Chapter 62: Let's Call it a Night
I finally submitted to Angel's torture. She dressed me in attire that matched her own, however the dress I wear is a black laced halter top which also dropped down mid thigh. My stockings are black with red bows and she gave me red flats which were like her baby blue ones. She even styled my hair like hers. We had flowing pigtails which curled at the tips, her bows baby blue, mine red. She brought a mirror for me to examine myself. I didn't hate it, only because the colors weren't vibrant.
"Please tell me you love it!" She excitedly said with a happy giggle.
"It's...cute."
"Good enough!" She took my wrist and dragged me back out of the room. "Look! Isn't she adorable!?"
I blushed. "The only adorable one here is you, Angel..." You sweet, little shit. "Are the pigtails necessary?"
She flipped around to me. "Don't you dare take them out!"
I raised my hands defensively at her outburst. She looked like she might actually hurt me if I ruin the look she gave me. "I wouldn't dream of it..."
"Good. Let's go!"
"Wait." I said crossing the room to dig inside my bag. Good, they didn't snoop inside my bag... The copy scroll was still there and with that verified I grabbed my small weapons pack, strapping it to my thigh. I zipped the bag up and walked it over by the sofa, carefully placing it behind. When I turned to everyone I noticed Shisui and Itachi with strange blushes and Angel giving me a hard look. "What?"
"Is the weapons pack necessary?" Angel asked. "It throws off your look."
I smirked. "Yes, it is necessary, no exceptions. We're ninja, after all."
Shisui cleared his throat. "If you're ready...let's go."
Angel went to him and took his arm. "Yes, I can't wait!"
Itachi held his arm out to me with a light smile and I gladly took it into both of mine. He knew I wasn't comfortable with what I was wearing and I'm sure would have sympathized with me...if I hadn't looked so good.
We made our way out, Shisui spotted a place that was more quiet and secluded from the main road. The place had a classier atmosphere and I immediately relaxed once we were inside. There were only a few others who were propped up at the bartop. Angel pointed to a horseshoe shaped booth which was located at the back corner. My favorite kind of booth. We didn't have to draw too much attention to ourselves there. Once we sat and got comfortable the boys ordered us drinks. Angel got something fruity while I inquired about something harder. If I was to drink I was going to do it right.
The night started off slow and peaceful. We talked like a group of close friends would and shared a few laughs here and there. Before we knew it the bar started to fill up with more people. No one really took notice to us...until the music started to play.
Angel excitedly scooted herself over Shisui and out of the booth. "Shikara, come dance with me!"
I blinked. "No thanks."
"Look!" She pointed to all the others dancing, they were mostly a bunch of younger adults, few were doing some dirty dancing. "It'll be fun."
Fun...? "I don't know if..."
Itachi removed himself from the booth and motioned for me to join Angel. "No stripping."
My eyes narrowed and I took another shot before being forced to do something. "Damn." I complained jokingly. "I really wanted to show off more than I am." Itachi rose an eyebrow with warning and I smiled sweetly to him before sliding closer to the edge of the booth.
Angel took my hand and pulled me out and all the way onto the dance floor. Many of the others there were looking at us but Angel didn't care. She was already getting into the beat and showing off her moves. She twirled around once before holding her hand out to me. A sigh left my lips and then smiled in defeat. If there's something I couldn't deny, it's our love for dancing. I took her hand and together we would show these people how it was done. It didn't take long before we had the attention of the whole bar and for once, I didn't care. When I danced with my other half there was nothing else in the world that could take me down from my little cloud of enjoyment. We were synchronized and for the first time in days, felt like one. The feeling was nothing less than euphoric. I could have danced with Angel all night.
After five songs the whole bar was completely filled. Angel motioned for us to return to the booth. It was the best she could do because we couldn't hear each other anymore. When I gave her a nod she quickly grabbed my arm and we made our way back. Just before having sight of the booth, Angel suddenly flipped around. Someone grabbed her butt. Some blue-haired, fool grinned at her and my anger flared. My fist was in his face faster than she could tug me away and the guy hit the floor hard. Some people stood back and watched with astonishment. As he peered up at us I grinned down at him with the most evil look I could manage. He scrambled back to get away. Satisfied with his response, I turned back to where we were headed, taking Angel with me. I didn't want to cause too much of a scene but if anyone dared to touch her again I was certain that I'd just rip their head off. My anger has been getting out of control lately. When we got to the booth and took our seats with the boys, Angel stared down at her lap. My eyebrows creased at this. I didn't like that some jerk possibly ruined her whole night.
Itachi leaned towards me so that I could hear him better. "What happened?"
I put a hand over my mouth and spoke into his ear so that no one could read my lips. "Some guy grabbed her...I took care of it, though." I looked into his eyes and he had a hardened expression, then gave a slight nod. He probably knew that I at least didn't kill someone.
Shisui put his arm around Angel's shoulders and was eyeing the people passing by our booth. When the server came by he flagged her down to order a bottle of sake. Angel leaned into him with a blank expression just before he filled her cup and brought his own up to give her 'cheers'. At first she seemed uninterested but when I scooted closer to her and gave her a heartfelt hug she finally seemed to become cheerful again and gladly joined in the fun.
When I returned to Itachi's side he was looking to me with adornment. I winked with a hearty smile before our own bottle of sake arrived. We all 'cheersed' in honor of Shisui and Angel's engagement. I truly was happy for the two but there was this strange sting that kept aching at my heart. Just as I had before, I brushed the feeling away and simply enjoyed the buzz that was coming on and the company of my favorite people.
The whole bar was now in full swing. I was so drunk at this point that I hadn't noticed all the eyes that kept flashing in our direction. Itachi told Shisui that we should move our party to a less popular spot, to which everyone was in agreement. This place was too loud for any of our tastes. Even Angel was uncomfortable...with good reason.
Just as everyone was exiting the booth I leaned close to tell Itachi that I had to use the restroom before we go. Thankfully Shisui needed to use the men's room as well so we would meet Itachi and Angel outside after we finished. Shisui pretty much acted as a body guard the whole way. With him at my side, no one dared to try anything. He hadn't known exactly what happened to Angel but he wasn't dumb. He put an arm around my shoulders and we walked together until we parted ways at the separate bathroom entrances. I quickly freshened up and checked my image before turning to leave again. My eyes widened to see Shisui with his back against the girl's restroom door.
"Shisui? What are you doing in here?" My vision was a little blurred but it was definitely him.
He locked the door so that no one else could enter and smirked at me.
My eyes narrowed. "Stop playing around, we need to meet with the others." The only thing that could make sense of his behavior was the amount of sake he drank. It probably had his mind all foggy.
Before I knew it, my back was up against the wall with Shisui's hand at my neck, pinning me there. He leaned in close to murmur in my ear. "Are we having fun yet?"
What the...?
Realization suddenly hit me and a small, grim smile spread across my lips. "My, someone had plenty of sake tonight...have you forgotten who your superior is?"
Shisui's lips brushed over mine before responding. "You can be my superior any day."
My kunai was now at his throat. His eyes widened and an evil glint flashed in my eyes. "Shisui-sama would be very displeased to know a creep such as yourself posed as him." Honestly, I couldn't tell who was the bigger creep here; the person who was turned on by the thought of ripping someone's head off or the guy taking advantage of a girl alone in the restroom.
"Hn." The imposter chuckled. "It seems you're not as sweet as I took you for, nor as dull. What gave me away?"
The corner of my mouth turned up, "Shisui would never allow me to claim superiority over him."
Just then the door broke down and landed behind the imposter who in his startle, jolted into my kunai blade, drawing blood from his neck and he froze. The real Shisui stood behind him with his kunai to the back of his neck as well. Shisui had left the men's room in time to spot a man who looked like himself slip into the woman's and quickly took action.
"Your kind makes me sick...to take advantage of women in such a state... it's unforgivable." His deep voice was a growl.
The imposter put his hands up with a sly grin upon his lips. "You misunderstand my intentions..."
Shisui's kunai pressed the back of the imposter's neck, nearly breaking the skin there. "How so?"
The imposters eyes were gleaming. It nearly made me sick. "I had to test my so-called captain. It seems she surrounds herself with interesting people..." Shisui slightly drew his kunai back and the imposter suddenly seemed to melt into the floor and disappeared.
Shisui saw the grim expression upon my face. He put his kunai away before gently placing mine down at my side, his eyes stared into my own and just for a moment I caught the familiar closeness they held for me when Angel and I were one. The back of Shisui's fingers brushed against my cheek, softening my expression. I blinked a few times as others were now peering into the bathroom and I tilted my head.
"Are you alright?" He asked. He was still very much irritated by what had just transpired.
A slow smirk spread across my lips. "Is it too late to teach children, instead?"
He smiled at this before coaxing me to put my kunai away and slung his arm over my shoulders as we exited the bathroom, paying no mind to the on-lookers.
When we reached the outside, Itachi looked to Shisui in question. Shisui took his arm away from my shoulders, seeming slightly disappointed. "It seems that this place is filled with creeps when the sun sets."
I approached Itachi and took his arm into my own and gave Shisui a nod. "Thank you, Shisui-sama."
Itachi peered down at me curiously. "Should I ask?"
"I'm lucky to have a guardian angel or two in my life." I smiled. They know I'm not helpless, however I was grateful for Shisui being there to have my back. To have a subordinate know who I am already and where to look for me was a little unsettling. We as ANBU are to stay anonymous, however there was obviously a breach in confidentiality somewhere. Whoever it was that dared to act out in such a way towards me was either incredibly stupid or he was actually quite confident in himself. Tomorrow night I would find out for sure.
Itachi placed a gentle kiss on my forehead before we continued walking on to the next place. Shisui kept glancing over at me and every time I'd catch him, he would quickly look away again. I blinked a few times, wondering if maybe I was just seeing things. After we found a less popular bar Angel coaxed Itachi to go with her to get more sake as Shisui and I found a table. I sat across from him and watched as the two at the bar shared a sweet moment together. Itachi had a gentle smile as Angel laughed about something and hooked her arm in his while they waited for their order.
"They get along really well, don't they?" I looked to Shisui who was resting his chin on the back of his hand, elbow propped up on the table. His eyes met mine and he gave a slight smile.
"Yes, I suppose they do. I wouldn't expect anything different." My eyebrow raised. "We've started to get along as well."
"Yes...now that we have a better understanding."
I had a sly smile. "Now that you have a better understanding." I corrected.
He chuckled and poked my forehead, much like Itachi does. "Watch it."
"Hey!" I laughed touching the spot. "What if I don't watch it?" My tone was teasing and Shisui raised a brow, causing me to have to stifle another laugh.
"Ehem." Angel cleared her throat to get Shisui's attention and let her into the booth. Neither one of us had noticed her standing there.
"Heh, sorry." He moved out and let her in with a sheepish grin.
"Uh-huh." Her eyes narrowed at him before she turned to me with a big smile. "Anyways, here Shikara! It's peach flavored sake!"
"That sounds really good." I smiled and took a small glass from her. She was eyeing me now and it became a little uncomfortable. I quickly drank the whole glass and placed it on the table. "It's really tasty."
"Shikara...it may be the booze but you're blushing."
Itachi came with more sake for him and Shisui to share. He was eyeing me with a strange smile. "Have you possibly had enough?"
"Yes, I think so." I moved so that he could sit across from Shisui and was met again with Angel's curious gaze. I felt my blush deepening. "Angel...you're creeping me out."
Her eyes narrowed. "So what exactly happened at the last place?"
I blinked and looked around to make sure there was no one nearby. "Um...come sit by me..." I murmured. She seemed to be getting suspicious of Shisui and I...and I couldn't handle that right now. I also didn't want Itachi to know that one of our underlings did something rather...inappropriate. At least not until I could figure out who it was.
Then, unexpectedly...Angel did something odd. Instead of having the boys move...she went under the table and popped up between Itachi and I. She was clearly more drunk than myself and I couldn't help but to laugh.
"Oh my gosh..." I put a hand over my lips, "...you're so weird."
"What? It's tiresome making everyone move around like musical chairs."
I giggled some more as Itachi shook his head and simply went to sit next to Shisui. The boys were watching us curiously. I think it still amazes them that we talked to one another the way we did.
My expression dropped when I realized that I couldn't explain anything to her like this, either. My drunken state was causing me to be sloppy with my planning.
"Uh, you know...I need to...use the restroom." I gave another awkward smile. "Will you come with me?"
"I've only ever heard of girls doing such things without ever experiencing bathroom talk. Let's go!" She quickly made her way out, pulling me with her.
Itachi had a flat expression while Shisui chuckled. I'm sure I looked less than pleased to have 'bathroom talk,' however it was necessary so that she wasn't thinking I was making a move on her man. Our man? No...her's. Definitely her's. We are separate people now.
...
Itachi turned to Shisui who was still protectively watching the girls make their way to the bathroom. "What happened?"
Shisui looked like he was struggling to answer the question. "Hm...it seems that maybe you should speak to your wife about it."
Itachi's expression fell flat again. Did he brush me off? His eyes scanned over towards the bathroom where the girls just ran off to. Something happened to Shikara while they were at the other place and Angel had an unpleasant experience as well. "I'm going to wait for them outside..."
Shisui's eyebrow raised. "You're going to eavesdrop outside the woman's bathroom?" He smirked. "That'll look good on your record."
A sigh of frustration left Itachi, having to explain his intentions. "Angel chose attire that attracts unwanted attention."
"What happened to her and then Shikara had nothing to do with the way they dressed." Shisui was now eyeing Itachi with a hardened expression.
Itachi blinked at his best friend. "Then what is it?"
Shisui calmly explained his theories. "Those girls are already well known in the village...and they chose to be with two men who shouldn't be here." Shisui watched as Itachi started to compile things together.
"They're being targeted because of us?"
"Partially right."
Itachi's eyebrow creased in thought. "And because they used forbidden jutsus without punishment."
"Not to mention the Hokage allowed you both back with captain rankings. To many, we must look like we've pulled some major strings. All kinds of people will be trying to figure us out." Shisui's eyes peered towards the bathrooms again. "Tonight the test was to see if one or both were real forms... that's what I believe." He said this with a calm demeanor, however his eyes expressed the concern he had for the girls. "When they've studied the scroll and learned to control their chakra, they will need to become one again."
"Why? They're fine as they are."
Their eyes met. "They aren't whole, Itachi and because of this she is in a weakened state. Two halves trying to be separate rather than United can be dangerous. She is to train with ANBU soon...who may not have respect for her."
"They're happy as they are."
"Are they, or maybe your happiness has made you blind?" Shisui shifted in his seat and took on an older brother tone. "If they were truly happy they wouldn't be willing to sacrifice so much to satisfy everyone else. That says a lot, coming from me." He added, as if he had to remind Itachi how he believed self sacrifice was the most honorable way to show love.
Itachi's eyes narrowed. "What are you implying?"
"She won't become one again because of her fear of the dark chakra and the judgment of the village for loving two men."
"You believe she has sacrificed herself thinking it was for the greater good."
Shisui gave a nod.
"And you believe she's not being entirely honest about how she feels."
"It's obvious...even from the beginning." Shisui plainly replied. "I nearly fell for it as well...but its time to talk to her..."
Itachi had wondered the same but didn't give it a second thought. He tried to do what would make her happy but instead helped her sacrifice more in doing so. He sighed and rubbed his temples. "What if she plans to become one herself?"
Shisui tilted his head. "I don't think..."
"She wants to marry us properly...without judgment." Itachi explained. "We could convince her to become one again after you've taken Angel as yours."
"That's acceptable."
"I agree we should also wait until after she has gotten control over the chakras." Itachi knew this was the only way Shikara could master them without causing another mishap. She seemed to have better control when the two chakras were separate but together she struggled.
Shisui thought to himself for a moment. "If they master their chakra control now, then when they become one again the transition should be smooth." The two seemed to be on the same page and Shisui gave a gentle grin. "When I have time from my students, I'll train with Angel."
"I'll focus on Shikara." Itachi said.
"Um...what are you two talking about?"
Shisui was surprised that the two had snuck up on them. He grabbed Angel and placed her in his lap. "We were discussing helping you train."
Angels eyes gleamed. "Really!?"
A chuckle escaped him. "Yes. When I've finished missions and whatnot with my students, we will train together."
Angels arms wrapped around his neck. "Thank you, Shisui-sama!"
Shisui was glad that she only seemed to catch the tail end of their conversation.
Shikara was standing by the table with a hand on her hip, looking to Itachi with a stern expression. "I'm not using it."
He smirked in response to this. It was cute. "I'm not giving you a choice."
Her eyebrow raised. "You can't force me."
Angel looked from her other half to Shisui who was eyeing Shikara in amusement. He was clearly struggling not to intervene and take control of the situation. The air around them was growing thick with anticipation.
Itachi coaxed Shikara to come to him. It took her a moment before she rolled her eyes and reluctantly sat beside him. He then poked her forehead to which she lost her attitude and smiled.
"We will discuss more serious matters when we're sober." He stated, still having the feeling of levity as he observed her. He would miss having this part of her to himself when she became one again. He would have to enjoy it while it lasted.
Shikara shifted in her seat as she looked to Angel. "So when do you plan to marry again?"
Angel blushed before smiling up at Shisui. "Tomorrow night, right?"
Shisui gave a nod. "We will meet with the priest tomorrow." His eyes met Shikara's. "You are welcome to join." He winked. "You two are the same person, after all."
Itachi's eyes narrowed slightly, then pulled Shikara into his lap. A small, sly smile then appeared across his lips. "If you're looking to have witnesses, I'm sure we would love to take part."
Shisui smirked and Angel beamed with excitement. "Hey, so does that mean I'm married to Itachi-sama as well?"
Shikara's eyes widened. "Oh...my..." Her eyes met Itachi's. "She has a point here."
"I need more sake..." Itachi murmured
Shisui laughed. "I can't believe the two of you actually view yourselves as two different people."
"Is it strange to you, Shisui-sama?" Shikara asked with her head tilted.
"Any blood test would tell you you're the same person...hell...I bet your hearts beat to the same rhythm as well."
The two girls were now checking each other's pulse.
"Do you even have a heart, Shikara?" Angel asked, struggling to find the pulse in her wrist.
"Really? That's hurtful...and you actually plan to help at the hospital...?" Shikara helped Angel find the correct point to feel it.
"Don't judge me! I've had more to drink than you."
"According to Shisui-sama, I'm judging myself...and I've had enough to drink for two..." a huge grin spread across Shikara's lips.
Angel's expression fell flat, staring at Shikara. "You're not funny."
"I'm pretty funny."
Shisui shook his head. "If you two are done talking to yourselves...I think it's time to call it a night."
