Marked By Jutsu

Marked by Jutsu


Part XVIII


Naruto

We were a few nights into our tour before I actually had time to think about what Itachi had said to me. It bothered me that he wouldn't tell me what he was planning that included me. I was already a little bit on the nervous side seeing as this was our debut tour as the headlining act. Most of our non stage time was already filled with press conferences and dodging the yellow papers. I knew that we were all going to be so burnt out by the end of this tour. As much as I enjoyed this life style, I did kinda miss Ji-san and my rundown apartment. The simple life if you will.


I laughed as I read the most recent novel I bought. I was glad that I got addicted to these novels. They had such great stories, and a lot of them had a nice mix of angst and hiliarity. These books actually took my mind off my nerves and off of the drama. They settled me down so that I wasn't wasting energy trying to pull pranks or start shit. I bet my band thought I was a pervert. I never found them arousing seeing as the situation was almost always a male/female couple, but none the less, they were interesting to read. The situations were often full of drama and humour. Just the perfect combination to keep me interested.


Also during tour I spent a lot of time in Neji's bed. He'd give me those oh so wonderful massages and sometimes followed with mind blowing sex. He'd try to avoid that on nights right before a performance so that I wasn't stiff or sore. Not that he ever really did that to me. Those hands of his were just so deft in all areas. Neji's treatment on my body also kept my nerves calm. After he thoroughly fucked me or did his massage treatment, there wasn't a thought in my body that could keep me awake.


I spent so much time with my band, but on tour it always seemed too much. We were crammed in a tourbus that despite being a nice size for such a thing, it still didn't offer the freedom or privacy that the lounge offered. One too many times I'd fallen asleep in the seat and during a bump or sharp turn I'd end up face down in one of my band memebers' laps. With my luck though, it was almost always Sasuke. He'd glare at me and then push me back to my side without a thought. If Ino saw him do that she'd whack his hand and tell him not to be rude. I'd snicker and that would cause him to glare at me again or kick me lightly in the shins.


As much as I loved touring, I simply couldn't wait to be home. The playing live music and meeting new people was great, but I just wanted to be able to sit in the lounge with my Kyuubi plush and not have to worry about what I was sleeping on knocking me into the floor. I sighed and settled back into the seat while turning my headphones on. I decided on listening to one of our recent songs to get the sound in my head without making my vocals raw. I mouthed the words and moved my head to the beat. I could feel my band mates watching me with amusement. This meant that one of them would probably try something on me. All of them had developed this liking to messing with me while I was trying to relax. My eyes closed focusing on memories tied to the music while I waited for one of them to act. Since my feet were propped up on the seat across from me I was half expecting one of them to tickle me.


"Don't touch my feet!" I snapped when I felt a hand touching my toes. I cracked an eye open and saw Sasuke with his hand hovering above my foot. I moved my foot up slightly and knicked him with a rather sharp toenail. He glared at me and grasped my foot. "Hey! I told you not to touch! Let go!" I threw my other foot over to kick at him causing him to wrap his arm around it.


This action unfortunately left me open for a full blown assault. From no where Neji grabbed my arms with one of his and began tickling me with his free hand. Sand took place of Neji's and Sasuke's arms and they were then at my stomach pulling the shirt up and poking and prodding me with mischievous fingers while I thrashed in desperation to get away from their tickling torture. I couldn't believe they were all working together against me.


"How come you guys are all getting along?!" I screeched in between gasps and giggles. "This isn't fair!!!" I whined, "and scaring me," I added as an after thought. "You're supposed to be on my side Gaara!"

Gaara just sat staring out the window as if he wasn't doing anything. Smug bastard. Finally after awhile of my loud complaining they finally let up causing me to fall on the floor of the bus flat on my back. I could feel Kyuubi growl inside, angered that they had disturbed his nap. I pat my stomach soothingly until his growl calmed to a dull purr. After calming him down I shot everyone of them a heated glare for ganging up on me. Having my good mood spoiled, I stomped to the back of the bus and flopped down on my bunk.


_____________________________

I sat in the dressing room quietly as Ino styled my hair. I was contemplating our stop and what kind of response we'd get. We were in Gaara's home village. I was sure that most of the people knew who he was since him and his siblings had been in the recording business for quite a while. Everyone else had already been styled up and were out on the stage testing their instruments. I sighed heavily.


"What's the matter little Naruto?" Ino asked while tying my headband around my forehead and then smoothing my hair down over it.


"I'm worried about this show. We're in Gaara's home, and from what I've heard, they didn't treat him very well here. I'm afraid for him." I slumped my shoulders.


"I'm sure it will be okay. Besides, I know that you won't let anything happen to your band right?" She smirked and came around to start painting my face up. "You're a stubborn brat. Pucker up."


"You know I hate lip gloss," but despite my dislike I did what I was told. "And that is true. I won't let anything happen to them, no matter how much we fight. They're all really important to me. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for them."


"Done!" She moved and let me survey my appearance. "Damn, you don't look that bad in white.Nice. Now come here. Gotta place the last piece of the costume."

I watched in the mirror as she placed a large set of black feathered wings on my back. The tips of the feathers were deep red as if they had been dipped in blood. They really off set my whole costume. My shirt was white and laced on the sides with red ribbon. The pants were also white and I was sure left nothing to the imagination. All down the sides were buckles and splotches of red to give the effect of bleeding. My face looked so different, more mature than I was used to. She had lined my eyes with black and red and then put some sort of silver fake lashes and shadow on me. The gloss was clear and shiny and made me look very... sexual I guess was the word. My scars though. She would normally put some sort of concealer on them to make them sort of fade into my cheeks and appear only lightly, but this time she lined them with black and put some small lines of red coming off of them.


"They're ready for you Naruto." She stated while pushing me out the door.


I was met with quite a sight. All my band was dressed in black with white devil wings. I noticed Gaara first since he was the only one with skin showing. All he wore were a pair of black pants and then the straps from his sand drum and the wings criss-crossed over his chest. Touches of silver were added to his lips and the already khol lined eyes. I turned to Neji since he was the next in my vision and nearly died of a heart attack. He looked like some general from a bondage porn. His whole outfit was black vinyl and clung to every single curve in his damn body. The jacket was that of a normal soldier style, but instead had chains instead of lanyards. His hair was pulled back in a low braid and then aside from the wings his costume was topped off with a general's hat where the brim covered his eyes. He really did look like a demon. Sasuke's costume I had to admit was my favorite though. I think Ino did this for revenge on him. He was wearing a mini-skirt that stopped right below his ass. It had side-zips and red ribbons along each leg. Speaking of legs, his were decorated nicely with red fishnet against black stockings and slut boots that laced up to just above his knee. His shirt was made of red and black ripped material and he had black gauntlets around his wrists. His eyes were lined in red and had silver spirals off the edges. His hair had been smoothed down and had silver extensions in it. I grinned at him a whistled just to annoy him. Neji laughed at the mortified expression on his face.


"Why do I have to be the damn woman?! Hyuuga looks more like a girl than I do!" He scowled in an ugly manner.


"I'm taller than you." Neji stated in the arrogant manner he sometimes held with us.


"If we're basing this on height then Naruto should be the woman since he's still the shortest."


"But I'm the angel!" I grinned and snatched the mic.


After our banter about Ino's choice in costume sound testing went rather quickly and left us anticipating the rise of the curtain. Excitement built inside me as I heard the noise of a full amphitheatre. The impatient calls for the show to start mixed with the playlist of rock music filled me with energy just waiting to come out. Just when I thought I could wait no longer the music shut off and I heard the click of the lights. Neji and Gaara started a song as the curtain began to ascend. Twenty counts in Sasuke started up with a long riff. My hand twitched as I brought the mic to my lips and belted out a long note.


You can't seem to hear me anymore.
I start to speak and you slam the door.
I need to get something through your head
I don't only exist in your bed.

We need some time to talk things out.
You need to tell me what this is about.
Don't turn your head and walk away,
You need to hear what I've got to say.

We need to talk things out.
Stop making me feel so damn worthless.
We need to talk things out.

I had written this song a while back when I was having big problems with Sasuke and that whole fake relationship. Hearing him play the solo brought back a lot of those things that I didn't particularly want to think about at the minute so I pushed them to the back of my mind.

I've heard about your escapades.


We need to talk things out.
Stop treating me like I'm only here to obey.
I'm Serious! (fucking serious)
You need to talk to me! (talk to me)
You need to talk to me....

Damn!


I'm getting so damn tired of this relation.
Stop treating me like a fucking vacation!
I need to stop letting you in.
This is one fight you aren't gonna win!

We need to talk things out.
Stop making me feel so damn worthless.
We need to talk things out.
Get it through your fucking head!
We need to talk things out.

You need to talk to me!
You need to talk to me!
You need to talk to me...

Damn....*


I grinned as the song stopped. We got a large response and that was just the warm up song. I made playful banter with the audience while watching carefully for any hostility from them. I was shocked to see that I had fangirls. I mean what the hell? They all knew I was not into girls and yet here I had them. I leaned over to talk to to audience on the first row asking them a few questions about themselves and random junk. I looked over my shoulder to see Sasuke with an embarrassed expression and Neji smirking from under his commander hat. I stood back up giggling evilly and waited to start another song.

Rain why dont you fall?
who'll erase all your sadness
because I'm praying for it to be soothed

It's like I have being knowing you since my birth

I watched over you from behind
until the sunrise, and then I was shoved away
walking under the rain
did you believe it was me?

* When the rain falls down, thinking of me, will you get stronger?
I'm leaving, there will be trace of me OVER THE RAINBOW

Mian...

I sang that with a catlike tendency and slid my body along the microphone much like a cat rubs along furniture or a person's legs.


Since my birth I have been mean

Before I disappeared from this world
in the past I longed to be a better person
from plain earth I became mean
you'll become mean, too
but I'll follow you like I always did

* When the rain falls down, thinking of me, will you get stronger?
I'm leaving, there will be trace of me OVER THE RAINBOW

I'm praying for the rain to fall down
I'm praying to become rain
I'm praying to become rain


I'm sorry, even if you leave me I'll be waiting for you

Rain why dont you fall?
who'll erase all your sadness
because I'm praying for it to be soothed
and for me to become rain*


I bowed my head at the end of the song and let the audience make noise. Neji had written that one. I liked this version of it a lot. He had originally written it for me to just sing with piano, but made an active version of it too. The audience seemed to really like the song. I raised my head and grinned at them as they applauded.


Several more songs later I could really feel the heat from the spots and my costume. A person with less stamina would have probably passed out by now. Our set was really long and the scorching heat of the climate was leaking through and filling the amphitheatre, adding to the waves of heat caused by the mass of bodies. I could feel the sweat rolling down my cheeks and briefly wondered how the make up was staying on my face. I was grateful to Kyuubi for always lending me his stamina to do these shows. I was mystified at how the audiences kept going, even long after our sets were over. All they did was scream and jump up and down the entire time.


Once our show was over I dashed into the dressing room to peel my costume off. The white was sticking to me and making me quite uncomfortable. I was dying for a shower as well as a cold drink and something yummy to eat. As I turned to reach for my more casual shirt I noticed Sasuke walk in frowning and tugging at his vinyl outfit. I grinned and dropped my shirt so that I could help him out of his costume since he was obviously having problems.


"Here, let me at least remove the wings so you can reach the rest of the outfit." I stated simply before sliding behind him to unbuckle the straps and carefully pulling the wings off. "There, that should help."


His frown softened slightly and he muttered almost what sounded like gratitude before moving to the other side of the room to find something more suitable to wear. I laughed to myself hearing him grumble obscenities about the skirt he'd been forced to wear. I turned away from him to refocus myself on getting dressed in comfortable clothes. As I was getting dressed I heard Neji and Gaara enter. I evaluated their appearances and laughed. Neji's costume whip and hat had been stolen by I guess some rabid fangirls and Gaara looked pretty pissed off. My poor boys. We were all pretty worn out and frankly from what I could tell, were glad that there wasn't any press conferences afterwards.

_____________________________


Words could not tell you how glad I was to be back in Konoha. My mood would have been perfect if it wasn't for one little thing.....


"Sasuke-kun!!!"


At first he just ignored the screech until it repeated itself and latched to his arm. I could see him bristle under the touch. I giggled under my breath as he turned to glare at the unnoticing girl. She just babbled on about how happy she was that he was home.

"Excuse me miss, but we're all quite tired. And not that I'm sure that our guitarist wouldn't love to converse with you, but I think it would be in his best interest to get some sleep." Neji grinned and pushed Sasuke's shoulder. "He'll tell you all about the tour tomorrow. Won't you Sasuke?"


Man if looks could kill, Neji would be bleeding sixty ways from Sunday. I laughed as Neji just smirked and tapped Sasuke's forehead. She just looked at all of us then at Sasuke before releasing his arm and smiling.

"Alright then it's a date. Oh and Naruto," Her green eyes shifted to me while handing me a note, "The advertising managers want to see you tomorrow morning to discuss some things."

Despite my general dislike for the previous crap she'd pulled on me I still grinned and took the letter. "Sankyuu Sakura-chan! Have fun with Sasuke tomorrow! I'm going to sleep!" I smirked at Sasuke and noticed her blush and almost kind expression.


"Ee... tou..thank you... I think..."


Before she could respond any more I was gone. I breathed deeply and gazed about the familiar lounge. I could feel kyuubi sigh inside of me as well. We were both ready to be home after that long tour. After a few press conferences and meetings with the companies, we were going to be allowed a two week break which I definately needed. For now though, that couch was looking mighty tempting.

When I awoke again a few hours later, I was laying on my bed with the Kyuubi plush sitting on my pillow. I smiled and tucked it under my arm debating whether or not I actually wanted to move from this spot. In the end moving won out since I decided I was hungry. With Kyuubi plush in hand, I left the room and headed to the kitchen. I reached for the cabinet that held my precious ramen supply when Kyuubi growled at me.


"Tired of noodles huh Kyuubi." I pat my stomach thoughtfully then moved to the refrigerator to see what it had in store. "wow."


It was filled to the brim with fresh foods. I guess Ino had gone shopping. I grinned in delight at the assortment before my eyes. A fresh bottle of milk stood proudly on the top shelf awaiting my consumption. My eyes scanned around for possible quick edibles and landed on a pack of red hot dogs. I reached for it when I slim hand grasped my wrist.


"I knew you'd be hungry later." I turned toward the voice finding Ino standing there in fluffy blue pajamas. "I made Barbeque while you were asleep." She pulled a plate out with skewered chicken and vegetables."I'll heat it up for you."


I gazed at Ino for a minute. She sounded more submissive than before. "Nee... Ino-chan, what's wrong?" I sat at the small table watching as she bustled about.


"Nn.. It's nothing Naruto. We're all tired from the tour, and I guess we all missed home." I didn't understand why she sounded so sad. "I guess I miss my friends too."


"Do you want to go home Ino?"


She said nothing then suddenly and rather forcefully asked, "Why are you giving Sasuke to Sakura?"


I jumped at the outburst but then lowered my head, "What he does is not my business. He already messed me up, and no matter how terribly he treats me, he is still some one important to me."

"But you can't let her have him. She's being selfish."


I sighed and gazed at Ino once again. "This is about Sakura isn't it?" I propped my head up on my hand. "What did she do?"


"Sakura was my best friend a long time ago. We both used to like Sasuke a lot until she made this big rivalry of it. I played along with it for a while, but she got really competitive. Then I found out about Sasuke. I realized it was pointless to chase him any longer." She sighed. "When she found out that I was working as your costume designer she got angry and thought I was trying to steal him so she hired herself to the advertising company to keep tabs on him. Please Naruto! You can't let them be together! I don't want her to get hurt."


I grinned and snatched my plate away from her. "You're a kind person behind that bossy attitude. Don't worry. Sasuke is not interrested in her in the least bit. He already has some one, and he frequently brings boys back with him to get rid of his tension. But if it makes you feel better, I'll make sure nothing happens."


She smiled softly and then sat in companionable silence with me while I devoured her cooking.I watched her stifle a giggle at my chaotic eating. That was more like it. I grinned and continued to scarf my dinner.

"So how are things with the Hyuuga?"

I blushed and grinned. "Fuckin' awesome. Have you ever had one of his massages? They make me melt into a helpless twitching mass."

"No offense, but Neji in general makes you melt into a helpless twitching mass. Besides, I think his massages are intented only for you, that way he can screw your ass afterwards."


I grinned and agreed. "I guess that makes his other lovers lucky. I wonder if he gives them the same treatment."


"Shika? That lazy buffoon doesn't deserve it." she frowned, "He's just like his father, a complaining lazy man. I'm surprised Neji puts up with him."


I sighed and tried to will away the memory of hearing them fuck. "Damn...thank you very much for putting that damn picture in my head."

She grinned at me and then pat the back of my head before walking back to her room. "Put the dishes in the dish washer when you're done. I'm going to bed."


"Night Ino."


______________________________

Blue satin sheets brushed against my skin. I stretched into it enjoying the feeling. When I opened my eyes I saw Sasuke evaluating me with a soft smirk.


"Do you remember?"

Suddenly everything faded black and flashes of the old Konoha came to my mind: My ancestor and Sasuke sharing a similar embarassing kiss, a fight in the ice, the Kyuubi, a fight in the forest, and then it finally stopped on another battle. Suddenly I could see through the eyes of my ancestor. He was fighting Sasuke, a changed Sasuke. I could feel Kyuubi's presence all around me and the sorrow of my ancestor. I could feel the pain with each blow he landed. It rattled me to the core. I could hear words, but it was almost if they were meant to be a secret between these two so I couldn't understand.


I was shoved back to the ominiscient view when he fell unconcious. I saw what no one else saw. His Sasuke cried. He leaned down and dropped a weak kiss to his forehead and whispered a soft apology.

I love you.....
_____________________________


The next day started off bad and only got worse. The dream I had last night had me tossing and turning in a restless sleep therefore making me exceedingly tired. I had no chance to think about it though. I went into the meeting with the advertising company and found out that while everyone else got to be on break I was going to be here at the studio for most of that time discussing the new single and ideas for music videos, as well as recording the piano version of the song Neji wrote. Needless to say I was not in the best of moods when I found Kabuto waiting in the lounge for me to take me to meet with the big man.


We rode up the elevator in silence. I'm sure that Kabuto was aware of how uncomfortable his boss made me. Speaking of which, he looked like he was sporting a few new bruises around the neck. Man that guy must be a violent lover to him. I remembered the dark hallway to his office. That didn't ease my nerves in the least. I shrank back slightly as the door opened.


"Come in Naruto-kun." Came the sneaky voice. I stepped inside followed by Kabuto and bowed very slightly. "I hear you've been on friendly terms with another subordinate of mine."

"Um...not that I know of." I was genuinely confused.


"Come come, I'm sure you know of Itachi."


Recognition dawned on me. "I know of him, but the terms of which I am on with him, I would not consider friendly."


"I see. We have reason to believe suspicious activity has been coming from him. Should you see anything or find out anything do not hesitate to tell me. The fate of your band rests in the palm of my hand. If you hide something, I shall destroy your dream."


I nodded and then quietly asked my leave, which was granted. I shuffled out of there as quickly as possible and made my way to the studio downstairs to get rid of some of my nervous energy. My pulse calmed as I sat on the stool belting out lyrics. I lost myself completely in the music once again making me vulnerable.


"Good evening little Kyuubi..."

I froze when I heard that silky voice. Oh help me god........


A/n: Okay I am exceedingly sorry for the wait on this chapter. I hit a really tough spot recently and haven't been allowed much time to update. So I am very very sorry.

* song by Nikikeya- Talk 2 Me

*Song by The Trax- Over The Rainbow (this song is originally in korean, this is a translation)

To my AFNs:

SpiritFighter- Neji could be a masseur. I'd make lots of appointments with him. I do the movies thing all the time too.


Kyuubi-kun-Sorry to confuse you, I know my plot is kinda twisty right now. You'll just have to see what's going to happen.

TenshiKaitou- I thrive on confusing relationships in my fics. Please stay with me. Things will resolve themselves.

Horizont- Itachi is good at hitting Sasuke, I'll agree. And no Oro isn't that bad looking. He's just a creepy kinda guy.

Liliath- I love my Itachi characterization. Like I said. No need to beg, it might take me a while, but I will update this until it's done. I love it to pieces.

Narlover- thanks and again an apology for the lateness of this update.

Midori- I am quite anticipating the NaruGaara part myself. It is coming up really soon so please stay with me. *bows in apology*

Kashshaptu- Thank you so much for the wonderful compliments. I do try hard.

Devious Lil Devil- Thanks for the compliments. And wow I didn't notice til you pointed it out that the last chapter had no sasu-bitching. I can't tell you about what Itachi desires. Hi~mi~tsu ^_~

kenshinjunkie03- thanks, and trust me, Orochimaru will mess with kabuto.

Okita souji- Poor sasuke indeed. I'm being me to him aren't I? I'll have a note on Itachi in the next chapter. I don't want to spoil anything k?

Rune- Actually yes. Neji's first lover is indeed none other than the examiner Shiranui Genma. I'll have a side fic for that out soon so that we get to see all the juicy details. ^_~

P1- Yeah there are a lot of things that could happen. Itachi plays a major role in what will happen in the future.

Kasey Sanada- Damn I am so sorry about not sending you the rest of the chapters. T_T I lost the address. Sorry for taking so long.

darkangel- I'm glad you took the chance to read it. I hope that it will continue to entertain you.

the_True_Silver- Thanks. I will try to not make you guys wait so long.

Anku- Yeah I kinda find Serial rapist Itachi crude and annoying since I think he's more eloquent than that. and yes it is Orochiwantinsasukespantsmaru. Glad you like.


Sorry for the lack of action in the chapter. I promise it's there in the next one. So please stick with me. HEE HEE I know you want to know what's going to happen! *evil laughter*