A/N: Alright! Here is the third chapter to Night's Companion. I hope you all are enjoying it so far. So it turns out that this is going to be six chapters long instead of five. I needed to break this chapter into two seperate parts or it would have be BIG. So here is Part One. Expect the next part within the next day or two!

For this chapter we have: I turn to you by Melanie C. A very lovely song.

Disclaimer: No. no no no no and no. I don't own the characters or song.

--A--

When the world is darker than I can understand.

The day had come when the charges were to observe their Instructors as Companions first hand. At that night's opening performance they were to sit in one of the upper galleries and watch the show. Nervous as they were, the four charges tried their best to look as calm as their mentors.

Itachi went over the proceedings with them to make sure that they understood all that was to take place.

"When the Clients start to enter you are to remain absolutely silent. They know you are here but they do not know where you are. We prefer to keep it that way."

Naruto sighed as asked the obvious question. "Why?"

Itachi did not miss a beat as he answered. "You are not up for their attention just yet. There is no need to cause unnecessary trouble by one of them demanding you on the spot now is there?" He noted the alarmed looks on both Hinata and Sasuke's faces. "In any case I doubt any of you are ready just yet."

"Point taken." Naruto stood and dusted himself off. "So we just sit and watch like good little students? Sounds easy enough." He stretched out any kinks in his limber body and proceeded towards his room. "Then I am off for a nap…"

Itachi did not glance in his direction. "The rest of you should go as well. Sleep is required for us after all. Just remember to be here by four. You need to meet all of our Caretakers."

Hinata and Neji stood and bowed respectfully before taking their leave. Sasuke did not budge- he seemed frozen to the spot. Itachi bit back the sigh that was about to escape and sat next to the boy. "What is it Sasuke?"

When my insides are wracked with anxiety.

You have the touch that will quiet me.

"Would they really choose us so early? Don't they know we aren't Companions yet?"

"These people have no care of what you are or what you are not. They simply know only of what they want." Itachi saw the boy shake slightly at his words. He placed a gentle hand on him. "But do not fear….you will be fine. I shall give them a performance that will distract them- unlike anything they have ever seen. So watch and know you are safe, ne?"

Sasuke looked up at him. His eyes were searching Itachi, as if questioning his sincerity. Itachi did not look away- but instead relaxed his face into a soft smile a smile he found he could only produce for this boy here.

Sasuke smiled back and nodded. "Of course Itachi. Just remember one day…I shall dance with you. Then you can share some of the job-right?"

Job? "You are really still a child Sasuke. Now come, let's go sleep while we still have the chance." Ever since that day a week ago- Sasuke had started taking his naps in Itachi's room. He just appeared and would lay down in his spot and go immediately to sleep. Itachi found this both puzzling and amusing. He asked his Caretaker Kisame what he thought the reason was.

--"Well, I think it's because he feels comfortable and safe around you. Like a small cat does with it's owner."

"A cat?"

"Well…that's what he looks like, don't you think? --

Itachi smiled as he followed the boy to his room. It was odd how Sasuke's hair always seemed to be perfectly in place. Itachi could not remember seeing the boy take time to fix it- maybe it was natural?

They both assumed their positions and Itachi waited for the expected voice to interrupt one last time. "Sleep well Itachi."

"You too Sasuke."

--A--

The four charges had gathered again at the specified time. Their Instructors were present as they waited for the Caretakers to arrive. They heard a door close somewhere within the compound before a figure could be hear- approaching at a fast pace. The man Sasuke had seen frequently ran up- breathless.

"Sorry 'bout that. We had to finish getting everything set up. Use to having a little more time you know!"

He straighted up and smiled at the four charges. It was the others first time seeing him but Sasuke knew that despite his seemingly harsh looks he was really friendly. "I am Kisame. I take care of Itachi and his various needs."

Naruto's gaze narrowed. "What needs?"

Kisame looked over at the blonde- one eyebrow slightly raised. "Like getting dressed in those ridiculous outfits and what not. Your Ino's kid aren't you?"

Both Ino and Naruto twitched at this. "So?!"

Kisame chuckled. "Yep, just alike. Ah, here are the other two. They said running wasn't necessary." Kisame rolled his eyes as a pink haired girl and black haired boy approached.

The girl waved and smiled. "It really wasn't Kisame. There's really no rush."

She stopped in front of them and frowned at Ino. "What did I tell you about your hair Ino? I don't have time to fix it all over again."

Ino waved her off. "It's fine! I just moved it around a little that's all."

Sakura did not move. "Doing what?"

Naruto stepped in. "Chasing me around the whole compound. She's crazy." This earned him another smack on the head as Ino 'hmphed'.

"In any case, my name is Sakura. I take care of Ino and Tenten. And you as well Hinata- once you are a Companion." She smiled at the shy girl as she nodded. Sakura turned to the other male- who's short black hair framed his serious face. "Well?"

The man looked at her for a moment before it dawned on him what she wanted. Sakura sighed as she turned back to the others. "You really must forgive him. His social skills aren't really on par…."

Haku laughed. "I'll say!"

The man snorted softly. "My name is Sai. I take care of Haku and soon Naruto and Neji."

He finished quickly then added a bow as an after thought. Sakura sighed.

"Close enough. Now shouldn't you four get moving? We still have to get you ready."

Itachi nodded. "Yes. Kisame you will be the one who will watch over them during the performance."

All three of the Caretakers frowned at one another. Kisame scratched the back of his head. "Are you sure Itachi?"

Sai nodded. "I could watch them just as easily. Kisame can stay with you…."

Itachi gave them his trademark glare- effectively silencing their protests. "No, Kisame will stay with them. I believe by now I can take care of myself. Now let's go get ready."

Without another word he turned and stalked off to his room. Kisame glanced over at Sakura and Sai- shrugging. There was no arguing with the Prima Donna of the Akatsuki.

The group broke off with Kisame telling the charges where to meet within the hour.

Sasuke looked over to Itachi's room. Kisame said something about going to get some of Itachi's things from storage…so he would have a little time with the older man. Sneaking away from the others he quickly trotted the familiar path to the Companion's room.

He gently slide the door open, knocking softly. Itachi looked up from his desk to turn and look at his visitor.

"I-itachi? Are you ok?"

Itachi turned stiffly back to his mirror- busing himself with the various items before him. "Of course. Why would you ask?"

Sasuke shuffled from one foot to another clearly embarrassed. "You….just don't seem as….confident as usual…"

Itachi raised one eyebrow slowly. This boy had such interesting choice of words. "Confident? I have done this for nearly three years….if there is anything I have- it's confidence." He turned around again to motioned Sasuke into the room. "Come in. Don't leave the door open like that."

Sasuke nodded and did as he was told. He timidly stepped closer to the low table that Itachi sat at and watched as the older man continued to ready himself. All seemed normal….except for one small detail. Upon closer inspection Sasuke noticed something was off.

I turn to you, cause you're the only one

Who can turn me around when I'm upside down

"You're shaking…"

Itachi looked silently over at the boy before narrowing his eyes. "What?"

Sasuke gently took one of Itachi's hands in his own. "You are shaking Itachi…..why?"

His dark eyes shot up to meet Itachi's own- questioning him. "What are you afraid of?"

"Why are you so curious?" Itachi pulled his hands none to gently from the boy. "What is my business concerns only me. There is no need for your pity. You should go."

"I can't."

"What?" Itachi nearly spat this out at the boy. Why was he being so stubborn? He needed this time alone. Time to prepare………

"You're always alone……Always. I can feel it from the others. The way they just give you space whenever you demand it is wrong. I'm staying whether you want me to or not." He knelt down next to Itachi placing his hands gently on the tables edge.

Itachi was momentarily silenced. He mouth was slightly open as he simply stared at the boy who sat defiant before him. He was totally relaxed unmoving.

Sasuke squirmed under the intense gaze from his elder, before realizing that he had effectively stunned the older man. A small smile crept on his face. "Itachi? Are you there?"

"Sasuke…..foolish little boy….."

I turn to you

Like a flower leaning towards the sun

"Itachi-! W-what…..!" Sasuke was cut off as Itachi leaned forward - effectively falling into the younger boy's arms. Burying his face into the crook of Sasuke's neck he let out a heavy sigh allowing himself to show just a little bit of his suffering to this stubborn child.

Sasuke slowly place his arms around the man gently rubbing them comfortingly along his back. He could feel the slight heaving of the other…how much pain could one person endure alone like this?

"Now you must stay with me. I need someone here……right here." He clung to the other boy desperately. No one will ever seem him like this- no one except for Sasuke.

The boy murmured soft nothings to soothe the older man. Itachi found it ironic that he turned to this boy - this boy he was suppose to be training to become an unfeeling- yet effective whore. Something he himself had failed at. He still felt all the emotions that supposedly where suppose to be lost to Companions. Pain at never being claimed by love that took others. Anger at knowing that you were simply used because of your looks or talents.

Itachi could vaguely recall a song that had been secretly passed around in Companion school….It was something about being the lament of a Companion who still feels even when they were cast aside. Who knows that there is nothing left. It was a long time ago. Itachi could only remember the tune. Humming it softly he took a deep breath releasing the stress he had been feeling this past week.

Sasuke listened for a moment before moving slightly to get more comfortable. This seemed to snap Itachi out of his peaceful reverie and he sat up slowly a small smile gracing his own lips.

"What song was that Itachi?" Sasuke was ever curious.

"Just an old song that popped in my head. I don't remember it clearly….Haku might…." Itachi shook his head. "But that doesn't matter now." Reaching out he pushed back some of the hair that had fallen into Sasuke's face causing the boy to blush. He really was cute when he blushed like that. Itachi gently allowed one of his fingers to slide down the boy's cheek- furthering the boy's apparent embarrassment.

"I-Itachi…..what are you doing?"

"Seeing how much you squirm when I touch you. It really is quite interesting….." He leaned down slightly to bring himself to level with the boy's gaze. "I wonder……"

You have the touch that will quiet me

Itachi's lips pressed into Sasuke's own. Experience met innocence as the two shared what was to be remembered as an instant release for the both of them. Sasuke felt something, something there that had never been taught to him in any class. Nothing prepared him for this. It was electric and frightening yet he did not draw back or pull away. He could sense that the older man needed this, whether he realized it or not. His thin hands clasped onto the collar of Itachi's robe- hanging on as if his life depended on this moment.

Itachi continued to kiss the boy- even as the need to breathe became prevalent. He didn't want to stop. He didn't want to explain himself when those questioning eyes bore into his. He just wanted Sasuke to understand and never ask why to question his needs or affection for the boy. But human needs pulled the two apart and they sat staring Sasuke at a loss for words. He gasped for air and rocked forward as Itachi pulled back, breaking his hold on the older man's shoulders.

Itachi was right. The boy's face was more flushed than before. He really was an innocent if a simple kiss could do that to him. The client's would adore him.

Itachi found himself lowly growling at this thought. Those monsters will tear him apart…..especially if He caught wind of him before hand….

But he couldn't. No information was released of the charges before their debut. They were relatively safe for now.

Before another word could pass between the two Kisame came bounding in. His arms were full of assorted clothing and items. When he spotted Sasuke he smiled. "Oh good. Can you give me a hand here? I'm running sort of behind." Sasuke nodded- looking at the task before him to hide his blush. Kisame aloud the boy to take the load as he turned to Itachi.

"You young man need to start getting ready and quit harassing the charges. Come on now. Up."

Itachi obediently stood- much to Kisame's surprise. He never listened to him so quietly and willingly before! What the heck?! He shook his head violently before turning to Sasuke- who had finished sorting out the items. "Thanks there. Now head along I can get this one here ready." Sasuke nodded and bowed at the waist making his hasty exit.

Kisame turned and began selecting the clothes necessary for that night's performance. A small smile crept onto his face when he felt Itachi watching him. He turned- a look of innocence quickly taking the smile's place. "Can I help you?"

"Why did you just stand there?"

"Stand where?"

"You were outside the door the whole time. Why didn't you come in?"

"Ah that….." Kisame waved his hand distractedly as he turned back to the clothes. "The atmosphere in here was too thick with……ahhhh……"

Itachi hardened his gaze, and Kisame could feel it burn into the back of his head. His sentence dwindled off into a mumbled, "You two looked busy."

Itachi snorted and held out his arm for the offered shirt. He felt no words were worth the embarrassment that the Caretaker would give him if he admitted his previous actions. They were dangerous….these feelings……

Not fit for a Companion.

--A--

A/N: There you have it. Then end of part one. -sighs- Now that Sasuke and Itachi have shared their first kiss...will they ever get to experience another? And who is this Him they keep talking about? I guess we'll have to wait and see, won't we? Oh and I almost forgot once I get to chapter ehhh...five I will post links onto my profile to images I have drawn of all the Charges and Companions in their outfits. I'm sure you all will just love that! So keep a look out!

Reviews are pretty don't be afraid to leave some! -nudge nudge-