Whatever It Takes
Chapter Fifty Four
When Genma announced that they had arrived to Sharingan, Sasuke found himself looking out the windows of their carriage in excitement.
Leaving the campsite marked the last leg of their trip. It had taken only a few days to reach the next village. They had stopped there to rest and restock on supplies. Itachi and Sasuke had also gone shopping for clothes that Sasuke will eventually need as his pregnancy progressed. The rest of their time had been spent sight-seeing and going on little dates. When Itachi had said that they were nearly to Sharingan, Sasuke had been filled with so much anticipation.
As long as Itachi was by his side, he was sure he was going to be happy living just about anywhere.
For the next six days of their travels, Sasuke had gone back to being really sleepy and most of the time remained half-awake against Itachi. The fact that they had reached their destination just as the day was breaking into the afternoon had Sasuke buzzing with energy. He kept looking around at everything, fascinated by everything new that he saw. This place looked completely different from the village that surrounded the kingdom of Konoha. There were modest houses with large front yards, lots of green tall trees, and tall buildings that seemed to reach the sky. When he turned to ask Itachi about it, his husband said that Sharingan was developing into something more of a city.
Sasuke was in awe, wanting to get off to look around at the strange shops but he was also tired and couldn't wait to see the home he would be living in with Itachi. Sasuke gasped when they entered a gated community. It seemed to be separated from the city they had just crossed, and everything looked expensive. The road was a completely made of colorful flat stones, and curved around large estates that were fenced off.
Itachi pointed out to him the different estates that they passed by. Sasuke was left stunned at the sight of those houses, if you could even call them that, the sheer size of them was breathtaking. Yet, he gasped when he saw the one that he and Itachi would be calling home. Itachi had grabbed his hand and intertwined their fingers as he pointed it out, the largest of them all—"That's our new home," Itachi whispered into his ear, his eyes locked on Sasuke's face so he could see all his reactions.
"Is it really?" Sasuke asked, unable to believe that they were here now. His eyes were wide in wonderment.
It wasn't as big as the palace back in Konoha, but it sure as hell rivaled it. It was definitely worthy of being called a palace. Sasuke loved it so far and couldn't wait to see what it looked like on the inside. "This is the Uchiha central estate, it overlooks all other and it's really going to be all ours." Itachi said. The estate was a pristine white, with crimson accents. The Uchiha fan covered some of the walls, but as far as Sasuke could see, they had a luscious front yard of green grass. The front door had a deck that had large pillars holding up a roof at the entrance that wrapped all around like a hallway and he could see that a dining table as well as an outdoor cooker was set out.
There was a large gate that surrounded the estate, they were black and were opened upon their arrival. Genma grinned as he and Asuma stopped the carriage at the front of the home. Itachi stepped out first and then reached for Sasuke, helping him get down seeing as Sasuke liked jumping out. Sasuke grinned at him, his eyes not staying still as he took in his new home. He didn't even bother complaining about Itachi acting like he was fragile just because he was pregnant. Itachi felt pride when he saw how pleased Sasuke was so far, and couldn't wait to show him the inside.
"My Lord," A man approached in rushed strides, bowing in front of the two raven haired men. Itachi turned to him, frowning when he recognized who it was. The older man, if Itachi recalled right, was named Danzo whom had been working under his grandparents for years now. He was supposed to overlook the courtyard, staff, and make sure that no one unauthorized entered the perimeter of the home. Itachi had simply assumed that since he had worked for his grandparents for so long that he would follow them instead of staying.
Something was up, and Itachi would be sure to figure it out.
"Danzo, could you have the horses placed in the stables, I need them looked after." Itachi said. He then turned to his personal staff that he had brought with him, "Also, these are my staff, Genma, Asuma, Hanawa, Ikou, Deidara, Sasori, Juugo, and Suigetsu. I will assign them their duties but for now, please show them to their rooms."
Danzo's expression seemed to flash with displeasure but the man was smart to keep his mouth closed and bowed his head, "Right away my lord," with that, the man gestured for someone to get the horses, then turned to ask the gentlemen to follow him.
"Um, Itachi," Sasuke said, his eyes narrowed on Danzo. He had caught the expression and it made him uneasy. "We are not keeping these people around, are we?" he asked, his eyes moving to the people now handling the horses. Itachi didn't know all their names, but already he was not pleased that the old staff was still residing in the estate.
Itachi shook his head, "I honestly thought that the staff that worked for my grandparents would have followed them, but no, we are not keeping them," Itachi responded. Sasuke nodded. He already didn't like the new people there. He didn't exactly have a reason for not liking them either, something just told him that he didn't.
Itachi then led Sasuke inside. Sasuke thought the place was amazing, but that the colors and decoration had to go. He didn't like how everything was decorated in spitted blacks and lined in silvers. He made the comment to Itachi and he agreed that they could change the way the home looked to fit them better.
"Where is our bedroom?" Sasuke asked, excited to see their room.
Itachi smiled, reaching to take Sasuke's hand in his. "Come this way I will=="
"Itachi!"
Itachi was cut off when suddenly a woman with long raven hair ran into his chest, hugging him tight around his waist. Itachi paused, looking at her while feeling awkward. He had not expected to see her of all people. "Izumi," He said, using his free hand to push at her shoulder. "I'm glad to see you as well but could you please let go of me."
"But I've missed you so much!" She clung harder, refusing to move away from him. "I heard from aunty Izuna that you had come to visit but you didn't even come and tell me anything! How could you Itachi," She pouted.
"Itachi, who is this?" Sasuke's eye was twitching and the anger was clear in his voice as he tightened his hand around Itachi's. Izumi released Itachi to turn and look at who had spoken. She froze, looking Sasuke up and down. For a moment she thought that the man was beautiful, but his offending hand was clasped with Itachi's and that just wouldn't do.
"Itachi, who is this?" She asked her expression getting haughty as she moved to grasp Itachi's other hand and pulled it to her chest. She looked down on Sasuke, both of them glaring harshly at each other.
Before Itachi could answer either of them, Sasuke had pushed Izumi away and moved to stand between them creating a distance as he snapped, "I'm his husband!"
"What?" Izumi cried, shocked. "You lie!" she snapped, she was unwilling to believe it. "Itachi would have never married you, he loves me!"
"What was that?" Sasuke asked, proudly flashing his wedding ring. "Itachi only loves me!"
"Sasuke is my husband," Itachi clarified, wanting to leave no doubts.
Izumi gasped, "No…" she muttered distraught. She couldn't believe what she was hearing, there was just no way. Why would Itachi marry someone who was not her? She thought, all this time that he would return for her. Once he had gotten his head straight that he would realize that she and he were meant to be…
Sasuke scowled, "get the fuck out of my sight!"
"My, my, he has Mikoto's temper, doesn't he?" All three turned to face Izuna and Madara who were making their way over to them. Itachi took a deep breath, praying for patience. He had not been expecting Izumi, and much less his parents to be here on the first day of their arrival. All he wanted was for Sasuke to look around their home and settle down. He knew how important that was. Sasuke being pregnant needed to be comfortable with what would now be his home.
"Sasuke, meet my mother Izuna and our father, Madara." Itachi said and Sasuke narrowed his eyes at the person who is supposed to be his father. The man was tall, with wild raven hair, and tired eyes. Sasuke could see a source of resemblance towards the man, but that was about it. He felt he had more in common with Izuna, but that's just probably because his father and Itachi's mom were siblings. Izumi opened her mouth to try and introduce herself but didn't get the chance.
"I don't care to meet them, get rid of them." Sasuke coldly hissed, already annoyed to his limit. Itachi smirked at Sasuke's attitude. He reached his arm around Sasuke's waist and pulled him close to him. Sasuke didn't even flinch, allowing Itachi his way.
"I'm guessing that you came to greet us on our return, but I'm afraid that Sasuke's right. We need time to settle into our new home. We would appreciate it if we saved this meeting for a better time," Itachi calmly said. Sasuke scoffed at how nice his husband had asked them to leave. He couldn't help but feel angry though with the woman that had made herself so familiar with his Itachi. If anyone needed to be kicked out it was her.
"But Itachi I am your mother!"
"Itachi, why did you marry this…this rude person, what about me?"
"Sasuke, I am your father! Don't you want to get to know me?"
Sasuke's eye twitched again, his eyes flashing red and he snapped. Before Izuna, Madara, and Izumi knew it, they were standing outside with the door slammed in their faces. How it happened, they weren't sure but no matter how much they knocked, the door remained closed. When Izuna got the brilliant idea to find a way to sneak in, an orange haired giant was there to escort them fully out of the property.
Needless to say, they were not getting back inside anytime soon.
"Niisan, can you please keep them away from us? And can we go see our bedroom, and can I please get some lunch," Sasuke whined, pouting and clinging to Itachi. Itachi held back a chuckled, amused by Sasuke's mood swings. They were few and far in between triggered by certain things, but Itachi had quickly noticed that Sasuke was having mood swings. They had been something during their trip and they just seemed to have gotten worse as the pregnancy progressed. Part of it was already Sasuke's charm, but it kept Itachi thoroughly interested and he swore he was even more in love.
After seeing their bedroom Sasuke found that he was glad that he had a husband that thought ahead. Itachi already had new room furniture and a large bed in place for them. Sasuke just needed to fix it up how best he liked. He had Suigetsu and Juugo bring in the pillows from the carriage, decorations from his old room, and their clothes. A few hours later and Sasuke found himself appeased by their bedroom, finding an odd comfort in the familiarity that his things brought.
"Itachi is really sweet on you," Suigetsu commented, making a face of disgust.
Sasuke blinked, crossing his arms, "What are you talking about?"
"This is supposed to be his room too, isn't it, but he's letting you modify it to whatever you want. I'm just saying that he's really nice to let you do that." Suigetsu shrugged.
Sasuke took a pause at those words, because he had not thought about if Itachi would like how he was changing the room or not. It had been a bit selfish of him. Still, Sasuke simply found himself happy with Itachi despite it all. "Yeah, Itachi is the best." He murmured.
"Yeah," Suigetsu agreed with a grin on his face.
Meanwhile, Itachi had gone into the kitchens. He had Sasori and Deidara follow him and immediately the staff there got a shock when they were told that the two of them would be the lead chefs for all the food there. Itachi figured it might be a while before he sorted through the staff that still resided there. Especially when it looked like there were enough staff working in the kitchen to cook for an army.
It was an even bigger shock when Itachi started to cook something. Sasuke was still on his not trusting anyone but him.
After a while of staff asking to help and telling him that he didn't have to cook for himself, Itachi started to dismiss them from the kitchen. Deidara and Sasori looked at each other briefly, deciding that they were going to have to talk to Itachi about letting them evaluate the kitchen staff.
The next day, everyone had been formally introduced to his husband and the new Lord, Uchiha Sasuke. At first many of them were left breathless at the sheer sight of him and his beauty. There were murmurs, and faces flushed as they admired the angel standing before them. The looks of lust and envy died soon enough.
The truth hit them in the face like a slap, and Sasuke was someone that they quickly learned to fear. He ran everyone ragged, changing their jobs on a whim, and having them take out every piece of furniture inside the first floor of the house. He had some working on cleaning out the furniture, or just throwing away anything that he didn't like. A few others were tasked with painting the walls into a warmer white color, and a richer mahogany brown to accent it.
The entire estate was in disarray with many of them angry with the outcome. Sasuke smirked when he heard them whispering about how dare he think he can just come here and change things. Itachi shut them up real quick when he told them that if they didn't do as Sasuke asked they would be let go.
None of them wanted to lose their job.
While Sasuke was terrorizing the staff, Itachi was in the main office looking over the paperwork and business that the Uchiha ran. In this case, the ones that were under his name now and had been under his grandparents for a long time. No matter how Itachi looked at the finances he found that there was an inbalance, and money was missing.
Itachi had Hanawa and Ikou help him pull out every staff's files and help him sort out what was going on. Itachi was aware that their family ran several businesses that were uncommon but they were what helped the authorities. It had a few academies as well as shops for uniforms and weapons. Itachi knew that it was a staple here in Sharingan and they were the best of the best. No one could match them.
With the city developing he knew that they would have to branch out and evolve along with it, but that still didn't explain the missing funds. Once everything was organized, Itachi decided to hire an accountant that would help him better track down what was going on.
It wasn't until Danzo walked into his office, huffing about how ridiculous some of the things Sasuke was asking for were that Itachi realized that he had not seen a file for the man. Itachi asked Ikou and Hanawa to check for his papers and count all the staff. They reported back that there were three people whose papers were not accounted for.
Danzo, Koharu, and Homura—the supposed council that were in charge of advising and leading the staff.
For the moment, Itachi told Danzo that everything was fine and for the most part ignored him. This caused Danzo to grown angry at how Itachi seemed to overlook his brat of a husband. "I have to say, Lord Itachi, I don't know what you are thinking. Why not marry Lady Izumi, what about the heir to the Uchiha estates?" Danzo boldly asked.
Itachi narrowed his eyes, "That is none of your concern."
"You're allowing your husband to go around getting away with everything that he wants, that is not fair to everyone!" Danzo snapped, "You have to control him better!"
"Sasuke and I are equals, he has much say as I do," Itachi said in finality, "You and everyone will listen to him and do as he says."
"What have your parents-"
"Enough,"
Danzo flinched, taking a moment to look at Itachi clearly. Itachi was calm but looking at him sternly, Danzo hummed. Surely his words would carry some weight to sway the young lord. "I'm sorry if you think I'm overstepping, but I am concerned for the future of this family. Everything that your grandparents have worked for will end with you if you don't have an heir. What were you thinking marrying that boy!" Danzo asked, his tone leveled but judging. "I am only advising you, that is all," with that the man walked out of the room.
Itachi sighed, turning back to the documents in front of him.
It was already the end of their first week being in their new home and while Sasuke was happy with the new paint job, seeing the old furniture back in its place again made him feel uncomfortable. The couch in the living room was all wrong for one. Sighing, Sasuke told this to Itachi while they were tucked into bed together. Itachi appeased him when he told him that they would go out to choose new furniture.
While at it, Itachi added that he would be changing all the locks in their home. He was growing suspicious that they were not all that safe even in their own home. Either that or he had just grown paranoid from everything that had happened in Konoha. In the morning, both of them left to spend the day out searching for everything that they would need.
That was when Danzo, Homura, and Koharu took the opportunity to call in a meeting and talk.
"I don't like how any of this is going! First those old farts hand over their estate to Itachi and then he comes back with a husband of all things!" Danzo groused, "The boy didn't even think about needing an heir and yet here we are! We worked so hard to make sure that this estate would be ours. We were so close" the man slammed his hands over his knees, anger evident in his wrinkled face.
"We're definitely not getting any younger," Koharu worried. "We have to find a way to manipulate Itachi to do as we need him to." She suggested, "He's still a child and if we can get him to hand over control, then it won't matter that he was named the heir to everything."
"Not like he will be having an heir of his own with that husband of his," Homura shook his head.
"That is true," Danzo smirked, "In fact, I think we can better secure things for us if we did have Itachi's heir instead."
Koharu frowned, "What are you talking about old man?"
"Izumi is desperate for Itachi. If we can get them to have an heir together taking the heir is all we will need. We can then kill Itachi." Danzo explained.
"Sounds simple enough," Koharu hummed in thought.
"That's all fine and all, but you are forgetting that he has a husband that he seems to like spoiling!" Homura reminded them.
Danzo snorted, "That thing is even more of a child than Itachi, just leave it to me. A few words and I'll have him doubting Itachi and asking for a divorce. When Itachi is feeling all sad, Izumi will slip right in to comfort him and thus our heir will be born." An heir that would be left under their care once Itachi was killed and Izumi would be framed for his death.
"And then all the riches and titles will be ours," Koharu and Homura smirked as they liked this plan. They were old, they didn't have time to be playing around. They had to make sure that this plan was executed flawlessly.
They both trusted that Danzo would pull it off.
Three days later and with the new furniture being delivered that morning, Sasuke who had everyone take out everything now was asking them to bring everything new in. While they all did that, he made his way to Itachi's office, a frown on his face when he found three old people sitting around doing nothing. Sasuke had been told by Ikou that Itachi was looking for him, but his husband was nowhere to be seen.
"Oh, Lord Sasuke," The old man Sasuke was sure was named Danzo stood to greet him with a bow, "Is there something that you need?"
"I'm just looking for my husband," Sasuke said, shutting the door behind him. His eyes darted around the room curiously, wondering why the old people were in here. The office was big, one large desk on one end, and then in the center a small table, with four comfortable seats. Three of them were being occupied by the old people. The walls were plain and the white curtains were neatly tied to the side to reveal two large windows.
"Oh, Lord Itachi has just stepped out for a second, I'm sure he will be back soon," Danzo once again said, his tone trying really hard to be pleasant. Sasuke was intrigued now, his eyes darting back to him. Sasuke looked him up and down. This man tried so hard to be nice but he had a very I'm better than everyone here vibe about him that unsettled him.
"I see, I will wait for him then." He stepped closer and raised an eyebrow when he saw that these people were drinking tea. They looked very comfortable for servants that should be doing something much more productive. "What are all of you doing?" he asked, his tone laced with curiosity.
"We're the council of the house. We are talking about the upcoming politics that will be changing the economy soon. Sharingan is entering a strange time of industrialization, from being a simple village to a booming city." Koharu explained.
"Uh-huh," Sasuke said, tilting his head a bit. He and Itachi had already discussed that topic and had decided to add to their business by investing in the new technology that was shaping that change. Both of them were already learning more about it in order to make sure that they understood exactly what they would be investing their money into.
Itachi had also told him that he had hired a man named Hayate to oversee where their money was being funneled to. It was interesting to learn that there were actually people here that thought that they could line their pockets and take advantage of them. Itachi had even talked to his grandparents about the staff they left behind, but the old farts had just said they were glad to not have to deal with it anymore. They gave their blessings to them and frankly just seemed more than happy to live out their last days in comfort with no worries.
"I have to say though, we were all surprised when Lord Itachi returned home with a husband of all things," Danzo suddenly said, a light chuckle following his words. Sasuke's eye nearly twitched in irritation. The way this man talked…
"What do you mean?" he asked, trying his best not to snap at him.
"Well, there is no next of kin after Lord Itachi, he and Lady Izumi were set to be married so that a new heir could be born," Danzo actually looked concerned about that. "It seems like Itachi has proven to be very rebellious and set up his family for failure." He actually looked him up and down, like it was his entire fault. Sasuke had to bite back an insult.
"Without an heir we fear that Lord Itachi won't be able to pass down his inheritance properly, and there are people already gunning for him. It leaves him very vulnerable," Koharu added, a hand gently held by her face as she looked upset at the idea.
"Itachi never expressed that he ever wanted an heir," Sasuke calmly stated, crossing his arms. "You don't need to concern yourselves with that."
"Oh, Lord Itachi is young, I'm sure right now he is not thinking about the future of his estates." Danzo placed his hands up in a disarming manner. The last thing he wanted was to anger Sasuke. Their goal was to get him to doubt Itachi. "We were just thinking that it would be sad that everything that the Uchiha's have accumulated would be lost with Lord Itachi that is all."
"Do you think Itachi really needs to have an heir?" Sasuke asked, keeping his tone curious. He couldn't wait to see what else they would say.
"Well, that is up to the young Lord, besides, he is in love with you. I don't think that an heir is something he would want," Danzo explained, and for good measure added "The two of you are perfect together."
Sasuke smirked, "That we are, huh."
Danzo, Koharu, and Homura twitched at that statement. That was not the reaction that they had been hoping from Sasuke. Where had Itachi found this boy… "Lord Sasuke, do you truly love Lord Itachi?" Danzo asked, deciding to take a different approach. "I have to ask out of concern because so many have tried to take advantage of him. Lord Itachi is just so kind and he's never once wanted all this responsibility but we are all glad that he is here now and taking responsability. We just want to be sure that it's all for the right reasons."
"Yes, I love Itachi, he's my everything," Sasuke didn't even hesitate.
"Do you think that when the time comes you'd be able to step aside for him to have an heir with someone of his choosing?" Danzo asked, looking at Sasuke imploringly. "Do you love him enough for him to ask you to allow that?"
Sasuke growled, "Itachi better not fucking touch any bitch out there, I'd gut them myself," Sasuke glared icily, his tone a dark growl that made Danzo, Koharu, and Homura tense in surprise. Suddenly the air in the room was heavy and it had them on edge, scared to even breathe.
That was when the door to the room opened and Itachi walked in being followed by a man they had not seen before. Itachi was quick to notice the mood in the room and made his way over to Sasuke, placing gentle fingers on his lower back. Sasuke relaxed into him, and Itachi turned to look at the three old people who he was sure were talking to his husband. He could already guess what they had said in order to make Sasuke angry.
"Sasuke I got you the files of all the servants currently working under you, I'll let you decide what you want to do with them." Itachi gestured to Hanawa who was still standing by the door, but was carrying a heavy box full of files.
"Thank you Itachi," Sasuke turned to smile at his husband, tip toing to kiss him on the cheek and left the room with Hanawa following after him. The change of his mood from angry to happy boggled the minds of the supposed council.
"Hayate, I will leave to you to deal with the banks for me," Itachi said turning to the man that was not easily recognized. His name was though and it had the other three on edge.
"Right away my lord," With that Hayate bowed and left.
Itachi moved to deal with the paperwork that seemed to stack itself on his desk when his attention was called. "Lord Itachi, it is my job to make sure that the staff is decent and that everything runs smoothly, you can't just hand that task off to…to…" he nearly chocked on the word because that kid was nothing but a brat, "Lord Sasuke!" He spat.
"I've looked over all the files under my jurisdiction and I'm afraid that for you I did not readily find one, in fact that is why I hired Hayate, he found them for me." Itachi said, "But there was no description, if anything all of you should be asking Sasuke to give you something to do."
"We're the council!" Koharu snapped, her face flustered that the suggestion of having to do anything for that brat. "We're your advisors."
Itachi took a pause as he turned to look at them, "I don't need a council," he suddenly said making their eyes widened, "But I do need a few workers. Danzo and Homura, can the two of you go clean out the horse stables and feed them, Koharu I need someone to clean out the toilets in the servants area, thank you," Itachi turned away from them as Ikou entered the room and rushed to tell him something quietly.
"We have people who do that already!" Danzo roared, appalled by the suggestion.
"Sasuke has reassigned people and I've heard from Genma and Asuma that we need help in those areas," Itachi flashed them a look, "Is either that or pack your bags and get out of my sight." With that he turned to leave with Ikou following behind him. He had a meeting with a lock smith that would be changing the entirety of the locks inside of the estate this afternoon.
"What the fuck is going on!" Homura snapped, scared how out of their control the situation had gotten.
Danzo was vibrating with anger.
"I- I don't want to clean toilets!" Koharu cried, shaking at the very idea." This is getting out of hand Danzo!"
"Don't worry, I will fix it!" Danzo snapped. There was no way that he was going to lose to a child! Telling Homura and Koharu to pack up, he decided that they would get out of Itachi's sight. Their destination would be to Lady Izumi and getting her to come here.
That night, Sasuke was more than pleased with how their home had come together. It's off white, and mahogany color really gave it a homey feel. The fireplace was blazing, and the couch was now a large, deep red that was soft and even allowed for naps when pulled out into a bed form. Sasuke especially liked that the white curtains were lined with blackout curtains that would keep the harsh sun at bay so early in the mornings.
The second floor were rooms that were all for him and Itachi. Sasuke had also changed a few things in them to make them more comfortable. He was excited though as he chose the one besides and connected to their bedroom to become the nursery. Sasuke and Itachi had decided to take caution with that though, seeing as there were still people that they didn't trust around. The last thing they needed was for them to know that Sasuke was pregnant.
Once the final and official staff was decided, then they would get to work on the nursery.
Sasuke yawned as he looked for Itachi. He found him in the kitchen where there was no one left, as usually by seven the servants were so tired they headed to the servants area to take their breaks. The servants' area was within the first floor, going down a hall housed away from the kitchen. It was secluded and secure. Sasuke had looked around with Suigetsu and found that the rooms there were also pretty big and nice.
The kitchen though, was interesting. It was large, a little too big in Sasuke's opinion, but it connected to an impressive dining area. What was curious was the door in the kitchen that led to the backyard. It seemed so random placed in the back of the kitchen but also strangely convenient. The backyard was finished with another dining area, a large yard enough for anyone to run around in before you hit the stables that were beside the estate.
For the most part, Deidara and Sasori had gotten rid of all the kitchen staff by now, finding that neither of them was particularly qualified to their standards. They had then hired a woman by the name of Kurenai who was a wiz at cleaning and cooking. Along with her came a meek and shy girl named Yakumo who although she seemed delicate was a sweetheart and an amazing cook as well. Besides that, Itachi had decided that for their peace of mind he would continue to cook for himself and Sasuke.
Sasuke was thankful because with all these changes he wasn't sure who to trust or not, and was glad he could look into the files and make decisions. So far no one was good enough to stay. He already had half a mind to let all the staff go as well. Smiling at Itachi's back, Sasuke couldn't help but to think that he had failed so many times already to be the one to cook for him and Itachi. Not that he was in much in the mood to do so with his pregnancy making him act so spoiled.
"Niisan," Sasuke whispered as he walked over to Itachi and hugged him, burying his face into his back. Itachi's scent was such a comfort though.
Itachi turned to him, "Sasuke, dinner will be done soon," Itachi smiled softly at Sasuke. He knew that things were hard for his husband. They had just moved in and already they were busy with dealing with their household. He wished things wouldn't get so hectic before his child was born but it seemed life did not work that way.
Sasuke nodded, and moved to help Itachi. Dinner was a sleepy and calm task, but Sasuke forced himself to stay awake. It wasn't until they were locked in their room, freshly showered and tucked in bed that Sasuke spilled what was in his mind.
"Danzo is trying to get me to leave you, just so you know," Sasuke yawned. "I want him fired. I'm also no keeping any of the staff. I want to hire someone new if possible."
"Alright, I'll dismiss everyone then." Itachi sighed, "Unfortunately with Danzo and his two lackeys, I have Hayate dealing with the accounts, once that is done, they are out of here. They were the ones taking money for themselves."
"Those bastards," Sasuke yawned before he could really cuss out Danzo, Koharu, and Homura.
Itachi smiled, rolling them so he was curled around Sasuke. "Sleep my love, don't worry about anything. I will take care of everything," with those words whispered into his ear, Sasuke fell into a sound and restful sleep. Itachi kissed his forehead and followed Sasuke in sleep.
Hayate was the right choice, Itachi decided, once the man tracked down the accounts and had them cut off and closed off, with the money in them returned where it belonged. Itachi had just finished firing everyone there, a few begging him for a chance, but he figured it was for the best. Since Danzo, Koharu, and Homura were on their way out, Itachi didn't want to risk them having any reach into his home.
Juugo and Suigetsu were tasked with making sure that they were all escorted out. The servant's quarters were also undergoing a change into a combination of staff and guest rooms. Kurenai was glad to help with that. A cleaning crew was called in to thoroughly clean out the rooms and furniture was already being replaced. It had been a large job for the last few days, but it should all be completed by the end of today.
Currently, Itachi was sitting in his office where his office chair had been replaced by a sofa chair comfortable enough to fit Sasuke, who was sitting beside him. They were going to be holding a few interviews today. Itachi figured that he would look into someone with experience in childbirthing as well, seeing as when time came they might be of help to him. It had been strange though, when Itachi found that Danzo, Koharu, and Homura were not around for the last few days that all this change had been taking place.
It all made sense when Juugo reported that they had returned and they had come with Izumi. Itachi asked him to tell them to wait when he said that they wanted to come in and talk to him. Itachi decided he would have the interviews first, especially when Sasuke yawned and claimed he was getting sleepy. Juugo nodded and for a good two hours they had applicants come in and talk with them.
Itachi and Sasuke were discussing whom they wanted to keep and came to a conclusion that only one applicant had stood out to them and they were going to be calling her back.
By this time Sasuke had started to doze pressed against Itachi. Danzo, Homura, and Koharu were irritated how long it had taken for Juugo to lead them into the office. All three of them had left and managed to return with Lady Izumi, who apparently was not allowed to enter the office. Unknown to them, the moment that the door closed, Suigetsu was tasked with taking Izumi back to her home.
She was confused as to what was going on, having come with the impression that Itachi had wanted to see her. She had been filled with hope that he had changed his mind and was leaving Sasuke for her.
"My lord, we wanted to talk to you for a while now," Danzo started to talk but was cut short.
"Danzo," Itachi called, his eyes focused on the document in front of him. " I have reviewed your work, as well as Koharu and Homura, and I've come the decision that your services will no longer be needed."
"What!" Danzo snapped, disbelief clear on his face.
"We've served this family for the entirety of our lives!" Koharu cried.
"I thank you but it's time to move on" Itachi said, closing the file and finally looking at them. "I have no use for you." his words were laced with finality.
"But," Homura stuttered.
"I have to wonder where all three of you have been when I was making my evaluations. Your possessions have been cleared out and are waiting for you outside. Please take them and leave, there is no reason for any of you to be here." Itachi explained his tone calm.
"We were…"
"What?" Itachi asked, "Trying to convince me that I made a mistake in choosing my husband and that I should be with Izumi. Why are you pushing such an agenda? Much less telling my husband that he'd have to step aside for me to have an heir, that is none of your concern." Their eyes all widened, disbelief painting their faces that Sasuke had spoken to Itachi about what they had said.
"My…my lord we were just being realistic and trying to impart our advice. You do need an heir,"
Itachi sighed, "So that you can kill me and manipulate my heir in order for you to take over and claim my titles and estates," Itachi said it as a statement, "I am not an idiot, I know what all three of you are planning."
"My lord!" Danzo was shocked. How had Itachi figured them out…
"You're lucky to be leaving with your heads, I'd have you killed where you stand," The three jumped when they noticed that Sasuke was looking at them, the look in his eyes reminding them of a younger Madara and how dangerous he was.
He was the complete opposite to Itachi when it came to speaking what was in his mind.
"Juugo, please make sure that they are escorted and no longer allowed within the entirety of the Uchiha estates."
No, they were losing everything…
Danzo snapped, "You are a fool Itachi! You think you know everything but you've made a mistake marrying that spoiled brat, and you will come to regret it!" He yelled, glaring harshly at Itachi who looked like his words weren't affecting him. Huffing, he walked out the door closely followed by the other two.
Sasuke tiredly sighed, snuggling close to Itachi. Deep inside he was thinking that Danzo needed to die but they weren't in a position to dictate that. The last thing they needed was trouble. But the two of them had already agreed, at the sign of any disruption to their peace and Danzo, Homura, and Koharu would all be hunted down and ended.
"Don't worry Sasuke, everything is going to be alright." Itachi softly said. He already knew that things were not going to end there with these three. He already anticipated what their next move would be. He already had a plan to deal with it without stressing Sasuke out. It included his parents because right now he knew his cousin was foolish enough to do as they said.
When they did try, it was his mother who they would have to deal with.
Sasuke huffed, "Of course it is," Sasuke smiled at Itachi. The way he said it showed that he trusted that Itachi had a plan for them. Itachi knew he couldn't hide anything from Sasuke, soon enough he would have to tell him what would happen to Danzo, Homura, and Koharu. The two of them had worked hard the last two weeks in order to secure their home. Not only for themselves but for their child as well.
"Let's get some lunch in you and a nap," Itachi chuckled when Sasuke yawned once again. Sasuke nodded in agreement and allowed Itachi to pull him to his feet.
The staff in the Uchiha center estate was small. That was Anko's first thought when she had been hired to work there as a maid. She had solely been hired to clean every room in the first floor. Most of them were empty and she just had to made sure that they didn't accumulate dust. For the occupied bedrooms, the occupants had given her detail instructions of how to clean. Other than that though everyone here did their own laundry.
She found it strange, because she had expected that she would be cleaning the rooms of her lords and actually washing their laundry. It was odd to see that Lord Sasuke would take care of all of that. He seemed to always be shadowed by the big guy whom she learned was named Juugo. He seemed to do anything and everything Lord Sasuke asked him to.
After her first initial impressions, she decided that she didn't mind working there. Not only did she get the benefits of having her own private room, use of a private bathroom, she felt like she was living life.
Shortly after she'd been hired, she noted that Lord Itachi was still looking to hire someone else. He had come up to her and Kurenai asking questions based on pregnancy or the other. They weren't sure where their young lord was going with the questions but it left them feeling a bit scared.
"You don't think that he plans to ask one of us to be a surrogate, do you?" Kurenai had asked one morning while they were all getting their coffee fix. Anko spat out her coffee while Yakumo's face went beat red, she nearly looked like she was about to pass out.
"Wh-what no way!" Anko shook her head, "I did not sign up for that,"
"Of course he's not just going to out and say it that is why I was wondering if he was asking questions to see if we were willing!" Kurenai tried to explain. Yet, anyway she wanted to phrase it, it just seemed wrong.
"Bu-but he's so in love with Lord Sasuke, it…I can't see it," Yakumo stuttered.
"That is true, I don't think I've ever seen a couple so affectionate towards each other. Lord Sasuke is so lucky," Kurenai sighed wistfully, "Lord Itachi really does let him get away with everything,"
Yakumo smiled, "I heard Lord Itachi had told the old staff that Lord Sasuke is his equal, I don't think he is spoiling him, I think he's letting him have a say in the decisions of the house. Also, I think he doesn't want Lord Sasuke to get homesick, he wants him to be comfortable with this being his new home,"
"That makes sense," Kurenai hummed thoughtfully.
"Yeah Lord Itachi is committed to Lord Sasuke, so I think you're wrong," Anko added. The other two agreed with her.
"But then why all the questions?" Kurenai asked with a slight frown on her face.
"Maybe he just wants advice?" Anko asked.
The women still weren't sure what to think. Just as they were finishing their coffee, the men came inside from their outside morning duties. Kurenai swallowed hard at the sight of a sweaty and flushed faced Asuma who was laughing at whatever it was Genma had said. Ikou started to complain and Hanawa gave him a pat on the back trying to sooth him. She wasn't saying anything, but she really liked Asuma.
Anko stretched, "Okay, I am off to getting my cleaning duties over with," She said, ready to tackle the day. Yakumo called goodbye to her as she collected their cups and headed over to wash them before getting to setting up the needed ingredients for today's breakfast. While they didn't feed their lords, they were charged with feeding the rest of the staff.
Kurenai snapped to it and went ahead to help her. That was when Deidara and Sasori entered the kitchen as well. They had been up earlier to create the menu for the day and inspected the food. Being the heads in the kitchen they helped with the cooking while supervising the food that would be served. It was a comfortable atmosphere of sizzling food that followed.
The rowdy men had gone into the dining room, where they were sitting on the table catching their breaths. You could barely hear them in the kitchen.
After that day, they all found out that Itachi and Sasuke had hired another person for their home. This person was hired to be Sasuke's assistant. Assistant was probably a very lose term because the man seemed to be charged with cleaning out the bedrooms upstairs that belong their lords. Juugo still never left Sasuke's side
What was stranger was that Lord Itachi himself seemed to be keeping an eye on this guy. He took time off from the paper work in order to do whatever it was that they were doing. In and out came several boxes of what might be furniture as it was going into the room beside their lords. Soon enough things settled, but it seemed that Kimimaro was there to stay.
Itachi then called on Genma, changing his job from outside work to working in the office with him. Hayate and Genma were the new council. A council for advice was not what he needed, but someone to keep the money managed and someone to manage the staff was enough. He needed some control and to be aware of everything that happened inside his home.
Sasuke couldn't believe the sight before him. The nursery was finished and it looked surreal to him. This was for real though, this was for his and Itachi's baby.
"Sasuke?" Itachi walked in, and smiled when he saw Sasuke standing infront of the crib that would belong to their baby. There had been a second one place in their bedroom as well. Kimimaro had said it was a precaution because the child might not allow them much sleep and it was safer if the baby was with them.
Sasuke had then argued that it would better to just mix their bedroom with the nursery or something, but it was advice that some things remain separate after a while. Sasuke would be feeling anxiety over their child, that was for sure, and Itachi found himself right there with him. Nothing seemed right or wrong, it was just something new coming in their life and they wanted to be ready.
They still had time to adjust to the idea.
"I can't wait to meet our child," Sasuke turned to Itachi with a smile, and Itachi pulled him into a hug.
"Soon my love," he said, "Why don't we go to bed?"
"Okay," Sasuke whispered, reaching up to kiss Itachi. The two of them got lost in each other's warmth and decided they would take a shower together before going to bed.
Anko, Kurenai, and Yakumo were once again in the kitchen, gossiping about what was going on in the estate.
"I think that Kimimaro and Juugo are now a thing," Anko excitedly said. "I saw Juugo coming out of Kimimaro's bedroom early in the morning and he looked…really ruffled up," She giggled. Kurenai and Yakumo both blushed.
"No way,"
"Oh and I've just confirmed too, I think Hayate and Genma are a couple as well. The two of them came out to Lord Itachi, I just knew it,"
"Is everyone here into men?" Kurenai wondered with a slight pout.
"Who cares," Anko rolled her eyes.
"I care, I have a crush on Asuma," She confessed, the blush on her face going into a deep red.
"You're shitting me," Anko said, surprised. She kept her mouth shut about what she heard from Hanawa, and how Asuma was being a dog and going out to find different dates. The guy seemed like a player.
"What are you talking about!" Deidara came in screaming, looking around. His blue eyes darted back and forth before settling on them, "Ah, have you ladies seen Suigetsu? Lord Itachi is looking for him."
"I think he was being bossed around by Lord Sasuke," Anko said, crossing her arms. She had to wonder what was going on.
"Of course," He said and dashed out.
"I wonder what is going on?" Anko asked, curious as to what had the blond running around like that.
That question was of course answered a few hours later, in the form of a loud and screeching red head who was cursing Suigetsu out for ruining her life. Her name was Karin, she was Lord Sasuke's cousin, she had recently been disowned…and she was pregnant with Suigetsu's child.
No smutt this chapter sadly lol, just had to get some things out of the way.
