Welcome to Gaia! ::

“Why did you shove me out?”

So far, that's the only thing I found. Maybe it's the weather, but it's too damn hot over here.

Anyways, funny story, and good job of keeping the characters mainly IC. I liked the scene with the tough guys, Shikamaru, and Neji.

Ah, no, that's meant to be without the "?". I wanted it to come out colder and more aggresive, so I left it out xd
Should I put it back in?

It's too hot over here too D:

Waah <3 I'm glad you think it's funny! And IC! Yay! So many, "It's IC! WOW!" comments! I'm so happy <333!!! Aah, I liked that bit too! I'm glad you liked it biggrin

Thank you very much!

Ok, I'll put it in xd

I'd love to use them! Do you mind if I use them for the Missing Nin?

So, after a long time, here's chapter four!



Neji was finding it difficult to sleep. He had worked out that it was the rhythmic rocking of the bus that sent everyone into a deep slumber, even though it didn't seem to be working on him this time. Shikamaru had rolled a little too close and nearly moved on top of Neji as the bus swerved suddenly, but he had managed to push Shikamaru back without waking him up. Unfortunately, Shikamaru was now less than an inch away and the proximity, not to mention the uncomfortable sensation of someone breathing on your arm, was making Neji feel rather nervous. He sighed and slowly climbed out of the bed.

A small digital clock in the kitchen informed him that it was half past two in the morning. He sighed again and sat down on the sofa, head in hands. He knew that he had to get some sleep. He had that interview and needed to be well rested in order to keep as calm as possible in the onslaught of humiliating questions. Especially about his sexuality. It was stupid really. It was obvious that he was straight. Even though he had to wear dresses and walk like a woman, it wasn't as if he liked guys.

Neji's thoughts gently wandered back to the banishing of his cousin. Neji was ten at the time. He remembered being in a cold hall, full of Hyuugas from the cadet and main house. There was a chair at the front, and a desk behind which his uncle had sat. His cousin, Yuki, had been 'Escorted' in and bound to the chair. He'd had tried to struggle, but Hiashi had set off the curse jutsu, and Yuki had stopped immediately. There was a tense moment of silence before Hiashi spoke.

“Hyuuga Yuki, you have been found in an intimate relationship with another man from the Nara clan.”

Neji frowned. Nara clan? He'd forgotten all about that. It seemed fate was prodding him into all sorts of uncomfortable coincidences. First his cousin gets banished, then he has to act like a woman, share a bed with a Nara, and after that little Incident at the mall... Well. Fate, it seemed, certainly had it in for him this mission.

Yuki had been reduced to tears within five minutes of the hearing, but there was worse to come.

“You are to sever all ties with this man from this moment forth.”

“Never.”

“Then you are to be banished from the Hyuuga clan. You are to be blinded and sterilized. You are never to try to contact anyone from the Hyuuga clan. You are to change your last name and to never mention that you are from the Hyuuga clan. You are to wear your headband to cover your seal. You are to never show your seal to anyone. Any breaking of these rules will result in your death. Do you wish to proceed, or will you sever ties?”

There had been a tense, awful moment. Neji remembered being shocked and appalled by the sentence, and had almost wanted to object. Yuki's hair was covering his face.

“... I... Will not sever ties with the man I love.”

“So be it.”

Yuki had been taken from the room, leaving a deathly silence within the hall.

“Dismissed.”

Neji sighed. The sentence had been so harsh. He vaguely wondered what had happened to the Nara and decided to ask Shikamaru about it as soon as he could. His thoughts were interrupted as a gentle rustle from behind made him jump and crouch down into a defensive position, Byakugen raking the room for intruders. The only other moving thing was the bird, hopping in and out of its cage. Neji gracefully stood up, assured that the noise was just the dove and no-one else. He slowly walked over to the bird, careful not to startle it. It gave him a baleful look and cooed softly. Neji gently touched the top of it's head as it cooed again.

“I guess I need a name for you... And I guess it'll have to be something that will fit into my character...”

Neji wracked his brain. He knew it was obvious to call it Dovey or some other stupid sounding name, but if he was going to keep this bird then it would have to be something he could safely say back in Konoha. Cutie-Wootie-Pie, while it may fit Hikaru Hidehiku, was not something Neji was prepared to say back home, and he didn't want to confuse the poor thing with two names. It would have to be something sentimental, yet practical.

“Peace?”

It would fit Hikaru, and it would also be appropriate for a ninja. Ninja, although used as weapons, want to avert war just as much as anyone else, and calling a dove Peace would be ironically symbolic. Even more so that it should be a white dove, instead of this thing that looked rather muddy and dirty. Neji smiled gently and continued to pet Peace's back as the bus slowly rumbled its way towards Mist. A jaw cracking yawn managed to force its way out of him, who, in turn, decided that he should go and try to sleep again.

Shikamaru was now lying on his side of the bed. A frustrated sigh escaped Neji, who climbed in on Shikamaru's side and forced himself into a deep, empty meditation until he fell asleep.

In Konohagakure:

Sakura glanced at her computer's clock. It was half three in the morning, and she was still not sleeping. She sighed and opened a new window. She'd been helping Tsunade test drugs that day, and it seemed that one of them had reacted with her system and made sleep unreachable. She'd filled a report hours ago, and now there was nothing to do. Impossibly bored didn't even begin to cover it. Sasuke wasn't there and everyone would be fast asleep by now. The only thing left to do was to trawl through Internet pages, just typing in random words or phrases and seeing what came up.

She slowly typed in the address of one of her friends outside Konohagakure, curious to know what had been going on since she had last talked to her. She'd met Niki on a mission to trace dodgy food stuffs, and the young waitress had been extremely helpful. They'd swapped emails and it seemed that Niki had set up a website of famous people she'd met at the cafe. Sakura slowly clicked through the pictures. It seemed that Niki had met quite a lot of people from various bands, including Jerui, one Sakura liked. But it was the most recent picture that caught her eye and made her go back for a second look. For a second there, she was sure she'd seen Sasuke's dark hair and piercing eyes.

Sakura peered closer and gasped when she realized that it was Sasuke. And Naruto, Shino, Lee, Shikamaru, Niki and some other girl who actually looked a bit manly and disgruntled. Sakura frowned, peering at the photo. Who was that weird girl? Sakura was sure that she'd seen her before somewhere. She mentally ran a list of all the other nin who were out on missions. Kiba and Chouji were in Sand, while Neji was on-

Her train of thought screeched to a halt.

“... No way...”

There was no way in hell that that was Hyuuga Neji. No way. Even if it was Neji, it was definitely a girl with green eyes. Very cold, glaring and slightly haughty green eyes... Green eyes that were unusually bright. Green that could be contact lenses... She even had a strip of cloth where Neji's curse mark would be... Not to mention she did have strikingly similar facial structure and hair... Sakura squinted at the picture. If you took away the ridiculous skirt, then that could definitely be Neji. It was Neji!

Sakura's mouth was hanging open. Hyuuga Neji was standing there, in a skirt and full make up. Hyuuga. Neji. Sakura wasn't quite sure if the drugs were giving her hallucinations or whether this photo was for real. She quickly saved the picture onto her computer with intentions to show it to Ino as soon as possible, wanting a second opinion and a conformation to her suspicions.

They were claiming to be a new band called AttentionDeficitDisorder, according to Niki. She quickly ran a search engine on them, surprised when a site containing their tour dates came up. She clicked on it, bookmarked the website and shut off her computer. The shock of seeing Neji in that frilly monstrosity had made her feel a little tired. She climbed into her bed and shut off the light, falling asleep almost instantly with the image of Neji's outfit imprinted in her mind.

On The Bus:

Despite sleeping for a good eight hours, Neji woke feeling slightly nervous and rather more tired than he should be. It seemed that Shino was the only one actually up, despite the fact that everyone else had woken up simultaneously as the bus lurched to the left with a screech and a bang. In under three seconds Naruto was peering out the window while Shikamaru and Neji cautiously approached the swearing bus driver.

“Is everything alright?”

“Some o' them bloody kids threw eggs at th' windscreen! Made me drive off th' road!”

Neji breathed a sigh of relief. For a moment he was afraid the missing nin were attacking and that he would have to fight them in his pajamas. It would be quite difficult to be taken seriously if he was clad only in his nightclothes, not to mention they were slightly loose and felt like they may fall given the chance. Gentle fist would probably be quite hard to perform if he was continuously yanking up his trousers.

“Hey, Neji, your dove's looking sad!”

Neji walked over to Naruto and peered into the cage. Peace seemed to be sitting with her head under her wing, beak and eyes hidden from the world.

“She's asleep.”

“Oh... Does she have a name? You could call her Miso because she's the colour of Miso!”

“She has a name.”

“What? When did you give her one?”

“Last night.”

Naruto nodded wisely.

“What did you call her?”

“Peace.”

Naruto threw his head back and laughed.

“Peace? What kind of a name is that?”

Shikamaru sauntered over.

“I think it's a good name. It fits Neji's character and if he keeps it he doesn't have to call it some stupid name like Fluffy Cute Birdie Werdy.”

“Thank you, Shikamaru.”

Shikamaru just smiled at Neji before clapping his hands and beckoning everyone to him.

“As you all know, we have the interview today at one o' clock. The bus is already on the way there, and we're scheduled to arrive at twelve where we'll be shown to a dressing room until we're due. I don't know whether the performance is before or after the interview, but I suspect it's before. As it's only ten, I think we should get dressed and then run through the two songs we're going to play and then sort out our characters. We may be able to go over them further in the dressing room, but if it's bugged that won't be possible. Is that alright with everyone?”

“Yeah, but why would they bug our changing room?”

Shikamaru shrugged.

“If I ran a magazine, I'd bug them so I could get my hands on gossip or arguments, making me the first one on the scene and asking questions to provoke a reaction to get me readers.”

“Oh...”

There was a moment of contemplation before Naruto ran into the bedroom to get changed. Neji quickly followed and grabbed one of the dresses and the small bottle of contacts before retreating to the bathroom. After a confused moment where Neji realized he'd put the monstrosity on the wrong way round, he finally managed to get it on the right way and all tied up, pink frills and white lace sticking out at angles that barely covered his upper thighs. He sighed, put on a pair of stilettos, popped in the contacts and went back into the main room. There was a moment or two of awkward silence before Shino pointed out that time was still running and they needed to practice before they reached the interview's designation. There was a moment of hurried gathering of instruments before everyone was ready and good to go. An hour later and after only two mis-starts the team decided that they'd done enough practice for the time being.

The corset was biting into the skin below Neji's ribs, making it difficult to breathe properly and almost impossible to fight, should the need arise. He sighed, loosened the ribbons and quickly made a plate of sandwiches, putting them down on the table and waiting for everyone else to notice that there was food to be had. Naruto came bounding over at almost super-human speed.

“Hey! Neji's made food! Thanks Neji!”

Neji nodded towards Naruto as he grabbed two of the sandwiches, gulping them down as fast as possible.

“So. We've all got our names and a story about how we came to be touring so quickly, but we need basic biographies and answers to likely questions. I've prepared a list of probable questions and a set of topics to base our lives on. Here.”

Shikamaru pulled a wad of paper out of his pocket, unfolded it and then handed it out.

“I've written the probable questions at the top, a few individual questions and then points for the bio. The most likely ones are: Why did you form the band, where were we born, age, family, what inspirations and perhaps what genre we're into. I think we should say we all met at Konoha High School, our tastes in music brought us together and it went from there. We can safely say we were all born in Konoha, and I think we can give out our real ages. Family will be in our biographies, so we can recite that... For our inspirations, we should stick to a few bands that resemble our music. Shino, can you find out some names and info? And I think it's established we're Rock slash Emo.”

Shino nodded and headed over to the laptop.

“Right. Let's go through our biographies. I, Shii Daichi, was born in Konoha and grew up as an only child. I'd had piano lessons since I was eight, am very into music and love to write music. I had a good, loving family but was always a little short of cash. I used to play for the school's orchestra and choir, where I met Gai, who played percussion and Hikaru who sang. I had a cat, had fights with my mother about ear piercings and careers. She wanted me to be a doctor, I wanted to be in this band. I left home and was staying with... Hikaru until we got this tour. Can everyone remember that?”

Everyone nodded.

“Right, Neji, go.”

“I, Hikaru Hidehiku, was also born in Konoha and had a brother who... Died... Of bronchitis. I was eight at the time while he was five. His name was... Suimo Hidehiku. I've been singing all my life, joined the choir at school but was always into different music than hymns. I had a good family, but my father was an alcoholic and my mother a depressant. I had a fight with my father about the way I dressed and moved out, soon to be joined by Shii. I haven't had contact with them since. Is that alright?”

Shikamaru grinned.

“Perfect. Lee, go.”

“I, Gai Rock, was born in Konoha and was an only child. I was orphaned at a young age and shunted from family to family. When I got to High School, I took a passionate liking to the drums and started playing the percussion for the orchestra, where I met the young and brilliant Shii and his friend Hikaru! My lodgings were always good and I am ever grateful to their guidance! I had no fights and continued to be a good and dutiful son until I left, with their permission, to go on tour!”

“Good, good. Naruto, go.”

“Uh, I... Oh yeah, Naru Uzumaki, was born in Konoha. Should I make up parents? Yeah? Ok. I have a mom and a dad but no siblings so they love me the best! I went to the high school and decided to become the best guitar player there! My teacher said I should be in a band, so I sought out Gai, 'Karu and Shii and we became a band. We're really good so my parents let me go on tour just fine!”

“That's good, Naruto. Sasuke, go.”

I, Sasu Yamani, was born in Konoha, had a family until they were all killed in a... Fire while I was at school. I stayed with...”

“Oh,oh, you can stay with me!”

“Fine. I stayed with Naru. I-”

“You could say I made you play the bass for my band!”

“You couldn't make me do anything, and it's not your band. I took an interest in the bass after Naru became obsessed with the guitar. I like the same music and was able to quickly become better than Naru, so I got a place in the band.”

“You're not better!”

“Stop. That's fine Sasuke. Shino?”

“I, Miyan Murashi, was born in Konoha, good parents, you asked me to do your tech.”

“Good. As long as we remember the basics we should be fine. Now, individual questions. I'll probably be asked about my relationship with Neji and the sexuality questions that come with it. Strictly friends, straight. Neji, you'll be asked about your sexuality, dress style and family.”

“Gay, like them, make it up.”

Shikamaru nodded.

“Gai, probably your interests and slightly odd speaking pattern.”

“Health and- I have a odd speaking pattern?”

“Just say it's 'Youthful Enthusiasm'.”

“Alright!”

“Naruto, you and Sasuke will be asked about your relationship, growing up together and rivalry.”

“Friends, annoying, natural.”

“Yeah. That.”

“Shino, probably the more technical side, how you do light shows and stuff.”

“Built in program.”

“Right. Is there anything else we need to go over?”

Neji shook his head.

“Good. I suggest we type out our biographies for the website until we arrive. That way, we'll keep them fresh in our minds and can work out any kinks we find. I'll go first.”

Shino stood up, allowing Shikamaru to sit down before pushing up his glasses.

“The bands we're most like are Spectrum and Feal. We should say that's where our inspiration came from.”

“Great. I trust we all know who they are? If not, look them up while you type.”

Neji walked into the bedroom and threw open his cupboard, pulling out the box of make up. He grabbed all the nail varnishes and went back through to the others, throwing a bottle at each of them except Shino.

“Hey! I don't want your icky make up!”

“Tough. Uniform thing, you've got no choice.”

“Wha-at? Shikamaru, he's lying right?”

“No, I remember saying that. Put it on, Naru and stop complaining.”

Naruto pouted and prodded the small bottle, muttering about girly crap and make up. Neji fought the urge to smirk.

“Done. Neji, you go.”

Neji nodded and sat down at the computer, highlighting the small white box. After a moments contemplation and a quick glance at Shikamaru's, he started to type. He got half way through and then re-read it. It was probably the most dull thing he'd written since the report on de-ratting the Uzui's barn. He sighed, deleted it and tried again, adding more exclamation marks, a fair bit of bitching about his 'family' and happy statements until it reflected his new personality.

“There.”

Naruto quickly bounded over to take his place. After a few seconds of unsureness, Neji wandered over to Peace and refilled her water bowl before joining Shikamaru on the couch who seemed to be having some difficulty painting his nails.

“... I don't see why you're finding it so difficult.”

“Every time I think the bus isn't going to jump, it does. Reverse psychology's not working either. Plus, the chemicals in this are staining the skin on the sides of my fingers, so I have a limited amount of mistake quota. I'll have semi permanent blue fingers at this ra-... Shoot.”

Shikamaru had, once again, gone over his skin.

“How annoying...”

Neji sighed.

“Put your hand flat on the table and spread your fingers.”

“... You don't have to do them for me.”

“It's annoying me.”

Shikamaru shot him a lazy grin and did as he was told.

“I guess that creepy Hyuuga precision lets you do this perfectly, huh?”

“It does help. There. Next hand.”

“Thank you.”

Neji shrugged.

“Just don't say it was me at the interview. Done.”

“Don't worry, I'll take full credit.”

“Hey! Hey! We're all done here! What do we do now?”

Shikamaru glanced at the clock.

“We should be there really soon. Shino, do you have the web address memorized?”

Shino nodded.

“Great.”

The words were barely out of his mouth before the bus started slowing down with a shuddering groan.

“Ah. We're here.”

Neji gently pushed Peace into her cage and shut the small door, grabbing the nail varnishes and placing them on the table. There was a few minutes of silence, and then a tentative knock on the door.

“Excuse me?”

Shikamaru hit the release button on the door and leant on the frame, showing a young woman of about twenty.

“Hi.”

She flushed slightly as Shikamaru grinned at her.

“Oh, uh... Are you Attention Deficit Disorder?”

“Yep.”

“Oh, great! You're right on time! If you'd like to follow me?”

Shikamaru beckoned everyone over and climbed off the bus, cocking his head in a 'Follow me' gesture. The breeze was ruffling Neji's skirts in an alarmingly energetic manner as they made their way towards the large building in front of them. Naruto bounded up to the woman and beamed at her.

“My name's Naru Uzumaki! And we're gonna be the best band ever!”

She smiled back.

“It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Uzumaki.”

“Just Naru! Just Naru!”

Shikamaru leaned over.

“I'm sorry, but I didn't catch your name?”

She flushed again.

“Oh! Erm, I'm Chirai Kiyuku.”

Shikamaru grinned at her a placed a hand on her shoulder.

“It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Kiyuku...”

Neji had to hold back a snort as she turned bright red and smiled at Shikamaru. Women were so easy.

“I'm Shii Daichi, and these are my friends, Miyan, Sasu, Gai and 'Karu,”

He said, pointing to each of them in turn. Neji gave a half hearted wave at her as she looked over at him.

“Are you 'Karu?”

“Yes.”

She frowned slightly.

“Oh... It said on the form you were an all boys band...”

Shikamaru gently took her arm and smiled at her again.

“We are. 'Karu's just as male as I.”

“O-Oh! I... See...”

“I trust there's no problem...?”

“No, no!”

She turned to Neji and gave an apologetic smile.

“I'm sorry, your outfit took me by surprise...”

“It's fine. It happens a lot.”

They reached the entrance just before a gust of wind could get the better of Neji and do something unmentionable to him. It was wonderfully warm inside and surprisingly big. The woman clapped her hands and smiled at them all.

“I'll take you to your dressing room now. I'll have someone call you when we're ready for the interview.”

Shikamaru put his head on one side.

“Don'cha want to hear us perform?”

“Yes, but we'll conduct the interview first as the room's scheduled out until two.”

“Ah, I see.”

They followed her into a large elevator covered in mirrors. If Neji leant forward a little, he could clearly see that his dress had not ridden up; and despite the ridiculous amount of air wafting against him he was still decent.

He sighed gently and jumped as Shikamaru patted him on the back.

“Don't be nervous, 'Karu.”

Neji bit back a retort and simply smiled at Shikamaru before allowing his eyes to flash in silent warning as the infuriating boy merely grinned at him. The fact that he was slightly nervous was inconsequential. From the looks of it, Naruto of all people was feeling the same way. He'd gone pale and was worrying his bottom lip with his canines. Neji mentally shrugged. He'd get over it.

The lift came to a stop with a soft ping, sliding open soundlessly. The woman smiled at them.

“This way, please!”

She took them down a long corridor that stretched for miles before finally coming to their dressing room door. It was a simple with a white board attached to it, Attention Deficit Disorder scribbled on its surface. She pushed it open and ushered them all in, smiling brightly.

“This is your room. We'll send someone up in about half an hour. Please, feel free to make use of any of the facilities here, but if there is a locked cupboard or door, I ask you to respect that and not open it.”

“Of course. Thank you very much.”

She smiled at them one last time and excited the room. Naruto grinned and punched Shikamaru on the shoulder.

“You're such a lady killer! How do you do that?”

Shikamaru pushed Naruto away and shrugged.

“I don't know. I wish they wouldn't. So troublesome.”

Neji snorted and turned away from their conversation. The room was quite big with a beige carpet and red walls. There was a row of mirrors, a heap of cosmetics and several very comfortable looking chairs with a mini fridge beside them. Shino immediately went to plug in his laptop, checking their webpage and making sure his lighting program was working.

“We've had seventy hits. We seem to be surprisingly popular.”

“That's great. Are there any ticket orders?”

“No. We need to put up music first.”

“We'll do that when we get back.”

Lee bounded over to the fridge and opened it, grabbing a small bottle and holding it up to the light.

“Vodka? What's this? Some new energy drink? I must try it!”

Neji paled.

“No! Gai, don't drink it!”

“Why ever not? Do you want it? There's another one here!”

Neji had moved over to Lee and taken the bottle out of his hands.

“It's alcohol, Gai. Like sake. It doesn't... Agree with you.”

Naruto chortled.

“You're like a killing machine with that s**t inside you!”

“Oh... I didn't know that.”

Neji patted him on the shoulder.

“Just don't drink anything with a percent sign on the label.”

“Alright!”

Sasuke handed Lee a can of cola and sat down on one of the chairs before grabbing a piece of paper and scribbling on it with one of the pens on the table, showing it to Naruto once he'd finished.

'Don't say anything. May be bugs. Your parents took me in willingly, but you weren't so eager as we had to share a room. Our rivalry was born from that.'

Naruto nodded at him and then turned to Shikamaru.

“Hey, Shii, don't we need our instruments?”

“No. They provide them unless we request our own. I think theirs will be just fine for us.”

Naruto nodded and slumped down with a sigh.

“Chuck me a coke, Gai?”

Lee threw him one as Shino stood up.

“There are no bugs.”

“You sent out the kikaichu?”

“Yes.”

Shikamaru sighed and sat down beside Neji.

“So, we're all clear on everything? Just remember, we can act embarrassed, but we can't show any violence no matter what they ask.”

Everyone nodded as Lee stuck up his hand.

“Gai?”

“Why is there alcohol in the fridge? Isn't it a bit silly to render their interviewees incoherent?”

“People are more likely to talk about embarrassing or touchy subjects under the influence of alcohol. It probably works in their favor ninety nine percent of the time.”

“I see!”

Neji closed his eyes and forced his emotions to the back of his mind. He needed to be perfectly clear and calm. This was an A rank mission and if he managed to play his part perfectly, he might be able to get a place in the ANBU sooner than expected. As long as absolutely no-one in Konoha heard about this, he should be fine. There was a rapping at the door.

“Attention Deficit Disorder? We're ready for you now.”

Shikamaru gave everyone a thumbs up as he flung open the door with a smile.

“Certainly. Please, lead the way.”

The new woman giggled and batted her eyelashes as the rest of the group assembled behind Shikamaru and followed them out into the hall, down the corridor and finally into the lift.

“We'll set you up in the Lounge with our interviewer. She'll take notes on your answers and she'll page us when you're done. We'll then bring you into the Photo Room and have a photo shoot. By then, the Recording Room should be free and we'll have a listen to some of your music. You know, you're really lucky to get in here on just a letter... You have no idea how many strings would have to have been pulled for that!”

Shikamaru smiled gently at her.

“We are really grateful for your hospitality, and that you agreed to hear us out.”

She blushed and fluttered her eyelashes at him until the lift stopped with a quiet ping. Neji took a deep breath as the doors slid open and they were lead into a tasteful, warm room. The woman sitting in the chair rose to her feet and came over, extending her hand to Shikamaru.

“My name's Misori Tachi, and it's a pleasure to meet you...?”

“Shii. Shii Daichi.”

“Of course.”

They shook hands before she reached out to each one in turn.

“Ah. You must be Hikaru Hidehiku? I assume you're male under all that lace.”

“Yes. It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Tachi.”

“Oh, just Misori. It'll make things a lot easier.”

The briskness and efficiency impressed Neji, even if her skirt was a little too high and her top a little too low as she greeted the rest of the band. She smiled and invited them over to the big couch and single armchair with a notebook placed tactfully on it. She picked up the note book and sat down, gesturing for them to do the same.

“I'll be off now, Misori. Page me if you need anything!”

“Thank you, Sayu.”

She waved the woman out and turned to the six adolescents on the couch.

“Let's get this show on the road. I gather this is your first ever tour?”

Shikamaru sat forward a bit.

“That's right. We've never even played a live show before, except to a couple of our friends.”

“I see. Do you feel you're ready for this? Does your lack of experience worry you?”

“Well, we're all pretty confident people and we all excel at the parts we play. Gai, 'Karu and I were in the orchestra at high school, so we've performed publicly in that sense.”

“So you play the keyboard then?”

“Yes. I play piano to a high level, so I'm good at what I do.”

“Ah, Ok. Do you think you'll be able to cope with fame?”

Shikamaru shot her a rueful smile.

“We won't know until we get there. But we're all behind each other if it gets too much for one of us.”

“That's always good to hear. Do you believe you'll be successful?”

Shikamaru shrugged.

“I hope so. I mean, it'd be really cool to get our music out there. We've all got very strong views and I think people need to hear them. Plus, we're pretty good on the old instrument side. Not to mention 'Karu's amazing voice.”

Neji flushed slightly at the compliment.

“I'm glad you're confident. May I ask what some of these views are?”

“Well... We feel strongly about hate issues, like homosexuality and racism... 'Karu's our main lyricist, and we usually agree on most issues he brings up.”

“I see.”

She turned her gaze to Neji.

“Hikaru, where do you get the inspiration for your lyrics?”

“I guess I base them on events I've seen happen or personal experience. I don't find them hard to write when I get going.”

“Ahh. And do you feel they convey your message?”

“Yes. But I think people need to realize these issues for themselves and not rely on other's.”

She smiled.

“The ones based on personal experience... Tell me about them.”

Neji's mind whirred as he tried to come up with a plausible answer. He swallowed his pride and ploughed ahead.

“Well... In Hate Mail, for example, I guess I explore the hate towards homosexuality and being different... I used to get a lot of s**t from school.”

“Because of your sexual orientation?”

How he hoped no-one would ever read this.

“... Yes. And because of the way I dress.”

“That's very interesting. As the lead singer, do you feel the publics eye will be on you most of the time?”

“Yes, but if I can make people more accepting it's worth it.”

“I'm glad you stand for what you believe in.”

She turned to Naruto.

“Naru, right?”

“Yep! I play the guitar!”

“Oh, and how long have you been playing for?”

“Um... A good few years now.”

“I see. Do you find it easy to play?”

“Yep! I'm going to be the best guitar player ever!”

She laughed.

“That's good to hear. And... Sasu, right?”

“Yes.”

“Let me guess, bass?”

Sasuke shot her a rare smile.

“Yes, that's right.”

“How long have you been playing?”

“Around the same time as Naru began.”

“I see, I see. And is it easy for you?”

“Yes.”

She smiled jokingly.

“Going to be the best bass player?”

Sasuke scoffed.

“I already am.”

She laughed again and turned to Lee.

“And you're Gai, the drummer.”

“Yes ma'am! I've been playing for several years now! It makes me feel youthful and keeps me fit!”

“Enthusiasm's always a great thing to have. Do you use a special kit?”

“No ma'am, I just use the basic one!”

“Ok. Then you must be Miyan.”

“Yes.”

“What, exactly, do you do?”

“I organize the lighting programs, update the website and make sure we stick to our schedule.”

“Ah, I see. Have you always been an organizer?”

“I have no musical talents, but they're my best friends. Organization's not something anyone else excels at.”

Misori chuckled gently as Neji curbed his surprise at how well everyone was keeping things together.

“Do you use a computer program?”

“Yes. I bought it a while ago out of interest, and became quite good at it. The program's simple too.”

“That's great! So, how did you all become a band?”

Shikamaru sat forward again.

“Well, I've been playing the piano for years, so I joined the school orchestra as the pianist. Konoha High likes to put loads of different things into the orchestra, so we had piano, drums and a singer. I met 'Karu when we were being tried out for singing parts. You either had to do orchestra or sport, and I'm too lazy to be running around for hours.”

“You tried out for the singing part?”

“I was forced into it. I was caught giving a rendition of some solo piece by the music teacher who dragged me to her room with 'Karu.”

“Ahh, right. Can you sing well?”

“Yeah, but as she said, there's no emotion. When 'Karu sings, it's... Breath taking.”

“I can't wait to hear it!”

Neji laughed softly.

“So you and Hikaru were the original duo?”

“Yeah. We'd get together and do duet pieces. I'd always thought rock stars were really cool, so I moved onto keyboard and asked Gai if he'd like to drum for a band we decided we were setting up.”

“I jumped at the chance! I always wanted to be in a band, but there was none there to be in! I was really happy when Shii asked me to join his!”

“That's really great! So, how did you meet Naru and Sasu?”

“Well, 'Karu and I were walking past the music room and we heard someone playing a really good riff. So we stuck our heads around the door and saw Naru having a playoff with Sasu. 'Cept Sasu was on the bass. They were both really good, so we asked them to join.”

“Hah, but I won that thing! I'm waaaay better than Sasu!”

“No you're not. If anything, I'm better.”

“Anyway. We all got on really well and liked the same music. It was meant to be.”

Misori laughed again.

“Let's talk about your families.”

“Well, I'm an only child so I guess I'm a little spoilt... My parents are really good to me, but we had an argument recently. The tension between mom and I was already high, because I'd pierced my ears and was serious about our band while she wanted me to study medicine, so we had a huge argument just before we left to tour. I kinda stormed out and went over to 'Karu's place. I've been staying with him since.”

“I see... Hikaru, do you have a place of your own?”

Neji jumped slightly at being addressed.

“Uh, yes. I've always... Been on bad terms with my parents... My brother died when he was five of bronchitis, and I think they've always resented me for that... I had a cough and passed it on It turned bad in him and he died... My father... Doesn't really approve of me. We had a big, big fight and I left. I'd saved up a fair bit of money and a friend of mine lent me his empty flat for a while. When Shii and his mother fought, I was more than happy to give him a place to stay.”

“So... Forgive me if I'm being forward but, are you two a couple?”

Shikamaru burst out laughing as Neji flushed.

“Nah, we're just really good friends. I'm one hundred percent straight.”

She smiled at him.

“So, Hikaru, I know I've asked this before, but you're gay?”

This was it. The moment he'd been dreading since he saw the first skirt in his cupboard. He could feel the eyes of his band members on him as he opened his mouth.

“... Yes.”

“Do you have a boyfriend right now? Or someone special, perhaps?”

Neji couldn't stop the flush from staining his cheeks.

“Ahh, no. Not at the minute.”

“I see, I see. Have you had many in the past?”

Neji flushed again and resisted the urge to run from this suddenly constricting room.

“I, er... A few?”

She smiled at him.

“Any serious ones?”

A small part of Neji died inside.

“Uh... Well... Yes...”

“But you've broken up now. Did you fight?”

“Yeah... He didn't like in when Shii moved in.”

“Ahh... What was his name again?”

“Uh... Sudan.”

He'd never felt so humiliated in his entire life.

“I see... Were you together for a long time?”

“About four months...”

“And how old are you?”

“Eighteen.”

“So young... Are you all that age?”

“No, Gai and I are eighteen and everyone else is seventeen.”

“Wow. Did know that if you did make it, you'd be the youngest band out there?”

Shikamaru grinned.

“Yeah. That's bound to draw attention to us.”

Misori smiled and turned to Naruto and Sasuke.

“So, you two are pretty big rivals then?”

“Yeah. I mean, we're best friends but we're always fighting over who's better.”

“It stemmed from when I moved into his house.”

“Oh? How did that happen?”

Sasuke sighed.

“I used to live in a big, big house with all my family. But... One day, when I was at school there was a big fire and everyone was killed. The locking mechanism failed and everyone was locked inside...”

“I'm terribly sorry...”

Sasuke shrugged.

“So, when Sasu had nowhere to live, I told my parents and we took him in! We were good friends before that, but there wasn't enough room for him to have his own bedroom, so he had to share mine!”

“How old were you two?”

“Seven.”

She gave Sasuke a sympathetic smile.

“So you've been living together for ten years?”

“Yes.”

“Yeah. But Sasu and I don't mind now! It was a bit different when we were younger, 'cos I was used to being the only child. I guess it was hard to suddenly have to share everything!”

“That must've been difficult. So, are you two just best friends?”

Naruto laughed and gently hit Sasuke's arm.

“Yeah! 'Karu's the only gay one here! Sasu and I are just friends.”

She smiled at them.

“I see, I see. Do you feel you might ever have a big fallout?”

“Eh, we have tons. But we just scream at each other until we're worn out.”

She turned to Sasu.

“You don't seem the screaming type, Sasu.”

“Ch. You should see how riled up that idiot can get me.”

“Hey! Don't say that, b*****d!”

Neji elbowed Naruto before there was a full blown argument. Luckily, Misori seemed to find it quite hilarious.

“So, Gai. Gai Rock, isn't it?”

“Yes ma'am!”

“Please, just Misori. Rock is a rather appropriate name for a rock band, don't you think?”

“Yes! I feel it was meant to be!”

“How do your parents feel about you being in a band?”

Lee's face fell marginally.

“Well... My parents are dead too... But I'm sure they'd support me behind anything I did!”

“I'm sorry. That was silly of me.”

“No, no! Not at all!”

“Who do live with?”

“I live with my cousins, Katsuro and Chiri! They took me in after... Uh, I think it was Auntie Mei. I've been moved a lot, but Katsuro was happy to take me in!”

“I'm glad to hear it.”

“Yes! I have always done my best in studies and being a good son! I like to think that they are proud of me! They let me go on tour, after all!”

“Yes. It seems to me that they love you a great deal.”

Lee's face broke into a beam and even though Neji knew Lee lived alone and no-one had taken him in, he felt a twinge of pride in the way Lee had done his best, even if no-one was there to prove it to. He quickly squished that feeling. It seemed this dress was having a greater effect than first seen.

“And, Miyan. What about you?”

“My mother and father are both alive and I have no other siblings.”

“I see. And were they happy to let you go on tour?”

“Yes, but they don't think we'll make it. They think it's one of those childish dreams.”

“Do you think you'll make it big?”

“Yes.”

She smiled at him.

“Well, you all seem like a really nice, together bunch of people. And you certainly have confidence! I seriously hope that I see you in the charts, and maybe we could conduct another interview.”

Neji picked up on the subtle hints about coming back if they made a name for themselves and glanced over to Shikamaru who smiled at the woman, showing that he too understood.

“Well. I'll page Sayu and ask her to take you to the Photo Room now. Thank you very much for your time.”

“And thank you for yours, Misori.”

She smiled again at Shikamaru and pressed a few buttons on a small black box she had attached to her waist. Three or so minutes later, Sayu walked in.

“Did everything go alright?”

“Brilliantly, thank you.”

“Yeah!”

She smiled at Lee and Naruto before beckoning everyone to follow her. They thanked Misori one last time and went with Sayu along the corridor to the Photo Room, Neji ignoring the stares from a group of people walking in the opposite direction.

@.@ I'd go into a detailed review, but too tired, and too long for my short attention span. It was entertaining though and funny. XD I wonder why people ask about Neji and Shikamaru, not Naruto and Sasuke. Maybe they don't think rivals would make a good couple or something like that.



Sounds awkward. Try "Most likely."