Sasuke was tired of staying at his parents' house. His father hadn't given up him abusive alcoholism, his mother was still doing injections, people were picking on his older brother, everyone pressured him to be like his brother; no one took the time to understand that he was trying - that he wants the same self-control as his brother, but he can't have it! Once he and Itachi graduated, everything would change for him and he was going to see to it!
He didn't think Itachi would consider letting him move away with him to college, but he did and they started looking at apartments and job advertisements. He promised last night that they would keep looking over the summer, so Sasuke had to plan for more than succeeding in high school. He spent his Wednesday morning thinking about his future away from the Uchiha manor until Itachi came to pick him up from school for a doctor's appointment. While in the car, they listened to many hard rock and heavy metal songs. It was one in numerous accounts when they had fun. Headbanging usually caused massive headaches on their own.
The adrenaline was enough to get the blood flowing, though. Both were singing lyrics; sometimes Itachi would sing the verses and Sasuke followed up on chorus, and other times Sasuke led the vocals and Itachi would follow up. Itachi had always told Sasuke his voice was empowering, but today it was especially strong. If you were passing by the car, you would think the radio was blaring but it was their own voices mixing with the rock music.
"Hey, Itachi-nii-san!" Sasuke called over the music. "Itachi-nii-san!"
"Hm?" Itachi responded, turning down the volume.
"Can we get something to eat?"
"Whatcha want?" Itachi asked, stopping at a red light.
"Feel like eatin' McDonalds?"
"Ate it last week. I'll pass."
"Chic-fa-Lait's?"
"Ate it yesterday."
"Pizza Hut?"
"Not in the mood. How 'bout Rally's?"
"Perfect! Except it's just like McDonald's," Sasuke says, shrugging.
"Nah-unh. The taste is different, and the food is right off the skillet."
"Just the way you like it, Mr. I-eat-my-food-when-it's-hotter-than-hell," Sasuke teases.
Itachi chuckles silently then turns into the drive-thru. He makes the orders, pays for it then drives off to the clinic. Sasuke turns the volume up on the radio to hear a sample Orochimaru's new single "Love My Insane" on one of the popular mainstream music channels. Itachi heard the song on the World Premier show a couple of days ago, and the single was on every station that television and radio could possibly offer.
He thought Orochimaru was the coolest veteran musician. He came out in the 70s or 80s as a travelling drummer for new bands in taverns; then, he formed a band called the Sannin in the early 90s and became the lead guitarist. Now, he owns his own recording company Snakebite and searches for promising talents. Sasuke had begun to wonder if Itachi would hit the charts like Orochimaru did if he were founded by the veteran. That would be epic!
"That was 'Love My Insane' by Orochimaru, the veteran stud of the company Snakebite," one of the DJs announced. "The promotional video for the new single is out there and running. Whenever you fans out there get the time to chill, make sure you take a look at that marvelous piece of work."
"For you, lady fans," a female DJ said, "don't miss the part when the snake god writhes in the cavern. Ah! That was my favorite part, I'm sorry. I want to scream again, but we're on set and they'll think I lost my mind."
"Like now?" another DJ questions, making everyone laugh. "As if the staff's not thinking 'What the hell is wrong with this nut?' I mean come on!"
Sasuke chuckles then sips his drink and says, "I love Danjo."
"Why him?" Itachi questions, eating a number of fries at once.
"I don't know. He says things so seriously, but the way he does it is hysterical," Sasuke answers, smiling. Only his brother had the privilege to see such a sight. "Do you like any of the DJs?"
"Odaoko-san," Itachi answered. "He's always calm about everything, which makes him seem more mature, and he acts like a father to the others. He asks the funniest questions, too."
"All right! Enough picking on me!" the female DJ defends. "I can't help it if my idol is sitting right across from me."
"I'll sit next to you if you want," a low voice whispered. There was shuffling over the radio as if the sounds of him moving were over the radio. "There you go."
"Ah!" the female DJ squeals.
"Ne, Jinjo-chan, calm down!" Danjo, Sasuke's favorite DJ, suggests, earning laughter from the staff.
"I think she's enjoying this," Orochimaru says, chuckling. "Let her recuperate and she'll be fine."
"Does this always happen, Orochimaru-sama?" Odaoko, Itachi's favorite DJ, asks.
"Hai. It happens a lot with both sexes," Orochimaru answers.
"Both sexes?" Odaoko questions, incredulously. Itachi laughed.
"Hai," Orochimaru answers, chuckling. "When I was starting out as a drummer, Tetsu Kokoro's bassist would always tell me 'N~e, Chi~kkun, y~ou're really c~ute. Y~ou should come party with u~s so we can pick up some chi~cks.' Just like that, and he would drape his arm around my shoulders. Well, one time he came to my house, and he thought I could score some vocalist from Pink Dress at a pub."
"Pink Dress?" Jinjo asked, apparently calmer than before.
"Hai," Orochimaru answered. "Welcome back. Um, I went that time because it was my first time working with a band and I didn't really get to know anybody, so we were all going in the van to this gig for Pink Dress. Once we got there and Pink Dress finished their set, some random guy came up to me and asked 'Hey, you look like the drummer for Tetsu Kokoro? Do you know that band?' I said 'Yeah, I'm the drummer.' And out of nowhere the guy starts wailin' and he shook my hand so much I felt like a cell phone stuck on vibrate."
"Uwoah!" Danjo shouts.
"That was my first instance with a male fan," Orochimaru says.
"And you weren't even famous yet at that time," Odaoko comments.
"Jinjo-chan practically pales in comparison to the guy," Danjo says, earning laughter.
"Well, we have to take a break, but when we come back after these next few messages there'll be more news on Orochimaru and his work so stay tuned," Odaoko said.
"And we're here," Itachi said, breaking Sasuke out of his humor daze.
Kurinikku Care Center was similar to a small hospital. There was one room for every operation imaginable: surgery, x-rays, CAT scan, cancer checks, and birthing services. Itachi and Sasuke entered the one-story building and walked over to the reception desk. A young girl with pink hair and green eyes opened her window to place the new sign-up sheets on the perch.
"Haruno-san?" Sasuke called.
The girl looked up then gasped. It was the love of her life! He was visiting the clinic and she didn't even get a heads-up! Itachi signed the roster then went to go sit by the surprisingly empty music player station.
"Sasuke!" she whispered. Noticing Itachi walking away, she said "Oh, thank you, sir! Sasuke, what are you doing here?"
"I should ask you the same thing."
"I had to apply for an internship today," she said, smiling brightly. "Doctor Tsunaide agreed to be my supervisor to study medicine. I want to be a certified doctor. Hey, did you ever find Naruto at school yesterday? I heard he went missing."
"Yeah, I found him," Sasuke answered, face beginning to lose composure. "He's suspended, I heard."
"I would say it serves him right, but he really helped me out because of that fight, you know," she said remorsefully. "I want to tell him that I broke up with Kankuro after that when I'm finished here. If I don't, I'll feel like I disappointed the gods or something; if I do, the weight I've held will be lifted."
"I wish you luck, Sakura," Sasuke says. "I hope he understands the relief you'll be able to shed when it's truly over."
"Me too," Sakura agrees, nodding. "Well, where are my manners? Your appointment is in another thirty minutes, and Ms. Shizune will be checking on you 'til then. Any questions or concerns?"
"No, thank you," he said, lightening his features.
He walked away from his classmate and sat at the music station on the opposite side of his brother, who was texting someone. A woman came out of the door next to the reception desk and signed out on the roster. She walked over to the music station and waited until her name was called. Sasuke took a quick glance at the other presence and gasped.
She was very beautiful. She had long red hair that she set in big curls and captivating brown eyes. She wore blue eyeshadow that matched with her blue cocktail dress and strap heels. Suddenly, Sasuke had a thought. Hadn't he seen her before on television? What was her name though? She was listening to Orochimaru's new single as she tapped her foot. What was her name? Sasuke wanted to scream until one name came from his mouth.
"Tayuya?" Sasuke asked himself.
"Were you calling me?" Tayuya responded, removing her headphones.
"So your name is Tayuya?" Sasuke questioned, mouth seeming to drop involuntarily.
"How would you know that, kid?" she asked, a smirk creeping to her face. "Have you seen me somewhere before?"
"Aren't you a - ?" Sasuke paused then leaned forward to whisper, "Aren't you an...actress?"
"Yeah, you can say that," Tayuya said, smirking widely because of Sasuke's shy behavior. "That just about sums up my work at least."
"What are you doing here...in public?" Sasuke questioned, looking to see if Itachi was still texting. He was.
"I had a doctor's appointment earlier. I'm waiting on my results."
"Shouldn't you be at a five-star office?"
"This is a five-star office," Tayuya said, raising an eyebrow. "It gets five stars for having cheaper bills and tolerable service. Plus, it's close to my little forest nymph's house."
"Your nymph?" Sasuke questioned, blushing. "You mean, like your boyfriend?"
"No, I just call him that," Tayuya said, chuckling. "He helped me out with one of my co-workers. That asshole refuses to stop harassing me. Forest nymph got fed up with him disturbing his business, so he attacked the guy. Serves him the fuck right." Sasuke laughed. "You know, you're sorta cute for someone your age. Orochimaru would eat you and this guy up," she said, pointing to Itachi.
"Why us?" Sasuke asked.
"You could swing for models. Unless you can sing or play some instruments."
"My brother can," Sasuke said, nodding towards Itachi. "But it's up to him if he wants to work for Orochimaru. I say he should go for it, but you know I don't have a say in the matter. His talent, his choice."
"That's so true," Tayuya agrees.
"Akeno Tayuya-san," a nurse called.
"Must be my shit," Tayuya says, walking to the nurse.
Sasuke watches her leave then replaces his headphones on his ears. Tayuya walks back to him after getting an explanation of what everything on the documents means then slaps his bicep. He looks to her, takes off the headphones then gives her questioning look.
"Got a blank sheet of paper on ya?" Tayuya asked.
Sasuke looked around the station to see some post-it notes at another stall. He took those and handed it to her. She took out a pen and started writing on it. A moment later, she handed the notes back to him and spoke.
"If you feel like talkin', I'm free from ten in the morning to one. Lemme know when your brother gets famous, huh?" Tayuya says, winking.
"Hey, does this mean we're cool?" Sasuke asks.
"If you call me, yeah; if not, that's my autograph. You can put it on your wall," she said, waving farewell.
"Let's see...pick up groceries, check. Put them away so they don't spoil, got that. Go to the hardware department store and pick up the following..."
Iruka left a number of things for Naruto to do while on suspension from school. Once Naruto came back with the groceries, it was on to errand two. The house phone started ringing. Naruto sighed, walked over to the phone on the kitchen wall then answered.
"Hello, Umino residence."
"Yo!" a familiar voice responded.
"Shika-kun!" Naruto called. "What's up, man?"
"I figured Kiba and Chouji had their phones taken away when I called, so I was checkin' up on you. Where are you?"
"Home. Just got through with errand one."
"Iruka's pissed then. Any dad who does a to-do list is on a rampage at work," Shikamaru commented, hinting at his own parents. "Did ya eat lunch yet?"
"No, but I want to very badly," Naruto said, pretending to cry.
"I'm headin' out to eat since my folks are busy elsewhere. Wanna come with?"
"Absolutely! Where do you wanna go, blessed soul?"
"Shut up!" Shikamaru said, chuckling. "I was going to go to Rally's, but I saw your teach there and decided better on it. Wanna go to Ichiraku's instead?"
"Oh my god, I'd love to! It is so a date!" Naruto exclaims.
"Hah, that was so good!" Naruto exclaimed.
"Calm down, it was just lunch," Shikamaru commented.
"Yeah, but I didn't think I'd be eating with you. Everyone's doin' time for my crime."
"It wasn't your fault, man," Shikamaru said, smirking. "Kankuro deserved it. Don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise. Besides, had it not been for this fight, I wouldn't have known you can sing. And...I wouldn't be telling you this secret..."
"Huh?" Naruto questioned, looking at his friend.
Shikamaru took a deep breath then started singing.
Black Hole Sun,
Won't you come
And wash away the rain?
Black Hole Sun,
Won't you come?
Won't you come?
Oh, won't you come?
Naruto's eyes widened at Shikamaru's voice. It was like his: strong. Shikamaru's smirk deepened at Naruto's face. He was godsmacked! Then, his blank face brightened up and he sang in return.
In my eyes, indisposed,
In disguise no one knows
Hides the face, lies the snake
The sun in my disgrace
Shikamaru then sings in return again.
Boiling heat, summer stench
'Neath the black the sky looks dead
Call my name through the cream
And I'll hear you scream again
Then they smiled, preparing to sing in unison.
Black hole sun
Won't you come
And wash away the rain?
Black hole sun
Won't you come?
Won't you come?
Naruto smiled brightly then held up his hand for a high-five. Shikamaru obliged then smiled gently. Who knew they were keeping secrets? A voice beckoned them from their stupor. Shikamaru blushed instantly and prepared to retreat before Naruto spontaneously smacked his back to stop him. Naruto hadn't moved from his spot when he did it.
"So, we meet again, Shikamaru," Tayuya purred, carrying a McDonald's bag.
"Hi, Ms. Tayuya," Shikamaru greeted, bowing in respect.
"Why so modest, sexy?" Tayuya teased, watching Shikamaru stiffen at the odd pet name. "Shouldn't you be in the forest? It's not good for nymphs to be out in public. They're just like fairies. Rarely seen and always busy at home."
"Tch! A fairy?" Naruto questioned.
"Say one word of this and I'll punch you in the throat so hard you won't be able to talk until your kids are born," Shikamaru said, rapidly. "I went out to lunch with my friend. This is Naruto."
"He's cute," Tayuya complimented, looking at Naruto then returning to her target. "He another forest nymph?"
"Well, he's good with foxes," Shikamaru remarked, hinting at Naruto's obsession with anything resembling a fox.
"I'm jealous," Tayuya said after giggling. "You didn't bother to ask me out to lunch like other men usually do."
"Say what?" Naruto chimed, turning away to laugh. He mimicked Shikamaru's thoughts exactly.
"Uh, but you had a doctor's appointment," Shikamaru tried. Preparing to run when he realized she was coming closer to him. "And I didn't think about it at the time! If it came to me sooner, I would've asked! I swear!"
"Hm..." Tayuya hummed, leaning her face to Shikamaru's face. "So you weren't thinking about gettin' in my pants when you met me?"
"Huh?" Shikamaru questioned. "But that's really rude. Why would I do that?"
Tayuya made a face then guffawed. He's so cute when he's dumbfounded! she thought.
"You're really a gentleman, you know?" Tayuya said, sniffing. "It's kinda cute."
"Uh, thank you," Shikamaru said.
"Since you made me upset by not taking me out to lunch, I want you to take me out to dinner," Tayuya said.
"Say what?" Naruto chimed, practically squeaking. Bit of a shock?
"Um, but I'm too young for you, Ms. Tayuya. I'm grounded from a suspension at school, and I have a curfew. I can't take you out to dinner, much less afford it," Shikamaru explained.
"...I don't care," Tayuya said, silencing the boys completely. "How old are you, Shikamaru?"
"Thirteen. My fourteenth isn't until September twenty-secondth," he answers.
"When I was thirteen, I had run away from home to live on my own. On my fourteenth, I worked for my school to pay tuition. On my fifteenth, I had my first boyfriend; I had sex with him on my sixteenth. I'm seventeen right now," Tayuya said, seriously. "I know myself well enough to say when I want something, I strive to get it no matter the consequences. I want to spend time with you. If I have to go against your parents, then I will."
"But why do you want m-m-me?" Shikamaru questioned, worried about Tayuya's past.
"...I don't know...but it feels good to know that I found something to work for..."