Think Of Me

I do not own Naruto in any way, shape, or form. Nor I do I make any money in this fic's production.

My God, this chapter took forever to do. Since some have reviewed that they want the names to be correct I had go out of my way to look them up. All names should be correct, or as correct as they are going to get. It takes way too freaking long to do this shit, especially when I have an idea I want to run with. Alas, whatever, hope you stay tuned.

Chapter 1 Think of Me Fondly

Nine years later

Looks like the rumors were true, Naruto mused as he observed the Owner of the Opera Popular, escorting two unfamiliar gentleman through the stage, which was already crowded with the hustle and bustle of rehearsal.

The two gentleman in question were both wearing tasteless, yet obviously expensive clothes, in colors that left no doubt in Naruto's mind that these two were new to being wealthy. Old Gentry wore elegant, flawless creations that were meant to tell those of lower station, “Remember where your place is, below us. Don't even think about rising above your class.”

Elitism was a bitch, but it was something Naruto was used to.

As Monsieur Lefevre, the current owner, brought the gentleman closer to his location Naruto got a better look at the two. The younger of the two was portly, but still had all of his hair, and wore a condescending sneer as he looked down his nose at the members of the set. The other still had all of his hair as well, but it was all white. Unlike his partner, his face appeared kind...but Naruto knew better than most how deceiving appearance could be.

“Everyone gatherer 'round!” Monsieur Lefevre announced, screaming at the top of his lungs in that high-pitched voice that grated on Naruto's nerves, and most decidedly brought him out of his musings.

“No doubt you've heard rumors about my imminent retirement.” he went on, still screaming for some reason. “I can now tell you, that they are all true.”

Before he could continue, everyone started talking all at once, some nodding knowingly, some shouting “Ah hah!” as if trying to soothe their own sense of unknowing.

“I shall now introduce you to the two gentleman who now own the Opera Popular, Monsieur Andre and Monsieur Firmin.” He went on. “The two have just amassed a fortune in the junk business--”

“--Scrap metal, actually.” Monsieur Andre, whom Naruto had decided to nickname Monsieur Powder Puff huffed, obviously offended.

The other gentleman who had been identified as Monsieur Firmin evidently had an announcement of his own.

“We would like to take this moment to introduce the new Patrol to the Opera Popular.”

Everyone waited with bated breath, except Naruto who just yawned.

“The Vicomte de Chagny!”

Whispers filled the air as another gentleman, obviously old gentry walked out at the presentation of his title. He was young and extremely handsome, with dark eyes and hair, hough the hair in the back of his head came to a point, not unlike the rear end of a chicken, or some lesser fowl.

Surprise caused Naruto to stiffen.

“What is it Naruto?” Meg, Madame Giry's only daughter asked him, noting how pale Naruto's normally darker complected features had gotten.

“I know him.” Naruto whispered. “It's Sasuke Uchiha.”

“You know the Vicomte de Chagny?” she asked, disbelievingly. “How?”

“As children.” Naruto quietly explained. “Sasuke's father knew mine. I guess you could call us childhood friends.”

Their conversation was cut short by the Vicomte.

“Our family is proud to support all of the arts.” the Vicomte spoke, hesitantly, as if he were afraid he would be tainted if he spoke to such low class creatures. “Especially the world renowned Opera Popular.”

Monsieur Lefevre took that moment to introduce the 'key' cast, to the new owners and the Patron.

“This is Signora Carlotta Giudicelli, our star for three seasons.”

Carlotta tipped his head accordingly, as if acknowledging his subjects...though with the way he was treated it really wasn't a surprise.

He then introduced, them to the others, basically Carlotta, Ubaldo Piangi, her lover, who was as overly dramatic as her, Monsieur Reyer the maestro, and Madame Giry the ballet mistress.

The Vicomte left after that announcing that he would return that night for the gala to “share in the cast's 'great triumph'.”

As Sasuke was walking out he failed to notice that he passed Naruto, focused on getting out of the peasant-infested building.

“He wouldn't remember me anyway.” Naruto told Meg, smiling somewhat sadly, not surprised that someone of Sasuke's station would forget an old childhood friend.

“He didn't see you!” argued Meg, attempting to comfort the boy she's come to love as a brother.

Before Naruto could respond they were once again cut off as the rest of the cast returned to the task of rehearsal as Madame Giry gave the two a quick run through of the different sections of cast.

Naruto, being the dancer he was, had indeed lost his two left feet, long ago and continued with his role of supporting a female ballerina as she leaped into the air.

Upon seeing Meg dancing, the two new owners commented about how like an angel she looked.

Madame Giry's stopped in her tracks, seeing through their ill- concealed sexual interest in her nubile young daughter.

“That is my daughter, Meg Giry.” she coolly informed them.

Immediately reading into her tone that her daughter was off limits, they backed off, their eyes, landing on Naruto's graceful form.

Naruto luckily was too engrossed in his current task of supporting his partner to notice that their lust-filled looks were now directed at him.

Evidently these two weren't very discerning about gender.

Although it wasn't really all that shocking.

Naruto had an androgynous look to him, and in fact, if he had not had short hair could have passed for a female. Growing into the promise of beauty he had had as a child his face had lost its, baby fat, but still remained round. His body was in good shape due to years and years of training, but lacked the muscular frame of larger-boned males, which gave him a lithe, but still slightly curvy look. The three lines on each of his cheeks, only added to the mischievous look that he still retained. The way he danced, didn't help either, he exuded sex and seduction with every sensuous movement he made.

Catching the look on their faces as they gazed at Naruto, made Madame Giry's stomach turn.

“And who is that that?” Monsieur Firmin, actually asked, without once taking his eyes off Naruto's form, his eyes not missing a single moment of Naruto's dance.

Though, Monsieur Andre did not comment, his eyes watched Naruto, his gaze as obviously lascivious as his partners.

“Naruto Uzumaki.” Madame Giry replied hesitantly, orphaned at the age of nine, when he came to live and train in the ballet dormitories.”

“An orphan you say?” Monsieur Firmin repeated stupidly not realizing he was already treading on dangerous ground.”

“I think of him as my own child as well.” Madame Giry replied, her voice no longer just cold, but at a temperature low enough to be termed sub-arctic.

The two sensed that they had perhaps said two much and immediately backed off, disappointed that the two who had caught their disgusting eyes were so well-protected.

Really this was an Opera House, wasn't there suppose to be a lack of morals and cast members who were so desperate for advancement that they would do anything, say anything, or sleep with anyone they must to get ahead? The two were baffled, it seemed they had bought the only Opera House that had morals...it seemed being wealthy didn't mean you got everything you wanted.

Just before Madame Giry was about to show them the chorus, Carlotta's voice cut in without so much as an “excuse me.”

“Oh look Monsieur Lefevre the new managers are as excited as you get over the dancing girls! Well I hope you enjoy them!” she screamed at the two. “Because I will not be singing!”

She walked away slowly, as if waiting for something.

Monsieur Andre and Firmin looked at Monsieur Lefevre in horror.

“What do we do?!” Monsieur Andre asked in a panicked tone.

“Grovel.” Monsieur Lefevre gestured with his hands. “Grovel, grovel.”

The two started praising Carlotta, calling her a goddess of song and such...Naruto wanted to puke.

Carlotta, ever the drama queen then proceeded to break into tears.

“Isn't there a rather spectacular aria in Act V of Hannibal?” Powder Puff asked Carlotta consolingly.

“Yes!” Carlotta sobbed. “But I do not have my costume because somebody did not get it ready on time! And I hate my hat!”

“I wonder, if would honor us, Signora, with an encore?” Monsieur Firmin pleaded, then pinning responsibility on someone else, as the wealthy are known to do looked to Monsieur Reyer. “Unless Monsieur Reyer objects.”

Carlotta, finally putting an end to the crocodile tears, put a dramatic hand to her head and sighed.

“If my managers command.”

The two ostentatiously dressed gentleman looked at the Monsieur Reyer expectantly until he finally uttered.

“If my diva, commands.”

“Yes.” she demanded, “I do.”

As the the orchestra started up, guided by Monsieur Reyer, Carlotta started singing.

As usual with the over exaggerated soprano, it was reflected in her singing,and had everyone clapping their hands over their ears.

Suddenly seemingly out of nowhere one of the backdrops fell on top of Carlotta mind-song.

It was hilarious and everyone was inwardly laughing.

“Someone get this off of me!” Carlotta screamed.

At first no one moved, but eventually Carlotta's screams got so annoying that they moved, ignoring the orders she was barking at them, and pulled the background drop that had somehow fallen on her.

The new fearless leaders looked at Carlotta, sympathy in their gazes.

“These things do happen, Signor.” they pointed out.

Carlotta did not appreciate their attempt at logic. Her vanity had been hurt, therefore everyone would be made to suffer.

“For the last three years these things do happen!” she looked accusingly at Monsieur Lefevre and pointed a finger. “And did you stop them from happening? No!” Her gaze then swung to the other two. “And you two, you are as bad as him.”

With a great huff, Carlotta, left in her usual dramatic exit yelling for emphasis.

“I am really leaving this time. Ciao, bye bye! Where is my doggie, bring my doggie!”

The door slammed shut with finality and everyone knew that for once Carlotta would follow through with her threat...she truly was going to leave them all hanging.

“Oh God.” groaned Firmin. “What are we going to do?”

Monsieur Lefevre chose that moment to land another blow.

“Good luck, gentlemen.” he told the two before making a hasty exit. “If you need me, I shall be in Australia.

Monsieur Reyer gave a groan, his hand going to his face, everything was happening all at once.

Looking at Reyer in desperation Firmin asked him. “Isn't there an understudy?!”

“Of course not!” Reyer sniffed disdainfully, as if that was the stupidest question he could ask. “There is no understudy for La Carlotta!”

Unfortunately at that moment Madam Giry found the letter.

Everyone knew what it contained, and everything went silent, except for the hysterical new owners.

Finally they seemed to notice the silence and saw that eyes were directed towards Madame Giry.

“What is it, now Madam?!” Firmin screamed at her.

“Just a letter from the Opera Ghost.” she calmly retorted.

“Oh God.” Firmin sighed. “You are all obsessed.”

Madame Giry went on anyway.

“He welcomes you to his Opera House.”
“His Opera House?!” Firmin shouted in shock.

“And commands that you continue to leave Box 5,” she gestured towards it with her cane, “empty for his use. And reminds you that his salary is due.”

“His salary?!” Monsieur Firmin shouted once again, disbelief evident in his tone.” His features tightened in undisguised fury.

“What?” Madame Giry went on, despite the anger she knew her words were causing. “Monsieur Lefevre used to give him twenty thousand francs a month.” She then handed the letter to Monsieur Andre.

“Twenty thousand francs?!” Firmin screeched, evidently hearing enough, tearing the letter out of Andre's hands his eyes scanning the contents of the letter.

“Perhaps you can afford more?” she shot back calmly, his anger not ruffling her one bit. “With the Vicomte as your Patron”

“Madam, I was hoping to make that information public tonight when the Vicomte was to join us for the gala!” he ripped up the letter. “Now we shall have to cancel, as it appears we have lost our star.” He ended his little tirade by throwing the pieces of what was left of the letter in Madame Giry's face.

“A full house Firmin!” Monsieur Andre, now getting a bit hysterical shouted. “We shall have to refund a full house!”

“Naruto Uzumaki could sing it, sir.” Madame Giry entered.

“What a dancer?” Firmin scoffed. “Don't be silly.'

“He has been taking lessons from a great teacher.” she countered, “not to mention his father was the late Minato Namikaze.”

“Who is this great teacher.” Monsieur Andre asked curiously, evidently Naruto's parentage, or at least the one, was enough to ignore his lack of fame or reputation.

Naruto, at this point had been watching the whole situation with great amusement until he heard his name mentioned. Irritation filled him at Madame Giry's high handedness. Plus, she had to bring his father's name into the whole situation, and she knew how he detested using his father's name to gain any favors.

As Monsieur Andre looked at him expecting an answer to the question posed, he groaned. He really hadn't wanted to get involved.

Now it appeared he had no choice, he'd been backed in a corner, with only one way out, it seemed.

“I don't know his name.” Naruto hesitantly admitted.

“Let him sing for you.” Madame Giry hastily cut in, before any time for thinking was given. “He has been well taught.”

“All right.” Monsieur Andre begrudged, it certainly couldn't hurt anything. “Come,” he urged, a persuasive tone to it, “don't be shy, just...”

Monsieur Reyer who had been watching the entire affair with interest was interested to see what Minato Namikaze's son could do.

“From the beginning of the aria, Monsieur,”

The music thrummed softly and as usual Naruto could feel it take a hold of him as it usually did. He knew the music by heart, he'd certainly heard it enough that he should.

Everything else ceased to exist. It was just him and the music.

Meanwhile Monsieur Firmin was uneasy.

“This is doing nothing for my nerves, Andre.”

“Well,” Andre dismissed, “he's very pretty.”

Before Madame Giry could respond to that Naruto's voice cut in.

Think of me

Think of me fondly when we've said goodbye.

Remember me, once in a while, please promise me you'll try.

Then you'll find, that once again you long to take your heart back and be free

If you ever find a moment spare a thought for me.

As Naruto continued with the next verse Madame Giry looked at the two gentleman.

Both were slack-jawed staring at Naruto in amazement.

Indeed, if Madame Giry had not heard Naruto's voice before she might very well be in the same condition.

Naruto's voice was of a quality that was rapidly diminishing in this day and age. His voice could be defined as neither male nor female. It had an ethereal note to it, as if such a voice should not be able to be heard by mere mortals. Each note was hit at the perfect pitch and effortlessly executed.

The rest of the cast members were in shock as well. Everyone knew Naruto could dance, but never had they thought that he had this sort of talent. His voice put Carlotta's to shame.

Madame Giry, patted herself on the back for finally bringing Naruto's exceptional talent to light, and as she continued to listen to him sing she knew, assuredly, that he would be singing tonight and nothing would be the same.

***********************************************************************************

We never said our love was evergreen, or as unchanging as the sea.

But if you can still remember, spare a thought for me.

Think of all the things we've shared and seen.

Don't think about the way things might have been.

Think of me, thinking of waiting silent and resigned.

Imagine me, trying so hard to put you from my mind.

Recall those day, think back on those times.

Think of the things we'll never do.

There will never be a day, when I won't think of you.

The applause for Naruto would have been the loudest he'd ever heard...it he had been listening. He was still in that world with only music and him. It was almost an unnatural thing, so deeply in tune with the music that he was.

Singing the last verse, everyone in the audience learned then, just how much tutelage this person had received.

Flowers fade, the fruits of summer fade.

They have their seasons, so do we.

But please promise me that sometimes, you will think of me!

The end of the song required the vocal difficulty that normally only veteran opera singers can achieve. Naruto pulled it off easily, hitting every note, seemingly effortlessly.

As he finished, the applause was deafening.

As Naruto came out of his trance-like state he saw everyone on their feet clapping as loud as humanly possible.

He bowed blushing all the while and made a hasty retreat towards the exit of the stage.

He was dressed as a female...since he could easily pull it off it really was no big deal to him. He knew, after all that he could pass as either. Still, he almost tripped on the gown as he stepped off stage.

He really cared nothing for the fame, he had done this only because he felt he could not let Madame Giry down.

Making his way downward, towards the only place he felt at home in the cold, impersonal walls of the Opera House. Ignoring any attempts at conversation that the cast actively tried to engage him in on his way, as well as the dirty looks when he brushed them aside, he continued on his way.

To the place he'd come to view as his sanctuary.

As soon as he'd arrived, Naruto took off the dress, struggling for a moment with all of the buttons, relieved that he'd had the forethought to wear male clothes underneath them. He liked being a guy better ,for the simple reason that the clothing was a lot less of a hassle to take on and off. He didn't know how females could stand to wear all of those layers.

With that hindrance out of the way, Naruto lit the candles arranged in their usual circle. Throughout the years he'd had to replace them, of course, snatching them from here and there, stealthily and seldom enough that no one had ever noticed.

As enough light was shed to view his father's features, Naruto sighed.

“Well father, I finally made my debut.” he laughed sardonically “If you want to call cross-dressing and playing a female part a debut.”

“Oh, I don't know,” a voice commented, surrounding him from all sides, as usual its source was impossible to discern, “I think you looked pretty good.”

Naruto didn't so much as jump, he did roll his eyes, however.

“Why am I not surprised that you were watching? Hell you probably got off, seeing me in that get up.”

“Almost,” the voice agreed, not at all abashedly, “it was one hell of a sight to behold.”

“You're sick.” Naruto tone was full of disgust. “Why do I put up with your perverted and psychotic ways again?”

“Well,” the voice pointed out logically, something that did not happen too often. “It could be because without me your voice wouldn't be what it is today. Or maybe because you couldn't be rid of me, even if you wished to.”

He is right, Naruto mused, like hell I'll ever admit it, but I have no idea what he even look like.

What made that notion even more disturbing is that he had been having certain...dreams...about the mystery man who had been 'helping' him for years, and he hadn't the least idea what he even looked like.

“Have I mentioned how unfair it is that you can see me, but don't give me the same consideration?” Naruto lectured, knowing he was desperately trying to think of a logical excuse for him to get a glimpse of this paradox of a human being.

“You may have mentioned that once or twice.” it chuckled, “Maybe one day soon, I'll let you.”
Naruto rolled his eyes.

“Whatever, I'm going to bed.”

Blowing out all of the candles, Naruto gave one last look into the pitch dark room, shrugged, and then made his way toward the soprano's suite.

Since, for now, he was the 'diva' as it were, he would be treated as such. After all, everyone knows, that the star doesn't stay in the ballet dormitories.

As he left the figure who he'd conversed with only moments earlier, watched his departure, not missing the way his graceful form moved.

He licked his lips.

Soon, he told himself, soon there will no longer be a reason to keep myself from him. Then I can finally have what I've wanted after all these years.

From the beginning the child had only been intended to be used as a pawn in his game.

Soon though, his intentions changed. Oh he would still use the boy as his instrument to keep the managers in line, but Naruto would be his. And once he was his completely, no one would be taking the singer from him. Ever.

Naruto shut the door behind him, exhaling as he did so.

In the end it didn't matter if he was male or female, he was still recognizable either way. Proof of this was when he'd tried to enter his room...and been swamped by hundreds of admirers.

A knock at his door brought him out of his musing.

Opening the door at first all he saw was an enormous bouquet of flowers.

“Can I help you?” he asked curiously, trying to figure out how this person had gotten past Madam Giry's watchful eye.

The person's identity was made clear as soon as he set the bouquet down.

“Sasuke?!” Naruto exclaimed.

“Last time I checked.” Sasuke responded sarcastically, openly admiring Naruto's form. “Well aren't you all grown up?”

Naruto blushed.

“Shut up you pervert!” he muttered. “Gods are there no straight people left in this world.”

“Oh I am straight.” Sasuke smirked even as he was looking at Naruto with what could only be described as openly sexual interest. “But even the straightest of boards have known to become warped with time. Especially when it comes to you.”

“W-Whatever.” Naruto mumbled, not used to all of this attention. “So is there something specific you wanted?” he asked desperate to change the subject, he did not want to go there with Sasuke.

“Besides you?” Sasuke's voice was dripping with innuendo, then he shrugged, “Nothing really.”

“If only the cast members could see you now.” Naruto laughed. “The mighty Vicomte de Chagny doesn't seem so lofty now!”

Naruto's words caused Sasuke's features to flatten and become unreadable once more.

“Oh come on!” he protested, “You're not going to go back into bastard mode because of a joke are you?”

Sasuke's continued silence gave him his answer.

“Fine.” Naruto sighed. “I have no use for cold bastards, who won't talk to anyone they deem as unworthy. Get out.” the coldness of his tone had Sasuke arching an eyebrow in surprise. No one spoke to Sasuke Uchiha that way, no one.

“I will have my carriage ready in fifteen minutes.” the Vicomte finally spoke. “Be ready for dinner at that time.”

“Ha!” Naruto huffed in disbelief at his arrogance. “As if I'd go anywhere with you!”

“Nevertheless,” Sasuke spoke in a tone that brooked no argument, “you will be ready.”

“Get out.” Naruto said once more, all joviality completely absent from his tone. “I won't be going anywhere with you.”

“I will leave.” Sasuke seemingly complied. “But then I will return in fifteen minutes when you will go with me.”

Naruto jerked the door open, which Sasuke smartly went through.

Slamming it behind the amazingly arrogant son of a bitch who had just walked it through it, Naruto locked it and collapsed against the smooth wooden surface.

He ran his hand through his hair.

He had to come up with an idea, and come up with one fast, something that would place him conveniently not here when Sasuke came back.

Getting a sudden surge of brilliance, he went to yank the door open and go to that place...only to find the door locked.

End of Chapter 1.