Chapter 15
"So, let me get this straight", Ross said slowly, relishing each word, his eyes narrowed at the man before him, "I trust you with my one and only niece and you decide to date her."
'Coma' shuffled awkwardly in his seat at the foreboding tone the man used. He then winced, flushed, and scratched his cheek. He was aware he should have stayed professional after all. Finally, took a deep breath and met the eyes of the older man, determination written all over his face.
"Yes. I truly like her, and I wanted you to know. We'd really like your blessing but… if you're unconvinced I'd understand."
"Understand but not get lost, huh…", Ross grumbled.
"I'm sorry", he finally confirmed, sounding resigned and sad but determined all the same.
Ross merely stared at him some more, trying to murder him with his eyes, before finally closing them and releasing a long sigh.
"You're a good lad, Coma. I like you.", he finally said reluctantly, "but if you ever hurt my niece there's no place on this planet you can hide where I will not be able to find you, you hear?"
'Coma' gulped audibly at the threat but smiled in appreciation soon after.
"I'm counting on it, sir. Thank you"
"Good. As long as you know", he grumbled, "Now, let's get out there. Rouge's manning the stall all alone."
"Yes!"
'Coma' hurriedly got up and paid for the drinks the two men had at the small restaurant on the market. Rouge and he had decided on this approach yesterday and it seemed to have worked as they had hoped for.
He had nervously asked Ross for a private word nervously while Rouge agreed to man the stall for the time they were gone. He had then invited the man for a drink and told him straight up what was going on. Ross appreciated directness just as much as Rouge did, thank the stars.
Now the two were heading back towards the stall, Ross once more chattering and being his old self. It almost seemed like the conversation had been an illusion.
"Rouge!", Ross shouted cheerfully as the stand came into view. Rouge was just seeing off a customer, so she turned around at the call and waved at them with a smile.
"Uncle, Coma! How'd it go?"
Ross' face darkened once more at the reminder, but he could only helplessly spread his arms.
"Well, if he's whom you've decided on then who am I to argue. If he does anything though and I mean anything to hurt you, you come to me, you hear? I'll sort the brat out good!"
Rouge laughed cheerfully at those words and went to hug her uncle.
"Thank you, Ross. That means a lot."
She meant it, too. Even if their relationship was a farce, the sentiment alone meant the world to her.
She shared a stealthy glance with 'Coma'. They smiled at each other. So far so good.
"Also, come to visit me some more! I only saw you twice since this rascal turned up!", he said in complaint.
A slightly guilty look crossed Rouge's face at the slight accusation in his voice. She indeed hadn't spent much time with him lately. Now that the issue with her pregnancy was going to be solved differently though she'd definitely change that. After all, she would only stay on the island for 1 more month before leaving for an undetermined amount of time.
"I'm sorry, uncle. I got really lost in my studies for a while until Coma… distracted me."
He snorted at her choice of words while Coma blushed and turned his head sheepishly.
Ross slapped him on the back for his reaction.
"Be confident, boy! You're dating my niece now, you have to protect her properly!"
Rouge couldn't help but giggle. Itachi really was protecting and helping her a lot, even though he wasn't actually interested in her, nor she in him.
"Honey, shall we get out groceries then?", she asked sweetly, "Sorry to cut this so short, uncle. How about we come to visit tomorrow? The market closes at noon then, so we can spend the afternoon catching up."
Ross grumbled mock-angrily about his stolen niece and love-dovey couples but waved them off anyway.
"Don't worry about it, Rouge. We should definitely do that, maybe a picnic. Spend the day outside. Look at how pale you are, you need to see some sun!"
Now it was Rouge's turn to be sheepish. Had she truly become that pale? For both Ross and Itachi to say the same thing…
"Don't worry, uncle. Coma has scolded me about it, too. In fact, I didn't even exercise regularly anymore but he convinced me to start again. He even joins me now, so it's way less of a chore than it used to be."
"That's good to hear then, keep it up, lad!"
Ross gave him a thumbs up.
Well, he wondered how the man would feel if he knew he was teaching her to fight and running her into the ground though…
They left shortly after, hand in hand and acting obviously close to each other as they shopped. Now that they'd told Ross, they could 'finally act like a couple' in public.
This was the first step needed for their plan to succeed. The next was, of course, turning to the Marines themselves if they were still searching the area in a month, which they likely would be. There were a lot of small things they'd need to do in between, of course, several dates and some public shows of affection for example. Itachi would also need to get on friendly terms with the Marines as his persona.
It would be a busy month.
Itachi was looking forward to it. Well, to drilling Rouge, more like. He could make clones after all.
Rouge's forehead was covered in sweat, she was fighting against her protesting muscles in her abdomen with all the willpower she had left. Her upper body rising ever so slowly.
"100"
Having finally finished her last crunch, she fell back with a loud groan.
"You're evil", she whined up at the emotionless face of the Uchiha staring down at her, completely unsympathetic.
After the most recent drills, her muscles were aching, she hadn't even known there were muscles in some places her muscles ached. Well, OK, she had known, in theory. Just... she'd never used or felt them before Itachi's training regime.
Nearly a month had passed after they got Ross' blessing. In fact, Itachi would cancel the Jutsu he had used on Rouge to freeze the fetus' development tomorrow, exactly 29 days after he'd first applied it.
Itachi had made full use of this month by training Rouge into the ground.
She could now barely contest with a genin, or a junior lieutenant in the Marines, combat-wise.
Her progress was satisfactory. If she hadn't been pregnant, he'd have been able to push her even more.
Of course, he wasn't heartless. He had helped her with mineral baths, massages, as well as food and drinks that helped to build and heal muscle as well as nurture the body and strengthen her immune system. He had made sure none of them were detrimental to pregnancy, of course.
During the next month, he'd have to tone it down a bit, so he estimated at the time proper training would have to cease, she'd be at the level of a seasoned Genin. The most they could do until she gave birth after that were exercises to keep her body from degrading from that level.
He crouched down and gently patted her head, messing up her sweaty hair in the process.
"You worked hard", he praised quietly. She truly had. For a civilian, she had shown remarkable determination during the past month. He didn't regret training her.
Plus, the obvious exhaustion on her face after a training session as well as the healthy glow she got from spending so much time outside training, was easily mistaken as a sign of another type of activity by both the other townspeople ad well as Ross.
Ross's reaction in particular had been hilarious the first few times.
In fact, Rouge had only managed to go through with all this due to the fact she had watched Itachi himself during a 'light training session', as well as the fact she well knew what dangers awaited her on the oceans. Sea kings and harsh weather phenomena would be the least of their problems if a strong enough pirate had their eyes on their possessions.
She was truly glad for Itachi's help after thinking of that fact.
She never did like being the damsel in distress, even if she was a bit of a pushover for those close to her.
Finally, after having rested for a few minutes, Itachi offered her a hand.
She took it wordlessly and after he pulled her up and another customary groan of pain, they set off back to the house.
"Are you meeting those Marines again today?"
"Hn, they invited 'Coma' for some drinks"
"They sure included you easily in their circle, didn't they…"
Itachi's lips twitched.
"Apparently, after the last few crews, word has spread that 'Coma' is a great buddy and guide. Even the Captains have started joining us."
The fact he had started befriending the Marines had estranged him from the town population at first but after he had pointed out all the 'secret' pregnancies he knew about that hadn't vanished despite his knowledge, they accepted that he didn't actually rat them out and just wanted to reminisce about the sea with fellow sailors, even if those were Marines.
"Well, let's just hope it'll be enough"
"Hn", he threw her a reassuring look.
They had finally returned to the house, where Itachi nodded his goodbye and quickly sped away before disappearing in a cloud of smoke. It had been a clone.
He hadn't yet shown that particular ability to Rouge so he had to be out of sight to dispel.
In a clearing not far into the woods, the original Itachi's eyes snapped open.
He quickly cleaned himself up from his own training session as well as the recent coughing fit he'd gotten as a result of overdoing it a little.
The recent quietness had, apparently, made him overconfident. He'd have to tune it down as well it seemed.
For now, he had an appointment with a few Marines.
When 'Coma' entered the bar, a few of them were already there, welcoming him at their usual table.
"Oy, Coma! You're late!"
"Evening Coma, everything alright? We nearly sent someone to look for you, you know?"
"Ah", he scratched his cheek sheepishly, "Sorry, sorry. I lost track of time at home"
""Hooo?""
One of them even whistled and winked at him suggestively.
Itachi blushed but refused to comment. They knew he had a girlfriend after all. If they always wanted to think with their lower halves, who was he to correct them? It did make for an adequate excuse after all.
Besides, if he ever did say something like that out loud, Ross and Rouge would murder him, lie or no.
Itachi swiftly walked up to the bartender and ordered a round for everyone, to distract them from his perceived lateness. Well, he was only 5 minutes early this time. He'd have to make sure not to vary his arrival times as much, or his wallet may not be able to reasonably take it.
He then joined them on the table, responding to the greetings and back-pats with a good-natured smile.
"So, how's the lady, my friend?", the current commanding officer, Captain Zena, asked with a wink.
"Oh", 'Coma' put on a bit of a depressed look on his face, "She… she's been feeling a bit under the weather. Been feeling sick a lot the past few days, though she chased me out today, saying she was fine."
Zena's brows raised in surprise and a small amount of concern.
"Did she get a check-up yet?"
Itachi shook his head no.
"Not yet. We agreed to go though, if it doesn't get better by tomorrow."
He nodded at that, satisfied.
"Let us know what's what, yea? Can't have our new friend go through this alone."
He threw the Marine Captain a thankful smile.
"I will. Thanks, Captain!"
"Now, enough of that. You'll know by tomorrow. For today, just relax. Maybe go back a bit earlier to check on her."
"Yea", Itachi nodded in agreement, "she did want me to come. I think I've made her angry with my smothering the last few days."
"Bahahaha", the others laughed at the admission, "so you're the mothering type, huh. It does suit you."
'Coma' groaned in embarrassment and let himself sprawl over the table, hiding his head inside his arms.
His reaction just prompted another bout of laughter.
Itachi returned to the house around midnight, a few hours earlier than he'd usually be let go by the Marines.
He had to admit they didn't seem like bad people, at least for now. Then again, no difficulties had resulted for them out of the relationship yet. They probably just saw them as a whacky drinking buddy.
He'd get to ascertain their true nature to some extent today.
From Itachi's observations and deductions, the Captain at least should actually like his persona as a person. The others mainly appreciated him for the good company. Yet, Itachi had found out that he was a very dutiful man who was truly loyal to the Marines' concept of justice. Chances were if ordered to, he'd ignore the goodwill between them. Itachi was prepared for that eventuality, in fact, he was counting on it.
The next morning dawned bright and early.
Ever since Rouge had tasted his cooking that day, she had gotten Itachi to make their meals instead. So, Itachi was busying himself, finishing breakfast preparations in the kitchen when Rouge woke up. He didn't make any coffee today, since he expected her to have to rest most of the day.
When he heard the faint noise of the bathroom, he swiftly put together a tray to bring upstairs with them later, as well as plated a portion for her to eat right now. She'd likely not be in a condition to move comfortably for hours, so a few snacks to keep her energy up would be required.
He himself would stick around to make sure she was alright, leaving his clones to scout and some to read and acquire knowledge. There wouldn't be any physical training today. Perhaps he'd have a few of them work on chakra control though. Since he'd have to tune back the physical part of his training, he may as well improve his control instead. Genjutsu were more effective with higher control and there were rumors in the clan at one point that the Sharingan if fully mastered, could directly view and influence the memories of a person.
He himself had been able to view chakra through most obstacles, if only roughly and catch glimpses of those memories sometimes. The ability to view them at will should come in quite handy in their search though, so he was willing to expend some effort on trying for better mastery.
He thought one of the secrets to properly master the use of his eyes lay in chakra control.
He couldn't be sure of that though. Even if he was wrong, he'd still benefit a lot.
'I'm sorry, little brother. It seems like you'll have to work even harder to kill me.', he thought sadly.
"Good morning", Rouge said sleepily, effectively pulling Itachi out of the depressing turn his thoughts had taken. She was still in her sleepwear and had only worn a dressing gown on top. Good.
He nodded in greeting, placing a plate of scrambled eggs with onigiri in front of her. A bowl of mixed salad soon followed.
"… no coffee?", she nearly whined, staring blankly at the empty spot where her beloved beverage usually sat.
"Hn. Later. You'll want to be able to sleep off the aftereffects as much as possible. No caffeine."
Defeated, Rouge lazily nodded, picked up her fork, and leisurely ate her meal. It tasted as amazing as ever. Seriously, it should be illegal for a man who wasn't a professional chef to cook this well.
She hummed in happiness as she ate, deciding to enjoy her last nausea-free morning of the foreseeable future and ignore the pang of jealousy she felt at the bliss her taste buds experienced.
She moved her fork robotically, not even realizing how much or how little she ate. She only stopped when there was nothing left, blinking in confusion.
Itachi suppressed his amusement. He'd definitely have to plan in some early morning awareness training, no matter how much enjoyment he got out of the different ways she acted when she was sleepy.
He gently took the plate from under her confused gaze and put it into the sink, then took her arm and guided her back upstairs.
He had her lay back down onto the bed and kneeled down on the floor next to her. He went through the appropriate hand seals and paused for a moment to stabilize his chakra flow.
Then, he gently placed his hand over her womb once more.
Rouge moaned in discomfort as the strange warmth she had experienced a month ago returned once more, accompanied by a pricking feeling that felt slightly nauseating.
Itachi ignored her, fully focused on monitoring and guiding his chakra.
After a few seconds that felt like forever, he finally removed his hand, leaving Rouge feeling frazzled and a little queasy. Soon after she shivered and suddenly felt really, really exhausted.
She wouldn't even be able to tell when she fell back asleep a few hours later when she woke up with a start and dived straight for the bathroom, faster than she ever had been able to before.