a/n; thank you very much for the follows, reviews and faves and everything! you guys are awesome and i treasure each and everyone of you! sorry if i can't reply privately... i have limited net access D: but reviews fuels me to continue.. thanks so much!
chapter warnings: Slight OCC, un-betaed~ please forgive the mistakes!, Death mentions, cheating mentions, Itachi's musings/broodings basically, this chapter is slow...[slow burn gives me life! -manic laughter-] some character backgrounds, poignant, etc. i decided this chapter before some major shit storms in succeeding ones. /le shrugs/
disclaimer: I'm broke. can't buy Naruto.
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CHAPTER FOUR
~I took my love and took it down
I climbed a mountain and I turned around
And I saw my reflection in the snow-covered hills
Till the landslide brought me down
Oh, mirror in the sky, what is love?
Can the child within my heart rise above?
Can I sail through the changing ocean tides?
Can I handle the seasons of my life?
Well, I've been afraid of changing
'Cause I've built my life around you
But time makes you bolder
Even children get older
And I'm getting older too~
~o~
.
It was Monday and Itachi woke up a minute before his alarm went off. After he took a quick shower, Itachi got dressed in pants, leaving out his shirt for later and dried his hair. There was no real reason why he kept it long through the years. He just got used to the look and he wasn't Itachi if he's not a creature of habit.
For years, he was afraid of changes. It felt like he was leaving a part of his life, which he admitted to be a hassle for some time. Not being able to change means stagnation, and that wasn't a good trait to keep. However, he has no problems with that, for now.
Clinging to the past helped him cope with the losses he experienced at the end. And he has lost a lot.
After he was done with his hair, he goes to check his personal emails like he usually does before he got out his bedroom, only stopping when he felt the hunger. By then, Itachi sauntered his way to the kitchen to check if there's anything he can eat. He only has one maid to clean and manage his house and that person only comes at lunch time, which was good for him. Itachi doesn't like company that much. And aside from keeping everything clean, Itachi doesn't require his maid to cook for him. He felt that was too personal.
Settling for a fruity cereal, Itachi took one bowl and quietly ate. He left the dish in the sink and goes to chug the milk from the carton not caring his manners, it was near empty anyway.
A few more minutes and he was dressed.
By the time he got out of his house, Kisame and his driver was already waiting outside. He has three cars: one two-seater, one luxury SUV and one limo. The limo was insisted by his mother, and though it wasn't really his style, he agreed to purchase one so he wouldn't have to argue with her anymore.
It proved to be useful too. Like this day when he wanted to relax, he opted to use that one. A little extravagant for a day in the office, but he liked it.
So much for relaxation, though. His peace was disrupted when his phone vibrated, only to show his mother's name. He has no time to talk to her, especially today. It seemed like she already forgot how important this day was for Itachi. He turned off his phone for the meantime, and frowned when he glanced at his Secretary who seemed to be evaluating his mood.
"What?" he asked and Kisame took a gulp before he answered.
"Sasuke-sama was caught last night coming outside the Hotel room. He seemed to be with someone,"
Itachi raised his eyebrow urging his trusted employee to go on.
"It's a man. A model this time,"
He said no more, Itachi's expression was sufficient. The elder Uchiha was irritated.
Itachi didn't want to deal with this so early, but having no choice, he ordered Kisame to buy everyone's silence, including the model himself. He sighed. His brother was constantly giving him headaches. He cared for the boy, but Sasuke was a foolish man. And it seemed like he wasn't planning to stop soon.
Itachi went in his office and his employees that saw him as he was passing, knew from his glaring that they weren't allowed to disturb the man. Just outside Itachi's office, Kisame was busy firing calls while the others assisted him with whatever he needed. The boss on the other hand was typing furiously on his computer, taking small sips of the coffee that was served to him. Tea was too mild for his mood.
Itachi's eyes were caught on something when he leaned back and rested a bit. It was a picture of him and Shisui with Sasuke when they were younger. It rested on a platinum picture frame near the bookshelves he had in his office. He paused what he was doing for a moment and his mind wandered with what he was going to do with Sasuke.
While Itachi kept everyone at a safe distance so he can judge people and interacted with them accordingly, Sasuke has this constant need to be loved and fawned over.
Itachi didn't take this all on Sasuke, and of course the man wasn't faultless either. But Itachi knew exactly the roots of the problem.
To understand Sasuke, Itachi looked further down their lives. The Uchihas of the olden times were respectable and known to their influence in the Police Force. This continued generations after generations. Then their grandfather deemed it wasn't a worthy and noble life to live. To serve and protect sounded very ideal, but it's not exactly a comfortable life to live in.
They started to use their influence to sway some of the officials of Government to help them with businesses. At first they were all profitable, though the means were questionable. As they amassed money and power, they started venturing big. Owning properties, buying small companies, competing on bidding for government projects, though they weren't qualified. See, connections took them far.
Needless to say, by the time Itachi was born, the Uchiha clan became powerful enough, though corrupted.
He is a genius, and it was obvious that Itachi would go far. At such a small age, he already understood that he would not like to live in the shadows of his clan. It made him feel vile that his cousins older than him were bred to act accordingly, as if they were robbed of their childhood. And when Itachi – the star child and genius – showed miraculous talent, everyone was all over him, ignoring the kids they 'nurtured'. It made him sick even more.
At the age of 7, Itachi already voiced out his concerns on how his family dealt with small companies they were ruining as they go, on a day when he was brought to work for him to observe the company he'd be running one day. Itachi has a heart, and his heart longed for peace. Heart and peace doesn't go hand in hand with business. Not their kind of business anyway.
By then, Itachi was brainwashed to move and do as they wanted. His imagination and intelligence that they should be nourishing were cut. Uchiha was bred to be cold and uncaring, and in his family, the elder's words were absolute. This made the little him developed the cold and calculating person he was. Observing people from a distance...
One day, Itachi told his Father that he find the man... pitiful. Living a life with only money and power in mind. Fugaku didn't like it. He didn't like how in the eyes of his son, he saw the things he didn't wish to discover about himself. Everything that Itachi said to him was true. He and the rest of the Uchihas knew from that day on that Itachi was someone they can't use.
Itachi doesn't blame his family for loving wealth. And it's not really a bad thing. It'll only be bad if you're using it for the misdoings, forcing your beliefs to your offspring, killing them in the process. That, among other shameful things. He just thought Fugaku was such a weak person for being swayed by his elders and his equally power-hungry brother, Madara. Maybe his father, himself thought there was nothing wrong with the way they do things, and that itself was a scary thought.
By then Itachi made his world by category. The good, the bad, the redeemable.
And his immediate family were labeled and categorized 'Bad'. And those with 'bad' were shoved out of his life, one way or another.
A year after, Sasuke was welcomed to the family and Fugaku's world revolved around the young one.
But Itachi knew.
He knew that Fugaku opted to have another son, though his wife was very weak to carry another baby, was because he wanted someone he can actually control. He watched his father with eyes that can strip the man's soul. Since then he protected Sasuke from their hold. Sheltered him the harsh truth about their family.
As a result, Fugaku was furious and left Sasuke alone as well. He left his sons alone, hoping for the next generations. Itachi could never understand the need to be on top for a long time. Everyone has to die at some point, and he wouldn't want to work until he's old and wrinkly. The money his parents have enough to even fund their grandchildren until they were old and have kids of their own. But he guessed the greed was ingrained in the man. And greed is evil. It makes you love material things among others. What a sad family, Itachi thought.
Years passed and Itachi was noticing Sasuke's attitude. The boy was in high school when he first caught Sasuke cheating. He was just months away from graduation and saw Sasuke leaving his room with another person which was not Naruto. He asked Sasuke and his answers were vague. He knew he'd be hurting Naruto, but can't stop.
It didn't end there as Itachi observed his foolish brother. Sasuke was starved for love, and while Itachi tried to accompany him everywhere and gave his brother everything he could, he himself was still young and green-horned. He knew that he could probably provide for Sasuke if he started working for another company, but Sasuke's bound by familial love. And while Itachi knew the horrible truth, he kept it from Sasuke. At least he wanted to keep the boy away from hurting.
Sasuke's constant need to be reminded that there were people who would want and love him was caused by broken and loveless home. Fugaku has no need for a son that doesn't do as he wished, and Sasuke worships his older brother, therefore, Sasuke has no use for him as well. Mikoto on the other hand was oblivious to her surroundings. It's as if she was blinded by the gifts showered to her. She has a 'one-track mind'. She can't handle many things at once and while Itachi loves her nonetheless, he knew his mother wouldn't be any help with Sasuke. Itachi saw how his brother was truly happy with Naruto, and though he often hurt the man to prove himself a point, Naruto was Sasuke's home—his safety net.
He truly wished for them to be happy. Though, that, too, was taken away from his poor brother.
In the end, his category for Sasuke was 'Redeemable'. He keeps the redeemable by his side only at a safe distance. That is until they turned into different categories. Though Sasuke is special to him, he wouldn't mind losing Sasuke if he doesn't change his ways. He needed to upgrade. He's not a little kid like before. Itachi'd seen enough bad parents around the Uchiha estate.
Itachi stared at his screen and the work that was glaring at him. He wished nothing more than to leave this company and take it under his family's nose. He wished for it to end.
All in good time, he said to himself.
.
Itachi frowned when he saw the name on his caller ID that afternoon. Why would his mother call him over and over? He sighed, resigning himself to answer the phone else she'll call his office number, or worse, she might actually barge inside his office. That'd be embarrassing.
"Hello, Mother. What brought this-
"You should talk to your brother!" she shrieked, which made Itachi moved the phone farther away from his ear.
He had an idea what's this about, but nevertheless asked her why.
"He was caught by Sakura, coming home with a lot of lo-love bites! She also saw Sasuke with dirty underwe... ugh! Anyway, please talk to your brother! There's a limit to doing such things! If your father hears about this, then he'll definitely be in trouble!" she was shouting at the top of her lungs. That wasn't a good sign.
Itachi pressed his aching temples and massaged it. He sighed for the umpteenth time and promised her he'd do anything to convince Sasuke of changing his ways. She dropped the call unceremoniously and left Itachi in a foul mood.
What makes her think Itachi can convince Sasuke to stop sleeping around and cheat on his wife?
A scowl found its way to his face. All this talk about Sasuke was starting to bother him. It'd be bad if this goes on..
Which reminds him.. He'd been meaning to give Sasuke something for a while now.
"Uchiha-san? The car's already in front, Sir." Kisame called through the intercom, which startled Itachi in all honesty. He'll never got to get used to Kisame's voice over the speaker, it sounded funny for him.. He paused for a minute before he gave instructions as he stalked out of his office unhurriedly. Kisame was waiting outside his office and immediately went to his side to help Itachi with his things.
Unlike the other days when Itachi wore dark, sharply tailored suits, today he was wearing a light colored ensemble. A white shirt with a navy blue bow. The lining around the edge of his white tailored jacket matched the color of the bow and the pockets as well. The pants, however, was a tad shade darker than the bow. His pants were straight skinny cut, length stylishly around his ankles to reveal a Ted Baker London Braythe Textured Derby shoes in dark. His hair was tied into a tight ponytail accompanied by his glasses with dark, large frames that Itachi wore lately to rest his eyes.
Overall, he had a casual vibe than his usual looks which made the ladies and the gentlemen to double take and looked at him. There was no denying he's a handsome man that commands people to look his way.
"By tomorrow, everything would be sent to the Hyugas, along with the copy of the merger materials." Kisame reported while they walked.
"Nii-san," Sasuke called. From the looks of it, he was waiting for Itachi to walk by.
"Yes?" Itachi stopped for a second to eye his brother. He looked good despite the stress that'd probably plagued him for a few months.
"Are you coming to the cemetery?" the younger Uchiha asked as he looked at Itachi from top to toe. Sasuke admitted that his brother has a different style than he had. While Sasuke stick to the chic and comfortable style, Itachi has the modern feel to him, from time to time that is. Lord knows his older brother wore too much black even at home.
Itachi nodded as a reply and was on his way when Sasuke stopped him.
"Can I come with you? I finished my work for today," he looked hopeful. It has been a few months since they'd talked and while he tried to reach out to his brother, Itachi somehow got busy. The older Uchiha even went abroad for a few times without telling his family his purpose.
Well to be fair, Itachi did say he wasn't going to see them for a while.. Especially after what happened, Sasuke told himself and felt his chest tightened.
"Sure. I'm sure he'll be happy that you came." he wriggled his finger to beckon his younger brother.
While they waited for the elevator, Itachi heard Sasuke fired a few instructions to Karin, his secretary, who wore too provocatively for an office environment. But that was just Itachi's opinion. As long as Sasuke was okay with that, then he has no problem with it. It certainly didn't affect him in the least.
The Uchiha brothers worked on the same floor and while Itachi's work station was bigger than Sasuke's, he doesn't have much staff, unlike his brother who have at least ten personnel in his department.
They were silent going down, even in the car park. Sasuke opted to join Itachi in his limo, since he was not in the mood to drive. As they entered the car, Itachi opened a bottle of Macallan 18 and raised an eyebrow at Sasuke, making the younger Uchiha sigh. Itachi poured a glass for the both of them, the younger one was apprehensive, but accepted it in the end.
"Gah!" he cried out as the heat of the Scotch Whisky burned his throat. Itachi chuckled and offered another glass, but he refused. Sasuke was desperately sucking on the fruits that was served by Kisame, seated opposite of them. Itachi asked the driver to play a music on, and they were silent all the way to their destination.
The weather that afternoon was windy, somehow dark and cloudy. As the driver parked and the three of them went out. Kisame was carrying the flowers and sweets; specifically Japanese tea cakes, they were to offer. Itachi on the other hand proceeded to borrow a wooden tub and ladle near the gates of the cemetery* and filled it with water. They were greeted by a few Priests, which they nodded and gave short greetings to.
As they walked towards the grave, Sasuke eyed Itachi and his silent form. If he wanted to say something, he held himself back.
When they reached the grave, Itachi commended how Kisame already managed to get it cleaned that morning without being asked to—the latter just said it was nothing much. Itachi then placed the incenses that Sasuke lighted up, while the flowers were placed at the middle of the grave. The sweets they brought were near it as well.
After they were satisfied with their offerings, Itachi scooped the water from the bucket and carefully poured it over the grave stone.
Then there was a moment of silence. Kisame tactfully disappeared by then, leaving the brothers to offer their prayers as the incenses burned out. The ambiance was solemn; only the howling of the winds grazing the branches and leaves of the trees nearby can be heard.
After a moment, Sasuke was the first one to speak as he looked at his brother's back.
"Does the pain disappear, Nii-san?" Sasuke sounded confused and a tad hurt. Probably drained from his lost as well. That surprised Itachi for a while, then a smile, then crept his face. The emotion was a bittersweet one..
Itachi took a few moments to pause before he shook his head, "You just get numb to it, but it's always there. It took a piece of me, I'm never going to get it back.."
Sasuke clenched his fist. He understood the feeling, somewhat.
They stared at the grave for a few more minutes as the incenses finally died out. Etiquette dictates they should collect the sweets back for the birds can and will eat, which were harmful for them, not to mention the mess they can cause in the place. Kisame offered to do the cleaning and Itachi let him. Sasuke by this time was a few feet away from Itachi, staring at his older brother. After Kisame was done, he took the bucket with him and let the Uchihas alone for a few minutes.
Sasuke saw his brother placed a hand on top of the grave, with a face that showed forlorn. Sasuke's eyesight was good, and he somehow read Itachi's lips as he whispered.
"Are you resting well where you are?" the older Uchiha said to the owner of the well loved grave.
The sad form Sasuke saw somehow broke him as well.
Few minutes and they were back to the car. Itachi man remained impassive throughout the ride, though Sasuke could see that the man was sad since his brother kept on drinking and not saying anything.
It has been a while since he has seen Itachi since that day, and he looked the same, which was good. A lot has happened between them the last time, and frankly, a part of Sasuke was hoping not to see him as well. He doesn't have the right to, that's what he felt during those times.
"Sasuke," Itachi called, his voice void of emotions like the usual. Sasuke's heart leaped in his chest.
"Hm?"
Itachi pulled something out from his pockets after a few seconds of fumbling. It was a little box that looked a container of jewelry. Sasuke took it and saw the familiar famous jewelers logo. He raised one eyebrow, questioning his brother. Itachi urged him to open which he did, the light inside the car was a little dim as they were passing under a bridge.
When they were finally out of it, Sasuke saw that it was a platinum hair pin with tomatoes design in it. He gave Itachi a questioning look, and before Itachi answered, he gave Sasuke another glass that looked like the younger one has no option but to take.
"Sasuke," Itachi started, his deep voice rang, "...be good to your daughter. In a few years, she'll also be dating someone.. You know what I'm talking about, don't you?" the older Uchiha spoke, somehow a gentler tone with him. The long haired Uchiha quaffed his own drink and hissed after. Kisame gave the man some grapes, which he took quickly.
Uchiha Itachi is a man of few words. He didn't need to explain further what he meant.
Sasuke looked down on the hairpin. It was cute—Sarada would look good in it. It seemed like Itachi went out his way to request it be made just for her. A small smile found Sasuke's face. Sarada's the only one who's keeping him from slipping away and it would break him if Sarada got hurt in any way. She was his pride and joy. His happiness with a seemingly monotonous life.
"Yeah," Sasuke closed the jewelry box and tuck it inside his suit pocket. "Thanks Nii-san."
He handed his glass to his brother and asked for a refill. Itachi then grunt their famous 'Hn' before he poured the man another one.
When Sasuke was in the middle of his drink, Itachi spoke - "You'll be getting back to the office though. I need you to finish the merger contract details." Itachi chuckled and Sasuke choked on his drink. He heard his otouto said 'this bastard' under his breath.
.
Itachi went home earlier than usual. He had nothing to do for the day and there was nowhere to go. Kisame and his other employees were stressed during the planning they'd had a few days ago and it's high time he gives them a well deserved rest.
He has been drinking from afternoon till dinner time, and though the buzz already went down, his stomach started grumbling. After a quick shower, he scavenged his pantry and fridge for something to eat. There was nothing that appealed to him, making him surrender to takeouts like the usual.
As he was towel drying his hair and looking at the menus, something caught his eyes. There it was, a plate of dangos neatly wrapped by a plastic sheet.
A note beside it said his housemate went shopping and would be back soon.
Itachi tore the plastic wrap and took one stick of the sweets. He sniffed it a few times before he ate. It was still warm, which means it'll take time before the blond goes home.
Naruto doesn't usually leave food for Itachi. They were living together, but they didn't mind each other much. Just saying their greetings in the mornings and at night time. Sometimes, Naruto would watch TV beside Itachi until he falls asleep. Itachi by then covers the man with a blanket and by the time he wakes up in the morning, Naruto was already out. Either he was running, or he was going for an interview, or meeting with his friends.
That incident that happened four months ago, Naruto jumped towards Itachi and the man was more than relief to have the blond by his arms. That doesn't mean everything was okay from there on.
No. Naruto needed help and he admitted to himself that Naruto has a long way to go before full recovery. He convinced Naruto slowly to go through rehabilitation in the US which the blond agreed, surprisingly, too easy.
Naruto said to Itachi that he knew deep inside that he needed help and with Itachi sponsoring everything, even showing emotional and mental support, Naruto got sent to a state of the art facility. Itachi from time to time, visited him, though it wasn't frequent. Still, Naruto got the privilege to chat with the man over email and found comfort with their exchanges.
During this time, Itachi was surprised by Naruto's range. Their topic was never boring; from music, to art, politics, and science. There was also an almost an unhealthy knowledge and obsession towards ninjas which Itachi found very cute. He really wondered why Sasuke called Naruto 'dobe'. There was nothing 'dead last' about the man. Everything around the man was interesting.
It didn't take long before Naruto was out of the 'Self-Harm' category in no time. Showing tremendous progress, Itachi decided to visit Naruto a month ago and asked the Doctors in-charge if it was possible to continue his therapies and recovery back home. They all agreed instantly with the condition that Itachi should arrange a living situation for the man so that he'll never be alone.
Itachi already moved Naruto's things already to his place and would be hassle if he went out and find another apartment for the said blond. His own house was ridiculously big for his taste. Two stories, 5 bedrooms and a large backyard with garden.
The estate was sold to him by his friend when they were migrating to Canada and he was in love with the place. Particularly, the beauty of the Music Room. Not that Itachi can play anything other than Piano, which was ingrained through Uchihas (probably from the time it was invented).
He doesn't have any qualms living with the said blond and Naruto was up for it as well.
Truthfully speaking, they both know that they were.. lonely.
Why not brood, mope, and sulk together?
Itachi laughed at the thought.
Not long after, Itachi found himself in the said music room. It was facing the small garden he tended for some time now, whenever he was in the mood to work up a sweat without having to go the gym. The lights that illuminated it made it look, beautiful. Itachi didn't want to be corny and melancholic over it, but he what can he say? He was a lover of beautiful things. The garden is not that big, but there were varieties of flowers perfectly manicured through the earth. He was pretty proud of that particular patch of land.
On regular days when he can't keep it, it was tended by one of his employees who handles his matter on his other business, Zetsu. The man likes plants and was pretty gung-ho about it. He didn't mind. Zetsu's an interesting character and Itachi don't find him bad, at least not yet.
He was mindlessly hitting the keys of the piano through muscle memory, when he heard someone opened the door.
Naruto was wearing his lounge wear already, an apron wrapped around his waste. The man looked like he had his hair-cut, which made him looked younger.
The blond didn't said anything and just listened to Itachi. Him too, just continued playing the piece.
Naruto removed his apron and placed it on top of a chair nearby. He then walked closer to Itachi and sat beside the man, his back facing the piano while he rested his elbow on his thigh, wrists under his chin.
Itachi continued playing, comforted by the silence. Naruto smelled like food which was inviting. He chuckled and that seemed to stop Naruto's stupor.
"What song is that?" The blond asked. His eyes were still not looking at Itachi.
"It's 'Étude Op. 10, No. 3 or Tristesse by Chopin," Itachi answered as he softly turned the page of the music sheet.
"Hmm, it sounded… sad. But it's beautiful," the blond shifted in his seat and faced the piano as well.
Itachi's eyes widen a bit. If there was something he learned during Naruto's stay with him was that, the man is highly observant. Sometimes it's unnerving him.
"Funny enough, Tristesse was not named by Chopin. It was given by others because the melody translated a feeling of, well, parting lovers. Tristesse means 'sadness' in french," Itachi explained. "So you nailed the feel to it." he followed that one with an amused chuckle.
Naruto remained silent again, watching Itachi's long fingers create music. Itachi admitted he was rusty and apologized whenever he struck a wrong key and fumbled to get the right one. Naruto didn't mind, though he humored Itachi, fake gasping as he does.
There was a weird mood between them, Itachi felt it. Somehow, it was the blond who was comforting him and offering some kind of help rather than the other way around.
After the song ended, Naruto asked Itachi if he wanted to have dinner with him. Itachi was about to say no, but his traitorous stomach decided it was the right time to grumble and protest.
They were silent—nothing special about their dinner. Just pork with ginger and rice among the side dishes. It was delicious though, and Itachi was again, unnerved by how much he was getting used to Naruto's presence.
What bothered him too, was that Naruto was too good at reading the mood. He was silent when he needed him to, he was engaging in conversation when Itachi needed him to. There was something scary about that. Maybe for someone like Sasuke who sees the world black and white, Naruto was dumb and selfless, but Naruto was far from that. He has keen sense, in a way, Naruto reminded Itachi of a hunter. Eyeing his prey in slow, meticulous dance.
Itachi's life was slowly changing and he doesn't like it. He was even surprised one day when Naruto called him 'Tachi' prompting him to call Naruto without honorific. Somehow the blond has a way to creep under his skin and make his way without Itachi knowing. Not good.
"'Tachi, I went and enrolled this semester." Naruto just served their desserts and caught Itachi's interest.
"I thought you already finished college? Graduate school?" He asked. It was odd because Naruto took Business and he wasn't the type to further such studies.
"No. New course." Naruto said nonchalantly and Itachi raised an eyebrow.
"I never knew what to take during college that's why I stopped for a year. Sasu…" Naruto caught himself and shook his head.
"Anyway, I was pressured to study so I took Business Management without really placing much thought to it. Now that I had some time to figure out what I really wanted to do with my life, I decided it was time for a change." Naruto grinned and sprinkled some crushed nuts to his own ice cream sundae. He placed the rest in the middle of the dinner table, somehow saying Itachi should try some as well but didn't voice it out.
Again, that word. Itachi remained impassive, though. Enjoying his plain vanilla ice cream.
"Which one?" Itachi asked, implying which course did Naruto took.
"Oh? Uhm, Psychology.." Naruto smiled and pushed the plate of nuts towards Itachi. Now he wasn't so subtle. Itachi sighed and took a pinch and sprinkled it on top of his as well. He took a taste and liked how the salt and sweet melded so well. Naruto has a triumphant looked on his face, which somehow pissed the raven off.
"Why that?" Itachi asked, he sounded tactless, but Naruto was used to him.
"Well.. people looked at those who needed psychological help like their a leper. And I'm tired of those irresponsible people who advised people with depression and anxiety to 'feel better'. Since I received and is continually receiving help from professionals, then I think that kind of job isn't so bad. Somehow, I wanted to be part of those who helps," Naruto shrugged and added. "Plus, watching and observing people is like my gift."
Taken aback, Itachi stared at Naruto. "That sounded great, but are you ready?" he asked.
"Not really, no. I can only take a few classes. I'm also trying to apply work, but there's not much luck in that department," Naruto took a spoonful of his sundae and made happy noises.
Itachi pictured it already and a small smirk colored his lips. "I think it suits you. Good luck." he said.
"Thanks Tachi!" Naruto smiled and pinched a few crushed nuts before he sprinkled it more on Itachi's ice cream.
The Uchiha glared at him.
.
After dinner, Itachi and Naruto parted ways and continued the rest of their evening on their own. Naruto was thirsty and craving for some snacks so he decided to stalk the kitchen when he heard the living room had several people talking.
Being scared was his initial reaction, he was about to run towards Itachi's room when he heard Sasuke's voice along with Itachi's and an unknown man.
His heart leaped in place. He walked slowly and shakily towards the source of the sound and he saw that it was just Itachi watching on the big screen. It was a home movie, Itachi was probably the one holding the camera while Sasuke was there digging in the sand. Naruto saw his own mop of hair and remembered that this was the time when they went to the beach. All four of them.
It was Shisui's birthday and coincidentally, their first day of summer break during middle school. He can't help but chuckle at Sasuke's skinny figure while his ridiculously baggy shorts flapped as he ran. They were so young.
Itachi saw Naruto and waved a hand at him to join him. Naruto took some drinks before he sat beside the man, who very much was a sitting temptation. He was shirtless, his own pants hung dangerously low against his hips. He was also drunk, which gave his eyes a half lidded look.
Though it did not do much damage to Naruto since his libido was pretty much low, still, it was a nice eye candy.
They watched the movie, sometimes chuckling sometimes going on all out laughing. Those days were their happy days.
Naruto was the first one to spoke, "Shisui-nii is such a handsome man. I miss him,"
Itachi looked at Naruto's face and knew very well that he was telling the truth, there was no lip-service in his tone. He poured himself another glass of his drink and hummed Naruto an agreement.
"I miss him, too."
Naruto looked at Itachi's way and asked a drink as well. Itachi gave his own glass to Naruto and the man swigged it and hissed.
The movie continued; they both were enjoying reminiscing. It was Naruto who decided to speak again when Itachi paused the movie to get more drinks and snacks.
"Tachi.. I know I've said this a lot of times since then, but I really am sorry for your lost. For Shisui-nii and your son as well.." He glanced down, taking a quick gulp of the very strong drink. It has been a while since he drank himself silly and it was not a bad idea to refresh himself on the feeling. Seeing his teme was also hard as well. Those were the days when they were young and so in love.
Watching the movie has brought a poignant feeling.
"You're 'good', Naruto.." Itachi let out an amused smirk and shook his head. As if he was resigning to something. The blond didn't ask further.
.
They didn't know what happened or how long were they drinking, but morning came and Itachi found himself in the living room, his head rested on the sofa headrest while Naruto used his lap as a pillow.
He looked around and studied the situation first. There were two bottles of hard liquor and on the floor lay scattered, discarded chip bags and uneaten cakes. It looked like they'd drunk themselves to sleep.
He groaned as he felt the nausea. How the hell Sasuke keep up with hangovers was beyond Itachi. He for one, was reminded once again why he hated drinking. The head and body ache he was sporting was overwhelming.
"Ngh.."
Itachi stiffened when he felt Naruto moved from his lap. The said man was curled in a fetal position which made him looked goofy. Naruto wasn't small nor petite, so him curling like that made Itachi laughed a bit. It was funny.
"..."
His lips cast downwards. His frown deepen.
He doesn't laugh. He smirks, but it has been years since he laughed. His chest ached magnificently.
"I really don't like changes.." he muttered as he tried to push Naruto off him with no luck. The blond latched himself to Itachi and clung to his pants.
Nevertheless, Itachi decided to continue napping, while he let the man use his lap. The warmth wasn't so bad, he said to himself.
.
a/n; the song is titled Landslide by Fleetwood Mac
* is a japanese grave visiting etiquette. they really pour water on it. sometimes i saw some grannies spraying it with such force.
anyway, ugh. think i just wrote some fluff there. XD