Disclaimer: We don't own the characters, we're just borrowing them.
This is a collab. (RP) between myself and fadedlullabyes, so please enjoy!
New Years Kisses, Two Near Misses
Part One
The room was filled with more bodies than what it could hold, but that didn't seem to dampen the mood. In fact, everyone seemed comfortable being elbow to elbow with their peers. Of course, there was the occasional drink being spilled, but the floor was wood and nothing would stain. But there would be a sticky mess later.
Masks covered the faces in the room, making it impossible to decipher who was who if you weren't familiar with them. Some of the masks were cheap ones that were more than likely picked up from the local drug store while others were more elaborate and had more work and care put into them.
A redhead hovered near a large bay window observing the mass in his little brother's living room. It seemed that no one wanted to migrate to the larger dining room, not that the bodies bothered him, but it would have been nice to at least have some room to move his arms. At least he'd had the common sense to braid his waist length hair so that it wouldn't be caught in some person's fingers. He shuddered at the memory of pain from last year's party.
Blue eyes watched in amusement as Kiba Inuzuka, one of his brother's friends, decided that the coffee table was a good place to dance and strip. Kyuubi Uzumaki could only hope that someone was recording this little gem for later blackmail purposes. He raised his glass to his lips and took a sip of the beer in his mug.
In an extremely ornate mask with feathers, a pale man with long raven hair left loose and flowing around his shoulders leaned stiffly against the wall. A long stemmed glass of wine was held elegantly in his long slender fingers. His younger brother had passed it to him knowing his dislike of beer before disappearing back into the mass of writhing bodies.
Itachi Uchiha wasn't all that sure how he'd been conned into attending his little brother's blond moronic boyfriend's New Years party, but here he was. He stuck out like a sore thumb. His inky black eyes scanned the room through his mask. He made the observation that the majority of the guests were at least five years his junior, and not even worth his time. Some brunet he vaguely recognized as someone he'd seen with his little brother's boyfriend was drunkenly staggering on the coffee table in what he assumed could be interpreted as a dance as he shed his clothes rather clumsily. He snorted as the half naked tan body fell to the floor, the crowd cheering.
Sipping his drink, Itachi continued to scrutinize the crowd. What he wouldn't give to escape.
When Kiba fell, Kyuubi lost all interest. That was the thing about these parties, the good entertainment only lasted a few seconds. He had already examined all the masks around him and when Sasuke had passed by him he had tipped his head in recognition. Neither Sasuke nor Naruto had time to talk to him as they were too busy playing the role of good hosts.
The redhead had already offered to help to alleviate his boredom, but his brother was very adamant that he just sit back and enjoy himself. It was a very impossible feat since Kyuubi was a person who always had to be doing something whether it was constructive or destructive. He glanced up at the clock and noticed that there was only fifteen minutes left of 2011. He looked away when the sound of lips smacking together garnered his attention. He gave the couple next to him a disgusted glare as their kissing turned into a make out session. It wasn't even midnight and people were already kissing. He moved away from the window and wormed his way into the crowd away from the frisky couple.
The glass of red wine shattered on the hardwood floor. Itachi barely had time to catch the body that had suddenly been thrust at him. Annoyed, he steadied the larger body, nearly falling in the process. Righting himself, he looked up into the most shockingly beautiful eyes he'd ever seen, and despite the overwhelming familiarity, he found himself lost in the depths crystalline blue.
"You okay?" the masked raven finally asked. He felt a bit like the idiot his brother claimed his lover to be after staring at the other man in stunned silence for a good minute. Realizing his hand was still firmly latched around the taller man's arm, he jerked his hands away as if he'd been shocked. His jaw clicked shut to prevent himself from saying anything he would regret later.
Kyuubi stared in wonder at the dark eyes that seemed endless. They were so dark that they almost blended in with the pupil. The other man didn't answer his answer and the redhead frowned, worried that he had somehow offended the other person.
"I'm sorry if I offended you. I was trying to find a less crowded place." He smiled as he apologized.
Itachi swore his heart skipped a beat at the radiant smiled he received from the mysterious redhead. Unconsciously, he licked his lips as he stared at the plump red lips peeking out from the elaborate red and gold sequined fox mask. The dark eyes darted back up, pools of azure visible in the small eye holes.
"Sorry?" he said. He felt his cheeks flush, and was grateful his mask hid his embarrassment upon realizing the man had been speaking to him. This had never happened to him before. It was a completely new experience.
Itachi Uchiha was nervous.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Kyuubi asked, not missing the pink tongue that had darted out. "I can find you a quiet place to rest if you're unwell."
Kyuubi was sure that this masked beauty was unwell in some way. He had been unable to answer his questions and the redhead was sure that was a sign of some kind of illness somewhere. His mother had made sure to beat that into his head.
Pulling himself together, Itachi stood straighter and cleared his throat. "I'm fine. You startled me is all, though I wouldn't say no to peace and quiet." As if to punctuate his point, a thunderous crash was heard from across the room. He didn't even bother looking. There were more important things to be observed, such as the stunning redhead before him.
Kyuubi sighed as the sound of the crash assaulted his ears. He cringed as he heard his brother enter the room yelling. Apparently whatever had connected with the floor was expensive. The older Uzumaki shook his head, he had told Naruto to put all the valuables up and he couldn't help it if his brother didn't listen.
"I know a spare room we can hide in that has a television," the redhead said as he grabbed a thin, pale wrist and led the other man out of the room, making sure to twist around the bodies with as little contact as possible.
Itachi allowed himself to be led away dodging the flailing limbs of the crowd as they slipped through the room and down the hall. The door shut behind them with a soft click. The wood barrier muffled the sounds of the party much to his great relief.
Wasting no time, the pale raven haired man took a seat on the edge of the bed. He knew this room. He'd stayed here once before and distinctly remembered an over exuberant blond jumping on him in the early hours of the morning before his younger brother had wisely dragged his boyfriend from the room.
Feeling more himself, Itachi patted the covers beside him with a confidant and seductive smirk. "Care to join me?"
Kyuubi smiled, glad that it seemed that the stranger was back to himself. "Did you want to replace your wine? I can go get some real quick."
"No, it's fine. I've been here for three hours, and that was still my first glass. I'm sure I'll survive without it." Itachi leaned back on his elbows, head tilted to the side as he studied the handsome stranger who'd rescued him from his boredom. The red and gold sequins adorning the kitsune mask glittered in the low light flooding through the window. Itachi found himself mesmerized.
"Okay, so did you want to watch the ball drop or do you wanna watch Ghostbusters Two?" Kyuubi asked as he turned on the TV and sat on the edge of the bed and glanced at the guide on the screen.
"Oh god, anything but Ghostbusters Two. I think that movie can be found on TV any time of any day on at least one channel and it's terrible. Same with Seinfeld, but at least that show has its redeeming moments." Itachi shuffled backwards on the bed to lean back against the pile of pillows at the head. His long, skin tight, black jean clad legs stretched out in front of him and crossed at the ankles.
A horrified expression spread across Kyuubi's face as he waved his arms. "How can you not like Ghostbusters? It's like epic!"
Itachi snorted in amusement at the flailing body. He didn't have the faintest idea who this man was, but he was damn fine. "I said nothing about Ghostbusters. I believe Ghostbusters Two was the one called into question."
Kyuubi smiled sheepishly, scratching the back of his head. "You just redeemed yourself," the redhead teased as he begin to flip through the channels.
"Hn." The dark eyes wandered the tall muscular form. The stranger's back was to him so he could freely undress the man in his mind.
"Well I guess we could watch the Dick Clark New Years Eve Special or The Big Bang Theory. There really isn't anything on," Kyuubi said as he flopped onto his back.
"Considering I've seen every episode at least twice with my younger brother, New Years Special it is," the Uchiha said leaning forward to tug the remote from the tan hand. He flipped through the channels until he landed on the correct one and resettled on the plush pillows.
Kyuubi shivered slightly at the feel of the other man's hand on his. "You know...I've never watched it before. I always preferred just watching whatever marathon was on. So you're kinda taking my New Years Special virginity."
The redhead turned to his stomach and grinned up at the stranger, enjoying the light flush that spread across the pale cheeks. He didn't know who this guy was, but he was certainly something else and kept Kyuubi on his toes, something only his younger brother could do. It was a relief to know that there was someone out there that could still surprise him.
A quiet warm chuckle echoed through the room. "Too bad it couldn't last longer, hm?" Itachi said eyeing the counter in the corner of the screen. "Only three minutes and twenty three seconds left of the year. Then all we have is the countdown to the apocalypse to look forward to."
Acting boldly, Itachi reached down, his slender finger carding through the loose ginger locks that had come free from the long braid. "What other traditions do you follow?" he asked. "Last year I made two resolutions, of which, I was only able to keep one of."
"I only had one," Kyuubi whispered breathily as he leaned into the gentle hand. "And that was to kiss someone when the clock struck midnight on New Years."
Itachi slid down the bed to roll onto his side facing the masked redhead. Eyes falling half mast, he gazed into the azure pools shimmering in the soft light. The pale hand trailed down from where it was playing with the tendrils of red hair to cup a tan cheek. The beginning of the man's five o'clock shadow was rough against his palm.
"I think I can help you with that," the pale man murmured, his voice dropping. "If you promise to help me with my last resolution."
Kyuubi covered the hand on his cheek with his own, twining their fingers together. "What is your last resolution? I might be able to help."
The sound of the crowd in Times Square counting down the New Year filled the room. The shouts of the party reached their ears, muffled through the door.
"Five, four, three, two..." Itachi breathed. As the crowd cheered, his lips pressed the plump pink ones peeking out from beneath the red and gold fox mask.
Kyuubi closed his eyes as he felt soft lips press to his and brought his hands up to tangle in dark hair, deepening the kiss. He could feel the strangers hands move to his hips and stroke the skin that was peeking out of his shirt.
His grip tightened in the locks as the other masked man responded to the kiss by rolling them over so that he was on top. Kyuubi could feel the passion to his very core and it was exhilarating to feel this kind of passion once again.
Itachi moaned softly, his hands running down the taller man's body and coming to rest boldly on the perfectly shaped ass. He squeezed, fingers kneading the toned muscle. Fire was coursing through his veins, something he had never felt with another person in his twenty seven years.
The year before, his younger brother had informed him that he never did anything impulsive, and unless he went out and lived, he would never find someone to tolerate his stubborn ass. Itachi didn't want to admit it, but his little brother had been right. Here and now, kissing a complete stranger at midnight of the new year was the best decision of his life.
Kyuubi moaned into the lips as fingers dug into his ass. Nothing turned him on more than the feel of hands on his posterior. It was one of his major turn ons. He slipped his hands from the dark hair and moved them to brush over a cloth covered nipple, reveling in the moan that escaped the other's lips.
A small whimper escaped the trapped man as he was teased, the nimble fingers playing him like a finely tuned instrument. He was in heaven. The musky scent of his partner filled his nostrils as he struggled to breath, their lips still locked. Itachi never wanted it to end.
Kyuubi was losing himself and for the first time in his twenty four years he let himself go. He released his inhibitions and dipped his fingers under the dark shirt, enjoying the feeling of the other's warm skin. He lightly dragged his fingernails over the skin, enjoying the sharp intake of the other's breath.
Widening his legs, Itachi allowed the larger body to settle between his thighs. A hand wandered up the clothed back and fisted the material. He wanted more from the masked man, but the question he couldn't seem to answer was what he wanted out of this encounter. Such a clear attraction and passionate spark between them should be a sign, but perhaps this man wasn't interested in furthering their relationship past this night. He moaned loudly as their kiss was broken, and lips and teeth attacked his neck. Head tilted to the side, he submitted.
Kyuubi nipped at the long, slender neck. His hands were not idle as they moved from the stranger's waist to his nipples, barely ghosting over the already hard nubs. The smaller body arched up into him and for the first time their groins connected and Kyuubi could swear that there was a deep connection between them.
His nipples being highly sensitive, Itachi whined low in his throat, hips bucking up in search of stimulation to his leaking cock. He felt a jolt shoot through him. The other man had to feel this connection as well. This wasn't just some one night stand. There was something deeper at work here.
Erection straining against the confines of his jeans, pale hands slid to guide the moving hips of the man as they ground down. He continued to thrust up, desperate for the friction that brought him closer to release. As embarrassing as it would be to cum in his jeans, he was far beyond caring.
A shrill beeping startled Itachi out of his bliss. The sound echoed through the room as the tiny beeper in his pocket vibrated wildly. Head falling back, the masked raven groaned and slipped a hand into his pocket to retrieve the cursed device. "You've got to be kidding me."
Kyuubi pulled away, a frown marring his features. "What's wrong?"
One glance at the small message scrolling across the tiny screen told Itachi all he needed to know. "I've gotta go to work," he mumbled. He threw an arm over his eyes and sighed. "She couldn't wait one more day. It had to be New Years."
"Oh, well I guess that's better than you having a girlfriend," Kyuubi joked as he rolled off the other man and glanced up at the ceiling.
With the realization that the man was probing him for information, Itachi smirked. "I'm single, but right now I've gotta get to the hospital," he said, sitting up and moving to the edge of the bed. He stretched, his back popping loudly before he climbed to his feet and headed to the door, hands patting down and smoothing out the wrinkles in his clothing. Reaching up, he ran his fingers through his hair and righted his mask. With an organ ready for transplant, he didn't have time to waste. If the redhead was at the party, he'd have to be friends with one of the hosts. He'd get the man's information from his brother later.
Kyuubi sat up and grabbed the other man by his wrist and tugged him into a deep kiss. He hoped that the man was receiving his message that he hoped to continue this later. He pulled away and rested his forehead against the other. "I hope to see you again."
"Oh, you will," Itachi promised. Placing one last kiss on the sweet lips, he disappeared out the door. There was no way he would let the mysterious redhead slip through his fingers.
Spotting the fleeing form, Sasuke Uchiha sprinted forward. He caught his older brother by the shoulder and put his body in his path, effectively blocking his exit. "Where do you think you're going," he growled. It had taken him days to convince Itachi to even show up.
"We have a matching donor for Satsuko. Sorry, otouto, I need to leave." With a smirk, he poked his younger brother in the forehead. "But we need to talk later. I believe I've met someone of interest."
The mask was pulled off and thrust into the stunned younger man's chest. Sasuke barely had time to catch the mask and spin around to see his brother disappear out the front door. "Bastard. Drop a bomb on me why don't you."
His brother had found someone. That was unexpected.
Kyuubi removed his mask and sighed. It figured that he would finally meet someone of interest and then they had to leave. But at least this man didn't have someone at home. That thought certainly improved his mood.
He could hear his brother's footsteps as he stomped up the stairs and then stormed through the door. "What the hell are you doing here? Why weren't you downstairs?"
Kyuubi chuckled as his little brother crossed his arms and glared at him. He pushed himself off the bed and approached his little brother, flinging his mask at the blond's face. "For your information I was about to get laid before we were interrupted."
"Really? Who was he?" The blond asked as he caught the falling mask.
Kyuubi shrugged. "I dunno, he was wearing a black mask with feathers though," he answered as he brushed past his brother, barely bumping the blond's shoulder and ignoring his brother's call as he walked out of the house.
After his brother's rather hasty departure, Sasuke wandered through the slowly emptying house. Guests were starting to trickle out the door, though most didn't seem in any particular hurry. He passed a nearly naked unconscious Kiba on the floor, one leg resting on the edge of the couch and an annoyed Shikamaru standing over him. The tan skin was covered in black ink from a sharpie. He could clearly spot where his own boyfriend had signed the man and snorted.
"Good luck, man," the Uchiha muttered to the sighing man and clapped him on the shoulder. People didn't understand how he and Naruto worked, but he didn't understand the mutt and the lazy ass genius.
Shikamaru scoffed and waved his friend off.
Finding his way upstairs, the younger Uchiha found his lovable idiot staring blankly into the guest bedroom, a red and gold kitsune mask clutched in his hands. "Oi, moron?" he called shuffling up behind the frozen blond man and wrapping his arms around his waist. Since Naruto was taller than him, he rested his head on the broad back and closed his eyes with a sigh. "What's with you? Still think the guest bedroom is haunted?"
The blond shook his head and relaxed. "Nah, it's not that. Kyuubi said he met someone and they almost had sex...I just...he's never shown an interest in anyone...but he nearly had sex with a stranger!"
Sasuke froze, stopping his actions of nuzzling his boyfriend. "Kyuu nearly got laid?"
The idea wasn't completely ludicrous, but Kyuubi was one of the pickiest men Sasuke had ever met, and that included himself. Maybe his brother could beat out the redhead, but that was because Itachi just didn't seem to understand what it meant to take risks unless it would save a patient's life.
Things suddenly clicked into place. "Do you know who your brother nearly slept with?"
Naruto laced his fingers with Sasuke's, gently squeezing the smaller hand. "No, just said he was wearing a black mask with feathers. But hell, that could be anyone."
"I see," Sasuke drawled, squeezing the hand back. The black feathered mask was still in his other hand. "Did I tell you that Itachi met someone tonight?"
The blond gasped, "not I have a stick in my assItachi?"
The older of the two snorted. Pulling back, he spun Naruto around to face him and threw one arm around his neck. With a sharp jerk, he tugged his boyfriend down to his height. Their lips met halfway, and he moaned into the soft sensuous kiss.
"Yes, Itachi met someone," he repeated, holding the mask up and tickling the side of Naruto's face with one of the feathers. He wondered if the clueless blond would figure it out anytime soon.
Naruto swatted the feathers out of his face and turned around. "Who?"
Sasuke rolled his eyes at the younger man's obliviousness. "He didn't say," he said, waving the mask in his boyfriend's face again.
"Well...did he tell you what mask the person was wearing?" Naruto asked as he raised an eyebrow, attempting to ignore the flailing mask.
"Oh my god!" Sasuke exclaimed throwing the mask at his boyfriends head. "You're an idiot. How do I even put up with you?"
"What?" The blond asked blinking.
Bending, Sasuke swiped up the black feathered and jeweled raven mask that had fallen to the floor. "This was Itachi's mask," he growled. How Naruto could be so dense was beyond him.
Naruto took the mask from Sasuke and looked at his boyfriend with an incredulous expression. "You have got to be fucking kidding me!" He hissed, finally putting the pieces together.
A loud smack filled the hallway as Sasuke's palm came in contact with his forehead. Slowly, he dragged it over his face, shaking his head incredulously. "You are so slow."
"What? You enjoy it when I play dumb," the blond purred as he wrapped an arm around Sasuke's waist and pulled him closer.
"Yeah, but sadly, I know you weren't playing," Sasuke mumbled. He let the taller man cuddle him for a moment, his own arms wrapping around Naruto's shoulders. "So... Itachi and Kyuubi. Didn't see that one coming."
Naruto snorted. "No way in hell would I have guessed that," the blond said, nuzzling dark locks.
Sasuke hummed and began backing Naruto into the guest room. "Let's worry about it tomorrow." He kicked the door shut behind them.
A tanned shot out from under the duvet and slammed down hard on the blaring alarm clock. Kyuubi sleepily threw his covers down and sat up, yawning and stretching as he glanced at the time. He had maybe an hour to get ready and get to his brother's house in time for dinner.
He hated working night shift, but a friend called in a favor and he had no choice. It was an emergency and there was no way he was going to leave his friend hanging. The redhead moved sluggishly from the bed and stood, cracking his back as he did so. He had a feeling that today was going to be a good one.
He grabbed a clean pair of boxers out of his drawer and padded to his bathroom. Sleep still clung to him like a heavy fog. He quickly turned on the hot water and stepped under the stream of water, the sting of the heat waking him up. He went through his morning routine like clockwork even though it was afternoon. He would make sure that his buddy paid him back for the time he had put in last night.
It wasn't that he didn't like where he worked, but the warehouse had strange hours and there was always supposed to be a security guard on duty. And Kyuubi took his job seriously as head guard. At least he had a job, he had never gone to college and it was hard to find any mechanic work in this town.
So he had given up and taken the job at the warehouse, working mostly day shift since the shipments came in at night and he delegated the other guards for those nights. He only wished that he had crashed as soon as his head had hit the pillow this morning. But sleep didn't come easily since he didn't have curtains in his room. He loved the feel of sunlight on his skin and the moonlight was a romantic touch when he had lovers over.
The thought of the man from New Years Eve filtered through his mind. Even though the dark haired stranger had been wearing a mask, Kyuubi knew that he was beautiful. He could still feel the passion burning in his veins.
He quelled the tidal wave inside him and finished his shower. It wouldn't do to give in to his fantasy and be late for the dinner his brother had planned. It seemed out of the blue to him that Sasuke would want him to meet his older brother. The Uchiha had never bothered before saying that his brother was an asshole and he wouldn't wish him upon his worst enemy.
Kyuubi shook the thoughts from his head as he towel dried his hair. He hated using a hair dryer since it had a tendency to suck all moisture from his hair and leave it a mess. His red mane was his pride and joy and he took exquisite care of it, even if it weighed a ton when wet.
He jerked his boxers on as he heard the phone ring throughout his apartment. He checked the large clock on the wall and noticed that he was running late for the dinner. He picked up the phone and sure enough his brother was on the other end.
"Where the hell are you?" His brother growled as if he were a dog.
"I'm on my way blondie. I had to pick up a shift last night...yes mother I'll be careful," Kyuubi answered the questions as he rolled his eyes. Kyuubi hung up the phone and continued finishing getting ready.
Kyuubi stared at the house as he pulled into the driveway. He was already twenty minutes late not only because of his sleeping in but also because of traffic on the way over as well. It unnerved him that so many people were on the road for no apparent reason on a Wednesday night.
He grumbled as he stepped out of his car and slammed the door. It was an old model Chevrolet truck and it was cherry red. It was his baby that he had started to restore when he was fifteen. He had finished it when he turned eighteen with the help of his parents.
He whistled as he walked up the driveway and eyed a black Mercedes Benz, which had to be Sasuke's older brother's car. He resisted the urge to touch the work of art and proceeded to knock furiously on his brother's door once he reached it.
The knock echoed through the entrance way, the sharp noise reaching Sasuke's ears in the kitchen and he groaned. Of course Kyuubi would find his way over when his hands were full. At the present moment he was stirring the rose sauce he had made for the pasta boiling at his left elbow. A quick glance over his shoulder told him Naruto was still struggling with the salad, the only task that had been assigned to the younger man. Stifling a chuckle at the sight of his boyfriend frowning at the tomatoes, seeds and juice splattered over the tan face, Sasuke cleared his throat. "Itachi, get the door. Naruto and I currently have our hands tied."
Hissing, Itachi closed the book he had been reading with a snap. "You better not be fucking where we're eating or I will murder you," he snapped, pushing to his feet. On his way to the door, he passed the kitchen and snorted as Naruto cursed the tomatoes.
To be honest, Itachi wasn't quite sure why he was here. Earlier in the day he'd called for information on the mysterious kitsune at the party, but instead of the name and number he sought, he was stuck with a dinner invitation and a chance to meet Naruto's older brother Kyuubi.
Another irritated knock echoed through the house, and the Uchiha quickened his pace, flinging the door open. "I heard you the first time," he snapped. The inky black eyes of the stunned doctor widened, the only physical indication that he was surprised. His features were otherwise impassive.
In the doorway stood the tall, lean but muscular form of the mysterious redhead from New Year's. He felt his chest tighten, the memories of the passion they had shared flooding back. Hand motioning the man into the house, Itachi watched the long red hair flutter by him as Kyuubi stalked past him, and he had to curb the urge to reach out and touch the silky hair.
It became apparent from the other man's attitude, that Kyuubi didn't recognize him, and why should he. The night of the party Itachi had allowed Sasuke to dress him in casual clothing, and his hair had been straightened and left loose and flowing around his shoulders. Coupled with the feathered raven mask, unless someone knew him intimately, no one could have recognized him if they'd seen him now. Still dressed from a day at his office, he was wearing his typical work attire of dress pants, dark red dress shirt, and black tie. His suit jacket was slung over the back of the chair he had just vacated in the living room. And with his hair pulled back in his usual low ponytail, long bangs framing his pale face, it was no wonder Kyuubi didn't know him.
"You must be Kyuubi," the doctor said, a playful smirk coming to his face. It wouldn't hurt to have a little fun. "I believe our brothers are in the kitchen and yours is losing a battle with the tomatoes."
Kyuubi snorted, taking in the physical appearance of the other. Something tugged at his brain and he couldn't quite figure out what. But he ignored it and held out his hand. "The damn brat never could make salads. Yeah I'm Kyuubi, you must be Itachi. Do you know why our idiot brothers called us over for dinner?"
The tan hand was taken in his own in a firm handshake and a pleasant warmth ran through his body making Itachi smirk. He wondered if Kyuubi could feel it as well. "I may have a faint idea," he said smoothly. With some reluctance, he released the warm hand and motioned to the living room where he had been sitting. "Shall we?"
Kyuubi felt the sparks dissipate once the slender hand left his. It made him wonder just who this man was. He shook his head and answered as he followed Itachi, "Really? Why don't you clue me in?"
Taking a seat in the chair his jacket was folded over, Itachi leaned forward, his chin resting on a fist. "Well, I believe in your case it pertains to a man you met at their party, and the details."
Kyuubi leaned forward attentively. "You know who he is? I've looked everywhere for him!"
"I may be able to help," Itachi said, sitting back in the chair and leaning on one armrest. "Tell me about him and perhaps I can shed some light on this mystery for you."
In the hall, Sasuke had his hand over Naruto's mouth while listening attentively to the conversation. The dark eyes rolled. Itachi had already found his mystery man and was playing with Kyuubi.
"Well...I don't know much about him personally, but I can tell he's passionate. The few minutes we had were special and he wore this lovely black mask. And his hair! It was black as night and as soft as silk! And his eyes!" Kyuubi gushed, his blue eyes lighting up as he described the man from New Years. The yearning in his voice couldn't be missed as he rambled on.
With a cool expression, Itachi nodded listening intently to Kyuubi describe this man he was clearly enamoured with. Making a decision, Itachi climbed to his feet and took the empty seat on the couch next to the gushing redhead. "I know exactly who you are speaking of," he said leaning in, his tone deadly serious. "But are you sure you want to involve yourself with him?"
The inky eyes searched the joyful expression that came over Kyuubi's face. It brought a strange warm fluttering feeling to his belly, and he wanted to see that light in the expressive blue orbs never die. It was a struggle, but he managed to keep his features indifferent while fighting the urge to pull the tan man to him and engage him in a wild needy kiss.
"I know him quite well. He's a doctor in pediatrics over at Konoha General who works long hours and does what it takes to save a patient. But you're right, he is very passionate when he finds something that truly sparks his attention, and is fiercely protective of those he loves. He can be cold and aloof on the surface and very difficult to deal with, but once you break the icy exterior, he's one of the most tender and devoted men you will ever meet. Are you sure you want to involve yourself with him?"
"Of course! I've never felt that way with anyone before! He's burned into my soul!" Kyuubi exclaimed, as he plopped himself back on the couch and looked up at the ceiling. "He completed me in a way that no one else ever could...and just to have him slip through my fingers and never see him again...would break me."
The slender finger of the Uchiha reached up to loosen the tie in the long raven hair. It fell around his shoulders. Itachi let the mask of indifference melt away as he gazed at the man who claimed to need him so wholly.
"You're right," he murmured, leaning in further. He could feel the heat of the other's body through his clothing and he shuddered. "It would break me to lose you after what we shared."
Kyuubi blinked wide blue eyes in surprise. "You?" He whispered as he hesitantly brought his arms around the other's waist and when he saw the confirmation in the other's eyes, he kissed the other man, bringing him closer to his body.
Itachi didn't even have time to respond as the soft pink lips were ardently crushed against his. A low needy moan rose up and escaped before he could bite it back, a fire igniting in his soul. Never had it been like this before. In bed or otherwise, with any of the other lovers he had taken. With all four of them, Itachi had always been in control, the one dominating the other. But with Kyuubi, he lost all reason. No one had ever broken through his shell so completely to expose the terrified man he was inside. He weakly clung to the tan biceps. A strong arm slid around him pulling him closer, pressing him to the much larger and firmer body.
Pushing Itachi back onto the couch, Kyuubi didn't relent in his passion, taking everything Itachi had to offer as he devoured him. Nothing had ever been like this before. No one had ever ignited a fire in him before that was this hot. The moan that escaped Itachi's lips fanned the flames of his desire and he ground his hips up into Itachi.
In the hallway, Sasuke guided Naruto back to the kitchen allowing their brothers privacy. It was a little strange for him to witness his older brother so submissive. Itachi was always so cold and intimidating. Pushing Naruto back into the counter, he engaged his boyfriend's mouth before the idiot could ruin the moment. He'd call them for dinner in five minutes. The last thing he wanted was them having sex on his couch.
Itachi felt his back on the cushions of the couch. His eyes popped open to find Kyuubi hovering over him with a satisfied grin. He glared, unhappy at the loss of contact. Fisting the front of redhead's t-shirt he pulled him back down. As their lips met again, Itachi's mind went blank as he lost himself. Kyuubi's erection pressed to his as the larger body settled between his legs, and he reached up, his free hand tangling in the long fiery locks.
"God, I want you so much," Kyuubi whispered into Itachi's ear, breath heavy with lust. "I want to take you right here with our brothers in the next room."
The onyx eyes shot open as panic flooded his system. Kyuubi was nearly thrown off his body. Itachi's breathing picked up, coming in rapid pants. It was the reminder of where he was that set him off, the illogical and irrational parts of his brain kicking in.
Kyuubi pulled himself away from Itachi, not knowing what he had done wrong. He sat beside the other man, silent. The action had spoken louder than words and Kyuubi thought that maybe he was too inexperienced. He'd only had two other lovers in his life and maybe he wasn't experienced enough for the other Uchiha. The man certainly deserved someone who could fuel that fire in the Uchiha.
"Shh... Itachi-kun, be a good boy and keep quiet. Your brother's in the next room and you don't want him to hear, do you? Unless... should I call Sasuke? He could join us."
A strangled cry escaped the form still sprawled on the couch. The thin fingers dug into the cushions, knuckles turning white. Itachi was on the verge of hyperventilating, his eyes clenched tightly shut. So caught up in his mind, in the memories, the nightmare, he wasn't even aware of where he was anymore.
Kyuubi jumped from the couch, instantly knowing that something was wrong. He ran into the kitchen, skidding on the tiled floor. He looked to the youngest Uchiha and said, "Sasuke, I think I broke your brother."
Peeling himself away from Naruto's body, Sasuke lazily glanced over his shoulder at the older Uzumaki. "What do you mean you broke my..." He trailed off, taking in the panicked expression on the older man's face. His head jerked to the doorway as a low whimper reached his ears.
"Oh shit!" Sasuke tore himself out of Naruto's arms and sprinted for the living room. It had never crossed his mind that Kyuubi could trigger an attack.
Bursting through the door, he found his beloved older brother lying on the couch, eyes closed, and struggling to keep quiet. It broke his heart. Itachi was one of the strongest people he knew. He'd looked up to him his entire life, and with good reason.
Sasuke dropped to his knees at his brother's side, vaguely registering that the others had followed him into the room. "Itachi," he called softly. A trembling hand came up to gingerly pet the raven hair. "Nii-san, it's me. It's Sasuke. Can you hear me? You're safe. He isn't here."
Looking over his shoulder, the younger Uchiha's demeanour was rather calm, only his eyes giving away the grief. "What did you say to him?"
Kyuubi looked down at his feet abashed. "I...well...told him I wanted him and that I wanted to take him even with you guys in the next room. I'm such a fuck up."
The older Uzumaki ran a hand through his hair. Silently cursing himself for being such a dumbass. He could tell by Sasuke's expression that he had royally fucked up and the redhead saw his chance with Itachi swirl down the drain.
"It's not your fault, Kyuubi," Sasuke tried to reassure him. He turned his focus back to Itachi. "Itachi, open your eyes. I need you to look at me." The hand never stilled in the dark hair.
As much as Sasuke wanted to blame Kyuubi, he couldn't. There was no possible way the other man could have known. Itachi was able to cope with relationships and intimacy perfectly fine if he so chose, but there were just a few key phrases that could set him off. The reminder of him, his younger brother, was one of them.
With a bit more coaxing, the dark eyes finally fluttered open. "Sasuke?" Itachi whimpered.
Smiling and nodding, Sasuke brushed a few stray hairs from the pale face. "Yeah, it's me. You with me?" He breathed a sigh of relief when his older brother nodded. "Naruto, go get a cool damp cloth and Kyuubi come here."
Kyuubi could sense that there was a part of Sasuke that still wanted to blame him. But he did as the younger Uchiha had asked and he stopped short of the couch, blue eyes pleading with his brother to stay before the blond took off for the asked item. He looked to Sasuke, uncomfortable with the whole thing.
"Okay, Itachi, sit up a bit for me," Sasuke gently commanded, helping his brother up on the couch. Carefully balancing Itachi, he motioned for Kyuubi to come forward. "Sit at his head."
Kyuubi warily did as he was told and sat down, his hands hanging limply at his sides. The dark head was placed in his lap and he violently resisted the urge to run his hand through the long dark hair. He didn't want to cause any more damage to Itachi and make the other think that he was an incompetent person.
Sasuke rolled his eyes at how lost and helpless Kyuubi looked. Taking one hand in his own, he guided Kyuubi to hold Itachi's hand, resting them on the doctor's chest. As soon as the tan hand was in Itachi's, the older man clutched it like a lifeline. Sasuke then showed the petrified redhead how to soothingly pet the raven hair. Itachi visibly relaxed under the tender touch.
"Scared the shit out of me the first time this happened. I was only eight," Sasuke admitted quietly. His eyes were still watching Itachi's face as he took his brother's other hand. "He's only half aware of his surrounding right now, but with a strong connection and comforting words, he'll come out of it. If you plan to be with him, then you'll need to learn. He'll be embarrassed after this, and maybe shy away in a very angry manner, but if you meant what you told him, then don't give up."
Pressing a kiss to the pale brow, Sasuke stood while gently releasing Itachi's hand. "I'll be right back. I'm just going to grab a blanket. Just talk to him. Tell him a story or something." Then he disappeared out the door.
Kyuubi was at a loss about what to say. He didn't know any good stories, he was a child that had played outside all day and only came in when he was exhausted. He didn't enjoy children's stories but rather comics. He sighed as he began to run his fingers through the dark hair.
"I don't know what to say. I'm sorry doesn't seem to cover it," the redhead murmured as he leaned his head against the back of the couch. "I guess...I'm not cut out for this kind of thing, at least that's what my ex said. He was a psychiatrist so I guess he was right in a way. I always end up hurting someone..."
The redhead stopped talking when he realized what he was saying. He snapped his jaw shut, horrified that he had even talked of that person. No one had known about his last relationship, not even Naruto who he told everything to. His parents had made a remark last week about his lack of relationships but the redhead had joked and said he was too picky.
Then they had to ask about Kabuto Yakushi. The older man was well liked by his parents and they had hated that Kyuubi had broken up with him. He had never told his parents the truth, just taken all the blame for the break up.
"You have nothing to apologize for," Itachi murmured. Kyuubi jumped under him at the suddenness of his voice.
The pale cheeks of the Uchiha were dusted a light pink. Memories of what had just taken place were slowly filtering in. "You're ex is incorrect," he continued, his voice soft and distant. "More than likely they were just sour your relationship didn't work, but if you want nothing to do with me after this, I understand. My behaviour was inexcusable." He didn't know the particulars of Kyuubi's past, but he wouldn't pry and he hoped Kyuubi would extend him the same courtesy. Instead, he squeezed the hand still clasped in his own.
Kyuubi smiled sadly. "There is nothing wrong with your behavior. I...I'm the one that was in the wrong and I'm the one that hurt you. It's you that should make the decision, not me."
The redhead closed his eyes. He didn't believe a word that Itachi said. Kabuto was a top psychiatrist and knew what he was talking about. Plus he was sure that Itachi didn't want someone as inexperienced as he was. He braced himself for the inevitable rejection that was to come.
Itachi mumbled something under his breath, his body slowly shutting down. The hand around Kyuubi's tightened, refusing to let go as the Uchiha drifted off to sleep. Even in his sleep, his subconscious knew he was safe and cared for.
Kyuubi tried to remove his hand from the strong grip, but the pale hand tightened even further. He hadn't caught what Itachi had said and he wasn't sure if he even wanted to know. He guessed he would have to make a run for it when his brother or Sasuke returned. He wasn't a coward, but he knew when to lick his wounds and retreat.
"He's asleep?" Naruto whispered as he entered the room with a damp cloth clutched in his hand.
Kyuubi nodded, not saying a word when he took the cloth with his free hand and placed it on the pale forehead. He then took his brothers hand and tried to switch it out for his own, but the blond snatched his hand back angrily.
"You wanted him and now you have him!" Naruto hissed. "You're not fucking running away from this one! I don't know what that fucktard Kabuto did to you, but you need to get the hell over it and fight for your own happiness!"
The familiar words smacked him in the face. The last part he had said to Naruto when the blond was in middle school and trying to get Sasuke's attention. He was about to give up when Kyuubi had intervened and given his brother some much needed advice.
"You don't understand..." Kyuubi whispered as he looked at Itachi with sad blue eyes. "He needs someone else. I'm not good for him. Look what I did to him within minutes of meeting him!"
"You are the most difficult asshole to talk to. Hopefully Sasuke will knock some sense into that head." The blond huffed as he threw his hands in the air and walked out, meeting Sasuke in the hallway muttering about dipshit brothers.
Fumbling for the blanket he nearly dropped as his boyfriend bowled him over in the hallway, Sasuke reached out to steady himself on Naruto's available arm. "What the hell has gotten into you?"
"My dumbass brother! Ever since Kabuto he believes he isn't good enough for anyone and when things get rough, he runs! He always blames himself and never the other person if it's their fault! I don't know what to do to get through to him." The blond ranted as he pulled Sasuke to him, needing a hug.
Blanket and arms trapped between their bodies, Sasuke allowed his boyfriend to hold him, Naruto's warm breath puffing lightly on his neck as the taller man hid his face. "Stupidity must run in your family. He better not run out on Itachi or I will hunt him down. I've never seen my brother even notice another human being that wasn't sick until he met Kyuubi. Want me to talk to him?"
The blond sighed. "You'll just scare him off. But Itachi may be able to get through to him."
"Itachi really isn't in a state to do anything. He'll be a little dazed for a bit and then eventually fall asleep after a bit of coaxing." Pushing up to stand on his tip toes, Sasuke pressed a kiss to Naruto's pouting lips. "I'm gonna go cover him with a blanket."
"I hate to tell you, but he's already asleep. He seems to have a strong grip on Kyuubi though," Naruto muttered after Sasuke pulled away.
The dark eyes of the youngest Uchiha widened. "No..."
Sasuke darted around Naruto and into the living room where he found it was just as his boyfriend had said. Itachi was fast asleep, his head still in Kyuubi's lap and a tight grip on the redhead's hand. Kyuubi was staring at him, panic in his bright blue eyes. "He fell asleep... You... you actually got him to sleep..."
There was almost a hushed reverence as the younger man stood in shocked awe. It took himat least an hour to calm his brother enough to drift off, and this man who had known Itachi for less than an hour had him asleep in only moments.
"Ummm...yeah...what do I do now?" The redhead asked timidly, his thumb stroking the back of the pale hand nervously, the action not really soothing him.
"You stay there. If you're not there when he wakes up, he'll think you're rejecting him." Sasuke's eyes narrowed. "You're not rejecting him, are you?" he growled.
"No...I'm waiting for him to reject me," Kyuubi answered sadly.
"I'm not sure who's the bigger moron at this point," Sasuke scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest, "you or your brother. And I've seen Naruto do some pretty dumb shit."
"Who do you think it was that convinced him to even ask you out?" Kyuubi answered fired up. He didn't care that Sasuke had insulted him, but when it came to Naruto that was another story.
"Tch... I know the story. But do you really think Itachi is shallow enough to reject you after he actually swallowed his pride and questioned me to find you?" Shaking out the blanket, Sasuke stalked forward with a scowl on his face and tenderly spread the blanket over the sleeping form of his elder brother.
"I'm not having this conversation with you now," he hissed. "Itachi's pride will be hurt for showing weakness in front of you, but what happened is not your fault, so shut up and sit with him. I'm going to clean up dinner. We'll eat later." Brushing back the raven strands tickling Itachi's face, Sasuke kissed the pale forehead and left the room.
Kyuubi nodded his head. He may not have known Itachi that well, but the redhead believed that maybe Sasuke was right and that he shouldn't be so quick to judge. Feeling a little better, he leaned his head on the back of the couch and closed his eyes, slowly drifting into a deep sleep, his hand still clenched in Itachi's.
With a groan, Itachi's eyes slowly fluttered open. The first thing that registered in his mind was that he wasn't in his bed at home, and there was another body being used as his pillow. One quick glance around and he quickly realized his pillow was Kyuubi's thigh, the man who had been in the fox mask on New Years. He was lying on his side, his face pressed into the flat stomach.
Groaning, he rolled onto his back, his action drawing attention to the fact that there was a hand clenched tightly in his. It was obvious he had been the one refusing to let go. That was always the way when he had an attack, but this was the first one he'd had in years, at least since med school.
"Hey, you awake?" Sasuke's soft voice called from across the room.
Itachi tilted his head to find his brother sitting on the recliner reading a book. He glanced back up at Kyuubi to double check that the redhead was still asleep.
"You know, you're quite lucky," Sasuke continued almost conversationally. "He doesn't snore like Naruto does."
A weak smile was offered for the younger Uchiha's attempt at humour. "Has he been here the whole time?" Itachi sighed when his brother nodded. He hoped he hadn't chased him away with the scene he had created, and he was thankful Kyuubi had at least stuck around.
Naruto resisted the urge to punch his boyfriend in the arm for the comment because he knew it was true. "Yeah, he's been here the whole time. He must have had a hard time at work last night, he never sleeps this late."
It took a minute to free his hand, Kyuubi's tightening around his, but Itachi eventually managed to sit up and pull free. He gathered the blanket and carefully arranged it over the sleeping form. With a sigh, he tucked a section of the fiery red bangs that had fallen into Kyuubi's face behind his ear. "I'll be back. I'm just going to... freshen up."
"We'll keep an eye on him," Naruto said. "That way he won't take your absence as rejection."
Nodding gratefully, Itachi climbed off the couch and headed to the bathroom. He'd been to his brother's place enough to know the layout. Closing the door behind him, he leaned against it, eyes falling closed as he took several deep, calming breaths.
What had happened had to be the most embarrassing moment of his life. His chance to be with Kyuubi had most likely gone out the window. The possibility of recovering a relationship after a mental breakdown the second time they met was almost nil. The question was... could he accept that? If that was Kyuubi's choice, then yes. But otherwise he would fight for the amazing gift he had been bestowed in finding Kyuubi.
With a sigh of resignation, he pushed off the door and walked over to the sink where he leaned over, elbows resting on the counter. After watching the cold water run for a moment, he cupped his hands and splashed some on his face. It woke him up. He shut off the water and dried his hands and face. Just before he was about to leave, he caught sight of himself in the mirror and groaned. He was a complete mess. Wild raven hair tumbled every which way, tangled and knotted. It took him a good ten minutes to tame the chaotic forest of inky locks and pull it back into his usual ponytail.
Satisfied, he opened the door to hear voices and strained to hear what they were saying.
Kyuubi had woken up, hyper aware of the fact that Itachi was missing. He sighed and didn't bother to look at the other two men in the room. The minutes ticked by and Itachi didn't show. That was a good enough sign to the redhead that he wasn't wanted. So he rose from the couch and began to stretch his stiff joints.
"Where do you think you're going?" His brother asked, anger lacing his voice.
Kyuubi raised a red eyebrow. "I'm stretching, then I'm getting in my car and going home. I have work to do."
"The hell you are!" The blond yelled. "You're staying right here until Itachi gets back."
"What's the use? He hasn't returned yet, he doesn't want me," the older brother stated sadly.
"That's bullshit," Sasuke snapped. "Now sit down and shut up." He climbed to his feet and positioned himself in the doorway to block Kyuubi's only escape. "You have the potential to break my..."
Itachi silenced his younger brother's rage with a gentle hand on his shoulder. "That will do, Sasuke," he murmured, dark eyes seeking out the redhead in the room. Kyuubi looked like a frightened animal that had been cornered.
TBC
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