It's raining. Onyx eyes trailed the drops from the top of the windowpane down. He sat in the black BMW, never moving, ever silent. The driver up front, though used to this behavior was beginning to fidget. After all it had been half an hour since they've arrived. They were parked outside a massive skyscraper that gleamed ominously dark, reflecting the turbulent clouds in the sky.

Finally the driver couldn't stand it any longer. "Uchiha sama?"

The other man didn't respond for a while then almost reluctantly he nodded to his driver.

"I'll go in now."

The driver sighed in relief and pulled out the umbrella. He hurried through the rain to the side door and opened it for Uchiha sama. Making sure no water could get to him by placing the umbrella just so. Uchiha sama swept out of the car and stood for a moment. "Yuki. Is there still no sign of my brother?"

Yuki Tatsumi shook his head. Sasuke Uchiha had run away after the massacre of the Uchiha family. Fugaku Uchiha had been the chief of the Police force but he couldn't protect his wife or himself. If Sasuke hadn't been at school, no doubt the still at large murderer would have killed him too.

There was a rumor that Sasuke kun had caught sight of the killer, another reason for Itachi san to keep looking out for his brother. As Yuki walked the cloaked man to the building he remembered the other unforgivable but popular rumors circulating, about why Itachi might also want to find the whereabouts of his brother. There are those who believed, Itachi sama was actually the killer. And that he wanted to kill the last living witness. True, he was capable of it, but it made no sense. There was no motive.

But Yuki could understand why people would think that. Especially up close, when Itachi san fairly radiated that dangerous aura. His preference for black didn't help dispel that image either. But it was hard to believe those rumors, especially, when he had worked under Itachi sama ever since he joined the Akatsuki Empire.

"Enjoy the party, Uchiha sama."

Yuki Tatsumi kept his face bland and impassioned and fought hard not to laugh at Itachi sama's grimace. They stood at the entrance of the building. His dislike of entertaining people is legendary.

"Go home Yuki."

"Hai."

Itachi waited until the BMW was well on its way, before entering. The lower levels served as a shopping mall, full of Akatsuki merchandise. It was late and there was only one last person working, even if everyone has left, she always manned the clothes shop till late, often taking in messages and cloaks and giving directions for partygoers. Tsubame Tatsumi, Yuki's daughter. She was barely 14 but working hard. Perhaps too hard. And she was exceedingly afraid of Itachi. This in itself wasn't surprising, but she wasn't afraid to show her dislike or fear. Not really, it was more like she doesn't know how to hide her feelings. She was... Interesting.

For a moment he was tempted to go terrorize the child, but then decided against it. He was already late. He moved past her store towards the elevators, allowing for a small smile when she noticed him, let out a squeak and ducked under her desk.

It was crowded, noisy and pointless. Exactly as he had expected. He was forced to attend these by his partners. Compared to the easy quiet below, this was hell. He was forced to attend, but even the combined force of the Akatsuki couldn't force Itachi Uchiha to mingle. In the far corner he spotted Orochimaru and frowned slightly.

That man was gross to the extreme. And Itachi was pretty sure he was a pedophile as well. One day when he wasn't as busy, he would make sure to kill him. The genteel surrounding him were made up of the wealthy and the famous, all primped and plumped. And all of them made him sick to the stomach.

He surveyed the scene; predictably the informal leader was missing. But everyone else was there. Pein said there was a person Itachi was to recruit, one more person to complete their circle. It was strange to have Itachi singled out to recruit someone. The man must be being quite difficult. But Leader sama had not bothered to supply a description. Apparently the Pyromaniac would be easy to spot.

And he was.

Next to the fire place showering the fire with clay like particles that shimmered in the fire, grinning as though it was the fourth of July. Each gust he threw in, painted the fire a different colour. The other guests seemed to unconsciously avoid his obsessively manic eyes.

Minuscule bombs.

Right.

He studied the young man. He wore black pants and a crumpled formal shirt. A loose red tie hung about his neck.

True, he seemed to have made an effort to be dressed smart but he still managed to look like a delinquent. Especially with that absurd hairstyle. So that was to be Sasori sans new partner.

"Ah, there you are." Itachi turned to face his own partner, Kisame Hoshigaki. By now he was used to the blue tinge of his skin. Although for the first couple of months, it was disconcerting. "You've seen him?"

Itachi returned to looking at the new member, "Hai."

"Interesting choice isn't he? Apparently he is very good with bombs. He's an expert in that field apparently."

"Hn."

Kisame grinned. "So when are you going to make your move?"

Itachi thought for a while, "Soon."

Kisame laughed and moved off. Itachi san did everything his own way, in his own time. His partners excessive silence didn't put off the mouthy and viciously happy man. After all Kisame had more than enough to say for the two of them.

Itachi noticed Sasori gazing blatantly at the newcomer. He didn't seem too impressed. A waitress was laughing at something the bomb expert said, the manner in which he responded made sure everyone knew, just what kind of a relationship they shared.

Aside from her though, he didn't bother interacting with anyone else. Unless they approached him, then he would engage in small talk before sending them on their way. Itachi envied the way he could seemingly unconsciously, talk with others. As though there was nothing that could bother him. But that waitress seemed to be that bomb experts weakness.

Itachi let his eyes settle on the waitress as she weaved her way around the people, serving drinks. Her smile was professional around everyone else except that blonde man. Noticing his gaze, she made her way towards him. "Would you like a drink sir?"

Itachi lifted a glass but never took his eyes of her face, "Noriyo. That's your surname isn't it?"

Startled she nearly dropped her tray. "Yes... How did you know?"

"It's on your nametag." He took a sip of his drink. Black Label. Disgusting.

She laughed relieved, "Oh, right! I'm sorry about that."

At least her professional mask had dropped, now he could get somewhere. He noticed someone staring at them. Ah, so the recruit is jealous is he? Itachi smiled. He's got his prey exactly where he wanted him.

Itachi moved closer to her, the edge of his black cloak brushing her apron. He gestured at the young man approaching them. "So. Is that young man your lover?"

She laughed again, "Deidara? No! He's just an old friend. I haven't seen him in a while, so it was a surprise seeing him here. We were together once but it didn't work out."

Deidara. So that was his name. Itachi smiled, turning on the charm like a tap, "I think he still feels for you."

She flushed, "I doubt it! It's all ancient history anyway. Deidara kun has probably moved on. "

"You know him well?"

"Well of course! We go way back. Look, I'd love to continue talking but I have to work and..."

She wasn't getting away that easily. Itachi stepped so she was cut off from the rest, placing a gloved hand on her shoulder, he smiled again, "I'm sure it's alright if you stay a little longer with me."

She was flattered. Itachi could tell that in her posture, but she obviously wanted to continue working. "Ano..."

"Hime chan?"

Itachi didn't let go of her shoulder when Deidara showed up. His face was inscrutable. "Are you OK, yeah?"

Under his hand, her shoulders slumped in relief, "Of course Deidara. I'm fine. don't worry about me, this gentleman just wanted a drink and..."

Deidara stared at the gloved hand on her shoulder. Itachi allowed himself a smile. This was getting rather interesting. "Just wanted a drink, yeah?"

Itachi cut in, "And some words."

"What kind of words, yeah?" His voice remained calm.

It was quite amusing to see the anger boiling in those blue eyes. In the exact tone Itachi replied, "The kind of words one tells a beautiful woman."

She was obviously blushing now. He knew this without even looking. His eyes trained on Deidara's face. A blue eye narrowed. The other one was hidden by his exceedingly long bangs. Maybe tonight won't be too hopelessly boring.