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She lay on the couch, her mind running a million miles a minute. She had spent the last few hours answering a million questions. She tried to remain polite, calm, quiet, but that wore off within the first hour, quickly realizing they'd walk all over if she didn't stand her ground.
Sasori was asking questions rapid fire, his tone almost bored. He asked her measurements, favorite color, preferred style in regards to clothes, makeup, hair. He asked about her music taste, her favorite foods, what she did for a living. She wasn't sure why he needed all of this information, but she gave it to him. He offered no explanation.
She found Hidan grew on her quickly. He was rowdy and energetic and his antics made her break out in more smiles than she cared to admit. He was personable under the crass and he knew it, using it to his advantage. A part of her knew they just needed to get to know her better to establish a good working relationship, but she hoped they liked her at least a little.
Nari was surprised Konan didn't stick around longer, option to head to bed early and leaving Nari alone with the boys. Once she finished answering Sasori's million questions, Itachi claimed her attention, giving her the set list for the event. He had prepared for the possibility of her joining and had printed out the music for the guitar parts.
"You'll have some time to practice on the way as well as before the event." He explained as she scanned the music. "However, it is best you are as familiar with it as possible." Nari nodded in agreement and she let out a long sigh.
"I think I can do this." She told herself, trying to reassure herself. Reality set in as she stared at the ceiling from her spot on the couch, headphones covering her ears and pumping in the songs she was expected to play. The room was dark, illuminated only by the glow of the city outside of the large windows. Everyone had gone to sleep and she lay there, in her pajamas, listening to the music and trying to sleep. A heavy pressure rested on her chest and she looked at her phone. No messages.
She had talked to her roommate a few days ago, dropping out of the band. She didn't seem to broken up about it and didn't ask why. Nari sighed and dropped her phone onto her chest. Her boyfriend still hadn't texted her, hadn't apologized, hadn't called. There was nothing but radio silence.
Nari closed her eyes and she wasn't sure when she finally dozed off, but she was shaken awake by Tobi, her headphones falling off her.
"Wake up, you're gonna be late!" Tobi cheered brightly.
"What?" She mumbled and tried to rub the sleep from her eyes as he pulled her up.
"Let's go! Be a good girl and wake up!" Tobi cheered and Nari looked around, dazed. It was still dark out and she blinked as she watched some of her band mates heading out the door.
"Wait, I haven't even gotten dressed." Nari spoke, a blush rising to her face, feeling as though she overslept. Hidan looked at her, standing up from grabbing his bag.
"Do I look like I give a fuck?" He asked, humor in his voice. She looked at him and saw he was just in grey sweatpants and a white tee shirt, his hoodie tied around his waist and his silver hair a mess. She watched as he stepped out the door.
"It's ok!" Tobi cheered and handed Nari her bag before pushing her to the door, her guitar in his hand and his own bag over his shoulder. Nari stumbled along, joining the band as they filed out the door. She smiled softly at the tired looking Itachi, his hair falling out of its braid as he pulled his bag over his shoulder. He was in jeans and a baggy t-shirt, more dressed than she was. He let her go first and she stepped into the hall.
The group moved to the elevator and as they waited she looked around at the group. Very few people were actually dressed and those who were had dressed very casually. Suddenly they all seemed very human to her, no longer the untouchable flawless idols and it made her well up with such a strange feeling. She had always followed the rule of never meeting your idols. She feared disappointment, but they were so much more than she could ever hope for: they were young adults just like her.
Kakuzu wore khaki's and plain shirt, his coat over it. Zetsu was in a black t shirt and black pants. Hidan, Nari, and Kisame were in their pajamas and Kisame blatantly looked her over before winking and she couldn't help but giggle at him. Deidara and Tobi seemed the most awake of the group, chattering away brightly. Deidara wore black ripped jeans and a hoodie, his long blonde hair in a bun. Tobi wore a similar outfit, but his pants were orange. It was such an odd color choice she couldn't help but love it. She looked over at Konan who was leaning into Pein's side, looking half asleep. They both looked tired but Pein seemed a little more awake than her. Nari was a little worried about Sasori. He was in black jeans and a dark red pullover hoodie with the hood up and his face pressed against the wall.
The elevator dinged and they all climbed into it. Deidara patted Sasori's shoulder, waking him up.
"C'mon, my man." He jeered as the red head grunted and shuffled on, his hood dropping into his face as he walked over to a wall in the elevator and did the same thing there, pressing his face against it and falling asleep. Nari tried to mind her business and ignore it.
"You good with fast food?" Kisame asked her as the elevator started its descent. She nodded and hummed as idle chatter filled the small cabin. He grinned at her. "Good. Hope you aren't picky."
"It's too early for food." Sasori groaned from his spot against the wall and Deidara laughed at him.
"I have to agree." Nari said quietly.
"Don't worry!" Tobi cheered loudly. "Tobi made sure to stock the bus!" He announced and she looked at him confused. "It's got all the energy drinks and snacks I could grab!"
Before she knew it, the elevator stopped and they all walked through the lobby, Kakuzu checking them out and paying. Nari followed them outside where the tour bus was waiting. She stared in awe. It was big, sleek, and black with the word "Akatsuki" in red with a small cloud detail behind it. She just stood there, looking at it in awe, suddenly feeling like it was dream.
She was pulled out of her daze when she felt someone gently nudge her arm. She looked up to Itachi who just gave her an understanding smile before nodding to the bus. They needed to get on the road. Nari pulled her leather coat tighter around her and climbed in after them. The interior was even better than the outside.
"Woah," She breathed as the lights flicked on. The dark glossy hardwood made the black leather upholstery stand out. She took in the sights, looking at the couch that curved slightly, a tv hanging on the wall across from it, angled slightly. Next to it was a small table with two seats. Pressed behind one of the seats was another smaller couch, easily seating two people. A small fried was built into the wall next to the long couch. Across from that, a door hung open and she assumed that was the bathroom.
"C'mon, get settled." Kismae urged her and she walked in further. As she sat at the table she looked in the back and saw there were even a few bunks with curtains for privacy. They were stacked three each, fitting six people in back. Sasori never made it that far, dropping his bag on the floor and face planting into the long couch, the strings of his converse snapping the leather.
"C'mon, man, not there, yeah." Deidara groaned with a small smile on his face as he pulled the red head up. "Go lay in one of the bunks, man." He chuckled, pushing the red head to the back.
"Leave me where I die, brat." Sasori's hoarse voice fell from his mouth as his head lolled back, almost smacking Deidara in the face and Nari giggled at the two of them as everyone settled in. Pein was on last and he looked around, taking a head count before turning to Zetsu who sat in the driver's seat. Nari watched as he pat his shoulders before sitting on the small couch behind her. Once Pein settled in, Konan curled up next to him and for a moment she seemed harmless and adorable. Pein struck her as very standoffish and outwardly cold, so seeing someone practically snuggling into his side, his arm wrapping around her pulling her closer, it made Nari wonder how they even got together in the first place.
Zetsu started the bus and she felt it jerk forward as he slowly drove out of the parking lot and onto the road. Tobi was buzzing quietly around the bus, putting bags away and Itachi sat in the seat at the table across from her. Hidan stretched out on the couch, yawning loudly as Deidara shoved his feet off the couch, plopping down next to him while cracking open a can of soda. Kisame had wondered off to the back to catch some more sleep and when Nari leaned forward and looked to the front, she could see Kakuzu sitting shot gun, head back against the seat, probably nodding off. She was relieved everyone else seemed just as tired as her, well except for Tobi and Deidara.
"So what's for breakfast, man?" Deidara asked after taking a few sips. The bus bounced along the rough road.
"McDonalds!" Tobi cheered excitedly.
"Man, we had that shit last time." Hidan groaned, rubbing his face.
"There's nothing else open this early." Itachi said as he scrolled on his phone.
"Fine." Hidan groaned and tossed his head back. "How fucking long is this trip anyway?" He asked after a moment of silence.
"About six hours." Zetsu answered from the front seat, startling Nari. She didn't think she'd heard him talk yet. Hidan opened his mouth to complain but Zetsu spoke again, his voice completely different. "Complain and you'll ride with the equipment." He threatened and Hidan kept his mouth shut.
Rather than try to fit the monster of a bus into the drive through, Zetus and Kakuzu rushed inside to pick up the food and when they climbed in back, the Deidara, Hidan, and Tobi rushed them, grabbing at bags and drinks, causing the two men to scold them. Dediara grabbed and extra bag and orange juice, taking it in back for Sasori. Kisame followed him out, grabbing a bag from the table and joining Hidan on the couch.
"Pass me two." Pein told her and she grabbed two bags, passing them over first. "Just one coffee, please." He said and she smiled, handing him the cup of coffee. He nodded in thanks as Konan stirred, digging through the bag of greasy food. Nari grabbed her own bag and a coffee and reached in, pulling out her food and digging in. She was tired, but she had a feeling it was going to be a busy day. She had a lot of catching up to do.
"How comfortable are you with the songs?" Itachi asked her as she got half way through her meal. She swallowed her food and thought for a moment.
"I think I have them down alright, I just need to get used to an electric guitar again." Nari slapped her guitar case that rested next to her, leaning against the seat. "I've just been playing this for a while lately." Itachi nodded at her and took a sip of his own coffee.
"How comfortable are you with the lyrics?" He asked and her eyebrows raised.
"I thought you guys just needed a guitarist." Nari mumbled, her stomach churning dangerously.
"Guitar is our primary concern." Pein said from behind her and she turned to look at him. "If you can sing at this event, sing. If not, you can sing next time." Nari's heart raced at the sudden realization she'd be playing in front of the biggest crowd she'd ever faced and anxiety settled into her stomach as she turned back to face Itachi. He gave her a quick half smile before looking back down at his phone, taking a bite of his food. Then a sudden realization hit her. She didn't have an electric guitar. Her panic must have shown on her face, because Kisame started laughing quietly as he sipped his orange juice.
"We have a guitar for you to use." He told her, catching her attention. He offered her a toothy grin. "Relax, stop worrying so much. We aren't gonna let you fall on your face. You're doing us a favor, remember?" Kisame explained and she just blinked. She hadn't thought of it that way.
"She needs fucking smoke." Hidan said, his arms resting on his head, pulling his thin white shirt tight across his chest.
"No," Pein stated flatly and Nari couldn't help but giggle a little. This only seemed to encourage Hidan as she saw a smirk break out across his face.
"It's too early for that shit." Kisame chuckled, shaking his head.
"Look, she needs to fucking chill." Hidan shrugged. "I can fucking roll up."
"No." Pein repeated, staring down the singer who just smirked again and shrugged. Silence fell over the cabin again and Nari looked out the window, watching as the city fell to the country side. She watched it pass her by and leaned her head against the window, taking in the view. Her stomach was in knots but she took comfort in the fact they weren't going to let her fuck up too bad. There was a strange feeling accompanying the relief she felt at knowing they had her back. Nari nodded off for a bit only to have the bus hit a nasty pot hole and she woke to her head banging hard against the glass.
Nari shook her head and sat up, hearing laughter at her expense and she looked over to Deidara and Hidan who sat on the couch. Tobi was smiling at her.
"You ok?" He asked her. She nodded and noticed the sun was rising in the sky, well past dawn and she wondered how long she had been asleep.
"This road is terrible." Zetsu's rough voice spoke angrily as they hit another bump, startling her.
"Surprised your face didn't go through the fucking glass." Hidan chuckled, his laughter dying down as he went back to the video game he and Deidara were playing on the TV.
"Sorry." Nari mumbled, feeling her cheeks go a bit pink.
"For hitting your head?" Itachi asked, his eyebrow rising, amused.
"Hey, it's not our head smacking on the glass, yeah." Deidara said, jerking his controller, completely fixated on the game.
"No." Nari corrected. "Didn't mean to fall asleep."
"Not like we're doing anything important, yeah." Deidara told her, eyes glued to the TV. He let out a loud groan of defeat, dropping the controller next to him and leaning back.
"Fuck yea!" Hidan shouted as he clearly won the match, his hands going in the air in victory.
"Enjoy what downtime you can get." Pein told her and she looked at him over her shoulder. "Once we get there, you and Itachi are going to have to hit the ground running." Nari chewed on her lip and pulled at her fingers.
"I was kind of hoping to start getting ready now." She admitted and Pein's eyebrow rose, listening. "I figure we have some time." She added, unsure of herself and turned back to Itachi. "Would that be ok, with you?" Nari asked, her voice quiet. Itachi looked at her and then looked past her at Pein. The pierced man had a small smirk on his face. She was doing more and more right by him and Itachi could see it. He looked back at her and nodded.
"Pein, let us use the couch." Itachi said and stood, pulling his bag out from under the table. Pein slowly woke Konan, suggesting she go in back and get some more sleep. Konan offered Nari a small smile in passing as she shuffled to the back, climbing into a bunk. Itachi shuffled past Nari and Pein, sitting at the couch. Nari waited for Pein to pass her as she joined Itachi on the small couch, pulling her guitar case with her. Itachi dug into his bag and she unlocked her case, pulling out her instrument. She put the strap over her head and adjusted it in her lap, her fingers wrapping around the neck, the body of it resting comfortably under her arm and she couldn't help but smile.
Itachi watched her as she got ready with the guitar. The case was an old, worn black one, covered in stickers and he noticed a few Akatsuki stickers among other familiar bands. With as old as the case was, Itachi was almost surprised to find the guitar in her lap so pristine. It looked brand new. She cared for it well and he noticed the smile on her face as she began to tune it. Her red hair had been pulled up into a messy bun and though her face was clear of makeup and tired, she couldn't have looked happier.
"Ready." Nari told him gently, her nose and cheeks turning pink under his scrutiny. To her surprise, he pulled out reading glasses, pushing them onto his face. Itachi noticed her surprise.
"What?" He asked her calmly and she closed her mouth, shaking her head in embarrassment.
"Nothing." She said weakly.
"Reading glasses." He said, and she smiled at how defensive he started to sound.
"They look good." Nari admitted, clearing her throat and reaching for the papers. "Which one do you want me to try first?" She was desperate to change the subject and Itachi followed suit, sorting through them for a song. He pulled one out and held it in front of her. The couch was small and she had to turn a bit, resting her knees against his and she hated the blush creeping over her face. Nari looked at the notes and took a deep breath, trying out the first few. It seemed to go well enough so she repeated it a few times and then braved ahead. She got up to the chorus and repeated it a few times until she was satisfied with it.
Nari strummed through the first part and tried to smoothly move into the chorus, which she hadn't practiced yet, and as she tried it out, the bus jolted, hitting another pot hole, making her fingers slip and the strings making a screeching sound that was painful to all the musicians on the bus.
"Aw man, that was aweful, yeah." Diedara groaned, wincing at the sound. "Worse than nails on a chalkboard."
"Sorry." She giggled nervously.
"Aren't you fucking good at this yet?" Hidan complained loudly and Nari scowled at him. "You've just been playing the first damn part, I'm fucking sick of my own damn song!" Nari changed up the placement of her fingers on the neck and started strumming. She opened her mouth and though her voice was sweet, the words relayed whatever needed to be said.
Fuck you. She sang, quoting Lily Allen, strumming along. Fuck you very, very mu-u-uch.
She heard Itachi snort next to her, trying to be discrete and she glanced at him, seeing his hand covering his smile.
"Fuck you too, Nari." Hidan huffed as Deidara laughed. To her relief there was a small smile of approval on Pein's face as well. She turned back to the music and tried again. She strum through it, humming the song to herself but when she hit the chorus, she stumbled over the chords. Nari sighed and tried again. Once more she stumbled over the chords. She pressed her lips in a thin line and just played the chorus on its own for a bit and her hands started cramping. She tried to push through it.
Nari got the chorus down at last and saw Itachi nodding in approval. She flexed her hands for moment before starting over from the beginning. She played it through but her hands cramped and slipped off the strings. Nari sighed loudly and leaned back, shaking her hands.
"Damnit, I almost had it." She mumbled and flexed her fingers.
"What's wrong?" Pein asked, his tone flat as he read his book.
"Just hand cramps." Nari admitted, wincing as they cramped again. "I'm a little rusty."
"Give me your hand." Itachi instructed, resting the papers in his lap and she rested her hand in his warm palm. Itachi used his thumb to press and massage the muscles in her hand. It felt wonderful until her hand twinged, making her wince in pain. "Sorry." He told her quietly.
"Thank you." Nari said quietly as he continued to work on her hand. He took her other hand and did the same as well, pulling at the fingers gently as he finished.
"You guys work too much, yeah." Deidara commented before sighing in defeat as Hidan beat him in the game again. "When are we grabbing lunch, yeah?" Pein checked his watch, starting to feel hungry himself. Nari flexed her hands and sat up, grabbing her guitar again. She was determined to get this song handled before lunch.
"Zetsu, stop at the next rest stop you see." Pein instructed.
"Got it." The driver's smooth and calm voice carried to the back. Her shoulders slumped in defeat. Ok, she would get the song by the time they arrived. Nari started strumming again and Itachi hold the notes out for her to see.
After a bit, Sasori stumbled out into the sitting area and dropped onto Deidara and Hidan's laps with and off, his face hitting the pillow.
"Sasori, my man." Deidara grunted under the weight of his friend. "You're costing me the game, yeah."
"Your shitty skills are costing you the game." Hidan jeered, not minding the legs in his lap. Nari watched them, getting distracted and forgetting to strum. Her lips tugged up into a fond smile as the boys continued playing with a very tired Sasori sprawled on top of them. He was very different from last night, but she supposed it was just the fatigue.
Nari's attention was pulled back to the music when Itachi's knee nudged hers, pulling her focus back to him. He nodded at the papers. It was time to get back to work. She went back to strumming. After a while, Nari was able to get it down and she celebrated with lunch. The little validation she had gotten from both Itachi and Pein sent her head spinning. It was like a drug and she found herself wanting more. Once she was finished eating, she threw herself back into the music and though she kept it to herself, she was so grateful for Itachi's help.