Sasuke had come to resent someone he'd only meet once. Or, twice if Sasuke counted the first time he saw the white haired male. Which Sasuke didn't count. He denied the fact that seeing Suigetsu the first time had any impact on him. Except for those violet eyes that stared into Sasuke's own eyes, reflecting the
Two weeks had passed since that night Sasuke came across Suigetsu. The words Suigetsu spoke were still playing on Sasuke's mind. Sasuke cleared his head and took a deep breath. He then tried something he'd been doing nearly continually. He tried to picture himself in the future, but despite everything he'd work for. There was no life in the future for him. Not out of lack of prospects, Sasuke had plenty. Been incredibly intelligent made things come simple. Sasuke was now realising the down side. There was no real direction in which was heading. He'd toss ideas of a lawyer, psychiatrist, doctor, police officer, doctor. Every job Sasuke ever thought of, he discarded. No matter what he did would mean having direct contact with multiply people and that did no appeal to Sasuke. Not only did it not appeal, it nearly rendered him incapable of doing anything.
There was little doubt that Sasuke could live out the rest of his life comfortably. Money was no issue, both Itachi's and Sasuke's trust funds were already well endowed even before their mother died. Sasuke didn't want that though. He despised people such as Neji who flaunted their wealth and place in society. Sasuke already knew he was better than most of the population, he wasn't insecure enough that he had to lessen his integrity by acting like a spoilt brat. What respect could Sasuke have for himself if he never worked a day in his life? How could he spend the rest of his life never doing anything?
Sasuke was nineteen, he could waste maybe five years if he was lucky studying. Probably less because he'd take on everything he could and his will to over achieve everything would mean he'd pass through the work load faster than others. It would also mean Sasuke would have to actually a pick a career path.
A doctor was out of the question. Sasuke knew he'd never be able to muster up the ability to have proper bed side manner. Unfortunately talking to the patients, nurses, other doctors and family members would be a huge part of the work. Sasuke once again ripped through all his other career ideas. Each one was left a cluttered mess in his mind. "I bet in ten years, you've offed yourself."
The soft voice of Itachi reached his room and Sasuke felt his anger rising. He had finally confronted Itachi about Madara and the response he got wasn't satisfactory. Itachi had gone pale when Sasuke asked about the man and why he had been told Madara was dead. And, more importantly why it was rumoured Madara killed their Grandfather and had a hand in their Mother's death as well. Itachi had quickly regained his senses and dismissed the whole thing with a wave of his hand and a poor explanation. Sasuke didn't believe Itachi at all. Itachi told him Madara was the black sheep of the family, he'd never had a part in their lives and Itachi didn't see any reason to change this. Madara was dead to them.
Sasuke swept his hair off his face in attempt to relieve some of his frustration. It did nothing except annoy him more because now his hair fell out of place across his pale skin. Sasuke sat up from his bed and grabbed his phone. It was 6.17 PM. Regardless of the fact it was a Saturday, Sasuke figured Kisame would be at the Dojo. It was rare that the massive man ever went anywhere else. Sasuke left the apartment in what he tried to pass off as a casual grace but looked closer to an elastic band about to snap. Itachi said something to him but Sasuke had slammed the apartment door before his older brother finished the sentence. The Dojo would clear his mind. It had to.
Children screamed in delight as they raced around the large park. The rain had finally let up and even though the sky had long begun to grown dark, the lamps provided light. The children, parents and the family dog were all out in force. Suigetsu pushed himself further back into the bench and groaned loudly. He really didn't want to relocate but now that families were returning to the park, it might raise some questions about a strange male lurking around. It was an inconvenience, one Suigetsu hadn't had to deal with for a while.
Due to circumstances, that Suigetsu wasn't entirely sure of, he'd found himself back on the streets. It had happened a little under a week ago. Deidara and Hidan were fine with Suigetsu claiming the spare room for himself because he was bringing in money from the fights. Then, five nights ago Suigetsu had been so far under the influence of drugs and alcohol he'd done something that warranted Deidara to literally throw him from the house followed by his meagre belongings.
Suigetsu could vaguely remember bringing home a few girls who were just as drugged up if not more than Suigetsu. There might have been more drugs involved but Suigetsu wasn't sure. It seemed at the moment everything was revolving around illegal substances. Then again, everything always had, at least for the few years. Suigetsu couldn't even remember the first time he started taking drugs. Fourteen maybe. Possibly thirteen. Suigetsu frowned in concentration then let it drop. He wasn't going to remember.
Suigetsu tried to focus on his biggest problem, where to go now. There was no place to fall back on. Going back to the streets seemed like a bleak prospect after having a house to live in. A soccer ball distracted Suigetsu from his thoughts. It was followed by a small boy, no more than eight years old. The black and white ball came to a stop just in front of Suigetsu. The child looked at Suigetsu expectantly. Suigetsu was half tempted to make the brat come and get the ball himself. A sudden impulse overcame Suigetsu and he stood up and lightly kicked the ball back to the now grinning boy.
"Thank you." The boy was positively beaming. Suigetsu stared at him like an enigma. How a circular ball gave someone so much pleasure seemed like a mystery to Suigetsu. "Want to come play with me?"
"Takahiro!" A sharp voice called out. Both parents were waving the boy over with worried stances.
"Sorry I gotta go." Takahiro mumbled and ran back to his parents.
The parents embraced Takahiro between them. The father a placed a reassuring hand on the young boys head. Suigetsu was sure the father was reassuring himself, not the child. The mother sent a revolted glare in Suigetsu's direction before both parents shuffled Takahiro out of the park. Suigetsu had never been bothered by the glares of the general public before but he was pretty sure the parents thought he was a pervert. That bothered him. Growing up on the streets made you hyper aware of perverts. Suigetsu decided it was definitely time to vacate the park.
A beep drew Suigetsu's attention to his pocket. He'd all but forgotten he even owned a phone. It was only in the last month that he'd really begun to use it because he had a steady income. Suigetsu pulled it out only to realise his battery was running flat. Suigetsu nearly threw it away but stopped himself. He had to wait for Kimimaro's text so he could attend the next fight. Though, there was less point in doing so now that he wasn't paying board. Suigetsu scrolled through his phone contacts. It was slight, but he hesitated on Sasuke. The number he had stolen off Deidara's phone. Suigetsu kept moving pass the number before going back to it. Suigetsu's fingers flew across the buttons of his phone.
'Fun fact. Cherophobia is the fear of gaiety. Sound familiar?'
Suigetsu almost grinned as he pressed send. Sasuke would be an excellent target to pass some time with. It was so much more fun when they bit back. A vibration in his hand alerted Suigetsu to the received text.
'Fuck off Deidara.'
This elicited a grin from Suigetsu. It could be even more fun acting as Deidara to provoke Sasuke. Though, it would mean Suigetsu wouldn't stand a chance ever moving back into the house. His phone vibrated again.
'Actually. Who the fuck is this? Even if Deidara got a new number. He can't spell.'
Now Suigetsu was thoroughly amused. Suigetsu knew it was his own fault that he was thrown out of the house but he couldn't help but have slightly sour feelings towards Deidara. Suigetsu stared down at the phone in his hand. A third text came through.
'Tonight. Oto. Hebi Douketsu.'
The text was from Kimimaro and without a doubt the best news Suigetsu had since been kicked out. It meant tonight he could pound someone into a bruised and bloody mess and be paid for it. Suigetsu momentarily forgot about Sasuke as he realised it was nearing seven. The fights always had a set time. People started showing up at nine and the first rounds begun at ten. It gave him enough time to get there but not enough to really prepare. Fucking bastard, Suigetsu realised Kimimaro had purposely sent the text to him late. The now one plus side not having a home, Suigetsu had all his belongings stuffed in his bag. No time would be lost to go home and get them and it wasn't like he ever really prepared anyway. It was just one more thing he could hold over Kimimaro. Clearly the skeletal teenager didn't take to rejection well.
Suigetsu was in the inner city of Konaha. Oto's reaches stretched into the city but Hebi Douketsu was further down town in a run of abandoned factories and warehouses. Suigetsu wondered what life would be like if he was raised by a proper family. Would he even know what Oto meant? It seemed unlikely. Generally only those that associated themselves with members of the criminal organisations would know the different territories and where they were located.
Even Suigetsu's knowledge was blurred on the exact borders to them. Hebi Douketsu was owned by Orochimaru, leader of Oto. It was suitably named. Snake Den. Orochimaru was a very dangerous leader to all those who opposed him and even those who didn't.
A middle aged man pushed past Suigetsu, bumping into the youth. Suigetsu went to open his mouth and let out a sentence of crude words but seeing the business man on his phone reminded Suigetsu that he had been texting Sasuke.
'The only way to save yourself is break free from your life style' Suigetsu pressed enter as he hopped onto a tram. Suigetsu joined the crowd of people then tried to blend into the middle of them. It was rare that a ticket inspector was actually on board the trams but it was better to blend just in case. Suigetsu was delighted at how fast Sasuke was replying to him.
'Suigetsu. How did you get my number?'
The game was up already. Sasuke's deduction skills were excellent. 'Stole it from Deidara's phone. So, it's Saturday night. Let me take two guesses at what you're doing right now. If I'm right, you have to meet me in thirty minutes. I will show you what it's like to live'
In all honesty, Suigetsu wasn't expecting a reply and definitely not an agreement but Sasuke complied, although even through text Suigetsu could tell the ebony haired male wasn't impressed about it. Suigetsu texted his first guess.
'You're at your inner city apartment. Lying in bed and contemplating your life'
'No.'
'You're at Kisame's Dojo. Training because it's the only social, psychical and slightly normal thing you do'
'no'
Suigetsu smiled in triumphant. Sasuke was lying about the second guess. It was clear in the way he texted back. Sasuke had so far always made sure his first word started with a capital and ended with a full stop. This time he included neither. Suigetsu could just picture Sasuke's face pinched in annoyance.
'See you in thirty bitch'. Suigetsu stayed on the tram for another two stops before getting off and making his way to Kisame's Dojo. He had only been there twice, both times when Kisame had first opened the place. Suigetsu hadn't seen the man who was his only father figure for two years now.
The Dojo was in the city but away from the high skyscrapers. It was nestled in the middle of a dance studio and a take away store. There was little sign that the Dojo was even there. The double doors were less than fancy. In fact, unless you were looking for it, you would completely miss it. Suigetsu didn't really blame Kisame, been a former of Ame and Kiri tended to put you on the list of the law and other criminal members.
Suigetsu hesitated at the doors. Doubt began to fall upon him. Seeing Kisame after all this time might not be a good idea. If Kisame hadn't contacted him then it was obvious the man was trying to leave his previous life behind. Suigetsu sucked in a deep breath, almost sounding like a drain pulling the last drops of water down.
Suigetsu was inside, though the short passageway and into the training area before he'd finished exhaling. Equipment was set up at the back half of the room but the front half was left clear. The only two other people both looked up from a series of stretches as Suigetsu walked into the room with a fake air of confidence.
"Sui?" Kisame stood up, squinting his eyes in surprise. "What are you doing here?"
"Don't worry, I'm not staying." Suigetsu said bluntly, looking away from the sun tanned man. "Sasuke. I won a bet. I'm here to collect."
"Tch. And if I don't want to?" Sasuke raised a slim brow and continued his stretches.
"There's no backing out." Suigetsu glowered.
"Suigetsu," Kisame interrupted again. Kisame scratched his dyed blue hair. "You've grown up."
"Time does that." Suigetsu all but spat out. It wasn't his intentions to be harsh to the older man but Suigetsu found it easier.
"Still just as bad mannered though." Kisame chuckled. "You act like it was me that broke the ties between us. I still care for you but you made it clear you were happy with how you were living." Kisame reminded, his voice darkening.
"Don't assume you know anything about my happiness. Just because you made a life for yourself doesn't mean I could. I was making the choice that you would have eventually made. You know just as well as I do that you can't bring the two worlds together without paying the price." Suigetsu had completely forgotten about Sasuke.
"Don't get smart with me you little brat. You're the one who thinks you can't do something with your life. I would have given you an opportunity to do so. You're the one who chose to live like this so don't you dare blame me." Kisame growled out, his dark blue eyes flashing with anger. Kisame's teeth were bared, the sharp points glinting dangerously.
"I managed to do just fine without you." Suigetsu shot back, ignoring the finer points of the argument. Suigetsu showed his own teeth which resembled Kisame's.
"Oh I've heard all about how fine you're doing. Whoring yourself out for drug money, fighting for drug money, getting kicked out of Deidara's for bringing under aged sluts there and supplying them with drugs. Back to living on the streets again. Yeah you're doing real fine Suigetsu. Or should I call you Kijin no Sairai. I hear you really embrace that name these days."
"Don't forget who gave me that name Sensei." Suigetsu's voice dropped to the barest of whispers. His white hair streaked with blue fell over his face. Suigetsu then seemed to remember why he was there in the first place. "Sasuke. I'll wait outside for you."
Suigetsu planned to only wait for ten minutes. It would give Sasuke enough time to get dressed and probably nothing else. Suigetsu was in a volatile mood and didn't really give a shit whether Sasuke came along any more. Tormenting the slightly older male had lost its appeal for the time been. To Suigetsu's surprise, seven minutes later Sasuke exited the building.
"Didn't expect you to come." Suigetsu voiced his evident shock.
"Kisame's in a foul mood. I'm not dealing with that." Sasuke muttered as way of explanation.
"Heh. Sorry about that." Suigetsu smirked and begun walking to another tram stop. Sasuke followed after him but his movements were jerky, it was painfully obvious that Sasuke was so uncomfortable about the whole thing that it seemed like he'd bolt into oncoming traffic. Suigetsu shut the conversation with Kisame out and focused on his target. "Cigarette?" Suigetsu waved the packet towards Sasuke.
"I don't smoke." Sasuke replied bluntly, his alabaster skin scrunching up in disgust.
"Strengthens the lungs." Suigetsu blew a cloud of smoke at Sasuke's face.
"Do that again and I'll punch you in the face." Sasuke snapped out.
"I recall you threatening my beautiful face the last time we met. Is this going to be a common occurrence? Should I invest in a mask?"
"I can guarantee that seeing you will not be a common occurrence."
"Aw you're breaking my heart." Suigetsu placed his hand over his heart.
Once the two young males reached the tram stop, Suigetsu threw himself onto an empty bench. Sasuke watched as a tram came and then left. "We missed the tram."
"I'm tired. I need to sit down for a while." Suigetsu pulled out another cigarette.
"Because getting on a tram would exert so much energy." Sasuke ignored Suigetsu's outstretched hand and the offering of a cigarette.
"Ninety percent of the time I have to stand up. I wasn't going to take the chance that I might get to sit down. I'm sick of standing and I'm sick of walking so I'm taking a fucking break." Suigetsu rummaged through his bag, getting more frustrated as his search of a water bottle turned up empty.
"Where are you taking me?" Sasuke asked, trying to keep his voice even. Sasuke disliked been in the dark.
"Into the den of snakes." Suigetsu said with a grin as he finally found his water bottle and took long gulps. His violet eyes were ablaze with excitement. It made Sasuke's insides constrict. Anything that excited Suigetsu would not be something he wanted to be involved in.
