Simple Choices
Is it any wonder I'm tired? / Is it any wonder that I feel uptight? / Is it any wonder I don't know what's right? / Sometimes it's hard to know where I stand / It's hard to know where I am / Well, maybe it's a puzzle I don't understand – Keane
Chapter Four
"What am I doing…really? I mean, I know he needed help…but still," Itachi mentally struggled with himself for the umpteenth time as he tried to keep his face as calm and collected as possible despite his slight distress, "…I don't even know what kind of food he likes; nothing. I feel like I just adopted a pet. Ha!"
At his last, more sarcastic thought, Itachi rolled his eyes humorously at his own mental joke as he stood in his just-opened doorway and watched Neji mindfully step further into his home; the Hyuuga's shoes having already been toed off upon entering.
Neji had been silent the entire drive from the hospital to Itachi's home; only providing a shy 'mhmm' when the Uchiha had asked him any questions regarding if he was feeling okay or if he needed anything as he drove them through the winding roads that lead away from the all the downtown skyscrapers and smothering atmosphere.
Mainly, the obviously tired and weary Hyuuga had just been content with occupying himself by staring out of the window of Itachi's magnificent black Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren that had an all carbon fiber body with a staggering 5.4l V8 supercharged engine that had all the mind-shattering capabilities of 620 horsepower 575 pounds of blood-rushing torque. The rare, expensive car roared with untamed fury down the road; able to reach a maximum speed of about 209 miles per hour; though Itachi drove relatively safely the whole way as to not frighten or upset the Hyuuga anymore than he already was.
It was a shame that Neji only paid Itachi's impressive car little mind as they made their way from one place to the next; though the Uchiha could more than understand in full how it was too soon for the distraught Hyuuga to really show much enthusiasm about anything yet.
Neji had just watched the endless display of trees of all different sizes and colors pass by him beyond his window in a heavily painted blur that would either drive someone aboslutely mad or lull them into a long slumber. Neji, however, only looked at the beautiful wooded scenery with seemingly little interest as the two of them sped away from the busy, crowded city and into the more vegetated, secluded residential areas up north where lakes, ponds, and private properties of forests remained.
It did not completely shock Neji that this was the area in which Itachi Uchiha lived – he was a doctor after all, so the Hyuuga took the dawning developments in good stride as more and more things became clearer to him about the doctor; his new personal caretaker of sorts, as it were.
However, Neji could not restrain his breathless surprise when they had finally arrived at Itachi's house; the overly luxurious car pulling into the long, winding, mozaic-patterned driveway that led a bit further into the trees where the doctor's sheltered house was – the Hyuuga's pale lavendar eyes widening as the abode finally came into view.
Before he could think twice, Neji mindlessly blurted out, "Holy shit!"
At Neji's startled reaction, Itachi could not help but laugh out loud; grateful for his companion's refreshing excitement since that had been the first, solid thing that Neji had said the entire trip.
Large grey, white, and brown stones formed the first floor of the house that had it's west end facing the main road which made the whole house's design face the driveway rather than forward; part of which was submerged underground so that it may be level and steady on top of the grassy, tree-infested hill that it had been constructed upon.
The top floor was constructed of majestic maple-colored wood panelling which gave way to many, huge and elogent windows that dotted and shaped the architecture at wise, attractive locations. The whole southeastern corner of the house was comprised of nothing but interconnected windows that allowed for a stunning panoramic view of amongst the trees – the placement of said windows also in place economically to harness the additional sunlight that Neji could already imagined had to make those particular room shine brilliantly.
Cast iron and glass lamps illuminated various spots perimetering the exapansive house and walkways, as well as offered simple and necessary light for underneath the small vaulted awning that was at the top of the large stone steps that led from the curved driveway to the front door in a mild arch.
Neji's keen eyes were quick to pick up facts from his ongoing, borderline obsessive observations of Itachi's house as the older male parked the car in the driveway; right next to where those stone steps were that would lead them up.
"I know; it's a little big, but I like it," Itachi commented casually with a little smile as he routinely unclicked his seatbelt, opened his door, and promptly swung his long legs outside of it to exit his vehicle – Neji rushing to follow suit once he regained his bearings and realized that he needed to get out as well.
Now, after they had walked up to the large, wooden door and entered Itachi's abode with a bit of nervousness becoming of both men, Itachi was beginning to make himself accept the fact that his decision last night about having Neji in his home and care…had been the right one.
While the Uchiha could have easily placed the weight of his decision on the small fact that he had felt sorry for the Hyuuga as he had seen how this man had broken down in front of him while in the hospital; Itachi knew that that was not the whole truth. The previous night, while Neji had remained in his ICU room and Itachi continued to work; seeing plenty of other patients during the rest of his shift; Itachi had known that Neji was special, and that having him over as he was now was not out of mere pity alone.
The money Itachi had given Neji the first time they had met was out of sympath; sure; but this…this was coming from something else; something much more.
He needed to see Neji happy, and he had known even before he had realized it himself back in the emergency room that the only way to do that was so watch over and take care of the young Hyuuga himself.
Evening was approaching; making everything seem a little more solemn and unconventional as the many lamplights offered more of their yellowish glow from outside against the soft violet-blue of night that was quickly blotting out the warmer colors of the day.
Itachi sucked in a bit of air before moving his head over to a side; making his tired neck give a tiny, satisfying crack that relieved his drivers' tension; before lazily taking off his shoes by the door to join Neji's – his pale-eyed patient still walking slowly, cautiously in small steps around his living room and adjacent corridor that lead to the kitchen on the left.
Itachi smiled sadly; humbled; as he watched Neji get all but swallowed up by his enormous living area as the young man seemed to be completely nervous and astounded as he turned his head this way and that to try to look at everything at once. Pristine off-white carpeting met white living room walls that were outlined with thick, chocolate-colored wood trim and rich, oak furniture; the room accentuated with Itachi's black, leather sofa with red and white pillows that also matched the partular design on his drapes and wall décor in color and pattern. Basic colors meshed together perfectly to form an extremely modern-looking living room which only splashes of the dark red that offered key focal points and a stable, classy theme to be maintained throughout the large space.
"Wow…" Itachi heard Neji say quietly as he chose to explore more of the clean, simple living room versus anything else. The television was off, of course, but Neji was busy looking at black-framed pictures, empty, artistic vases, and decorative red storage boxes that adorned the tops of Itachi's wooden entertainment center and shelves and graced his long coffee table.
Itachi, content with having Neji remain in his living room for the time being, instead made a left after walking further into his home and proceeded into his rather unused gourmet kitchen which was furnished with stainless steel appliances, black marble counter tops, copper cookware that hung over the small oddly-shaped island in the middle, and dark wooden cabinets and wine racks.
"So, uh…"Itachi began as he pried open one of the heavy gunmetal grey refridgerator doors and began taking a quick inventory of what food items he could offer to his guest, "I imagine you are pretty hungry right now. Let's see what we got here…"
Itachi's correct assessment from the other room caught Neji's adament attention as he mindfully replaced the picture frame he had been holding back where he had found it on top of the entertainment center and started walking over to where the doctor was – the faces of the people in the photograph still fresh in Neji's mind as he went.
"I'm not even sure what you like, but…I'm sure we can figure something out," Itachi said positively as he cast Neji a quick side glance and a smile as soon as the Hyuuga had approached his side.
"Oh, well…you know, anything is fine," Neji said a little sheepishly; not used to being catered to like he was, "…just whatever you want to eat."
"Everyone likes pizza. Let's go with this," Itachi thought simply before speaking; his back tiring of bending over constantly to rummage through his possibly too-big refridgerator, "Besides…pizza sounds really good to me right now."
"How about pizza? Would that be okay?" Itachi asked as he stood upright and faced a still tense and uncertain Neji Hyuuga in his kitchen.
Neji clearly swallowed before he replied, "Yes, thank you."
Itachi could not help but cast another small smile at Neji; feeling his soul somewhat ache from hearing Neji being so adorably nervous around him – the thought quickly manifesting within the Uchiha to set his new house companion straight about something once and for all.
Taking Neji firmly by each of his shoulders, Itachi looked Neji sternly in his surprised face and lovely, wide eyes as he said as no-nonsensically as he could, "Neji, you need to understand that you are a welcomed guest in this house. If there's anything you need, you just tell me, and we'll get it. This house…is your house, too, now. Alright?"
Neji gulped again; his stunned eyes unable to leave Itachi's even for a moment as the Uchiha's words both rattled his bones as well as warmed his heart in such a way that made Neji feel like crying…so he did; not being able to blockade the overflow of emotions that it seemed only Itachi had the power to draw out from him.
"But, I just…I uh…" Neji murmured indecisively; completely regretting trying to speak in the first place since his brain could not even come up with appropriate, fitting words to reach his mouth at the moment; Itachi's hands solid in their meaningful grasp on Neji's supple but slender shoulders as he ceased his useless stammering and licked his drying lips.
Itachi noticed the tears sliding down Neji's stricken face; his heart positively breaking at the sight as he was so intimately close to the young man; and urgently pulled Neji into his chest to embrace him lovingly, comfortingly.
Itachi was pleased when he felt Neji's arms immediately wrap themselves around his middle and squeeze hard; almost as if a silent thanks for Itachi's previous words; as the Uchiha gently placed his chin on top of Neji's head before speaking to him.
Neji's tears had stopped; his bout of weeping being short-lived due to the fact that they were only out of barrier-breaking and uncommon relief and utter happiness that had ensued due to Itachi's pledge; as Itachi could not help but softly nose through a little of Neji's long, beautiful hair on top of his head as he said, "No 'buts,' Neji. You are not a prisoner here. You're here…because I'm worried about you."
Neji nodded against Itachi's chset; allowing the seriousness of his kind and heartfelt words to sink in and heal some of his wounds there; before unlocking his fingers from the back of Itachi's shirt and loosening his embrace from around him – slowly and respectfully separating the two of them so Neji could look at him once more.
"I understand…Itachi," Neji said humbly, followed by a quick wipe to his own face with the back of his sleeve so he would not look like he had cried at all anymore.
Itachi smiled softly down at Neji; liking the way Neji seemed to be cheering and opening up to him more and more; and tilted his head to a side a bit as he said, "Good."
Suddenly, Itachi's head snapped back to its upright position as he just remembered something to inform Neji about; his eyes blinking as his non-stop mind finally recalled what he had promised himself to tell Neji as soon as they had arrived at his house.
"Oh yeah, I just remembered. You probably want to change, so I have a whole bunch of clothes that…mmm…they should fit you fine," Itachi said after a somewhat comical assessment of Neji's size and stature with a squinting look at the clothes the boy already had on, "In fact, I'll lay some out for you to pick from after you've had a shower. Dinner will be done in about thiryt minutes, anyway. Sound like a plan?"
Everything had to end with a question from Itachi, as a tiny voice in the back of the older male's mind was constantly nagging at him to make sure at every twist and turn that Neji was okay with what was happening. He just had to be sure…
The extremes of Itachi's generousity were surprising as they were deeply appreciated by the Hyuuga as the fair-skinned, pale-eyed boy instantly perked up a little at the mention of extra clothes for him and the prospect of taking a nice, luxurious shower in a place like this.
Itachi, however, had had the breath completely stolen from inside his lungs, for only a moment after he had finished asking his question, Neji had smiled at him…his perfect, genuine smile that was as rare as it was gorgeous.
"It is breathtaking…just like I thought it would be,"Itachi reflected happily as he could not help but stare and sort of smile back at the virtuous masterpiece of a young man in his presence.
"It sure does. Bathroom's this way, right?" Neji said with a little poke of his thumb in a direction beyond the kitchen before taking off in that direction of the opposite corridor that did, in fact, lead to guest rooms and the study – the Hyuuga not even waiting for an answer from Itachi before just going where he guessed he should.
Itachi only watched him go before having to literally give his head a little shake to clear his head and regain his composure so he may proceed with his obligations as per their impromptu deal just now – clothes needed to be set out for Neji and pizza needed to be made as promised.
Neji had hurried past a few smaller side rooms down the white corridor until he located a spacious and well-kept guest room at the end – Neji in a rush to slam himself in the connected bathroom once he entered the darkened, unused room; not even bothering to search around for a light switch in the bedroom since he was too focused on only reaching the bathroom for his shower.
Neji took a deep, victorious breath he was inside a nice, lovely bathroom that had lavendar walls trimmed in white with white cabinets and sink, and an all matted glass showering room that had a little window so one could see the forestry from within.
Nerves were unwinding for the Hyuuga; due in large part to the Uchiha's courteous, bittersweet words to him; but his tension was not unravelling in a particular calming mannre. Instead, Neji's movements were quick and eager – the pale-eyed boy discarding his clothes to the bathroom floor carelessly as if he was in some sort of contest. The water was quickly adjusted to the Hyuuga's liking before Neji slid open the somewhat heavy glass door and slipped inside the sparkling clean and tasteful bathroom; his adrenaline still running fresh and rapid making his movements almost unsteady.
In all honesty, Neji was rather starving; hence his rush, since Itachi had informed him that dinner would be ready in thirty minutes. With that being the young man's motivation and mindset, long, dark hair was washed and conditioned by whatever products were already available, before the Hyuuga scrubbed his body with just the bar of soap instead of the suspicious-looking red body wash to his right and then washed his face last with a clean-smelling apricot scrub that contained bits of sand in the formula to detoxify and thoroughly cleanse the soft, sensitive skin.
His hurried pace was making him giddy to go back out and see the adjacent bedroom that he had passed up with little mind; his giddiness fueling some crazed energy because he was in a strange, new, magnificent house; free from anything and everything he had ever known; and that someone as blissfully wonderful as Dr. Itachi Uchiha was willing and able to take care of him.
The overall notions of his current situation were bedazzling to the Hyuuga who was absolutely relishing in feeling just so carefree and content for once is his life – Neji realizing with even more passionate excitement that he would not mind in the least if this kind of life for him was to be how it was for the rest of his days.
The older man had definitely made this kind of reassurance perfectly clear to the Hyuuga, and now said man's blood was positively racing through his veins in a foreign, maddening excitement that made Neji continuously smile as he finished his shower and turned off the water so he re-enter the bedroom and see what Itachi had in store for him.
The thought alone was stimulating…like he was some kind of pampered prince. Neji was absolutely delighted and just could not stop the happiness from overflowing from his every, sopping wet and attractive feature.
Within no time, Neji exited the shower and carefully pulled a white towel with small floral embrodaries on the edges and began to hastily dry his hair before running the soft accessory over his body one, good time – the now dampened towel ending up being wrapped around the Hyuuga's slender, trim waist so he was not completely naked when he exited the bathroom.
Neji only creaked the door open a tiny bit to peek through to see if Itachi was still there or not; whether it was safe to come out or not; and nodded a little to himself after assessing that the coast was clear – the bedroom light having obviously been turned on by Itachi since he had been in there to retrieve some clothes for Neji to choose from.
Now that Neji had slowed down his overworking systems a bit, he entered the bedroom and finally observed it properly now that he had the time to do so. The room's dark blue walls were not straight by no means as some of them seemed to zigzag and create shapes and texture to the room itself; outlines of a rich mocha brown lined every nook and cranny, however. In the middle of the room sat the bed, who's headboard was against the wall by the door and was topped with a alluringly fluffy comforter and large, overstuffed pillows - all containing the same deep indigo color as the walls, but also sported white and grey in a large, plaid-like pattern that had Neji totally convinced that this bed had to be amazingly soft.
A few, brown-framed pictures of simple art hung on the walls, a medim-sized armoire sat in the far corner, but the duel, white, doors of the overly large closet were on Neji's direct right from outside the bathroom.
Everything about this room's very nature suited Neji quite well and it made him feel welcomed and not overwhelmed as his eyes were once again drawn to the bed that had laid across the edges a few pairs of loose-fitting grey, blue and black cotton pants, some white, black, and off-black T-shirts with various logos and pictures of what Neji assumed were bands, a couple of wife-beaters, and tons of boxers of all different colors and patterns.
"Oh man," Neji gulped to himself; now beginning to feel a touch overwhelmed as his gaze swept over the many articles of purposefully comfortable clothing; his mind already trying to assess how many different combinations of dressings and outfits there were, "…well…at least I have choices."
After making a rather easy-going selection of the grey pants, a short sleeved black shirt that featured an ultra-pale guy with medium-length black hair and bright green eyes with matching lines going down his frowning cheeks, and a pair of plain, dark grey boxers, Neji was on his way out of the bedroom and back to Itachi in the kitchen.
"…ah…I can smell the pizza from here," Neji mentally cheered as his stomach gave a fierce rumble and actually hurt for a second, "…I am so hungry, I could probably eat the box it came in as well!"
Upon entering the kitchen, Neji smirked as he approached Itachi from behind who had just finished making four cuts into the pizza that made eight, smaller but scrumptiously topped slices for them to share; glassed drinks already having been set out next to him on one of the counters.
"Is it ready?" Neji asked; more than ready to just attack the whole damn pizza on the baking sheet if Itachi did not move out of the way soon.
Luckily for everyone, Itachi was quick and efficient as he replied with a busy and brief 'yep' and then had their slices equally divided onto two plates for them to take into the living room and eat.
Each took their plate full of steaming supreme pizza and a drink and migrated into the living room – a move which Neji was particularly grateful for since he was already familiar with this room.
The drinks were mindfully set on top of the coffee table as both tired and hungry men all but plopped wearily on the long, cushy black leather sofa and began tasting the pizza.
"Any good?" Itachi asked cheerfully before taking another bite; his eyes were curiously but hopefully drawn to the Hyuuga's as he watched him sample his creation.
"Mhmm…"Neji was having a hard time speaking since his mouth was so full as he forced himself to swallow so as to answer properly, "...very good! I love it."
Itachi nodded in agreement as well as quiet relief as he worked on taking his third bite- the simple but classic meal easily being devoured by the two, fully grown men who only stopped to take a drink of their iced beverage and then start indulging again.
Neji was more than happy at the moment as he now had a new change of clothes on, hot food in his stomach, an awesome roof over his head, and a mindblowingly handsome and charming man taking care of his every need sitting next to him – his happiness allowing him to feel more and more comfortable which prompted the Hyuuga to start a conversation with Itachi.
"So, I noticed your pictures earlier," Neji began as he picked back up his drink from the coffee table; his eyes not being able to stop searching his striking companion for any facial cues or gestures that would tell him non-verbal messages.
There were none, so Neji continued, "That one there;" Neji pointed to the one he had last seen on top of the entertainment center; "is that your family, Itachi?"
At this, however, Neji was a little taken aback as he saw from his peripheral vision as Itachi shifted his weight a bit as he continued sitting and holding his drink in his lap – the older male licking the roof of his mouth and swallowing but still remaining silent for a moment…as if figuring out a way of how to answer Neji.
"Yes…it is," he said at last – his tone incredibly different from how it had been any other time he had spoken to Neji that day; the Hyuuga instantly giving Itachi his full attention as he noticed the stark difference right away.
"You all look really happy, "Neji commented encouragingly before deciding to ask about something that had prompted him to even pick up the frame in the first place when they had just arrived at the house, "is that your brother there next to you? He looks exactly like you."
Neji had finished his statement with a friendly laugh and smile, but it soon faded from his lovely face at once as he watched Itachi's face only grow more and more sad – like he had said something he should not have.
"Yeah, he did. Sasuke…was his name…"Itachi trailed off quizzically which made Neji ask another question before completely thinking it through with potential consquences.
"'Did?' What…what happened? Where is Sasuke now?" Neji inquired; both of his eyebrows raising as Neji also changed his tone of voice to resemble that of Itachi's – quiet and somber.
Itachi frowned; immediately making Neji regret his prying questions; but then the Uchiha looked up at Neji and flashed him a quick, sad smile – his coal-colored eyes showing nothing but unbearable sadness however, despite the forced smile. The pitiable smile was quick to drop from Itachi's face as he tookt to staring at his empty lap as he decided to answer Neji's logical questions about his younger brother.
"Heart failure," Itachi almost breathed out, as if the Uchiha was ruefully reliving multiple parts of his past at once that it was crowding his mind and stiffling his words, "Sasuke…died of cardiomyopathy a few years ago. He had been born with a weak heart, but…over time, his symptoms just kept getting worse and worse..."
Itachi paused in his explanation to look up again at the shocked, angelic face of his house guest as he offered another crinkled smile before continuing.
"Because he was born that way, he's the reason I decided to become a doctor," Itachi explained sorrowfully; Neji's lips parted as his eyebrows knit together as he tried to wrap his head around every gut-wretching word Itachi was telling him, "…but despite that, I wasn't…I wasn't even there…when my parents had to…"
Itachi closed his eyes and sighed out a large amount of air; completely deflating himself as he was now wrestling with extreme internal battles and sorrow – the Uchiha not even being able to deal with the world at the moment before finishing his thought, "..when they had to cut off his life support."
Neji blanked totally – his mouth going uncomfortably dry as his watery-lavendar eyes remained transfixed on Itachi's pained, tormented face – the Uchiha's own eyes off to the side as he just could not bring himself to look at any specific thing at the moment.
Neji quickly shot the same picture another glance to once again see the younger brother they were talking about…the full weight of the tragedy that had happened just barely allowing Neji to realize just what that could have done to Itachi.
"A-and your….parents?" Neji asked as softly as he could while his own apathetic tears started welling up in his eyes.
Itachi sort of grimaced before stating simply, "They stopped talking to me after it happened."
"Oh my God…this…poor guy. So, I must be wearing his brother's old clothes. He must not have had the heart to just throw them away. Maybe that was even his room that I was in...? Oh, poor Itachi; nothing this bad should have happened to a person so…just so good…" Neji mentally compiled; his mind slowly dwindling down to nothing but pure, shared agony and hopeless strife as he absorbed this new, terrible information about Itachi's past, "I…I need to do something! I need to help him."
Without thinking twice, Neji scooted across the couch; the leather making a little stretch sound from the move; to be closer to Itachi and immediately flung his arms around the Uchiha's slumped shoulders, his embrace automatically strong and desperate.
Itachi closed his eyes as he felt Neji squeeze him; the act nothing but appreciated wholly by him; as the Uchiha kept his arms down and just let Neji hug his chest and press his small face against the outside of his shoulder- Itachi's heart melting in the process as all the merciless ice that had formed within him from even remembering his younger brother seemed to be chipping away already.
Neji remained quiet, though any word he could have said to him at the moment was more than conveyed by the intensity and warmth with which he held onto Itachi, and the younger man nuzzled his face a little more against Itachi's solid shoulder before loosening his embrace a bit.
"Thank you, Neji," Itachi said seriously but quietly as he turned his head towards the Hyuuga who was now only had his fingers gripping tightly to the front and back of Itachi's shirt so he could still keep the older man in his arms – the thought having already become crystal clear to the younger man that he could hold onto Itachi forever if circumstances permitted.
It just felt so right and wholesome as Neji gave Itachi another slight squeeze before letting his somewhat crushing hold on him give way so he may be more comfortable and breathe a little easier.
Itachi waited for Neji to look up at him, and once he did with those teary, enchanting eyes of his, Itachi could not help but carefully place his arms around Neji as well; Itachi's bigger, longer build making it easy for Neji to be completely wrapped up in this man as he kept his hands on Itachi's chest and rested his head along Itachi's collarbone.
Neji swallowed thickly before speaking; the younger having felt Itachi rest the side of his face against the top of Neji's head which humbled the Hyuuga that Itachi wanted to hold him as well; "I think…you're a wonderful doctor."
Neji knew that Itachi would catch onto the other meanings that his comment also held; such as how by Itachi being a good doctor, he had not let down Sasuke or his family in any way. He was doing his best, and that that was perfect as a memorial to his younger brother.
Itachi's lips parted as a small gasp left him once he had heard Neji's words to him; the very syllables acting like a smooth, lover's caress to the Uchiha as he suddenly freed his hands from around the lithe form in his embrace and placed them on either side of Neji's intoxicating face.
Without wasting a moment more, Itachi and Neji both closed their eyes as the taller Uchiha slowly dipped his head down and captured the Hyuuga's soft, supple lips with his own in a tender, chaste kiss – a kiss that meant worlds to the both of them as it acted as a solemn gesture of immeasurable gratitude to Neji, as well as a soul-enriching instance where Itachi felt nothing but unwavering understanding, compassion, and thankfulness for Neji's very presence.
Neji could have cried more from how much raw, unbridled passion there was behind Itachi's bittersweet kiss as he sighed softly when those gentle lips were slowly pulled away his own – his heart already aching to experience more with this man as Neji tilted his head back slightly and pouted his lips again; just begging for another touch of those lips.
Itachi had opened his eyes upon ending their first kiss and smiled endearingly upon seeing Neji silently ask for more before immediately granting his wish for him by pressing their lips together again with more force behind the act this time; the growing urgency between them two causing Neji to let out a small, almost inaudible whimper against Itachi's mouth.
Lips were separated again, but only so Itachi cold press kiss after adoring kiss to Neji's cheeks, corners of his mouth, nose, and finally his forehead – the Hyuuga's eyes opening dreamily as he felt the candy-sweet loving being administered to him in such a caring way that it made Neji's aching heart feel like it was going to burst right then and there.
Itachi's lips were maddeningly careful and ginger against the Hyuuga's tingling skin as the younger male felt like he could quite easily fall into a deep, tranquil slumber in Itachi's arms should he continue the way he was.
"Itachi…"Neji breathed out as Itachi finished placing one, last kiss to his temple; the older's fingers still holding Neji's face up to his own as he opened his eyes and looked over Neji's incredibly serene face so close to his own.
"Neji…thank you," Itachi repeated as a faint whisper against Neji's lips, the Hyuuga quickly losing his battle with the overpowering need to sleep tugging at him and his over-exhausted mind – Neji more than certain that he was at full emotional capacity and that that was even more draining than running a marathon in one hundred degree weather.
It had been a long, trying day; filled with Neji experiencing almost every range of human emotion possible; so it was in Itachi's arms that Neji Hyuuga slipped into a quiet, much-needed sleep against the older's man's firm chest – Itachi's loving gestures to him acting as concentrated temptation to just accept sleep as they had been pillowy soft and just too wonderful to truly be real.
Itachi looked down at the snoozing Hyuuga in his arms with his head snuggled adorably against his chest and could not contain the slight, half-smile that touched his lips – the Uchiha knowing full well that he should take Neji to his room right about now…but he just could not seem to bring himself to move in any way as it were; not wanting to disrupt this moment in the least for fear that it just might slip through his fingers and never be regained again.
A meaningful kiss was placed to the top of Neji's head; the Hyuuga's soft, sweet-smelling hair ticking Itachi's nose a little in the process.
In the comforting silence that had consumed his large house, Itachi's tired thoughts were, nonetheless, racing as he took to considering a few things before going through with his inevitable plan to pick Neji up and carry him to his room.
This was atonement.
Itachi's sudden and out-of-nowhere offer to take care of Neji was in light of the Uchiha's ultimate desire to seek atonement in someway for his brother's death.
While Sasuke's early departure from this world was in no way his fault, Itachi knew that he had become a doctor all those years ago because he had wanted to find a way to cure his younger brother; he had to care for him no matter what. Countless, tireless hours had been spent going over different aspects of treating arrhythmia, as Sasuke's heart had drastically slowed down in its beats per minute, which had provoked the younger Uchiha to experience a few, critical strokes that had definitely taken a toll on the family's overall resolve.
The breaking point for the Uchiha family was when Sasuke had gone into severe cardiac arrest, where he had to be hospitalized permently and put on multiple functions of automated life support.
Itachi remembered how his mother had not stopped crying that night as his father held her shoulders and tried to remain strong.
Two months later, Itachi had been overseas in a physician's consultation meeting when his parents had to sign the forms to cease all Sasuke's form of life support – effectively…allowing their son to die as he was.
Itachi sucked in some air through his nose and methodically breathed it out of his mouth at the too-painful recollections of his past's misgivings concerning his family before turning his gaze once again to the sleeping Hyuuga in his arms; the young man needing his embrace and warmth and care.
Itachi felt his throat close up a little but quickly pushed that feeling away so he, now, could be the one to remain strong.
Itachi would not fail Neji…not another one. Neji was part of his life's self-imposed adherence to atone for his previous negligence, which meant that Itachi would care for Neji until he told him to stop, if it ever came to that.
Neji needed Itachi…and Itachi needed Neji just the same.
With a heavy heart and a clearer conscience, Itachi carefully secured his arms underneath his sleeping guest before standing up from the couch with Neji in tow; ready to finally tuck his precious cargo into bed so they could start a fresh, new day tomorrow.
Author's Note: Good grief, no? Heh. Two points to anyone who can guess the character that is on Neji's borrowed T-shirt. XD Good luck!!! Reviews…well, they make me squee, so please be kind. Thanks and have a most productive day.
