The citizens of Konoha looked like ants from his view of the city. Was it wise to put him in such a high place? He didn't ponder over it for too long. His mind was already occupied by a certain infuriating, Hyuuga.

Itachi was pissed. But despite that he was still worried about Neji. The bruises weren't the outcome of the teen's training, that much was obvious. Someone had choked him hard enough to bruise. He kept thinking about the marks and their short conversation while he stared out of the large windows in his den. What he had said was true. If he were truly in danger, there was nothing Itachi could do for him.

He had missed his session, and was too upset to notify his therapist. By the time he calmed down, Dr. Shiho was no longer in the office. There was more at stake than having to find another nurse, or babysitter. Tomorrow he would need to apologize for not showing up, or cancelling ahead of time.

If he wanted things to work in his favor, Itachi needed to make sure that his therapist was on his side.

The elevator chimed. Itachi assumed it was Neji, and had to keep his heart from fluttering. Did he come back to apologize? Was Itachi going to accept his apology? He didn't know. Neji's mood swings were overwhelming, and in his current mental state, Itachi couldn't handle that. There was obviously something going on in Neji's personal life. As much as Itachi wanted to help, there was nothing he could do. He couldn't even face his own demons.

"Itachi."

It wasn't the voice that Itachi was expecting to hear. In fact, it was the voice that he'd been dreading. Turning around, he bowed his head toward his visitor.

"Father."

Uchiha Fugaku moved across the room. Authority and confidence present in every stride. Itachi could remember a time when he admired the man—a time when he wanted to be him. His father was a man that demanded respect. Most of the time he earned the respect he was given, and for those who refused to acknowledge him, they were treated accordingly. The Uchiha clan head knew how to strike fear in a person's heart without uttering a single word. When he did speak, that fear only intensified. Itachi knew firsthand.

It was probably one of the reasons why he was still alive. His father rushed into the bathroom and reached into the bloody water, grabbing his wrists tightly. You better not die. Fugaku had told him. You better not die on me. And Itachi obeyed, like always.

Fugaku stood in front of his first son, arms crossed, face unreadable. "You missed your appointment earlier. Why?" He calmly asked.

The older man held his son's gaze, eyes almost threatening in their intensity. At a young age, he had taught his children the importance of honesty, though, when Itachi had grown older, he'd added to that lesson. If you're going to lie to me, you better make sure you're good at it.

"There was a misunderstanding on my behalf." The less he said the better.

The clan head seemed to accept the explanation. "Let's try not to make the same mistake again, hm? You need to go so you can get better, Itachi."

"I know."

He glanced around the den. "Where's your nurse? Has she been doing her job?"

Itachi knew that the man wouldn't be there long enough to find out if he were telling the truth or not. "She's out running errands for me." He didn't want any interference. If he decided to hire someone else, he would do so on his own. Though, his last attempt at doing so had been a failure.

"Hn." Fugaku opened his blazer and removed an envelope. "It's from Sasuke. I haven't read it." He assured him.

Taking the envelope, Itachi stared at his brother's handwriting. His mood instantly skyrocketed. Sasuke had finally reached out to him. He decided to read the letter later, once his father was out of sight.

"Thank you."

Awkwardly, Fugaku placed a hand on his eldest son's shoulder, squeezing it in what he assumed to be a comforting gesture. "I need you to fight this, Itachi. The clan needs a strong leader, and I won't be here forever. They will need you. The company will need you." He leaned closer, making sure Itachi caught every syllable. "I didn't work so hard to build you up just for you to crumble into a bleak, fragile man. Sasuke will never be ready. It has to be you. Do you understand?"

That was why Itachi couldn't live in the compound with his family. Fugaku didn't want the clan to see how weak he was at the moment. When Itachi returned to the compound, he would be stronger than ever. He would show everyone that he was more than fit to lead. At least that was how Fugaku envisioned it.

Itachi nodded his head, and Fugaku's eyes narrowed. Silent compliance had never worked for the older man.

"I understand, Father."

"Good."

Fugaku may have been intimidating, overbearing, and harsh, but, he loved his sons. Itachi never doubted that. He just wished he expressed it differently.

Itachi.

I know that Shisui has more than likely told you what I did to the last letter you wrote me. I hope he did. It's true. I don't want to hear anything that you have to say, but you're going to hear what I have to say. Thanks to you, and your major fuck up, Father has been harder on me. He made me quit the lacrosse team, and withdrew me from school. Unlike you I have friends. Well, at least I did have friends! I haven't talked to any of them in months. Do you have any idea how trapped I feel now?

Mother cries all of the time because she's worried about you. I have to meet with a counselor once a week because everyone thinks that I'm like you. They think that I'll go crazy, and maybe I will.

I never thought that you could be so selfish. You told me that I could trust you. You told me that you would always protect me. Then you abandoned me the first chance you got. I can't sleep at night because the only thing I see is blood. Your blood! All over the floors. It's everywhere when I close my eyes.

You ruined my life when you tried to end yours.

- Sasuke

The paper slipped from his hands, falling to the floor of his bedroom. Itachi could hear the confusion, the hurt, and anger in every word. His younger brother was right. What he did was selfish. Moments before he filled that bathtub with water, he didn't have a single regret. He was ready to abandon Sasuke, Shisui, his parents, everyone and everything.

Itachi felt guilty, which, was why he wrote so many letters and tried to reach out to Sasuke. He wanted to apologize, explain himself, but deep down inside, he knew he didn't deserve to. Perhaps a part of him was convinced that he was the only real victim.

As though his suicide attempt affected him more than his loved ones. Everyday he felt suffocated, it became too much for him to bear, so he sought the easy way out. Now that he survived everyone needed to accommodate him, and his needs, right?

Sasuke was paying the price for his screw up. If he would have succeeded things would have only been worse for his younger brother. Why didn't he realize that? Did he really think that by killing himself Fugaku would open his eyes, and become a better father? Was he really that stupid to think that all of his responsibilities would disappear?

The only thing that would have changed was the amount of plates set at the dinner table. All of the things that he was running from would have been passed down to his brother, repeating the cycle.

God, he felt sick to his stomach. He was so disgusted with himself.

After leaving the penthouse, he walked aimlessly around the downtown metropolis, arms wrapped securely around his waist in order to keep himself from falling apart. Faceless men and women passed him on the sidewalk, but he paid them no mind.

Out of the required ninety hours, Neji had only obtained an hour and a half before he was dismissed by Itachi. Though, he couldn't blame him. He had been out of line, and as much as he hated to admit his faults, he knew he couldn't deny that. Now what was he going to do? There were other options, but in his mind, he didn't think there was anything left for him.

He saw right through me.

Neji's neck still burned from where Itachi caressed the bruises on his neck. There was a tenderness to the touch that made him feel uneasy. Not uneasy like he felt when Hiashi touched, or even looked at him. But the way he used to feel when Tokuma would hug him or when his father would kiss him on the forehead after reading him a bedtime story. The touch was gentle, and familiar. Comforting. And he couldn't handle it.

He actually saw me.

Itachi had saw right through his lie, and called him out on it. No one had ever called him out on that lie. Not even his close friends. He wore his bruises to school for all to see. Lee always asked about the bruises. Every time, he was met with the same excuse, that they were from Baguazhang training.

Neji could tell that his friend never believed him, but the boy never voiced his disbelief. There were moments when they would be alone, and Lee would give him a knowing look, still, the other teen never pressed for the truth.

Tenten was a different story. Their peers once thought that she had a crush on him, when, in actuality, she was more fond of Lee. She saw his bruises, and shrugged them off, instantly believing the lie that he told everyone else. Tenten overestimated him; she saw him as unbreakable and the thought of him ever being abused and allowing it never crossed her mind. Honestly, he didn't hold it against her. He actually preferred the way things were between them.

If it ever came down to it, Neji knew that he could open up to Lee, but he wouldn't mention anything to Tenten. That was just how he saw their relationship. Lee was the friend that he called when he was seconds from losing his mind because he knew that the other male would do everything in his power to make him sane. Tenten was that friend he called when he was stranded, and needed a ride. Two different people who served different purposes in his life.

Neji wanted to reach out, plead for someone to save him, but he'd tried that already, and things had backfired. It took all of his courage to tell Tokuma the truth. He had been so nervous that night, he choked up several times before the truth came pouring out along with a stream of tears. The prodigy told the older Hyuuga male everything. Every sick detail. Then, while he cried in his arms, Tokuma told him something that he had never told anyone else.

That night, they formed an unspoken agreement. Every night, he would stay with Tokuma where he would be safe from Hiashi. It was surprising that it had lasted as long as it did. Neji had felt so safe in Tokuma's presence. He was happy. It was only natural for him to develop feelings for his senpai. And those feelings were returned. Tokuma was just too damn righteous for his own good.

Neji didn't know where he was going. At that moment or in general. His feet were starting to ache from all of the walking, the skies were darkening, and he could have sworn he felt a raindrop on his forehead. Sure enough, lightning struck in the distance followed by a loud clap of thunder. The rain announced itself minutes later. Tilting his head back, he closed his eyes, sighing at the feeling of the cool raindrops on his skin.

Perhaps it was time for him to call one of his friends. Walking around in the rain was a bad idea, even for a person that was constantly making poor life choices. Neji snapped out of his trance and glanced around to take in his surroundings. There was a bar nearby. He could sit there while he waited on someone to pick him up.

Tonight, he was in need of Lee's optimism, so he would call him. Hopefully, he could just stay at his house as well. Neji wasn't in the mood for any of his usual nocturnal, activities. Pulling out his phone, he cursed under his breath when he saw that it was dead.

"This can't be fucking happening," Neji stuffed the device in his back pocket and yanked the door to the bar open.

He was dripping from head to toe. The image of a wet sewer rat came to mind. "Can I use the phone?" He asked the female bartender.

She gave him a once over before answering. "Only paying customers can use the phone."

"Well, let me get a Sprite." He'd had enough money for a fountain drink at least.

"ID?"

Scowling, Neji crossed his arms. "Since when is an ID required to purchase a non-alcoholic beverage?" Was she a fucking imbecile?

The bartender didn't budge. "Rules are on the door. We don't serve minors, and they're not allowed inside."

Bitch.

Neji wanted to yell at her. Here he was, soaking wet, and shivering. The only thing that he needed to do was make a phone call. He was beyond annoyed. Normally there was always someone around to buy him a drink, or take care of any of his needs while he was out partying. He wasn't even in the mood to flirt with some random guy just to use his phone.

Instead of cursing her out, like he wanted to, Neji turned around and left the bar. It would have been a waste of time anyway. He had never memorized Lee's number. The only phone number that he knew by heart was Tokuma's. If he called him, he wouldn't have to explain anything. The older man would drop everything just to come to his aid. People like that were hard to come by, yet he gave it all up.

They could have remained friends. Tokuma needed him at a time like this, and he deserted him for his own selfish reasons. Being around Tokuma was difficult for Neji. He was constantly reminded of what could have been. What should have been. They were perfect for each other.

Neji hugged himself tighter as the rain picked up. Instead of wasting his time on pointless things, he needed to focus on getting out of the rain. There was a diner a couple of miles from where he was. But he didn't want to go there. He turned around and headed back in the direction of Itachi's place.

The guard at the front desk intercepted him. Neji should have known that he wouldn't be allowed in without Itachi's permission. He stood by the desk while the guard made a phone call. That was when he noticed the red and white fan on the front of the man's jacket. He was an Uchiha. If he recalled correctly the Uchiha actually owned the building. They hadn't always been a wealthy clan and Neji didn't know the full story on how they obtained that wealth. Nor did he care.

"He didn't pick up," he lazily announced. "Guess you gotta come back tomorrow, kid."

"Is there a list of people that are allowed in without confirmation? Maybe I'm on it." Unless Itachi had him removed after what happened earlier. It's what Neji would have done.

The guard. No, Takio seemed annoyed by the question but opened the drawer of his desk, pulling out a sheet of paper. "Name?"

"Hyuuga Neji."

Taiko's dark eyes scanned the short list thoroughly. Sucking his teeth, he tossed the paper on the desk, opened his drawer again, and retrieved a key. "So what are you, like his boyfriend or something?" He teased as he handed the key over.

Neji snatched the key. "He's not my type," he tossed over his shoulder.

On the ride up to the top floor, he wondered if what he'd said had been the truth. Did he really have a type? He'd crawled in bed with all sorts of men. From lawyers to petty criminals. At first, he would only choose attractive men with certain body types and wardrobe choices. He soon learned that physical appearances didn't always mean that the sex would be worthwhile.

Honestly, sex had never been all that enjoyable. He could pleasure himself better than most of the men he'd been with. The obvious solution would be to stop sleeping around until he found Mr. Right. But there was no such thing.

Neji felt hesitant to use the key that he was given. Wouldn't it be better if he just knocked on the door? What if Itachi was asleep or screwing someone? Okay, the latter seemed very unlikely. More importantly, he needed to figure out what he was going to say once he saw Itachi.

An apology was what the man deserved, but Neji had trouble being sincere enough to apologize to people. He would more than likely make things worse.

"I didn't walk all the way back here in the rain for nothing," he mumbled to himself as he unlocked the door.

The light in the foyer was on while the rest of the penthouse, in his line of sight, was shrouded in darkness. Neji called out to Itachi, twice, to announce his presence. When he was met with an eerie silence, he removed his wet shoes, left them by the door, and walked further into the large den. He didn't know which room belonged to Itachi. Common sense had him heading to the door at the end of the hall. Again, he called out to the man.

"Itachi. It's Neji." He stood outside of the door, hand rested on the knob.

Silence.

Dread slowly crept over him, his heart rate quickened, as he thought about the possibilities. Neji knew that Itachi was in a fragile state, but, still, he was a total asshole towards him. Again. The last time he'd been a jerk towards Itachi, the man attempted to kill himself weeks later. Neji wondered if his harsh words had played a part of that.

No. He wasn't going to think like that. It had nothing to do with him, and, now, he was just jumping to conclusions. Itachi was probably sleeping and couldn't hear him. Which he seriously doubted. Sighing, Neji finally opened the door to the bedroom. The lights were off, but the blinds were opened so he could make out the empty bed. Light also filtered through the crack under the bathroom door. He walked over to it, noticing that it wasn't closed all of the way.

"Itachi," he called again as he stepped into the bathroom.

Itachi was sitting in the bathtub, fully clothed and soaked, with his arms wrapped around his tucked knees. From where Neji was standing, it looked like the man was sleeping. But that wasn't the case.

"Why are you here?"asked Itachi.

"I had nowhere else to go, and my phone is dead..."

"Figures you'd only come back because you needed something," he rubbed at his eyes with both hands. Afterwards he rested his face in the palms of his hands. "As you already know, I'm too useless to be of any service."

Neji heard the broken catches in his voice; he sounded so pitiful. "I—"

"Leave."

That was what he should have done. It's what he usually did in situations like those. Leaving was better than getting tangled in the webs of someone else's life. He had his own problems and burdens to carry. Adding onto his load was ill advised. Still, he took another step closer, making it clear that he wasn't going anywhere. Not yet anyway. He stepped on something. Looking down, there was a piece of parchment.

Neji bent over to pick it up, missing the way Itachi watched him. The letter was short, his pale eyes scanned the first few lines, and, by the time he made it to the end of the letter, he was annoyed.

"Well fuck him too." He rolled his eyes, folded the letter, and tossed it on the sink. "Is that why you're upset?"

"I said leave."

He took another step forward, stopping right next to the bathtub. His brows furrowed in concern when he saw several bottles of pills sitting on the ledge. "Itachi?"

Itachi angrily lashed out. "Get out!" His voice was loud, frightening, and it reverberated off the walls of the bathroom. Immediately, he felt bad seeing the terrified look on the teen's face. The Hyuuga lifted his hands, preparing himself for an attack, but there was also fear in his eyes. As though he was accustomed to that sort of behavior. "Just leave me alone..." he mumbled quietly, feeling ashamed for allowing himself to get so worked up.

Admittedly that did scare him. Only because he was used to some form of physical abuse following a loud outburst like that. Not because he feared Itachi. And to prove that the man did not frighten him in the slightest, the expression of fear was replaced with a scowl. Without warning, Neji stepped in the tub and took a seat across from Itachi.

"What are—"

"My feet hurt," Neji stated casually. "I've been walking around downtown since I left here earlier." He stretched his sore legs, brushing them against the other male's feet. "Were you thinking about taking those pills?"

"Why are you doing this?"

"Doing what?"

"Pretending to care."

Neji wanted to be upset by the accusation, because, at that moment, he actually did care. Still, he was aware that Itachi had every right to doubt his sincerity. "I do care. That's why I'm sitting in this bathtub right now. I was soaked before I came. Now I'm sure I'll be sick in the morning."

"But that's not why you came back," accused Itachi. "You're only here because you need something. There's a phone in the kitchen. Do what you really came here to do, and then leave."

"After you answer my question."

Itachi wanted to scream again. Instead, he sighed in exasperation, raking his fingers through his damp hair. "Yes," he admitted.

"Because of what your brother wrote in that letter?" Neji watched the pale, slender fingers comb through the ends of dark locks, noting that Itachi had yet to cut his hair. He found himself pleased by that small fact. His eyes caught the long scar on the man's arm, and he had to force himself not to stare.

"No. Sasuke has every right to blame me. What I did was selfish."

"Maybe it was selfish. But that doesn't mean that he had to be a little shit about it, Itachi. If that isn't the reason why you're down, then what is?"

When did he start addressing him by his first name? Itachi wondered. He decided that he didn't mind it so much. They were sitting in a bathtub together, there was no need to remain so formal with each other. "I was prepared to die that night. I wanted to."

"And you still do?"

"No. I just feel so..." He didn't need to finish the sentence in order for Neji to get what he was trying to say. Alone. Empty. Miserable. Everything in between. He didn't want to die, but he didn't know any other way to make the pain stop.

Neji understood that all too well. Although, suicide had never really crossed his mind. He didn't think that made him stronger than Itachi, or better. It just had never been an option.

"The fact that you thought about taking the pills, but didn't, means you can overcome this." Or at least that was how he interpreted it. Matter of fact, why did they give him so many pills. Wouldn't that be a bad idea? Considering the circumstances.

"Why don't you have any family here looking out for you?" That was the question he'd been wanting an answer to since he first learned of Itachi's current situation.

That was an entirely different story. One that he wasn't in the mood for. "Why are there bruises in the shape of hands on your neck?" Neji's features instantly hardened, any remnant of concern disappeared. Itachi expected him to lash out again, and leave.

But Neji simply chuckled dryly. "Touché."

"Why did you really come back? You could have used the phone at the front desk. If you really wanted, you could have asked Taiko to call you a cab. He would have paid for it." Of course it wouldn't have been with his own money.

"Isn't it obvious?"

"I wouldn't have asked if it was."

Neji had hoped that Itachi would come to the conclusion on his own. He could have caught the bus back home hours ago. He'd actually waited at the bus stop to do so. However, his conscience, something that he'd thought long abandoned him, kept nagging him. Reminding him that he cared more than he liked to admit. And he really did try to fight it. Had he hung around the bar he could have easily found someone to screw all of his guilt away.

It would have been easy to forget about the pain he'd seen in Itachi's eyes. That's the lie that he would have told himself. Every newspaper article, every news broadcast, and press conference regarding Itachi's failed attempt to take his own life, Neji had kept track of it. Maybe out of morbid curiosity, and even a little bit of guilt, but mainly because he had finally found someone, other than Tokuma, that he could relate to.

They were both from two great clans and were struggling to survive under their circumstances. There was also the fact that, with Itachi's help, he would be one step closer to leaving the compound, and starting a life of his own.

Neji was prepared to use his body to help persuade Itachi to keep him around. It wasn't like he hadn't thought about tangling his hand in those dark strands and riding the man into the mattress, on several occasions. Though, he was hesitant to reveal that side to Itachi.

Neji didn't want Itachi to know he was a slut, but he was desperate.

Itachi didn't think he was going to get an answer. Relaxing his legs, trying not to touch the other occupant in the tub, he mentally prepared himself to get out. His jeans had soaked up most of the water. He could only imagine how much water was going to spill on the floors. Obviously, he hadn't thought his actions through. Why had he put water in the tub in the first place?

He was in the middle of trying to recall if stupidity was a side effect of the medication he was on, when Neji moved across the tub, settling himself between his legs. Typically it would have been a little too close for comfort in Itachi's opinion. Their bodies were touching. He could feel hot puffs of air on his chin, and the heat radiating off of the teen's body.

"I came back because," he bit his lower lip, dark eyes tracked the movement, but didn't linger.

Itachi whispered. "You came back because..." His gaze was unwavering, his voice steady, husky. It was so incongruous to the broken man that was crying moments ago.

Neji was frozen in place by the potency of Itachi's gaze. He hadn't been prepared for that. He thought he had Itachi all figured out. His heartbeat was so loud in his ears, he feared his eardrums would burst. Itachi hadn't touched him, his hands were still in the water, by his sides. Yet he could feel a familiar heat in the pit of his stomach. It was his intention to seduce the man, not the other way around.

"Is it really that hard for you to apologize?"

The question snapped him out of his trance. "Huh?" Well not fully. Pulling away, he glanced around at his surroundings. Why were they in the tub again? Realization returned later than it should have. He couldn't believe he was that flustered over something so insignificant as eye contact. Especially after the lewd things he'd said and done in the past.

"You came back because you wanted to apologize, right?" Itachi was oblivious to the Hyuuga's real predicament. He was still under the impression that their current proximity was innocent in nature. "I understand that I was being pushy with all of the questions, but I was concerned. I don't mind giving you a second chance, just don't have a repeat of earlier."

"You're giving me a second chance?"

Itachi lowered his gaze. "My mood has improved quite a bit thanks to you," he confessed. "And I like having you around."

That was a surprise. Neji thought he'd only made the situation worse. It was honestly nice knowing otherwise. "You didn't deserve that today. I was an asshole, and I'm sorry." What a surprise, he didn't combust. Perhaps apologizing wasn't as deadly as he'd assumed.

"I forgive you," he smiled. "Now I think it's time we got out of here." His fingers felt pruny, and it was beyond annoying.

"Agreed."

Convincing Itachi to allow him to stay the night had been easier than he'd expected. He only required that Neji call someone to explain the situation so they wouldn't worry. The Hyuuga teen found that amusing. While Itachi was in his bedroom looking for dry clothes for them to change into, Neji pretended to call his uncle. Using Itachi's phone to shoot Tokuma a text crossed his mind, but he decided against it.

They were both in the kitchen now. Neji was in charge of brewing tea, while Itachi was looking through the fridge for something to cook. It felt oddly domestic. Neji was even wearing the man's university pullover. When Itachi told him that it suited him, he had to look away to hide his reddened cheeks. What in the hell was wrong with him? It was almost as though he had a crush on the man.

"Do you like yakisoba?" asked Itachi.

"That sounds good. Do you need help with anything? I'm not much of a cook..."

Itachi grabbed a few ingredients from the fridge, carrying them to the counter. "No, it's fine. But can you stay in here while I cook? I like the company."

"Sure."

He sat at the bar with a hot cup of peppermint tea. Green tea was his favorite, but, Itachi insisted that he give it a try and so he did. While the beverage cooled off, he discreetly sniffed the pull over's fabric. It smelled like Itachi, and he planned on stealing it.

"You can have it, if you want," said Itachi.

Neji glanced up, realizing that his actions hadn't gone unnoticed. How embarrassing. "Did you like the university in Suna? I know that it's considered one of the top institutions in the country, but what about campus life?"

"I spent the majority of my time in study hall."

"You didn't go to any socials?" He smirked slyly, bringing the teacup to his lips. "Had a couple of one night stands?"

Shaking his head, Itachi kept his attention on chopping the vegetables, careful not to cut a finger off. "I went to one party at a fraternity house. Just a heads up. Never eat cake or brownies at college parties." It was his weakness for sweets that had been his downfall. He had consumed five edibles that night and experienced a high like no other. "I haven't eaten a brownie since that night."

That past October Neji went to a Halloween party at the local frat house. Pot brownies weren't his thing. They took too long to kick in. Still, he laughed at the idea of Itachi being high. "Let me guess. You woke up in some random girl's bed," he gave a thoughtful look. "Or a random boy's bed, the next morning."

"No." He carried the cutting board to the stove, adding the ingredients to the boiling water. "I'm sure they would have been disappointed anyway. I wouldn't have been a suitable lover." The comment was mumbled.

But it was loud enough for Neji to hear. "Why do you say that?"

"I'm sure someone with actual experience is considered more desirable." While the food cooked, he walked over to the opposite side of the bar, leaning on his elbows. "Then again I really wouldn't know. Are you enjoying the tea?"

Disregarding the question altogether, his eyes widened fractionally. "Are you saying that you're a virgin?"

"You seem surprised."

He was. And also kind of disappointed. "Are you saving yourself for marriage or something like that?"

Itachi chuckled. "No. As you recall I suffer from social anxiety. That doesn't only apply to walks to the supermarket." Meaning, he wasn't against the idea of having sex. There just wasn't anyone he'd felt comfortable enough with.

"Hn." Taking another sip of tea, savoring the herbal minty flavor of the liquid, his mind wandered. Surprisingly, his thoughts were relatively innocent. Placing the tea on the small saucer, he mimicked Itachi, resting his elbows on the counter top, leaning in. "Have you ever kissed anyone?"

"No."

"Ever wanted to?"

"Yes."

"Anyone in particular?"

"You're awfully inquisitive tonight, Neji."

"You don't have to answer, Itachi."

Unconsciously, Itachi had been putting less space between them with each passing word. His actions weren't realized until their lips met.

TBC

- Don't you just love cliff hangers? ;)