Serendipity
Thirty-Three
"Why are you guys here?" Hanabi frowned when she didn't see her sister and brother-in-law. Instead, standing before her was Neji, Menma, and a red headed woman that claimed to be Karin- Menma's girlfriend. Needless to say, she wasn't happy to see any of them.
"Didn't Naruto tell you?" Neji asked.
"I might have missed his call," Hanabi crossed her arms while petulantly looking away. She had been sleeping and couldn't be bothered to answer the blonds call so early in the morning. Naruto should know better than to disturb her sleep. Although she knew the dire situation they were facing, honestly, Hanabi couldn't break the habit of not being a morning person.
"Well," Neji rolled his eyes.
"I can't see how someone like Hinata is related to you," Menma scoffed, giving Hanabi a pointed look that offended the younger Hyuuga.
Hanabi huffed. "The same way I wonder how an ass like you is related to someone like Naruto!" She shot back.
"Anyways," Neji cut in, not wanting a fight to start between Hanabi and Menma. "Naruto and Hinata had an important conference to attend and sent us to help you locate Ramen," he explained.
"Right, we should get going." Hanabi sighed and gestured for them to follow her. A car was waiting for them. It was big enough to fit them all in the back seat, facing each other. Hanabi and Neji sat on one side, while Karin and Menma took the other.
"Have you found any clues to his location?" Neji asked. He was at a lost of how they were supposed to search for a tiny cat in a city as large as Konoha.
"I already started the search for him but so far it has accomplished nothing." Hanabi said.
"Just what kind of search have you started?" Menma was disgruntled. He didn't think that Hanabi could actually conduct a proper search. Especially when she didn't know all the potential clues that he suspected.
"A good one," Hanabi snapped. "I can understand Neji being here, but why you of all people. You never showed any interest in family matters before. Why would Naruto even bother with you?"
"Ouch that hurts," Menma faked feeling hurt by her words. Hanabi shot him a glare, not believing him for a second. "Calm down, will you. I'm not here to impede the search for the family cat. I really want to help out."
"It's true that Naruto asked for Menma to come," Neji said. "Something seemed different between them,"
"Different how," she seethed.
"I'm right here," Menma called, he shook his head. "Let's just say Naruto and I have had a heart to heart, okay,"
"Suspicious," Hanabi hissed causing everyone to stare at her.
"So what's the plan?" Neji asked, trying to get them back on topic.
Hanabi let them know that she had already started flyers for the search and that she had several men looking by foot to cover the entire area. She had done her research on cats, so she was hoping that Ramen hadn't gone too far from the hotel she was staying at. She also added that they would have a meeting with Akatsuki so they could employ their help.
From there, they started to make plans on how to continue the search.
All the while, Karin kept to herself. She didn't want come between what was essentially a family emergency. Although she had an inkling that Menma had something in mind. She had not seen her boyfriend give so much attention to something or someone else for that matter. She could see that Menma genuinely wanted to find Ramen.
Ramen, that cat.
While they had not fully taken her inquiry into consideration, at least she felt that they hadn't, Karin had her own ideas of what might be going on.
Coming to her own conclusions, she decided that while she was here, she should visit Suigetsu. She hadn't seen her friend for a while now and it would do them good to catch up. And it might just answer something about the difference between Ramen and Kitty...
Naruto nervously gulped, fidgeting as his wide diligently fixed his tie. It was early in the morning and already there was a large press conference waiting for them. The crowd was massive with demons wanting to grill them about why he would be the best fit to be their Hokage. Like he hadn't proven himself with all the work he had put in the past years.
Becoming Hokage was a lot more difficult than he had anticipated. Part of him wanted to be quit and live a quiet life with Hinata instead.
"There," she suddenly whispered, looking up at him with bright eyes. So filled with trust and belief in him and he remembered why he wanted this. Family. It was all for the people that he loved and the future he wanted to see for his children.
"I'm not sure I can do this..." Naruto voiced. Putting his doubts out in the open. She didn't judge him or look surprised by it. Instead she took his hands in hers and squeezed reassuringly.
"I know this is hard and this is just the first of many more debates that you'll have to face, but I'm right here," Hinata's soft voice said. Naruto had faced the crowd before, but he had yet to be opposed by someone running against him.
He took a deep breath and smiled at her.
She was small, delicate, and yet she was his strength. He adored her.
"Thank you Hinata." They shared a kiss before he squared his shoulders. Offering his arm for her to loop her hand through, he led them into the first of many battles they would share. He planned on being victorious. Nothing could stop him when he had love and family on his side.
Pain got to work ahead of everyone.
He had given Itachi, Kisame, Deidara, and Sasori the following days off so he could set up the proper basic training for them. He was taking into consideration that they would need a break after everything that had happened. Yet, while Deidara and Sasori had been grateful, and even Kisame had seemed relieved for the break—Itachi had to be difficult about it. Thus, assigning them some work during that time was necessary in keeping the Uchiha busy.
He logged into his email and read through anything important, including the one sent from Hanabi. He emailed her back, letting her know that they would like to have a briefing and she could choose who to help her in the search for her missing cat.
How strange.
This was an odd request, and not usually their jurisdiction, but seeing as she was an important client, he wasn't about to turn her away.
With that in mind he continued with the rest of his workday. He had several things to do on top of checking on the new applicants. It was that time of the year when many new students were graduating and starting to seek employment. It had been a while since he had last hired anyone, but as their department had started to grow, he had started to advertise to new hires.
Konan had been looking through the bulk of it all and making the phone calls. She was supposed to also take care of the interviews, but with her pregnancy, things had changed. He wasn't about to let her go meet people they didn't know when she was so vulnerable. That was why he had put it on himself and a few others to complete the interviews.
His team consisted of himself, Zetsu, Hidan, and Kyuusuke. Each of them were more than qualified for the departments that they were hiring for. Zetsu was medical, Hidan their officers, Kyuusuke the trainer, and lastly himself, the one that made the final call if someone would be hired.
With that thought in mind, Pain placed the first phone call. He only took a break that evening to meet with Hanabi and her family. When the case of their missing cat and the image, as well as a profile had been provided, he couldn't help but think he had seen that cat before. Not quite placing it yet, he shook his head and said that he would get two of his best men on the case.
Two days later, Itachi was silently sitting in the living room, typing on his laptop when Kisame entered. The shark demon started to complain about their workload when they were supposed to be resting. How unfair of Pain to expect them to complete reports. It seemed that when Pain had given them the next few days off to rest, what he really meant was that he wanted them to reflect on their mission and actions. They had to submit a full report on it as well.
Kisame had been procrastinating, instead indulging in the self-pity party that he was throwing for himself. Thankfully, Suigetsu was home today.
"Kisame, sit down," Suigetsu called to him, patting the seat next to him.
The shark demon stopped his pacing and gave his lover a kicked puppy look. "I'm just tired, okay," he softly whined.
"Aw, I know. My poor baby," Suigetsu stood to pull his husband towards the couch with him. He sat down first, making Kisame lay down with his head on his lap. There he ran his fingers through his hair, cooing at him. "It's going to be okay," he whispered. Kisame eventually yawned, enjoying the way Suigetsu made all his problem melt away.
He felt so happy and lucky to have Suigetsu.
He loved him so much.
The only thing breaking the silence in the living room was Itachi's constant typing. The sound was enough to rile his stress once more. He wanted him to stop.
A glance over to Itachi, who was sitting on his own on the other couch made Kisame feel guilty. Itachi looked like he had many thoughts running through his head. He was tired, and probably a thousand times more stressed than Kisame. If the dark circles under his eyes, his messy hair, pale complexion, dry skin, and the fact that he wasn't eating right were any indication of how the man was doing.
In fact, Itachi hadn't called that so called boyfriend of his. That Saisu guy didn't seem to care to drop a call and see how Itachi was doing at all. What a shitty boyfriend, if you asked Kisame.
But then, what did he know about Itachi's relationship with that man.
Fuck, they were his friends and sure they cared for Itachi a lot, but they would think that his boyfriend would do the same. They both couldn't help but wonder where Itachi's boyfriend was, and when was he going to show his face.
Having enough, Kisame decided to ask.
Itachi looked a bit startled at the sudden inquiry.
"Um, well..." he started before he trailed off. Itachi hadn't thought about his supposed boyfriend at all. His mind was still wrapped around Sasuke, and when he might get to catch a glimpse of him again, the boy with the large black eyes, and glowing pale face that haunted him. Itachi was a bit surprised to admit to himself, but he had forgotten that Saisu existed. "I don't know," he finally said and Kisame sat up, angry.
"What do you mean you don't know, isn't he your boyfriend? Shouldn't you know?" Kisame barked. "Don't you care that he's not worried about you?"
"I don't keep track of his every move or what not," Itachi shrugged. "I don't care what he does."
"I... well I guess you don't have to go that far, but still," Kisame let out a breath. He wasn't asking Itachi to keep track of his boyfriend's every move, just that they communicated or something. "It's weird."
"Isn't your boyfriend worried about you?" Suigetsu asked when he saw how upset his husband was. "Surely, he'd want to come and check on your health. You don't have to worry about us, we'd be glad if he comes and checks on you."
Itachi glanced at his cellphone.
Saisu hadn't called. He had a missed call from a random number, but it was one of those that always called with a prank. It was never about Kitty, as much as he hoped. Well that aside, the reality was that he and Saisu weren't really together. Now that they had evidence against Dokan and things were being taken care of, Itachi knew it would be a perfect opportunity to break up.
Itachi took a deep breath and reached for his phone.
"You're right, he might be worried," Itachi conceded.
Kisame and Suigetsu watched him before sharing a look.
"Hey, invite him over to dinner, we could have it at home and play some board games," Suigetsu suggested.
Itachi pressed the call button, "Sure, I'll ask him if he'd like that," Itachi said. He hadn't wanted to ask Saisu to come over, but for some reason, the look in Kisame and Suigetsu's faces made him agree. He was lying to them and that made him feel bad. He didn't want them to find out that this relationship was a lie.
He could break up with Saisu and his friends wouldn't have to know about his mess. They wouldn't have to worry about him. The last thing he needed was his friends thinking that he needed to be babysat again.
"Hello, Saisu?" Itachi set his laptop aside and got to his feet. He walked away from the living room and into the kitchen.
"Hello stranger, it's been a while," Saisu answered. "So I even know you?"
Itachi paused at that, "What?" he asked. He couldn't tell if Saisu was trying to be sarcastic or playful. In this kind of situation, could it be that he was mad at him?
"It's been a while since you called, it's about time," Saisu let out deep sigh, "I heard what happened, I can't believe that Dokan is in custody now. He's finally out of my life."
Itachi pursed his lips. The news of Dokan and his men getting caught wasn't advertised publicly. It was something that was being hushed due to circumstances, and only a few knew. Meaning Saisu had to be talking with someone within Dokan's company that had access to the information.
Well, that was neither here nor there.
"Yeah, you should be safe now. That is why I am calling. I think it is time that we set up our breakup," Itachi said, while pulling out the container of juice from the fridge. He served himself a cup and waited for Saisu to say something.
"...no," finally met his ears.
"What do you mean no?" Itachi frowned, "We had a deal. You signed the contract, I kept my part of the deal now it's time to finalize."
"I don't want to!" Saisu snapped. "Look Itachi, I like what we have going on. I want to continue to explore this potential relationship."
"There is no relationship," Itachi deadpanned. He couldn't fathom why Saisu truly thought that they had something going on.
"Yes, there is, I've put up with your friends, and I've done my best to be a good boyfriend to you, don't say that there isn't anything happening between us," Saisu argued back. Itachi let out a breath as he leaned against the counter at took a sip. He knew he had messed up when he had involved his friends, not that there was any escaping it when they were all so close.
"We made a deal, we were pretending," Itachi said, "I told you to remember that we weren't really a couple. I just did this to help you and it's done."
"You say that, yet you brought me around your friends, and you were just pretending?" Saisu said accusingly. "This isn't over just yet!"
Itachi paused.
He felt a bit boggled by that comment. "Look, I know things got a little out of hand, my friends weren't supposed to find out about you, but they did. They are a big part of my life, and important to me. This deal we made wouldn't have flown over their heads. Of course, they noticed."
"Exactly," Saisu cut him off. "And your friends have pulled me in, making me be just as important to you,"
"What...no" it wasn't even like that.
"I am important to you Itachi, stop denying it,"
Itachi felt himself get angry. He wanted to so badly tell Saisu off from his delusions but opted to keep it peaceful. He took a deep breath and steered the conversation in another direction.
"Suigetsu is inviting you to come over for dinner and some games," Itachi said. He was trying not to get too frustrated, He needed to keep control of the situation he created and find a way out of it. He knew that when dealing with a difficult person fighting them would lead him nowhere. He'd have to find another way to finalize their fake relationship.
"Who's Suigetsu?" Saisu suddenly sounded angry.
"He's..."
"Are you cheating on me? I swear that I will tare that bitch apart," Saisu growled, "How dare you cheat on me. Damn you I will destroy that bi-"
"Suigetsu is Kisame's husband!" Itachi said, with the calmest yet coldest tone he had ever used. Saisu had shut his mouth. "They live with me, and they are inviting you to come and have dinner. If you're going to act like a jealous fool then don't bother,"
"Ah, Suigetsu. You said he's inviting me, where?" Saisu suddenly sounded elated.
"At the house," Itachi said, and glanced around the kitchen. Honestly, Kisame and Suigetsu's home. He felt like he was encroaching on them, but the two had insisted that he move in with them. They hadn't wanted him to have to find a house of his own, alone. It was either that or he'd be forced to live with one of their other friends.
Pain and Konan would soon be having a little one, Sasori and Deidara were weird, and he didn't even want to think about Kakuzu, Hidan, nor Zetsu, they were on a whole other level. Living here was best for him in the end.
"As in your house?" Saisu asked, sounding annoyingly exited.
"Yeah," Itachi said.
The man on the other hand let out a screech that had Itachi pulling the phone away from his ear. Startled, he had to wonder what that was all about.
"I will gladly be there, give me the address please!" Saisu said with little to no breath in between each word.
Itachi felt dread settle in his chest, "Sure, I'll text it to you. Dinner will be at five, so be here a little before then," he half listened to Saisu rattle off what he was going to wear. Itachi told him that he didn't have to, casual wear would be best. Saisu made a few noises and then hung up the phone, clearly not caring for his words.
Itachi could really do without having to see him. But he was determined, tonight had to be the night that he ended their fake relationship.
Chiyo had a check list.
On it, things that she thought Sasuke might not have, were already marked off. It seems that Kaguya had set Sasuke's whole life into motion. The boy had an ID, birth certificate, passport, and all the documents he would need to get a job.
"I have to thank Kaguya, she has done wonders for you," Chiyo smiled.
Sasuke sighed. "We have to go pick her up in a few hours, so I guess you can thank her then."
"Yes," Chiyo nodded, "Now did you finish sending out your application to Akatsuki?"
"Yes ma'am," Sasuke nodded. It had been one of the first things he had done. Chiyo had wanted him to go get his license and driving test done, but they were unable to until Kaguya came with all his papers. So he had met up several times with Kiba and Shino so they could help him fill out the application and mocked interviewed him so he would be prepared.
Now he was just anticipating getting a phone call for an interview.
"Good," she said.
After that, Sasuke completed his chores, took a shower, dressed, and got ready to go. Chiyo had made them breakfast and cleaned the kitchen before she too got ready. Kaguya's flight was landing that afternoon.
They got there just as Kaguya's flight landed.
"SASUKE!" Kimimaro and Juugo rushed to hug him.
Sasuke was surprised to see them. "What are you guys doing here?" Sasuke asked.
"Well, seeing as the Uzumaki's are so nosy, I had to bring them along," Kaguya said, nudging the other two males away so she could hug Sasuke as well. The small raven looked guilty, knowing he should have been more patient.
"Sorry," he muttered, slowly returning the hug.
"It's okay, it's done." Kaguya said, already having forgiven him. She knew how stubborn Sasuke could be, especially when it came to Itachi. "This Itachi better be worth all this mess," she added along with a bone crushing squeeze that had him flaying to get away from her.
"Stop!" Sasuke squeaked and managed to get away.
Kaguya chuckled under her breath, watching him with amusement. She really wanted to meet Itachi as soon as possible. She had a few things that she wanted to tell him. Mainly threaten him and tell him that he had to take good care of her son. "I hope you understand that you are never to go off on your own again. We do things as a family now,"
"Got it," Sasuke nodded, with a slight smile.
"Hello, I am Chiyo," Chiyo introduced herself when Kaguya turned to look at her, her eyes were creepy, almost like they could see through her. Or was she looking beyond her, it was hard to tell.
"Oh, hello, I'm Kaguya, I heard so many great things about you. Thank you for putting up with this boy here," They shook hands, and turned it into a hug. Both knew about each other because Sasuke had told them about how his life was before he found himself in Senju. Both women had an interest in raising Sasuke right as well as helping him remain safe. Just because Sasuke was a demon, it didn't mean that they could ignore the part of him that was a creature. Life would still be dangerous for him. "He's such a handful,"
"You have no idea." They laughed.
Sasuke felt annoyed as both women started to walk away, talking with each other like if they had always been best friends, or something. They called the boys to hurry up so they could get going. Juugo, of course, being the one stuck carrying the luggage, was the first to start following them.
"I do not envy you right now," Kimimaro said.
"What do you mean?" Sasuke asked.
"You have two moms," Kimimaro wrapped his arm around Sasuke's shoulders and directed him to follow the two older women. Sasuke opened and closed his mouth, before realization hit him. Kaguya and Chiyo had taken on a roll that he hadn't thought they had. Why he hadn't, he wasn't sure. It was so obvious.
His real mother may have died, he missed her, but he never lacked because of Chiyo and Kaguya. They came into his life and accepted him, much the same way that Itachi had accepted him. Although past circumstances, and how he met Itachi had not been ideal, things were different now. And Sasuke planned on making Itachi a part of his life.
At least, hoped that he could.
Itachi had accepted him as kitty and although he wanted to be confident, honestly, he was scared that Itachi would reject him as Sasuke.
"You okay?" Kimimaro asked once they had reached the parking lot. Juugo was being told where to place the luggage. Sasuke had stayed quiet through their walk there, almost like he was spacing out.
"I'm fine," Sasuke said. Kimimaro gave him a smile and told him to get into the car first.
From the airport, they headed to a restaurant. After a long flight, they were hungry and Chiyo was more than happy to share a small place she knew. They served sushi, delicious soups, and other tasty dishes. It was a little bit of everything so everyone could have something that they enjoyed. It was in the middle of their meal and having a nice conversation, when Sasuke received the phone call.
Sasuke gulped, answering the call. He felt nervous, clearing his throat he spoke, "Hello,"
"Hello, may I speak with Mr. Sasuke?" the voice of a man said on the other end.
"Yes, this is he," Sasuke signaled for them all to hush. Kaguya and Chiyo held their breaths, the look on Sasuke's face telling them that this call was important. Kimimaro and Juugo were trying to listen in, pressing themselves closer to Sasuke. The raven tried to swat them away, but it was hopeless.
"This is Pain, from Akatsuki. I was calling in regard to your application." Pain said. "You've applied to our entry position, correct?"
"Yes." Sasuke felt his throat tighten and his voice nearly crack. His heart was beating so fast due to his nerves and fear.
"I see that you lack complete experience and have yet to attend higher education. Here at Akatsuki we value diverse individuals," Pain said, making Sasuke feel like he was about to get rejected. Suddenly his gut twisted, and he tried to think about what he could say to salvage this. "You've created a great starting point for yourself based on your extracurricular activities and we would like to evaluate you further. If it is possible, we would like to see if you qualify for our training and education program. Could you please come in for an interview?" Pain asked.
Relief shot through him.
"Yes, yeah I can, when would that be?" Sasuke tripped over his words but did his best to sound confident.
Pain told him the date and time, "Is that alright with you?"
"That's perfect, I look forward to it," Sasuke could just jump for joy.
"Great, see you then," Pain ended the call. Sasuke grinned at his family.
"I got an interview at Akatsuki, they want to evaluate me to see if I am a good candidate for their training and education program!" Sasuke announced.
"That's great!" Kaguya and Chiyo said.
"What's that mean?" Kimimaro asked. Juugo turned back to eating.
"Akatsuki has a program where those not looking to pursue a university education can instead enroll with them. They give you a list of classes you must complete along with training, for field missions," Sasuke said.
"Look at you, that sounds impressive!" Kimimaro patted Sasuke's shoulder.
"He's growing up," Juugo teased.
"Not yet, Sasuke still has a lot to prove," Kaguya said, and Chiyo looked like she agreed with her.
"But he's definitely ready," Kimimaro protested.
"Sasuke has worked hard and is more than ready," Juugo said without a doubt.
"That may be, but you have to understand that Sasuke's going into his first choice of career, it might not be a great fit for him. He's no longer just a student. There will be higher expectations set on him and that is usually difficult to deal with. No one tells you the harsh realities, and Sasuke, you could fail," Kaguya said, sobering her sons into realization. "You could also find out that going into this field isn't for you, and that is okay,"
"Life won't always go how you plan it, be ready for anything, and do your best," Chiyo added, trying to lighten things again.
"I understand," Sasuke said.
"Good, now let's really celebrate this first victory," Kaguya waved to the waiter, asking them for more food.
Sasuke felt his gut churn, no longer hungry.
He knew the road ahead wasn't going to be easy, but he was ready to face it. A part of him knew that he had chosen this path because of Itachi. Another part of him actually liked what he saw when he had gone to work with Itachi. Whether this was a good path for him he wouldn't know unless he gave it a shot.
"Itachi, the door!" Suigetsu called.
He was in the kitchen, cooking tonight's dinner. He was excited to get to personally grill Itachi's boyfriend. Kisame was right there with him, ready to do the same. They wanted to get to know the man better. See if he was truly worthy of their friend.
In true respect, they wanted to see what it was that Itachi saw in him. There had to be a reason as to why Itachi asked Saisu to be his boyfriend. They wanted to like him as well. To welcome him into their fold of friends.
This coming from experience for Suigetsu, who had been nervous and a little awkward when he first met Kisame's friends. Itachi had been the first friend he met, and the rest were just as interesting and intimidating. Suigetsu still wasn't sure what made them accept him, but he was sure it had to do with Kisame and how he loved him.
It was Saisu's turn to get welcomed.
Itachi, who was in the living room working, finished up his report, saved it, and set his laptop on the coffee table. He stood up, taking his time. When he opened the door, he frowned. Saisu was standing on the other side, wearing expensive clothing that looked to be too much. The fancy suit, and polished shoes looked so out of place in contrast to his more casual wear.
Itachi had on a raggedy black t-shirt, ripped acid washed jeans. Kisame and Suigetsu weren't any better dressed.
"What are you wearing?" Itachi asked, looking the man over in an obvious way. He was trying to make Saisu uncomfortable.
Unfortunately, his actions didn't have the desired effect. Saisu preened like a peacock and twirled himself around. He was trying to give Itachi a good look at him. "I look mighty handsome, don't I?" he asked, fishing for compliments.
Itachi shook his head. "I would say you look expensive."
"Right," Saisu smirked, "I am no basic bitch, Itachi," he stressed the name. He had looked up tips on how to get someone to fall in love with you, and one of them was to call the person's name as much as possible. So he planned on overusing Itachi's name.
Itachi said nothing. Instead, he stepped out of the way, gesturing for Saisu to come inside. The man lit up, his head looking everywhere. Itachi shut the door behind him, and silently told him to take off his shoes. Saisu didn't get the hint, he stepped further inside.
"Watch the carpet. Take off your shoes," Itachi called out to him. His voice was louder and firm.
Saisu turned back to him and it took him a minute more to realize that he had to take off his shoes. Itachi wasn't wearing any, just a pair of black socks. He returned to the entrance and kicked off his shoes. He then borrowed a pair of guest slippers and ran back into the room. Looking much like a child at a theme park, or something.
"Wow, this house is huge, like a mansion," Saisu commented, "I wouldn't think that you could afford such a place."
"Why do you think I wouldn't be able to?" Itachi asked, straightening up from where he had crouched down to neatly place Saisu's shoes in the shoe rack.
Saisu ignored him for a second, before waving him off and saying, "Because you have a lame job. What does an officer even earn? I heard it wasn't that much. You know I'm willing to offer you a position at my office, you'll be making bank. Between us, we would never be poor."
Itachi raised an eyebrow at that.
He might have the title of an officer, but his job was a lot more than that. His work was specialized, funded, and community supported. Not that he would expect Saisu to know what that meant. It wasn't the easiest kind of work, but it was rewarding, and the pay was incredible. Sure, there were times when they nearly lost funding, but they had many that believed in their cause, and they got by.
In comparison, Saisu barely worked and from Itachi understood, was spoiled.
"I earn well enough, come," Itachi led Saisu into the kitchen. Saisu stared wide eyed when he saw that Kisame and Suigetsu were cooking.
"They are cooking," Saisu said, confusion covered his face. "Are they your servants?" surely it couldn't be Itachi's friends that were cooking.
"My friends," Itachi said, making Saisu blanch.
"Itachi," Saisu snorted, turning to Itachi with a slight smirk. "You don't make friends with the servants,"
"They aren't servants." Itachi said. "Wash your hands and let's help them so we can eat," Itachi moved to the sink. He washed his hands and Saisu stood there, not knowing what to do. The sight of Itachi picking up a knife and slicing into raw beef left him flabbergasted.
He was even more so when Itachi started to handle pots and pans, seasoning and prepping to cook. Saisu complained loudly, shuddered, and made faces as he refused to wash his hands, much less touch any of the kitchen equipment.
"Itachi, stop, this is beneath you!" Saisu pulled at Itachi's shirt. "Someone else should cook your meals you shouldn't have to soil your hands with such things!"
"Go sit down!" Suigetsu roared, having had enough of his whining and bitching. He slapped Saisu's hands away from where he was gripping Itachi. Saisu shot him a glare, but a sharp look from Itachi had him quickly taking a seat at the dining table. "Damn Itachi, where did you find his royal highness, what a pain," Suigetsu huffed.
"At one of the work events," Itachi responded.
"Is he really,.." Suigetsu trailed off. He turned to look at Itachi who was helping cook the strips of beef. That was something that Suigetsu wouldn't let Kisame do. His husband wasn't terrible in the kitchen, but there were just certain things he wasn't allowed to touch.
Chopping vegetables, and other foods were fine.
Come to think of it, before Suigetsu had come along, Kisame used to beg Itachi for food. Itachi would cook for them both. Although Kisame claimed that it was rare before Kitty had come along. Itachi stopped cooking completely when Kitty disappeared, but had recently started to get back into it. Mainly just to help them out because he always felt like he was in the way, when that wasn't true. The fact of the matter was that Itachi seemed to enjoy doing domestic chores.
He was a great help on several occasions. Suigetsu wouldn't say that he took advantage of Itachi's nurturing nature, but it somehow felt like Saisu did.
"Honey, help me," Kisame called when he wasn't sure if he needed to add the vegetables to the soup or if Suigetsu had other plans.
Suigetsu jumped into action, and dinner was finished between the three of them.
They were having beef and hearty bone broth soup packed with diced onions, other tasty veggies, and rice noodles.
"What's this?" Saisu asked, pocking at the side dishes with his fork. They had a few takoyaki, hard boiled eggs, and ginger. The man had no regards for the fact that they were all sharing in the pot.
"Stop," Itachi grabbed Saisu's wrist once the man had licked his fork and moved to stab at more of the food. Itachi had him place the fork down. "We are all eating, so choose and keep what you want."
Kisame and Suigetsu watched them before they reached to fill their own bowls with food. Itachi joined them, filling up his own bowl. Saisu watched them before he stole Itachi's bowl and forced the Uchiha to take his and fill it up.
Itachi didn't say anything and that made Kisame and Suigetsu feel angry. They had clearly seen the annoyance in Itachi's face when the bowl he had prepared for himself had been taken. Itachi might not have said anything and had quickly covered the look, but it was clear to them. They had been Itachi's friends too long not to know when he was bothered.
"So, Saisu was it?" Suigetsu started, "Where have you been?"
"Here and there, you know the life as the CEO of a big company means that I have many things to do, important things." Saisu said, making it sound like he was better than them. He then took a bite from the food and made a sour face.
Suigetsu raised an eyebrow, wondering if something was wrong. The look on Saisu's face morphed to a blank one as he robotically chewed, grabbed a napkin, and wiped his tongue.
"More important than Ita-"
Suigetsu stopped Kisame from finishing the sentence. He had stood up and covered his husband's mouth. Kisame gave him a questioning look and Suigetsu shook his head.
"Don't be rude," he muttered, and then laughed his actions off. He took his seat again.
"What do you two do for a living if you aren't servants?" Saisu asked, reaching for a cup of water. Whether he had noticed or not what Kisame was about to ask him, they didn't know. But it looked like he was going to ignore it.
"Servants?" Suigetsu was confused.
"The hell,"
Itachi sighed, "Kisame works with me, he's my partner. Suigetsu is his husband, he works at a laboratory for medicine,"
"Why would you think that we are servants," Suigetsu questioned.
"If it acts like one then it must be-"
Itachi had to stop him. "Please watch what you say, you don't even know them,"
Saisu huffed. "I only call it as I see it!"
Itachi felt embarrassed by what Saisu was saying. He glanced over to his friends to find both of them glaring at Saisu.
"Sorry about this," he said.
"No, you don't apologize," Kisame responded, his eyes locked on Saisu as if to tell him that he was the one that owed them the apology.
"This was a mistake. Saisu and I will go," Itachi set his barely touched food aside. Kisame and Suigetsu grew concerned. It was already hard to get Itachi to sit down and eat properly. If he left now, then Itachi might not eat at all today.
"No, Itachi, sit down," Suigetsu smirked, crossing his hands over the table and resting his head on his fingers, "We asked for this, we want to get to know your boyfriend better,"
"Yes, sit," Kisame added.
Itachi sat down, looking at his friends with wide eyes.
Saisu looked from the two to Itachi and noticed something. Itachi clearly had never once told his friends that their relationship was fake. Itachi's friends were making a true effort to welcome him. Secretly he smirked to himself. If there was one thing he knew how to do best, it was manipulating others to fit what he wanted them to.
"I don't mind sticking around, Itachi," he said, taking another bite of the food only to spit it out again. Damn, the food tasted weird. He didn't like it. "You two are terrible cooks, what is this?" he groused, while spitting into his bowl.
Itachi gritted his teeth, watching him disgust.
"So, Saisu, is your work more important to you than Itachi?" Suigetsu asked the thing that he had stopped Kisame from asking. Itachi opened his mouth to stop their motive from going further. "You didn't once come check on him while he was hurt."
"Itachi was hurt?" Saisu asked, looking like it was complete news to him.
Itachi wanted to say something but closed his mouth as he looked at Saisu with shock.
"Didn't Kisame call you?" he asked. Kisame had told him how they had called Saisu and that the man had requested that Itachi called once he was better.
"I called you!" Kisame slapped his hand on the table, "Don't you remember?"
"No, are you sure?" Saisu rubbed his head, confused. "Anyways, he looks like he is fine, so what does it matter. You are okay right, Itachi?" He turned to look at Itachi. There was a look of disinterest as he looked him over superficially.
Itachi ignored him, turning back to take a bite of his food.
"See he's fine," Saisu insisted. "Anyways, how can I get a better meal, this suck. You did a terrible job! Where are the real servants," Saisu looked around, as if searching for someone that he could boss around.
His words and actions surprised Kisame and Suigetsu, who stared at the man in disbelief. They couldn't believe that he was ignoring the fact that Itachi had been hurt. Disregarding him like he meant nothing to him. They didn't even know what to say and they looked at Itachi and saw the disgruntled look on his face.
Itachi sighed, deciding to pacify Saisu. He hadn't really been hurt by Saisu's words, but he had been bothered. How dare Saisu ask for him to give them a chance as a couple when he didn't even care about him. It made no sense.
"I'll order some take out, what do you want?" Itachi took out his phone. He scrolled through familiar restaurants that he had ordered from before.
Saisu perked up, "I want to eat chicken, oh and egg rolls,"
Itachi shook his head, placing two separate orders from different restaurants. He then stood and excused himself. Saisu stood up as well and followed Itachi into the living room. Kisame and Suigetsu watched them go before turning to each other. They had let them go because the situation had gotten bad.
"Well that went well," Kisame shook his head. It hadn't.
"I don't like him!" Suigetsu voiced before shaking his head. It wasn't the time for that. He sighed. "Do you think Itachi does?"
"Probably, but after that, I think they need to talk,"
"Probably," Suigetsu muttered. He went back to eating and Kisame followed suit. They decided they would stay out of Itachi's way while he dealt with his boyfriend.
Itachi led Saisu into the living room. He collected his keys and wallet, and pulled his shoes on, heading outside. Saisu struggled to put his shoes on and then followed him, hoping that Itachi would take him to a nice fancy restaurant. He tried reaching for Itachi's hand but the demon pulled away from him.
"Get in," Itachi ordered.
Saisu shuddered in pleasure at the command. He looked at the car and nodded. He got into the passenger seat. Itachi took the driver seat and sped them away from the house.
"Where are we going?" Saisu asked, looking out the window excitedly.
Itachi said nothing. He stopped to pick up the orders he had made and then took them to a park. He told Saisu to shut up and sit down when he started to complain about how dirty it was to eat in an open area, where a lot of people came. Itachi let him bitch.
"Let's end it here," he finally said.
"No," Saisu crossed his arms.
"Look, you are making things difficult. The things you say around my friends-"
"You care what they think don't you," Saisu cut him off. "That's why you won't break up with me just like that. It matters to you what they think."
"Wha-"
"Itachi, if you want to break up with me then fine, I will tell your friends about the fact that you lied to them. That we were in a fake relationship because you caused trouble again." Saisu narrowed his eyes, "I'll tell them that you attacked Dokan and caused trouble."
Itachi gave Saisu a hard look. "You,"
"I know it's important to you that they don't find out, but I am not above telling them all your lies,"
"Are you blackmailing me..." Itachi said. Damn it, he didn't want his friends thinking that he was out of control and needed more supervision. He wanted to keep his job, he wanted his life back as well as his earned independence. Fuck, he was in a bigger mess than he thought.
"No, I am keeping you in line," Saisu stood and threw the food that Itachi had just bought him into the nearest trash can. "I'm your boyfriend Itachi, and as your boyfriend you need to treat me well. That means taking me to a proper restaurant, expensive and fancy, now or I'll tell them!" Saisu trudged over to the car and scowled at it. "And get a fucking Lambo, a Bugatti, or something, a nice car I won't be embarrassed to be seen in!"
Itachi stared after, unable to believe that he had to put up with this.
Saisu wasn't taking no for an answer, and short of cutting his head off, Itachi wasn't sure what he was supposed to do. He had to make Saisu hate him or something enough that he would want to dump him. He needed time, but sadly he was trapped.
So, he stood up, and took Saisu to a fancy restaurant that he had been to before, with Izumi. He let him do all the talking and getting his way. By the time it was over, he was exhausted, and all he wanted to do was disappear from this world.
Sasuke nervously pulled on his tie, looking up at the red ominous building that was Akatsuki headquarters. He had been here many times before. Usually in the safety of Itachi's arms, but it was all the same. He took one last deep breath, and let it out slowly. He let his nerves calm and did his best to shine with confidence.
Walking into the reception area, Sasuke saw that the usual secretary was there. He walked over.
"Hello, I am here for my interview."
The lady didn't look up from where was typing, "Name,"
"Sasuke," he answered. He had feared that it would be found odd that he had no last name. Not even on his papers, but that's how he had chosen it to be. He refused to be called Uzumaki, much less deal with the implications that came with that name. He didn't know his mother's name, and hadn't wanted to take anyone else's last names either, opting to wait to take Itachi's...if or when they might be together...
The lady typed some more before she clicked her teeth and nodded. "Got you right here sir, why don't you take a seat and I'll let them know you are here,"
"Yes, thank you," Sasuke let out a breath and took a seat in the waiting area.
He waited for the longest ten minutes of his life before he was called in. Sasuke followed the secretary to one of the conference rooms. There he found that there were four other applicants awaiting to be interviewed. He thanked her, earning a smile from her.
After a group interview had been conducted, they were separated. Some of them went with Zetsu, a few others with Hidan, and the last of them with Mr. Kyuusuke, whom Sasuke wasn't familiar with. That only left him to follow Pain back to his office.
Sasuke's heart was hammering in fear.
Why was he the only one not following a group?
Why would Pain want to talk to him exclusively?
What if this had to do with the fact that he clung to Itachi that night?
Pain welcomed him inside and asked him to take a seat.
"Sasuke, let's set the interview aside for a second, I just have something personal to ask." Pain said as he took his seat.
Sasuke looked at him with curiosity.
The boy looked innocent enough, but Pain knew the trouble that certain people could cause. Stalkers, if there was name that he would associate with this situation. Whether Sasuke was that or not, he couldn't be sure and he didn't want to assume.
"What would that be?" Sasuke asked.
"I think you are a great candidate. I also realize that you are just fresh out of high school and starting your path but..." Pain sighed, not comfortable with this but he had to ask. "Are you by any chance applying here because you think it might get you closer to Itachi?"
Sasuke's eyes shot wide, and he shook his head. "Wha-no! No, I swear."
"Sorry, I just have to ask to be sure because it has happened before. Not to Itachi, just some other circumstances." He wouldn't tell Sasuke, but it had been the deal with Deidara and Sasori. Deidara had been a fresh wide eyed boy following after Sasori and it had gotten odd. He honestly didn't want a repeat of a couple forming on the job.
It didn't always work out as well as Deidara and Sasori had.
"I'm honestly applying because I liked the idea of helping others. I have been in situations where I had been unable to do anything to help or..." Sasuke shrugged, the topic clearly difficult for him to talk about. "When I heard that Akatsuki was accepting of even creatures, it was like I found the perfect place to apply... Itachi he's..." Sasuke blushed. "He used to be my neighbor and I just had a silly crush on him."
Pain chuckled. "Looks like that little crush hasn't vanished," he commented.
Sasuke's whole face exploded red, "You can't blame me? It's Itachi." Sasuke softly said, willing his face to go to normal. His cheeks felt hot. "Please don't tell him," he added in a whisper, averting his eyes in his painful shyness of the topic.
Pain snorted. He adjusted himself against his seat and let out a breath, "It makes it difficult to accept you when, well, you have a crush on one of my employees. This is a situation I wouldn't want getting out of hand. I would have to make you promise to say something, if anything happens between you two. Both you and Itachi..."
"But I'm genuinely here to work for the company, Itachi has nothing to do with that," Sasuke's eyes hardened as his anger showed.
"Even so, the potential could be there," Pain said.
"I wouldn't let it get in the way of my training, besides…would Itachi even care for someone like me?" Sasuke scowled, looking away.
"I have a lot of thinking to do," Pain muttered. He didn't want to turn away such a good candidate over this. He knew it was unfair to Sasuke. This is a topic he wished he wouldn't have to discuss, but due to circumstances, felt the need to be sure about it. The last thing he needed was the currently unstable Itachi having to deal with a lovesick boy clinging to him. Itachi might come off as cold, but he is a kind person. He wouldn't want to hurt Sasuke.
"I will remain professional." Sasuke's stubborn pretty face glared at him. There was definitely a fire in this boy. One that won Pain over and it made him want to enroll him in their program right away. He was sure he would make a great officer in no time, but what to do about this situation.
He had to make up his mind fast. He didn't want this boy to be left wondering whether he would be accepted or not. In his professional sense he knew he had to make a decision best for Sasuke and the situation.
It wasn't like Sasuke would be working with Itachi. On the other hand, Itachi had started to give them trouble again. Neither he nor Konan knew what had caused it, and no one seemed to be talking. Juzo had also expressed his concern over Itachi's erratic behavior since his return to work. Before that, Itachi did have a reaction to this boy but at the time they hadn't thought too much about it.
Could that be it?
"Tell you what Sasuke, what if I refer you to another company that holds similar values as ours," Pain started saying when suddenly the door to his office was knocked. He raised an eyebrow, wondering who it could be. "Come in." he called.
How frustrating.
Itachi cursed under his breath while wrapping his hands in white bandages, flexing his fingers to ensure he had mobility when he was done. It had been more than a week now since he had to deal with Saisu, on top of ...he couldn't get that blasted boy out of his head. Thoughts of Sasuke filled his head at the oddest of times and left him...longing to see him again.
It happened whenever he felt upset at his situation with Saisu. Itachi still hadn't figured out what he was going to do about him, and then the next moment he forgot that happened and his thoughts would wrap around Sasuke once more.
He badly wanted to see the boy again.
Juzo walked over to Itachi and got in his face. The long haired raven blinked, looking up at his past partner and current trainer with surprise on his face.
"Well, well, I never thought I would see the day that I would catch you off guard," he smirked. Itachi immediately tried to school his expression. "Don't even try to deny it Itachi, something is bothering you and it's painted all over you for everyone to see,"
"Nothing is bothering me!" Itachi denied.
"Could have fooled me, here," Juzo handed Itachi a folder with the report of that day's training. Itachi took it, and gave Juzo a look.
"You're exaggerating about me again," Itachi accused, knowing that the only reason he was being sent in with the folder was because Juzo needed Pain to know about something pertaining to him.
"Well, there was a moment there where you paused. It was an odd thing to see from you, and well," he gestured to all of Itachi. Itachi had paused in the middle of combat training and had ended up punched in the face, kicked the floor, and messy. No one had ever caught Itachi off guard, much less gotten past his defenses enough to hit him like that.
Itachi felt his face go slightly red with embarrassment.
"I'm okay, really,"
"No, that wasn't normal Itachi, I think you need another checkup, now go," Juzo pointed for him to leave his field. He didn't want the Uchiha here when he was a liability to himself.
Itachi didn't argue, brushing past him. He couldn't explain it himself, but in that brief second, he had felt something. His mind had lost track of itself, and it was like something had tugged at him, like his being became aware of something that he couldn't name or place. He had never felt anything like it before.
It had demanded all his attention in a laser kind of way.
Well, maybe once before.
When he met Sasuke.
Shaking his head off that thought, Itachi knocked on Pain's door. Pain called for him to come in, and he entered. Pain raised an eyebrow when he saw Itachi standing there, and then looked at Sasuke, curious about their reactions to each other.
Itachi had paused.
Sasuke had gone rigid.
"Are those the reports?" Pain asked, reaching for the folder in Itachi's hands.
Itachi jolted, and swallowed hard. He nodded his head and entered the office, giving Pain the folders. He frowned when he noticed the way that Pain kept looking at Sasuke. "Are you holding an interview?" he asked. "Sorry for interrupting."
Pain looked to Itachi now, "Not at all, I was just telling Sasuke about referring him somewhere else,"
"Why?" Itachi asked.
"Personal reasons," Pain vaguely said when he noted the panic in Sasuke's eyes. So the boy could be bold enough to cling to Itachi but still panicked at the thought of confessing himself. How amusing. All that 'don't tell him' hadn't just been an act. "Here, why don't you evaluate him while I look through this," He handed Itachi a paper while he looked through the reports. He knew that Itachi was only personally sent to him when he did something worth calling attention to.
Itachi read through the resume he had been handed and then glanced over at Sasuke. His gaze was curious and soft.
Sasuke fidgeted. A bit rosy cheeked as he looked at Itachi. Like he was expecting something.
Itachi didn't disappoint. "You know how to use a sword, that's impressive. Do you own your own blade?"
Sasuke smiled, nodding. "I own the blade of Kusanagi," the boy answered.
"We should spar, I'd like to see your skills," Itachi said making the boy go completely red. He had to have gone red head to toe.
"Yes," he breathed.
"Itachi" Pain called, he might as well save Sasuke from spontaneously combusting on the spot. "I am going to send you to Zetsu to get a physical checkup,"
"Nothing is wrong with me," Itachi insisted, placing Sasuke's resume on the desk.
"Better to make sure then be sorry. What Juzo describes here has me worried," Pain set the report down. Itachi glanced at it, wondering just how bad it had seemed to Juzo. It wasn't like he had gotten badly injured. It was just misstep on his part...of course, this was unusual to him. It made him a liability and more of a reason why not to send him back onto the field any time soon.
Problem was that Itachi hated having any kind of weakness. If he had one, he overcame it, silently and on his own.
"I'm fine" Itachi moved to leave the office. "You don't have to worry," he muttered, opening the door.
Pain was about to stand and call him back and demand he go to the medical ward, but Sasuke beat him to it.
"Itachi!" The boy called.
Itachi paused, slowly turning to face the boy.
Sasuke opened and closed his mouth, and took a quick glance at Pain. He feared that this might make Pain recommend him to a different place, but he couldn't let Itachi just go. "You should get better, we can't fight if you're not well," he faced Itachi, giving him a hard look.
Itachi was taken aback by Sasuke's words. He felt amused as well as warmth flood his chest. It was so obvious the boy was worried and cared. Itachi already got that from his friends, but somehow, from Sasuke it was different.
Itachi chuckled- the sound so catching Pain off guard. "Right, I'll do that," he said, closing the door behind him.
Sasuke let out a breath, trembling were he stood. It looked like it took a lot of effort on his part to speak to Itachi like that.
Pain raised an eyebrow, but he had found the interaction interesting.
Pain quickly texted Zetsu that Itachi was being sent to him for a check-up. To please not let him leave. Zetsu confirmed it a minute later that Itachi had made it to the medical ward and wasn't making a fuss about his checkup. Itachi hadn't attempted to sneak away either.
Sasuke who's heart had been pounding since he spoke up to Itachi slowly took a seat and waited in silence for his verdict. He sagged, unable to keep his composure after so much. He peeked over at Pain a few times, finding in disdain that the man was focused on his phone about something.
Pain suddenly let out a breath, placing his phone down on the table. He leaned forward in his chair. Unable to make up his mind over what had just happened, but it was interesting. Had Itachi really decided to head to the medical ward thanks to Sasuke's words. He wondered, and frankly wanted to know more about what was clearly starting here.
Could Sasuke have any kind of positive influence on Itachi?
Well, there was only one way to find out.
For this, Pain found that he was willing to take a shot in the dark and give this boy a chance. Whatever happened, would happen, there was no stopping that.
"Welcome to Akatsuki Sasuke, when would you like to get started?" Pain asked. The raven-haired boy nearly jumped out of his skin. He gave Pain a doubtful look, like he couldn't believe what he was hearing.
"I got in?" he asked, wide eyed and amusingly still so innocent.
"Yes," Pain grinned. Anyone that could get Itachi to do something as simple as getting a checkup was more than welcome.
With that, the process of Sasuke's enrollment to Akatsuki began.