The Flavor of Sin

I don’t own Naruto nor do I make money from it.



AN: As some of you pointed out, there were a few discrepancies in the story compared with Caramel and Cream. For a while now, I’ve thought about changing the reason for Naruto’s scars. I’m sorry kitteh but I thought the change was more exciting. I changed it in Caramel and Cream so everything is kosher. I’m glad you guys liked it enough to care about the plot holes. I know you guys weren’t expecting the end with this chapter but I felt it ended well. Thanks for all the support with this story.



Warnings: violence, torture, cursing, fluff



The Flavor Of Sin



Chapter Fifteen



“Sasuke…Are you alright?” Naruto nibbled on his lip as he presented a glass of water and one of the remaining pain medication to Sasuke. While Sasuke had used his good leg to burst through the bathroom door the previous night, the weight placed on his weakened leg resulted in a pulled muscle and a scowling face. It was yet another sign Sasuke was a terrible patient.



“Fine…” Sasuke grumbled as he downed the pills with a heavy gulp of the water.



“How are you feeling, Sasuke?” Itachi walked into the room, pulling his hair back into its usual style.



“Would everyone stop asking me that? The doctor said I probably just pulled a muscle and to come see him if the pain doesn’t ease in a day or two.” Sasuke crossed his arms with a scowl.



“I just feel so bad…it’s my fault.” Naruto nuzzled his head against Sasuke’s neck.



“It was…” Sasuke growled, “but I was glad to be the hero for once.”



Naruto gave a little huff against the skin of Sasuke‘s neck. “Glad I could play to your manly instincts.”



“Well, just don’t do it too often.” Sasuke sighed, the medicine obviously beginning to take effect.



Itachi nodded, moving away from the bedroom and into the bathroom where he stared into the mirror. He’d gotten a text from Kisame moments earlier telling him he’d collected the three delinquents. Their names were burned in his mind yet he refused to give them any more thought than it took to consider what he would say to them as he stood before them. They needed to answer for what they’d done to Naruto. Itachi could be kind or cruel depending on the circumstances. Today he was feeling particularly cruel.



His beautiful blond lover was emotionally tortured by a memory and the remaining scars. The previous night, he’d been so distraught, Sasuke had been forced to kick down the bathroom door in fear, re-injuring himself in the process. They had found their lover, huddled in the shower.



Taking his water-logged body in their arms, they had spent the night coaxing ease into his body with their own. It was not sexual, but loving--physical touches meant to reaffirm their connection to each other and to Naruto. They showed Naruto what they felt, offering comfort with their bodies. After the adrenaline and fear had passed, both Itachi and Naruto awoke the next morning to Sasuke’s pained groans.



An explanation to the doctor and one of the remaining pills found Sasuke laid up in bed for several more days with Naruto to play nursemaid. It was likely to be more pleasurable than painful once Sasuke was over the initial pain of the injury.



“Itachi?” Naruto’s voice carried from the bedroom. The door was in shambles and he would have to have it repaired eventually. Perhaps today while he was out.



Pulling his eyes from his reflection, Itachi answered his lover. “Yes, Naruto?”



“You just looked…intense. Do you have an important business deal today? Are you going to be busy?” Naruto pulled himself onto the bathroom counter to stare into Itachi’s eyes with a gaze far more intelligent than most even realized. Naruto was wiser than his nineteen years.



Itachi couldn’t stop the smile creeping along his face at Naruto’s determined look. He didn’t want to stop it. Naruto had nearly destroyed the Itachi he was before. Only on days like today did his truly ruthless personality burst forth. He would do anything to banish the shadows from Naruto’s face. If handling the fate of those three men was what it took to quiet the nightmares, he would kill them with his bare hands.



“I have an important meeting today. I’ll tell you about it when I come home.” Itachi stroked his fingers down the scarred cheeks. Naruto would never have to give up his smiles again. He would never allow there to be a reason for it.



“Okay!” Naruto exclaimed as he pushed off from the counter, kissing Itachi before rushing back to Sasuke’s side. Itachi stepped from the bathroom to see Naruto cuddled into Sasuke’s side. Sasuke looked quite content as well with one of his arms wrapped around Naruto’s shoulders. Healthy eating during the final growth spurt had filled out Naruto nicely. No longer the skinny youth, he had developed a nice weight and muscle padding to his naturally slender frame. He’d even gained an inch on Sasuke, making Sasuke the shorter of the three. This was what he wanted to protect--the happy smile and contented sighs. Both of these young men meant the world to him.



“Naruto…why don’t you give Sasuke some…therapy while I’m gone.” Itachi teased, seeing the flush encompassing both men’s cheeks. It was nice to see Sasuke and Naruto so attracted to and needing each other. It made it easier to enjoy them together. He enjoyed watching them even if he chose not to participate. They had grown close. Itachi was no longer the sole focus of Sasuke’s affection. Naruto now held an equal part in both men’s hearts.



“Yes sir! Just call me Nurse Naruto.” Naruto grinned happily as he set about fluffing Sasuke’s pillows, interchanging kisses with fluffs.



“Play nice with the injured man.” Itachi took his briefcase and moved towards the door.



“Itachi…you have that look,” Sasuke said as Naruto left to fetch some ‘supplies’.



“Do I?”



A frown worked deep lines onto Sasuke‘s face, aging him before Itachi‘s eyes. “It looks the same as it did the night at the Michaels…only more intense. I think Naruto is ignoring it because he knows if before was for me, today is for him.”



“There is one last thing to do.” Sasuke was as sharp as ever. Something had to be done. There was only Naruto’s word against three street punks. A former homeless boy’s word against the sons of middle class America on an old and long since forgotten assault. Even if he was able to arrange for their incarceration, it would be for some other crime. Justice for Naruto would go unanswered. Today was for Naruto alone.



“I know I’m not one to talk, I’m just as anxious to take revenge for what was done to him but is this the right way? Would Naruto get any satisfaction from what you are planning to do?” Sasuke winced as he adjusted himself on the bed. “It feels strange, me trying to talk you out of doing something foolish instead of the other way around.”



“It just shows we are more alike than we could have originally thought.” Itachi slipped his phone into his pocket along with his keys and wallet.



“Think about it before you do something stupid.”



“You should worry more about doing something stupid and keep your leg elevated. I won’t be long.” Itachi exited the apartment quickly, sliding into the seat of his waiting car. He didn’t have to tell the driver where to go--he had his orders. Itachi didn’t want to distract from his current mindset by directing his driver. Sasuke’s words had cracked his firm resolve. His words made him think of the old slogan--what would Jesus do? Instead of Jesus, it was, ‘What would Naruto do?’ He chuckled, thinking of wristbands and bumper stickers depicting the slogan along with Naruto’s face.



His thoughts refused to relinquish their hold on Sasuke’s urging, telling him not to do anything foolish. There was no worry about that. He was in perfect control of what he wanted. He wanted Naruto to be able to sleep at night without being haunted by nightmares of the past. He wanted the past to die, leaving only the present and only the three of them. He now had every thing he wanted. It was time to finally close up the past and bury it. He had the money and the control to take matters into his own hands.



“We’ve arrived sir.”



Itachi blinked slowly at the rundown warehouse. It looked the part of a place meant for doing away with someone. Rust, grime, and graffiti decorated the old building. It was a wonder the place was still standing at all. It really was a ramshackle place and completely appropriate for the events soon to take place inside.



Kisame was grinning like a madman as he stepped from the half rusted door. The arms visible through the muscle shirt were dotted with a few minor scratches but nothing to take more than a passing note about. It had likely been an easy pick up. “About damn time. I was getting anxious.”



“You are always anxious. I trust this stays between you and me. I don’t want Sasori breathing down my neck concerning any repercussions about today.” Itachi lit up a cigarette as he stepped from the car, blowing a cloud of smoke in Kisame‘s direction.



“You know I don’t mix business with pleasure.” Kisame grinned. “And Sasori is definitely pleasure.”



“You are lying through your teeth with a grin like that.” Itachi took a deep drag from the thin cigarette as he followed the bulky, grinning man.



“Well, how about this then. I don’t mix sex and business,” chuckled Kisame.



“That sounds a bit more appropriate.” Itachi acknowledged with a small smirk. “This had better not come back to bite me in the ass or I take both you and Sasori down with me.”



Kisame sniffed indigently. “You threatening me?”



“Yes.” Itachi turned from his long time friend to glance around as his eyes adjusted to the dark interior.



The sound of muffled whimpering drew Itachi’s attention as they walked deeper into the dim lit building. Itachi thrilled at the sound of suffering from what he knew were Naruto’s tormentors. Kisame was a very thorough and would not have made a mistake in collecting them. As he stepped towards the dim overhead light, Itachi found his blood beginning to heat with lust to incite physical injury on the men who tortured his Caramel. He wanted to kill them all with his bare hands--to make them suffer long and drawn out pain for doing what they did.



“Well, I did what you said. I just roughed them up a little. A couple of broken bones but nothing life threatening. I leave their fate in your hands as promised.” Kisame popped his knuckles as they approached the boys--men really but with still the mindset of bullying monsters.



“Just wait until my brother gets you assholes.” The redhead growled at the two men with as much menace as he could show with blood dripping from his obviously broke nose and shallow cut across his brow.



“I’m sure your brother would know better than to deal with me.” Itachi flicked his cigarette ash towards the man with a neutral face.



“Who the fuck are you? My brother ain’t scared of nobody, let alone some suit and his hired muscle.” Freckles stood out stark against the pale face, making Itachi wonder just how much of the statement the boy actually believed.



“You don’t know much do you, you little shit,” Kisame muttered, pulling his own cigarette from the back pocket of his jeans. “This is Itachi Uchiha. He’s a man even the cops are afraid of angering. He owns more of this town than the people who live in it. You better watch your mouth. He might as well own you.”



The other two boys lost what little color had returned to their faces after Kisame’s beating. “I-Itachi Uchiha…”



“He’s legit. My brother said he’s the only rich man who plays by the rules.” Mikey growled.



“Am I?” Itachi’s smirk continued to grow until he was nearly grinning with demonic glee. If only they knew just how close to the line of legality he walked.



“Uh…uhh…I say you are.”



“I was hoping you would say that.” Itachi took the knife Kisame tossed him, plunging it into Mikey’s thigh as if it was made of butter.



A scream tore through the empty warehouse, echoing through the hollow structure so loudly, one would almost believe more than one person’s voice was heard. Kisame chuckled at the sound while Itachi stood emotionlessly before the writhing body. The other two boys, screamed out in fear as their leader’s leg was impaled with the knife.



“Quiet!” Kisame tossed his cigarette at the two boys, causing their cries to drop in octave from screams to pitiful whimpers similar to that of wounded animals.



“Please don’t kill us…whatever we did, we’re sorry.” One of the two began blubbering while tears ran in streams down the other’s face.



“I suppose that depends on your boss. He seems to think he’s Billy Badass. I have no qualms with killing you all and letting Kisame dispose of the remains so that you would never be found. No one would care about the disappearance of three delinquents such as yourselves. I could have you disappear and not even a single eye would turn towards me.” Itachi pulled a chair towards where Mikey continued to groan and squirm. Settling down before him he crossed his legs, appearing as elegant in his three piece suit that probably cost more than they had ever seen.



“Why are you doing this to us? What did we do?” Mikey whined, screaming as Itachi reached forward to snatch the knife from his leg. Blood oozed from the puncture, staining dark the material of his jeans.



“Why? Because someone precious to me has been terrorized by you for a large portion of his life. I want to destroy the nightmares you created.” Itachi wiped the blood smeared knife along Mikey’s jean clad leg.



“We ain’t done shit to anyone you know….Please let us go.” One of Mikey’s cohorts screamed jerking futilely at the bonds Kisame had tied around his arms and legs to keep him anchored to the chair.



“Just kill them, Itachi. Pond scum like this ain’t worth this much attention from you. I’ll take care of them if you want. You’ll never hear from them again.” Kisame pulled a rather large knife from the base of his spine. The serrated edges caught the dusty light filtering from the grime covered windows. “This little baby is called Samehada. I only use her when I’m ready to kill. She‘s always treated me so good. Helps me draw out the kills.”



“That’s enough, Kisame. Let me handle this.” Itachi brought the knife to Mikey’s cheeks, running the flat against his freckle splotched cheeks. “Does this bring back memories?”



“No…please…don’t do this…” Mikey cried, tears of fear now trekking his dirty cheeks.



“No? What about this?” Itachi flipped the blade with more grace than a businessman should have had. Pressing the highly sharpened blade against the freckled cheek, Itachi cut deeply into the skin. Blood welled from the deep cut, spilling crimson down pale cheeks. “Is your memory better now?”



“Stop!” Mikey screamed as the blade was pressed against the opposite cheek to slice a mark in equal length and position as the previous.



“Do you remember him now? You met him again a few weeks ago. I’ll stop if you tell me you remember him.” Itachi placed the knife against Mikey’s cheek, ready to carve another mark when he screamed out.



“I know him! I remember him. Homeless trash! Stop!” Mikey was joined in his blubbering by the other two. The smell of urine became thick in the area, making Itachi glance down with a sneer at the spreading stain across the man’s crotch.



“His name is Naruto. He’s mine. I don’t like when people threaten what is mine.” Itachi pulled the knife away, bring sighs of relief to the three prisoners. “I see your memories have improved.”



“Don’t hurt me. I’ll do anything.”



“You should die.” Itachi lifted the blood stained knife to stare at the blood dripping from the blade. Kisame always took such good care of his knives. The blood oozing slowly from the cuts on Mikey made him want to inflict more pain on the boy. He wanted to make him suffer a hundred times more than Naruto. Naruto didn’t deserve to have this terror inflicted on him.



“Did Naruto scream for you to stop as you scarred him?” Itachi continued to tap the blade against the uninjured parts of Mikey’s cheeks.



“Please. I don’t want to die.” The whining alone made him want to plunge the knife through the heart. Had he been in this same position a year ago, he would have long since plunged the blade deep with little or no thought to it. These worthless excuses for humans didn’t deserve mercy from him. Yet, he found himself wanting to give it. Naruto’s forgiving nature must have rubbed off on him. Even if the nightmares still haunted him, Naruto had forgiven them their actions. He’d spoken as much to Itachi not long after they’d first met.



“Be glad you didn’t meet me before Naruto. You would have been dead in five minutes. My businesses might be legit, but I’m not someone you would want to cross. If I ever hear about you in any form or fashion, I’ll call up Kisame and that time, I won’t have him hold back. If you think I’m a monster, Kisame must have held back on you.” Itachi tossed Kisame the blood caked knife. A gloved hand shot out to snatch the blade from the air.



“Make sure they won’t talk, Kisame but only superficial injuries. I don’t want them dead.” Itachi saw the excitement enter into Kisame’s eyes.



“Anything as long as I don’t kill them? Your father would be proud.” Kisame licked his lips, brandishing Samahada.



“Do as you will. And drop them off at a hospital when you are finished.” Itachi smirked, patting Kisame on the shoulder. “My father’s lucky to be dead or I would have killed him myself.”



“You’re getting soft, 'Tachi. That cute blond of yours is a bad influence.” Kisame grinned as Itachi moved to leave the warehouse.



“Maybe…but I can‘t imagine a more delicious way to be rehabilitated.” Itachi lifted a hand in parting and slipped through the rusted door. The screams started before he even reached his car.



“Those were the men who hurt, Mr. Naruto?” Franz asked as he opened the door for Itachi.



Itachi grunted in acknowledgement. Franz nodded his approval “Good. Those bastards deserve every bit of it.”



“You are quite bloodthirsty, Franz. Perhaps I shouldn’t have retired you to my bodyguard and driver,” chuckled Itachi as the sleek black car pulled away from the wet river front warehouse. “And have this warehouse demolished soon in case those morons decide to grow balls and talk.”



“Yes, sir. I have a nephew who has just set up his demolition and construction company. I’m sure he’ll take care of it to your satisfaction.” Franz weaved the vehicle though a series of turns.



“You have a nephew for everything…stop here.” Itachi noticed a store tucked away. It wasn’t the type to stand out ostentatiously yet the name caught his attention.



Franz pulled over to the curb, got out, and opened Itachi’s door. “Wait here Franz, I won’t be long.”



Franz bowed his head as Itachi made his way back towards the shop. It was small but the title Konan’s Kustom Kreations brought a memory of his childhood into the forefront of his mind. It couldn’t be the same Konan. The last he’d heard, she’d left the town not long after he’d taken over Uchiha.



Entering the small establishment, he arched a brow at the origami displayed around the glass cases filled with a multitude of various gold, silver, and platinum jewelry. A low humming could be heard from the back as the jangle of the shop bell alerted the clerk to his presence in the shop.



A familiar head of blue stepped from beaded door and into the bright shop lights. “Welcome.”



“Konan?”



She blinked a few times as if seeing a ghost before a pleased smile spread across her face. “Itachi Uchiha. Ever since you took over that company of yours, you‘ve been in quite the spotlight. Who would have ever thought that you used to hang out with a bunch of delinquents?”



“I‘ve never drifted too far from my roots. Those delinquents as you called them, taught me more about ruthlessly running a company than my father. I did miss you.” Itachi smiled and lifted her hand to his lips. Kohl lined eyes crinkled before rolling upward. Her bullshit meter was one of the best. She would be a hell of a business associate if she had any interest in that area.



“I think you were too busy feeding that genius ego of yours to remember the people who could see through your bullshit.” Konan placed her hip on one of the many glass cases lining the shop.



“You look to be doing well for yourself despite the lack of my presence.” Itachi waved a hand around the shop to emphasize the point.



“Hmph, the world doesn’t revolve around you.” Konan sniffed with disdain.



Itachi couldn‘t stop the smirk spreading across his lips. “That’s news to me.”



“Arrogant asshole.” She tossed the rag she was using to clean up in the back at him.



“It is good to see you but that’s not why I’m here. I noticed that you handle custom jewelry and I want you to make something for me.” Itachi took one of the pieces paper advertising the shop and flipped it to the unmarked side. Taking a pen from his pocket, he sketched the family crest. "I want you to make a necklace of this."



“That’s the symbol your father had on all your clothes. I always thought it was so ridiculous of him.” Konan took the paper. “How much do you want to spend?”



“Price is no option. Here is a check for ten thousand to cover initial expenses.” Itachi tore the paper from his checkbook.



“You serious?” Konan eyed the paper with a look akin to shock.



“Don’t think you’re going to get off easy on just that. I also want two swirls. In yellow topaz if possible. The closer to orange in color the better.”



“What’s this for?” She asked.



Itachi smirked, his deep-set eyes crinkled in amusement. “My lovers.”



Konan gaped at Itachi. “Lovers? As in more than one?”



“I guess you’ll find out when I bring them in to be fitted with the pieces.” Itachi turned to leave. “My number is on the paper. Call when they are finished.”



Konan shook her head at the arrogance of the man as Itachi exited the shop with a jingle of the bells. His driver opened the door and he slid inside. “Where to, sir?” Asked Franz before closing the door.



“Home. I have the sudden desire to see my boys.”



~*~



“Itachi!” It was a common scream to Itachi as he entered his apartment. “I missed you.”



“You’re looking better.” Itachi rubbed his knuckles down Naruto’s cheek as he toed off his shoes.



“I feel better. Sasuke and I played for a little, then took a nap.” Naruto chirped happily as Itachi pulled him into his arms.



“I’m glad. I don’t like seeing you upset.” Itachi nuzzled the soft hair above Naruto’s ear. “Don’t scare me like that again.”



“I’m sorry, Itachi.” Naruto sighed a little when Itachi’s hands slipped beneath his shirt to stroke the soft skin of his back.



“Good.”



Itachi strolled over to the bar, pouring a snifter of Scotch. Naruto nibbled on his lip, settling against Itachi on the sofa in a position familiar to them. “Umm…'Tachi?”



“What is it?” Itachi swallowed a bit of the Scotch, feeling the liquid burn down his throat and pool warmly in his stomach.



“Today…how did it go?”



“Sasuke said you were more observant than you let on.” Itachi downed the remainder of the Scotch.



Naruto snickered a little at the comment. “So?”



It was Itachi‘s turn to sigh. “Those boys won’t bother you again.”



“I see…did you kill them?”



“Do you wish they were dead?” Itachi pulled Naruto upward to stare in his deep blue eyes.



“Sometimes I would, before I met you. I wanted them dead when my cuts were borderline infected. I wanted them dead when people would point and stare at my scars. Now, I just want them to know that I’m trying to move on. I want them to know I will forget them one day because they aren’t worthy to be remembered.” Naruto nodded sagely as he spoke the words, making Itachi smile.



“Hn. Very adult of you.” Itachi winced at the punch Naruto planted in his ribs.



“You didn’t answer my question.”



“If I’d had my hands on them before I met you, I would have no problem killing them. Now, I’m a different person.” Itachi rubbed his hand over Naruto’s stomach, tracing the black tattoo. “They will live to regret their mistakes.”



Naruto smiled brilliantly. “Thank you.”



“Yeah, Aniki. Thank you.” Sasuke hobbled from the bedroom door, looking a little worse for wear.



“I’m hurt you didn’t have faith in me doing the right thing,” Itachi deadpanned.



“I had faith you would do what you thought was the right thing even if it was morally terrible.” Sasuke grunted as he settled on the sofa beside Naruto.



“I can still call Kisame up and finish them off if you would prefer.”



“No!” Naruto’s head shot up, plowing into where Sasuke was leaning forward to kiss his ear.



“Fuck!” Sasuke screamed, leaning falling backward. Blood gushed from his nose, startling Naruto.



“Sasuke! Oh my god! I’m so sorry.” Naruto pressed his shirt to Sasuke’s face. “Does it hurt? Tell me what I can do?”



“Yes, it fucking hurts!”



Itachi couldn’t stop as the slight huffing of amusement transformed into deep chuckles. “Sasuke, I think Naruto is determined to put you back in the hospital.”



“Asshole.” Sasuke’s voice was muffled beneath the shirt and blood.



“Tilt your head back! Do I need to call the doctor?” Naruto asked frantically.



“I think he’ll be fine in a few minutes.” Itachi tugged Sasuke’s hand from his face to look at the rapidly swelling nose. “It’s not broken.”



“That’s good.” Naruto sighed, wincing at Sasuke’s now larger than normal nose.



“Don’f fay a damn fing.” Sasuke growled.



“I’ll get you some ice while Naruto apologizes profusely.” Itachi chuckled, exiting to the kitchen for an ice pack.



He returned minutes later to see Naruto kissing Sasuke’s face gently as if his kisses along would be enough to ease his pain. “Do those kisses help?”



Sasuke growled lowly as a faint blush spread across his cheeks that had nothing to do with pain. “Shut up.”



“Apparently you possess magic kisses Naruto.” Itachi smiled, placing the ice pack on Sasuke’s nose with a less than gently poke.



“Asshole.”



“So you say.” Itachi returned to his place at Naruto’s side.



“Naruto.” Sasuke settled the bag into a comfortable position. “When did you get that tattoo?”



Naruto blinked a few times, lifting his now blood stained shirt over his head to stare at the swirl around his navel. “There was this guy on the streets. He was trying to teach himself to be a tattoo artist. He was offering free tattoos to people who did stuff for him. Errands and stuff.”



“That sounds dangerous to get a tattoo on the streets. You could have gotten some disease.” Itachi rubbed his fingers over the black swirl against tan skin.



“He had a clean set up. He wasn’t homeless or anything. The tattoos you got weren’t really fancy if you got the free ones but some of us wanted them.” Naruto’s fingers joined Itachi’s in following the path of the swirl.



“Why the swirl?” asked Itachi, now curious as to Naruto’s reasons for such a design.



“Well, my mother always told me that my name meant maelstrom and a swirl was the closest I could come to having that in tattoo form,” grinned Naruto.



“I see.” Itachi continued to trace his fingers around the swirling pattern. “Maybe I should get a tattoo.”



“I don’t think you need a tattoo. But I’ve thought about getting a frenum piercing.” Sasuke added, the swelling in his nose finally easing so his speech was slightly less nasal.



“Really!” Naruto’s face brightened significantly. “I think you should. I heard it feels so good but I’m too chicken to get one.”



“Dare I ask?” Itachi arched a brow at the unfamiliar term.



“He wants to have his dick pierced.” Naruto explained happily.



“Interesting.” Itachi rolled his eyes, reaching over to cup Sasuke through his pants. “I think he’s perfect just the way he is but if he wants a piercing down below, it’s his prerogative.”



Sasuke’s face turned an even darker red as Itachi caressed his length through the loose pants. “Itachi…”



“Naruto…how about we work on making Sasuke feel better?” Itachi pressed his palm even more firmly against the rising erection.



“I think that’s a great idea.” Naruto moved to join Itachi in teasing Sasuke.



Moans and whimpers filtering through the apartment as both men showed Sasuke just how good he could feel.



~*~



“Where are we going, Tachi?” Naruto bounced happily in the seat of the car.



“If I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise,” chuckled Itachi as the blond bounced happily in the seat adjacent to him.



“As long as I’m at the gallery by six tonight for the opening at seven, I don’t care where you take us.” Sasuke stretched his arms.



“Is your leg well enough to stand up on for hours and hours?” Naruto reached a hand across Itachi to rub the bad leg making the muscle jump. Sasuke brushed away the teasing hand before he ended up walking with more than just a stiff leg.



“It would be perfect if I could get rid of this damn limp,” Sasuke grumbled, rubbing his leg.



Naruto pouted at his fun being put on hold. “The doctor said it could be months before the limp left. At least a cane makes you look debonair.”



“He’s right, Sasuke. You should keep the cane even after your strength fully returns. Perhaps you will one day be as debonair as me.” Itachi poked teasingly at Sasuke’s brow.



“Asshole.” Sasuke shoved his elbow into Itachi’s ribs, only earning a roll of the eyes.



“We’re here! We’re here!” Naruto stared out the window as the car slowed to stop along the curb of the artisan part of town.



“There are some good galleries along here.” Sasuke commented as he eased from the car. The cane did make him look debonair and he knew it. With a smirk he waited on the walk for Naruto and Itachi to join him.



“So, where are we going?”



“Right here.” Itachi opened the door to the small shop, Konan’s Kustom Kreations.



“Nice shop,” commented Sasuke as the strolled through the bell sounding door.



“Are we getting presents?” asked Naruto, staring happily at a few of the display pieces.



“Welcome back, Itachi.” Konan stepped from the back carrying three hand wrapped boxes.



“I brought both of them as promised.” Itachi smirked, settling in the single chair arranged in a corner.



“Hello. My name is Konan. I’m an old friend of Itachi’s. He asked me to make something for both of you.” Konan set the three boxes on the glass counter to await Itachi’s order.



“Konan I’d like you to meet Naruto and….”



“Sasuke…” Sasuke answered, “You look familiar. I think I remember you. I didn’t hang around with Itachi’s friends much when we were little but I remember he had a few that came to the house once or twice. You dated that pierced guy didn’t you?”



“S-Sasuke? Itachi’s brother?” Konan’s eyes bugged out as she sent Itachi a nervous glance.



“Yeah, you remember me?” Sasuke held out his hand, forcing Konan back into her previous mindset.



“A little,” she said nervously.



“Naruto gets the fan.” Itachi crossed his leg with a smile., knowing he’d ruined Konan’s equilibrium by revealing Sasuke as his lover.



“I’m Naruto!” Naruto held out his hand.



“A pleasure. Well…Itachi commissioned this for you.” Konan removed the wrapping to expose a beautifully crafted red and white fan. The base of the fan was incrusted with diamonds while the red was revealed to be a perfect series of blood red rubies.



“Whoa…”



“Jesus Itachi.” Sasuke’s eyes widened comically.



“And for Sasuke.”



Konan opened one of the remaining boxes to reveal a yellow topaz encrusted swirl. The gleam of the jewels created an almost orange glow as the pendant was placed around his neck. “It’s orange…”



“It’s orange!” Naruto rushed to stare at the pendant gleaming against Sasuke’s white throat.



“I have one identical to that as well. It means both Sasuke and I belong to you and you belong to us.” Itachi found himself with an armful of blond seconds later.



“I love you so much, 'Tachi.” Naruto layered kisses on Itachi’s face. Seeing Naruto so happy warmed the heart of both Uchihas. This was how they wanted Naruto to stay.



“I know. Now go give Sasuke some attention as well. You belong to him as well.” Itachi lost his lap full of blond, leaving him to watch as Naruto nearly took Sasuke to the ground.



“Does this mean we’re married now?” Sasuke teased, leaning down to kiss Itachi while Naruto fastened Itachi’s pendant around his neck.



“No. I love you too much to marry you.” Itachi settled Naruto in his lap once more.



“I’ll tell Nagato you thought well of his creations.” Konan smiled.



“Nagato made them?” Itachi asked.



“I design and he makes. He’s out of town this week at a jewel crafter’s convention but I’ll be sure to relay the message. He chose the best jewels for the pieces. If you ever need any jewelry crafted, come see us. Perhaps you could stop in sometime and see him. I know he misses you. We‘re getting married in the fall and would be honored if you would attend.”



“We will. Well, shall we go home.” Itachi passed Konan a blank check. “I trust you.”

She nodded with a smile as the three exited the store. Naruto slipped a hand into each man’s hand. What started as a chance purchase had ended in a somewhat happily ever after. When a future looks bleak, one needs only to look on the brighter side of things. Naruto had found his light in Itachi and soon after, Sasuke. Their love might be new and a bit strange to the common man’s eye but they found happiness in each other. Itachi Uchiha found both his caramel and cream. Their happiness was all that mattered to him. They would form a new life, together--free of the nightmares and worries of the past.



The End