Chapter 11: Delusional

Kyuubi fiercely rubbed at his eyes, trying to rid away the sleepiness. He struggled to focus on the material in front of him. The notes he had taken in class didn't make any sense, important details scribbled messily across the pages. He sighed, closed the notebook shut. It seemed it was just yesterday they were returning from break. How did the week go by so fast? How was it already the start of the weekend?

Kyuubi rested his head on the table, listened to the soft chatter of the students inside the library. He was exhausted. The back and forth between the bakery and Itachi's house was already a task in itself. Having to focus on his academically demanding assignments while in the process trying not to go stark raving mad dealing with Itachi made the week the longest in his life.

He just needed a few minutes to shut his eyes. It was so quiet, so peaceful.

Suddenly, Kyuubi jolted awake when the table beneath him rattled. The textbook that had been slammed against it still loud in his ears.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" Kyuubi grumbled, rubbing his forehead tiredly.

Yugito laughed as she pulled up a chair beside him. "We're wearing sunglasses indoors now?"

Kyuubi leaned back and yawning, stretched out his arms. "Today's really not a good day to bother me, Yug. I got a lot on my plate."

"Yeah, that seems to be your niche nowadays." The condensation of her iced coffee dripped down on the table as she sat it down. "What's the matter with you? You're usually on top of your shit."

"Yeah, well, life's kicking my ass right now."

Yugito raised her drink and sipped it slowly as she really looked at her friend. From the corner, she could see the healing black eye hidden behind the sunglasses. She swallowed down her drink, a stern look on her face as she placed it back down.

"Kyuubi?"

"What do you want?" Kyuubi said, not paying her too much mind as he reached for another textbook out of his bag. "Don't ask me for a ride. I got plans after school."

"Kyuubi, look at me," Yugito said softly yet firm. Immediately, she got Kyuubi's attention as he turned and gave her an odd look. "Take off those glasses."

Kyuubi frowned. "What part of today's not the day, wasn't clear?" He quickly turned and continued with his studies.

"We've been friends for what? Ten years? Since middle school." Yugito moved her seat closer. "Look, we fuck around with each other a lot. That's our relationship, I get that. But, this is weird Kyuubi and I don't fucking like it."

"Then fucking leave," Kyuubi spat. "You're not doing shit but distracting me anyways."

"Wow, that's harsh. That's you talking or your boyfriend."

Kyuubi tried his best to seem unfazed. "I'll get up and leave."

Yugito shrugged her shoulders and picked up her drink. "Go ahead. I'll just follow you until you tell me the truth."

Kyuubi grew frustrated. "Truth about what?" He almost yelled.

"That black eye you're trying to hide and why you're being so damn defensive about it."

"Maybe because it's none of your fucking business."

"Or maybe it's not life that's kicking your ass. Maybe it's your boyfriend."

Kyuubi laughed. He had to. Either that or he would've broke down right there and then, exposing the truth. This was exactly what he wanted to avoid. Everything blowing up in his face. Everyone finding out the truth and throwing him a pity party. It was humiliating, embarrassing. He wasn't weak. He didn't want people thinking he was weak, treating him as if he was some fragile piece of glass. He could take care of himself. He didn't want his friends involved. He didn't want their high opinion of him to change.

Kyuubi brought his hands down, his chin in his palm as he looked at Yugito. "You think Itachi hit me?"

Yugito again shrugged. "Wouldn't be so farfetched."

"You're letting your personal feelings of him cloud your judgment."

"Alright, if what I'm saying is complete bullshit, how did you get that black eye?"

Kyuubi sat back, a bored look on his face. "Naruto and I got into it the other day. He was lucky and landed a cheap shot on me. He already apologized. I'm over it."

Now, it was Yugito's turn to laugh. "You expect me to believe that?"

Kyuubi pulled out his phone and slid it across the table. "Call him and ask if you don't believe me." He watched Yugito, waiting for her to test his bluff. He's relieved when it seemed to work. He took back his phone, hiding his relief. "You really thought I'd just lie down and let Itachi hit me?"

"i don't know what to think when it comes to you and that guy," Yugito said truthfully. "It's like you don't think straight when it comes to him. He has this weird almost possessive hold on you and it's fucking scary."

Kyuubi chuckled. "Now you're just saying anything."

"Yeah?" Yugito challenged him. "What about that whole thing with that miserable bitch, Aiya? It's like you almost believed her bullshit. You went crazy. Why were you so angry?"

"It was just a bad day for me."

Yugito leaned back in her chair, her dark brown eyes stern on the quiet man beside her. "Has Itachi ever cheated on you?"

Kyuubi toyed uncertainly with the pen in his hand. "No," he murmured.

"Then why did you get so angry?" Yugito questioned him. "If he's never given you any reason to doubt him, why did you snap?"

"If you don't shut up, I'm gonna snap on you." Kyuubi gave her a warning glare, holding Yugito's unflinching gaze for some time before she finally raised her arms and conceded to drop the topic altogether. "I'm trying to study. If you can't keep your mouth shut, get the fuck up and leave."

"Looked more like you were sleeping from where I was standing." She chuckled when Kyuubi again shot her a glare. "Alright, I'm done."

They spent about an hour studying until Yugito had to leave for her last class of the day. Kyuubi only had one class on Fridays and that was in the morning. He decided to walk Yugito to her class before he'd have to leave for work. As they walked down the hall, Yugito suddenly turned and asked him.

"Did you give Yuta a ride today?"

"No," Kyuubi replied. "He said he was getting a ride from Saiken. Why?"

"I haven't seen both of them all day."

"Saiken's been avoiding me lately so you're barking at the wrong tree. Maybe they decided to skip."

"Speaking of Sai, I have noticed a weird tension between the two of you." She laughed. "Lover's quarrel?"

Kyuubi found her gaze instantly, a coldness in his eyes. "That's not funny."

"Oh sorry, didn't mean to offend your boyfriend."

Kyuubi pushed her when she continued to taunt him. "That's not funny."

"Lighten up." Yugito pushed him back. "When did you become so damn sensitive?"

"I'm not."

She rolled her eyes. "Sure you're not."

They continued down the hall. Kyuubi was lost in his thoughts. Yugito thought she was only making a harmless joke. But for Kyuubi, it brought back painful memories. It wasn't just their friends that saw the close relationship between him and Saiken. Itachi at some point noticed it too. He didn't want to share Kyuubi's affection. He made it very clear that night when they got into a huge fight over it.

Kyuubi groaned when he collided into something hard. He looked up to see Yahiko's friendly face.

"Shit, were we supposed to meet up today?" Kyuubi asked him, suddenly confused. "Did I forget?"

Yahiko laughed, baring his white teeth. "Relax, Red. I'm just coming out of class. We said, Monday, I think."

Kyuubi held his head. "Oh yeah, right. Sorry." His body felt hot all of a sudden, as if he'd collapse and fall over in the next minute.

"Listen, I'm actually glad I ran into you," Yahiko said. "I was going to give you this later when we met up but since you're here, I might as well give it to you now." Yahiko searched his bag and pulled out a small white envelope. "I told her not to do this, but she swore it was important. Apparently, she found something belonging to you and she wants to give it back." He grinned. "As a sign of good faith."

"You're talking about Aiya?" Kyuubi asked, his voice thick with irritation.

"She said you lost it during… culinary?"

Kyuubi took the envelope from him. "Thanks."

"I'll catch you later, Red."

"Thought I told you to stop calling me that."

Yahiko grinned. "No chance."

Kyuubi watched him as he walked away. Yugito came and stood beside him, a wide grin on her face. "Well, he's handsome." She nudged his arm suggestively. "Looks like you're type."

"And what's my type exactly?"

"Tall, muscular..." She shrugged. "Troubled."

"You just be saying anything." Kyuubi frowned, then asked. "What makes you think he's troubled?"

"Any guy who dyes his hair orange and has that many piercings clearly has some issues."

Kyuubi didn't entertain her with a response.

Yugito nodded to the small envelope in his hand. "What did he give you?"

"He said it's from Aiya, that she wants to make amends."

Yugito frowned. "Kyuubi, just throw it away."

Kyuubi had already intended to do so. He didn't need Yugito to tell him. Yet, his curiousty encouraged him otherwise. He ripped the envelope open without a second thought.

"Kyuubi!"

Kyuubi reached inside and froze when his fingers came in contact with the cold metal. Slowly, he pulled out the gold Rolex, the lights bounced off it's lavish exterior. Kyuubi removed the small piece of paper attached to it. He read over the single word written in a thick black marker.

SORRY

Kyuubi examined the watch with nonchalance as if something of low quality. Something he could throw away and not give a second thought.

"A watch?" Yugito asked, perplexed. "Kyuubi, that's not yours, is it?"

"You were right," Kyuubi said, without expression. "She's a miserable whore." He shoved the luxurious watch back inside the envelope.

"Why would she give you a watch?" Yugito asked. "I don't get it."

"She's delusional."

Yugito wasn't so easily fooled. "Whose watch is that, Kyuubi?"

"I dont-"

"Just tell the fucking truth. Stop lying!" Yugito saw the cracks in his mask as he struggled to keep a straight face. Yugito shook her head. "That's Itachi's watch. Isn't it?"

Kyuubi swallowed thickly. "I just want it all to stop." he whispered.

"You want what to stop?" Yugito was begging, pleading. Her once hyper friend now always seemed tired, constantly lost in his mind. He rarely spoke. He rarely smiled. Something was wrong. She couldn't pretend to not see it anymore. "Please, Kyuubi, whatever is going on, you can tell me. For fuck sakes, we tell each other everything. If this has something to do with Itachi, I'll listen. I won't judge. I'll keep my mouth shut, just please, talk to me."

Kyuubi heard the concern in her voice, loud and tortured. He could tell it was hurting her to see him like this. He understood that and still he chose to brush it away.

"My relationship, my business." He regarded her coldly. "Stay out of it."

"That's bullshit!"

"I have to go." He started down the hall, not sparing Yugito a glance.

"Kyuu!" Yugito watched helplessly as Kyuubi walked farther away.

Outside, Kyuubi pressed his back against the wall and cried softly into his hands. The thick tears streamed down his face, wetting the envelope crushed between his fingers. He was so fucking tired of all the lies, the deceit and betrayal. Constant broken promises from a man who had sworn to be faithful. Kyuubi ran his fist into the wall, felt the bruising pain upon impact.

"I hate you. I fucking hate you so much."

—

"Goodbye."

Itachi slammed his phone down on the large desk. "I fucking can't stand that guy." He stood behind the desk, hands clenching the edge as he glared ahead at nothing in particular.

Hidan watched him silently from the side. He was patient, waited until the chilling look in Itachi's eyes dissolved before he said softly. "So, it's a go?"

Itachi sharply turned towards him, silent, but then said with a sarcastic smile. "He can't wait to see me."

"When?" Hidan asked him.

"Next week." Itachi replied. "Monday."

Hidan considered the date. "Two days from now. That's pretty close. You think you're ready?"

Itachi leaned his head back, huffed out a deep sigh. "You got what I asked for?"

Hidan held out a small plastic bag of pills. "Right here."

"This is it?" Itachi grabbed it and inspected it closely. "Is this a joke? These look exactly like the ones I'm already taking."

"That's because they are," Hidan clarified. "Just thought I would up your dose."

Itachi looked at him. "Where are the ones I specifically asked for?"

"I already told you how I feel about that prescription. It's not a good idea. The whole point of the therapy is to help you cope with your past. Taking those pills to help you cope with the therapy sessions is well… counterintuitive. If Deidara finds out—"

"And since when was Deidara my fucking caretaker?"

Hidan scoffed. "He might as well be."

"Hidan, I think you're purposely trying to piss me off."

Itachi turned his attention to the papers scattered over his desk and began shuffling the papers into a stack. He set them neatly to the side. Beside him, he could practically feel the amusement radiating off his friend. He turned to him and saw another small bag of pills of a different color and size.

"Even still, it's not in my nature to turn down a valuable customer." Hidan moved the bag away when Itachi reached for it. He matched his friend's frown with a stern look of his own. "If Dei finds out about this, you will tell him I cautioned you against it, right?"

Itachi held out his palm. "Give it to me."

"Give me an answer first."

"Yes, I will tell him." Itachi snatched the small bag and held it beside the previous one he was given. He noted the clear differences and smiled. "You're sure it's safe?"

"If my father was here, he would have taken an offense to that."

"I have the utmost respect for your father."

"You're good," Hidan assured him. "But like I said, it's strong. If you're going to start this one, you have to stop the one you're currently using."

"And I take one a day? Is that enough?"

Hidan walked over to the bar section in Itachi's office. By the large casing where Itachi stored his liquor, he grabbed a favorite amongst them and twisted it open. "Believe me, it's very effective. But I'd advice you take it when you're already in a good mood. Think of it as an enhancer. Within a few minutes, you'll be on fucking cloud nine, a high like you've never experienced." He looked at his friend. "So, when are you the happiest, Itachi?"

Itachi didn't have to think too hard. His lips curled into a smile as he glanced down. He then looked at Hidan, sharing a silent message that was automatically understood as Hidan followed his eyes down below to his waist.

Hidan erupted into a laugh. "With just any one or you're referring to someone in particular?"

Itachi pressed the back of his finger against his lips, an amused look in his eyes. "You're trying to get me in trouble."

"You do a good job of that on your own my friend." Hidan handed him a shot glass full of liquor before picking up his own. He held it up and waited for Itachi to do the same. "Let's toast to Kyuubi, whom I shall pray for strength and endurance."

They laughed and downed their drinks in one gulp.

Hidan decided to busy himself with the company of Ino in the living room. He lounged casually in the couch while Ino dusted the room. For the past week, he's been staying over Itachi's house, occupying one of the spare rooms. He's also been using his time at the mansion to harass poor Ino, finding his new entertainment in trying to get the maid to laugh at a joke. So far, he's been unsuccessful. But, he's been enjoying their little game and he's happy it hasn't ended just yet.

Itachi strolled downstairs dressed in a pair of dark jeans and a casual sweater. Hidan's eyes followed him as he came over and sat down beside him.

"Itachi, you're supposed to be bed ridden." Hidan teased him. "Doctor's orders."

"Who's going to stop me?"

Hidan stretched out his long arms. "Where are you going?"

"Taking my boyfriend out on a date," Itachi replied. "Is that okay with you?"

Hidan chuckled. "I was wondering when you would start to feel guilty."

Propping both arms over his thick thighs, Itachi leaned forward as he let out a sigh. "She's been messing with him, did I tell you? Getting him all riled up, that's what she does." He grinned, impressed by her cunning. "She's like a fucking cat toying with a mouse caught in her grasp."

"Just like the other witch often did with you."

Itachi saw the revulsion in Hidan's grey eyes, the hatred in his scowl. It was the same look he had when he first met Aiya.

"Isn't it about time you went home?" Itachi thought it best to change the subject.

Hidan yawned into his hand. "It gets lonely when pop's away. And when he's not around, mom gets all paranoid." He crossed his legs over one another. "I'm just not in the mood to deal with her when she gets like that."

"You're the oldest. It's your responsibility to take care of the family when your father's not around."

"She has more than enough protection. I'm sure she'll be fine," Hidan replied.

"You take nothing seriously." Itachi stood up. "You should've went to Italy with your father. Use it as an opportunity to see Isabella."

The doorbell rang, denying Hidan the chance to respond. Itachi turned to Ino and softly instructed her to answer. He thought of the person that could be at the door and instantly felt annoyed.

"Fuck..." he grumbled.

Hidan playfully kicked at his leg. "You think he makes it a habit to purposely forget his keys?"

"Who said I gave him keys?"

Hidan laughed. "You're such an asshole."

They both simultaneously turned to the entry way when Ino returned. Instead of Deidara who they were expecting, Itachi instantly frowned seeing two of Kyuubi's friends following in behind Ino. They remained by the entrance. One of them appeared nervous while the other seemed annoyed.

"Didn't know you were expecting guests?" Hidan doesn't sit up, merely turned his head, his eyes following Ino around the room.

Itachi extended a handshake to Utakata who eagerly accepted his hand with a big grin on his face. When he turned to Saiken, he dropped his hand and forced a smile. Itachi was seething with anger. He didn't allow just anyone inside his home. Especially, these people. He knew the kind of people they were. They were the opposite of Kyuubi. If he allowed them to infiltrate his circle, they'd start to believe they were on his level. They'd ask for favors, opportunities. They'd be a fly in his ear. He made it no secret to Kyuubi how he felt about them and so Kyuubi has done well to keep them away. To see them standing here in his house, he's truly caught off guard.

Still, he had to keep up appearances.

"I'm a little surprised right now," Itachi said, slightly tilting his head to the side. "Usually, I know who's coming to my house ahead of time. I rarely get surprise visitors."

Utakata laughed, nervously scratching the back of his head. "Sorry, man. We don't have your number and we didn't want Kyuubi to know we were coming here so we couldn't get your contact information from him."

Itachi shuffled his hands inside his pockets. "Okay," he said, nodding his head. "So, what can I do for you fellas?"

"We're here on Kyuubi's behalf," Saiken said, with bitterness that wiped the fake smile right off Itachi's face. "Cut the shit, we know you don't like us."

"Saiken!" Utakata warned him. "Show some respect. We're visitors at his house."

"You can fake laugh with this asshole all you want. Leave me out of it." Saiken held Itachi's gaze, not backing down. "How about you show some hospitality and offer us something to drink."

Itachi closed his eyes as Saiken roughly brushed past him. He's surprised by his own level of self control. He unclenched his fists as he softly cleared his throat. He instructed Ino to bring some drinks as he walked over and sat down beside Hidan.

"Looks like someone finally put you in your place." Hidan threw his head back, his boisterous laugh filling the quiet room.

Itachi wasn't laughing. No, he wasn't amused at all. "Hidan, why don't you go busy yourself in the game room."

"Gotchu, boss."

Itachi waited until Hidan was out of the room before he leaned forward, his hands clasped together between his legs. "You said you're here on Kyuubi's behalf. In what sense?" he questioned, keeping his voice leveled and his face free of expression.

"In the sense that you are going to tell us the fucking truth and if you don't, so help me I'll kick your ass in your own house."

Itachi chuckled, not able to help himself stoic any longer. He wanted to uphold his composure but the idea of Saiken being a threat was too good of a joke to not laugh. He instantly apologized. He had to press his lips together to stop from laughing again.

"You think I'm joking?" Saiken stood up, annoyed when Utakata grabbed his arm and forced him around.

"You need to chill the fuck out," Utakata told him in a whisper. "Remember who the fuck we're dealing with."

It was frightening to see his usually composed friend act in such a contradicting manner.

Itachi sat in his spot cool as a cucumber, unfazed and the least bit intimidated. He sported a mocking grin as he leaned back and waited until the two friends had settled back down on the opposite couch.

Utakata studied the room, Itachi's calmness as he casually watched them. Yuta wondered what was going on his head. He wasn't the biggest fan of the guy either but he recognized him as one of their peers, their best friend's boyfriend which in extension should've made Itachi their friend as well. Yuta felt like they never really gave him a chance. They instantly vilified him based on his reputation. Yuta wondered how different things would've been if they had embraced Itachi warmly.

Ino came forth and offered both Utakata and Saiken their drinks. Yuta happily took up a bottle of juice while Saiken refused the refreshments. In the silence, Yuta cleared his throat awkwardly. He knew he would be the one to lead the conversation. Saiken was too angry and the way things were going, he knew whatever this was, it wouldn't end well.

"So, Itachi, again sorry for popping up unannounced, man. We really meant no disrespect," Utakata said, mindful of his tone to be stern but unoffensive.

"Get to the point," Itachi said.

Beside Utakata, Saiken balled his fists.

"It's regarding Kyuubi," Utakata continued. "The other day we saw a bruise on his face and well, I guess we're concerned. I mean, he's been acting pretty weird too." He gestured between himself and Saiken. "We were just wondering if, um, you've noticed it too."

Itachi stretched his arm atop the couch, crossed his legs comfortably. "If I've noticed what?" he asked. "The bruise or his strange behavior?"

Utakata gripped Saiken's arm tightly when he tried to get up. "Both," Yuta answered him.

"If I have noticed, exactly what are you asking me?"

"If, um—"

"This is fucking bullshit!" Saiken said, standing up to his feet. "You're a fucking psycho."

"Sai-"

"We all know you have a temper," Saiken continued. "At Kyuubi's party, we all saw you lose it. But before that, I saw the way you were looking at Kyuubi and I when we were dancing. I know you were angry, seething. He fucking chose you, what more do you want?"

Itachi remained relaxed on the couch. "So this all comes down to your own bitter feelings about Kyuubi choosing me over you. Not that you actually care for your friend's safety."

"No!" Saiken clenched his fists tighter, fingernails digging dents inside his palms. "It comes down to whether you're sick enough to beat your own fucking boyfriend because he shared one dance with his friend. Are you really that fucking sick?"

Itachi uncrossed his legs, chuckled as he leaned forward, his eyes looking up at Saiken. "You think… I hit him?"

Saiken lunged forward, pulling Itachi up by the collar of his shirt. From the side, Ino screamed, terrified of the pending violence.

"You think this is a fucking joke?"

Itachi laughed in his face. "I think you're scaring my maids."

Itachi fell to the ground as Saiken punched him. Utakata rushed over to restrain his friend.

"I'll fucking kill you, you son of a bitch!"

Itachi groaned on the floor, laughing as he rolled around his tender jaw. "And I'm the one with the temper."

"You're out of line!" Utakata shoved Saiken aside. "You're taking this too far."

"I told you, I'm not scared of him!"

"You should be," Utakata warned him. "This isn't some guy at the bar we fight and move on and never have to see again. He's the grandson of a billionaire. Look at the fucking house he lives in. This looks like someone you wanna fuck around with?"

Saiken shrugged. "I don't care."

"What you just did is assault. He can press charges, have you locked up over a suspicion we don't even know is true."

"He just admitted it!"

"He didn't admit shit! You're letting your emotions get the best of you," Utakata exclaimed. "Fuck, you saw a brusie on Kyuubi's face. That could've been caused by anything. We don't know for a fact if it was him!" Yuta pointed to Itachi who was still on the ground.

"You said it yourself, he flinched just from the mention of his name. Why are you pretending not to see it?"

"Kyuubi knew the kind of guy he was getting himself involved with."

Saiken frowned, roughly shoving Utakata. "And that makes it okay?"

Utakata shoved him back. "That means he can handle himself. Come on, Kyuubi's not the kind of guy to lay there and take a punch to the face. I mean, we're talking about fucking Kyuubi."

Saiken shook his head. "You didn't see the look on his face at the party. He was terrified."

"Yeah?" Utakata crossed his arms. "If you were so concerned, why didn't you go after him then?"

"Because it didn't make sense then," Saiken said, defending himself. "But now it does. And I'm not going to let this asshole get away with it."

By now, Itachi was on his feet. He grinned as he opened his arms. "By all means, do what you have to do."

Utakata again grabbed Saiken's arm. "We're leaving."

Saiken angrily ripped his arm away. "Don't fucking touch me right now."

"Sai..."

"Leave!" Saiken violently pushed him. "If you wanna be a fucking pussy, go ahead. Leave!"

"Fuck this." Yuta scoffed. "I'm out of here. You wanna get yourself thrown in jail, I won't stop you." He left the room without another a word.

Outside the house, he pulled out his phone and quickly dialed Kyuubi's number. Just then, Saiken came out of the house. He doesn't look his way as he rushed down the marble pathway. Utakata ended the call and hurriedly ran after his friend.

—

Kyuubi approached his car. He stopped in his tracks when he saw the person leaning against it, waiting for him. He frowned, his hand around the keys clenched tighter.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, slightly irritated. "How did you even find me?"

Sasuke straightened his stance and smiled. He took a carefree step forward but stopped when he saw Kyuubi back away from him. "Naruto told me you went here. I recognized your car and thought I'd wait for you."

"No, I don't want you anywhere near me," Kyuubi said. "Don't you ever come here again."

"What-"

"No, I'm not fucking around," Kyuubi yelled, quickly interrupting him. "I may have given you my blessing to see my brother but that's where it ends. We're not friends. Do you have any idea what your brother would do to me if he saw us together?"

"That's why I wanted to see you," Sasuke said softly. "Please, I need you to help me. I just need to speak to him."

"No!" Kyuubi shouted. "He hates you. You have no idea how much he hates you. Stay the hell away from me. For your own good."

Sasuke looked wounded. "Please," he begged.

Kyuubi walked around him to the front of the car. "You have no idea what kind of man he is. You should be so lucky he hates you. If he can treat the people he love so cruelly, I can only imagine what he'd do to you if you push him too far."

Kyuubi sat in his car and slammed the door shut. Again, his phone rang inside his pocket. He pulled out the phone and saw the flashing picture of his boyfriend. He threw the phone aside, once more ignoring the call. Yet, the noisy phone wouldn't stop ringing.

—

Kyuubi glanced down at his watch as he walked up the pathway to Itachi's house. He had a few hours before he had to turn in his assignment. He decided against going to help out at the bakery. He had too much work to do. Entering the house, Kyuubi strolled down to the living room. Hidan was lounging on the couch, cellphone in hand.

"You're still here?" Kyuubi said, not stopping as he turned towards the kitchen.

"Kyuubi, wasn't expecting you till later," Hidan said, his eyes following Kyuubi out of the room.

"Got some work to do!" Kyuubi replied. Inside the kitchen, he saw Sakura busy washing the dishes. "Sakura, can you make me something small to eat?"

Sakura turned around, wiped her hands on her apron. "Anything in particular you'd like?" she asked.

"Anything will do." When Sakura walked over to the fridge, Kyuubi again called out to her. "Don't spit in my food, please?"

Sakura smiled. "I wouldn't dare."

"Thank you." Kyuubi walked back to the living room. Hidan patted down the seat beside him and Kyuubi contemplated on whether he should sit or not. "Where's Itachi?"

"Upstairs," Hidan replied. "Sit down, I wanna ask you something."

"Can it wait until later?"

"It's important," Hidan said, a smile on his face when Kyuubi reluctantly plopped down beside him. "How was class today?"

Kyuubi chuckled. "That's what you want to talk about?"

Hidan playfully nudged him. "I'm trying work on my people skills."

Kyuubi shook his head, very much amused. "Um, it was okay."

"Awesome." Hidan was suddenly very serious. "Do you remember Kakuzu? He was a guest at your birthday party." When Kyuubi nodded, he continued. "He's getting married later on this year. He and his fiancé are hosting an engagement party and as his best man, I'll personally like to extend an invitation to you."

Kyuubi glanced down, toying with his fingers. "Um, I don't think that's a good idea."

Hidan leaned back against the cushions. "Why's that?"

"Is Itachi going?"

"Of course."

Kyuubi bit the inside of his cheek. "He hasn't mentioned it to me so I'm guessing that means he doesn't want me there."

"I want you there," Hidan said, a big grin on his face. "Be my date. Say yes."

"You're very bold." Kyuubi chuckled, quickly shaking his head. "No, I don't think it's a good idea. Itachi wouldn't like that."

"Like I told you before, I can handle Itachi."

Kyuubi turned and gauged Hidan's expression and though there was amusement in his eyes, Kyuubi could also tell that there was some seriousness behind his words. Hidan's always struck him odd. For the past week he's gotten to know him and still, it was like he really didn't know him at all.

"Kyuubi?"

Kyuubi took himself out of his thoughts, quickly forcing a smile. "Yeah?"

"Do you want to come?" Hidan asked with an expression Kyuubi still can't interpret.

Kyuubi sighed. "I- I can't. I'm sorry."

Hidan chuckled. "You have no idea the control you have, do you?"

Kyuubi frowned. But before he can open his mouth to say anything, he quickly stood up when he saw Itachi descending the stairs. He quickly glanced down at Hidan, saw the same unusual look on his face before he quickly replaced it with a smirk as Itachi came forward.

"Hi lover," Itachi held Kyuubi's waist, leaned down and softly kissed his lips. "Thought you were going to the bakery today?"

"Took the day off. I got a lot of work to do." Kyuubi raised his hand and pressed the back of his palm against Itachi's forehead. "Hard to believe just a few days ago you were battling a fever over 100. Now, it's like you weren't sick at all."

"What can I say, I had an angel looking after me." Itachi leaned down and gently kissed beneath Kyuubi's jaw. "I've been calling you."

"Yeah, I know." Kyuubi gently pulled away, observing the emptiness in Itachi's gaze, the scowl making it's way over his face. "I was going to call you back."

"No, you weren't." Itachi suddenly chuckled. "You're such a fucking liar."

Kyuubi glanced at Hidan, silently hoping he would intervene and get Itachi's attention off him. Instead, Hidan simply watched him back, a bored look on his face like he was watching a soap opera he wasn't interested in. Kyuubi involuntarily jumped, gasping when he heard his name called. He turned around to see Sakura standing behind him.

"Your food's ready," Sakura informed him.

Kyuubi grabbed his backpack from off the couch and moved inside the kitchen. He sat down at the counter and pulled out his laptop. Just as he took a bite out of his sandwich, Itachi walked inside.

"How was your day today?" Kyuubi asked him, slowly chewing his food in apprehension.

Itachi hopped onto the counter opposite Kyuubi, a carefree look on his face that helped to calm Kyuubi down a little. "Fine, until your friends came in and assaulted me."

Kyuubi muffled his laugh behind his hand. "What?" His amusement slowly faded when Itachi continued to look at him with a stoic face. "Wait, you're serious? But, how's that possible?"

"You tell me," Itachi said.

Kyuubi shook his head, baffled. "I don't understand."

"Turns out they saw a bruise on your face. And according to them, you've been acting strange and as your knights in shining armor, they ran to the castle to kill the big bad dragon to make sure he never hurts the precious princess again."

Saiken. Kyuubi thought as he brought his head into his hands. And knowing Saiken, he knew he probably found some way to wind Utakata into his mess like he often did. That also explained why both of them were missing from school. But, it doesn't explain how they got Itachi's address but they could have easily gotten it from Naruto behind his back. Kyuubi suddenly felt sick. He hated this. He hated how everything was slipping through his fingers.

"Babe, I'm sorry," Kyuubi said softly. He doesn't even know what he's apologizing for. He didn't know exactly what had taken place.

Itachi clenched his jaw. "You're sorry?"

"I didn't tell them to come here," Kyuubi said firmly. "You can't hold me responsible for their actions."

"Do you know how much fucking restraint it took not to lay hands on that cocky bastard?" Itachi said, the anger rising in his voice with every word he spat. "You plotted this, didn't you? Can't fight your own battles so you get that love sick fucking loser to do it."

"Yes, that's exactly what I did, baby." Kyuubi rolled his eyes. "Get fucking real."

"Tread lightly, Kyuubi." Itachi warned him. "But, I guess that's what you want. For me to lash out so you can run to your soldiers again crying crocodile tears."

Kyuubi struggled to swallow the food in his mouth. "Itachi, seriously, leave me alone. I need to finish this assignment. I already apologized to you. Just let it go."

"Just let it go." Itachi chuckled. "You take assault that lightly?"

"There's barely a scratch on you. If one of them did hit you, it wasn't that hard. If it was, you wouldn't have let them get off so easily."

"Who said I let them off?"

Kyuubi sighed, stood up and walked over and stood in front of Itachi. He looked up at him, a frown on his face. "Okay, go ahead."

Itachi swung his legs back and forth, each moving past Kyuubi's waist as he grinned. "Go ahead what?"

"Hit me," Kyuubi said. "That's what you want, right? Saiken or Yuta hit you and you didn't get them back. And since you think I sent them here, might as well take your anger out on me."

"Sit back down, Kyuubi."

"Then just stop," Kyuubi said, frustrated. "Stop with these fucking mind games."

Itachi hopped off the counter, towering over his boyfriend. He raised his hand and held Kyuubi's face, stroked his cheek as he leaned down as if he was about to kiss him. "Why is it only you that gets to play the victim?"

Kyuubi shoved him away, hard. "I'm not a victim." He held Itachi's stun gaze before he turned and wiped a hand down his face. Kyuubi reached inside his pocket and threw the gold Rolex over the counter. "Did you even notice it was gone?"

Itachi slowly lifted the watch into his hands. "Where did you get this?"

"Aiya kindly asked me to return it to you."

Itachi continued to stare at the Rolex in his hand, felt the coolness of the metal against his fingertips. He doesn't say anything. For the first time in a long time, he stood at a loss for words, stunned by his own carelessness. He ran a hand through his hair. Usually, he's good at talking himself out of these situations. This time, he's not so sure he can smoothly lie his way out of another instance of dishonesty.

"Kyuubi…"

"Don't." Kyuubi stopped him. "I forgive you."

Silence.

Itachi didn't want to look at Kyuubi, see the hatred in his eyes. But hearing those words, spoken so sincerely he couldn't help but look up and instead of the burning hatred he's used to seeing when he'd get caught in another instance of unfaithfulness, this time he saw just emptiness. Brokenness and sadness in those bright green eyes that now looked so dull. It wasn't until now, he noticed how red they were, that Kyuubi had been crying.

"Just tell me," Kyuubi said softly. "Just tell me when it happened."

"Last week, Friday, when you left," Itachi said. "That night, I went out with Hidan. I got really fucked up. She was there and it just happened. I didn't call her. She didn't stay the weekend. It was just one night."

Kyuubi nodded. "Okay," he said. "I forgive you."

"I didn't ask for your forgiveness," Itachi said bitterly, suddenly angry. "I never lied to you."

"It doesn't even matter anymore," Kyuubi said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I can't leave. You won't let me leave. And I'm just as bad because all I do is look in the face of the people who actually love me and lie. I keep pushing them all away… for you. In the end, we're both the same. We deserve each other."

Itachi reached out and grabbed Kyuubi's hand when he turned to leave. "Kyuubi…"

Kyuubi broke down, the tears running down his face. "Why do you keep doing this to me?"

Kyuubi didn't fight as Itachi pulled him and held him close to his chest. He cried, his tears wetting Itachi's shirt as he felt Itachi's arms hold him closer, tighter, enforcing the formidable hold he had over him. Kyuubi accepted it now. Whether he was happy or not, he could never leave. He didn't have it in him to try anymore. Deidara said he could leave, but turns out he was a liar as well.

"I need to finish my assignment." Kyuubi wiped underneath his eyes as he went back to his seat. He pushed the plate of food aside as he no longer had an appetite.

From the side, Itachi remained silent. He doesn't apologize, even though the word is at the tip of his tongue begging to pass between his lips. He felt guilty for hurting Kyuubi. He should be on his knees begging for forgiveness. But, he doesn't. Maybe at the time if he was sober, he wouldn't have slept with Aiya. Maybe if Kyuubi had just fucking listened to him in the first place and stayed upstairs, then none of this would've happened. Why should he apologize? What was he really sorry for?

Wordlessly, Itachi left the kitchen.

—

Late in the night, Itachi paced his bedroom while Kyuubi slept soundly on the large bed, buried fully under the warm sheets.

"I know it's a late notice. Will you be able to make it happen?" Itachi pressed the phone closer to his ear, waited eagerly for the man's response. He suddenly smiled, happy when he's not disappointed. "We'll be there tomorrow morning. Thank you for this. I owe you."

Downstairs, Itachi met Hidan down the hall as he came out of his bedroom. "Can't sleep either?" Hidan asked, a newfound excitement in his eyes to have company for the night. He followed Itachi inside the kitchen.

The place was spotless, Ino had wiped down the counters while Sakura packed away the dinner she mad made into the fridge. No one had an appetite that night, except for Hidan who had decided to take the women out on am evening outing. Itachi grabbed a glass from the cupboards and poured himself a shot of bourbon.

"Aiya," Itachi said, downing the drink in one smooth gulp. He set the glass down and quickly refilled it. "Fucking Aiya."

"She likes playing these games with you. And you keep letting her." Hidan watched silently as Itachi downed his third shot. "She can't be that fucking good in bed."

Itachi cringed at the burning sensation he felt at the back of this throat. But that doesn't stop him from pouring another shot. "You think that's all it is?"

"I know it's not that simple." Hidan walked over and wrenched the bottle from Itachi's hand when he poured another shot. "Now's probably the best time to keep a clear head."

"Give me the fucking bottle, Hidan."

"Be careful, I'm not Deidara."

"Fuck you." Itachi laughed, his hand on his forehead as he leaned down on the marble counter. "I promised I wouldn't break his trust again. I fucking made a promise and I wanted to keep it. I want to stop but I can't. I fucking can't. I see her face and it's like, it's her all over again."

"It's not your fault," Hidan said calmly. "That witch fucked with your mind. Anyway, I'm assuming all is forgiving between you and Kyuubi. Why stress about it now?"

"Because…" Itachi kept his eyes downcast as the guilt washed over him. "He's not the guy I fell in love with anymore. I destroyed him. I see the bruises covering his body from my hands. I see the dullness in his eyes. All these things you don't see, Hidan. You don't see how much I've broken him."

Hidan has seen it. He saw it just a few days ago when he accidentally walked in on Kyuubi getting dressed and saw the black and blue lining his torso. Or that day when Kyuubi had rushed into mansion asking, begging to know if Aiya had stayed over. Hidan remembered the desperation in his voice, the mix of anger and sadness in his eyes, a total different man from the smiling man he had met at the party. Of course, he saw it!

Itachi's eyes evaded him but Hidan could still sense the uncertainty, the guilt he imagined was eating him up.

"Tell Kyuubi the truth about your past," Hidan said. "The full truth, the one only you can share. Let him understand why you do the things you do. But, telling him too much might push him away for good. Except, that never last too long with you, does it? A week later you'll miss him, then find some extreme way to get him back. But what if he doesn't come back? What happens to you, then?"

When Itachi doesn't respond, Hidan continued. "I can make all this so much easier for you. If you just let me handle her, I can-"

"Don't touch her."

Hidan frowned. "What about Kyuubi?"

"He deserves happiness," Itachi said. "That's something I can't give him."

"What are you thinking?"

"One last moment together." Itachi stood up straight, met Hidan's discerning gaze. "I'm taking him to my grandmother's house for the weekend."

All the past years of Itachi's anguish rushed through Hidan's mind. That house, and all of its affliction. Hidan gripped the bottle in his hand tightly and brought it to his lips, downing two large gulps in seconds. He grinned as he slammed it down.

"You think that's a good idea?" He wiped at his lips. "Think of what you're doing."

"I am."

"She's gone, Itachi," Hidan said softly. "Don't you think it's time to let her go?"

Itachi looked down at his hands, his empty palms stared back at him, pale and clean. He stared intently, then a for a moment, a sudden flash of red coated them, dirtied them with the horrors of a day he had pushed to the deepest, darkest part of his mind. He blinked, horror filling his eyes just for a second before he saw the sight of his palms again, clean and now trembling. He held his head, gripped the strands of his black hair.

"Itachi." Hidan called out to him.

"I'm fine." Itachi quickly responded. He exhaled, blinking, regaining his composure then found himself again in full control of his emotions.

"I can't change, Hidan," he whispered. "I'm not a good person."

Hidan hated seeing his best friend so vulnerable, but he also understood why. Itachi was a deeply scarred man with too many scars to count. He again brought the bottle to his lips, gulped down the bronze drink and felt it burn intensely at his throat.

"I'm not a good person." He chuckled to himself. So, what does that make me?

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