Hide and Seek
The Uchiha family doesn't like socializing very much and they are highly allergic to imperfections and other people who doesn't belong to the elite…though at times, even the elite causes them hindrance thus making their temples ache in pure irritation.
Well, that is Naruto's second impression about them. The first is that the family's mental health is totally whacked; they exceed demons and evil spirits who – unfortunately – went down a thousand times when it comes to evil, "innocent" deeds. Yup, their minds are twist-ier than McDonald's Twistters. Maybe it 's because each and every single one in the family means and shows "perfection" in both physical and mental aspect did they became such creatures. Though most of the world's population adore and practically worship the Uchiha Clan, the young blonde can't help but think that they are undoubtedly crazy. Period.
Ah, but that completely reasonable and logical theory of his is really hard to believe at first sight of the accused family. Now who in hell's right inferno would think such a thing after encountering the well-mannered members all sitting at the dining table? The respectable Father, who runs the world wide corporation Sharingan Inc., was wearing a fine black suit and was sitting at the center of the long dining table doing nothing but drinking his red wine. Oh, he was hard to miss alright. There was the leader aura around the man, something that demands attention and expects to be given one. Naruto gulped at the sight. Then there was the fine, ever so beautiful lady in velvet gown, he presumed she was the Mother. She was seated at the left side, right next to the Father; a playful yet elegant smile was playing on her lips as if entertained at whatever it was she was being entertained about. And came the Son, sitting across his mother in daring red tuxedo. Hell, he sure was sexy. Naruto can almost see the words "Sexy" label posted on his head with that tux and that silky black hair tied in a plainly sexy pony-tail. Shit. They look so…perfect. It must be hereditary.
Oh! But Naruto knew better. He definitely knew all the better.
Ever so his father told him stories of how great Fugaku and Mikoto Uchiha are, what adventures they had back on their days and how the four of them – Naruto's mother included – got along so well, the blonde knew right then that they were, and most probably still are, a recipe for a major, major disaster.
Sure, hell yeah, Minato Uzumaki is a remarkable professor and an outstanding author, he makes loads of money, but he Is. Twisted. Plain. Twisted. And Kushina too, the cheerful Psychologist and successful computer engineer who made so much by creating firewalls and, if she feels like it, a super virus (and an equally super anti-virus), is twisted. The only sane one in the family is Naruto, and believe him when he say that he is losing it. Anyway, sadistic people only get along with other sadistic people, and since his parents are an example of sadistic people for they are awfully sadistic, he is pretty sure that the Uchiha's are no different.
Damn. Damn!
Naruto loves his mother and father very much even though they are lunatics who unleash mayhem in their home. And he had spent his growing up years resisting and fighting the deadly influence they were unconsciously giving him as if it was a necessity for all Uzumaki to not have a sane, simple mind, and the older he got, the busier, the easier it became. They were kinda mellowing down, the blonde thought it was because of a.) The huge success of their careers thus making them slightly occupied b.) They were getting older (Yeah right!) and c.) The sheer realization of their only child's lack of relationship – the romantic and intimate one at that! Naruto is trying to convince himself that it was the latter, that it was really because they are concerned about his love life and that they are blaming themselves for being such crazy people that they would probably scare away any girl their son brings home…not plotting something that would just make things harder for Naruto. God, the plotting one seems to be the most likely thing his parents are doing.
Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn!
A tired sigh escaped his lips. He was right about that, the reason he meant. Several days later that incident, they made him go to countless dates all of which has a "nice and perfect girl" for him. Naruto never went to any of it. Ever since a pink haired girl from back in kindergarten had punched him in the face because he was innocently asking her why she has a wide forehead (and Naruto was really curious about it too!), the blonde practically avoided girls. He can still feel the pain of that punch! Girls became monsters to him! He thinks, and that kind of thinking makes him feel absolutely guilty, that all girls are bitches…well, aside from his mother…and the girls he met during his life at school…and those he met through his friends…hey! They were and still are nice to him! So okay, that particular pink haired girl with the wide forehead back in kindergarten is the only one he thinks of as a bitch. Sue him.
So yeah, after fourteen stood up-ed dates, Kushina came into a realization and grinned at the two male specimen the Uzumaki has, and brought up the craziest random (though not really) comment there is. "Oh my, could it be?" She sing-songed. "Is there, by any chance, that you like boys instead my dear? If you do, then say so. We won't disapprove." His jaw practically dropped. What the hell? Was ditching dates enough of a reason for his mother to think that her son is gay? Could she not think or even guest that Naruto is simply a virgin – and he repeats, a VIRGIN! – when it comes to those kinds of relationships because he haven't tried having one before? Or…or that he wanted to stay single and enjoy being free while he can? Or maybe that…that…oh he don't know! Any other reason would do, just not that! Is her mother really a graduate of Psychology who got her Ph.D. when she was only twenty-three?
And that wasn't enough for them; instead of leaving him be, Minato contacted a dear friend – Fugaku, the dearest one he has. After that, Naruto was completely clueless as to what would happen next. They sure kept their mouths shut about whatever scheme they're scheming for poor Naruto.
Several months passed and the blonde graduated from college, he was doing excellent in university, attaining grades from 1.5 to straight one flats. No one questioned him though; everyone knows that the blonde has a passion for music and that he aims to teach young children how to play musical instruments. But it was a surprise when they found out that he also graduated in culinary arts. His friends, the ones who are close to him, couldn't believe it and so he explained that the payment for him studying music was loads of hardship learning how to cook back home, that's the reason why he's parents' hired a Chef to home school him in Culinary Arts. He finished it two years before. So anyway, after a proper school graduation, he was shocked to see his things packed in one big travelling bag.
They wanted to send their only child to the States! It wasn't a permanent thing, they reasoned, maybe he could return two or three years later when he has someone to spend his time with… the night ones in particular (so Minato said). A girl or a boy is fine but an Uchiha is better, so Kushina said, and his father agreed, so he should behave himself and be nice to them and then fall in love with one of their children and then go into a relationship and make love each night and wed and live happily ever after. Like hell!
Damn squared!
It's a twisted fairytale! Naruto had done his research and he didn't like what he found!
The Uchiha family – according to all the articles and pictures found in the magazines and internet – has two biological and one adopted children all of which showed excellence in physical and mental practices. For some reason, the adopted child doesn't have a stable place to call "home" because of his constant urge to travel around. He is an artist you see. Now, one is off the list. There's still two more, the eldest and the youngest…unfortunately, Naruto thinks that her mother had failed to notice the minor problem of it all, which is: the two are boys! They are all boys! Guys! Dudes! Male specimen of the Earth! What the hell?
"Mom! They – the ones you want me to ma…ma…marry! They're dudes! They have this thing all dudes have!" He reasoned back then, shoving pictures after pictures to his father who simply raised his eyebrow at him and continued on reading the Sunday paper while Kushina frowned at him. Then she replied, ever so slowly, as she drank her coffee. "Oh? And you don't?"
Naruto turned red, redder than any tomato on earth. He shook his head to the sides vigorously as if doing so would wake him up of his dreamish nightmare. "Dad! Talk to your wife! If you don't, you won't ever see any cute toddlers running around this house. You won't have any grandchildren!"
"You can always adopt." Minato said casually.
Kushina had set his cup down at the words, and her eyes sparkled in excitement. That, Naruto clearly remember, brought icy cool and cold shiver ran up his spine, "And if ever you do that, my dear, make sure they're twins. I like twins."
"A boy and a girl would be nice." Minato commented.
The young blonde sighed. It was time to give up.
Damn cubed. Fucking damn raised to the highest power there is!
Everything in his life is messed up, and what's worse, Naruto can't hate his parents for it! Even though it's too damn obvious that they are ruining his life and smashing it pieces by pieces, the young blonde can't blame them. Dammit! He just…la…la…lo…ve them so much. Damn, he loves them!
It is true that their family is filled with silliness and seemingly endless lunacy with his mother bringing up one crazy idea after another and his father doing what he possibly can to skip his line of work and help his wife achieve success. Naruto's life had been full of strange and bizarre things, but amidst all those whirling weirdness, Minato and Kushina Uzumaki are the best parents a child could have. Naruto Uzumaki, thus, became a cheerful, loving and extremely caring son; the last thing he wanted to do is hurt his parents in any way possible. There is no way he would do that.
Oh, but that doesn't mean he'd live up to their expectations though.
Hell, if they knew their one and only son – and he sure as hell bet they do –, they'll have to expect something that would most probably put their plans down and down the toilet. And Naruto already came up with his plan, and he had done his shopping the moment he had set foot on the tiled floor of an airport in America, and he had got into the right character inside a cubicle of one glassy comfort room in the mall that had provided him the things he needed. The blonde looked…cute, if he may say so himself. And boy, will they be surprise!
Of course, it will be bad if he got on the bad side of the family. Can't have them hating or even disliking him. Oh, and it's not really entirely good to be on their good side. Can't have them doing him things and giving him stuff and all, heaven knows what might happen to him if the time comes. Being on either side isn't good and it's not an option for him. Definitely not an option. It will probably do him good if they don't notice him. He could blend in with the background, and have the entire family feel indifferent about him. All he'd have to do is shut up. And shut up. Maybe change his style and habits here and there. And of course, Naruto should definitely…well, shut up.
He can do that, no problem. Yeah…it's a piece of cake.
Shut up.
Uh-huh, that's the plan.
Taking a deep breath, Naruto prepared his self for Hell. "Excuse me?"
There was a long silence.
The one seated at the middle, Fugaku, was the first to look up and stare at him, his onyx eyes gluing the blonde still as a stone. Naruto was focused on him making him unable to notice the other pair of eyes that glanced his way. Then, as if a spell had been lifted off, a voice – ever so soft and warm – returned movements back into his body as its owner, Naruto saw, eyed him as if the young Uzumaki was some sort of rare animal. "Oh my…" She gasped ever so slightly, "Are you…?"
Man, don't these people know that it is rude to stare?
"Mikoto." Fugaku cleared his throat.
She blinked. "So sorry." Then she smiled a kind of smile that, again, glued Naruto on the flawless tiled floor. Seeing this, Mikoto paid attention to him. "Dear me, what happened to you Naruto? You look nowhere like your father inthat," she gave her head a slight tilt to the side and pouted. "And…are those glasses fake? It's fake isn't it? I think it is."
"Mikoto."
"Oh what is it Fuu-chan?"
"Let the young boy take his seat." He said, pointing out that the young blonde was still standing in front of the massive double doors. Fugaku turned to Naruto. "Don't stand there, come close and sit next to Itachi."
"Yes sir." Naruto took a step forward only to be stopped by Mikoto who was now by his side. She must have rushed herself. There was an audible sigh from Fugaku and Naruto caught Itachi smirk.
"Heaven's no! How could you Fuu-chan?" She pouted deeper and casted a glare to his husband. "I'm sorry Naru-chan, but your outfit is unacceptable! Dinner in this household must be done with formality my son. Now please change, go and change."
Naruto flinched at the likeness she and his mother has. Both are…demanding. "I'm so sorry Mrs. Uchiha," he said gently, "but these are the kinds of clothes I wear. I didn't bring any suit or tux."
Mikoto narrowed her eyes. "Naru…to, you looked better." And by better, she meant better. Yes, yes, Naruto looks cute but it's dinner time! It's where everyone should wear and look their best, and Mikoto loves looking her best. But Naruto…God, Naruto! What happened to him? What happened to that cute little boy who had his golden hair dance with the wind and his bright azure eyes shine with all the emotions that he had? She remembers him as that cute boy who used to play with her and her youngest; she used to dress him up and shape him up to be a beautiful girl back when he was only three. But now…but now!
She sighed; and she glanced worriedly at Fugaku who seemed to be as stunned as she was. Though it's probably very unlikely for Naruto to notice it, Fugaku and Mikoto had been looking forward to his visit. The Uzumaki are beautiful creatures you see, as beautiful as the Uchiha, and they had spent almost half of their lives together. They just parted when their jobs took in different directions, but they still kept in touch. Through the years, they had been exchanging photos to one another…and the Uzumaki's only child did not look as he does now.
Naruto had his bangs tied up into a ridiculous fountain which stayed up regardless of his movements, it's still the same chaotic blonde hair but there was something hard in it…as if he had put a lot of wax in it. His beautiful eyes were hidden behind a thick pair of round, geeky glasses that had spiraled lenses like those in the anime. He wore layers after layers of baggy clothing starting from a dirty white sweater whose sleeves covered his fingers, to an orange blazer which is really too big for him, to a black jacket which ended at his elbows. His straight cut jeans looked alright, but that worn out dirty rubber shoes wass a major no no! Mikoto, as a professional fashion designer, almost flinched and backed away from him when he saw the rainbow coloured socks that lay underneath that mattress excuse for a clothing. Rainbow coloured! How…how lame is that?
"Naruto, what happened to you?" She begged.
"What do you mean Mrs. Uchiha?" Naruto pushed out a frown. "This is how I…normally dress."
Mikoto shook her head, "You look like a nerd my dear, don't he Fuu-chan?" She sighed, "And stop calling me 'Mrs. Uchiha'. Auntie is fine."
Fugaku sighed again. Women. "Mikoto, this is Naruto's first night in America. Will you let him eat his dinner?"
"Go." She motioned for Naruto to take the seat next to her eldest. "Go now, Itachi won't bite…I think." And then she went and took her own seat.
Naruto did as he was told and ate in awkward silence…well, for him it was awkward, but it seems that it was the norm for them. The meal was delicious, but it was nothing out of the ordinary for him after all, he did study in a fine culinary school (which was his home). When he was finished, he prepared to excuse his self but was stopped when Fugaku began a conversation.m Naruto hoped that it wasn't about his clothing again, Mikoto had nearly pointed out that he looked lame; he knew she was just being polite and kept her mouth shut about it. Thankfully, it was about him and his parents – about their life so far. He answered that it was cool, joyful really. And before the blonde could tell them stories of the madness that brought him here, a phone call interrupted him. Naruto blinked and thanked the gods in heavens for that, he needs to shut up!
Fugaku excused himself, and after sigh-full minutes, finally apologized and took his leave. Then they were in silence again.
"Let's move to the living room Mother." Itachi suggested.
o.O
It's amazing.
The living room was a magnificent work of art. The floor was a deep honey mahogany wood that, Naruto realized, was actually a deep reddish brown in colour. It was smooth and warm. The moment he had entered the room, he was awestruck. He can see a beautiful scenery of a lake, its water illuminating the moonlight that was so silvery; there were plants and trees that all looked the same but then again, gave off the feeling of uniqueness. It was then that he realized that the room doesn't smell of plants making him notice the glass wall that separated the two places. Naruto looked back and saw that only that particular part had glass for walls, and he smiled. He always like seeing greens, and seeing it in a place of relaxation is…cool.
"Sasuke likes these kinds of things you see. It's art for him, all this greens. He's a professional photographer in the making." Mikoto smiled, and then slightly blushed in what seems to be embarrassment. "Sorry deary, Sasuke is my youngest. He's out, went to see the underground cave in Palawan."
Naruto nodded and went to the huge fire place to take a closer look of the pictures. It was photos of the three Uchiha. They were all pale, he noted. "Where are they?"
"They went to conquer the world." Itachi mused. He was sitting on the red sofa placed in front of the fire place and was piercing at him. "My spawns, you know how spawns are."
"Don't be silly Itachi."
"What about Sai? Where is he?" He asked, seeing a photo of him with Itachi, a small smile on both their lips.
"Oh, he's out there, somewhere…" Mikoto gave out a silent sigh and Naruto saw a bubbling sadness in her eyes. "He's travelling, painting. He doesn't tell us where he's staying, just updates about his adventures."
Naruto smiled a warm smile that made the two stare at him. "He must be lonely, but happy. Sai…I think I'll like him, he likes adventure right?"
The other Uchiha looked away. Mikoto continued on, "Sai is a free soul; I don't know what made him go away. My, don't tell me you want to marry him? That'll be hard!"
Silence.
"Sasuke is for him, not Sai." Itachi said coolly.
"Ah yes! Sasuke! You know Naruto, Kushina and Minato agreed to that as well!" She beamed.
"Ah…no," Naruto laughed nervously. "I don't think…"
"But Sasuke is a hard one. Hates people. You know, he don't date….I think. But I think he'll like you," she looked at Naruto, "I think."
"Mother, why not introduce him on Sasuke's birthday then? He'll be home by then."
"There's no need for that!"
"Oh! That's a good idea! Why not?" Mikoto stood up. "It's just a week away anyway. Good, really good." She smiled, "Then, I'll take my leave. Itachi, take care of Naru-chan, I'll just go and take care of some things for the party. Can't have Sasuke ditching his own party."
The doors opened and closed with Naruto staring, and gaping. What the hell happened? Damn! It's because he spoke! It's because of that wasn't it? "Oh no…I don't wanna…"
"Naruto." A silky, almost alien-like sadistic voice came from behind. He turned and saw Itachi. "Let's have a chat."
The blonde gulped hard. "Wh-What about? I think I'm tired..."
"We'll simply discuss, maybe teach, the things you need to know about the three heirs of the Uchiha."
He didn't want to know, Naruto would just want to be alone.
Itachi stood up from the sofa and advanced towards Naruto; the blonde took one step back after another until he had bumped himself at the wall. The eldest of the Uchiha was in front of him now, tall and looming. He lowered his head and evened it to Naruto's so that their eyes met. And he smirk, sadness and sorrow and possessiveness and longing somewhat clear in those piercing eyes. "Lesson number one: Uchiha Sai is mine."
To be continued...
