Chapter 9: Mind Games

Aiya Saito laid naked in Itachi's large bed. The sunlight poured through the open curtains, melting over her. She yawned as she stretched out her long body. Her slender legs entangled the sheets, the curve of her body peeking out from underneath. She looked to her side and found the space empty, the tousled sheets a reminder of the body that had laid with her in the night.

For a moment she's disappointed, but it's not something unusual so she's not all that surprised. It always turned out this way. Itachi could never bring himself to sleep beside her almost as if he was too ashamed. But this time, for whatever reason, Aiya had thought maybe it would be different. For the first time in a long time, Itachi had brought her to his house. Not some random hotel suite in the middle of the night. This time, it was supposed to be different. So, why was it all the same?

The door barged open startling Aiya who swiftly clutched the sheets to cover her round breasts. She looked up and saw a confident Hidan strolling through the room as if his own. By the door, Hinata stood aside dutifully.

"Haven't you heard of knocking?" Aiya shouted. "I'm naked!"

"Nothing I haven't seen before."

"You fucking perv."

Hidan doesn't pay her any mind as he gathered her discarded clothes off the floor before casually throwing them on the bed. "Get dressed. You're leaving."

Aiya frowned. "Where's Itachi? Why did he send you?"

"Careful, sweetheart. Watch how you talk to me." Hidan waited for her to move. "Get the fuck up."

"No."

Hidan pinched the bridge of his nose. "Listen, you really don't want to piss me off right now."

Aiya pulled the sheets closer to her body. "You've had a vendetta against me ever since you met me. What have I ever done to you?"

Hidan leaned towards her and as a response, Aiya pressed her back against the headboard. There's a playful look on his face, and he laughed seeing the fear spread across her face. He looked at her incredulously. "Don't flatter yourself."

Aiya was defiant. "You don't scare me."

It was like a flash of lightening, the swiftness in which Hidan's fist slammed into the headboard, the impact rattling it against the wall.

"Get the fuck up!" he shouted. "I won't fucking say it again."

Aiya trembled, terrified from the sudden strong base in Hidan's voice. Afraid or not, she understood he could really hurt her if he wanted. Badly. She wanted to move, get as far away from Hidan as possible. But, Hidan was still close to her and she was so frightened she could barely move a finger.

"Well? What the hell are you waiting for?"

"I-I need some privacy," Aiya stuttered out. "You're blocking me, I can't move." She watched Hidan pull away and stand up straight in his full height.

"Five minutes."

Hinata bowed and followed after Hidan outside the room. She stood next to him, careful to leave space between them as she nervously played with her fingers. Too curious for her own good, she shyly glanced up at Hidan, quickly lowering her eyes when she found the man's intense gaze on her. She cleared her throat awkwardly and in a flash, Hidan was standing in front of her.

"Do you think I overreacted?" He asked her suddenly.

"What?" Hinata replied, caught off guard.

"You're thinking I shouldn't have snapped at her like that," Hidan said, taking another step towards the nervous maid. "I shouldn't have lost my cool like that. At least, not in front of you. After all, I like to think of myself as a gentleman."

Hinata struggled to keep eye contact. "I'm not really sure what to say."

Hidan smiled and reached out his hand to caress a fallen strand of hair out of her face. "Then, don't say anything."

The loud ringtone of a cellphone startled Hinata who jumped at the sound. Hidan reached inside his pocket and walked away to answer the call. After a few exchanges with Deidara on the opposite line, he hung up and with quick strides, went back into the bedroom and pulled out a half-dressed Aiya.

"You're a real piece of work, you know that?" Hidan picked up Aiya's fallen heels and purse and shoved them against her chest. He yanked her by the arm as he dragged her down the hallway. "Make sure you clean the bedroom properly. I want no traces of her left behind, do you understand me?"

Hinata bowed her head. "Yes, sir."

Hidan continued to mercilessly drag Aiya by the arm until they reached outside. By the large pool around the back of the house, he shoved her aside before he quickly reached inside his pocket and pulled out his wallet.

"So, how much for your troubles?" He opened the wallet and counted through the bills inside. "I don't have much cash on hand so if you bid a higher price, you'll have to settle for a check."

Aiya was utterly disgusted. "I'm not a fucking prostitute."

"No, you're just a desperate whore with no morals," Hidan said coldly as he closed his wallet. "I can see why he has to be drunk in order to fuck you."

Aiya took a step towards him. "Don't you dare suggest I'm anything less than beautiful. I'm prettier than any whore that's ever graced your bed."

"No, you're not ugly." Hidan saw the glimmer of pride that flashed through her eyes. "But, you're just..." he chuckled, "...not special. That's why he's not with you. You'll always be the second choice and knowing that must fucking suck. To be wanted first, wouldn't that be nice? To men like Itachi and I, we only take interest in girls like you because you're easy to throw away when we're done. But once you start thinking like you're important or like you're actually worth something, well that's when it gets annoying."

Aiya stepped forward and slapped Hidan hard across the face. "Who the hell do you think you are? What right do you have to talk down on me? Aren't you leeching off Itachi? You're a nobody, a slug who can't stand on his own. Without Itachi, aren't you the one that's worthless?"

Hidan slowly turned to her, a sadistic grin on his face as he touched his stinging cheek. "I have a killer hangover and that just made it ten times worse." He sighed. "Well anyways, get home safe or not. I don't really give a fuck."

Aiya looked around frantically as Hidan walked away. "Wait! How am I suppose to get home?"

"It's the 21st century, sweetheart. Call an Uber."

"But this is a gated community. They can't drive up here."

"Well, then, you better start walking."

—

When Deidara arrived, Ino had been the one to open the door and greet him.

"Big brother!" She swung her arms around him in an eager embrace.

Deidara has gotten used to that nickname that it no longer phased him. They weren't related, but their similarity in appearance has caused Ino to develop the habit of referring to Deidara as her older brother. Itachi had once teased the situation and deemed it fitting as Deidara was particularly overprotective of Ino since she was the youngest maid. Their relationship was adorable, one Sakura and Hinata were frankly quite jealous of.

Deidara allowed Ino to latch onto his arm as they walked through the house. "How have you been?"

"Just fine," Ino replied, snuggling into Deidara. "Sakura has a day off so she's spending it with her family. It's just me and Hinata here today."

Deidara noticed the sudden change in her tone. "You don't seem too happy about it."

"Sakura's my best friend. She left not too long ago and I already miss her."

"You shouldn't feel too down. You still have the company of Hinata."

Ino frowned. "We don't particularly get along."

"And why's that?"

"We have different interests and she's plain out boring."

Deidara chuckled curtly. "Boring?" He looked at Ino and noticed the glimmering diamond stud embedded in her ear. "Beautiful earrings."

Ino delicately touched her ears, a smug smile on her face as she showed them off. "Kagami brought us all gifts during his visit with Itachi yesterday. They're lovely, aren't they?"

"Very lovely."

As they're about to enter the living room, suddenly Ino pulled Deidara aside and softly pressed him against the wall with her hand against his chest.

Deidara was confused as he gave her a concerned look. "What's wrong?"

Ino looked around frantically before she whispered. "There's something I need to tell you. But, I don't want to get in trouble."

Deidara gently grabbed her hand on his chest and removed it. He placed a warm hand on her shoulder and smiled. "It's just me and you. There's nothing to be afraid of, say what you have to say."

Ino swallowed the lump in her throat. "It's about Itachi. I'm really worried about him."

Deidara nodded. "What happened?"

"He-"

Ino's silenced by the sudden appearance of Hidan beside her. She looked at him and stepped back, frightened by his impertinence demeanor.

"Deidara, thought I heard your voice." Hidan was speaking to Deidara yet he kept his eyes on Ino. "I was wondering what was taking so long." He took his eyes off her to greet his friend.

Deidara patted him on the shoulder. "Why do you seem on edge? Everything okay?"

"Tired, man," Hidan replied.

"I'll come inside in a bit. I'm speaking with Ino."

Hidan ran his hand through his silver hair, damp from his recent shower. "Yeah, sure."

Deidara cleared his throat when Hidan's out of ears reach. "Sorry about the interruption. You were saying?"

"Uh... now that I think about it, it's really not that important." She wiped her sweaty hands against her uniform as she smiled assuringly. "It's nothing."

"You sure?" Deidara wasn't convinced. "We can go somewhere more private if you like."

"No, really, it's nothing. Sorry to alarm you," she said with a smile. "Anyway, can I get you anything to drink?"

"Just a glass of water."

Deidara walked inside the living room and smiled seeing an awake Itachi sat on the sofa downing a bottle of water. Across from him, Hidan sat in the single sofa toying with an empty water bottle.

"Itachi, I hope you didn't wake up on my accord." Deidara sat down beside him. "How're you feeling today?'

"Like fucking hell," Itachi rasped out.

Deidara pressed his hand against his forehead, his hand falling down when Itachi aggressively pulled from his touch. "You have a temperature. Have you taken any medication?"

"I just took some," Itachi answered him, his tone sharp and dismissive.

"What kind?"

Itachi made no intention to answer him.

Hidan cleared his throat, effectively gaining Deidara's attention. "You know our boy's not much of a morning person."

Deidara leaned forward and clasped his hands between his legs. "What did the two of you get up to last night?"

Hidan shrugged. "Nothing much."

"Judging from the sight of the both of you, it seems like it's more than what you're letting on."

"Just a few drinks between two buddies." Again, Hidan shrugged. "Nothing wrong with that."

Deidara wasn't stupid. Itachi couldn't even look up at him. Instead, he shielded his eyes behind his hands, away from the harsh light of the room that was making his hangover worse. Deidara sighed, throughly disappointed. He looked at Hidan, silently ecpressing his disappointment towards him as well.

"Don't do that," Hidan said bitterly.

Deidara shrugged his shoulders. "What am I doing?"

"Giving me that look. Judging me." He doesn't elaborate as he abruptly stood up and left the room.

Inside the kitchen, Ino finished preparing Deidara his drink and lifted up the tray. She quickly turned around and gasped loudly, startled when she bumped into a silent Hidan. She franctically apologized and tried to move around when Hidan grabbed the opposite side of the tray and pressed her against the counter.

"A glass of water with ice and a lemon delicately sliced and placed on top." He smiled. "When I asked for water, I only got a water bottle."

"Deidara likes it this way," Ino explained.

Hidan didn't budge. "He's your big brother, right?" He chuckled. "Why do you call him that by the way?"

"It's just a silly thing I do."

"How come you've never asked me how I like my water?"

Ino, for a moment, doesn't know what to say. "How do you like your water?" she asked.

"Bottled and sealed," Hidan answered. "If it's poured in a glass like this, well anyone can poison it." He paused, smirking. "There's a lot of people that want me dead. I got a lot of enemies."

"I'm not one of them," Ino whispered, nervous. "I don't want you dead."

Hidan dropped his hands from the tray and stepped back. "Why does it make me feel so warm to hear you say that?"

"I-" Ino felt her breath caught in her throat.

Hidan sighed. His demeanor drastically changed as he leaned his back against the counter beside Ino, his hands gripping the counter top as he stared ahead at nothing in particular.

"Growing up, we've always been attached at the hip, me and your big brother that is. He was the good boy. I was the mischievous little rascal, and Itachi, well he was the perfect mix of us both. We were the three musketeers." He turned and looked at Ino. "You see, Deidara's everything I wanted to be, and I'm everything he's not. He's a soon to be doctor. Such a noble profession, helping people. I was born into a life of crime, the son of a drug lord. The kind of person the public wants to lock up and throw away the key. When I look at him, I see what I could've been and when he looks at me, he sees everything that's wrong."

"I don't think that's true," Ino said, nervous when Hidan suddenly frowned. "You're his best friend. If he truly hated you, he wouldn't want you anywhere around him."

"You think so?" Hidan chuckled. "For a while, I thought the same thing. He gives me a chance to be a better person and I always find a way to let him down. He's not my father. I shouldn't give a damn what he thinks of me. But, I do, and when I disappoint him, when he gives me that look, fuck I lose my mind."

"I think it's noble of you to want to be a better person."

Hidan smiled, followed by a soft laugh. He doesn't say anything and merely stared at Ino for a while. "You think I can change?"

Ino nodded. "I think you can."

When Hidan said nothing, just continued to stare at her with intensity that seemed to burn right through her, Ino's not sure if this is her cue to leave. Hidan continued to hold her gaze and her grip around the tray began to loosen.

"Well, you shouldn't keep him waiting on his drink."

Ino swiftly bowed her head and rushed out of the kitchen. Outside, she paused for a moment to catch her breath before she continued to the living room where she served Deidara his water. Not long after, Hidan reappeared in the living room and sat back down in his previous spot. He began to again play with the empty bottle.

"Feeling better, Itachi?" Hidan asked to an alert Itachi now on his phone. "What do you say to breakfast in the city?"

"No thanks." Itachi abruptly stood up and suddenly the room's spinning, the ceilings now the ground and everything is a blur. His body fell limply and for a moment he thought he was on the floor until he felt strong arms holding him up.

"Woah, take it easy."

Itachi heard the voice, the voice of a man he thought he could trust but had went behind his back to tell all his secrets. Suddenly, he could see Kyuubi and his eyes cloud with guilt as he remembered him holding his face in pain, the hatred in his eyes, the betrayal that is always constant. All pent up emotions come rushing up all at once until it's released in rage.

Itachi turned around and promptly landed a hard punch to Deidara's face. The weight of his body leaning against Deidara caused them both to collide to the floor. Itachi's relentless and attempted to continue his assault when his arm was grabbed by a nearby Hidan who pulled him off Deidara and pushed him away to a safe distance.

"You're supposed to be on my side!" Itachi was fuming as he began to pace back and forth with his eyes set on Deidara as he thought of ways to get around HIdan. He pushed away Hidan's arm when he's again held back.

"I am on your side," Hidan shouted. "Deidara shouldn't have been the one to tell Kyuubi about your family but trust me, you don't want to deal with an angry 200 pound marine charging at you."

"Sasori?" Itachi scoffed. "You think I'm scared of that asshole?"

"Yeah, I do," Hidan said, matter of factly. "We are on your side, man. Look at all that Deidara has done for you. He's the last person you should be aiming your fucking fist at."

Itachi continued to pace as he ran his hand down his face. "He's gone. This time I pushed him away for good. He's not coming back. I screwed up, I really fucked up."

"We know. It's okay." Hidan attempted to calm him but was again roughly shoved away.

"Don't fucking touch me. Don't touch me right now." Itachi gripped his hair. "Fuck, why is it so hot?"

"Itachi calm down, you might have a fever." Deidara slowly pulled himself up, brushed over his clothes.

Itachi's breathing became irregular. "It's hot! My chest! I can't breathe!"

Deidara and Hidan moved just in time to catch Itachi's falling body. He was sweating profusely and his skin was burning. Hidan lifted Itachi over his shoulder and settled him on the couch. Deidara quickly moved to the kitchen to grab some essentials.

When everything's done, Itachi laid asleep with a cool towel on his forehead.

"What's wrong with him?" Hidan asked.

Deidara gingerly wiped off the sweat over Itachi's face. "Doesn't seem too serious. He doesn't need to go to the hospital. He just needs a lot of rest."

Hidan nodded.

"Ready to tell me what actually happened last night?" Deidara looked up at him.

Hidan sighed, nervously toying with his hand like a child caught in a lie. "Just don't be too mad."

"Tell me everything."

—

Kyuubi looked at his face inside the mirror above his dresser. It looked too natural, too real to the point that it actually scared him. The discoloration was no longer there, completely hidden beneath the makeup that matched his beige skin perfectly. He glanced down at the concealer the woman at the store had recommended for him. The tutorial videos on YouTube seemed to have done the trick.

Kyuubi delicately touched the sensitive area beneath his eye as he again looked into the mirror. He chuckled as he licked over the scab forming on his lip. "Can't believe what you've reduced me to."

Clearing away the products, Kyuubi reached for his sunglasses before grabbing his phone and keys. He hastened down the hall to the kitchen where he met his brother. "Ready to go?"

Naruto was leaning casually against the counter in a pair of denim jeans and a casual hoody. He looked at his brother and instantly his mood fell.

"Looks like your 'infection' has healed up."

Kyuubi spun around the car keys in his hands. "Took a lot of effort." He turned around. "Come on, let's go."

"I haven't called Sasuke yet."

Kyuubi turned back to face him. "We can meet him at the mall. I can drive us, give you a chance to ride in my car."

"You'll have to kill me before I get in that car."

"It's just a car, Naruto."

"Yeah, bought with his money," Naruto shouted. "And I don't want to be around anything or anyone that has to do with him." He brushed past his brother. "I'll call Sasuke, tell him we're ready."

Kyuubi felt the need to tell Naruto he's doing the exact opposite of what he said. If he can't stand to in fact be around anything or anyone that has to do with Itachi, how will he able to handle himself around Sasuke? Kyuubi doesn't get the chance to say this, distracted by the vibrating phone inside his pocket.

"Hello?"

"Kyuubi."

Kyuubi smiled hearing Deidara's pleasant voice. "Hey, what's up?"

"How are you? Am I disturbing you?"

"No, actually I'm uh- believe it or not, I'm actually going on a lunch date with Naruto and Sasuke."

There's a long pause on the line that has Kyuubi unsettled.

"Sasuke?" Deidara questioned.

Kyuubi played with his bottom lip nervously. "Is that okay?"

"He's a good kid. Very respectful and friendly."

"But..?"

Again, there's a pause of uncertainty. "But, I'm afraid he may have his motives for associating with your brother."

Kyuubi rubbed his temples. "To get close to Itachi?"

"More so to get close to you and through you to his brother."

Kyuubi's bewildered. "How are you so sure?"

"Well, I find it interesting how Sasuke who is homeschooled and rarely leaves the house got involved with your brother. If there's one thing I know about Sasuke, it is that he is very smart and well, with the resources at his disposal, it wouldn't be that hard for him to find your brother and connect him to you."

"So, he's just using Naruto?"

"I can't say that for sure. When you meet him, you can determine that for yourself."

"Believe me, I will." Kyuubi sighed and ran his hands through his hair. His face was suddenly solemn as he clutched the phone tighter in his hand. "Were you able to see Itachi?"

"Yes," Deidara answered. "I'm in his house right now."

"He's been calling me nonstop." Kyuubi fidgeted with the sunglasses in his hand. "How is he?"

"Right now, I think it's best you concentrate on yourself."

Kyuubi exhaled slowly. "Just because we're on a break doesn't mean I have to stop caring about him."

A long sigh was heard through the phone. "He's not doing well. He drank a lot last night and as a result, I think he has a mild case of alcohol poisoning. He has a fever. It's not too serious. I'll keep an eye on him to make sure the symptoms don't worsen."

"Where is he now?"

"He's sleeping at the moment. When he's awake, I'll give you a call."

Kyuubi shook his head. "No, you don't have to call me. Just make sure he's okay."

"I'll always do."

"Sasori's home. You should be with him for the short time he's here, instead you're babysitting." He chuckled. "You care too much about him."

"Seems I'm not the only one." Deidara laughed. "Sasori's spending time with his family. We'll have more than enough time to spend together before his deployment."

Kyuubi stared down at the black screen of his cellphone. His call with Deidara had ended but he was still unable to look away. It was happening again. Just like their last break up. Itachi would intentionally get himself sick and guilt Kyuubi into coming back to him, even if it landed him in the hospital. Another one of his mind games. It won't stop. He'd drive himself off a cliff until he got what he wanted. Until Kyuubi was right back in his arms.

Kyuubi clenched his jaw. "Not this time."

—

Sasuke arrived some time. Naruto slid into the passenger seat while Kyuubi sat at the back. The interior of the car was somewhat similar to that of his own.

"Good morning," Sasuke stretched out his hand to which Kyuubi held in a firm handshake. "Sasuke, nice to finally meet you."

"Hi," Kyuubi greeted in return. "Kyuubi. But, I'm sure you already knew that."

Sasuke nodded. "You're my brother's boyfriend."

The look of disinterest on his face as he spoke has Kyuubi raising a brow. "Um... we're on a break."

There's an emotion on his face for the first time as Sasuke appeared stunned. "I'm sorry to hear that."

Kyuubi simply nodded. When Sasuke turned around and focused his attention on Naruto, Kyuubi used the opportunity to fix his seatbelt across himself.

"What's up with you?" Sasuke said, a playful smirk on his face. "Why are you so quiet, bambi?"

"Bambi?" Kyuubi asked, confused.

Naruto rolled his eyes. "That's what he calls me."

Sasuke gently pinched his cheek. "What's wrong?" He moved a strand of Naruto's blonde hair behind his ear. "What did I do now, hm?"

"Did I say you did something?" Naruto said, harshly.

Sasuke grinned nervously. "You're not acting like yourself."

Naruto glared at him. "Can we go? You're wasting time."

"Shouldn't I greet your parents before we go?"

"They're not home," Kyuubi told him, feeling sorry for Sasuke when Naruto didn't even glance his way. "They're visiting our grandparents for the weekend."

"Okay."

For the rest of the ride, Naruto and Sasuke don't say a word to each other. Kyuubi felt sorry for him. Sasuke didn't deserve the cold treatment. Kyuubi almost felt guilty as he looked between the pair.

The food court on the third floor of the mall wasn't as crowded as they had expected. They found a seat nearest to the window that gave them a view of the skyscrapers surrounding the city. Kyuubi accepted the fact that he was a third wheel as he pulled a seat across from the couple that refused to look at one another.

Naruto promptly stood up and began to walk away. "I'll get the food."

Kyuubi chuckled. "You don't even know what we want."

"Sasuke always gets the same thing, and I know your fat ass will eat whatever I bring you."

Kyuubi leaned back in his chair with a look on his face that read if we weren't in public, you'd be dead right now. "How about you just get me a smoothie."

Naruto nodded and made to walk away when Sasuke addressed him. "Take my card."

Naruto crossed his arms with a deep scowl on his face. "What makes you think I need your money?"

A look of confusion crossed Sasuke's face. "You've never complained before."

"I don't need it."

"That's fine." Sasuke tucked the card back inside his wallet. "It's not a big deal."

"Who said it was?" Naruto continued to argue.

"Hey!" Kyuubi intervened. "Can you hurry up and get the food. The fat ass is starving."

Naruto walked away wordlessly. Kyuubi kept his eyes on Naruto, waiting until he's far enough before he turned to a despondent Sasuke.

"Not used to him acting this way, huh?" Kyuubi teased him. "Lucky you."

Sasuke ran his hand through his dark hair. "I must've did something to make him upset. I just wish I knew exactly what it was."

"You didn't do anything," Kyuubi told him. "He's angry with me and he's taking it out on you."

"Why's he angry with you?"

"Long story." Kyuubi clasped his hand together and placed them on the table. He watched Sasuke with interest. "How did you and Naruto meet?"

"We met at school."

"School?" Kyuubi asked accusingly. "You attend Kaijo Academy?"

"Can I be honest with you?"

"I would hope so."

"I'm home schooled, and I didn't meet your brother by chance."

Kyuubi pretended to be ignorant. "I'm confused."

"I've known about you for a while. Deidara talks about you a lot and one day he showed me a picture of you. I searched your social media and through that I found Naruto. For some days, I drove by his school hoping one day I'll meet him by chance and I did. I suppose the rest is history."

"Why do all of this?" Kyuubi asked him. "What's the interest?"

"To try and get close to you, and maybe to my older brother."

Kyuubi chuckled. "By using my brother as some tool in your scheme?"

"Initially, yes." Sasuke admitted truthfully. "And I am truly sorry if my actions offend you. I have already apologized to Naruto and we have then moved on. I am very lucky to have him in my life."

"You are quite lucky," Kyuubi said. "He's a good kid."

"He's made me a better person in just the short time we've been together. I couldn't have met him at a more precedent time in my life."

Kyuubi smiled. He remembered the feeling of falling in love for the first time. Meeting that special person that makes each day slightly more bearable. At some point, he had been that person for Itachi. The first few months of their relationship they were so in love, they were so happy, no one could tell them otherwise. Kyuubi understood just how quickly that could all change and just how drastic that change could be.

"If he's forgiven you, I have no reason to bear any grudges against you." Kyuubi said wholeheartedly. "You were honest with me and I appreciate that."

"I'm not a liar. I try not to make it a habit."

Kyuubi nodded. "Good. As a big brother, I guess all I can say is treat him good and if you don't-"

"I will." Sasuke eagerly interrupted.

Kyuubi wasn't easily swayed. "And if you don't, I'll cut off your balls." Kyuubi saw the quick smile that played over his lips. "Don't hurt him, okay?"

Sasuke nodded, but then spoke up after a short while. "At the party, I ruined a special night for you. I'm really sorry, I didn't expect Itachi to react like that."

"Somehow, I feel like you did," Kyuubi said as a matter of fact. "Isn't that the reason why you've stayed away from him all your life?"

Sasuke does well to mask his emotions. As he looked at Kyuubi, you would imagine he was staring at a wall. His voice barely shift in tone or volume. He's like a robot and Kyuubi wondered just how lonely his life was. He could tell Sasuke rarely had any social interaction.

"When I was a little boy, I shouldn't remember this but I do. I was crying a lot, screaming and fussing nonstop. Nothing my grandmother did could calm me down. Then Itachi picked me up and hugged me close to his chest and just like that, I stopped crying." He chuckled, for the first time showing genuine emotion. "My grandmother would always tell me that story."

"Your grandmother, you must miss her a lot."

"She was the sweetest woman I've ever known. She was the closest to what I imagined my mother to be like."

Kyuubi thought carefully over his next choice of words. "Do you think she might still be alive?"

"Is that what Itachi thinks?"

"He doesn't speak much of her," Kyuubi told him truthfully. "I found out about your grandmother through Deidara."

"If she was alive, I don't think she would be able to live this long without seeing her grandchildren."

A feeling of grief washed over Kyuubi seeing the deep sadness in Sasuke's eyes. "I'm sorry, I overstepped."

"No, it's alright."

Before Sasuke could get any further words out, Naruto returned with a tray full of food. He set the tray down and pulled out a seat beside his boyfriend. Just as he's getting settled, Kyuubi stood up and grabbed his drink.

"Where are you going?" Naruto asked him.

"Home. I got a few more assignments I gotta turn in."

Naruto rolled his eyes. "You can at least try to come up with a better excuse."

Kyuubi sipped his smoothie. "Can I talk to you?"

Naruto stood up and walked around the table to his brother. He waited for Kyuubi who said a quick goodbye to Sasuke. When they're aside, Naruto wrenched his arm free from Kyuubi's strong grip.

"What do you want?"

"Cool down on the attitude," Kyuubi told him strictly. "You wanna be mad at someone, be mad at me. Don't take it out on Sasuke. He's done nothing to you and he doesn't deserve it."

Naruto scoffed. "You two are best friends now?"

"He's not his brother, Naruto. He's a good kid, seems to be a real gentleman. Don't ruin it."

"Didn't I once say the same about Itachi?" Naruto retorted. "It's only a matter of time until he shows his true colors and when he does, best believe I'm not just going to lie down and take it."

Kyuubi grabbed Naruto's arm and pulled him back when he tried to walk away. "Will you be fucking reasonable?"

"Get off me."

"What the hell do you want me to do, Naruto?" Kyuubi said, irritated. "You want me to storm over to Itachi's house and beat him up? What will that resolve? You think hurting the person I love because he hurt me will make me feel better? Trust me, it won't. It will only make me feel worse than I already do. I made the choice to take a break from the relationship and for me that's the best decision I could make for myself."

"That's not enough!" Naruto interrupted him.

"Let me finish." Kyuubi sighed. "I get that you care about me and seeing me like this makes you angry. I get you want to protect me. You don't fight my battles Naruto, I fight yours. It's not your job to worry about my relationships. Do you understand that?"

"Stop saying that."

"Can you just understand its stupid to blame Sasuke for this?" Kyuubi said. "Yes or no?"

"Yes," Naruto said hesitantly.

"Good, now come here." Kyuubi pulled Naruto into a hug. "I love you, you idiot."

Naruto groaned in disgust. "Get away from me, you freak." He shoved Kyuubi, laughing when his brother playfully pushed him back. "Tell me where you're really going."

"Just because you don't believe me doesn't mean I was lying." Kyuubi started towards the exit. "Later."

"See you at home."

Kyuubi hopped on the escalator down to the first floor. Unlike the top floor that hosted mainly food venues, the bottom floor held some of the most refined retail stores in all of Japan. Kyuubi found himself interested to visit some of them when the sharp yell of his name caught him off guard. He turned to the direction of the voice and was shocked to see his group of friends approaching him.

"What are you guys doing here?"

"Hanging out," Yugito replied. "We're just about to catch a movie."

"My invitation must've gotten lost in the mail."

"Oh, suddenly you've got amnesia." Yugito said, rolling her eyes. "What happened to I'm spending spring break with my boyfriend so don't bother me."

Kyuubi frowned. "I never said that."

Yugito chuckled. "Who's going to tell him?"

Saiken stepped forward and lifted Kyuubi up by the waist, spinning him around. "You did say that, Kyuubi." He set him down and shamelessly looked him up and down. "Damn, you look so good."

"You say that every time you see him," Utakata said, slapping Saiken on the back of his head. "Get some self respect."

"I don't know why I said that," Kyuubi mumbled, genuinely in disbelief with himself. "I would never say that to you guys."

"Dude, relax. We get it. You want to spend some quality time with your boyfriend it's not a big deal." Yugito swung her arm around his shoulders. "Where is your high and mighty boyfriend, anyway?"

Kyuubi shrugged her off. "Why call him that?"

Yugito laughed. "Cause I know it'll get a reaction out of you."

"Fuck you."

Yugito grabbed the smoothie from Kyuubi's hand and took a sip. "Come watch a movie with us."

"What movie?"

"We'll find out when we get there," she said. "Let's go."

The group of friends walked over to the theatre. They unanimously decided on the new thriller that was showing and after purchasing their tickets, they moved to get some snacks. Kyuubi was in the process of ordering some nachos for himself when his phone rang. He stepped aside to answer the call while his friends worked on getting their food.

"Hello?"

"Kyuubi," Deidara answered. "He wants to talk to you."

Kyuubi's anxious hearing the desperateness in Deidara's voice. But he knows where talking to Itachi would lead and he's not ready to give up his freedom just yet.

"I don't think it's a good idea."

"He just wants to hear your voice."

Kyuubi began to pace back and forth as he nibbled nervously on his nails. "No, I can't."

"Kyuubi…"

"You said he wasn't my problem to fix."

"I know, and I'm sorry for going back on my words. But if you just do this-"

"I don't want to," his voice was shaking.

"If you don't, he'll push himself too far and I'm afraid I won't be able to save him." Deidara sighed. "Kyuubi, I wouldn't put you through this if it wasn't necessary."

Kyuubi's eyes filled with tears. "I'm not responsible for him."

"I promise this is only thing I'll ask of you."

Kyuubi wiped the fallen tears from his face. "Give him the phone."

Kyuubi could hear the soft whispers of Deidara and Hidan's voices. There's some back and forth going on and Kyuubi wished he could hear what the conflict was about. There's a sudden yell from Hidan, his voice full of frustration and then all of a sudden it was quiet.

Kyuubi felt his stomach turn. The dreadful silence on the line isn't helping either. For a second, he thought maybe the call had gotten disconnected. He pulled the phone away from his ear, surprised when the call is still intact.

"Hi, lover."

Kyuubi immediately felt sick hearing the hoarseness in Itachi's voice. It sounded strained, like he had a sore throat. He doesn't sound like himself and similar to the incident when they broke up last year, Kyuubi instantly felt responsible. It's not right, he knows this and Itachi does too. But he plays these mind games with him and somehow it always work. Not because he's gullible, but because he loves him too much and Itachi uses that as a weapon, dragging him back into a relationship that is mentally and physically breaking him down day by day.

Kyuubi has to force himself from completely breaking down in public. Not too far away, his friends were huddled up together waiting for him. He doesn't want their pity. He doesn't want intrusion into his private relationship with Itachi. His business doesn't need to be on display for everyone to see. This is something he and Itachi agreed on, one Itachi has used to get away with a lot of things.

Kyuubi placed on a brave face. "What are you doing?" he asked softly.

"I need to see you."

"Are you sick?"

"No."

"I heard you have a fever. I can hear it in your voice, you're obviously sick."

"Come over," Itachi said, almost pleading. "Come over here and make me feel better if you care so much."

"You're the one that told me to leave."

"I want you back."

"I'm not your dog. You don't choose when you want me on or off a leash."

There's a moment of silence on the phone. "Come over here, Kyuubi."

Kyuubi sank his teeth into his bottom lip. "You can't do this to me again."

"I'm not doing anything."

"Yes, you are," Kyuubi said, his voice breaking. "I'm not playing this game with you. Not this time. Just stop, stop trying to control me. I just want a break. A few days. That's all I want. Give me this and I promise, I promise I'll come see you."

"Kyuubi."

"Itachi, just say yes."

After a long pause, Itachi finally agreed and Kyuubi swiftly ended the call. He exhaled the breath he was holding as he wiped away his tears.

"Kyuu?"

Kyuubi turned around with a forced smile to find Saiken standing behind him. "Got my nachos?"

Saiken stretched out his hand with the boxed nachos. "You're okay?"

"Yeah, just fine. Thanks."

They began to walk towards the theatre where their friends had already settled in.

"Kyuubi."

"What?" Kyuubi snapped. He ran his hand down his face when he saw the stunned look on his friend's face. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell."

"No, it's no worries." Saiken shrugged. "I am worried about you, though. Something's got you upset and back then I swear it looked like you were crying."

"I wasn't. I'm not." Kyuubi again wiped at his eyes. "It's spring, my allergies are acting up."

"What's that on your eye?"

"What?"

Saiken leaned down and squinted his eyes. "Is that a bruise?"

It was then Kyuubi realized he had been rubbing at his eye and had completely forgotten about the makeup. He racked his mind for some sort of excuse but at the moment could not think of any.

"I'm sorry, I have to go." Kyuubi pushed the box of nachos to Saiken before quickly walking away.

"Kyuubi!" Saiken rushed after him.

"Don't follow me Saiken or I swear I'll never talk to you again."

Saiken forced himself to stand still as he watched his friend hurriedly walk away. His mind's rattled and suddenly events from the surprise party resurface. The jealous look that had been on Itachi's face when he had danced with Kyuubi, the fear that had been on Kyuubi's face and now this. He was sure of what he saw, a bruise covered by makeup. He suddenly felt uneasy.

"Yo, movie's about to start." Utakata approached. "Where's Kyuubi?"

"Uhh... he decided to go home. He's not feeling well."

"He looked fine just a few minutes ago."

Saiken shoved the nachos to Utakata. "Have it."

Whether his speculations were true or not, Saiken didn't feel it was his place to air out his friend's business. After all, Kyuubi hadn't confirmed anything and he has known Kyuubi long enough to understand how he would react if the others were to find out about a situation he didn't want publicized. Saiken decided to keep this to himself, but he would find out the truth sooner than later. Whether Kyuubi permitted him to know or not, whether it would possibly ruin their friendship.

It was a risk he was willing to take for the man he wished would've chosen him over that entitled son of a bitch.

—

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