Disclaimers: Naruto is not mine, sadly. This is purely a fanfic using someone else's characters.

Warnings: This story includes strong language, violence, sexual assault, torture, sexual content (yaoi), & angst.

It's All In Your Head

Chapter 40: Choose

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"I already told you I wouldn't" Naruto said, fighting to keep his voice steady.

"Then I guess Kyuubi can wait."

Something pained flashed in those big blue eyes. "You're.. not hurting him, are you?"

Itachi tilted his head, eyeing the blonde who was still very much in his grasp, and in his control. "Why should that concern you? Three years ago that demon tried to take your body from you- do you not recall?"

"I asked you if you're hurting him" Naruto snapped, ignoring everything else.

"And I'm choosing not to answer."

He's doing this to force your hand, he thought. It's obvious that he wants you to feel like you don't have a choice.

But..

He thought about Kyuubi, trapped in his body and utterly alone. He didn't know if he was simply trapped- unconscious and unaware of his own suffering- or if he was being tormented, brutalized and scared in a place Naruto couldn't get to.

The Nine Tails was easy to rile up and pretty consistently a prick, but he didn't deserve that. He saved my life- so many times. At the expense of himself. He endured all the pain I couldn't and, even when he's being an asshole, he never turns his back on me.

How could I turn my back on him the one time he actually needs me..

He owed Kyuubi his life a hundred times over, and he wanted to help him, but he didn't want to let Itachi back him into a corner like this. I mean.. fuck, am I really going to let him kiss me?

He didn't want to, but he cared about Kyuubi and he needed him in order to escape- to save them both. He couldn't do shit without him, and he figured the likelihood of Itachi doing it anyways at some point grew every moment he remained his captive.

But if I let him do this.. what if he doesn't stop? He was worried that it might just fuel Itachi's desire, putting himself in a position worse than the one he was already in. The thought was beyond terrifying.

And what if he doesn't follow through with his end of the deal? He's been fucking with my head this entire time; he could be lying. This could just be a ploy to make me submit to him.

What if I let him do this and it ends up being all for nothing?

Then what?

"Why would you want to do this?" Naruto murmured. "You know I don't want to. Doesn't that bother you?"

"Of course it bothers me" Itachi said, his voice low and husky, "that's why I'm hoping to convince you that you do."

"By forcing me into it."

"By giving you a chance to try it."

"If.. if I agree to let you.." he swallowed, "would you really let Kyuubi go?"

"Would you stay?" Itachi asked. "If you had the Nine Tails' power, and the chance to flee, would you leave or would you honestly stay to help me get Sasuke his Mangekyou?"

"I-"

Just tell him what he wants to hear.

"I would stay."

Itachi studied his face, those dark eyes seeing everything he couldn't hide. He sighed. "You're not a very good liar either, Naruto."

The blonde looked away, frustrated that his thoughts were so obvious- that he couldn't seem to get anything past the observant raven. "You have a barrier" he tried. "I won't be able to leave even if I want to."

"I can tell you don't really believe that."

Naruto bit his lip, not sure what else he could say to him, how he could refuse his offer while still saving Kyuubi from whatever hell Itachi had thrown him in. He knew he needed to do something, but he wasn't left with a lot of options.

"How do I know you'll actually let him go?" Naruto said quietly. "How do I know you'll stop after just one.."

His voice trailed off. He didn't want to say it, didn't want to invite the image in either of their heads. Especially when he hadn't made up his mind yet.

"I guess you'll just have to trust me."

Naruto's brows furrowed. "I'm your prisoner- how can you expect me to trust you?"

"Because you know I want you to be more than that."

"Please don't make me do this" Naruto choked, his voice cracking along with his composure. He sounded so fucking pathetic, even to his own ears, but he couldn't stop himself from trying one last desperate plea.

He wasn't surprised that it didn't work.

Itachi's hold on the back of his neck tightened and he forced his head closer, lowering his own so their mouths were just inches apart. "What will it be Naruto?" he breathed. "How much does the Nine Tails mean to you?"

His eyes dropped to the blonde's lips. "Enough to give me a chance..?"

His eyes found those pained blues, but he was quick to avert his gaze- finding his mouth once more instead. Itachi didn't want to stop- didn't want that look to change his mind. His feelings for the blonde had grown over the last couple weeks, and he was getting impatient.

He wanted a taste.

He'd prefer to have his consent, but if Naruto kept pushing him away like this he wasn't completely sure he'd continue waiting for it. At some point, he might just have to take it- whether he wanted him to or not.

Naruto's hands were trembling. His chest clenched tight, painfully so, and he was embarrassed to find that his eyes were brimming with tears. He opened his mouth to speak, but nothing would come out. He closed it, attempted to swallowed back his fear, and despite his better judgement finally gave a small hesitant nod.

Itachi smiled.

"Good choice."

Author Note:

I'm sorry for the short chapter everyone! But, I mean, you guys know how much I enjoy being dramatic~

-Flourishes a scarf theatrically. A studio audience appears out of nowhere and gives a round of applause.*

"Ahhemm.. yes. I suppose I have a knack for it.."

Speaking of which:

"Cinnamon! My lovely angst horse, will you accompany me to the next chapter?"

-Holds out a hand. Imaginary angst horse drops a hoof in it. Exchanges angst smirks*

"Let's go traumatize our readers."