Notes: Thank you for giving your time to review my story! It makes me very happy. Since I'm such a slowpoke I wouldn't be surprised if you gave up on me. So thank you very much for reading. Here is the ninth part. Let me know what you think of it.
Part 9
"Hinata-sama?" said a young waiter enquiringly, holding up a silver tray. On it were several glasses of sherry.
Hinata turned halfway to look at the waiter, not really comprehending his words. She had been deep in thought. "Yes?" she asked unsurely.
Instead of answering, the waiter lifted his tray to bring the glasses to her attention.
"Ah! N-no thank you," Hinata said with a small declining move of her hand. As the man continued onwards, she let out a sigh and moved in discomfort. As if the corset hadn't been tight enough before, now that she had had lunch she could barely breath. She tried to draw in a deep breath but her lungs, pressed tightly by her baleen tormentor, refused to be filled. Hinata winced in pain. A glass appeared, seemingly out of nowhere, and Hinata started backwards. She turned to look but even before she could see who had come to her side, she recognised the voice which urged her to take the glass.
Itachi flashed a slight smile at Hinata's surprise. "Excuse my poor manners. I should not have frightened you so." He paused long enough for Hinata to stutter in opposition. "I saw you standing here all on your own and came right away. Such opportunities will be scarce from now on, will they not?"
"Eh?"
Itachi reached out and put the glass he had thrust in front of her face earlier into her hand. Then, without bothering to ask for permission, he touched her glass with his. A soft cling accompanied the act. Itachi leaned forward so that his mouth was near Hinata's ear. "Maybe you should loosen your corset before the dance," he said softly.
Hinata's face was covered in crimson in a blink of an eye. She spluttered into her glass ungracefully and threw Itachi a shocked look.
Itachi's lips curved slightly upwards. He leaned back and immersed himself in drinking.
Silence fell again and Hinata was left with the wine glass in her hand and nervous like a deer who had sensed danger. She glanced around to ease her pressured mind and noticed Kiba looking at her worriedly and offered him a weak smile. The boy looked at her for a while longer but then his companion demanded his attention and he turned away. She sighed.
"Uchiha," Neji suddenly said over Hinata's head, startling Hinata so that she nearly dropped her glass.
"Mm?" Itachi asked. His lips quivered from a smirk he was trying to suppress.
Neji didn't take kindly to his response, as Hinata noticed no matter how hard she tried not to notice anything. She turned around and stepped back a little to give room to Neji and the desert prince who was accompanying him. She was envious of Prince Gaara who stood in his place looking like nothing in this world could move him in the least.
"I've noticed that you have spent your time with...Lady Kin recently," Neji said coolly with a barely detectable trace of venom in his voice. Hinata couldn't help but wonder once again why Neji seemed to think so ill of Itachi.
"Have you?" Itachi asked. The smirk had disappeared from his lips but his eyes mocked Neji so clearly that nothing else was needed.
"May I offer you a piece of advice?" Neji went on, forcibly ignoring the taunt.
Itachi raised a quizzical brow. "It is unusually kind of you, Hyuuga. I am touched beyond words."
Neji's upper lip twitched. "As you should be, I'm sure. But, be that as it may, since your reply was favourable, I shall share some of my knowledge with you. It might be better, for your sake, to be more careful around that woman. Appearances can be deceiving, as they say. I do not think that being close to...hm...Lady Kin...will benefit you in any way. On the contrary, it might bring you to your ruin. Ah, but," a small smile flashed on Neji's lips as he finally looked straight at Itachi, "it could be that not everyone would be sad to see you gone. However, we are, of course, related so I will do my best to keep you safe."
Hinata had a feeling that even if she would've welcomed such protective words with gratitude, Itachi did not appreciate them. The tightening of the Uchiha heir's jaws told of his displeased attitude.
"Indeed," Itachi said with a tense smile, "you are so kind today that I can hardly recognise you."
Neji smirked openly. "Is that so? Well, I just got married. Maybe that is why." He lifted his glass at the blushing Hinata and took a sip.
For a moment Itachi remained silent. Then his lips curved into a smile again. "Perhaps. There is one thing I would like to know, though, if you do not think it rude of me."
Neji cast him a wary glance. "And what is it?"
"How do you know so much about Lady Kin? An old acquintance?"
Hinata tensed. She hadn't wanted to think about it. It did, indeed, seem suspicious that Neji knew so much about Lady Kin. Hinata gripped her glass tighter. She braved a glance at Neji and for a second she saw clearly from his expression that Itachi had hit a mark. Hinata's throat contracted and she hurried to swallow a gulp of wine to get rid of it. She was sure Lady Kin had been something important to Neji. Why else would the normally stoic man suddenly become so agitated? Maybe it was even worse, maybe they still shared something. Maybe Lady Kin was Neji's mistress. That was why he didn't like Itachi being near her.
"Yes," Hinata heard Neji answering in a detached tone. "An old acquintance, as you said."
Hinata wished Neji had denied it. How pitiful was she, finding out about her husband's mistress on the day of her marriage!
"Hinata," Neji continued, taking her arm. "Shall we go? I heard the quintet starting to play just now."
"Ah! Y-yes, of course." Hinata looked around for a place to set her glass but was relieved from her task by Neji who took it and gave it to Itachi.
"I'm sorry but we are in a hurry. You don't mind taking care of that, do you, Uchiha?"
Itachi's face didn't show what he thought of it. He took the glass and bowed slightly in Hinata's direction. "Most definitely not," was his answer.
Neji swept Hinata away before she could thank Itachi. For the rest of the evening she continued to be strung along with her new husband. She felt a strange detachment, like she was in a dream. But she was brought back to reality when Neji led her to her father and asked for a permission to withdraw with the explanation of her being tired. Even though he hadn't asked her for her state of mind, she really was tired and very thankful to Neji for presenting this opportunity to escape the staring crowd. When they had received permission and left the ballroom she suddenly felt sleepy and stumbled on the stairs. She wondered why her room couldn't be situated on the ground floor where it would've been much more convenient.
"Are you all right?" Neji asked when she tripped and held her more closely.
"Um...yes. Just...just tired."
"Well, we'll be in our room shortly. You can lie down there."
"Yes..." It took a while for Neji's words to register in her mind. He had said 'their' room. His and hers. She suddenly remembered she didn't have a room of her own anymore. And the mysterious 'duty of a wife' which was so painful and so necessary still laid ahead. Fright took over her and she clung to Neji's arm, seeking support for her chaotic mind. Neji glanced down at her and lifted his brows in a question but she didn't notice this. They trudged along fairly slowly due to Hinata's staggering steps and Hinata was actually quite glad of this, but eventually they reached their room and Neji opened the door for them. A fire was lit in the fireplace and Hinata's hairbrushes and nightgown were neatly placed in order. She gulped as she realised this meant that the maid would not come tonight to help her get undressed. She thought of the numerous tiny buttons on her back and wondered if she could ever manage to unbutton the dress. Still, she would try; it would be too embarrassing to ask Neji for help.
"Are you really all right?"
Hinata snapped out of her thoughts and realised she had been standing in her place for several minutes now without saying a word. She squeezed a half-smile at Neji and assured him she was alright. She walked unsteadily next to the dressing table and begun to undo her hair. It took quite a while. She didn't dare to look up to see what Neji was doing. She wasn't even sure if he was in the room anymore. She hadn't heard anything in some time now. She sat a moment with her hands in her lap, unsure of what she should do now. But eventually it occured to her that no matter what, she couldn't just sit there all night. So, thus motivated, she lifted her hands to her neck and started unbuttoning her dress. The buttons were small and difficult to grasp. Six topmost buttons she could still do herself but then she came to a definite halt. No matter how she twisted her body she could not reach the next button. She struggled to do the impossible when suddenly she felt fingers on her hands. Letting out a surprised cry she started forward, away from the intruding fingers. She glanced up at the mirror and saw Neji looking at her through it with his head slightly to the side.
"Ah, s-sorry," she stammered, her face as red as the drop of blood on Neji's finger. She had accidentally scratched him with her nails.
Neji wiped the blood away indifferently. "Doesn't matter. More importantly, it seems rather difficult to open that dress by yourself."
"Oh! Um...it's...it's..."
"Just sit tight. I'll unbutton it." Hinata felt his fingers on her neck and shivered. "Don't move. These are pretty tricky." They passed the next five minutes in silence, Neji concentrating on the buttons and Hinata trying to concentrate on anything which was not related to Neji. It proved quite difficult with his hands going steadily down her back.
"There," he finally said, stepping back. "Can you do the rest yourself?"
Hinata jumped up. "Y-yes! Thank you." She had dropped her dress to the floor before she could even fully comprehend what she was doing. She blushed darkly and turned hastily around to cover it, hands clamped to the hem of her underdress.
"Your corset seems pretty tight. Can you open it?"
"Yes!"
"You sure?"
Hinata could swear she heard a trace of a smirk in Neji's voice. Could it be he was embarrassing her on purpose! "Ye..es, thank you." She brought her hands nervously to the small of her back, searching for the strings which kept the corset tight. She found the ends but apparently today's stress had been too much and the strings refused to open. She pulled; first gently and then with more and more force but in vain. Finally she peeked over her shoulder to locate Neji. He was sitting on the bed with only his trousers on. Hinata whipped her head back, her face covering in crimson. She hesitated a while but since she couldn't postpone it endlessly, she finally said in a small voice: "Um...N-Neji-san...I..."
Without a word Neji stood up and came to her. He pulled on the strings a couple of times and Hinata felt her corset loosening. Air rushed into her lungs and she coughed in surprise. She felt extremely hungry all of a sudden and couldn't hide a small growling of her stomach. She was embarrassed but relieved to be able to breath freely again. She bent her head back to look at Neji and to thank him and noticed the man smiling down at her. The corset fell to the ground as Neji bent down and touched Hinata's lips with his own. Hinata felt his breath on her mouth. It was a strange feeling. Neji's face was a blur in her vision, he was too close for her to see him clearly. Hinata's heart leaped up her throat.
Neji straightened, still smiling. He tapped her nose with his forefinger. "You can do the rest on you own, can you not?"
"Ye...yes." Hinata could barely find her voice.
"Very well then." Neji walked calmly back to the bed and sat down.
Sasuke and Naruto sat side by side in a small alcove, hidden from view by a velvet curtain. Candlelight illuminated their faces and sparkled on their jewellery, creating an intimate atmosphere which they were not aware of. Naruto had a saucer on his knees and he kept helping himself to its contents while talking ceaselessly at the same time. Sasuke looked at him silently, wondering when he would choke. He was sure it would happen eventually.
"Did you see that man who was running around Sakura-chan? Did you see how ridiculous he was? He even wore perfume, I'm sure of it. Did you notice? It was the same sondeli smell ero-sennin always has about him when he returns from the Gardens. Maybe he lives there and the smell stuck to him. But why would he live there? He would have to be very rich. Ero-sennin is always out of money because he loiters there. Do you think that fellow is rich? It would be good for him, looking that way...But if he thinks he can steal Sakura-chan with money he'll have another thing coming. Like Sakura-chan would go for a fellow like him! Hey, don't you think?"
Sasuke shrugged. He would not actually mind seeing Sakura married to Mr. Rock Lee. No, not in the slightest.
"Talk about an idiot! Can't he see that Sakura-chan does not want him?"
Sasuke lifted his brows but refrained from saying anything.
"It's not gentlemanly to bother a lady so," Naruto said fervently.
"Ho? So you admit it yourself?" Sasuke leered.
"Huh?"
Before Sasuke could explain they heard a tinkle of bells outside the alcove and then Lady Kin's voice inviting Itachi to sit down. Sasuke and Naruto glanced at each other. They had not had an opportunity to tell Itachi of the conversation between Lady Kin and the suspicious individual they had witnessed earlier that day. With a few signs Naruto wordlessly asked Sasuke if they should go interrupt the two but Sasuke shook his head. He urged Naruto to be silent and leaned closer to the curtain. This could be a good chance to find out what the woman wanted out of Itachi. Naruto complied to his wish and leaned closer as well, barely breathing.
"What were you talking about with the young Lady Hinata?" Kin asked pleasantly when Itachi had sat down beside her.
"Hm? Could it possibly be that the distinguished Lady Kin is jealous? Or am I thinking too much of myself?" Itachi asked back with a soft laugh.
Kin laughed as well. Her quiet giggle came faintly through the thick curtain. "I do not believe you could ever think too much of yourself, Itachi-sama. You must be perfectly aware of your superiority compared to other gentlemen here."
"I'm afraid you are flattering me, Lady Kin. There are some men in here who I do not even dare to compare myself to. But I thank you for your kind words."
"I am not flattering you. I was very well known for my lack of tact in my hometown. I always tell the truth, even if it's unpleasant." Kin laughed again. "I'm a very rash person and hardly think of the consequents before saying something I should not say."
"You must've gotten into a lot of trouble when you were a child."
"Yes, I'm ashamed to admit. The young lady of this house seems to be completely different."
"Hinata-san?"
"Yes. When we talked the other day, I got the impression that she's a very kind, thoughtful little woman. Very pleasant."
"Indeed she is. I could hardly think of anyone who fits Hyuuga Neji worse."
"Oh? What makes you say so?"
A short silence ensued, during which Sasuke and Naruto exchanged looks. Naruto bewildered Sasuke by making a face and rolling his eyes exasperatedly. Sasuke showed his confusion by lifting his brows which seemed to amuse Naruto so much that Sasuke was obliged to press his hand on the other boy's mouth to prevent him from laughing out loud.
Itachi's voice came through the curtain again, his tone light and seemingly aloof. "Merely some friendly rivalry. Hyuuga has always been in my way. Haha, maybe I shouldn't say that. It's not that he's in my way exactly. Just, how should I say it, we've often wanted the same things so rivalry is inevitable, I'm afraid. Even more so since we both come from a good family. It's pressure we've both had to learn to live with." Itachi's words became gradually indifferent, like he was talking about someone else.
After a few moments of silence, Kin spoke again. "My, now you are making me jealous. Could it be that you wanted the same thing as Neji-san this time as well? You're breaking my poor maiden's heart." Clothes rustled. "I grudgingly admit that the young lady is pretty and she has something I can never have again. Meaning, of course, youth. I'm afraid I am already a shame to my family."
"Not at all," Itachi replied politely. "Hinata-san is younger, yes, but not all men prefer young ladies."
"Indeed? I hear people say that sometimes but I have yet encountered a man who doesn't prefer young ladies."
"Shall I show you?" Itachi suggested with a soft tone that sent chills down Sasuke and Naruto's backs. They glanced at each other, both wishing they hadn't had to witness Itachi's flirting session.
"I wonder if I should let you. How about we start with a dance, Itachi-sama?"
"I gladly accept your gracious offer, Lady Kin."
Sasuke and Naruto waited until their footsteps had died away. Then Naruto gave in to the numerous shivers running through him.
"Ugh! That made me nausious. How can he say such things? Isn't he at all embarrassed?"
"He is rather popular with the ladies," Sasuke reminded him. "He must be doing something right."
"Yes, well, I don't
understand what it could be. Hey, maybe I should ask him for a few
tips. What do you think?"
"I don't think all the tips
in the world would make a difference in your case," Sasuke
answered irritably. Itachi was apparently encouraging Kin into a
closer relationship. Why? Could it be that he really was fascinated
by her? It didn't seem likely but it was possible. In any case,
Sasuke would have to tell him about the scene he and Naruto had seen
sooner rather than later. Even though Sasuke didn't really like his
older brother, Itachi was still his family. He wouldn't allow any
harm come to him if he could help it.
"What the hell?" Naruto asked, rather angrily. "Are you saying that I'm so ugly that it won't matter how good my manners are? Because if you are..."
It took a while for Sasuke to adjust his thoughts to what Naruto was saying. "Huh? No, that's not what I meant."
Naruto huffed and folded his arms. "Then what did you mean?"
"Only that you couldn't follow the advice."
"Now you're saying that I'm stupid!"
Sasuke sighed. Then he smirked. "Only a little."
"Arg! I'd rather be stupid than an evil bastard like yourself!"
Sasuke laughed.
Hinata felt she couldn't stall much longer. She had brushed her hair thrice as long as she usually did. She had spent over ten minutes washing her face. Changing into her nightgown had, in contrast, been done very swiftly while Neji had stepped into a dressing room. She had quickly seized the opportunity. But she wasn't sure if it was worth it. Hadn't the maids said that when people got married they saw each other naked? She wished she knew what would happen.
"Is something wrong?"
Hinata was startled by this sudden enquiry and she spun around on her heels, waving her hands to assure Neji that she was quite alright. "No. Nothing's wrong."
Neji lifted his eyebrows but refrained from commenting. Instead he tugged his ribbon open and dropped it to the floor with a lazy movement, letting his hair loose. Hinata gasped. She had never seen him like this. He looked good.
Neji sighed and laid on his back, leaning on the pillows. "I think they've warmed up the bed. You shouldn't stand there in the cold dressed like that."
"H-huh? I-it's...it's not...I'm not cold at all," Hinata stammered, flushing.
"Is that so? Well, in that case, do as you wish." Neji stood up and started unbuttoning the buttons on his hip.
Hinata's eyes widened. "Wh-what..!"
"Hm?" Neji glanced at her.
"Y-you..that is...what are..." Hinata struggled for words. Her face was burning now but to her horror, for some reason she could not look away. She stared at Neji's long fingers lingering above the buttons as if hypnotised.
"What am I doing? I'm getting undressed. I'm tired. Weren't you as well?"
"W-well...yes..." Hinata tried desperately to think what would be the best course of action at the moment. Obviously the 'seeing each other naked' part was approaching with alarming speed. Was she supposed to take off her clothes as well now that Neji had started it? But then what was the point of having a nightgown? Hadn't the maids left it here for her to use? Maybe she would have to show Neji her naked body and then wear it. What was the right thing to do?
During her distress Neji had successfully gotten rid of his trousers and he stood in front of her stark naked. He looked at Hinata closely, forcing her to avoid his gaze and eventually even turn her back to him. Hinata's mind was in such a chaos that she couldn't comprehend her own thoughts anymore. She flinched when she felt Neji's hands on her shoulders. She shivered when Neji leaned closer and spoke near her ear.
"Are you afraid?" The question was soft and gentle but Hinata could not answer. She pressed her eyes tightly close when Neji turned her around. His lips touched hers lightly. "Don't be. It's all right. I will do my very best not to hurt you."
Hinata gasped. So it really would hurt?
Neji grasped her chin and lifted it. "Don't worry. Leave everything to me. I will take care of you. You don't have to be afraid. Hinata, look at me." But she couldn't. She was now shivering uncontrollably. Neji wrapped his arms around her and held her close, trying to calm her down. It took some time but finally Hinata relaxed against him. Neji loosened his grasp to kiss her cheek. "Don't worry."
Hinata stood with her eyes closed, doing her best to adjust to the feeling of Neji's lips on her skin and his arms around her. His lips trailed her features slowly and softly. It was relaxing and Hinata started to forget her fear. But then Neji kissed her mouth again and gently forced his tongue inside her mouth. Her eyes flew open. What was this? She had never heard of anyone doing something like this. And Neji's hands were no longer on her back but moved about the frills of her nightgown, lightly pressing her hips and arms and the small of her back, pulling her so close that her body was flush against his. When Neji carried her to the bed she said nothing and complied to his caresses without a protest. When Neji pulled open the strings on the neck of her nightgown, she remained silent and lay unmovingly under him, rigid with fear. She made no sound when he kissed the exposed skin of her neck. But when his hand finally slided up her bare thigh, she yelped and flinched back.
Neji stopped. He examined her face with a slight frown.
Hinata covered her face with her hands, wishing she could disappear. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry, don't be angry! I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" She felt like dying. She had made Neji angry. Neji remained silent for a long while. Hinata didn't dare to look at him. She wished she hadn't done that. Why was she so stupid? Neji had said that she shouldn't worry, hadn't he? He had said that he would take care of her. So what was there to be afraid of? Stupid, stupid, she repeated to herself. Then she heard Neji sighing and felt his weight shift on the bed. He had sat up but still remained on top of her. Hinata braved a glance. Neji was rubbing the side of his forehead with his eyes closed but then he suddenly opened them and looked straight at her.
"I don't think this is possible but I have to make sure. It couldn't be that...you don't know anything, could it?"
"Um...huh?" Hinata was confused. Neji didn't sound angry.
"What I was doing to you, what was going to happen. You know it, don't you?"
"I...um...uh...S-sorry..."
Neji stared at her. Then he let out a sudden burst of laughter. He rose from his place and dropped down to sit next to her, pressing his forehead in disbelief. Hinata wasn't sure how to react. Why was he laughing? She corrected her clothing, looking down. She started when Neji suddenly patted her head. She turned to look at him, shocked.
Neji smiled at her.
Tears welled up in Hinata's eyes. "I'm sorry. I'm so useless."
"Don't worry. It's very you, very cute."
Hinata blushed. Cute?
"But I can't believe no one told you. No wonder you were so afraid. Listen," he leaned his elbows on his knees and looked at Hinata with a smiling face. Hinata suddenly saw the boy who Neji had once been and memories of their times together rushed back to her. "There's no need to force yourself. Even if we are married we can start things slowly. Nothing has to change for now. So, don't worry about this kind of things. All right?"
Hinata didn't quite understand his meaning but she nodded nonetheless, feeling a bit relieved and a bit confused but kind of good all in all. She slipped under the covers and sighed. Neji followed her suit and they lay in silence. Hinata listened to his silent breathing in the dark. Then she thought of something. "Neji?" she called, unsure of whether he was awake or not.
"Yes?"
"I...um..." she wondered how she should put this. "I just...Could you...I mean..."
"Yes?" Neji repeated.
"T-tell me...about it."
"About what?"
"About...what you...were doing..?"
"Wha..!" Neji seemed extremely shocked.
"Ah, you don't have to! I'm sorry. I won't ask again." She cast her eyes down, embarrassed and regretful. For a long while silence continued but then Neji broke it.
"We'll talk about it tomorrow. Now you should just sleep."
"Ah. Yes!" She was shocked but happy. Neji would explain everything tomorrow. She wouldn't have to be afraid anymore. Neji would take care of her. She fell into a content sleep, not knowing that Neji stayed up long after that and stared at the ceiling with a deep frown.
Orochimaru sat at a table. A lonely candle illuminated the papers spread on the table and the sharp lines of Orochimaru's handsome face. A sliver of silver moonlight came through shut curtains, revealing a simple bed in one corner and a ragged rug on the uneven floor. Orochimaru looked around disdainfully. He had lived like this ever since his banishment but being in Konoha bothered him. He hated hiding in the shanty-town of the city in which he had been born and raised and in which he had lived as a much respected and talented member of the society. His mouth twisted. Yes, he had been respected but what of it? He didn't want to be respected by idiots. There was no meaning in it.
The door creaked open and a dark figure stepped in accompanied by a faint tinkle of bells. Orochimaru saw her reflection in the mirror but did not turn around. He felt a wave of impatience; a feeling he was well acquainted with. He suppressed it, fully aware of the dangers of the troublesome emotion. "Judging by the fact that you're here, you have failed yet again," he said coldly.
Kin flinched. "Yes. My sincerest apologies, my lord. But that man...he is difficult to deal with."
"Difficult to deal with?" Orochimaru repeated. He pressed his palms against the rough surface of the table and stood up, giving Kin a meaningful glare. "First you say you can't handle the Hyuuga brat and now you tell me even Uchiha Itachi is beyond your capabilities? I'm beginning to wonder why I tolerate your presence."
"My lord!" Kin groaned, hastily stepping forward. "I apologise for my worthless whining. Please, allow me to complete my task!"
Orochimaru looked at her with half-closed lids, wondering how much stupider could the woman get. She was so easy to manipulate that her reputation of being a shrewd plotter had begun to appear in a suspicious light to him. Still, there was no doubt of her devotion, she was beautiful and men were fools. That's all Orochimaru needed from her. "Can you complete it?" he asked. It seemed a little doubtful to him, however, it was worth the try.
"Yes! I can. Place your trust in me one more time. I will surely not let you down."
"Very well then. But if you don't start producing results, I'll have no use of you. This is the final warning."
A delighted smile stole across her face. "Yes, sir! Thank you, sir!"
Orochimaru snorted.
Sasuke and Naruto sat in the drawing room of the Uchiha Manor. The house was silent and beginning to get cold since the servants weren't there to keep the rooms warm. It was night and everyone was sleeping. The boys had decided to talk to Itachi in the morning. They would have done it sooner but were convinced that Itachi would not come home that night, being busy with...other things.
"If only we knew who that man is," Sasuke pondered, taking a sip from his glass of red wine.
"Yeah," Naruto agreed. He tapped the surface of the grand table with his fingers while resting his head on the palm of his other hand. His brows were knitted as a sign of a serious thinking process going on in his brain. "What I don't understand is why they are after Itachi? And to think such a pretty woman would do something like this!"
Sasuke dismissed his comment on Kin with a snort but agreed with his second point. "I don't see how you could get to anyone through Itachi. I don't think he has any close friends. So why would they try to influence him?"
Naruto shrugged. His hair had taken on a softer tone of yellow due to the candlelight. He was sleepy and it showed in his eyes and expression but he still tried to concentrate on the topic at hand. He had rarely looked cuter to Sasuke. The ravenhead averted his gaze and sighed. He should stop thinking about these pointless things. Naruto liked Sakura and that was it. No room there for him and that was probably for the best. The sooner he was cured of this infatuation the better.
"Hey, Sasuke."
"Yes?" Sasuke looked at the blonde again and saw him staring at him in a disturbing way. "What is it, dobe?" For some reason he felt necessary to add that familiar insult. For a second it looked like Naruto would lash out but then he looked away, streaks of red colouring his cheeks. Sasuke felt even more disturbed. "What?" he urged even though he wasn't sure if he wanted to hear it.
"Um..." Naruto seemed uncomfortable and he moved restlessly in his chair. "I was just wondering..."
"What?" Sasuke repeated. His voice was now blunt and void of feeling.
"About that kiss."
Dread took over Sasuke. He couldn't say anything.
"Just...What...Why..." Naruto stammered, searching for words.
Sasuke gritted his teeth. What should he say? What did he want to say? That he l-liked... A grimace twisted his mouth. He didn't even want to think of the word. It was better keep the confusing emotions without a name. Easier.
Naruto placed his hand on Sasuke's arm. "Hey, Sasuke. Why did you k-kiss me?"
Sasuke looked away. How could he possibly look at that upturned face? There was no way. "What d..." He swallowed and started again, cursing his weakness. "What does it matter?" Naruto's grip tightened.
"Because! At that time, I thought.."
Naruto was interrupted by Itachi walking in. Their heads snapped in his direction and they stared at him wide-eyed, looking like they were caught doing something bad. Itachi blinked at them and then smirked lightly.
"Well well. Excuse my intrusion. I saw light and thought someone had left candles burning. I didn't mean to interrupt."
"Th-that's fine!" Naruto blurted out, looking rather wild. "Interrupting is fine! Perfectly alright!"
Sasuke successfully fought his body's will to blush. "Actually, we were waiting for you."
Itachi raised his brows. "Indeed? I'm sorry, but I'm not interested in children and most certainly not in my little brother."
"HUH!" Both Sasuke and Naruto were so shocked by this comment that they could not find words to express their disgust. Suddenly Itachi burst out laughing. This new shock rendered the boys completely unable to even think straight. It didn't take long for Itachi to calm down, however, and he soon smirked at them with amused leer.
"Well then. What was it that you wanted from me? After this delightful entertainment I feel obliged to be at your service." He mockingly bowed at them.
Naruto was the first one to regain his speeking ability. "Itachi-san! That was...that was...not funny!"
"There's definitely something wrong with you," Sasuke agreed.
"Oh?" The way he glanced at them sent chills down their spines and they thought it best to forget the whole distasteful joke.
"A-anyway, we seriously wanted to talk to you," Naruto spluttered.
Itachi let his gaze rest on the blonde, making him extremely uncomfortable. "I am eagerly awaiting."
"W-well, the thing is...Sasuke, you tell him."
"Eh?"
"He's your brother."
"You coward."
"What?"
Itachi followed this exchange of words with growing interest but didn't make a gesture to stop them.
"Fine!" Naruto finally snapped. He turned to Itachi and said without any prior preparations: "We think someone is trying to hurt you."
"Because," Sasuke continued when he saw Itachi smile disbelivingly, "we overheard someone talk about you."
Itachi looked slightly surprised but otherwise he didn't seem much affected. "You heard someone talking about hurting me?"
"It was Lady Kin and some strange man," Naruto provided.
"Lady Kin and...some strange man?" Itachi repeated. He looked over their heads. His expression was thoughtful but calm. "What exactly did they say?" he asked after some time.
Sasuke and Naruto glanced at each other and then Sasuke proceeded in reciting the conversation since he was the one with better memory.
A small smile crossed Itachi's lips. "Interesting," he said softly. "Very interesting." With that he left the room, unheeding the boys' calls.