May The Best Uchiha Band Win
Chapter three is finally here! I barely left my room while writing this and that's cuz I didn't want to leave because I was enjoying this chapter so much. More fun time and shenanigan's with the crew. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: Naruto doesn't belong to me.
Chapter 3: Build Up to The Akatsuki
Everyone was still focused on Pain even though he'd made himself quite comfortable since his dramatic entrance. He took a seat next to Konan and put his arm around her shoulder.
"I thought you were only coming back this weekend." she wondered but was smiling nonetheless, glad that he was back.
"We finished early so I was able to come back and I wanted to surprise you."
Pain was musician in his own right. Instead of starting his own group as Itachi and Konan had now done, he'd provide backing vocals and play instruments for relatively well known groups and make money from the gigs they played. The trip he'd just returned from was two towns away which had turned out successfully, so much so that the small number of fans he'd had since he started this venture had almost tripled in size.
"The Akatsuki, huh?" Itachi thought over it for a few seconds. "I like it. Any objections?" he asked the rest the group, there were none and so it was decided. Their group officially had a name.
The other members started talking amongst themselves when Pain stood up.
"You got a second Itachi, I wanna talk." Pain asked and walked over to him.
"Sure thing." Itachi lead the way and the two of them stood on the balcony, far enough out of earshot so the others couldn't hear them.
It was close to sunset, the sky already turning different shades of pink and gold. Itachi and Pain leaned against the railing, looking outwards.
"So, what's up?"
"I know I shouldn't be asking this but you and Konan are close, there's nothing going on between you two, right?" he asked never taking his eyes away from the picturesque sky. Itachi raised a brow.
"Of course not, things just got blown out of proportion because of how well the song is doing. Why do you ask?"
"To be quite frank, you're a threat Itachi?"
"I'm a threat, you can't be serious."
"Oh I didn't quite hear you, should we move this conversation upstairs to the first floor or maybe the second floor as we look out to the lake in your enormous backyard?" he pointed out sarcastically.
"So where I love is impressive but—
"Weren't you in a magazine like two months ago, something about being the most desired?" he stroked his chin in fake contemplation.
"Okay, okay I see your point," he chuckled. "But this is Konan, you and I both know it's not that simple for her to be taken by something." Itachi had genuinely found the situation humorous, he'd never used his status or looks to get ahead in life or to get the better of anyone, despite people assuming and expecting him to. Which is exactly why he was surprised when Pain had called him a threat because when you looked at it all, he genuinely could be if put in the barest minimum effort.
On the other hand though, he didn't even put in the effort to get his license, much to Shisui's dismay, so why on earth would he go through so much trouble to date his best friend who was already in a relationship?
"Yeah I know it's just—
"You guys wanna stop talking about me like I don't exist." Konan cut in.
"How long have you been standing there? How much did you hear?" Pain asked cooly.
"That's not important." she looked away from him. "But assuming I did hear everything..."
"Which you've now just confirmed." Itachi smirked.
"—I feel like I should add to this conversation." she continued speaking as if Itachi hadn't interrupted her. "I get why this whole thing would've made you uncomfortable. You should've seen how chaotic things were at school, plus we do look really good together and it's not a lie that Itachi is good-looking." she said with a playful smile.
"Now you're just mocking me." Pain narrowed his eyes.
"Okay I am," she laughed. "But still, Itachi's my best friend and I do care about him but not in the way that I care about you." She kissed his cheek.
"I guess I was thinking a little too far, I'm sorry. Also, whatever you do, just stay offline for the next few days." he rubbed the back of his neck.
"What, why?" she asked.
"Let's just say, I wasn't as clear-headed as I am now and it kind of got out of hand."
Their phones buzzed, a new story in music news was trending.
"You've got to be kidding me, you made a song called 'Jealousy'." she asked incredulously.
Three minutes and thirty-seven seconds later.
"This is actually a really great song, I mean I've always known you could sing but as a solo project this is great." Itachi complimented Pain as he took out the earphone, he and Konan had shared and listened to the song at the same time.
"Oh you think so? Thanks—
"Hello!" Konan clapped her hands and got their attention. "Budding bromance aside, don't you know what this will do? The fans will take this as a love triangle going on between us."
"Woah! Itachi and Konan are dating! Why didn't anyone tell me?!" Hidan yelled from inside.
One thing after another, things just kept escalating.
"We're not dating!" the pair in question yelled and headed inside, Pain followed.
"I don't know, this news article posted five minutes ago sums it up 'after much speculation, everyone's question is answered: mysterious and smouldering, Itachi Uchiha, is confirmed to be dating his classmate, effortlessly beautiful, Konan, after the good-looking pair released their ever popular romantic ballad 'Our Season'. Just hours later, local golden-voiced, Pain, released his self- titled mini album 'Pain.'" Hidan read the article summary with complete seriousness. "It says pretty clearly what the situation is."
"Firstly, that so-called 'news article' is from a fansite, our songs being released on the same day isn't proof of anything and secondly, you'd believe them instead of asking the trio in front of you right now?" Itachi gave him a look that just said 'seriously?'
"You know this situation doesn't need to end up as badly as you're implying, Konan?" everyone turned to Zetsu who was speaking for the first time since they'd arrived. "If anything, it could actually help the group."
"How so?"
"We've just created a band, The Akatsuki and now we need to think about how we're going to market ourselves and grow a fanbase. Sure Itachi and Pain have their fans but using all this attention could divert everyone's focus to The Akatsuki. 'Our Season' has a lot of buzz around it therefore, Itachi and Konan have a lot of buzz around them. If we promote them as the first two members of the group then everyone will be anticipating more information about the rest of The Akatsuki. Then we promote Pain as the next member because 'Jealousy' has a lot of buzz now as well, and we'll gradually introduce more members of the group. They'll switch gears from who's-dating-who to, who are The Akatsuki?"
"That's not a bad idea, in fact it's fantastic."
"And a music video as well as a photo shoot could add to that. Sasori and I spoke to Konan about possibly shooting a music video for your song, the outfits are already done. In addition to that, a promotional photo shoot for the whole group is definitely needed." Deidara explained.
The group continued discussing various ideas and plans to get The Akatsuki name popular and into people's memories. They'd decided on the music video for Itachi and Konan's song as well as promo pics for the music video itself to increase anticipation.
'Our Season' being the romantic song that it was meant that whatever Itachi and Konan did for the photo shoot was going to be in a romantic setting. Konan wanted to be sure Pain was okay with it and he insisted that he was especially after talking to Itachi.
Once all the details were hashed out, the group decided to have the photo shoot over the weekend and take full advantage of the Uchiha Estate as their location.
Once Saturday arrived, Konan was the first to arrive. Kisame, who came along as the group's manager, had gotten a ride with Deidara and Sasori who naturally were handling the clothes. Zetsu would be their photographer and Hidan decided to tag along because he liked things.
While Hidan and Kisame helped Zetsu set up the top floor entertainment area, Deidara and Sasori were busy getting Itachi and Konan ready. They had the house to themselves for the day, Itachi and Sasuke's parents were away visiting family for the weekend and Sasuke was spending the day out with Naruto and Sakura.
Konan was on her phone while Deidara did her makeup. She'd just gotten a text from Pain, he was on his way to see the photo shoot. That put a smile on her face. Once Deidara was done she took a look at herself and barely recognised her reflection staring back at her. Her lips were blush pink and her eyes outlined with black eyeliner and gold eye shadow on her eyelids.
"Wow you're good." she complimented her friend's work.
"Just wait until you're dressed in the outfit we put together." he said confidently.
And off she went to Sasori as he handed her the clothes, shoes and accessories she'd be wearing.
Ten minutes later she came back from changing, completely styled up in maroon ankle boots, black sheer stockings underneath grey shorts, a tucked in white button up shirt and a brown knee length coat. She had a small maroon shoulder bag to carry as well.
"Damn I look amazing!"
"You do indeed." they both agreed with her.
Konan walked out of the guest bedroom to the where the photo shoot was happening and saw Itachi sitting on the couch reading a book. He looked like he'd already started modelling. He wore black sneakers and pants, a dark chocolate brown shirt underneath a white jersey with a mustard yellow coat.
"You look like you walked straight out of a fashion magazine." she commented as she joined him on the couch.
"We both do."
And not long after the two started talking, Zetsu called them over so they could begin. They'd set up the balcony with fairy lights, a table for two with a candle in the middle. And with the far reaching yard and lake in the background, the set looked stunning. Itachi and Konan honestly looked perfect together. As much as they weren't together, they were comfortable enough with each other that sitting close together and posing together didn't feel awkward at all. Shot after shot, they looked like a real couple, exactly what they were going for.
Sometimes they'd be seated together, other times standing by the railing of the balcony, looking outwards to the garden, everything they did just worked. After twenty-five minutes they'd finished with the autumn section and left to go get changed for the winter photo shoot.
Thankfully set up wouldn't take long since Zetsu, Kisame and Hidan were just moving the equipment from the balcony to the actual living room area.
Konan happily sat in the chair back in the guest room awaiting Deidara to do his magic once again. Now that she'd done it once she was used to it and looking forward to the next photo shoot.
Meanwhile Itachi was changing in his room when he heard a knock at his door. He heard the door open after he'd said "come in" and turned to see who'd walked inside.
"You made it." Itachi addressed Pain.
"Hope I didn't miss too much." he walked in and took in the large bedroom. Wooden floors, grey walls, an outside eating area on the balcony. Bookshelves, a study area and walk-in closet on the right hand side while his large bed with white covers and adjoining bathroom were on the left.
"Not really, we just finished the autumn section, now we're about to do winter." he replied putting on his red ankle length coat. "Konan still getting ready?"
"Yeah, I'll see her when she's done." he took a seat by the bookshelf.
"I listened to the other song on your mini album, it's also really good."
"Oh really?" he shifted in his seat. Itachi sat in the chair opposite his.
"I know Konan said you were okay with us doing this but are you really? This whole situation is weird at best and—
"Itachi, it's alright really. You're still a glaringly obvious threat yet non-threatening. I trust my girlfriend and I certainly know you're not going to pull anything, so it's fine."
"By the way, how'd you find out about and then release the song only a few hours later?"
"Kisame told me about it and offered to produce it, hence his feature on 'Pain'."
"I thought so."
"Did he tell you?"
"Nope, I just know Kisame." he answered with an amused smile. "He likes knowing news or creating it, I figured you releasing so soon had him involved somehow."
They both laughed after that and headed out.
This time it was Konan waiting on Itachi to show up and she smiled seeing him and Pain walking in and laughing. Pain stopped when he saw how beautiful she looked in her winter outfit. Konan was wearing black boots and black pants, a thick lavender jersey with a beige scarf and an ankle length white coat. She was also wearing a white beanie and had eyeshadow the same colour as her jersey. He couldn't hold her tight enough when she came over and hugged him.
Itachi also wore black boots and pants with a white jersey, a black scarf and a stunning scarlet ankle length coat. His hair was tied up in a bun.
For the winter part of the photo shoot, Itachi and Konan were in the living room area looking warm and cosy on the couch. They sat huddled close together with Konan leaning into Itachi and his arm around her shoulder, other shots had them with a blanket draped over them. Finally as props they'd had cups of hot chocolate as they sat by the fireplace. A comfortable winter look. They'd even had the air conditioner on to be sure they actually felt cold enough despite it being an incredibly hot day ahead.
And that was the reason they'd saved spring and summer for the afternoon, at least their clothes would work with the high temperature of the day. The other reason was that, in the name of efficiency and not wanting to climb up to the third floor again, Itachi recommended they finish everything that required them being upstairs first and ending off with the warmer seasons outside.
When people compared the gardens of the Uchiha estate to something out of a fantasy movie or just any movie for that matter, they weren't joking. For the spring part of their pictures, Zetsu and the others were getting ready in the luscious, well tended, green garden. They'd chosen a flower bed completely decorated in sweet smelling flowers of various colours. Konan wore a powder blue sun hat with a white ribbon tied around it, her off the shoulder knee length powder blue dress was paired with gold sandals. She also wore a silver necklace with a sunflower on it. Itachi wore beige over the knee pants, a white tank underneath an open button navy shirt and white sneakers. And his ponytail was over his shoulder.
They lay side-by-side surrounded by flowers, sometimes holding hands and laughing. Konan kneeled behind Itachi and put a flower crown she'd made over his head, Itachi removed her hat and put a white flower in her hair. Honestly they were working like naturals and the longer they worked the more the rest of the group could feel the natural chemistry the two friends had. It was like they were in their own little world.
"Oh and what's so amusing?" Itachi asked as the two sat facing each other, faces quite close.
"I just can't wait to see the reaction people have to seeing you like this." she couldn't help the smile on her face.
"You think it'll stop with just me? I seem to recall you being chased around the whole school." he teased.
"Are we sure they're not dating because they could've fooled me." Hidan said, standing next to Kisame.
Before the group proceeded with the last photo shoot, they took a break for lunch. They sat at the outside eating area near the gardens, it was a cool and shady spot, a welcome relief from the heat. This time it had been Itachi who had prepared the food and much to everyone's surprise, except for Konan who knew he could cook, the meal was beyond delicious. Grilled meats, salads, hot buns, and desert. It was more than lunch, a feast was a more appropriate word. Some of the group even asked for seconds.
Once full and content, Itachi and Konan went to get changed for the final part of their photo shoot.
Konan wore white sneakers, faded denim shorts, a white halter crop with a button up canary yellow flannel shirt. She also had a pair of sunglasses and her hair was curled. Itachi wore ripped jeans and a blue and white half tucked shirt with the first few buttons undone, revealing a silver necklace and white sneakers. He also had a pair of sunglasses with him. But the most remarkable thing that essentially stopped everyone in their tracks, even more so than them seeing Konan with curly hair, was Itachi's long hair hanging freely over his shoulders. Everyone, literally everyone was speechless when they saw Itachi coming. He already looked incredibly fine in the outfit Deidara and Sasori put together for him but the added affect of his flowing hair was something else entirely.
"That's what you look like with your hair down? And you were surprised when I called you a threat." Pain commented first.
"I will admit, I'm aware of the affect my hair down has on people. Why do you think I never let it down?" He asked hoping the others would snap out of it soon.
"You rally are a strange one Itachi. Do you know how much power, scratch that, how much more power you'd have if you did?" Konan added.
Zetsu watching this whole encounter reminded everyone that they still had work to do and had, at the last second, suggested using a car as one of the props as they took their pictures by the lake. So Itachi, Konan and Zetsu headed to the large four door garage and walked in. In their respective parking spaces were his father's cars. Sleek, expensive, attention-grabbing were just a few words to describe the vehicles in front of them.
"It's funny how none of these cars are yours." Konan commetned and laughed when she noticed the side glare Itachi had thrown her way.
"Any preferences, Zetsu?" Itachi asked walking to the wall near the door to the kitchen where the keys for each car were.
"The red convertible would be best." and with that Itachi got the keys and went to the car. Konan sat in front and Zetsu in the back. He started the car and drove out the garage and to the lake.
"Well, well he really can drive." Konan remarked as she leaned back in her seat, enjoying the slow calm drive.
"Of course I can drive, I just choose not to. If Shisui were here he'd back me up."
"Or rather he'd make you back up all the way to the license department."
"That's true too." he agreed
Finally set up and ready to go Zetsu began taking pictures. This time things were quite different from the other three seasons. While autumn, winter and spring had mostly romantic and sweet moments, the summer part of their photo shoot had that as well as some heat.
The pictures of them by the lake side fell into thegormer category, Itachi was holding Konan in his arms or carrying her on his back. And when Itachi hadn't been looking, Konan splashed him with water just as Zetsu took the shot. Even though she'd caught him by surprise he still managed to look good in the picture. Dammit.
And then came the photos taken in the car: these suggested a sort of hot romance between the two. Without prior discussion Itachi and Konan worked so well that anyone would assume they really were dating. Sitting with his arm at the wheel and his sunglasses over his eyes and Konan, her sunglasses on as well, leaning against his shoulder with her legs stretched out beside her, they looked like they owned the world. Next Zetsu stood on the front seat of the car as Itachi and Konan looked up at him, her head and hand on his chest and his arm around her shoulder, holding her to him.
And the picture that had everyone silent, again, would without a doubt be the most popular one. They were sitting close together, leaning in, not too close but definitely close enough. Konan had taken the initiative. She'd locked her fingers in Itachi's hair then leaned in as did he and a gentle breeze swept by at that moment, dancing through both their hair just as Zetsu took the picture. At some point the two of them had noticed the silence from the rest of the team.
"Is it me or has it gradually gotten quieter ever since we started?" Konan asked with a pleased smile.
"Seeing that you started this, yes it is you," he stated withholding a chuckle. "And it seems our created tension is working."
A collective sigh was released when Zetsu had called it a wrap and they'd officially finished with their 'Our Season' pre-music video photo shoot.
Zetsu said he'd have the pictures edited and ready by next weekend, so they agreed that the entirety of The Akatsuki would meet back here the following Saturday. And if their friends reactions were anything to go by, the pictures were going to come out looking amazing.
Everyone, especially Itachi and Konan, couldn't wait to see the results.
Oh man I had so much fun writing this chapter I can't even tell you! The outfits, the photo shoots, the poses, all of them were so much fun to come up with and write. And that just means that when it's time to do the full on Akatsuki look, it'll be even more fun. I may have gone a lil further than I'd planned with Itachi and Konan in the summer shoot but c'mon, they look really good and stylish together. Anyways I hope you enjoyed, reviews always appreciated.
Well that's it from me-
Until the next chapter:
KetsuiTasogare :-)