Chapter 15

Kyuubi sat in the corner of the bathroom with his knees hugged close to his chest. He softly counted backwards from ten, silent tears streaming down his face. It was as if he was back in that room, on top of that bed, underneath the aching hold that bounded him helpless. He can still feel the agonizing trace of hands against his flesh, the unwanted lips that forcefully claimed his own.

"Five...four…" He breathed in deeply. "Three... "

Kyuubi shut his eyes tight, his fingers gripping and pulling roughly at his hair. He can still hear the angry voice that silenced his desperate pleas, his raw screams. He shook his head, desperately wanting the sickening image to fade away, but he can't take himself out of that head space, from the past he longed to forget. The rough hands that held him down, the erratic movements that rocked the bed hard against the headboard, the agonizing images wouldn't go away.

"Kyuubi?"

Granny Chiyo stood at the door of her bathroom. She peered confusingly at the broken man inside. When Kyuubi looked up at her in distress, she hurried inside and quickly shut the door to the five year old playing not too far away.

"Kyuubi, what's the matter, dear?" She was horrified.

Kyuubi slowly stood to his feet. He mustered a weak smile as he wiped the tears from his face. "Nothing, I'm okay. I didn't mean to worry you." He's attempting to reassure her but failing miserably. He wasn't okay. He could barely manage to keep the smile on his face. He was falling apart miserably, despite his attempt to keep himself together.

"…I'm sorry." He shook his head and the gut-wrenching sobs burst forth, tearing right through him.

Chiyo swiftly pulled the hurting man into her arms and held him close to her chest. She cooed soft words of comfort, stroking the curtain of red hair as Kyuubi convulsed in her arms. He cried in her chest shamelessly, his hands clutching her sweater as his tears soaked deep inside the cotton material.

Chiyo was patient, granting Kyuubi the long minutes he needed to let out the pain he kept solitude. She had no knowledge of his turmoil, yet she was sympathetic. When he's calm and his cries had quieted, Chiyo ushered Kyuubi to the closed toilet seat and sat him down. She grabbed a towel from one of the cabinets above the sink and kneeled down to gently wipe his face.

She was an elder woman who was in her 70s. It was her tender heart and kind nature that had made Kyuubi welcome the woman into his life. It felt like it was just yesterday that he was offering to help bring in her groceries. Chiyo had been grateful and insisted Kyuubi stay for dinner to which Kyuubi had obliged. The rest was history.

Chiyo made it her business to be in Kyuubi's life. She never had any children of her own. She pampered Kyuubi as if he were of her own flesh and blood. She adored Jaron as if her own grandchild. Just seeing the little boy was enough to put the biggest smile on her wrinkled face. Though, Naruto was not as particularly close to her as Kyuubi was, she also treated the brooding teenager as if her own. She never let it be known she had a favorite.

"Clearly, you are not okay, Kyuubi. You don't need to put up a strong front when you are with me, you know that. Now, you go on and tell me right now what the matter is." She set her eyes stern with no intentions of backing down.

Kyuubi lowered his head. He began to fidget nervously with his fingers. Anxiously, he went on to tell his story to the old woman he trusted. Slowly but surely, he explained the horror of that day and Chiyo listened silently, not once encouraging Kyuubi to continue when he would pause and take a moment to recover. She reached forth and squeezed his trembling hands when the tears would spill over once more.

Kyuubi wiped his face but the persistent tears only continued. "I felt so alone, I didn't know what to do. I was so scared."

Chiyo's frail hands massaged his knuckles tenderly. "I'm so sorry this awful thing happened to you. I can't begin to imagine how scared you must've been." Her voice trembled as she became emotional. "Dear, why didn't you go to the police?"

"He threatened Naruto, I couldn't risk it. He would've found out and he would come after me again." He shook his head. "I…I didn't fight hard enough. I should have fought harder. I didn't fight hard enough…"

"Stop!" Chiyo shouted abruptly. "I don't want to hear you ever say such nonsense like that again. He took advantage of you. Don't you dare blame yourself for what he did to you."

"Itachi tried so hard to talk to me, to find out what happened. But, I kept pushing him away. I made him feel like he was the bad guy. I said such horrible things to him. I can't face him, Chiyo, I can't."

Chiyo held Kyuubi's face and lifted his head up until their eyes met. "You've always described this man to be kind, respectable and understanding. Just be honest with him and if he is indeed the good man you describe him to be, then I'm sure he will understand."

"I stole five years away from him being in his son's life. How can I expect him to forgive me? I don't deserve his forgiveness."

"It won't be easy but you can't run from your past anymore, dear. This is not your fault. Everything you did, all the choices you made, they were done to protect your family. No one can judge you for doing what you believed at the time was the right thing to do."

Kyuubi nodded his head as he received the words deep into his heart. Everyone's telling him it was time for him to finally face his demons. He's afraid of the consequences but it needed to be done. If not for his own sake, then for the chance of his son having his father in his life.

"Be honest with me dear, are you really okay?" Chiyo accepted Kyuubi's hands that helped her up to her feet.

Kyuubi thought back to the few months after he had left Konoha. He had completely shut himself out from the world and from everyone around him. It wasn't until the birth of his son that he was able to pull himself together and embrace his new future. His son helped him accomplish that. Knowing every day that there was someone to live for was unexpectedly therapeutic. The knowledge of someone depending on him for survival forced him out of his wallowing and to start living life for what it was.

Chiyo embraced Kyuubi, laid her head over his shoulder as she held him close. The story she had been told was heartbreaking. Chiyo was also fully aware that Kyuubi's assault had taken place around the same time he had lost his parents. For the life of her, she can't fathom why life chose to be so cruel to the kindhearted young man in her arms.

In a soft voice, Chiyo assured Kyuubi that he and Itachi would be okay. Somehow, they would find their way back to each other.

Kyuubi followed Chiyo out of the bathroom into the living room. Right away, he searched for his son. He found the boy on the sofa casually playing on his iPad. Chiyo left Kyuubi with a reassuring squeeze on his shoulder and made her way to the kitchen where she continued making the apple pie she was preparing.

"Chiyo, let me help you," Kyuubi offered, quickly starting towards the kitchen before he's abruptly stopped in his tracks.

"No, it's alright!" Chiyo smiled, glancing over at the small child sat in her tidy living room. "Be with your son. I have everything under control here."

"But I-"

"No, no." She shook her head rapidly. "An old woman can handle baking one little pie. Go on."

Kyuubi watched Chiyo for a moment before hesitantly heading over to his son. He sat down by the small boy and Jay playfully threw himself over his lap, quickly making himself comfortable. Kyuubi smiled with a sort of happiness only a mother could have for their child.

"You are starting to become obsessed with this thing." He raised his brow, staring at the back of the iPad that hid his son's face from him.

Jay whined in protest when the device was taken from him without warning. He immediately reached for it and he pouted when his mother held it up high.

"Mommy... I'm about to beat my high score!"

"Did you even hear what I said? You never even offer me a chance to play."

"No…" Jay whined, stretching out the word affirmatively.

Kyuubi raised an eyebrow sternly. "No?" He raised the device higher when his son tried to reach over him to grab it. "You won't let me play?" he asked, somewhat hurt.

Jaron sighed dramatically as he folded his arms over his chest. "Fine, one turn. Then it's my turn."

"Why do I only get one turn? You've been playing this game all day and I'm only granted one turn?"

"Alright fine, two turns because you're my mommy and I love you," Jaron said, a wide grin on his face. He leaned up and pressed a sweet kiss on his mother's cheek.

"Well, aren't you just the sweetest." Kyuubi repositioned himself, getting more comfortable on the couch. He switched the tablet on. "Okay, teach me how to play."

—

The atmosphere hadn't been the same, not since last night's altercation. Something was wrong, and like animals relying on instincts, it was as if they could smell the brewing storm growing near. It was suppose to be a normal training, but everyone was on edge, unable to concentrate on honing their skills. After last night's meeting with their boss, it was clear everything was about to change. They were finally being utilized for the purpose in which they were hired, and it wasn't in their nature, they wouldn't even dream of it, to be incapable of fulfilling their duty.

The thought of it was absurd.

While most of the women of the protection detail were hard at work, the youngest of them all was as always, distracted.

She was entranced and so deeply captivated with her own concerns that somehow, someone of her caliber had managed to become completely unaware of the impending danger coming towards her until —

"Ow!"

A chorus of soft laughs echoed through the large gymnasium as tired bodies finally decided to take a break from their strenuous regime.

"That's what you get for not paying attention, you idiot."

Asumi grimaced in pain as she soothed the side of her head that had been struck by a water bottle. She frowned and turned her head to glare up at her older sister.

"Geez, you didn't have to throw a damn bottle at me."

Asuna rolled her eyes as she sat down on the mat. She opened the water bottle and downed half the ice cold drink within seconds, exhaling a cool breath as she reclined her body on the padded floors. She turned to her sister who wore a deep frown.

"If you had been paying attention, you would've caught it. We're here to train, not to ogle our boss." Her tone was stern, strict with years of experience.

Asumi huffed, blowing a fallen hair strand out of her face. "I wasn't ogling. I'm just worried about him." She lowered her eyes on her hands that fidgeted anxiously over her lap. "He's not usually this... intense."

Just a few feet away stood their said boss.

Itachi Uchiha stood firm and strong, his bare chest rising and falling in a pace that matched his heavy breathing. His exposed muscles contracted and flexed with every punch he threw at the punching bag forced to bear his fury. His defined muscles were strained with exhaustion, vivid from the coat of sweat that ran down the taut skin. His pulsating heartbeat rang in his ears from the exertion. but he wouldn't stop.

Asumi could tell he was drained, on the brink of overexerting himself. He was relentless as he hoisted up his bandaged fists and once again began throwing powerful punches at the bag that swung back and forth from the incredible force driven into it.

Asuna gnawed on the corner of her lip as she silently observed the man. Her sister wasn't that far off to be concerned. The imminent danger had them all riled up. Except she found it odd that it would have this amount of effect on the man who always seemed to be in control. At first glance, one could easily tell Itachi wasn't the kind of guy you stupidly picked a fight with. When Asuna had first started working for him, she was shocked to see there was a heart beneath the cold exterior.

Seeing Itachi so evidently distressed was concerning, heartbreaking even. She understood her sister's need to be worried. Still, she knew they had to respect their boundaries.

"Something must've happened between him and his brother. Did you see the fight last night?" The coy whisper was left without a response and Asumi looked over her shoulder just in time to dodge the bottle that was swung at her head. "Seriously?"

"Do you ever shut up." Asuna casually scanned the gym's red walls and equipments. Some of the women had returned back to their training, some working in pairs while a few chose to do solo workouts. "Like I said, it's none of our business."

"But still, you have to be just a little bit curious." Asumi brought her arms up to protectively cover her head when Asuna once again moved. She's surprised when the hit she's expecting never came and instead her sister merely stood up.

"Come on, no more talking. Let's get back to work." Asuna threw the empty bottle aside and began fixing her lengthy brunette hair into a messy bun. She waited for her sister to stand up before she got into her offensive stance. "Okay, you're on defense this time. And remember, this is just practice."

Asumi gave a nervous laugh, scratching the back of her head sheepishly. "How many times do you want me to apologize for that, Su?"

She recalled last year during one of their sparring sessions when she had nearly broke her sister's arm. It was supposed to be a casual stunt, flipping Asuna over her shoulder and pinning her down. But instead of stopping there, too engrossed in the competitive spirit, Asumi proceeded to twist Asuna arm and had pulled her arm too far. Asumi was a slim girl but she definitely packed a lot of strength in her body. In the end, they were both lucky Asuna only walked away with a dislocated shoulder.

Asuna began to move back and forth in her stance. She was of a similar stature to her sister with slightly longer legs. She planted her feet firmly in the mat below, her hands folded into tight fists. She's watching her sister, gaging for an opening as she readied herself to attack.

Suddenly, Itachi's strong voice sounded and both sisters quickly released their gaze from one another as the entire gym came to a stop. Asuna turned and gave her sister a stern look, silently warning her to be mindful of herself before she gently nudged her forward.

Asumi hurriedly ran over to Itachi. She straightened her stance, her toned stomach dipping in and out with her breathing. She shuffled her feet together as she bowed her head.

"Yes, sir."

Itachi took a step back as he focused on controlling his breathing. When he's composed, he faced one of the best personnel on his team.

"Starting tomorrow, you're being tasked with a special assignment. You'll work undercover as Kyuubi's bodyguard and driver. You'll take him wherever he wants to go and never leave him out of your sight. Do you understand me?"

"Yes, I understand."

"I'm sure he wouldn't want you breathing down his neck. Still, make sure you're at a close proximity to him at all times."

"Yes, I understand."

"For now, that is your primary objective. We'll discuss the details of your actual assignment later on." Itachi sat down and brought a cool towel to his face. He hung the towel around his neck when he's done wiping his sweat, his sore muscles relaxing as he stretched out his toned arms.

"Is something the matter?" he asked softly to the woman who was yet to dismiss herself.

Asumi swayed back and forth with uneasiness. She frowned as she studied Itachi's bruised knuckles that were now visible beneath the tattered bandages. "I'm worried about your hands, Itachi." She meekly lowered her eyes when Itachi's strong gaze found her. "Um... I can dress them for you if you'd allow me."

Itachi watched her strange behavior for a while before he lowered his eyes to inspect his bruised hands. He pulled his left hand close to his face and began moving his fingers. He felt the dull ache within the bones. His right hand seemed the most damaged, the pale skin purpled and swollen badly from the constant abuse it was put under from his relentless assault on the leather bag without the protection of gloves.

He held out his hand and Asumi practically gleamed as she moved quickly to fetch the first aid kit.

Like her sister, Asumi was very much grateful for the kindness Itachi showed all his employees. Itachi went out of his way to make sure all his staff and their family lived comfortably and were well taken care of. He never asked for anything in return except for their allegiance and adequate performance in their tasks. For Asumi, doing little things like changing Itachi's bandages was a small token of her affection that she rarely got the chance to showcase, and if that meant crossing a line as a simple security guard, then she would gladly take the earful from her sister each time.

—

Kyuubi returned home sometime in the evening. Jay was tired from a long day's hyperactivity. At some point during the visit, Jaron became quite a handful, unable to sit still once he grew bored of his iPad. He was restless. In situations like these, Kyuubi tried his best to be realistic and not feel inclined to discipline his child. He harbored some guilt when it came to branding himself as a good parent. There was always so much more he felt he could do, taking some time off work and taking Jay to the park for instance. But, he just never made that time. Instead, he entrusted that responsibility to Naruto, as he did with mostly everything else concerning his own son.

"Go brush your teeth and get ready for bed, Jay." Kyuubi ruffled his son's hair, smiling when the boy gave him a weak nod.

The delicious aroma of food filled the apartment.

"Hey, baby boy." Naruto bent down and swept his nephew into his arms. "What's with the grumpy face, huh?" He brushed Jay's bangs out of his eyes, pressing a soft kiss on his cheek. "Are you hungry, is that why you're so grumpy? I made dinner."

"We already ate," Kyuubi answered in place of his son. Naruto's happy expression changed drastically. "Chiyo cooked and she didn't want to eat alone. She even made you a plate." He held up the plate wrapped in aluminum foil, hoping the thoughtful gesture would simmer Naruto's roused temper that threatened to ruin the quiet evening he had planned for himself.

"Are you fucking serious? So, I did all of this shit for nothing."

"Naruto, I didn't know you were going to cook. There's really no reason for you to get upset over this."

"You're impossible."

Kyuubi silently moved behind Naruto who stormed angrily to the kitchen. By the large counter, Kyuubi set the plate aside and took a seat on one of the stools. He began rubbing his temples tiredly, trying his best to ignore the disturbance echoing through the entire apartment.

Utensils clashed loudly against the counter, plates were clumsily thrown into the sink as some food spilled over and soiled the wooden floors.

"You really are annoying, you know that?" Naruto hurled a wooden spoon towards his brother, aiming it in a way where it wouldn't hit Kyuubi but would get his attention. "I didn't have to do this shit!"

"I didn't ask you to do anything." Kyuubi chuckled, finding the whole situation so ridiculous. He shook his head in bewilderment. "Naruto, when was the last time you cooked dinner? Matter of fact, when was the last time you cared enough to cook for me?"

"So now it's my fault?"

"I didn't say that." Kyuubi's completely at a loss for words. "When did I say that?"

"Everything is my fault. That's what you really want to say, isn't it?" Naruto moved around from the table to stand eye to eye with his brother. "If you have something you wanna say, just fucking say it."

Kyuubi stood up, just towering slightly, he shrugged his shoulders. "What did I do now?" He clenched his jaw. The constant back and forth, he was tired of it.

Naruto stepped forward with determination. "Just say it."

"Say what?!" Kyuubi shouted and suddenly there's desperation mixed in with the anger. "What the fuck do you want me to say?"

"That you hate me," a soft whisper that's barely heard. "That everything is my fault. That if it wasn't for me, you and Itachi would still be together. That you hate me because... I ruined your life." Naruto's eyes trailed down as he blinked away the tears.

Kyuubi's deep frown slowly fell from his face. He doesn't mutter a word. The day he's dreaded for the last few years was finally here. Everything was out in the open now. No more secrets, no more lies. But, it was all happening too fast and he's not sure if he's prepared for the emotional investment that came along with it. His eyes moved back and forth unsure of what to say.

"Sasuke told you." Rather obvious, but what else could he say. "Naruto..."

"No, don't do that." The interruption came naturally, Naruto knowing the nature of his brother well enough to know he'd find someway to twist everything around, make less sense of the narrative that's already hard to comprehend. He shook his head as he focused on holding back his tears, his anger. "Don't try to make it seem like I'm not the problem in all of this."

"You're not."

"Why didn't you just tell me? All these years, why didn't you fucking tell me?!" His chest suddenly felt heavy and his trembling voice exposed his vulnerability. "You should've told me. I had every right to know."

Kyuubi said nothing. He wanted someone to blame, a relief from the unbearable pressure of guilt that weighed heavily on his conscience. But, there's no one, not even Shisui. He knew this day would come, and he'd hoped when that day arrived, he'd have all the answers. The peace of mind to bare everything in the opening. That day was here, and it's not like he expected, nor does he have the words to explain. It's been five years, and he's just as lost as he was on that day.

"You don't get to keep quiet."

Kyuubi looked up and the look of disdain on his brother's face frightened him. "You're right. I should've told you." He tucked his hair behind his ear as he sat back down. "But you were just about eleven." He shrugged his shoulders. "You were just a kid."

"And I guess in your eyes I'm still just a stupid kid who never grew up. Not even after all these years."

"No, you're twisting my words." Kyuubi again stood to his feet, desperation contorting his features. "Try to understand where I'm coming from." He reached out his hand to comfort Naruto and sadness filled his eyes when his brother abruptly jerked away from his touch.

With Naruto now knowing the truth, Kyuubi had hoped for reconciliation, for them both to move past the passive aggression and genuinely have a conversation. He expected, rather he needed Naruto to try and understand him.

Naruto scoffed. "And to think I actually thought I could get somewhere with you."

"Naruto, please, you're not giving me a chance to explain." He's desperate, and it's like he's yearning, seeking forgiveness from a place that didn't warrant that sort of generosity.

"You know what Kyuubi..." Naruto swiftly spun around. "I don't wanna fucking do this. I thought I could try to bear everything for your sake..." He shook his head. "But I can't pretend everything is okay. I just can't."

"This is about more than just what Sasuke told you, isn't it?"

Naruto took a step forward and his cold blue eyes seemed to peer straight through his brother's soul.

"I used to always think there had to be a reason behind all the fucked up shit you did. And all of a sudden, Sasuke's here telling me all this crazy shit about what happened. And Kyuubi, it's so fucked up what happened to you, and just thinking about what you had to go through has me sick to my fucking stomach. I'm literally losing my fucking mind thinking about all of this shit. And I made this stupid ass dinner thinking it'll make up for something but-"

"Naruto, you don't have to-"

"Fucking shut up, Kyuubi!"

Kyuubi stayed quiet.

"It's you!" All the raw emotions he's held back burst forth all at once. "I want to be angry at Shisui, I really do. I want to direct all my fucking frustration and anger towards him. But I can't." He sucked in a deep breath to hold back the sob that burned his throat. "Fuck, I hate you. I hate you so much that it hurts!" The words left his mouth like venom, poisonous and full of contempt. "I was your brother. Your own flesh and blood, and yet everyday you treated me like I was some mistake."

"All I wanted was for you to see me. I looked up to you and all I wanted was your attention, your affection if nothing else. But you always looked at me like I was some pest, some irritation you couldn't get rid off. I was just a fucking kid. I didn't deserve that from all people, you, my fucking big brother!" The rough shove that came next nearly had Kyuubi on the ground. "What was so wrong about a little brother wanting to be around his big brother? Tell me!" Another shove, and Kyuubi was sure the next blow would be to his face. "I just wanted you to acknowledge me. I wanted you to see me."

Kyuubi braced himself for the impact of Naruto's fist, and he slowly peeled his eyes open when Naruto's hands instead gripped roughly at his shirt. He was silent, unmoving as Naruto leaned against his chest and cried softly.

"All you cared about was Itachi. It was always him you wanted to be around. But when he left you, who was the only one left? Who did you turn to?" The question was spoken in a way that seemed rhetorical and when Naruto had straightened his stance, his face stained with tears, Kyuubi thought the conversation would be over.

"Answer me."

Kyuubi kept his eyes firm on Naruto. "You."

"That's right. And I bet you can't stand yourself knowing the annoying kid you couldn't give two shits about was the one who raised your kid. Heard your kid first words, saw your kid take his first steps. Do you remember the look on your face when Jay started calling me momma, it was priceless." Naruto laughed from the memory.

"I'm sorry." Was all Kyuubi could say.

"Yeah, you're sorry." Naruto's tone was mocking. "That's all you can ever say, isn't it? Oh wait, no, you bought me this fancy ass apartment too. You know, because you're sorry. And you're so fucked up in the head, you can't even forgive yourself. So you work these dumb jobs to keep yourself busy, keep you away from your own son because you feel guilty for a being shitty mom which you still are by the way."

"Naruto-"

"Save it." Naruto threw his head back to stare aimlessly at the ceiling. He placed his hands on his hips as he exhaled tiredly. "Kyuubi, I'm fucking tired of fighting. And I'm so fucking tired of being angry all the time."

"And I'm not?" Kyuubi kept his voice low but the hostility that carried in his tone was enough to have Naruto's eyes on him. "Naruto, you just called me a terrible mother. After all I have done for you-"

Naruto turned to leave. "Fuck Kyuu, it's the same damn thing with you."

"You got your chance to speak." Kyuubi stopped in his trail when Naruto again faced him. "Why can't I get my chance?"

"Mommy..." Little Jay walked through the living room with his small fist rubbing over his eye. "I can't find ChumChum."

Kyuubi tore his eyes from his brother and moved over to the couch. "Here, baby." He handed the blue stuffed animal to his son who eagerly hugged the animal close to his chest. "Go on to bed, I'll come tuck you in soon."

Jay shuffled past his mother. "You don't have to. I can do it myself."

"Because you're a big boy now, aren't you?" Naruto has a wide grin on his face.

"Uh huh."

"Goodnight, Jay." Kyuubi watched his son until he disappeared into his room.

Jaron's antics never ceased to amuse him. Still, whether his son wanted him to or not, he'll go in and kiss him goodnight. As much as he wanted to respect Jay's wishes, he wasn't willing to accept the fact that his little boy was growing up, not just yet.

"I'll finish packing away the food. We can always eat it another time. It's not a big deal."

Kyuubi weighed the options of what to do next. Whether it was worth continuing the heartfelt discussion that had taken place or just leaving things as they were. He was thankful that they had taken the crucial step to start mending their relationship, but it was only Naruto who got the chance to speak his piece. He wasn't given the same chance to defend himself.

It would be a lot easier to pretend to be content and just let everything go. But nothing between them was ever easy, not when they were kids, and as much as he wanted them to live a comfortable life now, it seemed easy was too much of a luxury.

"If I could just say something." Kyuubi willed himself to accept the short glance he's given. "There's no excuse for the horrible way I treated you. I'm sorry Naruto, and I know it's annoying for me to keep on saying it but, I am really trying. And I'll continue to live my life trying to make right by you. I just ask that you try and work with me. I want us to heal from this."

Naruto sighed, his eyes unable to look up at his brother. "A lot's about to happen. I don't know exactly what but I have this nervous chill down my spine. Whatever's happened between us, I'm willing to let it slide for now. I can't be angry with you, not when we're now in the process of fearing for our fucking lives."

"You can't even look me in the eyes." Sadness trailed in Kyuubi's soft voice.

Naruto sighed. "There's something else you should know."

"What is it?"

"I plan to start looking for my own place soon," Naruto said softly. "And I'm not asking for permission." He doesn't say anything else and returned to clean as his brother's unfaltering gaze burned through him.

Kyuubi resolved to keep quiet. His legs felt heavy as he walked to his bedroom. In his safe haven, he closed his eyes and exhaled all his worries away. He gave himself a moment to just let everything go before the deepest parts of his mind dragged him back to the dark place he knew he wouldn't be able escape. He threw his cellphone on the large dresser, ran his hands through his soft hair, his fingertips massaging his scalp as he closed his eyes and reveled in the soothing feeling. His hands fell slowly from his hair as he opened his eyes and looked into the mirror. His eyes appeared slightly swollen and red.

Pretentiously, he breathed in deeply, locking his jaw and assuring himself that he was alright. A warm shower would soon wash away the stress and a warm cup of tea afterwards would do well to calm his nerves. Even if just for a moment, pretentious or not, he was allowed that vague sense of security.

"Kyuubi." A knock at the door. "Someone's here for you."

"Who?"

"Go look for yourself."

Kyuubi opened the door and followed Naruto into the living room where he's met with a familiar face.

"Asumi?"

The woman bowed her head. "Good evening Kyuubi. Itachi has assigned me to be your personal security. I will accompany you wherever you wish to go and I will be by your side at all times."

Kyuubi furrowed his brows. "Um, well I wish he would've atleast called to let me know ahead." He looked at his brother. "I appreciate what he's doing but I'm not sure..."

"We have a fucking psychopath literally trying to kill us. Any precaution at this point is a good idea." Naruto turned his gaze from Kyuubi to the woman he's seen before during his first encounter with Itachi. "I think you should let her do her job."

"That's not really what I meant," Kyuubi murmured, but doesn't say anything else for a long while. "It'll take some getting used to. Still, I'm welcome to your company." Suddenly, it dawned on him that the woman had a duffle bag in her hand. "What's with the bag?"

"Itachi also instructed I be with you in your home just as a precautionary measure until he meets with you tomorrow and he decides otherwise."

"Even better, I'm not trying to get killed in my sleep."

"Naruto."

"I'm just saying."

Everyone dealt with stress differently. Maybe, Naruto's way of dealing with all that was going on was to make light of the situation, Kyuubi concluded.

"Well, we don't typically get visitors. And we don't have a spare room but my son's bed is pretty big. You can have his room for the night... if you don't mind the toys."

"That's quite alright. The couch would do just fine." She finally moved from the door into the living room. "I hope you don't mind the intrusion. I'll do my best to not make myself an inconvenience."

Naruto gave a tight lipped smile. He wondered if the woman would really lay down her life for their sake. "Do you want something to eat or drink?"

"I have already eaten, but thank you."

Kyuubi turned on his heels. "Let me get you some pillows and a spare blanket."

Asumi shrugged off her jacket, the gun tucked behind her belt in light. She removed the weapon from the holster and quickly unloaded it before quickly throwing it into her duffle. She looked up when she heard nearing footsteps.

"So, are you like Itachi's most skilled personnel or something? Is that why he always sends you to do his bidding?"

Asumi stood upright. Her sister's strict teachings forced her disciplined, even at times when it was not required. "No, that's not exactly accurate. We are all skilled in what we do. The most skilled out of us all is Reira. She is Itachi's caretaker if you will."

Kyuubi settled the large pillows over the arm rest. "I'm familiar with her. Who was the other woman that was with Itachi at the store?"

"That was my older sister, Asuna."

"Where is Reira? I haven't seen her around."

"Reira is often away completing special tasks. She's not usually with the rest of us."

"Oh?" Kyuubi looked up. "What kind of tasks?" He was interested.

"I can't really answer that."

"Why?" Kyuubi chuckled. "Are you sworn to secrecy or something?"

"It's much more complicated than that." She bowed her head when Kyuubi finished setting up the couch. "Thank you, Kyuubi."

"You know... you're very young. I'm wondering how you got into this kind of business. Especially with someone renowned as Itachi."

Asumi simply smiled. "I'm not as young as you may think I am." She took a moment. "But, I can wholeheartedly assure you that I am more than capable of protecting you and your family."

Kyuubi returned the smile. "I'll keep that in mind. I'm going to take a shower. If you need anything, my brother's bedroom is right there, next to mine. And of course, the kitchen is right there. You're welcome to anything in the fridge if you're hungry."

"Thank you for your hospitality."

Kyuubi looked at her for a while longer before he turned on his feet to leave. He stopped abruptly. "Remember, it's okay to lighten up a bit when your around me. You don't have to be a robot, it only makes me more anxious."

"I'll do my best, Kyuubi." She waited until Kyuubi was in his bedroom, and even then, she waited until she heard the soft spray of the shower before she sprung into action.

Moving quickly, Asumi unzipped the side pocket of her duffle bag, pulling out what looked similar to a taser. She began walking around the apartment, eyes scanning the large area as she pointed the small dark object that illuminated a green light around the walls. In the kitchen, she eyed the cabinets and searched in between crooks of tiny spaces. She saw nothing, found no evidence of what she was looking for.

She went inside her head, recovering information she'd learned from her training. Then, something occurred to her and she glanced up with haste. She turned her head and diligent eyes searched the ceiling until she came to an abrupt stop and stared particularly hard at one single spot. Her eyes narrowed.

"Found what you looking for?"

Startled, Asumi turned her head to find blue eyes on her. "Did you need something?" She's disappointed in herself to have not realized the presence behind her.

"No," Naruto replied coyly. "Do you?"

"I'm just familiarizing myself with the apartment."

"You want a tour?"

"I'll do well on my own, thank you." Asumi observed Naruto. "Are you sure there's nothing that you needed?"

Naruto pushed the small card back inside his pocket. He remained anxious about the card that came with the roses Kyuubi had received. It seemed if anyone would have answers or the resources to get answers, it would be the woman in front of him. But for some reason, he now decided he would get the answers on his own.

"Yeah, I just wanted to grab some water."

Naruto opened the fridge and grabbed himself a water bottle. He smiled at Asumi and she returned the smile, though Naruto wasn't stupid. And he had witnessed the woman busied with searching for something.

"I should warn you. If I find out that you went through my room, we're gonna have a problem." He raised his hand. "And trust me, I'll know."

Asumi found herself amused. "Understood."

The room was again empty to her alone. Asumi looked up again to the spot where she had been previously studying. Her and Itachi's speculations had been correct. Her lips turned up into a smile. Itachi made a good point. She was definitely the agent equipped for this job.

—

The wine glass in his hand was settled down gently on the table beside him. Kae sat with his long legs crossed over one another as he appeared seemingly relaxed and calm. He rested his elbow over the armrest of the couch, leaning his head down to rest peacefully over the soft cushion.

"Clever girl." He's amused by the stern eyes watching him through the live recording video displayed on his laptop screen.

His amused expression faded when a bolt of electricity flashed through his eyes and the screen before him turned completely black.

"Guess that's checkmate."

His finger slid over the mouse pad and the screen zoomed out to display the desktop on the high tech device.

"He's not going to make this easy for me."

—

Just a few changes y'all. As always leave a review, guys. I really appreciate all of you guys supporting this little ole story. Thanks so much.