A/N: Alright! Here it is, the first installment to Night's Companion. This is a multi-song fic spanning many of the Naruto characters. And I must warn you most the characters are major OOC! And I have messed with some of the characters ages such as making Ino older and the like. But that's all good right?

This chapter is too set up this little alternate universe, so please bear with us! It looks as if this story will be about five chapters long, and good news! Chapter two is already done!

So this chapter has a wonderfully addicting song called: It's never Enough by Tony del Monaco. Or IDS. Either one. You should really check it out before/during/or after you read the chapter.

Alright a few more things then you are good!

Lyrics are in Italics.

Oh and this is a yaoi. So yeah. Be prepared!

Disclaimer: I own nothing except for the plot.

--A--

Love.

The age of love has always been a game-

get enough

pay attention to passion and leave it behind.

A long black carriage crawled slowly through the paved streets. The curtained windows were a sign to those outside at who laid within. Companions. In the world ruled by night- Companions were those who stood above the rest. Their skills in performing and revealing your deepest passions were unparallel anywhere else in the world. Especially here- in the deep heart of India.

Companions are chosen at young ages- chosen by being plucked from their lives and their families. Sometimes orphans were adopted into the trade selected because of their beauty or skills. These young children became what is known as charges. Those first years are spent at Companion schools across the world. There they learn the basics of manners and higher society- the society of their future patrons. Then at the age of 15 they will make their debuts and become full fledged Companions.

It's never enough.

The two solid black horses trotted forward. Here they were a rare sight. People stopped to make way for the hulking beasts and their cargo. Soft mummers passed between the onlookers. These were new arrivals to their town. It seemed their destination was none other than the best Companion house in the world. The Akatsuki. The blood red A was embellished on the carriages side and branded into the horses. This was highly valuable property being transported- everyone knew to keep their distance.

It finally turned onto a deserted road leading to solid oak gates which bore the same stark A. One of the curtains fluttered softly as the carriage stopped briefly to allow the gates to open. They had arrived.

--A--

The young man was stretched out languidly- eyes glazed over in apparent boredom. The new arrivals would be here soon. Then things might get a little more interesting. It has been four years since he himself had arrived with his fellow charges. Now he was the only one left here.

Itachi sighed and sat up slowly stretching out his thin long limbs. He was careful not to accidentally scratched them on the wooden deck- Pein would kill him if he was to get hurt.

Haku should be practicing right about now. That would be a good first impression for the new arrivals. A veteran performing what he does best…. A small smile crept onto Itachi's face.

He strode into the long hallway that lead out from the private compound of the Companions. The Akatsuki was a large cluster of buildings which surround an impressive courtyard filled with all kinds of floral life and sported a small stream which emptied into a pond of sorts. The Companions personal rooms encircled this courtyard. The kitchens lay to the east- the back of the compound. Patrons and the various people that kept up with the grounds entered through the large gates to the west- where a familiar black carriage was now entering.

The Performance Hall lay right in front of the doors- Itachi made his way there. He swept up the long black robe which hung loosely from his slender yet built frame. It did nothing to hide his rounded form- but it was the only thing he had that wasn't Companion's clothing. His long black hair was pulled into a loose ponytail to be kept out of his immediate vision. His skin was pale- but not unsightly. It gave him an otherworldly presence when amongst those who were not aware of his identity.

As he passed the slightly open doors which lead to the ornate Performance Hall- he could hear a pulsing beat through the ground. Yes Haku was indeed practicing. He passed up the Hall opting for the front gates instead. There he found the black carriage had come to a stop and the skinny driver had hopped down to open the doors. The head of the Akatsuki was there already as was to be expected with the man. Pein stood arms crossed staring apathetically at the carriage door. He had paid a lot for these new arrivals so they were to be inspected upon entry into his world. Itachi came to stand next to him. Pein acknowledged him with a nod.

"Let's see what the outside world has to offer the night, hn?" Itachi remained silent. Pein never expected anyone to answer him and no one ever did. He already knew the answer, even if you yourself did not.

The first to come out was a pale boy with longer hair than Itachi. He squinted against the sudden bright light of the sun. His pale lavender eyes were unique to say the least. The boy was tall and slender. Carrying himself with a certain amount of courage for a charge- he came and bowed deeply before the scrutinizing gaze of Pein. Pein circled him once then asked only one question. "Your name?"

The answering voice was clear and monotonous. "Neji." Pein nodded to the driver to proceed. Itachi eyed the boy. One passed.

The driver waved his hand into the darkness, saying something hurriedly. A timid girl came next. Here appearance was the same as Neji her hair a dark shade of blue. But her eyes were of the same shade as the boy. A matching pair. She nervously stood in front of the two tall figures then did a quick curtsey.

Pein tilted his head to the side. "Your name?"

"H-Hinata." A little shy but she would do. That wouldn't be a problem for long here.

He waved her to the side the looked to the carriage expectantly. The next boy was a polar opposite to Hinata. He blazingly blonde hair shot in all directions- showing his youth and energy. He had piercing blue eyes that were aglow with life and spirit. He bounded out with confidence and excitement- halting abruptly in front of his new bosses.

"Naruto." He said before it could be asked of him. Pein barely blinked at the boy's display. A possibly untamable spirit was always a fun challenge. He nodded and looked back to the carriage. Itachi noted the boy's slight annoyance at being ignored.

The last to emerge actually caused Pein to raise an eyebrow. This boy was slender and pale with hair not quite unlike a certain someone….

Pein turned to see that Itachi was momentarily stunned. This boy was a lot like him. His hair was admittedly shorter but the similarities were startling. They both shared otherworld beauty.

Pein smiled one of his rare smiles as he took the two in. "How lucky am I to receive two of such caliber in one lifetime?" He turned away from Itachi. "Come here boy. Your name?"

The boy looked around briefly before doing as ordered. "Sasuke."

Pein nodded and turned to take the four of them in. "I am Pein the Akatsuki manager. This is Itachi your superior in all things here."

Naruto eyed Itachi doubt shining from his face. "This person here is the world famous Itachi? The only Companion that is forbidden from being sold?"

Itachi found himself stopping his smirk. This charge didn't seem to have listened to any of his lessons on respecting Companions that are your elders. Neji sighed rolling his eyes. "Naruto, show respect."

Naruto shot him a quick glance before shrugging. "Fine. Maybe next time."

Pein ignored the exchange. "He will be in charge of your two month training period before your debuts. Now if you will move along I have other business to attend to.

Itachi-" He had started to walk off but now paused. "Do not be late tonight alright?"

Itachi bowed. "Of course Master Pein." He held the bow as Pein left the charges followed suit. Once he had straightened out he looked over the four briefly the motioned them to follow him. "Haku is practicing right now we shall observe his performance. If any of you share the same skill then you will train under him some during your two months."

"Who is Haku?"

"It is Instructor Haku to you, Naruto. He is another Elder Companion. This is his 18th year. He shall soon be sold. Now remain quiet as we enter."

The small group nudged open the doors Itachi had passed up earlier. A large stage stood at one end of the towering room. The upper story was made up what appeared to be several screened rooms that ran along the entire space. The pillars which supported the upper walkways were elaborately decorated. Rich furnishings were scattered across the room. On the stage stood a tall boy. He was feminine with long black hair that was pulled into a bun. His skin was a shade darker than Itachi's but only just so. He was beautiful as Companions were meant to be.

His hips swayed to the beat as the song restarted. He flashed them a brief smile before shooting into the song.

I'll never be blind to the stars in the sky,

now I'm doing without.

He danced in time to his words- moving with a certain amount of grace while managing to mix in provocative gestures. The four charges stared on in amazement taking in the whole performance.

I'll read to your mind, the ones you left behind.

I'll slip it in your mind.

It's never enough.

The beat pulsed and came to an abrupt ending. Haku held his final pose until the music was completely done.

"Well Itachi? Has it improved?"

"It is just a perfect as it was before Haku. Now allow me to introduce you to the new charges."

Haku pouted at Itachi's dismissal of his performance but quickly smiled again when he saw the four looking at his with curiosity and a bit of admiration.

"That was really good Instructor Haku." Hinata said with a slight blush.

"That was nothing! You should see Itachi here go at it. He is the best of us….." Haku shook his head.

Itachi snorted softly. "Hardly. Now that one there is Hinata. She is shy. Much like Tenten when she first arrived. The one that looks a lot like her is Neji. The blonde is Naruto. And that one is Sasuke."

"Is he a family member of yours?"

Itachi gave him a cold stare. "No. Just mere coincidence." He turned on his heel to face the charges. "Well, can any of you sing?"

Hinata slowly raised her hand then drew it back down. "I- I can."

Haku smiled. "Good! Then you can call me Haku-sensei. I am from Japan originally. What about you?"

She blinked she wasn't use to being addressed so casually by superiors. "I am f-from Japan as well."

"Ah good. I will see you later then. I still have more practice to do. Lord Zabuza is coming to see me again." He stared off into the distance dreamily. "I can't let him down now can I?"

Itachi merely rolled his eyes and motioned the four to follow him. Naruto paused briefly to give Haku a weird look before moving on.

Itachi led them into the courtyard- giving them a brief moment to become accustomed to the large and very green setting. He spotted the two people he was looking for easily. Two young girl sat chatting by the pond. One had platinum blonde hair her green eyes were as alight as Naruto's. She wore a light purple summer kimono showing off her long legs. The other girl had brown hair that was pulled back into two buns. Her kimono was pink and was a bit longer than the other girl's.

Itachi approached them and the two stood bowing slightly. "Hello Itachi! We were just wondering when you would ever come to see us!" The blonde said enthusiastically. Itachi merely shrugged slightly- indicating the charges. She smiled and giggled. "Oh! You brought the children out! Hello dears!"

She leaned forward to examine them pausing briefly on Sasuke and Naruto. "My oh my! What a good crop this is! Look Tenten! These two look like a set, don't they?" She pointed at Neji and Hinata. Neji scowled briefly before smoothing over his expression. Hinata merely stared hard at the ground in front of her.

Tenten smiled "Yes they do. I'm Tenten. I specialize in various acrobatics. For some reason that seems to thrill the clients."

The blonde giggled. "That's because you do it in a skirt silly. I told you that already. I'm Ino. My good looks are enough for me, don't you think?" She struck a pose that had captured the hearts of various clients time and time again. The four nodded dumbly. This was way more that what they had been told in school. Companions were amazing.

Itachi looked to the four. "Well then. Introduce yourselves." He waited patiently till each had said their name. He looked to the two girls. "Have you seen Kisame? I have to start getting ready."

Ino rolled her eyes. "You are more of a woman than we are Itachi- I swear. All that time just to get dressed? Unless…." She gasped. "You have finally taken to Him!"

Itachi hardened his gaze. "I very much doubt that is the case here Ino. You would do well to be silent. Now if you will excuse me…" He turned and sauntered off.

Tenten sighed. "Why do you always provoke him Ino?"

She shook her head. "If he doesn't start to buck up he will never get out of here…."

Naruto tilted his head. "I thought he couldn't ever be sold?"

She smiled at him. "Well…technically he isn't suppose to be. As you know we all eventually get sold to our chosen. Of course that is just the most frequent client. Itachi being the best Companion to ever come through was forbidden from being sold due to his popularity with clients worldwide. But that seems to exclude…..Him."

Naruto huffed. "Who is Him!?"

She giggled and rumpled his hair affectionately. "I'll take this one under my wing. He is quite the looker….and with a little work…." She left the statement standing. Tenten turned to the two remaining charges.

"What about you too? Any outstanding abilities?" Neji remained silent while Sasuke shook his head slowly. Tenten smiled. "Well….I'd imagine that Instructor Itachi will want to tutor Sasuke. So Neji is with me." She held out her hand. "Nice to meet you."

He shook her hand stiffly. "It is nice to meet you as well….Instructor Tenten."

Naruto continued to glare at the other blonde as Tenten engaged Neji and Hinata in conversation. Sasuke stood for a moment watching as the others interacted briefly. Then he wandered off a bit deeper into the surrounding area taking in the vast space that was the Akatsuki. His new home for the next three years.

Finding himself in a long corridor he quietly stole his was along the rooms. At the far end the door was ajar to allow the breeze to blow in on whoever occupied it. From within Sasuke heard voices. He chose to ignore them until he heard his own name. He paused. It was Itachi and another man. Peering in slowly Sasuke found himself a bit taken by the scene.

Itachi sat erect on a stool in front of a low seated wardrobe. A large mirror adorned the wall above reflecting back the pale man's image. A tall imposing figure stood behind him calmly brushing out Itachi's long hair. He wore a skin tight black suit with knee high boots. A blue shirt-vest combination sat unbuttoned on his torso revealing his black clad muscles underneath. He had dark blue hair that was held out of his face by a blue band tied tightly around his upper forehead. Sasuke could barely make out three scars under each of his eyes. What were they from?

Itachi had paused in the conversation as the man pulled through a knot, then he continued. "It is odd how he resembles me….but that doesn't matter. Once I make it through these charges….perhaps then I can leave."

The man smiled sadly. "Itachi….you know better than that. You rack in too much money for Master Pein to just let you go. You know what is bound to happen eventually…He…"

Itachi shook his head, silencing the man. "No. I will not be sold to him. If there is one thing in my life I will decide it is that."

The man shrugged. "Alright….if you say so Itachi….but what about this kid? How do you think he will do?"

It's never enough

Itachi was silent for a moment, thinking over what he thought of the boy. Slim, young, and beautiful. Just like him. What if…..He were to take an interest in the boy? Itachi knew that He would not just abandon Itachi…..He had already put too much time in the young man. But this new boy would provide him with a temporary distraction….

But still….

It's never enough

"He will do fine I am sure. I will teach him what I know. Nothing more and nothing less. Why do you ask Kisame?"

The other stopped brushing. "Dunno. I just got this feeling about him. I think something might change around here with these new charges. Remember when Kakashi came through before us?"

Itachi smiled. Kakashi had changed the entire rating system of Companions everywhere raising the standard. Itachi had been the only Companion to ever surpass Kakashi's performance. That was why he was such a legend himself. Perhaps even more so than Kakashi. "You think that charge will surpass me."

Kisame shrugged. "I think that particular charge is going to cause change, that's all. I didn't say he'd be better that you Itachi. I don't think that is possible."

Itachi grew silent for a moment before his usual grim expression took it's place. "Around here Kisame….nothing is impossible…..It's just…."

It's never enough.

--A--

A/N : chuckles Heh heh…Kakashi…

Chapter one is now out of the way. So what did you think? Huh? Huh? Drop us a line with your thoughts and suggestions then we can move on. I'll wait for some feed back before the new chapter goes up, mm'kay?

Oh preview for next chapter: SyuniKiss by Malice Mizer (bestest band ever!!)

Twilight