Not you, too!

37: In the soup – A Gai/Itachi story


Sasuke watched as Itachi processed what Naruto had told him. The eyes that were normally so intense and glared even worse than anything Sasuke had ever done were soft and unreadable. The small lines that followed the contours of Itachi’s nose had diminished somewhat as his face began to change.
Naruto was sure that his end was near, as he too watched the shift in the older Uchiha’s look.
Itachi knew what they thought, but he was so lost in his own thoughts that he didn’t care.
Naruto had tricked them both. He should be angry, should want to kill the blond, but the reality of it was weaving through the deep and dusty part of his mind that contained his sense of humor.
Itachi laughed.
The other two stared at him, and he laughed even harder.
“You aren’t mad?” Naruto asked him.
“Oh, I am very mad.” Itachi continued as the laughter barely left him with enough air to form the words.
“Aniki, aren’t you supposed to yell when you are mad?” Sasuke asked.
“I’ll yell later. This feels so much better. Lighten up, Sasuke. Think about it. He had us both fooled. The Uchiha’s thinking we are so smart, and we were fooled by a simple thing like this. I doubt I will ever live it down, what do you think?” and Sasuke’s face began to contort as this thought finally shifted in.
“Well, he is still the number one ninja of surprises.” She said, as the smile she was suppressing filled her face.
“So, you are both okay with this?” Naruto asked.
“No. But what can I do? I won’t jeopardize my niece or nephew by forcing you to actually undo the thing. I can wait. I just won’t do the stupid Jutsu. I didn’t plan on it anyway.” Itachi said, then something struck him. “Did you find out what the baby is?” he asked.
“Twins.” Naruto said. Sasuke slapped his shoulder as she turned to her brother.
“The reason he didn’t dispel it was that the first time was successful, but then when we tried again, another child was started. The first is a boy; the second is too small to tell. I don’t know how we will manage to keep the second one safe.” She said, and Itachi looked thoughtful.
“What does the Hokage say?” he asked.
“She wanted to take the second one, to make it easier on the first.” Sasuke said.
“Why not wait and deliver the first surgically, so the other will be fine?” he asked.
“I don’t know. I didn’t think to ask.” Sasuke said.
“If it is safe to take one at this stage, it should be no worse later. You are going to have to be careful. And eat a lot. You have to get enough in there for both, but you could do it. I think you should ask her about it.” The older brother said. Sasuke leaned back and thought on it.
“You are brilliant, Itachi.” Naruto said, bringing himself in the attention of the man once more.
“You should be careful too, Fool. This is going to be very difficult for Sasuke. Don’t make any unnecessary demands on him. And you and I will be doing all of the work around here. Now, I am going out for a while. Why don’t you go shopping for some food while Sasuke takes a much-needed nap? Anything you’d prefer for dinner tonight, Little Sister?” he said, and Sasuke looked up.
“Well, as a matter of fact, I was just thinking that turtle soup sounded good.” She said.
“Good for you, but he can’t have any.” Itachi said pointing to the blond. Naruto swallowed at the implications (*).
“I’ll just have ramen tonight, I guess.” He said, reaching for his wallet and heading for the door.
“Take the baby with you. Sasuke needs sleep.” Itachi called out and Naruto turned for the hall to collect Koibito and some supplies. “I’ll be home in a couple of hours. Sleep. Understand?” Itachi said, and Sasuke couldn’t suppress a small yawn.
“I understand,” she said.


Itachi stepped out of the Hokage’s office and started down the hall. He knew that eventually they would want him to become a part of the Konoha working force but he was surprised at the actual position that he was asked to fulfill. He shook his head as the idea filled his mind.
A voice caught his attention and he stopped to look into an open doorway.
“I was more than happy to aid. It was no inconvenience. I hope I have completed the task in a sufficient way for you, Tenten. It is important to be diligent when dealing with the very eager youth of our village.”
“Oh, Gai-san. You are surely a treat. Why has no one scooped you up and laid claim to you? But, I love you like a brother, so you are mine.” She said.
“You had best get home to that new husband of yours. I am sure your youthful love for him will have you forgetting all about me. And that is how it should be.”
“Yes, well.” She said, blushing furiously as she noted Itachi in the doorway. “Oh, Uchiha-san. I didn’t see you. I have to go.” She said as she rushed past him and out the door.
“Itachi-san? I had heard that you were to be reactivated. So, what is it to be? ANBU? Or are you to be on the Hokage’s personal staff?” Gai asked
“I am moving up in the world, Gai-san. I am to be an instructor. And a Special Jounin. I believe she wants to keep me near and watch me. I think I have a position on the next Chuunin exam board, also. Will we be working together?” he asked.
“Indeed. I, too, am on the board. So, a special Jounin? I am pleased to hear it. It is fitting. How about I treat you to a dinner in celebration?” Gai suggested.
“How about just a drink? I have to keep close to home now that Sasuke has begun the restoration of our clan. Come on, I have a great idea.” And he turned to go, followed by the befuddled Jounin.

At a local bar/diner, Itachi sat opposite Gai and they toasted the new jobs that Itachi had been given. The talk turned to the outcome of the other recipients of the Dainichi Sharingan and then segwayed into the thoughts that Itachi had about what they had last discussed.
“I went out, you know? I tried what you said, and I think I have made a decision.” He said. “I don’t really have any interest in the women of the village. I guess that makes me gay, huh?”
“It is not a bad thing to admit. Does the thought upset you in some way?” Gai said, his face calm and betraying no emotion. “I mean, I know many couples that are not interested in the opposite sex, and they are very happy. Some, more so than the so-called straight couples I know.”
“I don’t think it bothers me, but what will the village think? I am already on some pretty shaky ground here, even with the officials. I don’t know what would happen if it turned out that I can’t even pass on my bloodline limit. I don’t want to cause that kind of trouble. And think about it, who would date me? I am still considered the betrayer, the traitor?”
“And Naruto is still the demon. Yet, who is happier in this village, Naruto or those who are still scoffing behind his back? I think you should worry less about the village evil thinkers, they will still find something to complain about. And is not Sasuke still passing on his heritage without the aid of any of the many willing young women of the village?”
“Well, you have a point. Gai? Now, what about you? I mean, you have given me so much helpful advice, and yet I see you always alone. Don’t you have someone?” Itachi asked, his mind hoping for a favorable answer.
“I am loved by all, Itachi-san. Who could be truly alone in such a vibrant surrounding?” he said. Itachi watched his eyes and he fought the urge to activate his Sharingan and see what it was to be Gai in this place.
“Gai, I mean when you turn out your lights at the end of the day. Is there someone who is there for you?” he said, leaning closer to find the answer he craved.
“No, Itachi-san. I don’t have one that you speak of. But, fear not for me. My life has always been very full, and I have no time to dwell on these things.”
Itachi sat back and glared. He fought with his own desire to shake the man and get him to understand. Itachi had watched men and women he knew lie to themselves for years and it still bothered him. He had lied to himself far too long, and now wanted for nothing more than to see someone accept the truth, at their own hands.
“Gai. I can’t imagine you being happy that way. Please don’t expect me to believe that. I admitted to you how lonely it is in my home, for me. Even with my family there, I am still suffering in my heart. I wish you would trust me with that part of your world.” He said, and the older man looked down at his hands.
“I was living for my team. I watched them grow and find their loves. Now, I am alone. I haven’t even the strength to find another team. The feelings are too strong to go through again. I only want to curl up and cry, but I have to go on. No one can know this about me, Itachi-san. Please, don’t tell anyone.” He begged. Itachi shifted around the small booth and wrapped the other in his arms.
“It is our secret, Gai. No one will ever find out. I promise. Thank you.” Itachi whispered as Gai leaned in to his arms. Itachi held him as he allowed the tears to roll down his face and be absorbed in the soft cotton of Itachi’s vest.
Itachi rocked him slowly, placing a light kiss on the top of his smooth black hair. It was so natural he never even realized he had done it. Gai felt it but did not register the movement.
They sat that way for only a few minutes before they pushed away and looked at each other, both feeling oddly relieved.
“I should go home,” Itachi said, looking at the darkening sky out of the window.
“Yes, they will be wondering about you.” Gai added.
“Are you going to be all right?” he asked.
“I will be fine. Perhaps I can just go home and sleep.” Gai said as they moved even farther away, and the room became so much colder to them both.
“Yes. That would be good. I will see you tomorrow when the board meets?” Itachi mentioned pulling to his feet.
“Tomorrow, then. Good night, Itachi-san.” Gai said as they turned from each other and headed for the two doors.

Itachi sat with the family in their little cottage.
Kirisame had returned to the village of the rain, but Aoi was still part of their home.
He sat across from Itachi and glared at him, but the Uchiha wasn’t paying much attention to the spoiled acting ex-missing nin. He had something on his mind and it was becoming a nuisance to be around people. He finished his rice and rose to take his dishes to the kitchen.
Aoi was more annoyed that he hadn’t been able to provoke the other and when he looked around he noticed that no one was paying him any attention.
He took his dishes and followed Itachi to the kitchen.
“What is with everyone?” he asked as he found the other at the sink still.
“They have things on their minds. You should get used to it. By the way, aren’t you going to be moving out soon?” Itachi asked, not really sure why he cared.
“I was thinking about it. I don’t have any money right now. I can’t get work yet, so I am kinda stuck here for a while. The Hokage says it is here or prison until they decide what to do with me. How did you handle this?” he asked.
“Yeah. I know what you mean. You don’t feel really evil, but you remember that you were. They remember too so they don’t trust you. I think you just have to wait it out. I don’t mind you staying, but I am not in charge of this house, so it isn’t up to me. Sasuke would never put you out, so you can probably stay until they are ready for you. Just don’t expect me to be around much. I have my own life to restart. Good luck to you, Aoi-san.” Itachi said, leaving the other ninja to his thoughts.
Itachi returned to his room and began to undress for the night. His mind went over the facts of the last few days.
Sasuke was carrying two babies of his bloodline. The same blood that he had been compelled to rid the world of. It wasn’t something he wanted anymore, but it still bothered him.
He was now back to work for the village where he had created such terrible havoc, and his life was becoming more or less stable.
There was only one thing missing and as he lay on his futon and pulled the covers over his skin, he couldn’t erase one image from his mind.
Soft hair that tickled his nose as he placed an even softer kiss on the smooth strands.

As Gai had said, he returned to his home and went directly to bed. His evening was not as crowded so he dropped off into a fitful sleep.
He was graced by a dream.
He was laying on a fluffy cloud and his eyes were closed. Hands held him and moved softly over his shoulders and arms. He opened his eyes as he realized that he was not wearing any clothes. His green suit was draped over another cloud to his right and he was in a brightly lit room.
The hands that worshiped him continued and as they did, they moved down his body. He felt them on his ribs and then his hips. He looked down but did not see anything except the soft fluffy white substance of the cloud.
He closed his eyes thinking it better not to dwell on such thoughts and his mind supplied him with a form for the hands. They were long fingered and had darkly painted nails. He watched them move and his body stirred under their assault.
“Mmm,” he moaned in his dream as the hands worked in a deep massage that was moving closer to areas that he had never been massaged before. It made him uncomfortable to feel this and he reached out to take the hands in his and stop their movements.
“Don’t,” he said to the faceless owner of the hands. “Don’t do that. I won’t let just anyone do that.” And the hands pulled back, leaving him alone and slightly aroused.
Gai rolled over on the cloud and his semi-hard member found the firmest part of the fluff and it rubbed him, making him draw breath.
“Oh, gods. That felt different.” He told his dream room.
The clouds felt warm and somewhat scratchy where they met his now hardening staff.
He pushed up against them and they rewarded him with a good amount of friction.

Sasuke wasn’t tired.
She had slept most of the afternoon away and now was wide-awake.
Naruto was tired, but the look he was getting was not about to allow him to sleep.
“Sasuke, are you okay?” he asked as the brunette glared his way. Naruto was suddenly afraid for his life once more.
“You know what?” Sasuke began. “This is all your fault. I don’t think you really realize that. And I think I need to make sure that you do.”
“Sasuke what are you talking about?” Naruto asked, as the object of his affection began to advance on him.
“If it wasn’t for you, I would not be who I am right now. If you had just stayed away from me, let me continue on my way, I would have killed my brother and be a miserable but righteous person, probably have had my body taken over by Orochimaru and then I wouldn’t be able to revive my clan or anything.”
“Isn’t that all bad stuff?” Naruto said, trying to figure out what the other was getting at.
“Of course it is, Dobe. Now what are you going to do about it?” she said, cornering the blond against the wall.
“I could apologize,” he assented.
“Don’t you, dare!” Naruto’s head hit the wall as he backed away from his lover. “Don’t you ever apologize for saving me from that. I think what you need to do is take me in your arms and show me why you wanted to do that. Prove to me that I am worth it, all of it. And do it now.” She insisted.
Naruto stared into intense black eyes and the words made their way to his befuddled brain.
“Right now?” he asked and Sasuke nodded firmly. “I guess that wouldn’t be too difficult, if it is what you want. Sasuke?” he asked and the other just stared at him. “Are you going to scare me like this for the entire time you are in a family way? Cause I love you and all, but it isn’t easy to get it up if you are going to do that.”
Sasuke smiled and Naruto felt a little uneasy as the brunette slowly moved down and out of his vision.
“I can fix that,” she said from somewhere around his hips.
Then, fireworks went off as a warm moist feeling surrounded his flaccid length and began to coax it to a more attentive state.

Itachi could hear the sound of moaning and thumping from across the house. It didn’t serve to help him sleep and as he turned over on his futon he noticed that his own body was responding to the sounds.
He hadn’t had to deal with something like this in years and today was not a good day for it. He reached down and took hold of his traitorous erection and began to slowly move over himself, trying to tune out the sounds of his brother and her lover, and just think of something else that would give him relief.
It didn’t register at first but soon he was moving quickly over himself as visions of a dark head with an intense look filled his mind and took him deeply between thin tight lips and down what Itachi was sure would be a strong firm throat.
As he reached his release it finally came to him that he had just jacked off while thinking of Maito Gai.
“Oh, my god. Where did that come from?” he whispered to himself.



(*)Turtle soup is a natural aphrodisiac. Like liquid oysters.

---No Review responses but that is because the glitch threw them all in the trash. Sorry, if you left a review and I didn’t get it. Send me one now and I’ll happily respond. This is getting long, but if you are unhappy with it let me know. I had thought about cutting it and making it a two-parter; but I couldn’t find a good place.

The next chapter is When children fall in love – Where has the time gone?