Happy Holidays.
Warning: Readers 17+ Non-con(not in detail in flashback) Hidan & Deidara crack. Sakura shade (all in good fun don't cry.)
-o0o-
'How can I protect Sasuke when I can't even protect myself?'
The thought floated across Itachi's tattered consciousness as Danzo was in the bathroom cleaning himself. He wouldn't allow Itachi to be cleansed; it was his own sick way of humiliating the boy further. Itachi's young body trembled as he tried to sit up on his hands and knees. The pain- the excruciating pain was unlike anything that he had ever felt before. Itachi recalled his mother's dying words.
"Itachi, take care of Sasuke."
How could he break that promise to her? Only a week had passed since he found his parents, lying in a pool of their own blood. Social services came, trying to separate them before the blood was even cleaned from floors of the Uchiha mansion. The media was there; flashing their cameras as Itachi tried to keep Sasuke from going into the house. His little brother's grief was enough to put him in the grave as well; it ripped at him so.
'What will happen to Sasuke if I don't make it out of this?' Itachi thought to himself.
A hoarse cry escaped his lips as he finally sat up on his knees. Something felt broken, the tears started to fall, but his father's voice was in his head telling him that he was an Uchiha, and Uchiha men did not waver.
A flash of silver out of his peripheral drew his attention to the tools that lay on the ottoman in the middle of the floor. Danzo had promised him that they would have more 'fun' later. On shaky legs, Itachi made his way to the leather ottoman, the voice of his dead father in his mind urging him on. He wouldn't let his parents down; no he couldn't let them down.
The surgical tools on the ottoman were laid out neatly. He picked up a scalpel because it would be easier to conceal compared to the other tools. His legs wobbled and he feared that he would fall over, but his father's voice kept him steady. How many times had they trained until his entire body was sore? At the time, Itachi thought his father was just being cruel, but he understood now.
He could hear the water draining in the bathtub and his heart began to beat wildly in his chest. If he failed it would surely mean his death. Itachi walked over to the large bed as fast as he could and climbed in. He would just have to ignore the pain for now - now he had to survive.
'Father, Mother...Shisui...protect me'. Itachi silently prayed.
Danzo walked into the bedroom, looking at the blood stains on the floor made him excited about what else he had planned for the evening. Although, seeing the boy, lying in his bed made his blood boil.
"Who told you to lie in my bed?" Danzo roared. "You filth! You are to remain on the floor!" He stormed over to the bed and reached for the boy who was lying on his back.
Itachi could feel the new found adrenaline coursing through his veins- his prayers had been answered. With a blood curdling scream, he lunged at the older man and stabbed him in his throat.
"DIE!" Itachi screamed as he continuously stabbed the man in the face and neck. "Die Danzo die!"
-o0o-
At the sound of a loud scream, Neji ungracefully fell out of his bed pulling his comforter off in the process. He laid flat on his back and stared at the spinning room. Drinking sake and fighting did not mix and he was now suffering the consequences of his embarrassing behavior. Another loud scream pulled him out of his momentary self-loathing. Standing up, he swayed to the side and almost slipped on his comforter when he climbed back in the bed.
Frantically Itachi's head tossed from side to side and dark bangs drenched from sweat clung to his pale skin. On all fours Neji slowly approached him as if he were an injured wolf that would lash out at any moment. Hesitantly, he reached out to touch the man's shoulder in hopes of rousing him.
"Itachi." Neji gently touched his shoulder. "It's only a dream." He said his voice groggy from sleep.
Unbeknownst to him, it wasn't a dream but a memory that had been haunting the man relentlessly for the past ten years. All the memories that seemed to never escape him, they were pin point needles, piercing his skin. Itachi couldn't scream or fight back, he had to just endure the pain as the image of his face forever haunted his dreams. His memories were indeed his worst enemy and the thing that would most likely destroy him.
With a slender finger, Neji lightly ran the digit over the plane of Itachi's nose. Each stroke brought his finger higher until he reached the wrinkles between two dark brows and he smoothed them out. Instantly Itachi relaxed and his breathing calmed, but Neji continued. It was a rare sight to see the Uchiha so exposed, so vulnerable.
The calming technique was what his father would do whenever he had a nightmare. It had been so long ago that Neji told himself that it had been a figment of his imagination. A fantasy that he had conjured up to convince himself that his father did love him or at least cared. Even though he left him during the most pivotal moment of his life. The point in his life that he realized he wasn't like most boys in his age group. It took years for Neji to accept the fact that shit happens and life sucks for everybody it just decides to fuck over some people more than others.
Last night after Itachi insisted on placing new sheets on the bed, Neji immediately climbed in and went to bed. He had been under the impression that Itachi would make a run for it once he closed his eyes. So imagine his surprise when he was woken up by the sound of him screaming in his bed. Neji's head felt like it was about to split open it was throbbing so badly.
As he continued his ministrations, he studied the sleeping man. It was working like a charm. Itachi was already starting to relax and his breathing calmed. Neji wished that he could have a peek at his thoughts and dreams at least once; however he had inkling that he would not like what he saw.
Countless theories about Itachi's lifestyle had been floating around in his head ever since their encounter in the alley. ANBU of course was his first thought, but it was a known fact that all Fire Country operatives had a tattoo on their arms. Itachi didn't have any tattoos on his arm - or anywhere- but he did have scars. Scars all over his back, a few on his torso and Neji caught a glimpse of a few scars on his buttocks.
He could only imagine where those came from. Initially he planned on asking him how he got all of his scars, but how would he feel if Itachi asked about his scars. The scars that you couldn't see, the scars that no amount of expensive beauty crème would ever heal. So he decided to keep his questions to himself even though he wanted to know more about the person that he had been screwing for two weeks now, he just wasn't sure if he was ready to let Itachi know about him.
Neji let his finger drop to Itachi's full lips; lightly he brushed them before letting his hand flop down on the mattress. His other and more sensible theory was that Itachi was an assassin. Probably worked for the Yakuza or another organization. What could have happened to make a prodigy like Itachi Uchiha join a criminal organization? There had to have been a plausible explanation for it, but again he wouldn't dig too much into it. Everyone had their secrets and their reasons for doing the things that they did.
He thought about what Itachi was yelling in his sleep.
"Die Danzo die!"
Who was Danzo? Obviously someone who caused Itachi pain, but how? There were so many questions that he didn't even bother asking out loud.
Leaning over, Neji kissed Itachi on the lips. It was a brief kiss; their lips barely touched before he pulled back and turned to the other side. Maybe he and Itachi were the same in a sense; they both had invisible scars that would never go away. The comforter was still on the floor and Neji decided to leave it there. His head was still hurting and his limbs felt like jelly. It wasn't long before he fell asleep again.
Neji gave the man a once over, looking at him as if he had just said the most insane thing ever, and he had as far as he was concerned. Placing his coffee mug on the counter, he turned around to face the cause of his confusion. "Could you run that by me again?" He asked.
"Come to Kamakura with me." Itachi leaned against the kitchen wall and took a sip of his coffee. It was all very domestic in his opinion. Waking up next to someone was a new experience for him but waking up that morning with Neji besides him...he didn't hate it. After shoving a few painkillers down the prideful Hyuga's throat and giving him an extra hour of sleep they were standing in the kitchen discussing their plans for the day. Itachi paused at the "their" plans; since when did they share plans?
"I heard what you said. Which by the way sounded more like a demand than a friendly invitation to the beach." Neji added. "But I was confused on why you wanted me to go with you."
"It's Saturday. The weather is fitting and we...you don't have any other plans."
The slip up was not lost on Neji who was trying not to be offended by how the man assumed that he didn't have any plans. Of course he didn't have any plans BUT that did not mean that Itachi had to point it out. Besides Kamakura was a beach town. Mostly families and couples went there not men involved in a relationship (situationship). Or did they? He wasn't too sure about all of the details.
"Don't you think that goes against our rules for this arrangement?" Neji asked. Truth be told he wouldn't mind spending a day with Itachi - in fact the very idea made him giddy. Giddy? What the fuck have I been sipping on? Scowling, he picked up his coffee mug and sniffed it just in case it was spiked.
Itachi watched the odd behavior in amusement then shrugged. "I doubt that hanging out for the day goes against our rules. So what do you say?"
"What if someone sees us?"
Itachi walked over to where he was standing near the granite island that stood in the middle of his kitchen. "You could wear a disguise if you'd like." He smirked. "Though, I'm not sure what we could do about your hair, it's quite distinctive." He ran his fingers through the silky strands.
Neji shivered when he felt those hands rake through his hair. "I don't know. Braid it maybe? Cut it off for the honor of my family Mulan style."
"Hn. Funny." He kissed the corner of Neji's mouth. "I would prefer it if you didn't cut your hair, or braid it. I like it the way that it is."
There it was again, the obnoxious feeling of having butterflies flutter in the pit of his stomach. Neji hated it and loved it at the same time. All because someone complimented his hair, as if he had never received a compliment on his hair before or some woman begging him to tell her the type of conditioner that he used - which he never did. Although compliments from Itachi were different; he could have said "Nice collarbone" and he would have felt like the happiest person in the - oh fuck he was beyond ruined.
Neji placed his mug back on the counter and took a step back so he could think clearly. Then he caught the whiff of the scent that he could never get away from.
"What kind of cologne do you wear?!" He blurted out. He cleared his throat and asked again. "Um...What scent is that? Smells very earthy."
"Mangekyo."
"It's a very imposing smell, but I like it. It fits you."
"Hn."
"Hn."
"So I assume that you will be ready to leave in another hour or two?" Itachi finally broke the awkward silence - well awkward on Neji's behalf.
Glancing at the kitchen clock, Neji noted that it was 11 am. Two hours would be more than enough time for him to get ready. He didn't see any point in not accompanying him to Kamakura. It was only an hour and a half drive from Konoha and he hadn't been since before his dad died. From memory, very vague memory he knew that the town was small yet overflowing with tourist during the summer months. The chances of them being spotted by someone that they knew was very high, but they could easily play it off as just being friends. Isn't that what they were anyway, just friends?
Eventually he nodded his head and agreed. "Sure. I'll be ready."
-o0o-
Using his remote control, Itachi opened the garage door and parked his car. For a moment he just sat in the car and thought about last night. He had the nightmare again, but things were different. Instead of waking up clutching his gun, his dream morphed into something more pleasant. It was hard to explain; one moment he was killing Danzo and the next Neji was there.
They were both younger in the dream: Itachi thirteen and Neji around the age of nine maybe ten. Danzo's bedroom faded away, the fear and suffering was replaced by serenity in its purest form and Itachi had never felt so content. He couldn't remember the contents of the dream; he could only remember his emotions at the time. Finally getting out of the car, Itachi walked into the mansion and his senses immediately went on high alert. Naruto and Sasuke were out of town with a few friends until Monday so the house was supposed to be empty. However Itachi could sense that there was another presence somewhere in the house. Quietly he shut the door; noting that the intruder may have heard the garage door opening and closing a few minutes ago.
The house was quiet but that did nothing to ease the tension out of his body. His steps were light and silent as he made his way to the hallway closet where he kept a few guns concealed. Unfortunately he had left the gun that he usually carried safely hidden behind Neji's headboard - unbeknownst to the man. But it didn't matter he always kept a weapon in arm's reach.
Itachi opened the closet door and moved a few of his father's things out of the way to get to the gun. Hiding his weapons in places where he kept his parent's belongings was the only way to make sure that Sasuke never found them. His brother refused to go anywhere near their parent's belongings or bedroom. The fact that they continued to live in the house had taken a toll on the boy for years, but Itachi refused to act as if they never existed.
Once he had the gun, he stealthily maneuvered through the large house starting with the living room, then the kitchen and parlor. He had no idea who the person could be; secretly he hoped it was Madara. It would give him a liable reason for shooting the man on sight.
Upstairs he could make out a faint humming sound coming from the entertainment room. Narrowing his eyes he made his way down the hall, the door was slightly cracked and he pushed it open with his gun.
Scoffing he lowered the gun and glowered. "Mr. Jiraiya, how many times have I asked you to inform me before you drop by?" He asked his voice laced with annoyance.
Looking up from his newspaper, the older man smiled sheepishly. "I lost my phone during the book tour." He said.
"Your book tour? Right." Itachi sighed and walked over to the leather couch that sat adjacent to the chair the man was lounging in. Over the years he had grown accustomed to Naruto's godfather's odd behavior and his weird obsession with frogs. Though there was something strange about the author. There were no signs of break in and he knew for a fact that only he and Sasuke had a key to the house. Sasuke would never in his right mind let anyone use his key. So he could only assume that Jiraiya was skilled in some sort of underworld trade.
"How was the tour?" Itachi asked even though he knew that only a handful of people actually read Icha Icha Paradise.
"Great!" Jiraiya smiled brightly. His eyes lowered and took in the gun. "How's work going?"
"Hn."
Jiraiya folded the newspaper and tossed it on the floor avoiding the glare that was shot his way. He sat up a little and pulled out a piece of paper from his back pocket. His long white hair hung over broad shoulders instead of tied back in the usual fashion. It was reminiscent of a lion's mane. Despite him being over fifty the man could pass for thirty if his figure was anything to go by.
Itachi sized him up out of habit and like the last time he saw the man he admitted that if they were to fight hand to hand he would probably lose. That only made his suspicions sounder.
Jiraiya had already admitted in a very discreet way that he knew Itachi's career was not in mergers and acquisitions but murder and executions. They had a peculiar understanding: Itachi never admitted to being in the Akatsuki and Jiraiya never mentioned the Akatsuki but it was obvious that he was aware of his involvement with the organization.
"I wanted to discuss a few things with you." Jiraiya said. He looked at the piece of paper in his hands and read under his breath. "...ask about Ame...um Oro...no no that question is for Tsunade..."
The disjointed words made sense but at the same time didn't make any sense at all. It dawned on Itachi that the man was reading a "to do list" and he couldn't help but to place a hand over his mouth to hide a snicker. Old people were hilarious. So that was what the old man really did when he went on "book tours"; sticking his nose where it didn't belong.
"Mr. Jiraiya. Could you please? I do have a prior engagement."
"Ah, oh yeah! HeHe." He scratched the back of his head and the raven immediately thought of Naruto. "During the tour in Oto I came across some very interesting news. Would you like to hear?"
"Regal me." Itachi drawled.
It was as if someone flipped a switch. Jiraiya went from looney grandpa to serious grandpa in a matter of seconds. "He's made his move on you."
Jiraiya was really annoying him with the beating around the bush crap. This wasn't a game of Clue and he really didn't want to kill Naruto's guardian. The day had started on a good note and he would like to end it that way. Burying his brother's boyfriend's Godfather in their backyard would more than likely put him in a sour mood.
Itachi clenched his jaw tightly, but persevered. "Could you be a tad more specific?" He asked.
"Grave are the plans he has for you."
"Mr.," Itachi sighed. "Jiraiya, I've had enough of the Yoda like responses could you just tell me everything that you know?"
Book tour his ass. He knew that there was something off about the author. Icha Icha Paradise may have been popular ten years ago then Pornhub came and took over. Why read porn when you could watch it? Or in Itachi's opinion why watch it when you could just have sex?
Jiraiya laughed. He had always been a Star Wars fan, but now he needed to be serious. "I was..." He paused as if thinking over his next words. "Touring in Otogakure when I intercepted news of your next assignment."
The sound of a gun cocking was Itachi's reply to that statement. The older man didn't even flinch and Itachi was starting to believe that he wasn't as intimidating as he thought. When he pointed a gun at Neji, the Hyuga's only concern was getting blood on his nice carpet. Now here he was aiming a gun at someone who was grinning as if he'd just told a funny joke. Yeah, he was losing his touch; the hiatus was making him soft.
"I'm only going to ask you this once. Tell me everything that you know." He gave the man a thoughtful look. "And don't be long winded about it." He warned.
"Akatsuki. I know. Been investigating it for years. Also been staking out Oto. You're being sent on a mission there. They already have a heads up and know you're coming."
"Hn." Itachi lowered his gun. "So that's his plan."
Jiraiya chuckled and put the paper back in his pocket. "You must have done something to really piss Madara off, kid."
"You've been investigating the Akatsuki for years? How many?"
"4 years."
"How long have you known of my involvement?"
"2 years."
"How did you find out?"
"Months of snooping around." He stood up, stretched his arms over his head and yawned. "Hm. Can't say that I was surprised to see that you were a member. Maybe a little disappointed."
"You know nothing of my circumstances to judge me." Itachi bit out.
His good mood was officially gone. If Madara wanted him out of the picture he needed to make sure that at the end Sasuke was unharmed and free from the Akatsuki. He had already accepted the fact that he would probably never make it out alive. Pein would never send anyone on a solo mission to Otogakure, however if it were Madara's orders he didn't really have a say. If he declined the assignment or tried to make a run for it with his brother in tow, things would only get worse. Madara had contacts in every city, every country. The only freedom came with his death. Even then the man could haunt them all from the grave and make their lives a living hell. Besides, he was only one person; he'd need an army to out-maneuver his uncle.
"That's true, but that wasn't why I was disappointed. Just wish we could've gotten to you first."
"We?"
"ANBU." Jiraiya offhandedly said. Then he flashed him a big grin. "Although, we still have a spot open for you if you're interested."
Onyx eyes widened and Itachi's jaw went slack. "Pardon me?"
Jiraiya pulled out a scroll from the inside of his jacket and extended it to Itachi. "On behalf of the Hokage, I am inviting you to join the ANBU Black Ops."
Hn. Screw an army.
"Best ass in all of Konoha!"
Deidara flinched when he felt a hard open palm slap on his ass cheek. There was no doubt in his mind that there was going to be a huge hand print there in a matter of minutes. Turning around, he scowled at the over enthused man. Sex was not on his agenda when he planned a trip to Fire Country. No, his plans were to visit his partner Sasori and pick up a few gigs around the city. So imagine his surprise when he ran into Hidan at a local bar.
"Best ass, Hn? What about that Hyuga brat you're stalking?" The blonde asked. He moved to sit up but Hidan grabbed him by the hip with one hand and kept him in place.
Hidan leaned over and shoved two of his fingers in the man's mouth. "Guess that makes you the second best ass in Konoha." He removed his fingers before the man could bite down on them.
"Fuck..you.." Deidara moaned at the feeling of those same fingers being pushed inside of him.
"No my pretty little blonde I'm gonna fuck you just the way you like it. Did you bring it?"
"Yeah, you know I always have it on me. It's in my suitcase."
Slowly Hidan removed his fingers and got off the bed in search of the man's luggage. "How do you stay so tight? I thought you were fucking tons of people."
Yeah women but you're the only man I've ever been with asshole.
"Whatever." Deidara moved to a sitting position and started to put his hair in two pigtails. He and Hidan had been lovers ever since he joined the Akatsuki and he knew the man had a fetish for men with long hair. At first he thought it was weird, but everyone had their kinks. Hidan pulled out the Sailor Moon costume from the suitcase and tossed it on the bed. Yeah everyone had their kinks; Deidara just so happened to be into role play.
"Seriously? I gotta be that Tuxedo Mask cunt again?" Hidan looked at the cape and glared. "Okay, but I'm not wearing this ridiculous cape. Just the mask!"
"Just shut up and put it on, yeah."
-o0o-
"Fuck..Ah...I am...Sailor Moon champion of justice! On the behalf...shit right there...on behalf of the moon, I will right wrongs! Oh fuck that speech! Don't stop!"
Outside of the Presidential suite a family of four stood frozen in place at the muffled moans that were coming from the room. The two little girls tugged at their father's arms and screamed. "Hurry! Sailor Moon is in trouble daddy!"
"Um..I think he...she's doing just fine my dears." The father pursed his lips. "Let's go have brunch, come on." He pushed his daughters and stunned wife down the hall as far away from the loud sounds of pleasure. Once they were out of hearing range his wife leaned over and whispered. "There's a costume shop about a block from here." She winked.
-o0o-
Hidan lit a cigarette and took a few puffs. "How did that chick not know that her daytime boo was Tuxedo Mask? They looked and even sounded the same!"
The two men shared a cigarette while they came down from their sexual high. They were sitting up with their heads against the large headboard. Deidara took a puff of the cigarette and passed it back. He glanced around the room and then at the man that was next to him. At the age of sixteen, he joined the Akatsuki. Itachi, Kisame and Sasori found him on the streets of Iwagakure. At the time he had been infatuated with the Uchiha. To him, Itachi was the coolest guy ever. He had the whole, "aloof and unruffled" thing going and he was the one who taught him how to use a gun. Explosives and hacking were Deidara's expertise, he wasn't a foot solider, but someone who worked behind the scenes.
On their first mission together he made a move but of course Itachi turned him down. The rejection hurt, even though he was let down pretty easy. He ended up sleeping with Hidan and so was the start of their odd relationship.
"How long you in town?" Hidan asked while he leaned over to put the cigarette out. The white mask was pushed up on top of his head.
"Until tomorrow. You?"
"Until I get what I came here for."
Deidara glowered and pulled his hair out of the binds. "What's your interest in him anyway?"
"Have you seen him?"
"No! And I don't want to, hn."
Hidan pulled the man up and sat him in his lap so he could straddle him. "Don't be jealous blondie." He flicked his pierced tongue over a hardened nipple before biting down.
Holding in his moan, Deidara yanked at the platinum locks until violet clashed with blue. "I'm not jealous!" He crashed their mouths together in a rough kiss. Hidan bit his bottom lip hard enough to draw blood, and then ran his tongue over the wound.
"Don't do that!" Deidara complained.
"You started it! You know I get turned on when I see those blues eyes filled with anger and jealously."
"You never put this much work into any of the people you want to fuck."
"Who said I wanted to screw him?" Hidan laughed at the knowing expression on the pyromaniac's face. "Okay, okay! You got me I do want his ass! But that's not all that I want."
"Well what else do you want?"
"I want him to fall in love with me."
Neji sneezed loudly, startling the teenage girl that was checking him out at the cash register. "Someone's talking about you, sir."
He managed a weak quirk of his lips. "I'm sure it's just the incense."
Behind him he heard a chuckle, but he refused to turn around and acknowledge the person. After paying for his items he thanked the girl and left the store. The sidewalk was bustling with people, mostly tourists who visited to see Kotoku-in Temple's Great Buddha.
"Where to next?"
He looked to his right; Itachi was there dressed in something other than black. The khaki pants and sky blue V-neck made him look like a normal person. Not a possible serial killer or government assassin. They had been walking around the town for half an hour and had already run into several people who knew his uncle. Passing Itachi off as a friend from the University had been easy, but he couldn't understand why nobody recognized Itachi Uchiha. Again, Itachi introduced himself as Kenji - the most generic name like ever- and people believed him.
Well he was one to talk. He hadn't recognized him either that night in the club.
"I guess we could look around some more. I'm not really hungry after we stopped at that Dango cafe." Neji replied. He was still reeling from the fact that Itachi ate so much Dango and even had the nerve to eat the rest of his. Apparently, the man loved his sweets.
Being in Kamakura sent a sense of nostalgia through Neji. The feeling was instant once he breathed in the scent of Sagami Bay. He could remember his father trying to teach him how to fly a kite when he was six. The feeling of sand in his shoes irritated him and he complained about it all the way home while his father laughed. He missed it - the sound of his father's laugh and his voice.
"How about that store." Itachi pointed to a small shop where an elderly lady was outside sweeping the sidewalk. Neji was grateful for the distraction before his thoughts spiraled out of control.
"Sure."
Wind chimes of different shapes and sizes aligned the outside of the shop. Like most of the stores and restaurants the doors were either opened or covered with a noren curtain. The entrance way for the shop had a large noren curtain with a cat design on it. Neji moved the curtain back and Itachi followed him in. Several black and white Polaroids adorned the walls with tiny captions at the bottom. A bell chimed and they both looked over near the counter where an elderly woman sat.
"Welcome to Shunkan! I'm Neko." She stood up and walked around the counter. "You two are most handsome. I have a granddaughter who looks to be about your age."
They both bowed respectably. Neji hoped that she wasn't going to start shoving pictures of her granddaughter in their faces. He hated it when people did that to him. Looking over at Itachi he could tell that he felt the same way.
The owner puttered around the shop and tried to talk to them, her movements birdlike and brittle. She was a fountain of information about the history of the town. If Itachi were being polite he'd say that the woman had a gift for the gab. Really, he was sure she wouldn't be able to shut up if her life depended upon it. Before he could decide where to start his questions, she took the helm. "The photos on the walls were taken by me," She pointed her thumb to the front door. "Or my sister. We sometimes take randoms or people ask us to take their picture. We've been in business for over twenty years. The older photos are in the basement. You're free to go have a look see if you'd like."
By that point Neji was already venturing around the store on his own. Once the woman began talking about the history of the town - the same history that they learned in every history class- Neji decided that was his cue. Surprisingly, it was Itachi who decided to listen to the woman's blabbering.
Itachi bowed to the woman once again and she went outside to nag her sister about something. He turned around; Neji was still standing in the same spot that he had been in for the past ten minutes. He had picked up on the Hyuga's distant behavior ever since they arrived in Kamakura. Itachi wanted - no he needed this day with Neji because it may very well be their last time seeing each other.
It had been a mistake coming to the beach town that was what Neji told himself when he saw a picture of him and his father on the wall. Hizashi, his father, was smiling at the camera with a six year old Neji on his hip. They were both actually smiling. His father told him once that Kamakura was where he fell in love with his mother. It was on their honeymoon. All Hyuga marriages are arranged even the Branch members so it was no surprise that they rarely loved each other before they wed. Sometimes they never fell in love. What a sad fate, but it was his fate.
"You look like him."
Slightly startled by the moisture on his cheek, Neji wouldn't turn around. Opening his mouth to respond was out of the question as well, he wasn't sure of how his voice would sound.
Undeterred by his lack of response, Itachi continued. "If being here made you uncomfortable you could have told me, Neji."
"It's not a big deal." His voice contradicted his words and he wished that he didn't have to sound so weak in front of Itachi. As if puking his brains out last night wasn't enough.
"I used to come here with my parents a lot before Sasuke was born."
Shocked by the confession, he turned around. That was the first time that he had ever mentioned his parents or his younger brother. He realized his mistake and tried to turn around again but Itachi grabbed his shoulder and stopped him. Looking up into his eyes, he didn't see pity only understanding. Neji opened his mouth to speak but the moment was ruined by the flash of a camera.
"You two sure you don't want to meet my granddaughter?" Neko grinned while she watched the Polaroid slowly develop.
Neji faced the wall again. Itachi tried not to look harassed, his expression smoothing into a polite yet detached mask. He looked back at Neji. "I'll make sure she doesn't hang the picture up."
Nodding his head, Neji walked out of the store leaving the raven alone with the old woman. Outside his head started to clear and he could breathe again. Eleven years had passed so why couldn't he just get over himself? People die every day; it was the natural cycle of life. That was what his uncle told him at the age of eight the day he found out that his father was dead. At the funeral, he started to cry and throw a fit, but Hiashi wasn't having any of that. Since then he never really had the chance to mourn his father. Even till that day he couldn't look at his uncle for too long because the resemblance was uncanny.
"Are you ready?"
"Yes," Neji looked over at the man. "We don't have to go back to Konoha just yet."
"Where do you want to go next?"
Anywhere as long as it is with you. "Doesn't matter."
Itachi smiled. It was small, almost unnoticeable but it was there as if he'd read between the lines. "We can go somewhere less crowded. I know a place."
"The place" was a more secluded area about half an hour from Kamakura. The car ride was silent except for the soft purr of the Lamborghini's engine. It was a nice car; the inside was spotless, Neji couldn't even spot one dust particle floating about. Of course it was black, with dark tinted windows. He had offered to drive, but knowing Itachi he had to have things his way. The scenery changed from white sand, midnight blue water and tourists to vibrant green. Itachi parked near the entrance of a bamboo forest. Stepping stones carved a pathway through the forest. When the car was cut off the silence started to weigh on Neji. Usually he reveled in silence; silence was safe and familiar.
"Here."
Neji stared down at the offered Polaroid as if it would burn his flesh if he touched it. "Why do you have that?"
"I thought that you should have it." Itachi extended his hand further until it hovered over the man's lap.
Taking the picture, Neji silently read the caption.
Hizashi Hyuga & son Neji Hyuga -2001
It wasn't as if he didn't have pictures of his dad, but he was never smiling in the other pictures. His face had always been stern and emotionless in the few pictures that his uncle Hiashi kept. To see his father actually smiling and himself smiling as well it - he didn't know how it made him feel.
The side of his face heated with the intensity of Itachi's gaze. A change of topic was in order. Before he could dish out some lame commentary about the weather, Itachi decided to speak up.
"How old were you when the picture was taken?"
"No discussions of overly personal topics." Neji stuffed the photo in his pocket, bending it in the process." That was your rule. Stick to it." He sneered.
Itachi was unfazed. "It's just a simple question, Neji."
"I was 6."
"You know there is so much that I still don't know about you."
Scoffing lightly, Neji turned so that his body was fully facing the driver's side. "Don't you think you're going about it the wrong way? You're supposed to get to know a person before you pop their cherry, Itachi!"
"Their cherry?" Itachi erupted into laughter.
"It's a phrase I picked up from Tenten..." He looked around the car nervously. "Is that how you really laugh?" The maniacal cackling continued and Neji didn't know if he wanted to laugh as well or scram.
"Who came up with that?" Itachi asked once he stopped laughing.
"I'm sure you've heard that phrase once or twice in high school."
"Never went." He replied quietly almost remorseful.
"What do you mean you never went?"
Itachi remained silent, not bothering to answer the question. It was not his intention to bring it up to anyone ever. To him it was embarrassing to admit, but then again when would he have had time to go to school? Once he joined the Akatsuki his life as a normal teenage boy was over.
"How come you get to ask me questions but won't answer mine?" Neji realized that he may have came off as petty by saying that, but he wanted to know more about Itachi. He was tired of acting as if he didn't.
Itachi removed his key from the ignition and looked at Neji, his face unreadable. "Those steps lead to a small village. We can spend the rest of the day there."
Itachi would make a damn good politician. Neji thought to himself.
Slightly annoyed by the fact that he was ignored once again, he looked out the window to the thick bamboo forest. "How do you even know about this place?"
"I came here before with a...friend."
With his interest now piqued, Neji gave his consent.
Neji felt as if he fell into a magical well and was transported into feudal Japan. Tengoku Village or Kingdom of Heaven as the locals called it had a population of 4,000. Traditional Japanese buildings and houses aligned the dirt roads and he could've sworn he saw a horse drawn carriage when they first entered. Sakura and Wisteria trees could be seen on almost every block. Unlike Kamakura, the streets weren't noisy and overcrowded. Once they started to wander around the small town his mind became overflowed with the harmony and peace that dominated the atmosphere. Looking over at Itachi, he could see a small smile on the man's face.
"If I could live anywhere in the world this would be it." Itachi said wistfully. The tone of voice made him sound almost childlike.
"You wouldn't mind being cut off from society? I bet the service here sucks." Pulling out his phone he confirmed his assumption. "Yeah, I have no bars."
"I think it's healthy for everyone to take a break from reality every once and a while."
"I agree." Neji admitted.
Everyone they passed on the street greeted them with a friendly bow or wave. Geisha traveling in a group of four all giggled behind their decorative fans when they passed them. Despite his lack of interest, Neji couldn't help but to grace them with a polite smile. It had to have been the air that was making him so friendly, but he didn't necessarily mind it. As they approached the town's square they crossed an arched wooden bridge that stretched over a koi pond. Itachi looked over the ledge of the bridged and admired the serenity of the pond.
He hadn't been lying when he said that Tengoku was where he would prefer to live. Everything was tranquil and he didn't have to worry if anyone knew him or was possibly trying to kill him. It was the place that he had always wanted to move to after he left the Akatsuki.
"We used to have a koi pond." Neji stood by him and gazed at the pond as well. "Well there are three at the compound."
"Why did you move from the compound?" Itachi asked quietly while he continued to watch the fish swim serenely.
"I felt caged. " He answered truthfully.
The branch members were never allowed to feel, to...live. They exist as tools for the head family's use. Nothing more. Itachi could remember his father explaining that to him during his earlier clan lessons.
Taking his eyes off of the pond, he looked over at the Hyuga. The sun was starting to set and the crepuscular rays gave Neji eyes an ethereal glow. He wanted to kiss him, but there were people standing around so he reached out and touched him instead. Gently, he tucked a strand of hair behind his ear. Neji caught his hand, held his gaze and placed a kiss on his knuckle. In the background the twitter of birdsong carried and he couldn't help but think that birds didn't belong in cages.
For a brief moment, they stared at each other, seeing everything. Seeing all of the truth, all of the things that they were too afraid to admit. Itachi finally looked away and the spell was broken.
"Are you hungry?" Itachi's voice was thick and raspy.
Startled, he let go of Itachi's hand and blinked. Glancing around he could see that none of the villagers even batted an eye lash at their previous interaction. Was he hungry? Hell no.
"Is there a hotel or an inn around here?" He casually asked, but Itachi caught the hint.
The raven smirked. "I know a place."
The Ryokan had a large entrance hall, with couches and chairs that could seat four people. True to tradition the floors were tatami and the doors were sliding shoji. Elegant paintings from the Edo period adorned the walls. Neji could see a large futon through one of the rooms. He thought about how his uncle didn't even sleep on a futon even though he was convinced that he was a mirror of "tradition."
Neji scoffed lightly. Fucking fraud.
While they were checking in he overheard the host telling Itachi that there was also a natural hot spring in the back of the inn. The man was now trying to convince the overly friendly hostess that they would not like to be disturbed. Traumatizing the elderly was one thing he was really trying to avoid.
Finally Itachi, returned to the room and silently slid the shoji screen close. It was a reminder of why they rented the room in the first place and Neji decided that he would have to take advantage of the inn's accommodations some other time.
-o0o-
The only rule for the night was indulgence. No handcuffs, floggers or dress ties just him and Neji.
Neji's hair was straight and thick, hanging heavily down his back, waiting for Itachi to sink his hands into it, pull him forward and kiss him. And he did just that. Unlike the previous times they'd kissed he tasted, really tasted. He sampled Neji's mouth, learned it; the structure of his lips, the texture of his tongue. The dulcet mewls spewing from the brunette's mouth only served to urge him onward. They stumbled over to the futon, never breaking contact until Itachi pulled back to grab the hem of Neji's shirt and lifted it over his head. With the offending article of clothing gone, he ran the palms of his hand over toned pectoral muscles. He reveled in the way the man trembled under his touch.
But it wasn't enough. Itachi made quick work of removing the rest of his clothes before undressing himself as well. Getting to the futon was harder work then he previously thought with it sitting so low on the floor, but that didn't deter him from laying Neji down and climbing on top of him. The Hyuga's body was taut, every inch of him was like satin over steel. Itachi's hands traveled all over Neji's body, kneading, pinching and gripping. The man matched his fervency with the exploration of his own hands.
"You're mine, Neji." His voice was a a low scrape of sound, a vulgar whisper in the dark.
His words sizzled over Neji, his inner muscles clenching, the empty feeling inside of him becoming an ache. Then Neji's breathing changed, body becoming restless, and he made a noise, urging Itachi to do more. To take more.
And he gladly obliged. Looking into Neji's eyes, he aligned the velvet slide of his shaft at the gate of his body. Neji felt the strain of Itachi's muscles and his own as they lingered in that moment before they did something irrevocable. Itachi kissed him, and then said, lips still on his mouth. "Mine." His nostrils flared as he worked his way into him slowly.
Too slowly. Neji wrapped his legs around his waist and drove his hips to meet him, he felt him lodge tight within him, and then Itachi was moving, fast and hard, his forehead pressed to his. Itachi kissed his jaw, down to the column of his throat. Neji looked up at him, voice soft and intimate, slightly ragged, features as soft as they were ever going to be, passion making his skin flushed. But Itachi could hear nothing above the loud thud of his own pulse, could feel nothing but Neji all over him, all around him, and the throbbing, cataclysmic ache of his own body.
Every kiss and lick, every thrust, every time Itachi tasted Neji, part of him seeped into him. Itachi had ceased to think of himself as a separate entity. Something sharp and jagged knifed through him, but he had no idea what the emotion might be. Possessiveness? Attachment? That desperate feeling when one knows loss is looming before them? Unchangeable and Unavoidable.
Itachi pulled Neji wider, lifting his leg so that the man's ankle rested on his shoulder, thrusting home, seeking an extra fraction of an inch, wanting to be deeper inside of him.
Deeper, more.
No other man would ever take him so deeply.
No one but me.
Neji gripped his ass, hard, like he wanted him to be deeper, too, and that was it. With a hoarse cry, Itachi came, pumping into Neji endlessly. Neji kept moving, seeking his own release. How had he gotten so distracted from his purpose? Itachi growled in frustration, he wanted Neji to come first. But his cock was so sensitive it hurt.
Irrelevant.
He would keep going, get Neji there. Quickly he pulled free from Neji and slid down his body, keeping his legs wide open and took his swollen erection in his mouth, tonguing it, sealing his lips around the flesh, giving just the right amount of suction to bring him hard and fast. Neji groaned in pleasure, his body rigid. He arched his hips against him. A series of sweet, sharp bursts resonating through him as he came. Before he could open his mouth, Itachi slanted his mouth over his, claiming everything, including the sound of his release.
-o0o-
After a quick wash, they were laying on the futon with their towels wrapped around their waists. Neji couldn't understand why his body felt so drained; especially since they didn't even last that long. But this time was more intense than the first time and even more exciting than the time he was handcuffed to his headboard. They didn't waste too much time on foreplay or switch into different positions. Nevertheless, it was just as fulfilling - possibly more fulfilling than any other time they'd had sex.
Neji wondered if he should tell Itachi that even his kisses affected him. Would that make him less of a man to admit such a weakness? He didn't really think so ; loving a person didn't make you - holy hell in a hand basket - love?
So wrapped up in his thoughts, he nearly jumped when he felt a hand caress his arm.
"I never noticed this inn on my last visit here." Itachi said.
Great, conversation. Anything was better than him having thoughts about the "L" word. He shuddered inwardly. Then Itachi raked his fingers through his hair and he realized that denial couldn't make the truth go away.
"You said you came here with a friend. Who?" He made sure to not sound as interested as he really was.
"Kisame."
A male name.
Reading his mind, Itachi chuckled. Neji noted with relief that unlike his earlier laugh in the car this sound was warmer, more human.
"I assure you, Kisame and I are only friends."
He moved closer into the warmth of Itachi's body and rested his chin on the man's chest so he could have a good view of his face. Everything felt natural; nothing was strained or awkward.
"Well we're friends and you see how we spend most of our evenings." He joked.
Itachi's hand paused in his hair and he eyed him with an unreadable expression. "I think we both know that our relationship transcends friendship."
"Were you telling the truth when you said that you didn't go to high school?"
"Yes."
"Then you were home schooled?" The genuine confusion was evident on his face.
It was Itachi's turn to look away. He mentally chastised himself for letting the information slip in the first place. What was the point in him making rules and setting boundaries if he was going to be the one to go against them? Then he reminded himself that today/tonight was his break from reality. It was like a death row inmate's last meal. His last piece of nirvana before the curtain closed.
Sensing his discomfort, Neji changed the subject. "Tenten and I dated in high school. Can you believe that?"
"Really?" He smiled, earlier dark thoughts momentarily forgotten.
"Yes, but of course things didn't work out. "
"Because you're gay."
Neji drawled sarcastically."Has anyone ever told you that you're a genius?"
"I've been told. Maybe once or twice."
"Stalkers and fan girls don't count. "
Itachi smirked. "What about the head of the Hyuga clan?"
"Trust me, ass kissing is my uncle's main duty as clan head."
"That's interesting," He tilted his head and smiled. "I didn't know your uncle was into rimming."
Frowning, Neji idly drummed his fingers across the man's chest. "What's rimming?"
The air in the room changed and Itachi's voice deepened and lowered into a hushed tone. "Would you like a demonstration?"
"I think a verbal explanation will do for now."
"Hn." Itachi glided his hands down Neji's back and rested them on his ass. "First you could lie on your back, or sit on my face. Frankly, I prefer the latter. Once you were in the desired position, I would spread you with both of my hands and run my tongue -"
Feeling scandalized, Neji snapped his head up to stare at the man. "Such a vile act!" He couldn't fathom, theoretically, how that could be enjoyable for anyone.
"Relax Neji. Your Hyuga is showing."
With a haughty look, he relaxed in Itachi's arms. "I don't care. Just know that you will never do that to me."
"Seriously, Neji I can't believe you've never heard of rimming."
"I did just get initiated into the homosexual community. Well the sexually active community."
"You make it sound as if there was a ribbon cutting ceremony." He gave Neji's firm ass a playful squeeze that earned him a glare. "Was I supposed to give you a fruit basket?"
Neji couldn't help but chuckle at his own ignorance. "I had to look up the terms 'bear' and 'twink' on a site called urban dictionary."
Itachi's eyes crinkled as he erupted into another bout of maniacal laughter. God, it was the most terrifyingly beautiful sound that he'd ever heard. Neji could feel his body shaking with the intensity of his laughter.
Picture a world without Itachi Uchiha.
Who would ever want to live in a world like that?
Two tallow candles were sputtering in the library, dimly illuminating the books that covered the walls. His black eyebrows pulled together in a frown, giving him a satanic look in the guttural light. Inky hair fell forward into his eyes and he pushed it away absently.
"Kabuto." He called his voice raspy and thick.
A person seemed to materialize from the shadows of the library."Orochimaru-sama."
"Prepare the guest room."
"Are we expecting someone?"
"Yes," Orochimaru smiled wickedly. "However, the room is for you. My guest will be sharing my bed."
His phone chirped signaling an email - signaling the beginning of the end. He untangled himself from Neji's arms and walked over to his discarded pants. The phone chirped again; it was a reminder alert telling him that his dream was over. The mini-vacation was over and it was time to step back into reality.
Squinting his eyes at the bright screen he could make out Sasori's name through blurry vision. His thumb hovered over the tab that would allow him to view the message. Finally he opened the email and read the target's profile.
Target: Orochimaru, Warlord of Otogakure.
Bounty: 10,000,000
Departure: 0900 Sunday
Madara had truly outdone himself this time. He had to give it to his uncle; he really knew how to get rid of his enemies without getting his hands dirty. Even if Itachi was to get close enough to Orochimaru to kill him it was almost impossible to get out of Otogakure alive. To make matters worse, Madara had more than likely given the warlord a heads up so security was going to be extra tight.
Jiraiya had been joking when he said he was on tour there, he couldn't even infiltrate the country without Orochimaru knowing. He obtained the information from hacking and even that was risky. However, if everything went according to their plan, Sasuke would be safe. That was all that mattered.
He turned his head to look back at the man that was still soundly asleep on the futon and his expression softened. Come the morning, Neji was going to hate him. It was okay though. It would have been much harder to leave if he didn't.
Sasuke watched his boyfriend talk to a group of their friends over the brim of his cup while Lapalux played in the background. The off-kilter beats of the song mixed with the alcohol were sending warmth all through his veins. He tried to think of a good excuse to get the blonde upstairs without drawing too much attention. Only for Naruto's sake; he on the other hand didn't give a shit if anyone heard or saw them at that point.
"Sasuke-kun?"
Slowly, he removed the cup from his lips and turned around. He was honestly too buzzed and horny to tolerate Sakura at the moment, but she had been nagging him all night.
"Sakura." He greeted dryly.
"You look really good tonight." The girl slurred.
Sasuke managed a weak quirk of his lips, attempting to scrape together some vague expression of gratitude that didn't look pained. "Hn."
"Is it true?" She hiccuped and brushed a pink strand out of her face. "Is it true about you and Naruto?"
At the mention of his boyfriend he turned back towards the kitchen and their eyes locked briefly before Naruto looked away. Sakura blocked his view and crossed her arms over her chest. She held herself tightly as if she was going to fall apart at any moment.
"Don't lie Sasuke-kun."
"Why would I need to lie to you? Me and Naruto are dating, have been for weeks now." He answered dismissively.
Loud laughter reached his ears and he moved his head to the side to see Naruto smiling brightly. God, he loved that smile. He just needed that idiot to look his way so they could sneak off. Growling under his breath, he took another sip of his drink.
"Sarada." Sakura whispered but loud enough for him to hear. "That was what I wanted to name our daughter."
Sasuke grimaced. "Why would we have a daughter?"
"Or Daisuke if we had a son."
"No, why would we have children at all?"
Glazed over emerald eyes stared at him. "Because, I love you Sasuke-kun! I've always loved you!"
The loud declaration caught the attention of most of the people in the party and Sasuke looked up to see cerulean eyes locked on him. Great, that was just what he needed.
"What do you love about me, Sakura?" He decided to end this once and for all. It had been going on for too long and he was under the impression that if he ignored the girl she would get a hint. Hell, it worked on Ino.
"Um," The girl bit her lip nervously. "I love how unobtainable you are and mysterious."
"You love the idea of me?"
Shaking her hand, she took a step closer. "No, you don't understand Sasuke-kun. I love you."
"Uh huh." Sasuke reached into his pocket and pulled out his vibrating cellphone. He read the caller ID and never felt so relieved to see his brother's name. Without another word, he answered the phone and walked to a more secluded area of the party.
"Itachi."
Sasuke, are you drunk?
"No." He lied.
Hn. Where are you? I'm not interrupting anything am I?
"No, I'm actually glad you called." Glad was an understatement.
Is it safe to assume that you miss me?
"Tch. Don't get your hopes up. Why are you calling anyway?"
On the other end his brother got quiet and he had to strain his ears to hear if he was even still on the line. Itachi didn't make random phone calls to "check in" so there had to be a reason for the phone call.
"Itachi?"
Sasuke could hear his brother let out a shaky breath on the other end and it made his heart drop.
"Aniki?" He asked his voice sounded hoarse.
I'm here, Otouto. I'm here. I just called...I just called to tell you that I love you.
The line went dead and the phone slipped out of his hands. He felt as if he would fall too but strong arms kept him steady. He turned into the warmth of his boyfriend's chest and closed his eyes tightly.
"Sasuke what's wrong?"
"...called...love me." Sasuke mumbled against the other boy's shirt.
Naruto pushed him back a little but kept his arms on his shoulder. "I couldn't hear you."
"Itachi," Sasuke lightly shoved his hands away and straightened out his clothes. "He called and told me that he loved me."
"Is that why ya' dropped your phone and fainted?"
Forcefully, he grabbed the blond by the collar of his shirt. "I did not faint you idiot."
"Yeah. Okay bastard." Naruto smiled. "So, Itachi said that he loved you? Why the shock?"
"Because, it's been years since he said it."
Naruto snorted. "Come on don't over exaggerate." He placed his hands on his boyfriend's waist and pulled him closer. They were standing at the bottom of the stairs away from the party that was mostly in the kitchen.
"I'm not. He hasn't said it since I was like 12 and it was while he thought I was asleep so it doesn't count."
"Damn! But you do know that just because he rarely says it doesn't mean that he doesn't love you, right?"
"Thanks Mr. Rogers." Sasuke sarcastically drawled.
"You're welcome and remember it's a beautiful day in the neighborhood."
"Shut up Naruto."
"Seriously, do you think your brother is okay?"
"I don't know." Sasuke moved his hands to the belt loops on the boy's jeans and slipped his fingers through them. "But I know that something is off. I can feel it."
"Well we could cut the trip short and head back to Konoha tomorrow if you want."
"Okay." Sasuke leaned over to kiss the blonde but was stopped midway.
"Soo..." Naruto kept a firm hand on the boy's chest. "What was that about with Sakura?"
"Hn. Sakura? Not Sakura-chan?"
His blue eyes hardened. "Answer the question."
Sasuke shrugged. "Oh that? She was just telling me about our future daughter, Sarada."
"You're NOT having a baby named salad with fucking Sakura. Or anyone else!" The words were a vicious snarl that sent a shiver down Sasuke's spine. Nobody could ever rile the blonde up like he did that much was for sure.
He glanced up the staircase. "How about we finish this conversation upstairs."
I guess the honeymoon is over.
Neji sat in the passenger's side, arms folded across his chest with a scowl on his face. Last night he had almost said it. It - the phrase that he had swore to never utter to anyone that wasn't blood related. He had almost said it to Itachi and there was no doubt in his mind that he would have meant it. However now, at that very moment he was grateful that his throat tightened almost painfully before he could let the words slip out.
When they left Tengoku village the sun was barely seeping through the clouds. Rudely, he was torn from his slumber by the sound of his name being called and his shoulder being roughly shook. It wasn't the morning greeting that he was expecting after the night they shared. Out the corner of his eye he could see Itachi's grip on the steering wheel tighten. Konoha was half an hour away, but he was sure that the time would be cut in half if not more.
With an exasperated sigh, he reached over and turned on the radio. Anything would be better than hearing the irritated huffs that kept coming from the driver's side. He had asked Itachi what was his problem when they were checking out of the inn, but he only received a "Hn." in response.
Realization hit and again he questioned his own intelligence. Similar to Shikamaru, Itachi didn't do anything on a fluke. There was actually a method to his madness; weeks of screwing around taught him that.
"I don't like this song." Itachi said.
"Why don't you change it then?" Honestly, Neji didn't like it either. It was too depressing for his taste. Melancholy Hill, the title was fitting.
Instead of changing the station Itachi hit the power button. "I think I would prefer if it the radio wasn't on at all."
"Does that mean that you're ready to talk?"
"About what exactly?"
Pursing his lips, Neji unfolded his arms and raked his hands through his hair. "About last night-"
"There is nothing to discuss." He snapped irritably.
"Nothing to discuss?!" Neji was livid. "Don't pull that on me, Itachi!"
"We're both grown men, right?" Itachi asked, his eyes remained on the road.
"Last I checked."
"Good. I think that this arrangement between us has sated both of our needs well enough." Itachi sent a sidelong look, assessing him. He knew that Neji was a prickly individual and far from a pushover so he prepared himself for the man's reaction. Or so he'd thought.
"You're pathetic, Itachi." There wasn't any venom or malice in his tone, if anything he sounded weary. "I can see right through you."
"Neji it-"
"Are you going to start selling me some crap about how this was just an entertaining fuck for you and it meant nothing?" He chuckled. "Don't be cliche, you're better than that."
Breaking it off with someone was something that he never had to do. One night stands were simply that; once the deed was done so was the arrangement. During his time in the BDSM community he had a contract with only one person. Even though they met frequently, ending it only required a few strokes of a pen. Neji wasn't a one night stand or a consenting submissive; he was so much more than that.
They arrived in Konoha in less time than it normally took due to Itachi's insane driving. He had one hour before he needed to meet with Sasori regarding his assignment. His plan was to feign cold indifference in order to piss the Hyuga off - yes it was cliche, but he didn't really know any other way. By the time they were parked outside of Neji's condo he already knew the exact words to say to push the man's buttons.
Itachi never got a chance to say a word before Neji was kissing - no - devouring him.
It was as if the man was trying to force his way inside of him. There was a moment of struggle where he wouldn't return the eagerness, but Neji crystallized his intentions and focused his will. Eventually, Itachi gave way; letting him wash over him, plunder his mouth and body until it was him that was leading the kiss. He should have pulled back, ended the embrace - ended it - whatever it was between them, but he couldn't. Not like he had initially planned.
"You're not allowed to leave me." Neji gasped in between kisses.
The statement lead them upstairs to Neji's apartment. Itachi couldn't remember the journey up, he just knew that it involved a lot of touching and promises of what was to come. There was a urgency in the way Neji handled him once they were in the living room of the condo. Not wasting anytime they made their way over to the couch. Neji pulled him down on top of him, grinding their hips together in unabashed need.
"I tried to and I can't, Itachi." Neji pulled back and placed his hands on either side of Itachi's face. The raven's breath hitched at the flurry of emotions that were swirling in his pale eyes.
"Tried what?" He found himself asking.
"Picture a world without you. I tried to and I can't. The very thought of it upsets me." His eyebrows knitted together. "What does that mean?"
Itachi didn't know the answer so he kissed him instead. Neji's hands dropped to circle around his neck and the kiss deepened. Pulling back, he gently stroked the column of Neji's pale throat. The man tilted his head to give him more access; their eyes never leaving each others. In a different world he could see himself falling in love with Neji.
But it was the real world and things were never that easy.
With a firm grip, he clasped his hand around the man's slender neck. The look of fondness morphed into fear once the grip tightened. Clawing ineffectively at the man's arms, a strangled cry escaped Neji's lips. Frantically he swung his arms, landing a few punches on Itachi's face. Ramming his elbows into the couch cushions, Neji tried to shove the man off of him, but Itachi used every ounce of his strength and held his arms over his head. He bucked his hips in resistance until his head became light and his vision blurry. Tears of agony and betrayal slid down the sides of his reddened face. Onyx eyes held something dark and obscured as he watched the pale eyes that he loved bulge out of their sockets.
When Neji finally went limp, Itachi let out a soft sob.
"I'm so sorry, Neji."
-Feedback would be greatly appreciated.