Serendipity
Chapter Ten:
Itachi rubbed his left hand across his forehead, stressed over the documents sitting in front of him.
Earlier that morning he had sent his report to Pain about the case he and Kisame had gone on. Thanks to it an investigation would be launched, along with the eradication of many creatures. It wasn't a pleasant thought to know something would pay the price in order to keep something else safe.
The world wasn't black and white, but a gray that no one could ever be satisfied with. Lesser being or not, something always had to die in order for something else to live.
Itachi knew this, understood it well.
That didn't mean that he wanted to be the one to decide it.
Taking a deep breath, he concentrated on his new task. Eager to get his mind away from morbid thoughts he read through the new urgent email he had received from Pain. The man was asking for his input and nothing more.
A new case had come in and no one was sure on what to do about it.
It was something they had never faced before and now they were asking Itachi to draw back on any past knowledge he had. Before he worked for Pain in Akatsuki, Itachi had worked for his father for a few years before deciding to break away from him.
His decision had been made based on the fact that he couldn't agree with his father's and the Uchiha family ideals. When he learned about Akatsuki, he couldn't help but feel that he fit right in with them. His father had not been happy with his choice, and although he was angry at first he allowed Itachi to follow his path.
Itachi often felt like his father was just waiting around for him to change his mind and come back to the family business. He could already picture his father smirking at him, an 'I told you so' ready on his lips. His father was a hard man, cold in his approach of the world and couldn't understand what Itachi did.
He was sure his father thought he was weak.
Itachi snorted as he swiped to the next page. Well his father could keep dreaming, he was never going back.
Unfortunately, even he had never encounter such a case as the one he had just read through.
"Extraterrestrial huh, sounds more like someone playing a hoax just to get some attention if you ask me," Itachi softly muttered as he rubbed behind Kitty's ear. The tiny little thing was sprawled over his lap, comfortably snoozing the early morning away while Itachi fiddled around with that tablet of his. Kitty jumped when a loud crash sounded.
Itachi looked up, surprised himself.
A naked Kisame dashed into the living room, reaching into what he called his secret lube stash. He kept it in the living room because he didn't want his lovers to find it in the bedroom and think that he was some sort of perverted creep ready to just get laid. Itachi wasn't sure on the logic of it all, and he certainly couldn't care now either.
Sighing, he turned back to his tablet, deciding to ignore the flaying naked man in front of him.
Kitty flopped over, dosing off once more.
Kisame groaned as he reached the secret compartment behind the television, letting out a small cheer of triumph once his fingers curled around his price. The demon paused when he sensed someone behind him and swiftly turned to find Itachi on his tablet. That little beloved fur ball on his lap, looking mighty comfortable and well fed, like always.
"Uh, dude, what are you doing?" Kisame asked, thinking it was way too early for Itachi to be up when they didn't have any work that day. It usually wasn't a good sign. He glanced at the time and nearly crippled over in agony at the thought of what it could mean.
"I'm trying to make sense of this mission Pain asked me to look at." Itachi answered.
"Please tell me he won't ask us to go on it?" Kisame pleaded.
"I doubt it. Not this case anyways but he did mention he wanted us to retrieve some bodies from an underwater cave." Itachi snorted. Retrieving bodies from underwater caves was the easiest and most dumbest job possible. Humans were so idiotic for wanting to go places they had been warned against. Families then wanted the bodies back, but honestly humans were not made for the depth of the ocean.
No doubt this mission would involve some mermaids.
Those creatures were usually the reason as to why humans lost their way and drowned. They could camouflage well in the ocean and were just as curious about humans as humans were of them. The two were a tragedy whenever they met.
"Fuck no!" Kisame groaned, unhappy now and so put out of the blissful mood he had been in. "Why do we have to go-"
"Kisame I'm not getting any younger over here!" Came the call from his bedroom and his body was back on track.
"I gotta go, see ya later dude,"
"Yeah," Itachi wasn't paying that much attention to his friend. He was lost in thought, trying to make sense of the encounters presented on the case file.
Kisame ran back to his bedroom, shutting the door loudly. The sound of the bed protesting was followed by giggles and moans. The demon didn't care, he would take advantage to savor his lover until it was time for the mission.
Itachi frowned as he replayed the video footage that had been caught of a strange pale white creature walking across an empty street. No one had ever seen it in person. They had only ever caught it on camera.
It wasn't that reporters were attacked or anything.
They were just freaked out because it was something unknown.
The creature just walked past the property, moving slow and steady like it followed a path but didn't seem to care much for what it was passing by.
Itachi found it strange that no one had ever encountered them face to face.
If the creatures didn't attack or cause damage to property, were they really a threat?
There was no knowing unless one could be analyzed personally.
That was the thing though, people feared what they didn't know or understood. Until one was caught and researched no one would rest easy.
Itachi had been so focused in his analysis that he was startled out of his thoughts when his phone suddenly rang. Without thinking, he picked it up and regretted it the next second. His mother's voice came through, happy and chipper. Dread filled Itachi at that, wanting to hung up so badly but knowing that would only make the woman show up at his doorstep.
"Hello darling, are you at work?" His mom greeted.
"Yes mom, I'm about to go into a meeting. I can't speak too much," Itachi easily lied, hoping that she would allow the call to end soon.
"Well I'll make it as quick as I can because I'm mad at you young man, and do you know why?" She asked. Itachi knew it was rhetorical. There was no use in saying anything. He knew exactly why his mother was upset. Besides, she herself was about to tell him. "You've been avoiding my calls and refusing to answer my texts in regards to if you've found yourself a girlfriend or not,"
Itachi clenched his hand over the phone, making sure to control his strength so he wouldn't crush it. "I don't have a girlfriend mom." He answered. He couldn't keep avoiding it. There truly was no one in his life. "I don't plan to get one either."
Either he told the truth.
Or lied and found someone to play the part of his fake girlfriend.
"Really, then I think that it's time that I helped you out, you remember our deal right," she said, "I know just who to ask as well. Make sure you answer my all my calls young man. I'm going now the other mothers are waiting,"
"Mom, what if …"
"Nonsense my Itachi you are perfect and I support you through anything. If it doesn't work out with her I know the perfect boy as well!" She cut in.
"I wasn't…"
"Oh darling, I have to go. Make time to come have dinner with me and your father. Despite your choices you know he loves and is proud of you. We will be waiting!" With that she ended the call before Itachi could say anything else.
"I messed up," Itachi groaned. He could never win with his mother and her whims. He was stuck. He wasn't supposed to answer the phone.
Fuck.
He was going to have to avoid his mother for real now. Either that or convince her to give him more time.
The woman worked overtime to try and invade his life. If it wasn't his career then it was whoever his partner was. Itachi just wasn't sure why she was so stuck on him having a life partner. It didn't seem necessary in the least. Itachi was doing well enough on his own without having anyone else in his life.
A partner, a lover, his other half…
Itachi suddenly felt two kneading paws against his stomach and looked down to see bright red eyes looking up at him. They curiously blinked up at him, and then Kitty tilted his head to the side, his paws reaching up into the air.
So cute, he thought to himself as his previous stress melted away. What was it about looking into those large eyes that had everything feeling alright with the world?
It was certainly an odd feeling.
One that Itachi wanted more of.
It helped him forget all his troubles and all he wanted to do was indulge in the tiny kitten in his arms. Feeling lighter, he was able to think about how he was going to talk his mom into giving him more time. Everything would be fine. There was nothing to worry about.
He reached for Kitty and pulled him into a hug.
"Let's go for a walk," he said against the soft fur that tickled under his nose. He smiled when he received a soft meow in return.
Sasuke looked down at the harness around his torso, glaring down at it. Itachi had placed it on him, saying that it would help keep him safe when they went outside. If anything, it made him feel ridiculous. Looking up at the irritating demon, he let out a small growl.
"Stop that Kitty, we're about to go outside. You have to listen," Itachi said as he tied that long hair of his in a low ponytail.
Sasuke's tail flicked up and down, eyes narrowed as he seized Itachi up. Sure, he couldn't take the demon on but he would get him for this.
One way or another.
His ears flickered up when Itachi opened the door and he scooted back when Itachi gently pulled him forward.
"Hey, it's okay. Let's go outside." Itachi coaxed. He tugged at the leash once more, but Kitty refused to budge.
Sasuke shook his head back and forth, refusing to walk out the door. Itachi sighed, reaching for the stubborn kitten and carried him outside. He could feel the tiny heart beating hard and fast against the palm of his hand.
He looked down at the kitten with wonder.
How much longer was this fear going to persist?
Itachi felt a bit helpless at being unable to help the kitten feel comfortable. For now he decided that he would carry him and keep him close. He'll do his best to show him that the world wasn't as scary as it had presented itself to be so far.
He wanted Kitty to live well and happy.
Sasuke watched, wide eyed as Itachi walked past the elevator that was used to go to the underground parking lot. Confused, he watched with rapt attention as Itachi walked past several other apartments, until they were in front of a black gate. Itachi pressed a code that Sasuke easily memorized.
The door opened to what was a housed off area.
There were metal boxes with different numbers on them.
Itachi walked past all of them. Sasuke looked down at the red tiled floor, his ears jumping at the clicking sound of the front door opening to a two way stair case. Itachi walked down the left side, and continued on to the sidewalk.
Sasuke's turned, his claws suddenly dug into Itachi's shirt, refusing to release him as Itachi walked down the familiar path he had taken before. Sasuke didn't want to remember it. Yet the memory was fresh in his mind of having taken the same path.
Where was Itachi taking him…?
Why…
"This is the walk way, and that is the street. We stay off the streets because that's where the cars travel through." Itachi pressed the kittens face to his cheek, talking to him in order to relax him. He figured that maybe his words meant nothing, but he wanted to try.
He just couldn't think of what else he could do to get the kitten in his arms to stop being so tense.
Itachi pointed out street names, different cars, and stores.
Sasuke paid close attention. He relaxed slightly at the many smells that hit his senses when Itachi told him that they had reached a park. A park that was just a bit further down from the bus stop, where he had met that rat demon.
Sasuke's eyes locked on the feathery ducks. Itachi had pulled out a plastic baggy from his back pack along with what looked like bird feed. Itachi threw the bits to the ground, making them flock over to him.
Dozens upon dozens of those ducks flocked around Itachi's legs. Sasuke narrowed his eyes, how daring and bold of those ducks to get so close to his demon.
How dare they?
Sasuke tensed, his heart jumping, but not in fear.
He felt excitement fill him, wanting to pounce on the different colored plumage. His teeth elongated inside of his mouth. A primal feeling hit him. Not necessarily of hunger, but that of wanting to hunt down what was essentially prey to him.
Itachi easily took note of Kitty's sudden interest and smiled as he petted down the tense furry back. His fingers lingered between two perked up ears, "Be kind, don't just go off with what you want. I'll feed you all you want when we get home," Itachi murmured into Kitty's ear.
Sasuke turned his head to catch the gentle look in Itachi's eyes, as the demon continued to feed the ducks.
Here was a ruthless and powerful demon, and he was being so kind and gentle. The contrast of what was Itachi always fascinated Sasuke. He looked away when Itachi turned his eyes towards him, and lowered his ears, feeling a bit embarrassed at being caught staring.
Stupid demon.
What did he know anyways.
Itachi was so silly.
Prey was prey, there was nothing more to it.
And those ducks were his to prey upon.
Itachi gasped when Kitty jumped from his arms and towards the fray of Ducks. He fumbled, unable to catch the leash in time and spent the rest of his morning trying to catch Kitty from between a sea of feathers. It was hard, even with his demon super speed.
Itachi felt a bit foolish as he struggled, while his little mushkitty enjoyed a good hunt.
Thankfully, none of the ducks were harmed in Kitty's fun.
It was late evening and Kisame, Itachi, Deidara and Sasori were all hanging out with each other. They had met up at the park that Itachi had been in earlier with Kitty and they had taken up one of the benches that faced the lake.
The ducks were all sleeping and away from the reach of anyone that would be looking to hunt them while they slept.
The night was calm and quiet.
Well, for the most part.
The crack of beers being opened, chips being passed around, and his friends laughter kept the night lively.
"I heard that you asked for some time off, what are you guys planning?" Deidara asked, wondering if Itachi and Kisame were planning a trip without the gang. It wasn't like them to do so. It made him feel left out. His pout made sure to let both Kisame and Itachi know how he was feeling.
"Nothing, I'm just going back home to see my parents for a few days," Itachi explained.
"I'm going on a small trip with my new boyfriend," Kisame proudly said. Not that they cared to hear about him and his boyfriend. That didn't stop Kisame from boasting though. "Of course it's nothing big, but we want to go and experience this new water park…"
"Hush, we don't care!" Deidara snapped, glaring that Kisame who huffed in anger himself.
"Your parents, what do they want now?" Sasori asked, a bit worried about Itachi having to go and see his parents. He knew the young demon didn't like going back to see them. Not that Itachi and his family didn't get along, but they tended to stress Itachi out over finding a lover.
"Mother wants me to start dating so I suppose she has a few things to say to me about my lack of love life." Itachi sighed, looking defeated.
"Dating is going to be good for you. It'll make you much more sociable," Deidara said, shooting Itachi a smirk.
"You might as well date Itachi, the next thing you know you'll become the crazy cat guy," Sasori interjected, a teasing smile taking over his lips "You've paid more attention to a cat than I have ever seen you pay attention to anyone else. That's fucking weird,"
Itachi made a face, "I felt bad for it." he said. He felt a bit self-conscious being judged over how much attention he paid to his pet.
"Hey, Itachi has a good heart and he's still a kid! He's exploring life. It's only been three years that he left his father's side to work for us." Kisame retorted, throwing his arm around Itachi's shoulders as he defended his friend. "If anything dude, don't feel pressured by your parents to date or anything. You will know when you are ready. "
In all honesty, Itachi was someone Kisame got along with well. Despite their age difference, Kisame figured Itachi had kind of an old soul that was more mature than others. Maybe it just wasn't Itachi's time to find love, but he would when the one meant for him was ready as well.
Demons lived a long time.
Itachi was no pushover.
He was smart and good looking.
He would definitely find someone.
"Just because we're immortal doesn't mean that we live forever and whoever your partner is meant to be, they won't wait around for you to be ready," Deidara hissed. "If you don't want your mom pushing potential partners your way then go and find one, simple."
"Not so simple, I don't feel the need to go out of my way to find anyone," Itachi sighed, wishing that his friends at least understood.
"Then what do you plan to do?" Sasori asked, "Your mom is still going to expect you to show up and meet any potential partner."
"I don't know," Itachi's gaze dropped to his lap. He truly didn't want to go back home to see his parents. If anything he wanted to avoid it as much as possible.
"Oh it isn't that bad, calm down," Deidara said when he noticed the sullen look. "You'll see once you have someone of your own you will be happy and you'll regret waiting for so long,"
"We shall see about that," Itachi shook his head at his friend.
"Well, while you decide that, Sasori and I have an announcement to make," Deidara was now blushing, and it wasn't because he was drinking. It was an odd expression that seemed to take over Deidara's face. Curiosity filled Kisame and Itachi.
"We are going to get married." Sasori said, wrapping his arm around Deidara's shoulders. "I proposed to him last night,"
"About time," Itachi said making Kisame laughed.
"Dudes, come on, you two have practically been married," Kisame roared in laughter.
The blond went from being love filled to pissed off in a second. "You fuckers how dare you act like this is something so little and obvious! Dana and I are happily going to bond with each other and you are making light of it!"
"We're not. It's just not something that we didn't already see coming." Itachi tried his best to explain to the blond.
"Yeah, you two are so predictable," Kisame snorted.
"Fuck you bastards!" Deidara roared. He couldn't believe how Itachi and Kisame were making fun of him and his Dana! "Curse you and that you never find love Itachi you don't fucking deserve it you love constipated fool and Kisame I hope Suigetsu breaks your heart!" the blond seethed as he stalked off.
"Fuck, he's throwing a tantrum again. Tch, I'm going after him. See you guys later," Sasori rushed after his lover.
"The hell, we don't deserve his fucking curses!" Kisame roared in anger.
"Calm down, he's just upset that we didn't congratulate him on his engagement. I guess it was mean of us," Itachi said, getting to his feet. "Let's get home, I need to feed Kitty and he's there all alone."
"Oh, yes, let's go. Suigetsu is coming over for dinner with us," Kisame said as he perked up.
"The hell, he's practically living with us," Itachi narrowed his eyes, "I'm not making enough for either of you,"
"Oh come on Itachi feed us!" Kisame cried, throwing his arms over the smaller demon. Itachi pushed him away, but Kisame persisted until Itachi gave in. Itachi was irritated while Kisame cheered happily and started to name off what he wished to eat.
At the end it was always Itachi's choice what they got to eat.
Once they got home, the kitten was there to greet Itachi. It loudly meowed, weaving in and out between Itachi's legs and Kisame found himself tripping as Itachi managed to walk past the little creature. How Itachi was not scared that he might crush the little thing was beyond Kisame.
"Set the table Kisame," Itachi bossed around while he got started on the night's meal. Kisame wasted no time to do as he was asked.
Suigetsu joined them when dinner was half way done. He even lend a hand in helping Itachi finish the cooking.
While they ate, Kisame proudly watched as Suigetsu and Itachi got to talk and were able to get to know each other a bit better. There was nothing that meant to him more than to know that his friend and his boyfriend were getting along.
Sasuke, on the other hand, watched Suigetsu closely for a different reason. He needed to make sure that this new demon didn't mean any harm to his demon. Sasuke paid attention and learned what he could about the man.
He only really learned two things.
Suigetsu was Kisame's boyfriend.
Suigetsu was a dirty bastard.
Once dinner was finished, they watched television until it was late. Itachi soon called it a night and took himself and kitty to bed.
Sasuke was only half awake as Itachi placed him gently onto the bed and snuggled with him. The next moment he was gone, deeply asleep and safe in Itachi's arms.
The day for his trip back home came sooner than Itachi had hoped.
Itachi had been lost in thought packing his bags that he had not considered how hard it was going to be to leave Kitty behind. With Kisame leaving as well, he had to talk to Konan and Pain. Both had agreed to look after the kitten for him.
It was so last minute as well, but Itachi knew it was better not to take him with him. It was safer for him to stay away from the Uchiha Compound. The place held a bunch of crazy demons with different ideals. The last thing he wanted was to hear them talk about how useless a small creature like Kitty was and how he was better off as dinner…
Itachi shook his head from the morbid thought and went to collect his bags from the checkout area. He then took a cab back to his childhood home. He felt strangely nervous, like something was missing, but he had never felt that feeling before. It left him feeling puzzled and strangely, feeling like he was alone…
Both his parents greeted him warmly, and enveloped him in a hug. It was surprising to say the least. His father was always more distant. The man didn't believe in hugging or any form of affection, but yet here was said man, giving him a warm welcome.
"Welcome back Itachi," he said, patting his shoulder.
"Thank you father," Itachi offered an awkward smile in return to the gesture.
"Itachi, darling, go wash up so we can have lunch together." His mother suggested as she scurried about to prepare said lunch. Itachi nodded, walking back to his old room.
Nothing in his room had been moved. It looked the same as he had left it not so long ago. Itachi let out a breath as he placed his bag down and went to wash up as his mother had asked him to do. Itachi was about done changing into more comfortable clothes when that persistent daunting feeling hit him once more.
Itachi looked around the room, feeling like something was out of place.
He frowned as he shook his head, and made his way down stairs. It must be his imagination. There was nothing out of place and everything was in its place.
Maybe what he was feeling was nostalgia of being back home?
Itachi found his parents in the dining room. His father was taking his tea while reading the newspaper. His mother was humming in front of the stove. The scene was so familiar to him. He quietly took his seat, the sound of his chair moving causing his mother to turn to him. She smiled at him as she told him what they would be having.
Itachi blinked, and offered to help her plate the food but she stopped him. She pushed him back into his seat and told him to just relax while she did everything. Itachi pursed his lips as he glanced back at his father, the man never once looked away from his paper.
To say the least, lunch with his parents felt suffocating.
Especially when his mother brought up the topic of finding a lover.'
"How is it that I have such a handsome and smart child and yet you have no one?" She gave him a sharp look, "Itachi this better not be because you are the one turning down any potential lovers!"
"What, no." Itachi gave his mother a wide eyed look.
"Itachi, your father and I were married at your age! We had such wonderful adventures!" She smiled, a blush taking over her face. "I can't wait for you to see how much Izumi has grown into herself. She's so beautiful and just about the smarted and sweetest girl around. I think the two of you will be perfect together. Well, if she doesn't suit you we can also try with that boy, what was his name Fugaku…"
"Mother, wait. I still want a chance to do that myself." Itachi said, cutting her off before she went on to list people she knew would be suited for him.
"We have let you go on your own. You've had plenty of time Itachi. You still have nothing to show for that!" His mother frowned, looking at him imploringly. "Don't you understand how important and grounding it is to have someone to call your own?"
"Yes, but I want to find that special someone myself mother, like you and dad found each other. I barely just left and am establishing myself in my new workspace. I just ask that you be a bit more patient with me," Itachi asked, giving her a pleading look. "I will find someone, I promise!"
Mikoto, his mother, knew that Itachi was not the type to plead. Her child was quiet and usually did as he was asked. He always met tasks head on and with great achievement. Sighing, she nodded her head.
"Alright, I'll give you more time then," She conceded.
"Itachi, I know that your mother and I don't often talk about what it means to have a partner in life, but it is a necessity," Fugaku, his father, spoke up.
"Father?" Itachi tensed, looking at him. His father didn't mince words when he spoke. If he did, it was with the purpose of trying to get Itachi to understand something he felt that Itachi was missing the point to.
"Having a partner becomes the difference between facing life with warmth in company, or loneliness and insanity," His father stated with a nod of finality.
"I understand father," Itachi said although in truth he was just left even more confused.
Fugaku and Mikoto knew their son well. They knew Itachi wasn't fully understanding but they knew he soon would. They shared a smile with each other. The best thing to do now was to advice their child.
"Itachi, you're a bright boy, but you often miss the point in some of the simplest of things. Stop asking so many questions and focus on what is in front of you. The answer you seek will always be there, don't let other thoughts cloud your judgement." His father said his tone serious as he looked at his son in the eyes.
Itachi froze, watching his father. "Yes sir,"
"Now lighten up and tell me what you have been up to with this new company of yours," His father sat back, looking more relaxed and like himself.
Itachi smiled, and went on to tell his parents of his new work and experiences.
His parents weren't always the easiest people to talk to, but they did try to understand him. For that Itachi was thankful, but even he wasn't a fool to think it was over.
No, in no time, his parents would be on his case to find a lover once more.
He needed to find a partner before then, but something told him deep inside that it was not going to happen. Itachi just couldn't fake and pretend to have a relationship when he felt nothing towards someone.
This was going to be hard.
Sasuke was uncomfortable, and sad.
Itachi was nowhere to be seen. The stupid demon said he would leave him for a few days with Konan and Pain. Sasuke had been confused at first as to why that was. Did Itachi no longer want him?
The kitten had meowed and clung to Itachi, refusing to let him go. He didn't want to be separated from him.
At the end, Konan had held him down while Itachi walked out the door.
It had to be a joke. Itachi was playing with him and just trying to test him or something! He figured it would only be for a few hours or something, but when the sky grew dark and night settled, with no Itachi to be found, he started to worry.
He refused to eat or cooperate for the couple as he sat by one of the windows, morosely watching the outside. Waiting for Itachi to come back for him.
He had to come back to him.
Itachi was helpless without him.
Sasuke needed to be there to care for him…
"What's wrong with that damn cat anyways," Pain complained as he went about helping Konan wash the dishes. He didn't like the sight of the pet bowl full of food going untouched. Itachi had gone out of his way to even give them a list of what foods the damn creature ate, and it had yet to touch its food.
So ungrateful.
Konan giggled softly, nudging against the agitated man. "Isn't it obvious. He's just missing Itachi." She teased. "Don't worry, once he's really hungry he'll have to eat."
"Can animals really miss their owners?" Pain sounded fascinated by the prospect.
This made Sasuke turn his head with a glare.
He wasn't a fucking animal!
"Sure they can, they are living things too, you know," Konan gave Pain a look. Pain smiled, leaning in to plant a kiss over her lips.
"You're so smart my love," Pain praised.
"Oh," Konan gave him a coy look. The dishes were done and both of them were too wrapped in each other to notice the sulky kitty sitting on the window sill, waiting worriedly for his demon.
Itachi, where are you…are you okay on your own…
Itachi stretched as he walked out of his parent's home the next day.
He let out a yawn as he tucked his hands into his sweater and wondered about, feeling a little drained. It was late morning and he was bored, his mind wondering what Kitty was doing. He had called Pain that morning and the man said the kitten was alright, but that didn't stop Itachi from feeling like something was wrong.
Was Kitty really okay?
He wanted to see him for himself.
"Hey Itachi, long time no see,"
Itachi flinched when his cousin, Shisui, grabbed him around the neck and pulled him into a harsh head lock. "How dare you just leave without saying a word you little fucker!" the man hissed, rubbing his knuckles into Itachi's poor forehead.
"Fuck, Shisui you're a brute like always," Itachi hissed.
"Oh, what was that my helpless little princess," Shisui teased, pressing his knuckles even more harshly into Itachi's head.
Itachi suddenly twisted his body, turning Shisui's arm into an odd angle as he flipped over him. Effectively pinning Shisui face down into the ground, leaving him immobile with the threat of getting his skull crushed.
"Damn it, I let my guard down," Shisui sighed, giving up.
Itachi raised an eyebrow, "Oh, is that what you did?"
"Shut up Itachi," Shisui hissed, a bit embarrassed at how easily he had been taken down.
While Itachi was younger, they both knew that Itachi had taken him down fair and square. Shisui always knew to be careful around Itachi. He never took his cousin lightly. It was one of the things that he most liked about him.
Itachi was dangerous, deadly even.
So far, that made Itachi the only person who could give him a real challenge and vise versa.
"Was it my mother that told you that I was coming back?" Itachi asked when he released Shisui.
Shisui stretched, and nodded his head. "She's been so excited, claiming her little baby boy would be back. You should have seen her running around telling everyone the good news," Shisui teased, winking at his cousin.
"I see," Itachi felt a bit embarrassed over his mother's actions.
Shisui laughed. "Hey, it's all good. She loves you. She means well."
"I know she does, I just wish that the reason I was here wasn't why I am here," Itachi explained. Both cousin started to walk around the compound of the main Uchiha domain. Here they were safe and surrounded only by close family.
It felt nice to be here, but Itachi still couldn't get rid of the nagging feeling that something was missing. It was getting hard to ignore as it settled on his chest heavily.
Itachi had never felt something like that before, and it made him want to leave all that much more. To where or why, he was not sure. He just felt sick, nostalgic with something that he couldn't explain. Silently he hid what he was feeling and tried to focus on his surroundings.
"Is the reason you are here because your parents are worried that you have not found a partner?" Shisui eventually ventured. He had heard Itachi complain about it before, but it had been years since he last saw him. A part of him had thought that Itachi would have figured things out for himself by now and found a partner.
He always wondered what Itachi's ideal partner would be like…especially when he couldn't be that. Life was weird that way. He had once Itachi could have been for him, but he soon realized he was wrong. While had adored his cousin, it didn't go beyond that.
He just hoped that who resonated with Itachi would be worthy of him.
No they would be, Shisui was sure.
Itachi frowned, not looking at his cousin. "Is it that important?" he asked instead of answering his question. It was getting frustrating.
"It is, your heart will understand the moment when you have met the one. They consume your mind and your soul will feel lighter." Shisui said. Itachi turned to look at him. "You'll wonder how it is that you ever lived without them."
Shisui was looking in front, looking so at ease and happy.
It was a way that Itachi had not seen his cousin be when they were younger. There truly was something different about the expression on Shisui's face. There was something about Shisui's eyes as well. Itachi couldn't quite place it, but there was a power radiating from his cousin that hadn't been there before.
"Isn't that all just… like poetic dribble that is written in novels?" Itachi asked, quoting the words that Shisui had once said to him when they were still children.
Shisui balked, turning to look at Itachi with a wide shocked expression.
"Silly cousin, you have a lot of growing up to do," Shisui turned to Itachi fully, walking backwards as he regarded him.
Itachi blinked, curious. "What…"
"Itachi no one will ever be able to explain it. It's always, you will know. Trust me, it's frustrating that the claim is that, but there is no other way to explain it." Shisui grabbed Itachi by his shoulders, bringing their walk to a halt. "happiness is key. Don't be blind over what settles your heart and makes the world feel so bearable…"
"What is that even supposed to mean?" Itachi asked, furrowing his eyebrows. More confused than when his father had spoken to him the day before.
"What I mean is that it'll be all unique to you. Trust you and your heart. Sadly, no one can give you the answer to this one. Every bond is different Itachi and the one that is meant for you will come. Just keep your eyes open for when it does…" Shisui gently advised. "I can't wait to meet the one whom claims your heart, cousin,"
"If it is so, then why does my mother insist that I meet…"
"Itachi," Shisui cut him off, "Your mom knows you better than anyone and she will push who she thinks is right. The thing is, is she?" Shisui grinned, "Only you know."
"I don't know," Itachi looked defeated but Shisui laughed.
"Come have dinner with me and my bond. Setsuna and I can tell you more about it," he said, and Itachi followed him.
As his trip neared its end, Itachi had heard several stories about different bonds. He was confused by some, and fascinated by others. There was no linear way to find love. There was nothing that was going to tell you when and how.
There was just the present, here and now.
It was Itachi the one that had to see it.
Everything was too much. Confused and lost, Itachi knew only one thing to be true. He felt like he was missing something, and he felt homesick. He wanted to leave and go back.
Back to kitty and his soft lulling purrs that he missed so much.
He couldn't sleep right not having him at his side.
He hoped that his kitty was doing well without him. He was so worried and wanted to know how he was, but he was pulled back into his family, forced to participate in what they had planned for his return.
Wait for me Kitty…
After the third day of waiting for Itachi, Sasuke was sure that the demon had abandoned him.
It only caused him to lay around, looking sad and defeated.
Konan and Pain had been so worried that they called Itachi and asked him to talk to the kitten through the phone. Hearing his voice and promise that he would be back seemed to do the trick. Although the kitten still only nibbled at his food here and there, at least he was eating and drinking something. Sadly, as the day's went he didn't seem to be getting much better.
Most of Sasuke's time was still spent looking outside.
Gazing at the path Itachi had ran into.
He sulked, with tears in his eyes. Plans of escape had started to consumed his little head. He was completely ready to leave and survive on his own when he heard the voice that he missed the most.
It called to him like a silken caress.
Calling him by a pet name that he didn't mind.
"Mushkitty, I'm home." It said, like it had any right to sound so divine.
Everyone of Itachi's friends watched in amusement as the kitten ran into Itachi's arms, snuggling into his chest. The wailing and broken meows the kitty released were a bit heart breaking and Itachi felt so bad for even leaving him.
"Man, he really missed you," Kisame rolled his eyes in exasperation. He thought the kitten was a bit dramatic. "Alright, reunion is over, I'm starving lets go out to eat!" Kisame cheered.
Itachi watched his friends go about planning instead to order and have dinner at Konan and Pain's place.
Pain wasn't all that happy about everyone being in his home, but allowed it when Konan caressed his cheek and asked him to be nice.
It was such a wonder to Itachi, but he couldn't focus on the disarray that his friends were. His attention turned back to the mushkitty purring in his arms and he hugged him tightly in return. The melted kitten fit just fine against his chest and Itachi felt like he could finally breathe.
"I missed you so much my mushkitty, I'm never leaving you alone like that again." Itachi whispered into a tiny furry ear. Itachi couldn't help but feel like he truly would become a crazy cat man at this rate. Fuck it, he loved this small furball to much already.
Sasuke's claws sunk into Itachi's shirt as he took Itachi's words as a promise.
You better not ever leave me again, stupid demon!