ShinSei's Corner Pt. 1 (This is quite important in the story, so please read it, despite all the blabber)
Alright, alright, I know this was supposed to be a summer project, but please don't scold me! Waaa! I'm already too sad! I am already trying my best to update as much as I can amidst this depression. Waaa! TT.TT
Anyway, this chapter is long. I'm really sorry if it took me ages to write it. It involves songs so, please take note of this disclaimer: I'm a poor kid, I don't own anything, my family's way under a debt, and my mom's killing me for spending money and time on our mini-band, so you get nothing if you sue me. (I feel like I've just released a dark blue aura.) I wish I could get money out of my writing, but… TT.TT
There are songs that are involved in this fic that uses my native language as medium so, just bare with my translations. They're not that accurate at times. You can never translate on a text-to-text basis and retain the same romance embedded in the language, anyway.
Why use non-English songs? Because, I find them appropriate for the part. Besides, I'm going to be an ambassadress someday and promote my country so, I might as well start now. Ohohoho!
Well, on to the story!
Chapter 6: The Audition
"Konoha… Records… Wow." Naruto found himself gazing at the entrance of the tall building with much awe. This was it. This was what he was dreaming of for a lifetime. And now it's only a performance away.
It seems easy. It's as if a straight path has been laid down for him to take. But could he do it? Will they like him? Or will this be just another rejection for him? Questions of uncertainty were plaguing his mind. The word "rejection" weakened his shaking knees even further. The idea of failure of something this big was something he wasn't sure he can handle.
Still… he can't give up, can he?
"YAROUTTEBA YO!"1
The nearby birds suddenly flew after the disturbing noise the blonde made. It was 7:45 in the morning, and in the busy streets of Konoha, a rock star wannabe earned a lot of strange looks. Some were surprised, some were scared, some were simply annoyed.
But the blonde noticed nothing of these. Having declared to the world what he wanted to, he took a deep breath and smiled, "There. Now I feel better."
As he entered the unfamiliar building, he was quickly asked what his purpose was. After uttering "audition," the guard gave him an ID with a large "21" printed in bold.
"Fifth floor, turn left, the second to the last room," the guard said in a flat. Naruto guessed he must've said the phrase a lot.
The ride to the fifth floor was uneventful; the hallway to the room wasn't filled with people either. But as soon as Naruto opened the door of the second to the last room, his hopeful eyes met many others.
He earned some looks as he sat down. Trying to shake his anxiety off, he tried to talk to the person next to him.
"Anou saa, anou saa…"
"Ssh… can't you see I'm practicing?"
Discouraged, Naruto remained quiet in his corner. One by one the contestants were called, and none returned with a satisfied look on his face. Most were questioning, some were with tearful eyes, and some simply spaced off.
Naruto was getting bored, when he heard someone call out, "21, Number 21 please,"
"Hai!" Naruto answered with vigor that everyone else in the room turned in his direction.
"The judges are ready for you."
"Hai," Naruto said once again with a big grin on his face. As soon as the entered the big room, he saw the panelists. One, two… five. Five people were to judge him, and yet none of them seemed to pay attention.
"Anou…" Naruto was starting to be unsure if he entered the right room.
"Aa, contestant number 21, is that right?" An old guy whose bald spot reflected the light finally noticed.
"H-hai." The blonde boy's energy was starting to falter as he looked at the other judges. None of them seemed interested save for the old guy.
"Please state your name and the song you're going to sing."
"Name… Uzumaki Naruto… Song… Well, it's something I composed."
Sounds of annoyance filled the room after the blonde uttered the last word, as if to tell him that stupid people attempted such every time and failed. Naruto felt his energy rapidly fading away. He found his focus on the name tag below the old guy. His eyes played on the letters that formed "Sarutobi" as the noise died down.
"An original ne?" he could hear Sarutobi's voice but he couldn't care anymore. "Well, let's not wait. Douzo."
The blonde finally removed his eyes from the tag, and fixed his guitar upon himself. Damn these people, Naruto thought as he started to strum the song's intro. They make humiliating people so easy… as if it's their hobby…
And as he was about to sing the song's first word, it hit him. This is why… this is why these kinds of songs are written… this song… I'll sing this song no matter what you think of it. It's my song.
Song: Boulevard of Broken Dreams by Green Day
I walk a lonely road
The only one that I have ever known
Don't know where it goes
But it's home to me and I walk alone
I walk this empty street
On the Boulevard of Broken Dreams
Where the city sleeps
and I'm the only one and I walk alone
I walk alone
I walk alone
I walk alone
I walk a...
My shadow's the only one that walks beside me
My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me
'Til then I walk alone
Ah-ah, Ah-ah, Ah-ah, Aaah-ah,
Ah-ah, Ah-ah, Ah-ah
I'm walking down the line
That divides me somewhere in my mind
On the border line
Of the edge and where I walk alone
Read between the lines
What's fucked up and everything's alright
Check my vital signs
To know I'm still alive and I walk alone
I walk alone
I walk alone
I walk alone
I walk a...
My shadow's the only one that walks beside me
My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me
'Til then I walk alone
end of song
Naruto finished with a low note that seemed to echo even after. He cast one lazy look on the judges, all of which seem to be out of words.
"Iku."2 Naruto said, knowing what was to come after anyway. He has done this so many times that he really didn't care what variation of 'We can't accept you,' the judges were to say. It's just that… well, this time, he really hoped.
"Go where?" someone finally said. Naruto turned to face Sarutobi yet again.
"Save me from all the crap. It's the same 'rejected' anyway," Naruto said, as lazy as the look on his face.
"Well, I don't think you're quite right there. Is he?" Sarutobi turned to his co-judges, who still seemed dumbstruck.
"Call the others! Tell them we've decided on number 21! Cancel the rest."
"You what?" It was Naruto's turn to be dumbstruck.
"Well, what does it look like? We're choosing you." The smile on the old man's face was wide. All the other judges were busy making calls.
Naruto could feel his stomach turning upside down. "You mean I… I made it?" he said, the look of disbelief evident on his face.
"Same question here," a voice said, and silence was restored once more. Everybody looked at the door to where the speaker was standing. A handsome man with spiky silver hair seemed surveying him behind the shaded glasses he wore. Naruto thought he had a handsome aura about him, but then he really couldn't see his eyes. A continuing mark of a scar can be seen below the scope of the glasses too.
"Ah, Kakashi. It's nice of you to drop by. But I don't recall you being part of auditions," the old man spoke, his eyes on Kakashi.
"I must say it's rare…" Kakashi replied, "…Also rare to have an audition close so early, when half a hundred are still outside."
"Not so much in this company, I guess, didn't the same thing happen in your audition?"
The silver-haired guy seemed distracted for a moment, and then said again. "Let's not bring such old stories, I think it's better if we focus on what's at hand."
"Tell us then what you wish to talk about," Sarutobi said with a pleased look on his face, "and quickly too, we have just chosen our next big star."
There was a grin on Kakashi's face. "Well about that. I think you're being rash. Have you even asked him yet if he knows the carrier single of the project album?"
This stirred Naruto to ask. "There's already an album? Am I not going to sing my own songs?"
"Well yes you are," Sarutobi answered again, "but the carrier single is already decided. It's for marketing purposes, you see. Besides, it's a beautiful song. I'm sure you'll love it."
"Of course it is," Kakashi said, butting in, "especially if you know how to sing it."
"Well let's ask him then," the old man said, now looking annoyed, "Let's see… Uzumaki Naruto, isn't it? Can you sing the song Jeepney3 for us?"
There was a moment of silence. Naruto's heart was beating fast. The word "jeepney" seemed so cold to him.
"I thought so," Kakashi said.
"I thought you'd have known it, it was pretty popular in its age y'know. Still being played in the radio from time to time," one of the judges commented. "But that's okay, we can teach 'til you can sing it anyway."
There was a hard lump in Naruto's throat.
"Or have somebody else sing it," Kakashi suggested, still standing by the door, arms folded, unmoving.
"Hatake-san, I think your trespassing has gone enough," another judge said in angry tone.
"I don't think I would call it trespassing, I'm merely helping you out. It's just that I think you've chosen the wrong boy. I think it's only fair that I get my own nominee for the song. Just one more audition, that's all I ask. After all, when it comes to this song, I think I know it best who can sing it."
Silence ruled yet again.
"And if we find your singer unsuitable, will you trust us with our decision?" Sarutobi said with a grave look on his face.
"I'd find it unbelievable, but yes, I will."
Sarutobi turned to Naruto, "Excuse us for this unexpected commotion, but it would be a fair fight to have the other boy audition, don't you think? You were supposed to go against a much larger number after all."
"It's fine," the blonde replied unenergetically, stepping aside to one corner of the room.
"Well then let's hear your singer out," Sarutobi said.
As Kakashi removed himself from the entrance, a familiar raven-haired boy entered the room.
Another commotion erupted as soon as boy was in full view to the judges.
"Uchiha Sasuke?"
"He's already an established singer!"
"This is crazy."
It took Kakashi a loud voice to rule over the judges, "Exiled is the one that's established, not Sasuke."
"This is still crazy."
"Well I think we all agreed to let him sing."
All the other judges turned to the oldest in the room, Sarutobi, who simply nodded. "Go on, Sasuke," he said to raven-haired boy who seemed to hear nothing of the objections as he was having an intent eye-to-eye contact with the blonde boy at the other side of the room.
"Aa."
Song: Jeepney by Sponge Cola
Bumaba ako sa jeepney
Kung saan tayo'y dating magkatabi
Magkahalik ang pisngi nating dalawa
Nating dalawa
I got off a jeepney
Where we used to be together
Our cheeks kissing each other
Each other
Panyo mo sa aking bulsa
Ang kahapon ay naroon pa rin
Tawa nating humahalay sa tinig nating dalawa
Your hankerchief in my pocket
Yesterday is still there
Our laughter caressing our voices
Subalit ngayo'y wala na
Ikaw ay lumayo na
But now it's not here
You've gone far away
Naaalala ko ang mga gabing
Nakahiga sa ilalim ng kalawakan
Naaalala ko ang mga gabing
Magkatabi sa ulan
I remember the nights
We lay down under the galaxy above us
I remember the nights
We were together in the rain
Kulay ng iyong ngiti
At tikwas ng iyong buhok
Ang lambot ng iyong labi
Iyong labi
The color of your smile
And the way your hair flips
The softness of your lips
Your lips
Kahit anino mo sa malayo
Ay nais masulyapan kaagad
Upang mapawi
Ang lamig
I want to get a glimpse
Of even just your shadow from afar
To relieve me from the cold
Subalit ngayo'y wala na
Ikaw ay lumayo na
But now it's not here
You've gone far away
Naaalala ko ang mga gabing
Nakahiga sa ilalim ng kalawakan
Naalala ko ang mga gabing
Magkatabi sa ulan
Iremember the nights
We lay down under the galaxy above us
I remember the nights
We were together in the rain
Naaalala… Naaalala…
Naaalala… Naaalala…
I remember… I remember…
I remember… I remember…
end of song
Sasuke ended the song much like Naruto did, the last note echoing on and on. The judges seemed to be pleased as well.
"Well… it was a good rendition," one judge said.
"And the alterations were good too," another commented.
"It moved me as well."
There was a smile on Kakashi's face.
"I still don't think, that someone who wasn't even registered for this audition, can just come barging in and get the part," Sarutobi said. "Not when it's not as good as the original."
"Thank you for the compliment," Kakashi said, "but most revival songs are no better than the original. A variation, as one would say it, is what it would usually offer."
"I still believe someone could capture its heart," Sarutobi said again, looking stern at first, but smiled at his last word, "Quite an inappropriate word for its original singer. But anyway, shall we give the other contender a chance to defend himself. What can you say, Naruto?"
"Wha… me?" the blonde reacted who was somewhat lost in amazement. "He's really good. Smooth voice. Kinda caressing you, y'know?"
His comment received some stifled laughs and looks of amazement. The other boy in the room seems to be blushing though.
"Well I'm sure that Sasuke loved your comment (Sasuke turned into a more evident shade of red) but, what I meant was, would you just let him win the part you supposedly have won?"
"Ah… that," Naruto said, his once cute look of amazement fading into a dark expression as he bowed his head down. "I'm sorry, I don't think I can ever sing that song. I…"
For the first time in Naruto's life, he found it hard to say something. The lump in his throat seemed like a rock, but he swallowed it with all his might. The words that escaped his mouth were clear, but somehow he couldn't hear it.
"I decline."
Shinsei's Corner Part 2 (Other bits of info in the story)
Well, did you like it? It was hard writing it. Waaaaa! Forgive all the wailing, I'm really sad.
Sarutobi
I'm not used to referring to Sandaime as Sarutobi, but, well he's not Hokage in this fic so I gotta use his name. He sounds a bit like Dumbledore here though. Must be the after-effect of reading Book 6 (disliked it btw). Sorry if he's OOC.
Kakashi
No, he's not really heartless. It's just something in the fic that you'll find out soon. And yeah, couldn't cover his face in this time and setting ne? So I just chose shades.
Jeepney
It's a favorite of mine, especially when sulking. It's by Sponge Cola whose singer is reportedly bisexual snickers and people who have gone to their shows says he especially sings this song with much emotion (like lying on the floor or so). And oh, he's really cute too.
If you want to download the song, try #pinoymp3 or #mp3manila in the Undernet server in MIRC. There's also a direct link in my site, www.seiret.tk . Forgive the bad template though, have no time to fix it.
Just how long will I take to update?
Heaven knows. Honestly. But I'm trying to do it as fast as I can, since I've been planning to make a video out of the last song and hopefully submit it in time for contest. The truth is, this fic was originally made for that video. They kinda market each other don't you think?
Why am I whining?
Because! Waaa…. Well, I just gave up on someone really important. It took me years. Oh well, at least I can use this sadness to intensify emotions in this fic, ayt?
Sigh… I really never wanted to let go. I held onto his memory for so long. It was painful, but I waited. It was funny getting used to his genki side, too. He used to be so sad. But... when I looked into his eyes before, there was nothing. It hurt not to see myself in them. When I look into them now, sure I see myself. But it hurts even more to find it of no importance.
Sad, no? Well I'll just smile and move on. Though I am being a bum, lately. C'mon it took me years! Don't expect me to be genki all of a sudden! Who knows how long I have to pine over that moron! Aa well, I'll just get myself a new boyfriend… --
Next on Taiyou wo Sagashiteru
Naruto declined? But why? Will the appearance of a pink-haired girl change the course of the story?
Additional questions a la study guide (yea… I'm crazy)
Why did Sasuke blush? Did he get an erection? Why is Kakashi wearing shades? Am I getting lamer and lamer as time passes? How did Pinocchio find out he was made of wood? (Coz when he did doki doki, he generated fire) Why am I crazy? Why am I still whining over a moron? Why are you still reading this part? Are you crazy too? Let's be crazy itsumo!
1 "I'LL DO THIS!"
2 I'm going.
3 A mode of transportation in the Philippines.