Sorry for the long update. My computer had been acting up and still is is. So freaking annoying. Also, I didn't get a chance to edit so I hope there's not a lot of mistakes.

Bitter Hate Turns Sweet will be updated next.

Interesting chapter, a look into Naruto's and Sasuke's past.

Thank you for reading! :)

Chapter 11: Cards Played in His Favor

Flashback

The dutiful man stood before the large double doors, his face stern and his middle aged body agile with caution for the twelve year old stood by his side. After a clarification of his identity, the double doors are open and a security guard awaits them inside to escort the duo to which ever wing they wished to attend.

The walk is not long, little to ten minutes before the three are trudging down a long corridor, one that easily becomes familiar to the young boy for the reason that this was not his first attendance within the large complex.

Stationed security guards beside the walls watch him with great fierceness, ready on command to defend their person at hand when any sort of danger for the young master residing within that wing is depicted.

The young blonde never understood why they believed he could be a source of harm. Based on his slight chubby built and innocent personality, he held no capability of causing harm. Nonetheless, he was viewed in equality to a mad man or a notorious criminal in the eyes of the strict commanded guards.

Now in front of an enormous single door, the escort gave a sequential knock to the object and once opened, a hushed conversation amongst the two guards began. It's not long before the tall man inside lowered his gaze onto the young teen and nodded for him to enter while he remained closely beside him.

The blinding light is not something to easily adjust to, especially when you walk from the dark lit corridor through the door. The living room is fairly large, about the size of a small auditorium. There's a pair of security guards stationed within, armed and bold.

"Hello, young master Uzumaki, how are you?" A man around the age of sixty approached the young teen gingerly, a genuine smile over his lips.

Naruto smiles at the sight of perhaps the nicest human he had ever come across, apart from his parents, and hurriedly rushed to his side. "Hello Eichi, I'm doing well and you?" He asked enthusiastically.

The man gently ruffled the vibrant blonde hair, laughing lowly. "I'm doing well also." His tone is groggy and low, mimicking his age. "Young master is in his bedroom." He notified.

Naruto bowed thankfully and excitedly ran down a short path and up a small flight of marble stairs into a conjoined bedroom setting within the living room, separated by a traditional Japanese household divider, one that is thick and stood firmly in place.

"Sasuke, I'm coming in." Naruto respectfully announced his presence before entering into the soft lit room, the walls painted in a passionate cherry color with maroon bedsheets and pillow sheets to match, other entertainment appliances stationed by the walls. "Hi, Sasuke." Naruto greeted as he approached the boy sat on the oversized bed.

"Hello kitten," The raven momentarily gazed at the blonde before returning his attention back to the cellular device in his hold. "Mother wants to come visit me and so I have to set up an appointment for her to come over." He informed his dear best friend.

"You're life is so weird Sasuke." Naruto thoughtlessly commented, followed by a short laugh. He settled his bag down onto a armchair by the door before making himself comfortable by Sasuke's side.

Sasuke took the time to finish messaging his mother of when he is available for a visit due to his busy schedule of endless studies and preparations for his planned future. "What do you mean?" He turned to Naruto, the blonde's previous comment still fresh in his mind.

Naruto once again laughed, twitching his fingers nervously in his lap. "Just that, you know, who has to make an appointment to see their own mother. Also, you're home is like a museum, so many securities and doorways." He tried to explain his point the best way he could.

The Uchiha was silent as he interpreted the words spoken to him. "Ah, I see. So, you feel pity for me kitten, is that it?" He asked the question monotonously.

Naruto knew exactly where this was heading. For the past year or more that he has known Sasuke, he knew the Uchiha easily misunderstood innocent inquiries or statements and often took offense to inoffensive commentaries. "I didn't mean anything by what I said Sasuke, I was just expressing my observation of your life, that's all."

Sasuke said nothing, simply grabbed a hold of Naruto's right hand and led him into the adjacent bathroom in his bedroom, one that was also large in size and elegantly decorated. "Take off your shirt." He instructed.

Naruto was dumbfounded. "What?"

"Come on, just take off your shirt, hurry up." He walked little down the bathroom to where his cabinets were and pulled out a small bag out of the bottom drawer. By the time he reached the mirror he was at before, Naruto had discarded his uniform shirt like he was instructed to do. "Do you know why I call you kitten?"

"I always thought it was just a pet name." Naruto answered cautiously.

Sasuke grinned, unzipping the bag placed over the large counter beneath the exceptionally wide mirror. "You're partially correct, it is in fact a pet name for you but I also call you that because your personality reminds me of a kitten."

"Personality?"

Sasuke nodded and cupped his right hand over Naruto's cheek, his left hand stationed over the counter, allowing his body to create a cage around the confused boy. "But I'm beginning to notice that you're appearance doesn't quite resemble my endearing name for you." His intentions suddenly became clear. "What can I do to change that?"

"Sasuke, I'm sorry if you took offense to what I said about your family. I honestly didn't mean-" He is silenced by a hand gently clasped over his mouth.

"Shh, will you calm down." Sasuke removed his hand previously covering Naruto's mouth and instead moved it to tightly cup the blonde's chin and harshly turn his head to the side to receive a good view of the plump cheek. "I won't hurt you Naruto, not much at least."

Naruto's body goes stiff in fright, his hands which held the counter tightly trembled with his entire being. Not too long a cool metallic object is pressed highly against his cheek bone and within less than a second, the sharp object is dug deeply into his skin and drawn from near his nose to nearing his ear.

"That wasn't too bad was it?" Sasuke watches tentatively at the red substance that slowly seep from the deep whisker resembling cut he'd created. He is pleased when Naruto doesn't shed a tear, big blue eyes instead widened in shock.

Naruto's strong determination not to grant Sasuke the satisfaction of falling tears becomes futile after six deep cuts are carved on his face, three on each side of his cheek. His salty tears intensifies the harsh burn of his wounds, the warm crimson liquid cascading down his face and onto his bare chest.

"They should heal within a weak." Sasuke finished cleaning the boy's wounds and bandaged them neatly. "Do they hurt?" He asked in genuine concern.

"No." Naruto simply replied. He turned around to face Sasuke whom in return trailed his fingertips ever so gently over the bandaged cuts. "I'm sorry if I offended you." He apologized once again. He knew Sasuke did all of this because of what he had said earlier.

Sasuke brought the young teen into his body for a warm hug. He placed a gentle kiss on his head and held him tightly in his embrace. "I love you kitten. I always will."

End of Flashback

The pair sat beside each other aside the Scandinavian designed long table within the dining hall of the suite, three of Sasuke's most trusted guards opposite of them and sharing in the delight of the plentiful cuisine Sasuke had ordered in a hidden way to impress his special guest.

Naruto, was to say the least bit uncomfortable, his cheerful personality and delight to gravitate towards new people made him quite talkative with the guards whom he was somewhat shock to find were simple and down to earth.

Jason, a long term bodyguard to the young Uchiha and held a brotherly bond with the teen, was in the middle of sharing a tale of one of Sasuke's many comical mischievous adventures over the years.

It would be hard at a times for Naruto to hide his fondness, especially when Sasuke would grace him with his large ear to ear smile or blush meekly in embarrassment when a childish thing he had done is brought up. Naruto almost forgot how beautiful the Uchiha could be, both in personality and appearance.

"You really haven't changed, have you?" Naruto asked after calming from his laughter.

"What can I say, old habits are hard to break." Sasuke responded with a breathtaking smile, all pearly whites in full view.

Naruto smiled back, the blush upon his cheek does not shy away when Sasuke grasps his hand in an innocent notion beneath the table.

"Okay Sasuke, should I continue or have you suffered enough?" Jason shuffled a spoon full of food into his mouth.

Sasuke raised an eyebrow and looked at the man. "Maybe I should speak instead, and inform Naruto here of your sad defeat to Tsukasa." He taunts with a knowing grin.

The two other security guards engage in laughter while they tease their friend who is suddenly bright red and head bowed in shame. "Touché, Sasuke, touché."

And Naruto can't help but to laugh along with the rest, knowing that within all these years, Sasuke was within good hands and not alone. That Sasuke had become more open towards others and not just him, and just perhaps, his new found openness to others will allow him to change and fall away from his traditional act of possessiveness.

The classical bar located down in the lobby was a perfect place to associate with old friends, to meet with colleagues, or to just treat oneself to a few drinks, something the long haired Uchiha had intended to do.

Sadly, his intentions of drinking his worries away until he was a form of unstable movements and forgotten mannerisms are seized when his ethical, strict, and influential older brother decided to accompany him with the goal of keeping a watchful eye on him.

Itachi had managed to maneuver his way to a secluded pud hidden from the rest of entirety where he sat comfortably on the black leather seat with a single melt whiskey in his right hand, his eyes adoring the lavishing Japanese historical décor on the cream colored walls.

"There you are." Reira sighs in exhaustion and places her hands over her hips. She looks at the man that purposely evade her sight and scoffs before seating herself beside him. "You ask me to accompany you here and then you just disappear." The soft volume of the music allows her to express her confusion in a soft voice.

Itachi takes a small gulp of the alcohol concentrated drink into his body before answering. "I needed to escape my brother's eyes and I didn't have time to find you during the process."

"Wow, your words comfort me to no end." Reira settles for sarcasm to ease the mood, however, the warning glare sent her way is enough to silence her. "You've been in a foul mood the whole day, Tachi what's.."

"What did I say about referring to me by that name?" His tone obtains evident annoyance but remains in its usual low octave.

Reira simply lowers her gaze to her lap, the sudden threatening atmosphere suddenly becoming uncomfortable. "You used to come to me whenever you were in need of comfort." She places her purse on the glass circular table before her and takes Itachi's free hand into her own, cradling the larger hand within her smaller ones. "You use to crave my touch, it use to calm you but now it seems.. even I can't do nothing to help you."

The man lifts his gaze to finally greet the beautiful woman by his side. "Just your presence alone is now enough to comfort me." He assures, a genuine smile marring his lips.

Reira is no doubt a bit taken back by the statement but nevertheless shows her support for her friend by bringing the man's hand to her lips, gently pressing a kiss to the soft skin.

Itachi goes further however and gently caress the woman's cheek and slowly leans in. His soft thin lips takes a hold of Reira's pink coated lips for a genuine kiss, his admiration and love for the woman's loyalty expressed in that simple gesture.

Reira shock is short lived as she presses her lips deeper into the kiss. Their lips move together in a slow pace, a chaste kiss that requires no tongue but still maintains the same amount of genuine passion from both sides.

"Sir, sorry to bother you but Shusui requires your attention immediately." One of Itachi's guard stood aside by the pub is now before him.

The man slowly pulls from his moment of endearment and accepts the cellular device offered to him. "Hello." His nonchalant expression slowly begins to form into one of unexpected panic and confusion. "Where are you now?" He questioned sternly, removing himself from his situated setting and out of the bar. "Yes, bring him here. We'll take care of the rest when you're here." With little words exchanged, Itachi ends the call and hurriedly rush towards the reception desk.

The night was late into the hour of eight.

The Uzumaki had just arrived at his apartment complex, the limo he had traveled in parked before him. It's strange, it's his second time inside the large, extravagant vehicle and yet he still can't seem to adjust to the experience..

"Do you have plans for tomorrow?" Sasuke questioned, his identity hidden by a basic baseball cap placed over his head.

Naruto thought for a moment. "Yeah, I have to go to the library with M- um- a friend of mine for a study session." He's quick to deliberately not mention Menma's name in front of the Uchiha, fear of what Sasuke's occasional jealousy might prone him to do.

Sasuke watched him suspiciously but said nothing. "When will you be back?"

"Around like six pm, I guess." He's thankful Sasuke does not question him of his "friend" and why he chose to hide his name. The Uchiha did not find interest in many things, it was traits like these that Naruto was thankful for.

"Don't eat dinner, I'll take you out to one of my favorite diners." Sasuke offered with a hopeful smile.

Naruto nods to his offer eagerly and smiles. "Okay."

"I'll text you the details, now that I have your number." Sasuke brings his blonde into his arms for a farewell embrace and gently press a kiss to his head. "Have a good night, kitten. Perhaps another time, you'll invite me inside." The smirk is prominent in his voice as he heads towards his ride.

Naruto waves him a goodbye and allow the vehicle to be out of sight before exhaling out a deep, long breath of air. "Oh my gosh." He runs his fingers through his hair and leans back against the door behind him, his mind replaying his eventful afternoon and night.

The specialist doctor stood about 5 foot 4 with an unshaven grey scuffle around his mouth, a medic bag in his hand. He bowed his head to the tall man he faced before he quietly excused himself from the room.

The room is not very large in size but also far from small. It's holds basic hotel appliances and a single full bed settled in the middle. The light is dimmed, the ceiling fan set to a low pace, allowing cool air to surround the atmosphere.

Sadden eyes gaze upon the sedated body soundly asleep within the bed, the heavy blanket settled lowly beneath his chest. Small sweat beads lingers over his forehead, lips tightly shut and chest occasionally heaving up and down due to his intake of oxygen.

With a heavy sigh exhaled, Itachi stepped into the corridor of the hotel, quietly closing the door behind him. He calmly instructed two of his trusted guards to keep by the door and allow no one under any circumstances entrance inside.

"How is he?" The young assistant scrolling through a cell phone stops and faces the Uchiha once the man steps into their suite.

"His body collapsed from excessive exhaustion and lack of sleep. He should be okay." He explained vaguely.

Shisui nods his head and hands Kyuubi's cellphone in his right hand to Itachi. "I've messaged his brother and the woman I saw at his apartment of a false alibi."

"Good, thank you. It would be a hassle if they got the police involved." .

Shisui allows for a few a minutes to go by to calm the nerves before he makes he speaks. "Will you talk to talk to him?" He questions with a careful tone.

Itachi loosens his hair out of its usual tight ponytail, allowing the long silk like follicles to cascade freely down his back. "I don't know."

Shisui nods understandingly and excuses himself from the room after he gives a reassuring squeeze to his best friend's shoulder.

Itachi rests his back against the door and closes his eyes. He asks himself the question he had neglected all these years.

Is he truly ready to face Kyuubi after all he's put him through?

Though, the time must be right, since it seems the cards all seemed to play in his favor.

Long chapter I know but thank you so much for reading.