My Brother's Fiancè

Twenty Three - Game

It's been three days and Sasuke hasn't shown up yet for their rehearsal. Eventhough, Sasuke isn't around, this time they held their rehearsal at the Uchiha manor.

Naruto did his duet with Shikamaru for Marvin Gaye. It was supposed to be a duet with Sasuke however since he isn't present, he suggested for the two to do the duet instead. The practice went well. They only had to do it atleast three to four times and he got the hang of it already.

Because of the change, Naruto is starting to be anxious. He knows that his relationship with Itachi isn't approved by his brother-in-law. The raven has been treating him coldly. And he felt that he is being avoided by Sasuke.

"Is Sasuke going to rehearse with you guys?" Ino asked. They decided to crash at their practice and since they were almost done. Suigetsu suggested to wrap up their rehearsal. Naruto just listened to their conversation.

" He said there's a meeting with new investors." Sui answered.

" I don't understand Sasuke. His brother has took over their company and has been managing it well. Why does he have to take part on it?" Kiba asked confused.

" Eventhough Itachi is practically the boss now, Sasuke's presence is as important as Itachi's. Don't forget that he is also the heir of the Uchiha Corp." Shikamaru stated.

" Still, can't he find time to rehearse with us?. We'll be performing in a few days." Kiba asked.

" He'll manage, don't worry Kiba. Besides, it's not as if it's his first time doing this." Suigetsu casually answered.

" On point!" Shikamaru coed. While it's true that this isn't the first time Sasuke didn't show up on their rehearsal, he doesn't want to think that the real reason why Sasuke hasn't shown up was because of Naruto. After all, he switched place with him for the duet.

Naruto was thinking, when Itachi asked him if he could sing for his brother's band in place of Karin's absence, he didn't agree at first. He thought about the Akatsuki and so he needed to ask for their permission first.

It wasn't hard to get his band's approval because Karin is his cousin. Not to mention Nagato's niece whom he's so protective of being that she is the only girl left in their clan aside from his sister, Kushina.

Despite being approved, Naruto was still hesistant because he knew that Itachi's brother doesn't like him. Not just being a substitute singer but for his brother as well. He clearly felt the tension between them on their first encounter which was when he tried to touch his favorite figure. When Itachi wanted him to apologize, Sasuke just walked out not looking back. Then, their encounter at their engagement where Sasuke only talked when he was called in formality.

Naruto sighed. He felt like he suddenly don't want to sing for them anymore. But he knew it's too late because aside from they already went through all the practice and such. He's already accustomed to the members of Hebi. For some reason, he felt at ease talking to them which he finds a little strange. He couldn't remember any ocassion or acquaintances that led him to be friends with anybody. He only felt comfort and secure in the presence of his friends.

He thought that maybe because Karin and Suigetsu is part of his family. But what is it with Kiba and Shikamaru that made him comfortable with them. He can't quite get that. Although, he met some good people in the past, he never had any close contact with them. When he is with Kiba and Shikamaru. They talked about all sort of things which most of the time made him laugh. They either shake hands or hug when they see each other. A gesture that he's not comfortable doing outside of his family and close friends.

Sakura, Suigetsu, Shikamaru, Kiba, Hinata, Ino and Sai were seated at the carpet playing their favorite game - truth or dare. While Naruto was sitting on the couch with his headphones on, listening to the song they will be rehearsing the next day while browsing through the music and lyrics sheet. He was glancing at them from time to time specially when they see them laughing. He can't help but think how they are similar to his group only louder because of his trio freak friends namely, Kakuzu, Kisame and Hidan.