Warning: Rated 17+ (or whoever is mature enough no to report me)
Despite how difficult it was Neji told Tenten majority of the things that occurred while he was held captive by Hidan. He'd arrived at the hospital in the morning and it was dusk by the time he finished telling her. Though it felt good being able to get it all out, it was still a hard pill to swallow. Tenten had always been a good listener so she spoke only when she needed to, and was patient whenever Neji took a few minutes to gather his thoughts. She was honestly too shocked to say much of anything. On top of being shocked she was upset on Neji's behalf. How could his uncle do such a thing? And when she learned that Neji actually saw what had happened to his father - she was furious.
"I saw that Kenji was here too." Tenten lightly joked when Neji was finally done telling her everything. "Can't believe you two are married." She looked over at Neji to see that he was no longer crying.
"He doesn't know." Neji stood up from the bed and walked over to the window. "I haven't told him - in detail - about what happened." Itachi was considerate enough to give them alone time; he left the hospital and told Neji to call him whenever he was ready.
"Why haven't you told him, Neji?" asked Tenten. She saw the bandages on Neji's right hand, and the dark bags under Itachi's eyes. It was obvious that they had been having a rough week back. "He's your husband. You should want to open up to him. It could be helpful."
Neji stared up at the darkening sky; last night's argument was heavy on his mind. He'd said some things to Itachi out of anger and he knew that the man didn't deserve it. Itachi had been nothing but patient, and understanding over the past week. "I know, Ten. He suggested that I sit down with a therapist. With my consent, the therapist can suppress my memories of seeing my father..." he chewed the inside of his mouth in frustration. "Wouldn't that be as if I was neglecting my father?"
"Neglecting him?" Standing up from the bed, Tenten tried to walk to the window as well, but she opted to just sit in the chair. Neji turned around, walked over to her and pushed her chair closer to the window. "Thank you." she said.
"Not my father, necessarily, but his memory." Neji glanced over at the woman. "I still regret not pulling the trigger." He admitted.
"And then what? Tell Hanabi and Hinata that you killed their father?" Tenten had never been the one to sugarcoat anything. "I'm happy that Itachi was there to stop you from making the biggest mistake of your life, Neji. Your uncle is going to get what's coming to him." Tenten noticed the look of skepticism on the boy's face. "I'm not telling you to build a bridge and get over it, but if you have the chance to have the memories of what you saw erased, why not take it?" Her brows were knit, and her fist clenched, proof of her building anger. "Not everyone has the option - to just forget."
It was true. Neji knew that; he had an opportunity that most would never have. Even Itachi admitted that he had his memories of his mission to Otogakure suppressed and that he was able to sleep better. Neji didn't doubt that the process would be helpful. He just didn't want to forget the truth about his father. His father deserved justice, and he needed to be the one to avenge him.
"They were both right in front of me. If only I'd just pulled the trigger and killed them both I would be able to sl-"
The sound of his face being slapped reverberated throughout the hospital room. Neji stared at the tiled floor, his hair curtained his face and his cheek was throbbing in pain. Tenten was still standing, looking at Neji with an incredulous look on her face. Her legs still felt weak, but she refused to let that hinder her.
"You're not a killer, Neji!" she screamed. "You think that killing your uncle will help you sleep better?! Well it won't!" Sighing in agitation, Tenten flopped back down in her chair. "Let Itachi help you. Don't keep pushing him away. If he knows someone that can help you, let him."
Neji straightened up, "I almost forgot how hard your hits were." he quietly admitted. He placed his hand on his cheek; he could only imagine how red it was. But Neji knew that he deserved it with the nonsense he was spouting. There wasn't an ounce of killing intent inside of him; he could go back to that moment in Yusagakure a million times and would never pull the trigger.
Tenten nervously laughed. "Did I successfully slap some sense into you?" She looked over at his side profile, at the somber expression on his face.
Minutes passed before Neji spoke again. "I said some pretty fucked up things to Itachi last night "his voice was a low whisper."I can't lose him..."
"And you won't." Tenten told him. "I saw the way Itachi looks at you. He is worried about you Neji and it's obvious that he really cares about your well-being. So he will understand that you were being an asshole." She reached for his hand, and was happy that he didn't pull away.
"You're right, Tenten."
"That's a first! Neji Hyuga admits defeat?"
"Funny."
The door to the room opened, Guy, Lee and Haku were back with food. "Neji you still like soba noodles with your herring right?" Guy asked as he stepped into the room.
"Yes. Thank you." Neji helped Tenten out of her seat and walked her over to her bed. When his Sensei and Lee first saw him, he had to endure the longest group hug of his life.
Haku handed several bags to Tenten and they shared a look. "Haku you are a lifesaver!" She said while she looked at the outfit that he'd picked out for her. There wasn't a hint of green in sight.
"No problem!" Haku replied.
Guy distributed the food to everyone and they all sat in various places around the room. Although he didn't have an appetite, Neji tried to at least eat a little bit out of common courtesy. The television was on, and there was a news broadcast on regarding the recent developments at the Hyuga compound. Before Guy turned the channel - per Tenten's request - Neji saw his uncle and Hoheto being escorted out of the compound by the Hokage herself. The caption underneath read that the clan head was being charged as an accessory to a murder.
After seeing that, Neji's appetite was obliterated. A part of him was curious to know how things were going at the compound, how his cousins and friends were holding up. He also wanted to know how much his uncle truly revealed about his role in his father's death. But at that moment, he just needed to get himself together first.
"So this it? The end of the Akatsuki?" asked Kisame. Looking around the boardroom he stared at his teammates - his family for the past fifteen years. It was a bittersweet moment; they were all going their separate ways. Madara was dead, thanks to Itachi, and their past crimes were pardoned, thanks to the Hokage. There was no reason for them to lead a life of plotting and murdering anymore.
Konan placed a hand on his shoulder, and smiled. "No, not the end. Just a new beginning. One that doesn't involve constant bloodshed." she gave his large shoulder a light squeeze. "Though we are all going to pursue different things in life it doesn't change the fact that we are a team."
"This is too fucking mushy for my taste!" Deidara huffed. It was actually a funny sight since his head was wrapped in bandages and he had cuts and bruises on his face. "You guys are acting like we aren't a band of deadly assassins!"
"Shut up, Dei." Everyone said in unison. Including Itachi who hadn't spoken a word before that.
Deidara crossed his arms over his chest and continued to pout, until he felt Sasori's hand on his knee. Discreetly, he unfolded his hands, and grabbed the redhead's hand. They still hadn't spoken about Sasori's confession, but they didn't have to - not at the moment anyway. Besides everyone else had noticed that something had changed between the two.
"Kisame," Yahiko said. "I hear the Mizukage has requested you as her personal bodyguard."
Chuckling, Kisame scratched the side of his face. "Yeah. Have you seen Mei? Someone has to guard that body and I am lucky that the job is all mine." He couldn't wait to start his new job. Most of all, he couldn't wait to be back home. Despite what most people thought, he'd been homesick for the past few years. When he was informed by Tsunade that he could return to Kiri as a free man, it had been one of the happiest moments of his life.
"Sasori will you be returning to Suna?" Yahiko noticed that Deidara and Sasori were holding hands. "Or perhaps Iwa?" he smiled at the way Sasori narrowed his eyes at him. He really enjoyed pissing people off.
Sasori tightened his hold on Deidara's hand when the blond tried to let go. "No, Deidara and I will be traveling together. As of now I do not know where." His tone was bored as usual. It was as though he would rather be anywhere other than in the boardroom with them. Maybe he did - with a certain blond pyromaniac accompanying him.
"Traveling together?" Konan placed her hand over her heart and feigned surprise. As though she hadn't already suspected that the two would be traveling together. "Are you two a couple now?"
"Yes." Sasori responded.
At the same time Deidara said. "No."
Sasori and Deidara shared a look, while everyone else looked on. Moments passed and the men didn't say a word, they only stared at each other. Like they were communicating telepathically. It was awkward, so everyone else decided to divert their gazes and cut the two from the remainder of the conversation.
Konan glanced over at Itachi, whom was sitting to the left of her. "How are Neji and Sasuke holding up?" she asked. Kisame and Yahiko were having their own conversation so she decided to see what was on the man's mind. Itachi was naturally a quiet person, but his appearance made her feel like there was something bothering him. There were dark bags under his eyes, and he looked way older than usual.
Sighing, Itachi shifted in his seat so that he was facing the woman. In truth he had been hoping to talk to someone about Neji's situation in order for him to seek help for the man. "They both experienced different types of trauma. Sasuke is doing better than I expected. Other than a few nightmares, he is doing just fine. I guess I have Naruto to thank for that." He was surprised when Sasuke forgave Naruto as easily as he did. But, he was also impressed by his brother's maturity regarding the situation.
"And Neji?"
Immediately, he thought about the previous night. After Neji's episode the man requested that they sleep in separate rooms for the remainder of the night. So while Itachi slept in his bedroom, Neji slept in one of the guest rooms. He was still unaware of everything that the man went through while he was Hidan's captive, and although he really wanted to know in order to help Neji, he didn't know where to start. Itachi didn't want to force Neji to do anything, but at the same time, he needed his husband back. They'd only been married for less than two weeks and he was already a terrible husband.
"Neji is a different case," Itachi finally said. "I want him to have a session with Ibiki but he refused. It's my fault. I should've never allowed him to be taken by that lunatic. He and Sasuke were my responsibility and I failed them."
Konan placed her hand on the top of Itachi's in a comforting gesture. "You saved them, Itachi." she assured him. Hidan and Madara are the ones to blame and they are finally where they belong. Madara's remains were left for the crows to pick, and so were Hidan's. They didn't deserve a proper burial in her opinion.
"I don't know what to do." The confession was quiet, almost too quiet to be heard. "I feel like I'm already losing Neji. He won't eat and he sleeps all of the time. Right now he's at the hospital visiting his friends." Seeing Neji crying in Tenten's arms was the first time since they'd been back in Konoha that Neji showed any real emotion. Even when they were arguing last night, Neji's tone was flat, curt and dismissive. Every word that Neji said to him pierced his heart painfully.
"Maybe seeing that they are alive and well will help him get better. Even only a little."
"I hope so." Itachi turned his hand over, and clasped Konan's slender hand in his. "What will be the first stop on the family vacation?" he smiled a little. Konan finally had the family that she'd always wanted with the man that she'd always loved. He couldn't help but to be genuinely happy for her because they deserved it. Yahiko, Konan and Karin all deserved to be happy.
Returning the smile, Konan spared a quick glance in Yahiko's direction. "We'll be leaving tomorrow. First, we will pay our respects to Nagato. Then stay in Suna for a while. Yahiko is actually nervous about meeting Karin."
"They haven't met yet?"
"No, he doesn't want to scare her." Konan pointed to her face with her free hand. "The piercings can be a little intense at times, and since he is no longer the 'feared leader of the Akatsuki', he has to take on the role of a father. I think he's just making up excuses to hide his own fears."
"What could someone like Pein actually be afraid of?" Itachi really wanted to know. Yahiko wasn't a man that scared easily.
"He's afraid of letting us down. Me and most importantly Karin." Konan said. "Yahiko and I have zero experience with kids. I guess I'm a little scared as well."
Itachi raised an elegant brow. "Nonsense. You guys have plenty of experience. You've managed to keep us all under control."
"True!"
"Okay everyone," Yahiko stood up from his seat at the head of the table. He held a champagne flute in his hand as he spoke. "Although, I would've preferred for us to have a more elaborate retirement party this will have to do. Over the years I have grown to view each and every one of you as family. Family that I sometimes hate and want to murder - but family nonetheless. Raise your glasses." He waited until everyone had their glasses raised before he continued. "And let us drink to the demise of that manipulative asshat Madara and the Jashin loving nutcase!"
Everyone took a sip from their glass - Kisame and Yahiko actually downed the entire flute in one gulp. "As agreed, Konan and I will leave Amegakure in the hands of the people - along with the help of Konoha."
"Do we have to turn in our membership cards?" Deidara asked. "I get into all the hottest clubs with that thing."
Kisame nodded his head. "Yeah I get a lot of benefits by flashing my card. It kind of sucks that we won't be the most feared in the nation anymore."
Yahiko sat his glass on the table, and shrugged. "I just used my card to get this champagne for free so I don't see why not." he shamelessly admitted. No matter how much money he had, Yahiko loved getting things for free. Who wouldn't? A damn fool that's who.
"Cheap bastard," Konan muttered under her breath.
Itachi lightly chuckled at the comment. It was a known fact that Yahiko was the cheapest member of the Akatsuki. He felt his phone buzz in his pocket and he pulled it out to see that he had a message from Neji. He had told the man to let him know whenever he was read to leave the hospital. It would appear that visiting hours were over.
"I have to go." Itachi announced as he stood up. "I hope this won't be my last time seeing any of you." He would never say it out loud, but he was going to miss all of them. They had been his family for the past ten years. Kisame was the only friend that he had since Shisui and he was going to miss him most of all.
Standing up, Konan pulled the man in for a hug. "I will send a postcard for every place that we visit. And whenever we're near Konoha, we will come see you and Neji." she promised him. Her eyes began to water once Itachi returned the hug.
"Thank you, Konan. For everything." Itachi whispered so that only she could hear. "Karin is lucky to have you." He felt the woman slightly tremble in her arms as she began to cry on his shoulder. "You and Yahiko are going to do just fine."
Wiping her eyes, Konan pulled away and smiled at Itachi. "If you ever need me, for anything. Don't be afraid to ask, Itachi."
"If you need any of us," Yahiko corrected. "We'll be there. That goes for all of you. Just because the Akatsuki is disbanded that doesn't mean that we are no longer teammates. We're still a family." There was no point in pretending otherwise. The Akatsuki was a family and they would always be family.
A family of deadly assassins, but a family nonetheless.
-o0o-
After saying his goodbyes to everyone, Itachi headed to the hospital to pick up Neji. Sasori and Deidara were leaving Konoha tonight; their destination was still unknown. Itachi made sure to thank Deidara for his efforts in saving Neji. Before they arrived in Konoha, they made a stop at the hospital in Yusagakure to check on the blond's status. Neji had told him that Deidara had been the one to help him back in the bunker.
Yahiko, Konan and Karin were leaving bright and early for Amegakure. For a fresh start, and he really hoped that all three of them would be able to live the life that they'd always wanted. That only left, Kisame. The man was starting his training - even though he didn't need it - next week, but he was leaving for Kiri tomorrow evening. Itachi wanted their farewell to be a little more personal so he planned on seeing him off.
Outside of Konoha General, Itachi looked at the slip of paper that Kisame handed him before they parted ways. Apparently, Sasori was able to check the last place Hidan visited before his tracker was disrupted. Sasori and Kisame took it upon themselves to investigate the area.
In his hand was the address and phone number to the funeral home that currently had Hyuga Hizashi's remains in their possession.
"What are your intentions with my student?"
Slowly, Itachi raked his eyes over the hairy man that was decked out in green from head to toe. As soon as he stepped into Tenten's room the Bruce Lee impersonator was there waiting for him.
"Sensei, leave him alone!" Tenten scolded him from her bed. "And they're already married so it's too late for the interrogation."
"Married?" Guy looked over at Neji with a hurt expression on his face. "I didn't get an invitation. And here I thought that I would have the honor of walking you down the aisle, Neji!"
Neji walked over to stand next to his bewildered husband. "We didn't have a ceremony and I'm not a woman. I don't need to be escorted down the aisle." he looked over at Itachi, but the man was now looking at Haku.
Haku stood up from his seat and walked over to Itachi. "It's been a while, Itachi. I didn't know that you were married."
"Haku." Itachi shook the man's hand. They shared a look for longer than was necessary.
"I'm also married." Haku pointed over to Lee who was standing next to Guy as back up.
"Congratulations."
Everyone else in the room had been too busy listening to Guy rant about how his students didn't love him to notice the exchange - everyone except Neji.
"Tenten, I'll be by tomorrow." He looked over at Itachi. "Are you ready?"
"Yes." Itachi gave on last nod to the occupants in the room and turned around to leave. He stood outside while Neji said his goodbyes.
. . . . .
"How do you know Haku?" Neji asked. They were in the car now on their way home. He didn't necessarily care about how the two were acquainted; it was just something to fill the silence with. At least until he gathered his thoughts.
"My partner, Kisame introduced us." Itachi kept his eyes on the road as he spoke. "We used to be lovers." he admitted.
That was the last thing that Neji was expecting to hear. "Lovers?"
"Yes. Nothing like you and I." It was more like the occasional fuck every now and then. Whenever he was in Kiri on an assignment he would pay Haku a visit, but that was years ago. Three years ago to be exact.
"You used to screw around with my best friend's husband?" Chuckling, Neji shook his head. "Small world. I'm guessing you eventually ended things?" The information didn't bother him as much as he would've thought. Haku was an attractive man, and it was during a time before them. Being jealous would be a waste of time.
Itachi stopped at the red light, and then looked over at Neji. "No, Haku actually ended things. He said that he found someone that he wanted to be serious with." The light turned green and he faced the road again.
"I'm going to just assume that the person he was referring to was Lee." Smiling softly, Neji looked out of the window. His brows furrowed when he finally noticed that they were heading in the opposite direction of the Uchiha estate. "Where are we going?"
"Just trust me." Itachi reached over and grabbed the man's hand while he drove. "How did you get that bruise on your cheek?" He had noticed it back at the hospital.
Neji squeezed his husband's hand; it felt warm and it helped him relax. "Tenten slapped some sense into me - literally." With his free hand, he brushed his fingers against his cheek. "I deserved it."
"Hn."
The remainder of the drive was silent. Itachi noticed that Neji's mood had improved since he last saw him, and he didn't know if it had anything to do with him being around his friends or the slap from Tenten. He was going to just assume that it was both. Frankly, it didn't matter to him what the cause was. Itachi was just glad that Neji was actually behaving a little bit like himself instead of a zombie.
Last night, when he saw Neji on the bathroom floor, holding a broken shard of glass he instantly panicked. To think that Hidan would go so far as to carve Neji's stomach infuriated him to no end. However, he had to keep his cool. Neji's safety and health was paramount. Instead of thinking of ways to murder someone that was already dead he tended to his husband. The self-inflicted cuts were clumsy; some were deeper than the others, but not deep enough to severely damage.
Sasuke came into the bathroom despite him telling him not to. It wasn't until then that he realized that his younger brother genuinely cared about Neji's well-being. Shocked was an understatement. Don't get him wrong, Sasuke had the ability to care for others it was just very rare that he expressed his concern. In the midst of his brother's panic, Neji's incoherent mumbling, and a frantic Naruto - Itachi felt a little relieved.
Because if Sasuke cared for Neji, that meant that his hopes of them being a real family weren't too far fetch. They could all have the fresh start that they deserved. But it would have to start with Neji.
"Why are we here?"
Instead of answering, Itachi got out of the car, and walked to the passenger's, Neji watched Itachi once his door was opened. He carefully took the man's offered hand and climbed out of the car. Silently, he followed Itachi through the front doors of the funeral home. When they walked in an elderly man greeted them politely.
"Hoshigaki-san has already handled the expenses." The funeral director informed Itachi. "Right this way." He turned on his heel and led them to the back of the building.
In the back of his mind, Neji knew exactly why they were there. Yet that knowledge did nothing to prepare him for what he saw when they stepped through the double doors. Instantly tears swamped his vision and he halted his steps.
"How?" Frantically he shook his head in disbelief. "How did you find him?" He'd long come to the conclusion that the person he visited at the Hyuga mausoleum weeks ago, hadn't been his father. The fact that his father hadn't been properly laid to rest had been eating away at him since he found out the truth.
"It doesn't matter, Neji." Itachi placed a gentle hand on his husband's lower back and urged him forward. "Go pay your respects. I'll be waiting in the lobby and then we can have him properly laid to rest." Tenderly, he placed a chaste kiss on Neji's temple.
Before Neji could protest, Itachi and the funeral director stepped out of the room to give him his privacy. On the surgical table where most of the corpses went through the embalming process was a black leather body bag. Neji didn't need to, nor did he have a desire to open the bag to view the contents. Instead he walked over, and took a seat in the chair that he assumed was placed there for him.
Neji started off telling his father all of the things that he'd ever wanted to say to him. How much he loved him, and admired him. He told his father about all of his friends that he'd met throughout the years, his accomplishments at school, and his past mistakes. Through teary eyes, Neji expressed how sorry he was for all of the times he blamed Hizashi for deserting him. He didn't hate his father - he could never hate his father and he wanted the man to know that.
Lastly, Neji told his father about Itachi and their shotgun marriage. "I know it's probably not what you envisioned for me, but I'm happy with the way things are. You see...I need Itachi and I think that he needs me too. We had a bumpy start, but what's love without a few hardships?" Wiping his eyes, Neji smiled a little. "I'm going to take you home, Father." he said. His voice was hoarse, and he had to clear his throat. "Where you belong."
Neji closed his eyes and said a silent prayer for his father. A gentle caress, similar to a soft brush of fingers tips, brushed across his bowed head. Snapping his eyes open, Neji slowly looked up. It had felt as though someone had patted his head - like his father used to do. Of course when he lifted his head he saw nothing besides the body bag on the table.
But Neji knew, in a distant part of him, he just knew that his father had been listening to him. And that small, minuscule fact was the closure that he'd desperately needed.
Itachi purchased a cremation urn for Hizashi's remains to be held until Neji was mentally prepared to return to the Hyuga compound. As of now, Hizashi's remains were in the Uchiha mausoleum. After having his father properly laid to rest, Neji agreed to have a session with Ibiki much to Itachi's relief.
Before the session, Neji told Itachi everything. From his first encounter with Hidan, to the things that he saw in the video and what happened to him while he was in Yusagakure. Itachi was glad to hear that Neji didn't go down without a fight. And although the things that Neji told him made him regret that it wasn't him that ended Hidan's life, he was just happy that the nightmare was over.
Since Hiashi confessed his crimes to his entire clan, things had been more than a little hectic at the compound. And Neji wasn't ready for the questions and looks of pity that he was positive that he would receive.
Currently Hiashi and Hoheto were at the former's summer home in Kamakura awaiting trial. Two members were removed from the council, and were also awaiting trial for their involvement in covering up Hizashi's murder, and other counts of corruptness. Hinata and Tokuma were elected by the remaining council members to co-run the Hyuga clan until further notice. However with the help of the Hokage, it was looking as though their positions would be permanent.
It was Hinata's idea that the clan should be run by a representative from the main house and the branch. Unlike a delegator that still answered to the clan head Tokuma would be Hinata's equal in all matters. At least until she was able to abolish the separate entities altogether. They were all Hyuga, no matter what and Hinata thought that it was high time that the Hyuga clan stepped out of the Edo period.
Although Neji wasn't ready to step foot into the compound again, he did contact Hinata and agreed to meet with her and Hanabi. He didn't want his younger cousins to think that he was upset with them and they were also going through a lot as well. They had just learned what their father was truly capable of and the ugly truth about their clan.
The session with Ibiki didn't necessarily make him forget the truth about his father's death; he couldn't just remember seeing what Hidan actually did to him. It was an odd sensation. One moment, Neji's body felt weighed down by grief, and then Ibiki snapped his fingers and he immediately felt at peace.
Going through with that made it easier for him to reach out to his cousins. It was actually by Hinata's advice that he decided to remain far away from the compound. She told him how distraught Natsu had been when she heard the truth. It was a known fact amongst the Branch that the woman had been in love with his father and Neji had a feeling that his father cared for her as well.
Natsu had served as one of his uncle's guards for as long as Neji could remember. Her training had been similar to Saki's and the woman's loyalty to the clan rivaled that of Hoheto's. But once she learned the truth, she left the compound without a single word to anyone.
Several of the branch members wanted to revolt against the Main house, but Tokuma successfully kept them from doing so. The Hokage had ANBU operatives still at the compound to assist Hinata and Tokuma in maintaining order until everything was under control. Neji was grateful that the Hokage didn't interfere and just leave the clan helpless. Tsunade had been very helpful in keeping the clan from falling apart.
Things weren't necessarily better with the new changes, but it would take time for the Hyuga clan to get back on the right track.
"Kisame purchased us an entire beach house? And Sasori...he actually bought two matching Aston Martins?"
"Yes," Itachi picked up one of the many boxes that were on the bed. "And Konan purchased all of this solely for you. Tsunade-sama and Kakashi have also purchased us gifts."
Neji couldn't believe it. That morning he woke up to Naruto's loud mouth - actually that was how most of his mornings had started over the past week. But that morning in particular the blond was yelling about the two sport cars that were parked outside. Annoyed, Neji had opened his eyes to see that Itachi was no longer in bed and he went downstairs to see what all of the fuss was about.
That was how he ended up, back upstairs looking at their other wedding gifts.
"I can't accept all of this." Neji picked up the biggest box that was tied with a red bow. "Who buys someone a house or a car for a wedding gift?" Apparently assassins. Also, who else could say that the Hokage and an ANBU captain purchased them a wedding gift?
Although Itachi wholly agreed, he was curious to know what Konan had purchased and besides there was no way that he was returning his new car. After test driving it with Sasuke, the brothers both agreed that the car was a keeper.
"It would be rude to decline. And Kisame is no longer here." The man had been in Kiri for a week now. Their farewell was brief, but they said everything that needed to be said. Itachi knew that no matter what, Kisame would always be there for him and vice versa. "Sasori's location is unknown and Konan does not take kindly to her gifts being rejected."
Picking up the black box again, Neji slipped off the satin ribbon. "Okay. I guess I have no choice in the matter." He opened the box to reveal white decorative paper and a note.
Trust me, it will drive him insane. ;)
-Konan
"What does the note say?" He was slightly wary of the look on his husband's face. "Neji?"
"Nothing," Neji murmured. He put the note in his pocket, gathered the remaining boxes and made his way to the bathroom.
Confused, Itachi went to follow him but the door was closed in his face and locked. "Neji? What are you doing?" He knocked on the door.
"I'll be out in a minute!"
Sighing, Itachi walked away from the door. Tenten had stayed over a few nights before she returned to her campus. Seeing Neji interact with the woman gave him more insight on his husband; it was actually nice having the woman around. Sasuke and Naruto were at the mall so they finally had the house to themselves. Monday the two teens would be starting their last year of high school. Itachi planned on waiting to make sure that Sasuke was truly fine before he and Neji went on their honeymoon.
Itachi was in the closet putting a few of the gifts that would go in their new home away when he heard a mixture of a yelp and a moan coming from the bathroom. "Neji are you alright?" He asked once he stepped out of the closet and headed to the door. Moments passed, and he didn't receive an answer, he was going to knock again, but the door was opened. Itachi's mouth instantly went dry at the sight of his husband.
Neji was completely naked. A pair of white and pink cat ears was on top of his head, and a pink collar with a silver bell was around his neck. Timidly, he had his hands covering his stomach to hide the scars that he thought were hideous.
"Fuck..." Was the only coherent thing that Itachi could manage to say. He swallowed thickly as he raked his dark eyes over the beautiful man. When his eyes landed on Neji's stomach, Itachi gently grabbed his hands and moved them out of the way. Clearing his throat, he shook his head to clear his muddled thoughts. "You don't have to hide them from me." he whispered.
Nodding his head, Neji allowed his hands to drop, but he didn't allow Itachi to touch his stomach like he attempted to do. Instead he placed his hands on the man's shoulders and pushed him out of the bathroom. When Itachi flopped down on the ottoman that sat in front of his bed, Neji looked down at him with a mischievous glint in his pale eyes.
"Why on earth would Konan think that me dressing up as a cat would drive you insane, Itachi?" Casually, Neji slipped a hand behind him, and slightly pulled on the fury white tail.
The furry tail that Itachi hadn't noticed until then. His jaw went slack when he realized that the tail was an anal plug. "Neji..." He tried to sit up but Neji pushed him back down on the ottoman. "It's a long story."
Fluidly, Neji got on all fours. Sensually he stretched his body until he was lounging on his stomach, with his head propped on both hands. "I'm listening." He drawled seductively. The dulcet chime of the bell around Neji's neck was the only sound in the room. Leisurely, he swung his legs back and forth, flexing the muscles in his calves, as he waited for Itachi to speak.
Itachi was too stunned by the tableau before him to even utter a word. "I..." Licking his dry lips, Itachi shifted in his seat to relieve the tension in his pants. "Last year, Konan was in town and we were supposed to meet for lunch. Long story short: I kind of stood her up and she tracked me down..."
"Where were you?" Neji asked. Now only one of his hands propped his head up, while the other was playing with the tail. Every time he mewled, or hissed in pleasure, Itachi looked as though he were in pain. As if he was dying to get his hands on him and Neji was having fun taunting the man.
"She found me at a hotel room with my Sub." Itachi briefly recalled the embarrassing memory. He felt like a child that had been caught by his mother. "That was how she learned about a...fetish of mine."
Sitting up, Neji moaned when the plug rubbed against his prostate. Slowly, he crawled over to his husband, never breaking eye contact. His long hair hung heavily down his back, a few strands were frazzled, giving him a windblown look that only added to his appeal. Once he was kneeling in front of the man, he nudged his lithe body between his legs. "A cat fetish?" He asked as his hands moved to the man's zipper.
"Not necessarily," Biting his lip, Itachi suppressed a moan when Neji wrapped his hands around his hardened length. "It's an Uchiha thing..." He threw his head back and groaned as soon as he was fully engulfed by Neji's warm wet cavern.
Moaning contently, Neji closed his eyes and bobbed his head up and down. When Itachi tried to touch the back of his head, he swatted the man's hands away. Using his hands he leisurely stroked the man's dick as he gazed up at him. "I've been wanting to do this all week." he leaned forward and lapped up the leaking pre cum.
"Suck my dick while wearing cat ears?"
Smirking, Neji tightened his grip causing Itachi to moan loudly. "Don't be a smart ass, Uchiha." He lowered his head and swallowed the man whole.
"Fuck!" Itachi was already close and would be damn if he came so early. Grabbing a fistful of the man's hair, he pulled his head back. "I need to be inside of you." When did Neji get so good at giving head? If someone would've told him that the same guy who thought that a bear, was actually a bear, would turn into a sexy little minx - Itachi would have laughed in their face.
Eagerly, Neji stood up; he moved to remove the plug but Itachi stopped him. Standing up, Itachi removed his shirt and pants, his eyes never leaving Neji's. Once he was undressed, Itachi wrapped his arms around Neji's waist and kissed him. As they kissed, Itachi expertly maneuvered them to the bed. Breaking away from the kiss, he sat down and pulled Neji down until the man was lying across his lap.
"Do you have any idea how incredibly sexy you are, Neji?" Itachi moved the man's long tresses out of the way revealing his toned back and firm ass. Lightly, he rubbed the man's back all the way down to his ass. Grabbing the fluffy tail, he tilted it slightly. Neji let out a low moan when his prostate was hit again, but Itachi didn't stop there. The man continued to move the tail in ways that had Neji mewling and trembling in his lap.
"Itachi..." Neji begged in between moans. "Please."
Itachi knew exactly what the man was asking for. Slowly, he removed the plug. Then he pulled Neji up until the man was straddling him. Wasting no time, Neji grabbed Itachi's dick and lowered himself until he was fully impaled. At the contact, the two men moaned loudly in both pleasure and contentment.
The silver bell around Neji's neck rattled repeatedly once the younger man started to greedily ride Itachi's cock. They were home alone so they both moaned as loudly as they wanted.
-o0o-
Scowling, Sasuke slapped the back of his boyfriend's head. "Wipe your nose dobe." He said in a hushed tone.
Smiling sheepishly, Naruto wiped his bloody nose. "Sorry babe, but Neji and Itachi are really hot." He couldn't help but to be more than little flustered by hearing them going at it. "Who wouldn't want to hear them having sex?"
"This guy right fucking here!" Sasuke pointed to himself and then turned around. "Let's get out of here before I'm traumatized any further."
"You know..." The blond wiggled his brows in a poor attempt of seduction.
The glare that Sasuke shot him was enough for him to rid his mind of any and all salacious thoughts. "Let's go."
With a pout, the blond followed his boyfriend out of the house in disappointment. He was still on punishment from getting the "goods" until Sasuke completely forgave him. But Naruto didn't really care, he was just happy that Sasuke was back safely and that they were still together.
-o0o-
Spent, Neji stared idly at the ceiling as Itachi placed light kisses on the scars on his lower stomach. When he gradually worked his way up to his lips, Neji chuckled. Somehow during sex Itachi ended up wearing the cat ears on his head.
"I never have to worry about us having a dull sex life."
"Vanilla sex was never my thing." Itachi removed the ears and tossed them to the side. "I'll have to remember to thank Konan for the gift."
"Gifts." Neji corrected. "There are different costumes with different notes. Konan is a very...adventurous woman." Sitting up, he placed a kiss on Itachi's nose.
"You have no idea." Grimacing, he recalled the time he walked in on Konan pegging Yahiko. Adventurous didn't begin to describe the couple. He hoped that they didn't scar Karin during their travels. "Oh by the way, Naruto and Sasuke heard us."
Shrugging, Neji flipped them over until he was on top. "It was going to happen sooner or later." Leaning forward he captured his husband's lips. The kiss was different, more passionate than the steamy kisses they shared during sex.
Groaning, Itachi deepened the kiss; he placed his hands on Neji's hips to keep the man in place. Eventually, Neji broke away and pressed their foreheads together. "I love you, Itachi."
"I know."
Frowning, Neji sat up. "Asshole, say it back!" When Itachi continued to just smile at him, he hit him in the chest before moving away.
Not letting him get far, Itachi tackled Neji and showered him in kisses. "I love you, Neji." He laughed when Neji flipped him off.
Neji noted that the laugh wasn't as maniacal as it used to be and he couldn't help but to take that as a good sign.
"So, where did you two meet?"
"Night club."
"Dark alley."
Neji and Itachi shared a look and then back at the couple across from them. "In a dark alley behind a night club." They both answered instead.
"How romantic." Temari lightly snorted as she picked up her glass and took a sip.
Two weeks had passed since the infamous Hyuga affair, and Neji finally decided that he was ready to have a life of normalcy. The first step in doing that was introducing his husband to his friends. Starting with Shikamaru. Technically, all of his other friends had already met Itachi. Even Tokuma had briefly met Itachi when he came to the airport to see Tenten off. From his understanding the two were currently in a long distance relationship.
The Nara had suggested a simple meet and greet at his shared apartment with his girlfriend. But Temari thought that a double date would be better. Much to everyone else's slight annoyance. Though it was after the double date from hell that Neji had the chance encounter with Itachi in the alley. It was also the beginning of their torrid romance.
"I left the city for two weeks. When I came back you were married, missing and apart of some sort of Hyuga conspiracy." Shikamaru lazily drawled. "I always knew that you were far too troublesome."
Neji smirked. "You're just jealous that my break was more exciting than yours. What did you do, Shikamaru? Gaze at the clouds?" He took a sip of his water with smug satisfaction.
"You know him too well." Temari snickered. "Lazy bastard didn't even want to go hiking and pretended to be sick."
As the two went back and forth discussing the most outrageous things that Shikamaru came up with to get out of extraneous tasks, Itachi listened with apt interest.
"Wait," Itachi interrupted. "You once pretended that you were on campus when you were really in the guest room taking a nap?" The man had never heard of someone going that far to avoid taking out the trash.
Yawning, Shikamaru placed a hand over his mouth. "Right now I'm thinking of an excuse to end this dinner early." It was clearly a joke but with his history, who could be sure?
Everyone at the table laughed including Itachi; he was genuinely enjoying himself that evening. Gradually he was beginning to have the life that he'd always wanted. Every morning waking up next to Neji was like heaven on earth. Being able to actually see his brother and Naruto off to school every day was just as fulfilling. There were moments when his fingers would twitch with the desire to draw blood, but he would dismiss the urge as soon as it came.
Killing was natural to him. Itachi knew that it would take time to get used to and he would take it one day at a time.
. . . .
After dinner the two couples went their separate ways. Neji and Shikamaru made sure to schedule a game of Shogi at the end of the month. His friend asked him about his plans regarding returning to the university, and Neji assured him that he did plan on re-enrolling. Though at the moment he didn't know how he was going to pay for it; he left that part out. Neji didn't want Itachi to pay his tuition, the man had already given him so much and it just wouldn't feel right.
Damn Hyuga pride.
The restaurant was located downtown, and instead of heading straight home, Neji insisted that they go for a walk. Every tree that they passed was adorned with decorative illuminations. There was another couple that was admiring the lights as well, but they were further away, each of them had the privacy that they desired.
"We need to work on the whole, 'first encounter' thing." Itachi joked. "An alley brawl gives off the expression that we have an abusive relationship."
Neji glanced over at his husband and snorted. "I have bruises on my ass that can back that up. Itachi, whenever we disagree we have a fist fight." He reminded him of the time when he was drunk and attacked Itachi in his living room.
"That was once. And as I recall it was you that was assaulting me."
"Let's not forget that time you choked me!"
Grabbing his hand, Itachi pulled Neji flush against his body. "Which time? The other day when I fucked you senseless?" he whispered and then nibbled on the man's earlobe.
"No, that time when you choked the shit out of me and left me on my sofa," Neji deadpanned.
Grimacing, Itachi pulled away and cupped Neji's face. "I'm sorry." Tilting Neji's head back, he placed several kisses on his neck. "I love your neck. Can't believe I was stupid enough to ever think about hurting you."
Closing his eyes at the feeling of Itachi's hot breath against his neck, Neji smiled. "I forgave you when I punched you in the balls." He had to push Itachi away in order to keep from melting in the man's arms. Itachi's kisses on his neck were sending warmth through his body. "I have something for you."
"What?"
"Consider it a wedding gift."
Itachi looked down at Neji's extended hand. "When did you get this?" Carefully, he picked up the titanium ring.
Neji pulled out his identical ring and slipped it on his finger. "This belonged to my father. Hinata gave it to me the last time that we met up for lunch." He looked at the wedding band on his hand. "My uncle told her to give it to me..."
Itachi slipped his own ring on; it was a perfect fit. "Do you think it is your uncle's way of giving us his blessing?"
"I'm not sure. But either way I don't care."
"Neji, I know you don't want to hear this -"
"Then don't say it!" Neji cut him off. His tone was harsher than he intended. "Don't ruin this moment, Itachi." He gently tugged at the man's shirt sleeve.
Sighing, Itachi wrapped his arms around Neji. "Thank you. It completely slipped my mind to purchase you a wedding ring."
Relaxing in his arms, Neji wrapped his arms around Itachi's waist. The scent of Mangekyo, his husband's cologne, flooded his senses. Soothing and reassuring him. "Finally, I was able to do something for you, for a change."
"You give me enough. I already told you that. Aren't you supposed to be a genius?"
"Are you calling me stupid?"
"If you still don't understand how much you give me just by being with me...then yes Neji. I am calling you stupid. Sometimes I feel like I don't deserve you." Itachi admitted quietly as though it were a coy secret.
"If you truly believe that then you're the stupid one, Itachi." Neji grabbed the man's shirt collar and pulled his face down for a searing kiss. They were in public, but he didn't care. Nothing matter at that moment. He was kissing his husband - the man that he was madly in love with and Neji couldn't think of anything that he'd rather be doing at the moment.
The next day Neji had the entire Uchiha estate to himself. Sasuke and Naruto were at school and Itachi was at headquarters meeting with the Hokage. Apparently, she was still trying to persuade him to join their ranks. It was clear that they had their eyes set on Itachi and he knew that they would go to great lengths to get him. But Neji wasn't going to allow that to happen. In his opinion, Itachi was capable of so much more. Espionage was not the only thing that his husband was good at.
Though in the end, he knew that the decision was solely Itachi's. Earlier while he was on the phone with Tenten, she called him a "stay at home mom" and even though he denied it, that was exactly what he felt like. For fuck's sake, he even had to drop lunch money off for Naruto and Sasuke. High school girls and boys were practically drooling over Sasuke's new "mom".
Neji really hated high schoolers.
After straightening the living room - like a stay at home mom would do - Neji sat down to do something that he had been putting off for weeks. Although, the last person that he wanted to even think about was his uncle, he needed to do the right thing. Three weeks ago, after he had his father's remains cremated, Itachi suggested that he let his uncle know. At first, Neji was furious that Itachi would suggest such a thing, but he finally understood why the man was right.
He could still remember his uncle asking Hidan about his brother's whereabouts. Even Hiashi deserved to know that his brother could finally rest in peace. So with that in mind, Neji started to write a letter to his uncle. It took him a few scribbles, and discarded sheets of paper before he was able to say everything that he needed to say.
The letter was short; he was never the one to say more than what he needed. But, he made sure to let his uncle know that he didn't necessarily hate him. In fact he never hated Hiashi. His uncle's betrayal hurt him more than anything and he didn't know if he would ever be able to forgive.
Just like Itachi said, "Nobody hates Hiashi more than he hates himself for what he allowed to happen to his brother."
-o0o-
A few ANBU operatives cleared him before he was allowed entry inside of the compound. Once he was parked outside of the Main estate, he stepped out of the car. Tokuma was there to greet him. Of course, the man's full attention was on the black Aston Martin that Neji had just climbed out of.
"Maybe I need to marry an ex-assassin as well." Tokuma muttered, and then he patted Neji on the back in a gesture of endearment. "The guards at the gate didn't give you any trouble did they?"
"None at all," Neji walked to the passenger side and opened the door. He picked up the urn that contained his father's ashes. "Is Hinata busy?" he asked once he closed the door. The two men fell into step next to each other as they headed past the mansion.
"Hinata and Hanabi are already there."
Nodding his head, Neji continued to walk down the herringbone path that led to the Hyuga mausoleum. Itachi had offered to come with him, but this was something that Neji to do on his own - with his family. It was early September, the autumn breeze tousled Neji's hair and face. The skies were clear and blue. The weather was perfect in his opinion - not too hot or too cold. Fallen Sakura and Wisteria petals lay scattered on the pavement signaling the changing in the seasons. In a way, it was symbolic of the change that Itachi and Neji had gone through since the beginning of their relationship.
Sometimes change was good - necessary even.
Outside of the mausoleum, several members of the branch and main houses were quietly waiting. Neji halted his steps and glanced over at Tokuma in bewilderment. "They wanted to pay their respects as well." Tokuma quietly informed him. He had only been expecting to his cousins, Tokuma and maybe a few people from the Branch, but instead the front of the mausoleum was filled with people.
Everyone moved out of the way when Neji came; a few expressed their condolences as he passed them, others silently nodded their heads. The look of pity that he'd expected to see was absent, and he was genuinely grateful for that. When he approached the open door to the mausoleum, he saw Natsu standing to the side with her head bowed. Saki was standing next to her, with a comforting hand on the woman's back.
Neji was going to continue walking, but instead he got Natsu's attention. She looked up, and her eyes widened fractionally. Without a word, he extended his free hand to her. Understanding the unspoken offer, Natsu gave him a small smile before she took his hand. They both walked, side by side into the mausoleum and when Neji handed his father's urn over to the head of the Hyuga council, he continued to hold Natsu's hand.
The short ceremony was nice, as agreed Neji opted not to say anything. He'd already said everything that he needed his father to hear. His cousins stood on the opposite side of Natsu, Saki and Tokuma stood behind him. Everyone else that came to pay their respects couldn't even fit into the building. But every single person that showed up waited patiently to burn incense and say a prayer in his father's honor. Some people even brought flowers and other trinkets.
When it was over, and everyone started to file out, Neji left Natsu alone in order to give the woman some privacy.
"I sent the letter off for you." Hinata informed him.
Neji walked over to a stone bench and took a seat next to Tokuma. "Thank you, Hinata." He glanced over at Saki whom was sitting across from them. "How have you been holding up, Saki?"
"I'm fine. Actually, I was thinking about taking Natsu up on her offer."
"What offer?"
Saki gave Hinata a wary look. She wasn't accustomed to interacting with the Heiress directly and didn't know how much she could say around her. Of course she'd heard from several people that Hinata wasn't anything like the typical Main house member, but she didn't know that for sure.
As if reading her mind, Hinata laughed. "It's fine Saki. Natsu has already spoken to me about taking you with her." She took a seat next to the girl. Hanabi opted to sit next to Neji. "Last time I checked you were no longer a minor, and you're free to leave the compound if that's what you want to do." Seeing the skeptical look on the girl's face Hinata sighed. "How come nobody believes me when I say that?"
Tokuma saw that as his cue. "Maybe because that is the exact opposite of what we've been told for majority of our lives. You see what Neji had to go through just to get out of an arranged marriage. Geesh."
"I see that Tenten has rubbed off on you, Tokuma." Neji glared at the man, and then focused his attention on the two women. "Hinata, I think it's great that you are giving the branch members that option, but remember that a lot of them won't really know how to function outside of these walls. Natsu was a guard; she's actually traveled before and has a basic understanding of how society operates."
"I know," Raking her hands through her hair, Hinata let out a shaky breath. "It's hard trying to maintain my pacifist views, and keep everyone in order. Tokuma, you are very helpful and I am happy that I have you by my side, but even then..."
Neji looked at the bags under his cousin's eyes. He'd noticed them during their weekly meetings, and even suggested that he lend her hand. But Hinata was determined to prove to everyone that she was capable of getting the clan on the right track. "Have you spoken with the Hokage again?" he asked.
"Yes, Tsunade-sama is very understanding. She offered to have two of her trusted advisers added to the Hyuga council; it would be temporary of course. We have a meeting with Shikamaru's dad in the morning and I am so nervous." Hinata had been going over notes, and everything all last night. If she wanted to make a good impression, she needed to have all of her shit together. To think that only last month she was thinking of ways to see Kiba and now she never saw him at all.
"Okay, I can't take this anymore." Neji stood up from his seat. "Hinata, from now on, I will be your personal assistant." He couldn't just sit around while his cousin worried herself into an early grave. Besides anything was better than becoming a stay at home "mom".
Hinata and Tokuma stood up as well. "I thought that you were going to go back to school." Hinata shook her head. "No, Neji you wanted your freedom and now you have it. Go live a happy life with your hot husband and do whatever it is that married people do."
"They have sex, Hinata." Tokuma said matter-of-factly- and then he saw the look that Hanabi gave him. "Not really sex...um - you see they."
Hanabi waved a dismissive hand at the man, "You don't need to explain anything to me, Tokuma." Hanabi and Saki shared a look and laughed.
Ignoring the man's comment, Neji continued. "I am choosing to do this on my own accord. It's too late for me to enroll this semester anyway. Don't worry about any of that. I can give you a hand until you are more comfortable."
"But Neji..." Hinata couldn't really think of any more excuses. Frankly, she needed all of the help that she could get and having Neji on her team would be extremely helpful. "Okay, Neji I will take you up on your offer. Tsunade-sama estimated that it would take a few weeks for her advisers to get used to dealing with Hyuga affairs, so I will only need you for that long. I can have a talk with the treasurer about setting you up an account -"
"You don't have to pay me, Hinata." Neji rolled his eyes and feigned annoyance. "I'm only doing this because it's so obvious that you need me." Crossing his arms, he lifted his head haughtily.
Tokuma placed a hand on Hinata's shoulder and smiled. "Don't worry, Hinata it's a farce. Tenten calls it 'fronting' and apparently Neji does it a lot."
While Neji and Tokuma bickered, the women laughed at their antics. The two continued to go back and forth like children until the door to the mausoleum opened and Natsu stepped out. Neji noted that she looked more content and at peace than she was earlier and he was glad. Though he didn't know what Natsu and his father shared, it was clear that the woman really cared about his father.
"Hello everyone," Natsu greeted. "Saki, are you ready to go? I mean, I'll understand if you don't want to come live with me." She was offered a job as Dr. Iruka Umino's assistant. The private physician had been very helpful with helping her get accustomed to living outside of the compound.
Saki spared a quick glance to Neji and then Tokuma before she stood up. "I kinda already packed." She smiled sheepishly. Natsu had always been kind to her and helpful throughout the years. "But I have one condition."
Natsu raised a brow at that. "Well, I guess that's fair. What are your terms?"
"I wanna go to college and get an education and get a license so I can be a real citizen!"
"Okay." Natsu shrugged.
"Really?" Saki looked around and saw how nonchalant everyone was acting. "That was easier than I thought."
Neji shook his head, and chuckled. "It won't be as easy as it sounds, but I can tutor you so you can ace the required test. Getting into a university may be a little trickier but as I recall there are a few laws regarding clans." He went on to recite several laws and doctrines that touched on clans and education.
When he was done everyone was in awe. Especially, Hinata. "Neji, do you understand how freaking intelligent you are? With you and Tokuma by my side we can really change this clan!" The excitement was evident in her voice.
Even if he tried, Neji couldn't think of a smart remark for his cousin's exuberant proclamation. Glancing around at everyone else he could see a small glint of hope in their eyes. They all wanted what was best for their clan and if he could help - if only a little - he would.
It was what his father would've wanted.
Pale weary eyes scanned the elegant script on the paper. The last thing that Hiashi was expecting with his weekly delivery was a letter from his nephew. He'd been prepared to read a very long letter about how much the boy despised him. Honestly, even hate mail from Neji would've made him happy - as twisted as it may sound. Neji was the type of person that didn't hate people that he didn't care for. Hate was an emotion akin to love. If Neji hated him, that meant that a small part of his nephew loved him.
However, instead of a letter filled with words of scorn, Hiashi received a brief letter from Neji. And the four lines told him everything that he needed to know.
Hoheto headed the study when he heard a peculiar sound. It was a sound that he hadn't heard in years. Way before his best friend had to bear the title of clan head, after his own father passed. When he opened the door, he halted in his steps at the sound of Hiashi laughing.
Well it was more of a mixture of a cry and a laugh.
"He's finally home..." Tears ran down Hiashi's face as he laughed and cried. "My brother is home." He said before the laugh turned into an incoherent sob. Tightly, he held on to the letter, the pages crumpled against his chest. Knowing that Hizashi would finally be able to rest in peace meant everything to him.
Closing the door behind him, Hoheto went to his friend's side. "That's great news, Hiashi-sama."
By the time Neji made it back home the sun had set, and everyone else was back. Stepping one foot over the threshold , his senses were assaulted by a delectable aroma. If Itachi continued to cook like he had been for the past weeks, Neji was positive that he would put on a few pounds. Then again if Naruto continued to eat as much as he did, he wouldn't have to worry about eating more than he needed. The blond was like a bottomless pit. Honestly, Itachi and Naruto's appetites were unbelievable.
Smirking, Neji thought back to when Naruto made a comment about how he and his fellow "top" needed to keep up their strength. That was why they ate so much. Sasuke was so embarrassed that he practically dragged the blond out of the dining room.
There was never a dull moment when Naruto was around - which was every night. Itachi explained to him Naruto's situation, with his guardian being Tsunade's personal operative he was rarely home. He also told him how he viewed Naruto as another brother.
"Hey, L'Oreal wanna get your ass kicked again in CoD?" Naruto asked once Neji walked around the corner.
"Hn. I don't know. Do you want to lose another Shogi match?"
Scowling, Naruto turned his attention back to the television. "That game is rigged! There's no way that you were able to win every match!" He grumbled.
"No, you're just an idiot." Neji and Sasuke deadpanned.
"Itachi! They're ganging up on me again!"
"You started it, Naruto. Learn how to finish what you start." Itachi stepped out of the kitchen. He walked over to Neji and kissed him on the forehead. "How did it go?" He asked.
Ignoring the childish whistling coming from a certain blond, Neji placed his hands on Itachi's shoulders, and gave him a quick kiss on the lips. "It went great, but I need to tell you something."
"Okay." Itachi searched his face, trying to decipher if everything was fine. When he saw nothing out of the ordinary, he turned around and walked back into the kitchen.
"What's for dinner?" asked Neji once they were standing in the kitchen.
"Beef Sukiyaki."
"A hot pot." His mouth was already salivating at the thought of the delicious food. "You're trying to get me fat aren't you?"
Itachi casually responded. "Of course not I need you in perfect shape for when you're riding me. Now what did you need to tell me?"
"How can you go from pervy to serious just like that?"
"You're stalling, Neji."
It was true. He was stalling. "Okay, I'll just get on with it." Neji sighed. "I know that you wanted to go on our honeymoon at the end of the month, but I have agreed to help Hinata and Tokuma with the clan for a while. Also, I volunteered to tutor Saki. We will be starting at the end of the month." He knew that Itachi wanted - needed a vacation so that was why he was hesitant to tell the man about his recent decisions. "I'm sorry. I know we're supposed to discuss things like this beforehand."
"I can't be upset because you've decided to help those in need. They're your family and they need you. Kirigakure isn't going anywhere, we'll have time."
Narrowing his eyes, Neji walked towards the man and pointed at his chest accusingly. "You accepted the ANBU position didn't you?" When Itachi remained silent, Neji knew that he had his answer. "You didn't think that we should've discussed that first?"
"Very hypocritical of you, Neji. Don't you think?"
Neji raked his fingers through his hair. "Okay I know that I basically did the same thing. But Itachi, I don't want you to..."
"To what?" Itachi quietly asked.
"I don't want you to kill anymore. Even though I'm positive that you're really good at it, I still think it affects you more than you let on." Neji glanced up, and stared intently at his husband. He wanted the man to know how serious he was. "I know that you have nightmares about killing Madara. You...you're more than just a bad ass assassin."
Itachi chuckled at the last part. "It's nice to know that you think so highly of me." Smiling he wrapped his arms around his husband. "I declined the offer of becoming an active field operative. Instead I will be training new recruits. That means that I will have a relatively normal job so you don't have to worry."
Relieved, Neji returned the embrace. "That's really great, Itachi. It looks like we both went out and got jobs today."
"Are you two done?" Naruto poked his head through the cracked door. "I'm hungry?" He complained.
Before Neji could retaliate with a snarky remark, Itachi whispered in his ear. Biting his lower lip, Neji nodded his head and slightly trembled as warmth shot down his spine. He couldn't wait to see exactly how Itachi planned on celebrating later on.
During dinner, Naruto and Sasuke - mostly Naruto - discussed several things that were going on at school. From sports to gossip. That Friday the boys had a lacrosse game and Neji was surprised when Sasuke, vaguely, told him that he wanted him to come. Of course, he and Itachi had already made plans to go to the game, but it felt nice knowing that Sasuke actually wanted him to be there.
Neji also noticed that whenever Naruto was talking, Sasuke's attention was solely on the blond. There were even times when Sasuke would drop his usual mask of indifference, and Neji would catch a glimpse of the love and adoration that the boy had for Naruto and his brother. He was grateful that the boy had acknowledged him as Itachi's husband and not just a person that was trying to take his brother away from him.
Per usual, after dinner Naruto and Sasuke cleaned up the kitchen. Usually they would all do something together; which usually ended in Neji being pissed because he sucked in CoD. But that night in particular, Itachi made it clear that he wanted Neji to himself for the remainder of the evening. When Naruto started to complain, Sasuke silenced the boy.
Though, Neji didn't know how he managed to do that and quite frankly he didn't care.
Steam billowed throughout the elaborate bathroom like wispy clouds. Several articles of clothing lay scattered on the tiled floors, proof of the lovers' urgency. Sighing in pleasure, Neji closed his eyes and relaxed while Itachi ran his lathered hands all over his body. The shower was more of a tender moment rather than a sensual one. A prelude of the long night to come.
Itachi told Neji that on that night, he planned on etching the man's taste, and scent to his memory for all time. He wanted to take his time showing his husband how much he cherished and loved him. Without Neji, he honestly didn't know how far he would have fallen into depravity.
Taking a step forward, Neji allowed the water to cascade over his body, washing away the suds from his body and hair. When he was done, he traded places with Itachi and returned the favor. The man was slightly taller than him so washing his hair wasn't as easy as it had been for Itachi. But he was able to get the job done - without busting his ass. Talk about embarrassing.
"Would you have to get the tattoo?" Neji asked. He washed Itachi's back, and kneaded the tense muscles.
Itachi let out a low groan at the feeling of Neji dexterously massaging his back. "Yes. It's mandatory."
"I think it'll be kind of sexy."
"Don't tell me you have an ANBU fetish."
"I'm not ashamed to admit that I've fantasized about being ravished by a masked operative." Leaning forward, Neji placed a kiss on Itachi's back. "Don't judge me."
"Neji, I had an instant boner seeing you in a kitten costume. Who am I to ever judge you?"
"You're right. I think I want to open another one of Konan's gifts tonight."
"I was hoping you would say that."
. . . . .
Dressed in the black Uchiha bath robe that Kakashi gave him as a wedding gift, Neji sat on the bed across from his husband. Itachi was wearing a similar robe except his was white. In between them was a black box with an elaborate pink on top of it. In total there were six boxes from Konan, and Neji had only opened one.
"Why are you looking at it like it's a weapon of mass destruction." Smirking, Neji picked up the box and started to open it.
Warily, Itachi waited. "Because it's from Konan." The woman had a rather odd sense of humor. "What does it say?" He asked once Neji opened the box and retrieved the note.
For when Itachi is being a bad boy.
-Konan
Seeing the contents in the box, Neji gave his husband an impish grin. "Konan is my new favorite person." He pulled out the flogger from the box and waved it at Itachi. "As I recall you tried to use one of these on me!"
Raising his hands in a placating fashion, Itachi scooted back a little. "Relax, Neji. Put the flogger down."
Throwing his head back, Nejji laughed. "I see you don't like it when the tables are turned. Don't worry, I don't even know how to use this thing." Glancing down at the box, he frowned. "Or this. What exactly is this?" He pulled out a pair of nipple clamps.
"I already have a pair of those." Itachi commented casually as though it were nothing. "Take that,Konan." He smiled in smug satisfaction.
"A pair of?"
"Nipple clamps."
Holding up the silver contraption, Neji's eyes widened. "Who just owns a pair of these? I've never even seen nor heard of something like this before."
Itachi got off of the bed. "Come on, it's time that I showed you my treasure chest." He held out his hand, and Neji cautiously took it. He walked to the closet, and stepped in. Releasing, Neji's hand he went straight to the black cabinet that stood at the back of his closet.
"Fuck, Itachi!" Neji looked at all of the equipment. His eyes immediately landed on the largest dildo that he'd ever seen. "Who in the fuck allowed you to shove that up their ass?"
Covering his mouth, Itachi had to suppress the laughter that wracked his body. The look on Neji's face was priceless. "I was planning on throwing all of it away. I don't need it anymore." Now that he was with Neji, he had no reason for all of the toys. Especially since he was aware that Neji wasn't a man to be dominated. Besides, it was no longer about dominating. They were equals.
Neji picked up one of the vibrators. "You don't have to get rid of all of it. Definitely that behemoth cock. And the whips, nipple clamps and floggers." He picked up a pink bottle. "What's this?"
"It's edible."
Neji turned around and tossed the bottle to Itachi. "You will need that later."
Flawlessly, Itachi caught the bottle with one hand. Realization came next and he licked his lips at the unspoken promise. Later was too far away in his opinion.
Silently, he crossed the distance, spun Neji around and crashed their lips together. Itachi kissed him slowly, and sensually. His hands slid down to the man's side to rest on his hips. As the kiss deepened so did their shared desire for each other. Never breaking away from the kiss, Itachi picked Neji up and the man had no choice but to wrap his legs around his waist.
Circling his arms around Itachi's neck, Neji fisted the man's silky strands in his hands. His objective was to devour Itachi until they melded into a single functioning entity. Desperately, Itachi's hands found their way to Neji's ass. Gripping it tightly, he hoisted the man up, just fractionally until their erections touched. Moaning at the contact, Itachi pulled away from the kiss.
Gracefully he walked out of the closet, with hurried steps, while his husband nibbled and licked his neck. In between kisses, nips and licks, Neji told him how much he needed him. The man's lust filled words were driving Itachi insane. Finally making it to the bed, Itachi gently laid Neji down. Wasting no time they both disrobed.
"No." Itachi said when Neji eagerly got on all fours. "Face the opposite way."
Doing as he was instructed, Neji faced the direction of the closet and the closed door to the bedroom. He felt the bed shift and before he could peek over his shoulder to see what Itachi was up to, the man grabbed him by his ankles until he was straddling him.
"Move back." Itachi softly instructed. He placed his hands on Neji's hips and showed him exactly how he wanted him to lay. The edible lube was unnecessary - he preferred to taste only Neji.
The moment his cheeks were spread and he felt that wicked tongue on his entrance, Neji closed his eyes and rested his head on Itachi's stomach. Over his loud moans, the lewd slurps and licks filled the bedroom. When Itachi added his thumb, Neji made an attempt to move because the pleasure was too immense, but Itachi growled.
Placing his arms under Neji's thighs, Itachi pulled the man back and held him in place. Once he continued his assault of licking, sucking, and fingering, Neji was trembling. Gripping the sheets, he had to bite down on Itachi's stomach to muffle his wanton moans.
"Fuck...Itachi you're going to..." he groaned when a second finger was added. "...going to be the death of me."
Neji grabbed Itachi's erection and attempted to stroke it as best he could, but he was too incomprehensible to perform a proper handjob. Or blowjob. Hell, any job. Why exactly was he thinking about work at a time like this? His train of thought was completely disjointed. The only thing that Neji knew was that his husband was devouring his ass and he was enjoying ever last bit of it.
Picture a world without Uchiha Itachi.
And miss out on a phenomenal rimjob?
Who in the hell would want to live in a world like that?
The End.
Author's Note: There will be an Epilogue with a five year time skip, possibly less.