Chapter 7: The Consequences of Love

Itachi sat between Kyuubi's legs scrolling on his phone as Kyuubi brushed his hair. Last night, he finally heard back from his brother. Kagami would be visiting him today and for whatever reason he was a nervous wreck. Kyuubi offered to brush his hair, something to hopefully relax him and calm him down.

"The week went by so fast," Kyuubi said, grabbing a hair tie from the numerous bunch beside him. "Spring break is officially over. Can't believe I leave tomorrow."

"It's almost over and not once did I see you open a textbook, baby."

Kyuubi scoffed. "You think my mom would've let me spend the week with you if I didn't finish my assignments?"

Itachi laughed. "I think your mom lets you do whatever you want."

"Yeah, well then you don't know her."

Kyuubi placed the brush down and tied Itachi's hair into a simple ponytail. He leaned down and softly kissed Itachi's head. "All done." He began to pack away the items while Itachi inspected his hair in the mirror.

"Maybe you should brush it some more."

Kyuubi sighed. "It looks fine. Your brother is going to be here any minute and I'm still in my robe."

"I thought you said you were going to the bakery today?"

"Yeah, around rush hour during lunch time."

Kyuubi began to to search through his boyfriend's closet for something suitable to wear. He pulled out one of Itachi's corduroy sweaters and held it over his chest. "Is this too casual?"

"Why not just go early and help your parents out?"

Kyuubi tossed the shirt aside, crossing his arms. "If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were trying to get rid of me."

Itachi stood up and walked around to the nightstand where he grabbed his Rolex and fixed it over his wrist. "Listen, I don't want you meeting my brother just yet, alright?"

Kyuubi stood at a loss for words. "We've been together for two years."

"I said no."

"Why?"

"Because I fucking said so. That's all the explanation you need." Itachi took in a deep breath, tried to calm down. "You can stay up here and do whatever you want to pass the time. Kagami is a busy man. He probably won't stay for long."

"I'm your fucking boyfriend," Kyuubi stated with firmness in his voice. "Why can't I meet your brother?"

"That's your problem. You don't listen."

"Don't you dare find some way to make this my fault when you can't even give me a straight answer. All you do is fucking lie and twist everything to make yourself look good."

"What the fuck are you even talking about right now?" Itachi retorted. "Shut the fuck up."

"Two fucking years!" Kyuubi was hurt. "I'm such an idiot."

"There you go getting emotional over nothing."

"Fuck you!" Kyuubi spat. "Everything is always a big fucking joke to you."

"I'm not arguing with you. This is bullshit."

"You think you're so fucking clever," Kyuubi said, taking a step towards Itachi. "You don't want me to meet your brother because he doesn't know about me, does he?"

The sudden accusation has all the amusement falling from Itachi's face, replaced now with a deep frown. He doesn't bother to answer Kyuubi's accusation.

"Does he even know you're gay?" Kyuubi continued.

Itachi's unwillingness to look him in the eye was all the confirmation he needed and when it finally sunk in, Kyuubi was devastated.

"So you've just been living this double life? One way with me, then another with your family? Do you even know yourself? Do you even know who you really are?"

Itachi finally looked up at him. "You should really stop talking."

"It's the truth, isn't it?"

Itachi clenched his jaw. "I'm warning you, shut your fucking mouth."

"You're pathetic."

Itachi decided to walk away before his anger got the best of him and halfway across the bedroom, he spun around when his arm was grabbed.

"Kyuubi." Itachi tried to warn him.

"Fucking coward!" Kyuubi spat in his face.

"Are you done?"

"You're a fucking joke!"

The punch came fast, struck Kyuubi in the face with the full force of Itachi's anger. Kyuubi felt the searing pain as he hit the ground with a thud that resounds through the quiet room. His right hand swiftly moved and cupped the side of his face as the dizziness swarmed.

"You're a fucking joke..." he said in a broken whisper. "I fucking hate you," he breathed out.

"I know."

—

Itachi shut the door, cutting off Kyuubi's soft cries from the inside. He headed down the stairs and at the bottom was greeted by a lively Ino dressed in a floral dress.

"Itachi, Kagami just called. He'll be here shortly," Ino said in her usual chirpy voice.

"Thank you."

"Of course."

In the kitchen, Itachi observed a busied Sakura in the process of plating some of the dishes she prepared specially for the occasion. Hinata was tasked with setting the table. Itachi quietly called over.

"Hinata, do me a favor."

"Yes, sir?"

"Go upstairs and keep Kyuubi company."

Hinata gave him an odd look. "Is he not joining us for breakfast?"

"No, he's had a change of heart."

Hinata nodded and finished setting the table before she left the kitchen.

"One minute, Hinata."

The maid quickly turned to find her boss approaching her with an ice pack in his hand.

She grabbed it with a confused look.

"For Kyuubi," Itachi explained. "He'll need it."

—

Hinata knocked on the door when she arrived. She heard shuffling inside and took a step back when the door's pulled open.

"Hey." Kyuubi forced a smile. "What's up?"

Hinata's grey eyes trailed over the oversized hoodie Kyuubi wore before settling on the tender patch of red forming around Kyuubi's eye.

"Ouch!" She emitted before she could stop herself. "That looks painful."

Kyuubi was startled for a moment before he quickly recovered with a short laugh. "Uhh... yeah, my phone. It fell smack on my face last night. It's really embarrassing."

Hinata said nothing, merely stared at Kyuubi for a while before she stretched out her hand. "Itachi said to give you this."

Kyuubi slowly took the ice pack from Hinata. "Thanks."

"He also wanted me to keep you company," Hinata explained.

"Keep me company." Kyuubi chuckled. "No remorse at all."

Hinata heard the words clearly but pretended not to.

"Do you ever feel like you're not yourself, Hinata? Almost like you're forced to be this new person and the old you is so far gone that you end up becoming a stranger in your own body."

"I'm not sure I understand you."

"When I cut my hair, it was supposed to be a fresh start. An invitation for my old self to come back and for a while, I thought I was myself again. But, I'm slowly coming to realize that person might be lost forever. Sometimes, I think he's come back but then I look in the mirror and all I see is this miserable stranger looking back at me."

Hinata saw the sadness in his eyes, the simple message behind his long words. "I'm not sure what I can do to help you, Kyuubi."

"You mean other than to keep me company." Kyuubi pulled himself from the doorframe. "Come inside then, I'll take your company."

Hinata quietly walked inside.

—

Itachi welcomed his brother into his home. The brothers shared the same handsome features as their father. They had their mother's jet black hair and warm brown eyes. Itachi led his brother into the living room where they sat down.

"Kagami, you're a hard man to get in touch with these days."

Kagami heard the irritation behind his brother's words but decided to laugh it off as he reached for a glass of water from the tray presented to him. "It's called responsibilities, Itachi. You should try it."

"There's a reason why I was born second," came Itachi's playful reply. He smiled, hearing his brother's boisterous laugh.

"Oh man, I've missed you little brother."

"Wish I could say the same," Itachi mumbled.

Kagami patted his shoulder. "How have you been, Itachi?"

"I'm alive."

"All thanks to these ladies who take such good care of you." The housemaids came and greeted Kagami. "I hope he's not giving you too much trouble?"

Sakura and Ino couldn't help blushing endearingly from the charming man before them. Their smiles beamed when Kagami held up three luxurious gift bags.

"As always, a little token of my gratitude for all the work you ladies do." Kagami handed each woman their specific bag before it suddenly dawned on him that someone was missing. "Where's Hinata?"

The maids looked at their boss.

"She's feeling under the weather. I told her to get some rest," Itachi lied smoothly.

"Well then," Kagami said. "You ladies make sure she gets my gift and extend my well wishes to her."

Sakura and Ino bowed and thanked him profusely. They quietly excused themselves, leaving the brothers alone.

"How is the missus and the girls?" Itachi asked, referring to Kagami's wife and their two beautiful daughters.

"Rei's doing just fine, so are the girls. She wish you'll visit more often. The girls miss their uncle."

"Yeah, I've been meaning to come by. I've just been a little...distracted."

Kagami raised his brow. "With what? Let me guess, clubbing? You're still in your bachelor phase. By all means, enjoy yourself."

Itachi chuckled. "Are you encouraging me to sleep around?"

Kagami raised his glass. "I'm encouraging you to have fun. Just not too much fun. Though, I'm very curious to meet whoever you end up settling with. I'll have to throw a congratulatory party to the lucky woman, or I suppose man."

Itachi gave his brother a long look. "What?"

"When do I get to meet him?" Kagami asked, with a knowing smile.

"What are you talking about?" Itachi laughed nervously.

"Shisui informed me you brought a guest to the warehouse," Kagami explained. "Apparently, you two were quite intimate. Even saw you two share a kiss."

"Fuck..." Itachi turned his eyes away, buried his face in his hands. "I thought we were alone."

"Yes, but you also bought him one of our finest cars in his name." Kagami chuckled. "If you didn't want me to find out, you planned this out poorly."

Itachi ran his hand down his face. "I wasn't thinking."

"Must be serous, then." Kagami crossed his legs. "How long have you two been together?"

"It's nothing serious," Itachi said. "I'm just experimenting."

"Experimenting?" Kagami chuckled. "With a half million dollar car. Itachi we can't afford all your experiments if it'll be this costly."

"It's not like that. It's just-"

"You didn't want me to know," Kagami said, seeing the look of shame Itachi was trying to hide from him. "What did you think I'd do? Itachi, I don't care. Date and fuck whoever you want."

Itachi chuckled. "I'll remember that."

"So, when do I get to meet him?"

"I'm not sure where our relationship stands right now," he said softly.

"Thought maybe you were just unlucky with women. Seems you're just as unlucky when it comes to men."

Itachi furrowed his brows. "I have a tendency to ruin a good thing."

"Not much of a charmer, are you?"

Itachi shrugged.

"You know, Rei hasn't fully forgiven you for what you did to her friend," Kagami said casually. "Once in a while, she'll bring it up. Can't really blame her though, Izumi was a nice girl. She didn't deserve what you put her through."

Itachi fought off the urge to roll his eyes. Instead, he sought to drop the topic altogether. "Breakfast's getting cold."

Kagami's expression suddenly changed. "I'm sorry Itachi, but breakfast will have to be another day. Representatives from some of our tech companies are visiting the headquarters today to prepare for our upcoming launch. Madara needs me there, I can't miss it."

Itachi's not all that surprise. After all, he would like to think he knew his brother very well. He knew how important Kagami was to the company. He also understood how much of a hard worker his brother was. Still, something has him both confused and amused at the same time.

"You came all this way just to tell me you can't stay. Why not just call me?"

"Thought I'd come tell you in person. Or maybe, I came for a serving of those delicious cheese danishes Sakura makes."

"I never know what to expect with you."

Itachi called Sakura and asked her to wrap a few of the danishes and bring it to Kagami.

Kagami quickly typed something over his phone before he pocketed it inside his jeans. "Grandfather tells me you came around the manor looking for me." He noticed the sudden change in Itachi's expression. "He said you looked upset, kinda like the way you're looking at me right now."

"We can talk about that later," Itachi said dismissively.

"You're angry I gave your number to Sasuke. You think I had no right to do so without your permission. I imagine you feel betrayed. That's why you're angry with me, am I right?"

"If you know all this, then why?" Itachi questioned, taking a step forward. "Why did you do it?"

"Don't you think it's time to heal this family, Itachi."

—

In the kitchen, Sakura's just about done packaging the food. By her side, Ino organized the untouched food into containers.

"I don't get this," Ino complained. "You went through all this trouble to prepare all this just for it all to go to waste."

"Shh, it's not our business," Sakura muttered.

Ino shot her a glance. "What's up with you? You've been acting strange these past few days."

Sakura frowned. "Just do your damn job and be quiet."

Ino opened her mouth to respond but fell silent when she caught sight of Kyuubi by the entrance of the kitchen. She gave him a quick look before she turned to continue cleaning.

"Where's Itachi?" Kyuubi asked.

Sakura turned around and saw Kyuubi and Hinata standing behind her.

"Inside the living room with Kagami," she answered him.

Kyuubi looked around and saw the foods being packed away. "Did something happen?"

"I'm not sure," Sakura said. "You'll have to ask Itachi."

Kyuubi watched her for a minute. When Sakura's about to leave, he moved over and blocked her path. "Where are you going with that?"

Sakura managed to hide the scowl from her face and keep a respectful tone. "Catering to my boss' wishes. Now, if you'll please excuse me."

She tried to walk around and again Kyuubi blocked her. "I'll take it to him."

Sakura felt a vein threaten to pop out her neck. She looked towards the other maids and when they all glanced away, she reluctantly handed the small box of patries to Kyuubi. She mumbled something beneath her breath as she walked away.

Kyuubi walked down the hall until he heard the faint voices. By the foot of the living room, he kept himself hidden as he listened in on their conversation. He watched Itachi and he could see he was shaken up and evidently upset. He stepped into the room, Itachi so overwhelmed in his emotions he doesn't even notice him.

"He's our younger brother, Itachi," Kagami said strictly. "Think of how heartbroken mom would be if she was here. Mom loved Sasuke with every fiber of her being, even before he was born. She would've sacrificed everything for him and she did. Same thing she would've done for any of us. It's stupid to continue blaming Sasuke for something he had no control over. It's time to let that hurt go."

"No, you don't get it," Itachi balled his fists. "It's not that simple."

"How long do you plan on blaming yourself for dad's death? He was a coward. You did nothing wrong. You were just a fucking kid. You have to let all this hurt and anger go."

"No, I should've been there. I could've saved dad."

Kagami chuckled. "The way he treated you. If you were there you probably would've pulled the trigger yourself."

Kyuubi finally decided to make his presence known as he strongly spoke up. "It's easy to talk when you have an excuse not to take responsibility."

Kagami turned around and finally met the man he's heard so much about. It appeared Shisui wasn't being modest. His appearance was indeed striking.

"You must be Kyuubi." Kagami extended out his hand. "Nice to finally make your acquaintance."

"You don't know what he would've done. You weren't there. You had the luxury of not being there. I can't imagine what it was like for Itachi to see his father descend into such a dark place. He was just a kid. I'm sure each day he woke up hoping for a change, hoping for some glimmer of the father he knew and loved to return. If the gun was in Itachi's hand, you dont know what he would've done. He could have given your father another chance. Maybe, he'd still be alive."

"Kyuubi, that's enough," Itachi said sharply.

"What kind of brother are you?" Kyuubi continued. "Itachi goes on and on about the respect he has for you and you stand here and talk down on him and force him to relive his trauma. How about instead of pointing fingers, you blame yourself for not being there when your brothers needed you the most."

"Kyuubi!" Itachi yelled, finally succeeding in shutting up his boyfriend's reckless mouth. "Don't say another word."

Kyuubi kept quiet. He stared at Kagami with disdain and in return Kagami simply smiled at him.

"I do blame myself. Everyday." Kagami brought down his hand that was rejected. "I'm grateful you'd so eagerly stand to defend my brother. But, I'm afraid you took my words out of context. Still, perhaps I was out of line."

Itachi came and stood beside his brother. "You should get going, Kagami."

Kyuubi held out the nicely packaged box Sakura had given him to Kagami. "I'm assuming these are for you."

"Thank you." Kagami smiled. "I hope we can meet again under better circumstances."

Itachi led Kagami to the door. Visibly uncomfortable, he sighed as he laced his hand through his hair. "Kagami, I don't know what to say." He exhaled, deeply frustrated. "He was out of line. He doesn't know what he's talking about."

"Seemed he knew exactly what he was talking about." Kagami laughed. "I can tell he doesn't take shit from anyone. That's good. Do me a favor and don't ruin this one."

"He was out of line," Itachi repeated firmly, unamused.

"I personally think he took it easy on me."

For a moment, silence settled between them.

"I know I can't force you to forgive him. You are rightfully your own man. Now, contrary to whatever you may think of me, if what Kyuubi said is true and you really do blame me for not being around, I can understand that."

"No," Itachi said. "Kagami, I could never hold you responsible."

Kagami pulled out his phone when it rang. He stared down at the screen for a moment before he swiftly declined the call.

"I have to go. I'll plan for us to meet some time during the week. We can talk about this some more then."

Itachi nodded, unable to look his brother in the eye. He walked Kagami to his car and waited until Kagami drove off before he walked back inside his house. Itachi sat down on the sofa, his face in his hands as his foot tapped irritably against the floor. He closed his eyes, slowly breathed in and out.

Kyuubi carefully walked over to him. "Itachi, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have talked to your brother like that."

Itachi looked at him but said nothing. That frightening look was back in his eyes, the same look Kyuubi had seen at his party when he had been alone with Itachi. His hand instinctively gripped the shirt around his torso, the deep bruises beneath still yet to heal.

Kyuubi stepped back when Itachi moved towards him. "Itachi, don't. Please, don't. I can't take it right now."

Kyuubi felt his heart beating so hard he could hear it from his chest. Itachi stopped approaching and just looked down at him. He looked completely destroyed.

"Who the hell do you think you are?"

Kyuubi swallowed nervously. "I was just trying to help."

Itachi strode forward and grabbed Kyuubi by the throat, their noses almost touching as he glared down on him. "When I tell you to stop, you fucking stop. You talk as if you know everything. What the hell do you know? You go behind my fucking back and talk to Deidara who can't keep his fucking mouth shut and now you think you know everything?"

"I'm sorry," Kyuubi chocked out

"You will be." Itachi sneered, shoving Kyuubi away. "All I needed was for you to stay upstairs. That's all you had to fucking do!"

"I'm not one of your maids. You don't get to order me around."

"Shut up!" Itachi spat. "Just shut the fuck up!"

"I get why you're angry. But, you looked so broken and I was just trying to defend you."

Itachi pointed an accusing finger at him. "Don't you dare fucking pity me."

Kyuubi stepped back. "I'm not."

"You know what? Just get the fuck out."

"What?"

"Go upstairs, pack your shit and get the fuck out of my house."

Kyuubi shook his head. "No, I'm not going anywhere. I didn't do anything wrong."

Itachi clenched his jaw, balled his fists.

"Itachi, if you hit me, I'm gone forever," Kyuubi said when Itachi took a step towards him. "Make me leave and you'll never see me again."

Itachi slowly walked over to Kyuubi, watched as Kyuubi flinched when he neared his face. "I want you out of my house."

"Itachi, please." Kyuubi reached for his arm only for it to be roughly ripped away as Itachi walked away from him.

—

Kyuubi drove back home in the car that had been a gift. He glanced down at the passenger seat, remembered the love making they had shared. Fresh tears threatened to spill and Kyuubi closed his eyes. He reached beside him for his phone and brought it to his ear.

After a few rings, Deidara's voice answered. "Kyuubi."

"I fucked up," his voice was shaking as he spoke. "I really fucked up."

"What happened?" Deidara asked, voice full of concern.

"Kagami came to visit Itachi today."

"Kagami's back in town?" Deidara asked.

"Yeah, and he was so awful to Itachi. He said terrible things to him, blaming Itachi for their father's death and I stepped in and said some things."

"Kagami said that?" Deidara was shocked. "That doesn't sound like him. Is it possible you misunderstood him?"

"I don't know. I just saw Itachi look so devastated and he wasn't defending himself. Now, he's so angry with me. He can't even stand to look at me."

Deidara was silent for a while. "Did Itachi hit you?"

Kyuubi swallowed the lump in his throat. "No," he lied.

"Please, don't lie to me."

"I'm not."

Again, there's another short pause. "Listen, I'm slightly confused. The way you're describing Kagami is frankly very different from the man I know. So, let's do this. Where are you?"

"I went back to my house."

"Can we meet for lunch later around… two o'clock?"

"I'm working at the bakery today."

"I'll swing by and we can talk then. Sounds good?"

Kyuubi nodded his head. "Yeah, that's fine."

"Alright," Deidara sighed. "Do me a favor, stop crying. It's breaking my heart. I hate it."

Kyuubi chuckled. "I hate it more than you do."

"Good, then stop. I'll catch up with you later."

Kyuubi hung up the phone. He spent a few more minutes thinking over the incident before he finally got out of the car. He walked inside the house and saw no one was home. He figured everyone was at the bakery. He walked up to his bedroom and threw his small duffle bag on his bed. In front of the mirror, he inspected his face. The red patch beneath his eye had already begun to darken, forming into a black eye.

Sighing, he turned away from the mirror. He's suddenly hot and uncomfortable in Itachi's large hoodie. He pulled off the heavy material and threw it on his bed. The bruises on his stomach are an ugly mix of red and blue. Kyuubi pressed his finger against it and winced.

Suddenly, his eyes went wide with panic when his bedroom door barged open.

"Kyuu, I thought that was you."

Naruto's cheerful expression instantly fell as he watched his brother hurriedly scramble to cover himself.

"What the fuck, Naruto?" Kyuubi panicked.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

This was such a tough chapter to write. Please leave reviews and thank you guys for the continual support.