Chapter 12

"We had a deal," the voice on the phone said, his tone unnerving. "Or so I thought we did, Sasuke."

Sasuke did not fear many things, but he feared his cousin, Shisui Uchiha.

"Are you going back on your promise to me?" Shisui asked him.

Sasuke frowned, thinking back to the deal they had made. It was an agreement in which Sasuke would have to abandon his home and family and live overseas. He was thirteen when he made that promise. But now, he was tired of running, hiding.

Sasuke took a deep breath, unclenched his fists. He tried to recall a time in last five years where he wasn't careful. A slight slip up that had allowed Shisui to get close enough to now hold his girlfriend captive. He knew Shisui kept a close eye on him, but he also took precautions to ensure something would not happen, again.

The great Sasuke Uchiha was shaken up, unsure of what to do. "Your quarrel is with me, Shisui. Let her go." He kept a careful tone.

"Explain to me why you're not in America."

Shisui was too calm which told Sasuke he had every intention to cause some sort of havoc. There wasn't a person in the world Shisui hated more than Sasuke. He was the only person who could either ruin him or restore him. In that way, Sasuke was his own personal double-edged sword.

"Shisui, I'm kindly asking you to let her go. Please."

"A few seconds ago, you were threatening to kill me," Shisui said with a laugh. "Now, you're begging that I-"

"Pleading," Sasuke interjected. "I'm pleading with you, Shisui. Please, as family."

"When has the mighty Sasuke Uchiha ever begged for anything?"

Sasuke clenched his jaw. "I'm pleading."

"Right, pleading, not begging. An Uchiha doesn't beg. Well, maybe I want you to beg me."

"Let her go."

"You're no fun." He sounded like a hurt little kid. "I can change that, you know?"

"Shisui!" Sasuke abruptly stood up, clenching his fists as the gut-wrenching scream from the woman he loved filled his ears. "I'll fucking kill you!"

"Are you ready to get serious now, or do you need further persuasion?"

"Stop!" Sasuke pleaded. "He doesn't know anything. Itachi doesn't know anything."

Charlie instinctively stepped back seeing the dangerous look in Sasuke's eyes. He has never been fearful of Sasuke. Sasuke carried himself calmly and his demeanor was always calm. In the four years he's known Sasuke, he's never seen him this agitated, enraged.

"Now, that's some great news. Rather shameful it had to be at the expense of such a beautiful woman. You know me Sasuke, I don't like to spill blood. Yet, still, somehow you always force my hand. That ego of yours will end up being your down fall. After all, this is the second person in your life you have failed so miserably to protect."

Sasuke breathed in deeply, succeeded in calming himself down. "Tell me where she is."

"Are you giving me orders?"

"I'm asking."

"You're telling me Itachi doesn't know. But, why should I believe you? You have already proven to me that your word don't mean shit. Why should I hand over my only leverage when you have done nothing to give me proof of your word?"

"What do you want?"

"Affirmation!" Shisui demanded.

Sasuke quietly brought down his phone, quickly searched through his contacts to find Kyuubi's name. He merged the calls, allowing his cousin permission to eavesdrop on their conversation. Kyuubi's soft voice sounded through the phone. Sasuke spoke earnestly as he told Kyuubi not to meet with his brother. Kyuubi went on to question him on the matter and how exactly Sasuke had known he was going to see Itachi. Sasuke casually brushed off the questions and instead implied Itachi was not in a good state of mind to be meeting with.

When he's assured Kyuubi would not go, he swiftly ended the call.

"Where is she?"

"Do your best to keep your end of our bargain, Sasuke, and in return, I'll do the same."

"I should've killed you when I had the chance." If Sasuke held the phone any tighter it would break.

"Maybe you would have done the world a favor if you had. But as it is, you're weak and you'll always be weak as long as he continues to live. He continues to be your greatest weakness."

"You go anywhere near him and I'll-" Sasuke held his tongue, hearing Analeina cry out in pain.

"You'll what, Sasuke?"

Sasuke held back his threats. "I won't ask you again for a location."

Shisui knew it'd be best to call it quits for now. "Fine, this time, I'll be lenient. Go behind my back again and the next time, you won't be so lucky."

Sasuke removed the phone from his ear, dropping his hand limply to his side. He focused his gaze intently on Tsukasa who watched him with apprehension. "Go to this address, Ana's there. Take her to the nearest hospital. I'll meet you there later on." Sasuke waited for Tsukasa to take the phone from his hand.

"What's going on?"

"Hurry and do as I say." When Tsukasa left, Sasuke turned to the twins. "Jackson, contact Suigetsu to extend our stay in the hotel for another week."

"Tell us what's going on."

"Go, now." Sasuke was calm, although annoyed.

"What happened to Ana?" Jackson continued. "Believe it or not, you're not the only one who cares for her."

"Jackson." Charlie warned his brother.

Sasuke understood Jackson cared a lot for Analeina. Out of all his bodyguards, Analeina shared the closest bond with him. Jackson had a witty personality and Analeina loved to laugh, one of the many qualities that made her so beautiful. Sasuke understood Jackson's reaction. However, this was a stressful time and he may not have showed it, but he was on the verge of exploding. The last thing he needed was insubordination.

"You're given a task Jackson, get to it."

Jackson swallowed back his words. He turned eagerly on his heels, rushed down the hall, showing Sasuke that he walked away out of respect and nothing more.

Out of the whole conversation with Shisui, something didn't sit well with Sasuke. How did Shisui know Kyuubi was on his way to see Itachi at that very time? Shisui may not have outwardly said it, but he did hint at it. Even if Shisui had placed a tail on Kyuubi, Sasuke had no knowledge that his brother would send for Kyuubi at the time he did so how did Shisui know? An infiltrator would seem like the obvious explanation, someone possibly within Itachi's security detail. But, that would be too obvious. Shisui wouldn't be that apparent. How does he begin to solve this?

It was like sniffing out a rat inside a mansion. It could be anywhere, anyone. Possibly, more than one. It struck him odd. Shisui was able to kidnap Analeina from America and bring her to Japan for leverage he knew he would need in this very moment? Had Analeina been in Japan all along? Where did he begin to dissect?

He was playing a complicated game of chess and just when he thought he was winning, he's proven to be mediocre all over again.

"Where's my mother?" Sasuke asked Hayate. He ran his hand down his face, a terrible headache brewing.

"In her office," Hayate replied. "Would you like me to call her for you?"

"No need. I'll go see her myself."

Sasuke ascended the long spiral staircase in a slow stride. It's been a long time since he saw her. He knocked on the door, placed his hand down and gently pushed the gold handle, the lock clicking as he pushed open the door.

"I'm home, Mother."

—

Kyuubi was offered the passenger seat of the black SUV. He declined, instead settled for a seat in the middle. It was a strange phobia but very much real. After his parents had passed away in a tragic car accident, Kyuubi slowly developed a phobia of cars. He could handle going for short drives as long as he sat in the backseat with a seatbelt secured around him, concentrating on his breathing.

He stared out the window, hands fidgeting nervously in his lap as he admired the passing view of the city. He would be lying to himself if he claimed he wasn't anxious at the thought of seeing Itachi again. He wasn't ready to confront the truth. He wasn't ready to stand so close to Itachi, look into his eyes, the man he loved, and pretend as if he wasn't hurting. It wasn't so easy to do anymore. But still, he was afraid.

Kyuubi looked up in the rear view mirror and the eyes silently watching him quickly darted away. "If I have something on my face, please tell me."

The woman laughed and Kyuubi's taken aback. There was a personality behind that stoic mask after all.

"No, it's nothing like that," she said, her robotic voice from before now cheerful. "It's just, you're very pretty." She suddenly gasped, her hand moving up to cover her mouth. "Oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean- I wasn't trying to offend you."

"No, it's alright." He frowned when her expression became stoic, her body now stiff. Kyuubi could tell she was really embarrassed, truly believed she had caused him offense. "I will be more offended if you stopped talking to me. I really hate the awkward silence."

Kyuubi saw her shoulders relax and a small smile make its way on her face. "What's your name?"

"I'm not really suppose to be speaking with Itachi's clients." Her fingers tapped rapidly against the stirring wheel as she stared at the traffic light.

"I'm sure he wouldn't mind if you broke this rule just once."

She shook her head. "I shouldn't."

"You're already doing it. What's a few more words?"

The woman laughed softly. "Are you always this persistent?"

Kyuubi shrugged his shoulders. "When I want to be."

"Asumi," she said, finally revealing her name.

Kyuubi leaned forward, the seat belt straining against his chest as he studied her closely with his chin in his palm.

Asumi nervously glanced back at him. "What are you doing?"

"Asumi doesn't quite suit you. You look more like a… Kyoko."

"Kyoko?" Asumi repeated, chuckling when Kyuubi nodded. "Why?"

"Kyoko has a… how do I say this, a sternness to it. You seem too strict for the name 'Asumi'." He smiled when he succeeded in making her laugh.

"I suppose I should change my name to Kyoko, then?"

Kyuubi leaned back, his finger tapping on his chin. "Mm… how about Chiyo? I know an old woman by that name. It's quite fitting."

"You're crazy." Again, Asumi quickly brought her hand up to her mouth. "Oh no, not again. I'm so sorry."

Kyuubi threw his head back as he laughed. They continued their banter, Kyuubi finally being able to relax in the car. He learned Asumi has been working for Itachi for almost four years and she had nothing but praises to sing about the man.

Kyuubi's phone rung, silencing Asumi in the middle of her sentence. Kyuubi apologized softly as he fished out the phone and brought it to his ear.

"Hello?"

Sasuke's firm voice questioned him where he was. Kyuubi replied, explaining to Sasuke that Itachi had requested to speak with him at his hotel. Kyuubi's not sure if perhaps he's overthinking it but, there's a strange emotion within Sasuke's voice that has him suddenly on edge. The conversation doesn't seem like it's between just the two of them. Almost as if there was another presence secretly there. Sasuke spoke as if he was reading a script and Kyuubi couldn't ignore it as he listened to Sasuke who was now urging him to not see Itachi.

"But, I thought you wanted me to tell him the truth. This was your idea." Kyuubi glanced up, meeting Asumi's watchful gaze.

Sasuke doesn't say anything for a long minute. The silence has goosebumps rushing down Kyuubi's arms as he pressed the phone closer to his ear, almost to make sure Sasuke was still on the line.

"Sasuke..?" He suddenly felt like he was in a horror movie. "You're starting to scare me."

Kyuubi listened attentively as Sasuke advised him to get out the car. It was like with Yugito all over again. Itachi made one mistake, lost his temper, and now everyone believed the man was the spawn on Satan. He was tired of people expecting Itachi to be this perfect man who was not capable of slipping up and making a mistake. Kyuubi's ready to protest but one word from Sasuke has this eerie sensation resurfacing.

"Please."

He's never heard Sasuke sound so terrified. Kyuubi knew right away something was wrong.

"I gotta go."

The vehicle smoothly came to a stop.

"Is something wrong?" Asumi asked, turning her body to fully face Kyuubi.

"I'm sorry, I can't see Itachi today." Kyuubi opened the door and quickly slid out.

"Wait!" Asumi was out of the car within the next second, calling after the man who rushed through the row of cars lining the street.

"I'll see Itachi another time!" Kyuubi began walking in a random direction, not knowing where he was or where he was going. "Sasuke, I'm out of the car. Can you-" The end tone of the call cuts him off.

Kyuubi blinked, then looked down at his phone, pressing Sasuke's contact. He tapped his foot impatiently, needing Sasuke to answer. The phone goes to voicemail and Kyuubi glanced around worriedly. What does he do now? The phone call had ended yet the eerie vibe still lingered.

And for the life of him, Kyuubi couldn't seem to shake off the feeling that there was someone watching him.

—

Kiba parked his Porsche outside his house. He stretched out his tired muscles from the long drive back. Afterwards, he glanced to a sleeping Naruto snuggled in the passenger seat beside him. Kiba silently watched him for a moment. He does all the work while Naruto gets to sleep. How did it end up like this? He slammed the door shut as he got out of the car. He walked around to the passenger side, gently unbuckled Naruto and lifted him into his arms.

Naruto stirred awake, a low groan escaping him as he draped his arms around Kiba's strong shoulders. Inside the house, the warmth surrounds them, comforting them from the outside chill.

"Why am I at your house?" Naruto mumbled.

Kiba kicked off his shoes and Naruto did the same. "I thought you would want to stay here for the night." He stopped abruptly at the top of the short staircase leading up to his bedroom. "You want me to take you home?"

Naruto shook his head, leaned into Kiba, smelled the lasting scent of Kiba's cologne. Kiba walked to his bed and settled Naruto over the large mattress. He watched Naruto greedily immerse himself into the sheets with a fondness he didn't realize was on his face.

"I'll go get us some food." By his closet he slipped off his hoodie, his back muscles flexing as he rummaged through it for a shirt to wear.

"I could make us something."

"Nah, it's alright. I want some take out."

It suddenly dawned on Naruto that Kiba hadn't said a thing about what had happened between him and Sasuke after he was dragged out. He was curious, and at the same time nervous. He hadn't exactly spoken fondly of Kiba to Sasuke. He also knew how overprotective Sasuke could be at times. He was sure Sasuke must have said something regarding he and Kiba's relationship. But then, how would Sasuke know for a fact? He hadn't shown a picture of Kiba to Sasuke. And Naruto hadn't referred to Kiba by his name the whole time they were at the mansion.

Maybe, just maybe, nothing happened. Sasuke didn't say a thing. Still, he had his doubts.

"You want anything in particular?" Kiba asked, throwing on a graphic tee. His toned arms looked good against the dark material.

"Anything is fine," Naruto replied, his raspy voice deeper as a result of his sleep. He watched silently as Kiba ruffled around his curls before the strands settled back into place, some falling over his eyes.

Kiba leaned down to press a soft kiss on Naruto's head. "I'll be back, later."

"Hey, uh, did Sasuke say something to you?" Naruto's sudden question has Kiba's feet frozen by the door. He sat up, looking at Kiba who had turned to face him. "I'm just curious if he did that's all."

"Did you want him to say something to me?" Kiba asked him accusingly.

"No, I'm just-"

"Going around telling people we're in a relationship."

"I didn't-"

"Go back to sleep. We'll talk when I get back." He left without another word.

Naruto swallowed the lump in his throat. He closed his eyes and tried to bury himself deeper into the bed, hoping the mattress would swallow him into a dark abyss. Everything seemed to be slipping through his fingers. As if his life before wasn't already stressful enough.

Now, the person who was supposed to make everything better, seemed to be the one dragging him down the hardest.

—

Thank you guys for reading. Leave a review.