Ashalita Phoenix
Active member
Chapter Three: Ashley’s Secret
Ashley and Sasuke made it home and they walked towards their room. Ashley was in front of her door then Sasuke pulled her towards him, making her face him. “Ashley, can I asked you a question?”
“Sure…” Ashley said. “What is it Sasuke?”
“I was… well… were you happy when I offered to walk you to Gaara’s house?” He asked. Ashley paused in front of him. “I couldn’t help but notice that you were smiling at me.”
“Yes, I was…” She said, letting out a smile. “Sasuke, I want to tell you something. Something that is confusing me…” He turned to her, giving her his full attention. “When I was away, I didn’t feel anything. But now when I am here, I feel happy. I feel like sharing my emotions but I…”
“Ashley, it’s good that you are releasing your feelings.” Sasuke said. “I know that you are scared of getting hurt but don’t worry, I am here for you... I know you are trying to get use to revealing your emotions. You shouldn’t keep it in. When you are sad, cry it out. When you are mad, yell it out. When you are happy, smile and laugh it out. You need to be the girl you use to be. Being a sarcastic girl is not really you.”
“Sasuke, I know we constantly argue but I just want you to know that you are the best big brother that I ever had.” Ashley said, smiling. “And there is no sarcasm in that.”
“I hate to admit but you are the best little sister that I ever had.” Sasuke said, smiling back. “And I am not saying that.” He then flick her forehead like Itachi used to do to him. “Well, you better hurry up.”
“Okay…” Ashley said, walking in her room. She took a shower and put on a red tank top with a skull design on in and baggy jeans. Sasuke is right… I should try to feel again… But I don’t want to feel heartbroken again. No, I have to feel. Living a dead life for over nine years is long enough. She gripped the necklace. “Father, I just wish you were here. You’ll know what I should do.”
“Ashley, are you done?” Sasuke said, standing outside her door. “We have to go. They need me on base now.”
“I’m coming.” Ashley said, walking out her room. They walked to the house. “Sasuke, have the band played in public?”
“No but there is this competition called the Band Slam, we are planning on entering it.” Sasuke explained. “The prize is fifteen thousand dollars. A nice prize…”
“So who is on drums?” Ashley asked.
“Naruto…”
“Well, his hyperactive demeanor fit his instrument.” Ashley said. “So who is on guitar?”
“Kiba…”
“And you are on base…” Ashley said. “Is there a keyboard?”
“Yes, Neji is playing the key board.” Sasuke answered. “Hinata is playing the violin and Sakura is the flute. Tenten and Ino added their saxophone. Rock Lee adds his snare drum. They all used to play classical music but Shikamaru convinced them to join.” He let out a sigh. “Shino and Chouji do the stage effects. They are the best.”
“Wow, the band sounds interesting.” Ashley said. “So what does Temari do?”
“Temari and Shikamaru are our managers.” Sasuke said. “They are the masterminds in our band.”
“Really…” Ashley said, smiling. A couple co operations… Shikamaru, you got it bad. The made it to the house and she heard singing coming from the garage. Wow, what a nice voice. “Is that your singer singing?”
“Yeah, Temari is going to scold me for being late.” Sasuke said, letting out a sigh. He knocked on the garage down. It opened and found Gaara singing with the band. “Sorry guys for being late.”
“Hey Blue, you made it.” Naruto said, smiling.
“You look great Ashley.” Kiba said, blushing. She really does… Man, I need to have her.
“Gaara…” Ashley said, blushing. He was the one singing… Oh my god, I am… “Gaara, you are the singer… Your voice is amazing.”
“Really…” Gaara said, scratching his head. She thinks my voice is amazing… “Thanks…” He put the microphone back to the stand. “Temari, I’m going to take a break. I need to start on the project.”
“Alright…” Temari said, smiling. Gaara, it’s obvious that you have a thing for her. “Have fun…”
“But I…” Ashley said.
“Don’t worry, we will come back.” Gaara said, grabbing her hand. “We will see you guys later.” He led her to the living room. “So where do you want to do this, in the living room or bedroom?”
“Pardon…” She said, blushing.
“Where you want to sit so you can interview me?” Gaara rephrased.
“Well, I guess anywhere but I think I can find more questions in your room.” Ashley said.
“Bedroom it is…” Gaara said, leading her to his room. He opened the door and found anime posters on the walls and a stereo system. “This is my room.”
“It’s very neat.” Ashley said.
“Yeah, Temari doesn’t like anything messy so I tend to clean it up. You can sit on the bed.” Gaara said. She sat on the bed and smiled. “So you must have a lot of questions?”
“Yeah, I do.” She said. “Let’s start with the simple questions. What is your favorite color?”
“Blue.” He replied. “It’s been my favorite color ever since I was six.’
“Really…” Ashley replied, blushing. “Why?”
“Well, my mother’s eyes were blue and my mom died giving birth to me.” Gaara explained. “I have my father’s eyes though.” He turned his gaze away from her. “I know I am not supposed to be the one with the questions but what is your favorite color?”
“Red…” Ashley said. “When I was little, my father would always place a red rose beside my bed, and when I wake up, it will be there lying next to me.” She then giggled. “My father and I will also make up funny stories about the Red Riding Hood… There was one time he changed it to Blue Riding Hood but it wasn’t as catchy.”
“Well, I think it’s catchy.” Gaara said. “So another question…”
“Are you really that charming in school?” She teased. He sat beside her. “Your fan girls are quite the catch.”
“Yeah, I am charming enough.” Gaara teased. She giggled once again. Sasuke told me that she hardly laughs and smiles… Why does she keep it in? She looks cute when she smiles and her laugh, I can listen to it all day. “Yet, I don’t know what interest them. All I do is read and practice with the band.”
“You read books. What kind of books you like to read?” She asked. Why do I feel so happy when I am with him? My emotions are easy to control when he is here… Why???? I no, I can’t be… I just met him…
“Well, mystery, horror, and fantasy…” Gaara said. “Vampire books are also good too but I hate Twilight.”
“The whole Twilight Saga was so predictable.” Ashley said, crossing her arms. “Also it’s all about talk and most of the book is about Bella.”
“I know… Even when Edward gets Bella and leaves her and then gets her back, it’s all about her.” Gaara said. “Then Jacob comes in the scene and tries to take her.”
“And they fight over her like…” Ashley added.
“She is the only girl on the planet…” They both said. They paused and stared at each other.
“Ah, so… You can sing?” Ashley said, turning away from him.
“Yeah, it’s was a hidden talent.” Gaara said. “You see the band was looking for a singer and I was taking a shower. I was singing without thinking and they were amazed. So they asked me and I can’t say no to Temari.”
“Well, I was amazed.” Ashley said, smiling. She then spotted an acoustic guitar leaning against the wall beside his bed. “You play…”
“Yeah…” Gaara said. “I can only play the guitar…”
“Can I hear you play and sing?” Ashley pleaded. “Please…”
“Alright…” Gaara said, grabbing the guitar. “I think I have a song… I hope you like it.” He started strumming the keys slowly. “Going back to the corner, where I first saw you… I’m gonna camp in my sleeping bag and I’m not gonna move. I got words on cardboard and got your picture in my hands, saying if you see this girl can you tell her where I am.” Ashley just stared at him. “Some try to hand me money, they don’t understand. I’m not broke; I am just a broken hearted man. I know it makes no sense but what else can I do? How can I move on when I am still in love with you?” He turned to her and found her smiling. “Cause one day you wake up and find out you are missing me and your heart tries to wonder why you are missing me, thinking maybe you come back to the place where we meet. And you see me waiting for you on the corner of the street.” He let out a smile to her. “I’m not moving… I’m not moving…” He stopped and started playing a little solo. “People talk about the guy who is waiting for his girl. There are no holes in his shoes but a big hole in his world. Maybe I’ll get famous for the man that can’t be moved. Maybe you don’t mean to but you see me on the news. And you’ll be running to the corner because you know it’s just the news of the man that can’t be moved.”
He is so good… Ashley thought.
“Cause one day you wake up and find out you are missing me and your heart tries to wonder why you are missing me, thinking maybe you come back to the place where we meet. And you see me waiting for you at the corner of the street.” He sang. “I’m not moving… I’m not moving… I’m not moving… I’m not moving… Going make to the corner, where I first saw you… I’m gonna camp in my sleeping bag and I’m not gonna move.” He was done and Ashley was clapping for him.
“That was beautiful…” Ashley said. “I wonder why the girls love you.”
“Thanks…” Gaara said. “I guess my voice is a chick magnet.” He leaned towards her. “So did I lure you? Did I take your breath away?”
“You think I am those types of girls that willing fall in a hot guy’s arms with an amazing voice without getting to know him.” She said, giggling. “My dear Gaara, I am not that easy.”
“Really, so we are playing a little game of tag.” He said. “Do I have to catch you?”
“Of course but you can never catch me.” She teased. “I am faster than you.”
“We will see about that.” He said, smiling. “I might surprise you Ms. Hisatake.”
“So what is your favorite band?” Ashley asked.
“Well, there are a lot and one of them is the Akatsuki.” Gaara answered. “I heard your older sister is the pianist in that band.”
“Yup Aleria…” Ashley replied. “She is Alexia twin sister.”
“I wonder why Alexia looks so familiar.” Gaara said. “They do look alike. Well, of course they are twins.”
“So is Temari your only sibling?” She asked.
“No, I have an older brother name Kankurou. He is a famous racecar driver.” Gaara explained. “He is one of the best. He is in Sand City where I used to live. I moved here four years ago with Temari.”
“Wow, I didn’t know that.” Ashley said.
“Well, now you do.” He said, staring at her. “Ashley, may I ask you a favor?”
“Sure…”
“Can you show your eyes to me?” Gaara said. “I have a feeling that you don’t like revealing them but can you just show it to me.” She nodded. He removed her hair and found those beautiful eyes of hers. Her eyes are very cute…He then checked his watch. “Damn, it’s five already…”
“What???” Ashley said, swiftly standing up. “Oh no… I am late.”
“For what???”
“Something… Can we continue this later? I am so sorry but I have to go. I will make it up to you.” She said, grabbing the doorknob. “Bye Gaara…” She raced away.
“WAIT…” Gaara said. She was already out the house. “Damn, Sasuke is going to hate me for this.”
“Temari, what do you mean you don’t like it?” Naruto snapped. “We were playing the song perfectly even without Gaara.”
“I like it but we are missing something.” Temari said. “Something that will make this band a winner…”
“We have a lot of instruments.” Kiba snapped. “What more do you want?”
“We need a female singer.” Temari said. “Someone to do a duet with Gaara…”
“What? Are you serious?” Neji said. “Where the hell we are going to find a female singer?”
“I don’t know…” Temari said. “We can check the school.”
“No way…” Naruto said. “The only good singer there beside Gaara is Karin and I don’t want her here.”
“Why is that?” Temari asked.
“Well, she is part of my fan club.” Sasuke answered. “Also, her friends are in Naruto and Gaara’s fan club so there is going to be a lot of drama.”
“There must be someone.” Temari said.
“We will check the choir.” Sakura said. “There are bound to be some talent there.”
“We can also check the glee club.” Tenten said.
“We can’t check that place.” Shino said. “The Glee Club is competing in the Band Slam as well. So we can’t ask them.”
“Do we have to find a singer?” Rock Lee said.
“Yeah, Gaara is good enough.” Chouji added. “We don’t need another singer.”
“If we want to win, we have to listen to her.” Ino said. “She is after all our manager.” Then Gaara burst in the room.
“Sasuke, Ashley left…” Gaara said. “She wouldn’t tell me where she was going.”
“WHAT…” Sasuke snapped, gripping his fist. “THAT DORK… I AM GOING TO KILL HER…”
“We better go find her.” Naruto said. Before big brother yells even more… Poor Blue, I feel your pain right now. “We can take a breather.”
“Yeah…” Hinata said, blushing. “She might get lost.” They raced to the streets and looked everywhere for her but there was no sign of her anywhere. “I wondered where she went.”
“She couldn’t be too far.” Chouji said. I am worried… “She doesn’t know the streets very well.”
“Well, again she is being troublesome…” Shikamaru said, letting out a sigh. Ashley, you better have a good reason because Sasuke looks like he is going to kill you. Better yet, keep hiding… How troublesome…
“I am going to strangle her when I see her.” Sasuke snapped. I was nice to that girl and all she does is runaway without telling me. She has some nerve… “Then buried her in my backyard…”
“Dude, chill… There must be a reason why she left.” Naruto said. Where would she go? Chouji is right, she doesn’t know the streets very well. “She probably had somewhere to go” Then they found her in a leather coat. “There she is…” They hid in the alley. She was walking through the streets. “Let’s follow her…” They secretly followed her.
“She looks suspicious…” Temari said.
“She probably has a secret boyfriend.” Ino said.
Boyfriend… Gaara thought. Well, she is pretty… And she did say that she wouldn’t fall for me…
“I hope not…” Kiba added.
“Come on Ino…” Sakura said. “If Ashley has a boyfriend, her sister will know.”
“Or maybe she is an undercover agent…” Rock Lee suggested. Then Tenten hit him on the head. “OUCH… Tenten, what was that for?”
“You watch too much TV.” Tenten pouted. “She can’t be an agent, wearing a coat is obvious. She would probably be spotted easily.” Ashley walked into a restaurant. “She went in there.”
“Come on you guys…” Kiba said. They raced in the building and found people sitting on tables, talking and laughing. It was a very jazzy place with photos of famous singers on the wall, most of them were women. “Wow, what is this place?”
“It’s called the Toad Stool…” A voice said. They turned and found an old man with long spiky white hair. “What you are doing here Naruto?”
“Pervy…” Naruto said, looking shocked. Shit, he is here… My Uncle… Damn it… “What are you here?”
“You are not supposed to be in my business.” Jiraiya snapped. He is just like his damn father… “This is my joint. I own this place.”
“Really…”
“Yeah, so why are you guys here?” Jiraiya asked.
“A friend of ours walked in here Jiraiya...” Sakura explained. “She has baby blue hair.”
“Ah that girl… Well, if you guys want to find her I suggest you guys change into something formal.” Jiraiya said, grinning. Probably I might get to see some naked girls… There are five beauties here in front of me.
“Why?” Naruto snapped. “We look fine.”
“You guys look like you guys came back from smoking weed.” Jiraiya snapped. “Also, the girl might run away from you if she sees you all.”
“What do you mean by that?” Kiba asked.
“Just trust me…” Jiraiya said. “There is a dressing here… Pick anything you want but you guys has to bring it back you hear.”
“Yes…” They all said. They walked to the dressing room and changed. Jiraiya got knocked out for peeking in the women area and also by Naruto. Soon after, they came out like they were going to the prom.
“Now that’s more like it.” Jiraiya said. “You guys can share a table with me.” They followed him to a big circle table in the center of the room. They all sat down. “You guys are going to love the performers.”
“Probably strippers…” Naruto said. Of course… When I was nine, he took me to a strip club… He used me as a woman magnet. Mom…Dad… What were you thinking leaving me with this guy?
“NO…” JIraiya snapped. “They are singers…”
“Singers…Really…” Temari said, smiling. This is our chance…. “We are looking for a female singer.”
“Well, you came to the right place.” Jiraiya said, smiling. “This place has many female singers but there is one female star we have in this place. If it wasn’t for her, this place will already be close.”
“Really…” Shikamaru said. “We have to have her.”
“Why we need a singer?” Gaara asked. “Am I being replaced?” Finally, I really didn’t want to sing…
I like you voice… It’s amazing…
DAMN IT… STOP THINKING ABOUT HER… You just met her so stop it.
“No bro, I just think that you need a singing partner.” Temari said, smiling. “You do want to win.”
“A singing partner…” Gaara said. “I guess it will be good to share some vocals.” You got to be kidding me… Let’s just hope it’s not Karin… She will brag how red heads are better singers. And that shame will be on me because I am a red head. Then the room turned dark.
“Introducing the beautiful Angel Eyes…” The announcer said. The crowd cheered for her.
“This is her… We called her Angel Eyes…” Jiraiya said, drinking his sake.
“Why?” Tenten asked.
“Because she has the most unique eyes you will ever see…” Jiraiya said. A man on stage was playing the guitar and another man was playing the piano with a techno beat.
“Ahh….” A sweet voice sung sweetly. Then the drums were added. The audiences’ eyes were on stage but there was no singer. “Don’t say no to anything…Yes…Yes… Yes... to everything… Just find a way, to get away…” A blue hair girl with a coat walked from behind. Her hair was pulled back by a hairclip and her eyes were showing.
“ASHLEY…” They screamed.
“She can sing???” Temari said. She is perfect… “And her eyes…They’re beautiful…”
“Sasuke, why didn’t you tell us that she can sing?” Shikamaru asked.
“I didn’t know the loser can.” Sasuke snapped. You got to be kidding me… I was living with a talented singer… How Ironic… And she is showing her eyes… “She is actually showing her eyes.”
“Well, she looks better with them.” Hinata complimented. It’s so vivid…
“That is our Angel Eyes… Isn’t she a beauty?” Jiraiya said, sighing with awe.
“Want to run away…” She sang. She then walked to the waiter, taking off her coat. She was wearing a white dress. “Let’s take our clothes and see if anybody notices then runaway. What’s you say? When I am okay?” She walked towards the tables and teased the couple. “Have a little joy… Have a little faith… Live life… Have a little hope… Have a lot of fun… Cause you….you… You never know what fate will throw and make you stop… I…I… going to try to let you slide and pick me up and take me away…” She then walked towards their table. “Run up to a stranger, Kiss and tell them that you love them and just walk away. You made their day. Well, you just hope you did.” She bends down and kissed Jiraiya on the cheek. She then walked away from them.
“Thank you…” Jiraiya said, letting out a blush.
“So that is Ashley…” Kiba said, blushing. Her eyes… I can’t believe it… It’s beautiful… “I am in love…”
Her voice… She can sing… And she didn’t tell me. Gaara thought, staring at her with amazement. “Wow…”
“She is good.” Chouji said. “I never seen her happy since…”
“Blue is my vote.” Naruto interrupted. “She is better than Karin.”
“I have to agree with that Naruto.” Sakura said. Ashley stood up on a long rectangular table. She walked and all the boys whistled for her.
“Stand up in a restaurant, start dancing on the tables. And get kicked out for bad behavior. Ops, I did it again…” She jumped back to the ground and pulled a wooden chair in front of the stage. She stood up on the chair. “Have a little joy… Have a little faith… Live life… Have a little hope… Have a lot of fun… Cause you….you… You never know what fate will throw and make you stop…” She leaned towards the chair, causing it to fall forwards. She landed on her feet. “ I…I… going to try and let you slide and pick me up and take me away…” She walked up stage. When she got there, she grabbed a red guitar. “Don’t you know that nothing equals nothing. Do anything, Do everything… Do something… Open up your mouth and let your soul sing.” She pulled her hair back. “You….You…. You never know what fate will throw and make you stop.” She then started playing a solo. “Ah….” She was banging her head. “You can never know… You can never know… You can never know… You never know what fate will throw and make you stop. I…I… going to try and let you slide and pick me up and take me away…” She was done and everyone cheered.
“GO ANGEL EYES… YOU ROCK…” The crowd cheered. “WE LOVE YOU.” They were throwing roses in front of her. She bowed down.
“So how did this happen?” Sasuke asked.
“Well, we met last summer. Someone stole my money and she was there in the incident. I accused her and she asked if she can pay it back by working for me the whole summer.” Jiraiya explained.
“WHAT SHE STOLE MONEY?” Sasuke screamed.
“No, I falsely accused her.” Jiraiya said. “It was the janitor. I was going to pay her back for her troubles but she didn’t want the money. She grew fond of the people here because they love her eyes. They absolutely adore her angel eyes so we call her that.” He then let out a sigh. “Then our star singer quit and we didn’t have a performance. Ashley was mopping floors and found an angry mob outside. You see my place was in for closure. She pulled out a guitar and started singing. Everyone loves her… So she sings to help me out.”
gft
“She deserves a raise pervert.” Naruto snapped.
“I know that but she doesn’t want the money.” Jiraiya explained. “She told me that she was happy that there were some people that love her eyes. I guess she kept this all a secret because she was afraid how you guys will react when you all see her eyes.”
“Alright everyone, settle down.” Ashley said, smiling. “I have a special dedication to Rita Roth… This is for you from someone close to your heart.” A woman with long black hair was stunned and turned to the man next to her. He was smiling. “Well, here it goes…” Music filled the room. “I still hear your voice when you sleep next to me. I still feel your touch in my dreams. Forgive me my weakness but I don’t know why, without you is hard to survive!” She sang a high note and then pause. Then an upbeat tune entered. “Cause every time we touch, I get this feeling. And every time we kiss, I swear I can fly. Can you feel my heart beats fast? I want this to last, need you by my side. Cause every time we touch, I feel the static. And every time we kiss, I reach for the sky. Can you hear my heart beats slow? I can’t let you go, want you in my life.” Then she stopped and jumped down stage. She started dancing and pulling people away from their tables and into the dance floor.
“So she can dance too?” Chouji said.
“I think we won the lottery on this one.” Kiba added. She dance gracefully around the dance floor, it was like she was during ballad.
“Your arms are my castle. Your heart is my sky. They wipe away the tears that I cry. The good and the bad times, we been through them all. You make me rise when I fall.” She sang again, pulling the couple. They too started dancing. “Cause every time we touch, I get this feeling. And every time we kiss, I swear I can fly. Can you feel my heart beats fast? I want this to last, need you by my side. Cause every time we touch, I feel the static. And every time we kiss, I reach for the sky. Can you hear my heart beats slow? I can’t let you go, want you in my life.” The audience started cheering when she started dancing. “Cause every time we touch, I get this feeling. And every time we kiss, I swear I can fly. Can you feel my heart beats fast? I want this to last, need you by my side.” She stopped and everyone applause. “Congratulation to the newlyweds, James and Rita Roth… May your love guide you farther in life…”
“Angel Eyes… Sing something sexy… “A man asked. “Something for the singles here or you can’t handle it.” She smiled.
“You should underestimate me my good sir.” Ashley said. Then the piano started playing. It was again a techno tune. “Maybe I just need some rehab or maybe just need some sleep. I got a sick obsession. I’m seeing it in my dreams. I’m looking down every alley. I’m making those desperate calls. I’m staying up all night, hoping hit my head against the wall.” Then the drums and guitar was added in. “What you got boy is hard to find, I think about it all the time. I’m all strung up and my heart is fried. I just can’t get you off my mind.” She started jumping. “Because your love… your love… your love is my drug… your love… your love… your love… I said your love… your love… your love is my drug… your love… your love… your love…” All the boys walked towards her and she started looking innocent. “Won't listen to any advice, mamma is telling me to think twice… But left to my own devices I'm addicted it’s a crisis! My friends think I've gone crazy, my judgment is getting kinda hazy…My status is gonna be affected if I keep it up like a love sick crack-head…” The boys kissed her hand.
“Damn…” Kiba growled. She’s my girl…
“She is quite a performer.” Hinata said. “She is perfect for our singer.”
“What you got boy is hard to find, I think about it all the time. I’m all strung up and my heart is fried. I just can’t get you off my mind.” She sang, letting out a blush. She started dancing with the boys. “Because your love… your love… your love is my drug… your love… your love… your love… I said your love… your love… your love is my drug… your love… your love… your love…” She then started pushing the guys away. “I don’t care what people say…The rush is worth the price I pay…I get so high when you're with me…But crash and crave you when you are away.” She was around their table, clueless of who she was singing too. I guess I can pick that guy for a prop. She walked to Gaara. “So I got a question; do you want to have a summer party in my basement? Do I make your heart beat like an 808 drum? Is my love, your drug? ( huh).” He was blushing when he found her sitting on him, leaning towards his lips. Her hands raced through his chest. He shivers, feeling her smooth fingers. “Your drug? (huh) your drug? (huh) your drug? Is my love, your drug?”
Why me? Gaara thought, leaning towards her. He didn’t care. He wanted the kiss. She then pushed him and away and walked towards the stage. She is full of surprises…
“Because your love… your love… your love is my drug… your love… your love… your love… I said your love… your love… your love is my drug… your love… your love… your love…” She sang, jumping up and down. She pulled back the chair and sat down. “Hey... hey… your love, your love, your love, your love…” She then she whispered. “Is my drug… I like your beard…” She smiled and bowed down. “Was I sexy?” All the men screamed for her. “Thank you…”
“We need to meet her.” Sasuke said.
“Don’t worry… She will come here.” Jiraiya said. She walked towards their table. “I told you…” He stood up and hugged her tight. “Angel Eyes, you were amazing.”
“You say that every time I sing.” Ashley replied, pulling back. Then a man raced towards her with a bouquet of roses. “Oh…”
“For you Ms. Angel Eyes…” The man said, blushing. She accepted it and smiled.
“Thank you…” She said, smiling. “They’re beautiful.”
“Keep it up my dear…” The man said, walking away. Then couple walked towards her.
“James and Rita Roth…”
“You were amazing…” James said. “You absolutely delivered my message. You have great taste in love music.”
“It was sweet for you to sing for me. I know that my husband is not a singer but he has good intentions.” Rita said. “Thank you so much.”
“You’re welcome.” Ashley replied. They walked away from them. I wonder if I ever going to be like that, married and in love.
“You were great Blue…” Naruto said, smiling. Ashley swiftly turned and found them all, staring at her. She let out a blush. “Why didn’t you tell us that you can sing?”
“Naruto…” Ashley said, looking embarrassed. Oh no… My secret is out… She quickly covered her eyes until Sasuke grabbed her hand. “Sasuke…”
“Tell me next time when you leave… You scared me you damn loser…” Sasuke snapped, removing her hair away from her face. “Also, they already know about your eyes.”
“Ashley, you were amazing…” Rock Lee said. “It was youthful…”
“We are so impressed.” Neji said, smiling.
“You were so cool.” Kiba said.
“We didn’t know that we have a singer in our mist.” Shikamaru said.
“Thank you but…” Ashley said, looking away. “I hope you are not all disgust with my eyes.”
“NO…” They screamed. “THEY ARE SO COOL…”
“But… My eyes are not normal.” Ashley replied. “I thought…”
“Why would we? Hinata and I have weird looking eyes too.” Neji said. Hinata nodded with agreement.
“I have whiskers on my cheeks.” Naruto said.
“I have a wide forehead.” Sakura said, looking embarrassed.
“Kiba and I have symbols on our cheeks.” Chouji said.
“And I have fuzzy brows…” Rock Lee said.
“I have a tattoo on my forehead.” Gaara added. “So there is no need for us to be judgmental.”
“So you really don’t think that my eyes are ugly.” Ashley asked.
“Of course not…” Temari said. “We are all misfits here so there is no need to hide those eyes.” She grabbed her hand. “Ashley, we were all wondering if you can be a singer of our band.”
“But I thought Gaara is the vocalist. Oh, no…” She said, blushing. She stared at Gaara. “You were the guy I was sitting on… I am terribly sorry.” Damn it… I had a feeling it was a bad idea… I was about to kiss him… damn it…
“Calm down…” Gaara said. “It’s okay…”
“So you liked it.” Naruto whispered to him. Gaara blushed and punched him in the gut. “DAMN IT GAARA…”
“Are you sure?” Ashley replied. “I am so…”
“It’s alright…” Gaara replied.
“So explain to me how you ended up here and kept it a secret.” Sasuke said, staring at her seriously. “You better not leave anything out.”
“Alright, I will tell you. I will tell all of you.” Ashley said. “You see… I was going to surprise you Sasuke during summer, meeting your friends.” She scratched her head. “However, I got lost in the process. I walked passed this place and a man bumped into me. He was in a hurry. Then I met Jiraiya. He accused me for stealing money which I didn’t. So I told him that I will work for him the whole summer. I snuck out my room so I can work.”
“So you mean to tell me that you weren’t in your room the whole time.” Sasuke said.
“Yes, I was busy working for Jiraiya which happens to be Naruto’s uncle.” Ashley said. “Jiraiya was close with my dad so we got along well even though I was a thief in his presence. Then one day, I caught the real thief, the man that I bumped into. He was the janitor and now he is suffering in jail. I was about to leave until I overheard that the main singer quit. She said that she didn’t want to work in a dump like this so she left.”
“She was a spoiled brat.” Jiraiya added. “She was also hard to work with.”
“They were a crowd of angry people and they demand their money back.” Ashley said. “I felt sorry for Jiraiya so I walked up stage and grabbed a guitar. At first, people thought it was a joke even me. I really don’t like crowds especially when they are all staring at me. I sang anyway to satisfy the people and they loved it. Jiraiya was so happy that he kissed my hand and cheek, causing to reveal my eyes.” She let out a blush. “I thought I will be neglected but I ended up getting adored. So they call me Angel Eyes.” She let out a smile. “Not a lot of people love my eyes so I hide them but these people do, so I ended up singing for them.”
“So you’ve been singing this whole time?” Sasuke said. She nodded. “Why didn’t you tell us especially Alexia? She will be pleased that you are interacting.”
“I really don’t want her to know…” She interrupted. “I… I… I just want this to be a secret.”
“But Ashley, you are perfect for our band. You have a beautiful voice.” Temari said. “You have to say yes. You are not replacing Gaara. You are actually being his duet partner. Please say yes…”
“Blue, your voice is beautiful.” Naruto said. “Why do you want to keep it a secret?”
“Because I am not good enough…” Ashley replied, looking away. I am not better than her…
“Ashley…” Sasuke said, staring at her. I can see it now. She is just like me. I doubt myself when it comes to Itachi. She doubts herself because she believes that she can’t be better than Aleria. “Ashley, I want you to join the band.”
“Sasuke…”
“We do think alike… “Sasuke said, grabbing her hand. “Don’t think that you are worthless.” She kept silent. “Look I know that you feel like you can’t be better but I believe in you little sister. You sisters have the right to know of what you are capable of. They are not going to judge you.”
“Sasuke, do you really think I can do better?” She asked. “Even when it comes to her…”
“Yeah loser…” Sasuke replied, smiling.
“We all do….” Chouji added.
“Please join us Ashley…” The girls pleaded. “We want you…”
“I…” Ashley said. They are begging for me… The weird eye freak, I can’t believe it… She wanted to cry but she held back her tears. “Alright, but only one condition…”
“What is that?” They all asked.
“You all stay for my last performance.” Ashley said, smiling. She then turned to Gaara. “Since we are partners, do you want to sing with me on my last performance?”
“Really…” Gaara said.
“Yup…” Ashley said. “I am sure we can think of a song.”
“Alright…” Gaara said, standing up. He offered his hand to her. “So you’re my partner now.”
“Somehow, I am always your partner.” She said, smiling. She grabbed his hand and shook it firmly. “Well, let’s go.” They walked up on stages. Gaara took off his coat and only wore a white long sleeve collar and a black vest. “Hey everyone, I have a very special guest. He is one of the greatest singers in Konoha, introducing Gaara from the band Joint.” Everyone cheered for him.
“Wow…” Gaara said, waving. They are actually clapping for me. “Ashley, I have a song…”
“Really, alright then… I think I can pick it up.” Ashley said, smiling.
“Alright…” He said, grabbing the acoustic guitar and Ashley gave him a mouth piece. “Thanks…” He then started playing a smooth melody. “Do you hear me talking to you, across the waters, across the deep blue ocean and under the open sky? On my, baby I’m trying.” She blushed.
I know this song… Why this song? Ashley thought. She begins to sing. “Boy, I hear you in my dreams. Feel your whisper across the sea; keep you with me in my heart. You make it easier when life gets hard.”
“Lucky I’m in love with my best friend. Lucky to have been where I have been…” They both sang. “Lucky to be coming home again… Uh….”
“They don’t know how long it takes waiting for a love like this.” Ashley sang while Gaara echoed. “Every time when we say goodbye, I wish we have one more kiss. I’ll wait for you, I’ll promise you I will wait…”
“Lucky I’m in love with my best friend. Lucky to have been where I have been…” They both sang. “Lucky to be coming home again… Lucky we are in love in every way. Lucky to have stayed of where we stayed… Lucky to be coming home someday…”
“They are perfect for each other.” Ino said.
“Yeah right…” Kiba snapped.
“So I’m sailing through the sea to an island where we meet. You’ll hear the music fill the air.” Gaara sang, picking a rose that was lying on the keyboard and placing it on her hair. “I’ll put a flower in your hair.”
“Though is breezy, through the trees. They move so pretty and you’re all I see. As the world keep spinning round, you hold me right here, right now.” She sang, blushing.
“Lucky I’m in love with my best friend. Lucky to have been where I have been…” They both sang. “Lucky to be coming home again… Lucky we are in love in every way. Lucky to have stayed of where we stayed… Lucky to be coming home someday… Uh…” The song was over and everyone cheered. “Wow…”
“GO GAARA… ANGEL EYES…” The crowd cheered.
“So what do you think Shikamaru?” Temari asked.
“You were right troublesome woman… We need a female singer.” Shikamaru said, smiling. “Chouji, what do you think?”
“I think I need more chips…” Chouji said.
“Troublesome…”
“Sasuke, she is so good.” Naruto said. He found his friend smiling. “Sasuke, why are you smiling?”
“I wasn’t smiling you loser…” Sasuke snapped.
“Yes you were…” Naruto snapped back. “Don’t play dumb with me Sasuke… You were smiling.”
“NO I WASN’T”
“YES YOU WERE…” They started wrestling on the ground.
“Guys, we are in a restaurant. Stop fighting…” Sakura snapped.
“Thank you Gaara…” Ashley said, smiling. “You are my first singing partner.”
“Really, same here…” Gaara said. Then a phone started ringing. “I think that’s yours.” She pulled out off her shorts, under her dress. Gaara swiftly looked away. A little warning next time…
“SASUKE, WE HAVE TO GO…” Ashley screamed. “ALEXIA IS CALLING ME…” She jumped off stage and raced towards the table. She found them fighting. “Sasuke, sister is looking for me. Please get up and Naruto stop it. If Alexia finds out then…”
“Come on…” Sasuke interrupted, pulling her away. “LET’S GO…” They raced through the crowd. “You and your stupid curfew…”
“HEY… COME BACK HERE…” Naruto snapped.
“ASHLEY, ARE YOU REALLY IN THE BAND???” Temari screamed.
“YES… COUNT ME IN…” Ashley screamed back.
Ashley and Sasuke made it home and they walked towards their room. Ashley was in front of her door then Sasuke pulled her towards him, making her face him. “Ashley, can I asked you a question?”
“Sure…” Ashley said. “What is it Sasuke?”
“I was… well… were you happy when I offered to walk you to Gaara’s house?” He asked. Ashley paused in front of him. “I couldn’t help but notice that you were smiling at me.”
“Yes, I was…” She said, letting out a smile. “Sasuke, I want to tell you something. Something that is confusing me…” He turned to her, giving her his full attention. “When I was away, I didn’t feel anything. But now when I am here, I feel happy. I feel like sharing my emotions but I…”
“Ashley, it’s good that you are releasing your feelings.” Sasuke said. “I know that you are scared of getting hurt but don’t worry, I am here for you... I know you are trying to get use to revealing your emotions. You shouldn’t keep it in. When you are sad, cry it out. When you are mad, yell it out. When you are happy, smile and laugh it out. You need to be the girl you use to be. Being a sarcastic girl is not really you.”
“Sasuke, I know we constantly argue but I just want you to know that you are the best big brother that I ever had.” Ashley said, smiling. “And there is no sarcasm in that.”
“I hate to admit but you are the best little sister that I ever had.” Sasuke said, smiling back. “And I am not saying that.” He then flick her forehead like Itachi used to do to him. “Well, you better hurry up.”
“Okay…” Ashley said, walking in her room. She took a shower and put on a red tank top with a skull design on in and baggy jeans. Sasuke is right… I should try to feel again… But I don’t want to feel heartbroken again. No, I have to feel. Living a dead life for over nine years is long enough. She gripped the necklace. “Father, I just wish you were here. You’ll know what I should do.”
“Ashley, are you done?” Sasuke said, standing outside her door. “We have to go. They need me on base now.”
“I’m coming.” Ashley said, walking out her room. They walked to the house. “Sasuke, have the band played in public?”
“No but there is this competition called the Band Slam, we are planning on entering it.” Sasuke explained. “The prize is fifteen thousand dollars. A nice prize…”
“So who is on drums?” Ashley asked.
“Naruto…”
“Well, his hyperactive demeanor fit his instrument.” Ashley said. “So who is on guitar?”
“Kiba…”
“And you are on base…” Ashley said. “Is there a keyboard?”
“Yes, Neji is playing the key board.” Sasuke answered. “Hinata is playing the violin and Sakura is the flute. Tenten and Ino added their saxophone. Rock Lee adds his snare drum. They all used to play classical music but Shikamaru convinced them to join.” He let out a sigh. “Shino and Chouji do the stage effects. They are the best.”
“Wow, the band sounds interesting.” Ashley said. “So what does Temari do?”
“Temari and Shikamaru are our managers.” Sasuke said. “They are the masterminds in our band.”
“Really…” Ashley said, smiling. A couple co operations… Shikamaru, you got it bad. The made it to the house and she heard singing coming from the garage. Wow, what a nice voice. “Is that your singer singing?”
“Yeah, Temari is going to scold me for being late.” Sasuke said, letting out a sigh. He knocked on the garage down. It opened and found Gaara singing with the band. “Sorry guys for being late.”
“Hey Blue, you made it.” Naruto said, smiling.
“You look great Ashley.” Kiba said, blushing. She really does… Man, I need to have her.
“Gaara…” Ashley said, blushing. He was the one singing… Oh my god, I am… “Gaara, you are the singer… Your voice is amazing.”
“Really…” Gaara said, scratching his head. She thinks my voice is amazing… “Thanks…” He put the microphone back to the stand. “Temari, I’m going to take a break. I need to start on the project.”
“Alright…” Temari said, smiling. Gaara, it’s obvious that you have a thing for her. “Have fun…”
“But I…” Ashley said.
“Don’t worry, we will come back.” Gaara said, grabbing her hand. “We will see you guys later.” He led her to the living room. “So where do you want to do this, in the living room or bedroom?”
“Pardon…” She said, blushing.
“Where you want to sit so you can interview me?” Gaara rephrased.
“Well, I guess anywhere but I think I can find more questions in your room.” Ashley said.
“Bedroom it is…” Gaara said, leading her to his room. He opened the door and found anime posters on the walls and a stereo system. “This is my room.”
“It’s very neat.” Ashley said.
“Yeah, Temari doesn’t like anything messy so I tend to clean it up. You can sit on the bed.” Gaara said. She sat on the bed and smiled. “So you must have a lot of questions?”
“Yeah, I do.” She said. “Let’s start with the simple questions. What is your favorite color?”
“Blue.” He replied. “It’s been my favorite color ever since I was six.’
“Really…” Ashley replied, blushing. “Why?”
“Well, my mother’s eyes were blue and my mom died giving birth to me.” Gaara explained. “I have my father’s eyes though.” He turned his gaze away from her. “I know I am not supposed to be the one with the questions but what is your favorite color?”
“Red…” Ashley said. “When I was little, my father would always place a red rose beside my bed, and when I wake up, it will be there lying next to me.” She then giggled. “My father and I will also make up funny stories about the Red Riding Hood… There was one time he changed it to Blue Riding Hood but it wasn’t as catchy.”
“Well, I think it’s catchy.” Gaara said. “So another question…”
“Are you really that charming in school?” She teased. He sat beside her. “Your fan girls are quite the catch.”
“Yeah, I am charming enough.” Gaara teased. She giggled once again. Sasuke told me that she hardly laughs and smiles… Why does she keep it in? She looks cute when she smiles and her laugh, I can listen to it all day. “Yet, I don’t know what interest them. All I do is read and practice with the band.”
“You read books. What kind of books you like to read?” She asked. Why do I feel so happy when I am with him? My emotions are easy to control when he is here… Why???? I no, I can’t be… I just met him…
“Well, mystery, horror, and fantasy…” Gaara said. “Vampire books are also good too but I hate Twilight.”
“The whole Twilight Saga was so predictable.” Ashley said, crossing her arms. “Also it’s all about talk and most of the book is about Bella.”
“I know… Even when Edward gets Bella and leaves her and then gets her back, it’s all about her.” Gaara said. “Then Jacob comes in the scene and tries to take her.”
“And they fight over her like…” Ashley added.
“She is the only girl on the planet…” They both said. They paused and stared at each other.
“Ah, so… You can sing?” Ashley said, turning away from him.
“Yeah, it’s was a hidden talent.” Gaara said. “You see the band was looking for a singer and I was taking a shower. I was singing without thinking and they were amazed. So they asked me and I can’t say no to Temari.”
“Well, I was amazed.” Ashley said, smiling. She then spotted an acoustic guitar leaning against the wall beside his bed. “You play…”
“Yeah…” Gaara said. “I can only play the guitar…”
“Can I hear you play and sing?” Ashley pleaded. “Please…”
“Alright…” Gaara said, grabbing the guitar. “I think I have a song… I hope you like it.” He started strumming the keys slowly. “Going back to the corner, where I first saw you… I’m gonna camp in my sleeping bag and I’m not gonna move. I got words on cardboard and got your picture in my hands, saying if you see this girl can you tell her where I am.” Ashley just stared at him. “Some try to hand me money, they don’t understand. I’m not broke; I am just a broken hearted man. I know it makes no sense but what else can I do? How can I move on when I am still in love with you?” He turned to her and found her smiling. “Cause one day you wake up and find out you are missing me and your heart tries to wonder why you are missing me, thinking maybe you come back to the place where we meet. And you see me waiting for you on the corner of the street.” He let out a smile to her. “I’m not moving… I’m not moving…” He stopped and started playing a little solo. “People talk about the guy who is waiting for his girl. There are no holes in his shoes but a big hole in his world. Maybe I’ll get famous for the man that can’t be moved. Maybe you don’t mean to but you see me on the news. And you’ll be running to the corner because you know it’s just the news of the man that can’t be moved.”
He is so good… Ashley thought.
“Cause one day you wake up and find out you are missing me and your heart tries to wonder why you are missing me, thinking maybe you come back to the place where we meet. And you see me waiting for you at the corner of the street.” He sang. “I’m not moving… I’m not moving… I’m not moving… I’m not moving… Going make to the corner, where I first saw you… I’m gonna camp in my sleeping bag and I’m not gonna move.” He was done and Ashley was clapping for him.
“That was beautiful…” Ashley said. “I wonder why the girls love you.”
“Thanks…” Gaara said. “I guess my voice is a chick magnet.” He leaned towards her. “So did I lure you? Did I take your breath away?”
“You think I am those types of girls that willing fall in a hot guy’s arms with an amazing voice without getting to know him.” She said, giggling. “My dear Gaara, I am not that easy.”
“Really, so we are playing a little game of tag.” He said. “Do I have to catch you?”
“Of course but you can never catch me.” She teased. “I am faster than you.”
“We will see about that.” He said, smiling. “I might surprise you Ms. Hisatake.”
“So what is your favorite band?” Ashley asked.
“Well, there are a lot and one of them is the Akatsuki.” Gaara answered. “I heard your older sister is the pianist in that band.”
“Yup Aleria…” Ashley replied. “She is Alexia twin sister.”
“I wonder why Alexia looks so familiar.” Gaara said. “They do look alike. Well, of course they are twins.”
“So is Temari your only sibling?” She asked.
“No, I have an older brother name Kankurou. He is a famous racecar driver.” Gaara explained. “He is one of the best. He is in Sand City where I used to live. I moved here four years ago with Temari.”
“Wow, I didn’t know that.” Ashley said.
“Well, now you do.” He said, staring at her. “Ashley, may I ask you a favor?”
“Sure…”
“Can you show your eyes to me?” Gaara said. “I have a feeling that you don’t like revealing them but can you just show it to me.” She nodded. He removed her hair and found those beautiful eyes of hers. Her eyes are very cute…He then checked his watch. “Damn, it’s five already…”
“What???” Ashley said, swiftly standing up. “Oh no… I am late.”
“For what???”
“Something… Can we continue this later? I am so sorry but I have to go. I will make it up to you.” She said, grabbing the doorknob. “Bye Gaara…” She raced away.
“WAIT…” Gaara said. She was already out the house. “Damn, Sasuke is going to hate me for this.”
“Temari, what do you mean you don’t like it?” Naruto snapped. “We were playing the song perfectly even without Gaara.”
“I like it but we are missing something.” Temari said. “Something that will make this band a winner…”
“We have a lot of instruments.” Kiba snapped. “What more do you want?”
“We need a female singer.” Temari said. “Someone to do a duet with Gaara…”
“What? Are you serious?” Neji said. “Where the hell we are going to find a female singer?”
“I don’t know…” Temari said. “We can check the school.”
“No way…” Naruto said. “The only good singer there beside Gaara is Karin and I don’t want her here.”
“Why is that?” Temari asked.
“Well, she is part of my fan club.” Sasuke answered. “Also, her friends are in Naruto and Gaara’s fan club so there is going to be a lot of drama.”
“There must be someone.” Temari said.
“We will check the choir.” Sakura said. “There are bound to be some talent there.”
“We can also check the glee club.” Tenten said.
“We can’t check that place.” Shino said. “The Glee Club is competing in the Band Slam as well. So we can’t ask them.”
“Do we have to find a singer?” Rock Lee said.
“Yeah, Gaara is good enough.” Chouji added. “We don’t need another singer.”
“If we want to win, we have to listen to her.” Ino said. “She is after all our manager.” Then Gaara burst in the room.
“Sasuke, Ashley left…” Gaara said. “She wouldn’t tell me where she was going.”
“WHAT…” Sasuke snapped, gripping his fist. “THAT DORK… I AM GOING TO KILL HER…”
“We better go find her.” Naruto said. Before big brother yells even more… Poor Blue, I feel your pain right now. “We can take a breather.”
“Yeah…” Hinata said, blushing. “She might get lost.” They raced to the streets and looked everywhere for her but there was no sign of her anywhere. “I wondered where she went.”
“She couldn’t be too far.” Chouji said. I am worried… “She doesn’t know the streets very well.”
“Well, again she is being troublesome…” Shikamaru said, letting out a sigh. Ashley, you better have a good reason because Sasuke looks like he is going to kill you. Better yet, keep hiding… How troublesome…
“I am going to strangle her when I see her.” Sasuke snapped. I was nice to that girl and all she does is runaway without telling me. She has some nerve… “Then buried her in my backyard…”
“Dude, chill… There must be a reason why she left.” Naruto said. Where would she go? Chouji is right, she doesn’t know the streets very well. “She probably had somewhere to go” Then they found her in a leather coat. “There she is…” They hid in the alley. She was walking through the streets. “Let’s follow her…” They secretly followed her.
“She looks suspicious…” Temari said.
“She probably has a secret boyfriend.” Ino said.
Boyfriend… Gaara thought. Well, she is pretty… And she did say that she wouldn’t fall for me…
“I hope not…” Kiba added.
“Come on Ino…” Sakura said. “If Ashley has a boyfriend, her sister will know.”
“Or maybe she is an undercover agent…” Rock Lee suggested. Then Tenten hit him on the head. “OUCH… Tenten, what was that for?”
“You watch too much TV.” Tenten pouted. “She can’t be an agent, wearing a coat is obvious. She would probably be spotted easily.” Ashley walked into a restaurant. “She went in there.”
“Come on you guys…” Kiba said. They raced in the building and found people sitting on tables, talking and laughing. It was a very jazzy place with photos of famous singers on the wall, most of them were women. “Wow, what is this place?”
“It’s called the Toad Stool…” A voice said. They turned and found an old man with long spiky white hair. “What you are doing here Naruto?”
“Pervy…” Naruto said, looking shocked. Shit, he is here… My Uncle… Damn it… “What are you here?”
“You are not supposed to be in my business.” Jiraiya snapped. He is just like his damn father… “This is my joint. I own this place.”
“Really…”
“Yeah, so why are you guys here?” Jiraiya asked.
“A friend of ours walked in here Jiraiya...” Sakura explained. “She has baby blue hair.”
“Ah that girl… Well, if you guys want to find her I suggest you guys change into something formal.” Jiraiya said, grinning. Probably I might get to see some naked girls… There are five beauties here in front of me.
“Why?” Naruto snapped. “We look fine.”
“You guys look like you guys came back from smoking weed.” Jiraiya snapped. “Also, the girl might run away from you if she sees you all.”
“What do you mean by that?” Kiba asked.
“Just trust me…” Jiraiya said. “There is a dressing here… Pick anything you want but you guys has to bring it back you hear.”
“Yes…” They all said. They walked to the dressing room and changed. Jiraiya got knocked out for peeking in the women area and also by Naruto. Soon after, they came out like they were going to the prom.
“Now that’s more like it.” Jiraiya said. “You guys can share a table with me.” They followed him to a big circle table in the center of the room. They all sat down. “You guys are going to love the performers.”
“Probably strippers…” Naruto said. Of course… When I was nine, he took me to a strip club… He used me as a woman magnet. Mom…Dad… What were you thinking leaving me with this guy?
“NO…” JIraiya snapped. “They are singers…”
“Singers…Really…” Temari said, smiling. This is our chance…. “We are looking for a female singer.”
“Well, you came to the right place.” Jiraiya said, smiling. “This place has many female singers but there is one female star we have in this place. If it wasn’t for her, this place will already be close.”
“Really…” Shikamaru said. “We have to have her.”
“Why we need a singer?” Gaara asked. “Am I being replaced?” Finally, I really didn’t want to sing…
I like you voice… It’s amazing…
DAMN IT… STOP THINKING ABOUT HER… You just met her so stop it.
“No bro, I just think that you need a singing partner.” Temari said, smiling. “You do want to win.”
“A singing partner…” Gaara said. “I guess it will be good to share some vocals.” You got to be kidding me… Let’s just hope it’s not Karin… She will brag how red heads are better singers. And that shame will be on me because I am a red head. Then the room turned dark.
“Introducing the beautiful Angel Eyes…” The announcer said. The crowd cheered for her.
“This is her… We called her Angel Eyes…” Jiraiya said, drinking his sake.
“Why?” Tenten asked.
“Because she has the most unique eyes you will ever see…” Jiraiya said. A man on stage was playing the guitar and another man was playing the piano with a techno beat.
“Ahh….” A sweet voice sung sweetly. Then the drums were added. The audiences’ eyes were on stage but there was no singer. “Don’t say no to anything…Yes…Yes… Yes... to everything… Just find a way, to get away…” A blue hair girl with a coat walked from behind. Her hair was pulled back by a hairclip and her eyes were showing.
“ASHLEY…” They screamed.
“She can sing???” Temari said. She is perfect… “And her eyes…They’re beautiful…”
“Sasuke, why didn’t you tell us that she can sing?” Shikamaru asked.
“I didn’t know the loser can.” Sasuke snapped. You got to be kidding me… I was living with a talented singer… How Ironic… And she is showing her eyes… “She is actually showing her eyes.”
“Well, she looks better with them.” Hinata complimented. It’s so vivid…
“That is our Angel Eyes… Isn’t she a beauty?” Jiraiya said, sighing with awe.
“Want to run away…” She sang. She then walked to the waiter, taking off her coat. She was wearing a white dress. “Let’s take our clothes and see if anybody notices then runaway. What’s you say? When I am okay?” She walked towards the tables and teased the couple. “Have a little joy… Have a little faith… Live life… Have a little hope… Have a lot of fun… Cause you….you… You never know what fate will throw and make you stop… I…I… going to try to let you slide and pick me up and take me away…” She then walked towards their table. “Run up to a stranger, Kiss and tell them that you love them and just walk away. You made their day. Well, you just hope you did.” She bends down and kissed Jiraiya on the cheek. She then walked away from them.
“Thank you…” Jiraiya said, letting out a blush.
“So that is Ashley…” Kiba said, blushing. Her eyes… I can’t believe it… It’s beautiful… “I am in love…”
Her voice… She can sing… And she didn’t tell me. Gaara thought, staring at her with amazement. “Wow…”
“She is good.” Chouji said. “I never seen her happy since…”
“Blue is my vote.” Naruto interrupted. “She is better than Karin.”
“I have to agree with that Naruto.” Sakura said. Ashley stood up on a long rectangular table. She walked and all the boys whistled for her.
“Stand up in a restaurant, start dancing on the tables. And get kicked out for bad behavior. Ops, I did it again…” She jumped back to the ground and pulled a wooden chair in front of the stage. She stood up on the chair. “Have a little joy… Have a little faith… Live life… Have a little hope… Have a lot of fun… Cause you….you… You never know what fate will throw and make you stop…” She leaned towards the chair, causing it to fall forwards. She landed on her feet. “ I…I… going to try and let you slide and pick me up and take me away…” She walked up stage. When she got there, she grabbed a red guitar. “Don’t you know that nothing equals nothing. Do anything, Do everything… Do something… Open up your mouth and let your soul sing.” She pulled her hair back. “You….You…. You never know what fate will throw and make you stop.” She then started playing a solo. “Ah….” She was banging her head. “You can never know… You can never know… You can never know… You never know what fate will throw and make you stop. I…I… going to try and let you slide and pick me up and take me away…” She was done and everyone cheered.
“GO ANGEL EYES… YOU ROCK…” The crowd cheered. “WE LOVE YOU.” They were throwing roses in front of her. She bowed down.
“So how did this happen?” Sasuke asked.
“Well, we met last summer. Someone stole my money and she was there in the incident. I accused her and she asked if she can pay it back by working for me the whole summer.” Jiraiya explained.
“WHAT SHE STOLE MONEY?” Sasuke screamed.
“No, I falsely accused her.” Jiraiya said. “It was the janitor. I was going to pay her back for her troubles but she didn’t want the money. She grew fond of the people here because they love her eyes. They absolutely adore her angel eyes so we call her that.” He then let out a sigh. “Then our star singer quit and we didn’t have a performance. Ashley was mopping floors and found an angry mob outside. You see my place was in for closure. She pulled out a guitar and started singing. Everyone loves her… So she sings to help me out.”
gft
“She deserves a raise pervert.” Naruto snapped.
“I know that but she doesn’t want the money.” Jiraiya explained. “She told me that she was happy that there were some people that love her eyes. I guess she kept this all a secret because she was afraid how you guys will react when you all see her eyes.”
“Alright everyone, settle down.” Ashley said, smiling. “I have a special dedication to Rita Roth… This is for you from someone close to your heart.” A woman with long black hair was stunned and turned to the man next to her. He was smiling. “Well, here it goes…” Music filled the room. “I still hear your voice when you sleep next to me. I still feel your touch in my dreams. Forgive me my weakness but I don’t know why, without you is hard to survive!” She sang a high note and then pause. Then an upbeat tune entered. “Cause every time we touch, I get this feeling. And every time we kiss, I swear I can fly. Can you feel my heart beats fast? I want this to last, need you by my side. Cause every time we touch, I feel the static. And every time we kiss, I reach for the sky. Can you hear my heart beats slow? I can’t let you go, want you in my life.” Then she stopped and jumped down stage. She started dancing and pulling people away from their tables and into the dance floor.
“So she can dance too?” Chouji said.
“I think we won the lottery on this one.” Kiba added. She dance gracefully around the dance floor, it was like she was during ballad.
“Your arms are my castle. Your heart is my sky. They wipe away the tears that I cry. The good and the bad times, we been through them all. You make me rise when I fall.” She sang again, pulling the couple. They too started dancing. “Cause every time we touch, I get this feeling. And every time we kiss, I swear I can fly. Can you feel my heart beats fast? I want this to last, need you by my side. Cause every time we touch, I feel the static. And every time we kiss, I reach for the sky. Can you hear my heart beats slow? I can’t let you go, want you in my life.” The audience started cheering when she started dancing. “Cause every time we touch, I get this feeling. And every time we kiss, I swear I can fly. Can you feel my heart beats fast? I want this to last, need you by my side.” She stopped and everyone applause. “Congratulation to the newlyweds, James and Rita Roth… May your love guide you farther in life…”
“Angel Eyes… Sing something sexy… “A man asked. “Something for the singles here or you can’t handle it.” She smiled.
“You should underestimate me my good sir.” Ashley said. Then the piano started playing. It was again a techno tune. “Maybe I just need some rehab or maybe just need some sleep. I got a sick obsession. I’m seeing it in my dreams. I’m looking down every alley. I’m making those desperate calls. I’m staying up all night, hoping hit my head against the wall.” Then the drums and guitar was added in. “What you got boy is hard to find, I think about it all the time. I’m all strung up and my heart is fried. I just can’t get you off my mind.” She started jumping. “Because your love… your love… your love is my drug… your love… your love… your love… I said your love… your love… your love is my drug… your love… your love… your love…” All the boys walked towards her and she started looking innocent. “Won't listen to any advice, mamma is telling me to think twice… But left to my own devices I'm addicted it’s a crisis! My friends think I've gone crazy, my judgment is getting kinda hazy…My status is gonna be affected if I keep it up like a love sick crack-head…” The boys kissed her hand.
“Damn…” Kiba growled. She’s my girl…
“She is quite a performer.” Hinata said. “She is perfect for our singer.”
“What you got boy is hard to find, I think about it all the time. I’m all strung up and my heart is fried. I just can’t get you off my mind.” She sang, letting out a blush. She started dancing with the boys. “Because your love… your love… your love is my drug… your love… your love… your love… I said your love… your love… your love is my drug… your love… your love… your love…” She then started pushing the guys away. “I don’t care what people say…The rush is worth the price I pay…I get so high when you're with me…But crash and crave you when you are away.” She was around their table, clueless of who she was singing too. I guess I can pick that guy for a prop. She walked to Gaara. “So I got a question; do you want to have a summer party in my basement? Do I make your heart beat like an 808 drum? Is my love, your drug? ( huh).” He was blushing when he found her sitting on him, leaning towards his lips. Her hands raced through his chest. He shivers, feeling her smooth fingers. “Your drug? (huh) your drug? (huh) your drug? Is my love, your drug?”
Why me? Gaara thought, leaning towards her. He didn’t care. He wanted the kiss. She then pushed him and away and walked towards the stage. She is full of surprises…
“Because your love… your love… your love is my drug… your love… your love… your love… I said your love… your love… your love is my drug… your love… your love… your love…” She sang, jumping up and down. She pulled back the chair and sat down. “Hey... hey… your love, your love, your love, your love…” She then she whispered. “Is my drug… I like your beard…” She smiled and bowed down. “Was I sexy?” All the men screamed for her. “Thank you…”
“We need to meet her.” Sasuke said.
“Don’t worry… She will come here.” Jiraiya said. She walked towards their table. “I told you…” He stood up and hugged her tight. “Angel Eyes, you were amazing.”
“You say that every time I sing.” Ashley replied, pulling back. Then a man raced towards her with a bouquet of roses. “Oh…”
“For you Ms. Angel Eyes…” The man said, blushing. She accepted it and smiled.
“Thank you…” She said, smiling. “They’re beautiful.”
“Keep it up my dear…” The man said, walking away. Then couple walked towards her.
“James and Rita Roth…”
“You were amazing…” James said. “You absolutely delivered my message. You have great taste in love music.”
“It was sweet for you to sing for me. I know that my husband is not a singer but he has good intentions.” Rita said. “Thank you so much.”
“You’re welcome.” Ashley replied. They walked away from them. I wonder if I ever going to be like that, married and in love.
“You were great Blue…” Naruto said, smiling. Ashley swiftly turned and found them all, staring at her. She let out a blush. “Why didn’t you tell us that you can sing?”
“Naruto…” Ashley said, looking embarrassed. Oh no… My secret is out… She quickly covered her eyes until Sasuke grabbed her hand. “Sasuke…”
“Tell me next time when you leave… You scared me you damn loser…” Sasuke snapped, removing her hair away from her face. “Also, they already know about your eyes.”
“Ashley, you were amazing…” Rock Lee said. “It was youthful…”
“We are so impressed.” Neji said, smiling.
“You were so cool.” Kiba said.
“We didn’t know that we have a singer in our mist.” Shikamaru said.
“Thank you but…” Ashley said, looking away. “I hope you are not all disgust with my eyes.”
“NO…” They screamed. “THEY ARE SO COOL…”
“But… My eyes are not normal.” Ashley replied. “I thought…”
“Why would we? Hinata and I have weird looking eyes too.” Neji said. Hinata nodded with agreement.
“I have whiskers on my cheeks.” Naruto said.
“I have a wide forehead.” Sakura said, looking embarrassed.
“Kiba and I have symbols on our cheeks.” Chouji said.
“And I have fuzzy brows…” Rock Lee said.
“I have a tattoo on my forehead.” Gaara added. “So there is no need for us to be judgmental.”
“So you really don’t think that my eyes are ugly.” Ashley asked.
“Of course not…” Temari said. “We are all misfits here so there is no need to hide those eyes.” She grabbed her hand. “Ashley, we were all wondering if you can be a singer of our band.”
“But I thought Gaara is the vocalist. Oh, no…” She said, blushing. She stared at Gaara. “You were the guy I was sitting on… I am terribly sorry.” Damn it… I had a feeling it was a bad idea… I was about to kiss him… damn it…
“Calm down…” Gaara said. “It’s okay…”
“So you liked it.” Naruto whispered to him. Gaara blushed and punched him in the gut. “DAMN IT GAARA…”
“Are you sure?” Ashley replied. “I am so…”
“It’s alright…” Gaara replied.
“So explain to me how you ended up here and kept it a secret.” Sasuke said, staring at her seriously. “You better not leave anything out.”
“Alright, I will tell you. I will tell all of you.” Ashley said. “You see… I was going to surprise you Sasuke during summer, meeting your friends.” She scratched her head. “However, I got lost in the process. I walked passed this place and a man bumped into me. He was in a hurry. Then I met Jiraiya. He accused me for stealing money which I didn’t. So I told him that I will work for him the whole summer. I snuck out my room so I can work.”
“So you mean to tell me that you weren’t in your room the whole time.” Sasuke said.
“Yes, I was busy working for Jiraiya which happens to be Naruto’s uncle.” Ashley said. “Jiraiya was close with my dad so we got along well even though I was a thief in his presence. Then one day, I caught the real thief, the man that I bumped into. He was the janitor and now he is suffering in jail. I was about to leave until I overheard that the main singer quit. She said that she didn’t want to work in a dump like this so she left.”
“She was a spoiled brat.” Jiraiya added. “She was also hard to work with.”
“They were a crowd of angry people and they demand their money back.” Ashley said. “I felt sorry for Jiraiya so I walked up stage and grabbed a guitar. At first, people thought it was a joke even me. I really don’t like crowds especially when they are all staring at me. I sang anyway to satisfy the people and they loved it. Jiraiya was so happy that he kissed my hand and cheek, causing to reveal my eyes.” She let out a blush. “I thought I will be neglected but I ended up getting adored. So they call me Angel Eyes.” She let out a smile. “Not a lot of people love my eyes so I hide them but these people do, so I ended up singing for them.”
“So you’ve been singing this whole time?” Sasuke said. She nodded. “Why didn’t you tell us especially Alexia? She will be pleased that you are interacting.”
“I really don’t want her to know…” She interrupted. “I… I… I just want this to be a secret.”
“But Ashley, you are perfect for our band. You have a beautiful voice.” Temari said. “You have to say yes. You are not replacing Gaara. You are actually being his duet partner. Please say yes…”
“Blue, your voice is beautiful.” Naruto said. “Why do you want to keep it a secret?”
“Because I am not good enough…” Ashley replied, looking away. I am not better than her…
“Ashley…” Sasuke said, staring at her. I can see it now. She is just like me. I doubt myself when it comes to Itachi. She doubts herself because she believes that she can’t be better than Aleria. “Ashley, I want you to join the band.”
“Sasuke…”
“We do think alike… “Sasuke said, grabbing her hand. “Don’t think that you are worthless.” She kept silent. “Look I know that you feel like you can’t be better but I believe in you little sister. You sisters have the right to know of what you are capable of. They are not going to judge you.”
“Sasuke, do you really think I can do better?” She asked. “Even when it comes to her…”
“Yeah loser…” Sasuke replied, smiling.
“We all do….” Chouji added.
“Please join us Ashley…” The girls pleaded. “We want you…”
“I…” Ashley said. They are begging for me… The weird eye freak, I can’t believe it… She wanted to cry but she held back her tears. “Alright, but only one condition…”
“What is that?” They all asked.
“You all stay for my last performance.” Ashley said, smiling. She then turned to Gaara. “Since we are partners, do you want to sing with me on my last performance?”
“Really…” Gaara said.
“Yup…” Ashley said. “I am sure we can think of a song.”
“Alright…” Gaara said, standing up. He offered his hand to her. “So you’re my partner now.”
“Somehow, I am always your partner.” She said, smiling. She grabbed his hand and shook it firmly. “Well, let’s go.” They walked up on stages. Gaara took off his coat and only wore a white long sleeve collar and a black vest. “Hey everyone, I have a very special guest. He is one of the greatest singers in Konoha, introducing Gaara from the band Joint.” Everyone cheered for him.
“Wow…” Gaara said, waving. They are actually clapping for me. “Ashley, I have a song…”
“Really, alright then… I think I can pick it up.” Ashley said, smiling.
“Alright…” He said, grabbing the acoustic guitar and Ashley gave him a mouth piece. “Thanks…” He then started playing a smooth melody. “Do you hear me talking to you, across the waters, across the deep blue ocean and under the open sky? On my, baby I’m trying.” She blushed.
I know this song… Why this song? Ashley thought. She begins to sing. “Boy, I hear you in my dreams. Feel your whisper across the sea; keep you with me in my heart. You make it easier when life gets hard.”
“Lucky I’m in love with my best friend. Lucky to have been where I have been…” They both sang. “Lucky to be coming home again… Uh….”
“They don’t know how long it takes waiting for a love like this.” Ashley sang while Gaara echoed. “Every time when we say goodbye, I wish we have one more kiss. I’ll wait for you, I’ll promise you I will wait…”
“Lucky I’m in love with my best friend. Lucky to have been where I have been…” They both sang. “Lucky to be coming home again… Lucky we are in love in every way. Lucky to have stayed of where we stayed… Lucky to be coming home someday…”
“They are perfect for each other.” Ino said.
“Yeah right…” Kiba snapped.
“So I’m sailing through the sea to an island where we meet. You’ll hear the music fill the air.” Gaara sang, picking a rose that was lying on the keyboard and placing it on her hair. “I’ll put a flower in your hair.”
“Though is breezy, through the trees. They move so pretty and you’re all I see. As the world keep spinning round, you hold me right here, right now.” She sang, blushing.
“Lucky I’m in love with my best friend. Lucky to have been where I have been…” They both sang. “Lucky to be coming home again… Lucky we are in love in every way. Lucky to have stayed of where we stayed… Lucky to be coming home someday… Uh…” The song was over and everyone cheered. “Wow…”
“GO GAARA… ANGEL EYES…” The crowd cheered.
“So what do you think Shikamaru?” Temari asked.
“You were right troublesome woman… We need a female singer.” Shikamaru said, smiling. “Chouji, what do you think?”
“I think I need more chips…” Chouji said.
“Troublesome…”
“Sasuke, she is so good.” Naruto said. He found his friend smiling. “Sasuke, why are you smiling?”
“I wasn’t smiling you loser…” Sasuke snapped.
“Yes you were…” Naruto snapped back. “Don’t play dumb with me Sasuke… You were smiling.”
“NO I WASN’T”
“YES YOU WERE…” They started wrestling on the ground.
“Guys, we are in a restaurant. Stop fighting…” Sakura snapped.
“Thank you Gaara…” Ashley said, smiling. “You are my first singing partner.”
“Really, same here…” Gaara said. Then a phone started ringing. “I think that’s yours.” She pulled out off her shorts, under her dress. Gaara swiftly looked away. A little warning next time…
“SASUKE, WE HAVE TO GO…” Ashley screamed. “ALEXIA IS CALLING ME…” She jumped off stage and raced towards the table. She found them fighting. “Sasuke, sister is looking for me. Please get up and Naruto stop it. If Alexia finds out then…”
“Come on…” Sasuke interrupted, pulling her away. “LET’S GO…” They raced through the crowd. “You and your stupid curfew…”
“HEY… COME BACK HERE…” Naruto snapped.
“ASHLEY, ARE YOU REALLY IN THE BAND???” Temari screamed.
“YES… COUNT ME IN…” Ashley screamed back.
