A/N: Don't own anything. Sorry it took so long but this chapter was really, really hard for me to write for some reason, not to mention I have two other stories I'm trying to work on. Hope you like it.

Chapter 5: Point Blank Confrontations

Sasuke

When Sasuke and Naruto arrived it was to a surprising sight. Itachi and Akuma were mere blurs of motion as they danced around the training area, katanas flashing in the noon sun. But the surprising part was that Akuma actually seemed to be winning, his strikes forcing his opponent to dodge almost continuously. It was an odd thing to see Itachi, an almost unbeatable force, being driven back. Although to be fair Itachi wasn't using his sharingan, which would have given him a huge advantage.

Sasuke was content to merely watch as Naruto cheered for the losing Uchiha. With sharingan activated he followed the battle easily, impressed by the Anbu's skill. Whoever this Anbu was he had a great deal of training. He was keeping up with Itachi easily.

It wasn't until Itachi forced Akuma to roll away from a slashing strike that he noticed that the Inuzuka clan markings had been erased from Akuma's mask. With an almost audible click details began to fall into place like dominoes.

This was Kiba. Kiba was one of the Hokage's personal Anbu. Kiba was kicking Itachi's ass using sword skills he'd learned from Tenten's father. Kiba was scared brutally, which was why he wore his jacket even in the middle of summer. Kiba had been tortured and imprisoned. Kiba was right in front of him. Kiba was Akuma.

"Naruto!" Sasuke hissed quietly, immediately getting the blonde's attention. He stepped close to the blonde and whispered. "That is Kiba. Do you see his mask? The clan markings are gone."

"What?" Naruto threw a shocked glance at the fluidly attacking Anbu. "Are you positive?"

"Of course I'm fucking positive." Sasuke glared at him reproachfully for a moment before turning his eyes back to Kiba. "Its easy enough to tell now that I know what to look for."

"Well, this is interesting." Naruto muttered sarcastically, turning to glare at the two sparring shinobi. Then a thought seemed to come to him suddenly and he turned back to Sasuke with a wide eyed look. "The scars….?" He trailed off dumbly, not sure what to say. His normally tanned skin paled and look of sick horror covered his face.

"From his torture." Sasuke finished grimly.

"Fuck, he trains with Ibiki." Naruto shook his head in amazement as though this confirmed something for him. And it probably did. Ibiki didn't train with many, only those that were involved with the tracking/interrogation missions. Only those he took a particular interest in. As far as Sasuke knew Kiba and Anko would be Ibiki's only known students.

000000-000000 Kiba

When Kiba stepped back from a sweating Itachi he was grinning widely behind his mask. It had been exhilarating sparring with Itachi, the most fun that he'd had in a long time. He'd caught the amused and slightly mischievous glint in Itachi's eyes whenever he pulled something to surprise Kiba and the look was very tempting. He could imagine Itachi using the look for a completely different reason.

"You have impressed me." Itachi said monotonously, although Kiba caught the twitch of his lip and knew Itachi had enjoyed the spar as well.

"Maa." Kiba waved the praise aside modestly although the words gave him a warm feeling in his

stomach. "You're a good sparring partner."

Itachi inclined his head then turned to face Sasuke and Naruto, who stood on the porch in the shade. Akamaru was sprawled out on the ground near them, looking for all appearances asleep. Kiba followed him as he moved to the porch, although he stayed at the edge with his arms crossed, watching them. The expressions on their faces and the glances they kept sending him were giving him a bad feeling. He sighed and resigned himself to having to wait to see what would happen. For all he knew he could be wrong, although his instincts said he wasn't.

000000-000000 Itachi

"Sasuke-kun, Naruto-kun." Itachi greeted coolly as he sat on one of the porch cushions. He could tell by their expressions that this would not be a simple visit and the looks they were sending Kiba were making him think it had something to do with the brunette. "What can we do for you?"

"Naruto and I came across some interesting information." Sasuke said neutrally, giving Naruto a glance that clearly told him to be silent. Itachi was amused that Naruto had to obviously fight to obey his lover.

"Hmm, did you?" The words were completely bland.

"Yes, yesterday we found out that one of our comrades, Kiba Inuzuka, was cast from his clan." He said glancing at Kiba, who leaned against the porch support almost lazily. His posture did not change and he remained relaxed even after Sasuke spoke. Itachi was impressed with his seemingly bland reaction.

"How unfortunate." Itachi carefully did not glance at the blank gapes in Kiba's mask, not wanting to give up the game just yet. He wanted to see exactly how far Sasuke would go before he ended this little game.

"And we were also told of a very unfortunate mission that ended in Kiba's capture a few years ago." Sasuke seemed to study Itachi's emotionless face for a moment before deciding to continue. His tone was completely bland. "I know how prisoners are treated. Kiba could be mentally unsound at a time like this." His tone was calculating and frigid. "He might hurt himself and others."

Itachi fought to keep the fierce frown from his face, angry that Sasuke would pick at such a nerve even though Kiba was supposedly his friend. Even Naruto seemed taken aback. As he was opening his mouth to respond a menacing growl cut him off.

000000-0000000 Kiba

Kiba scowled angrily at Sasuke insinuation, straightening away from the porch support. Akamaru, feeling his masters pain and understanding that Sasuke had caused it, leapt to his feet, a rumbling growl echoing across the courtyard. Holding one hand up Kiba stopped Akamaru from attacked with a decisive flick. The others had turned to look at the big dog incredulously, having clearly forgotten the sleeping dog was even there. Sasuke's hand slip down to his kunai pouch cautiously, as he was the only person the dog was looking at.

"You don't have any fuckin' business actin' like you know shit." He hissed feeling furious and slightly hurt that they would think something like that. Kiba knew he had some issues but he wouldn't ever hurt somebody without reason or endanger his mission. They had no right acting like they knew anything about him.

"Kiba, we only want to help." Naruto tried weakly, seemingly uncertain after his furious response.

"Its too fuckin' late for that, apparently I'm already 'unsound' so don't fuckin' bother." He continued before Sasuke could speak, the younger Uchiha's mouth already open. "And I know for a fuckin' fact you weren't saying all that shit cause you were concerned." He reached up with a snarl and ripped the Anbu mask off his face, baring his furious expression and sharp gritted canines. "This is what you wanted, isn't it Sasuke?"

"I-" Sasuke began but was cut off again. He frowned fiercely. This was not going how he had thought at all and he felt almost guilty.

"Don't even bother." Kiba spat, crossing his arms over his muscled chest. "I don't care what you wanted. All I'm concerned about is you comin' here and playin' stupid fuckin' games that I don't want any part of. I don't need you telling' me I'm damaged. I know I'm fuckin' damaged and I've managed just fine the past four years." His voice by then was a low rumbling growl that resembled a feral dog in its intensity. His eyes were locked with Sasuke's, daring the other ninja to say a word.

000000-0000000 Itachi

Itachi watched Kiba intently, almost entranced by the sheer killer intent he was radiating. The younger boy's eyes, the color of frosted mocha, were cold and predatory as they glared at Sasuke. His fangs, longer and much sharper than a normal humans, were bared in a fierce and challenging grin, almost daring Sasuke to contradict him.

Besides that, the boy was absolutely gorgeous, better looking than Itachi had thought. With his chocolate hair wild, his eyes narrowed dangerously and his teeth bared he radiated an almost deliciously feral appeal. The two blood red fangs on either cheek stood out on his tanned skin, just another wild attribute. His face was strong, a little rough, but no less handsome for it. If Itachi hadn't already been interested in Kiba he certainly would have been now.

And then the moment was over, Kiba disappearing like he'd never been there. Itachi could feel him on the roof and sighed wearily. Kiba definitely had more issues than Itachi had originally planned but he couldn't find it in himself to care. Whatever problems Kiba had Itachi would deal with them, and if he had to he would take drastic measures. There was no way he was giving up now.

"I believe it would be best if you left." Itachi told his brother solemnly. The animosity between Kiba and Sasuke would have to be dealt with at some point. He wouldn't have his lover and his brother fighting, he'd had enough of that already.

Sasuke eyes narrowed angrily and he opened his mouth to protest but Naruto quickly jumped in, not wanting anymore fighting and feeling Sasuke had been out of line. "We'll come back in a few days Itachi." With that the blonde proceeded to drag the younger Uchiha away.

Itachi sighed softly, closing his eyes to think. This 'relationship' with Kiba was going to be much more complicated than he'd at first thought. Not only did he have issues with Kiba's past but now it looked like he would be facing objections from Sasuke. Although these things didn't deter him in the least, they would have to be handled carefully. However he couldn't really implement any specific strategy until he'd talked with Kiba about the matter. With another almost silent sigh he rose and went inside to prepare something for dinner. Hopefully Kiba would cool down soon enough and come inside soon.

00000-0000000 Kiba

By the time Kiba's anger had burned down to embers and the bitter edge of humiliation had left his mouth, it was relatively late, the replacement Anbu already perched along the stone wall surrounding the compound. With a gruff sigh Kiba stretched and jumped to the grounds below.

He hadn't wanted Itachi to know, at least not like that. Kiba didn't want the older man to think he really was as damaged as Sasuke had made him sound. He'd wanted to tell Itachi himself, in private, not in front of Sasuke and Naruto. He'd wanted to explain things, make sure that Itachi knew exactly what he was getting himself into if he wanted a relationship with Kiba, which was doubtful now. Kiba doubted Itachi would want to be with someone who had as many problems as Kiba and didn't get along with his only remaining family to boot.

What made it worse was his own reaction to Sasuke's words. He'd reacted like a spoiled fucking five year old when his parent told him no. Kiba had thought he was prepared for that, after all he'd been through and seen. Hell, half the jounin had protested his rise in ranks just because of his so called 'mental instability'. He should be used to people thinking he was damaged, but he wasn't. If he were honest with himself, and he tried to always be honest to at least himself, it hurt every time someone suggested that he was unfit to be a shinobi. It made him feel like he'd failed, like he'd let himself break and now he was worthless. It made him feel like less than dirt, nothing but a thing to be played with and thrown away.

Who the fuck was he kidding? As much as he didn't want others to look at him differently, they always would. Only a few people continued to see him as Kiba instead of the victim. There was no way he was ever going to get away from the stigma any more than Ibiki was. He would have to live with the pity and concern he saw in his friends eyes.

Undoubtedly Itachi would want a replacement guard now. No one wanted a victimized guard, after all what was stopping him from being caught again? No, Kiba was sure Itachi wouldn't want to trust his back to a weakling, a victim.

With another huff Kiba opened the back door, pulling his mask off and attaching it to his belt, because there really wasn't any point in wearing it anymore. As soon as the door opened the rich scent of food hit him and he realized just how hungry he really was. He hadn't eaten in hours.

Itachi was sitting at the kitchen table, eyes closed and obviously waiting for him. Feeling guilty for keeping the older shinobi waiting Kiba paused halfway into the kitchen, stalling somewhat nervously. Clearing his throat, Kiba shifted his eyes away from Itachi, instead fixing them on the sleeping Akamaru, at the Uchiha's feet.

0000000-0000000 Itachi

Itachi opened his eyes, focusing them on the clearly nervous brunette, and nearly smiled at how young Kiba managed to look. The younger boy had his mask at his belt, features unguarded, and he was fidgeting. He looked so nervous and uncertain that Itachi felt his chest tighten. Kiba shouldn't ever look this afraid, Itachi thought his earlier fierceness suited him much better.

"I'll, ah, take you to see Tsunade-sama tomorrow. And I apologize for fightin' with your brother." Kiba burst suddenly, his fists clenching tightly, knuckles white.

"For what reason would I need to see Tsunade-sama for?" Itachi asked blankly, watching the brunette closely. It was clear that the boy had been affected by Sasuke's callous words much more than he'd shown. The sudden urge to strangle his stupid little brother made Itachi frown slightly.

"Ya don't have ta hide it or anything, I know you don't want a weak body guard and I'll follow your decision. I mean I wouldn't want a weak guard either if I was you, especially one that didn't get along with my family. No doubt you'll wanna spend a lot of time with yer brother now that yer back and I don't wanna get in the wa-" Kiba babbled, anxiety loosening his tongue significantly.

Frown darkening ominously Itachi interrupted the other man. "Kiba, shut up." The brunette promptly snapped his mouth closed, meeting Itachi's aggravated eyes for a moment before looking down again. "I do not want to exchange guards, I am perfectly satisfied with your services." Kiba obviously caught the innuendo because he blushed lightly. "Now sit down, keep quiet and eat."

Itachi watched, a little amused by the brunettes quick obedience. Kiba sank down across the table from him, in front of the dinner Itachi had set out for him. Watching the teenager, Itachi caught the nervous glance Kiba sent him before he dug into the food. Gyoza dumplings and miso soup. Watching the younger man eat the food he'd made in his house, doing as he'd told him made Itachi feel a swell of arousal but he pushed that aside for the moment. Now wasn't the time.

"I do not care how well you get along with my brother, all I require is no physical violence unless warranted. I do not care about your past or what others my think of it, I only care about the present and perhaps the future. If I am not satisfied with your Anbu performance I will tell you, do not presume to know what I am thinking." Itachi instructed the other sternly, watching Kiba's expression intently. "Do you understand?"

"Yes, I understand." Kiba murmured, his mocha brown eyes a little glazed as he continued to eat at a steady pace. Itachi could feel the pulses of almost hidden arousal in the boy's chakra and knew Kiba's sudden submissive role was arousing the boy.

"Would you like a sexual relationship with me, Kiba?" Itachi asked blandly, as though speaking of the weather.

Kiba choked out a gasp, eyes flying up to meet the Uchiha's currently black gaze. The black eyes were serious, no hint of mockery in them. In somewhat of a daze Kiba nodded, setting his chop sticks down beside his half finished plate. He didn't once take his eyes from Itachi's face.

The older shinobi kept his face bland, feeling a surge of triumph at the shorter boy's dazed acceptance. It would be much easier to overcome the boy's issues than he'd initially thought if Kiba was so accepting of all his decisions. Feeling almost giddy he forced his gaze to harden. He wanted Kiba's full commitment now, so that later the boy couldn't claim he'd been tricked into the relationship.

"Then there are several rules that you will have to agree to before hand. I want to be completely honest about the nature of my…preferences from the start." He said firmly waiting for the boy to nod.

Instead his words seemed to snap Kiba out of whatever daze he'd been in. "Wait! Sasuke was right to a point, I am damag-"

Itachi raised a palm, affectively silencing the teenager again. "I will get to that. I knew there would be issues between the both of us from the start. Shut up and listen until I'm finished." He cast one slightly harsh glare at the subdued boy before continuing, his tone almost business like and his words brutally point blank. "Rule one: If we do agree up on a relationship, there will only be us, I will not tolerate another touching what is mine. You will remain completely faithful and I will do the same." He kept his black gaze on the teenagers vulnerable expression, on those mocha eyes fixed on the table.

"I can do that." The teenager confirmed, sending an almost shy glance up at the Uchiha. The look on the normally brash Anbu sent heat spearing into Itachi's gut and he clenched his teeth to keep his expression neutral.

"Rule two: Once we agree you will be under my complete control once we enter the bed room. I consider us equals but inside the bed room I demand your entire submission." He said this sternly with absolutely no give in his voice. Itachi knew himself and he knew this wasn't a point the was willing to concede on.

"I-" Kiba looked up at him intently, eyes searching his face for something. Itachi wasn't sure what he was looking for but he seemed to have found it because he nodded. "I can do that." His voice was uncertain but Itachi could feel the boy's submission on the subject.

"Rule three: If there is a problem you will come straight to me with it. I will not tolerate anyone else in our relationship. I want the things we do to remain between us, not anyone else."

"I never liked gossip anyway." Kiba said by way of agreement, a slight nervous curl to his lips.

"Rule four: I am well aware you will have obstacles to overcome concerning your past. You will inform me of any possible problems before they arise. Not now but after we commit to these rules, and then you will allow me to deal with them. You will not concern yourself over them any more." Itachi wasn't sure if Kiba would accept such a rule but he was going to try anyway.

Kiba jerked his eyes up to look at Itachi again, the look in them hard and cutting. Itachi met his eyes placidly, refusing to back down. If Kiba didn't trust him with this than there truly wouldn't be a chance for them. It was either take the plunge or stop everything now.

"It will be hard but yeah, I can do that." Kiba finally said slowly, his tone uncertain and slightly wobbly. Itachi felt a little guilty for pushing him but knew it needed to be done.

"The fifth rule is more of a warning than a rule." Itachi said after a short pause. His eyes darkened as he met Kiba's mocha frosted eyes, stern and unrelenting. "Once you agree to these rules, you are mine. Normally I do not become emotionally attached to my partners but I can already see that will not be a feasible option in this case. And so once you become mine I will not be inclined to give you up or share you in any manner. I do not share at all and what is mine stays mine. As far as I am concerned this will be a stepping stone to something I want to become very much permanent. Can you live with that and my rules Kiba?"

Kiba stared at the older man for a long moment, feeling dazed and unbelieving. He'd thought Itachi meant this as a temporary deal, a fling so to speak. He'd never imagined Itachi thought him good enough to give so commit this far, let alone permanently. Even his last boyfriend, who had claimed to love him, had abandoned him not far into the relationship. To have someone like Itachi interested in him on a serious level was mind blowing and incredibly confusing to him. He'd never even thought he was good enough for that, not since he'd been broken.

"I-I-" Kiba cleared his throat a little nervously, feeling overwhelmed and very vulnerable under those dark eyes. All his typical brashness seemed to have fled, leaving him a little shaky. "I can be loyal, long as you are to. I'm not interested in variety as long as I get quality." A vague smile stretched his lips as Itachi nodded.

"I am fully prepared to remain loyal." Itachi confirmed, chin braced on his folded hands as he watched Kiba with all the intensity of a hawk. He was getting much more than he'd expected from the vulnerable teenager and he was pleasantly surprised. He'd expected Kiba to retreat and regroup, but this was much better.

"I can let you be seme, that don't bother me, but I have some….problems with being tied and if you expect me ta fuck you than that's impossible. We'd have ta work on the whole restraint…thing if that's what you want ta do." His voice cracked a little and he paused to look up at Itachi. He waited silently for Itachi to acknowledge what he'd said. He didn't have to wait long.

"Hn." The sound was a little amused. Itachi closed his eyes for a moment, pleasantly surprised and vastly pleased by Kiba's honesty. This was much better than he'd expected. "I will be seme in all our interactions. As for the restraint issues….." He paused to search for the right words. "While restraints are not necessary for my arousal we will come to a solution for it eventually as we build trust."

"Okay." Kiba tugged one hand through his unruly hair, thinking on the next subject. "As for goin' ta somebody else for help and blabbin' about our stuff, honestly I don't have anybody I would go to about stuff like that. And even if I did I wouldn't be sayin' stuff about what we do together." He shook his head slightly. "You want our whole relationship a secret?" His eyes raised to look at Itachi before dropping again. "I don't blame you, I wouldn't want people ta know I was datin' me either."

Itachi flicked one hand sharply, drawing Kiba's eyes to the Uchiha's slightly angry eyes. "You will refer to me as your lover, partner or boyfriend, it doesn't matter to me. I want others to know you are taken and that you're mine. I am not ashamed of you."

"Oh, well…." Kiba trailed off a little stupidly, still completely bewildered. "Okay. " He closed his eyes for a moment in a grimace than continued. "I don't have a problem with telling' you about what happened but ya gotta promise it won't go beyond you and me. I don't want this shit public knowledge, hell my own mother doesn't know shit." Anxiety was clear in his eyes and his mouth was twisted into a grimace.

"I give my word that anything you tell me about your past will be kept between the two of us." Itachi said without any prompting. He was glad Kiba had decided to trust him after all.

"Good." Kiba swallowed and locked his eyes with the stoic Uchiha. "As for the last one that's up to you. You're the one that'll have to deal with all the problems on my side so it's only fair to leave that decision up to you. I don't trust easily so that should tell you I'm willing to give you everything. And I'm too broken to make that a habit." Kiba admitted a little ashamed, his voice cracking just the slightest.

"Then you will commit to a relationship with me?" Itachi asked one last time, triumph and excitement shivering down his spine. The overwhelming urge to drag the brunette closer hummed darkly in his veins, barely leashed. His dark eyes glittered as they met Kiba's.

Kiba looked up at him for a long moment, emotions flickering across his face like a slideshow. A heart shattering uncertainty darkened the boy's eyes, making Itachi's chest tighten for him. Kiba seemed like such a confident shinobi but he carried so much sadness and shame within him that Itachi was amazed the boy hadn't broken down before now. Itachi wanted to help him, he wanted Kiba to trust and lean on him when he needed help. But he had to let the boy choose.

He was silent for so long that Itachi felt a sliver of doubt creep into him. He didn't know what he would do if Kiba said no. Itachi wanted him more than anything he'd wanted his entire life and it would be beyond disappointing if Kiba decided not to.

"Yes." Kiba whispered finally, his voice soft and barely audible. His eyes were dark with fear.

Itachi stood abruptly, moving around the table in a matter of seconds. Reaching down he pulled a bewildered Kiba to his feet and straight into his arms. The boy's body pressed flush to his own, tense and quivering against Itachi's slimmer body. Itachi pressed one hand to his lower back, the other to the back of Kiba's neck, pulling him as close as he could. The brunette's wide eyes shot up to meet his, hands resting on Itachi's chest, fingers gripping the black mesh.

"Then why don't we seal the deal with a kiss?" Itachi didn't wait for Kiba to only, only bent and pressed his lips against the heat of the brunette's mouth.

It took a shocked second for Kiba to respond then it was only heat and silky smooth lips. Moaning hotly Kiba pressed up into Itachi, his animal instincts coming out to play. The sound was low and sultry, playing across Itachi's nerves as heat built between them. Licking at Kiba's mouth, Itachi demanded entrance which the other boy gave immediately. Moaning again Kiba played with Itachi's tongue, allowing the older man control without so much as a struggle. Heat shot straight to Itachi's cock as he felt Kiba's submission, lust spiraling sharply through the both of them.

Pulling away to breath Itachi pressed a few more damp kisses to Kiba's throat and ear before loosening his grip on the brunette. Kiba whined in disappointment, pressing his body flush in Itachi's arms, teeth clamping down on Itachi's shoulder muscle and his arms winding around the other man. Itachi smiled softly, hugging the boy close, arousal still circling somewhat painfully. Despite the heat between them he didn't want to press Kiba to soon. He wanted to wait until the other boy was so frustrated he couldn't even think clearly. As hot as Kiba got so quickly, it shouldn't be long.

Closing his eyes he rested his head on Kiba's, just savoring the feel of Kiba pressed so close. He could feel Kiba's erection press into his hip but he ignored that just like he did his own. There would be a time for that. There would be time for everything later, right now he just wanted to hold the boy close.