Chapter 11

-Hinata's POV-

Shirogane, True Talent's producer and host, smiled at us, "I think this will be one of our best seasons yet!"

It wasn't until Prestige arrived at the filming studio that I realized our competition was the members of Akatsuki and Konan. Sakura did some snooping with the staff running around doing their jobs and discovered that it was no accident that all of our competitors are people we're familiar with. The host went out of his way to ensure everyone would get along.

We're in the makeup room, listening to Shirogane greet us with some information about the competition show we're about to film. When I woke up this morning, I felt just as determined as when I'd gone to bed. It's time for me to be the Hinata I've always wanted to become.

I want to use my pain and experiences as fuel for my music rather than allowing the emotions to eat away at me inside. It's the type of artist Tenten is, and I strive to be like her because her music touches people in a way I've never felt from another.

So, yes, I may be struggling with the fact that many people hurt me in unforgivable ways, but channeling that stress for this show will undoubtedly be therapeutic. It's a chance to heal that I refuse to let pass me by. If I stay home and refuse to get back to my job, all my enemies will have won.

"I'm sure everyone knows how this works, but I'll give a rundown just in case."

Shirogane Hihara smiled politely, portraying professionalism and friendliness, "For the next twenty-four hours, you'll each be assigned to your own workroom and film crew within the building. The task is to write a song from scratch. You'll have access to any instrument; just tell us if the one you want isn't there. Then, the next twenty-four hours will be spent working with any instrumentalists and backup singers you may request. Finally, on the third day of filming, you will perform your work for a live audience in the auditorium."

His light brown eyes lit up excitedly, "I must warn you that additional seating is being installed as we speak. We usually house fifteen hundred guests, but the tickets sold out within twenty minutes of being on sale, and True Talent's fans were voicing their unhappiness, so on Wednesday, there will be twenty-two hundred guests in the crowd."

I felt eyes on me, likely one or more of my competitors but tried to ignore it and focus on the host as his explanation came to a close.

"The in-house crowd and a panel of celebrity judges will vote for a winner. The prize: Bragging rights, of course, but we're also awarding the winner half a million dollars."

Money's not really a concern of mine. The bragging rights would help with my injured self-esteem, but really just being able to say that I participated successfully at all is what I want.

"So, our artists will do your hair, makeup, and styling, and then you'll be off to work. Thank you, everyone, for coming to the show. I know I'm going to be blown away on Wednesday."

Shirogane left the room without another word. Honestly, I'm relieved he didn't find it necessary to approach me about the incident. Maybe Kakashi or Tenten called ahead and warned him not to.

"Hinata."

My makeup artist, a pretty young woman with an icy blonde pixie cut, gave the go-ahead to talk to the others while she finished setting up her workstation. Rising to my feet, I turned to see Konan and the three Akatsuki men standing there.

They all looked somber, Kisame's eyes even watering up, but Deidara came forward with tears running down his cheeks to hug me tightly, "We're so sorry for not realizing something was wrong!"

I blinked back my own tears, having told myself I'd keep it together to the best of my ability, and hugged the tall man back, "There's no need to apologize. I was trying to hide it, so I never expected you to notice."

His arms tightened slightly before he pulled back to hold my shoulders at arm's length. His face was contorted with negative emotion, but he still looked beautiful, "No. You didn't call me after what happened at the last concert. I thought you just wanted some space, but I should've known better. You'd never do that kind of thing without telling me."

My brow furrowed, and I sighed heavily, throwing my arms around his middle tightly for another hug, "Thank you for worrying about me," I pulled away to smile softly at the other three, "Thank you all, but I-I'm okay. Well….I'm going to be. It'll take more than this to keep me down."

To my utter disbelief, Konan shoved Deidara away and hugged me. Sakura met my wide-eyed gaze with her own, equally surprised. Konan's never hugged someone out in the open the entire time we've known her. Not even Yahiko, and she's in love with him.

"I had to have hurt you at that movie premiere. I wouldn't have said anything if I'd known."

The woman's tense tone snapped me from my stupor, and I returned the embrace with heat rising to my cheeks, "N-No, you didn't! I meant what I said back then. I really am happy for you." Konan pulled away, returning to the spot beside her boyfriend with the slightest hint of blush and a frown. It was apparent she'd reached her limit on the touchy-feely things.

Sakura spoke quietly from her chair near mine when we sat down to allow the artists to begin their work, "I think it was a good idea for everyone to do this." We shared a glance, and her lips tugged into a sad smile.

"All four of us have things to get off our chests."

It's true.

Sakura went public with the fact that she was sexually assaulted. Though the public response has been overwhelmingly supportive, that doesn't make it easier for her to bear her trauma to complete strangers.

Gaara was so worried that the three of us would change our opinion of him after learning of his past. He even visited my room by himself one afternoon to talk about it. To me, at least, it's clear that he's changed for good. The soft-spoken redhead is the most gentle and unselfish person I know.

When I saw the regret on his face that day, I could just picture him coming to the realization of all he'd done and becoming disgusted. It would've been easy to let those negative feelings send him down an even darker path, but he didn't allow it. No, he used it as a guide for what he didn't want to be.

Then there's Sasuke. The heart-to-heart conversation hasn't happened yet, but I know it's coming, and I think I'm ready for it or as prepared as possible. I'm not excited to hear how I broke his heart multiple times in the span of seven days, but the Uchiha man deserves the chance to tell me how he honestly feels, and I owe it to him to listen.

Our relationship is littered with cracks right now, but I think we can mend them with time and care. When you love someone, you don't give up just because things aren't easy, and I love him with all of my heart, so I'll fight until he tells me to stop.

Once our hair, makeup, and clothing were styled, we were instructed which work rooms to report to. Just as I passed a closet, it opened, and I was pulled inside. Though it surprised me, I wasn't stunned to see Sasuke hesitantly standing there. It was easy to read his expression. He badly wanted to say something but was worried he was pushing things too quickly.

Searching his eyes, I cautiously intertwined our fingers to encourage him. The warmth I'd yearned to see there for over a week finally appeared as though he'd only held it back for my sake.

"I know it's selfish to think like this, but I thought it might help if I told you I know you're gonna do great."

The tug in his whispered voice made my heart flutter, as did his reassuring words.

This was the Sasuke I was terrified had been lost in this mess, the one that didn't mind letting me see the sides hidden from everyone else. Above everything, I appreciate him. Just now, he could've kissed me or asked how much longer it'll be until things return to normal, but instead, he offered encouragement because he knows how important this experience is to me.

Tears welled in my eyes as I nervously stepped closer, uncertain if it was alright yet, but I smiled, "Thank you. You were right."

He cupped my cheek, dark eyes sparkling even in the dark room, "Sleep in my bed again when we go home."

I nodded, relieved he appeared to be feeling the exact same way as me.

When he didn't release me and continued to search my face, I thought maybe he was going to kiss me after all, and I wouldn't dislike it if he did, but instead, he pulled me into a hug. It was the first proper one we've had since he rescued me. My eyes widened, but I returned the embrace.

The familiar warmth and scent chased away the lingering anxiety. His heart was beating quickly in his chest against my ear. It vibrated against my cheek as he whispered, "I'll see you on Wednesday."

I repeated, squeezing my eyes closed, "Wednesday."

-Sasuke's POV-

As I watched Hinata offer one last shy smile before sneaking out of the closet, I finally became thoroughly convinced that we'd be okay.

The most significant issues we'll have to overcome are her blaming herself for everything she and Toneri did together and my ability to not succumb to the insecurity the knowledge threatened to drill into my mind.

Truthfully and surprisingly, I don't think it'll be long before I can move past it completely. Everything points to her not secretly having wanted it, which would naturally be a concern to any man in this situation. I also can't let the fact that she's slept with another person at all bother me because everyone knows my body count is high.

The only thing I can bring myself to be upset with her about is not telling me immediately what was going on when this all started. At the same time, I understand why she didn't.

It's confusing.

No one's right.

No one's wrong.

The only option is to work through it until it's a thing of the past.

As for the guilt, I think it'll take a long time for her to let it go. All I can think about is what would've happened if she'd refused him. One of two things would've occurred: Toneri would've done what he wanted with force, or he would've physically retaliated.

I need to stop thinking about this for now. We'll talk when True Talent's done. Until then, I need to focus on my work.

When I left the closet and entered room number four, I was greeted by the small film crew inside, who explained they'd be silent the entire time. If I wasn't so used to being surrounded by cameras, it would've felt odd, but it was actually easy to forget they were there as I sat down at the table and opened the packet of supplies like pencils and blank music sheets.

My eyes drifted to various guitars against the wall amidst the other instruments. I've put a lot of thought into what kind of song I want to create, but now that I'm here, my mind's blank. Two entire hours passed of writing a few lines, erasing, restarting, and repeating the process before I had a concrete place to start.

I was lucky to finish in time. Then, the following day, I informed the staff of what I'd need for instrumentals, and musicians arrived. We spent the entire day practicing and making corrections.

If I'm being honest, when Wednesday finally arrived, I became nervous because everyone in the makeup room looked more determined than I'd seen in a long time, even Hinata.

"You can feel it, right?" I turned my head to glance at Gaara, whose seat was near mine, and nodded, fingers gripping the arms of the chair anxiously. Then I looked at the others in my mirror.

Not a single person was unfocused. Everyone seemed like they hadn't slept much over the past two days but also seemed to brim with anticipation and energy, me included.

I think the host was right. This is going to be a very good show.

-Hinata's POV-

I was so focused on my work on day one of filming that I had to be reminded by one of the staff members to take a break for a meal. Then, I had trouble getting to a stopping point at the end of that day and ended up working for the entirety of the allotted twenty-four hours of songwriting.

The song is the most personal one I've ever written, and I'm not sure if I'll be able to perform it without getting too emotional, but I'll do it regardless. I put every ounce of myself into it, and I know a massive weight will lift off my shoulders when the performance ends.

If I can do this, I'll be able to move on; I know that's true.

To assist me onstage, I requested a small string section, a drummer, and a group of background singers. The primary instrument will be the piano, but I want to play it myself. In fact, focusing on that may help me get through it.

So, come Wednesday, I was exhausted, incredibly anxious, and ready to prove to the world and myself that Toneri and the others failed in ruining my life.

Sakura whispered when our stylists stepped away, "I think I bit off more than I can chew. The song I wrote is more suited for you than me. I don't know if I can do it justice."

I turned to look at her and realized her nervousness was all over her face. She met my eye a moment later, brow furrowed. I smiled softly, shaking my head, "D-Don't underestimate yourself." Her green eyes widened, pink dusting her cheeks before she nodded and faced her mirror again because our artists had returned.

Knowing that I'm not the only one hypothetically shaking in their boots today helped me feel better. It at least appears that everyone put their all into this competition. I wouldn't have it any other way.

I don't know if the show did it on purpose, but Prestige was last in the performance line-up, me being the final one of the day. Maybe Shirogane expected me to come here as emotional as I have and wanted to give me the opportunity to use the stage as an outlet. Whatever the reason, it didn't help shake my anxiety.

Konan was the first to perform when the time for filming began. To my, and likely everyone else's surprise, she'd written a ballad and executed it almost in an r&b style rather than her usual alternative/rock style. Honestly, it suited her well, and she did a fantastic job. I knew she was a talented songwriter but didn't expect her to be so versatile.

Yahiko went next. His song had a different vibe than others, an odd mix of pop, punk, and alternative. Whatever the genre could be classified as, it was well-written and well-performed.

Kisame was next. Since he's Akatsuki's rapper, I expected him to write a song that caters to that role, but instead, he wrote a slow-paced song that focused on the deep timbre of his voice.

Then Deidara took his turn. It was the first song that was exactly what I expected from their artist. In true Deidara fashion, it was drum-heavy, confident, had attitude, and allowed him to flaunt his incredible voice. That being said, it was still unbelievable. The blonde man would definitely be considered a diva of a performer if he was a woman.

Gaara was the first to perform out of Prestige. His songwriting chops never fail to impress. It was, as all of his songs are, completely unique. I couldn't think of a song that sounded like it off the top of my head. It was obviously a love song silently dedicated to the blushing pink-haired girl standing at my side backstage.

She hissed when it was coming to a close, "That dummy. He thought he wasn't talented enough to come here. I could smack him."

A smile tugged at my lips when I saw the warmth in her watery eyes as the crowd applauded the redhead. The couple is adorable. It's clear to anyone who knows of their relationship that they're both much happier together than apart.

Sakura and Gaara shared a knowing look when he came to join the rest of us backstage. It took everything in me not to cover my face and squeal with excitement. It felt taboo to witness something so wholesome and pure.

When announced, the pink-haired woman went onstage, one of her hands behind her back in a tight fist like she'd done during our debut performance. When the piano player began the song, I knew my friend had done exactly as I had and used this opportunity to get her negative emotions out. The lyrics only proved the notion.

Only when the chorus arrived did I realize what she meant when she said she was worried about being able to do the song justice, though it wasn't warranted. In truth, it really was the type of music I often perform with lots of belting and sustained notes, but the emotion Sakura put into it could never be mimicked. The girl sounded terrific, too.

I wish I could show the less-confident version of her back when we all first debuted what she's capable of now. Maybe it's not my place, but I'm insanely proud of her hard work and perseverance.

When her performance came to a close, and the audience erupted with applause, Sakura bowed with a red face before hurrying off the stage as composed as possible. She burst into tears the moment the crowd couldn't see her anymore.

Gaara and I hugged her immediately, the redhead whispering just loud enough for us to hear, "You were incredible, Baby."

When we pulled apart, I realized Sasuke'd already been announced and was making his way onstage. My teeth gritted as I watched him pick up a guitar and situate its strap as he stood in front of the microphone stand.

Unlike the rest of Prestige, his song wasn't a ballad. It wasn't incredibly fast-paced or anything, but it focused more on lyrics than anything else. The moment he began the first verse, my throat tightened.

"I've seen a lot of pretty faces

Ain't nobody like you

And I've never had a love like

The one we knew

Tell me why I had to play the clown

Always messing around

I can't stop thinking how I let you down, down, down"

It was clearly about the awful two days after our fight when he first found out I was engaged and how guilty he felt for losing his temper.

Though it wasn't a ballad, his vocals were pristine, as always, and his guitar playing was on par with the rest of the band's skill. When it was over, it was hard for me to not cry or say something to him when he came off the stage.

The man met my eye briefly as I was being announced by Shirogane. Teeth gritted, gaze warm and firm, and offering a single nod, he told me that he knew I could do this without speaking. I returned the nod, glancing at the other two for encouragement before walking out.

The crowd got silent, and I know why. This was my first public appearance since everyone found out what happened. No one was sure what to expect, and I don't blame them.

As I sat down at the piano bench, I turned to look at the backup singers, drummer, and string section, all of which offered smiles. During practice yesterday, the group was entirely understanding when I'd have an emotional moment and needed to restart or take a few minutes to calm down.

I faced forward again, taking a slow, calming breath.

'Show them all how you're going to prosper.'

'Just imagine Father, Fugaku, and Toneri watching this on TV, and prove them wrong.'

For a moment, I looked out at the crowd that stared back. My brow furrowed when a few people began shouting words of encouragement. Swallowing nervously, I smiled, lowering my gaze to the piano keys and speaking into the microphone propped on the stand, "Thank you."

The crowd became silent once more, and I let out an anxious breath before finally beginning the song. I tried to imagine my enemies sitting in that front row and lifted my eyes in that direction when the time to sing arrived.

"Well, you almost had me fooled

Told me that I was nothing without you

Oh, but after everything you've done

I can thank you for how strong I have become"

Hiashi Hyuuga said those exact words to me on many occasions. He said I'm nothing without the family name.

'Look at me now, Dad.'

The strings came in softly, supporting the piano beautifully.

"'Cause you brought the flames, and you put me through hell

I had to learn how to fight for myself

And we both know all the truth I could tell

I'll just say this is: I wish you farewell"

The backup singers came in in the middle of the chorus, and I began playing more solid, lower notes on the piano. I could hear the piece coming together beautifully as I sang, making pride swell in my chest.

"I hope you're somewhere prayin', prayin'

I hope your soul is changin', changin'

I hope you find your peace

Falling on your knees, prayin'"

The other singers became quiet again, and the piano softened slightly to bring a focus to the lyrics of the second verse.

"I'm proud of who I am

No more monsters, I can breathe again

And you said that I was done

Well, you were wrong, and now the best is yet to come"

'Oh, God. Keep it together, Hinata.'

During practice, this was the spot it began to get difficult to control my emotions, and that fact didn't change just because I was in front of a crowd. Somehow, I managed to keep it together, but I'm sure everyone listening could tell how hard I was fighting.

"'Cause I can make it on my own, oh

And I don't need you, I found a strength I've never known

I'll bring thunder, I'll bring rain, oh

When I'm finished, they won't even know your name"

The crowd livened up slightly, snapping me from my daze. That's when I realized Sakura had shoved Gaara onstage in my direction. His teal eyes were cautious, but I could tell he was offering to take over the piano playing so I could focus only on the performance. Doing so would eliminate me from the competition because your band has to be pre-approved, but honestly, I don't care.

I nodded, moving out of the way when he got close enough. There was barely even a lapse in the music. Gaara's a musical genius. There's sheet music on the piano, but he probably wouldn't need it to figure out what notes to play. That's how much of a natural he is.

So, I removed the microphone from the stand and wandered to the side of the large instrument with tears in my eyes.

"You brought the flames, and you put me through hell

I had to learn how to fight for myself

And we both know all the truth I could tell

I'll just say this is: I wish you farewell"

The drums finally came in at the end of the pre-chorus. The background singers and I sang more strongly than before, matching the swell of the music.

"I hope you're somewhere prayin', prayin'

I hope your soul is changin', changin'

I hope you find your peace

Falling on your knees, prayin'"

The drums fell away for the bridge, and I surprised myself by not completely losing my composure. It didn't sound nearly as unstable as it did during practice.

"Sometimes, I pray for you at night

Someday, maybe you'll see the light

Whoa, some say, in life, you're gonna get what you give

But some things only God can forgive"

In practice, I simply repeated the chorus one more time with the background singers, but at that moment, my body acted independently. All of the hurt and stress accumulated in my chest, and I let it out with a higher note than I've ever attempted live, eyes squeezed closed and my free hand in a tight fist.

For the last two lines of the entire song, the band sank away to just piano. Shakily, I sang them, my voice wavering and cutting off on the final word. The tears finally fell down my cheeks, and I turned my head to the side, dropping the microphone to my side as I covered my mouth, eyes wide.

'I did it.'

The room was silent for a long time, only to erupt with thundering applause and cheers. I jumped in surprise, my breath hitching as I struggled not to fall into sobs. A hand came around my shoulders, and I looked over to see Gaara smiling at me through his own tears. I leaned into his side.

The cheering somehow became louder, and we both turned to see Sakura and Sasuke hurrying over from backstage. The four of us hugged.

I gave in and cried without restraint, "Th-Thank you for everything!"

Sakura won True Talent, which surprised her and absolutely no one else. She donated every penny of the prize to the battered women charity she'd become the face of.

Konan came in second place, Gaara in third, Deidara in fourth, then Sasuke, Yahiko, and Kisame. I didn't place because I'd broken the rules by allowing Gaara to help me, but that's fine. I was right about the performance helping me. It did; immensely. Suddenly, standing straight or meeting people's eyes wasn't as hard.

The group of us that'd competed suddenly felt much closer to one another, having been so vulnerable together on live TV. By the time we left the building to go home, every performance was trending on major social media sites.

To me, it felt like a turning point.

From today onward, only success and happiness await.

In case anyone is interested, here's the list of songs for each person mentioned:

Hinata: Praying by Kesha (I absolutely LOVE this song. Her reason for writing it and how vulnerable she sounds when she sings it is so inspiring. I wish she got more credit for it, and more music like this was popular in the mainstream.)

Sasuke: She's On My Mind by JP Cooper (SUPER underrated artist. I also recommend checking out the songs "In The Silence" and "September Song")

Sakura: Warrior by Demi Lovato

Gaara: ILYSB (stripped version) by LANY

Deidara: Out My Way by Leroy Sanchez

Kisame: Hold It Out by Elias (Another SUPER underrated artist. I also recommend checking out the songs "Clouds" "Revolution" and "Let Me Be The One")

Yahiko: Alien by The Griswolds/Transviolet

Konan: September by Ayoni (Another SUPER underrated artist. I also recommend checking out her songs "If I Leave" and "Before I Prosper" (or pretty much her entire discography. It's all amazing.))