School started back up, and Tobi was happy to see his friend Subaki back from having fun with her brother and his own siblings. Kiba was finally able to move back in, and everyone was happy in the twins's house once again.
Meanwhile, Tobi felt that he got closer and closer to Zetsu. He began spending the night, they began sleeping in the same bed, they told each other secrets, Tobi didn't think that they could get any closer. But still, the fear of being rejected and losing his first friendship still haunted him harshly.
Tobi began to be impatient. But he remembered what Incora had told him about his feelings, and he was determined to play this out right. Akito was growing more and more suspicious, but as long as Tobi brought home good grades, he never asked.
He hurried out of the house to once again meet Zetsu at the greenhouse, apparently Zetsu needed to talk to him about something important. Akito stopped him.
"Whoa hot-shot, where do you think you're going? School started a while ago, and I haven't seen any homework done in this house." said Akito.
"Tobi does his homework at school. Cousin Akito knows that. Tobi will be back, he has to go meet Zetsu at the greenhouse." said Tobi.
"Again? For what? I'm telling you right now, that depending on Izuna's mood, I'm not gonna feel like dealing with any sleepovers today."
"Tobi will remember. Tobi has yet to get Izuna from Mama Yoshino because Mama said that Izuna was napping. He had a rough morning. Tobi thinks Izuna's nightmares are getting worse. He kept Tobi up all night."
"Yeah, I've noticed. He's at that age Tobi. The age where shit can easily spook him. It's nothing we can't handle."
"Tobi knows! Cousin Akito and Tobi will take care of everything! Anyways, Tobi promises he won't be long." said Tobi who rushed past Hinata, who was about to knock.
Akito stepped into the door frame, glaring quite emotionlessly at his baby sister. She looked at him with fear and almost hesitation. She also looked as though she had been crying for quite sometime.
"What are you doing here? I highly doubt you got lost." he stated.
"I...I...came...h-here...because I didn't...have anywhere else t-to go..." she mumbled sadly.
"You couldn't get one of your servants to drive you to Incora's?"
Hinata looked down, more tears falling off of her face. She turned to leave. Akito rolled his eyes, thinking back to the conversation he and Incora had about Hinata before she left for college. He said he'd try to be nice. He sighed.
"Come in."
Hinata turned around and looked at him with hope in her heart. She came in and shakily sat on the couch, almost as though she was very nervous. Akito went into the kitchen and then came back to the living room, throwing a box of tissues at her.
Akito sat down, crossing his arms an looking at her. She took out a tissue and wiped her eyes. She was still shaking.
"The hell is the matter with you? You act like you've never been in here before!" said Akito.
"I...I haven't! This house was always empty..."
"What do you want Hinata? I told Incora that I'd try to get along with you so you don't have to feel alone in this clan, but honestly my patience is wearing thin."
"W-well...It's...father. With the year almost being up...M-me and Naruto planned f-for him to come here and visit for the summer..."
"And? The fuck does that have to do with anything?"
"...father...he's making me break up with Naruto...for...Sasuke." said Hinata, who sobbed harder into her tissue.
"...Ew. That's fucking gross. You're telling dad to fuck off right? Incora told me about your love for that blond fool. Honestly, the only attraction I see is maybe that giant dick he's trying to hide. But then again, I'm a bi guy. Big dick's gotta be a must. Other than that, he seems like a doofus."
"Naruto...d-doesn't...have..." stuttered Hinata with a hard blush.
"But he does. Everyone knows that. I honestly respect you a little for taking in all of that for your first time. It just means that we're more alike than we think we are. But stop all that stuttering! That habit of yours used to piss me off more than grandpa's bitching!" said Akito.
Hinata gasped in fear, and then sighed a little, calming herself down before she spoke.
"I'm...sorry. Old habits...die hard. Father...he wants to me to date Sasuke because seeing us together will give the Uchiha more of a reason to consider forming an alliance with us." said Hinata.
"Well, dad's wrong. Whoring out his eldest daughter is only gonna make us look bad in their eyes. Besides, the way I hear it, Incora and Neji are going to bring the clans together using Tobi." said Akito.
"How?"
Akito covered his mouth, knowing Incora would kill him for spilling the beans about Tobi. He shook his head.
"Let's just say they have a way. To be honest, Incora hasn't even told me. They say it's Tobi's business." lied Akito.
"Oh...but...w-what should I do? I've...never disobeyed father before..."
"Do you love Naruto?"
"I..."
"Do. You. Love. Him?"
"Yes. I've always loved him..."
"Then what dad says doesn't matter." said Akito.
"But...if I disobey, he'll...disown me." said Hinata with fear in her voice.
"So? Look at me, I've been disowned almost my whole life, and I'm living the dream. And most importantly, I got to choose what I wanted to do with myself instead of being prepped for something I wouldn't be sure I wanted. Besides, what do you have to look forward to anyway? They gave your position away the moment that demon was born. Dad made you train to be Hanabi's assistant for the rest of your life. In a way, you'd have to be a slave to our baby. sister. Didn't that bother you at all?"
"I suppose...when I was younger it did. But Hanabi...she's what's best for the Clan. She'll lead better. Her attitude is the corporation needs."
"All that right there is the lies father spoon fed you. How do you really feel? I got disowned for putting my foot in my mouth on multiple occasions. You got disowned for just being alive. He never even gave you a chance. That's gotta bother you. I know we barely know each other, but I know you have more emotions than just scared, sad, and happy."
"I...thought about it...yes. Hanabi takes time out of her day to personally remind me how inferior I am compared to her...and yes...it makes me angry, but I know it's only how she was raised..."
"That's bullshit. They did not raise her to be a bitch towards you just because she got chosen. Hell, you and Incora raised her until she was 5. That's when father took her and replaced you. If I hadn't got disowned she wouldn't be so damned smug then."
"...What'll I do brother...where would I go?"
"Well, if you love Naruto enough, you two should figure it out together. Besides I hear Sasuke has a woman of his own who's brother might harm you if you broke them up."
"Y-Yes...Juugo..."
"Yeah, Juugo. If it comes down to it...if you don't fuck Naruto here...you could...stay in Incora's old room for a while...I wouldn't care." struggled Akito.
Hinata looked at her brother with love in her gaze and with final wipe of her nose, she felt slightly better. Why she never came to her big brother before, she'll never know. She hugged him close to her.
"Thank you Akito...for everything."
Akito patted her head.
"Uh...I don't know if Incora ever told you, but I'm not a...'family love' kind of person really. I don't even like hugging Incora most days."
"Oh...I'm sorry...I...just..."
Akito shrugged and hugged Hinata back, knowing that this bonding was long overdue.
"Don't worry bout it. I'm used to it. You know, living with Incora."
"Thanks...I'll...let you know if...I move out."
"Whatever. Give me a heads up, but most likely I'm not gonna give a shit." said Akito.
Hinata smiled sweetly and nodded at her big brother. She left the house with a new attitude and a idea on what to do. Akito shook his head, wondering what the hell he just got into. Incora was truly rubbing off on him. Closer than he thought if he just let Hinata willingly live here with him and Tobi. That would be an idea that he'd have to talk to Tobi about when he got back.
Meanwhile, Tobi had finally reached the greenhouse and saw Zetsu watering some pretty flowers than made Izuna smile when he came in here.
He turned to face Tobi with a smile on his face.
"I'm...glad your here, Tobi. There's...been something on my mind lately." said Zetsu.
"What is it, Zetsu?" asked Tobi.
Zetsu got up, and led Tobi to the only bench in the greenhouse, surrounded by roses. He sat Tobi down and sighed deeply.
"Tobi...I...I've never had a friend like you before. You're...special."
"Tobi thinks that Zetsu is special too! Zetsu is Tobi's very first best friend! And...Tobi cares about you...alot."
"I care about you too. But...I've never...felt this way before."
"Has Zetsu never had a best friend before?" asked Tobi.
"No...it's not that. Somehow...you're different...than all the friends I've ever had."
Tobi didn't realize it, but when Zetsu said that, he got somewhat closer to him then before. Tobi edged in as well.
"How is Tobi different?"
"Well...I...can talk to you about anything. You're actually the first person to come up and greet me without commenting on my looks. I love...hanging out with you. And Izuna...he...looks up to the both of us...I can see it in his eyes."
This was it. The moment that Incora had told Tobi about. Without thinking, Tobi shyly pecked Zetsu's lips. Zetsu looked shocked, and Tobi looked away in embarrassment. He felt like he had done something wrong. A blush crept onto Zetsu's face, giving his usually white face the oddest tint of pink.
"Uh...T-Tobi...I..." stammered Zetsu.
"Tobi...is sorry. Tobi didn't mean to..." started Tobi.
He was cut off by Zetsu kissing him again. Tobi closed his eye in pure bliss. This is exactly what he wanted. Zetsu broke the kiss, more confused than ever before.
"This is what I was trying to tell you. I...think I love ...feels right...but...it...can't be...I...I don't usually like men..." said Zetsu.
"Tobi knows Zetsu doesn't like men...and Tobi wasn't going to say anything, but Tobi...has loved Zetsu for a long time."
"You...you have? Why didn't you say anything before?"
"Tobi was afraid...of being...rejected by Zetsu. Because Zetsu likes girls...but...girls think Zetsu is ugly...but Tobi knows the truth. Zetsu is beautiful."
"But...what would people say...about us?" he asked.
"My Incora-nee says that as long we love each other, nothing else should matter." said Tobi.
"Do...you...do you think that we'd work?" asked Zetsu.
"Tobi knows we'd work. You, Me and Izuna."
Zetsu nodded as he kissed Tobi once more. The two left the greenhouse to go to the Nara's. Tobi felt excitement in his heart, thinking about how his Incora-nee was right about the plan put in place. Zetsu knocked on the door, and Yoshino answered with Izuna in tow.
"Hello boys! I'm glad you're here! Izuna just woke up." said Yoshino.
She handed Izuna over to Tobi along with a loving hug.
"Thank you Mama Yoshino!" exclaimed Tobi.
"Now, you two run along! Make sure you stay out of trouble!"
"Y-Yes ma'am." said Zetsu nervously.
Yoshino pat Zetsu on the head and shut the door. Izuna crawled right into Zetsu's arms, hugging his face. Tobi and Zetsu made it back over to the house. Akito was sitting on the couch.
"Oh, hey Tobi. There you are. I need to talk to you about..." started Akito.
Tobi completely ignored Akito, plopping Izuna on his lap without a word. It made Akito very suspicious. Tobi closed his door, and invited Zetsu to sit on his bed.
"Tobi...I love you...but...I've never been with someone like this... " asked Zetsu.
"Tobi loves Zetsu. Zetsu loves Tobi and Izuna. Tobi thinks we should start from there." said Tobi.
Tobi hugged Zetsu, and Zetsu kissed him once again. Tobi wrapped his arms around Zetsu's neck, deepening the kiss. Zetsu licked the bottom of Tobi's lip and Tobi was about to let Zetsu slip his tounge in, up until...
"What the fuck is going on?!" demanded Akito, who walked in on the two with Izuna in his arms.
Shocked and scared, Zetsu broke the kiss.
"It wasn't what it looked like!" said Zetsu.
"So I didn't see your lips wrapped around my little cousins?" asked Akito.
"I...I..."
"Zetsu, leave. Put Izuna on my bed in my room, turn on my T.V, and leave. Tobi, stay." stated Akito.
Zetsu nodded and and took Izuna into the other room, shutting Tobi's door behind them. Akito glared at Tobi, with the upmost hurt in his gaze. Akito sat down on the edge of the bed, refusing to even look at him.
"Tobi...you...like boys? And you didn't tell me?"
"Tobi is sorry Cousin Akito...truly." said Tobi close to tears.
"Why? Why didn't you tell me? Did you think I couldn't understand this? Me, of all people?"
"It...that wasn't it. Cousin Akito once told Tobi not to have any girls around...Tobi thought that if Akito knew that Tobi liked boys...that...Akito would ban Zetsu from coming..."
"Well, I'm definitely banning him now! Tobi, you lied to me!"
"T-Tobi didn't mean to! Tobi was just so in love with-"
"You're in love with him?! I missed that much!? Oh god...does Incora know?" asked Akito.
"...T...Tobi told Incora-nee..." Tobi stuttered.
"I figured she knew something that I didn't. You've been having her lie for you haven't you?"
"Tobi didn't ask Incora-nee to lie for him, Incora-nee just did...Tobi doesn't want Cousin Akito to be mad at Incora-nee..."
"Oh, I'm not mad at her. I'm not even mad...I'm...hurt. I'm hurt that you wouldn't even think to tell me about something like this. Tobi, I'm bisexual! I like dudes too! What would I have cared?! Do I...scare you or something?"
"No...it's not that Cousin Akito..."
"Is it because I'm not Incora?"
"No! Tobi loves his Cousin Akito!" exclaimed Tobi.
"Then why do you feel that you can't tell me anything? Tobi, I love you...you're like my little brother. I have to look out for you. Not just for your sake, or Incora's, but for my own sake. If anything were to ever happen to you or the kid...I could never forgive myself." said Akito.
"You...you do? Cousin Akito loves Tobi?"
"Of course I do! What ever made you think I didn't?"
"Cousin Akito never talks to Tobi much. He just takes Izuna from Tobi to give him a break sometimes...so Tobi just thought that Akito was waiting for Tobi to be old enough to leave..."
"Tobi! How could you think that?! Okay, I admit, I don't talk to you as much as I should...but I don't want ya to just get up and leave! And I definitely don't want ya thinking ya have to either!"
"I...okay Cousin Akito...Tobi won't think like that anymore...but...please don't banish Zetsu! Tobi will do anything!" begged Tobi.
"...I'll think about it, but until then...I can't have you bringing him over as often as ya used to...ya still lied to me ya know." said Akito.
"Tobi understands..."
Tobi laid in his bed, silently sobbing into his pillow. Akito felt horrible for making Tobi feel this way, but he still needed to be punished. The one thing that Akito hated in the whole wide world was for someone to lie to him. Usually he could catch a lie and that would be it. But when someone he loved purposely kept him out of an important situation simply because of how he would react, he got more than pissed. That meant his feelings got put into play. He hated that.
He went into the living room, passing by his room to see that Izuna was jumping in front of his T.V. He smirked a little at the baby, but he picked up the cordless phone and went out onto the front steps. He ran his fingers through his hair and hastily dialed Incora.
"Akito. What do you need?" asked Neji on the other line.
"How the hell did you know it was me before I even spoke?" asked Akito.
"The magic of technology Akito. Did you know that they had this built in little screen on a home phone called caller I.D?"
"Quit being a dick and put your sister on."
"Me? A dick? Never."
"Neji. Seriously."
"Hm...fine."
Akito heard some shuffling around and then the eventual shouting of her name before he heard a 'Akito's on the phone, should I tell him to call back? Sounds like he isn't pleased.' coming from Neji. He sighed and rolled his eyes at Neji. Finally, Incora grabbed the phone.
"Akito? What's wrong? Is it Tobi?" asked Incora.
"You're damn right it's Tobi. I have two questions for you. How long have you known he was gay, and does Neji know?" asked Akito.
"...Okay. I know that I probably could have told you sooner..."
"No. You should have. Anyways, I'm not even mad about that. A little hurt, but I'm not mad at you."
"Well...try not to be too mad at Tobi...this is a whole new experience for him afterall."
"Eh...I'll try. But as for right now he's in trouble, no matter which way you put it."
"Wait...why would he be in trouble for being gay?"
"I just caught him and Zetsu with their tongues in each others mouths not 5 minutes ago. With Izuna in my arms." said Akito.
"Well then...I suppose that's only fair...is there anything else?" asked Incora.
"Well...Hinata came to my house today to ask me what she should do about dumping Naruto for Sasuke. And I told her that when she got kicked to the curb, she could crash here. I blame you for me being so nice, I'll have you know."
"What?! Is she gonna go through with it?! Because all that'll do is start more problems...for Hinata, Sasuke and Karin...but seriously? All I did is tell you to be a little nicer to her. I didn't tell you to open your home to her."
"Tough titty. I blame you. And I know that's Sasuke's girl and all, but what does Karin have to do with anything?" asked Akito.
"I'm...only telling you because of the situation Hinata is in, and because I feel like I owe you, but Karin...is pregnant. And I don't think they've told anyone yet except me and Itachi." said Incora.
"Oh. Well...I see why this would be an issue. Hinata would be classified as a homewrecking hoe for sure."
"How sure are you that she will obey her father this time? Naruto means a lot to her. She's never been as serious about anything as she is with him."
"Shit, I don't know. I'm only hoping she has the balls I think she does. If she's any sister of mine, she better. Enough's enough. The main branch kicks her around like she's a typical side brancher. If she balls up to it, I'll definitely be impressed."
"I don't know Akito. She might just surprise you yet."
"Yeah, sure. I should have more faith in her. Whatever. Anyway in the real world, what the hell should I do about Tobi? I've never hadto room with a gay guy that I couldn't sleep with before." asked Akito.
"All I can say is try to be there for him. And for love of god, don't try and keep them apart. That's the worst thing you could do for him right now."
"Ugh...fine...thanks." he hung up the phone, sighing loudly.
All of sudden, Sai appeared, sitting next to him on the stairs looking quite concerned, which was a new one for Akito.
"What's wrong love? You're usually so outrageous and trying to throw me wherever is convenient before stripping me naked." said Sai.
"Not now Sai. I'm just...I'm not in the mood for sex." sighed Akito.
"Uh oh...now I know there's something wrong. What is it?"
"I just got thrown into some shit...Tobi's gay and my sister's dealing with my dad all by herself. And I told her she could stay here." said Akito.
"Tobi? Gay? That's not new. I've known he was gay for months. For that Zetsu kid. Didn't you know? Also, what's wrong with your sister? Telling her she can move in is a giant improvement. A feat I never thought you would get to."
"What?! How the hell could you have known that! Tobi didn't tell anyone but Incora. And there's nothing wrong with Hinata...it's just Incora is rubbing off on me more than I'd like to admit. Thanks for the vote of confidence by the way. I know I'm a bastard, but thanks so much for rubbing it in."
"I didn't mean it that way love. Trust me, when you've been gay for a long time, you know who's gay and who isn't. And Tobi's gay. I can't believe you didn't notice...I mean...I know you're bi...but he wasn't doing that good of a job hiding it." said Sai.
"I don't tend to think of such things from my own family. The little monster is an execption. I predict Hanabi to either become asexual, or a raging dominant lesbian. But...well...I just found out the hard way about Tobi...I caught them liplocking in his room. To think he's been keeping this from me..."
"To think you didn't know."
"I'm not stupid. I can usually spot a lie for miles, but...Tobi's family. Plus...I...didn't think that Tobi was smart enough to try and lie to me. I thought I would be ale to catch him right then and there, but no...he unintentionally had Incora doing the lying! Even then I caught her, but she convinced me that she wasn't...and I thought it wasn't going to be that bad..."
"Love, every time you say that, it's bad. You need to start being a little more serious about these situations. Think about when I woke you up and told you the twins snuck out. You were so convinced that Madara was just going to scare them, that you let them go...and then Neji came back to you barely alive. That should have been your wake up call."
"Sai...c'mon...can we please not talk about this again?" asked Akito.
"We have to. You need to grow up a little. If you don't start making some adult decisions, your cousins are going to get themselves into more trouble. It was acceptable when Incora and Neji were in high school, seeing as you seemed to have had a better handle on them. But now that it's just Tobi and Izuna in the house, you have to be more responsible." said Sai.
"You don't think I know that!? Izuna's...the first kid that I've ever...gotten along with...I feel...like he's...my responsibility along with Tobi. More than that...I love that kid...it's weird."
"All these different things...they must be confusing to you. I'm sorry love...I know it must bother you..."
"Eh, Incora's always told me to try new things. I guess...that's the reason why she heavily supports everything I do...other than the fact that she loves me."
"You know...I love you...right?"
"Yeah...I know. I just...I have a hard time saying it back. You know that...I don't even tell Incora and Neji I...love them."
"Sometimes...you don't have to say it. Sometimes...showing it is the best way to go. And you show it all the time. To me, to Incora, Tobi, the baby...and even Neji in your own way."
"...I guess I try..."
"Well there you go. Sometimes that's all you can do is ask someone to try. Is there anything else that's troubling you besides...your family?" asked Sai.
"Well...there is this...hot guy. On my porch with me, who hasn't received my dick yet today." joked Akito.
"There's my Akito. But I don't think we should get into anything as of right now."
"Why not?"
"Well, if you just found out that Tobi's gay, then most likely you separated him from Zetsu. Don't want to seem like a hypocrite do you?"
"Aw, it's not like I'm gonna keep them apart forever. He just needs to be taught that with his mistakes comes consequences." said Akito.
"And who taught you that?"
"...My...dad."
"Correct me if I'm wrong...but I thought you and your cousins moved into this house to get away from his influence. Sounds to me like he still has a hold on you in some way shape or form."
"Don't say that. I've tried my best to not be like him. And I feel like it's paid off. I like where I am now...and I think the thing I like most about it...is the fact that I did it without his guidance when he told me I wouldn't be able to." said Akito.
"Understandable. But Tobi loves that boy. How long do you really think that you can keep them apart before they start seeing each other behind your back again?" asked Sai.
"I know...but...I guess it's just my inexperience talking, but I've never dealt with...someone who was just...straight but gay. I feel like he might not be right for Tobi. It's not like I don't approve of Tobi being gay...I guess I just don't approve of Zetsu's...sexuality. Whatever he calls it...what if some stupid bitch gets her claws on him, and Tobi has no chance because...Zetsu's attracted to women?"
"Akito...love...it knows no gender. Yes, Zetsu likes girls. But if he says he loves Tobi, than all you can do is trust Tobi."
"I do trust Tobi. It's Zetsu I don't trust. The guy just...rubs off on me the wrong way...y'know?" said Akito.
"Now you're just being protective. Just the other day you said you like him because of how well he and Tobi were getting along, now that you know they love each other, all of a sudden he's bad news. You can't do that...silly Akito." said Sai.
"I'm not being protective...I worry about that boy's true intentions with Tobi."
"I know his feelings are something you can't seem to comprehend, but you of all people should be able to at least understand the whole sexuality angle. I mean, I'm not exactly a girl myself."
"Yes...but that's..."
"Different? Not really. You're bisexual, meaning that you like both boys and girls. Zetsu seems to be the same way, only he will only see himself with one man, Tobi. Isn't that what you would want for him?" asked Sai.
"I mean...yeah but...who's to say that..."
Sai stopped Akito's thinking with a kiss. He wrapped his slender arms around Akito's neck, and wouldn't let up until he felt Akito's muscly arms wrapped around his waist. Sai broke the kiss.
"Love, you're thinking about this too much, okay? Let's just take this one step at a time." said Sai.
Akito, not trusting his thoughts anymore, just nodded and kissed Sai again, pulling the skinnier man onto his lap. Tobi looked on, almost sure that his older cousin couldn't see him. He was truly jealous that Akito could have who he loved. Tobi missed Zetsu already. It wasn't supposed to be like this...
Tobi stumbled into Akito's room and eyed Izuna sitting on the bed, awake now, and laughing at whatever Zetsu put on the T.V for him. He looked at his father playfully and then stood up and wobbled over to him. Tobi extended his arms for his son to fall into them.
"Daaa..." said Izuna, rubbing his face into Tobi's shirt.
"...Daddy's here Izuna...Daddy loves Izuna." said Tobi.
"Zu?"
"No Izuna...No Zetsu today...come on...lets get ready for bed so we can see Mama Yoshino tomorrow."
Izuna raised his hands at Tobi and picked him up and took him into their room. He carefully undressed him and put him in his crib. Izuna instantly laid down, knowing that when Tobi says it's bed time, it's bed time. Tobi himself stripped himself and laid in his bed, trying so very hard not to cry himself to sleep about this whole thing.
He failed.