Chapter 11

AN: This is a work of fiction, and all characters are owned by their original copyright holders. This is written not-for-profit.


Yoroi sat behind his wide, black desk, perusing Sasuke's report.

"You think these suggestions are feasible?"

Sasuke nodded. "All are aligned within budget parameters and take little training on the part of the manager to implement."

Yoroi's face remained impassive.

"I'll send these over for consideration. In the meantime, I have a new project for you, something a little outside our usual… scope."

He passed a folder to Sasuke. "That folder won't leave this office, by the way. You'll need to memorize it right now."

Sasuke held in his irritation and opened the folder. Inside was a set of blueprints, some typed notes, and… a photograph of a little boy.

"If you were… concerned, let's say, about an employee's dedication to the company," began Yoroi, as he leaned back in his seat, tapping his tented fingertips together. "You knew this employee was invaluable to the company and its direction, his research dangerous in the wrong hands, his emotional state possibly compromised. How would you guarantee his… commitment?"

Willing his hands not to stiffen, for Uchihas did not show weakness, Sasuke leaned back in his seat.

"I would find out why his dedication had changed," he said finally. "It is the most effective way of determining how best to plan and implement an employee retention strategy."

"Good; but how would you do so?"

Uneasiness prickled along the back of Sasuke's neck. "That would depend on the individual and their circumstances. In this case I would sound out his manager and colleagues, determine what the anxiety was about, and then enroll the employee in an EAP program. Also, I would follow-up with the employee in time to see what the progress was, or if there was another underlying issue."

Sasuke scanned the file; it wasn't a typical employee file. There were pages missing, for one thing. There was too much intimate medical detail, including psychological reviews not only on the employee, but then it would be out of order, or as if pages were deliberately removed. Also, there were files on members of his family. His child's own medical history was there. Pediatric oncology. Christ, no wonder the man was distracted. He probably just wanted his son to live. Wife already passed away… also cancer.

"In this case, I may also recommend a family counselling session, to see if there were ways the company could support him through his family's difficulties, and to help him focus. If he feels supported, he will be more productive."

Sasuke's felt himself turn to stone as he read the child's medical report.

exposure to toxins during project led to development of malignant cancerous cells in pregnant women, young children and developing fetus—

"The child's condition, as you can see," said Yoroi, breaking into Sasuke's runaway train of disgusted, horrified thoughts, "is an unfortunate consequence of the product's development. However, business is business, and we've spent a lot of time, and money, on this one. We're on a deadline, and it is ticking closer by the day.

"What we need you to do," he continued, "is find a way to get this employee, Kimimaro, back to full production again."

He paused as he reached his hand forward, and Sasuke returned the file.

"He works in the Weapons Development area," said Yoroi. "You have until the end of the month."

Sasuke nodded, and stood. Less than a week.

"Also, and this is off the record, as much of this conversation is, you understand… but."

Yoroi waited until Sasuke turned to meet his eyes. "Use whatever methods you deem… necessary, Sasuke."

"Sir," he agreed, and returned to his office. He was quite proud of himself for not losing his temper. Or his lunch. What the Hell had he gotten himself into. This wasn't a promotion. This was…

Sasuke closed his eyes a moment as the filthy feeling washed over him.

Sick. It was sick.

He had no idea how he was going to force a man, who was watching his only child die from a cause he'd helped create, back to work... to continue potentially causing harm through said work.

The remainder of the week was a slow, meandering torture of his own devising.

Each morning wore heavier on his shoulders as he considered ways of salvaging the situation without sacrificing some intangible piece of his soul in the process. His doubts about Oto Corp's corporate integrity had bloomed into full suspicions, mounting disgust and distrust.

His shoulders tight and sore, head lower than usual, Sasuke turned off the light in his office and shuffled to the elevator. How was he supposed to do this? He had one day, no, one night left.

He stared at the carpet at his feet.

Stop looking at how you would do it; think about how someone else would do it, he reasoned with himself.

What would Ita—Sakura. What would Sakura do, in your place?

Compassionate leave, extra support, working-from-home.

But that wasn't going to get Kimimaro in the office in the meantime.

But… did he want Kimimaro in the office? The man was probably volatile at this point, feeling stressed and pushed and used by the company.

Walking on autopilot, Sasuke trudged into the elevator, hand blindly pushing the button for the lobby.

Did he want Oto to have any further reach over Kimimaro's son?

A memory of Sakura watching over and helping the children of the Peds ward at the hospital flashed in Sasuke's mind, giving him heart. She would never let anything happen to a child on her watch.

Maybe that was it, he wondered, a new idea taking root.

Eyes brightening, Sasuke straightened and took a deep breath. He'd have to make the call while off company property. There were too many cameras there. Possibly home, too.

Where could he go that he wouldn't be noticed or reported, though?

"Yo," said a familiar voice as Sasuke headed from Oto company property towards the subway station.

Spinning on his heel he saw the stranger from the subway station he'd met a week earlier. This time, the pug sat beside him on the concrete sidewalk. It still wore a bandana… no, it was a cape, Sasuke realized incredulously.

"You hungry?" the man asked.

"Hn?" Where was this guy from? And how did he keep popping up in the weirdest places?

"You owe me for returning your pass," the man pointed out.

He was wearing a Sailor Moon moped mask this time, and a Hello Kitty tenugui, of all things.

"You want me to get you dinner? Are you a ho—Hn." Sasuke bit off his comment before he got himself in trouble. He might be a rude bastard, but he wasn't raised to be hateful. Plus, hadn't this person recognized before that Sasuke was new to the area? Maybe he could give Sasuke a suggestion about where he could make a private call or two.

"Where to?" asked Sasuke.

"There's a steakhouse—"

"No."

The man's shoulders drooped. "There's a half-decent ramen place three blocks that way," the stranger thumbed behind him with lackluster enthusiasm.

Sasuke eyed the pug.

"They're pet-friendly."

Good enough, he thought. "Sure."

"You look like an Uchiha I used to know," said the man as they settled in at the mom & pop ramen shop. They leaned over the front counter and gave their orders to the owner.

"Hn." Sasuke glanced over at the man out of the corner of his eye. "Good manners dictate that one offers one's own name before asking that of another."

"Hatake Kakashi," the man said, offering a hand to Sasuke. "You have family in the forces back in Konoha?"

Shaking Kakashi's hand, Sasuke nodded. "Uchiha Sasuke. Yes, most of the family has served, at one time or another. Did you?"

"Yes, for a bit," said Kakashi. "This is Pakkun, by the way. He's a bit less social than your average pup."

Pup? Sasuke again wondered if the man was a bit senile. The dog looked ready to expire as it lounged beneath Kakashi's stool. As if sensing his judgement, Pakkun looked up at Sasuke; his doggy-expression clearly conveyed that he found the Uchiha wanting.

Kakashi stretched his back a bit before finding a more comfortable slouch. "So, what brought you out here to Oto?"

"Work," said Sasuke. He turned the cup of steaming tea around on his paper placemat. "You?" he asked after a moment.

"Needed some space. I grew up in Konoha; I was looking for a change," said Kakashi, fingering his own cup.

"Same," admitted Sasuke. "Things were a bit claustrophobic."

Kakashi looked at Sasuke, nodding in understanding. "I know the feeling."

Sensing a camaraderie with Kakashi, Sasuke debated before admitting more. "I took an internship placement with Oto Corp. I wanted to gain work experience before taking on a business degree, to make some contacts."

"Have you made some contacts?"

Sasuke nodded, taking a sip from his cup. "Hn."

"That's good, I suppose."

"How come you chose Oto?"

"This and that. Some things were a bit more… favourable. Others..."

"You stayed," remarked Sasuke.

Kakashi shrugged. "Here's as good as anywhere else."

"How long since you left?"

"A few years," said Kakashi. He and Sasuke nodded to the ramen stand's owner as he set down two steaming bowls before them.

"Itadakimasu," they said in tandem.

Sasuke snuck looks at Kakashi, who merely gave him a grin (behind his mask).

"No peeking," said Kakashi.

"Hn," huffed Sasuke, turning back to his ramen. Weirdo.

They ate for several minutes before taking a break to speak again.

"What do you do?" asked Sasuke.

"I own a small bookshop. Special interest material."

Up went the arch in Sasuke's brow.

"Special interest material?"

Kakashi assumed a hurt look at the tone of Sasuke's voice. "Quality special interest material."

Well, if that wasn't the sketchiest thing he'd heard all day… Mentally sighing, Sasuke decided his options were limited enough as it was.

"Where?"

Kakashi eyed the young man. "You're of age?"

"Yes."

"Liar. But as long as your ID's a good fake, you're fine," waved off Kakashi, settling back into his ramen. "I'm headed back there after this."

Sasuke nodded, more to himself, and went back to his ramen.

It wasn't quite as bad as he'd been expecting, when they arrived at Kakashi's little shop. A bit worn around the edges and in need of a fresh coat of paint, but it was tidy, neat, organized, and the books, while used, were in good condition.

It was the subject matter of the more prominent section that would have had a less experienced Sasuke's neck burning.

"You're welcome to look around," said Kakashi. "I just need to go relieve my staffer."

"Thanks," said Sasuke. He noted the door in the back. "Is that the washroom?"

Kakashi nodded and disappeared in the back. "Go ahead."

Slipping his personal satellite phone from his pocket, Sasuke locked the bathroom door behind himself. Refusing to look too closely at anything or even focus his eyes, he dialed the number he prayed he remembered correctly.


Sitting in an empty classroom with a dull and inadequate textbook laid out on the table before him, Madara flipped through a page or two. His chin was propped up on his palm, his elbow on the table by his lukewarm tea. He'd taken a chance, nipping by the campus café in the library's lower level, but Sakura hadn't been there. He'd sulked in the classroom by her locker, waiting for her to pop by, since. His seat was angled nicely to view the outer hallway, where the lockers were kept. She often stopped by on these mornings. He tried not to get his hopes up, but after just leaving her a gift, he was really hoping he got to see her open one soon. It would be… breathtaking.

Another few minutes passed, and still no sign of her. Perhaps she wasn't coming that day?

Really, he thought as he flipped another page, and checked the time on his phone. How had Sasuke given up this goddess? She was intelligent, resourceful, kind to her friends, too kind to the Uchihas, he thought with a snort, but that worked in his favour, so he'd allow it. For now. She was strong, she was determined, she was compassionate. All attributes he valued in a mate. She aspired to a career in medicine. How wonderful was that? She was going to help others. If he ever let her out of his sight. Maybe.

And Sasuke had walked away from her! He shook his head and blew his bangs out of his eyes. Idiot. He hoped Orochimaru and Kabuto were keeping him busy. He didn't have time to deal with Sasuke's insecurities. Manipulate them at times, absolutely, but really deal with them? No. He was far too busy. He was starting a family soon. He had priorities. Oh, and body-disposal. Always the body disposal. It was such a bother to be a responsible host. Which reminded him, damnit, the meteorologists had forecast another cold snap this weekend, so he needed to pre-dig some ditches, or find suitable alternate repositories for them. Hn. The day needed more hours, he sighed to himself.

At least Kabuto had been keeping Sasuke busy. He wasn't asking too much of Madara recently, which was nice. Something about how his progress was going with Sakura, and when would he be able to come visit them soon? Madara hadn't like the presumptuous tone of Kabuto's e-mail. He had his job to do, and Kabuto had his, and now that Madara was out and free he no longer had need of Kabuto and his medical 'expertise'. Orochimaru could keep him. He and Oro could enact their mad science experiments on someone else. (Sasuke, hopefully.)

Madara checked his phone when it vibrated; another message from Kabuto. He looked it over, his eyes narrowing.

What can you tell me about Haruno Sakura? Are you close to her? — YK

Nothing. Our partnership ended, K. She is no longer your concern. — UM

Hn. He hit send and glanced at the hallway one last time.

His eyes widened. There she was.

Sakura's bag sat open at her feet as she knelt to replace some of the books in it. Inside her locker he noted the manila envelopes he'd carefully delivered, piled haphazardly on one of the upper shelves.

His brow furrowed.

She hadn't opened them?

He felt his phone buzz against his hand; another message. He ignored it as he watched his beloved. Should he stop by, introduce himself properly? He bit the inside of his lip as her hand reached up—

Then retracted. She glanced at the door of her locker, her brows pulled together, her lips quirking in a frown. She shook her head, then shut and locked the door. With a careful movement—she must still be healing, he realized—she lifted her bag and walked back to the elevator.

Perhaps she was saving them, to open them all at once?

He turned the thought over in his mind, letting his imagination run free as Sakura waited for the lift to return to the basement level to collect her.

She would be sitting on her bed, he pictured in his mind. She would have them set out around her, oldest to newest, and she would open each one and appreciate it, smell it, turn it over in her hands as if she were considering the importance of each gift, each trophy. Each sacrifice in her honour.

His pout warmed with the thought. He wondered what she would be wearing; if she would be thinking of him each time she touched—

"Um, excuse me?"

He glanced up, away from Sakura, irritated at being interrupted.

"Sorry, but I think I forgot my purse under your chair. Could you please pass it to me?"

The young woman bit her lip as she pointed.

Swallowing his aggravation, he leaned to the side and patted beneath his seat, quickly finding the leather bag in question. He offered it up to her, only to be met with her flushed cheeks and her holding out a small paper to him.

"If you're free later, I'd love to get you a coffee. To say thank you," she said, her voice a bit high and nervous. "Um, text me?" She swallowed, nodded to him, and scurried from the room, taking her purse with her tucked under her arm.

He blinked, noting a few students turning away and returning to their own business once again.

The paper had fluttered down to his desk and landed on his phone. Her name, Keiko, and telephone number.

Hn.

He sighed and peered out the door of the class again, but Sakura had already boarded the elevator while he'd been dealing with the flustered 'Keiko'.

Slowly, he covered the paper with his palm and pressed it down, down down, before he crushed it in his fist.

Keiko had distracted him.

She had interfered.


"Lean back a bit, good, right there," said the photographer as the camera clicked several times in quick progression.

Patient and steady as time, Itachi shifted in his seat as requested.

Thankfully Itachi had arrived early and managed to convince the high-end hotel reception that they required a location with lots of natural light for their interview, and that he'd like to show off their lovely establishment, he'd heard so much positive feedback about it from his colleagues…

It didn't hurt that he was wearing one of his best-cut suits, and had suffered his mother 'fixing' his hair prior to the interview, at her insistence, when he stopped by his family home to collect a tie he'd forgotten, months prior. The male clerk manning the front desk had blushed, immediately charmed by Itachi's smooth, soothing tones.

Which was how the interviewer, photographer, and Itachi were ushered into one of the hotel's smaller, though generously plush and lovely, meeting rooms.

He hadn't missed the slight pout the reporter hadn't quite stifled before turning bright eyes on him at the announcement of the change in venue. It amused him. No, Itachi was not joining them in their hotel room. Ever.

"Were you able to bring your military uniform?" asked the photographer hopefully.

"No."

The reporter nearly sulked at that, and Itachi withheld a sigh. The interview itself had ended, and the photographer had used the last few minutes to snap some professional shots of Itachi.

"You do brooding really well. Do you model? I have a few contacts who'd kill for a face like yours with their marketing gigs."

"No."

More flashes and camera clicks. "You should. I know a few people who'd love to work with someone of your presence. Can I pass your name along for you?"

"No."

"Really? It's pretty lucrative. And you pull off cultured like a pro. Would you be willing to do nudes?"

"No."

He was never telling Kisame about this one, ever. He'd be insufferable about it.

Speaking of. Itachi's eyes glanced at the clock on the thermostat by the door and figured his friend wouldn't mind him showing up early.

"If there's nothing else, I thank you for your time. I have another appointment shortly," he said, standing and offering his hand to the photographer, who stood closer of the two.

"Do you mind if we ask you a few more questions? Off the record?" asked the reporter, a touch desperate.

"Yes," he said, collecting his coat and sliding his notes into his portfolio bag. He nodded to them. "I look forward to the publication. Thank you for your hospitality."

"Are you free for dinner later? Um, are you seeing anyone?"

"Good day," said Itachi, giving them both a professional, if cold, dismissal.

Back in his car, he maintained the Cold Bastard persona a bit longer, until he was well on the road to Kisame's. Finally he let out a low breath and relaxed his shoulders. Stretching his neck a bit, side to side, he wondered what was wrong with some individuals. Either they were desperately throwing themselves at him, or they were playing things too cool around him. No one acted… normal.

He sighed. Well, one person did.

With efficient control he turned onto Kisame's street and parked in his friend's driveway. Already he felt himself mellowing at the sight of carved pumpkins piled on the front stoop, random mismatched Halloween decorations clapped to the garage and front doors, and the pile of autumn leaves the wind had blown back across the lawn.

"Uncle Itachi!" he heard Tomo exclaim, jumping up and waving at him from the front porch. The kindergartener was sporting a cheek-splitting grin and bright eyes, and Itachi wondered again how Kisame had been so fortunate in his life to create such joy. "You're early! Did you miss us? How do you feel? Are you all better now? You're still coming trick-or-treating, right? I'm so excited!"

Swallowing a laugh, Itachi allowed himself a small smile as he reached out to ruffle Tomo's hair. "I am well. Thank you for the welcome. Is everyone inside?"

"Yep!" Tomo grabbed Itachi's hand and dragged him towards the front door. "Mom and Dad said we could get changed after we have supper. Are you going to eat with us?"

"If your Mother made extra, I would love to join you," said Itachi as they climbed the porch steps.

It was some instinct he'd long learned to heed that had him suddenly yanking Tomo to him and wrapping his body around the small child when he heard the faint extra click as the door swung open inwards. He threw them forward, and it was with more strain than he'd intended to twist them both away from the bottom stairs that began just inside the front door.

Above them something splashed over and poured down on the ground where he and Tomo had been about to pass through.

Not taking in exactly what it was quite yet, Itachi was already spinning around, still pinning Tomo to his chest, surveilling the rest of the room with wide eyes as his heart raced inside him.

"Tomo, are you alright?" asked Itachi, worried he'd hurt the small child.

"Holy sh—!"

"Yuji! Language!" Kisame's voice boomed from the kitchen.

"Damn. I thought we'd get him that time," huffed Makoto, arms crossed as she watched from the top of the stairs.

A little breathless, Tomo looked up at Itachi with wild, innocent eyes. "You're really fast, Uncle Itachi." His gentle voice trembled a bit, his small body the same.

"Are you hurt," repeated Itachi, pulling Tomo a little away, only to find the youngster had dug his hands into Itachi's suit like a kitten's claws. Itachi sighed and patted the child's head, checking him over for bumps and bruises. He'd just have to wait until Tomo calmed before he peeled him off.

"What has your father told you about pranking your younger siblings," sighed Itachi, glancing over at Yuji and Makoto.

"Technically, it wasn't aimed at Tomo," said Yuji. He was watching his youngest sibling with concern, and Itachi with awe.

"Don't get caught," said Makoto. She always was more direct than her other siblings.

"Sorry Tomo," said Yuji, and Makoto nodded. "We didn't mean to catch you with it. I thought you were upstairs."

"S'okay," said Tomo, still shaking slightly. Then he perked up a bit. "Did we look cool?"

"Super cool," assured Yuji, Makoto nodding again.

"Got it all!" added Dake, rising from where he'd been half-hidden behind a shoe rack and holding up a camera. "Awesome job, Uncle Itachi! You're like a ninja!"

Itachi's eyebrow rose as he took in the kids… and the spreading mess of glitter bomb that had spilled all across the front entrance.

"That is a little overkill," he remarked.

"Dad said he wasn't sure if two kilos of glitter would be enough, so Mom suggested he get another five kilos from the craft store."

"The hardest part was the release mechanism. We didn't want to risk it not opening right and then the pressurized canister falling on you."

Itachi let out a low breath. It was thoughtful of them. Nearly ten kilos, straight to his head and or neck, may have killed him. "Do you still have the spray-glue adhesive I got you?"

Makoto nodded, her normally placid eyes sparkling.

Itachi tilted his head, and she took off to get it. He stood, still clutching Tomo to him, and looked down at the glitter piled on the front door welcome rug.

"You have not lit your pumpkins yet, correct?"

Yuji shook his head, and Dake came to take a close-up shot of the mess.

"Shall we put this glitter to use?"

"Oh yeah!" said Tomo, pumping his little fist as he finally let go of part of Itachi's suit.

Itachi nodded. "Put on your shoes and coats," he said, setting Tomo down.

With that, the children assembled their pumpkins, sprayed them with the aerosol adhesive, and then rolled them in the glitter.

"This is awesome~!" sang Tomo, practically dancing as Itachi helped him rock and roll his pumpkin in the sparkling mess. "We're going to have the best pumpkins ever! Dake! Hey, Dake, doesn't this look cool?"

"Yes, Tomo, it looks cool," said Dake, tiring a bit of his little brother's enthusiasm.

"Kids! Supper! Itachi, you can clean up."

The kids whined as they heard their father calling them from the kitchen, and Kisame appeared in the doorway, still wiping his hands on a towel, his wife's pink apron tied around his neck. "No complaining," he growled at them, and the three youngest scooted a bit faster.

"I'll help you," offered Yuji, kneeling back down beside Itachi with a dust pan and a large glass jar to collect the leftover glitter.

"Go eat," said Itachi as the other children left to follow their father.

Yuji shook his head, focusing on the carpet.

Itachi nodded once and carefully moved the pumpkins back outside to the stoop, spreading them out a bit so they wouldn't stick to each other. They were the equivalent of Halloween disco balls. If he'd still been Tomo's age, he would have thought they were the coolest things ever, too. For a second Itachi wanted to be young again, and to share it with Sasuke, who had been so much like Tomo. Perhaps not quite as chatty, but full of life and love.

He swallowed his sigh and arranged the pumpkins neatly before returning to Yuji.

"Hn?" he asked the young man. "Everything all right?"

"Good. Sort of. Not really," he admitted, his movements fidgety, glitter spilling out over the side of his dust pan. "Do you have a minute?"

Itachi looked him over and nodded.

"It's about the party tonight. My friend said his parents were going to be there, and he's invited lots of people, but then I heard him tell someone else that his parents were only going to be there for a bit before they left, too, and that we wouldn't have any annoying adults there after that."

Itachi continued tidying up the glitter, listening to Yuji.

"And, there's a girl going who likes me, and it's just I don't like her, and she's a bit bossy, and… I don't want to be a dick to her, but I don't know how to get rid of her, and I don't want to get called out for being a…" His voice trailed off as he sighed. "Don't tell my Dad, please."

Itachi nodded.

"What do I do?"

"Short term or long term?"

"Both?"

Itachi swept more glitter into the jar. "Do any of your friends like her?"

"Yeah," said Yuji after a moment's thought.

"If she approaches you tonight, and if she is… forward… let her know you think she is a good person, but you aren't interested in her. However, you'd be happy to introduce her to someone you think would be a better match."

"Isn't that breaking his trust? Even though I'm not specifically saying he likes her, it is sort of… misleading."

"Does it get him what he wants?"

Yuji thought about it. "Yeah. If she goes for him."

"Would it make him happier?"

"Yeah."

"Will it make you happier?"

"Yeah."

"Will it make her happier?"

"Hopefully. I just don't want her cornering me."

Itachi swallowed a chuckle.

"If she is quite confident, redirect her gently and clearly. You never know when the person you turn away now will be the one turning you away later," said Itachi.

"Is that what happened with you, and Sakura, and your brother?"

Itachi blinked, looking up at Yuji and meeting his eyes.

"Did you turn Sakura away, and then she started dating Sasuke? Or, did Sasuke turn her away and then you started dating her? You like her, don't you?"

Itachi wet his tongue as he considered his answer.

Yuji went on. "Because I have pictures from this summer; I sent you some. Except for the one of Sasuke and Sakura having a nap together on the couch after the scavenger hunt, I didn't send you that one. I… I know how you look at her, and I think I understand, but I don't understand."

"Yuji," said Itachi, his voice level. "That is a complicated, grown-up situation. You needn't worry about it. It takes time to sort things out. Everything is okay."

"Do you two share her?"

Before Itachi could reply, Kisame called to them. "Yuji, suppertime. Itachi, a word."

Yuji shot Itachi an I'm-so-sorry!-look before he hurried to the kitchen as Kisame's heavy, slow footsteps approached them, stopping just beside Itachi's feet. Itachi swept the last of the spare glitter into the jar and neatly capped it before standing and offering it to Kisame.

"I know," said Itachi, needlessly, knowing that Kisame was about to say. "I cut off the questions."

"My kids, Itachi. My kids recognize the situation for being unusual."

"Yes," agreed Itachi. He didn't look away from Kisame and both men were tense. Neither wanted to have the conversation at that moment. "Your children are intelligent. They must take after their mother."

Kisame stared at Itachi, hands on his hips, before shaking his head. "That kid's too smart for his own good."

Itachi nodded once. He had done nothing wrong, with how he handled Yuji. There was nothing to apologize for; yet he felt a film of guilt coating their interaction.

Kisame let out a low breath. "You're working at Akatsuki tonight. I just saw the neighbours turning their lights on. You can take Tomo and Dake once they finish their supper, and then head to work. I'll talk to Yuji and remind him that your situation is for you to understand, and not his business right now."

Itachi nodded again. Kisame's children, Kisame's decision. He respected his friend, especially his say when it came to his family.

As they had expected, Tomo and Dake rushed through their supper before hopping around into their boots and hats. (During their meal, Itachi had slipped reflective tape on them in subtle patches. He would protect his little 'nephews' with his life; he wouldn't leave anything to chance.)

As they ran out the door, pillowcases in hand, they whooped and hollered in excitement. It made a small smile flit across Itachi's face, and he bid Kisame's older children, Yuji and Makoto, goodnight. He gave Yuji a look, which the other boy nodded at, before following the two youngest out into the darkening night.

With Tomo's small, mittened hand tucked in his own and trailing a well-loved wooden wagon behind them from his other hand, they followed Dake to several doors, politely calling out rhymes for candy and thanking the hosts after each mission accomplished. Itachi quickly got used to the double-takes of the homeowners as they spied him with the young children, internally sighing when some stared at him while others tripped over their words, asking if he was new to the neighbourhood. And if he needed anything, to please not be a stranger.

Damn. He was still wearing his good suit. He shook his head. It often had this affect on people.

But the little group sallied on, the boys excitedly collecting candy until their bags were full to bursting. Itachi dutifully traded their full bags for new ones, tying up and settling the ones with stressed seams in the wagon he'd decorated with several glowsticks. And glitter. If Lady Gaga had had a wooden wagon, this would be it. He couldn't wait to hear about Kisame's reaction when he next saw it in the light.

Dake tugged on Itachi's hand as they walked; Tomo had tucked himself under a blanket in the wagon for a short rest, his shorter legs tiring already in the chilly night air.

"Hn?"

"Tomo wanted to know if your brother was around. He wants to invite him over as a babysitter to draw together," said Dake, holding Itachi's hand.

Itachi shook his head. "Sasuke is away working right now. I will ask him when he returns. I am sure he would be happy to come see you all."

Dake nodded. "How about Sakura? She was really fun. And nice. And pretty," he said, blushing and ducking his head into his scarf. "For a girl."

"Ah. I do see Sakura sometimes. I will ask her when she is free. She had a very good time with you this summer. She would love to see you again," assured Itachi, giving Dake's hand a small squeeze. Dake squeezed back and gave Itachi a wide smile.

"Cool," the boy said. "Hey, we're almost at the big house! Tomo! Tomo, you ready?"

"Yeah," yawned Tomo, rubbing his eyes. "'m ready," he mumbled.

"Hn. We will work on the route back after this house," said Itachi, noting how both boys' shoulders were slumping, their feet slower, dragging.

"Not tired," pouted Tomo, pulling himself over the side of the wagon. He landed unsteadily, but pulled himself up just fine. He yawned again as he accepted his pillowcase from Itachi. "Thanks, Uncle 'tachi," he said, stumbling after his big brother.

"Hn."

Shaking his head with a muted smile, Itachi followed them up to the door, still tugging the candy-laden wagon behind him.

Forty minutes later he carried a sleeping Tomo into his home, slung over his shoulder, the little boy's drool already leaving a trail down his two thousand dollar suit sleeve. Itachi smiled softly at Kisame's wife as Dake stumbled in after them, rubbing his eyes and letting loose a jaw-cracking yawn.

"Thank you again, Itachi."

"My pleasure," he replied, helping remove Dake's boots and coat as the boy swayed on his feet. "Would you like a hand?"

She waved him off. "I have everything from here. You get to work. Thank you so much. It was so nice for us to have all our bases covered tonight."

With several more pleasantries exchanged he returned to his Audi and drove to Akatsuki. He had a long shift ahead of him. Hopefully Konan had ordered a supper in for the staff again.


It was done.

His hair blowing in the strong wings the chopper's rotors kicked up, Sasuke covered his eyes and watched the med-transfer helicopter take off, its precious cargo safely tucked inside on its way to Konoha General.

There was no way Oto Corp would ever get their hands on the child, now. They could do nothing further to him, and he would be safe in the hands of his family.

As the chopper cleared the hospital's roof, Sasuke heard the heavy metal roof door fly open with a bang. Turning, he saw a young man, eyes wide and long white hair wild scramble onto the tarmac.

"My son!" he cried, coughing and struggling to stand against the strong winds. "My son!"

Recognizing the pair of red dots over the man's brows, Sasuke approached Kimimaro.

"I've ensured he's been placed in the best care that can be provided to him. The medical facilities and security there are the best in the Five Nations," said Sasuke, his hands raised in a peaceful gesture. "Oto Corp will no longer have any sway over him or his care. Trust me."

Kimimaro turned his overbright eyes on Sasuke and began laughing incredulously.

"You… you just took him?" He lifted a trembling hand to his tattooed forehead, unable to comprehend the situation. "You took him. He's all I had left. Everything."

"And he's going to be safe, now. We're doing everything we can—"

Kimimaro shook his head, the strange, unusual laughter bubbling up again.

"—this leaves you free to focus on your work. I've also arranged for an extended personal leave for you, once it is completed, so you can spend as much time as you need with your son as he recovers. He has good chances, in Konoha," continued Sasuke.

But there was something unsettling in the way Kimimaro looked at him then, still giggling, but now with tears streaming down his pale, pale face.

"You took him. I'll never see him again," he murmured, his trembling hand falling lifeless to his side. "Never again. I didn't even get to say goodbye," he said, his voice breaking.

Brow furrowing, Sasuke swallowed over his uneasiness. "This is strictly temporary, Kimimaro. We—"

Kimimaro's bark of cold, bitter laughter stopped Sasuke mid-sentence.

"Temporary," he murmured, shaking his head. He looked at Sasuke then, and Sasuke noticed for the first time the unusual pallor to Kimimaro's cheeks wasn't natural. It was sickly. His inability to stand properly, his hunching frame. His continued trembling.

The scars and bruises up and down his wrists and arms. Bruises from intravenous drug treatments; scars from surgeries.

"I have less than eight weeks to live, Uchiha Sasuke," said Kimimaro. "My son's diagnosis was no different. I'll be gone before I'll ever see him again."

He tried to straighten and leaned against the wall of the elevator shaft casing.

"You're dying," realized Sasuke aloud. The missing medical report pages, the random notes that had been removed from his file. This had been deliberately hidden from Sasuke. Yoroi had withheld the information from him.

"Of the same cancer that took my wife, and is taking my son," said Kimimaro. His hands hung limply at his sides as he slid down the wall, landing in a small heap on the filthy roof. "He was all I had left."

"I swear, he's going to be given everything he could possibly need or want, we're sparing no expense," said Sasuke, forcing down his racing pulse, his mounting anxiety, his churning stomach.

Kimimaro looked up at Sasuke with haunted eyes. "I gave everything I had to Orochimaru, Uchiha. You took the only thing I still held dear." He blinked, slowly, watching the helicopter disappear in the distance. "And at the end of the day, we can't even protect what's most precious to us. What we've been fighting and working for."

A light tingling around his fingers warned Sasuke, but already his heart was beating erratically as the sounds of gunfire and his brother's pained shout resonated inside his head. Not now, he begged himself, not now. But he was already trapped in the flashback, his emotions flying out of his control.

"We've become monsters for Oto, haven't we?" Kimimaro's voice floated into Sasuke's hearing, but he wasn't taking things in as he should. He couldn't. His ears buzzed, his focus dipped. He was emotionally overwhelmed and flirted dangerously with the seductive, cruel voice that whispered to him in his own mind. Awful, wrong things. Things he could never confess to Sakura.

"There's nothing left for me. I'm building a weapon to kill others, and it is killing me. How fitting," said Kimimaro. As the helicopter blinked out of sight on the horizon, he nodded. "Back to work." His voice was odd, and had Sasuke been able to connect properly to himself in that situation, he would have realized that Kimimaro was just as disconnected from reality as he was.

But he didn't.

He just nodded, clenching and unclenching his fingers as he tried not to tremble and give himself away.

"Goodbye, my fellow demon," said Kimimaro as he swayed to his feet and shuffled through the door back into the bowels of the Hell that was their office, Oto Corp. "May you, too, be sealed with a curse, like the rest of us."

Failing to calm his breathing, Sasuke felt his gorge rise and turned quickly over the side of the building, pitching his lunch down a drainage pipe.

After a brief stop in the men's room a quarter-hour later to splash water on his face, rinsing his mouth, and tidy himself once more Sasuke made his way to his private office. Luck still wasn't with him that day, however, as Karin and Sui waited just outside his department for him.

"U-chi-chi-chiha!"

"Sasuke!"

"You're coming tonight, right?"

Hollowing inside, Sasuke just looked at them.

"The Halloween party. At the High Regency Hotel and Ballroom. You don't need to dress up; I'm not really doing much. Karin'll be her usual whore self—ooph."

"What he means is that we'd love you to come with us! It's a company-sponsored night out. Free booze, schmoozing, lots of fun, give-aways, and stuff like that. You should at least put your nose in for a bit. Speaking of, Sasuke, are you feeling okay? You look a little pale," said Karin, lifting a hand to his forehead.

He caught her wrist and lowered it away from him. No touch. Not yet. Not when he was so… filthy.

"What time?" he asked.

"Seven thirty, eight-ish," said Sui. The tall man leaned towards Sasuke, his brows knit. "She wasn't kidding. You're looking a little off, mate. All good?"

"Fine," he said, nodding tiredly. "I will see you there. I have work to do."

"Okay," said Karin, her lips pressing together. She brightened. "I'll save you a good seat. I know you're not the dancing type," she said with a wink at him.

He nodded. "Hn."

They finally left, and he entered his office, closing the door behind him.

He hadn't been there five minutes when Yoroi knocked on the door, opening it without waiting for Sasuke's answer.

"Kimimaro's back in the lab," he announced.

Sasuke turned to look at his supervisor and nodded. He wanted to be sick all over again.

"Good job, Uchiha. I knew you were Oto material. You're coming tonight, right?"

No, he wanted to say. He didn't want anything to do with this company anymore. "Hn."

Yoroi smirked. "Plenty of people took notice when Kimimaro showed up in the lab again, and your name's going around. Nice work."

And he was being praised for this? "Hn."

"Keep it up, Uchiha. Oto needs more loyal employees like you. By the way, your next project is on your desk. You get to keep the folder this time, but it can't leave the office."

With a nod, Yoroi pulled the door closed behind him.

Finally alone, Sasuke sank into his seat and turned on his computer.

Sakura, his gorgeous goddess of light surrounded by white blooming flowers from his villa on that special summery day, met his sight as soon as it warmed up.

He snapped it shut without a second thought. With a gulp and a near heave of his stomach he dropped his head in his hands, elbows digging into his desk.

"We've become monsters for Oto, haven't we?" Kimimaro's voice repeated in his head, over and over.

...What have I done?


To be continued...


Reader Reviews!

ThatPageantGirl: Yay! Thank you, that's a huge compliment! (And OMG, I know. I just want to have them pin each other down on trampoline or something sometimes, hahahaha!)

Ukatoemina: Holy crow! You blessed me with your bounty! Let me see if I can reply to your many wonderful comments. So glad you're enjoying Mikoto; she's a joy to write (in this AU). And yes, there is no doubt witchcraft involved when it comes to the Uchiha Matriarch. As for the NumberOneSon thing, yes, there's a nickname for Sasuke, too. One he doesn't want shared, ever. (I'll have to work it in.) 8D As for Sakura and the envelopes, we learn a bit more about them later; she's just busy at the moment. As for Itachi and Kisame and Sakura, yes, Itachi was jealous. And yes, Kisame is one of my favs to write in this story. (Hope you enjoyed a peek at the kids again this chapter!) Kisame is my spirit animal. I wish I was him. I spent years in Martial Arts and let me tell you, a well-built man in hakama is a personal weakness of mine. (I loved my years in kendo. So, so much.) As for Madara / Sakura / the elevator: He didn't make a move for a few reasons; partly, it just wasn't the right time; it was too public; he wasn't ready yet. We're getting there. (Also, good eyes! Yes, it was Hinata who was visiting Naruto.) Thank you!

Kupcake1010: YES! We need more Kakashi like we need more cowbell!

Sharinganintheey: Hahahaha, I am not making any promises with NaruSasu, however there are plenty of different hints of things in this story, depending on how one reads them. Yes, it would definitely make things easier… but since when has this story been easy? ;) Thank you! More drama is coming, promise!

An1meOtome: There was a lot more of Itachi in this chapter! (And we'll have a VERY large dose of him next time, too!)

NovaCole: Thank you so much! 3 Also, you're totally making me want to write a little side-story (maybe time for another omake?) about Shisui and Kisame ganging up on Itachi 'for his own good' (read: their own amusement at his expense). 8D Lots more about Sasuke in this chapter as he deals with his own challenges and starts questioning things. As for Ino, she's amazing; and she's not entirely 'fictional'… My characterization of her is based on a mix of two real individuals (which helps me 'fill out' her personality a bit more fully). You're more than welcome to adopt Ino for your own, as needed. ;) We'll start a club with 'WWID' (What Would Ino Do?) bracelets. Some kind of accessory, anyway, with it being Ino. Happy reading!

AwaitTheRise: I love that you liked that scene (and Naruto)! I think friendships (not just romantic relationships) need more positive cred, and I tried to show guys rely on each other, too, to feel good about themselves (without tearing each other down). We've seen BAMF!Ino bolstering Sakura for a few chapters now; I think Sasuke needed a reminder he's important, too. (Even if he did make a bonehead decision. Maybe it'll remind him of what kind of man he is trying to become.) Hahahaha, I'm getting lots of feedback that there's definitely a demographic here who'd like to see some SasuNaru! No promises there; I'm not sure this story can handle many more entanglements. But we'll see. As for Kisame, he's here to keep it real for Itachi, hehehe. For the Madara and Kakashi sections, you're welcome. Winkwink, nudgenudge. (For Kakashi, esp. He's one of my favs from the Naruto-verse.) Regarding my Pinterest: I have listed my username in my profile, since this website has removed all my outgoing links. (Eep! Sorry, I hadn't known until you pointed it out!) You're welcome to come take a look at the Pinterest board for "Forest Fire II"! I tried not to post too many spoilers, but there are a few hints in it. And some amazing fanart; I love looking at fanart. I'm so jealous of artists' talent!

Wolfy-sama: Hahahah, yes, he is, isn't he?

NixxyNoxxy: You're very welcome! I'm thrilled you liked him!

ElevatedJewel: Ooooh, you picked up on that, did you? I'm impressed. No, no one in this story is perfect, and that is quite deliberate. Everyone makes bad decisions, and running from them doesn't fix anything, and it is a really hard lesson to learn. Sasuke's not the only one learning (or avoiding) things as things go along. Good catch about love not being a magical fix-all, too. My thanks to you, for such a thoughtful review, and to the reader who recc'ed this story to you! Hope you enjoy the upcoming chapters, too!

Animelover5107: I'm reading that many people are finding Madara creepy: mission accomplished! But seriously, I'm so glad you enjoyed the chapter, and thank you! I had a wonderful visit and time travelling through Canada and the US. It was a very busy week, and I'm very fortunate I remembered how to drive an automatic (after only driving standard transmission, switching to only 2 pedals was a bit harrowing for the first 100 or so kilometres, hahaha!).

GalacticBatMegan: YAY! And yes, Itachi is a mother hen and still worries about his little brother; and is swamped with guilt nearly every moment of his day, but he's still trying to make things right. He just wants peace with everyone. I'm so happy you're enjoying all the different characters (esp Kakashi and Madara), and I hope this update was a good one. Thank you for your kind comments, and yes, I had a fantastic trip. It was so cute when my dad got up at 5am to make me breakfast, my last day before we set off. It's how he shows he cares.

Hana-Taisho: Thank you! Oh yes, the juicy Madara parts are coming! We shall be seeing more of them~! As for how and why he is in class, I'll make that a bit clearer in a later chapter. (Thank you for reminding me to add that section back in—I moved it around and need to wiggle it back in.) I love the little convo between Naruto and Sasuke, too; it's also a good contrast to show other things that will be happening soon…

Guest: Your passion for SasuSaku shall be appeased! There's still lots of story to come, promise!

AliceCambio: Hahaha, so glad you enjoyed Kakashi's intro! It was a lot of fun to write!

Helennnn: I've seen the mountains you're scaling, woman, and I tip my hat to you! Have your computer woes alleviated any? Did you speak to DropBox? I know it isn't much, but I hope updates here are cheering you up a bit as you march on. 8) So glad you enjoyed seeing Kakashi join us (finally)! Keep your eyes out for next chapter; Halloween is coming and ItaSaku will feature more prominently. (Promise!) Thank you!


AN: I'm crossing my fingers the formatting holds this time. Thank you all for your WONDERFUL feedback! I hope you've had a fantastic July. I will be posting the next regular update sometime in early August. I can't wait: one of my favourite scenes is coming! The poll is still running in my profile, for those who are interested. Also, for any who feel Sasuke may be getting a bit shafted, expect a few SasuSaku pieces shortly in celebration of SasuSaku month on tumblr. One of which kind of seriously got out of control... (Check back on July 29 for the SasuSaku Superheroes AU!) Lots of love to you all. See you in August, and happy reading!