Chapter 19 (Part One)

Asumi wasn't a great cook, not even a modest one. Being the younger sibling allowed her the luxury of eating the food her big sister served her. Asuna spoiled her rotten, but Asumi wasn't entirely hopeless. Whenever Asuna wasn't around to indulge her, she was more than capable of cooking up a decent pot of noodles on her own.

Kyuubi decided to take a chance on the woman's potential. He invited Asumi to be his cooking partner for the day. Cooking together was also the perfect icebreaker they needed to get to know each other since it appeared the two of them would be spending quite a lot of time together. At first, Asumi felt uneasy. Such idly tasks were beneath her qualifications. She was tempted to say no, but quickly came to a realization of the opportunity that would present itself if she accepted the chore.

Asumi was fully focused on the bowl of eggs she was whisking, From the corner of her eye, she observed Kyuubi's nervous maneuvers around the kitchen. It's not her place to say anything. She should just concentrate on the bowl of eggs in her hands. But, to be fair, it was also not in her place to be whisking some damn eggs in the first place.

"You seem nervous," Asumi said in a soft voice.

Kyuubi set aside the freshly baked fruit tart on the counter, swiftly removing the large oven mitts from his small hands. "Really, how can you tell? Is it because I'm running around like a chicken with its head cut off?" He stirred the pot of tomato sauce on the stove, dapping the label on the back of his hand for a taste.

Asumi gave a generous laugh to lighten the mood. She set aside the egg batter that had loosened nicely from her tiresome whisking.

"So then, you are nervous?" She turned her eyes on the man beside her.

Kyuubi exhaled a long breath as he gathered the lasagna pasta and lined them against the pan. Itachi preferred Western cuisine. When they were younger, Itachi's father often took them both abroad to Italy where they stayed at the Uchiha family's villa. He can still remember the delight in Itachi's eyes when they would indulge in the delicious cuisines the country had to offer.

"I'm not really sure if it's nervousness. I just want him to have good food to eat when he gets here, that's all."

Asumi scanned the long marble counter lined with appetizers, entrees, and desserts. At this rate, he was making food for an entire army.

"There's enough food here to feed a country." She wanted to probe further, really get into the details of Kyuubi's relationship with her boss. Fear of her sister finding out has her lips sealed shut on the matter. "Is there anything else you will like me to do?"

Before Kyuubi could say anything, his eyes locked onto his son who had run into the kitchen and climbed his little body on the high stool opposite his mother.

"Finally decided to come out and greet us with your presence?" Kyuubi watched his son's eyes trail wondrously over the food. "Are you hungry?"

Jay shook his head as he swung his small legs back and forth, his fists balled cutely over the counter. "Where's Naru?" he asked softly.

Around this time, his young uncle should be home and when he's not, his Naru and his mommy got into fights.

Kyuubi sighed. Jay's in no position to be worried about his uncle. But, his son has a bond with Naruto that he can only hope to one day have with the child. How does he tell the boy his Naru once again got into another fight? That Naru's school again called him to complain and discreetly judge his capabilities as a guardian. He can't begin to explain all this to a five year old so instead he lied.

"He's doing a school project with some friends. He'll be home soon and then we can enjoy all this yummy food together." He smiled when Jay innocently giggled at his childish voice. "Are you sure you're not hungry, baby? You want a snack?"

jay again shook his head. It was almost dinner time. Kyuubi's genuinely surprised the boy's not hungry.

"You want to help Asumi make some cupcakes?" He smiled when Jay nodded his head, eagerly climbed off the chair.

Asumi wiped her hands dry with the towel, threw it aside on the counter. They had finally finished cooking. Asumi had kindly offered to wash the dishes while Kyuubi went on to take a shower. The kitchen was now spotless, the counter lined with gourmet food. Asumi's impressed with Kyuubi's cooking skills. If he wanted, he could successfully open his own restaurant. Seeing as Itachi enjoyed eating good food, she would say they were a match made in heaven.

Just as she exited the kitchen, Kyuubi emerged from his bedroom dressed in a casual white shirt and blue jeans, an outfit she shamefully admitted looked better on the man than it would have on her. It was truly fascinating how Kyuubi's body rivaled that of her own.

"Is this too casual?" Kyuubi asked, walking towards Asumi. He tucked a strand of hair behind his ears. "I don't want it to seem like I'm trying too hard. But I also don't want it to seem like I didn't try at all."

Asumi looked up from her duffle bag, an amused smile on her face as she shook her head. "I think you look just fine." She finished gathering her change of clothes and stood up. "I'm going for a shower. As I mentioned yesterday, if you need me for anything, just press the button on your bracelet."

Kyuubi looked down at the bracelet on his wrist. It's a thin black band made out of steel with a small button tucked underneath. If the button is pressed, it would vibrate the matching bracelet on Asumi's arm.

"Sure," he replied softly.

Asumi disappeared inside the bathroom. Kyuubi leisurely made his way to his son's bedroom. "Jaron..." He sang the name as he opened the door and peeked inside. His son was laying flat on his stomach on the soft rug spread below his bed. "What you doing, baby?"

"Playing game," Jay answered, without lifting his head to greet his mother.

Kyuubi rolled his eyes. "Of course you are."

He strolled inside and laid down beside his son. Jay turned off the iPad and moved close to snuggle his mother, his small legs wrapping around Kyuubi's waist and his arms coming up to wrap around his neck. Kyuubi chuckled as he hugged his son and kissed his face. Sometimes Jay would just revert back to a baby and hug him like a koala, refusing to let go. It was moments like these Kyuubi couldn't get enough of. He hoped his son would always hug him like this even as he got older.

"I love you, mommy," Jaron mumbled, locking his arms securely around his mother.

Kyuubi ran his hand through his son's hair as he held him close to his chest. Suddenly, he's reminded of the reason he came in the room in the first place and carefully he sat up, lifted his son and sat him on his lap. The boy stirred, wanting to hug his mother again. Kyuubi laughed, forced Jay to stay still.

"There's something important I need to tell you and I want you to listen carefully to me, okay?"

"Okay." Jay softly rubbed at his eyes as he looked up curiously at his mother.

"Okay... um, do you remember that man you met when you went to the grocery store with Naru?"

Jaron shifted himself into a more comfortable position, dropping his hand from his eye, he nodded curtly up at his mother. "He was the really handsome man. He was kinda scary," he said with a small pout.

Kyuubi chuckled. Itachi had that effect on everyone, even to little kids it now appeared. "Well, he's actually not all that scary. He's a very nice man."

Jay eagerly nodded, a wide smile on his face. "Mhm. He bought all our groceries and he even bought me icy."

"Icy?" Kyuubi raised his brow.

This was the first he was hearing of this. Naruto had conveniently left out that part of the story when he told him Itachi had paid for their groceries. Naruto knew how much he disliked Jay eating processed food. But honestly, since when did Naruto give a damn about anything he liked or disliked.

Jaron pulled his iPad back into his lap. Kyuubi's first instinct was to pull the tablet away. Instead, he's amused by the picture of Itachi on the lock screen.

"You really like him, don't you?"

"Naru says he's a model — that's someone who takes lots and lots of pictures." Jaron held the tablet up close to his mother's face. "I really like this one," Jay said happily with a grin. "I wanna be just like him."

Kyuubi took the tablet from his son. His eyes lingered on the picture on the screen. Hearing Jaron talk so fondly of his father without even knowing the man has a frown settling over his face. It was a sad revelation of the part he played in his son having to grow up without a father. The painful truth of him being the one who had denied his son of that opportunity. He felt the pain as his heart fell apart. To see such love and adoration in those big brown eyes, he has never felt such guilt in his life.

How did he explain to Jay that mommy was the one who ran away from daddy? That mommy is the reason he had to grow up without daddy. That mommy took away five valuable years from him knowing the cool man on his iPad. How does he say this without his son resenting him for it? Without him being the bad guy?

Kyuubi sighed as he set down the iPad. He swallowed the lump in his throat, blinking the tears away as he forced a smile. He hugged Jay, held him close as he tried to hide the sadness from his face. "I'm happy you like him, Jay. He's a good man."

Kyuubi turned around when the door's pushed open and Asumi stepped inside, respectfully bowing her head. "Kyuubi, Itachi's here."

Kyuubi rushed to his feet. "He's early."

"Only by a few minutes," Asumi replied, amusement in her voice.

"Did you let him in?" He began to randomly tidy up his son's room, his nerves unable to make him stay still.

"No, I can't allow anyone inside your home unless you give me permission."

"He's not just anyone. He's your boss."

"It was Itachi who specifically asked me to do this. I have to follow his orders."

Kyuubi took in a deep breath. "You can let him in."

"Of course." With another bow of her head, she left the room.

Kyuubi took the moment alone to calm himself. He just showered and he's already starting to sweat. Itachi didn't have to be aggressive or physical in order for him to be intimidating. His sharp gaze alone was more than capable of rendering a man motionless. Not only was Kyuubi now meeting with the man whose heart he had broken, he was also confronting the dark past he had walked away from years ago. He felt like a lone soldier facing an army of a thousand men, their armor reflecting all his insecurities. He felt sick, nauseous, like he'd faint the second he took one step out of the room.

"I can't do this." He brought his head into his hands, sat down on the soft mattress of his son's bed. His hands are trembling, legs shaking, heart racing against his chest. "Fuck, I can't do this."

"Mommy?" Jay was concerned. His mommy's scared and he doesn't know why. "What's wrong, mommy?"

Kyuubi pulled his son into his arms and hugged him tightly. Right away, he felt a sense of comfort and warmth only his son could give him.

Itachi stood by the door. The moment Kyuubi made an appearance, he met his eyes. His sharp gaze held Kyuubi's meek stare as he watched him slowly approach him. If he wasn't so tall, Kyuubi would have stood eye level with him. Instead, Kyuubi stood just below his chin as Itachi peered down on him.

Kyuubi rubbed his hands together anxiously. He saw Itachi give him a one over before meeting his eyes. "I wasn't sure if you would be able to have dinner before you came here. I heard you've been um, pretty busy, so I, uh, prepared something for you. Just, um, a few dishes. They're inside the kitchen. You can serve yourself or I could serve you, it really depends on what you want. I—" He took in a deep breath. "I should stop talking."

Itachi said nothing and only allowed a small smile to creep on his face.

"Well, I managed to get a smile. That counts for something, I guess." Kyuubi was still rubbing his hands like he had the itch of the century. His eyes trailed down to his feet as he blushed shyly. Itachi's smile could have been considered one of the world's greatest treasures. Kyuubi turned around when he felt a tug on his shirt. He pulled his son from behind him and brought him to stand by his side. "Jaron, this is Itachi, the scary man from the grocery store."

"He's not that scary," Jaron mumbled, looking up shyly at the tall man in front of him. He suddenly gained some confidence and pulled away from his mother. "You were in a drama I watched with Naru."

Itachi remained expressionless, but something secretly flashed in his eyes. "How was my performance?"

Jay smiled brightly. "Really good. Naru kept saying I'm rooting for you Itachi. Get the girl!" He shrugged his shoulders. "I don't even know what that means." He admitted in a fit of giggles.

Itachi felt his heart flutter hearing his son's laugh for the first time. A sensation of warmth filled him, a happiness he has never experienced before in his twenty three years of life. He stepped forward and lowered himself down to gaze properly at his son's handsome face. Suddenly, there was just the two of them in the room and Itachi smiled out of pure joy.

"Can I show you something?"

Jay nodded his head eagerly, entranced by the handsome man he's had an innocent crush on since their first meeting. In his head, he was face to face with the coolest man ever. Kota will be so jealous.

Itachi held up his cellphone. On the screen was a picture of himself when he was just a kid. The resemblance between him and Jay was uncanny. "This is me when I was around your age. Do you notice anything?"

Jay brought the phone into his little hands to examine the picture closely. When he's done, he held the phone beside his head. "You look just like me!" He mimicked the same wide grin in the image.

"Yes, I do. Would you like to know why?" He took back his phone when the boy nodded. A quick scroll through his phone and Itachi again showed the screen to Jay. "This is a picture of your mother and I when we were teenagers. You may not be able to see it well, but look closely at his belly. Can you see it poking out?"

"Mhm..."

"That's because you were inside. You were very small at that time. Look at our smiles, we couldn't wait to meet you." Itachi frowned. "I wasn't present when your mother gave birth to you. I wasn't there when you were growing up. When you had your first birthday, when you spoke your first word. When you took your first step. I have no excuses. You're young now so you may not fully understand what I'm saying. But, let me properly introduce myself."

Grabbing a hold of his son's hand, Itachi smiled warmly at him. "My name's Itachi Uchiha and I am your father. You are my son."

"Father?" Jay repeated. The single word was spoken as a question, as a thought, as a word he's not accustomed to hearing, to saying. It stumbled out just as confused as his expression.

Itachi watched his son look past him to look up at his mother. Like a child would look to their mother when needing clarification on a subject they did not understand.

Kyuubi leaned forward and prompted himself onto his knees beside Itachi. He reached out his hand, combing his son's bangs out of his face. "Jay, you know how you always say that your classmates have both a mommy and a daddy, but you only have a mommy?"

Jaron suddenly grew timid, simply responding to his mother with a nod.

Kyuubi looked at Itachi, the man refusing to meet his gaze. He returned his eyes on his son. "Well, you actually do have both a mommy and a daddy. Your daddy is right here, Itachi. Do you understand?"

Jay responded again with a timid nod.

Kyuubi felt his heartbreaking as his son refused to look at him. "Um, is there anything you want to say, Jay?"

Jaron nodded. "I'm sorry," he whispered.

Jay threw himself into Itachi, his small arms wrapping around the man's broad shoulders as he cried. He cried loudly as if he was in trouble. Jay didn't know why he was crying yet he continued to cry, trembling in his father's arms.

"Jay."

Kyuubi heard the shakiness in his voice followed by the single tear that rolled down his face. He watched Itachi comfort the boy, stroking his hair as he held him in his arms. He wanted to reach out and bring Jay into his arms, but he couldn't move.

In this moment, Itachi couldn't hate Kyuubi more than Kyuubi hated himself.

Kyuubi reached out his hand, laying a soft touch on the back of his son. "Jaron, I'm so sorry." He turned to Itachi, his wavering eyes silently begging for forgiveness. He almost flibched when Itachi's sharp gaze fell on him. But Itachi said nothing, merely held on to his crying child.

He didn't say anything when Kyuubi stood up and walked away, or when his son's arms wrapped tighter around him. He said nothing. Not when Jaron's cries quieted, not when his legs began to ache from how long he knelt on the ground. He continued to simply hold his son, reminiscing in the touch he's longed for since the day he found out his lover was going to bear his child. He was happy, at peace, to the point where he feared any movement would end the moment too soon.

But all good things aren't meant to last. He had responsibilities, more than ever it now seemed. This wasn't the time to be selfish.

Itachi attempted to let go of his son only to find himself astound by how strong his son's hold was around his neck. The boy wouldn't let go.

"Jaron, you have to let me go now." Hearing his son's name roll off his tongue for the first time, it tasted strange. He considered briefly a change for a more traditional name. "Please, I need to speak with your mother."

"No," Jay mumbled.

The word is not something Itachi's used to hearing. Hearing it now from his own son, it was refreshing and at the same time endearing.

"Have you had your dinner?" Itachi felt the boy shake his head against his shoulder. "Are you hungry?" He felt a nod this time. "Shall we eat together?"

Jay finally pulled from his father, his eyes slightly puffy from his crying. "Yeah," he said in a small voice.

"Can we eat after I speak with your mother?"

"Yeah."

"Okay."

Itachi moved his hand to awkwardly pat the boy on the head. He stood up and leisurely made his way to the door he was told belonged to Kyuubi. He gave a gentle knock and entered when he's permitted to. "Can I have a moment with you?"

Kyuubi quickly wiped the tears from his face with the back of his hand. He managed a small smile, awaited Itachi's slow entrance into his room. Kyuubi watched him, silent as Itachi looked around with vague interest.

"There's not much stuff, I know." An outburst Kyuubi immediately regretted the second it passed his lips. He mentally scolded himself for allowing his nerves to get the best of him and reduce him to a blabbering mess.

Itachi gestured for Kyuubi to have a seat. As Kyuubi prompted himself on the bed, Itachi leaned against the wide dresser stationed at the foot of the bed.

"I will try to make this brief regarding what I have to say. But, before I begin, is there anything you will like to tell me?"

Kyuubi quickly rose to his feet, his nerves unable to make him sit still. "Thank you, for the flowers. They're... they're lovely. It wasn't necessary for you to send them but um, I really do appreciate them nonetheless."

Itachi simply stared at him. "Anything else?"

Kyuubi felt his heart sink at the simple response. But really, what did he expect? He knew their reunion wouldn't be a joyful one. He couldn't blame Itachi for behaving how anyone else in his position would. Frankly, he counted himself lucky that Itachi was even talking to him. He knew Itachi expected him to be solemn, vocal on what had taken place between him and Shisui. This wasn't something casual. This was the time for him to finally tell his story, reveal the secret he's kept in the dark all these years. Instead, he's taking the situation lightly. Itachi was probably angry. But that was easier said than done. Kyuubi's frightened, legs trembling and hands fidgeting. Sasuke said he was ready. Standing here now, it couldn't be more uncomfortably obvious that he wasn't.

"I'm sorry if I'm coming off very offensive right now. Truth is, I don't know what to say. I've dreamt of this day so many times. The day when we would be reunited. I thought over and over again of all the things I would say to you. I could write a whole book about it. Here I am with you now Itachi, and I'm—I'm speechless. Talking to you always came so easy. I could share everything with you. But, not this, fuck not this. I don't want to go back to that place. I'm so sorry."

Kyuubi blinked the tears away. "I know I hurt you. Really bad. Of all people, me, the one person you thought would never do such a thing. I mean, I stole five years away from you and your son. You have no idea how sorry I am, Itachi. More sorry than you'll ever understand." His shoulders shook as a silent sob forced it's way out of him. "I don't know what else to say."

Kyuubi exhaled as he tried to hold back the painful sobs. "I don't deserve it, I know. But, I'm asking Itachi, if you can ever find it in your heart to forgive me?"

Itachi took a moment to digest the words spoken to him. He knew it took a lot of courage for Kyuubi to be so nakedly vulnerable in front of him. Still, for whatever reason, he can't bring himself to show emotion.

"Anything else?" he asked.

The disinterest in Itachi's tone has Kyuubi struggling to hold in his tears as he grew increasingly frustrated. Not with Itachi who blatantly disregarded his pain, but of himself for being the one to make Itachi that way.

Kyuubi numbly shook his head.

There was a moment of hesitation that was intentional in case Kyuubi had further words. The grim silence affirmed Kyuubi's response and Itachi spoke up forwardly.

"Tomorrow morning, I will be leaving to go back home to Konoha. I will like for you and Jaron to come with me." Itachi studied the mixture of fear and shock that sprung over Kyuubi's face. "I intend to confront Shisui. By now, I am aware he knows this and he will take every precaution he can to either avoid me or gain leverage over me. This means he will come after the people closest to me. He will try to come after you like he did before and our son."

Kyuubi glanced down at his lap. He knew this would happen. Kyuubi didn't want a confrontation. People he cared about would undoubtedly get harmed in the process. Last time, he was the one that got hurt. The whole reason why he left was to avoid an all out war that would lead to more people getting hurt. Kyuubi knew Itachi was more than capable of protecting him and their son, but at what cost?

Similar to Kyuubi knowing Itachi's response, Kyuubi's own response came as no surprise for Itachi. It was exactly what he expected to hear, and what Sasuke had predicted would be Kyuubi's first concern.

"What about Naruto?"

Itachi removed his hands from his pockets and began a pace that's slow and deliberate. "He's welcome to come along with us if he wants. If he also chooses to stay, Sasuke will watch over him."

Kyuubi felt himself becoming sick. He knew first hand what Shisui was capable of, to the point where he still remained a shell of his former self. He's afraid, and he has every reason to be.

"I don't — I mean tomorrow is so sudden. I mean, why do we need to confront him at all?"

"Do you think I cannot protect you?"

Kyuubi abruptly shook his head, eyes panicked as he looked up at Itachi. "No! No, that's not what I mean. It's just that..." His voice faded off as he became uncertain. "I want to trust you, Itachi. With my life." He smiled, a breath like fresh air escaping him. "I'll go along with whatever you deem best. I just ask you to be patient with me."

Itachi looked at Kyuubi with a delicacy that's almost now foreign to Kyuubi. He doesn't smile, but his eyes retained a feeling of empathy. "I will protect you."

Kyuubi nodded. "I know you will."

There's a fleeting tenderness in Itachi's gaze. He soundlessly turned to leave, stopping by the frame of the door when Kyuubi called out to him.

"What is it?"

The hardness in Itachi's voice has Kyuubi thinking twice on his words, whether it was worth the risk mentioning.

"You didn't say much about your conversation with Sasuke." He breathed in a shallow breath. "Now knowing the truth of what Shisui did, do you — do you not have anything more to say?"

"What would you have me say?" Itachi questioned in a tone that's harsher than intended. Immediately, he felt regretful when Kyuubi's eyes sadly fell from him. "I offered you vengeance, my protection. Sympathetic words won't change the past. If that is what you are expecting, you will not hear it from me."

"You sound like your blaming me, Itachi," Kyuubi said softly. "I didn't ask for any of this to happen."

When Itachi turned to leave, Kyuubi thought the conversation was over, only to be startled when Itachi spoke up once more.

"You should have told me. You should have trusted me enough to know that I would have everything to protect you and our child that was growing inside you."

"I was afraid. I thought I was doing the right thing."

"By taking my son away from me?"

"You turned him away," Kyuubi almost whispered. "I gave you a chance to raise him on your own. Without me. You shut the door in my face."

"Perhaps I should have slammed your face in the door, instead." Itachi ran his hand through his long hair. "What you did was foolish."

"I was protecting my family."

Itachi doesn't face Kyuubi, despite his heartbreaking sentiments he has one foot out the door.

"And what about me, Itachi?" Kyuubi continued on. "Am I stupid to still love you? That even after everything, I still want to be with you."

"You are not the only one who has suffered."

Kyuubi could only hang his head low as Itachi walked away. He's reminded of Naruto's angry face looking at him, screaming at him that he was selfish. Maybe, he was. All these years, he wasn't the only one suffering. His decision to leave didn't only affect him. It was a fire that consumed everyone around him.

—

Naruto stood beside Sasuke in the elevator silently snacking on the bag of chips Tsukasa bought him. He was frankly enjoying himself, the chips the only substantial food he's had all day. He looked up and saw the disapproving look on Sasuke's handsome face.

"What?"

Sasuke scrunched his nose. "Can you call that food?"

"I wouldn't be putting it in my mouth if it wasn't."

"Is food the only thing you put in your mouth?" He chuckled, gently massaging the side of his arm that received a hard smack.

"That's not funny," Naruto grumbled. He turned to Tsukasa who quickly hid away his amused smirk. "You better not entertain him."

Tsukasa threw up his hands. "I didn't say anything."

The elevator doors slid open and all party exited. Sasuke walked ahead with Naruto while Tsukasa trailed not too far behind. By the apartment door, they met Asuna. A short greeting was exchanged as Naruto opened the door. The delicious aroma of food welcomed him home.

"Looks like a full house," Sasuke said, quickly locking eyes with his brother at the dining table. He offered a smile to Kyuubi who had walked over to greet them. "My brother gets the grand welcome. I don't even recall being offered a glass of water during my visit."

"Stop it." Kyuubi hid his embarrassment behind a soft laugh. "You're welcome to any of the food. There's more than enough to go around."

"You're too kind." Sasuke's arm lingered for a moment on the small of Naruto's back before slowly retrieving away alongside Tsukasa, leaving the brothers alone to talk.

Kyuubi looked over Naruto, the bruises on his face, the bag of medication in Naruto's hand, the uncomfortable way he was standing with the crutches. "How are you feeling?"

"Just fine," Naruto answered, his tone cold and uninterested. "Get out of my way." He removed the crutches from under his arms and held them as he brushed past his brother.

Tsukasa quickly met up with Naruto in the living room. He discreetly pulled out the card Naruto had given him in the cafeteria from his back pocket. "Listen, I looked into this like you asked me to."

"And?"

"This signature right here, I recognized it." Tsukasa traced a finger over the cursive writing. "I wanted to be sure it was who I suspected it to be so I went to the florist who made the arrangement and asked for the person who had requested the flowers. She gave me a name."

Naruto took in a deep breath. "Was it Shisui?"

"No." Tsukasa saw the breath of relief that escaped Naruto. "This guy, he goes by an alias, but he's pretty popular to the right kind of people. He's a young guy, the son of a man respected in what I'll term as 'pharmaceutical trade'. I won't go too much into details. As to how your brother got mixed in with someone like him, that's something you'll have to hear from his own mouth."

"What's the alias?"

"He goes by Akito." Tsukasa handed the card back to Naruto. "For now, I don't think this is something to be concerned about. But, I'll advise you find out as much as you can on how Kyuubi got caught up with Akito."

Naruto kept his eyes on Tsukasa as he returned back to Sasuke's side. His thoughts ran wild, speculations roaming around on the new information. His eyes found his brother seated at the dining table talking with Asumi. With a deep sigh, Naruto made his way to his bedroom. He tossed his backpack to the floor and sat down on the bean bag near his bed. He pulled out his phone, saw the tens of missed calls he received from the same number. His finger moved over the phone, pressing on the first voicemail.

Kiba's drunken slur sounded through the room, most of his words incoherent. Most of the time he's laughing, then when it seems he's getting emotional he'd spew harsher insults, telling Naruto in kinder vocabulary to basically die in a ditch. Naruto's about ready to just delete everything and throw his phone aside. He allowed himself to listen to the last voicemail. Unlike the others, this time around Kiba's dictation is better and Naruto can actually make out what he's saying.

"You know, I gotta be real fucked up for everyone I care about to treat me like I'm a piece of shit. My dad doesn't care about me. He pretends he does, but I know you know that I know he doesn't." A short laugh. "Fuck I don't even know what I'm saying. My mom... my mom, she's batshit crazy. She hates me and you know something, I must get it from her cause' me, I'm fucking batshit crazy too. You — you were the only good thing I had in my life and you left me."

A glass shattering in the background startled Naruto.

"Fuck, that was my last one. Remember, what you said before I kicked your ass, which you deserved by the way. You said you loved me." A drunken laugh. "Well, prove it to me, you fucking liar."

Just when Naruto's about to end the rambling, his finger suddenly froze at the top of the screen.

"Oh, I still have your necklace by the way. If you come, I'll give it to you. Don't bring your scary boyfriend, I promise I won't hurt you."

Naruto felt around his chest, frowning when Kiba's words proved true. "Fuck!" He pushed his hands through his hair, tugging the blonde strands as he exhaled tiredly. "Shit."

It was only a matter of time until Sasuke realized the neckless was gone, then what? The sudden knock at the door has Naruto startled out of his frustration.

"What?!"

"Naru?"

The sweet voice of his nephew has Naruto instantly feeling guilty. "Hey, come on in baby boy." He smiled when Jay walked in."I saw you eating. You finished already?"

"Yes." Jaron climbed over his uncle's bed, stared at the painful looking bruises on his Naru's face. "What happened to your face, Naru?"

Naruto's never been good at lying to his nephew. He smiled, hoping the gesture would ease his nephew's frown, but it only made the boy's eyes grow sadder. "Naru got into a fight at school."

"Fight?" Jaron repeated sadly, looking down. "But, you and mommy said fighting was bad."

Naruto quickly nodded. "It is. You should never get into fights. Naru was very bad today."

"Who did you get into a fight with?" Jay asked, swinging his feet back and forth.

Naruto took a moment to lift up his head, blinking away the tears. "Kiba."

"Why?"

"We had a disagreement."

Jaron continued to swing his feet back and forth. "Did you make up?"

Naruto sucked in a shaky breath. He shook his head. "Not yet, but we will."

Jaron smiled. "Does that mean you still like him?"

Naruto blinked away the tears forming in his eyes as he answered in a soft whisper. "I don't know, Jay."

"Don't be sad." Jaron opened his arms and hugged his uncle, his small hand warmly rubbing his uncle's back. "I think Kiba still likes you." he said softly.

Naruto couldn't help but laugh hearing this. His hands wiped his tears away. "Thanks."

"Jay." Kyuubi was at the door. "Come on, baby. Give Naru some time to settle down."

Jaron hopped off the bed, running to his mother and passing him to go into the living room. Just as fast as he left, he came right back. "Oh mommy, can I tell Naru about Itachi?"

"Go ahead."

"Naru," Jay said, swaying his body nervously as he spoke. "Do you know that Itachi is my father?"

Naruto feigned ignorance. "No, I didn't know. He is?"

Jaron looked up to his mother again, a wide smile on his face. "Yeah." He affirmed with a happy grin.

Naruto returned the excitement with his own big smile. "Well, then, you have the coolest dad in the whole world."

Jaron waved a goodbye and finally left.

"How was their reunion?" Naruto asked.

Kyuubi thought on the answer, replying with a careful. "Emotional."

"I wouldn't have expected anything less."

"Naruto, I will like to talk to you after everyone leaves, if you don't mind."

Kyuubi stepped inside. It's a strange feeling. He can't remember the last time he was allowed to step a foot inside the room.

"Yeah, we can talk later." Naruto stood up and sat his phone down. He heard the door close and he exhaled. Again, his moment alone was too short-lived when another knock was heard. "What?"

"Easy." Sasuke eased the door halfway open to reveal himself. "Come eat with me," he said softly.

Naruto sighed. "I'm not hungry."

"You've barely eaten all day, apart from the chips you call food." He rested his chin on his arm leaned against the door. "Eat something, for me."

Another frustrated sigh. "Give me a minute to change out of these clothes."

"You saying I have poor taste in fashion?" Naruto was currently wearing his clothes after all.

"Go away." Naruto laughed.

Sasuke closed the door just in time to avoid being hit by the pillow thrown at him. He smiled as he casually made his way back to the dining room.

"Sasuke, a moment," Itachi said, just as Sasuke was about to take a seat. He handed the zip lock bag of camera fragments to his brother as he came to stand beside him. "Take a look at this."

Sasuke keenly observed the bag and after careful surveillance, came to a solid conclusion. "These were designed in our company. Cameras?"

"Spy cameras." Itachi affirmed. "Small in design to be undetected. I gave orders to Asumi to scout the area to confirm a suspicion I had. This is what she found, one camera hidden in each room. The bathroom was an exception."

"Glad to know whoever did this at least had that decency." Sasuke continued to examine the product. "You think Shisui did this?"

"No." A careful thought later. "I believe he has people working with him."

"Well, I've always known that. Some of Dad's men?" Sasuke asked, alluding to the hundreds of employees under their father. Men that could be easily accessible to Shisui if he needed extra hands.

"No," Itachi answered calmly. "To go this far, he'll need people he can trust. People who can do the job effectively. Skilled personnel who are loyal and cannot be easily swayed by anything we may have to offer."

"And those people would be?"

"I don't know. But, I will find out." Itachi took the bag from Sasuke. "I'll handle this. In the meantime, be mindful of the people you allow near you. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Take proper precautions."

"I know, Itachi." Sasuke assured his brother. "Have you finished laying out the mouse traps?"

"I'm in the process of it."

"You really think it could be someone from your team?"

"Yes."

Sasuke shook his head, a small smile on his face. "Your judgment has never been wrong, Itachi. I won't doubt you now."

"I'll see you, tomorrow."

"One more thing, Itachi." Sasuke rushed over just in time to reach his brother before he left the apartment. He stepped back when Itachi's tall frame turned to face him. "Knowing you, I'm sure you won't tell me. You'll probably say it's none of my business. But, now that everything is out in the open, you and Kyuubi, is there a chance of you two rekindling what you had?"

Itachi said nothing for a moment, then turned around and began walking away. "Like you said, it's none of your business."

"But, I do see your time here today was worthwhile," Sasuke continued, staring at the back of his brother's head. "I'm happy for you, Itachi. To be finally reunited with your son, that's all I ever wanted for you." Itachi might have ignored him, still Sasuke smiled knowing his words secretly meant something to the brooding man.

Asumi hurriedly met up with Itachi. "Sir, are you leaving now?"

Itachi addressed her as he did all of his employees, stern and stoic yet respectful. "Yes. You did well, Asumi."

She bowed her head. "Thank you, sir."

"Are you clear on your assignment for tomorrow."

"Yes, sir."

"Good." Itachi watched her for a moment. "Your sister is outside. Have a chat with her."

Asumi found herself unable to move. She was burdened by the assignment she was given, so much that the restless thoughts had not allowed her any sleep last night. It was her biggest assignment up to date, a task she has been forbidden by her boss to speak of to anyone.

"Sir," Asumi said assertively. "With all due respect, regarding my assignment for tomorrow, I do hope you are wrong." She bowed and without another word ran out the door to greet her sister.

—

By the time all the guests left the apartment and Kyuubi was done packaging the remainder of the food away, it was late in the night. After a well needed relaxing shower, Kyuubi with some thoughtful persuasion had managed to get his restless son to sleep.

Asumi was still awake as she typically was. She was usually the last to go to sleep. Kyuubi kept her company in the kitchen as he prepared peppermint tea for himself and Naruto. He had offered Asumi a cup to which she had kindly declined. Kyuubi was quick to lift the kettle off the stove before it could whistle and disturb his son.

The steam from the two mugs swirled into the air, filling the room with the soothing scent of mint. Kyuubi carefully held the mugs as he quietly strolled into his bedroom where he had invited Naruto.

"Here you go." Kyuubi smiled as he gave the hot tea to his brother. He rounded the bed to sit on the opposite side. "Be careful, it's hot."

"No shit." Naruto took a careful sip. He cringed at the bitter taste.

Seriously, how did people enjoy this shit. He had only accepted the tea because... now that he thought about it, why did he say yes to the tea? He gently placed the mug down on the night stand.

"You said there was something you wanted to us to talk about?" Kyuubi said, taking another delightful sip of the calming tea.

Naruto pulled out the small card that has kept him over the edge since the day it came into his possession.

"You like to keep secrets and shit. Before you think you can lie your way out of this, you should know I have my own way of easily finding out the truth. I don't wanna do that. Instead, I wanna hear this come out of your own mouth."

He threw the card down on Kyuubi's lap. "Who the fuck is Akito?"

—

I promise I will update soon. Thanks for the continuous support everyone.