can't do? Ino wanted to know. Oh yes, she's furious like Sakura but she's cautious not to show it. Frowning and scowling will just give her wrinkles.

"Before you maim the blonde, I'll get to him first." Ino thought settling on her seat as Iruka-sensei entered the classroom.

KAKASHI'S CLASS
MATH

Oh great. That is the first thing that came to the blonde's mind. His first class is with Kakashi-sensei. What a day to start. As Naruto enters the room he could feel the eyes are on him. Duh. You just entered the room alongside Paradoxical. What made them turned their eyes on him more is when Kiba exclaimed, "Hey blondie! Seat next to me."

As Naruto walk towards his seat next to Kiba, Neji grab him saying, "Seat next to me Naruto."

"Aw man Neji!" Kiba exclaimed. Neji glared icily at him. Naruto gave Kiba an apologetic look and said, "I'll seat with you at break."

Chezca sat besides Gaara muttering, "Now to wait for 30 minutes before that pervert arrives."

"Why is he always late?" Neji asks. Naruto sighed and said, "Iruka-sensei. He spend 30 minutes ogling at Iruka-sensei teach."

Kiba whistled. "So he has the hots for him eh?" Naruto chuckled and said, "Actually, they're living together. They're lovers."

This answer made Kiba choke on his own saliva. "T-that's okay to you?" he sputtered. Naruto nods his head grinning. Neji smirked and said, "Good to hear that you're not a homophobe."

"Nah. Having homo guardians has that effect on you." Naruto commented. Kiba chuckled and said, "Cool co'z Hyuuga here is gay." With that Naruto raised an eyebrow at the Hyuuga. The white-eyed keyboardist merely smiled at him. "So the rumors about you being gay are true." Naruto whispered. "How come you never confirmed it?"

"Never cared besides I think it's good to be vague about it. It gained us more publicity." Neji replied eyeing Sasuke.

The raven nods his head and said, "We gained more supporters, most of them were homosexuals and yaoi fan girls/boys."

"All right class, let's start." Kakashi replied entering the room. Naruto rolls his eyes saying, "You're late."

"Well I came across a dolphin that needs feeding." Kakashi replied chuckling.

Naruto grinned at him saying, "Liar!"

Thus their class starts.

CAFETERIA

Time pass and the bell rang for the break. Naruto nervously walk alongside Sasuke and the others as they enter the cafeteria. "Keep your cool Uzumaki" Sasuke muttered to him. Naruto took a deep breath and said, "They're giving me questioning looks, teme."

Who wouldn't? The loser walking alongside the popular ones, now there's something wrong in that picture. A loser never walks besides the popular ones. It's in the rule books of school hierarchy. Naruto walking and talking alongside Paradoxical broke that rule.

"Stop worrying. They lay a finger at you, they'll get it." Sasuke exclaim trying not to hiss. The thoughts of Naruto being bullied again by those bitches makes him want to growl in anger. The blonde merely nod his head. Naruto then felt Kiba grabbing his arm saying, "Common blondie, you promise you'll seat with me."

Not so faraway, Haruno Sakura has trouble trying not to throw a fit. SO the rumors were true. She glared at Ino muttering, "When did this happen? This is not supposed to happen!"

Ino flips her hair saying, "We know that but I heard that Sasuke-kun rescued the loser from Tamaro a few days ago." She then stared at Naruto chatting happily with Kiba. "Let's hope that they're doing this because they pity him."

"Ino, they are not even supposed to pity him!" Sakura seethed breaking her ivory chopsticks. Ino crossed her arms and said, "We can't go straight there and humiliate the blonde. Sasuke-kun won't like it."

The pink-haired girl merely sighed irritably muttering, "That loser…"

Going back to Naruto, the blonde is oblivious with the death stare that Sakura is giving him however, not to Sasuke, Neji, Gaara and Chezca. "Warn you. Those bitches are going to do something. Mark my words." Chezca whispered drinking her cola. Neji huffed and said, "Those girls will get what they deserve someday."

"I'll get some cola." Naruto replied standing up. As he walks towards the vendo machine, Tamaro walked into the cafeteria. Upon seeing Tamaro, Naruto froze on the spot. Tamaro eyed him looking murderous. Chezca spits her cola sputtering, "F-fuck damn! H-he is not even supposed to be here right now." She then looked at Naruto saying, "Shit, he's frozen."

Kiba took the cue and went towards Naruto saying, "Hey Naruto, let's get your cola." Naruto broke from his trance seeing Kiba by his side. He meekly nods his head and faced the vendo machine fumbling with the buttons. Tamaro walked towards him. Seeing this, Neji sprang to his feet almost running towards Naruto.

Tamaro stopped a few meters away from Naruto saying, "So you got bodyguards now loser?" Naruto shot him a glare. Neji sighed whispering, "Ignore him and get your cola." Naruto clenched his right hand. He bent down and grabs his cola that just came out from the vendo.

"We're not yet done loser! It's your fault I was grounded by my parents!" Tamaro replied lunging at the blonde his fist ready to strike. Kiba stepped forward shielding Naruto. His punch was stopped by Kiba however; the dog-boy lost his balance and accidentally pushed Naruto.

There was an "oofed" sound and a terrible shriek coming from the girls. Neji has his jaw dropped. Chezca and Gaara's eyes were round as saucers. Shikamaru shook his head groaning. Kiba raised an eyebrow and looked at Naruto lying on top of a certain Uchiha with his lips attached to the other. Apparently, Sasuke is behind the dobe without the dobe knowing. When Kiba accidentally pushed Naruto, the boy spun around and there you go. A horrified looking Naruto on top of an Uchiha with their lips glued together.

Naruto pushed himself up clasping his right hand over his mouth blushing ten times fold. Sasuke stood up dusting himself, there is this slight tinge on cheeks. Kiba cleared his throat, glaring at Tamaro saying, "This is your fault idiot."

"What?! I didn't kiss him you dog-breath!" Tamaro exclaimed.

"You loser!" Sakura shriek lunging at Naruto. Neji stood in front of Naruto preventing Sakura from strangling the blonde. Shikamaru on the other hand is stopping Ino on her own rampage. "How dare you kiss Sasuke-kun! You loser!" Sakura exclaimed looking utterly furious.

Naruto frowned saying, "It was an accident! I didn't mean it." He looked at Sasuke his eyes pleading, "Hey teme, you tell them." Sasuke only grunted.

"Now, let's not get hasty. It was an accident." Neji replied his voice calm and stern. Ino rolls her eyes and said, "Oh please! I can't believe you're defending him! He's a loser! He doesn't deserve your attention!"

Sakura laughed haughtily and exclaimed, "Ino is right! You Uzumaki Naruto don't deserve any of their attention! Especially Sasuke-kun's, so stay away from them!"

"Shut up Haruno." Sasuke replied glaring at Sakura. Tamaro snickered and said, "Oh look, the Uchiha is siding with the loser."

The raven smirked and said, "You don't want to end like your friend back there with a broken bone do you?" Tamaro grit his teeth and didn't say anything. Ino who managed to get out from Shikamaru approached Sasuke and said, "Sasuke-kun, you see…" she was not able to continue because the Uchiha seething-ly exclaimed, "You shut up too Yamanaka."

Sasuke grab Naruto by the arm and said, "Listen, those who will try to hurt the dobe will get it. No one touches him in a wrong way!" with that he dragged the poor disgruntled Naruto out of the cafeteria.

"What the fuck?!" Sakura exclaimed as Sasuke and Naruto disappeared from her view. "What was that?! Sasuke-kun can't do that."

"Well he just did Haruno. Prepare yourself you bitches; things are going to change from now on." Chezca replied sticking her tongue out at them with that she walks away laughing.

HALLWAY

"Let go teme! You're hurting me!" Naruto exclaimed squirming from Sasuke's grasp. Sasuke released him and said, "I'm skipping class, I have some matters to attend. I want to see you at the recording studio with the others." With that he walks away.

Naruto frowned and muttered, "Bastard." Then he touches his lips whispering, "You stole my first kiss."

As for Sasuke, as he steps out of the school, a playful smile spreads on his lips. "The dobe smells like jasmine and tastes like strawberries. Interesting." He muttered to himself.

AFTER CLASS
SHARINGAN RECORDING STUDIO #7

Naruto steps into the studio wide-eyed. This is it. They're going to practice the song they're going to present next week on PopJam. He can't contain the excitement much longer. Sasuke is already there along with Itachi and his secretary Kisame. They're all holding a song sheet and from a far Naruto could tell it's the song he composed.

"The lyrics are all in English. You speak fluent English and you can write in fluent English. Impressive." Itachi replied not looking at Naruto. He scanned the song sheet and smirked, "You also write good songs."

"Blondie, this song, it's based on your life right?" Kiba replied. Naruto chuckled and said, "More or like it. It's based on what I'm feeling at that moment actually. With so much humiliation and rejection I felt at that time, the lyrics and tune just came flowing like water in a river."

Sasuke winced inwardly. What a way to say it. "All right, let's start." Without further ado, everyone took their place. Naruto nervously took his place in front with his blue electric guitar. Sasuke noticed the nervousness and awkwardness. He smirked at the blonde saying, "Don't tell me you can't handle this dobe."

"W-what?"

"You're nervous usuratonkachi."

"I am not you bastard!"

"Hn."

"Bastard! I'll show you!" Naruto exclaimed with that he started the intro of the song. Kiba grinned and followed suit and so are the others. As the intro ended, Naruto opened his mouth and a beautiful voice un-Naruto-like flowed into the recording studio. Itachi smirked and whispered to Sasuke, "He's truly a catch."

After five grueling hours of practice, Sasuke decided to call it a day. This continued until the end of the week. Sasuke noticed that Naruto has real raw talent at the guitar and singing. He looks like a professional when he is in front singing and getting mean with his guitar. He could also easily adapt to Kiba's and Neji's voice that usually do the back-up for him. They did have a minor problem in the bridge part but it was taken care of when Naruto decided to tweak something to make it suitable for everyone. By the end of the week, they can say they're ready for their show in PopJam.

SUNDAY
NARUTO'S APARTMENT

He flips through the channels trying to find something good to watch. He spotted a showbiz news update program and decided to check it out. The reporter is showing Sasuke being ambushed interview as he steps out of the Sharingan Recording. Naruto grinned as Sasuke tried to shield his eyes from the annoying lights from the camera.

"Sasuke-san, what can you say about Deft Harmony also playing in PopJam tomorrow night?" a reporter ask.

Sasuke stopped walking and said, "The audience will have a good time. Paradoxical is ready to take on Deft Harmony." With that he started to walk again, away from the reporters.

"How true that the new vocalist is not as good as Sai?" a reported asked almost shouting it. Naruto gulped. He is anxious to what Sasuke would say. The Uchiha turned around and gave the reporters a knowing look and a sly smile.

"What make you think he is not as good as Sai? Yes, he is not because he is better." Sasuke replied. Naruto could feel his heart beating loudly in his ribcage. The TV cameras froze the image of Sasuke at that statement. That smug look on the raven tells him that he'll have fun tomorrow rubbing the fact that Paradoxical is still on its feet. Moreover, the serious and flaming look in Sasuke's eyes told the blonde that the raven is telling the truth.

Naruto slightly jumped from his seat when he heard the doorbell. He got to his feet and answered the door. He is surprised to see Kiba showing a packet of beer bottles at him. "Common let's drink blondie!" the hyper active dog boy exclaimed as he steps inside the room.

"Drink?"

Kiba winked at him and said, "You must be a nervous wreck because of tomorrow. Let's drink it down okay?" Naruto grinned back saying, "You read my mind dog-boy."

"Oh, so you've been watching the news. Man, Sasuke sure do know how to play with words. That statement will definitely rile Orochimaru up. Sai cannot be bothered with such comments but his manager does." Kiba replied flopping himself on the sofa.

Naruto handed Kiba a bottle of beer saying nothing. Kiba grab the beer and chugged it. He puts his bottle down saying, "Oh yeah, I apologize for pushing you. You know the kissing accident?"

"G-geez Kiba, it was an accident. It's been a week already." Naruto replied trying to cover his blush ridding up his cheeks. Kiba didn't notice this said, "Man, things like that won't die easily. Do you see the murderous look of his fan girls directed to you? Of course, they could not hurt you or else their precious Sasuke-kun will get mad at them." With that he chuckled.

Naruto forced a laugh and said, "Idiotic huh?" Kiba laughed as he chugged another gulp of his beer.

"By the way, our presentation in PopJam tomorrow? It's going to be live." Kiba replied. Naruto spits his beer out saying, "Nani?! The fuck! Why didn't that bastard tell me that it's live!" he wipes his mouth with the sleeve of his shirt and said, "Fuck Kiba, I never sang live on national television before."

"Chill man. You'll do fine." Kiba replied winking at him. Naruto buried his head on a pillow and said, "Easy for you to say that. You're the one whose been doing this for years."

Kiba pats him on the head and said, "Why do you think I'm here drinking with ya? Common blondie, drown that nervousness away."

Naruto dangled his half-empty bottle of beer at Kiba saying, "This is going to give me a terrible hangover." The brunette grinned and said, "That's the point. You'll worry over your hangover than the idea of presenting live on national television."

"You have one screwed up logic Kiba." Naruto muttered.

"Thanks. I'll take that as a compliment." Kiba replied flipping through the channels.

THE NEXT DAY

Not paying attention in class is an understatement because Naruto is not just paying attention class. He is avoiding classes. He even skipped English his most favorite subject in the whole world. Chezca has been with Naruto trying to calm the blonde down. Naruto is in the state of panic attack. The Demon Woman practically drags Naruto to the roof top to breathe fresh air.

"Live. PopJam. Live. Showdown." Naruto mumbled feeling nauseous.

Chezca sighed and said, "Calm down Naru-chan. You can do this."

"What have I gotten myself into Chez?"

"You've gotten yourself to stardom. Your dream." Chezca replied.

Naruto sighed and said, "Yeah, my dream, my insane dream."

Chezca is about to say something to cheer her friend out when a certain Uchiha appeared saying, "Dobe. We've been looking for you."

"Not now teme." Naruto muttered feeling more nauseous.

Sasuke looked at Chezca who gave him a look. The raven immediately understood what's going on. He smirked and said, "You're scared dobe?"

"I.am.not.scared.teme!" Naruto hissed. Sasuke's smirk widens and said, "Really? That's not what I can sense."

"Look here bastard! I didn't know we'll be playing live on PopJam! Playing against Deft Harmony was already nerve-wracking but live?!" Naruto exclaimed waving his hands upward in a very panicky way. Sasuke grab one of Naruto's waving arms putting it to a stop.

Chezca seeing this gesture, quietly steps back and slowly edges her way towards the door and left. Naruto eyed Sasuke sputtering, "B-bastard… l-let go."

"Dobe." Sasuke replied as he pulled Naruto closer to him. "Don't be scared."

"This is all too fast." Naruto whispered gulping. Sasuke released his grip on the blonde and said, "Then get used to it dobe."

Naruto looked down and muttered, "I can't believe I let you drag me into this Sasuke-teme."

The raven chuckled saying, "You agreed dobe, and don't you forget that." Naruto pushed Sasuke slightly saying, "I'm not backing out. I'll do it and I'll show you that I can take on whatever you throw at me."

"Hn."

"Believe it bastard!" Naruto exclaimed his blue eyes glaring at Sasuke. The raven simply smirked and turned his back the blonde walking away. Naruto swore he heard the Uchiha muttering, "I believe in you." Strangely enough even if he is not sure of hearing it from the raven, it made him smile.

HOURS LATER

POPJAM
NARUTO'S DRESSING ROOM

Breathe in. Breathe out.

He looked at himself in the mirror and he could see a blonde haired man who looked utterly constipated. He closed his eyes trying to calm himself.

Breathe in. Breathe out.

"Hey blondie!" Kiba replied barging into his dressing room. Naruto turned around getting up his seat saying, "Geez dog-breathe! Knock will ya?"

Kiba is about to retort something back when he noticed Naruto's attire. It's like a cat got his tongue he wasn't able to speak. "Inuzuka did you find the dobe?" Sasuke asks entering the room; he stopped on his tracks when he noticed the blonde.

Naruto blushed at the surprise gaze that Sasuke is giving him. He blushed ten folds when Shikamaru, Neji and Gaara entered and were staring at him surprisingly. Who wouldn't? He is wearing this black sleeveless shirt with flames printed on the hem of the shirt. Low-rise leather pants hanging dangerously on his hips. The pants also have flames printed on them. He is wearing a red-ruby stud on his left ear and a choker on his neck. He is also wearing black boots on his feet. All in all Uzumaki Naruto looks flaming hot.

"Wow. You look amazing Naruto!" Neji exclaimed. Naruto scratches his head saying, "Thanks Neji but the praising all goes to Chezca she chose my attire today."

"She should meet Gaara's sister. That girl chooses Gaara's outfits." Neji pointed out. Sasuke who is now out of his stupor coughed and said, "Let's going, Deft Harmony is here."

BACKSTAGE

He smiled as he saw his former manager Uchiha Sasuke walking along with Paradoxical and who do he sees but the new vocalist. Blonde and blue-eyed. Interesting.

"Sai, they replaced you with a blonde." Kidomaru, lead guitarist of Deft Harmony replied looking at Naruto and then at Sai.

Kimimaro, the bassist of Deft Harmony smirked and said, "He's pretty hot and cute."

"I wonder where they found such guy?" Sakon, the keyboardist wondered. His twin Ukon who is the drummer chuckled and said, "Let's find out shall we?"

Sai lead his band towards Paradoxical. Gaara immediately noticed them nudged Sasuke. The raven stepped forward seemingly trying to protect Naruto from Sai's gaze.

"Hello there Uchiha-san" Sai greeted giving them a smile. Oh how Sasuke hated that smile. Kiba frowns and demanded, "What do you want Sai?"

"We want to meet your new vocalist." Ukon replied. Sai stared at Naruto from head to foot and smirked. Naruto suddenly felt that Sai just undressed him with that stare.

"Interesting, are you sure he's that good? He may just but all with a small penis." Sai remarked mockingly. Naruto flushed red in anger and exclaimed, "Why you fucking ass! Did you just insult me?!"

Neji stepped forward blocking Naruto from attacking their former band mate and seethed, "Back off Sai!"

"Ohhh protective aren't we Hyuuga?" Sai replied almost laughing. Kidomaru snickered and said, "He must be the blonde's fuck buddy after all he's fucking faggot!"

Kiba growled saying, "Shut your mouth Kidomaru!"

"Or what dog-boy? You'll bite me? Oohhh I'm scared!" Kidomaru replied laughing. Sasuke glowered and said, "If you don't have anything better to do but to insult my talents then Orochimaru and Kabuto hasn't been honing your pathetic excuse of a talent."

Sakon winced and exclaimed, "Nani?!"

"Boys, boys, let's not fight." A slithery voice replied. Sasuke grits his teeth upon hearing that voice. Orochimaru, the producer of Deft Harmony and Itachi's number one rival appeared. His long black hair and scary snake-like eyes instantly creeped Naruto out. Orochimaru eyed Naruto and said, "What a nice catch."

Itachi stepped in saying, "Lay off Orochimaru!" Orochimaru sneered and said, "Kukuku, all right, let's dish this out on-stage shall we?"

Sai chuckled sarcastically and said, "Geh. I'm so much better that Mr. Small Penis over there." Naruto glared at him, his blue orbs burning in determination you would think that his eyes turned red in color and said, "Don't underestimate me Sai. I'll show you! Believe it!"

A fervent and loud cheer came from the audience. One of the PRs approached them saying, "Deft Harmony in 20 seconds."

That is the cue. The two bands separated ways, as Naruto turned his back from Deft Harmony he clenched his fists and muttered, "That friggin' prick. What so special about him?"

Within 20 seconds Deft Harmony is on stage hitting off and making the audience go wild. Naruto watches and observes Sai as he sings. Sai do have talent. He could remember admiring Sai's voice when the guy was still Paradoxical's vocalist. Now, seeing Sai singing as a Deft Harmony, Naruto realized what on earth why he admire a guy who he believes he can match up to if he wanted to? Besides, the guy's attitude is plain ugly. What a total bastard. Sai makes Sasuke nice in a view point.

Speaking of Sasuke, Naruto secretly glances at Sasuke who is also watching Deft Harmony play intently. The raven's face shows no expression but Naruto could tell his eyes held so much hatred for Sai and the band. At that point, he felt he has a big burden on his shoulder. He is now Paradoxical's vocalist and they're counting on him to show everyone that he is perfect for the role.

"Dobe."

Naruto blinked. Sasuke had finally notice him staring at him. Shit. If possible he could go red all the way down there he would.

"Dobe. Have you found me attractive and you're starting to be like Haruno and Yamanaka." Sasuke replied smugly. Naruto rolls his eyes and said, "Don't be too cocky you bastard!"

The crowd cheered again and the lights on the stage went out. Deft Harmony has just finished their song. They were now being interviewed by the hosts. The PR approached Sasuke saying, "Paradoxical is next Uchiha-san."

Naruto found himself staring at Sasuke again. Uh-oh. He feels nauseous again. Double shit. Sasuke turned to him seeing the frozen state of the blonde, he is about to snap the blonde out his stupor when a certain Demon Woman appeared.

"Naru-chan, gambatte!" Chezca whispered hugging her best friend from behind. Naruto felt himself relaxing a bit. He squeezed Chezca's hand whispering, "Arigato."

Chezca released him saying, "It's your limelight now, show them what you got." With that Naruto gave her his 100 megawatt smile.

"Ladies and Gentlemen. What you've been waiting, Paradoxical!" the host exclaimed on the microphone. Naruto gripped his guitar hard as he steps out to the stage with the others behind him. He heard Sasuke whispering to him as he passes by him, "Sing your heart out dobe."

As the lights focused on him, he knew this was it and there's no turning back. Naruto took a deep breathe. Skipping introduction, he winked at Kiba. The dog-boy grinned and both of them started to play the introduction of the song.

I always that I was the cool kid class-clown
That's until you called me last year's loudmouth

Sasuke smugly smiled. As Naruto's singing voice is heard, the crowd cheered with a deafening applause.

Now I'm full of these modern day self-doubts
Got me feeling hopeless and left out

Naruto grinned inwardly. The crowd is applauding them. All right!

I can't eat
I can't sleep
I can't argue
With the evidence I'm insecure

Kiba then joined him on his mike as they sang together with Neji

I can't eat
I can't sleep
I can't argue
With the fact I want to be adored

With this the audience went wild, the reaction of the crowd made Sai and the rest of Deft Harmony frown. This is not good. Who would think the blonde and blue-eyed guy would have such a powerful voice?

I want to be the one
Everybody wants
I want to be more than just another small-town-hero
Don't wanna

Naruto stopped strumming leaving Kiba and Shikamaru to show their stuff. He grabs the microphone and sang his heart out.

Always thought I was your number one regret
Just another common glory day reject
Go ahead reach for another cigarette
Cause you're graveyard bound in the rusted-out town

With that he plays his guitar again joining the wonderful guitar rhythm of Shikamaru and Kiba.

I can't eat
I can't sleep
I can't argue
With the evidence I'm insecure

Naruto left his place and went towards Neji winking at him. Neji smiled back as he joined Naruto on these lines along with Kiba

I can't eat
I can't sleep
I can't argue
With the fact I want to be adored

The blonde ran back to his microphone belting

I want to be the one
Everybody wants
I want to be more that just another small-town-hero
Don't wanna

In this part, Naruto awed the audience with his lean mean skills with guitar side by side Kiba and Shikamaru. The people in the studio were already cheering and howling. The song is about to end, all of them stopped playing and Naruto sang the last lines A cappella.

I want to be the one
Everybody wants
I want to be more that just another small-town-hero
Don't wanna

Naruto felt like he has gone to heaven because the people were jumping, standing and were applauding them like there is no tomorrow. The host of PopJam approached the band saying, "Amazing! Simply amazing!"

"Thanks, we had fun playing that song." Kiba replied putting his arm around Naruto's shoulder grinning.

"Now, the audiences are curious. What's the name of Paradoxical's new vocalist?" the host asks his eyes twinkling in utter curiosity.

The camera zoomed focusing on Naruto's undeniable breathtaking smile. The blonde widens his smile and said, "The name is Uzumaki Naruto and don't your forget it."

"Ah yes, how we can forget that?" the host replied winking at him. He then turned to the audience. "So what's the name of the song you've played?" he asks again.

Naruto who is enjoying the spotlight said, "The title is The One. It talks about a loser's wishful thinking of being popular someday. It talks about being accepted and to be wanted by other people."

"Wow, such profound meaning. Anyway, thank you very much, we enjoyed your presentation. Surely, Paradoxical is one of the best bands we have around." The host replied. He then turned towards the camera and said, "Stay tune, there'll be more music and jamming when PopJam returns!"

As the commercial break rolls in, Paradoxical went straight to the backstage where Sasuke, Itachi and Chezca were waiting.

BACKSTAGE

Chezca glomped Naruto crying, "OMG!!! You were great out there!" Naruto chuckled saying, "Thanks Chez but it was nerve wracking. I thought the people won't like the song."

"I have to say, the last part was awesome, you singing a capella really brought the song out." Kiba commented. "I could see the headlines tomorrow blondie. We're going to make the headlines tomorrow."

Itachi smugly smiled and said, "Then that's good." He eyed Naruto and said, "Well done Naruto-kun. You did prove yourself to Deft Harmony."

"I bet Sai is eating his own words about mocking you." Kiba remarked snickering. Naruto merely grinned at the dog-boy.

"I could say we really did outdo Deft Harmony. We may have won the war but the battle is just starting. Let me remind you that we have an album to produce and a concert to prepare for. Deft Harmony is releasing their album as the same as ours." Sasuke replied checking his organizer.

He then looked at Naruto and smirked. The blonde suddenly felt this strange butterfly effect in his stomach. Sasuke walk pass by him saying, "Good job dobe.

For the first time in his life Naruto felt he is flying in the heavens. His road to stardom and acknowledgement is within in his grasp. His dream is starting to come true and he is coming to realize that maybe, a loser like him does really deserve happiness after all.


Tsuzuku
The Aftermath – I am the new vocalist of Paradoxical, the name is Uzumaki Naruto and I will rock your world! Believe it!