NARUTO: Tobirama/Sakura - "The Lost Ones" drabble series [Part Eleven] - #tobisakuweek2023

     

Prompt: Fake Dating

Rating: T, maybe M later
Squicks: Misunderstandings, loss of family, misunderstood intimacy

A/N: Age Chart


Part One || Part Two || Part Three || Part Four || Part Five || Part Six || Part Seven || Part Eight || Part Nine || Part Ten || Part Eleven ||

#

Incoming message from S.Haruno with URL. 

Tobirama’s brow arched at Sakura’s text.

T: What’s this?

S: Something for you.

T: What is it?

S: A surprise.

T: …?

S: It’s a link to it.

T: I don’t open links from strangers.

S: Stop being an ass and listen to it.

T: Why?

S: Because I wrote it for you.

Tobirama’s heart skipped. He glanced at the rest of the band, still setting up their instruments for rehearsal. He had time. He plugged his headphones into his phone. 

“Tobi?” called Hashi a while later. “You okay?”

… No, Tobirama realised, swallowing. He wasn’t.

#

Sakura recorded her song in a single, raw take. They released it that night without any polishing, flare, or adjustments, per Sakura’s adamant instructions, to all streaming and radio stations. There was no hype, nor any promotion. There was no music video, streaming cover image or even any announcement beyond Sakura’s own personal dedication on her social sites.

“Thank you, my friend.”

The song exploded overnight. Celebrity gossip site writers theorized feverishly over who she was thanking and why. Every streaming and entertainment site went feral in their attempts to reach Sakura and Tsunade. Sakura glowed under Tsunade’s observant gaze.

#

Several days later, Hashirama carried takeout to Tobirama’s home and let himself in. 

“Tobi! I brought supper!” he hollered cheerfully, striding through the main living area. “Where are you? Are you still working?”

The corridors were silent, however. Frowning and looking around him, Hashirama set the food on Tobirama’s kitchen counter and hung his jacket on the back of a bar stool. Funny. Tobirama was usually home at this time, composing. But he wasn’t in his recording studio…

When he finally found his younger brother, Hashirama slowed to an awed stop in front of the conservatory, his chestnut eyes welling.

#

Feeling eyes on him, Tobirama’s fingers stilled on the grand piano’s keys. For a moment his heart raced and he wondered if Sakura had somehow come to surprise him in person. His excitement waned as he found his elder brother sniffling outside the door of the soundproof conservatory. 

“I thought you didn’t—”

“I don’t,” interrupted Tobirama, closing the door behind him. 

Hashirama blinked slowly, the emotion fading from his expression. “Ah,” he said quietly. “I brought dinner.”

“I thought we were going out?”

“You hate going out.”

“Since when has that…” Tobirama glared. “We were supposed to have six months.”

#

T: You free?

S: Sort of. Going out in an hour. What’s up?

T: Can I come by?

Sakura’s eyes warmed and she sucked her bottom lip into her mouth. 

S: Sure. Everything OK?

T: Just found out that we’re heading out on tour for the next few weeks.

S: I thought you were recording again soon?

T: Me too.

Sakura’s shoulders slumped in sympathy.

S: C’mon over. I’ll let security know you’re coming. The password is ‘speakfriend’.

T: LOTR?

S: Surprised?

T: No. We should marathon it sometime.

S: Hell yeah!

“Your cheeks are burning, Sak,” teased Ino, grinning.

#

Tobirama could only stay for a few minutes. Neither of them needed any more rumours sprouting.

“A garage door opener?”

In his worn gray hoodie and jeans, his telltale hair covered by a cap, Tobirama nodded in Sakura’s front hallway. “The security code is written on the back.”

“But…” Sakura looked up at him, not understanding.

Refusing to fidget, Tobirama studied her. She looked healthier and he finally relaxed. 

“The label sprang the tour on us, to promote some new up-and-comer. It may be a while.” Then he tapped the remote. “… So you can play while I’m away.”

#

The next day in Tsunade’s office, Sakura scooched her chair up to her manager’s desk. “New project?”

Tsunade nodded. “It would get you some press without taking up too much of your time while building anticipation for your new album to land.”

“What kind of project?”

“A series of music videos.”

Sakura’s forehead wrinkled. “I haven’t finished the songs yet.”

Tsunade shook her head. “Not for your album. For someone else’s. The theme is looking for someone you’ve loved since before you met them, but always missing them by a chance moment.”

“That sounds lonely,” murmured Sakura.

“Yes,” agreed Tsunade.

#

“What do you mean, you can’t tell me whose album?”

“I only have the barest information; it’s a very hush-hush project,” explained Tsunade, studying Sakura. “You may not even meet your counterpart. It depends on everyone’s schedules.”

Sakura sighed and leaned back. Well, that was the story of her life. “Do I know them? Is it a he or a she?”

“I don’t have all the answers.”

Sakura folded her arms in front of her and tilted her head back and forth. Might be fun, she mused, considering it. “What do you mean ‘counterpart’?”

“The one searching for you.”

#

At midnight, Tobirama’s rear emergency exit door sprung open with a heave and a crack of a crowbar, the security system blaring overhead.

“Over here,” called one gloved man, his ski mask firmly in place. “Hurry!”

“You said the security system was down!”

“Shut up and help me get into the music room. My guy on the inside said he’s insured for millions in that room alone.”

In the distance, sirens began wailing.

“Fuck, hurry, hurry,” called another guy. “They’ll be here in a few minutes!”

“Go see if there’s anything we can grab from his studio!”

Unfortunately, there was.

#

The officers scrambled out of the way when Tobirama stormed through the police tape and arrived on the scene.

“Sir, I’m Constable—”

Tobirama’s hard jawline and glare silenced the officer’s introduction.

“How did they get in?” demanded Tobirama quietly.

“The rear entrance. Their trail leads straight up to this floor,” explained the Constable weakly. “It looks like they already knew the layout of your home.”

“Inside job,” seethed Tobirama, proceeding to his conservatory. As he’d expected, the clumsily hacked door frame was splintered, but only a handful of instruments, the ones closest to the door, were missing. Nothing irreplaceable.

—yet.

#

Later that afternoon, as the remaining crime scene officers finished processing his home, a series of surprised shouts went up and a familiar voice called, “Tobi!”

Tobirama whirled around and stood, his mouth falling open as Sakura raced towards him.

“I just heard, are you alright?”

Staring at her, Tobirama forgot how to speak.

Sakura’s expression dipped and she grabbed his arm. “Hey. Are you… Do you want to grab a coffee?” she asked, biting her lip and spying the officers who stared at the pair of celebrities.

He needed to get out. He needed to breathe.

“Ah, let’s go.”

#

“Did they get the vihuela?”

Tobirama’s shoulders relaxed and his expression softened. “No. Just a few guitars that were close to the door. They were all less than a dozen years old.”

“So, expensive but not heart-attack inducing?”

He exhaled ruefully. “Yeah.”

Sakura played with her cup a moment before cautiously reaching for his hand. “Did they get… the grand?”

His heart had stopped when he’d seen the initial destruction in the conservatory. His heart had then jumped to his throat as he approached the still-open Steinway piano.

He squeezed her fingers, smiling softly. “They didn’t touch it.”

#

“Shit, did he have cameras? The guy didn’t mention cameras!”

“He did, but we all kept our masks on and nobody said any names,” argued the leader of the thieves. He huffed, kicking the trunk of guitars they’d smuggled out. “Like this was worth it. They’re all new!”

“They’re still fucking expensive! That one has twice as many strings! And that one has two necks!”

“Which makes them highly identifiable, you nimrod, unless we sand off the numbers inside! We can’t fence these anywhere! Did anyone get anything else? Watches? Money?”

The calmest of their group lifted his phone. “Me.”

 

#

TBC

AN: Please check out this GORGEOUS fanart for "The Lost Ones" by lateroofnights  !!!! 

 

NARUTO: Tobirama/Sakura - "The Lost Ones" drabble series [Part Twelve] - #tobisakuweek2023

      

Prompt: Fake Dating

Rating: T, maybe M later
Squicks: Misunderstandings, loss of family, misunderstood intimacy

A/N: Age Chart


Part One || Part Two || Part Three || Part Four || Part Five || Part Six || Part Seven || Part Eight || Part Nine || Part Ten || Part Eleven || Part Twelve ||

#

Tobirama fumed in the limousine days later. “Stop it.”

“You’ve been staring out the window for over an hour,” said Hashirama, still holding up his phone.  “There’s nothing to see.”

Tobirama hadn’t been looking at anything. Satellite radio played the latest hits and Tobirama had been trying to lose himself for a while, without success. “I’m tired.”

Hashirama kept recording. “I meant to ask, when did you start playing the—”

Suddenly, Tobirama bolted upright and Hashirama froze.

From the radio, familiar tendrils of guitar… Tobirama’s heart panicked.

 

Let me be your dragon

I’ll help you burn them to the ground…

#

Let me be your dragon

I’ll help you…

 

“Sakura!” shouted Ino, grabbing her as Sakura’s legs folded under her.

 

Let me be the one

To praise your burning sun.

Please let me be the one

To taste your bittersweet tongue.

Let me be,

Let me be the one.

They forged you into their shield

And made you take their fall

I’ll be the sword you wield

I’ll cut them through, and all

I ask in return

Is that you take a minute,

Just a minute,

To breathe, and love, my love,

Love yourself most of all

 

Sakura knew that voice. 

#

Hashirama’s forehead was lined as he shook his younger brother.

“Tobirama… Tobi…”

Trembling, Tobirama stared unseeing at the limousine speaker. 

How… How had that song been found… 

The thieves, he remembered with a crash of fury. The muscles in his jaw and fists tightened painfully.

The radio host broke back into the stream:

“Well folks, send us your best bets! The anonymous singer may be revealed if you sign up for our latest subscription service!”

A murderous growl rose in the back of Tobirama’s throat. Hashirama paled, leaning away.

“Kakashi,” snapped Tobirama into his phone. “I know who broke in.”

#

If there was one thing the entertainment industry excelled at, it was persecuting those who stood to profit from their efforts; or, in this case, Tobirama’s. The satellite station went silent within minutes of Tobirama’s call to Kakashi. Industry lawyers were wolves. 

Unfortunately, while they’d been able to track down the thieves, they had not been able to prevent the release of the song. It circulated on the internet and fueled hot gossip on all the entertainment sites.

“They’re comparing it to Sakura’s “Thank you, my friend”,” explained Kakashi. “The media is treating it like a duet from different perspectives.”

#

Tobirama kept flipping his phone in his hand as he paced his hotel room. His tongue traced the inner seam of his thin-pressed lips. 

Maybe she hadn’t heard it.

Maybe she wouldn’t put it together it was him.

Maybe she would laugh it off—

He choked. No, that option squeezed in his chest.

Hashirama knocked on Tobirama’s door and let himself in. He stared at Tobirama’s run-through hair and red-rimmed eyes, his lined expression and restless gait. 

Leaning against the wall, Hashirama’s expression softened. “They cut it. It’ll cool off,” he counseled.

It didn’t make it better.

#

“You’re sure you’re up for this?” asked Ino, a week later in a distant city.

Nodding at Ino’s question, Sakura smiled at the music video shooting crew as they made their way to the area designated for Sakura’s wardrobe changes. “I was just surprised. The singer had a unique voice.”

“You’ve had the song on repeat ever since.”

“No, I haven’t. It’s just on a playlist.”

“A playlist of one song.”

Sakura’s nose wrinkled as she frowned at Ino. Ino smirked.

Filming the shoot, Sakura drifted from one ‘room’ to another on set, consumed with her longing.

The music helped.

#

“We’re so grateful you could make it,” gushed the streamer. 

“We’re excited to be here. We called as soon as we found out we could make the timing work,” said Tsunade, escorting Sakura and Ino through the ‘studio’… of sorts. It was a renovated church-turned-home, but the acoustics were incredible. “This is an unusual and lovely setup. Did you design it?”

As Tsunade and the streamer got to know each other, Sakura poked around the studio space. Dozens of instruments popped out at her, hidden here and there among jumbles of clothes and trunks and—

Emerald eyes narrowed.

#

Tsunade sighed and rubbed her head as the police stormed the studio.

“You couldn’t have waited until after the interview?”

“Like fuck that ‘streamer’ is getting anything from me,” seethed Sakura, arms crossed as she supervised the seizure of the streamer’s priceless instrument collection. She snorted. ‘Priceless’ her ass. She knew exactly how much some of those instruments cost. She knew exactly where they’d come from. In fact, she had personally played several of them… in Tobirama’s conservatory.

“Mother fucker’s going to get what’s coming to him,” muttered Sakura under her breath, tapping her foot. “Fuck him up, my boys!”

#

Tobirama groaned and poked his head out from under his covers. He couldn’t remember what city or hotel he was in but it was dark which meant he was supposed to be sleeping, not groping around on his night table for his phone. But he knew that text message ring tone anywhere. 

“S’k’ra?” he mumbled, his eyes straining at the too-bright screen.

S: This is Ino, using Sakura’s phone. She’s talking to the cops. 

Panicking, Tobirama jolted upright in bed.

S: Don’t worry, she’s fine. She’s sending you a surprise. It’ll be waiting for you when you get home.

#

“You done checking your makeup?” asked Sakura, returning to Ino’s side.

“Yeah, thanks,” said Ino. She handed Sakura back her phone, immediate messages recently erased. “Things sorted out here?”

“They processed Tobirama’s guitars, they’re being shipped back to his place and the house-sitter I arranged is already waiting for them. Also, the new security system is fully installed and operational.”

“I don’t think Tobirama meant for you to make yourself that at home at his place.”

“Someone has to make sure he’s safe—I mean, that no one tries to break in again.”

Ino tried not to smile. Really.

#

The filming for the music videos was wrapping up in the final destination. The same beach she and Tobirama had argued on years before, when she and Madara had filmed the sequel to their first movie together. Sakura smiled to herself wistfully as the wind blew her hair around her face. So much had happened, it felt like a lifetime ago. Then she heard familiar voices arguing nearby.

“—told you, I want to go home.”

“Hahaha! Someone’s eager! What’s got into you?”

A car door slammed, but Sakura was already running, ignoring the people around her.

No, you’re so close—!

#

“Wait!” Sakura shouted.

But the lump in her throat swelled and salt wet Sakura’s cheeks as the limousine drove away. She would never catch it. Her breathing hitched as she tried to inhale and calm herself, but the tears wouldn’t stop. Ino caught up to her and sank to her knees in the sand, pulling Sakura into her for a hug. Sakura hadn’t even noticed she’d fallen.

“He was right there,” heaved Sakura, gesturing weakly in the direction of the disappearing car. “Right there.”

“Shhhhh,” shushed Ino, rocking Sakura against her. “Come on. Just another day or so.”

“It hurts…”

#

“… She needs more time at home…”

“… Keep it together until we get there, then…”

Sakura sighed as Ino and Tsunade whispered in the elite airport lounge behind her. She was embarrassed by her meltdown in the sand, but at least everyone on set had been super nice to her after. A mountain of chocolate and wine had shown up in her ‘trailer’. She reached into her purse and pulled out another bag of M&Ms, shoving a handful in her mouth. Fuck her stupid diet.

She glanced around and noticed a familiar shape in the far corner. 

Here? 

Now?

“Hello…”

#

The glossy finish was smooth beneath the fingers Sakura trailed over the graceful lines of the baby grand piano. Likely for jazz. Biting her lip, she traced several keys before playing softly. Her heart soared. It was tuned!

Ignoring everything around her, Sakura hopped onto the bench and tested her reach, adjusting it automatically to suit her. Then she hopped in place, unsure what to play. A lilting Schubert lullaby? She giggled as she played bits and pieces of Madara’s songs, changing the key for fun.

But then her voice rose, her fingers following along…

 

Let me be your dragon…

#

I’ll be the sword you wield

I’ll cut them through, and all

I ask in return

Is that you take a minute,

Just a minute,

To breathe, and love, my love,

Love yourself most of all

 

Tobirama’s breath stilled. 

It couldn’t be…

 

“Well folks, if there was ever a cover that sounded as eerily beautiful as its original, Sakura’s done it!” crowed the radio host. “We only have this snippet, but if anyone has more, share the link in our chatroom! Coming up next, You Cheat’s latest single, “Cry in the Morning, You’re Mine Tonight”!”

 

Unbeknownst to him, Tobirama smiled.
 

#

TBC

AN: Please check out this GORGEOUS fanart for "The Lost Ones" by lateroofnights  !!!! 

 

NARUTO: Tobirama/Sakura - "The Lost Ones" drabble series [Part Thirteen] - #tobisakuweek2023

  

Prompt: Fake Dating

Rating: T, maybe M later
Squicks: Misunderstandings, loss of family, misunderstood intimacy

A/N: Age Chart


Part One || Part Two || Part Three || Part Four || Part Five || Part Six || Part Seven || Part Eight || Part Nine || Part Ten || Part Eleven || Part Twelve || Part Thirteen || 

#

Tobirama balked as he stepped into his home from the elevator.

“Hey! You’re home!”

“Who are you?” asked Tobirama evenly, his cool eyes piercing the apron-wrapped stranger who greeted him.

“Oh, I’m Sakura’s friend, Naruto. She asked me to house-sit for you until you got back. I hope you like cookies, I just put a whole bunch in the oven!”

Staring perplexedly at the cheerfully humming blond, Tobirama paused before pulling out his phone.

“Oh, there’s something for you in your music room!” called Naruto from the kitchen.

Setting down his various luggage, Tobirama hesitantly approached the conservatory.

 

#

“What is it this time?” asked Sakura as their limo inched forward through the hoards of reporters at their home airport.

“Kakashi thinks it’s your cover of that mystery song,” read Tsunade from her phone. She glowered at Ino. “What did you do?”

“It wasn’t me!” snapped Ino, crossing her arms. She bit her lip. “There was a security guard who was paying Sakura more attention, though… I thought she was just angling for her autograph. How much got out?”

“Kakashi said just the last few lines,” said Tsunade.

Sakura casually checked her phone but there were no new messages.

#

“You and Sakura, huh?” remarked Naruto, chewing a chocolate chip cookie. Still wearing his apron, he joined Tobirama on his couch while they shared tea and—surprisingly chewy, delicious—cookies.

Tobirama coughed as his swallow of tea went down the wrong pipe. “Did she say that?” 

“Her Inner-self has been a whole lot more active since you two started your… thing…” said Naruto, his tone erring into caution. Like he was afraid he was about to get in big trouble.

“What thing?”

“Nothing,” said Naruto, stuffing seven cookies in his mouth. “More tea?” The blond escaped to the kitchen.

#

Tobirama chewed his cookie slowly. Not just because it was good, which it was, and he would maybe ask Naruto for the recipe, later. But because he kept turning matters over in his head.

How… how could he thank her. For rescuing him from the paps at the mall. For finding him after the break-in. For tracking down and returning his guitars. For getting him a house-sitter who made incredible cookies…

His neck warmed, remembering he had, in a way, given her a key to his place. But that was… different.

Flowers didn’t seem like enough.

Maybe… words?

#

Grabbing the notebook and pens he always carried with him, ever since Sakura gave them to him in the hospital, Tobirama flipped pages until he found a blank one. There were so few left. He’d composed Send You’s greatest hits in its cherished pages. His tongue tied behind his lips, the blood in him tingling, like it had so long ago. There was so much he wanted to say but his desire and fear battled inside him. Could he? Should he? 

… Dare he? 

Yes. 

His eyes bright, Tobirama began writing.

Half-forgotten, Naruto quietly set more cookies within Tobirama’s reach.

#

“This, this is uh, Tobirama’s phone. He’s busy right now, can I take a message?”

Hashirama stared at his mobile, brow furrowed. 

“Who’s this?” 

“I’m Naruto! How are you doing?”

Wrinkling his nose, Hashirama shook his head. “Good… could you please pass me to my brother?”

“He’s busy and asked not to be disturbed. He’s writing.”

Oh, well, that explained it. Hashirama sighed.

“OK. Thank you, Naruto. Does he need anything? He forgets himself sometimes when it comes to his music.”

“No, Sakura gave me a list and I stocked his fridge. Thanks, though! Bye!”

“She did? What?” mumbled Hashirama.

#

“You can text him first,” pointed out Ino, painting Sakura’s nails.

“Naruto will call if he needs anything.”

“Mmm-hmmm.”

“He is an awesome house-sitter. He even printed up all your plant-notes last time and laminated them so he would keep them in tip-top shape. I just hope he didn’t bake those cookies. I’ll never get him back from Tobirama if he started stress-baking…”

“And the guitars?”

“Naruto said they arrived and he polished each one to better-than-new condition. Knowing him, he did.”

“So are you going to relax?”

Sakura tensed. “I’m relaxed.”

“Hmmm…”

#

“More cookies!” shouted Tobirama from his recording studio, four days later.

His steps slow and even in the face of the red-eyed demon, Naruto shakily offered a plate. “M-maybe we should try some fruit slices? Or water? How about a nice egg sandwi—”

“Cookies,” seethed Tobirama. But he stole the bowl of grapes and the sandwich from Naruto’s hands. “And water.”

“Coming right up!”

Diving back into his music, Tobirama annotated his previous annotation and experimented with mixing the second and third tracks while—

From the doorway, Naruto watched Tobirama’s graceful, precise movements.

“You got this,” smiled Naruto.

#

N: He’s eating and drinking; he even took a nap for a few hours, yesterday.

H: Thank you, I appreciate the updates. Oh, your better half asked when you were escaping.

N: LOL, I’ll call him again tonight. He’s a little territorial. Sorry.

H: It was adorable when Madara brought it up. I think Sasuke is sulking.

N: Don’t tell Sasuke Madara said that. (I wanna be there to see Sasuke’s face, LOL)

H: Hahaha noted! How’s Sakura btw?

Naruto glanced at Ino’s texts and grinned.

N: She’s being stubborn. But she wouldn’t have called me if she didn’t care.

#

Stop being awkward, Sakura coached herself. Neither of you needs to be in trouble for you to reach out to the other. You can be friends without drama.

Still. Would he think she overstepped, resetting his home security and setting him up with a housekeeper-slash-Tobi-keeper?

Nibbling the inside of her cheek, she stared at the empty text message she’d been trying to write for the last… 

She groaned. 

DAYS. 

DAYS OF BEING A COWARD.

Why couldn’t he just call her first?

Groaning, Sakura banged her head on the wall.

“Stop it. You’ll ruin your makeup,” chastised Tsunade.

#

“She’ll find her way,” said Madara. The lines carved in his face were deeper than a decade ago, the bags beneath his eyes more obvious, yet his handsome features turned faces wherever he travelled. Being the highly recognizable, lead singer for You Cheat, he had seen the globe thrice over. His hand dragged through his wild hair and his features softened. “She’s tough.”

“She has to be, to keep Tobi in line,” agreed Hashirama, amusement lighting his warm brown eyes. 

Madara smirked. That was Sakura.

“The kids are okay,” said Hashirama, sitting opposite Madara in the latter’s living room.

“Ah.”

 

#

TBC

AN: Please check out this GORGEOUS fanart for "The Lost Ones" by lateroofnights  !!!!