Author's Note: I really appreciate the reviews from the last chapter! This chapter is very emotional, just a heads up.
Warning: Rated 17+, angst, mentions of self harm
.
-o0o-
Naturally, he was accustomed to men crawling on their hands and knees for him. However, a shirtless Neji, on all fours with his lengthy chestnut hair hanging over one shoulder was by far the most titillating scene that he had ever witnessed. Neji's look was knowing - it was the expression a predator shows its prey before batting it around a little. It was a taunting look. Neji knew the affect that he was having on him; there was even a hint of devilry in his pale orbs.
"I've only done this once," Neji said as he unbuckled Itachi's pants. "So forgive me if I'm a little...sloppy." He smirked and unzipped the man's pants.
Itachi was truly stunned to silence by the man's boldness. The zipper seemed too loud in the silent room. He watched as his pants were slipped down and allowed to fall to his ankles. Removing his shirt, Itachi moaned uncharacteristically loud when Neji bit him on his lower abdomen. Looking down with hungry dark eyes, he gazed at his lover.
Neji gazed back while he pulled his brief's down. "Impressive as always." He dazedly murmured in regards to Itachi's erection.
After Itachi stepped out of his discarded clothes and kicked them to the side, he suddenly felt powerless. Here he was, completely naked, while Neji was still dressed from the waist down; it made him feel overly exposed. There was an intensity to the way Neji raked his eyes over his naked form.
Neji would never get over how flawless Itachi was; even the pink scars that adorned his chest and other parts of his body only added to his aesthetics. Again he nibbled at his stomach muscles that rippled and jutted out in cut lines. Then he wrapped his slender fingers around the base of Itachi's shaft, with a gentle squeeze he slowly pumped him.
He'd only given head once; Itachi pounced on him before he could really get the feel of it. But this time he was going to savor the experience. Tentatively, he swirled his tongue and suckled around the head. The lewd word that fell from Itachi's lips was the only encouragement that he needed to continue. While he focused only on the head, Neji sighed in satisfaction when he tasted Itachi's heady precum on his tongue. He found himself wanting more of it, so he took him deeper.
"Shit..." Itachi shivered when the man's teeth lightly scraped against his cock.
Noticing this, Neji slowly bobbed his head, all the while applying light pressure to his jaws.
"Fuck yes, Neji." Itachi's voice was low and guttural.
Neji continued his ministrations before releasing Itachi from his mouth. With both hands he stroked him, faster and more aggressive than before. He was still mildly embarrassed by his actions and didn't think he was ready for full eye contact while he was in the middle of blowing him. So he kept his eyes focused on his hands that were glistening with saliva. Still, he was curious to see Itachi's face as he sucked him off; the man's moans were getting louder by the second.
Then he reminded himself that Itachi was his husband now, after everything they've done, there was no nothing to be embarrassed about. With that in mind, he lifted gaze and attempted to fully swallow Itachi's dick. It was more difficult than he presumed; he had to widen his jaws to keep himself from gagging. Pulling back slightly, he breathed through his nostrils then continued to bob his head up and down.
Itachi's head was thrown back, his eyes were tightly shut while he groaned and mumbled Neji's name repeatedly. It was by far the best blow job he had ever received. Instinctively, he placed his hand on the back of the man's head and jerked his hips as he sensually fucked his mouth.
Neji had to close his eyes so he could concentrate on not choking, he was also aware of how uncomfortably tight his pants were now. For some reason, having his mouth fucked while saliva trickling down his chin was turning him on - more than he thought it would. Humming contentedly, Neji dropped his hands and allowed Itachi to control the movements of his head. He unzipped his jeans and freed himself.
"Neji..." Itachi's voice was strained. "I'm close..." He warned.
Taking that as a sign to continue instead of stop, Neji tightened his jaws and hallowed his cheeks as he bobbed his head. With a primal growl, Itachi came hard down his throat. Neji wanted to spit it out because it was a tad overwhelming but fought the urge to do so.
While Itachi caught his breath, and came down from his sexual high, Neji held his hand to his mouth. His lips tingled and the pit of his stomach felt hot. Absently, he wondered if this was how Itachi felt whenever he swallowed his seed. It was an odd taste; one that he was certain he wouldn't be able to tolerate if it had been anyone else instead of Itachi.
Tenderly, Itachi raked his fingers through Neji's hair and pulled his head back. "My turn." He murmured before lowering his head to taste himself on his husband's lips.
Standing up, Neji placed his hands on his chest and pushed him back. "No, I'm going to make you come again. Do you have any lube?"
"How exactly do you plan on accomplishing that?" Itachi asked over his shoulder as he headed to his closet.
"You'll see."
When Itachi walked out of his closet, Neji was naked and waiting for him with his back against the headboard. Standing at full attention was the man's erection; Itachi wondered if Neji knew that his size was just as impressive. If they're roles were reversed, he was positive that Neji would be a substantial lover. As soon as the image invaded his thoughts, he discarded it and headed over to the bed.
Neji took the lube from him and glanced at the bottle before uncapping it. Dubiously, Itachi watched him apply a generous amount to his hand. He climbed on the bed and kissed Neji's collarbone all the way up to his chin. When he made it to the man's lips he gasped in his mouth as Neji grabbed his erection and coated it in lube. While they kissed, Itachi was dimly aware of Neji's other hand that was smearing lube over his own entrance. The thought of Neji prepping himself caused him to groan into the kiss.
Breaking away from the kiss, Neji removed both of his hands and used them to push Itachi on his back. Straddling him, Neji leaned over and kissed him, while he positioned Itachi's hardened length at the gate of his body.
Unable to resist the urge anymore, Itachi placed his hands on Neji's hips and violently thrusted his hips causing the man to cry out.
"I'm sorry," Itachi was partially apologetic; the incredible heat and tightness surrounding his cock made it difficult for him to regret his brashness. "Are you alright?" He gently inquired, despite the amazing feeling, Neji's comfort was paramount.
Nodding his head, Neji sat up and gradually adjusted to Itachi by languidly rolling his hips. He placed his palms on Itachi's chest to steady himself once he started to pick up the pace and actually ride him.
Memorized, Itachi laid back and admired the man that he had been married to for all of half an hour. Neji was truly a captivating sight to behold: his skin was flushed, glistening with sweat caused by exertion. His disheveled hair and stainless white teeth nibbling on a plump bottom lip as he moaned Itachi's name - it all pushed him closer to the edge of orgasm.
Even when Neji was fully dressed, hair neatly in place and behaving like a condescending Hyuga, he was equally attractive. It wasn't just Neji's looks that drove him insane; it was everything about the man. Neji was intelligent, strong willed, loyal, and open-minded. Everything that he could possibly want in a partner.
"Itachi."
His heart ached at the way Neji moaned his name and gazed at him with unadulterated love in his pale eyes. Neji actually loved him; someone like him. For ten years he had convinced himself that he was undeserving of love. Danzo had told him that he was filthy and that even though he cried and begged him to stop, he actually liked what was happening to him. It was to the point where Itachi believed him and that only made him hate himself more. He had envied his own brother's relationship with Naruto. How pitiful was he to be jealous of Sasuke's happiness? But now, Neji made him feel as though he was worthy of love, that he actually deserved to be happy.
"Itachi? What's wrong?"
Tears rolled downed his cheeks and Itachi didn't bother hiding them. Everything had been taken away for him: his parents, his innocence, his freedom and now Madara had Sasuke. What if Neji was taken away from him too?
"Am I really that bad at this? Talk to me, please." Neji knew that Itachi's distress wasn't sex related, but he was unsettled by the unexpected tears.
Itachi flipped them over so that he was now on top. His elbows were next to Neji's head and he smoothed his hair away from his face. "Please don't ever leave me, Neji." He sniffled while tears continued to fall. "I can't lose you. I can't..." Itachi rested his face in the crook of his lover's neck.
Astonished Neji laid there, the crook of his neck was damp with Itachi's tears. Wrapping his arms around his waist, he held him as he trembled. The man's anguish sent a sharp pain through his heart and his throat tightened.
"...he told me that I was filthy...that's why I clean so much and bathe so much." Itachi confessed in between tears. "Years...ten years I've hated my own skin. Some of the scars on my body are from me..." He had never told that to anyone; not Kisame, not Sasori - no one.
"Itachi." Neji could feel his own eyes swelling with tears. "Who told you that, Itachi?" He wanted to know so that he could find them and skin them alive. "Who told you that you were filthy?"
"Danzo."
At the sound of that name, Neji tightened his hold on Itachi. "You're not filthy, Itachi." His voice was thick with emotion, but he didn't care. "I love you and I need you to believe me when I say that you're not filthy."
"How can you love me, Neji?" Itachi so desperately needed to know. "How?"
"How can I not?" Neji replied as though it were an obvious answer. Because to him it was. "I love everything about you; flaws and all. Even after you choked me and broke my heart, I still love you."
Lifting his head, Itachi saw that Neji was crying as well. "I broke your heart? Neji I didn't know..."
"Yes, you broke my heart." Neji gazed at him through reddened eyes. There was no point in holding on to his pride anymore. "I felt hollow while you were away. Food and drink was tasteless and my nights were restless. I had never felt so...empty before, Itachi."
"I'm so sorry, Neji."
"I didn't say all of that to guilt trip you." Neji placed his hands on either side of Itachi's face. "I wanted you to realize that my feelings for you are genuine. Never question why I love you, Itachi. After everything that you told me and I've seen...my feelings haven't dwindled, if anything they've intensified."
Itachi didn't know why he was so fortunate enough to have met Neji. He wanted to interpret it as the universe's way of making up for the crap hand that he had been dealt. Having Neji by his side made all of the bullshit worth it.
"Those are my vows by the way!" Neji dropped his hands and feigned annoyance. "And I vow to never ride you again since it's so terrible!" Relief flooded him when Itachi chuckled; he had feared that he really thought that he didn't love him.
"Forgive me for ruining our wedding night."
In any other situation, he would have felt embarrassed for crying during sex. This was the moment when he was supposed to question his manhood and put up a front. But Itachi didn't feel compelled to do any of that; not with Neji.
"You didn't ruin anything," Neji assured him with a genuine smile. Then he kissed him chastely on the lips. "Show me, Itachi." He said once he pulled back. "Show me your scars."
Not the scars that he had received on assignments, but the ones he inflicted on himself at the age of fifteen. Itachi had been so lost during that time in his life. It was when he started to struggle with his sexuality among other things.
Sitting up, Itachi stared at Neji intently before showing him the deep scars on his left forearm. "There's 6." He kept his eyes downcast so he was caught off guard when Neji grabbed his arm.
Delicately and tenderly, Neji placed feather soft kisses on each of the scars. Reminding Itachi that he loved every single part of him, irrevocably and unconditionally. The small gesture spoke volumes; there was no point in him explaining his actions. When he kissed the final scar, that was slightly bigger than the other ones, he glanced up to see Itachi on the verge of tears again. Though instead of tears of despair they were tears of happiness.
With a soft groan, Itachi placed his hand on Neji's back, lowered him down on the mattress and settled his body over his. Instantly, their lips met in a steamy kiss. Itachi ran his hands down Neji's side and rested them at his hip. Neji widened his legs, and tightened his arms around Itachi's neck to bring him closer, urging him onward. Still kissing him, Itachi lifted his husband's leg and bent them slightly. Eagerly, Neji moved his hand between them both and wrapped his hand around Itachi's erection. It was a joint effort; they were both equally invested in the pleasure to come.
Itachi broke the kiss and rested his forehead against Neji's as he entered his body with unhurried passionate thrusts. Eyes open, he etched every sound and facial expression that Neji made to his memory. As long as he lived, he never wanted to forget this moment.
"Where's Itachi?" Deidara asked as he looked around the large board room. They were called in for a mandatory briefing with Jiraiya to discuss what occurred in Amegakure during the failed retrieval mission.
"He's on his honeymoon." Konan grinned. "I'm so happy for him! Karin and I were out shopping for a wedding gift earlier. I hope Neji likes his gift!" She also splurged on the young girl as well; which was mandatory because she had no clothes, and needed a new pair of glasses. Once they took care of Madara, Konan planned on traveling around the world and taking Karin with her. Yahiko hadn't been answering any of her calls and she had no idea where he could possibly be. Though at this point in her life, Konan decided that it was time for her to move on.
Scowling at the news, Deidara crossed his arms and focused his attention on Jiraiya whom was standing at the end of the table. He couldn't believe that Itachi actually married that Hyuga brat. All of that talk about him being too young for Itachi and then he turned around and married someone that was younger than them both. It was just like Hidan said; Itachi didn't want him because Deidara was beneath him. A man from an aristocratic upbringing like Itachi would never spare him a second glance.
"I still need to purchase a wedding gift." Deidara's head snapped in indignation at his partner.
Sasori sat on his left with his head propped up on his hand. "Do you think that Neji would like an Aston Martin?" He was dead serious in his inquiry. Unlike the other members, his parents had been assassins so he was raised in the trade. With the money they left him and the money he'd made on his own, he was drowning in riches. This year he needed to pick a new charity to anonymously donate to, but that was neither here nor there. "I think that two matching Aston Martins would be the perfect gifts." Feeling satisfied, he pulled out his IPad and opened the web browser.
"Are you fucking kidding me? That's way too much!" Deidara complained.
"Dammit, Sasori you stole my idea!" Kisame scratched his head and tried to think of another gift to give the newlyweds. "A beach house in Kiri would be nice. I can get Mangetsu to take care of it for me." He unlocked his phone and sent a text to his old friend.
Even Kakashi, who was sitting next to Sasori, was thinking of a gift as well. "No fair, now my gift is going to look cheap compared to those extravagant gifts."
Konan smiled at him. "Well you are planning a wedding Captain, so it's fine."
"That's a great excuse!" Kakashi chuckled and glanced over at the man that was next to him. He had been surprised that Sasori held no grudge towards him, especially since it was his father who killed Sasori's parents. They weren't necessarily friends but he could honestly say that the alliance with the Akatsuki was shaping up to be a great thing.
The door opened and Tsunade walked in, cheeks flustered, but her honey eyes were sharp and calculating.
"I don't know who's hotter; the Hokage or the Mizukage." Kisame whispered. "Terumi Mei makes me want to move back to Kiri while Tsunade makes me want to pledge my loyalty to Konoha."
"And apparently Neji makes you want to marry into the Hyuga clan." Konan snickered behind her hand.
Groaning, Kisame covered his face in frustration. "Can we just pretend that didn't happen?" It was the first and only time that he would ever question his sexuality. He was straight; not curvy just straight and narrow.
"Nope!" Konan, Sasori, and Kakashi answered simultaneously.
"Everyone." Tsunade nodded her head in greeting to the Akatsuki members and Kakashi. "Is it safe to assume that Itachi's absence is due to him...being tied up?" She couldn't openly admit that she was aware of Itachi's marriage. However, that didn't stop her from sending Shizune out to get a gift.
"Yes, Hokage-sama." Kakashi replied with a wink. Well he could only assume that Neji even agreed to the marriage, but he had a feeling that he did. It was obvious that those two were crazy about each other.
"Great! Now let's start the meeting."
When she walked off to take a seat at the head of the table, Deidara pulled out his phone and typed a message to Hidan. Hesitantly, his thumb hovered over the screen, but in the end he pressed send.
...
"The main reason why we failed in the recent retrieval mission was due to underestimating Madara." Jiraiya wore a serious expression on his face as he recalled the events in Amegakure. "Or better yet, we underestimated his accomplice." With a remote control, he turned on the projector behind him. "This is the footage that we were able to obtain from the security cameras in the penthouse."
Everyone in the boardroom had their eyes on the screen. They watched Madara and two dark haired teens walk inside of the penthouse. Konan wore a satisfied grin on her face when she saw Madara visibly panicking because of their absence. Served him right for assuming that he could pop in whenever he pleased. It was comical to watch the man walk from room to room in search of them. Previously, she had been under the impression that Yahiko was there as well, but according to the video he wasn't.
In the video, Madara walked into the mini arsenal while he held the phone up to his ear. Leaving the teenagers in the living room.
"Watch closely," Jiraiya said.
When Madara walked out of the living room, the young girl casually moved over to the window and glanced out of it. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary about the action, they were at the top floor; who wouldn't want to look out of the window? Konan tried to pinpoint anything that was strange about the images on the screen but saw nothing. Until the girl walked back over to the boy - who she assumed was Itachi's younger brother - and grabbed him by his collar.
"Holy shit." Kisame mumbled at how easily the girl handled the boy and dragged him behind the bar. After exchanging a few words they both hid behind the bar. Moments later the front door was kicked in and tear gas was spilling out fogging the camera. "We can't see anything!"
Jiraiya kept his eyes on the screen. "Patience." He had watched the video several times, trying to figure out what went wrong. Madara was alone, so they thought. It had been the perfect opportunity to rescue Sasuke and capture Madara. But they failed - miserably.
Once the smoke cleared, standing in the middle of the six incapacitated ANBU operatives was the young girl.
"Leave it to Konoha to get their asses handed to them by one girl." Kisame snorted and placed a hand over his mouth to cover a mock yawn. "Pathetic."
"The tear gas had no affect on her!" Jiraiya paused the video and glared at the man. "And we don't attack helpless girls!"
Konan pulled a face. "Helpless?" She asked incredulously. "As you can see she is far from helpless. Girl or not she kicked your asses. Deal with it."
While the three of them continued to bicker, Sasori kept his eyes on the screen. He had noticed several things about the young girl: one being that she was a Hyuga, so her paralytic skills were more than likely superb. As for her being impervious to tear gas, it was rare but not unheard of. He was also immune to tear gas, various poisons and minuscule voltages of electricity; which would probably explain his stunted growth. If the girl was also immune to tear gas, that more than likely meant that she underwent similar training as him.
"She's a Hyuga." Deidara pointed out. "Why would she be helping Madara?"
Tsunade was still on the fence about how much she wanted to reveal about the girl's identity. Though she didn't agree with Hiashi's methods, things could get out of hand if she told anyone about the Hizashi incident or Saki's true purpose. "She's a hostage. I want her brought back alive and unharmed." The first thing on her 'to do' list was finding a way to abolish the Clan Act.
"What about Madara?" Sasori asked. "I hope you don't expect us to bring him in alive. Remember that we don't necessarily operate the same. We aim for the head or any other vital spot." His voice was monotonously flat. "Even though as ANBU you are tasked with jobs that require a certain ruthlessness, you still behave compassionately. And though I admire that, I don't think Madara deserves that compassion."
The rest of the Akatsuki members nodded their head in agreement. What was the point in capturing Madara? After all of his atrocious kinds to mankind he deserved a slow and painful death not a boring interrogation and an execution. Death by firing squad was far to nice for the likes of Madara.
"Yes, I would like for him to be brought in for questioning. A proper trial is mandatory."
"After everything that Madara has done to Itachi, you really think that he's going to just bring the man in for an interrogation?" The redhead raised a thin eye brow. "Not only was he responsible for his parents' death, among other things, now he has his younger brother. I've witnessed Itachi mutilate someone for far less."
"I agree with Sasori," Konan said. "Madara doesn't deserve a trial and if during the mission Itachi has the opportunity to kill him, I won't get in his way. Especially not because you want to bring him in alive. That's a betrayal to Itachi in my opinion. In fact that is a betrayal to every life that Madara has ruined."
Tsunade propped her chin on her intertwined hands. "I understand that. Trust me, Madara's victims will have their justice. I am only doing what is required of me by law." She wanted Madara dead just as much as the next person, but there were necessary procedures that she had to go through first.
All of the Akatsuki member's faces were blank yet Kakashi could easily read them. Regardless of what Tsunade said, they were not going to get in the way of Itachi killing Madara.
It had been a pivotal moment in their relationship. Afterwards they just laid there; saying nothing. Neji thought over the things that Itachi confided in him but didn't dwell on it for too long. He understood that Itachi didn't tell him so that they could discuss it. It was a sign of trust and gave him insight on why Itachi behaved as he did. It also proved to him that what they shared wasn't feigned. Not in the least.
Almost an hour passed before they finally left the bed and shared a bath. The silence stretched on until Itachi made a comment about the mess that he had left in the kitchen. And just like that, the silence was broken and their playful banter picked up where it left off.
While Itachi was cleaning up the kitchen, Neji stepped out into the hall to make a phone call. He hadn't been prepared to stay with Itachi tonight, so he needed to at least tell Tenten not to wait up for him. After three rings, the girl answered the phone with a breathless, "Hello."
"I'm not interrupting anything am I?" He smirked at the sound of Tokuma's muffled voice in the background.
"Make it quick, Neji! What's up?"
"I called to let you know that I'll be back tomorrow morning. If anyone asks I'm with a friend."
"Who's the friend?"
"We'll discuss it tomorrow." He promised.
"Fair enough! Be safe!" Abruptly, Tenten ended the call.
That was the first time that she was the one who rushed off of the phone. Neji was starting to wish that Tokuma had been around years ago. He hated talking on the phone, especially when it was just idle chitchat. Stepping back into the kitchen, he saw that it was already spotless. Itachi was shirtless and leaning against the granite island waiting for him.
"I have something for you," Itachi walked towards him and took his hand." He led him out of the kitchen and up the stairs.
"If I had known that I would be getting married tonight, I would've picked you up a gift as well. Though, I wouldn't know what to buy you."
They walked into Itachi's room and headed to the closet. "Don't worry about it. You can always make it up to me." He joked as he walked into the large closet.
Neji looked at all of the blazers, dress shirts and ties. "Do all assassins wear tailored suites?" He mused out loud.
"Personal preference." Itachi found the package that he was looking for and an envelope.
"That's not a gift Itachi," Neji looked at the two items. "Those are gifts - plural!"
Handing him the package first Itachi pecked him on the cheek. "Open it." He softly commanded.
"Okay, but if I don't like it don't be upset!" Neji removed the brown paper, careful not to make a mess. Immediately, he noticed the black frame. After removing the rest of the paper he stared at the photo. "How did you get this?"
"I've had it since we left Kamakura. It's my favorite picture of us. Well, it's our only picture. Do you like it?"
"Yes," Neji answered truthfully. It was an 8x11, black and white photo; they were looking at each other, the angles were perfect. The picture turned out better than he'd expected. "Thank you, Itachi." So the old crone knew how to take a picture after all.
"I'm happy that you like it. We can hang it up in our new home." Itachi took the frame from him and the paper. "When I come back, I was thinking about us moving to another city once Sasuke graduates high school." He sat the frame on his dresser and discarded the paper.
"What city did you have in mind?" Neji was still unsure about leaving his family and friends, but he also understood why Itachi wanted to leave Konoha. There were too many bad memories here and Itachi deserved a fresh start.
"Well, I wanted to talk it over with you first. I understand that you're still at the university and I didn't want to interfere with your studies."
"Hiashi made me drop out." Neji informed him, there was a hint of remorse in his voice. "I dropped out three days ago." At the rate he was going, he could've graduated in another year - way ahead of majority of his class.
"Do you want to finish school?"
"Yes."
"Then you will."
Raking his fingers through his hair, Neji sighed. "It's not that easy. I no longer have my scholarship and my dad didn't leave me that much. The job of branch delegator isn't that beneficial financially, but I'm grateful for what he did leave me. Tuition is really expensive though."
"I can pay it." Itachi shrugged as if he were talking about a full tank of gas instead of full tuition.
"No, Itachi I'll handle this on my own. Besides you have your brother to take care of."
"When Sasuke turns eighteen he'll have access to his trust fund." And he had already set aside enough money to handle his brother's college expenses. "It will be fine."
"No and that's final." Neji couldn't allow Itachi to spend that kind of money on him, he wasn't a charity case. He would just have to give up on his dreams of becoming the youngest district attorney in Konoha. Besides if they were moving it didn't matter.
"Neji, you will have time to think it over. Whatever you decide, I'll support you, but don't be afraid to let me take care of you."
"Stop saying all of the right things! And I'll never let you take care of me, maybe assist! But not fully take care of me! I'm still a very proud man!"
"Okay," Itachi chuckled at the small pout on his husband's face. "I'll let you handle it on your own. I guess you don't want the other gift that I have for you either."
"Doesn't matter." Neji feigned indifference but he was curious about the gift.
Seeing right through him, Itachi handed him the white envelope. "I love how...cute you look when you're being stubborn."
"Cute?" Neji snatched the envelope and glared at the sneering man. "Do you enjoy being punched in the nuts?"
Itachi shuddered at the mere thought of being punched there again. "Hn. From here on out, no punches below the belt."
"Then don't call me 'cute' again."
"Deal."
Feeling satisfied, Neji opened the envelope and removed two first class tickets. "Kirigakure?"
"Have you ever been?"
"Of course not." Neji continued to look at the tickets. "Though I'll admit that I've always wanted to go."
"Good because we'll be spending our official honeymoon there." Itachi wrapped his arms around Neji's waist and pulled him close. "We can leave once I get back."
Was it safe for Neji to allow himself to be this happy? Everything about tonight was perfect; he'd seen a side of Itachi that he had thought he would never see. Afterwards they actually made love, which was much different than fucking. Neji concluded that he enjoyed the former more.
"Thank you," Neji finally found his voice. "For everything." If they were keeping score, he was definitely losing.
"Hn. I know how you can make it up to me." Itachi murmured seductively.
"I knew there was going to be a catch." Neji stepped back and placed the tickets on the dresser next to the photo. "How can I make it up to you?"
...
"Hell no!" Neji stared indignantly at his soon to be Ex-husband. "I'm not wearing that!"
Signature smirk on his face, Itachi held up a black t-shirt with an Uchiha fan embroidered on the back. "Just for tonight and only around the house." He was only joking, but teasing Neji was so much fun.
Neji stared at the offensive article of clothing as though the intensity of his stare would incinerate it. He couldn't believe that Itachi would suggest such a thing. Then he noticed the glint in his onyx eyes. "I'll wear it on one condition."
"And that is?"
Rubbing his hands together mischievously - a look that he picked up from Hanabi - Neji walked over to Itachi and whispered in his ear.
Dark eyes widened, alabaster cheeks flushed and Itachi's mouth hung open in shock. "Neji..." He couldn't believe his ears.
Neji took the shirt from his hands and slipped it on. "So, what do you say?"
Nothing - Itachi couldn't say anything instead he all but pounced on Neji. The bed was too far away; the floor would have to do.
-o0o-
An hour later, the newlyweds sat snuggled on the leather sofa in the entertainment room. As agreed, Neji was wearing Itachi's shirt. He would have to make sure that he took it off before he left in the morning. Hiashi would spit fire if he saw him wearing the Uchiha crest proudly on his back. But Neji only wore it for Itachi, no one else.
"What movie do you want to watch?" Itachi asked while he browsed through the selections. Their earlier activities were still fresh on his mind - his tongue rather. He didn't know if introducing Neji to rimming was a good or bad thing.
"Anything is fine." Yawning, Neji rested his head on Itachi's lap and stared at the television. "I wish that it could always be like this." He mumbled tiredly.
Itachi ran his fingers through his lover's silky strands. "It can. I will come back as soon as possible."
"No, take your time and do what you have to do." Closing his eyes, Neji could feel himself being lulled to sleep by the gentle fingers in his hair. "Just come back...in one piece."
Affectionately, Itachi looked at the sleeping man on his lap. "I promise, Neji."
After the never ending lights of the city, she underestimated the utter blackness of nighttime in the forest. During the drive from the city, she marveled at how prepossessing all of the lights were; it had been her first time out of the compound. Everything seemed so big and out of reach up until then. In the walls of the compound everything always seemed so bland and monochrome, even the people. Every single person had the same eyes. The same dull expression in their eyes - except him.
"Saki, remember what I taught you." Iroha said while he pushed her closer to the edge of the forest. "I will meet you on the other side."
Stepping into the wilderness, she was immediately robbed of one sense while another was heightened. Instinctively, her eyes closed and she allowed her ears to see for her. This was what Hiashi-sama wanted from her; he needed her to be faster, stronger, and better in order to fulfill her duty. What was a tool if it had no purpose?
Useless.
The darkness nurtured a sense of claustrophobia inside of her even though the woodland stretched unbroken for miles. The narrow path, which was made uneven by the knotted roots that crossed it, branched at intervals. There was no map to follow, but even if there was the perpetual dark would prevent her from using it. Panic gripped her; the desire to drop to her knees into the damp earth was also present. However, she wouldn't waver, not as long as she had breath in her lungs.
...
A sleek black SUV awaited her when she reached the other side of the dense forest a week later. Saki went in an eleven year old girl but came out a totally different person altogether. Blood, mud and other unmentionables stained her clothes. Scratches and bruises were all over her body, but there was a fierceness in her pale eyes.
The door to the SUV opened and a boy stepped out of the back. He looked like he was only a few years older than her. "My name is Tokuma. I will teach you your next lesson." He said impassively as he handed her a bottle of water. "After you have rested, we will begin."
"Hai!"
Endurance had been the first lesson of her training. In the woods, Saki had to survive off of the land or die trying. Her second lesson with Tokuma, who was only fourteen at the time, had been equally grueling. He helped her build up her physical strength and taught her the forbidden techniques of the clan. Saki underwent the training that most Hyuga guards had to go through before they could even think about protecting the clan head.
She doubted that any of her instructors knew why they were ordered to train her. Especially Tokuma, he only did as he was told without question. Out of all of the orphans, he had always been the most promising. But she wondered how they would feel if they knew the truth. The truth about Hizashi's death. Saki could remember growing up and attending Branch monthly meetings. Hizashi had always been understanding of their problems. How could anyone kill someone like him?
Even worse, how could she keep silent about it for as long as she had? She knew that Hiashi was the one behind Hizashi's death long before Madara told her. The senile old fool didn't even realize that she wasn't the same girl that he chose all of those years ago - she wasn't the real Saki.
Her real name was 00931.
At the age of eleven, the clan head came to the orphanage and gave her the name, Saki. A week later her survival training with Iroha started, then followed with her strengthening training with Tokuma. She had four more instructors before Hiashi deemed her worthy enough to spar with him. Of course, their meetings had to remain secret, so only Hoheto was fully aware of what her purpose was.
Still, she had second thoughts about what Hiashi promised her. How could she marry Neji when she knew the truth about his father? It just didn't sit right with her anymore. He deserved to know the truth more than anyone, but she couldn't do anything about it. Her loyalty was to Hiashi-sama above anyone else. Though her resolve was weakening, in Amegakure she had the perfect opportunity to take Madara out, but she hesitated.
Why? Saki didn't know. Hiashi had told her that Madara was evil. A man that hired someone to kill his own brother had the nerve to call someone else evil.
Saki sat up in bed and chastised herself for thinking like that. Who was she to question Hiashi-sama's methods?
"Tools aren't supposed to think." Saki climbed out of bed and sat on the hard floor in the dark room. "Tools aren't suppose to feel, laugh or cry." She repeated the mantra over and over again.
The sooner she completed her task, the sooner she could go back at the compound. Maybe that why was she hesitated back in Amegakure; because she didn't want to go back.
Tokuma had just escorted Tenten back to her room when he was summoned by Hiashi. He was still reeling from the fact that he had just experienced his first kiss when Hoheto found him in the hallway. Tenten was a very candid woman; despite her delicate features she was very strong. When she grabbed him by the shirt and slammed him into the wall, Tokuma was grateful that he had a high tolerance for pain. Kissing was far better than he thought, but Tenten assured him that there was something that was way better than kissing. Whenever Neji came back he was going to ask him more about the topic.
Subconsciously, Tokuma brushed his fingers across the five numbers that were tattooed on the nape of his neck - 00919. It was a reminder of how far he had come. He went from a nameless orphan to one of the clan head's elite guards. In the orphanage their birth names were replaced by numbers until the clan head gave them a purpose. He was the youngest in their ranks and was a prodigy in his own right.
At sixteen he had been promised the role of branch delegator. Since then he had spent majority of his free time integrating with the branch and actually socializing with them.
Tokuma was introverted by nature, so it took a lot of effort for him to actually engage anyone in conversation. Eventually, he found joy in helping those in need and felt as if the role of delegator would give him a better chance to do just that. But recently, the position was taken from him.
Stepping into the clan head's office, he bowed his head and awaited further instructions.
"Tokuma," Hiashi looked at the man's bowed head. "Have a seat."
Standing up, Tokuma took a seat in the leather chair in front of the large desk and waited. He had been telling the truth when he told Neji that he was not upset over losing the job. Well, he never had it in the first place so it wasn't necessarily losing it.
"I'm sure that you are aware that I will no longer grant you the position of delegator. What are your thoughts on the matter?" Hiashi asked. He had always favored Tokuma among the other guards, which was why he promised him the position. Neji had expressed his desire to pursue a career in law, so being the gracious uncle that he was he gave the boy his blessings. But now things have changed.
"I have no thoughts on the matter, Hiashi-sama."
Hiashi looked at him closely; he could remember when Tokuma was chosen as one of his guards. Contrary to popular belief, there were children born out of wedlock in their clan. Mostly from unfaithful husbands who sought pleasure outside of their marriages. Bastard or not, a Hyuga was a Hyuga. Their genes were so strong, that Tokuma didn't resemble his biological mother in the slightest. It had been easy for her to leave him at their gates. Tokuma's own father, who was a member of the council, didn't bother telling his wife the truth. Tokuma was under the impression that his parents were dead, but he saw his father every single day without even knowing it.
Technically, Tokuma belonged to the Main house.
Several times, Hiashi debated on forcing Tokuma's father to take responsibility for his actions, but decided to remain silent. He wondered when all of his sins would finally come crashing down on him.
"You may speak freely, Tokuma." Hiashi finally said. "I understand that you have been looking forward to the position and I apologize for breaking that promise to you. Is there another job that you were interested in or would you prefer to remain by my side?" Tokuma eyes widened and Hiashi graced him with a small smile. Why did every one look at him like that whenever he apologized?
Hiashi-sama apologized? Narrowing his eyes, Tokuma scrutinized the curving of the older man's lips. He's smiling as well!
Tokuma cleared his throat and clasped his hands in his lap. "Hiashi-sama, are you feeling well?"
"Yes, why do you ask?"
He wanted to tell him that he looked constipated, but it was inappropriate to say something like that to the clan head. So he decided to drop the subject altogether. "No reason." He returned the smile. "I haven't really thought about any other positions. I am fine with whatever you decide for me."
"I'll keep that in mind. Until then you will remain as one of my guards. You're dismissed." He was expecting Tokuma to bow than leave but he remained seated. "Is there something that you would like to say, Tokuma?"
"I wanted to ask if anyone has discovered Saki's whereabouts." Tokuma had been suspicious about the rumors that were going around the compound. When he first heard that Saki ran away to be with some guy, he immediately knew it was a lie. "As you are aware, it was I who trained her in the clan's technique - per your request - and I can't help but to feel concerned." His concern for Saki was simply platonic; he just couldn't understand what would make her run away. Maybe if he would've reached out to her more then he could've prevented it.
"I understand your concern, Tokuma. As of now we have no information on the girl's location." It never ceased to amaze him how easy it was for him to lie with a straight face. "If anything comes up, I'll be sure to let you know." Another lie; he didn't bother keeping a tally anymore.
Standing up, Tokuma bowed his head in appreciation. "Thank you Hiashi-sama!"
Once he was out of the room, Hiashi let out a weary sigh. His aversion to naming Hinata as his heir had nothing to do with the girl's fragility and kind heart. More so, it was due to the fact that his daughter wouldn't be able to stomach majority of the things that the role of clan head entailed. Hinata would never employ an assassin to kill her own sister nor would she train children to become soldiers at such a young age. Hiashi definitely couldn't see his older daughter having affiliations with one the largest Yakuza syndicates in the country. That was how he was able to obtain information on Itachi so easily.
Being clan head meant that he had to get his hands dirty and make sacrifices all in the name of the Hyuga. The council was aware of his schemes and turned a blind eye to every single thing because their main concern was the clan. As long as his deeds benefited the clan they could care less.
His time to retire was vastly approaching; no amount of training would prepare Hinata to pick up where he left off. Maybe she could be the one to change the Hyuga, it was a possibility. But by the time Hinata made even the slightest of changes, she would be an old woman. Hiashi just prayed that she could remain virtuous during her reign. He didn't want her to end up like him - corrupted and merciless.
Thirty miles outside of Konoha, in a small clearing in the woods, at the base of an oak tree laid the remains of Hyuga Hizashi. The tree was only marked by a small carving of an equilateral circumscribed triangle. A single red Chrysanthemum adorned the bleak grave. After receiving the text message from Deidara, Hidan decided to pay his beloved a visit. When he was given the assignment to assassinate Hizashi, he had told himself that it would be a simple job. But all of that went out of the window when he laid eyes on the man. Hizahi had been the most intriguing human being that he had ever seen. Unlike his older brother, Hizashi's features were more graceful and serene.
"Your son is something else, Sunshine." Hidan took a swig of whiskey, then wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. "You were a looker, don't get me wrong! But Neji," He touched his heart wistfully. "Neji is on an entire different level. I think he's way more feisty than you were." He thought back to several times that Hizashi overpowered him and he had to resort to other measures to subdue the man. "I hope my little Hime puts up a good fight as well."
Downing the remaining contents of the bottle, Hidan tossed it behind his back. "You were the first person that I ever loved, Sunshine." He slurred. "I knew that what we had was special. And the only way for us to be together how I wanted...was in death." Smiling at the poorly marked grave, Hidan swayed slightly. "Once I have Neji, we can all be together...like a family." He threw his head back and laughed merrily at the thought. "One big happy family!"
Tonight, he would let Itachi enjoy his honeymoon, but tomorrow he was going to take what was his.
That morning, Neji woke up in Itachi's arms. Sunlight filtered through the blinds and the scintillating light cast warmth all over his face. He had been slightly anxious about facing Itachi after everything that transpired between them last night. It wasn't as if he was ashamed or embarrassed about what happened. Itachi actually opened up to him and shared one of his darkest secrets. He could only imagine how hard that must have been for the man; he even shed tears. Well Neji shed his own tears but that was besides the point. Regardless of what Itachi told him, he wasn't going to coddle him. Or treat him differently because that would more than likely make Itachi uncomfortable and that was the last thing that he wanted to do.
Although, that didn't stop him from being furious. Neji had never possessed a killer's intent; it just wasn't in his nature. But last night while Itachi cried in his arms, he thought of several ways to murder anyone that ever caused his husband harm.
My husband? Neji smiled at the title then glanced over at Itachi. Yes, he would kill to protect Itachi. If it ever came down to it he would do it in a heartbeat.
A cellphone chirped, onyx eyes snapped open looking alert and focused. It was unsettling, as though Itachi was never asleep in the first place. Neji was about to greet him, but Itachi was already out of the bed before he could open his mouth. Sitting up, he watched him walk over to his dresser and pick up his phone.
Neji was slightly put out by the curt behavior but shoved the feeling aside. He had known that Itachi would be leaving today, for hopefully his final mission, so he didn't hold it against him. Instead, he got out of bed and went to the bathroom. Once inside he found an extra toothbrush and freshened up. Turning around, he swept his hair to one side and looked at the reflection of the red and white fan on his back. Another example of how rimming was the root of all evil. What kind of degenerate ever thought about putting their mouth down there? And why did it feel so divine?
Shaking his head, Neji stepped into the hot shower. On the marble ledge sat an opaque scarlet and black bottle of shower gel. Picking it up, he read the label. "Mangekyo." With a small snort he opened the bottle and sniffed it before apply some to his hand.
He was in the middle of his second wash when the shower door slid open. Silently, Itachi slipped in and closed the door behind him.
Neji could feel him, inches away from his body, but he focused all of his attention on what he was doing. Then his breath hitched when Itachi pressed up against him and whispered in his ear.
"You smell nice."
"I smell like you." He responded without bothering to turn around.
Itachi brushed Neji's hair to the side and kissed him on the shoulder."Exactly." He kissed his neck before reaching for the shower gel. "I will be leaving in an hour."
"Okay." Neji stepped under the water and stared at the suds as they swirled down the drain. His stomach started to feel uneasy once Itachi told him that he would be leaving soon. Just moments ago he had been untroubled by the thought, but now he was nervous. What if something went wrong? No, Itachi could handle himself; he had survived this long. Yet still...
"How long will you be gone?" Neji asked, his back was still facing Itachi.
"A week." If everything went according to their plan it would be an easy mission."I'll contact you as soon as I get back."
Living in the compound for one more week gave him enough time to break the news to Hinata and think over his future plans. Hopefully if he kept himself preoccupied he wouldn't have to worry too much over about Itachi.
"What do you think that your uncle will do once he finds out about us?" Itachi asked after they switched positions in the shower.
Carefully, Neji thought over his answer. There were various ways that Hiashi could react to the news: he could be furious or murderous. More than likely both. "According to the books that I have read what I did last night was an act of treason against the clan. Treason was punishable by death but now I would be publicly branded, my hair would be shaved and I'll be stripped of everything that I own - which isn't much."
"They would shave your head?"
"One of the books mentioned head shaving. Honestly, It will solely be up to my uncle. He could choose any punishment that he deems fit."
"It's the 21st century for fuck's sake." Itachi couldn't believe that the Hyuga clan still operated as though it was the Edo period. The entire branch system was outdated in his opinion.
"But he's not going to find out, Itachi." Neji wrapped his arms around his waist and reassured him that everything would be fine. Though it was himself that he was really trying to convince.
...
As he towel dried his hair, Neji watched Itachi load various guns and other weapons into a black duffle bag. "I'm flattered that you're so comfortable around me." He chuckled. Incongruously he thought about how sexy Itachi looked at that moment. It was by far his favorite outfit.
"Well you are my husband." Itachi smirked. He placed a few smaller weapons in the pockets of his black tactical pants.
"Hn." He raked his eyes over the way the slim sleeveless shirt hugged Itachi's body so snug.
"You're drooling again."
Closing his mouth, Neji glowered in annoyance; mainly at himself. He truly was insatiable. Well, he had his reasons. Who wouldn't want to straddle Itachi at any given chance? He was convinced that even someone with zero sex drive would feel an inkling of arousal towards Itachi.
What Neji failed to realize was that Itachi felt the same way about him. Especially after Konan told him that even Sasori thought that Neji was attractive. It only cemented his beliefs that Neji was the most captivating person that he had ever seen and he was beyond lucky to have him.
Neji walked over to the bed and sat down. Wary of the large duffel bag of weapons. "Have you ever been to Kirigakure?" He asked.
"A few times. Never for leisure."
"I hope we aren't going to a seaside resort that's crawling with people and their kids." Neji scowled at the thought. "And cheesy floral print shirts." He added.
Itachi chuckled. "It's a surprise. You'll have to see when we get there." He zipped the duffle bag then walked over to the other side of the bed.
Looking up, Neji tried to hide the apprehension that he knew was clear on his face. "I guess this is it." Steadily he gazed into Itachi's eyes.
"You make it sound as if this will be our last time seeing each other." An emotion flashed in Neji's eyes before it was quickly concealed, but it was there long enough for Itachi to notice. "Neji, you don't think that do you?"
Neji averted his gaze and opted to stare at a random corner in the room. Of all of the times for him to think about his father, now was the worse. He could remember his father promising him that he would be there to walk him to school in the morning but he woke up to an empty house. Hours later his uncle told him that his father died in a car wreck. But why now? He had suppressed that memory for years. So why think about it now?
"Neji?" Itachi saw the distant expression on his face and it perturbed him. He kneeled down and position himself between the man's legs. "Are you really afraid that I won't come back?" He asked softly.
Guilt suddenly swamped Neji. Here he was behaving like a brat when Itachi needed to be out saving his younger brother. Anything could be happening to the teen while he was sitting here upset over something that happened years ago. Clearing his mind of the gloomy thoughts, Neji touched Itachi's face and leaned in to kiss him.
Sighing, Itachi deepened the kiss before finally pulling away. "Don't worry about me. I'll be back before you know it."
-o0o-
It was noon by the time Neji made it back to the compound. As soon as he stepped foot in the gates, Tokuma was there waiting for him. He was expecting the man to tell him that Hiashi had summoned him to discuss his whereabouts last night. So when Tokuma stated his true purpose Neji was floored.
"I want you to show me what is better than kissing." Tokuma stated simply. Per usual he wore a serious expression and stood with his hands clasped behind his back.
Neji headed towards the compound and Tokuma fell into step next to him. "You want me to...show you?" He had to make sure that he had comprehended that correctly. His mind was still fuzzy from the steamy make out session with Itachi a few minutes ago.
He thought over his words then widened his eyes. "No! Just tell me! Do not show me, Neji!"
"Relax." Neji chuckled. "I wasn't going to give you a demonstration anyway. But where is this coming from?"
"I do not think that it would be appropriate for me to disclose that information." Surely it would be wrong to tell people about what happened between him and Tenten. "Could you just give me a few examples?" He wanted to make sure that he was prepared the next time he was slammed against a wall by the weapon's mistress.
Neji already assumed that Tokuma was talking about TenTen. He had almost forgot about the phone call last night. "Well there are a lot of things that are better than kissing."
"Like?"
Neji walked over to one one of the stone benches that sat under the sakura trees that lined the path to the compound. Taking a seat, he waited until Tokuma was seated as well before he spoke again.
"Are you asking so that you can try something other than kissing?" Neji had figured that Tokuma was a virgin; it wasn't rare among his uncle's guards.
"I'm not sure." Tokuma pondered on it for a moment. "I suppose I'm just curious."
Pulling out his phone, Neji opened his web browser. "Tokuma I think that showing you would be much easier than trying to explain." He went to the desired website, chose a random video and pressed play.
Five minutes into the video they both sat there, pale eyes widened in shock at the images on the phone.
"Tenten was referring to that?" Tokuma slowly shook his head in horror.
"No!" Neji clicked out of the video and looked over at the frightened man. "Sorry, I picked the wrong video. Do not ever try to put your fist in anyone, Tokuma. Even if they ask...just say no."
"Why would I want to do that?! Can a fist really fit down there?!"
"Apparently." Neji mumbled. "Just stick to kissing for now." He was afraid that he had officially scarred Tokuma for life.
"I think that I need to go meditate," Numbly, Tokuma stood up. "Or visit the Shinto shrine. I need to have a talk with Kami-sama."
"Don't we all?" Neji stood up as well. "Is Hiashi-sama here?"
"No." Tokuma answered. "He left an hour before you arrived."
That meant that he didn't have to be harassed about why he didn't come home last night - at least for a few more hours. All he needed to do was make it through the week without his uncle finding out about his marriage to Itachi. During the drive to the compound, Itachi assured him that everything would be fine and that he would see him in a week. Neji decided to stop worrying and put his trust in Itachi. Besides a week wasn't long at all. There are only seven days in a week. What could possibly happen in seven days?
.
*sadistic laugh* I'm going to show Neji exactly what can happen in a short span of seven days. There are only 5-6 chapters left of CB so shit is about to get real!