Serendipity
Chapter Five:
Itachi watched his small kitten fondly as it went around acting cute, begging to be petted, only for him to snatch the unguarded person's breakfast, lunch, or dinner away from them.
He would then run far before they could catch him.
Given that it had only been three weeks since he first brought him to work, the kitten hadn't grown much in that time. Well, he'd grown a bit rounder, but still, his small size made Itachi fear that someone would step on him. So far, Kitty had proved to be fast on his feet. He was getting smarter and was livelier than when Itachi first found him.
Kitty wasn't all too friendly, but his personality and attitude were shining through.
It made Itachi feel pride.
Itachi was glad that for the most part his coworkers had gotten used to seeing the tiny little thing running around. Pain even held his anger, and didn't comment on the fact that the kitten would sometimes attend meetings with Itachi, hanging off of the demon's shoulder.
It had been a surprise the first time that Kitty had jumped onto his shoulder all on his own.
Itachi at the time had turned his back to him. Furiously he went through the files that Pain had delegated him after he told him that he wouldn't be sent out on the field for none of the upcoming cases.
Itachi had been confused, wondering if Pain was doing this because he thought there was something Itachi wouldn't be able to handle. He could handle anything and everything! There was nothing that he was limited in. It made no sense as to why then Pain would choose to hold him back
Itachi just about drove himself crazy trying to find the reason why, when suddenly nails were digging into his back, and the tiny kitten had pressed his head into his neck, purring.
Itachi instantly calmed, his tense shoulders slumped and the anger he had felt over being left out had melted away. The kitten mewed softly, rubbing into his neck, and nipping at his jaw line playfully. At that moment, being left out didn't matter.
That was the end of that…
To Itachi, it felt like they had definitely grown closer, but he still had his doubts. He didn't know what his kitten really wanted, nor what he thought…could animals think? He was often left confused by him. Sometimes it seemed Kitty really liked him, and at other times like he wanted nothing to do with him.
"ITACHI!" Deidara roared, jolting Itachi out of his thoughts. The blond was pointing a finger towards were half his beagle ran off with the kitten. "WATCH THAT DAMN CAT!" The blond screeched, chasing him.
Itachi crouched down, signaling for the kitten to come to him.
Catching sight of the hand motion Kitty eagerly ran towards Itachi, jumping into his arms.
Itachi took the beagle from the kitten's mouth, some of it torn off by sharp teeth before he handed it back to its rightful owner. Deidara snatched it back, huffing in anger as he glared at both owner and pet.
"Sorry about that Deidara." Itachi politely said, slightly bowing his head. The kitten in his arms sunk his nails into his arm, almost as if disapproving his actions.
"Aren't you feeding him or what?!" Deidara snapped, inspecting the mangled and assassinated beagle. The blond couldn't help but mourn its untimely death, "My poor Dana's late noon snack."
"I am. I think he just likes your reactions." Itachi smirked when the kitten seemed to let out a mew of agreement. The chubby little thing was definitely well fed.
Deidara froze at the bright red eyes that seemed to sparkle mischievously at him and cringed.
What a creepy little cat…
"Whatever," Deidara rolled his eyes and walked away determined to make his Dana a new snack.
Itachi turned to the kitten in his arms, "Really my mushkitty, you are acting like I don't already spoil you rotten," Itachi whispered to him, digging his fingers gently over the thickened fur making the kitten melt under his touch and turn into a mush of purrs.
This little kitten was nothing but Itachi's little puddle of goo.
The way it always turned so boneless under his touch, Itachi himself couldn't get enough.
Especially not when those cute little paws reached for his retreating hand, pulling him back for more. Itachi would love nothing else than to give him all the attention that he begged for, but he needed to get back to work.
Returning back into his office, Itachi proceeded to finish his work while the small kitten was left to entertain himself with the toys that littered the floor.
The day was almost over but Itachi wanted to make sure that the papers were filed away properly and any phone calls he had were dealt with. It wasn't the ideal work that Itachi wanted, but it was what had been assigned to him, as annoying as it was.
Kisame suddenly entered Itachi's office, announcing that they had a last minute meeting to attend. Itachi picked up a folder when Kisame told him that Pain would be needing the reports on the hidden auction houses. The two left muttering about how it was ridiculous that these cases were getting out of hand, shutting the door on their way out.
Sasuke yawned, falling over when he noticed that he was alone. His little ears flickered back and forth, leaving him a bit upset that he couldn't hear Itachi all that well. The frustrating voices and the heavy steps of others always made it hard to distinguish Itachi's almost deceptively silent movements.
It had him a little flustered. Being so young he relied on the one that took care of him. To not be able to sense Itachi, or follow his movements left him feeling disorientated, before forcing himself to remember that it was okay.
He didn't need to learn Itachi's sounds or patterns!
He also didn't need his scent or presence!
He was just here for a bit more, until he could shift and get on his own two feet.
Rolling around with a soft cat toy held towards his small chest, he turned his bright red eyes to the window. The cloudless blue sky stared back at him, but he was sure that he could see a hint of pink and gold littering it.
The soft gentle tones of color had his mind drifting back to Itachi.
The demon was as soft as those colors, very kind, gentle. His smile was so dreamy and his arms always so warm and safe. Just thinking of him made Sasuke loll back with uncontrolled purring.
Admittedly, Sasuke thought Itachi was still a bit dumb. That it was unfair how others took his kindness for granted. Itachi was too nice to his equally stupid friends. He still had a lot to teach him on being mean!
His mom had always said that you couldn't let others step all over you. You had to fight and assert yourself, to show that you are worthy of respect. That life was mean, so you had to be mean and protect yourself and anyone you cared for.
Well, Itachi had cared for him and someone had to help Itachi right?
Also, he needed to because he… might, kind of, sort of….like him a bit maybe.
That stupid demon that insisted on protecting and taking care of him…
Secretly, a part of him wished that he really was just some mindless pet. That he didn't have to worry about anything, and he could enjoy just staying with Itachi.
That was not the case though.
He wasn't a pet.
He was a creature and a demon. He needed to get serious and hurry up to leave as fast as possible! He still needed to teach Itachi to care more about himself, and he needed to be able to transform so he could start his adventure.
His mom said that he would need to be big and strong to live life on his own, that it was necessary. At the time, Sasuke had not believed it when she said that she wasn't always going to be there to take care of them. She had not lied, and now that she was gone, Sasuke was terrified.
Would Itachi also soon not be there for him?
Sasuke didn't want to lose Itachi like he lost his mother, not again. Not ever. He didn't want that. Itachi would probably be fine and safe the faster that he learned and left!
Sasuke stood, closing his eyes tightly as he willed his body to shift. He could feel his familiar core swirl with energy before it snapped, and fluttered into nothing. He panted hard, completely out of breath, wondering what had happened.
He tried once more.
Nothing changed, except that the room was spinning.
Feeling exhausted, frustrated, that he failed to transform at all.
It had been so easy when he was with his mom and siblings. He used to shift effortlessly all the time… It had all been child's play.
Why was he having such a hard time now?
He was well fed, more so than when it had been their mom trying to provide. He felt great, stronger than ever… so what was wrong?
Sasuke slumped, suddenly not feeling all too well.
The only thing that had changed was that he no longer had his mom and his siblings. Other than that, he should be fine…closing his eyes Sasuke tried one more time to shift, only for recoil to hit him.
Sasuke felt dizzy, and meowed softly as he tumbled about disoriented.
Oh no…he was going to be sick.
Blegh, he vomited all over Itachi's floor.
By the time Itachi returned back to his office, the sky had darkened considerably.
The demon looked around for the kitten when he noted that nothing was out of place. Usually the little creature always created such a mess.
He noticed the small creature balled up in one corner of the room, looking upset. He also noted a pile of vomit and made a face. Itachi quickly grabbed disinfectant spray and paper towels to clean it up and tossed it into the trashcan.
When Itachi reached for the kitten, he was met with no resistance, and started to inspect him. Itachi thought that it was odd behavior for the usually feisty kitten. He gently took him back towards his desk, wondering what he should do.
He was such a bad owner.
Doing a few online searches, Itachi only grew concerned thinking he was going to have to spend money on fancy medicines. He was still hesitant about going back to the vet. Just as Itachi was about to make impulsive purchases, there was a knock at his door.
"Come in," he called.
Konan walked into his office, with a smile on her face. "Hey Itachi, I came to see the kitten. I got him some milk!" she announced, walking over to his desk.
"Milk?" Itachi asked.
"Yeah, he's so tiny. I bet his bones are still developing. Any baby will need milk," She said placing a small bowl down. She waved the bottle of milk at him, grinning when she caught the attention of the kitten. His perked up ears and alertness looked like a good sign.
"I was instructed that milk is bad for cats though…" Itachi started as she poured the milk into the bowl. The kitten moved enthusiastically over to it. He sniffed at it once before lapping up large mouthfuls of it.
There was never really any doubt that cats loved milk, but it was worrisome.
"Is it really?" Konan asked, joy flashing over her face at the sight of the kitten drinking milk.
"Yeah, I heard it can upset their tummies, or something like that," Itachi said, and started to list some other side effects he had heard about.
"Oh," She took out her cell phone, taking pictures and gushing over the cute kitten that she wasn't really listening to Itachi.
Itachi was getting concerned. By any other cat owner standards he was making a lot of mistakes. Table food, now milk…was he doing right by his kitten?
"Calm down Itachi, you don't always have to follow all the rules. Just watch him," she said, and Itachi did. The kitten was enjoying himself drinking up the milk. Itachi couldn't help but think that there were plenty of things out there many enjoyed that weren't good for them though. "Sometimes you have to follow what you think is right and not what everyone else says, you got this," Konan said, before flinching. "Oh I have to go, otherwise Pain will throw a hissy fit that I forgot to file the documents for his meeting later today," she said, waving goodbye as she left Itachi's office.
Itachi looked from where she had departed and then looked towards the kitten that was watching him while licking his little mouth repeatedly. "You like milk that much, little one?" Itachi asked, reaching to scratch behind the kitten's ears.
The kitten purred, moving closer to Itachi's hands, greedily asking for more pets. Like always, the kitten melted under his touch, reminding Itachi of melted putty. It was so adorable. It had only been a few weeks, but Itachi would have thought more significant growth would be showing in the kitten.
It was a bit concerning.
Maybe Konan did have a point, the kitten was still young. Born not too long ago, he was probably missing his mother's milk and that nutrition that came with it., Itachi decided that milk wouldn't be too bad, but at the sign that anything was wrong, he would stop.
He should probably head to the store to buy some milk.
They didn't keep any of it in the apartment.
The day had finally come to an end after another dinner with friends. Now Itachi and Kisame were packing up to leave when Pain walked into Itachi's office, a disgruntled look on his face.
"Something wrong, boss" Kisame said, crossing his arms when he took notice of the man.
"I'm afraid I made a miscalculation in today's meeting when I took on more cases and now we need a team to head to The Land of Fire, the Daimyo family had their daughter kidnapped five days ago and have been insistent that she be found." Pain sighed, presenting the files to Itachi.
He had wanted to avoid sending Itachi off to field work due to the kitten. Pain darted his eyes to where the little creature was perched on top of Itachi's desk, licking it's paw without a care in the world. It was so small and defenseless that Pain wanted to give Itachi time to help it grow, but it seemed this time around he didn't have a choice.
Every other team had their hands full, and even he and Konan were too busy for this.
He was afraid it would be a burden to Itachi.
This was his time to have faith though. Itachi was one of their top demons and one most frequently requested.
"It's no problem, we can leave now and handle this in no time," Itachi said as he read through the file. The girl had been kidnapped and now there was a ransom being held for her safe return. Of course, it was a ruse, because these people would sell her and make the family pay only to get nothing back in return.
The Daimyo were proud, they were not going to be giving anyone money, not even if it meant the safe return of their daughter. They wanted their child back and the heads of her kidnappers as their repayment for their suffering.
Whoever the kidnappers were, they were complete idiots for giving away their location just for money. Greedy people always did make some of the most foolish mistakes, but it was just fine by them.
"Alright, please report here in the morning if possible. After that you can take your break." Pain left them to it.
He wondered what Itachi would do about the kitten, but at the same time he was not sticking around to offer to babysit. He'd leave Itachi to figure it out.
Kisame wasn't averse to asking. "What about the kitten?"
"We're taking him with us," Itachi announced.
A few minutes later Kisame followed Itachi, whom was now strapped with a backpack that allowed him to see the kitten snuggled inside. Itachi had cushioned it with soft pillows and a toy, but Kisame wanted to laugh.
The sight was both ridiculous and unbelievable.
They were supposed to be professionals conducting an investigation, but Kisame feared that they were going to have a hard time.
They had driven out to the popular and crowded red light district in the middle of the Land of Fire. The Land of Fire was forty miles away from their work area, so it had been a lengthy drive, but it allowed time for Kisame to change.
Once they had paid for parking, Itachi didn't even bother with changing his clothes, although Kisame wanted to insist that he did. They weren't fitting the part. Especially not with that damned pet carrier on Itachi's back.
His heart sank when they walked out of the dark alley way and towards their destination, a lively night club. The place oozed of sex and drugs.
Girls, all of them in dresses that made their breast and thighs spill out so damn temptingly. They cat called, like bitches in heat rubbing against anything or anyone that was near them. They giggled and squealed when some shameless fuck would grab at them, moving in close to try and kiss them.
There were a few men here and there, looking so broad shoulder, and stiff faced, but also so undone. They were ready to fuck, and waiting for someone to come near them so they could get grabby as well. Their pretty faces, and opened jeans clearly an invitation to a good time with them.
Fuck, there was no fucking way in hell they were going to blend in!
So imagine Kisame's surprise when Itachi simply skipped to the front of the line, looking like he owned the place despite being wrongly dressed.
With a plain white button up shirt untucked with a few undone buttons at the top to show killer collar bones, skewed blazer, and long raven hair out of its tie and flowing freely behind him. Itachi was his own kind of sinful breathtaking piece of meat.
Kisame scrambled to stand right behind him, dressed in his hot leather pants and a tank top that allowed his muscles to bulge freely. Kisame made a show of looking around like he didn't have a care in the world as they faced the bouncer that easily towered over them.
"Are you on the list?" The man asked, not at all looking impressed by the sight of them.
"I'm Condoriano," Itachi dropped the name of the strongest demon to ever be recorded in the world like it was nothing. It had Kisame jaw dropping in pure disbelief.
Oh hell, there was no damn way that the bouncer was going to buy that bullshit of a lie.
"Oh!" The man jumped on alert, "Sir Condoriano! I'm so sorry. Please excuse my rudeness for not recognizing you," The bouncer bowed, moving out the way as he allowed them entry.
Kisame gawked. Well fuck him sideways and upside down. It freaking worked.
"You're forgiven," Itachi said, flicking his long hair as he walked past the man, red eyes flashing dangerously. Kisame easily walked behind Itachi, flipping off the others that complained about wanting to come in after them.
The bouncer had to hold them off.
Kisame laughed, still left in pure disbelief at how easy it was to get in. He glanced down at the clear window where he could see the kitten peacefully laying on top of the damned stuffed toy Itachi had given him.
Spoiled Kitten, just as arrogant as his owner.
Well, he was not about to question their luck!
The two of them knew that the night club was just a front. The sleazy women and slutty men standing outside were meant for the honored guests on the list, and would be choosing one to spend their time with as they came into the secret auction.
The only reason for it being secret was because it was actually illegal.
Trafficking children, or unfortunate women or men was its own market. All of it done in public, crowded places, in back rooms where no one would suspect something like this to ever happen. It was sickening how these people thought they could enslave others and simply sell off the defenseless.
The ignorant people swaying and writhing on the dance floor were just the face. None of them actually knew the dangers that were going on just on the other side of the dance floor.
Itachi and Kisame paid their entry for a number, and were directed to take a seat wherever they wanted.
The seats were all placed in rows, facing a large stage.
Itachi and Kisame walked to the front row, taking their seats.
"What's being auction here anyways, I heard that nothing good has come in for the past few days!" Someone behind them complained as they tried to find good seats. Kisame glanced back to see a big nosed, and whinny blond being followed by a rounded brown haired man and a black haired gangly one.
"Shut up will ya! I don't care, I just need my dick wet!" the round one remarked, "Anyone will do, ooh, let's sit here."
"Well I heard they got themselves a little princess, I want dibs," their third and last friend chuckled, his tone dark and hungry.
"Well no one's got as much money as you Fujiwara, I know you will get your princess!" the round one loudly appraised, making the black haired one puff up in pride. Kisame rolled his eyes, looking away from the ridiculous men.
They weren't going to get to do shit!
"It looks like it will be a full house," Kisame remarked, upset that every seat was being filled. It was going to make their job all that much harder.
"Don't worry, I'll try to make this as painless as possible," Itachi said.
Kisame smirked, knowing already what Itachi was planning. Itachi truly was a genius in his own right. Not only did he come from a line of demons that had an ocular prowess, Itachi was at a whole other level with what he could do with his powers.
It was truly a treat when Itachi used them.
The man was a gem that his family was upset to lose. Kisame couldn't give a fuck, because otherwise he wouldn't get to work with such a cool partner.
An hour had come and gone, uneventful when suddenly the lights shut off and on the stage a single light remained.
The auctioneer jumped on center stage, his voice booming, "Gentlemen and lovely ladies!" he winked, a few of the madams giggling at being addressed. "Thank you for choosing our services to meet all your needs for rare and exotic toys. Today we have such a treat for you but before that, let us start with the small game,"
Said game was a small girl, probably no older than five dressed in a small tank top, her midriff showing, and a skirt that barely covered her private areas. She looked scared stiff, fidgeting where she stood and the crowd went wild.
She trembled, tugging at her lack of clothing, allowing her brown hair to fall over her face.
"This little one has experience." The auctioneer wiggled his eyebrows in suggestion "She's been a bad and naughty girl though. Her master has graciously donated her so we can give her a good new home. Look at her, isn't she sweet." The man chuckled darkly, licking his lips as he used a stick to lift up her frightened face.
His job was clearly to tempt the crowd who were willing to pay anything for a cute face. His actions didn't fail, as many hands went up with bids.
"Five hundred!" One called without missing a beat.
"I hear five hundred already. Does anyone wish to bid more?" The auctioneer laughed, mirth shinning in his eyes. Several men jumped in, but none of them seemed to want to go too high, after all, they had been promised a treat this night.
Itachi was thinking that there was no way they could allow something this disgusting to continue. He sat forward, noticing how the ones directing the show were moving about. They had two doors on each side of the stage, and there were four to enter into the auction room.
After the girl had been sold, she had been directed behind the stage, meaning most of the captives were being held there. They were going to have to make a full inspection to be sure. The next on stage was a small boy, no older than seven.
It wouldn't be too long now.
The night went on, showing off about twenty more captives, before things were coming into a wrap up. Itachi noted how the guards at the door entered in, closing the main exit. Clearly, this was the piece they were guarding the most.
No one would be allowed in or out now.
"And now for the moment that you have all so patiently waited for, let me show you tonight's special treat." The auctioneer waved his hand, the spotlight landing on a small bundle dressed in a torn princess dress. "A gem in itself, a princess, never touched, a virgin!" the man said it like it was something he had accomplished.
The girl's wide eyes looked everywhere, but she couldn't run due to her hands and feet being cuffed together in heavy chains. It was a bit more than the others, but it was to show that this one had not been broken in yet.
"One million!" Someone cried desperately.
"Tw-two million!" Another cut in, nearly tripping over themselves. The two men glared at each other.
"Thirty million," A quiet man stated, his glare solely directed at the stage where the round faced, bun headed girl was crying. Her face was completely red with tears, her eyes wide as she looked at the rowdy crowd bidding on her like she was an animal.
She wasn't sure what was going on, but she was terrified.
Itachi stood, his hair flowing around him as he announced a ridiculous. "Quadrillion," successfully, turning all eyes on him, just where he wanted them.
Kisame snickered under his breath the moment that everyone froze, looking directly at Itachi.
Big mistake.
"There's no fucking way you have that amount!" The man behind them shakily screamed. He had been about to bet when this creep beat him to it. How dare he steal his thunder, with an unheard of amount at that!
"I never joke." Itachi said.
The auctioneer was opening and closing his mouth, not knowing what to do or say. He snapped out of it when he saw his boss telling him to seal the bet now.
"Ri-right- the bet for…for…a quadrillion," the man swallowed thickly, trying hard not to salivate at the sheer number, "going once…" The crowd tense, glaring at the raven haired demon, expecting him to back out because none of them could match that amount, "going twice…SOLD!" he cried, unable to believe it, his knees buckling as he almost fell. "Well folks, that is the end of our auction," the man was saying.
Itachi turned his hand, as everyone was glaring at him, getting caught up in the motion. The sword of Totsuka appeared in his hand, and Itachi swung it, locking the crowd into a world of drunken fevered dreams.
Kisame jumped out of the way and towards the stage.
Itachi followed after him, flipping right next to him.
"Wha-what are you doing!" The auctioneer cried, completely frightened as the crowd had all seemingly vanished before his eyes.
"Taking our price," Kisame said, moving to punch the auctioneer on the face. He reached his hand out, pulling Samehada out of thin air, and batted another that had launched to stab him in the back. He laughed loudly, daring anyone to come at him.
Itachi surrounded all exit points he had seen in deadly black flames. A red aura surrounded him, and the men who were trying to get to him started to choke as they fell on their knees. Itachi wasted no time cutting them down.
Once the path was cleared, he reached for the small trembling girl, snatching her into his arms.
She had been frozen where she stood, completely terrified of Itachi. Now she let out a loud super high screech that hurt everyone's ears.
"Let's get the rest!" Itachi called, ignoring the screeching girl.
Kisame nodded, batting a few more men that stood in their way, and they headed to the back. Itachi quickly put the men guarding the back under a hellish illusion, before breaking open the locks of every cage with the flick of his blade.
The captives all trembled in their cages, not knowing what was going on, but also not trusting anyone. Confusion filled their faces as they watched their captors fall to the ground screaming, and fear gripped them at the sight of the two demons standing at the center of it all.
The girl in Itachi's arms had finally shut up as she stared wide eyed at the handsome, fierce demon that was holding her.
"If you want to live, follow us!" Itachi ordered, his tone final. The captives, scared for their lives, quickly did what he asked. Obedient like they had been taught to be.. He turned his back, to lead the way.
The kitten in the pet carrier was looking on, red wide eyes enthralled at the chaos that Itachi was leaving behind. He had watched, in shock as he held on for his own life and thankful of all the cushions, how flawlessly Itachi took down everyone.
Kisame smirked, watching how the men writhed and screamed, scratching at their skulls to get to their brains. The idiots were literally clawing off their skin and crushing their own skulls to end their lives.
He could only imagine what it was that Itachi had made them see.
Not that he would ever want to know.
The rest of the night was spent cleaning up the auction house of every man involved in the trafficking scheme. Anyone that participated was arrested and were going to have to face the consequences for purchasing and aiding.
The ones that had kidnapped the princess were confirmed and pointed out by her, and left at the mercy of her parents.
She had been an annoying brat, following Itachi around when she noted that he had the kitten in his backpack pet carrier. She then started demanding that Itachi give her the kitten. Her demands only grew louder when it was time for them to leave.
Sasuke, who was in the pet carrier was wide eyed, shaking his head no, there was no fucking way he would become her pet! He had enough dealing with an idiot like Itachi, he didn't want a dumb little girl!
"Would you be so kind as gift the kitten to my daughter?" The king asked, placing a hand on his daughters head when she had complained to him. This seemed to appease her as she grew her eyes impossibly large and begging.
Sasuke hissed, clawing at the toy he was cuddling.
"I uh…" Itachi bit his lower lip, not knowing what to do. He didn't want to give up his kitten, but…the child was looking up at him with tear filled eyes and a frown. Itachi always had a hard time telling others no. He hated seeing others down, sad, or upset, but was he being selfish for wanting to keep his kitten?
Sasuke trembled, why wasn't Itachi telling her no?
Why wasn't he saying anything?
Kisame couldn't believe what he was hearing, what a selfish little girl. When Itachi took too long saying something, he stepped in, "No! We are afraid this is our company's mascot, we can't simply hand over the kitten, right Itachi?"
Itachi was startled by his friend, but nodded, "Right."
Sasuke sighed, finally. Itachi really was stupid. He had a lot of work ahead of him.
"I see…" the king said, a frown coming over his face. He supposed that he couldn't really ask them to give up something that belong to their company…
"But I want it, daddy I want it!" the girl cried. "I want the kitty, I want it!"
"What if I offered you money for it?" The king tried once more, looking at the two demons pleadingly.
Sasuke was shocked, no way…would Itachi place a price on him? He supposed he wasn't worth much anyways, Itachi should just sell him off.
Itachi froze, before he shook his head. This time he didn't think twice about it. "I'm sorry, but the kitten isn't for sale. He's not an object I can just hand over, any less than you could have sold and handed your daughter off to those men," Itachi turned his eye to the kidnappers that were cuffed and on their knees, awaiting their fate.
Itachi...Sasuke thought, completely taken aback by his words. Relief filled him that he was going to get to stay with Itachi.
The king stiffened and nodded.
He understood.
This time, no matter how much his daughter cried and whined about wanting the kitten, the King didn't stop or ask for the little creature again.
Itachi was all too glad when they were able to leave. It had already been a long night, and although they had done well, it was still a far cry from solving every ugly problem that the world faced.
At least they had brought this place to its end.
After that, Kisame and Itachi had to dispatch a search for the other captives' families along with proper health for self-care.
This meant leaving them in the care of individual social workers who would make sure that each sought the help needed after what they had gone through. It was a process, getting them back to a safe environment with family to those who had it.
At that point it was no longer under their control, and they could only hope that each and every one of them returned to a healthy, safe, and happy life.
The process was always long, with a lot of paperwork.
By the time they were done, it was late morning and they went to go meet with Pain so they could deliver their reports and get the rest of the day off. Pain had a few things to say, but was glad that they were able to complete the task.
Kisame yawned, noting that Itachi was lost in his own head, probably mulling over everything that had happened.
"Dude, let's go get something for our bellies. I bet that kitten of yours is in dire need of something to eat," Kisame said. He knew he had to remind Itachi of his kitten. It was the only way that he was sure to pull Itachi from his own head and focus back to reality.
The demon truly took many things to heart.
"Oh right," Itachi whispered, pulling the backpack around so that it lay on his chest. He opened it, glancing inside to the sleeping kitten.
He suddenly felt bad.
The case had been dropped on them and the night had been so long with everything that had happened. Itachi could have almost lost him to some random little princess at that. Now breakfast was almost over, and with lunch approaching, Itachi had wasted a long time without thinking about feeding his kitten.
He reached to rub the fur on his back.
The kitten jolted, turning to look up at Itachi with his large red eyes before meowing demandingly, his small tummy rumbling. Kitty went past his hand, and jumped up towards his shoulder, nuzzling into his cheek.
Itachi smiled.
"Man, for a moment there I thought that you were going to get all sad and just keep thinking about the case," Kisame said, making Itachi turn towards him.
"I wasn't thinking about the case." Itachi said. "I was actually thinking about what Pain said."
"What was that?" Kisame asked.
"He mentioned that I really should consider leaving Kitty at home, seeing as taking him with me will only become a problem. He's not wrong, it does limit my range of fight, and others become interested in him…but" Itachi glanced from the corner of his eye at the kitten that was softly purring, snuggled against his neck, and nipping at his ear.
"With time," Kisame scoffed, "We did pretty awesome this time around and you kicked butt just fine,"
"I kind of forgot he was there, he could have gotten hurt," Itachi frowned. If he was honest, even being limited wasn't enough. Itachi had been reckless.
"Could have, but didn't. Think about that!" Kisame exclaimed.
Itachi shook his head at his friend, glad for his support. Kisame was a great friend, if not a bit obnoxious, but loyal.
Thing was, this wasn't up for debate. Itachi couldn't help but take what Pain said to heart. Pain had mentioned how he was hesitant to assign Itachi anything because of the kitten. But he needed time…
No… what he needed was to start getting serious.
He needed to train Kitty to stay home.
"Brunch, Itachi, brunch!" Kisame whined, followed by meows of agreement.
Itachi chuckled, conceding to both.
"Fine." He said.
Later that afternoon as they made it back home, the kitten trudged his way to Itachi's room. Kisame called a goodnight as he headed towards his bedroom, shutting the door. Itachi slowly made it to his room, dropping the pet carrier by the door before closing it.
His thoughts were back to what Pain had said to him. It was about time he taught the kitten to stay home alone, even though he had gotten used to taking him to work with him. He might miss him, but he didn't want a repeat of this case. When the little girl had asked for him, Itachi had felt his heart sink.
He had not known what to say or do, and had hesitated. He was lucky Kisame had been there to step in and stop what had been happening and snap him out of his own head.
He hated not being able to stand his own ground.
No, he couldn't allow for that to happen again.
A part of him felt sad at the thought of leaving his little goo home all alone, but it was time.
From what they had practice so far, the litter training had gone well and he didn't have to worry about him doing it all over the apartment. Although, occasionally the kitten would pee on Kisame's shoes…but that didn't matter.
There shouldn't be too much of a problem leaving him alone by now.
He just needed to start to see how long the kitten could stay alone until he would be able to stay at least a full day.
Itachi silently gathered his things for a bath, shaking his thoughts away. He needed to get to bed. When he returned freshly showered and dressed, he walked into his room to find Kitty curled around his bedsheets.
The sight was endearing in an odd way for him, it made his heart warm and he walked over to his kitty.
Gently he ran his fingers through the soft fur, watching how even though his eyes remained closed the kitten arched into his touch.
Just that had Itachi's worries settling.
How did this little creature have such a calming effect on him?
"Mush-baby," he called out, gently petting him. "I hope you decide to stay with me forever," he whispered, smiling at how the little thing was so relaxed now compared to when he first found him. It stretched and yawned, turning toward him. His red eyes seemed to blink open a bit, before closing fully again and content purrs filled the quiet room. "We gotta teach you to stay home alone for a few hours, you can do that right?"
Itachi didn't think the kitten was listening as it looked like it was falling asleep all over again. Instead, he climbed into bed, curling next to the kitten. He pulled the rest of the covers over the two of them.
The tiny thing was melting into the covers and he couldn't help but smile. The more time he spent with the kitten the more complete his life felt.
Was that an odd feeling?
Maybe, or maybe not.
Itachi understood that he was getting attached to the little creature. He just wasn't sure if the warm feeling in his chest was part of that. Itachi had no name for the feeling, but he didn't let it bother him anymore as he was lulled to sleep.
He just knew he never wanted to lose this feeling.
Sasuke had heard what Itachi said and was thinking, maybe. Sure, it would be a good idea to start staying home.
He didn't belong at work after all, he understood that. Itachi's work was more than just sitting at a desk, and he had gotten to see him in action for the first time last night. Itachi had been incredible, and the raw power that he felt spike from him, had Sasuke filled with excitement.
The night had been exhilarating and exhausting, despite him being safe in the confines of the backpack pet carrier that Itachi had placed him in. There were times he was jerked and bounced around, but the toy and pillows Itachi had placed were protection enough from actually getting hurt.
If anything, he wanted to see Itachi in action even more!
He wouldn't get that if he…stayed home…
A part of him wanted those words to just be a bad dream. He liked going to work with Itachi and learning.
He liked being close to Itachi in general.
He didn't want to be left in this apartment alone.