Warning: Hidan is twisted(surprise surprise) Dark themes. Angst.
Random Ages: Itachi - 23 Neji - 19 Konan - 30 Hidan -29 Kakashi- 28 Saki(oc) -18
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-o0o-
The phone call had been a mistake. Hearing Neji's voice did nothing to soothe the insanity that resonated deep within him - It only ignited it. Seconds after the call ended, his rage was back; so bright and hot that it could rival the sun. For hours, Itachi laid there on the damp ground bawling like an infant. He was aware that Kakashi was nearby but he didn't care about pretending anymore.
Faintly, he could remember Kakashi eventually pulling him off of the ground and taking him to the tent. All the while telling him that he wasn't alone and that it would all be better in the end. But would it?
Itachi, take care of Sasuke. Since that day he'd heard her say it over and over again. The words repeating on a loop inside his head. At thirteen he didn't think about the depth of that statement but by the time he realized what his mother truly meant it was hardwired in him. Take care of Sasuke, make sure that Sasuke was happy and secure. There was no room to think about his own needs.
Itachi moved through his morning routine wearily. It was early - practically in the middle of the night. They would arrive at the border before noon and he needed to get his head in the game. There was no point in moping around like a lovesick puppy.
"Itachi..."
Ignoring the slight pleading in the man's voice he continued to get dressed.
Kakashi recalled the one of the many things that the man named off during his vitriolic ran. "You don't think you have anyone to go back to but who's the person in the picture?" He needed to make Itachi see reason.
Absently, Itachi's hand went to his front pocket - close to his heart. "Even if I made it out alive I couldn't pursue him."
"Did you kill him?" He bluntly asked as if it was the most normal thing in the world. But for them it was.
"No," Itachi thought back to that day he left Konoha. "He...Neji wasn't going to accept some half assed excuse. I needed him to understand that I was poison - I am poison. I would've only ended up hurting him in the long run anyway."
"I've killed a love one before when I was seventeen." The hushed confession pulled Itachi's attention to him. "And I've hurt Iruka countless times. I know what it's like to feel like you don't deserve to be loved."
Without acknowledging that he was listening, Itachi continued to get ready. He couldn't imagine how he would have felt if he would have decided to kill Neji. It would have eaten away at him until the day he drew his last breath. He remembered that last thing the man said to him about not being able to picture a world with him. Could he picture a world without Neji? No, that was why he didn't bother with making any plans once Orochimaru was dead.
"Kakashi," He finally turned around to face the man. "I appreciate what you are trying to do. But we need to get going. Enough time has already been wasted."
Kakashi knew from experience that trying to sway an Uchiha was damn near impossible. He knew that Itachi didn't want to die, it was his insane loyalty to his younger brother that drove him to act as he did. He admired Itachi's selflessness but there needed to be a limit to how far he would go for his brother. Maybe it was easier for him to think that way because he was an only child.
Regardless, it looked as if he would have to take matters into his own hands. Without another word, he stepped out of the tent where his own sack was already packed. Kakashi pulled out the standard issued palm pilot and notified his team to be on standby.
Itachi was going to be saved rather he wanted to or not.
-o0o-
"Welcome to Otogakure." Kakashi said, his tone flat. "Hebi is in the heart of the city. From here it's a 15 mile stretch."
They stood at the edge of the forest, only a row of boulders stood between them and the Land of Sound. Otogakure was nothing like the land he had heard of in school as a child. This place had an air of emptiness, a loneliness so complete that if he were a more sensitive man he would have wept for the sense of loss around him. It was a failed civilization.
"This is as far as I go."
Itachi was pulled out of his trance by the statement. Suspiciously he narrowed his eyes. "I thought you were coming with me."
Stretching, Kakashi feigned a yawn."I gave up on that a long time ago. Besides I'm sure that if I would have tried to follow you, you would have incapacitated me."
"True." Itachi reached into his front pocket and took another look at the picture. After saying his goodbyes to Neji. He handed it to Kakashi. "Make sure he gets that."
Reaching for the pictures, Kakashi's eyes widened. "The clan head's nephew." He whistled. "Gotta love a forbidden romance." He chuckled and stuffed the picture in his pocket.
"How come he doesn't have anyone patrolling this area as well?" Itachi wondered aloud.
"To make things more interesting." Kakashi responded and turned to head back the way they came. "You shouldn't linger, Itachi. Good Luck." He called over his shoulder before disappearing into the forest.
He was up to something; Itachi wasn't fooled not in the least. However, he couldn't dwell on it too much. That was why he gave him the picture of Neji; he needed to remove all of his distractions. Also, if that picture were to ever fall into the wrong hands-
No, Itachi shook his head. He couldn't think about that. Taking a breath to calm himself, he closed his eyes briefly and stepped over a small boulder. He was officially in Otogakure.
Insanity: doing the same thing over and over while expecting different results.
Ten times. Neji called the number back ten times and it went straight to voicemail every single time. How long he stood in that alley, gasping for air, he didn't know. When his location dawned on him he laughed at the irony. Love at first sight? How about love at first alley brawl.
Then the laughing turned into a broken sob. He felt so pathetic and even wondered if he ever hurt that bad over his father's death. The very thought of that possibly being true made him hate himself in that instance.
The loss he felt after his father's death was different; it didn't hurt the same, if that made any sense.
When he was able to move again, he went back inside of the club and said goodbye to Lee. Neji could only imagine how he must have looked because Lee was adamant about making sure everything was okay.
Funny, they hadn't kept in touch for years but in that moment he felt just as close to Lee as he did Tenten.
After assuring the man that he would attend his wedding and promise to keep in touch in the future he went home. Not the compound, but his apartment. Despite the complaints he received from his landlord, he wasn't going to get the crack in his door fixed. It wasn't all that noticeable anyway.
Walking into the apartment, Neji locked the front door then just stood there. Once he realized that Itachi's scent was no longer lingering around, he walked straight to his bedroom and undressed.
In the shower, he stood there numbly, allowing the balmy water to cascade all over his body. Memories of sharing showers, baths, kisses and touches with Itachi bombarded his thoughts.
Clenching his eyes tightly, he tried to force the thoughts out of his mind, but only succeeding in experiencing them more vividly.
Itachi kissed him softly on the lips. Then again and again. Each time a little longer, a little harder, his body moving closer and closer to his. "You're so beautiful, Neji." He said, so close that their noses touched.
Neji snapped his eyes open to shake the memory. It had felt too real, his lips tingled as if Itachi had really been there kissing him.
After the shower, he towel dried his hair, threw on a pair of sweats in climbed in his bed. He switched his pillow with the one Itachi used to lay his head on. At that moment, Neji didn't care if he looked weak or vulnerable.
Just once, he wanted to drop all of his shields and let it all out.
-o0o-
The next morning, Neji looked like shit, but at least he didn't feel like it. Lee's wedding was scheduled for three that afternoon. He was surprised and pleased that Tenten would be attending the ceremony as well. All last night, while he tossed and turned, cried and relished in the scent of Itachi that remained on his pillow, he replayed the phone conversation over and over. Obviously, Itachi was apologizing for the assault on his neck -which was looking much better thanks to Hinata's salve. But Neji felt like there was something else that he was apologetic about.
Itachi sounded so...broken. It was the phone call you made before you did something really drastic. He wanted - needed to see Itachi; nothing dealing with them could be handled during a simple phone call. Nevertheless, he wasn't supposed to still have feelings for Itachi, not after what he did. Wasn't there an unspoken rule to hold a grudge or even hate the man? Surely what he did should not be forgiven or forgotten.
Neji blocked another kick from his cousin. "You're still hesitating Hinata." He released her foot and stood back. "That's enough for today. I know you want to do some shopping before Hanabi arrives."
"Thanks Neji," She gave him a small smile. "How are you feeling?"
"Fine." It wasn't a complete lie yet he still chose to veer off to another subject. "What are your plans for Hanabi?"
They walked side by side to the house. Neji was debating on moving back to his apartment for good. Hurricane Hanabi was going to be there later on and he would prefer to miss that storm.
"I will be cooking all of her favorite foods and inviting a few of her friends over to celebrate. Will you be there?"
"I can stop by after the wedding. Tenten will more than likely be with me."
"The more the merrier."
When they reached the house they both went their separate ways. Neji was about to walk into his room when he turned around to block the blow that was aimed for his head.
"You're distracted." Tokuma rescinded his hand and dropped it to his side. "You didn't notice me until the last minute."
Ignoring the slight, Neji crossed his arms over his chest. "Shouldn't you be accompanying my uncle today?"
"It appears that while growing up in the main house you've disillusioned yourself with the idea that you have the right to question me so freely."
"I've said no such thing." Neji frowned. "It was just a simple question. Never thought you would be so prickly."
Tokuma took a step closer. "And I never thought you would be so pitiful." He looked at the yellow bruises on the man's neck. "Hyuga prodigy? Pathetic." He remarked apathetically.
Smirking, Neji took a step closer as well, invading the man's personal space. "Would you like to see how I earned that title?" His smirk dropped leaving his mouth set in a grim line. He had no idea what had gotten into Tokuma but he had no qualms with giving him the fight he was so desperately seeking.
Tokuma bent his knees and Neji readied himself for an attack. "Earned it?" Tokuma sneered. "Or was it given to you out of remorse?"
That was the last straw. Not bothering to get into his own stance, Neji lunged forward with his fist balled. The clearing of a throat made him halt.
The two men turned their heads to see Hinata standing there looking like a disapproving mother. Tokuma bowed respectfully. "Hinata-sama."
Hinata walked down the hall and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I told you that you didn't have to call me that. Or bow." She smiled sincerely at the man. Then the scolding look was back in place. "I can't believe you two were bickering like...egotistical jerkoffs."
"Jerkoffs?" Neji and Tokuma scowled at each other for saying the word at the same time.
"Apologize to each other."
Neji turned his head and looked at the girl as if she'd lost her damn mind. He could sense that Tokuma was doing the same thing but in a respectable manner. But Hinata wasn't deterred; she stood there and waited patiently. Neji felt like telling her that she could stand there until Christmas and he still wasn't going to comply but that would be immature.
"I apologize," Neji saw the smug look on Tokuma's face and he changed his mind about being mature. "I apologize Hianta for behaving like a...jerkoff."
Hinata was about to reprimand him but Tokuma spoke up.
"Forgive me, Neji." Tokuma bowed stiffly. "I was out of line."
Narrowing his eyes, he decided to just go along with it if only to get the two out of his presence. He had a scheduled appointment with himself so he could wallow in self pity and they were cutting his time. "Apology accepted. I'm sorry as well. I normally don't stoop to anyone's level like that."
Oblivious to the sudden temperature drop, Hinata smile contentedly. "Glad to see you two behaving maturely. Now keep it up." She gave them both a look before turning around and leaving.
Neji had to give it to his cousin. She was growing more confident everyday, he couldn't even remember the last time she stuttered.
"You should watch yourself, Neji."
Slowly, he turned his head to face the man. "Are you threatening me Tokuma?"
"No, just warning you." He wasn't warning Neji about himself but another threat that the boy seemed to be unaware of. Tokuma had followed Neji all yesterday and he didn't even sense him.
Misinterpreting the warning, Neji sneered at him. "I'll be sure to keep that in mind." He walked into his room and slammed the door.
Tokuma stood there for a moment before finally walking off. When Hiashi returned he would have to tell him about the man he had seen last night.
The smog in Otogakure was so thick that it blocked out the sunlight casting a shadow over the lands. Itachi wore a black Shemagh scarf to prevent himself from breathing in the toxins. Infiltrating the country had been easy - too easy. Hebi Tower stood in the middle of the city and was guarded like a fortress but he had been prepared for that.
Despite the near suffocating smog, the citizens were undeterred as they scurried through the dirty streets. Children played soccer on bare feet, and the market was filled with consumers. Itachi was standing near a fruit stand in the crowded marketplace listening to a man barter with the salesman when he felt a tap on his shoulder.
"Your papers?"
He turned around to face the two guards that he had been waiting on. Purposely, he made eye contact with them when he entered the marketplace. He knew that he probably stood out like a sore thumb because unlike the natives of Oto, he wasn't afraid to look them in the eye.
If he answered they would immediately pick up on his accent, so he opted for another language altogether. "Je ne comprends pas."
The two guards looked at each other then grabbed him by the arms. As long as they didn't know he was affiliated with Konoha in anyway, everything was fine. They pulled him to an uninhabited side street and questioned him again.
"Show us your papers!" The larger of the two demanded.
Itachi smiled cheekily at him. "Je ne comprends pas!"
Taking the bait, the guard lunged forward to punch him. Itachi waited until the last second to move his head which caused the man to hit the brick wall instead. Before he could open his mouth to curse, Itachi lunged his blade into man's throat. The other guard reached for his gun a minute too late. Effortlessly, Itachi removed his blade and with deadly precision flung it at the smaller man. It hit the mark right between his eyes. Without missing a beat he checked his surroundings and noted that there no witnesses.
After disposing of their bodies in the nearest dumpster, he stole the second guards clothes. Seeing that he didn't spill any blood on them and of course he wouldn't be needing them anymore.
When he turned the corner he was a solider of Otogakure. Itachi looked up at the tall black tower that stood in the middle of the city. He'd heard stories from Kisame about the experiments that were conducted in the building. Ungodly things were done in there.
Did he really want to die in a place like that?
"...27 stitches, a fractured rib, broken nose..."
Konan listened to Sasori list the boy's injuries as if he were reading from a grocery list. Her golden eyes glanced at the man that sat next to her. Yahiko was grimacing underneath his persona as "Pein". But only she could read him.
Every time he drummed his fingers on the leather armrest of his chair, pretending to be in deep thought, he was inwardly wincing. Though he would never express those emotions outwardly - not anymore.
"...mind you he is only 13 years old..." Sasori continued on about the young boy that had single-handedly disbanded ROOT.
Konan could remember wanting children, she'd even hoped to be married someday. However, her first love was a country that only brought her sorrow while the other was a man that saw only his own goals and ambitions. But it didn't use to be like that.
"In my opinion he shouldn't have been sent on that mission in the first place." Sasori placed the file on the table. "Madara is getting out of hand." He stated calmly.
"That is enough, Sasori." Pein stood up from his seat at the head of the table. He ran his eyes over the two other people that sat in the room.
Sasori bowed, unbuttoned his blazer and took a seat. His small stature and childlike features still fascinated her to this day. Sasori was beautiful like a porcelain doll but deadly as a viper. In appearance he appeared to be no older than seventeen. However, he was two years older than her. Her fondness of him only grew once he told them of Madara's little game.
'Remember, to never reveal my identity to any of the other members.'
That was what the old simpleton said to her and Yahiko. She had always known that there was something fishy about him and she made it her duty to make sure that he was well aware that she followed Yahiko, not him.
"How many of Danzo's guards did he take out?" Pein finally asked.
"Everyone that was in the mansion. By the time Kisame arrived there were no survivors besides Itachi."
Pein folded his arms across his chest. "That's quite impressive."
True, it was impressive though she still had her doubts that a child in his condition could have taken out that many skilled guards. Especially one as inexperienced as him.
"He's still a child." Konan commented. Her euphonious voice carried throughout the room. "I agree with Sasori, we can't allow him membership. Regardless of what Madara says."
"Do you know how many children were killed under Hanzo's reign?" His slate grey orbs pierced the woman with their intensity. "How many are still being murdered while that bastard still rules Ame with an iron fist."
How could she not? Nagato had been one of the many that lost his life in the crossfire. But she refused to back down. "We have the opportunity now to protect a child and keep him out of harm's way."
Pein laughed; it wasn't anything like the amiable sound that was solely Yahiko. The sound that she had fallen in love with.
"I think it's too late for that, Konan." He said. "With proper training and time he could be of great help to the Akatsuki. Sasori, inform Kisame that once the boy has fully recovered to start his training immediately. You are dismissed."
Gathering his things, Sasori paused as if he wanted to say something, but decided against it. Konan had known him long enough to know that he didn't agree with Pein orders. Neither did she.
When the redhead was gone, Konan stood up fluidly from her seat. The heels of her pumps clicked on the marble floor as she walked over to the large windows. Iwagakure was too dry for her taste, it was nothing like Amegakure. The Weeping City was what Nagato called it. The thought of her friend brought a small smile to her face.
"You're upset with me." Pein gently massaged her shoulders. "Is it because of the boy?"
"He's too young. A child shouldn't be in this profession." She sighed tiredly. "I don't care what that asshole Madara says. What he did was inhumane in every sense, the fact that you even plan on working with him still is like you agreeing with his actions!"
"Of course I don't! That's ludicrous."
Konan moved from his touch and took one more look at the city below before walking off. She had enough time to catch Sasori before he left for the airport, she could convince Kisame to leave the boy alone. Another idea struck her, absently she touched her stomach. The thought of finally having the child that her body would never allow her to have crossed her mind.
She stopped dead in her tracks and turned to face the man that was right on her heels. "You once said that you would give me anything that I ever asked for. Was it a lie?" She asked.
Shocked by the statement, Pein frowned. "Konan, where are you going with this?"
"I want him - Itachi. I want to care for him as if he were my own. I know Madara is his guardian on paper, but I can fulfill that role physically.
"You can't be serious."
"But I am." Konan smiled her first genuine smile since they'd formed the Akatsuki. "Itachi is only 13. After the traumatic experience of losing his parents and what happened to him recently, he is going to need love. I can give him that."
He watched how her golden eyes danced with jubilance; a look that he hadn't seen directed towards him in years. Cold unadulterated panic filled his veins - he couldn't lose her too. Konan was the last bit of light in his dark world. No, he wouldn't let her slip away.
"As you stated earlier children don't belong in our world." He needed to make her see that her place was next to him. "Surely, you can't think about raising children in this environment. We're always travelling, killing and plotting. It's unhealthy."
"Then I could just leave. I can take him with me and we both could have a new life outside of all this."
Pein knew that she wasn't doing this for attention or trying to get under his skin - she was dead serious. Regardless, he wasn't going to allow her to leave him. They were so close to achieving everything that they'd worked so hard for.
Yahiko decided to remind her of that. "Konan, have you forgotten about Nagato." Seeing her smile fall made him feel triumphant yet guilty. He knew that what he was doing was wrong and selfish, but he didn't care at that moment. "Don't forget why we started all of this in the first place."
"I," Konan lowered her head in shame. She'd been willing to give up everything, stepping on the memory of Nagato in the process, just for her own desires. "I'm just so unhappy here, Yahiko." Her voice broke, the weight of her sorrow finally crashing down on her.
"That will all change once we usurp Hanzo. I need you to believe that." He embraced her, allowed her to breakdown in his arms and silently relished in the fact that she was going to stay by his side. Tenderly, he ran his fingers through her hair to soothe her. "It will be alright my love. I will take care of you."
"Why is it always raining in this fucking country?!" Kisame wondered out loud while he removed the plastic covering from the bouquet of roses he was holding.
They had just arrived in Amegakure and during the entire drive to Leader's he tried to figure out what was all the hype about the place. It literally never stopped raining, the architecture reminded him of a post-apocalyptic movie and there wasn't anything interesting to do.
The entire country was garbage in his opinion, but he kept that to himself. Didn't want to offend anyone - mainly Konan, he'd always had a soft spot for the woman.
"Can't believe you still bring her two dozen white roses every time you visit." Sasori removed his shoes and raked his fingers through his damp red locks. "Are you sure you don't have a crush on Konan?"
"Of course not!" The large man argued. His relationship with Konan was strictly platonic. They just shared a common interest.
"Is that Kisame I hear?" A feminine voice floated to their location in the foyer. The sound of heels clicking on the floors soon followed.
Konan walked down the hall sporting a black chiffon evening gown, the drastic split revealed a creamy leg and the black lace thigh holster that held her preferred weapons in place. Her ash violet hair framed her alluring yet harsh features. Years of hard living, dissipation and unhappiness had hardened her, leaving their mark upon her frailness so that her vitality was a brittle mask.
The woman practically sprinted once she saw them. As usual she greeted Sasori with a tight hug and a kiss on the cheek that he didn't dare wipe off while she was looking.
"You look lovely as always, Konan." Sasori said. When she turned to hug Kisame, he wiped his face with his handkerchief.
"Thank you, Sasori. And I saw that. My kisses are not germs!" Konan playfully scolded him.
She and Kisame shared an awkward one armed hug. Konan smiled at the bouquet and snatched them from the man. "I'll put these in water." She broke away from the hug and they followed her into the kitchen.
"Is Pein-sama in?" Sasori asked. He didn't miss the way her eyes rolled at the honorific.
"Pein," She smiled while she started to cut the flower stems at an angle. "Is currently engaging in his new favorite past time."
Kisame walked over to the bar to fix himself a drink. "What's that?"
"Rain watching. It's all the rage here." Konan snickered. With the pair of shears she pointed behind her. "You can find him out on the balcony, Sasori."
"I will go have a word with him. Excuse me." Sasori left the room. His plan was officially in motion.
Like Madara, he knew how to play on everyone's weaknesses. Kisame - though he would never openly admit - would do anything to keep Itachi safe. He'd made it his duty to protect the boy ever since he found him bloody and broken. So that was one down, two including himself, but they would need more than that. That was where Konan came in; her involvement along would bring in the other two people that they would need.
Sasori didn't know the exact details of the arrangement between Kisame and Konan, but he knew that the woman was very fond of Itachi. Unbeknownst to the Uchiha, Konan almost walked away from the Akatsuki after what happened to him. Since then she'd been careful of the assignments that he was given. Though Pein eventually ended that once the boy turned sixteen. But Konan never stopped caring and he was going to use that to kill two birds with one stone. Well actually three birds: rescue Itachi, kill Orochimaru and Madara.
Getting Itachi out of Otogakure was top priority. And if his other plans didn't go according to how he wished, he would be fine if they just achieved that main goal. Not because he also cared about Itachi - he was a very vital member to their organization that's all. The balcony of the penthouse overlooked the entire country. Amegakure was a minuscule land that had the unfortunate luck of being surrounding by three larger countries. Similar to Otogakure, it was a fascist state, ran by whoever had the guts enough to oust the previous leader.
For lack of a better word - the entire system was fucked up. None of the citizens bothered voting anymore, the elections were all a sham. They were two countries that were small and too insignificant for anyone to bat an eye at. That was exactly why Orochimaru was able to slither his way in and strength Oto's military. He'd even secured allies with other nations through unconventional methods.
Standing near the iron balcony railings, looking up into the dark skies as if searching for an answer to an unspoken question stood their leader.
"I didn't think it would be you that would come, Sasori." He said.
With his hands clasped behind his back, Sasori stood next to the man. He kept his gaze on the people that were bustling in the streets below them. By this point they were probably immune to the rain.
"Kisame is here as well. I thought it would be best if I came to talk to you instead."
"You could have called," Pein turned his head, focusing his slate grey eyes on the man that stood next to him. "Instead of wasting your time coming here."
Predictable. "Surely you don't agree with Madara's actions." If he were a lesser man he would have flinched from the weight of his stare.
"Madara and I made a deal." Pein outstretched his hands over the balcony. "He kept up his end of the bargain. In return I will stay out of his affairs. Besides, with Orochimaru out of the way we can expand."
"Expand?" Sasori sighed in mild exasperation. "I thought you wanted to save your country."
Scoffing, Pein dropped his hands and turned away from the balcony. "Those were the dreams of an immature boy. Ame doesn't need saving. No, this world needs saving."
Sasori knew that it was Madara's own idealistic views sprouting from their leader's mouth. Pein - no Yahiko was never that egotistical. He would have never earned his respect if he were. Every member of the Akatsuki played a role in overthrowing Hanzo.
Mainly Itachi, who was the only one that could get the man to leave the confines of Amegakure. Before Itachi came into the picture Hanzo never took one step out of the country but he was easily ensnared by the charm of the Uchiha.
Hell, Sasori would've given the man an Oscar for his performance with the Salamander. It was Itachi who lured him out then eventually killed him.
"So you intend to just let Itachi die?" Kisame stood in the doorway with Konan behind him like a vengeful spaniel.
Amber eyes ablaze, somber violet locks flowing in the breeze. Konan was the epitome of outraged. "You bastard." She spat venomously. "You were trying to hide it from me! How could you?"
Breathing out a small sigh, Sasori removed himself from the women's line of sight. He had been wondering what was taking so long. Now all of the pieces would fall into place. His work was done.
"Leave us." Pein said quietly.
Sparing a glance between the two, who were only focused on each other, Kisame and Sasori walked back into the penthouse closing the door behind them.
"Damnit Sasori," Kisame walked over to the bar and fixed himself another drink. His way of keeping himself grounded. "Is this your so called plan? If so it fucking sucks."
"Relax, it will all work out." Sasori watched the glass in the large man's hand crack slightly. He was itching to get to Otogakure. "Konan is going to aid us. Which will bring in Leader and Deidara."
Finishing the drink in one swig, he slammed the glass on the granite table top shattering it. "I caught the end of the bullshit Leader was spouting. If I wanted to work for a lunatic I would've stayed my ass in Kiri. Madara has only been bearable because of Pein-sama. Now they're sounding alike."
Sasori checked the map on his smartwatch. Time was of the essence; Itachi was getting closer to Oto.
"What about Hidan?" Kisame finished cleaning up the broken glass and came to stand next to him. "Don't you think we'll need the whole squad?"
"Hidan is too problematic. Besides he doesn't like Itachi and that could interfere with the mission."
"Deidara doesn't like Itachi either."
"He's just sour because Itachi turned him down." Sasori quirked his lips at the memory of the blond ranting about how much he loathed Itachi. It had all been a front. "Plus, Deidara is infatuated with Konan. He'll do whatever she asks of him."
Chuckling, Kisame shook his head. "For someone who doesn't socialize much. You sure know everyone's business."
"I just observe and the truth eventually reveals itself."
The door to the balcony slid open, Konan walked past them like she was on a mission. "We need to start forming a plan now. I want to leave by nightfall if not sooner."
"Why can't we just roll in guns blazing?" Kisame felt anxious. The more they waited put Itachi in more danger.
"For several reasons," Sasori followed the two down the hall. "The main one being we would need the element of surprise. So it may take us a day or so to get there."
"Which means we can't waste time." Konan pushed open the elaborately engraved double doors that lead to a small weaponry. "I'll contact Deidara. Hidan can stay wherever the hell he is."
"What about Leader?" Kisame asked. He saw the woman's shoulders tense slightly before she resumed her task of gathering weapons.
"It appears that rain watching is more entertaining than I thought." She replied snidely.
Kisame and Sasori shared a look but said nothing. They all knew that though she loved Yahiko, Konan hated Pein.
Hidan felt like he was on top of the world. What was meant as a little fun was turning into the most exciting game he'd ever played. His violet eyes gleamed with satisfaction while he walked over to the entertainment stand in his suite. After putting in the DVD he flopped down on the bed.
The Akatsuki were all murders yet they weren't similar in their methods or reasons. Hidan just really enjoyed being the cause of someone's suffering. Seeing the life - soul leave a person's body was the best feeling ever.
Playing with his victims was like foreplay with their deaths being the intercourse. It was twisted but Jashin approved. And that was all that mattered.
Heat coiled tightly in his groin as he watched the images on the screen. Hidan couldn't wait to show his Hime the video. The look on the boy's face when he actually sees what he did to his father was much better than just telling him.
Unfortunately, he wasn't able to find any proof of Neji's involvement with Itachi. He checked the security cameras at Neji's complex and phone records - zilch. Even the call from last night was from a burner. It was untraceable. Though, what did he expect? He knew that the Ice Princess was a clever bastard. Hidan relented on finding proof of their relationship. Instead he decided to give the task to Deidara. The blonde was the best hacker in the entire organization.
As of now Deidara was looking into it and Hidan wouldn't make another move on the boy until he knew for sure that Itachi was involved with him. He couldn't have anyone interfering with his plans. Also, Itachi had no business fooling around with what was his. He planned on filming his time with Neji as well and making a copy for Itachi.
Better yet, he would make two copies and send one to Hiashi too. That'll teach the clan head a lesson.
Once the screaming started he could feel all of the blood in his body rushing to his erection. While he got off from the sounds of Hizashi's tortured screams, he closed his eyes and thought of his little Hime.
Despite clear orders from Hiashi to make the death swift, he did no such thing. Hidan couldn't let a strong willed man like Hizashi die so easily. The pleasure he felt when he finally got the man to scream was invigorating. Neji should be proud to know that his father truly loved him. It wasn't until he threatened to kill Neji as well that Hizashi stopped resisting.
Hidan wondered if Neji was a screamer or was he going to put up a fight. It would be better in the end if he at least made it worthwhile. If Neji behaved accordingly, he might just keep him alive.
Haku and Lee exchanged their vows in front of all of their friends and family. The ceremony was beautiful; a little unconventional but that did not take away from the aesthetics. All of Neji's own personal troubles were far from his mind. He pushed all negative thoughts into a mental door and looked it - at least until the wedding was over.
Today was a time to be happy for his friend and he was going to do just that. Neji couldn't express how happy he was to see that Lee was not wearing a hint of green. Yes, it was truly a joyous occasion.
"Haku really knows how to make a woman feel insecure." Tenten pouted her lips. "Men like him are the reason why I'm single."
"Are you still upset about Soda?" Neji asked. He wasn't surprised when Tenten informed him that the guy was a total tool.
"Sora." The woman corrected tersely. "And I told you to never say that name."
"Technically I didn't say it..."
"You know what," Her voice rose slightly drawing the attention of the people that were seated in front of them. Tenten scowled at them and they quickly turned around. "I'm done with men!" She nodded her head in affirmation.
Neji had to retain an eye roll at the proclamation. That wasn't the first time that his friend had sworn off men.
"So you're going to give women a chance?" He smirked. "You know you'll have my full support."
"Maybe."
Pale eyes widened and he looked at the woman as if she'd grown a second head. "Is there something that you should be telling me?"
An elderly woman turned around to scold them. "Shh you two!"
They stared at the woman until she was forced to turn around from the intensity of their blank stares. When she was facing the two men who were now kissing,Tenten snickered.
"I was kidding Neji, relax." She squealed. "Can you believe that Lee is a married man now? And he bagged him a major hottie too!"
Standing up, the two congratulated the newly wed couple along with the other guests. Lee attempted to carry Haku bridal style but the man picked him up instead. The blush on Lee's face was bright enough for all to see.
"They look so happy." Tenten remarked quietly.
Neji couldn't help but to agree. Faintly, he wondered if he would ever be that happy. He could only imagine how he and Tenten looked, standing there slightly envying their friend's happiness. She must have read his mind because she smiled.
"Don't worry Neji. We'll both get our happy ending someday." Tenten grabbed his hand twining their fingers together. She felt a pang in her heart when Neji squeezed her hand tightly in return.
"I hope so Tenten." His voice was barely above a whisper.
Tenten could hear the raw emotion in his voice and they shared a look. Without a word they made an agreement to have a talk later. Neji was tired of hiding things from his best friend.
The reception was held at the same venue except it was indoors instead of in the gardens."It looks like Spring threw up in here." Tenten laughed at her own joke. "Lee really has an obsession with flowers."
Nodding his head in agreement, Neji looked at the various flowers that decorated the spacious banquet hall. Surprisingly the clash of color wasn't as tacky as one would think. He was starting to suspect that Haku was the one that overlooked all of the arrangements. No shade on Lee - okay maybe a lot of shade on Lee. The man's idea of fashionable was a green spandex jumpsuit for Kami's sake.
A female server stopped in front of them and offered a glass of champagne. Politely, Neji declined while Tenten accepted the drink graciously. Before the server could make it two steps Tenten downed her glass and asked for another.
Neji placed his hand on her wrist before she chugged that one down as well. "I think you should slow down."
Frowning, Tenten took his advice. "Weddings always make me so depressed." She whined. "I need to stab someone!"
Again she drew the attention of a few people that were standing in their vicinity. They looked at the petite woman with frightened expressions on their faces.
Realizing what she just said, Tenten smiled sheepishly at the people. "No worries I don't stab people. Not anymore at least...well it depends-"
"Okay," Neji could see that his friend was only digging a deeper hole for herself. He grabbed her by the arm. "How about we go for a walk?"
"Right." Tenten allowed him to lead her through the back door of the building.
They walked to a bench that was near the woods. Ignoring the seat Tenten went straight to the nearest tree and started to throw shuriken at it. Unfazed by the appearance of the deadly weapons, Neji took a seat at the stone bench and patiently waited. It looks as if he wasn't the only one that was emotionally exhausted. Also, he couldn't help but think he had played a role in Tenten's aversion to men.
He had basically lead her on in high school by pretending to be straight. Then recently he admitted to using her as a cover. Neji felt like punching himself for being so inconsiderate. By the time he made his way to where she was standing, the tree had five perfectly lined shuriken protruding from it.
"Ten. I'm sorry."
Tenten paused from throwing the sixth shuriken and glanced at her friend. "For what?" She asked, letting the weapon fly out of her hand.
"I shouldn't have lead you on in high school. It was wrong. I should've thought about how that would make you feel." Neji saw her tense up but she just reached for another weapon. Where she kept them hidden, he had no idea.
"Neji."
"Yes?"
"Do you want me to aim my last shuriken at you?"
"I would prefer if you didn't."
"Then shut up." Tenten threw the last one and went to go yank them all from the tree. "I'm not upset about that. Well at first I was a little put out, but I was never mad. I seriously just hate weddings." She informed him.
Raising an elegant brow, Neji stared at the woman in confusion. "Then why did you come?"
"Duh. For Lee." Tenten gave him a look that was to meant to make him feel ashamed for asking such a stupid question.
Just then the topic of their recent conversation came bursting through the back door.
"My dear friends!" Lee ran over to where they were standing. "Why are you out here when you could be inside celebrating with me and Haku?"
"Congratulations Lee." Neji extended his hand then felt like an idiot for ever thinking that Lee would ever settle for a handshake.
Lee reached over and yanked them both into an equally bone crushing three way hug. "The greatest day of my life is even better now that you two are here!"
"Are those my three favorite students over there?"
Neji and Tenten's eyes widened at the sound of their former Sensei's voice.
"Oh no!" They both attempted to struggle out of the hug but it was futile. Lee had an iron grip on them.
"So much youthfulness in one hug! Allow me to contribute my own youth!"
"Fuck that!" Neji tried to escape again. He even thought about aiming for the pressure point in Lee's arm just to break the man's hold on him. Before he could carry out the plan Guy Sensei hugged them both from behind creating the most awkward four way hug ever known to man.
Eventually they stopped struggling because the more they struggled the longer the hug went on. In the midst of him being practically smothered to death Neji felt a tiny bit of contentment. Being cared for was a nice feeling he concluded.
After the hug was over and Neji was positive that he didn't have any broken limbs, he took in the appearance of his former Sensei. Absolutely nothing had changed about the man. Might Guy was still green, bushy and buoyant.
"Neji and Tenten!" Guy's eyes began to water. "Why haven't you two kept in touch? Lee calls me everyday!"
"Um..." Tenten looked at Neji who was looking off in the opposite direction. She narrowed her eyes at the traitor. "I've been busy...with school stuff."
Guy looked at Neji expectantly. "Neji?"
"The life of a branch member can be very time consuming." He responded.
Tenten's mouth dropped in outrage at the nerve of the man to use that as an excuse. She was about to give him a piece of her mind when Guy spoke again.
"I understand," He beamed at them as if he wasn't near tears moments ago. "The path of eternal youth is a long and treacherous one-"
"But the end of the trail is where the pot of gold lies yeah yeah we know Guy Sensei." Neji and Tenten poorly summarized the man's infamous quote.
"That's not how it went guys!" Lee smiled. "It's the path of eternal youth is a long and treacherous one but the journey is so worth it!"
Guy's smile faltered fractionally. "All of you are wrong. The saying goes, the path-"
"Lee?" Haku came to save the trio from Guy's Path of Youth speech that was way longer than they made it seem.
Oh thank Kami! Neji and Tenten thought.
"Haku!" Lee walked over to greet his husband. "Are you ready to dance the night away my love?"
"Yes." Haku smiled and Neji was still trying to picture the man winning a fight against Lee.
Lee turned around and waved at them enthusiastically. "Neji, Tenten come share this happy day with me!"
That reminded Neji why it wasn't that big of a shock that Rock Lee had made so many friends in college. It was his day yet he had still been worried about them enough to leave his new husband to check on them. Neji couldn't understand why he ever let a friendship like that slip away.
Grabbing Tenten by the hand, they accepted the man's invitation.
-o0o-
The two best friends sat in the car outside of the reception that was starting to end. Nobody, absolutely nobody could party like Rock Lee. For three hours they had danced, ate and danced some more. It was the best night of Neji's life that didn't involve hot sex with Itachi.
Neji felt relieved by the fact that he could be happy without Itachi. Even better knowing that his world didn't have to revolve around the man either.
"I can't believe you booked a room at a hotel instead of calling me." He started the car and drove out of the parking lot. It wasn't late at all but it felt like it.
"I didn't want to cock block." Tenten wiggled her eyebrows at him. "Last time you and Kenji were getting cozy in the living room."
"Itachi."
She knitted her brows in confusion. "Weasel?"
Sighing, Neji decided that now was the time to come clean to the woman. "His name isn't Kenji, it's Itachi."
"Itachi? Then why did he lie? And why did you go along with it?"
Neji started from the beginning with his first encounter with Itachi in Club Kage. He described his exact emotions at the time: the almost magnetic pull that felt towards Itachi and also the nervousness that he felt in the man's presence. Tenten sat there in the passenger seat, soaking up everything that he was telling her. He revealed what really happened that night in Itachi's room and how pissed off he was for being rejected so rudely.
When he got to that night in the alley he hesitated. Did he really want to reveal everything about Itachi? Eventually he decided to just throw caution to the wind.
"Kenji...I mean Itachi killed a guy and you didn't report it?! What the fuck Neji?!"
With that reaction, Neji was glad that the lights bruises on his neck were covered. Imagine what the woman would say about that. Maybe telling Tenten had been a bad idea.
"Please tell me you did not let him pop your cherry!" Tenten demanded.
The phrase immediately made him think of Itachi laughing maniacally at him for using it. But he shoved the memory out his mind and focused on the present.
"Tenten," Neji stopped at the red light and glanced over at his friend who was still staring at him with her mouth agape. "I," He closed his mouth and pursed his lips. There was no way to sugarcoat it. "Yes I allowed him to pop my cherry."
"Un-fucking-believable."
The light turned green and Neji was glad that he was driving because Tenten looked as if she wanted to pummel him.
"Are you insane? He could've killed you too, Neji!" Tenten kept her body facing him. He kept his eyes on the road so he couldn't see the way she was looking at him. "So how was it?" She asked.
Okay that was not what he was expecting.
"You want to know how the sex was?" He asked slowly making sure to that they were on the same page.
"Yes. And don't be stingy with the details. I'm disappointed in you but I'm not gonna miss up the chance to sate my inner fangirl." She looked at him and smiled ferally. "Start talking, Hyuga!"
By the time they pulled up to the Hyuga compound, Tenten had enough visual imagery to hold her over for a few months.
"Holy fuck, Neji." Tenten stared at her friend in amazement. "The debauchery."
"But that's only half of the story, Ten." He pulled up to his uncle's house and could hear the music that was playing. "It will have to wait until after tonight. How long are you going to be in town."
"Just for a few days."
They climbed out of the car and could hear loud pop music playing.
Before he opened the door, Neji looked at the woman. "Brace yourself." He warned her. Hanabi was back and they both knew from experience that she was a handful.
Neji opened the door to see Hiashi was standing on the other side of the door as though he had been waiting for them to arrive. Beside him he could hear TenTen's breath hitch in surprise.
"Neji." Hiashi's gaze fell on the girl next to him. "Tenten."
They both bowed respectfully even though Tenten wanted to do the opposite. She was still shocked that he actually used her name for once.
"Tenten, why don't you go ahead to enjoy the party while I have a word with my nephew."
Tenten looked over at Neji to make sure that everything was fine but his hair curtained his face from her view. The tension in the foyer was palpable and she couldn't help but feel worried for Neji. With one last look at her best friend, she walked past the clan head into the entertainment room.
"In my office."
Complying, Neji followed his uncle up the stairs to his office. He was very familiar with the tone his uncle was using; it was reserved only for discipline. There was only one thing that his uncle could possibly be upset about.
Itachi.
His heart began to hammer against his rib cage and anxiety clawed its way through his lungs. Neji wondered if the fear of his uncle would ever go away.
Arriving at his uncle's office, they both stepped in. Hiashi motioned for him to have a seat and he sat down.
"Neji," Hiashi remained standing in front of his desk. His forehead was wrinkled in contemplation over his next words. "As we speak your belongings are being packed up and removed from your condo. I have already spoken to the landlord and ended your lease."
In the back of his mind he could see himself being shoved into a cage.
Hiashi continued. "If living here in this house isn't suiting enough. I have a house vacant for you. But you will no longer seek shelter outside of these gates." His voice was flat, final -no room for any objections.
Then the cage was locked, trapping him them forever.
Neji opened his mouth then closed it in fear of his rage. Lashing out at his uncle would only make things worse. However, he had to say something. How long was he going to allow his uncle to dictate his life? Lifting his head, he looked at his uncle and immediately choked up at the expression on the man's face.
Hiashi looked remorseful. As though he was aware of how messed up it was that he basically placed invisible shackles around Neji's ankles. Normally he would bark orders with cold indifference.
But, Neji didn't care about his uncle's new found humanity at that point.
"You had no right." The words were out of his mouth before his brain was able to process them properly.
"Pardon me?" Hiashi was giving him a chance to take back what he said.
Neji didn't take it. "You had no right, Hiashi! That condo is in my name. The fact that the landlord even allowed you to cancel the lease was a breech in our contract-"
"I think you have forgotten that despite you being my nephew you are still a branch member, Neji." His face hardened and he removed all signs of emotion. "You own nothing!"
That was the harsh reality of it and it made Neji feel so small - so insignificant in that moment. "Why are you doing this?" He sounded miserable even to his own ears. Showing compassion now was pointless. His guards were nearby listening to everything that went on in the office. Even though they protected him and obeyed him, the council was who they really answered to. Hiashi couldn't allow them to see him playing favorites.
Adopting the boy had already caused unrest in the compound in the past. He made sure to limit what he bestowed upon Neji and treated him as he did every branch member. Letting him move out of the compound in the first place placed a lot of heat on him with the council. His motives weren't to control Neji but to protect him. Tokuma had informed him about the man that had been following his nephew. From the description he knew that it was Hidan. There was no way that he was going to sit back and allow that fiend to harm his family again.
Hiashi admitted that he had been weak in the past. Too blinded by power to realize that despite their differences, he and Hizashi were brothers. They shouldn't have allowed the Hyuga clan's infrastructure to come between them.
"I'm doing this for your own good Neji."
Neji felt numb. Too numb to argue, yell, or cry. He was weary. If his uncle wanted to confine him to that compound for the rest of his life, so be it.
The basement of the Uchiha mansion wasn't suitable enough so they transported Obito to the Hokage's tower that stood on the outskirts of Konoha. As a disarming method the room they were in did not look like a customary torture chamber. It was an aesthetically pleasing room that contrasted the horrors that sometimes took place there. While Ibiki worked, Jiraiya stood on the other side of the room and watched through the two-way mirror.
Jiraiya had to give it to Obito; the man went all night without uttering a word. Eventually, Ibiki realized that Obito enjoyed the beatings - he had a true taste for suffering- so he resorted to other methods. From the microphone that was in the other room Jiraiya could hear the man's confession through broken words and cries.
"Obito, are you alright?" Mikoto smiled at me. "Are you hungry? There's some sweet buns left from breakfast. Why don't you come in and I'll fix you a plate!" The woman stood to the side and I walked in. While rummaging through the fridge the woman hummed quietly to herself.
She looked over her shoulder at me. "Would you like for me to whip you up something real quick, sweetheart?" Mikoto faced the fridge again. "I was just about to run to the school to take Itachi his lunch. He was in such a hurry that he left it. Did you know that he has his first soccer game tonight? You're welcomed to come with us if you'd like."
I remained silent and walked over to the kitchen counter.
Ibiki sat across from the man his tools long discarded. "What did you do next, Obito?" He pressed on for more information. At that rate, they had already learned that Madara was responsible for the Uzumaki murders and sending Kyuubi to the Yondaime's home. However, they needed to know more about his current plans.
Mikoto didn't see me coming; she was still looking in the fridge for something to cook for me. I grabbed the largest knife from the rack and stabbed her in the back with it. When she turned around to look at me, there were tears in her eyes. I pulled the knife out and stabbed her again and again. She tried to fight me but I was stronger.
"What the hell is going on?!"
I turned my head to see Fugaku storming towards me. I threw the knife that I used to kill Mikoto, but he dodged it. When he saw his wife lying face down in a pool of blood he was distracted for a split second. Quickly, I grabbed for the gun that I had concealed.
"Why didn't you use the gun on Mikoto?" Ibiki asked.
I aimed the gun and shot Fugaku in his shoulder but he didn't even flinch. Fear gripped at me and I shot repeatedly until he stopped coming for me.
Frowning, Ibiki leaned closer and asked the question again. "Why didn't you use the gun on Mikoto?"
"Madara told me to make her suffer." Obito said quietly. "She convinced her husband to relent on the Coup d'état. Because of her, the Uchiha clan betrayed him. He made them all pay for it too."
"How Obito? How did he make them all pay?"
I stood there staring at their dead bodies and I felt nothing. There was a sound behind me; I turned around to see Shisui standing there. He had seen everything. I tried to shoot him but I had ran out of bullets. He gave chase and I followed him. But he didn't get far; Madara stopped him and snapped his neck. Itachi came home a few minutes later. He had forgotten his lunchbox. Madara slung Shisui's body over his shoulder and we both hid until Itachi made his way into the kitchen.
I have never forgotten the sound of his petrified screams.
"How did Madara make them pay?" Ibiki asked again. It was one of the biggest mysteries revolving around the Uchiha affair. There were at least twenty Uchihas who were still alive during that time.
Madara had convinced them that the attack was issued by the Hokage. That night he called a meeting and everyone came - besides Itachi and Sasuke who were with the police. They came because they were afraid. He had been planting lies in their heads for months. The meeting was held about twenty minutes outside of Konoha; it was a trap.
Tears began to stream down the man's face and his lip quivered as he confessed. "We killed them all and burned their corpses."
On the other side of the glass, Jiraiya cursed. How in the hell had that gone down right under their noses? He tried to think back to where he was doing that time. Realization hit him like a ton of bricks. That was the night that Orochimaru attempted to kill the Sandaime and fled the country. During that time there was also unrest between Konoha, Suna and Iwa.
Madara had been playing them like a fiddle for years. He could see Obito struggling in the binds, the hypnotism was wearing off. He opened the door to the room and stepped in. "That's enough for today, Ibiki." Jiraiya said
Nodding his head, Ibiki pulled the man out of the state in a soothing voice. They had been going at it for hours and he could safely conclude that Obito had a complex when it came to Madara. He adored, feared, and envied the man. Why? He had no idea. Not yet anyway.
There was a knock at the main door; Jiraiya went to open it for Iruka. "Thanks for coming on such short notice, doc."
"No problem." His gaze shifted to the man that was tied to the chair. "Geesh. You two could have warned me about his condition."
"We don't want a full make over." Ibiki chuckled. "Just keep him alive. We'll be resuming tomorrow."
Iruka sat his bag down and started to get to work on Obito's battered body. They moved to the other room to give him some space and to discuss a few things. Even though Iruka had been their go to doctor for years, he wasn't really affiliated with ANBU. His clientele included people on both sides of the spectrum.
However, he was still well trusted by the Hokage and highly recommended. His engagement to Kakashi only intensified his popularity amongst them all. Hopefully, Kakashi would be able to sway the doctor to take on a permanent position with them.
"He's a wacko." Jiraiya commented on their hostage. "There ain't no way around it."
"He's extremely devoted to a madman." Ibiki sighed. "In a way that does make him a 'wacko'. But he enjoys being controlled, ridiculed and abused. That's more common amongst people than you would think. I think Madara picked up on it when he was still a kid and has been exploiting him since. "
"That's fucked up."
"It's ingenious."
Looking at the man next to him, Jiraiya shook his head. "Frankly, I don't give a damn about what makes little Obie tick. I'm more concerned about Madara's current plans. We can persecute him for his old crimes once we capture him and put a stop to whatever he is planning."
"I agree."
They both watched Iruka patch the man up. Ibiki didn't hold back at all during the first half of the interrogation.
"If he was capable of doing all of that in the past could you imagine what he has planned next?" Ibiki asked.
"Maybe we should resume the interrogation earlier than planned." Jiraiya suggested. While they were just sitting around Madara was more than like five steps ahead of them.
"So let me get this straight," Sasuke tried to keep his voice steady. "You, Naruto. My blond idiot of a best friend turned boyfriend is ANBU?"
That night after they left Obito in Jiraiya's hands they did as they were instructed and headed to Iruka's. When he and Naruto became friends he met the doctor during one of his few visits to the blonde's house. He'd been under the impression that the doctor was just a family friend that kept in touch from time to time. It wasn't until last night that he learned that Iruka was a private doctor that operated outside of his own home.
The man's clients ranged from Yakuza affiliates to black ops. Anyone who didn't want the local authorities snooping in their affairs came to Dr. Umino. Apparently, his parents were victims of Kyuubi as well and he reached out to Naruto after his parent's death because they were the only known survivors of the serial killer. Since then Naruto had two guardians in Jiraiya and Iruka.
"Not necessarily." Naruto scratched the back of his head. "It's complicated."
"Then uncomplicate it! I want to know everything, Naruto."
"Okay. Okay! Calm down." He took a seat at the foot of the bed. His back was facing the fuming boy that sat against the headboard. "After my parent's death, Jiraiya took me in. I know that you know this already, but let me start from the beginning." The bed shifted as Sasuke moved to sit right by him. He continued once the boy was seated. "At first we didn't talk about what happened at all. Then when I turned 12 Jiraiya told me everything about how important my dad really was and all of this cool stuff about him. I guess I kinda wanted to follow in his footsteps. But I was only 12 so Jiraiya limited whatever he told me." He paused and looked over at this boyfriend.
Sasuke knew that look. "Naruto." He warned. There was no way in hell that he was going to settle for half of an explanation. He was tired of being the only one that was in the dark.
Letting out a shaky breath, Naruto clasped his hands together nervously. "It was when I turned 14 that he finally told me about his involvement in ANBU and started my training. I've never been on any missions obviously, but I've been trained by Jiraiya and this guy named Kakashi. They joked about making me an honorary member because I was way too young to be given an actual field mission. All that changed on September 3, 2012 the day you transferred to Konoha Public."
Sasuke frowned. "What was your mission?" He could feel his blood running cold and his stomach tightening as he waited for the boy to answer. Silently, he prayed that Naruto wasn't going to say what he thought he was.
"I was assigned to...get close to you in order to keep Jiraiya informed on any movement by Madara." He raked his fingers through his blond locks. "Reporting any suspicious behavior from Itachi was also a part of my mission."
Jumping up from the bed as if he'd been burned, Sasuke was furious near vibrating with barely controlled rage. "You lying piece of shit!" He snarled. "You used me to get close to my family?!"
"Sasuke, please try to understand."
"I let you in!" Sasuke was livid now staring daggers and malice at the boy he thought he knew. The only person besides his brother that he ever allowed to get close to him. "I let you in and you fucking lied to me!"
Standing up as well, he tried to reach out to his boyfriend but his hand was swatted away. "I never lied to you Sasuke. Yeah, I kept that from you but everything else has been real. My feelings for you are real."
"Fuck you! You're just like everyone else in this fucking city! Pretending to give a damn about me and Itachi." Sasuke chuckled darkly. "Tell me, was fucking me also a part of your mission, Naruto?" He could feel his world crumbling around him yet he couldn't show that to Naruto. Exposing his weakness to the boy would only be used against him. To think that the two years he'd known Naruto had only been an apparition.
"It's not like that and you know it, Sasuke!"
"Then enlighten me." He deadpanned. At that point, he didn't care about Naruto had to say for himself. His gut had been warning him that shit was about to hit the fan soon. First Itachi had been keeping things from him now Naruto. Was there anyone that he could trust?
"Initially, I was only focused on the task I was assigned. I wanted to make a good impression so I could one day follow in my dad's footsteps. But when I met you -"
"What? You fell hopelessly in love?" Sasuke drawled. "You're so full of shit Naruto!" He made a move to leave the room but the blond blocked his path. "Get the fuck out of my way!"
"No," Blue eyes stared defiance into the dark orbs. "I'm not letting you leave. You aren't even trying to hear me out!"
"Do you really think that after that I want to hear anything that comes out of your lying mouth?"
Growling, Naruto reached out and grabbed the boy roughly by the collar. "Stop calling me a liar you bastard!"
"Or what?" He smirked. "You'll hit me? Go ahead, because after that confession there's nothing else you could do to hurt me."
The comment had stung just like he intended. Naruto released the hold on his shirt and took a step back. Remorse was written all over his face yet Sasuke was unfazed. If he wanted answers about his brother he would have to get them himself.
"Sasuke, you do know that I love you, right? What we have...It's very real to me."
He wanted to believe him. Kami, he really did but he didn't make the same mistake twice. When Naruto was looking down at the floor, he grabbed the bedside table lamp and hit the boy in the head with it.
"Ow teme that hurt!" Naruto grabbed his head with both hands and whined.
Disappointed that it didn't render him unconscious like he had hoped, he swung again but Naruto caught it. The two boys tussled over the lamp all the while cursing each other under their breaths.
Then the doorbell rung, they shared a look and continued their game of tug-a-lamp. The doorbell rang again and out of frustration, Sasuke pulled hard on the lamp pulling the blond forward then he let go causing Naruto to stumble backwards.
When he tried to catch his balance, Sasuke slipped passed him and ran out of the room with Naruto hot on his heels.
"Come back you asshole!"
"Fuck you dobe!" He made it to the front door and yanked it open. Surprised to see that it was a young girl standing there. She was pretty with long dark hair, alabaster skin and pale eyes. The girl was a Hyuga.
"Hello!" She titled her head to the side like a cat. "Is the doctor in?"
At the sight of the girl, Naruto came to a halt next to his boyfriend. The cut on his head was bleeding but he gave the girl a wide grin. "No he's not here at the moment did you need to see him?"
"Nope!"
Incomprehension showed on both of the boys' face, before they could question the girl further she leaned forward. Simultaneously, she reached around the back of their necks and found the pressure point there.
The two heavy bodies leaned forward and she squealed. "Madara-sama, they're heavy!"
Out of the darkness of the driveway, Madara walked up with a pleased smile on his face. "Lovely work my dear Saki."
He grabbed Naruto and slung him over his shoulders. "Take Sasuke to the car. I'll handle this one."
Saki petted the top of Sasuke's head and smiled. "Can I keep him? Please!"
Ignoring her, he stepped into the house and placed Naruto on of the couch in the living room. When Obito took longer than a day to complete the simple task he knew that something had went wrong.
For the past weeks he had been honing Saki's skill in tenketsu - to the best of his ability. Since he wasn't a Hyuga his knowledge was limited in the technique. Madara had also been teaching her various fighting styles. She was actually a very fast learner. His replacement for Obito was shaping up to be a sound investment. However, the girl was too damn bubbly for his liking.
Looking down at Naruto, he debated on killing him now. Yet decided against it; Naruto would play a vital part in his corruption of Sasuke.
"I'll let you live for now, Little Kit."
If he were a straight man Neji would have felt like he was in heaven waking up with three girls in his bed. However, seeing that he was definitely gay and two of those girls were his cousins he felt annoyed more than anything.
"Hey Rapunzel why'd you miss my party last night?"
Neji lifted his head from his pillow and looked at his younger cousin. Then he glanced around his bed at the other women. They all had identical messy buns on top of their heads and were wearing pink onesies. He was grateful that he missed that party. Quickly, Neji did a double take.
"Tenten," He frowned at the girl. "You're actually wearing pink? Did Hanabi threaten you?"
"It was the theme for the party." Hanabi grinned and pulled another pink onesie from behind her back. "Don't worry Neji, I saved you for you!"
Neji stared at the offensive pink article of clothing and scowled. His cousin always had a tendency to want to style his hair, put makeup on him and other ridiculing things. Once he woke up with with pink eyeshadow and lipstick on. Luckily, he was able to wash it off with no problem. However he had an inkling that the girl had taken pictures.
Besides childish pranks, Hanabi had been skilled in hacking, forging important documents and picking difficult locks. To this day, they had no idea where she learned those type of skills. Neji blamed it on the fact that she was a child of modern technology.
"You are aware that I'm not wearing that right?" Neji asked the girl.
There was a glint in Hanabi's eyes that worried him. It was as if she was challenging him. Was it normal to be wary of a fourteen year old girl?
"Hanabi made us breakfast, Neji." Hinata smiled proudly at her little sister. "It's French cuisine. Isn't that great?"
Tenten blew out an exasperated sigh. Pillsbury Toaster Strudels were hardly classified as French cuisine. But she opted to keep her commoner thoughts to herself.
"Hn." Neji stretched and was glad that he decided to sleep in a shirt for once. Last night after his uncle stomped on the last ounce of his dignity. He went to his room -like an angsty teenager- and went to sleep.
"Well if you ladies will excuse me. I need to freshen up a bit."
Pinching her nose, Hanabi scrunched up her face. "I wasn't going to say anything about your tartness. Glad you noticed."
"Come on Hanabi let's go finish with breakfast." Hinata escorted the young girl out of the room.
Neji was aware that the pink garment was still on his bed. He smirked at the thought of burning it.
"Is everything okay, Neji?" Tenten asked once the door to his room was shut.
No, everything was not okay. The past week sucked major balls. Besides hanging out with Lee, the rest of the time he felt like crap. Emotionally and physically. Truthfully, he had cried in those past few days more than normal. Normal being once in a blue moon. Throughout the day whenever he was alone, he called the number back. Even though he knew it wouldn't go through, he kept calling. Neji began to think of a million things that he could have said to Itachi during that call, but he choked up like a coward. What if that was his last time ever hearing from Itachi? The very thought made him panic.
"Neji are you alright?" Tenten touched his bare arm and he recoiled from her touch.
"I'm fine!" Neji didn't mean to sound so hostile. He just felt as if he were suffocating. The sensation had washed over him so suddenly, without warning.
How many times was he going to lie and say that he was fine? Until it was no longer a lie. Neji's heart was beating rapidly blotting out all sound in the room. Images of Itachi lying dead in some ditch or an...alley flooded his mind.
Was that the reason why Itachi called? Because he knew he was going to die?
"Neji!" Tenten tried to grab him again but he shoved the girl off of the bed. She hit the floor with enough force to knock the wind out of her. At that moment Tokuma stepped in and assessed the situation. He went to Tenten and helped her up then went to the side of the bed.
"Go get Hiashi-sama." Tokuma told the distraught girl. "He's in the kitchen. Go now!"
Tenten felt glued to the spot, unable to tear her eyes away from the sight of her best friend. She willed her legs to move and she hurried out of the room to get help.
Neji was unaware of his surroundings as he sat on his hands and knees and tried to force air into his lungs. Frantically, his pale eyes danced around the room. Instead of his bedroom he could only see steel bars of a cage. His throat tightened and he could feel himself spinning.
"I can't breath." Were his last words before everything went black.
TBC