Another reincarnation story
29.
"I have a bad feeling about this," Shisui whispered next to him, his face pressed flat against the window. He strained his neck, trying to see more from the disadvantaged position of Itachi's bedroom. "Urg, I can't see a thing from here!"
Itachi ignored his cousin, concentrating on the raven he had positioned outside. Though the bird was too far away to listen in, his sharp eyes saw everything that transpired downstairs in the front doorway of the Uchiha family household. To maintain this jutsu, Itachi must keep his eyes closed and his chakra flowing steadily. It made him a vulnerable target to Shisui's constant complaints.
"Why are you even here?" Itachi whispered softly, not opening his eyes. "I thought I gave you tasks to finish."
"You aren't Clan chief yet and you treat me like an orderly," his cousin said, changing position to see better. "Everything is taken care of."
"Everything?"
"Who do you take me for?" Shisui huffed, "I'm fast."
"I guess that's true."
"The documents are on the table, you just need to sign them. I took the liberty of gathering reports from Kakashi and Tenzou as well. Oh, oh, oh," Shisui gasped at the situation below. "They're coming inside, come on, Itachi!"
"Shisui," Itachi opened his eyes, severing the connection to his loyal bird.
"Come on!" Shisui was already leaving the room, heading straight for the loose floor panel at the end of the hallway.
"There's no way we can both fit in there. We aren't kids anymore," Itachi said, standing over their secret passage in the house. Houses in traditional style often have a space between the first and second floor, used to store heat. As children, Itachi and Shisui often crawled through them, hoping to eavesdrop on his parent's conversations.
"You didn't get that much bigger," his cousin waved at him, signaling him to go first. "After you."
"You realize that father probably knows about theses passages." Itachi sighed, but still did as he was told.
"But he didn't do anything about them," Shisui whispered when he closed the panel over them.
In total darkness, the two shinobi crawled between the two stories in near silence. They knew the passages and turns by heart, avoiding all panels that could betray their presence. Itachi gestures for Shisui to turn left when they were near the kitchen where someone was currently preparing tea.
"What's wrong?" Shisui whispered.
"We go over the bathroom, Mother is down there."
When they arrived over the bath, Itachi moved one ceiling panel slightly open to take a breath of fresh air. In the light from below, he could see the strained expression on Shisui's face. It must be very uncomfortable for a man of Shisui's size to be crammed in the tight space, if even Itachi find the passage slightly too narrow.
"Are you alright?"
"I'll manage," Shisui nodded, telling him to go on. "But let's not repeat it soon."
Itachi crawled on, directly towards the sitting room where his father received guests. It was fortunate that they arrived when they did, because just as Shisui moved the panel enough to let them spy, the two man taking part in this negotiation entered. They took place directly below them, sitting at least three yards apart from each other. Mikoto followed a moment later, placing a cup of tea in front of their guest and her husband. Itachi held his breath as his mother took her position, allowing the procedure to begin.
"Hoshigaki-san," Fugaku started, looking as stern as ever. "I chose to receive you out of respect for the Mizukage. I don't see how your presence here could change anything that has already been decided. My mind is made, after your betrothal, I find it prudent to wait at least a few years until Itachi is more mature and can face the responsibility of marriage."
"Let us be plain here, Uchiha-san," Kisame said confidently. "I think there is no need to cling to appearances with me."
"Very well," Fugaku nodded. "The truth is, I won't let my son make this mistake."
"Mistake?"
"He might claim to love you," the Uchiha Clan Leader said it as if it was venom, "but I know better of it. He's a kind child, very dedicated to the ideal of brotherhood and loyalty. It's possible that he is just confusing love with friendship. I'm sure his heart will change when his head cools off."
Kisame's lips drew back, revealing his sharp teeth. From what Itachi could see, his partner was both intrigued by the challenge and angered by Fugaku's dismissive tone. "I can understand your motive, Uchiha-san. I guess it is difficult for a father to see his son go. But Itachi-san isn't the child you think of him. He's completely capable of making good decisions, even if his heart is involved."
"Do not speak for my son!" Fugaku snarled. "He isn't married to you yet, in fact, not even engaged. As for now, you're just one of his many suitors, and far from the best one."
"Oh?" Kisame grinned. "Many suitors, eh? So how many of them should I have to kill for Itachi-san's hand? I daresay I look forward to the challenge."
Itachi had the urge to sigh and rub his temple. Kisame was so easily baited, always ready to defend his position in Itachi's life. From opposite him, Shisui mouthed, "I don't get what you see in him."
Itachi rolled his eyes, returning his focus to the scene below.
"Hoshigaki-san," Mikoto addressed him. "We don't partake in those barbaric rites anymore. Please do not make fun of us. Itachi's life decision is not to be taken lightly."
"I wouldn't even think of it," Kisame promised. "I came in hope to change your mind about the date of our marriage, since our engagement is already decided."
"Like I said, my mind is made up," Fugaku insisted, "it would be irresponsible of me to let my son marry someone he knew for barely a month."
"Now I understand," Kisame laughed, "and it puts me at ease. I was afraid you would object to my age and origin. If it is only my heart that you doubt, I'm up for any questions you might have."
Itachi's parents narrowed their eyes. "So you claim to be sincere?" Mikoto frowned, not quite believing him yet. "That you, the Monster of the Hidden Mist would take honest interest in our son, a boy of 13 years? I find it very hard to believe."
"That is because you don't know him like I do," Kisame stated, ignoring the Uchiha's displeased huff. "As his parents, I know you wish nothing but the best for him, but it sadly isn't always what Itachi-san wishes for. And it's because you're his parents, you fail to see the true depth of his feelings."
"How dare you!" Fugaku thundered, and Shisui shuddered. "You've known my son for barely a month."
"Time has no meaning when two souls find each other," Kisame only said, making Shisui gag soundlessly from across the subject of this conversation.
"Spare me the rhetoric! We are not simpletons to fall for flattery." Fugaku crossed his arms over his chest in the same manner he did with Itachi. "You say you'll be subject of my questioning, then let me ask you first, what is your true intention with my son?"
Kisame sneered. "What I want from Itachi-san? Let me be blunt, I want everything. But I guess it's more interesting for you to know what I am prepared to do for Itachi-san, which would also be anything."
"Anything?" Mikoto's eyes widened. "What do you mean by that?"
"Once I'm married to your noble son, my duty as a Kiri-nin will be relieved. I will be free to swear my loyalty to anyone I deem worthy. And my choice is Itachi-san." The pride in his voice gained in intensity as he spoke, making the boy's heart swell. "I am his to command and will do as he wishes, there is no one more deserving of me than him."
"If you wish to serve my son, we can find a place in the Uchiha Clan for you," his father offered. "There is no need to tie him down like this."
Kisame chuckled. "You are persistent Uchiha-san, a great trait in a leader. But my loyalty is not easily won. Itachi-san has it because he grants me the same respect. It is because we have confidence in each other's hearts that I am prepared to act as he orders."
"We thank you for your honesty, Hoshigaki-san," Mikoro said politely and cleared her throat. "But it is the marriage of my son we are talking about, not just the choice for a new lord. If you truly admire him as is evident from your words, would you not rather he find his own way in the matter of heart? Instead of confusing his young mind with speech of dedication, you should support him to make the right choice."
"And what would that be?"
"That he finds a suitable wife when he is older," Fugaku said. "As the heir of our mighty clan, he has the duty to produce children and strength our numbers. It will fall to him one day to lead our people, thus a good wife is necessary to govern his household. That is the only way a marriage can be fruitful and successful."
"I doubt Itachi-san thinks that way," Kisame shrugged. "Since I'm not from any clan and have no such tidings, I can't agree with you. What I do for your son is up to him to decide. If he wishes for me to withdraw my proposal, I will. But since he never voiced these thoughts, I'm afraid I must insist on becoming Itachi-san's husband."
"Your words betray you, Hoshigaki-san," Mikoto shook her head in disappointment. "If you really claim to love my son, why would you withdraw your proposal?"
"As I said, I'll do as he commands." Kisame gave them a dangerous grin. "Whatever he commands. If he doesn't want me as a lover, I won't force myself upon him. If it is only a partner he sees in me, so be it. But," his grin grew wider, now accompanied by a glint in his eyes, "but I know that he loves me just as fiercely as I love him. After these intense weeks, I have certainty. I came here today not to discuss the political benefits of our bond, but to appeal to you as his parents, who keep the happiness of their son close at heart."
"Happiness?" Fugaku gasped.
"Wouldn't you say that Itachi-san deserves to be happy?" Kisame teased. "He is still so young, yet he carries such great burden on his shoulders. As a shinobi caught between the responsibility as an heir and his duty to this village, there aren't many things in Itachi-san's life he can decide for himself. In what little he can choose for himself, I wish to make him as happy as possible by being his partner and husband."
"You truly believe you can make my son happy?" Mikoto asked, her voice slightly breaking. It sounded like she was suppressing tears.
"Mikoto?" Fugaku turned to his wife, disbelief showing in his expression. "Don't tell me you believe this!"
"Anata," she whispered, placing a hand on Fugaku's. "Please..."
"Mikoto-san," Kisame said in a tone what could be described as soft, "when I first met your son, he was a child forced into an adult's life. He was angry and lost, feeling too much hate because of all the love he couldn't express. If I managed to ease some of his suffering, it is because I accept him as he is and love him for it. In all my life, I have never met another like your son and doubt I will ever encounter another who accepts me as I am."
Kisame shifted on his knees and placed both hands in front of him. With humbleness Itachi has never seen in him before, he bowed before the leaders of the Uchiha Clan. "Please, noble Uchiha-san, grand me the honor of your son's hand within the month. For that I swear I will hold him dear for as long as I draw breath. I will dedicate my life to care for him and support him. His goals will be my goals, my strength shall be his strength. I will forever honor him and his family, never bring shame to his name. Wherever he goes, I will follow. I will never abandon him, never betray him. For as long as Itachi-san will have me, I am his. Please, let me marry your son and make him happy."
Itachi had to press a hand over his mouth to smother the sound. For a moment, he wasn't sure if the sob was his own or his mother's. The matriarch's shoulder were shaking as she lowered her head, letting her hair fall down to hide her tears. Fugaku, in uncharacteristic manner put gentle arms around his mother and sighed.
"That's quite enough, Hoshigaki-san," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "I have heard everything and shall think about it. Please go and send my son to me. It is time we hear what Itachi has to say."
"Thank you for your consideration," Kisame said honestly, not a hint of provocation in his voice. He rose from the pillow and halted in his step. Itachi didn't miss that his eyes darted towards the ceiling for a moment, then returned to his stride.
"We should go!" Shisui hissed barely audible from across him, his eyes too seemed moist.
Itachi could only nod, not trusting his voice to have the strength to answer. Silently and feeling weak in all his limbs, Itachi crawled back towards the loose floor-panel on the other side of the house. He didn't care if anyone was in the hallway when he climbed out, heading quickly for his room. Shisui followed a moment later, stretching his limbs and cracking his joints.
"I'm getting too old for this," he mumbled and halted immediately when Kisame appeared in the hallway. "Go on ahead, Itachi. I'll wait downstairs."
Itachi thanked him with a nod, then gestured Kisame to follow him into his abandoned bedroom. As soon as the door closed behind them, the younger shinobi threw himself into Kisame's arms. He pressed his face against the broad chest, his fists buried in Kisame's shirt.
"I'm sorry," his partner apologized. "I wasn't sure if you'd want them to know, but it needed to be said."
"It was a sound strategy," Itachi whispered, trying hard to hold his voice steady. "Yet it hurts me to see you grovel before him."
"It has nothing to do with pride, Itachi-san. I was just being honest." Kisame lifted his chin to face him. "I so rarely have the opportunity to be truthful, it is good to be able to speak my heart. Besides, as your future spouse, respect for one's parents-in-law is considered a virtue."
"But..."
"Even if you have your differences, they are still your parents. There must still be love between you, otherwise you would have been merciless in dealing with them." He gently caressed Itachi's lips with his thumb. "As much as I resent them for the pain they caused you, they are also the reason you are who you are. Without them, you wouldn't be and my heart would be empty."
Itachi remained silent, too overwhelmed by the pure love Kisame was able to express. He leaned up to pace a tender kiss on his partner's lips and pressed his forehead against Kisame's. For a moment, he wanted nothing but to feel the way Kisame spoke of. The certainty, the confidence and the knowledge that he would never be alone again.
"I believe they are still waiting for you," Kisame reminded him all too soon. "As much as I enjoy this, I think the good groundwork I laid out for you will dissolve if you don't hurry."
Itachi nodded, untangling himself from his partner. He picked up the scroll shisui had left for him and tugged it into his pocket. Kisame's honest persuasion has been the perfect vanguard for his attack. How ironic that in this new world, his hardest battle was fought with words.
"Thank you, Kisame," he said before heading for his parents. "Please wait for me in the garden. This will take some time."
When Itachi arrived at the sitting room, Fugaku had stopped comforting his wife. Though her eyes were still red from recent tears, her composure had returned. They gestured for Itachi to kneel at the same spot taken by his partner just minutes ago and waited for him to bow before them. For once, Itachi did as they expected without feeling the heat of resentment.
"You have summoned me, Mother, Father."
"Itachi," it was his mother who started the conversation, "this will be the last time we speak of your marriage before the final decision. Please pay attention."
"I'm sure you're aware that Hoshigaki was just here to ask for your hand," Fugaku announced. "He also requested to have you two wed by the end of the month. Why would he ask that of me?"
"Father, no doubt you don't need me to repeat what I've said," Itachi replied. "I'm sure you still remember my words when I confessed my intention to you."
"Humor your mother, then."
"Mother too is aware of my feelings." Itachi said, mentally forcing his blush to go away. "I don't see the necessity of wasting time by saying what you already know."
"To what end, Itachi?" Mikoto asked, clutching the front of her dress. "Do you truly want to give up your freedom so soon and be tied down?"
"Kisame does not tie me down," Itachi corrected softly. "He completes me."
"Clearly you don't realize the responsibility of a marriage." Fugaku lectured. "To be a husband is not the same as being a lover. It is a complex relationship that comes with many strings attached. Marriage is not arranged out of desire or passion, it is a sacred vow of allegiance, honored by both men and gods alike. Once you opened that door, it cannot be closed again.
Once you are married, you are not just Uchiha Itachi anymore. You will always be Hoshigaki's bride as well. You will never again be making decisions for your own sake, but for your spouse too. From that day onward, every action you take will impact at least two people, if not more. I can understand that you're young and believe that being with him is all you wish for, but that is childishly naïve. Love has nothing to do with political marriage. Once done, it can never be broken unless we risk war."
"Itachi," Mikoto added, her voice almost pleading. "Please reconsider. We don't want you to make a mistake that will follow you forever."
Itachi frowned, choosing his words carefully. "Mother, Father, I thank you for your consideration. But please trust me that I am fully aware of the impact my marriage to Kisame will have. From the moment I met him, I knew that the sum of us will never be greater than what we stand for. I am a member of the Uchiha clan and he is a swordsman of Mist, our bond will always be defined by what we are, never who we are."
"What do you mean?" Mikoto looked confused for a moment. "You told me you did not choose him out of political reasons."
"I did not," Itachi replied, "yet I did not disregard the fact that politics are involved. It is most fortunate that we have the blessing of the Hokage and Mizukage."
His father sighed in a mixture of frustration and pity. "But must you marry Hoshigaki so soon? If you desire him now, we can offer him a place in our midst. Keep him as your lover and decide later. There is still time."
"I would not insult Kisame with the title of a paramour," Itachi said. "He deserves to call himself my equal."
"It's not about what he deserves, but about what's good for you, Itachi." Mikoto said. "You're just 13, you're too young to know who will be a good husband. What if you desire him now and meet a girl later whom you really love? Then you will already be married. Would you then insult the woman you love with the title of paramour?"
Itachi couldn't suppress the chuckled that overtook him. "Forgive me, Mother," he quickly apologized. "You speak so surely that I will meet a woman that conquers my heart."
"Don't think I don't know about Izumi-chan," she smiled at him softly, as if not to embarrass him. "You two have been friends since you're little. And I can see the way she looks at you."
"Her pursuit is purely one-sided, I'm afraid." He promised. "There will be no woman nor man that can compete with Kisame. Neither for the place in my heart, nor for the benefits of his allegiance. Kisame is a trusted advisor to the Mizukage, hailed a hero in his own land. His achievements and reputation elevates him to the elite of the shinobi world, worthy to be my peer."
Mikoto was again looked close to tears. She blinked hasty, trying to cover her slip. "We are not being difficult on purpose, Itachi," she said, trying hard not to cry. "We just want to be sure you're not making the biggest mistake of your life. Hoshigaki might be a good shinobi, but he is so much older than you, so different. He is not just one Hatake Kakashi, a simple man without any backing. Once you marry him, you will be married to him for the rest of your life."
"I know, Mother." Itachi smiled softly. "Separation will not be possible. If I were ever to insult him or refuse him, I do so risking the Mizukage's wrath. Our marriage doesn't only represent our love, but also our villages' friendship. It is very thoughtful of you to consider my feelings and not just the pride for our clan. But if it is my feelings for Kisame you doubt, I assure you there is no need."
"Oh stupid boy," his mother sobbed. "How can you be sure? It's not too late to change your mind. You're not bound to him!"
"But I am," Itachi corrected. Carefully, he took his right hand from his lap and presented the ring to his parents. "I made a promise and I intend to honor it."
Itachi heard his father inhale sharply as his mother openly gasped. She took hold of Itachi's outstretched hand and pulled it up close to her face. "What is this?"
"An engagement ring."
"What engagement?" His father snapped. "When did this happen? How dare you!"
Itachi's eyes narrowed and his voice hardened. "After the official announcement in the Hokage's office, I spoke with Kisame. He saw fit to propose to me privately and I accepted, gladly."
"Why on earth would you do it?" Mikoto said as if Itachi just announced his retirement from the Shinobi world.
"Because I love him," Itachi almost snapped. He regained his control in the last minute, just before his anger became obvious. "This is neither passion nor simple desire. I have struggled with my feelings for him. I have tried to shut him out, to ignore the way he makes me feel and not love him. But I can't. Love is not weak, it makes me strong. I cannot tell what will happen in the future, but I am certain that I want to face it with Kisame at my side. Please trust me, that I have taken everything into consideration before I made my choice."
Mikoto finally couldn't hold her tears anymore. If she cried out of happiness or misery, Itachi couldn't quite tell. She hid her face in her hands and wiped her tears away with her sleeve. Then, she looked to her husband, an unspoken statement in her eyes.
"Father, Mother, please allow me to marry him," Itachi pleaded. "Please, I simply ask that you do not stand in the way of my happiness."
Fugaku sighed in defeat. "I see, I've been beaten." He said, crossing his arms. "It seems there is no way to stop you. If I do not comply, you will find another way to fulfill your wish. And I don't want to be the father who refuses to attend his son's wedding."
Itachi could have cheered. "Thank you, Father," he said instead, bowing before his parents.
"But," Fugaku said loudly and sternly, "it is impossible to arrange everything in two weeks time. You and Hoshigaki will have to wait a little longer than that."
"Forgive me," Itachi pulled the scroll out of his pocket and placed it on the tatami, "that I have taken some matters into my own hands."
Mikoto took the scroll and opened it for her and her husband to read. Her eyes widened as she scanned through the text, containing all that Itachi and his headless chicken squad had accomplished in the last eight days. From the contract with the Yamanaka Flower Shop, to the arrangement with the monks of the Naka shrine, Itachi had considered all the details. The last of all, the scroll contained a deed of ownership for a plot of land he had acquired yesterday afternoon.
"You've been busy," Fugaku commented. "It's just like you, not giving me any opening."
"What is this?" Mikoto pointed at the last document Shisui had brought with him. "A house?"
"Kisame and I have to live somewhere."
"Outside the district?" Fugaku noted. "How did you manage that?"
"You bought some land?" Mikoto shrieked. "Itachi, you bought some land and a house? Where did you get that money?"
"It was my savings and Kisame's generous dowry." The land wasn't cheap considering its favorable location near with forest and water, but the house at least cost no more than a lavish meal and as many drinks as Tenzou wanted. All they had to do then was to add the necessary furnitures and utensils, at least those Tenzou couldn't grow.
"What?" Mikoto gasped again. "You aren't yet married and you two went to buy a house?" She looked angry now, as if it personally offended her. She stood promptly, looking down at her husband while rubbing her temple. "This is all your fault, Anata! You always push him, now your boy went to buy a house without consulting his mother!"
"I didn't want to bother you with trifles," Itachi explained. Why was his mother suddenly angry that he took care of everything? Shouldn't she be relieved that he didn't overlook any important detail?
"Trifles?" She snapped at him. "Do you know how important it is… never mind! Give me that!" She snatched the scroll containing all the information from her husband's hand, muttering under her breath as she headed for the door. "If I can't be part in planning my own son's wedding, at least let me prepare everything! Really, bought a house without taking me with him!"
"Mikoto, dear," Fugaku tried but was promptly silenced by her lifted finger.
"Itachi," she turned towards him, her expression hard and angry. "Since you've taken care of everything, I don't have a lot to add. But if you really want to get yourself married off so soon, I have to insist you obey to our traditions."
"Which is?"
"You must not see your betrothed for ten days before the wedding!"
"What? Mother!" She can't be serious! Ten days?!
"No discussion!" she snapped, slamming the door closed behind her.
In complete dismay, Itachi looked to his father, who was hiding a grin under his hand. "I suggest you bid farewell to your beloved for the time being. The way I know her, she will insist you stay here where she can keep an eye on you."
Itachi swallowed and nodded, still too baffled by his mother's outrage and that his father was chuckling.
Just one more chapter to go! Stay with me guys! :-D