Sasuke hadn't told anyone as much about his past as he'd told Sakura. Actually, he'd said nothing about it to anyone, a fact that was impressive considering the scrutiny the band members constantly came under, especially when they'd first come onto the music scene. Luckily people always seemed to be more interested in the present than the past, and there had never been a scandal that warranted the press digging into his home life (or lack of home life) for some stupid explanation of his behavior.

None of the band's families were vocal about the band's activities and stayed private, so eventually the press had given up on getting any kind of exclusive interviews. It hadn't stopped them from formulating all kinds of theories about childhood trouble and the band's inspirations, but without a basis in reality none of them took hold. Naruto liked to tell their origin story, but it was an abridged one.

Sasuke and Naruto had both been foster kids. Naruto, however, had been one of the lucky ones who'd been taken in permanently in middle school. Sasuke hadn't known him when he was still being shuttled around; they'd met in eighth grade, when Naruto was new to Oto. He'd introduced Sasuke to his foster father, a middle-aged guy named Jiraiya, and had been very open about the fact that he'd been in foster care until the previous year.

Later, Sasuke knew Naruto had talked about it so much because he'd been trying to make Sasuke feel more comfortable. It was his natural way with everyone. Until Shikamaru, Sasuke had actively avoided making friends, but Naruto refused to be brushed off. When Sasuke and Shikamaru started playing music together with the goal of creating a full band, Naruto had been Sasuke's immediate suggestion for a drummer, despite his ridiculous enthusiasm about everything.

Now he'd admit reluctantly that Naruto's enthusiasm was a blessing in disguise, because it was always useful both onstage and for the press. Especially at times like this. Sasuke was proud of the new album, but that didn't mean he liked talking about it to the people clamoring for interviews about their songwriting and recording process. It would be better when they were out on the road, when the only focus would be on their concerts. Their summer tour had sold out within minutes of tickets being available.

Sakura, however, was just entering the period of post-album chaos. The April release date loomed before her, though first single had been released three weeks before and had gone over extremely well. Sakura was pleased with the final product, if slightly unsatisfied because of the firm grip the other producers held on every song. She knew it was a good album, but it wasn't the one she would have released if she'd had full control (or even a little more input). But she was also inexperienced in this realm, and the producers were doing what was best for her career. Sakura felt ridiculous after multiple protests to certain changes. After all, these people had worked with hundreds of top artists.

Finishing production relieved some of the pressure of the past few months, a relief that had already begun with the conversation she'd had with Sasuke. Opening up to him, and him opening up in return, released an incredible amount of emotion that had been bottled up within her for so long.

When the album's release day finally arrived, Sasuke and Sakura found themselves in a situation almost identical to when Sasuke's album had come out two months previously. Sakura could feel her stomach clenching and unclenching from the moment she woke up that morning. She'd tossed and turned all night in bed while Sasuke was next to her, fast asleep. He had come back exhausted from a day of rehearsals, and if Sakura hadn't been preoccupied it would've been cute to realize he'd fallen asleep on the couch next to her. Apparently even Sasuke was affected by busy schedules eventually. Sakura was glad her movement hadn't woken him; he'd only heard snippets of the album so far, and she cared about his opinion more than she wanted to.

She was also fairly sure she knew how he would react to several of the songs: not well. Sasuke had a bit of a superiority complex as far as pop was concerned, which was absurd. But some part of her wanted his approval even with that bias.

Sakura was up and out of the apartment early in the morning to do press with various radio stations. Adrenaline was sustaining her, and hearing people's enthusiastic reactions to the album boosted her mood. She did feel good about all of this, that was for sure. Finally she had a full-length, official album to her name. And she was aching to perform her new songs live; they'd been kept in the dark so long.

Orochimaru couldn't have been happier when she joined him in the car to go to the first radio interview. "You're already climbing the charts," he said. "Thousands of downloads within the first few minutes the album was released, and you're at the top of streaming sites." He had a wide smile as opposed to his typical smirk. "This is going to be a great day."

It would at least be a memorable one, Sakura thought. But that was before the endless stream of interviews and general excitement, and she learned that she'd probably remember very little except a stream of flashes and voices.

As soon as she was back at the apartment for the night, everything seemed to slow down. Sakura unlocked the door, adrenaline still high even after several hours, to find Sasuke in the living room, headphones on and his computer open in front of him. He pulled off his headphones when she came in.

"What are you listening to?" Sakura asked.

"Your stuff," Sasuke said, as if it was obvious.

"Oh God," Sakura said.

"Don't be ridiculous," Sasuke said, rolling his eyes.

"No, like, I don't want to watch your face. Go ahead, it's fine." She waved a hand a little too dramatically and turned away.

"Tch." Sasuke pulled his headphones back on and Sakura went into the kitchen, where she wouldn't be tempted to see his reactions as he listened. God, you're pathetic, she told herself. She poked her head through the doorway, banking on the fact that he'd be too absorbed to notice.

Sasuke wasn't just absorbed, his eyes were closed as he nodded along. His fingers twitched, and she knew he was going for imaginary guitar chords. She felt a pleasant flutter in her stomach, and then she couldn't wait any longer.

"So what do you think?" She moved closer to the couch.

Sasuke jumped and then rolled his eyes, clearly embarrassed. "Hn. It's good."

"Yeah?" She raised a skeptical eyebrow. "I want your honest opinion."

Sasuke was quiet for a moment. "You've got some really good stuff. Quality on most of them sounds better than your EP." He shook his head. "Guitar sounds good on the first few, and the acoustic one."

Sakura started to smile. "Thanks. That means a lot."

Sasuke smirked up at her, then frowned at his screen. "You wrote this one?" He pointed to one of the songs.

Sakura felt slightly embarrassed, and was immediately annoyed with herself for it. "I—No. The producers wanted to include that one."

"Are you serious?" Sasuke looked disgusted.

"I didn't have a choice, they pulled rank with the contract. It still bothers me." It felt good to confess that to him, at least.

"Fucking idiots," Sasuke muttered.

"It's a radio song," Sakura said, feeling weirdly defensive. "That's it."

"You've got plenty of good radio songs already," Sasuke said.

"Look, I didn't want it either."

"I know. Your label's misguided."

"Not necessarily misguided, just controlling," Sakura said with a sigh.

"They should just let you do your own thing," Sasuke said.

"I mean, I'm sure you guys had more producers on your first album," Sakura said. "Come on, you were brand new."

"A few," Sasuke said. "Writing credits were part of our contract, though."

"I wish I'd thought of that," Sakura said.

"It's rare that something like that happens," Sasuke said. "Kakashi trusted us, that's why we got it. And our label's not like yours, we were their first big thing. It was lucky."

"Hm." Sakura sat down on the couch next to him.

There was nothing she could change about her situation now, so she knew she shouldn't think about it too much. Anyway, she'd still come out of this with an album she was proud of, and that was the most important thing. "You feel okay?" Sasuke looked at her intently, and she felt a rush of affection for him.

"Yeah. Yeah, I do." She said. "I'm running on pure adrenaline right now, but that's fine." She smiled, and Sasuke looked amused.

There was a ping, and Sasuke glanced at his screen. "Music Weekly review's out."

"You had an alert set up?" Sakura started to smile.

Sasuke shrugged and she thought he might be blushing. "You want to see it?"

"See what?"

"The review."

Sakura jumped up. A Music Weekly review. The thought of it set off a new round of jitters in her stomach. "Yeah. No, not now. Actually…Yeah, no. Wait—"

Sasuke just watched her with raised eyebrows.

Sakura fidgeted. "Ugh. Okay, go to it."

"You're sure?" Sasuke smirked.

"Just give me the computer, asshole," Sakura said, grabbing it from him.

ALBUM REVIEW: Forward – Sakura Haruno

Sakura Haruno's second effort straddles the line between singer-songwriter, pop, and something strangely experimental. Though many would say she did it on looks alone (or possibly her management), there is no chance that Sakura Haruno would have rocketed to the top of the charts the way she did unless she had a little bit of talent. And Sakura Haruno has more than a little talent. She has boatloads of it, and it is evident from every note sung and every string played on her guitar. In 'Forward,' as in her debut EP, those two instruments are front and center, though she showcases both the piano and a more electronic sound, both of which serve her well.

If there is anything wrong with 'Forward', it's the overproduction. Haruno's producers would do the most by putting her in a room with a few instruments and letting her go to town. Her sound is purest when simple, and from the credits, it's clear she's an admirable songwriter. The attempts to turn her sound into pop are almost criminal, because to simplify Sakura Haruno to three letters is, frankly, insulting. Still, one cannot ignore the genius of pairing Haruno with Konan, whose 'Ballerina' should be an instant hit.

I amend my previous statement: Haruno's producers would do the most by releasing a live, concert version of this album, which would showcase her real skill. If anyone should be heard live, it's her.

Standouts: 'Ballerina (feat. Konan)', 'Glass Eyes'

Sakura read through the words twice disbelievingly. Seeing her name in a Music Weekly review felt surreal, especially one like this. The album had been given a four-star rating.

"Oh my God," Sakura said, mouth open. "I—Wow."

"What did they say?"

She handed the computer back to Sasuke, who read it over. "They're so pretentious," he said, shaking his head.

"Sasuke, this is amazing," Sakura said. She reread the review again, her head spinning. A review like this was more than she could have hoped for. They liked her sound, and more importantly, they knew who she was as an artist. Or at least who she wanted to be. If anyone should be heard live, it's her. Sakura bounced up and down on the balls of her feet, too amazed to contain her excitement. "Oh my God, I can't believe this!"

Sasuke shook his head, amused.

"Just put your snobbery on hold for a night," Sakura said. "I can celebrate a review even if it's not perfect, right?"

"Yeah. I wasn't trying to be snobby," Sasuke said, rolling his eyes. "Just like seeing you like this. Happy."

Sakura started to smile. "Yeah, it's been a while. I mean—" She didn't want to imply that Sasuke didn't make her happy, because nothing could be further from the truth.

"I get it," Sasuke said. It looked like he was close to a smile, too. "Don't have to explain."

Ino called Sakura later that night, when she was still in the living room and Sasuke was (most likely) fast asleep. "Forehead, the album. Oh my God."

"You like it?"

"Um, duh. It's awesome. And you're blowing up everywhere, it's crazy. I'm pretty sure you're the only thing I've talked about all day."

"Oh God." Sakura shook her head. "Sorry."

Ino laughed. "Don't be. This is amazing."

"So how are you? I've been following Karui's social media for a chance of seeing you in a rehearsal or something."

"Yeah, they're keeping everything related to her performances pretty locked down. Which is hard, considering she likes to share everything." Ino snorted. "I'm excited for Ishi next week, that's basically the kickoff for the summer tour."

"Ino, wait—we'll be in the same place at the same time!" Even Firestyle would be at the Ishi Spring Festival; it attracted the biggest names. Sakura was scheduled to headline one of the main stages, while Sasuke and the band would launch the festival on the previous day.

"Shit! You're performing! Oh my God, Forehead, finally."

Sakura smiled. "I can't wait to see you onstage."

"You're telling me. Seeing you on the main stage alone is going to be unreal." There was a pause. "You're gonna have time to, like, see me, right?"

"Of course," Sakura said. "I don't care how busy my schedule is, I'm spending as much time as possible with you."

"I'll hold you to that," Ino said.

"And you're gonna be backstage for my show," Sakura said.

"Good," Ino said. "Okay, I gotta go, my agent's calling."

"No problem. I'll see you soon!"

"You bet your ass you will."

A/N: I'm down to one unfinished story on here, so look forward to more focus and more updates. :)