A/N: Wow who knew you guys would all be so happy over a kiss :O Lol, here's your next chapter ^.^
Chapter 9: Unwanted
Konan sat in her cubicle filing some school work. It was nearly end of term and she was sinking in the amount of work that had to be done. The thing was, she could get done much faster but she had been thinking. There was only one thing she had been thinking about and though she didn't regret it, it made her shoulders hang with guilt. She was a married woman and she did that…
The kiss with Pein had opened her eyes. It made her realize that she didn't love Taro, not anymore. She had in the beginning, she really had, but when he revealed his true self, it was then that her love began to fade. When Pein had kissed her, she hadn't pushed away, she had embraced it and she had loved that moment. That was a few days ago but it was still fresh in her mind, as if it had only happened a few hours ago.
She massaged her temples, hearing the bell ring and stood up to leave. Tonight was her anniversary and she really didn't want to go. The guilt would be too much. Taro had never made her feel the way Pein did.
She didn't want to be with Taro. Not anymore.
….
The man who had called Pein a few days ago had called once again to inform Pein that Konan had been even more shut out than usual. It was a sore sight for many of the teachers and learners alike but Pein just smirked. It proved she was thinking over something.
It was best to give her all the space she needed.
So he'd just replied that they should give her time to sort her life out. It was not necessary to complicate things. He was already sorting everything out, one step at a time.
When the man had asked to meet him, Pein had just said that it wasn't crucial. He could sort things out on his own; he just needed a little while to get things going. Clearly everything just went at its own pace.
…
Taro watched as Konan got her ready for their special night. She was putting on a little make-up.
He had noticed that she had been acting differently, to him and everyone else. It was like she had put up an unseen barrier that affected everyone. His mother had been the one most surprised. Konan had completely stopped anything concerning her and when Shiroi had spoken to her, the words fell on deaf ears. All the woman had gotten was a glance and nothing more. He intended to find out what was wrong tonight, she would have to answer.
When Konan was done dressing, she looked into the mirror, not surprised by how she looked. She didn't look excited, she looked burdened. They were going to a simple restaurant so she hadn't bothered to dress up like a doll, just a pair of jeans, heels and a warm sweater.
"Are you ready to go?" Taro asked her. He also hadn't bothered to wear anything fancy.
She gave a small nod but inside, her mind was shrieking "No!"
There was just nothing that could prevent this night from happening. She knew that she was being selfish by ruining the night for him but she couldn't pretend to be happy when she was not. She didn't want to be with him and that thought was a burden. She couldn't tell him. The kiss with Pein had been weighing down on her.
As they drove to the place, the silence had been uncomfortable and it felt as if it was choking her and he looked just as uncomfortable, but no one broke it.
When they arrived at the restaurant it was nothing special, as she'd anticipated, and the two took a seat by the windows, a table for two. Then they talked, not about anything important, but just about regular things. It was still uncomfortable as Konan would only reply with a simple yes or no. Eventually Taro couldn't take it anymore and he took her hand in his. She looked into his gaze with empty eyes.
"Konan, what's wrong with you? You've been acting so strange."
"You're imagining things."
"Don't lie to me. It's hard to imagine the usually cheerful Konan as a quiet person."
"You wouldn't understand, Taro…"
"Try me."
She shook her head but Taro persisted.
"Come on. Marriage is built on trust, so tell me whatever's bothering you…"
You are…
Konan sighed and stood up from her seat.
"I'm sorry Taro, but… I just need some time to think." Konan said, shaking her head.
She walked away from the table and only once she was out the restaurant, did she allow the tears to fall.
Taro sat for a moment wondering what to do when his thoughts screamed at him "She's your girl! Go after her!" He ran after the blunette and convinced her to ride home with him as she was going to take a bus. He didn't know what to do. He never was good with emotional females and he didn't know what was troubling her which made it even more difficult. As the drive went on he found himself getting angrier with the blunette in the passenger seat. He was trying to help and she pushes him away!
That night, he'd let her have the bed as he didn't want to intrude and make her more upset. When he called his mom and told her what was happening, she had scoffed and said that Konan was just a waste of time and he should leave her. He had slammed the phone down in exasperation and went to sleep on the couch. Maybe Konan would be okay the next morning.
…
Over the next few days, Konan had been even quieter, not even acknowledging any presences in the house. She had also been leaving the house frequently but where she went was a mystery to Taro. She was a complete wreck and he didn't know who or what was causing it.
Now he was a man. He had needs and she hadn't been with him for more than a month now. It was frustrating and he knew she wasn't going to give in any time soon. When he tried to coax her, she'd glare at him and push him away. It was so damn infuriating!
What was even stranger was that when she spoke over the phone to someone, it was the only time she would allow herself to smile and though he didn't know who she was talking to, he did have an idea.
Damn pierced monkey.
…
When Zetsu's homecoming day had arrived, Konan had made it a must to go and see him. Taro had protested but as usual, she didn't listen to him anymore. All his commands, wants and needs, fell on deaf ears. She just no longer cared. She didn't mean to treat him badly; it's just that she didn't want to pretend that she still loved him. Pein had opened her eyes real wide and whether it was for better or worse she had yet to find out.
She had also been leaving the house to see her friends more and more. To say they were overjoyed by that was an understatement. She spent more time at the daycare now when she was free or had no work to do. Pein would come around now and then and when he was there, they would share a kiss in the shadows when no one was looking. This just added to the guilt on her shoulders. She enjoyed it but she knew she shouldn't be doing it.
As she arrived at Itachi's daycare, the entire group was outside setting up tables and chairs. It was a beautiful day and no one wanted to waste it. They weren't doing anything big really, just a few foodstuffs and a cake. There were also a few children around, including Kakuzu's little follower.
In between the entire ruckus sat Zetsu who was talking with Tobi.
"Welcome back, Zetsu." Konan said to him with a smile.
"Thanks" The green haired man replied.
Konan then asked how his treatment had gone.
The green haired man had explained that the doctor had said his condition was rather peculiar as both his personalities could speak at will. None of his friends minded really. Sometimes it was hilarious as one side was nice while the other was rude and vulgar. They would bicker and the group would laugh but only one side could speak at a time.
The doctor couldn't do much about it but had given him counselling and medication that kept his anger at bay.
"That's great to hear. Still hate veggies?"
"Doctor says I have to eat them." He pulled a face, "I don't see how I can suddenly like something I've hated my whole life."
Konan laughed and went to help everyone set the tables. Strangely enough Itachi's mother was there and to say she was happy to see Konan was an understatement. Konan was sure she almost broke a rib or two from the way the woman had hugged her. She was also happy to see Mikoto. She hadn't seen the woman in years though there was something off about her. Konan made a mental note to ask about that later.
Sasuke was there as well, helping his older brother carry plates of food. Pein was carrying tables to where Itachi was pointing them to be placed. When he saw the blunette he gave her a wink and for some reason Konan found her face feeling rather warm. She turned her head the other way and headed indoors to fetch more plates, anything not to give Pein the satisfaction of making her blush.
Unfortunately Deidara was inside and he noticed her flushed face.
"Hey Konan, you feeling okay, yeah? Your face is red."
"Yes, I'm fine. Perfectly fine."
The blonde shrugged and the two brought out the plates just as everyone was taking a seat. Pein patted the chair next to his and she hesitantly went to sit there.
Later as they sat talking to the others, her hand had been hanging off the chair. She felt his hand slip into hers, their fingers entwining. She smiled and gave it a squeeze.
…
Taro sighed as he left the daycare, unnoticed by anyone there. He had lost the battle.
Konan was as good as gone.
…
A few weeks after, school had kept Konan busier than ever. She hardly had time for herself anymore with all the work she had to mark and check. She would sit up all night getting things done. Lately Taro had also disappeared at night but she didn't mind, anything to keep him busy and give her some space.
He'd complained about her lack of attention but with her knee deep in paperwork, that was the last thing on her mind. With her due dates coming up soon, she couldn't be bothered with Taro's childish behaviour.
As she sat down in front of her desk marking the papers, she glanced at the clock staring at her on the wall. Wow, already past midnight. The blunette stood up and stretched her body with a sigh before heading into the kitchen to make another cup of coffee. Her body shivered a little and she went upstairs to get a jacket while the kettle boiled the water. She checked her cell phone for messages and shrugged when she found none, putting the device in her pocket. She walked slowly down the stairs and returned to her seat but froze when she heard sounds coming from the front door.
Tap, tap, tap, click.
She relaxed a little when she realised it might just have been Taro but the tenseness in her body didn't remove itself completely. Something was telling her that something was definitely wrong. Konan heard heavy footsteps coming from the hallway and she slowly stood up to see if Taro was okay. As she exited the room and entered the hallway, sure enough Taro was there, leaning on the wall for support. His eyes were unfocused and Konan swore she could smell alcohol from where she was standing.
"Taro? Have you been drinking?"
The black haired man didn't reply but stumbled a few more steps forward until he was almost in front of Konan. The stench of alcohol was even more sickening now that he was closer.
"Konan? 'Sat you?"
"Yes it's me… come on. Let's get you to bed." Konan said, taking his arm.
"No!" Taro shouted, shoving her off his arm.
"What? Taro, you are completely drunk. You need to lie down." She tried to talk some sense into him but he wouldn't budge.
"No, why shood I lishen to you?"
"Taro…"
"No, fuck off. You think yur sho perfect. Well gesh what? I don't give two shits anymore."
"Taro, list-"
Her sentence was cut off as he gave her a slap, the sudden stinging in her cheek bringing warm tears to her eyes.
"Did I shay you could shpeak?"
She shook her head, the fear of the situation beginning to sink in. He continued rambling about Konan while she tried to find a way out. She was a defenceless woman in the presence of a violent drunk. She couldn't think of a worse situation. Oh why hadn't she taken those defence classes?
Suddenly he pinned her arms above her head he forced his mouth on hers. She tasted the alcohol in his mouth as she frantically tried pushing him off.
When she succeeded there was a nasty scowl on Taro's face.
"I'm yur fucking husband, yet you treat me like a shtranger!"
Suddenly his face contorted and he staggered to the bathroom.
"I'm gonna hurl…"
Konan took the opportunity to run out as he stumbled towards the bathroom. She could hear him bringing up the contents of his stomach and she suddenly felt sick. The sudden rush cold air of the night in her face brought her to her senses as she ran. She didn't know where she was going, but her feet were moving as if they had their own mind.
Eventually when she grew tired, she stopped to catch her breath, bending down to grab her knees as her trembling body heaved. Once she could breathe normally, she took a look around. There was absolutely no one in the street, not a soul. She didn't even know where she was. The only things around was a bus stop and houses.
Konan then realised she still had her cell phone in her pocket. Fishing the device out her pouch, she walked towards the bus stop. The blunette took a seat, pulling her knees to her shivering body, and searching through her contacts for a number that her heart was set on calling.
…
Pein was awoken by the persistent ringing of his cell phone. He was fairly certain it wasn't morning yet since his room was still dark, so who in their right mind was phoning him? Glancing at his alarm clock he saw it was 24:26 and groaned in annoyance.
The ringing continued until eventually he groaned again before feeling for the phone on the chest of drawers next to his bed.
"Hello?" Pein said, his voice still thick from sleep.
"P-Pein…?" The feminine voice trembled.
"Konan? What's going on?" He sat up straight, suddenly awake as he realised something was very wrong from her voice tone.
"I-I – something happened."
"What, what happened?"
"Taro- he came home drunk… he hit me and I ran away."
Pein swore and jumped out of bed, pulling on a pair of pants and a sweater. He knew that guy had issues but to hit a woman…
"Where are you now?"
"I don't know. Give me a second and I'll check."
As he was lacing up his sneaker Konan's voice returned to the cell phone.
"7th Avenue… yes, that's it."
"You ran all the way there from your home?"
"I guess…" He could practically hear the shrug in her voice.
"Okay, I'll be right there. Don't move!"
"Pein… I'm scared…" Konan paused and gave a humourless laugh, "I'm really, really scared. I'm never going back there."
"I don't blame you."
…
When Pein had found the blunette, she was shaking like a leaf and not from cold, but from fear. There was a red hand shaped mark on her face. He swore he had never driven his car so fast in his life. She was lucky no psychos had been in the vicinity.
"Konan… are you okay?" He knew it was a dumb question to ask in that situation but he had to make sure.
"…No. That bastard hit me…"
"Yes, and he will pay dearly for that."
"I guess he will. Idiot doesn't realise I have 9 men in my life who don't tolerate foolish moves…" she mumbled to herself as she got into his car.
When they got to his home, he let her sit down on the couch with a blanket draped over her shoulders, and went to the kitchen to make her some hot cocoa. Her trembling had lessened but hadn't stopped completely. She was now silently crying into his blanket.
He sighed as he took the mug and headed back to her.
"Here."
She looked at the mug for a few seconds before taking it.
"That's the last straw… I'm not going back there." Konan finally said after a few silent seconds, a tone of finality in her voice.
"As much as I like hearing you say that, he's going to come looking for you in the morning and here would probably be first on his list." Pein replied matter-of-factly.
"Who cares? I don't. If he comes, just slam the door in his face." She bitterly retorted.
"Konan, you're going to have to go back sooner or later."
"No, the only time I'd go back will be to fetch my stuff."
Pein sighed again. For someone who was a usually passive person, she could be really stubborn when she wanted to be.
"And you're sure about this? A hundred percent sure?"
"Yes, my feelings for him are gone, they were barely there but now they've completely disappeared. I feel close to hating him now for what he did."
"He was drunk."
"That's no excuse. Ask him why he was drunk in the first place. Why're you defending him anyway?"
"I'm not defending him. He might take things personally and get angry. He could do something completely uncalled for."
"We both know you won't stand for that." The blunette looked to the floor, clutching the mug even tighter. "I'm not going back there. I've decided."
"Decided what?"
"I'm going to leave him. No sense staying with a man who can't make me happy."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, that's a big step to take Konan. Think about it first. I won't let him come in so you can think everything through. Get some sleep. We can talk more in the morning. I have to go to work in the afternoon though, so Deidara can come around after college."
"Fine with me." The blunette shrugged, looking at her nearly empty cocoa mug.
Pein stood up to fetch a blanket for himself. He'd give the lady his bed and he could get the couch. He was nearing the door when he heard her mumble again.
"Thank you… for everything."
The auburn haired man smirked and walked back to her, stooping to her level before cupping her chin in his hand. He pecked her lightly on the lips as her eyes widened in surprise.
"It's nothing. Consider this as a long overdue payment."
…
Taro awoke the next morning sprawled out on the dining room floor. His head was pounding; it felt as though a train had just run him over.
"Ohhh, what happened?" The black haired man moaned in pain as he stood up. His mouth tasted sour and he headed to the bathroom to freshen up.
"Konan! Are you here?" He shouted into the house but received no reply.
"Heh, must've gone to work already." He muttered to himself and shrugged.
But just then all the memories from the night before came flooding back to him. He realised what a horrendously stupid thing he'd done. In a moment of panic, he quickly got dressed and went to Konan's school.
…
"I've called your school, told them you're not coming. I've also asked Deidara to come around. He seemed happy enough so you should be fine for today." Pein said, sitting opposite Konan who was munching on jam toast, her free hand around a mug of coffee.
"Mm 'Kay. What if Taro comes around while I'm waiting for Deidara?" She replied, taking a sip of coffee.
"What kind of question is that? Just don't answer the door." Pein deadpanned.
Konan laughed a little before taking another bite of toast. Pein was secretly relieved to see her back to her usual cheery self or at least close it. The angry Konan was scary, sad was depressing, but stubborn was even more tiresome than the other two combined.
"Why do I feel like I'm being babysat?" She suddenly asked and he rolled his eyes.
"Because you are. I can't afford to let a drunkard husband find you."
"You said this was the first place he'd look."
"Miracles do happen."
Konan rolled her eyes at him while he laughed. She thought for a few seconds before an idea popped into her head.
"Okay, let's say he does come here and he rings the doorbell. Can I open the door and punch him in the face and close the door again?" Konan asked, a hopeful tone building up in her voice.
"But then he knows you're here." Pein disagreed.
"But then I won't answer the door once he rings the bell again. I got my revenge so I'll pretend there's no one there." The blunette argued.
"I doubt he'd leave once he finds out you're here." Pein argued back.
"True… fine, I won't answer the door." Konan gave up with a sigh of defeat.
"Good. He better not be here when I come back home or I'll get rid of him myself."
"Hmm, cocky much?" the blunette teased and Pein frowned.
"Not cocky, I just know I can beat someone so scrawny."
"Maybe he has more brains than you."
"I'm not even going to comment on that."
"You just did."
The auburn haired male just rolled his eyes at the blunette and he stood up, giving her a wink before retreating to his bedroom.
…
A/N: Nothing to say really. It feels as though I rushed things though so if you felt the same, I'm sorry but when I try and change things, my mind just goes wacky.
Reviews are appreciated!
Thanks to Ari-cchi, a guest reviewer, LilacWhite, ShiraChan-Desu, LilyVampire and theLittleManiac. You guys really had me smiling in happiness.