Chapter 5: Birthday Bash

The lights flashed on and the room erupted in a loud cheer.

Kyuubi looked around at the familiar faces of family and friends, beautiful in their gowns and suits. He forced himself to smile and when he saw his parents, he tilted his head back to keep the tears from slipping out. He felt Itachi squeeze his hand and Kyuubi turned to him at a loss for words.

"When did you do this?" he asked. His hand was shaking.

"I had this planned for some months now," Itachi replied.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"That defeats the whole point of it being a surprise."

"I didn't ask for this. I don't want this."

Itachi frowned. "Do you have any idea how much time, how much fucking money I spent on this?"

"Why? What for?"

Kyuubi turned to leave and was roughly yanked back by Itachi's deathly tight grip around his wrist. Itachi quickly leaned down and kissed him before Kyuubi could protest. Around them, the guests clapped and cheered on the lovely couple. Itachi moved his arm around Kyuubi's waist, trapping him to his body.

"Let go," Kyuubi demanded softly.

"Stop fighting," Itachi snapped, his smile as endearing as a sharp knife. He cupped the side of Kyuubi's face and pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead. "What's our rule?"

"I know our rule," Kyuubi spat. "I don't need you to remind me."

"Good." Itachi sighed, desperate for consolation. "Look,I know I can be an asshole sometimes. I know I can be hard to love. But I'm trying." He held Kyuubi's face and forced him to look in his eyes, see the sincerity behind his words. "You're the most important person in my life, Kyuubi. I want you to know that. I want you see that."

"By throwing me a surprise party."

"No, by doing little things I hope will make you smile, will make you happy. I could've been selfish and just kept you all to myself today. But I organized this event, invited your friends and family. I did all of this for you."

"So that makes it okay for how you've been treating me all day?"

"No. It doesn't. I need to be more mindful of the way I speak to you, I know."

"You don't even believe half of what you're saying." Kyuubi lowered his head when he saw his brother walking over, and he quickly wiped his eyes. "Naruto's coming."

Itachi dropped his arm from around Kyuubi's waist and smiled warmly as Naruto approached them.

"Can't keep him all to yourself, Itachi." Naruto chuckled, embracing Itachi then turned and pulled his brother into a hug. "Happy birthday, big bro! You should've seen the look on your face."

"I hate surprises."

"Yeah, I can tell. If looks could kill, we'd all be dead. Be a little more appreciative. Itachi and I worked hard to put all of this together."

Kyuubi playfully punched his brother on the arm. "You should've fucking told me." Naruto looked at him like he was stupid. "No, I'm happy. I'm just… a little shocked is all. I appreciate all of it. Really."

"Oh wow, if only you sounded like you actually mean it," Naruto said, mocking him. He reached up and touched Kyuubi's hair. "When did this happen?"

"Today."

Naruto grinned. "Well, it's about damn time."

"Shut up."

"Your voice definitely sounds a lot better. Took a break from the screaming, I see."

"I said, shut up."

Naruto moved his arm away when Kyuubi again tried to hit him. He turned and looked at Itachi. "I can't believe we pulled this off."

"All thanks to you."

Naruto saw the glum look on his brother's face and he nudged him, managing to get a small smile from him. "You're a lucky guy. Having a boyfriend like Itachi."

"Yeah, I'm the luckiest man in the world." His sarcasm didn't go unnoticed by Naruto.

"Everything okay?"

Kyuubi smiled brightly. "Everything's fine."

Itachi grabbed Kyuubi's hand and kissed it softly.

"Come on." Naruto grabbed his brother's hand. "Let's go see mom and dad. Come say hi too, Itachi."

Itachi quickly turned down the offer. "I need to attend to my friends. I'll come greet them later if that's all right with you?"

"Not a problem. Come over whenever you're ready."

Itachi kept his eyes on them as they walked across the room. He watched as Kyuubi's parents happily embraced him. He kept his eyes on the happy family for a while before he turned and headed to the bar where his friends were loitering.

"Well, if it isn't the big man of the hour." Hidan laughed, patting Itachi on his back. His silver hair shun like the moon, and his grey eyes were like clouds on a rainy day.

Itachi looked at Hidan and saw nothing but mischief behind a smug grin. "Wipe that grin off your face, Hidan."

"Hey, ease up on him. He's promised to be on his best behavior tonight," Deidara said. Standing beside Hidan, he sipped his cider coolly.

"You'll make sure of it, won't you, Dei?" Hidan said, grinning as he eagerly swung his arm around Deidara's shoulder.

Deidara raised his glass to him. "Remind me again why you invited him, Itachi."

"Aww, that's not fair," Hidan drawled, reaching for his drink. He went and stood beside Itachi. "Now that you're here, Itachi, how about we get some shots in?"

"You already did." Kisame walked over and snatched the shot glass from Hidan, quickly downing it in one gulp. He was a man of few words, he and his brother Kakazu, the last to join the friend group. While Hidan and Deidara grew up with Itachi, Kakazu and Kisame met Itachi in college, enemies to friends, and since then like brothers.

Hidan turned to the bartender and ordered another round of shots.

"Hidan, how's your father?" Itachi asked, suddenly serious.

Hidan took a shot to the head, slamming the glass down when he's finished. "Dad's doing just fine."

"How's the investigation going?"

Hidan stepped forward and wrapped a long arm around Itachi's shoulder. "I don't really feel comfortable sharing that kind of information right now, Itachi. Why are you asking? Are you working for the Feds?" He began patting over Itachi's chest for wires and Itachi quickly shoved him away.

"Be serious for once."

"The investigation's over. There was nothing to find out. No evidence," Hidan said, grinning. "Dad slapped me around a little and that was it."

"If you ask me, he didn't do enough," Kakazu voiced from the side. His father was currently the lawyer representing Hidan's family.

Hidan gestured a gun with his hand and pointed it at Kakazu's head before making a gunshot noise. He laughed while everyone else looked on disapprovingly at his behavior. "How about some more shots?"

"No way. You've had enough." Deidara gave the bartender a stern look. "Don't serve him anymore," he said, and the man nodded.

Hidan took a step forward, stumbling, he grabbed a hold of Deidara's arm for support. "Why you always gotta ruin the fun?"

"Don't make a fucking scene Hidan," Itachi warned him.

"Relax." Hidan straightened himself. "By the way when do we get to meet the birthday boy?"

As if on cue, Kyuubi walked over, appearing to be in brighter spirits. He found Itachi and hugged him, brought him down in a kiss. When he saw the confusion on Itachi's face, he smiled. "I'm saying thank you. For all of this," he explained, and Itachi smiled, nodding his head. "My parents want to say hi," Kyuubi told him. Itachi placed his glass down and wiped the corners of his mouth.

"You've met my friends," Itachi said, and his friends laughed, entertained by his sudden awkwardness.

Kyuubi turned and looked around at the men. They were all so tall and handsome, like models that had stepped out of a Tom Ford catalogue. He smiled at them nervously. He remembered them vividly even though he had met each of them just once, with the exception of Hidan who he had heard about, but had never formally met. They were all so intimidating. From their proper posture, to their auras, rich sons of successful men with the expectation and drive to exceed their fathers or create a legacy of their own. Kyuubi felt inferior in every sense. He was the son of a middle class parents, with no link tying him to this kind of lifestyle other than pure luck, finding love where he shouldn't have.

"Hi," Kyuubi said, and he offered his hand to Kisame who was the closest to him, and was startled when Kisame's hand was slapped away by Hidan's eager hand taking his instead in a firm handshake.

"Kyuubi, right?"

Kyuubi smiled. "Yeah. Hidan right?"

Hidan grinned. "The one and only."

"Okay." Kyuubi chuckled, suddenly awkward. Hidan had a look to him Kyuubi found cunning. He can't explain it well, but there's something in Hidan's grey eyes, almost haunting, a smile that didn't reach his eyes, unsettling yet harmless, a lying snake before it strikes.

"Happy birthday." Kyuubi thanked him and Hidan nodded, shoving his hands inside his pockets. "So, how come Itachi likes to keep you hidden away?"

Kyuubi looked at Itachi and he could see the irritation on his face. "I don't know," Kyuubi said. "I mean, he has his friends and I have my own. We're not really in the same spaces, I guess."

"I'm not talking about business meetings," Hidan said. "You like parties? Clubbing?"

"Sometimes," Kyuubi replied, suddenly on edge when Itachi's hand found his waist and pulled him closer.

"Well, let me tell you, you've never really partied until you've gone to one of my parties. How about you get Itachi to bring you by next time. Missed out on a good one just a few days ago."

"Deidara's birthday party," Kyuubi said.

Hidan eyes practically lit up. "What a night! Wasn't it, Itachi?"

"Stop talking," Itachi said, his jaw clenched.

Hidan grinned. "I'm sure he's already told you all about it."

"Not really," Kyuubi said, laughing lightly. "Why? Did something interesting happen?"

"Kyuubi, you cut your hair," Deidara cut in, swiftly interrupting Hidan who had opened his mouth to say something he shouldn't. "It suits you."

Kyuubi smiled. He doesn't get the chance to properly greet Kisame and Kakazu as they pulled Hidan away to a different section of the bar. They were talking, forcing Hidan to keep seated, and Kyuubi wished desperately to go over to them and continue the conversation of that night. In a way, he's excited to have met Hidan, and at the same time, he understood why Itachi hadn't allowed them to meet until now. If he hadn't had walked over to call Itachi, Kyuubi wondered if he would've gone through the evening without meeting Hidan, getting to hear what he had to say, the secrets Itachi was hiding from him.

"Please excuse Hidan," Deidara said, and Kyuubi raised his brows at him. "He's a little drunk."

"No, no. He didn't say anything offensive."

Deidara nodded, taking another sip of his drink. "Have you had your first legal drink yet?"

Kyuubi shook his head. "I don't drink."

Deidara smiled. "That makes the two of us. Try the ciders. They're pretty good."

"I will."

"You look very beautiful tonight, Kyuubi," Deidara said.

Kyuubi found himself blushing. He could listen to Deidara speak all day. He was a total contrast from Itachi. Fire and ice. Wavy short blonde hair to long flowing black hair, light hazel eyes to dark brown eyes, and delicate features to Itachi's more masculine angular features. They were complete opposites, down to their mannerisms and personality. Deidara was possibly the kindest soul Kyuubi has ever met, gentle in all he did. Kyuubi can't recall if he's ever heard him raise his voice. He can't even imagine it, can't envision Deidara ever angry.

"Come on." Itachi pulled Kyuubi by the waist, dragging him away. At a distance, Itachi peered down at his smiling boyfriend. "What's so funny?"

Kyuubi glanced up at him. "What's this weird tension between you and Deidara?"

"Tension."

"You two are best friends, right?"

"Yes," Itachi said.

"You sure don't act like it."

Itachi stopped walking, pulled Kyuubi around to face him. "Why are you so interested in him?"

"I'm not. I was just—"

"Flirting with Deidara."

"What?"

"I see the way you look at him. Like a goddamn lovesick puppy."

Kyuubi scoffed in utter disbelief. "How fucking insecure can you be?"

Itachi roughly pulled Kyuubi to him, holding his arms in a tight grip. He leaned down, whispering. "I'm already in a bad mood, Kyuubi. Don't fucking push me."

"What? You're gonna hit me in front of everyone?"

"You think I won't?"

"I know you know better."

Itachi rolled his eyes, scoffing in defeat.

Kyuubi hid his frown when they reached his parents. He reintroduced Itachi to them with a smile and forced enthusiasm, doing well to maintain the mirage of a happy couple. After all, his first introduction of Itachi to his parents hadn't gone too well, and it was clear tensions were still high, especially with Minato, Kyuubi's father.

"Glad you both could make it to the party," Itachi said formally.

"You look so handsome tonight." Kushina, Kyuubi's mother, hugged and kissed Itachi on the cheek.

"How are you doing, son?" Minato took Itachi's hand in a firm handshake.

"Itachi," Itachi corrected the man, his tone stern yet respectful. "I'm not your son. I'd prefer it if you just call me by my name."

Minato looked at his son and Kyuubi averted his eyes from his father to look down at his shoes. Kushina cleared her throat and the atmosphere was suddenly more tense than before.

After a while, Minato spoke up. "It means a great deal to us that you did all of this for our son. We are beyond grateful."

"It's nothing at all," Itachi said. He looked down at Kyuubi with a smile. "I love your son. Little things like this is the least I can do to show my love for him."

"Still," Kushina said, "this was very generous of you. Thank you, Itachi."

They stood in silence for a while, though not as awkward as prior meetings between them had been. There was still an air of reluctance, and both Kushina and Minato looked at each other, sharing a silent message, as they sipped their drinks. Deciding to ease away the awkwardness, Naruto pulled his brother aside. Afterwards, Itachi quietly excused himself, returning back to his friends.

Naruto rubbed his knuckles, bouncing back and forth on his heels, "Listen, remember the guy I told you I've been seeing?"

"Yeah," Kyuubi said with a teasing grin. "Why are you so nervous?"

"Because." Naruto sucked in a deep breath. "I kinda invited him to your party."

"Okay, that's fine." Kyuubi shrugged his shoulders. "Why's that a big deal?"

"Well, mom and dad haven't met him yet. And, well, I thought bringing him to your party would make the introduction a little easier since you're here too. I want you guys to like him."

"What does it matter? You're the one dating him."

"I know." Naruto sighed. "He had some event with his grandfather that he couldn't skip so he's a little late. He actually texted me that he's on his way now."

Kyuubi patted his brother on his shoulder. "Can't wait to meet him. Come find me when he's here."

Naruto nodded, and Kyuubi finally decided to go greet his friends. As he approached them, they whistled at him, teasing him. They were by the appetizer table, partaking in the wide variety of food, their small plates filled to the brim. Kyuubi walked over and stole a pretzel bite from their plates.

"Look who finally decided to grace us with his presence." Saiken was Kyuubi's best friend since elementary school. He looked Kyuubi up and down, his jaw hanging low, drooling shamelessly. "Damn Kyuu, you look good."

"Shut up." Kyuubi laughed, gently shoving him. "You guys look better than me." And it was true. They were dressed in expensive looking suits, adorned in accessories Kyuubi has never seen them wear before. "Did someone win a lottery I wasn't aware of?"

"Perks of having a rich boyfriend Kyuu," Saiken said, and beside him Yuta laughed, his mouth full of food.

Yuta saw the confusion on Kyuubi's face and he explained. "Itachi sent us personal tailored suits for the occasion. Even gifted all of us complimentary Rolex to go with it. Told us we can keep everything."

"Wow," Kyuubi said breathlessly. "I wasn't aware."

"Your boyfriend didn't want us sticking out and ruining his image," Yugito said. She was the only female of the group, and she looked beautiful in a red gown, skillfully designed to fit her curves flawlessly. "Can't have us embarrassing him in front of his friends."

"Hey, quit it," Shukaku chimed in, gently rubbing his girlfriends arm and she settled beside him, her shoulders relaxing.

"Finally decided to cut your hair, I see," Yugito said, her eyes on Kyuubi. "Good, now you actually look like a man."

Kyuubi smiled at her. "Too bad you look more like a man than I do."

The two began exchanging small hits and shoves, laughing when their little banter was broken up. Out of the group, they had a relationship like siblings, and they cared for each other just as if they had been born of the same mother and father.

"I'm surprised you're here, Shukaku," Kyuubi said. "You're always too goddamn busy to go anywhere."

Shukaku plopped a pretzel in his mouth. "This one over here would've killed me if I didn't show up tonight."

Yugito kissed his cheek. "You damn right, I would have."

They all laughed, boisterous, as they caught up with each other. Spring break was almost over and soon they would all be back on campus.

"Hey," Yugito said, directing her attention to Kyuubi. "I know I'm not really a fan of your relationship with that guy, but it was really sweet of him to do all of this for you. I mean this dress probably cost as much as my parents mortgage." She raised her arm and the diamonds on her wrist shun as it caught the light. "I'm pawning this after tonight and paying off my student loans."

Kyuubi chuckled. "You should thank him."

Yugito sighed. "Look, I'm sure he's a good guy. Otherwise you wouldn't be with him. But, it's just - gosh- he's just so full of himself." She tried to explain. "I mean, the guy's never once tried to get to know us. Anyway, I can see he makes you happy, and as long as he's treating you good, I'll back off."

Kyuubi smiled, nodding.

"These pretzels are so fucking good!" Yuta was in his own world, his mouth full and crumbs on his face

"How about a dance, Kyuu?" Saiken asked, his hand already stretched out.

"I'm not sure that's a good idea."

"Oh come on, it's bad enough you already broke my heart. It's just one dance."

Kyuubi thought about it, unsure. He sighed in defeat. "Sure, why not?"

Saiken whisked him away to the middle of the room where they danced slowly to the soft music being played by the live band. The guests continued to talk among themselves while some had stopped to watch the two on the dance floor. Saiken held Kyuubi by the waist, hand in hand as they swayed back and forth, closely embraced.

"This feels nice," Kyuubi whispered, his head over Saiken's shoulder.

Saiken pulled back to look at him. "You smell so fucking good."

Kyuubi laughed, embarrassed. "Be careful. I'm taken."

"Yeah, I know." Saiken smiled. "I can see why you chose rich boy over me. I can't throw no parties like this."

"I didn't choose him for his money," Kyuubi mumbled, cuddling into Saiken's body. "I love him."

"Is he treating you well?"

Kyuubi fell silent for a moment. "Yeah."

Saiken heard the hesitation. "You don't sound very convincing."

Kyuubi pulled back from Saiken. Still hand in hand, he peered across the room to see Itachi's eyes on him, his lips in a tight frown. "Every relationship has its problems, Sai."

Saiken followed Kyuubi's eyes to Itachi's. "Don't tell me lover boy is jealous." He laughed.

Kyuubi wasn't laughing. "We should stop now," he said, pulling himself free from Saiken. They began to head back to their friends.

Suddenly, Kyuubi froze. "Oh no."

Saiken looked down at him and it was as if Kyuubi had seen a ghost. "What's wrong?"

"No, no, no." Kyuubi quickly looked over his shoulder at Itachi, saw the dangerous change in his eyes as pure rage took over him.

All hell broke loose.

Kyuubi heard the clashing of tables and glass before he even saw them crashing down. Everything seemed to be happening in slow motion. Deidara was the closest to Itachi and had tried to grab him. But Itachi was fast. He slipped past Deidara, had made it across the room before he was tackled by Kisame and Kakazu, the tables fell as they slammed down onto it. Glass and champagne spilled, covering the floor. It took three men to restrain Itachi.

Pure terror was on Kyuubi's face as he watched Itachi's friends struggle to drag him out of the room. Time had stopped. Kyuubi looked around the room and saw the horror on everyone's face as they watched in utter shock and disbelief at what had just taken place.

"What the hell is going on?" Saiken shouted, and from his side he saw Kyuubi rush away from him. "Kyuubi!"

—

Outside the hall in an empty room, Deidara and Kisame tried their best to calm Itachi.

Hidan and Kakazu stood outside, guarding the door. Suddenly Hidan was laughing, truly entertained by how the night was turning out. "And he was telling me not to make a scene."

"I don't understand what happened," Kakazu said, looking at Hidan, his hands in his pockets. "Why did he just snap like that?"

"He saw his brother," Hidan said, his voice now grim as he ran a hand down his face. "That's never a good thing."

"Kagami?" Kakazu was more confused than ever. He did not see Kagami at the party. What the hell was Hidan talking about? He scoffed. "You're fucking drunk, man."

"Itachi has more than one brother," Hidan told him, no longer laughing, a full 360 degree switch from earlier.

Kakazu frowned. "He never mentioned another brother."

Deidara stepped out the room, appearing as calm as ever. "Someone needs to go back inside and check on the guests," he said, and Kakazu and Hidan looked back at him as if he was a war general and they were his trained soldiers awaiting his command. "Kakazu, can you go. Come up with something. Maybe he had too much to drink and things got out hand. Offer everyone your sincerest apology. Try to get the party back up again."

Kakazu nodded and turned to tend to his task, dragging Hidan alongside with him. Just then, Kyuubi came running down the hall.

"Deidara, I had nothing to do with this." Kyuubi was frantic as he desperately tried to plead his case. "Please, you gotta believe me. I didn't know he was coming. I didn't know."

"I'm not blaming you, Kyuubi." Deidara raised his hand to massage his temples. "Truthfully, this is the last thing I expected to happen. Shit."

"How is he?" Kyuubi asked softly. He's answered by a loud clash of objects falling and shouts of vulgar threats coming from the room.

"We'll get him to calm down. Go back inside, Kyuubi. We have everything under control."

"Fuck, this is all my fault."

"Your parents are probably worried right now. Go back inside."

"I can't leave him like this." Kyuubi looked at the door behind Deidara. "Can I talk to him?"

"You're crazy," Deidara said, eagerly dismissing the idea. He stepped aside as the door opened and Kisame stepped out, looking exhausted.

"I can't get through to him," Kisame said, sounding defeated. "He's doing that thing he does when he's really riled up. When he starts talking to himself."

Before Deidara can respond, two workers approached them, and Deidara can already guess their qualms from the look on their faces. He greeted them kindly, offering a smile they did not return. They're responding to complaints, ready to call security and have Itachi escorted out. This was a professional establishment. Certain behaviors were expected of their guests. Specific protocols and procedures are put in place to ensure guests and staff are all safe. Deidara pulled them aside, and Kisame and Kyuubi watched him as he pleaded with them for their patience.

Kisame turned his eyes on Kyuubi. "Maybe he'll listen to you," he said. "Either that or they call security and shit really hits the fan."

Kyuubi sighed. That had been his intension in the first place. He went to open the door and Kisame moved to follow him inside. "Stay out here. Just in case he tries to get out."

"If you need me, just call me," Kisame said, and when Kyuubi assured him, he opened the door and Kyuubi walked inside.

—

Deidara had managed to get the staff to cooperate with him. They allowed him about ten minutes to get everything in order before they would have to alert the local police. Deidara returned, right away concerned when he found Kisame outside the door by himself.

"Where's Kyuubi?" he asked.

"He's inside," Kisame replied nonchalantly. "I think he's got him to calm down. It's been pretty quiet in there."

Deidara quickly swung the door open. Kyuubi sat on the floor, and across from him Itachi leaned against a table, his tie loosely hanging from around his neck, and his shirt unbuttoned. There's a daze look in his eyes as if he's not present, his mind elsewhere. Deidara knelt down beside Kyuubi, his hand delicately moving over his shoulders. "Are you all right?" he asked softly.

Kyuubi looked up at him. "Yeah, fine," he whispered. "We were just talking. He's okay, now."

Deidara frowned. "Your lip is bleeding."

Kyuubi touched the corner of his lip. "Oh, yeah. I was, um, trying to get him to stay still and talk to me and he, uh, accidentally elbowed me."

"Accidentally."

"Yeah, it's nothing."

Deidara could see the irregularity in his breathing. He doesn't say anything else and helped Kyuubi to his feet. He looked at Itachi and saw the blank stare, his hands that were clenching the edge of the table underneath him. "You're okay now, Itachi?"

Itachi pushed himself off the table and silently stormed out of the room.

"Kisame, go after him. Try to keep him from leaving the building," Deidara said and Kisame nodded and hurried after Itachi.

Deidara looked at Kyuubi and saw him barely able to stand up straight. "What did he do to you?"

"Nothing. I'm okay." Kyuubi breathed out. His face twisted in pain as he turned his back to Deidara.

"I can see you wincing every time you take in a breath."

Kyuubi shook his head. "I'm fine."

"Kyu-"

"Dei!" Kyuubi sighed. "I said I'm all right. Please just drop it."

Deidara forced himself to keep still as Kyuubi walked past him. "Where are you going?"

"Home. I'm not in the mood for cake."

Deidara frowned. "Damn it, Kyuubi."

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This was a tough one to write. Thanks for reading. Leave reviews.