Serendipity
Chapter Twenty Six
"Heya sir, I want some of that deliciously, dirty, sweaty underwear that you are selling," Sasuke said in a disguised voice, a large grin on his face as he tried hard not to laugh. The other cats around him were holding their breath to keep from laughing as well. "You know, how bold of you. I saw that you posted that add but sadly no pictures, can I see?" he added as the line remained silent from Itachi's initial greeting when he had answered the phone.
Kimimaro's idea to call Itachi with them pretending to have different voices had been funny and brilliant. It was the one idea that Sasuke had decided on trying because it meant that he got to hear Itachi's voice at least once a day.
Sasuke truly enjoyed it, especially the perplexity in Itachi's tone when he was asked for his used underwear.
Maybe in the future they might come up with a better thing to call him about, but for now dirty underwear it was.
And his friends all agreed.
"I'm sorry," There was a heavy sigh following those pleasant words, His poor demon, ever so polite. "You have the wrong number if you are looking to buy underwear,"
Sasuke shivered, pressing the phone closer to his ear, needing more of Itachi's voice. It was never enough.
Itachi didn't speak much.
If only he could spark up a conversation, Sasuke just needed a bit more.
"What, no way, I heard you had some of that sexy underwear, you know, with the smelly crotch." He wrinkled his little nose as he read off the script he had been handed before he made this call. He looked to his friends and everyone immediately pointed their finger to Kidomaru who was looking away in embarrassment over what he had chosen to be the character for this prank.
Apparently a degenerate smelly crotch lover had been the clever choice for this phone call.
"Please lose my number," Itachi said, hanging up.
"Awww man," Everyone groaned. They were sad that they could never keep Itachi on the line for too long but that was fine, they would have another chance soon.
"So what are we going to do today?" Sakon asked.
"Let's call Itachi again!" Several of them suggested.
"Okay, okay, Tayuya your turn, make sure that you ask for a period stained underwear!" Kidomaru was quick to say.
"Eww, why the hell would I do that?" She narrowed her eyes at him. "Besides, Itachi is a boy, why would he have such a thing on him!"
"Because, it's gross duh," Kidomaru said, clear determination in his eyes that he wanted to gross Itachi out as much as possible. "So by default makes it even funnier to ask him for something that he wouldn't readily own,"
"I didn't realize how much of a pervert you are. Freedom has really changed you huh." Tayuya groused, fur frazzled as she glared at the shameless Kidomaru. He didn't even deny the claim.
Sasuke sighed and wondered what the goal behind grossing out his beloved demon was. He just prayed all the time that Itachi never stopped answering the phone because they might have taken it too far. As of now, after the first time he answered, Itachi hasn't failed to pick up once.
Sasuke chose a new number and dialed the phone, placing it close to Tayuya. Although she, along with her crew, were unable to talk physically, as long as there was a means for communication, transmitting to Itachi was easy.
"Hello?" Itachi had answered as expected. It helped that they had a device that would generate a new number so Itachi wouldn't find out that it was the same phone calling him all the time. Itachi sounded begrudgingly that you had to wonder why he even bothered to answer, but he had.
"He must be a glutton for punishment," Kimimaro snickered under his breath to Sasuke. "At this point, no one in their right mind would still be answering the phone."
Sasuke shot him a glare.
"Sir, I need underwear for a period!" Tayuya said in a high pitched, but innocent voice. Everyone gave her odd looks but she refused to correct herself. Itachi didn't say anything this time. He simply hung up the phone.
"Aw, way to go Tayuya, you ruined it!" most of them complained. Tayuya growled, defending herself to them. Kimimaro laughed and explained what they had done wrong.
Sasuke simply shook his head.
"What are you children doing?" Kaguya stepped into the living room, where they had been hanging out this fine afternoon. The air grew a bit chilled with her presence, but it didn't scare any of them. If anything, all of them held a sense of respect for her. She looked down at them, and shifted her oddly white eyes over to Sasuke when no one answered her. "Come Sasuke, it is time that we got to your training for the day."
Sasuke was clearly still a young boy from what she could see.
Sasuke had told her that he was around ten years old or so, meaning that he was just a few months old. When she took him to a special check-up at her chosen doctor, it was announced that Sasuke was short of completing the required age for someone of his status, creature mixed with demon.
He wasn't growing how he was expected to do so or on time.
It wasn't that Sasuke was malnourished or that he lacked something that was keeping him from aging correctly, but she had a hunch as to what it was. For one, the lab showed that Sasuke possessed more demon blood than the usual creature-demon hybrid. Perhaps it was expected, seeing as who Sasuke's father was.
That Uzumaki-Namikaze family wasn't normal by any means.
While she was aware of who the father was, there were no news or clues as to who the mother had been. Kaguya had been unable to uncover any information based on the little that Sasuke had told him about his mother.
The other reason for his strange aging, she had no doubts, had to do with Itachi and the gender that demon possessed. As a creature, Sasuke had no choice but to accommodate what would be best for his chose partner, and that also meant what would tie them together more closely. Sasuke's body would do anything to ensure that it snared Itachi.
Either way, Sasuke was going to grow up to be an exceptional being if she had anything to say about it.
Sasuke, in his demon form and already dressed in the training clothes that she had specially made for him, followed her to the private training grounds. Kimimaro and Juugo who were in their human form followed along as well. They too were dressed in training gear, in case they were called to help with Sasuke's training.
The other cats never failed to also come along, eager to see what training and lessons Sasuke would receive.
"Sasuke, before we start today, there is something that I would like to address," Kaguya gave Sasuke a serious look.
"Okay," He swallowed hard, nodding his head that he was listening to her.
She closed her eyes, a small smile painting her lips, "While you already know that I will be covering most of your education and training, I believe sending you to a private school will also be beneficial for your future, as well, as your growth," her eyes flashed dangerously, "This world doesn't reward those without proper diplomas,"
"Are you sure about me going to school?" Sasuke asked, surprised that he would be allowed to continue his education. With the way that he had to meet the times that Hinata and Naruto were at home, it seemed impossible to do so. Sasuke had a role to play and that was of an ordinary cat named Ramen.
Kaguya already knew this, so he couldn't understand what she was thinking.
"Sasuke, a being like you has a delicate growth period and I wish for you to develop well," Kaguya said, "Don't worry, I own this private school and they will be following a special schedule and regiment that I made just for you," She explained. "While I know that you will be a great student I think that what I will enjoy the most of your time with me will be seeing you come into adulthood."
There she went again with that.
It seemed that Kaguya had her own agenda when it came to his development and it made Sasuke feel wary.
"Why?" Sasuke raised an eyebrow.
"As a creature and a demon, such a rare thing to be, you grow differently and at a much faster rate than others, but I have a theory that your growth will be slowing down quite a bit." She said, causing Sasuke to look at his hands in wonder.
He had been ten for a while now if he thought about it. He'd grown out of his other ages within months, but he hadn't grown much since then.
"Five years, Sasuke, that is when I predict that you will be ready,"
"Five years," Sasuke repeated in dismay. He didn't think that he could wait that long to meet Itachi again. He thought maybe one year at most, but five seemed too long. In fact, it seemed impossible. "That's too much time!"
"Yes, but I could be wrong about the time period, either way Sasuke, get ready to be brought up to your full potential," Kaguya smirked, pointing her finger at the startled boy. She was well aware of Sasuke's story and who Itachi was to him. In fact, she had done thorough research to figure out if Itachi was worthy of her new son. "If I have understood correctly, your body will not only be developing into adult hood, but with your chosen mate in mind. How interesting, not many meet theirs so early in life, you will have an interesting development for sure. Are you ready?"
"Ugh," Sasuke faltered, shocked. He tightened his fists, gaining his wits about him, and nodded. There was a reluctant twitch in his heart but he knew he had no say in the current matter. "I'm ready," he concluded.
Be it five years, ten, or more, Sasuke was determined to make his way back to Itachi. No matter what.
This was just another roadblock in his way and he was more than ready to get through this hurdle.
"Stop laughing," Itachi said when his friends all fell over in fits of laughter, unable to contain themselves at the latest prank call.
Once Kisame had told them about the underwear prank calls, his friends all wanted to listen in. Itachi would have suspected that one of them had leaked his information and was trying to get a reaction out of him, but honestly, it wasn't like any of them to do so, especially when they had been so worried about him.
Itachi sighed when his friends couldn't stop laughing.
It was nice that at least they were enjoying these strange phone calls. Itachi was so tempted to change his number but didn't dare in fear that it might impeded with his finding of Kitty. They weren't a big deal to him anyways, so he'd deal with them.
It couldn't get any weirder, could it?
If he ever found out who was making these calls he'd make sure to burn them to ashes.
"I think whoever is making these calls might have it out for you Itachi," Suigetsu winked, with a silly grin on his face. He was comfortably sitting on Kisame's lap as he had joined the group today for their usual lunch time. Honestly, the white haired male had been clinging to the shark demon ever since he came back with a few bruises from the last mission.
It had been a tough one, but the people running the trafficking pet shelter were now behind bars, locked away with a trial coming up as to what would be their fair sentence. As if people like them even deserved it, but that was his opinion and an unpopular one at that.
What made this case even more despicable was that there was still a group gathering information, and evidence to everything that had gone down. Many families had shown up to recover their lost ones, and were also planning to testify as to what punishment would best fit the ring leader, Kabuto. The fact that things were still coming to light was what made this case so huge in the first place.
The man was under harsh interrogation. He had yet to speak anything and vehemently refused to do so. Itachi was itching to get in there to play mind games with him, but he wasn't allowed anywhere near this case.
There was only one good thing that came from this. That was that thanks to their quick intervention those that were still alive were able to get medical health and sent home. For everything else, it was shrouded in uncertainty.
Pain felt that this was just a part of something much bigger still being ran out there, and it was just time before they figured it all out. For now, they could only work with what they had.
"Perhaps," Itachi muttered more to himself. He didn't disagree with Suigetsu's thoughts, but he couldn't be sure either. He had made many people angry in the past couple of days.
"Speaking of people that might have it out for Itachi, there's finally some news on Orochimaru's condition," Pain announced, a smirk on his lips. "He's still unconscious but they are hoping he will make a full recovery in a few more weeks. The damage Itachi caused will be leaving an impression on him."
"That's good." Konan sighed.
"Damn, for a moment I thought Itachi had killed the poor bastard," Hidan and several others laughed. They wouldn't have minded if Itachi had, but it would have been a bitch to clear his name from having to face prison time.
Or worse.
"You're lucky kid," Kisame laughed, tossing an arm around Itachi's shoulders. Itachi made a face but managed to push the shark demon off.
"So, does that mean that I get to go back to work?" Itachi asked, eager to return to his job. If Orochimaru was going to be alright then there should be no reason for him not to.
What he got for that question though was a resounding, "NO!" from everyone.
They weren't going to allow him to return to work. They still thought that he wasn't ready for that. Itachi huffed, leaning back on his seat. He knew he had to pay for what he had done, and that meant a probation period for him to be judged capable of returning.
The thing was that because of what had happened, his friends were constantly tracking all his moves and treating him like a child that was unable to properly function in life. It was starting to drive Itachi crazy.
On top of that, the feeling of dread, anger, and determination were coiling emotions he couldn't quite explain on top of his own anguish.
Itachi couldn't even stand himself at the moment.
"Hello, may I take your order!" A peppy waitress finally made her way over to them, reminding them that they were all here to get lunch today.
The end of the school semester was finally here, and graduation was just around the corner. Many parents and family were happy to go out and support their students. The Uzumaki family was no different to that.
Naruto and Hinata were currently heading to the school sight, while happily cooing at each other while Ramen peacefully slept on Hinata's lap.
The two were always so loving towards each other, it was so sickeningly sweet that Kurama could just gag from it. He tried to pretend that he wasn't envious of their love, but truth was, he is. It sucked that he was trapped in this damn car with them, on this ride that he was so eager to jump out of.
He didn't want to voice it out loud, but he had always felt that he didn't belong.
That there was no one out there meant just for him. No place for him to comfortably live in and be himself. He had thought that becoming Hokage would make him someone loved and important in this damned world. That title was something he had wished for and dreamt about for so long, but alas, it wasn't meant to be.
Don't get him wrong, he was happy that Naruto got the position. He liked and trusted Naruto well enough. He was the best brother that he could have ever asked for…but it didn't solve anything that he was currently feeling.
He just felt lost.
So far life hadn't panned out for him the way that he wanted. Things that he wanted, the success he craved were always just beyond his reach. He wasn't sure what he was supposed to do much less feel about his life. He didn't know how to go on to become someone meaningful, or how to find love.
He didn't want to feel this way.
He hated these feelings the most.
What he really wanted was to forget what he was feeling and just enjoy his family. The one thing that he felt like he got lucky to have. Not many got to have at least that much, but he was lucky to have it…so why did he crave for more…
There were better things to focus on. Like the fact that they were headed to Senju Academy, where the exams for the elementary graduation would be finalized. The first part of finals was a written exam that not many students passed. It was difficult and if they failed students had to face reevaluation to ensure that they knew exactly what society expected of them.
It was crucial for young demons to know that while they had powers, there were rules that they had to respect and follow. With power that could potentially destroy, ensuring that their next generation was well established was something demons prided themselves in.
The second and final part was what they were going to witness tonight.
Students that had completed their fifth year in the academy were tested against other fifth years from other elementary schools and out of them all only half would be moving to the next stage of education. The rest would have to face a period of intense training before they were placed under duress to test out their strength in another few months.
For those who couldn't prove themselves, they were held another year, or until finally, they would be deemed ready to move on to the next grade. It had never been that crucial, but it was what made the system fair and tough enough to gloat that they had the best.
Naruto and Hinata had wanted nothing more than to fully show their support for Konohamaru by attending his match. Udon and Moegi, Konohamaru's friends were also having their match tonight, and they were all hoping that all three would get to graduate.
It was a big night for all three of them.
"Do you guys really think that Konohamaru is ready to go into the next level of education?" Kurama suddenly asked, annoyed to no end that the couple had yet to stop being so publicly loving towards each other.
Naruto and Hinata stopped their flirting to regard him.
Naruto grinned at his brother while Hinata shyly looked away, running her fingers through the sleeping kitten's fur.
"Yeah, of course he's ready. Konohamaru is a good kid." Naruto said with such sureness that Kurama had to wonder where it came from.
"He's still a bit childish, in my opinion," Kurama deadpanned, unsure if he wanted to stir an argument with Naruto.
"Well yeah, he's still a child but he's definitely ready." Naruto's eyes softened, "Remember, we were once like him too. He is excited for the next stage in life and you know that it won't be easy. I believe Konohamaru is ready to face that next challenge,"
Kurama pursed his lips, that was Naruto for you.
"How are you so sure?" he asked. He didn't know where Naruto's confidence in others came from. He was always so ready to believe in others that Kurama was left wondering why he couldn't believe in himself.
Why couldn't he be more confident like Naruto?
"I just do!" Naruto said.
Their car came to a halt and the door was opened for them.
"We're here, sirs, madam," their driver bowed at them while holding the door wide open. Naruto stepped out first, and offered his hand to Hinata who gratefully took it as she too got out of the car. She was somehow still holding onto that cat, treating it gently as if it were a real child.
It was such a strange sight.
Kurama was the last to get out and the driver closed the door behind him. He let out a deep breath, for some reason he was nervous as he followed Naruto and Hinata into the academic building. The arena in area forty-four was full of parents and other family members who had come to cheer their children on.
The amount of people here today was staggering.
Hiruzen, Kushina, and Minato were already seated when they arrived, looking every bit happy and proud to be there.
Kurama let out a deep breath as he took the far end seat. He wasn't sure why he was here tonight. It wasn't like he was all that close with Konohamaru or even believed in him. Sighing heavily, he leaned his head on his right hand and gazed out to the field, bored.
He already wanted the night to be over.
The battles had yet to start, but suddenly there was a commotion on the other side, in the next seating area. Kurama turned his head in time to see that a small sandy haired man was the cause of it. He had just spilled his drink over the head of an elderly man and he was getting shocked gasps from everyone.
"Why don't you tell me again, how much of a disgrace I am!" The young man snapped.
"Shukaku!" a red headed man came running towards him. His piercing green eyes glared at the sandy haired man, clear in both parts disbelief and anger. "What did I tell you about mistreating others?"
"He started it…" Shukaku snapped but was cut off by the elderly man getting to his feet.
"Kazekage Gaara, I am sorry, I had not realized that this… creature was part of your party!" The man grabbled to his feet, the way he had said the word 'creature' was as if he was spitting out acid from his very tongue.
Shukaku scoffed, rolling his eyes while Gaara simply watched the man on bowing to him.
"We're here for the children, please refrain from scorning others," Gaara told the man who agreed and then scurried away, like the scum that he was.
"Hey Gaara!" Naruto cheered, calling the familiar man that he had met when they had gathered here for their match, so many years ago. They had not liked each other then, as foolish children competing to be the best and all. Over the years they worked out their differences and became good friends, specially when their goals were one and the same.
Due to his duties, Gaara never had time to meet up with friends, so seeing Naruto here was a bit of a pleasant surprise.
Even for Kurama who was in disbelief of how much Shukaku, Gaara's adopted brother, had grown up to look so cute and handsome. Shukaku who'd looked more like a skinny drowned rat in his younger years had been annoying, always following them around. He was about two years younger than him. It was amazing to see that he'd become a full fledge man, still small but now adorable like a raccoon.
"Naruto, what a surprise," Gaara smiled as he approached.
Shukaku followed reluctantly. He too was half creature, half demon with raccoon in him. He was taken in by Gaara's mother, who saved him before she met her end. That was the reason why the family had kept him, as it was her last act and request from them and since then had grown to love him.
No one really knew where Shukaku came from. It was mystery that was left buried in the sands, but many liked to joke that he was born of air and sand anyways.
Unlike Kyuubi who was able to hide that he was a creature, Shukaku didn't have that luxury. The black sclera of his eyes, and golden pupils gave away just what he was. A demon mixed with creature, impure, and a reason for mockery.
He shouldn't exist.
"We're here to support Konohamaru, he is the grandson of the current Hokage and like a brother to me," Naruto explained, "Why are you here?"
"I'm here to support the children that have no parents and come to represent those that come from the area of Sunagakure," Gaara said, a happy smile on his face. "It is truly my pleasure to ensure that they feel supported,"
"Really, that's so amazing of you Gaara," Naruto's eyes sparkled.
The lights suddenly dimmed and a voice asked for everyone to take their seats, as the stage was ready and they were about to start. Gaara bowed at them.
"I hope to see you soon Naruto, I have to go back to my seat now," Gaara said, and tugged Shukaku along. Shukaku blinked, his eyes finally meeting Kurama's who had been staring at him all this time, and his cheek went pink as he went.
He was embarrassed that he hadn't noticed Kurama, whom he had a long standing crush on. Now all he wanted to do was runaway.
Naruto grinned, happy to have seen his friend. Hinata giggled, petting Ramen who was now awake and watching the stage.
"What's so funny my love?" Naruto whispered to her.
"Oh, I was just thinking how unlucky it is that Neji isn't here," Hinata smiled, "It would have been fun to see his reaction at meeting Gaara again,"
Naruto had a confused look on his face, unsure of what she meant. His obliviousness was so clear to her that she was laughing again.
The booming sounds coming from the stage got his attention before he could think to ask her to clarify herself, but she was glad that he didn't ask. She was so invested in the secret crushes that her cousin, Neji, had for a certain red head. She had no doubts Gaara reciprocated those feelings, but sadly neither man was willing to say a word about it.
The night had started out with a bang.
Sasuke watched in awe as children, just a bit older than him, were fighting each other with so much intent to be the winner. Kaguya had asked him to pay attention because soon he would face a similar challenge for his impending graduation.
Kaguya was smart. She explained how she had been able to pull his transcripts from his original school. She also told them that Sasuke was leaving that way they wouldn't wonder about him or launch and investigation of his whereabouts.
With that, they had also contacted Chiyo who was now aware of what was going on with him. She in return would write about what Itachi got to everyday.
While his life had become a full time thing that kept him distracted from thinking about Itachi during the day, the nights were different. He missed him and he had this gnawing hunger inside of him that left him feeling worried. Stuffing his mouth even with the best food didn't satiate the growing emptiness and he had to wonder if there was something wrong with him.
He didn't want to end up getting sick and never seeing Itachi again.
It had become so painful that he had finally told Kaguya about it. When she had explained what he was feeling, there was only one thing that Sasuke could think.
Stupid Itachi
Itachi felt suffocated.
Weeks, months had gone by and nothing had changed.
He still wasn't allowed to go back to work and it was driving him mad. His friends were with him at all times that he hardly had any time to himself. His appetite was gone and his zeal for life had taken a dive. There was something clearly wrong with him, but he wasn't able to convey that to them. He was scared that it would only make them all that much more concerned with him.
It was so much that he ended up running away.
Not that he went all that far.
He had decided to go where he knew it would take them a while to find him, seeing as they didn't know about his other friends.
Tamaki, Shinko, and Tenma were all happy to see him again and greeted him warmly.
They didn't mind that he had shown up in the early hours of the twilight. They always got up so early in order to feed and care for the large amount of cats that Neko-baa owned. In fact, they were all too eager to let Itachi lend a hand in feeding them, and vice versa, he was all too happy to do some type of work.
"How have you been, Itachi?" Shinko asked as they worked. "It's truly been a while since we last saw you."
"I've been fine, I suppose," Itachi said, not knowing how else to answer her. Nothing was fine, but at the same time he figured that nothing was wrong. It was just that Kitty was gone and that was out of his control and that was that.
"What's that supposed to mean," Tenma rolled his eyes, annoyed at the thought that Itachi wasn't being honest with his feelings. "There has to be something wrong with that kind of answer,"
"I guess," Itachi said.
Shinko and Tamaki shared a look before shaking their heads.
"What is it, Itachi, you know we're here to help you," Tamaki said. "You can tell us anything that is bothering you,"
"Thanks." Itachi offered them a smile. He already knew that any of his friends would be there to help him, they had proven that when they helped him search for Kitty and how they still did even now.
Thing was, Itachi wasn't sure how to start, but it had been worrying him for a while now. It was something that he was scared to tell his other friends about because he didn't want to give them another reason to worry or distrust him.
He paused, watching how he wasn't being pressured and all Tayuya, Shinko, and Tenma did was patiently wait for him to speak.
"The thing is…" he hesitated, unable to find the right words all that fast. He didn't want to hide what he wanted to say, but he also wasn't sure how he could explain it. "It feels like there's someone else inside of my head. It feels like the dreams I have at night aren't mine," Itachi said. He knew how it all sounded, insane. It made no sense. "…half the emotions I feel aren't my own,"
"That's a strange thing to feel," Tenma muttered, completely put off by that answer.
"Not exactly," Tamaki intervene, "It sounds more like Itachi's bonded," she gushed, looking at Itachi for confirmation. Even Shinko was glowing with the prospect that Itachi might have met the person meant for him. Just the thought of Itachi having a mate made them giddy with wanting to know more about who it could be.
When Itachi gave then a confused and clueless look they worried.
"You have found your destined person, right Itachi?" Shinko asked, to clarify.
"No, I have not," Itachi furrowed his eyebrows because he didn't think he had found his destined mate. "I've never been interested in anyone,"
His words were followed by a tense silence. Shinko, Tenma, and Tamaki each shared a look.
"Uh well…the thing that you just described only happens when pairs meet each other and form a connection. It usually allows them to feel and share things with each other through dreams and thoughts…." Shinko explained in order to cut through the tension. "Is it possible you just don't know who it is that you might have created such a bond with?"
Itachi could only think of one person that he had been close to not long ago, but he recoiled at the idea that he might share strong feelings like that with her. There was no way that he had a bond like that with Izumi.
He refused.
"It has to be wrong," Itachi said. "There has to be another explanation,"
"Well, it's a weird thing that happens when both parties are open to it, so who knows," Tamaki said, "It could be one of your friends that you're sharing things with,"
"My friends…" Itachi muttered, thinking of all of them. There had to be no way that he'd want such a connection with any of them. If anything, he wanted to run far away from them all. It couldn't be his friends.
"It could also happen with a pet," Tenma cut in with a scoff. He already thought Kitty was strange, so why not. "Itachi could have bonded with Kitty and thus made a strong friendship with him."
"Oh true, that could happen as well. It is super rare though to create such a bond with an animal it's not usually thought off," Tamaki said but furrowed her eyebrows in thought. It was true that it could happen, but it was hard to do so.
Regular animals like Kitty just didn't have that strong presence that other supernatural beings had. But she was aware of familiars and how they created bonds with humans, or witches.
Itachi thought it over. Forming a potential bond with kitty…that made more sense. That explained the feathery dreams, but it surely didn't explain other things, so Itachi wasn't sure. There had to be a different answer and reason. His mind just couldn't accept what they were telling him.
Tenma and Shinko took a cue from Tamaki when she signaled for them to go on. Nodding they left, leaving Tamaki and Itachi alone.
"Itachi, let's take a walk," Tamaki offered her hand. "There's something I want to talk to you about,"
Itachi took her hand and followed her towards the forest, deep within, where there was a lake. There were two puppies running around having fun splashing in water. She motioned for him to sit down and she let out a whistle, calling the puppies over to her.
One of them suddenly shifted into a boy, while the other remained in its puppy form. Itachi wasn't sure what he was seeing as the boy blushed and then grabbed clothes that had been thrown on the floor to cover his body. The boy shifted his gaze from Tamaki to Itachi, looking like he was trying to figure out why they were there so early.
"What's going on?" he finally asked.
"Hey Kiba," Tamaki greeted, patting his cheek softly, "go back home and get ready for school!" Tamaki said in a cheerful tone.
Kiba grumbled, looking between Itachi and her again. He seemed reluctant to leave. When Tamaki pleaded with him, Kiba finally relented and left, calling the other puppy, Akamaru, to follow him.
Itachi was curious about the sight he had just seen and turned to Tamaki. He knew already how difficult it was for creature-human hybrids to be accepted in society, but he was also aware of the new laws. He wasn't all that surprised that Kiba was allowed to go to school, but he was surprised that he hadn't know that Tamaki kept such a being in her home.
It actually explained a lot for her defensive behavior.
"Itachi, I trust you," she started and he looked at her with surprise, "Kiba and Akamaru are twins, you know, they are creature-human hybrids, but only one of them is functional in society," She gave him a sad smile, before turning her gaze to the floor where her feet kicked at the rocks close to her. "I often thought that your kitty could be a lot like Akamaru, not fully just an animal but more. A being that just wasn't considered someone that could be brought into society,"
"You think Kitty was actually a creature?" Itachi asked, wonder filling his voice.
Tamaki grinned, "But of course, he was always so smart and so moody like a real baby." She giggled. "You have to admit that he was something else,"
Itachi thought back to all the things that Kitty did.
How he refused pet food, how he asserted himself and teased others. How he seemed to always know that he was better than anyone else, and how Itachi himself was convinced of such a thing. How he'd purposely purr to calm him and put him to sleep…
He smiled, a small huff leaving his lips. Kitty knew how to open doors. Knew how to get into the fridge—he would always get his way. He had to admit it was hard to dismiss just how smart his kitten had been.
"If it's true then a bond formed with him would mean that he's out there, alive and thriving," Itachi had a spark of hope light itself in his chest. Something that he so readily clung to and wished with every fiber in his being that it was true.
"Unless you have someone else that you could have been so close with or miss as much, then I think you and Kitty formed a bond." Tamaki agreed. "You can use it to communicate to him, come on Itachi, lead him back home," she cheered.
"How am I supposed to do that?" he whispered.
She placed a hand over her chest and closed her eyes. "Well, start by closing your eyes and send over all the emotions that you have, let Kitty know that he is missed and that you are waiting for him to come back home,"
Itachi let out a breath, for the first time in a long time, he could actually breathe. He wasn't being suffocated anymore, he had hope and a will to see Kitty again.
With Tamaki's guidance, from that day on, Itachi started to mediate and work with his dreams in order to convey his messages. If Kitty was on the other side, Itachi couldn't be sure, not until he had a strange dream of himself, sleeping, and Kitty tucked in his arms.
The dream wasn't his, he knew, because it felt like he was on the outside looking in.
He was sure now, Kitty missed him just as much and the undertone of that dream felt a lot like kitty was promising to come home soon. That he was looking forward to being in his arms again.
Itachi would always wait for him.
The night was quiet but cold, snow covering everything in a white blanket, clearly letting them all know that winter was finally here. Inside of the house was warm because of the fire lit in the fireplace- crackling and disturbing the otherwise silence.
Hinata and Naruto were happily whispering to each other, making plans and promises for the future to come. Not only was winter here, but so was the end of the year. With that, it seemed that people made promises or plans for the new coming year that was soon going to greet them.
Sasuke had seen the whole family share in that.
Seeing them all together had made him miss Itachi more than ever before.
Earlier that day, the family had gathered to share gifts and wished each other good health and prosperity before going on their own way. The only thing that they had complained about was how Menma had made no effort to join them that holiday either and that had dampened some of their happiness.
Kushina had made a wish that Menma would change and see reason. That he'd join their family and be happy. She was his mother, of course she wanted the best for him.
Sasuke had wished for his misery. Father or not, he hated Menma.
"We will have a baby," Naruto suddenly assured, grasping Hinata's hands tenderly in his larger ones. "I know it so," The belief in his own words were burning hot in Naruto's blue eyes that it left no room for doubt.
Even Sasuke believed his words.
"I hope so," Hinata whispered. She bit her lower lip, looking at Naruto with so much love and expectation.
Naruto suddenly went red in the face, understanding what she wanted.
"Hey, this is going to be our year," he said, leaning in to press a kiss to her waiting lips. "We will have an amazing child, on top of me becoming Hokage. I will bring so much change and better our world," he dropped several kisses on her lips making her giggle.
"I believe you!" She assured between her giggles.
Naruto gently laid her down, and Hinata's arms opened wide, welcoming him over her. He looked at her, where she looked so small being tucked under him.
"I love you," he whispered.
She grinned widely, "I love you too, Naruto- so so much," She said.
Naruto leaned in, sealing their lips in a passionate kiss.
Her arms tightened around his neck as she returned the kiss, getting lost in it. His hands snuck under the ugly sweater she was wearing, pushing up until they were cupping her bountiful breast. Hinata had tits that spilled over even when in Naruto's large hands, and she squealed in pleasure whenever he handled her.
Their bodies moved against each other eagerly, trying to take away the clothes that kept them apart.
Sasuke rolled his eyes, knowing that things were about to get hot and heavy between the couple.
The first time it had happened with him in the room, he'd been shocked—dare he say it, scarred for life. He'd been so innocent back then that he had not realized what had been about to happen. Sasuke had been so horrified and Kaguya so angry that she had to explain the birds and the bees to him so early on…well, let's just say that Sasuke wasn't sticking around for a repeat.
Besides all the naughty things that they did, Sasuke envied what they had.
Their love was beautiful, surreal even, and something he wanted to have with Itachi. He wanted to share warm moments with Itachi. He wanted to hold his hand and cuddle with him—but all he had were the emotions filling his tiny chest that called him home.
Longing and loneliness- his and Itachi's.
Growing up apart from Itachi hurt.
Glancing out towards the cloudy white sky, the peaking moon caught his eyes.
Just a bit longer, I will be with him again soon- Sasuke was sure of that.
Just a few more years to go- he was counting the minutes.
Uchiha Itachi brought his hands into the front pockets of his hoodie, shivering at the cold breeze that seemed to caress the otherwise comfortable night. Senju was chilly this time of year, but also full of life and joy.
In front of him, he could hear his friends boisterously laughing and aweing as they explored the new city that they had decided to vacation in. It made him smile softly as he watched how the white artificial glow of the various booths lit their darken path towards the intensely crowded street festival.
It gave the night a vibrant and euphoric atmosphere, that didn't match his mood.
It had been two years, and his longing to see Kitty had yet to diminish, if anything it had grown, but he had not given up hope. Even now, as he walked through these unfamiliar streets, he searched—a sense of déjà vu hitting him when he glanced up at the rounded moon.
It felt like it didn't look the same as it did in Konoha—like this had been the moon he had been seeing in his dreams…
"Uh-waaah man, we certainly deserved this much needed vacation!" Kisame stretched out happily, turning to smile at his boyfriend. Suigetsu gave him a toothy grin in agreement.
"That and it helps that this time around you're not a moping heartbroken mess," Deidara jabbed from just behind the happy couple, his own arm clutched around his red headed husband. Sasori didn't even bother joining the conversation, his own attention pulled by the different puppets hanging on display as prizes.
"The fuck," Kisame growled, throwing the blond a glare. "Why you- take that back!"
"What, it's the truth," Deidara stuck his tongue out, refusing to take his words back.
"Oh, look," Konan cut in, her hand pulling on Pain as she pointed to a bake shop that was selling the most cute and tasty looking pastries, "We should go there and try some!"
All argument was dropped as the group of friends made their way into the small shop, easily filling it. The candies and treats all looked so happy like they were about to get up and dance, and Itachi couldn't help but stare at them in awe. He owned a monster sweet tooth like no other. He often did his best to hide it or avoid getting any sweets, but he swore, all of these had his name written on them.
He needed to get some.
When his friends had suggested an impromptu vacation, Itachi hadn't wanted join them. He didn't want to be the reason why they couldn't enjoy themselves, but they had begged him so much that in the end he found himself going along with their whims.
As was the custom.
He was here because of them, and while he had been in a low mood at the start of the trip, he silently admitted to himself that he was starting to enjoy this trip. He could agree with Kisame that it was much needed- as it reminded him how full of life and bright the world could still be.
That and his chest felt somehow lighter, a feeling he couldn't quite place. Maybe it was all the sweets in front of him currently winking at him. Itachi wasn't sure, but he turned to see how he could order himself something.
In doing so, he hadn't noticed that more customers had entered or how close in he actually was and because of this, a raven haired boy came smack into his chest, spilling his chocolate chip cookies in the process.
It was a second, but his mind quickly registered how soft and small his body felt against his.
Then he was on the ground. Itachi shifted a step back, shocked when big black eyes turned to him, set in an angry glare and lips pursed into an adorable pout that promised to spit fire. For a moment, it felt like the wind had been knocked out of him at such a sight, but Itachi quickly shook his head and moved to help the boy to his feet.
What was he even thinking?
He needed to get it together.
Sadly, his mind wasn't able to supply a right answer as it short circuited when their hands touched.
It was electric.
They both gasped and Itachi frantically pulled his hands away, surprised at his own reactions. The boy fumbled a bit, coming into a stiff stand as he looked at him with what Itachi assumed was a form of awe. Again, he was questioning everything he knew about himself. Itachi had never felt so out of his element as he did at that moment.
"I'm so sorry, I should have watched where I was going," Itachi immediately apologized, bowing to the boy that was for some reason still standing in front of him and not screaming. He should be telling him off for what he had done.
Instead, the boy's glare had dropped and was still looking at him with wide surprised eyes, mouth slightly agape.
"Oh, uh, no… I mean…It's okay," the boy stuttered, shifting, and looking away. It didn't last long, his head had turned back to look at Itachi, almost as if afraid to let him out of his sight.
Itachi paused, listening to his voice, mesmerized by the sound of it. It felt nostalgic, and familiar, yet not. It felt like a well inside of him was filling the emptiness inside, and yet not quite, because he didn't know what that feeling was. Either way, this boy was nice and didn't seem mad at him. Although his cookies were smashed and tarnished on the floor, it made his chest ache to rectify his mistake.
"Let me buy you your cookies again," Itachi offered, wanting to give this boy anything that he wanted.
The boy's eyes sparkled as he nodded with enthusiasm. "Sure, I'd love that," he said.
Itachi pulled his wallet out in seconds, money on hand. The boy blinked when the money was handed to him, his raven hair momentarily falling over his pretty deep black eyes. Itachi wasn't thinking, surely, because he reached his hand out, to brush the hair away.
A rosy blush covered pale cheeks as those black eyes turned back to him, wide and adorable.
"…beautiful," he whispered, lost in that gaze.
"Oh, uh," The boy's face went beet red.
"Itachi, come on we already got everything, we got to get going since it's getting so full in here," Kisame said, moving to throw himself over Itachi. Itachi blinked, pulled away from whatever had him so entranced when the tall, heavy male came to wrap his arms over his shoulders, grinning at him. "Let's go!"
Itachi frowned, trying his best to move away from Kisame when he moved to try and nuzzled into his neck. He wasn't too fond of touching, even when it was just his friends being silly.
"Calm yourself Kisame," Swaying a bit to the side at the added weight he urged for the man to get off him. Kisame didn't mind as he grabbed his arm harshly and dragged him out of the bakery against his own will.
Itachi wanted to protest, his head turning to catch sight of the boy he had been talking to, but a wave of new customers got in the way. Then the hoodie of his sweater momentarily fell over his eyes making him gasp.
"Itachi look, we got you some dango, they're your favorite right?" Konan smiled at him, handing the baggie of treats. He removed his hoodie and offered a forced smile.
"Uh, thank you," he said, a bit mournful the further away they got from the bakery.
He furrowed his brows, for a moment he thought he heard someone scream his name, but he couldn't be sure. Not with the crowd of people, not with all the music, sounds, lights, and not with his friends so happily speaking around him.
If they had, then it was lost in the wind now
"Come on, they say that there's a tournament happening in the Colosseum," Hidan called, already ahead of them with Kakuzu and Zetsu. The others all cheered, happy to go see a fight. Itachi followed morosely, his attention settled on the treats that his friends had gotten him and sighed. Oh well, he might as well try and enjoy the rest of the night.
Biting into one of the dango brought his mood up, picking up on the happy mood that his friends had.
Back at the bakery, Sasuke rushed in hopes to catch Itachi.
He had so many things he wanted to tell him, so many stories to share. The time that they had been separated had been hard, and sometimes he thought he'd never see him again. He didn't think he'd ever see him here for that matter.
To see him now, filled him with so much happiness and hope.
"ITACHI!" he called as the crowd got in the way. "Itachi, Itachi, Itachi…" He was desperate, pushing people out of the way when his arm was suddenly grasped and he was pulled into a clearing, where Kimimaro and Juugo had been waiting for him.
"Hey, Sasuke, what's wrong?" Kimimaro asked. The white haired man blinked when he saw the frantic raven still searching the crowd.
"It-he's Itachi is here!" Sasuke said, growling when he couldn't get his words straight. "I have to find him, he…"
"Hey slow down," Kimimaro and Juugo hadn't seen Sasuke so frantic before. "We'll find him if you want, just stay calm," the white haired male said. Juugo and Kimimaro shared a look, happy to see Sasuke so full of energy and bubbling with happiness.
"Where'd you get the cash?" Juugo asked.
Kimimaro and Juugo locked eyes at the large bills the boy was clutching to his chest so lovingly. Sasuke glanced down at the money, noting that Itachi must have handed him at least five hundred dollars—stupid Itachi.
"Stupid Itachi," he muttered, rosy cheeked, but still so happy if the small smile on his face was anything to go by.
"Uh-huh," Kimimaro and Juugo shared happy looks.
"Why don't we head to the Colosseum, everyone is raving about the fights that are going to be held there," Juugo suggested, "I'm sure Itachi wouldn't want to miss such a special event,"
"Fights for what?" Sasuke asked, head tilted in curiosity.
"Well, it's more for sport and tittle. People just want to be considered the best and well it helps that lady luck might also be on your side," Kimimaro winked, "if you know what I mean."
Sasuke made a face, knowing exactly what he meant. Of course people would be so desperate to have a partner to warm their bed.
With that, they headed to the coliseum.
Sasuke searched for Itachi until he spotted him and from there he kept an eye on him. After, when the matches were over and people were heading back into the festival, he sent Ukon, Sakon, Tayuya, Jirobo, and Kidomaru after Itachi.
It was for the best, as Kimimaro had suggested. It was better if Itachi didn't get to know him just yet. Sasuke was only fifteen—he still had three more years to grow.
It was truly a sight to behold to see his demon being followed by a clowder of cats.
Itachi was still the same kind soul that had found him years ago.
His demon shared food with his friends, ignoring how Kisame, and Deidara were making fun of him on being a crazy cat man. Itachi paid them no mind, happy to meet new cats, even if they did remind him of the one he had lost. He mainly did it because he hoped that if someone had found Kitty, they would treat him with like kindness.
Wait just a bit longer 'tachi, I'm almost home, Sasuke sadly thought. He was hopeful that time would fly, and before he knew it, he'd be with Itachi again.
For now, he wished the night would never end—and that he could happily continue to gaze on Itachi- forever.