Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by Masashi Kishimoto. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Unbeta'd.
This story is dedicated to Fang Nicole. It is dedicated to Imperial Mint and Frosty Ice Cube. It is dedicated to Gwyllion, Daydreamer79, SangoStar and StarsOfYaoi It is dedicated to EVERYONE who loves the under appreciated, and often hated and scorned pairing, of ItaNaru.
The Four Suits
The Flop
Naruto whistled as he strode past the doorman with a nod, the sound in time with the music pouring through his earphones. He nodded to the receptionist, and then continued past her to the elevator, hitting a button quickly.
After two weeks at Akatsuki corp. Naruto was finally comfortable. His work was easy, as Kisame handled anything to do with the actual work, and Tobi handled the family. Naruto smiled as he remembered meeting Tobi; that had been an interesting experience.
Footsteps sounded next to him, sharp, loud clacks proclaiming high heels. Naruto looked to the side and grinned brightly at Sakura, who scowled at him. She hadn't been as horrible to him since he stood up for her in front of Sasuke, but he was no where near her favourite person.
"Morning!" Naruto said over the sound of his music. Sakura nodded stiffly, hitting the elevator button again. The doors slid open and they both entered.
Sakura swiped her card before hitting the button for Sasuke's floor. With another wide grin he couldn't resist, Naruto swiped his own, hitting the button for the top floor. Sakura's scowl deepened as she put her card away. Her card couldn't access that floor.
They rode in silence, other people occasionally joining them. By the time they reached Sakura's floor, it was just the two of them. She stepped out without a word, and Naruto grinned at her back.
Riding up to his floor, Naruto carefully juggled the briefcase and coffees he was carrying. He exited, hurrying past the offices to Itachi's. Hardly anyone was in yet, as it was eight am. Most people started at nine, Itachi and his assistants excluded.
Naruto passed the empty secretary desk, pushing open one of the double doors. He paused at Sasori's desk, the man ignoring him as usual, and placed one of the coffees he was carrying down before him. With a grunt that could mean anything, Sasori's fingers curled around the Styrofoam cup.
Walking calmly to his own office, which was empty, Naruto deposited cups on Kisame and Tobi's desks. He always came in early, only five minutes or so, in order to bring everyone coffee. He found that if he didn't they were all grumpy and irritable until lunch, except for Tobi who was just sluggish, and that was strange enough to unsettle Naruto.
Done in that room, Naruto dropped his briefcase onto his desk, took out his palm pilot and grabbed the last coffee. He hurried into Itachi's office and set it on his desk, knowing the man drank coffee at home, but still appreciated Naruto bringing it in. Naruto wasn't sure if Itachi actually liked it, or if he just liked the thought of Naruto thinking about him as he gathered everyone's morning coffees. Naruto suspected the later.
His pilot beeped and Naruto read the message. It was from Kurenai, the woman on the front desk.
Boss is coming up.
Smiling, Naruto quickly dashed back to his own office, pulling out a sheet of papers that Kurenai had given him that morning. He received a stack like it every morning; they were important documents that either arrived in the mail or through fax after Itachi had gone home. Heading back into his boss's office, Naruto deposited the papers to the right of the centre of his desk. And then he waited.
Ten minutes later the door swung open, revealing Itachi. His eyes rested on Naruto for a moment as he crossed to his desk, dropping his briefcase on top.
"Good morning, Naruto," he murmured. "How are you this morning?"
"Very well thank you, sir," Naruto said with a bright smile. "And you?"
"I am well, Naruto," Itachi said before turning to face him. "And the 'sir' is not necessary. Just Itachi is fine."
"Itachi," Naruto murmured. "Right."
Itachi nodded as he picked up his coffee cup. He sipped it before smiling down at Naruto, bringing up his free hand.
"Perfect," he whispered as he brushed the hand down Naruto's neck. "Just perfect."
"Ah," Naruto's breath caught as he coloured, looking up at Itachi through his lashes. "It's just coffee, Itachi…"
"Mmm, was I talking about the coffee?" Itachi asked in a low voice. Naruto coloured further, dropping his eyes as Itachi continued to stroke his neck softly.
"Boss?"
Naruto stumbled backwards, his face enflamed. He looked over at the door where Kisame stood, a folder in his hand. Stealing a glance back at Itachi, Naruto wasn't surprised to see him glaring at Kisame, his eyes promising death.
"I should go," Naruto mumbled. "Is there anything you require?"
"Not right now," Itachi said. "I shall call for you if I do."
Naruto headed to the door, pausing as Kisame entered. He looked back over to where Itachi was watching him and offered him a shy smile. Itachi's eyes lit up as he nodded to Naruto who slipped from the room.
Naruto strode quickly out to the secretaries desk, smiling at Lee who had just arrived. Rock Lee was an extremely happy guy, and Naruto was astonished that he worked for Itachi. But apparently he was an extremely good secretary.
"Good morning, Naruto!" he said with a blinding smile. "How are you this magnificent morning?"
"I'm good, Lee," Naruto said with his own smile. "And you?"
"Youthful! Stunningly youthful!"
"Good to know," Naruto said as he rubbed the back of his head. "Got anything for the boss?"
"I e-mailed in everything last night," Lee declared. "I am ready to be assigned new work!"
"Alright," Naruto said. "I don't have anything for you now, but Kisame might. He's in with Itachi right now but-"
"Ah, should I come back later?" a new voice asked.
Naruto whirled, staring at the man standing there. He was of average height with silver hair and, oddly enough, an eye patch. He was smiling at Naruto, his eye curled closed.
"No wait, what's your name?" Naruto asked. Itachi might have been waiting for him. The man smiled again.
"Kakashi Hatake," he said. "He should be expecting me."
Naruto tugged out his palm pilot, hitting the first speed dial. It was answered almost immediately.
"Yes, Naruto?"
"There's a Kakashi Hatake here to see you."
"Ah, send him in."
Naruto hung up, smiling at Kakashi.
"Go on in," he said. "He's ready for you."
"Why thank you, Naruto," Kakashi said with a smile. Naruto stared at the man as he swept past him.
"Hey! How do you know my name?" he shouted after him. Kakashi waved over his shoulder.
"Who doesn't know your name now?"
Kakashi vanished into the office and Naruto turned back to Lee.
"I'll see ya later," Naruto said as he wandered back into his office.
Sitting at his desk, Naruto logged onto the computer, signing into the office chat feature instantly. He absentmindedly brought up his e-mail, checking for anything new. Five minutes later a box popped up.
I. Uchiha would like to chat.
Naruto rolled his eyes as he hit ok. Itachi Uchiha did not 'chat.'
I. Uchiha : Working hard, I see.
N. Uzumaki : What can I say? I'm a great multi-tasker.
I. Uchiha : Of course you are.
I. Uchiha : Naruto, I hope I was not too forward earlier.
N. Uzumaki : Of course not, sir.
I. Uchiha : Ah, I was. You're calling me sir.
N. Uzumaki : No, really you weren't. …Itachi.
I. Uchiha : I'm glad. It was not my intention to be so. I found myself… unable to resist.
Naruto stared at the screen, his face enflamed. His fingers hovered over the keys for a moment.
N. Uzumaki : Resist what, sir?
I. Uchiha : Now you're being coy. Come to my office, Kisame is boring me.
Laughing, Naruto logged off. He sauntered across the office, his mind working slowly. Maybe it was time for Naruto to allow Itachi to seduce him. Slowly, of course. He didn't want to rush it. And he wanted Itachi to trust him. Well, at least with his password. And if not that, enough so that Naruto could look over his shoulder when he put in it.
Naruto slipped into the office, noting that Kakashi was gone. Itachi was stretched out on one of his couches, extremely casual, as he sipped the coffee Naruto had bought him. Kisame was sitting in a low chair, his own coffee firmly in his grasp as he prattled about something that sounded incredibly boring.
Naruto met Itachi's eyes and offered him a shy smile. Itachi's eyes practically glowed, as a tiny smile slid onto his face. Kisame paused in his recital, glancing over to Naruto. He smirked as he closed the folder he was reading from.
"The rest is not important," Kisame said as he rose. "I'll give it to Shino and have him type up the final copy."
Kisame swept from the room, right past Naruto who didn't even look away from Itachi. Naruto stepped forward hesitantly, watching as Itachi shifted into sitting position. Making a decision, Naruto crossed to sit beside his boss, right next to him on the couch.
"So, Naruto," Itachi said as he looked down at Naruto. "It's been two weeks, how comfortable are you here?"
"Oh, very comfortable," Naruto said as he looked up through his lashes. It as time to begin. "Working under you is wonderful. I don't think I could find a better job. I hope I can continue to… assist you for as long as you'll have me."
Itachi's eyes had darkened with every word. He leaned in closer, his hand coming up to brush Naruto's neck softly. This time, Naruto smiled up at him, leaning into the touch.
"I'm pleased you're so happy here," Itachi said. "I like having you here, and intend to continue having you for a long time…"
Naruto's eyelids fluttered close for a moment before a smile curved onto his face. He stood, Itachi's hand sliding down his neck as he did so.
"Well, , I need to be getting back to work," he said with another smile. "Is there anything you need me for specifically?"
"Not right now," Itachi said as he watched Naruto begin to walk towards the door. "I'll send for you if I find myself in want of something."
With one last smile Naruto slipped from the room.
--
"So it's going well, little brother?"
"Oh, yes. According to my source, very well."
"Perfect. How long do you estimate, little brother?"
"A month, maybe… it's hard to tell with Naruto. He's so unpredictable."
--
Naruto hummed to himself as he tore of the lid of his instant ramen. He tugged his chopsticks apart, smiling as they split with a satisfying crack. Naruto poked at the noodles, watching them break apart, before he began to eat.
Looking around the break room, he caught sight of his boss sitting at a table near the doors. Itachi insisted on eating lunch in the cafeteria at least once a week, to allow the workers a chance to see him. Naruto watched as he was approached by a young, pretty brunette. She managed three words before a cold and cutting remark from Itachi sent her packing. That was three more than most others managed.
Itachi's eyes slid across to him, a dark brow rising. Naruto smiled around his chopsticks, slowly sliding the wood out of his mouth, dragging his tongue over the utensil languidly.
Itachi never looked away, and Naruto slowly licked his lips, dragging his tongue over the plump skin. Itachi stood abruptly, taking a couple of steps towards him. However, before he could manage anymore, Kisame appeared out of nowhere, waving a piece of paper and speaking in what was obviously an aggravated tone. Itachi's eyes snapped away from Naruto as he registered what Kisame was saying, turning his back on the assistant.
Naruto watched with a frown, thoughts of seduction gone. Something was happening…
--
"So it has begun?"
"Oh yes. It shouldn't be long now until it happens."
"Until what happens?"
"Everything comes crashing together."
"…I see. And after this is all over, what happens to you and me?"
"To be honest, I had no plan to remain in this country if this succeeded."
"…"
"What?"
"That doesn't work for me."
"I don't see how- oof!"
A long, drawn out moan filled the room.
"This changes nothing… I'm still –ah!- still leaving."
"You keep telling yourself that."
--
Naruto peeked his head around the corner of Itachi's open office door, watching as the man spoke into his phone, obviously unhappy. His voice was icy cold, his fist slamming down onto the table occasionally. Naruto shivered slightly before stepping back, straight into a hard body.
"Eh?" Naruto looked up to see who he had hit. Kisame rested a hand on his shoulder, his face grave.
"Naruto, I wouldn't go in there right now," he warned.
"What's happening?" Naruto asked. "He looks angry..."
"He's Itachi Uchiha," Kisame said with a slight smile. "He never looks angry. He looks cold."
"So what's up?"
"Itachi... Itachi didn't start this company," Kisame said after a slight hesitation. "He took over from the original CEO, called Pein. Pein was losing control of the company; he had no real head for business. He had a firm goal and would do anything to get to it, but he neglected the company in the process. Itachi is incredible. He took over the company and made it the most profitable one in the country."
"Whoa..." Naruto looked back at the door, astounded.
"Yeah..." Kisame agreed. "But today I got a fax from Pein, requesting a meeting with Itachi concerning official business. Pein stepped down willingly from the company, signing everything over to his vice president, Itachi, but now he's reappeared, and Itachi is worried that he's trying to regain control of the company."
"But he stepped down," Naruto protested as Kisame led him back to their office. "he stepped down willingly. He can't come back, can he?"
"He shouldn't be able to," Kisame said. "But he did create this company, we're not sure if he knows some small loophole, or a back door, allowing him back into the business."
"There's got to be a way to check that, right?" Naruto asked. "I mean, can't you have people go over everything and..."
Naruto trailed off as he realized Kisame was shaking his head slowly.
"We are checking, of course, but we can't help but feel we're missing something," Kisame said with a sigh. "Itachi is a genius, but we can't have him checking it over himself. He has work to do."
A small thought flittered into Naruto's brain and he bit his lip slightly. He had an idea, and if it worked he could gain Itachi's trust a lot sooner. But it all depended on someone who wouldn't be happy to see him...
"Can I have a copy of what they're looking over?" Naruto asked with a bright smile. "I get so bored around here, and one more set of eyes couldn't hurt, right?"
"Guess not," Kisame said with a shrug. "It's gonna be boring though."
"I can handle boring," Naruto said. "When can I get it?"
"I'll get you a copy faxed up immediately."
--
"Well, love?"
"You are so impatient."
"Oh, if you have no news I guess there's no need for me to be here…"
"Get back in bed!"
"Well?"
"Things are… progressing."
"How much? When? Details!"
"I'd rather show you…"
"You pervert!"
"Mmm, for you, yes."
--
Naruto darted up to the door before him, eyes darting around as he tugged his hat further down on his golden head. He rearranged his coat slightly, hiding his features further as he knocked on the door of the small house before him.
It swung open after a moment, revealing someone who brought a smile to Naruto's face. He tilted his head up, making his face visible.
"What a drag..." Shikamaru slumped against the door with a sigh. "You know you're not supposed to be here. How troublesome."
"Lemme in!" Naruto demanded. Shikamaru stepped to the side and Naruto darted into the house. The door closed behind him and Naruto tossed his hat off.
"Shika, I need your help!"
--
Half an hour later Shikamaru sighed as he set down his coffee cup. Ino looked at him in concern, staring over her shoulder at the papers spread out on the table.
"Shikamaru?" she whispered. She had greeted Naruto with a hug and cuff to the head. "What is it?"
"Can you help, Shikamaru?" Naruto asked. "Please?"
"This is very detailed," Shikamaru said as he set down the paper he was reading. "And quite intriguing. I'm actually enjoying reading this, and looking forward to reading more."
"Well, call me as soon as you find something," Naruto urged. "Please?"
"Of course," Shikamaru looked up at Naruto. "I'll be using an untraceable phone."
"Of course,"
--
Naruto hurried into his office, his breathing hard. He was late, by only ten minutes, but he still hoped that Itachi hadn't needed him for anything. He stopped at his desk, panting slightly, as he leant on the sturdy wood.
"Naruto."
Naruto's head jerked up at the sound of his name being spoken by his boss. Itachi was standing in the doorway, his eyes running over Naruto's dishevelled appearance, before he composed himself.
"You're late. I need you in here."
"Sorry, sir," Naruto said as he quickly dashed towards the man. "It won't happen again!"
Itachi turned on his heel and stepped out towards his office. Naruto scurried after him, running hands desperately through his hair. Itachi was not in a good mood.
Once they reached his office Naruto noticed that both Kisame and Tobi were in the room, looking at him expectantly. He hurried to stand beside them, clasping his hands behind him back. As soon as he was in place, the door to the office opened and Sasori, Shino, Rock-Lee and Tenten filed in. They stood opposite the three assistants, eyeing them curiously.
"I've called you all here for a reason," Itachi began. "As you may or may not know, I have had contact with Pein, the former CEO of Akatsuki Corp. We are not sure what he wants, but I want you to be wary anyway. Be careful of who you meet."
"Yes, sir," they mumbled together. Itachi straightened in his chair.
"If you find anything suspicious," he said as he gave them a hard look. "Anything at all, I want you to tell me."
"Yes, sir," they mumbled again. Itachi nodded.
"Dismissed," he said with a flick of his hand. "Naruto, stay behind."
The others shot him curious looks as they left, but Naruto kept his eyes firmly on the floor. As soon as the door closed behind the last of them, Naruto heard Itachi rise.
"Naruto, you look flushed," Itachi said, his voice right beside Naruto's ear. "May I ask why you were late?"
"I'm f-fine, Itachi," Naruto said, purposefully ignoring the question. "I was running because I was late."
"Really?" the man murmured, hid lips moving closer to Naruto's ear. "Why would that be?"
"I had lunch with a friend," Naruto said in a low whisper. "It's been a while since I've seen him."
"Hn..." Itachi moved to stand before Naruto, lifting his chin up to look into his eyes. "Kisame and Tobi usually join me for lunch here, you should as well."
Naruto almost smiled at the out-right demand in Itachi's 'suggestion.' He lowered his eyelashes before gazing up at his boss, as he allowed a small smile to slide onto his face.
"Lunch with you?" Naruto said in a husky whisper. "I'd love to..."
Itachi's hand relaxed on Naruto's chin, tracing it gently, dancing over plump lips and high cheekbones. Naruto tilted his head up once more, smiling outright at Itachi's touch.
"I'll be happy to have you join me," Itachi murmured. "Spending time with you is always pleasant."
"Wonderful," Naruto purred as he stepped away from Itachi's caress. "I'll eat with you tomorrow then."
Naruto turned to leave, but a hand caught his quickly. Before he could blink, he was pulled straight into Itachi's arms, pressed up against that strong chest. He barely had time to look up before Itachi's lips were on his. Naruto couldn't help but moan as the tension that had built between them exploded, forcing him to press his body up against the hard one before him, his hands grasping Itachi's pristine shirt.
Itachi's lips were surprisingly soft, but at the same time firm. Naruto rubbed his own lips eagerly against them, wanting to taste more of them. Itachi's lips parted, a wet tongue coming out to lap at his lips. Naruto kept his own stubbornly closed, but pressed his body closer to Itachi so he didn't think he was not enjoying the kiss.
"Itachi, Kakashi is here. He says he has the report you requested."
Naruto sprung back from Itachi as Sasori's voice sounded over the intercom. He took a deep, shaky breath, licking his lips to savour the taste, before opening eyes he didn't remember closing. Itachi was gazing at him, a hungry look in his own eyes, but he dutifully crossed to the desk, pressing a button.
"Send him in."
Naruto licked his lips once more before straightening. He sauntered to the door, tossing Itachi a coy look over his shoulder.
"If you need me, Itachi, I'll be in my office."
Slipping from the door, past a cheerful Kakashi, Naruto headed back to his office. He stopped inside the door, taking a deep breath. It was empty, as it usually was, so Naruto took the moment to lean against the door, taking a deep breath. As soon as he was calm, he snapped his eyes open.
It had begun.
--
With a soft sigh, Naruto knocked on the door to Sasuke's office. He heard movement inside before the door slid open. Sasuke glared up at him, his hair ruffled and his shirt unbuttoned slightly.
"What?" he growled. Naruto smiled cheerfully at the man, not hiding his annoyance at seeing the man. He didn't like Sasuke much. "I told Karin no visitors."
"Karin's not here," Naruto said, gesturing to the empty desk. "And I have a file for you from Itachi."
"Sasuke?"
Sasuke whirled as his name was called from inside his office. Before he could say anything, a young man appeared, his eyes wide as he looked at Naruto.
He was slim and small, much like Naruto, with wide brown eyes, porcelain skin and long, silky black hair. Hair that was mussed from somebody gripping it. His clothes, designer and casual, were mussed. A number of vicious red hickies dominated his neck.
"Hello," he said with a sweet smile. "You must be Naruto."
"How come everyone around here knows my name?" Naruto demanded, stomping a foot irritably. "Who are you?"
"Shut up, dobe," Sasuke growled, snatching the file from Naruto's hands. "Haku, go back inside, I'll be there in a second."
Haku nodded, smiling once more at Naruto before vanishing into the office. Sasuke glared at Naruto before closing the door slightly, blocking his lover from view.
"You won't speak of this to anyone, dobe," Sasuke threatened. "Especially not Itachi."
"Speak of what?" Naruto asked, his eyes wide and innocent. "That there was a strange man in your office?"
"Dobe..."
"Don't call me that, teme!" Naruto snapped, losing his cool for a second. "And don't worry, Itachi has enough to worry about without me telling him that his little brother is being defiled in his own office...actually, considering what this Haku looks like, I'd say you are doing the defiling..."
"Usuratonkachi!"
"Alright, alright, I'm going!" Naruto said as he turned and began to walk away. "Tell Haku I said bye!"
"Dobe!"
Naruto snickered as he pressed the button for the elevator. It slid open after a moment, and Naruto's breath caught.
Orange hair, styled like Naruto's own, was the first thing that caught his eye. The second thing was the piercings. They covered the man standing in the elevator's face. Several ran down his nose, his ears were covered in them, his bottom lip held two. Naruto blinked at the man a couple of times before he realized he was staring. He blushed, darting into the elevator and reaching for the button for the top floor. To his surprise, it had already been pressed.
"Going up?" the man asked casually. Naruto nodded, looking at the man sidelong. "Hmm. Me too."
"Obviously," Naruto whispered. He knew the man heard him, judging by the flash of annoyance on his face. Naruto quickly looked him over, noting his casual clothes and relaxed appearance.
The doors slid open on the top floor and Naruto stepped out, followed by the other man. He began walking towards Itachi's office, dimly noticing that the man was following him.
"So, what brings you here?" Naruto asked over his shoulder. The man raised an eyebrow at him.
"Itachi," he said simply. "I have business with him."
"Oh," Naruto blinked at the man. Usually Kisame told him when Itachi had meetings. "Ok then."
The man began to walk astride with Naruto, who eyed him cautiously. However, he kept his eyes straight ahead and his hands by his sides.
"Well, I'm Mr. Uchiha's personal assistant," Naruto said as he flashed the man a bright smile. "I'll be happy to escort you to his office."
"Why thank you," the man said. "I didn't catch your name."
"Naruto," Naruto replied with a smile. "Naruto Uzumaki."
The door to Sasori's office opened, and Kisame stepped out, Itachi right behind him. The man flashed them a brief look before smiling down at Naruto.
"Pleasure to meet you," he said, taking Naruto's hand and forcing him to stop walking. "My name is Pein."
--
Naruto rolled his eyes as he lost yet another game of solitaire. He glanced at the clock on the computer, sighing once more as he realized an hour had passed since Itachi and Pein began their meeting.
Kisame had come out after fifteen minutes, stopping only to say that Itachi wanted to speak with Naruto after their meeting concluded. He had hesitated before leaving, his eyes saying that Itachi was definitely not happy.
Another half an hour passed before Naruto heard movement out in the hallway. He rose, tip-toeing to the door and peeking out. Itachi was escorting Pein from his office, the orange-haired man looking slightly smug, while Itachi's face looked grim.
As soon as Pein was through the door to the main floor, Itachi turned, his eyes flying straight to where Naruto was peeking. Naruto let out a small 'eep' before stepping back from the door. He made it three steps across the room before the door was thrown open, Itachi stalking in. Naruto allowed his eyes to widen, pushing forth an innocent expression as Itachi slammed the door behind him.
Naruto was unable to read the older man's eyes as he found himself being herded towards the back of the room. As his back hit the wall, he tried to smile at Itachi, but his lips were quivering too much.
"What," Itachi growled as he came closer and closer to Naruto. "Were you doing with him?"
"Him?" Naruto asked, feigning innocence. "Who's him?"
"Naruto," Itachi hissed as he reached his assistant, reaching out to grasp Naruto's shoulders and push the man against the wall. "Don't act dumb. Not now."
"I didn't know who he was," Naruto whispered as he looked up into Itachi's eyes. "He didn't tell me his name until we were at your office. I just met him in the elevator."
"He managed to tell me no fewer than four times what a charming assistant I have," Itachi hissed as he glared down at Naruto. "So you must have been using your charms upon him."
"I wasn't!" Naruto protested. He reached up, grabbing Itachi's jacket. "I swear, I wouldn't!"
Itachi remained silent, his eyes scanning Naruto's face for a moment, searching the blue eyes that met his defiantly. Naruto frowned, before he quickly slid his hands up to Itachi's neck, running his hands over the soft ponytail.
"I wouldn't," he repeated softly as he tugged Itachi's head down to his. "I wouldn't..."
Their lips met in an eager kiss, Naruto surrendering completely to Itachi. Strong arms wrapped around his waist, pulling him close to that hard body. Naruto sighed softly, kissing Itachi eagerly as the older man took control.
This time, when Itachi's tongue slid over his lips, Naruto allowed it entry. The muscle entered his mouth, exploring and mapping out the area. Naruto shivered as it traced his teeth, leaning as close as possible to Itachi. The other man dominated the kiss, his scent and taste swamping Naruto who could only hang on and try to breathe through his nose.
And then suddenly, Itachi's lips were gone. They slid down his jaw, nipping slightly before they latched eagerly onto his throat. Naruto let out a soft moan, his hands tightening in the dark hair beneath them.
"What are you doing?" Naruto whispered as Itachi continually sucked on the one spot. "Itachi? You'll leave a-"
"Mark," Itachi whispered, lifting his lips from the flesh. "Exactly. A big, red warning to everyone around you not to touch, not even to look."
"Ahh..." Naruto collapsed back against the wall, his eyes rolling in his head. "Ngh... why?"
"Because," Itachi's eyes were gazing down at him, meeting Naruto's half-lidded, filled with a deep emotion Naruto was unable to classify. "You are mine."
--
"This... doesn't look good."
"Oh, you think?"
"Does this visitor affect us, Big Brother?"
"I don't know yet, to be honest."
"Does this affect him at all?"
"No. Nothing will stop him from his mission, little brother."
--
Naruto groaned as he spotted Neji Hyuuga crossing the lobby towards him. Itachi had called a conference with all representatives from all of the companies that were a part of Akatsuki Corp. And Naruto was there to escort Neji up to the room.
"You again," the pale-eyed man sneered. "Just take me up."
Naruto rolled his eyes, pressing the button for the elevator. Neji ignored him completely, pulling out his phone and pressing a number of buttons. The doors to the elevator slid open and Neji swept in, followed by Naruto.
Naruto quickly hit the button for the floor the conference was being held on, slightly perturbed by Neji's silence. He began to fidget, holding himself back from staring at the other man, as he so desperately wanted to.
They reached the floor, stepping out without saying a word. Neji briefly glanced Naruto over before he rolled his eyes.
"You could at least attempt to hide the hickey on your neck."
Naruto flushed, a hand racing up to clamp over the mark. Neji smirked superiorly at him, and Naruto narrowed his eyes as he looked down at Neji's own neck.
"Take your own advice."
Neji ignored him, going as far as to tilt his head back slightly in order to show off his own love bites further.
"Unlike you, I am proud of mine," he said in a cold voice. "Now, where is this meeting?"
Grumbling, Naruto led Neji towards the conference room. He jerked his head towards the door and Neji calmly entered, gliding like a damn ponce. Naruto stomped in after him, noticing with some satisfaction that Neji was the last to arrive.
"Naruto," Itachi was standing at the head of the room. Naruto felt shivers run down his spine at Itachi's deep voice as he crossed to stand before his boss. "Please have them send up some refreshments. After that, I will not require your presence for the rest of the day."
Frowning slightly, Naruto nodded. He turned to leave again, but before he could take more than two steps a hand caught his. He looked up at Itachi in confusion.
"It's not that I don't trust you," Itachi said in a soft voice. "But you will find this meeting terribly boring. I will brief you in a meeting tomorrow."
Naruto smiled slightly, lowering his lashes over his eyes.
"I hope the meeting isn't too brief," he murmured. Something sparked in Itachi's eyes as Naruto withdrew his hands from his boss's grasp. "Until tomorrow, Mr. Uchiha."
Naruto strode from the room, resisting the urge to grit his teeth. He hated being out of the loop.
--
"Where are you going?"
"I have to return. Something big is happening..."
"Oh? Won't you tell me what has you so worked up? Maybe I can help ease your tension..."
"...no matter how beautiful you look, naked on those red sheets, speaking to me in that tone, you cannot manipulate me. One thing gives you away."
"..."
"Your eyes."
--
Naruto was only slightly disappointed to realize that his meeting with Itachi the next morning was just that, a meeting. The man made no advances, his eye serious the whole time. It was probably because Kisame and Tobi were both present.
"So what does this mean?" Tobi asked, voicing the question in Naruto's mind. Itachi sighed softly.
"Pein hasn't told us how, but it seems that he knows a loophole in the company guidelines," Itachi said as he closed his eyes briefly. "He says he will use that loophole to regain control of the company unless we pay him a percentage of our annual profits. Annual profits from all the companies."
"Oh God," Kisame breathed. "That could be a huge amount... billions!"
"Yes," Itachi agreed. He closed his eyes again, keeping them shut. "This is my fault, of course. I should have checked the guidelines thoroughly, making sure that-"
"There's no way you could have prevented his," Kisame interrupted. "I'm sure he was planning this since he stepped down."
"Yes," Itachi growled. "I always thought it odd that he stepped down when he did. But now I see why he did it. He did it knowing that I would be the one to take over, knowing I would bring in my father's companies and my cousin's companies. Akatsuki corp. is worth so much more now..."
"You can't blame yourself," Kisame said as he shuffled through some papers. "There is no way anyone could have seen this comin-"
"I should have," Itachi snapped harshly, silencing Kisame. "I should have seen it! I should have prevented it! The workers here depend on me, we can't lose those profits."
Itachi was obviously distressed, although he hid it very well. He was rubbing his shoulders, clearly trying to work some of the tension out of them.
"Kisame," Naruto said in a low voice, speaking for the first time since the meeting started. "Tobi..."
He didn't need to say anything more. They both rose, and with one last glance at Itachi, strode from the room. Naruto stood as well, crossing to stand behind Itachi, placing his hands on his boss's tense shoulders. He began to massage them, working out the tension and knots as best he could. Itachi sighed heavily, leaning forward so that Naruto had more room to work.
"You need to calm down," Naruto said softly. "Think this through. How do we know Pein's not bluffing?"
"We don't," Itachi sighed. "But we can't take that risk."
Naruto dug into a particularly tense knot, earning a grunt, and smiled. He dug his thumbs into the spot with a wider smile as he heard Itachi repress a moan.
"Just think about something else for a while," Naruto suggested. "Maybe about how Tenten has it in for Lee? Or that man Sasuke was molesting in his office? Or even how Anko wants to get with Raido... ugh, security guard love..."
"What was that?" Itachi asked, his head coming up. Naruto smiled at him.
"You know, Anko, that crazy security guard that tackled me my first week," Naruto said, waving a hand. "She so want to fuc-"
"Before that," Itachi interrupted. "What did you say about Sasuke?"
"Oh, you know, Sasuke and Haku," Naruto said, oblivious to the way Itachi stiffened beneath his hands. "They are definitely going at it multiple times a day, I mean just look at Sasuke's neck-"
"His name is Haku, you're sure?" Itachi asked, standing up and forcing Naruto's hands to slide down his back.
"Yeah," Naruto said, frowning as Itachi crossed to his desk. "Why?"
Itachi hit a button on his phone, a dial tone sounding through the speaker.
"What's up, boss?"
"Kisame," Itachi said. "What was the name of Zabuza's assistant?"
"Uh... Ranmaru? Shit, no, that was Raiga... Haku! It was Haku!"
"Eh?" Naruto stepped forward. "The guy Sasuke's with?"
"Thank you, Kisame," Itachi hung up on his assistant, his face contemplative as he turned to look out the window. "Zabuza Momochi works for Bloody Mist. If he sent Haku here they must be getting desperate."
Itachi spun to face the phone again, hitting a different speed dial. This one took longer to be answered.
"What?"
"Sasuke," Itachi greeted his brother coolly. "Have you been fucking Zabuza Momochi's assistant?"
A squeak, obviously Haku, sounded over the phone but Naruto barely noticed. He was too busy staring at Itachi. He had used the word 'fuck'...and it sounded... well, it sounded hot. Naruto couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to hear Itachi hissing words like that in his ear during sex...
"Yeah, and?" Sasuke clearly didn't care. Itachi's brow narrowed.
"Is that all you have to say?" he asked, his voice ice. "You are jeopardizing this company by sleeping with him. I can't allow-"
"Itachi, I love him."
Itachi stared down at the phone, looking shocked for the first time since Naruto had began to work for him. A soft whimper sounded over the phone.
"You do?" a breathy voice Naruto recognized as Haku's asked. "Sasuke, I love you too..."
Wet slurping sounds filled Itachi's office, joined quickly by moans, and Itachi hung the phone up. He frowned down at the device, his features unreadable.
"Well, there seems to harm in that, if there appears to be, I'll stop it. But until then..." he said in a low voice. He looked up at Naruto, his eyes dark. "Who am I to stand in the way of love?"
Naruto's breath caught. There was something in that sentence. It wasn't flirtatious, or seductive. It was just... something.
"That will be all for now, Naruto."
Naruto nodded and fled the room, only too glad to escape from his boss and his confusing eyes.
--
"This is bad!"
"Don't worry your beautiful little head about it, love, it does not concern us."
"How can I not worry! And don't you distract me with flattery!"
"Flattery? It's not flattery if it's the truth..."
"Hey! Get your hands off my ass!"
"Come back to bed love..."
"Ahh! No! Let g- ooo..."
--
Humming softly to himself, Naruto tapped his foot in time to his invented tune while waiting for the elevator to arrive. In one arm he had a heap of documents that he needed to take to the fifteenth floor, and in the other he had his cup of ramen. He was planning on taking it down to the cafeteria for his lunch break.
"Naruto,"
Naruto spun, his eyes widening as they fell on Itachi. The man seemed a lot more relaxed today, leaning casually against the wall beside the elevator. His jacket was gone, leaving him clad only in his shirt.
"Mr. Uchiha," Naruto greeted him, mindful of the people around them. "Can I help you with anything?"
"I was simply wondering when you were going to join us for lunch?" Itachi asked, a small smirk sliding onto his face. "Surely you haven't forgotten that you agreed to eat with us?"
"Oh, no I haven't," Naruto said, a light blush creeping over his face. He knew that if he had a spare hand he would reach it up to cover his hickey. "I need to take these down to accounting, and then I thought that, well, since you've been so busy with this whole Pein thing, I uh, thought you were going to-"
"I shall go with you down to accounting," Itachi declared, cutting Naruto off. The elevators slid open and the man calmly stepped inside, Naruto scrambling after him. "And then we'll eat together."
The doors slid closed as Itachi pressed the button for the fifteenth floor. As soon as they shut, he wrapped his arms straight around Naruto's waist from behind.
"So... we are currently on floor forty five... we're headed for floor fifteen... in the mean time..."
Naruto sighed and leaned back into the embrace as Itachi's lips attached to his neck. The man was still tense, still on edge about everything, but he was clearly at the stage where he knew he could do nothing more until further facts emerged.
"Itachi..." Naruto whispered. "Ahh... should we be do-doing this in the el- oh... yeah... – elevator?"
"Yes," Itachi hissed, biting down on the mark he had created earlier. "I'm in charge here, I should be able to do what I want."
That was it. Itachi needed the power trip. He needed to know that he was still in charge of his company, still in control of it.
Naruto squirmed in his arms until he was facing Itachi. The papers and ramen in his hand didn't stop him from pushing his body against Itachi's, a clear invitation. Itachi's face glided down to his and their lips met in a clash. Tongues battled, teeth clashed and saliva began to seep free as they both lost themselves in the passion, in the warmth, the taste and the feeling.
The elevator dinged and Naruto pulled out of Itachi's arms. He moved a few steps away from Itachi as the doors slid open, admitting a couple of employees. The women had been talking amongst themselves but stopped as soon as they saw Itachi.
"Mr. Uchiha," one of them said with a bright smile. "How are you today, sir?"
"Hn," Itachi raised an eyebrow at her before turning to look at Naruto. The woman's smile faltered and Naruto smoothly stepped forward.
"Mr. Uchiha is doing fine, thank you for your concern," Naruto said with his own smile. "And how about you lovely ladies, how are you?"
The women giggled, obviously charmed, and Naruto flashed a brighter smile at them. Before he could speak again, hands settled on his hips and Itachi loomed over his shoulder.
"Ladies, what floor were you after?" Itachi asked, his voice holding a hint of warning. Naruto flushed scarlet as the hands on his hips slid under his shirt to run the skin on his sides. The women blushed the same colour as Naruto as they quickly scrambled to push a button.
"Oh, our floor is soon," one of them said. "Very soon."
They exited two floors later, giggling together, and Naruto closed his eyes. As soon as the doors closed, Itachi's hands moved again, the left racing up his stomach to his chest, the right moving across to rest on Naruto's left hip. Naruto found himself pulled back against Itachi's chest, and he glared up at his boss.
"You scared them off on purpose," he accused. Itachi smirked as his left hand slid dangerously close to one of his nipples.
"Prove it," Itachi whispered. His lips collided with Naruto's cheek, and he moved around Naruto's face, placing soft butterfly kisses all over. His left hand rubbed one of his nipples, and Naruto gasped, arching his back slightly.
"Ahh..." Naruto couldn't stop his eyes from closing as Itachi found his lips. "Mmmm..."
Itachi's fingers tweaked his nipple and Naruto cried out. Itachi chuckled into the soft kiss as his fingers rubbed the abused nub. His other hand remained on Naruto's hip, rubbing it softly.
"Ahh..." Naruto pulled his eyes opened as Itachi's lips moved down to his jaw. "You're being... very affectionate..."
"Of course," Itachi whispered as he moved up to Naruto's ear, lapping slightly at the shell. "What I really want is to devour you, but that will have to wait for later."
Naruto let out a moan, not bothering to repress it. Itachi hissed in his ear, licking it once more.
"Again," he ordered, tweaking Naruto's nipple. "Make that noise again."
Unbidden, another moan tore from Naruto's throat. He slumped against Itachi, no longer trying to keep a hold of his mind. He simply allowed the groans, moans and mewls to slide from his lips as he melted beneath Itachi's touch.
The elevator chimed loudly, signalling their arrival at the fifteenth floor. Itachi's hands retreated instantly, as did his lips and body. Naruto felt slightly cold and shivered, rubbing his arms awkwardly with the papers and ramen still in them.
Stepping out into the accounting offices, Naruto ignored Itachi who followed dutifully behind him. He passed by the cubicles around him, ignoring that many people were stopping to stare at them. He reached the cubicle he wanted and stopped.
"Hayate," he greeted the sickly man. "I have some documents for you."
The man at the desk coughed, spinning on his chair to face Naruto. As soon as he saw Itachi his eyes widened and he shot to his feet.
"Boss," he mumbled with a nod. He took the papers Naruto was holding out to him. "Thank you, Naruto."
"No problem," Naruto mumbled turning on his heel and leaving. Itachi followed him like a puppy dog, his dark eyes scanning his surroundings. Naruto could hear the whispers following them but ignored them.
They crossed back to the elevator, entering it. This time as the rode to the top, Tobi joined them after a single floor. Itachi was obviously annoyed at his cousin for it, but dutifully kept his hands to himself.
--
"Is that all you eat?"
Kisame dropped into a seat beside Tobi, grimacing at Naruto's ramen. He himself had a packet of sushi, which he opened as he looked down at Tobi's dumplings.
"Swap you my chicken teriyaki roll for one?"
"I want the tuna one."
"What! That is so not... fine..."
Itachi chuckled at the squabbling, eating his own rice cakes. Naruto slurped some more of his ramen, happily gulping down the salty food.
"Itachi, we have a problem."
Itachi raised an eyebrow at Sasori's voice, sounding over the intercom on his desk. He rose, crossing to it and pressing a button.
"I'm having lunch, Sasori. What is it?"
"Senator Minato Namikaze-Kitsune is here demanding to see his son."
Naruto's ramen cup fell from his grasp, spilling all over the pristine white carpet before him.