Wrong Side of the Tracks Ch 10
Two weeks later on a Saturday, a massive thunderstorm had flooded the streets and made life almost miserable for Sasori and them. The yard was like a swimming hole instead of a yard. Hail had beaten the tar out of the trees and dead branches lay everywhere.
Sai and Gaara had spent half the day digging the truck out of a mud hole. Trailer parks were cheap rent because there were no sidewalks or paved streets. There was dirt, dirt and more dirt and when it rained it turned into mud, mud and more mud.
The hail had beaten the siding on the trailers furiously and now indentions on the tin were apparent. The passenger side window of the truck had a crack in it from a hail stone hitting directly in the center of the mirror.
Kakuzu had waded through the muddy water to the main road way to catch a ride with a neighbor who worked across the street from the store. She had always been kind to Kakuzu. She had told him it would be foolish for his fiends to come here and get stuck.
Especially when she lived in the trailer park and knew the park by heart and his work was on the same route as hers. He had been grateful to her and she had never once complained about it. She was almost fifty and he was just a teenager in need to her.
His shoes were soaked and muddy but the heater did wonders drying them out. They had a mat with spikes for employees to clean their shoes before entering the store and starting work. Kisame had it a lot easier. He lived in a building where concrete was everywhere.
Even the apartment garages were with concrete floors. He pulled his bike out of the garage and headed to Sasori's to see how they had survived the storm. All around he could see people cleaning up their branches and debris.
Itachi and Sasuke climbed in the car. They drove down the street and picked up Tobi then headed to Deidara's. Hidan and Deidara were waiting out front by Deidara's gate when the Uchiha's got there. They climbed into the car and headed to Naruto's.
They all took turns driving to the mall. It was now Itachi's turn to drive and he pulled into the younger blonde's driveway. Naruto came out and got into the car, instantly talking about what he "needed" at the mall. Sasuke smiled and rolled his eyes.
Naruto never seized to amaze him with his material addiction. They headed to the business district and pulled into the mall parking lot. They headed to food court as was their routine. They all went to their favorite food spots and then met back up at their usual table.
Gossip began to pour as they ate and Saturday's mall trip proceeded as usual. Kisame and Sasori picked up the last of the broken branches and they headed into the house. Kisame would have to leave for work around 12:00 to make sure he got their by 1:00.
His boss was always late on a Sat. so he really didn't have to worry about being late but he was always on time anyhow. Kisame however was the only one who did show up on time on a Sat. It made him look like a kiss ass when in fact he needed the money.
Kakuzu thanked his neighbor for the ride and went around back to the employee's entrance of the store. He wiped his feet and entered the building. His manager was there and he clapped a hand on Kakuzu's shoulder. He had always admired the 17 year old.
He had never given Kakuzu a hard time like the owner did. The owner hated people and teens especially. Kakuzu just learned to steer clear of the owner and they simply tolerated each other when in the same domain.
A few hours later Itachi and his group left the mall to go see a movie. They pulled into the movie theatre parking lot at the same time Kisame was headed off to work. Kisame parked his bike in the garage as always and headed into the shop.
He punched his timecard and went to work. The other mechanics were late showing up but within the hour three of the four managed to make it in. Kisame had only worked maybe an hour when his boss came in and told everyone to punch out and go home.
He was flushed and giddy as he gave the orders to his employees. He asked Kisame to stay and clean up the garage. Everyone was curious as to why he had suddenly wanted them to go home. The boss smiled and clapped his hands together in glee.
"My wife is going to the hospital to have our daughter." He said with a gleam in his eye. The whole garage cheered and congratulated him as everyone punched out, eager to get home or go to the bar. Kisame stayed as usual and finished the clean up.
He locked down the shop and went to the garage to get his bike. He headed for home and took his time just enjoying the leisure trip home. When he pulled into the parking garage area of the apartments however, he almost had a heart attack.
Itachi stood by the garages as if he had been waiting for him. Kisame pulled up and stopped in front of the Uchiha, confusion and curiosity all over his face. He got off the bike and stepped towards Itachi who suddenly looked relieved.
"Itachi, what are you doing here?" Kisame asked.
"Nice bike." Itachi said not answering the question.
"Thanks, but again I ask, why are you here?" Kisame looked the Uchiha up and down as he tried to imagine what his reason could be.
"I need your help." Itachi stated. Kisame's mind went blank.