Kissing Itachi had been the biggest mistake of his life. That was saying a lot, because Neji had done some pretty questionable things. Forty-three seconds. That was all it took to change his life. His fingers trembled slightly as he pressed them to his tingling lips. Itachi wore the dorkiest grin on his face. A faint blush dusted his high cheekbones, and he bit his lower lip. It was obvious that he was thinking of how mind-blowing his first kiss had been.

Neji wanted to roll his eyes at the twenty-year-old virgin who was flustered over a simple kiss. He wanted to tell the Uchiha that his lips were chapped, and it was evident that it was his first kiss. He wanted to rub it in his face. There had been better before him. And there would be much better after him.

But he knew it would've been a lie. He felt as though he were floating. His head was swimming, or maybe it was the room. The pullover made him feel hot, and he thought about taking it off, yet he didn't because it smelled like Itachi. He wanted to drown in the man's scent. If it weren't for the bar separating him from Itachi, he would have never allowed him to end the kiss so soon.

Neji pressed his hand to his forehead, resting his elbow on the counter top. His other hand rested over his heart. Perhaps his walk in the rain was catching up to him. He felt feverish. Another hot cup of tea should do the trick.

On the other side of the bar, Itachi was wondering if the Hyuuga teen had enjoyed the kiss as much as he had. Would it be inappropriate to pull Neji up on the bar and kiss him again? Probably so. He had a feeling that, if they kissed again, things would get out of hand.

Their age differences did not bother him as much as his own insecurities. His current physical appearance made him feel unsure of himself. Before the incident, he was lean and toned in all the right places. Now, his ribcage was visible whenever he stretched or bent over. Itachi wasn't ready for Neji to see the other self inflicted cuts on his body. And it wasn't just his body that made him hesitant.

Neji deserved someone that knew what they were doing. Not a fumbling, nervous wreck who would probably end up hurting him because he was so inexperienced. He had never intended to kiss him in the first place. The pull had just been so magnetic, and he couldn't resist.

He touched Neji's cheek. "You're warm." He pulled his hand away when the younger male flinched. "Sorry."

"Your hands felt cold," Neji lied. His cheek was still tender from when Hiashi slapped him. "Nothing to be sorry about."

It would appear neither one of them were ready to discuss the kiss. Neji honestly had no idea why he decided to close the distance between them. But Itachi didn't look like he regretted it.

'Then why won't he say anything?' Neji wondered. 'And why am I so afraid of what he might say?'

"I'll go check on dinner," Itachi murmured.

Well that was anticlimactic. "Hn," he combed his fingers through his hair. "It smells good."

"I'm hoping you will think it tastes good as well."

"Heads up. I'm a picky eater."

Itachi turned his head, and motioned for Neji to come over. "Would you like to taste it?"

He'd seen moments like this in movies. Hot guy offering a cute girl a sample of the food he's cooking for her. She barely takes a bite, and immediately exclaims that it's the best thing since sliced bread. It was cheesy. Neji didn't do cheesy. He did one night stands and quickies in club bathrooms. Kisses didn't make him flustered. The idea of sleeping in Itachi's pullover shouldn't have made him feel so...fuzzy on the inside.

'Fuzzy on the inside? What the fuck?'

Tucking a few strands of hair behind his ear, he closed his eyes and opened his mouth, allowing Itachi to feed him a sample. And, just his luck, it was actually pretty good. "Mhm...That's really good," he straightened up. "I mean...it's okay. No more salt or I won't eat it."

"I'll keep that in mind." Itachi sat the spoon on the counter and turned off the stove. "Well it's ready, so we can—"

Gasping, Neji tensed when Itachi used his thumb to wipe the corner of his mouth. When his hand moved to retreat, Neji grabbed it, keeping it in place. "Are we really going to act like there isn't anything between us, Itachi?"

The forward question caught him off guard. And the huskiness of the teen's voice had his heart rate elevating. "I...we," he cleared his throat. "Hasn't there always been something between us? Long before we kissed." His mouth fell open when the Hyuuga flicked his tongue out, and licked his thumb. Gulping audibly. "Isn't that why you came back?"

Yes. "No. I came back to apologize. We've already established that."

"Then why did you kiss me?"

Because he wanted to be the first one to do so. That way Itachi would always remember him. He kissed him because he wanted to see if his lips were as soft as they looked. He wanted to kiss him again. All night long until they fell asleep in each other's arms.

"You had a rough night. I wanted to make it up to you." Instead, that was the lie he told.

"You kissed me because you felt sorry for me?"

"Well when you put it like that..."

Itachi retracted his hand and took a step back. "Don't kiss me again unless you mean it. I don't need your pity."

"It was just a kiss, Itachi, it's not like I gave you a pity fuck." Neji laughed to keep himself together. Why did he always resort to those tactics when his feelings were on the line? Would it kill him to just tell Itachi how he really felt?

"Well, regardless of why you kissed me, I'll admit I enjoyed it," he smiled. "And you also helped me win a bet. So thank you."

"A bet?"

"Yes. Shisui didn't think I would experience my first kiss by my next birthday. He owes me fifty dollars. I'll be sure to split it with you."

"Shisui is your..."

"Cousin."

"Hn," Neji smiled as well. "Are you two close?" It was obvious what he was insinuating.

But it flew over Itachi's head. "He's my best friend."

The older male was so hard to tease. Itachi was too pure for this world. And that was when Neji concluded that he did not deserve Itachi. The man was way out of his league. He had a habit of falling for people he could never have. He should have learned his lesson with Tokuma.

"Dinner is ready. You can go wash up while I set the table," Itachi suggested.

"No. I can set the table. It's the least I can do."

Despite everything that had happened earlier that evening, the rest of the night was going perfectly, and Neji wanted to keep it that way.

After dinner, Neji offered to wash the dishes. Of course, Itachi insisted that he help. So they worked together, washing the dishes, putting the leftover food away, and straightening up the kitchen. They carried out the tasks in a comfortable silence.

Itachi couldn't help but notice how well they worked together with their lack of communication. It felt natural. He had to remind himself not to get used to it.

Once Neji had what he needed they would probably never see each other again. The teenager wasn't there because he wanted to be there. Itachi didn't hold that against him. He wanted to help Neji. The community service hours were more than likely necessary for a university. If he could help Neji achieve his goals and further his education, that would be enough for him.

It was late by the time they finished in the kitchen. Itachi felt drained, physically and mentally. His brother's letter was still on his mind, and he wanted so badly to speak with him face to face. But there was nothing he could do about it at the moment. Neji's presence made it easier for him not to venture back into that dark place in his mind. Still, the feeling was temporary. Tomorrow night he would be alone again.

"This is the guest room?" Neji walked around the large bedroom with a pleased expression on his face. "It's almost as big as your bedroom."

The guest room was the most colorful room in the entire penthouse. Mikoto went a little overboard with the red and gold walls. Before he moved in, he had no interest in the decor, but he made sure to tell his mother that he wanted neutral colors. Of course the woman always had to have her way. She thought, since he wouldn't actually be in the guest room, she could have a field day with it.

Mothers.

"If you need anything, just let me know."

Neji rubbed his eyes. "'Kay," he yawned.

Itachi thought he looked really adorable as he rubbed his tired eyes. His features were more relaxed. The permanent scowl was gone, and he finally looked his age. He realized that he'd been staring and straightened up. "Goodnight, Neji."

"Night, 'tachi." He mumbled drowsily. Pulling back the thick comforter, he wasted no time getting into bed. "Can you get the light?"

"Sure."

-o0o-

The rain picked back up. And with the heavy showers came lightning and thunder. Itachi was wide awake. He had never been a fan of storms. Rain was fine, but it was the flashes of lightning followed by loud, booming thunder that frightened him. Glancing at his alarm clock, the red numbers seemed to taunt him. Another sleepless night was in store for him.

Itachi thought about getting out of bed, going to the living room to watch TV. At that hour, there was nothing but infomercials and bad cartoons on, but it was better than staring at his ceiling. Decision made, he sat up. Before he could get out of bed, his bedroom door creaked opened.

Quietly, Neji slipped in and closed the door behind him. He walked to the empty side of the bed.

"Itachi..."

Was he crying? Itachi could hear the broken catches in his voice. Without a word, he scooted closer, grabbed Neji's hand, and pulled him into the bed. He didn't know how much he had needed that contact. Neji made himself comfortable on Itachi's chest. The soft sniffles were the only proof that he was crying. Itachi tried to think of anything to say, anything to let the teen know that, whatever it was, he could talk to him about it.

The words never came. Instead, he wrapped his arms around him, protectively, and that was how they both fell asleep.

"Is it true or not, Neji?"

The boy in question reluctantly tore his gaze away from his delicious bento box. A lunch that Itachi personally assembled for him that morning. Neji had been prepared to skip school since he didn't have any clothes, or transportation. But luckily for him, he spent the night with one of the wealthiest people in the city. He donned a brand new uniform, dress shoes to match, and he did not have to worry about leaving campus to buy sushi from the vending machine across the street.

It wasn't like he didn't come from a wealthy family as well. In fact, the Hyuuga were wealthier than the Uchiha. Although, unlike Itachi, Neji wasn't allowed to dip into the funds whenever he pleased. Hiashi usually gave him a weekly allowance depending on his mood. Lately, his uncle hadn't been giving him his allowance. It was the older man's way of keeping a short leash on the boy.

Neji gave Tenten an innocent look. "Is what true?"

Tenten rolled her eyes. Placing her hands on her hips, narrowing her eyes. "People are saying that you were dropped off at the front gate in some foreign sports car by a handsome bachelor. Others are saying the person is like royalty or something. Are you friends with a prince?"

"Is that what they're saying?" He shrugged and focused his attention on his lunch. Next to him, Lee was actually quiet for a change. He could feel the other teen's gaze on him, yet he ignored him.

"Neji," Tenten complained. "You can't hold out on your own best friend! I want to know everything!"

'Best friend?' He didn't recall giving her that title. No one had that title, though there were those who deserved it. Namely Lee, and even Tokuma. However, Tenten never discussed her personal life with him. And vice versa. It wasn't until recently that he found out she was attending their school on a scholarship. Not that it mattered. As shallow as he could be, Neji didn't think less of her because of that.

Whenever they hung out, Lee was always there. There were never moments where Neji and Tenten bonded over anything. After graduation, they would more than likely end their friendship. Not purposely. It would end on its own. Life happened that way sometimes. Neji could honestly say that he didn't want that to happen with Lee, but it probably would.

"Tenten, did you finish your English paper last night? The deadline was pushed up to today," Lee interrupted.

Amber eyes widened. "Shit! I was up all night filling out college applications. It slipped my mind." She picked up her untouched lunch and school books. "I'm going to go to the library to finish it. Thanks, Lee. See you guys later!"

Lee gave her an encouraging thumbs up. When she was out of sight, he lowered his hand. "Tokuma called me last night," he informed Neji.

Just when he was in the middle of mentally thanking the gods for a friend like Lee. Sighing, Neji covered his lunch, placing his chopsticks on the lid. He wasn't surprised by Tokuma's actions, only annoyed. "About what?"

"He asked if you were at my house."

"And?"

"I told him you were sleeping." Lee glanced over at him. "Tokuma sounded so relieved to know that you were safe. He really cares about you."

"Lee, you shouldn't have lied for me. I know how much you hate lying."

"I didn't do it for you. I did it for Tokuma. If I hadn't, he would have stayed up all night worrying about you."

It it were anyone else, Neji would have cursed them out. He hated when people thought they knew who or what was best for him. Lee was a different case. The boy was one of the few that even knew Tokuma existed. The circumstances of their relationship were still unknown to Lee, but he knew that at one point they had been really close.

Lee thought Neji's silence meant he was upset with him. "Whenever you're ready to talk, about anything, you know where I live." He smiled brightly. "I'll even whip up some of my famous curry!"

Neji looked away to hide the small smile on his face. "The last time I tried your curry, I almost lost my tongue. I'll pass...on the curry." He faced his best friend again, "As for your other offer, I'll keep that in mind."

Lee's smile widened. If that was even possible. The bell rung, signaling the end of lunch, and they both stood up to gather their belongings. Gym with Gai-sensei was conveniently after lunch. He needed a good workout to get him energized for his last two classes of the day.

Then, he would meet with Itachi when school let out. Something that he was slightly anxious about. They had practically cuddled last night. He'd cried in Itachi's arms. Thankfully, Itachi hadn't mentioned anything that morning, but he knew it was bound to happen.

"I'll race you."

Snorting, Neji waved the boy off. "We're seniors now, Lee. Graduation is next month. I'm not going to—"

Neji never got a chance to finish his sentence before Lee took off in the direction of the gym, getting a head start. Despite his earlier hesitance, Neji wasted no time running after him. People stared as the two upperclassmen ran through the courtyard like a couple of toddlers. At that moment, running with Lee, Neji was too happy to care.

The day went by relatively smoothly after gym class. With the school year drawing to a close, Neji was able to slack off, if only a little. All of his major assignments were already completed. It was no secret that he was the class valedictorian. Nara Shikamaru was the salutatorian. Perfect attendance played a major role in how their school selected the valedictorian. Shikamaru probably would have been given the title, if it were not for the fact that he overslept and was tardy a lot. Still, the boy was a genius.

Though, Neji just thought he was good at pointing out the obvious, but whatever. A pill addict and a lazy bum were considered the leaders of tomorrow. Now that was a riot. Neji still hadn't even thought about his speech. He could always throw something together a week before graduation.

Seeing a familiar, unmarked limousine pull up at the front of the school, Neji cursed under his breath. Hiashi only came to pick him up whenever he wanted to make sure Neji came straight home after school. He'd already promised Itachi that he would be there to walk him to his appointment. He didn't plan on letting him down again. Turning around, he attempted to walk back into the building but ran smack into someone.

All of Hinata's books fell to the floor. "Sorry..." She apologized and kneeled down to pick them up.

Rolling his eyes in irritation, Neji bent over to lend a hand. Hopefully, Hiashi hadn't spotted him yet.

"Here," he handed her the stack of books.

"Thank you. If you needed to...stay after school for anything, I can tell my father." They made eye contact. "See you later, Neji." She lowered her gaze, pressed her books securely against her chest, and walked off.

The eye contact had been brief, but it was enough for Neji to know that his cousin was going to cover for him. How much did Hinata know? Neji doubted she knew the truth. Hinata wouldn't be able to stomach all of the sick things her father had done to him. Or the horrible things that he continued to do to him. Still, she knew something.

Hidden in the shadows of the doorway, Neji watched Hinata get in the limousine. He smirked when he thought about how furious Hiashi probably was. When the car finally drove away, the knots in his stomach eased.

Abandon all hope ye who enters here was scrawled in black lettering on the concrete wall near the parking garage elevator. Itachi had been nervous during the entire walk to Dr. Shiho's office. Seeing the warning on the wall didn't help.

Of course, he knew that it was just some person who got a thrill from vandalizing public property, but he couldn't help it. It had taken him months to get comfortable with his last psychiatrist. Now, it felt like all of that progress had been flushed down the toilet.

'I can't do this.' Itachi was ready to turn back around. 'Why did I ever think that I could do this?'

"Oh, look, some asshole has read Divine Comedy and wants the world to know," Neji snorted sarcastically. "Are you ready?" he asked.

That was right. Itachi wasn't alone. Neji was there. Shisui may have been three hours away, but the man made sure to call and remind him that he always had his back. He could do this. Once he was stable enough, he could mend his relationship with his younger brother. Everything would work out for the best. He just needed to remind himself why he was doing it.

"Yes, I'm ready."

Neji touched the up arrow. "How long will you have to come here?"

"Until I get better."

His father had told him that if he didn't appear to be making any progress by the end of next month, he would admit him to the mental hospital in Konoha. Itachi wondered if the man knew that he'd basically put a time limit on his depression.

Depression didn't work like that. It was unpredictable. Similar to Mother Nature; people thought they had depression all figured out, but it always managed to catch them off guard. More than anything, he needed the support of his family. He needed to be at home, surrounded by loved ones. Not hidden in a penthouse across town.

"If you don't want to sit in the lobby for the next hour, there's a comic book store nearby." Itachi secretly wanted to stop by the comic book store after his session. He supposed he could always go some other time. Or take Shisui's advice for everything and look it up online. Yet, there was something about holding the comic in his hands.

"I can just wait here until you're done." He gave it some thought. "Maybe we can go together. If you're feeling up to it later."

Itachi had to suppress a grin. He couldn't reveal his nerd status too soon. "I'd like that."

"Then it's a deal." Neji took a seat in one of the chairs in the lounge. He watched the receptionist walk Itachi down the hall. When they disappeared, he glanced around the small waiting area.

There was a stack of magazines to hold his attention for the next hour. At least he hoped. Bypassing the teen magazines, and the dull health issues, he came across the infamous issue of the Leaf that he was featured on. Alongside Itachi and Ino, he looked as though he actually belonged there. One day, Itachi would be in control of a clan, and a major corporation. Ino was already the head of her family. They were both the children of notable men and women.

And Neji…

Well, he was just Neji. A branch house Hyuuga who had to work his ass off to get even an ounce of the recognition he deserved. The only reason why he had been made the "poster boy" for the Hyuuga clan was because Hiashi wanted to keep him quiet. His father had been a nobody. The only thing he'd left him was a small inheritance—that he wasn't allowed to touch—and an uncle that raped him every other night.

As a child, Neji had thought his father was the strongest man in the world. He'd admired Hizashi, and everyone in the compound knew it. His childhood, before his father had died, had been the best years of his life. That was why he still didn't understand why his father had taken his own life. Everything had seemed so perfect. But it had only been a lie. Happy people didn't commit suicide.

Was he that unbearable as a child that his own father hadn't wanted to be around him? Maybe he should have accompanied Itachi down that corridor, because it was obvious that he was in need of some counseling of his own.

. . .

Uchiha Itachi was a nerd.

His mood had noticeably improved after his session, and he didn't seem as on edge during their walk to the comic book store. Actually, the trip there and back to the penthouse, Itachi took up majority of the conversation. It was the most Neji had ever heard from the older man. They had a small debate on DC and Marvel comics. Itachi was convinced that the Marvel universe was superior in every way. Neji disagreed, of course.

Other than that, the conversation was light and mostly one sided. Neji enjoyed every moment of it. Seeing a new side of Itachi and listening to him talk about something he enjoyed, It was refreshing.

"I guess I know how you'll be spending the rest of your day," Neji motioned to the two bags filled with comics. "I want to read Dark Avengers when you're done with it."

"Or we could read it together." They stopped in the front of his building. He only needed the teen to accompany him to his session, but he wasn't ready for him to leave. Then again, he did not want to come off as clingy.

Neji perked up at that. Honestly, he wasn't ready to leave. "I would lov—"

"Itachi."

They turned around in the direction of the stern voice. Fugaku stared at the Hyuuga teen as though he'd seen a ghost. Blinking rapidly, his dark eyes focused on his son. Though, out of his peripheral, he continued to watch Neji.

Itachi noticed the way his father had looked at Neji. And, for some unknown reason, he didn't like it. "Father. I wasn't expecting you."

"I came to take you out for dinner," Fugaku explained.

Feeling awkward, Neji bowed curtly. "Uchiha-sama," he greeted and then straightened up. "I should be leaving. The next bus will be here soon." He was not ready to go home. Partying the night away also seemed unappealing. Decisions, decisions.

Although Itachi was pleased that his father wanted to spend some time with him, he'd also been looking forward to hanging out with Neji. "Neji, can we reschedule?" It wasn't like he could tell his father no.

"Sure. I'll text you!" He hurriedly walked off.

"What was that about?" Itachi demanded once the teen was out of sight.

Disregarding him, Fugaku walked to his car. The chauffeur opened the door for him. "Itachi, come. We have reservations."

His father knew he hated to be ignored. The man also knew that he wasn't going to disobey him. Sighing, Itachi did as he was told, but he made sure that it was clear that he wasn't happy about it.

Charity events were always a dull affair, especially for a sixteen-year-old. He couldn't drink any of the champagne, the food was bland, and the other kids around his age were way too stuck up for his liking. His parents, mostly his mother, tried to get him to dance with the daughter of a potential partner. Fugaku told her, in a not so kind way, to keep him out of her schemes. Later, he would get an earful about the importance of "forming strong business bonds". But, for now, he would spend the rest of the evening on the roof.

The event was held in the second largest building in the entire city. Fugaku couldn't miss out on the chance to see how far up they really were. If he hadn't been in such a hurry to get lost in the crowd, he would have thought to swipe a flute from one of the passing servers. It wasn't like he'd never had alcohol before.

Behind his parents' back, Madara had let him drink whiskey at the family's Christmas party the previous year. Fugaku had hated the taste, but the older man had told him that it wasn't for the faint of heart. Then all of his friends had laughed at the teen. Fugaku rolled his eyes at the memory.

Finally reaching the top of the stairs, he opened the door to the roof. The sign on the door said that it was off limits, yet it wasn't locked. Fugaku took that as the only invitation he needed. That small act of defiance had him feeling giddy. He felt like a rebel. Like he was breaking the law or proving to his parents that they couldn't control him. Things that he only dreamed of doing. It wasn't the freedom he'd always wanted, but it was something.

Unfortunately, his little moment of contentment brought on by the temporary liberation, was shattered. There was another boy standing on the ledge. Fugaku didn't take the time to think about his actions. Panicking, he ran as fast as the polished dress shoes would allow. In his urgency, he was cautious enough not to call out in fear of scaring the other person and consequently aiding them in their apparent suicide attempt.

Using both hands, grabbing hold of the boy's blazer, he yanked him off of the ledge. They both went toppling down, the stranger landed on top of Fugaku.

"What in the fuck are you doing?!"

Pissed, he shoved the boy off of him. "I should be asking you that! Why in the hell would you think of doing something like that?" His fists balled up out of anger. He wanted to break the guy's jaw. First, he wanted to see his face. Long, chestnut hair covered his face.

He brushed his hair out of his face. "I wasn't going to jump!"

Seeing the pale eyes, Fugaku's mouth gaped opened. "You're one of Taiyou-sama's sons." He had only seen them from afar. They went to different schools. The only time he saw them was at charity events. Of course, everyone in Konoha knew of the Hyuuga twins.

"No shit, Sherlock."

"Which one are you?"

The boy sat up on his hands and knees. He crawled towards the Uchiha teen in a provocative fashion. "I'm the pretty one," he smirked.

Fugaku noticed the glossiness of his eyes and the strong scent of alcohol. "Aren't you guys like...identical?"

"...Unfortunately." He moved to sit on his knees. "I'm Hizashi."

'The second son.' Hyuuga Hizashi was known as the unlucky twin. But Fugaku never understood why. "Nice to meet you. I'm Uchiha Fugaku."

Hizashi chuckled. "The fucking heir apparent to the Uchiha clan? Just my luck." He shook his head, raking his fingers through his hair. "What do I need to do for you to keep this little incident between us?"

"Huh?"

Hizashi sighed in exasperation. Placing his hands on the boy's shoulders, he planted himself on his lap. Using his shock against him, he grinded down against his hips. "I don't need my daddy knowing about this. So, tell me...What do I need to do?" His voice was husky and far too seductive for a boy of sixteen.

Stunned was an understatement. Fugaku touched the other boy's thighs by mistake and quickly moved his hands to rest on the cool cement. He'd had a girlfriend before, so he was accustomed to different forms of intimacy. Still..."I don't like boys." And, even if he did, he wasn't going to exchange silence for sex. What kind of person did the Hyuuga teen take him for?

That seemed to tickle Hizashi. He threw his head back, laughing. Long hair blowing in the wind. Tanned column of his throat bathing in the silver moonlight. It was an image that would haunt Fugaku's dreams for years to come. He could just feel it.

Raising a fine brow, he glanced down at Fugaku's lap. "Then why are you so hard?" Then, he stood up, swaying a little. "Hm, looks like there are some things about yourself that you need to figure out. I'll leave you to it. Just keep this between us, 'kay?"

Something small fell from the boy's blazer. Picking it up, Fugaku extended the silver lapel pin. "You dropped this."

He waved him off. "Keep it as a memento of the second best night of your life."

Frowning, he watched him walk away. "Second best night?" Really, how drunk was this guy?

"The best night of your life will happen when we fuck. See you around."

Long after the door to the roof slammed, Fugaku sat there, staring at the lapel pin. It was in the shape of the Hyuuga crest. How in the hell did Hizashi expect him to even repeat what happened that night to anyone else. He was far too embarrassed by the bulge in his pants to utter a single word. Hizashi was nothing like he'd imagined. Would they really see each other again?

Fugaku hoped so.

Standing up, he pocketed the lapel pin and dusted his tuxedo pants off.

"...What do you mean I can't see him again?"

"I have you there so you can get better, not be distracted."

Frowning, Itachi stared out of the window. He couldn't stand the sight of his father at the moment. "Neji isn't a distraction. If anything, he's helping me." Why was he so intent on ruining everything for him? They weren't even at the restaurant yet, and he was ready to go home.

Straight to the point as usual. "Do you love him?"

Snapping his head in the man's direction, he searched his face, trying to figure out why he was behaving like he was. "We're only friends. Why are you—"

"Do you love him?"

"Is that what this is about? You're afraid you'll have a homosexual son?" He chuckled derisively. "It's not like I could actually have a future with him anyway. Not if you're going to force me to marry some girl I've never even met and take over a position I don't want."

Fugaku was mildly shocked. If only because his oldest boy had never been this defiant. Itachi wasn't a pushover, but he was much easier to bend. Times like this, he wondered if Sasuke was the better choice. He was social, and the clan loved him. While Itachi was withdrawn, living in his own bubble. Only a few people were allowed entry in his world. And it would appear that Hyuuga Neji was slowly gaining access.

Unfortunately, Fugaku could not allow that.

The car stopped in front of the restaurant. From experience, he knew that Itachi's appetite was ruined. He was upset with him. Fugaku did not blame him. In fact, he pitied his son. Because of his own past mistakes, Itachi would have to suffer. Would an apology make things better? It wasn't too late to take everything back and admit that he'd overreacted.

No. He had already come so close to losing his son once. Being involved with the Hyuuga boy, even as friends, would only worsen Itachi's condition.

"You will cut all ties with him. And that's the end of it."

Itachi remained silent. Neither agreeing nor disagreeing with his father's command. The man was being unreasonable. Neji may have had his faults, and cursed like a sailor, but he was the best damn thing in his life right now. Even if they remained friends, he wanted to maintain that bond. If his father thought he was going to obey him this time, he had another thing coming.

Fugaku sighed when the car door slammed. Itachi went ahead to sit at their table. The night wasn't going how he'd planned, but it was part of being a father, and the leader of a clan. He was seldom the good guy in the story. He found it ironic that he'd decided to wear that particular blazer today. Opening his jacket, he spotted the silver lapel pin attached to the inner pocket that was closest to his heart.

"He looks just like you, Hizashi."

AN: Thanks for everyone that is still sticking with this story despite the dark themes. Reviews are really appreciated and I cherish every single one!