The Shamisen Playing Red Fox

A/N: New chapter up! Sorry for the long update.... I am a degree student now so things gotten busy... Plus I sorta had writer's block.... hope this one turn out ok ne? Got no time to check it.... Enjoy~

Chapter 5

Naruto paced restlessly; his hands clenching on his black instrument case while the row of white teeth chewed on the plump bottom lip. What is stopping him from entering that door?


1.No one knew (or ever thought) that Naruto could (or would even be able to) play (any instrument available on the planet) an instrument moreover a traditional one at that.

2.How are they going to react to it?


But another part of him is exited over the fact that he will be able to show a part of him that no one in school (save for the student council as of two weeks ago.....Tsunade, Iruka and Kakashi of course) has ever seen before.


Besides, deny Uchiha (Teme) = Secret Job being exposed (maybe).


And the rest of these possibilities may happen:


1.Sasuke (not knowing that Tsunade and himself are in very good terms) might make a report about his job and she as a principle of this 'prestigious school' should do something about it.

2.Naruto may have to quite the job then because it is illegal for underage teens to work at places like Icha Icha regardless of what position you are working as. It is under this 'prestigious school' rule that students are not to take part in any action that is against the law. After three times the warning, your out.

3.Honestly Naruto didn't care, but what is most troublesome to deal with are the students. The so called rich, smart, ingenious students of the 'prestigious school' will give him more shit if they find out about his job. People of the rich will never understand how an average mortal such as himself live. They will taunt him, make fun of him and most probably exaggerate the entire thing. Gossiping. Thats what they are good at. Worse comes to worse, they might call him a whore. You know, when a boy who is assumed to be good at nothing works at a place like that.... well fill the blanks yourself.

4.He didn't want Jiraya to get into unnecessary trouble. If words get out to the authorities, the place will be raided. Naruto loved Icha Icha. Its not dirty. Ero- Ji Ji made sure of that. No drugs, no mafia and all that illegal activity black market crap. Its just like an exclusive lounge for the rich that has entertainments (that may include a teeny-weenie amount of adult stuff once in a while... heh). No nudity, no extra 'services'.


Complicated? Sure is. Why had he remained in Sanin Highschool anyway? Because he still have a handful of people whom he cared for here. Going to a new place is troublesome.


Familiar chatters reached his ears and brought him back from his musings. The high pitched squeals are really hard to miss. Naruto inwardly grimaced when Sakura spotted him.


Oh Lord.


Sasuke walked towards to the sports hall quickly, his fellow student council following closely behind him. They had just finished their private meeting at the administration building and now making time for the audition that is going to start soon. The raven is still in his own world as he strode the hall way. All admiring gazes thrown his way went unnoticed. It felt great at first but he stopped caring for such things when people started worshiping him like some God. Just hearing his name made girls swoon. With one look the boys dare not oppose him. Without doing much, the teachers praised him. It really sucks when you hear the same things everyday... for years. It makes you feel numb. That is why people like Naruto have his respect more than others and that is one of the secrets that will be kept under lock and key for a very, very long time. Of course he got along with his EXCO members as well but the dobe is....... different.

“What.are.you.doing.here?”

Oh Lord..


He can recognize that voice anywhere.


Looking up, he saw the pink source circling its victim, the loud blond, while the other four girls stood behind her. Once again his curiosity had taken over and his body moved by its own accord.

“Um.... What are you doing Mr. President?”


Sasuke turned to shush the dog lover and made a motion to the others to lay low as well, ignoring the quizzical looks they're giving him.


Neji stood behind Sasuke to get a closer look as he wondered what had taken the Uchiha's interest, so much as to hide behind a pillar like some sneaky spy. Very unfitting but amusing. “Hey.... its your dobe”


The Uchiha felt his cheeks burn. Though he knew Neji had not insinuated anything with 'your dobe' comment, it apparently struck something in him. Not replying he continued to watch the scene not so far away as Sakura spoke once again.

“Don't tell me you're here for the audition?” A delicate pink brow arch as she scrutinize the blond boy before her.


Naruto forced a smile and faced her as he said “Um.. apparently... I am” The girls erupted into laughter as if his answer was the most ridiculous thing ever said. Bitches.


“What are you going to do for the audition?” Ino pointed a finger to the black case Naruto is holding.


The blond rubs his chin in a thoughtful manner “Well...... its none of your business” he said finally and turn towards the entrance.


With a slight jerk of the pink head, two of Sakura's groupies ran to the unguarded boy and grab his black case. “Hey!”


“Lets see what's in here” Sakura made an exaggerated look of wonder as she took the black case into her hands. “It must be precious” thumbing the combination lock that she noticed when trying to open the case.


“Sakura... Please, give it back to me”


The group of girls let out an 'ooh'. “Look he's angry”


Damn right he's pissed. The instrument meant a lot to him. As if people like will understand. To be born with a silver spoon in her mouth.

Sasuke on the other hand is fuming. He never really hated Sakura and her 'minions'. They just annoy the hell out of him sometimes but seeing their childish acts right now....


“Should we stop them?” Kiba' brow creased a little in worry. If blonde's shamisen broke then their plan is going down the drain. “what... is she doing?” The dog lover almost shouted when he saw the pick haired girl took a brick from Ino. If the shamisen is damaged then their plan will go down the drain.

Hinata held onto Ten Ten's hand, tugging it anxiously. “S-sasuke-kun” The shy girl urge him in hope that their president is going to do something about the situation.


Sakura attempt to break the lock and Naruto growled out his last warning “Sakura.... give-”


Just as the raven thought he should make himself known, the pink haired girl squeaked when someone came behind her and snatched the case. She turn towards the snatcher, about to yell at the person but stopped when she realised who it was.


Sai. Class rep of Secondary 5B, once ran as candidate for the Stundent Council presidency. Its obvious that it didn't work out but he refused to join the student council altogether ever since Sasuke got the position. As the Chinese proverb says “two lions cannot live in the same mountain” or was it “one slave cannot have two masters”.... “two many cooks spoils the soup”? Whatever. You get the drift.


“Girls, shouldn't we get ready for the audition already? I think we're running a little late?” Sai smiled.


Fake.


Everything about him seems so fake.


Unnatural; as if been forced.


Genius and talented as he may be but that was most probably one reason that made him lost the chance to head the student council. The girls dared not oppose Sai hence left the spot and entered the hall as if nothing ever happened.


“I think we better get in too. The other students are arriving” Gaara said as he came up to the president and his VP


“Hn” Sasuke straightened his clothes and gave his attire a quick check. “we never saw anything. Got it? Let go”


The Student Council members walked to the entrance. Sai's dark orbs met the president's and he gave polite smile, bowing slightly in acknowledgment. However Sasuke can feel no honesty in it. He can feel it in his bones.


Naruto released his breath he didn't know he was holding. Had Sasuke seen everything earlier? 'He must have thought me rather pathetic. Getting bullied by a bunch of girls.' The blond want to dig a hole and crawl in.


“Dobe” Naruto looked at Sasuke, half expecting the raven to question him further, onyx eyes boring in to him “what are you doing standing there like that? Hurry up and get inside. The other students will be arriving soon and you haven't registered yourself” With that the Uchiha walk in.


The blond stood agape, glaring daggers at the man, following him until he disappeared behind the door along with the council members. 'Well Teme, Who the hell dragged me into all of this?!?!' Naruto had wanted to yell all the obscenities that came across his mind now but he halted when his vision is filled with black.


“Your case”


“Oh.. um.. yeah” Naruto took the case. Before he could even thank Sai, the other male had walked away. “W-wait!”


Sai stopped and looked at the blond questioningly over his shoulder.


“Thanks.... Thanks for helping me. Girls can be a litt-”


“Don't get me wrong” Sai cut in. “I hadn't really done that to help you. It's more of the matter of being fair. Although it is obvious that you have the least possibilities of qualifying but it would be unfair if you were not given the chance to go through the audition first. Well, gambate-ne?”


Then all Naruto heard was the sound of a click from the door.


“He must be related to the Uchiha in some way”


Beginning with lower secondary classes to the upper secondary classes, the audition is coming to an end.


Groan.


'Finally' Sasuke thought.


It is now 3:20 in the afternoon. After almost two hours worth of crap, they can now watch the most anticipated performance. 35 variety of groups were signed up for the audition and 9 had been chosen. Surprisingly though, Sakura and her fellow minions could sing and dance pretty well. It is a wonder to hear the usually screeching voice sound quite decent in melody. Definitely going to be troublesome having them around but they rightfully qualified.


Sasuke straightened up in his seat when Neji called out the next and the last candidate.


“Uzumaki Naruto”


The blonde stood.


“you have five minutes to prepare”


Naruto passed the 'judges' table as he walked over to the stage, not sparing a glance. Whispers broke out in the room and the raven does not need to ask to know what they are gossiping about. If it wasn't for the accidental discovery of this well hidden secret, he would turn out to be prejudicial of Naruto like the rest of them. But then again Naruto isn't exactly desperately taking measures to hide what he does. Everyone was being ignorant when things revolve around the blond. The dobe was well known for his clowning and pranks back in the primary years. No one took him seriously until now. If the dobe would take up this offer and see through it until the very end, it will benefit both of them. It will tune up the festival and people will finally see Naruto in a more respectable point of view.


Naruto walk up to Shikamaru who is handling the audio arrangement and systems. The blond took out his pendrive and hand it over to the lazy genius. “There is only one file” He then walked over to grab a mike stand and placed it at the front part of the stage. Well not so front of course! He need some space! Distance! From the scrutinizing eyes. He is trying to maintain his composure here you know. But at the same time he just want to dash out of this room. His pride be damned.


The blond motioned Kiba for a chair and the dog lover passed it to him. Naruto positioned the chair behind the stand and sat down, settling the case on his lap. After he adjust the stand to the appropriate height where the microphone will best capture the sounds from the shamisen, he open the case and take out his beloved possession. You can do it!


Sasuke noticed that the chatter in the room dimmed down a bit when the shamisen came into view. He could even here some gasps. The blond on the stage paused in his ministration with a look that says 'Hello? Haven't you seen a shamisen before? It is our traditional instrument ya know? Geisha? Ring any bells?' on his face. Sasuke can't help but smirk and he is sure that his fellow members are anticipating the reaction and the outcome of this performance too. With just a short distance between them now, the raven can see the patterns in detail now. It is truly one of a kind. Even the bachi is special. Though partially hidden within the slim fingers, Sasuke can make out the Yin and Yang carved out as part of the holder.


“Oi! Uzumaki! You seriously gonna play that? Are you trying to put us in coma?” A voice shouted from among the crowd and the hall erupted into laughters and giggles.


Sasuke noticed the blond's shoulders stiffen and the hands tightened. More teasing and insults were thrown at the boy. Sasuke was already visioning Naruto running out the door and his plans going down the drain. But he was sure he hadn't expect the next.

Naruto grasped the microphone before him and spoke, his voice eerily calm. “Who the fuck thinks he or she can play this?” A hand holding the shamisen higher as emphasis, darken blue eyes stare across the room as if piercing through one's soul. “If none of you could....... shut the fuck up and watch”. Satisfied with the silence, he sat down once again and signaled Shikamaru to start the song.

Nikita.
http://www.esnips.com/doc/37ff2ee2-02f7-4460-9a1e-25a46bfcdc79/Yoshida-Brothers---Nikata

The music drifted into the air and the sound of shamisen joined in. A dark brow rose. 'This is different' Sasuke thought. The haunting sound of the flute accompanying them brought shivers. The fixed his eyes at those slim fingers as it moves randomly as if it has a life of its own. The music starts of like a young samurai preparing to go out for an adventure.


With a few beats of the drum, the song sets into a rhythm. To Sasuke surprise, the song is nothing like the one he had heard back at Icha Icha. It is western-like in style but yet kept its traditional tunes. Or maybe its best to say that it was Jazzed up a little? He had no idea. Never had much interest in music.

Until now.


The raven stopped his tapping foot and straightened in his seat. He glanced around and met Neji's knowing smirk. Sasuke ignored it and glanced at the rest of his members. Kiba gave a thumbs up, Ten Ten and Hinata were engrossed in the performance to notice anything else. Surprisingly, Shikamaru and Gaara are actually paying attention. The blonde idiot has gotten everyone's consent then.


Sasuke is mesmerised by the agile fingers that glides over the strings effortlessly. The other hand, plucking and hammering with accuracy, a small smile etched on his face and lastly those expressive eyes. They suddenly stared right at him. The raven swore his heart skipped a beat when he thought he saw Kyuubi no Kitsune on the stage, the orange and red furs of his mane pooling down to his shoulders and back. Like how it had appeared, the image vanished in just a blink of an eye.


By the time Sasuke had been brought back to reality, the performance ended. The entire hall remained silent even as Naruto kept his things, bowed and left the stage for his seat. The raven got up and turned to face everyone. He breathed in deeply, trying to keep the lingering feeling of tingles that traveled all over him at bay. Watching Naruto had never been so hard before.


Picking the wireless microphone from his chair, he broke the silence. “I will have the results put up in our website and you all will be able to view it by tomorrow. A hard copy will be pinned on the notice board on Monday morning as well for some of you who do not have access to the net or have trouble logging in. If there are no questions you may leave. Thank you for coming”


Naruto continued to sit down as he waited for most of the students to exit the hall. His stomach growled loudly. Instinctively, he held onto it. As if the gesture will muffle the sound. Blue eyes dart around to see if anyone else had heard it. Seems not. After the his performance, everyone seems to have ignored him entirely, their eyes shift away as soon as they come in contact with his. A shame of themselves maybe? The blond inwardly smugged.

Growl.


He better drop by Ichiraku before heading back. Dang he needs to get some stuff for the fridge too.


He picked up his black case and followed the remaining students out of the hall. Just as he was about to step out someone called.


“Dobe”


A blonde brow twitched at that. Sigh. He is just too hungry to get annoyed right now. Naruto turned to face the other with a scowl. “What teme?” his voice low
“Good job” The Uchiha gave his infamous smirk.

Both blond brows are up now. He smirked back. “I know” and Naruto left the hall.

Naruto hummed happily as he cook his evening meal. Today's menu stir fried pork with leek. The blond poked on the meat with the wooden stir. Once ensuring that it is cooked, he turn of the stove and added a dash of black pepper on top. With the pan in hand, he walk to the table and poor its content onto the the rice, turning it into a perfect black pepper pork with leak donburi. He dumped the pan and the other cooking utensils into the sink, deciding that he will wash them later. He carried his bowl of donburi over to the living room and plopped down on the bean bag before his tele and switched it on.


The aroma from the bowl wafted to his nose. Naruto sighed contently as he take his first bite. Heavenly. Thank God he had some cooking skills and thank Iruka for making him realize it. Its not that he hated cooking. He just never thought that he was able to do such a chore since he never touched a pan before. But now he was glad that he did.


Time to dig in.


BANG BANG BANG.


The spoon topped with juicy meat paused right at his lips.


BANG BANG BANG BANG.


Who the hell is that? Naruto strain to hear the muffled voice outside.


BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG.


The blond place the bowl down onto the floor and stomped over to the door. He peeked into the peep hole.


TEME?!?!?!


Naruto unlatch the door. Just as he twist the knob, the door swung open unexpectedly that made him jump.

“SURPRISE!” Kiba's and Ten Ten's voice rang through the quite hall before they side stepped the blond and entered the apartment. Sasuke, Gaara, Shikamaru and even Hinata albeit blushing apologetically followed suit.


Naruto stood there agape in momentary shock as they strut around the house as if entering an exhibition room. Kiba was about to open the door to his room and the blond's brain went into gear. “Hey! Thats total privacy! And what the hell are you guys doing here?!” dragging Kiba away “How did you know where I live?!” Blue eyes darted around the room to make sure the rest were not fiddling with his stuff. Shikamaru and Gaara had made themselves comfortable on the carpeted floor while Teme sat on one of his bean bags. Ten Ten and Hinata must be in the kitchen.


“Hacked into your school record” Sasuke explain nonchalantly as he look around the living room. “Oh did we interrupt?” The raven said as he noticed the food left on the table. His voice not laced with sincere regret at all.


“Aheheheh yes. Now what the hell are you people doing here?” The blond took on a serious tone now. He was fucking hungry, he had cooked delicious hot food and he is now being interrupted by these fuckers and his food is getting cold. They better have a good excuse.


“We-”

“-came here to celebrate!” The wild brunette cut Sasuke off and excitedly dump his bag beside the coffee table, plopping himself on the floor as he did so. He unzipped his dirty brown backpack and took out a six packed beer.


Sasuke 'tch-ed'. “I actually came here to discuss with you further about our plans but-”


“- we should take this opportunity to celebrate our first collaboration!” Ten Ten pipped in.


“NOT my idea” Sasuke denied flatly.


Naruto stared at the raven in disbelief. “You are the PRESIDENT of the student council. You could have stopped them!”

Kiba has begun pouring the beer into the glasses as he speak. When the hell had the glasses gotten there?!


“Them wanting to celebrate has nothing to do with the student council. I have no obligation to stop them”

Naruto can see the corner of those slim lips twitch. Teme, your enjoying this to don't cha. The blond wanted to launch a good one at that smirking bastard but alas, things just doesn't go his way nowadays.


Gaara suddenly came up to him in all his stoic glory and popped the mouth of a half empty beer bottle into Naruto's.


One and a half hour later..........


The atmosphere of the room took an odd turn. Everyone knew the effects of alcohol on Lee but not the dobe. Nope. And definitely not like this.


The creamy tan cheeks are now tinged with blush. Those blue eyes have taken a darker shade. And they are beginning to water.


“Um S-sasuke.... I think you better stop looking at Naruto like that. He'll start crying again and the girls aren't around to calm him” Neji suggested.


Hinata and Ten Ten had left about fifteen minutes earlier. Shikamaru had disappeared God knows when, Kiba is dead drunk and Naruto turned into some timid creature. And now Gaara, Neji and himself are in the kitchen entrance staring at the blond who is hiding in between the refrigerator and the sink.


The raven sighed. “Guess we can't do the discussion until tomorrow. Can the both of you take Kiba back? I'll handle this one” Sasuke got up and walked across to the blond who is currently fiddling with the hems of his shirt.


“Are you... sure?” Gaara asks as he help Neji hoist Kiba up by the living room.


Upon noticing the approaching raven, the blond wobbled on to his feet; trying to get away. “Yeah I'm sure” Sasuke sprinted for Naruto and caught him just as he was about to scramble away. The boy 'eep' and continued to struggle in the raven's hold.


“What the hell is wrong with you dobe?!” The raven managed in between struggles. “I'm really tempted to give you a good whack in the head and just dump you on the bed!”


That came out wrong but Sasuke is too frustrated to care. Besides the blond seemed to have taken the threat as he stopped moving immediately albeit trembling a little.

Maybe yelling at him like that wasn't such a good idea. Naruto is drunk now. Who knows what other effects of 5 gulps of beer will have on the blond.


“-me please”


“What? Speak up dobe I can't hear you” Sasuke grumbled as he strained to hear the other. Naruto turned to him suddenly causing the raven to jerk back; a pop could be heard. Ow.


“I-im sorry~ please don't be angry with me please. I-I promise I'll be good” Pleading blue blue eyes stared into Onyx ones.


The Uchiha could feel the heat creeping up from the close proximity of his face and the dobe's. He could feel the other's breath. He realised that Naruto smelt really, really good. He breathed in the wonderful scent; A mixture of invigorating freshness unlike the revolting perfumes those crazy fan girls wore. He wanted to sink his te-


Sasuke paused as he heard a moan.


Fuck. He pulled back.


His eyes roam over the tan neck, noticing faint teeth marks and a forming bruise.


What the hell was he thinking?!


The weight on Sasuke pulled him from his internal debate. Naruto leaned heavily against him, loosing balance.


“O-oi! Oi! Don't you dare fall asleep now! I'll just leave you on the floor if you do! Hey I'm serious!”

Yeah. Thats what he said. And yet he ended up with a wash cloth in his hand and a partially naked Naruto on the bed.

A/N: Meh. I hope the chapt is not too rushing. Read and review yeah? Thanks for reading! No flames please.