Whatever It Takes

Chapter Seven

It was early in the morning, before the light of day touched the sky.

The whole servant staff was shocked to see the prince Sasuke in the laundry room. The small raven prince was glaring at all of them, but maintained his closeness to Itachi. Itachi on the other hand ignored everyone as he pulled his own dirty clothing into a pile, ready to wash. Sasuke had turned to watch him, piling his own dirty clothes and trying to set them the same way Itachi had. Since Itachi had been teaching him to fight, Sasuke had managed to dirty his clothes at every turn.

He could not stand them being dirty as much as he liked to get dirty while training with Itachi. At that moment, he was only thinking about spending more time with Itachi then the dirt or bruises he was gathering. He also had not been so sore in his life! Besides that, he needed his clothes cleaned for Naruto's wedding, if there was one other thing, Sasuke didn't want Itachi doing his laundry all alone. At least that was his argument, bottom line, he wanted to find ways to spend more time with Itachi. "What do I do?" Sasuke asked, feeling hopeless.

"Well, first we'll have to gather water," Itachi said as he pulled out a huge metal container for water.

"What is the prince doing here?" Deidara finally jumped at saying something that weight on everyone's mind at that moment. Sasori looked like he did not care, Kisame was amused, but all the females looked terrified of Sasuke's presence. Not even Erin came near Itachi when Sasuke was around.

As Itachi filled the bucket with warm water, Sasuke answered Deidara, "You must be blind to ask such a question" The looks of disbelief shot his way told Sasuke that these people were incompetent. He turned his attention back to Itachi whom was teaching him how to soak his clothing and how to use the proper soap to not harm them.

"I never thought I'd see the day that Prince Sasuke would do laundry!" Chirped in an elder woman that was called Nana by everyone, but other than helping Kushina take care of both Sasuke and Naruto when they were infants, she always did their laundry. She still gladly washed Naruto's clothing, as well as she was leaving with him when Kyuubi took him to Nine Tails Village, as for Sasuke. Sasuke now had a personal servant, whatever he did with him, he did it, as he liked. Although in this situation she did not know if to feel shocked, or proud that Sasuke wanted to do his own laundry. It was something new in the boy, like an awakened fire that had been missing. As long as she was here, she was going to make sure that no one bothered whatever Itachi was doing with Sasuke.

Whatever it was, Itachi was good for Sasuke.

"That is shocking," Kisame, mused.

Nana sighed, and turned a glare towards everyone there. "Alright, alright, that's enough. Everyone get out of here now! Quit bothering them" She snapped, making people jump and run out of there. She thrilled in the fact that people feared her.

"But-" Deidara started to complain, but Sasori grabbed him and pulled him out. "EVIL"

Nana smiled sweetly at Itachi and Sasuke as both ravens continued to wash without noticing what was going on around them. Sasuke had his hands in the soapy water with Itachi's as the older raven showed him how to wash his clothes without harming the material and removing the stain properly all at once. She fondly watched as Sasuke pushed Itachi's hand away from his robes claiming that he could do it and blushed when Itachi drew out some of Sasuke's underwear out of the water. Sasuke stuttered, and then splashed Itachi.

Itachi chuckled, and she felt her soul lighten when Sasuke laughed, for he truly was having fun. Laundry was not supposed to be fun, but when you were washing with someone you liked, it became something different. It was a shared moment.

She decided to leave them alone just as Sasuke managed to spill the whole container of water.


Later in the more lighted morning, Itachi had sent Sasuke to shower and change, and then instructed him to return to the kitchen as soon as he was finished. Itachi was a little amazed at the fact that Sasuke didn't argue.

The reason being that time was nearly up and now there were only two days that Itachi had to teach Sasuke everything about proper eating for the wedding. While the boy was incredible on the field, and learned quickly, he wondered if Sasuke could pick up a spoon and a knife the way he did a sword and a knife. It was obvious that doing laundry was not in Sasuke's future. Still, it was odd, since it had only been a few days since he started to train Sasuke in a physical sense, he felt himself grow closer to him and more attached. Not only was Sasuke open with him, but eager as well.

It gave Itachi so many dirty thoughts. He felt like stabbing the knife into his fingers for even thinking of touching Sasuke in any sexual manner. It was not like him at all. Sasuke just awoke something in him that brought out passion and desire. It was strange. Although he knew, Sasuke was off limits. Soon Sasuke would be out dating other princes that would be interested in him and choose the best one that could give him all he wanted and provide for him every need in the world. Itachi had to remind himself that as much as he enjoyed watching him, and spending time with him, he certainly could never have him.

He had the title of a servant! And whatever other titles he had were left back in Sharigan. Besides, why would Sasuke want him? Above all, he did not come here to start any relationships, and certainly not to court anyone nor fall in love! That was ridiculous.

Turning away from his set up when he heard loud chattering, Itachi watched as Sasuke walked into the kitchen with a scowl on his beautiful face, and a glare. The reason for his upset was clear when Sasuke's blond haired cousin bounced inside as well. It almost looked like Sasuke was ready to murder him. "Good morning Itachi," Naruto loudly greeted and Sasuke's scowl seemed to deepen. 'Cute' Itachi thought as he looked at the small raven boy but nodded towards Naruto, trying to shake away his thoughts.

"Good morning, Prince Naruto," he politely greeted, and then his eyes went to Sasuke.

"You don't have to greet him," Sasuke muttered darkly, his eyes narrowed as if life was unfair. Lately Sasuke had been acting less rude, and a little more considerate, something Naruto never failed to point out. Whenever the blond boy did that, Sasuke would try to make up by being as rude as he could, as foul mouth as he could, although Sasuke was finding himself holding his tongue when Itachi was around. Sasuke still slipped every now and then and would curse. Itachi was still the only one not to see that he could be nice if he wanted to be. Sasuke felt like he could only show Itachi whom he was deep inside.

Itachi amused by his young charge, acted on Sasuke's own innocent trick and asked, "Why not?"

Sasuke scoffed. He wanted to say that it was because Naruto was intruding on their time together, but felt too shy to say it. That was a sudden trait he found in himself that he was not particularly fond of when it came to Itachi but he could not help himself either. He was hopeless! Instead, a light pink blush met his cheeks and he looked down timidly "No reason, I guess"

Itachi raised a disbelieving brow.

"It's because Sasuke li-"Before Naruto could finishing his sentence, Sasuke had slapped a hand on the blonds mouth.

"Shut up!" Sasuke glared at him, but then turned towards Itachi, looking like nothing was wrong. "So let's gets this etiquette bull crap thing going," Itachi gave Sasuke a look. He was starting to catch on that when Sasuke was nervous; it was when he cursed in the worse of ways.

"Ouch" Naruto hissed, rubbing his mouth.

"Language," Itachi told Sasuke, and signaled him to move forward. Sasuke did so without hesitation, his instincts kicking in to go close to Itachi, and sat down when Itachi pulled out the chair for him. It was much like a man would do for a woman of high class. He gave Itachi a look that said he could have pulled out his own chair but knew he had no choice in the matter. Someone was going to pull his chair out in the wedding, so he might as well get used to it now. Itachi soon placed a light salad in front of Sasuke. Sasuke's first instinct was to reach for the tempting red vegetable/fruit that he loved so much.

Itachi grasped his hand before he could. Sasuke shot him a pout/glare.

"What is it that you use when you'll eat a salad?" Itachi quizzed.

"My hand," Sasuke deadpanned.

Naruto laughed, "Silly cousin, you use the salad fork," the blond prince pointed towards a fork and Sasuke turned his glare to it.

Sasuke scowled, "I knew that"

Itachi sighed, "I'm sure you did, but you still didn't use it."

"That's because it's a bunch of -"Sasuke stopped talking when Itachi shot him a glare, "Roses" he decided to end.

Naruto ended up laughing hard at that. "Hahahaha, roses"

Both ravens ignored Naruto, as Itachi told Sasuke to try it again. Sasuke this time grabbed the fork and stabbed it into the salad and before Itachi could say anything, he shoved a piece of tomato into his mouth. Itachi ruffled Sasuke's hair, making the boy mildly blush again. "I shouldn't have put tomatoes in the salad,"

Sasuke gave him in indignant look, "You take away my tomatoes and you'll be cleaning the floors off horse shi-"

Itachi smirked, and shoved a whole tomato into Sasuke's mouth before the small raven finished his rant. Naruto was laughing his head off again.

"This is going to be a long day" Itachi sighed, but smiled down at Sasuke's spiky rebellious hair and the pleased expression on the teen as he ate his tomato. Sasuke chewed delightedly into his tomato, again and again, not caring about anything else that was going around him. Sasuke was now convinced Itachi knew what to do to make him happy.

That made Itachi perfect.


While Naruto was having fun with his cousin, and Itachi, Kyuubi was stuck going over paper work that he needed to do before he returned to Nine Tails village. He had to talk with his own servants, as well as make sure that all necessities would be packed for their travels. The horses needed to be groomed, and their shoes replaced for the long journey.

"How many horse are there for the journey's return?" he asked as he walked around the barn grounds. Iruka who now worked there struggled to keep up with the fast pace of the Prince. He could not understand how young people walked so fast, or why they even liked to walk so fast.

"There are about ten of them, my prince" he gasped out, "We have the best, and the healthiest ready for a safe journey"

"And the food, what about the supplies," he demanded. Iruka looked perplexed by the sudden demand.

Iruka sighed, "Well, food for the wedding is being prepared, but we are aware of your need for it, and shall have some ready for the journey, as for food for the horses, that is ready, and packed. All other supplies are being gathered,"

"Good, good" Kyuubi said walking away. He planned to leave on the morning, after his wedding. Both he and Naruto had agreed that they would consummate that night, and go back to Nine Tails to announce their joining, hold another ceremony and consummate once again. He had to agree with Naruto, getting married was such a hassle. Yet, he knew that in the end it would be all worth it.

"Is there anything else I can do for you, my prince?" Iruka asked as he still struggled to follow, bowing his head.

"I guess not," Kyuubi said, looking around and pleased to find that everyone was doing as said. Seeing that he was not needed, he headed back towards the palace. He wanted to spend time with Naruto, but for two days, he was going to be unable to do that. Instead, he was going to have to keep busy. He decided that he could do some paperwork that his lecturers have been asking him to do.

All the while, he was counting down the hours to when he could see Naruto again.


Iruka sighed heavily as he looked at the rows of horses. He never thought that he would be here; picking up horseshit, but that was what he got for slapping Sasuke. If he ever regretted something in his life, it was that one moment and he would do anything to take it all back. It smelled bad, but he decided to get things over with, so he pulled on some gloves, grabbed a shovel, and decided to face his fate. Just as he was about to reach the first pile of poop, arms wrapped around his waist and pulled him to a firm chest. "My wonderful Iruka, I see you are hard at work"

Iruka found himself blush a hard red, "Kakashi, let go, I have work to do! Let go!" he said as he weakly struggled to get away from his silver haired lover. He knew what the man could do to him, and he really did not want to do anything embarrassing in public. Anyone could walk into the stables for a horse or something and see them.

Kakashi on the other hand was having none of that modesty, "But, it would be a shame to do so and watch you pick up horse shit"

Iruka huffed, "someone has to do it, and you won't,"

"Well no, no one has ever asked me if I wanted to," The silver haired man said in a lazy drawl, almost seeming pleased with that fact. He came close to Iruka and raised a finger to his cheek, down his chin, and pulled his chin towards him.

Iruka shot him a glare, "Don't," he tried, but he was caught in those lazy black eyes before he could even deny them.

Kakashi slowly pulled off his black mask with his other hand, and approached as a predator did it's pray, lips parted. Iruka felt his breath be caught in his throat, and before he knew it, his lips were being devoured the same way, as they would always be. He was helpless to Kakashi's assaults, and before he knew it, he was kissing him back.

Kakashi's hand slid from his chin down to his chest, and to his trousers. His trousers opened and soon were being pushed down, over his hips, legs, and his excited cock was grasped in a sudden tight grip.

"Kakashi" Iruka gasped.

"Hush, we got to make this quick" Kakashi whispered into Iruka's lips. The anticipation of it all curling in his stomach "Someone could catch us" Kakashi pointed out, trying to see what Iruka's reaction would be.

"Then we shouldn't" Iruka looked scared, and started to push on Kakashi's chest.

Kakashi would have none of that, as he backed Iruka up to the wall of the stable. The walls filled with dirt and hay, but it did not hinder him from the need built up in him. "I can't go on without you, we have to, I need you" Kakashi smirked, making Iruka look at him with a dazed look "Allow me to have you."

"Kakashi, what if somebody sees,"

"Then let them, that is why God gave us eyes," Kakashi drawled, "Let them look"

Iruka was no blushing virgin, but this was so sudden and so public to anything he and Kakashi had ever done. Kakashi did not hesitate to zip down his pants to reveal his hard needy cock. It was so fast, but Iruka found himself half naked, and his legs spread. A finger in his ass spread him mildly. A second one stretched him further, and then a third one completed him. Kakashi knew how used to the feeling Iruka was by now, and simply pressed the himself into his lover.

It was discomfort, but as Kakashi moved slowly and deliberately in him, he started to get used to the feeling and demand for more. Iruka demanded so much more until his prostate was hit and pleasure shot through his body. It was enough to make him lose all rational thought, as he got lost in his pleasure, pulling his lover closer to him. Their moves were fast, and their climax built too fast for either of their liking, but that was what a quickie entailed here.

When they climaxed, Iruka felt so thoroughly pleasured and weak. Kakashi could still hold up for another round, but helped his lover get dressed. He then kissed his cheek. "Have fun picking up the horseshit" and with that the man left.

Iruka felt anger rise after his post orgasmic glow, and glared at his lover retreating. "Kakashi, you jerk!" he snapped, and scowled even more when Kakashi laughed.

Great, a few minutes of pleasure, hours of torture.

The horseshit still waited for him.


After a whole morning of teaching Sasuke etiquette, they had to quit as soon as two a clock rolled. Itachi fed Sasuke, Naruto, and himself. Sasuke had glared at the fact that Itachi had made food for Naruto, and for a time offered him the cold shoulder. He stopped though when Itachi sat beside Naruto and started to talk to the blond boy about the rituals that were being taken for the wedding, completely ignoring Sasuke. Sasuke could not stand it.

Even now as they were going to go out towards the field, Naruto was still there. Sasuke was getting sick of his cousins presence. It sucked that Itachi looked like he did not mind Naruto's presence. 'It's probably because he doesn't care about spending time with me, or he doesn't like me in that way. I bet he sees me as if I were a child, but I'm not. I'm seventeen! I'm ready to be in a relationship.' Sasuke thought to himself but halted as they reached the field. He should not be thinking like that, it was a little weird. What happened to his I never want to be with anyone and will never be with anyone, or marry anyone thing. Sasuke was not sure if he hated Itachi right now, or Naruto for bringing to light that he might…well probably did have a crush on Itachi. He could have smirked when Naruto looked like he was shocked to find himself out on the training field, but Itachi turned to look at him with a raised eyebrow and suspicious look.

Sasuke found himself pouting, as he moved forward, 'Stop looking at me like I am nothing more than the prince, or some kid you have to baby sit!' That is what he wanted to say, but instead "What," came out of his mouth in an indignant tone.

"Nothing, it just looked like you were lost inside your head for a while there" Itachi responded. "You ready?" he asked. Sasuke nodded and started to do his warm ups as Itachi had instructed of him many times before.

Naruto, on the other hand, felt out of place. Every Knight there seemed to have moved away from them and was now gapping and looking fearful. Even as he frantically looked around his eyes settled on his cousin again, ready to ask why they were here. He gasped though when he saw Sasuke pull out a long blade, silver and thin, but glistening sharp in the sun. His wide blue eyes filled with worry, "Sasuke, you shouldn't be holding that, it's dangerous!" Naruto yelled, his face having gone pale.

"It's not dangerous" Sasuke glared at him, but that did not stop him from running a hand down the flat edge of the cool weapon. He wanted to sword fight today. He wanted to feel again, how strong and incredible Itachi was as they battled.

Itachi poked him in the forehead, "It is dangerous, depending on who is holding it, but I'm teaching you how to use it with care,"

Sasuke rubbed his forehead but nodded. He understood that weapons were dangerous, especially in the wrong hands, either inexperienced or malicious intending hands. But he truly felt that he had a hang on his sword and that he was capable of using it without bringing any harm to anyone else. It was like Itachi, teaching him, someone inexperienced and yet being able to control his weapon to not, hurt him.

As for Naruto, he fainted, making his whole world go dark.


King Minato was busy with looking over regulations and laws that had been placed over Konoha and looking over that they still worked perfectly as well as to see if anything needed to be changed. He let out an irritated sigh when there was a knock on his door. Lately he had so much to do that it was starting to get on his nerves. That he never had anything to do, but Sasuke was almost of age now and therefore he got plenty of notes from different princes in different kingdoms to be able to court him. Some of the princes and princesses he did not know them, but he was familiar with the noble families around the village that were looking to do the same. "Come in" he called as he sat back.

The door opened and one of his knights came in. It was Orochimaru and his page Kabuto. He raised both of his eyebrows in surprise, "Forgive me the intrusion my king," Orochimaru came to stand by his desk and bowed politely.

"Not at all, what is it that you need?" Minato said, waving his hand dismissingly. Orochimaru rose, and a million thoughts ran over his head. He could tell Minato about Sasuke being trained by a lowly servant, but then Sasuke might be confined or given to courting earlier than anticipated. He knew how these things worked. On the other hand, he could ask for a promotion, so he too can have a chance in claiming Sasuke. Once he had claim over Sasuke, then he could do something about that lowly servant and make sure Sasuke never dirtied his hands ever again.

"I would like to know if I could get a promotion" he found himself saying. Minato looked at him seriously.

"Done with being a knight and living by your sword?" The blond king asked. Orochimaru nodded his head.

"It happens when you've fallen in love my king"

Minato smiled softly, "It certainly does," Minato sat straighter in his chair and folded his hands before him. "You are one of my best knights; I do not see why you do not deserve a reward worthy of your skill. There is a slight disruption happening on the west side, we need more men to go to Suna and prevent the invasion from the Cloud village. The food supply is being threatened again."

"Another invasion on Suna" Orochimaru was perplexed by the news. It was as if every other village was out to get Suna. Suna did have the best resources when it came to exotic food and the young Prince Gaara was not married yet, and still no king even if his father and mother had passed away. Prince Gaara was the youngest, but he was the heir and had to marry soon or lose all his lands. It was unknown as to what the young and promising prince planned to do. "I shall do my best, to help Suna"

"That is all I can ask. And I shall reward you on your return" The king said, his words a promise to Orochimaru. The man nodded his head, and signaled to his page, Kabuto, before both left. Minato watched them for a while and hoped to everything that Orochimaru would leave and stayed away long enough to find someone worthy for Sasuke. He was always aware of what happened around his lands. He knew Orochimaru had his eye on his nephew, but the man was over thirty-eight years old. He really doubted there would be anything happening there. Sasuke was just too young, and too much of a rebellious spirit to get serious with someone so old.

Prince Neji had a better chance, and the man was nearly thirty. But, Damn it all to hell if he felt comfortable letting these men come onto his nephew. For sakes, he would not even wish it on his own son to be with someone that could practically be his father! Others might have other views, but his were clear. His boys were still babies in the world, and his little baby was getting married already. He was glad though, that it was to Kyuubi, someone that was older but still young for he was only twenty. Kyuubi was also barely starting in the world, and that was perfect for his Naruto.

Leaning back in his chair, Minato wished there was a lesser predicament to face when things came to Sasuke.

How was it that someone as young as Sasuke attracted men so old and perverted? It was a mystery that Minato wished to learn, but never could. It was just like his sister, Mikoto. She only seemed to attract older men to herself, and in the end found that she had no choice but to marry the best one. He remember how miserable she had looked and how she forced herself to smile. Still, it did not really hit Minato until he saw her sneaking out of the palace, and followed her.

He saw that she had someone with her. The man looked young, and incredibly handsome. She had kissed him with vigor. He had tried to confront her about what she had been doing, since it seemed to go on with years without end. Ten years later, she was pregnant with Sasuke and the man had been there, but then vanished. He saw as she tried to hide Sasuke as much as she could from her husband, all the way to her last breath…

Now she was dead.

She had died so young.

He did not want a repeat of that, especially when Sasuke had his mother's stubborn personality. He wanted Sasuke to be comfortable in a relationship and for him to choose whom he wanted. He needed to find something that would keep Sasuke sated in his relationship so he would never wonder. Deciding that he was not going to get much done, he headed towards the kitchen area, in search for some food.

On his way there, something else caught his eye.


Later in the evening, Naruto woke to find himself in his own room. For a moment, he was confused and wondered what had happened, when Sasuke's face came into view. The young prince looked dirty, as well as a little tired, but his eyes blinked curiously at him full of life. Over all, Sasuke looked like he was glowing despite his bedraggled state. It was as if seeing him for the first time. Sasuke looked even more beautiful than he already was, even if he was dirty. Then all of a sudden, Sasuke's angelic image shattered as he opened his mouth, "You are such a wimp dobe I can't believe you fainted"

Naruto sat up, a glare on his face, "I did not faint! A Man does not faint," he protested, glaring at his cousin. Forget the fact that Sasuke is beautiful he was still mean! Nothing but a mean little shitty jerk, it pissed Naruto off.

Sasuke sat back in his chair and crossed his arms, petulantly muttering, "Who ever said you were a man."

Naruto sulked. "I'm getting married; I soon will be a man. I mean I am a man, argh, you suck Sasuke!"

Sasuke rose an eyebrow, "Exactly, how does that work"

Naruto flushed a bright red, "Well, you see…you know what my mom said. When a man loves a woman, he does something to her…you know to make her a woman…" Naruto's mouth then seemed to work with no words coming out of it after that. Sasuke was sure he knew what his cousin meant, but he was not fully convinced that Naruto would be a man.

He decided to tease him, "But cousin Naruto, you are not a girl"

Naruto's face went completely red, and then he glared at Sasuke, "What does that have to do with anything!" the blond boy snapped.

Sasuke gave him a serious look, "Even if she did say that, how can it make you a man when your age won't change. You will still be eighteen."

Naruto shrugged, and then looked around. "I don't know, where's Itachi?" Someone needed to shut his cousin up.

"He left to go take a shower, and asked me to do the same, but you were waking up, so I wanted to make sure you were alright." Sasuke said, looking to the side. Naruto grinned; a thought occurring to him that he was sure would piss Sasuke off. Earlier today, while Itachi was teaching Sasuke table manners, he had heard some of the gossip from the servant girls about how one of the servant girls hit on Itachi and kept the others away. They all seemed to hate that one girl in particular. He wasn't sure what the real story was either, but of Sasuke was going to be teasing him, he needed to prove that he could do the same to Sasuke.

"Really, then I hope you don't get attacked." Naruto made his voice sound as serious as he could manage it. "I've heard that she can be such a witch when it comes to what she wants."

Sasuke's head turned back to Naruto with peaked curiosity, Score! "What are you talking about?"

"I mean, that some of the servant girls like Itachi. And specially one named Erin; she has her heart set on him marrying her" Naruto was looking down, trying to act depressed but what he didn't know was that he was stirring a deep jealousy within Sasuke "I think Itachi might like her as well" Sasuke sat up sharply, and turned to leave. Naruto looked startled and turned his head to look at his cousin. Did he perhaps push it too far? "Sasuke," he called.

"She can't have him," Sasuke growled, his eyes flashing red as he left the room and closed the door heavily behind him. Naruto jumped, and looked guiltily towards the door.

He really hoped his cousin would not do something stupid.


He needed to calm down.

Sasuke did not know if what Naruto had said was real or if he was lying, even so he could not help himself but wanting to know if it was. He needed to ask Itachi…Itachi would not lie to him, right. It wasn't as if it was something to hide, was it? Sasuke pulled opened the door to his room, and walked inside, making his way into his bathroom. He needed a shower to get all the grime off from his skin and hair before he faced Itachi again. He also did not want to make a fool out of himself in front of Itachi.

Reaching the shower, he turned on the water

Sasuke took off all his clothes, and stepped into his shower, allowing the water to run over his skin. He tried to relax himself and let rationality sink into his head. There was a possibility Naruto was lying as much as there was a great chance that he should not care. Itachi was his in paper as his servant, not anything else. Itachi as a whole person did not belong to Sasuke. Sasuke felt himself growl possessively at the thought of Itachi being with anyone else other than him, and that was foolish.

Only as the thought really sunk into his head, he was stunned to learn how attached he had become to Itachi in such a short time. It did not make any sense. He did not know Itachi. True, Itachi never failed to surprise him or even elicit emotions within him that he did not even know excited. Itachi did challenge him and kept him, oddly entertained that he had not had room to be mad or prank anyone. In fact, it was as if the worries of the world were gone when he was with Itachi. A part of Sasuke was screaming that he was going insane, to even feel anything for Itachi. A long time ago, he had promised himself not to ever care for anyone, or let anyone get near him in such a way. The last person he had ever cared about was his own mother, and he had lost her to sickness.

Liking Itachi and caring for him was only placing himself at risk of getting hurt again. That was something he did not want to do. Sasuke knew and understood all of this, but his own conflicting emotions would not let him simply settle. If he had to face his own feelings because of Itachi, Sasuke would be digging his own grave and in the end would have no one but himself to blame. He had meant what he had said as he left Naruto alone. Whoever this girl was, she was not going to have Itachi.

Turning off the shower, Sasuke stepped out dripping wet from the tub, and pulled a towel around him as he walked into his room. There he quickly changed and headed down stairs, ready to meet up with Itachi as well as see what he had prepared for dinner.


Itachi was cutting up a couple of vegetables, and chicken, to cook for Sasuke, ignoring the pestering girl that kept trying to tell him what to do. Some of the servant girls had already moved to leave, seeing, as it was hopeless to flirt when Erin was crowding around Itachi. "Oh, Itachi, you do that so well. Still, you might cut your fingers if you hold the knife to close. We keep them extra sharp!" She giggled, her eyes dancing in merriment as she went on with what she called her Itachi time.

Itachi placed the knife down, not saying a word, and walked over to the stove.

"Hey, what are you going to do now?" Erin zoomed her way over to him, watching as he pulled out a pan, where he placed some vegetable oil and threw in all the ingredients. He searched for some oregano and lemon zest to add to add to the yummy cooking morsels. As he let the food fry, he decided to make some rice. "Oh, that smells so good" Erin gushed. "Want me to get you some water?"

Itachi brushed past her, and got the water and rice himself. Erin just kept looking at the food cooking with hunger in her eyes.

"Can I at least have some?" she asked, her eyes begging.

Itachi just continued to cook.

After a few seconds, a loud whinny cry of his name left her ears making him shudder in disgust. "Come on, don't ignore me, Itachi~"

"Leave me alone," Itachi stated. At that moment, the door to the kitchen opened. Erin spun around to see who it was, and to hiss at them to get out for interrupting her moment alone with Itachi when she saw it was prince Sasuke. The boy immediately glared at her, making her entire being freeze.

"Get out"

The doors slammed behind Sasuke and Erin bowed, nodding her head and ran out of there faster than anything else in the world. Itachi was impressed to see that even Erin feared Sasuke. That explained why she was never around when Sasuke was near him. Sasuke silently walked over to him, Itachi offered him a small smile. "Dinner is almost ready; do you not want to go sit at the table?"

"Can't we eat here?" Sasuke asked, settling himself on the seat he had been using earlier when Itachi was teaching him etiquette. As if, Sasuke needed to be taught anything.

"Sasuke, it doesn't help with your table manners," Itachi scolded.

Sasuke pouted, "Then will you sit down at the dining table and eat with me?"

Itachi sighed, "If that's what it takes."

"It does…" Sasuke looked the side and then back to Itachi, "That servant bitch that was just here, do you like her?" Itachi turned to look at Sasuke with a hard look. "Don't lecture me this time, just answer the question!"

"I didn't come here to be playing around with some girl, Sasuke. Even you know that. I'm here to rebuild my family name in my own way." Itachi stirred the rice. "I don't care much for any girl at the moment. I don't expect to find anyone to marry in the near future either" That was like, cold water being thrown to Sasuke's face. At least now, he knew that girl did not stand a chance with Itachi, but he was not going to back down. There was still such a thing as seduction he could use on Itachi and he was also going to make it clear that, that servant girl could no longer come near Itachi. There was just one thing that bothered him right now though.

"Are you not open to the possibility?" Sasuke asked, a little hesitant.

Itachi turned to him and smiled, "There is no one I know that can open the possibility for me to consider it" Itachi knew it was a lie. However, he could not tell Sasuke that he even liked him. By the time he gets his credibility back, Sasuke would be off married to someone wealthy, and who can take care of him.

That was not him.

Sasuke's eyes flashed as if Itachi had just issued him a challenge, not that Itachi noticed. 'I'll be then the one that open's the possibility, my days are numbered!' Sasuke thought. As he looked at the food Itachi was cooking, he could not help but wonder how he ever lived without him. 'I have to find a way to make him mine.'


Thank you all to whom review XD Hope all of you liked this chapter. I just randomly decided to update. Can't say I will be updating soon, but I'll do my best. I still have a lot of things going on and there is rarely time to write now. I guess I'll see you all next chapter then.

Please Review.