Welcome to Intern at the Akatsuki Concert Hall: Itachi Route.
For the newcomers, a lot has happened in the main positing Intern at the Akatsuki Concert hall, so without reading that you might be a bit lost.
For those not interested in reading the work that this stemmed from here is a quick summary:
Sumire is a college student with a traumatic past, orphaned at an early age, a runaway teen, an abusive, much older ex boyfriend. She finally had settled into an apartment with her friend Haruno Sakura and was excited to obtain a bachelor's in Inter media Arts. She joined the Akatsuki Stage Crew at Konoha University as an intern and spent a lot of time getting to know the members. Seemingly out of no where, Sakura closed the lease for their apartment to move in with her boyfriend Sasuke and Sumire was about to be thrown out onto the street. After an emotionally distressing evening, Sumire admitted her situation to the Akatsuki.
In this world, Itachi went to help her first.
Thanks for giving a click. Hope you enjoy it.
XClay
Sumire was seated in the corner of Asami's room, fiddling with a snow globe. Asami's parent's only let Sumire stay over during the Holidays, when it became so cold outside that the idea of their daughter's friend out on the streets was just enough to weigh on their conscience. Coupled with a bit of goading from Asami, they agreed to let her sleepover for one evening. Christmas Eve, but she had to leave the next day.
Asami returned from arguing with her parents. She huffed and puffed as she entered the room, closing the door behind her. Sumire looked up.
"Seriously, they… nevermind." Asami sat on the edge of her bed.
"I can go. Really, it's okay."
"No, please, it's fine. Come." She patted the bed beside her.
Sumire rose slowly. Her limbs shook slightly and she rested on the edge of the bed, barely, she felt uncomfortable.
"Want something to eat?"
"No, it's fine."
Asami sighed, knowing that she likely hadn't eaten today. Sumire's phone vibrated in her pocket.
"Is that him?"
"Probably…" Sumire brushed her thumbs over glass of the globe.
"How often does he text you?"
"Once… an hour?"
"That fucking creep."
Sumire flinched at the statement. Asami's brows knitted.
"Don't you dare feel bad for him. He treats you horribly, he doesn't deserve you."
Sumire remained silent, still running her fingers over the glass, which was slowly becoming smudged.
"Okay, enough of that. Let's talk about something happy."
Sumire looked up at her again.
"If there was one thing you wish you had, what would it be?"
"…a home."
Asami's expression became somber.
"I'm sorry."
Sumire laughed faintly a smile appearing on her thin lips.
"I'm kidding. Well, I'm not, but you understand I'm just teasing you." Sumire rested the globe on her lap. "I think the one thing I would really wish for at this moment would be…"
Asami gazed at her eagerly.
"Hot cocoa."
6 Years Later…
It only took him a moment to decide how he would handle this information, but he could see the same idea appearing across the minds of the men around him. If he hesitated then one of them would make a move and she may continue to be in danger, he did not know how each of them would treat her. She would be safest with him. He pulled his phone out of his pocket and quickly sent her a text.
Sumire felt her phone vibrating, mildly curious as to who would be contacting her at this moment she checked. She immediately read the text after seeing who it was from.
Are you alright?
Sort of.
Itachi noticed Sasori preparing to stand to go after her. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Hidan making similar movements. Deidara seemed to be reaching for his cell phone. Itachi pressed the call button quickly.
"Hello?" her shaky voice became audible after only a single ring.
"Sumire-san." He said loudly enough that everyone would hear him.
"Yes?"
"Are you still outside?"
"Yes."
"I would like to give you a ride home. You must be tired." He said.
"You don't have to."
"Please." He said shortly.
His eyes briefly scanned the men staring at him while he waited for her response.
"Okay, thank you."
"I will be out in a moment."
Itachi calmly rose to his feet and looked over all of them. They understood what he was doing simply by the look in his eyes. A collective glare came from the men all still seated, but Itachi was not phased.
"I will go ahead." He said, knowing they understood his meaning.
"Well done today." Nagato said.
His figure disappeared out through the open door. He reached her within a minute. She was helplessly wiping tears from her eyes.
"Sumire-san. Come."
She nodded and followed him back towards his car.
X
Sumire felt safe in Itachi's car. She let her body slump in the seat, the heaviness of the evening finally weighing down on her. I want to sleep.
"Sumire-san," his voice sounded lovely, silky.
She noticed how tenderly he had spoken her name. Her head turned slightly, her gaze falling on his profile.
"This is going to come across very sudden," he began, stealing a glance towards her, "but if you need assistance I am willing to pay your rent for you, until you find somewhere more suitable."
Her eyes went wide and she blurted:
"Absolutely not."
His fingers flinched in reaction to her outburst.
"I'm sorry, I just, I can't have you do that for me… I didn't mean to react like that…" her head lowered to hide her embarrassment.
"It's fine, I had a feeling you would refuse."
I really appreciate the offer though. Curse my pride!
"May I suggest an alternative?"
"…sure…"
"I have an unused guest room in my apartment." Her eyes widened again, "I'm willing to let you reside there for as long as you need and if it makes you more comfortable, you can pay me a small rental fee."
"…really?"
"Yes, it's fully furnished. I've had the room prepared if Sasuke were to visit, but that hasn't happened for long… currently it is unused."
"I don't want to impose…"
"I will rephrase it. I am selfishly requesting that you move in with me. I don't want to think about you without a home when I have a perfectly available room."
Is it… okay to move in with him? I have three days. I don't really have much choice, do I?
She lowered her head to him.
"I will selfishly accept your offer. Thank you so much, Itachi-san."
The car slowly came to a stop in front of her apartment.
"I can help you move if you'd like. My car will make it easier."
"Please! I would really appreciate it!" her hand went for the door handle but she paused and her eyes glanced around at the surrounding darkness.
Tobi was right, he could be…
"Are you concerned about him showing up?"
She nodded.
"Sorry, I should be fine."
"If you'd like, you may come see the guest room."
"Itachi-san, you are really too kind," she said with a laugh.
He was smiling but did not respond.
"Let me go grab a few things."
He turned the car off and she quickly darted out.
Inside she stuffed some overnight clothes into a small bag, then went to the bathroom to grab her toothbrush and face wash. In a moment of clarity, she looked at herself in the mirror and gasped. Her face was covered in black streaks from her makeup.
I've just been sitting in the car, looking like this? Oh, my god!
She darted back to her room to grab a makeup wipe and cleaned the streaks as she went to the front door. With a flick of the wrist the wipe was disposed and she was back outside.
"Sorry for making you wait."
When she was safely buckled, he restarted the car. Sumire felt a small wave of excitement. I get to see Itachi-san's apartment… wait I'm going to be living in his apartment… oh my…
X
The building was comprised of two floors with the doors visible from the street. Itachi's apartment was the second to last room on the second floor.
"Pardon the intrusion." She said sheepishly as she followed him through the front door.
To her immediate left was a large kitchen with marble countertops. Her eyes were wide in surprise. The tiled floor was smooth and shining, the hardwood floor looked polished and new. To the right was a large carpeted living room with a couch and a television and a few book cases filled to the brim.
"I will give you a short tour."
His voiced snapped her from her immense awe.
"Hai…"
Itachi opened a small door to the right of them to reveal a laundry room. There were a couple shelves with laundry and cleaning supplies.
"There is a half bathroom through here." He said.
"Really?"
"Yes, I know it's a strange layout."
She followed him into the room to another door that opened to a tiny space with a toilet and a sink. He closed the door and led her into the living room. Her socked feet padded along the carpet.
"Here we have a closet. I have futons in here, though I've not used them. The carpet tends to be comfortable on its own." He slid open a wooden closet that was pushed into the corner. "there are also blankets, feel free to use them."
He continued the tour down the hall.
"This is my office."
"Office?"
He pushed the door open and there was indeed an office. His office is bigger than my room… Even more bookshelves lined the walls, all surrounding a large dark brown desk with a desktop computer, a lamp, and various supplies. He pulled open another door:
"This is my room."
There was yet another shelve of books in his room, by a queened sized bed and a dresser. The small door in the room, she assumed, was a closet. He pointed to the door across from his.
'This is the full restroom."
She peeked in to see a neat, decent sized space with a ceramic embedded tub and a plastic white curtain. When she exited, he opened the door beside it.
"This will be your room."
She walked into the room and glanced around. The floor was carpeted as well, in a soft, shaggy cream color. The bed was a full size and the dresser was white. There was a chest at the foot of the bed and an open closet.
"…is…" she spun around to look up at him, "is it really okay?"
"Of course."
"Thank you."
"You must be tired, please sleep well. We can decide when to retrieve the last of your things tomorrow."
"Un, good night!"
Sunday Morning
Sumire's body remained still even when she became fully awake. The bed was sinfully soft and warm, her face sunk so deeply into the pillow that her right eye could barely see past the edge of the cushion. She shifted slightly and became aware of a savory scent coming from outside the door. Despite wanting to remain her stomach growled loudly. She forced herself to slide off the bed and head to the door. She slunk to the restroom to wash her face, then went in search of the source of the mouth-watering scent. In the kitchen was Itachi, fully dressed, and in an apron, standing over the stove. On the marble countertop were multiple plates covered in omelet, fruits, steamed vegetables, sausage, and toast.
"Whoa."
"Good morning," he spoke without turning to her.
"Good morning."
"I figured when you awoke you would be hungry. Have a seat, everything is almost ready."
She shyly entered the kitchen and sat on a wooden stool lined with a soft blue cushion. He placed a fried fish dish on the table and then set a bowl of rice in front of her. After another moment, he set another bowl, this time with miso soup.
"West meets east breakfast?" she asked.
"I wasn't sure what you would like to eat, so I made a lot…"
She giggled.
"Thank you."
She took a piece of rolled omelet and took a small bite. A slightly creamy, salty, and sweet taste blossomed on her tongue.
"It's delicious."
"I'm glad," he opened his fridge, "would you like water, milk, orange juice, or tea?"
"…orange juice?"
He poured her a glass then took a seat across from her. They ate in silence for quite a few moments. Sumire took an excited bite of sausage. Itachi suddenly paused.
"I have made too much… haven't I?"
"…hah… I will do my best to finish."
"So, your appetite has returned?"
"Un!" she took another bite.
"Did you sleep alright?"
"Un!" she was smiling, "I feel really rested. Thank you."
He nodded slowly. A short while later:
"I'm so full." She moaned, rubbing her stomach.
"I'm sorry, I always do this." Itachi was watching her with a pitying expression.
"You make this much every day?"
"I make too much when I have a guest."
She stretched a bit.
"It's okay, I'm grateful. I hadn't really eaten at all this week so…"
Oh no.
His expression changed, but he made no comment. She averted her gaze.
"I'll help you wash the dishes." She said softly.
"Please," he began, "go rest. I will handle it."
"…but…"
"I want you to relax, you've had a lot on your mind. You deserve a break."
She could tell by the look in his eyes that he would not take her assistance.
"Okay, thank you."
Sumire returned to the guest room and sat on the edge of the best, staring at the blank wall. Is it really okay to do this? I feel like I'm imposing, I could survive on my own for a while and… if I try to leave he might get mad… wait no, Itachi-san is not Hisashi. He's not inviting me to stay because he wants to get something out of me. He's genuinely concerned about me.
"Sumire-san."
Itachi appeared in her doorway.
"Yes?"
"If you haven't changed your mind. I'm able to help you retrieve your things later this afternoon." He paused. "I don't want you to feel obligated to stay. I recognize the idea of living alone with a man might be difficult for you, considering that situation is where most of your trauma occurred…"
Itachi-san is super-duper perceptive.
"Honestly, I would prefer I charge you nothing and to me it is not imposing at all… as I told you, this room is unused and if offering you this room keeps you safe, then you are always welcome. But you are free to come and go as you please. I wanted to assure you of that."
"Thank you." Her eyes were glossy. "Thank you so much."
"Is 3 pm alright?"
She nodded.
"I'm going into my office for a while. If you need anything, I'll be there."
"Okay, oh, is it alright if I take a shower?"
"Sure,"
"I didn't bring my shower things though…"
"You can use mine if the scents don't bother you, do you have a change of clothes?"
"Oh no."
"I think I have some smaller clothing that no longer fits me."
"Is it okay?"
"Yes, I will be back in a moment."
Sumire peeked into his room again, studying the layout for no apparent reason.
"I have these." He pulled out a small pair of khaki's in beige. "These are actually Sasuke's… from his middle school days."
He rose and showed it to her.
"This may be the smallest bottom I have, if you don't mind it."
"I will try it on."
She patiently waited as he returned to his drawer and lifted a folded gray sweater.
"This is a bit small for me. It will still be loose on you probably."
"That's okay. Better loose clean clothes that dirty fitting clothes."
He set the folded sweater into her hands.
"Towel." He said more so to himself than her and he went to a small closet in the hallway.
He handed her a large blue fleece towel.
"Thank you."
"Ah."
He smiled at her before disappearing behind the door to his office. Sumire entered the bathroom making sure to lock the door behind her.
Itachi-san's apartment is so nice. She turned on the water, while waiting for it to heat up she undressed. The scent of the body wash wasn't unpleasant, it was a fresh, slightly herbal, musky concoction that lathered easily in her small hands. The pressure from the water was stronger than her own, the tub was wider and generally more spacious. As she scrubbed her skin as best she could, given she only had her hands, she brushed over the scar just above the crease where her hip and thigh met. She could see it if she jutted her hips forward and angled her neck right. I don't want to waste his water. She quickly finished scrubbing her body and she rinsed it off. After doing the same with his shampoo she shut off the water and squeezed as much water from her hair as she could.
Itachi heard the water shut off and he flipped the pages of the large textbook in front of him. He read the words without reading them, as he reached the end of a paragraph he released a low, soft sigh. He leaned back in his office chair and gazed at the cream-colored ceiling. I've become distracted and she's been in my home for less than twenty-four hours. A gentle knock came upon his office door.
"Come in."
The slow opening of the door had his heard suddenly beating quickly, as though he had been anticipating her reveal. Her damp hair was tied up into a bun, pulled back so the skin of her face was taut. The bags beneath her eyes were more prominent, but did not take away from her subtle beauty. Her pink, slightly plump lips were parted, her round chin titled down bashfully, her dark eyes were looking up at him with an intensity that was natural and not at all intentional. She blinked her black eyelashes at him and spoke:
"Do you have a belt I could borrow?"
He saw her hand bunching up the waistline of the beige khaki's, the edge of it sliding down on her slender hips.
"Yes." He stood.
His eyes had caught sight of a mark on her pale skin, but were he to ask he would be admitting to eyeing her with desire, something he had sworn not to do.
He rose and walked past her to his room where he retrieved a small dark brown belt that was a few years old. When he handed it to her, she began to put it on in front of him. He did not mean to stare, but watching her put clothes on was, an exciting idea. It meant she had been naked in his home. He remained stoic despite the growing excitement within him. He returned to his office. I must not think strange things.
X
Sumire tightened the belt to the very last loop and let out a soft sound of discomfort. She moved It one over, then sighed in relief. The pantlegs billowed around her ankles, the sweater hung low over her thighs. She felt somewhat weighed down, but was not displeased.
Her next task was to brush out her wet hair. She did so thoroughly, she was not rushed for time or made nervous by impending danger, she was aware of a great sense of safety.
Laying down her intentions were to rest her muscles, but the fluffy comforters had quickly lulled her to sleep.
A few hours passed and Itachi realized things were quiet, though he was adjusted to silence, knowing there was another body made him weary. He knocked on the guest room door, when he heard nothing he slowly opened it.
Her dark hair was splayed around her head, her expression calm. Again, her lips were parted, the shoulder not pressing into the mattress rose and fell slowly with her shallow breaths.
He peeked at his watch and found it was nearing 2 pm. He knelt beside her and shook her gently.
Her eyelids fluttered and she saw a handsome face haloed in a pale, yellow light. Her heart beat rapidly, his slight smile and half-lidded eyes were filled with a noticeable fondness.
"We should have some lunch before we retrieve your things."
"Okay." Her voice was sleepy.
He went to the kitchen. As she was rubbing her eyes she remembered the amount of food he had made in the morning. She quickly climbed out of the bed and padded to the kitchen.
Itachi was pulling things from the refrigerator, he was crouched with his arms on his knees. Sumire leaned over him, putting her hands on his shoulder.
"What are you looking for?"
He shifted, but did not push her off.
"I am unsure. I have plenty for a few things."
"I'm still kind of full, how about something light? Like a salad?"
"That sounds good."
"Would you like help?" she asked.
He set a few vegetables on the cutting board on the counter.
"Will you clean and cut the vegetables while I make the dressing?"
"Okay!" Sumire was excited to be cooking alongside him.
The air was soon filled with the sounds of water running and steady knife cuts.
"What dressing are you making?"
"I was thinking of trying a sweet miso."
"Ooh, I've never had that before."
Sumire patted the water from the lettuce and chopped them into neat squares while Itachi retrieved a large amount of condiments from the cabinet. He measured extremely carefully, his hands were moving steadily as he poured and mixed.
"I only have one large bowl, unfortunately."
"It's okay, I don't mind sharing."
He brought the bowl down from the highest cabinet while she thinly slice and peeled the cucumber and carrots.
"Sumire-san."
"Hai?"
"Will you try this?" he had taken a tasting spoon from the drawer and dipped it into the creamy pink and orange mixture.
He held it out to her and she leaned over to lick the spoon. His pulse increased as he watched a small pink tongue dark out over her lips.
"That's really tasty!"
"Does it need any adjustment?"
"Um… no it's fine. I like things a bit sweet."
He was smiling.
"Me too."
X
They stopped by an office supply store where they obtained a few boxes, that Itachi insisted on purchasing for her.
"I just realized," they were in his car again, "Don't we have to go help striking the sets?"
"Pein-kantoku called late last night and said cleanup will be postponed until Friday. He stated we all could use a few days to decompress."
"Oh,"
"He likely wanted to give you time to settle your situation as well."
That's so kind of him.
Sumire's phone went off in her pocket. She checked the caller ID then placed the device against her ear.
"Deidara-san."
"Sumire, how are you? Is everything okay, un?"
"Yes, I'm doing well. How are you?"
"Did you figure out what you're doing?"
"…yes I did."
"Good."
Will he be upset if I tell him? He's going to find out anyway.
"Itachi-san offered me his guest room until I find a place of my own." She explained in a weak voice.
"I thought so." He paused "Stay safe, if anything happens you're always welcome at my place, un."
She blushed:
"Thank you."
"Un, take care."
The phone clicked and the call ended.
Itachi used his palm to smoothly turn the car onto her street. When he parked, together they exited the car and entered her mostly empty apartment.
"Where can I help you?"
"Will you pack what you find in the kitchen? Thankfully, I don't have very many things so this shouldn't take too long."
"Alright."
Sumire packed away her clothes in a suitcase and a large duffel bad. She carefully laid the Yukata on top of the clothing before closing the suitcase. She used a single box to put the trinkets and items she had throughout her room. I actually have so little.
She packed away her laptop and cords, then brought the full suitcase and duffle bag to the hallway. She double-checked every inch of the room in case she missed something. She did the same with the bathroom.
When she walked out again her suitcase and duffle bag were gone. She set the box down in the empty space then went to the closet in the hall where there were a few towels. She placed them on the top of the mostly full box and headed to the main tatami room. Itachi appeared in the doorway.
"Any more boxes?"
"Just this one."
He took the box and watched her as she checked the empty tatami room, then she released a sigh. "Are the alright?"
"…yeah. I'll take the key to the landlord."
"I'll meet you at the car."
X
The woman was small and middle-aged, seated in a chair in front of her own apartment. She smiled up at Sumire when she neared.
"Thank you for everything." Sumire said.
"It's sad to see you go."
Sumire bowed deeply and turned away quickly. Itachi was leaning against the car with his arms crossed over his chest. He saw her wiping tears and he straightened.
"Are you alright?"
"Un."
He gazed at her in deep concern. He waited until she was patting her cheeks and taking an encouraging deep breath.
"Are you ready to go?"
She nodded. He opened the door for her and she climbed in, clipped her seatbelt, and glanced back at all of her things, neatly stacked in the back of his car. The weight of the situation came over her and tears began to fall again.
Itachi silently started the car. Sumire shrunk in her seat, shut her eyes, she didn't want to watch the apartment grow smaller as they drove away.
X
The entire process had taken less than two hours. Itachi remained silent while they unpacked the car and brought most of her things to her room. He took the box with the kitchen supplies and set it on one of the marble counters. He had cleared a shelf, during her nap earlier (the lowest shelf of course) and placed her dishes there. He did the same with a portion of one drawer. When he was done, he folded up the box and pushed it into the recycling bin.
The door to the guest room was slightly ajar, inside he saw the small woman kneeling by the dresser, organizing her clothes in the drawers. Tears were still rolling down her face. He wasn't sure what to do. The pain in his chest was immense. He waited a few moments to consider the idea that had popped into his head. His fist knocked against the door before he stepped inside. She was wiping her eyes again as he knelt beside her. He raised his arms slightly when she looked at him, but they slowly fell along with his gaze, embarrassment present in his expression.
She suddenly burst into laughter. His flush increased and she wrapped her arms around his torso. He was stiff, as he patted her hair. Embracing someone who is in tears is not usual for him I guess…
"Would you like some hot cocoa?"
Her red eyes lit up and she gazed at him.
"Really?"
That wasn't quite the response he was expecting but his lip curled into a slight smile.
"Yes, I also have whipped cream"
Her eyes got even bigger.
"I'll go make some."
"Un, thank you."
He went off to the kitchen while she more eagerly unpacked her things. I love hot chocolate. I get it so rarely, I am so excited. When she finished, she padded to the kitchen where he was stirring a whisk in a pot.
"That smells so nice…"
"It's almost done, we can have it in the living room and watch some television, that is, if you don't have work to do."
She shook her head:
"Nope, I'm completely free."
When he didn't respond, she walked into the living room and sat on the couch.
I don't know exactly how to feel right now. I'm out of my apartment, I'm here with Itachi-san in his apartment and I'm going to be living here. It isn't really normal for two people to live together, unless they are "together" or at least that's what I've heard before. Something about, bad for a girl's reputation, but who knows me well enough to worry about my reputation? It's not like I have any family that will look bad if I stay here, but then… what about Itachi-san? He's an Uchiha! His family is huge and wealthy and well-known… could I possibly be putting him in danger or at least an uncomfortable situation? Why didn't I think about this before agreeing to move in with him! Damn it!
Itachi circled the couch holding two mugs. He paused at the hard look on her face.
"Here is your cocoa."
"Thank you." She took the mug carefully, studying the small mountain of whip cream atop it.
"Itachi-san?"
"Yes."
"Are you sure that it's okay that I'm here? Your family…"
"As far as my family is concerned there is not much to worry about. We are not in deep communication, my affairs are separate."
"But, aren't there eyes on you… family image… and…"
"I've never been concerned about such a thing. In fact, to many, I'm not considered part of the family."
Her sad expression made him smile.
"Thank you for worrying, but everything is fine."
"…hm…" her look was unconvinced.
"Just focus on yourself."
She brought the mug to her lips and released an overjoyed sound. She licked her lips once the warm, rich chocolatey beverage coated her tongue. A smudge of cream remained at the edge of her lip.
"You've forgotten some." He said, his hand reached out.
"Huh?"
His thumb gently lifted the small white spot and he placed it in his mouth. Her face became beet red and she looked away from him.
"Thank you." Her voice was tiny and barely audible.
Whoa. What… I… Her flushed remained as she sipped at the cocoa, more careful this time to not leave any around her lips. She stole a glance at the man seated beside her, who had turned on the television. The edge of his mouth twitch slightly. She pried her eyes away. He looks so pleased with himself.
This whole day has been… strange… I feel like I'm in some sort of dream.
A/N: Thanks for reading, I know this is a bit slow, but things pick up as time progresses. I promise. If you want to keep following drop by my profile and follow/fav/review that one! Please and thanks so much!