Author's Note: Another of my favorites.
Disclaimer: Go see chapter 3.
I twisted and turned in my bed, trying to ignore the light spilling in through the crack in my curtains. Oh how lovely it is to spend a Saturday morning in bed. There isn't quite a feeling like not having to do anything. My homework is done, break begins on Monday. Hell, I don't even have to leave the building or shower. Although, I feel like I'm forgetting something. I looked at the back of my door and saw a garment bag hanging off the hook.
The dance is today.
~Five Minutes~
I grabbed my cell phone off my nightstand. It was just before lunch, so I'm definitely not running late. I got out of bed and stretched. I looked back at my dress bag and the heels sitting on my desk. I was feeling frugal and decided to reuse the shoes from my Halloween costume. I stared at the ceiling. Last night's impromptu karaoke session left everyone with a lot of unanswered questions, including myself. Maybe it shouldn't have happened. I was drunk off good beef, how dare he lure me in like that. I covered my head with my pillow and moaned. To say I wasn't confused would be a blatant lie. Whatever. It's not important.
I stood up from my bed and walked to the door, as I reached for the doorknob I looked down and saw my bare legs. Maybe pants would be a good idea. I grabbed a pair of pj pants from my clean laundry pile and threw them on before opening the door. As was normal for a Saturday morning, everyone was still sleeping. I leaned up against the hallway as I walked towards the stairs. The TV was off, and I could smell fresh tea. I looked at the table and Kisame was sitting down at it, drinking a cup of tea, and reading the comics in the newspaper, occasionally laughing to himself.
"Good morning." I yawned as I walked towards the stove. Kisame broke focus on his newspaper and looked over towards me.
"Good morning." He'd probably been awake for a while.
"You mind if I grab a cup?" I gestured towards the tea kettle on the stove.
"Go for it." I poured a cup and drank slowly. It was sunny outside, the sun reflected strongly off the snow and cast a golden light over the living room. Hopefully it wasn't too cold. I looked over at the thermometer near the kitchen window. 45 degrees, it's been warm lately, so hopefully it's not a muddy mess outside. I heard another set of footsteps come down the stairs. Itachi walked over to the kettle and poured himself a cup of tea as well. We sat in silence aside from the occasional slurping noise. It was oddly relaxing. I finished my cup and put my mug in the sink before walking back upstairs. I should probably meet up with Sakura and get my hair out of the way. I grabbed some clothes and took a shower. I put on a button up shirt and a sweatshirt and walked out towards the front door. I opened it.
"Surprise!" Sakura and Tenten were standing outside in their pj's with a box, two garment bags some shoes, and hair appliances. You'd swear they were moving in.
"Uh? What are you guys doing here." I rung out my hair on the shoe mat.
"Ino's back, so we decided to take a break. We can do this in your room. Let's go." Sakura pushed passed me and went up the stairs. I looked at Tenten, she shrugged. Her hair was already done. It was in a loose, slightly wavy, messy bun with an orchid tucked inside of it. It was weird seeing her without her two buns, I don't think I'd ever seen her with her hair down either.
"Don't say anything." Tenten pointed a finger at me, "It was Sakura's idea." I laughed and followed her up the stairs. I'm not going to lie though, her hair did look nice. Sakura had already moved everything off my desk and was setting up a small mirror and all her tools.
"Okay, I'm going to do your hair first. I'm not worried about your curls falling flat." I sat down at my desk and Sakura started blow drying my hair.
"So, how was practice last night?" All of us were shouting. I looked at Sakura through the mirror.
"Uh, not bad."
"What did you do after?"
"I uh, came back and ate leftovers." I'm not explaining my karaoke excursion.
"That's cool." We engaged in idle conversation as Sakura finished the rest of my hair. As before, it was an Edwardian-esque up-do with a string of rhinestones wrapped around it and a faux crystal butterfly pin. I inspected my hair, it was identical to the first time she did it. I sat on my bed with Tenten and we watched Sakura do hers. She curled it like before, but added a french braid along the side that stopped behind her ears. I eyed a large green bag.
"What's that?" I pointed at it.
"My makeup." I tensed up, oh hell no. "I'll do your makeup when I'm done."
"You know, that's okay, I mean you've already done so much work already, I'd hate to burden you some more." I trailed on as I started walking backwards towards the door. I patted around for the doorknob.
"Oh no you don't." Sakura stood up and grabbed my arm. "Sit. I won't put on that much, don't worry." I rolled my eyes and reluctantly sat down. She used foundation or concealer or vanishing paste or paint or something and evened out my face. She put on a light coat of mascara, a bit of blush and eyeliner as well as a nearly unnoticeable amount of a dark pink lip stain that almost matched the color my lips already were. I hate makeup, but I have to admit that I looked good. I turned to Tenten, on closer inspection, she had received the same treatment as I did. It definitely looked natural.
"Woman." I looked at her. "Did you even fight back?" She laughed.
"I was rewarded with dumplings, so it was worth it." I stood up from the chair and sat with her. Sakura applied her makeup quite a bit heavier than she did to Tenten and me, but it didn't look gaudy. She went all out on her eyes with natural looking false eyelashes, and dark mascara. She swiped on a thin coat of a clear lip balm and was finished.
"Alright. Good to go." She stood up and grabbed one of the dress bags and threw it at Tenten. "We can change here, the path to the school was shoveled a few hours ago." I grabbed my bag off the wall and took my dress out and wiggled into it. "Sakura, can you zip me up?" I turned my back towards her and felt her tug the zipper up and latch the hook and eye closure. I grabbed my shoes and slipped them on. Dammit, I feel pretty. Sakura was wearing her red dress with tall strappy silver heels, while Tenten was wearing her brown dress with low heeled ankle boots. Formal doesn't really seem to be her thing. I put on some small fake diamond studs and peaked my head out of the door. The hallway was empty. I walked out quickly. I didn't want anyone to see me now, I'd feel over dressed. Everyone else was waiting until the last minute to get ready, hell, all the needed to do was brush their teeth and get dressed. I stopped by Deidara's door and knocked, there wasn't any answer. I opened it up and stuck my nose in.
"Hello?" Still no answer, I looked inside and his room was empty. I continued down the hallway and peaked into the crack in the bathroom door, he was brushing his teeth. I stuck my nose in. "Be outside the cafe for 4:30." I pulled out and looked down at my phone, it was already 4:15, he better hurry his ass up. I went down into the living room and sneaked out the door, thankfully no one heard the loud tapping of my heels. I patted my purse, I got my cassette, okay, good. I had no idea where Tenten and Sakura were, but from now on, I was on my own. I walked into the school and down the hall towards the auditorium. Waiting outside was a small crowd of students, maybe 20 or so. I saw one carrying a stack of bowling pins, one was holding a unicycle. What is this? A circus? I heard someone start practicing their scales on a flute, and finally I saw Ino tapping her heel and complaining about how long it was taking.
"Are they going to hurry up, I need to have someone bring my stuff inside." She didn't seem to notice me. I idly watched the other students practice whatever it was they were doing before someone finally came and unlocked the door. Everyone walked inside and I waited around for Deidara to show up. He was supposed to be here 5 minutes ago. I paced patiently outside the door, looking down the hallway every few seconds. I could feel a pang of anxiety enter my stomach. I heard light tapping and looked down the hall. Finally he was here. He left his hair down and was wearing plain black dress pants, a long sleeve button up shirt and a narrow black tie. I'm telling you, there's just something about suits. He looked down at the ground as he walked down the hall.
"Finally! You're here. Dude, we only have five minutes until they start letting in people." He looked up and stopped for a second, shook his head, and continued.
"Don't worry about it, yeah."
"Is this why Sasori is always complaining about you being late?"
"Shut up." I walked ahead of him into the auditorium. I followed along the outermost wall and went up the stairs leading to back stage.
"Okay you got everything?" I looked over at him and he raised any eyebrow. "That's right, there's nothing you needed to bring. Did you drink milk in the last few hours?" I asked frantically.
"Uh, no?"
"Good!" I paced around some more and started picking at my bare nails.
"Calm down. It's fine, hm." He placed a hand on my shoulder and I stared at him wide-eyed.
"It's not okay! I'm panicking!" I shook him violently by the shoulders and started pacing once more. He cleared his throat.
"You-ahem-you uhm look nice...yeah." I didn't stop pacing and the compliment just went through one ear and out the other.
"Oh uh thanks, you too." I said absentmindedly. I heard voices chatter, and peaked out of the curtain and saw the seats rapidly filling up. I pushed my palms into my forehead. "I don't even know when we're going on!" I ran around trying to look for the clipboard with the order, I had seen it during practice. I was quietly screaming until I finally found it resting near the audio switchboard. Ninth. We're ninth! Why could we be like fifteenth or something? I walked back over to Deidara who was sitting on a box and checking through his phone. "We're ninth!" I was so nervous I involuntarily shouted.
"Oh cool, we can get it over and done with pretty quick." He looked up, pleased.
"What do you mean cool?" I knelt down and shook him by the shoulders again. "I can't do this!" I was rocking back and forth. "Why did I think this was a good idea?" I heard clicking behind me.
"Oh, boohoo. Is the little baby nervous?" There was a sharp giggle from behind me and I whipped my head around. Ino was wearing short denim cut offs, a bleach stained loose purple shirt, ripped black tights and lace up boots. Her hair was held back in a messy bun. She gave me the stink eye and it was as if I was given a dose of liquid confidence, or maybe it was just adrenaline mixed with a lack of lunch.
"Just you wait until I kick your ass!" I made a fist and slammed it into my open hand. Ino rolled her eyes and walked away. "We need to kick her ass." I looked at Deidara seriously. "I don't care what spot we get, as long as we kick her ass."
"What's up with the mood swings, hm?"
"Shut up, let's just get set up." I made sure the stereo was still by the switchboard. The first of course, was Ino. She just had to make a scene didn't she?
"Alright ladies and gentleman, the first act for tonight is the Yamanaka Dancers." I heard the emcee announce from the other side of the curtain. Really? She named the group after herself? Come on. She walked on stage with her two 'henchmen' as I liked to call them, Aya and Minako. They were all dressed some what similarly. They stood in approximately a line with Ino in the center, assuming their starting positions. The curtains parted and a fast paced dance pop-hip hop hybrid song started playing. I don't want to admit it, but they were actually good. They were all in sync, but the dance looked more complicated that it actually was. It consisted of a lot of jumping and exaggerated arm movements. You know, they kind of remind me of this female dance group I'd seen once. They finished up their act and held their positions until the curtain completely closed. Ino smirked to herself and walked by me.
"Hey Ino!" She turned towards me. "You should add some salt to that routine." She looked at me curiously and slightly annoyed. "Because that performance was tasteless!" I doubled over in laughter at my own joke. She walked away angrily without responding.
"Really? That's what you came up with, yeah?" I straightened out and looked over my shoulder, Deidara was standing behind me.
"Oh shut up, I thought it was funny." I crossed my arms. There was a few minutes before the next act was ready to proceed
"Next up, we have..." The emcee paused for a moment. "The-ahem-amazing milk...squirter...uh yeah." I saw her shadow travel to the other side of the stage. The audience was quiet for a few moments and the curtain opened on an empty stage. A 10th grade student walked out with a bowl of milk and a bucket. He placed the bucket about a foot in front of himself and dipped his nose into the bowl and inhaled a bit of milk. This is nasty. He put the bowl down and pulled on his eyelid. Milk literally started squirting from his eye. The entire audience started yelling variations of 'ew', 'gross', and 'boo'. I also heard the occasional cheer. The miniscule stream of milk was aimed into the bucket. I walked away before I started gagging. The boy finished up his act and I heard the curtain close.
"Okay, that was...interesting." I turned back towards the stage. "Next up, are The Lindies." A couple walked out onto the stage. The was a girl wearing a bright red polka dot dress and jazz shoes, while the guy was wearing brown pinstripe pants and a white button up shirt. This should be good. They got into their starting positions and the curtain opened. A fast paced swing number started playing and they kicked their heel in time with the beat and started encouraging the audience to clap. They came together and started dancing. It was simple at first, but they quickly picked up the pace and complexity. Their feet were nearly impossible to keep track of. They kicked their legs and arms around, spun each other, hell the guy even flipped over the girl. Literally, in all my life I don't think I'd ever seen a dance routine as complicated or impressive as this one. Once they finished I went to the backstage bathroom, all these nerves were getting my stomach worked up. I locked the door behind me and rested my head against the wall. The cinder blocks were cool and helped relax me a bit. I closed my eyes and focused on my breathing, loosing track of time. A loud banging coming from the door rang through the bathroom
"Hey! We're up next, get your ass out!" The pang of anxiety returned to my stomach instantly. The door is locked. I could stay in here. "Come on!" Or not. I walked out of the bathroom. "That group is almost done. You got the cassette, hm?" I reached into my bag and pulled out the cassette. I walked over towards the stereo and put the cassette in. We were the only ones not using digital. When the others finished their dance, I switched the auxiliary cable from the laptop to the stereo. The volunteer stood by the switch board and I gave him the cue to start the song. Deidara and I stood on the side of the stage waiting for the curtain to close.
"You ready dude?" I looked at him out of the corner of my eye.
"I don't have any other choice, hm." I laughed sheepishly. The curtain closed and we walked to the other side to grab the microphones.
"We got a problem." I turned back at him. "There's only one microphone." I looked near the wall to where they had moved the microphone stand. "We don't have time to try and find the other one."
"Whatever, just grab it." I dragged it over to center stage. I heard the heels of the emcee as she walked to the center front stage.
"Next up," it's starting, "we have Deidara and Miharu," this is really happening, "singing an original composition." I felt a hand reach around me and pull me to the right.
"You're too far away, hm." I elbowed him in the side. There was a light applause as the curtain parted. The spotlight was bright and I struggled not to squint. I check to make sure the microphone was still off.
"Dude. I'm going to puke." He elbowed me back, and given the smirk I saw from a few people sitting in the front row, it was a bit obvious. The music started. Oh boys. I inhaled deeply and closed my eyes, trying to block everyone out. It's just like karaoke, and everyone in this audience is drunk. I leaned into the microphone.
"I don't want to turn away from you
But I can't do this any longer
And it hurts me to leave
I only want you to stay with me"
I felt my voice bordering on shaking as I started the first line, but I quickly settled in and my tone evened out. Deidara leaned and and nearly flawlessly began.
"The hole in my chest grows deeper,
when you're not next to me
Without you I'm a wreck
I just need you here with me"
The chorus was coming up, I positioned myself a bit closer and held my hands behind my back. Deidara rested one hand on top of the microphone and the other held the stand. I stood up on my tip toes to angle myself better to the microphone. The chorus was sang in unison.
"I know I shouldn't think too much,
I'm just hoping I'm not wrong
I'm turning from the truth
I can't fall in love with you."
I stole a peak at him out of the corner of my eye. He was pulling his hair behind his ear and looking down in my direction. I looked straight forward, hoping maybe I could pick someone I knew out of the crowd. I started my verse, this time with more confidence in my voice.
"I can't look you in the eyes
My chest pounds too strongly
I don't want to be feeling this
I think I'm going crazy"
Deidara turned himself a bit towards me as he sang his part and I pivoted on my heels to face him.
"You make me lose my breath
It feels like the first time
Like a moth to a flame
I'm still drawn to you"
I brushed back a stray piece of hair. It was hard for me to hide the smirk on my face as we sang the chorus together.
"I'm glad I thought too much
I've never been so wrong
I want to face the truth
I know now, I'm in love with you"
By the time we reached the last line I was excited and grinning widely and Deidara had a playful smirk. We did it. I breathed deeply as I waited for the song to finish off, my nerves finally fleeing. The audience cheered loudly. I grabbed Deidara's hand and took a dramatic bow, pulling him down with me. He caught on, and joined in as well. We straightened up as the curtains were closing. I quickly brought the microphone back.
"Dude! We did it!" I stretched my arms out. Fuck it! I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him into a tight hug, I rested my chin on his shoulder and spoke quietly. He hesitated before reciprocating. "In five minutes, I'm going to hate you again, but right now you are the coolest person I know." I started to pull back.
"I hope it's a long five minutes." I paused. My face was just a few inches from his. He rested his forehead against mine.
"What-what do you mean?" I stuttered and closed my eyes, trying to think.
"I just-" He stopped and closed his eyes. He maneuvered and hand out and rested it at the back of my neck. He pulled me in and I inhaled sharply. I felt his breath on me as my head tilted back and my lips met with his. My mouth parted slightly and I pulled back to breathe. "Give me more than five minutes." My eyes fluttered and I was swiftly pulled back in. Against my best judgment I pressed myself in just a bit closer. His hair had fallen from behind his ear and all I could smell was peppermint. I pulled back abruptly and rested my hands on his chest. What am I doing?