Log: Itachi, Kisame
Warning: Abrupt ending due to time zones (and me leaving in a few), mentioning of violence and the possibility for disturbing mental images.
Log: Itachi, Kisame. From Kisame’s place down to a pub
Itachi: Itachi had called Kisame on his way out the door, briefly explaining that he was heading over to the other man's apartment before hanging up the cell phone and getting into his Maserati. There were a few things he had to ask the other man, all of which he would prefer to be done face to face, and so he hadn't really given Kisame time to object to his call before he had hung up. Pulling out of the driveway of his house, he started off in the direction of Kisame's place, taking his time to pick up two coffees, and upon arrival, near juggle them as he approached the intercom and buzzed to be let in.
Kisame: Hearing the buzzer Kisame looked up from his books and assuming it was Itachi he didn't think twice as he buzzed the man in. The earlier phone conversation had been short, very short and he'd been left with little chance to express himself when Itachi informed that he would be coming over, not that he really had anything to say about it but still. Putting his books aside he walked into the bedroom to grab a t-shirt, seeing how he was still only half dressed from getting out of bed a few hours earlier.
Itachi: Opening the door and shuffling into the building, his feet a little sore from last night's practice with the damn shoes he had bought for his Frank-N-Furter costume, Itachi took himself down one of the main level hallways and to Kisame's apartment, knocking on the door lightly. He waited for the man to open the door, then offered him a coffee as he slipped in and slipped off his shoes. "Looks like it's going to rain out, I'm glad I drove here."
Kisame: Upon hearing the knock on the door Kisame made his way over to the door to let Itachi inside, accepting the coffee he nodded slightly. "Springtime, almost as bad as autumn when it comes to rain." Removing himself from the somewhat cramp hallway Kisame took a seat in the couch as he peered at his friend. "So what do I owe the honor of a morning visit Itachi-san?"
Itachi: Shrugging off his black jacket and laying it on the arm of the other end of the sofa before sitting down, Itachi replied, "A few things to discuss, questions I'd like to ask." Lifting his styrofoam cup to his lips surreptitiously, he took a light sip of the burning liquid inside. "First thing's first, I have a question regarding the party I am holding on Saturday."
Kisame: Scuffing Kisame took a drink from the cup and resisted to shake his head. Damn costume party of all things, it was just to torment him - he was sure. "Why did you have to go with a costume party of all things?" If you looked close enough you could almost discern a pout, or well as close as a pout as you could come since it was Kisame and he just. Did. Not. Pout.
Itachi: The covert expression threatening to show itself upon Kisame's face almost had Itachi's lips twitch into something of a tiny grin. Instead, he hid his amusement behind his cup once more as he sipped his coffee. Resuming something of his usual blankness, he lowered his cup and sighed. "It proves an interesting distraction. But more importantly, it will assist in obscuring the memory Gin has of you and Deidara should the two of you be wearing masks when you grab him. And it gives reason for you both to have masks with you of some kind."
Kisame: "True, not that I had any intentions of letting him see my face. But a good idea none the less." That would work quite well, but now he just had to find a costume that had a mask to wear at the party.
Itachi: "Yes, that was what I was hoping it would be," Itachi said liberally. Of course he was also hosting the party for more fun purposes, as it would be humorous to see his closer friends in the organization dress up, for it wasn't something the lot of them seemed likely to do... except maybe Deidara. "In any event, I do have a question about the party. Nothing to do with business, I'll have you know. I was curious if you would be my date?" And now he had his eyes firmly fixed upon Kisame; he wanted to remember the man's reaction vividly, moment for moment.
Kisame: Kisame literally choked on his coffee and coughing he turned to stare at Itachi with wide eyes, trying to see anything in his eyes or demeanor that could indicate that being a joke. Placing the cup down on the table in front of him Kisame tried to think of something intelligent to say but ended up with a simple. "Huh?"
Itachi: Pleased with the reaction, Itachi allowed a small curve to rise to his lips, suggesting the amusement he certainly felt at Kisame's response. "You heard me correctly," he said easily, and then added to clear up any confusion Kisame might be feeling, "a platonic date of sorts. More like you would be my chaperone of sorts, and in turn I shall be yours. Making sure neither of us becomes too inebriated to forget the actual purpose behind the party, of course. So, how about it?"
Kisame: For a second Kisame just stared at him before he started laughing, loudly and in a relieved fashion as he leaned back in the couch. "Sure, I'd say you got yourself a date Itachi-san." Well if he hadn't been away before he sure the hell was now, that was the most efficient wake up call he'd ever had experienced. "But please don't do things like that again without giving me a heads-up first."
Itachi: "Certainly," said Itachi with a light chuckle. Ah, there was nothing like the satisfying feeling of catching Kisame off guard. Though the man had rather free tendencies, Kisame was still rather prudent at times, and it was fun to break that mask. "Besides that, then, I have a slightly more serious question." The traces of amusement that had been showing about Itachi were gone now, his brows slightly furrowed as he looked down at the cup in his hands.
Kisame: Oh? What now? Calming down Kisame rested his arm over the back of the couch and shrugged. "Shoot. What else is that's troubling that mind of yours?"
Itachi: Itachi recalled the discussion he had stumbled into with his brother and then recalled the decision he had come upon by the end of it. He said, "I am moving out of the mansion after the party. It has become something of unbearable to be around the other's whom are living under that roof. I was wondering if I might stay with you a few nights until I organize getting my own apartment?"
Kisame: "Uh... sure." Somehow Kisame had expected it to be something else by the tone of Itachi's voice, and he gave a barely noticeable sigh. "Why are you moving? That is if you don't mind me asking?" His first guess would be that it had something to do with Uzumaki, but he couldn't quite understand why Itachi was the one deciding to move out, unless...
Itachi: "My little brother has made it abundantly clear that he is happier with Uzumaki, and would prefer not to have my interference in his life. So he's getting his wish." The response was vaguely cold, touched with bitterness, though his face was blank. "I will owe you, in that case. I would stay in a hotel, but I do not readily trust maids with my belongings..." Which was the key reason the Uchiha manor did not have a cleaning staff. -_-
Kisame: "You'll owe me nothing; you would do the same if it was me. It's cool." With Itachi being just about the only family he had there was no doubt in Kisame's mind about that. Family stuck together, even if blood related ones didn't always. Taking a drink from his coffee Kisame glanced around the apartment, it wasn't the biggest there was but it was sufficient enough and he could probably house far more than just two people if he needed to. But he did on the other hand not have a spare room. "You'd have to sleep out here though, but I don't think Samehada will keep you up at night."
Itachi: Lifting his cup to drink from it once more, Itachi nodded. Sleeping anywhere but a bed was becoming something of a habit besides, and so he didn't matter. "That won't be a problem, Kisame. It will only be for a few days in any event, so I won't be a burden to you for long." Sitting up more comfortably, he looked back at the other man. "When you and Deidara grab Gin, you'll be taking him to the warehouse promptly, I assume? I'll have to stick around the party for a little while to make sure everyone leaves safely and without suspicion... so I won't be able to join the both of you immediately. Will this be all right?"
Kisame: A burden would probably be the last word Kisame would use to describe Itachi under the current situation, he needed a place to stay and he'd get it. But deciding it was probably best to leave it where it was he just nodded instead. "Won't be a problem, I'd prefer to knock him out since it'd be less of a hassle to get him there that way but who knows what Deidara's planning on. I'm still a bit unsure about letting him handle it though, if someone pulled a knife on me I'd hold a grunge even if I denied it."
Itachi: "That is precisely why he isn't doing it alone and you are going to assist him. I'm sure you won't allow things to get too out of control, knowing what consequences could follow were that to happen." Itachi finished off his coffee and set the styrofoam cup upon the table, then leaned back against the sofa.
Kisame: "No worries. I'll knock them both out if things get out of hand." Kisame would have preferred to deal with it on his own but Deidara had not seemed as if he would back down, so he'd just kept his mouth shut and accepted it. After all it wasn't as if he couldn't handle two people itching to fight. "When do you want us to start showing up for the party?"
Itachi: He couldn't give Kisame a straight answer, as to him it didn't matter too much when they showed up. "The party begins at seven... Around then, I am assuming, but if you must be late, I hardly think that will be a problem either." Thinking to himself for a moment, he then raised the question, "Do you think we will achieve anything worthwhile by questioning Gin?"
Kisame: "I don't know. But I think Deidara has a point, that guy's fishy. Just talking to him kicks all my instincts in overdrive, that's not usual. I don't like it, I don't like him." There had always been something about Gin that had bothered him, Kisame wasn't able to put his finger on what it was, all he knew was that there was no way in hell he could ever relax around that guy and an attempt to find out what he knew could perhaps but Kisame's nerves to rest, or back where they usual were at least.
Itachi: Itachi was wondering if he was the only one who really had no interaction with Gin. The others all seemed uneasy about him, but Itachi had no opinion of the man whatsoever, as he hadn't once, not even in school, really held a conversation with him much less seen him around that often. "I see. Well, it is a good place to start then, at the very least. Even if we find out nothing, at least we will have one less person to suspect, hm?"
Kisame: "Yeah, it's somewhere to start if nothing else. Seems that Tsunade chick hasn't reappeared yet." There was something about the name that sounded so familiar to Kisame and he knew he had heard it before, sometime. If he could just remember when and where. It was annoying him greatly, he knew it, he just couldn't remember it. "I know her name from somewhere..."
Itachi: "I believe I've heard it around a few times myself. Perhaps one of the individuals you questioned about the disappearances mentioned her?" Itachi hardly wanted to involve himself in a rescue mission of sorts, as saving people wasn't exactly their purpose in the Akatsuki. As far as he was concerned, if this Tsunade woman was held captive somewhere, that was her business. Unless it directly benefited the Akatsuki, he was opposed to doing anything to helping her.
Kisame: No it wasn't that, but whatever it was it sure the hell wasn't clicking. "Perhaps... Doesn't matter though, not like she'd do much good unless she suddenly reappears and tells us who they are." Though that was very doubtful to happen. With a frown Kisame emptied the cup of coffee and rubbed at the bridge of his nose.
Itachi: "That's true," said Itachi in reply. He brought one leg up to rest along the edge of the sofa cushion he was sitting on, his head resting on his knee. There were a lot of people to question, suspects laying everywhere. He wondered who they would be targeting after Gin. He wouldn't be opposed to putting Naruto to the question, but as it would serve no purpose beyond his own personal satisfaction at scaring the blond witless, he wasn't going to suggest the idea any time soon. "After Gin, do you have any ideas for others to interrogate?"
Kisame: "We could always try Orochimaru but I think that's pretty much a dead end. And personally I prefer to have as little as possible to do with him, not that he's appeared as a threat to us in any way but it wouldn't surprise me if he knew something." Or possibly some of the people that worked for him could be someone worth talking to. Kisame had no real desire to tangle with the older man unless he absolutely had too.
Itachi: Firmly nodding his head, Itachi had a feeling those tangled with Orochimaru were probably as shady as he and the others in the Akatsuki were. He didn't question that they would probably know something worthwhile. "We should bring that up at the next meeting, in that case. Choose a target then, as I wholly agree those involved with that man are particularly odd... And I myself don't think it would be wise to simply approach Orochimaru directly as we may be able to do with those he associates with."
Kisame: "We find out who he associates with and take one of them; I'll try and look around. See if anyone knows anything." Unable to stop himself Kisame grinned, in that very morbid way he did when he usually thought about hurting someone. All this, having something to do again made Kisame feel like things were finally getting somewhere - they were no longer stuck in the same paths at least. "Do you have any ideas on anyone that's stood out enough or seem like they might know something?"
Itachi: He shook his head slowly, no names or faces coming to mind. "I will think of it, and let you know. Nothing comes to mind right now..." As Itachi's mind was still loosely stuck upon thoughts of his brother and annoying pest of a boyfriend. "Ah... I'm not certain if I informed you, but Kurenai and I have ended things. Or rather, I put a stop to them after the meeting the other day. Sasori and I both spoke to Deidara about doing the same thing, and I had another talk with Deidara on my own terms... but he seems steadfast in his decision. He said there was something about it of which he wouldn't even tell the Akatsuki. And he said that he loves Orihime."
Kisame: "Oh? And just the other day he told me he didn't even know what love was. What made him change his mind?" Kisame didn't like the sound of that, not the least. Whatever he was covering up it had surely something to do with Orihime. "I haven't been able to catch Sasori yet though; I'll try and do that as soon as possible. Want me to try and talk to Deidara as well or?"
Itachi: Itachi shook his head. "I spoke briefly with Sasori... He seems grounded enough. I don't think there is too much to worry about with him, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't keep our eyes peeled, if you catch my drift." He closed his eyes, thinking slowly drifting back to Deidara and what he had said... and what he himself had told the man about his feelings for Kurenai. Admitting that he did truly like her as more than a plaything wasn't something easy to do, nor was dropping her, especially in the way that he had... and yet he had done it. The need to do it was there. "I do not doubt that there is some form of love there, though I can hardly say it is something matured and full. I told Deidara that he should pull out before he was in too deeply, especially if he cares that much for her. His response was that he would do it later, and despite my warnings of it possibly being too difficult for him later, told me to trust him." Itachi couldn't say he trusted the blond, in fact, he was quite certain Deidara would blunder and make a mess of everything, but there was little he could say to change Deidara's mind. Even explaining things between him and Kurenai, showing examples to Deidara hadn't worked.
Kisame: "He never stops to surprise me you know. How a guy like him, with all those things on his hands can remain so very naive" Naive wasn't the right word but it was the best Kisame could think of at the moment. "That he expects for things to go smoothly and to expect that he'll be able to handle it later." Somehow the blond was the one that appeared to be the least tainted of the group and it annoyed Kisame to some degree - that Deidara didn't seem to reflect over what he really was when he spent time with his girl.
Itachi: There was no room to disagree. Pressing his fingers to his temples and rubbing them lightly, he said, "I know. Naivety, or sheer idiocy, it is going to prove a predicament later, I know it will." It was one thing he could agree with Sasori on, for that fact. It was why he had let go of Kurenai, because he agreed that having liabilities was not a wise idea. In their line of work, attachments were the most likely thing to demolish whatever they worked towards achieving. "It just doesn't seem there is a way to get through to him... He refuses to accept the possibility of him mishandling things. And unless you-know-who shows up any time soon, I hardly think that we will be able to convince him to leave Orihime."
Kisame: Chuckling Kisame nodded. "Mmm, but I think hoping for that is hoping for too much. Something tells me he won't be back for a while." If he ever returns that is. Which in it was fine with him. "He keeps insisting he can protect her, after all prior relationships you think he'd learn that it's not about protecting them. It's about protecting our own backs and Akatsuki. He's being a fool but I guess we just have to deal for the time being. I don't think she's any direct threat to anyone yet."
Itachi: "Yet." That was the problem. As they were now beginning to take action once again, that yet posed a problem. It was very likely that, should any of them put one wrong foot down, say the wrong thing, people would ask questions. And innocent as Orihime might be... Itachi knew that women were just too inquisitive for their own good sometimes. "What do we do if she finds us out?" he asked abruptly. "I don't think we can trust her to keep her mouth shut... She isn't exactly the most brilliant individual I have ever met."
Kisame: "I know and if she does, she has to be dealt with. That's Deidara's job, and unless he can do it..." Leaving the rest of the sentence hanging Kisame looked over at Itachi with a hard glance. Unless Deidara could deal with that, then he needed to be dealt with. That was the rule of the world, eat or be eaten.
Itachi: He nodded in understanding, in agreement as well. "I'm glad I'm not on the end of your ruthlessness," he said, offering Kisame a small and knowing grin.
Kisame: "Deidara should know that as well, lets just hope he's thought about that and is aware of the consequences of his actions." It wasn't something he would enjoy doing but if it needed to be done for the good of the organization he would do what was required. As big a brute as he was Kisame still had a family-ish bond with the rest of the group where Deidara was no doubt the youngest of them. "I guess we'll know in time what needs to be done."
Itachi: "...Indeed. And if he doesn't end things with her soon, I think it would be in everyone's best interest for one, or all of us, to remind him of those consequences." Itachi stood and picked up his cup from the table, holding out his hand for Kisame's empty one. "I'll throw these out. Best not to leave garbage sitting."
Kisame: "Thanks." Kisame nodded as he handed Itachi the empty cup. It would most likely be best if he was the one that reminded Deidara of the consequences of his actions, Sasori would probably go overboard and, well Itachi was probably as good for dealing with it as he was.
Itachi: Taking the empty styrofoam cups the kitchen and disposing of them in the trash, one his way out Itachi stopped in the kitchen doorway. "While I'm up, do you want anything? Or perhaps I should be on my way for now?"
Kisame: "Nah I'm fine. Though..." Leaning forward Kisame placed his elbows on his knees and frowned "I need a costume for your damn party and I have no idea what to wear or where to get it."
Itachi: Itachi grinned a little. "Really now?" He tapped his finger to his chin in thought, eyes upon the other as he moved to sit back on the sofa. He would have suggested for Kisame to go as Riff Raff to match his own costume... but that would mean divulging his costume idea to the taller man and spoiling the surprise. Only Kurenai knew so far what he would be wearing. "Well... that is a hard thing to decide..."
Kisame: "Yeah, and for some reason I feel that blaming you for that mess is the right thing to do. But I don't know I might just be fooling myself." he gruffed out and shook his head, there was a reason he hated costume parties. Namely because he could never, ever figure out what to wear, partly because of his size and partly because... well he just couldn't.
Itachi: Itachi sighed, then said, "Dress up as Lurch from the Adams Family?" No sooner the words were out of his mouth than Itachi actually laughed a little and had to press his lips together in effort not to keep doing so.
Kisame: "..." Kisame stared at Itachi some as he slowly raised an eyebrow. "...Lurch? You suggest I paint myself green and go around as Lurch?" Though he had to admit that the idea wasn't half as bad as it had initially sounded.
Itachi: "That is exactly what I am suggesting. I dislike maids, but having a butler for the evening sounds rather delightful." He was still grinning, too amused by the conversation.
Kisame: "And here I thought I was going to be your date, if you wanted me as a butler you could have just said so." Crossing his arms Kisame chuckled. Lurch, well that shouldn't be too hard.
Itachi: If anyone at all, Kisame was probably the only person Itachi could joke around this way with. Kurenai had only teasingly suggested the other night that he have ulterior motives for his costume, insinuating he enjoyed dressing that way and other things... Itachi had shot her a warning glare for it, as well. But Kisame was someone who actually understood him, his best friend, and it was a relief to sometimes say ridiculous things and tease the other man, even be teased back. Kisame was the only person he would tolerate it from. "Well then, I'll just consider you my house wife, and then both pieces will fit into place, hm?"
Kisame: "Haha, I won't be fetching slippers and picking up after you. Got it?" Had anyone heard their conversation it would most likely have made them stand and stare at the two as if they'd lost their minds but Kisame liked it, it eased up the mood a lot considering the previous heavy topics that had been discussed.
Itachi: "A pity," said Itachi lightly, drooping his head slightly in mock sadness. "I was so looking forward to you tending to my needs, and then cozying up with me by the fireplace in the late evenings." Indeed, Itachi thought it was much better that this conversation was in private... XD
Kisame: "Yeah, you fetch your own slippers and pick up after yourself and maybe you have a deal, or someone to get cozy with. I'm too lazy to do that. Lets just face it, I'll never make a good house wife. I can barely cook and I can't make a good cup of coffee, you'd never stand it." Kisame almost had the urge to laugh as he stretched out where he was sitting.
Itachi: Sitting quietly for a moment, Itachi allowed his mock sadness to turn into something resembling shock. "By the sounds of it then, as I make a mean cup of coffee and have known how to cook since middle school, I would be the house wife!" His eyes widened, and he pressed a hand to his cheek in fake alarm. Although, he could quite honestly say that if one of them had to be considered a house wife, Kisame certainly would not be the one. Itachi really was better fitted to that title.
Kisame: "Haha, that sounds even better. You get take care of the house and then me when I come home from work." Kisame tried to keep from laughing, not that it went very well though. "Does this mean I should bring you flowers and chocolate for our date on Saturday?"
Itachi: Now Itachi was wholly serious. "Chocolates, yes." He loved sweets... sometimes too much. "Preferably a box of Lindor, if you'd be so gracious, darling." As for flowers, well, he decided to go with what his mother had always preferred. "Blue hydrangea, a small bouquet. But if you go and do all that, you may just hook me for good." He batted his eye lashes, and then his facade cracked and he burst out laughing.
Kisame: As Itachi started laughing it broke for Kisame as well, it was just too much. It had been far too long since he'd had a good time just sitting around joking with Itachi and it had been even longer since he had been laughing as hard as he was right now. Trying to pull himself together he sat up a bit straighter and shook his head almost gasping for air from laughing so hard. "So, Lindor chocolates and blue hydrangea, I'll try and remember that then."
Itachi: Reigning himself under control, still softly chuckling from time to time, Itachi nodded, a grin still splitting his face nearly in two. "Ah... yes, yes. And should there be anything I might get for you, all you would have to do is tell me so." He wondered if Deidara and Sasori had ever joked around like this with one another, then decided that was impossible. Sasori was even more uptight than he himself was.
Kisame: "Fetch me my slippers and make me dinner and I'll be happy, house wife." Yeapp, they were nuts but it felt good to be nuts and to be it in a good way rather than how they usually were.
Itachi: Itachi laughed. "With tender words like that, how could I refuse?" He wondered then if he might be able to catch Kisame off guard while he stayed with the man by actually cooking dinner... It was a habit of his to cook for others anyways. He had done it enough for Sasuke and Naruto, even Kurenai. Itachi was accustomed to cooking, having lived on his own for some time now. The slipper fetching, however, he probably wouldn't do. He didn't event think Kisame owned slippers...
Kisame: "Well a promise of flowers and candy, I guess that's what it takes to make you compliant enough or is it really my words that lure you to do my biddings." Gah, where did all those words come from and why were they spilling out of his mouth? Kisame couldn't really care less, he was amused, Itachi was amused so what did it matter.
Itachi: "I think, perhaps, it is a combination of both words and the promises of your gifts," said Itachi. Thoroughly amused, he most definitely was. It had been a long time since he felt this level of amusement, and after events last night with his brother, it was very much so a relief. Not only was Kisame successfully prying Itachi's mind away from depressing thoughts of his brother and Uzumaki Naruto, but he was also relieving Itachi's mind, if only temporarily, of thoughts governing his actions with the Akatsuki which could be just as stressful. "Keep it up, and I might just fall head over heels for you, husband of mine."
Kisame: "Oh, like what? Want me to sweep you of your feet or shower you with even more gifts. Will a frilly, pink dress do?" Kisame had seen one the other day when he was crossing town in order to get home from school. The pink color of the dress was strong enough to have been noticed even if it had been pitch black outside.
Itachi: "Mmm, the thought of you carrying me around like my own personal sedan chair is mighty tempting," Itachi replied lightly. "Can I trust you to hold tight and not drop me?" He made no comment upon the dress idea, because he had a feeling Kisame would buy him such a dress just to dumbfound him.
Kisame: "Come now, house wife. Do I look like the kind who would just drop you without giving you a warning? Well maybe I would, but just if I hadn't gotten my coffee for the day." That did pose a question, would he be able to carry Itachi around, or more like how long would he be able to do that without getting tired. Maybe he should try that sometime.
Itachi: "Oh really? In that case, I'll remember to hold on extra tight if I ever neglect to feed or water you," Itachi teased. He didn't question that Kisame probably would drop him for a good laugh, the other man was like that. Hell, if he could actually lift Kisame, he might do the same thing.
Kisame: "That might be the best thing to do, though something tells me I wouldn't get fed if I did drop you so I guess I'll have to try and keep from doing that. Besides wouldn't want you to accuse me of hitting you if you happen to fall on your face or something." Kisame doubled over and started laughing again as he tried picturing Itachi in the frilly dress with his hair tied back, a cup of coffee in one hand and a pair of slippers in the other. It was just too funny.
Itachi: "...Yes, you wife beater. You wouldn't want that at all, less some much more charming devil who knows how to be kind to me come and wisk me away from you, hm?" Now what is he laughing about? Itachi's left eyebrow climbed his forehead as he watched Kisame curiously. What was so funny that it had the other man doubled over snickering and snorting? Itachi poked Kisame's side. "What exactly are you so bubbly about now?"
Kisame: "You... pink dress.... slippers!" He was having far to much fun and every time he tried to calm down he did the foolish thing of glancing over at Itachi and instantly relapsed in his laughing fit. "But please... house wife. You can't leave me, I'd be lost without you!"
Itachi: Itachi's eyes widened ever so slightly, this time in actual alarm. Had he caused Kisame to lose his mind? -_-; It seemed that way. "Oh dear, I'd never leave you. But... you don't think pink would make me look fat, do you?" And yes, he fully intended to continue joking around. It was good to Kisame enjoying himself as much as he was.
Kisame: "I think red would be more your color, it'd go better with your hair. But I'm pretty sure you'd look absolutely adorable in pink as well." Taking a long, deep breath Kisame tried to quell the urge to keep laughing.
Itachi: Itachi was finding it quite hard to believe that he and Kisame were indeed sitting here and not only discussing fashion, but other similar things. It made his other eyebrow climb his forehead. "Goodness. Red, so you say? And perhaps I should wear some ribbons? Lace? Frills? A little bow? And maybe I'll even ask you to dress me up yourself." He laughed.
Kisame: "A red dress with black lace and a little bow in your hair, yes. Now that would be absolutely adorable. Do you want one of those little lapdogs as well?" Kisame was starting to thing all this laughing was a bad idea since his sides were beginning to cramp up and he could swear there was moist gathering at the corners of his eyes.
Itachi: "I thought you would be my lap dog, dear." Itachi wasn't laughing as hard, having reigned in most of his control again, but he was rest assured, fully amused. However, even despite his amusement, he did not attempt to imagine himself in such a dress. The very notion of it made him want to shiver. Bad enough he'd be dressed as Frank-N-Furter.
Kisame: "I'm a bit large to be a lap dog, don't you think?" he shook his head and chuckled. "I'd be more inclined to say that you would be my lap dog."
Itachi: Itachi blinked. "Are you insinuating that you would want me to sit in your lap?" Oh, that was rich. Providing on what Kisame answered with, he might just try it some time to make his friend sputter again.
Kisame: "I'm just saying I wouldn't want to crush you, while trying to please you and acting lap dog." By now Kisame actually had to wipe his eyes as he was still trying to calm down. Maybe he needed to get some more sleep...
Itachi: "And how... I think you've hurt my feelings. Suggesting that I couldn't withstand your weight. Just how weak and frail do you think that I am?" Itachi leaned back, stretching his arms behind his head casually.
Kisame: "Oh not at all, I have no doubt you probably could hold my weight for a while though I rather not push it but if you do insist I guess I can be your lap dog. Anything to keep my house wife happy." Kisame got off the couch and walked into the kitchen taking a look in his fridge before raising his voice slightly. "Soda?"
Itachi: "Sure, that would be appreciated," Itachi responded, grinning at his husband's back as he went into the kitchen.
Kisame: Grabbing two cans Kisame made his way back into the room and sat down on the couch, tossing one of the cans to Itachi before opening his own. Somehow all that laughing had made him very thirsty "Or was there anything else you wanted me to get you once I was up? Besides slippers or a dress?"
Itachi: "...How about some lingerie?" He accepted the soda can, opened it and took a sip, grateful for the drink so that now he could wet his mouth.
Kisame: "Sorry, don't think I have any at home. Want black, red or white ones?" Placing the now empty can down on the table Kisame leaned back and once more spread out like he had before.
Itachi: Tapping his chin thoughtfully, Itachi said, "White. If you want a good wifey. Or black if you'd light a naughty one." He was rather impressed with himself, saying this sort of thing with a straight face.
Kisame: "I'll get you one of each then, or maybe I should just try and find some grey once. Less trouble." Yeah, sure. He could almost imagine the look on the shop keepers face if he did go and try to buy something like that.
Itachi: "Grey is preferable, to be honest." Though it wasn't a color, it was Itachi's favorite shade. Colors weren't something he was too fond of. He drank some more of his soda and then stifled a yawn behind his hand. His mind sobered down from the laughter, he began contemplating the party and events surrounding Gin that would occur.
Kisame: "I'll try and find you something grey then. Worn down already?" Kisame had noticed the half stifled yawn that Itachi tried and hide and almost had to bite back his own. Laughing was tiring, probably why he usually refrained from doing it.
Itachi: Itachi lightly shook his head. He wasn't tired per se, merely overwhelmed with things lately and... over burdened. "I'm fine. I could do with a vacation, mind you." Ah, sunny Florida, or perhaps to Paris or Italy...
Kisame: "Maybe once everything is settled we'll be able to get enough time to let you get a way for a while. I'll stay behind, keep everything in check seeing how the others apparently can't. But that's to worry about for later I assume." In a way Kisame understood Itachi's want to get away, though he himself liked when things were happening. It kept his restless streak from blooming up.
Itachi: "...Perhaps. It may not be necessary upon moving out of the manor," said Itachi honestly. If he didn't have Sasuke to focus on directly, he could be more concentrated and less stressed out. It wouldn't be too hard on him then, providing Sasuke wasn't difficult about it.
Kisame: "Do you need any help in getting all the stuff you need out of there?" Kisame wasn't sure just how much of his things that Itachi was planning on bringing but he might as well offer to help either way.
Itachi: "I'm sure that I can manage," said Itachi liberally. "Though I have a lot, I need very little. I am only taking with me what I need, and when I get my own apartment, then I will move the rest of my belongings. I appreciate the offer for help, however." He finished his soda then crushed the can between his hands.
Kisame: "Yeah wouldn't want my house wife to go break his back as he's about to move in so he can take care of me, now do I?" Kisame raised a brow and smirked.
Itachi: Slightly caught off guard, Itachi cleared his throat to keep from stammering out a confused sound. "...No, we wouldn't want that at all. How ever would I keep my darling happy if I was injured?"
Kisame: "Guess that would mean me having to wait on you. Maybe that wouldn't be too bad, I mean how demanding can you be... really?" Not that he really wanted to know but what the heck.
Itachi: "You'd be surprised what a kitten I am," Itachi mused thoughtfully. Truth be told, he didn't ask much and usually tended to himself. "All I require from time to time is a little tequila, and I'm usually fairly content." A little, or a lot. He did have a rather nasty habit of drinking.
Kisame: "Well that I can take care of that." He did have a rather large stash of strong alcohol in the apartment, and it had increased with a few bottles when he'd taken in Kurenai's stash as well. Not that it seemed to have helped her much.
Itachi: "Well then, you'll have a happy, healthy, albeit drunk, wife on your hands." Itachi suddenly wished he wasn't talking of alcohol. He hadn't had a good drink in a few days. Long days. "Mm... I might just head out to the bar shortly."
Kisame: "Bar on a Wednesday Itachi-san?" Oh, and Kisame thought he was the one with a almost too high desire to get drunk, though it had been too long since he had gotten really drunk.
Itachi: "It's much better than home, Kisame. Much better, indeed." He stood up, grabbing his coat from the arm of the sofa. "Care to go out for a few drinks?"
Kisame: "Now, that sounds like a good offer. Anywhere special you intend to go or just first place you come across?" Getting off the couch as well he stood and stretched, trying to loosen his muscles some. Sitting around all day was not good and he mentally berated himself for skipping out on the gym that morning.
Itachi: Beginning on his way over to the door, Itachi recalled a half-way suitable bar down along the harbor that he preferred. He wasn't clear on the name of it, but he remembered the whereabouts well enough. "I have a place in mind," he told Kisame honestly, tossing the soda cans into the recycling before he went to slip his shoes back on.
Kisame: "Okay, you lead the way." Not bothering to toss his can away Kisame grabbed his keys and the coat that hung over a chair the entrance of the small hallway. Pulling on his boots he donned the coat and slipped his hands into the pockets as he made his way out the door after Itachi, locking it behind him as he went.
Itachi: As the weather was still rather morose, and Itachi had his Maserati with him, he decidedly opted for taking his car instead of walking the distance to the harbor front. Exiting the building with his companion, Itachi led Kisame to his car, pulling out his keys and unlocking the vehicle with the small remote attached. As they climbed in, he slipped on his seat belt and started the car, they were soon out of the parking lot and on the road. "If you want music, in the glove compartment there is a CD case. Go nuts."
Kisame: Kisame and cars did not mix, really. He disliked them strongly and tended to avoid them the best he could, unfortunately he wasn't always able to do that so he concentrated on the road ahead rather than anything else. It was best that way. "I'm fine, I think I've gone nuts enough as it is. But thanks."
Itachi: "...Are you all right? Not afraid of my driving are you?" Itachi deliberately swerved a little on the road, from his side view watching Kisame closely.
Kisame: Keeping his eyes fixed on the road a head of them Kisame just shrugged, trying his best to keep the sinking feeling in his stomach from taking over. "Car sickness, so I wouldn't do that if I were you. There's a reason I walk everywhere."
Itachi: Itachi laughed lightly and decided to listen to his passenger. He was quite certain he didn't want, nor need vomit stains upon the upholstery. '_';; "Are you really that bothered? I would have walked, but I didn't think you would want me laughing at your flat hair again after it got wet from the rain." And he really didn't want to look like a drowned rat going to a bar.
Kisame: "Nah, I'm fine and thank you for being so concerned about my appearance. If I didn't know better I'd say you wanted me to get soaked so you could laugh. But perhaps you've laughed enough today." His tone was surprisingly light as he spoke and he wasn't sure if it was the earlier events that were the cause of if it was just from concentrating on the road.
Itachi: "Someone has to keep after you, otherwise you'd let yourself go. It's a wife's job, isn't it?" Moments later they had arrived at the bar Itachi had mentioned, a small estabolishment with wide windows and what seemed to be a fair amount of patrons judging by the cars in the parking lot. Grabbing one of the spaces nearest to the doors that he could, Itachi parked the car and slid off his seatbelt, pulling the keys from the ignition. "Well, here we are." He climbed out of the car.
Kisame: "I think I've found the best wife a husband could wish for." Chuckling Kisame got out of the car and looked around trying to pick up on familiar landmarks just incase he decided to find his way here again.
Itachi: "I'm flattered, really." He locked the vehicle with the remote, then gestured for Kisame to follow him inside. Walking through the heavy oak door and inside, there were tons of people playing pool and talking over drinks, a few arguing quietly, the usual scene that they were used to. Itachi waved to one of the serving girls, and took Kisame to a table in the back, noticing the girl coming over to see what they wanted.
Kisame: Deciding to go with a beer this time Kisame told her so as he made himself comfortable, his eyes scanning over the room and the people in it. "Seems like a nice place."
Itachi: "It's half-way decent," Itachi corrected. "On the weekends it's particularly chaotic. It's a good place to hear things, though, not that there's been much floating around this place lately. It's been quiet." Itachi was tempted to order his usual tequila shots, but this time went with ordering some fireball whiskey.
Kisame: "Going for the strong stuff today Itachi-san?" Kisame gave him a half curious look and grinned. He had to admit that he was tempted as well to order something stronger but it was still early in the day so he refrained from doing that.
Itachi: He gave a firm nod of his head. "Why not? It isn't as though I have anything planned for this evening. I can get trashed without worry." And he planned to do so, or at least get feeling good. And then he'd have himself a good long sleep and be back on schedule tomorrow.
Log: Itachi, Kisame. From Kisame’s place down to a pub
Itachi: Itachi had called Kisame on his way out the door, briefly explaining that he was heading over to the other man's apartment before hanging up the cell phone and getting into his Maserati. There were a few things he had to ask the other man, all of which he would prefer to be done face to face, and so he hadn't really given Kisame time to object to his call before he had hung up. Pulling out of the driveway of his house, he started off in the direction of Kisame's place, taking his time to pick up two coffees, and upon arrival, near juggle them as he approached the intercom and buzzed to be let in.
Kisame: Hearing the buzzer Kisame looked up from his books and assuming it was Itachi he didn't think twice as he buzzed the man in. The earlier phone conversation had been short, very short and he'd been left with little chance to express himself when Itachi informed that he would be coming over, not that he really had anything to say about it but still. Putting his books aside he walked into the bedroom to grab a t-shirt, seeing how he was still only half dressed from getting out of bed a few hours earlier.
Itachi: Opening the door and shuffling into the building, his feet a little sore from last night's practice with the damn shoes he had bought for his Frank-N-Furter costume, Itachi took himself down one of the main level hallways and to Kisame's apartment, knocking on the door lightly. He waited for the man to open the door, then offered him a coffee as he slipped in and slipped off his shoes. "Looks like it's going to rain out, I'm glad I drove here."
Kisame: Upon hearing the knock on the door Kisame made his way over to the door to let Itachi inside, accepting the coffee he nodded slightly. "Springtime, almost as bad as autumn when it comes to rain." Removing himself from the somewhat cramp hallway Kisame took a seat in the couch as he peered at his friend. "So what do I owe the honor of a morning visit Itachi-san?"
Itachi: Shrugging off his black jacket and laying it on the arm of the other end of the sofa before sitting down, Itachi replied, "A few things to discuss, questions I'd like to ask." Lifting his styrofoam cup to his lips surreptitiously, he took a light sip of the burning liquid inside. "First thing's first, I have a question regarding the party I am holding on Saturday."
Kisame: Scuffing Kisame took a drink from the cup and resisted to shake his head. Damn costume party of all things, it was just to torment him - he was sure. "Why did you have to go with a costume party of all things?" If you looked close enough you could almost discern a pout, or well as close as a pout as you could come since it was Kisame and he just. Did. Not. Pout.
Itachi: The covert expression threatening to show itself upon Kisame's face almost had Itachi's lips twitch into something of a tiny grin. Instead, he hid his amusement behind his cup once more as he sipped his coffee. Resuming something of his usual blankness, he lowered his cup and sighed. "It proves an interesting distraction. But more importantly, it will assist in obscuring the memory Gin has of you and Deidara should the two of you be wearing masks when you grab him. And it gives reason for you both to have masks with you of some kind."
Kisame: "True, not that I had any intentions of letting him see my face. But a good idea none the less." That would work quite well, but now he just had to find a costume that had a mask to wear at the party.
Itachi: "Yes, that was what I was hoping it would be," Itachi said liberally. Of course he was also hosting the party for more fun purposes, as it would be humorous to see his closer friends in the organization dress up, for it wasn't something the lot of them seemed likely to do... except maybe Deidara. "In any event, I do have a question about the party. Nothing to do with business, I'll have you know. I was curious if you would be my date?" And now he had his eyes firmly fixed upon Kisame; he wanted to remember the man's reaction vividly, moment for moment.
Kisame: Kisame literally choked on his coffee and coughing he turned to stare at Itachi with wide eyes, trying to see anything in his eyes or demeanor that could indicate that being a joke. Placing the cup down on the table in front of him Kisame tried to think of something intelligent to say but ended up with a simple. "Huh?"
Itachi: Pleased with the reaction, Itachi allowed a small curve to rise to his lips, suggesting the amusement he certainly felt at Kisame's response. "You heard me correctly," he said easily, and then added to clear up any confusion Kisame might be feeling, "a platonic date of sorts. More like you would be my chaperone of sorts, and in turn I shall be yours. Making sure neither of us becomes too inebriated to forget the actual purpose behind the party, of course. So, how about it?"
Kisame: For a second Kisame just stared at him before he started laughing, loudly and in a relieved fashion as he leaned back in the couch. "Sure, I'd say you got yourself a date Itachi-san." Well if he hadn't been away before he sure the hell was now, that was the most efficient wake up call he'd ever had experienced. "But please don't do things like that again without giving me a heads-up first."
Itachi: "Certainly," said Itachi with a light chuckle. Ah, there was nothing like the satisfying feeling of catching Kisame off guard. Though the man had rather free tendencies, Kisame was still rather prudent at times, and it was fun to break that mask. "Besides that, then, I have a slightly more serious question." The traces of amusement that had been showing about Itachi were gone now, his brows slightly furrowed as he looked down at the cup in his hands.
Kisame: Oh? What now? Calming down Kisame rested his arm over the back of the couch and shrugged. "Shoot. What else is that's troubling that mind of yours?"
Itachi: Itachi recalled the discussion he had stumbled into with his brother and then recalled the decision he had come upon by the end of it. He said, "I am moving out of the mansion after the party. It has become something of unbearable to be around the other's whom are living under that roof. I was wondering if I might stay with you a few nights until I organize getting my own apartment?"
Kisame: "Uh... sure." Somehow Kisame had expected it to be something else by the tone of Itachi's voice, and he gave a barely noticeable sigh. "Why are you moving? That is if you don't mind me asking?" His first guess would be that it had something to do with Uzumaki, but he couldn't quite understand why Itachi was the one deciding to move out, unless...
Itachi: "My little brother has made it abundantly clear that he is happier with Uzumaki, and would prefer not to have my interference in his life. So he's getting his wish." The response was vaguely cold, touched with bitterness, though his face was blank. "I will owe you, in that case. I would stay in a hotel, but I do not readily trust maids with my belongings..." Which was the key reason the Uchiha manor did not have a cleaning staff. -_-
Kisame: "You'll owe me nothing; you would do the same if it was me. It's cool." With Itachi being just about the only family he had there was no doubt in Kisame's mind about that. Family stuck together, even if blood related ones didn't always. Taking a drink from his coffee Kisame glanced around the apartment, it wasn't the biggest there was but it was sufficient enough and he could probably house far more than just two people if he needed to. But he did on the other hand not have a spare room. "You'd have to sleep out here though, but I don't think Samehada will keep you up at night."
Itachi: Lifting his cup to drink from it once more, Itachi nodded. Sleeping anywhere but a bed was becoming something of a habit besides, and so he didn't matter. "That won't be a problem, Kisame. It will only be for a few days in any event, so I won't be a burden to you for long." Sitting up more comfortably, he looked back at the other man. "When you and Deidara grab Gin, you'll be taking him to the warehouse promptly, I assume? I'll have to stick around the party for a little while to make sure everyone leaves safely and without suspicion... so I won't be able to join the both of you immediately. Will this be all right?"
Kisame: A burden would probably be the last word Kisame would use to describe Itachi under the current situation, he needed a place to stay and he'd get it. But deciding it was probably best to leave it where it was he just nodded instead. "Won't be a problem, I'd prefer to knock him out since it'd be less of a hassle to get him there that way but who knows what Deidara's planning on. I'm still a bit unsure about letting him handle it though, if someone pulled a knife on me I'd hold a grunge even if I denied it."
Itachi: "That is precisely why he isn't doing it alone and you are going to assist him. I'm sure you won't allow things to get too out of control, knowing what consequences could follow were that to happen." Itachi finished off his coffee and set the styrofoam cup upon the table, then leaned back against the sofa.
Kisame: "No worries. I'll knock them both out if things get out of hand." Kisame would have preferred to deal with it on his own but Deidara had not seemed as if he would back down, so he'd just kept his mouth shut and accepted it. After all it wasn't as if he couldn't handle two people itching to fight. "When do you want us to start showing up for the party?"
Itachi: He couldn't give Kisame a straight answer, as to him it didn't matter too much when they showed up. "The party begins at seven... Around then, I am assuming, but if you must be late, I hardly think that will be a problem either." Thinking to himself for a moment, he then raised the question, "Do you think we will achieve anything worthwhile by questioning Gin?"
Kisame: "I don't know. But I think Deidara has a point, that guy's fishy. Just talking to him kicks all my instincts in overdrive, that's not usual. I don't like it, I don't like him." There had always been something about Gin that had bothered him, Kisame wasn't able to put his finger on what it was, all he knew was that there was no way in hell he could ever relax around that guy and an attempt to find out what he knew could perhaps but Kisame's nerves to rest, or back where they usual were at least.
Itachi: Itachi was wondering if he was the only one who really had no interaction with Gin. The others all seemed uneasy about him, but Itachi had no opinion of the man whatsoever, as he hadn't once, not even in school, really held a conversation with him much less seen him around that often. "I see. Well, it is a good place to start then, at the very least. Even if we find out nothing, at least we will have one less person to suspect, hm?"
Kisame: "Yeah, it's somewhere to start if nothing else. Seems that Tsunade chick hasn't reappeared yet." There was something about the name that sounded so familiar to Kisame and he knew he had heard it before, sometime. If he could just remember when and where. It was annoying him greatly, he knew it, he just couldn't remember it. "I know her name from somewhere..."
Itachi: "I believe I've heard it around a few times myself. Perhaps one of the individuals you questioned about the disappearances mentioned her?" Itachi hardly wanted to involve himself in a rescue mission of sorts, as saving people wasn't exactly their purpose in the Akatsuki. As far as he was concerned, if this Tsunade woman was held captive somewhere, that was her business. Unless it directly benefited the Akatsuki, he was opposed to doing anything to helping her.
Kisame: No it wasn't that, but whatever it was it sure the hell wasn't clicking. "Perhaps... Doesn't matter though, not like she'd do much good unless she suddenly reappears and tells us who they are." Though that was very doubtful to happen. With a frown Kisame emptied the cup of coffee and rubbed at the bridge of his nose.
Itachi: "That's true," said Itachi in reply. He brought one leg up to rest along the edge of the sofa cushion he was sitting on, his head resting on his knee. There were a lot of people to question, suspects laying everywhere. He wondered who they would be targeting after Gin. He wouldn't be opposed to putting Naruto to the question, but as it would serve no purpose beyond his own personal satisfaction at scaring the blond witless, he wasn't going to suggest the idea any time soon. "After Gin, do you have any ideas for others to interrogate?"
Kisame: "We could always try Orochimaru but I think that's pretty much a dead end. And personally I prefer to have as little as possible to do with him, not that he's appeared as a threat to us in any way but it wouldn't surprise me if he knew something." Or possibly some of the people that worked for him could be someone worth talking to. Kisame had no real desire to tangle with the older man unless he absolutely had too.
Itachi: Firmly nodding his head, Itachi had a feeling those tangled with Orochimaru were probably as shady as he and the others in the Akatsuki were. He didn't question that they would probably know something worthwhile. "We should bring that up at the next meeting, in that case. Choose a target then, as I wholly agree those involved with that man are particularly odd... And I myself don't think it would be wise to simply approach Orochimaru directly as we may be able to do with those he associates with."
Kisame: "We find out who he associates with and take one of them; I'll try and look around. See if anyone knows anything." Unable to stop himself Kisame grinned, in that very morbid way he did when he usually thought about hurting someone. All this, having something to do again made Kisame feel like things were finally getting somewhere - they were no longer stuck in the same paths at least. "Do you have any ideas on anyone that's stood out enough or seem like they might know something?"
Itachi: He shook his head slowly, no names or faces coming to mind. "I will think of it, and let you know. Nothing comes to mind right now..." As Itachi's mind was still loosely stuck upon thoughts of his brother and annoying pest of a boyfriend. "Ah... I'm not certain if I informed you, but Kurenai and I have ended things. Or rather, I put a stop to them after the meeting the other day. Sasori and I both spoke to Deidara about doing the same thing, and I had another talk with Deidara on my own terms... but he seems steadfast in his decision. He said there was something about it of which he wouldn't even tell the Akatsuki. And he said that he loves Orihime."
Kisame: "Oh? And just the other day he told me he didn't even know what love was. What made him change his mind?" Kisame didn't like the sound of that, not the least. Whatever he was covering up it had surely something to do with Orihime. "I haven't been able to catch Sasori yet though; I'll try and do that as soon as possible. Want me to try and talk to Deidara as well or?"
Itachi: Itachi shook his head. "I spoke briefly with Sasori... He seems grounded enough. I don't think there is too much to worry about with him, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't keep our eyes peeled, if you catch my drift." He closed his eyes, thinking slowly drifting back to Deidara and what he had said... and what he himself had told the man about his feelings for Kurenai. Admitting that he did truly like her as more than a plaything wasn't something easy to do, nor was dropping her, especially in the way that he had... and yet he had done it. The need to do it was there. "I do not doubt that there is some form of love there, though I can hardly say it is something matured and full. I told Deidara that he should pull out before he was in too deeply, especially if he cares that much for her. His response was that he would do it later, and despite my warnings of it possibly being too difficult for him later, told me to trust him." Itachi couldn't say he trusted the blond, in fact, he was quite certain Deidara would blunder and make a mess of everything, but there was little he could say to change Deidara's mind. Even explaining things between him and Kurenai, showing examples to Deidara hadn't worked.
Kisame: "He never stops to surprise me you know. How a guy like him, with all those things on his hands can remain so very naive" Naive wasn't the right word but it was the best Kisame could think of at the moment. "That he expects for things to go smoothly and to expect that he'll be able to handle it later." Somehow the blond was the one that appeared to be the least tainted of the group and it annoyed Kisame to some degree - that Deidara didn't seem to reflect over what he really was when he spent time with his girl.
Itachi: There was no room to disagree. Pressing his fingers to his temples and rubbing them lightly, he said, "I know. Naivety, or sheer idiocy, it is going to prove a predicament later, I know it will." It was one thing he could agree with Sasori on, for that fact. It was why he had let go of Kurenai, because he agreed that having liabilities was not a wise idea. In their line of work, attachments were the most likely thing to demolish whatever they worked towards achieving. "It just doesn't seem there is a way to get through to him... He refuses to accept the possibility of him mishandling things. And unless you-know-who shows up any time soon, I hardly think that we will be able to convince him to leave Orihime."
Kisame: Chuckling Kisame nodded. "Mmm, but I think hoping for that is hoping for too much. Something tells me he won't be back for a while." If he ever returns that is. Which in it was fine with him. "He keeps insisting he can protect her, after all prior relationships you think he'd learn that it's not about protecting them. It's about protecting our own backs and Akatsuki. He's being a fool but I guess we just have to deal for the time being. I don't think she's any direct threat to anyone yet."
Itachi: "Yet." That was the problem. As they were now beginning to take action once again, that yet posed a problem. It was very likely that, should any of them put one wrong foot down, say the wrong thing, people would ask questions. And innocent as Orihime might be... Itachi knew that women were just too inquisitive for their own good sometimes. "What do we do if she finds us out?" he asked abruptly. "I don't think we can trust her to keep her mouth shut... She isn't exactly the most brilliant individual I have ever met."
Kisame: "I know and if she does, she has to be dealt with. That's Deidara's job, and unless he can do it..." Leaving the rest of the sentence hanging Kisame looked over at Itachi with a hard glance. Unless Deidara could deal with that, then he needed to be dealt with. That was the rule of the world, eat or be eaten.
Itachi: He nodded in understanding, in agreement as well. "I'm glad I'm not on the end of your ruthlessness," he said, offering Kisame a small and knowing grin.
Kisame: "Deidara should know that as well, lets just hope he's thought about that and is aware of the consequences of his actions." It wasn't something he would enjoy doing but if it needed to be done for the good of the organization he would do what was required. As big a brute as he was Kisame still had a family-ish bond with the rest of the group where Deidara was no doubt the youngest of them. "I guess we'll know in time what needs to be done."
Itachi: "...Indeed. And if he doesn't end things with her soon, I think it would be in everyone's best interest for one, or all of us, to remind him of those consequences." Itachi stood and picked up his cup from the table, holding out his hand for Kisame's empty one. "I'll throw these out. Best not to leave garbage sitting."
Kisame: "Thanks." Kisame nodded as he handed Itachi the empty cup. It would most likely be best if he was the one that reminded Deidara of the consequences of his actions, Sasori would probably go overboard and, well Itachi was probably as good for dealing with it as he was.
Itachi: Taking the empty styrofoam cups the kitchen and disposing of them in the trash, one his way out Itachi stopped in the kitchen doorway. "While I'm up, do you want anything? Or perhaps I should be on my way for now?"
Kisame: "Nah I'm fine. Though..." Leaning forward Kisame placed his elbows on his knees and frowned "I need a costume for your damn party and I have no idea what to wear or where to get it."
Itachi: Itachi grinned a little. "Really now?" He tapped his finger to his chin in thought, eyes upon the other as he moved to sit back on the sofa. He would have suggested for Kisame to go as Riff Raff to match his own costume... but that would mean divulging his costume idea to the taller man and spoiling the surprise. Only Kurenai knew so far what he would be wearing. "Well... that is a hard thing to decide..."
Kisame: "Yeah, and for some reason I feel that blaming you for that mess is the right thing to do. But I don't know I might just be fooling myself." he gruffed out and shook his head, there was a reason he hated costume parties. Namely because he could never, ever figure out what to wear, partly because of his size and partly because... well he just couldn't.
Itachi: Itachi sighed, then said, "Dress up as Lurch from the Adams Family?" No sooner the words were out of his mouth than Itachi actually laughed a little and had to press his lips together in effort not to keep doing so.
Kisame: "..." Kisame stared at Itachi some as he slowly raised an eyebrow. "...Lurch? You suggest I paint myself green and go around as Lurch?" Though he had to admit that the idea wasn't half as bad as it had initially sounded.
Itachi: "That is exactly what I am suggesting. I dislike maids, but having a butler for the evening sounds rather delightful." He was still grinning, too amused by the conversation.
Kisame: "And here I thought I was going to be your date, if you wanted me as a butler you could have just said so." Crossing his arms Kisame chuckled. Lurch, well that shouldn't be too hard.
Itachi: If anyone at all, Kisame was probably the only person Itachi could joke around this way with. Kurenai had only teasingly suggested the other night that he have ulterior motives for his costume, insinuating he enjoyed dressing that way and other things... Itachi had shot her a warning glare for it, as well. But Kisame was someone who actually understood him, his best friend, and it was a relief to sometimes say ridiculous things and tease the other man, even be teased back. Kisame was the only person he would tolerate it from. "Well then, I'll just consider you my house wife, and then both pieces will fit into place, hm?"
Kisame: "Haha, I won't be fetching slippers and picking up after you. Got it?" Had anyone heard their conversation it would most likely have made them stand and stare at the two as if they'd lost their minds but Kisame liked it, it eased up the mood a lot considering the previous heavy topics that had been discussed.
Itachi: "A pity," said Itachi lightly, drooping his head slightly in mock sadness. "I was so looking forward to you tending to my needs, and then cozying up with me by the fireplace in the late evenings." Indeed, Itachi thought it was much better that this conversation was in private... XD
Kisame: "Yeah, you fetch your own slippers and pick up after yourself and maybe you have a deal, or someone to get cozy with. I'm too lazy to do that. Lets just face it, I'll never make a good house wife. I can barely cook and I can't make a good cup of coffee, you'd never stand it." Kisame almost had the urge to laugh as he stretched out where he was sitting.
Itachi: Sitting quietly for a moment, Itachi allowed his mock sadness to turn into something resembling shock. "By the sounds of it then, as I make a mean cup of coffee and have known how to cook since middle school, I would be the house wife!" His eyes widened, and he pressed a hand to his cheek in fake alarm. Although, he could quite honestly say that if one of them had to be considered a house wife, Kisame certainly would not be the one. Itachi really was better fitted to that title.
Kisame: "Haha, that sounds even better. You get take care of the house and then me when I come home from work." Kisame tried to keep from laughing, not that it went very well though. "Does this mean I should bring you flowers and chocolate for our date on Saturday?"
Itachi: Now Itachi was wholly serious. "Chocolates, yes." He loved sweets... sometimes too much. "Preferably a box of Lindor, if you'd be so gracious, darling." As for flowers, well, he decided to go with what his mother had always preferred. "Blue hydrangea, a small bouquet. But if you go and do all that, you may just hook me for good." He batted his eye lashes, and then his facade cracked and he burst out laughing.
Kisame: As Itachi started laughing it broke for Kisame as well, it was just too much. It had been far too long since he'd had a good time just sitting around joking with Itachi and it had been even longer since he had been laughing as hard as he was right now. Trying to pull himself together he sat up a bit straighter and shook his head almost gasping for air from laughing so hard. "So, Lindor chocolates and blue hydrangea, I'll try and remember that then."
Itachi: Reigning himself under control, still softly chuckling from time to time, Itachi nodded, a grin still splitting his face nearly in two. "Ah... yes, yes. And should there be anything I might get for you, all you would have to do is tell me so." He wondered if Deidara and Sasori had ever joked around like this with one another, then decided that was impossible. Sasori was even more uptight than he himself was.
Kisame: "Fetch me my slippers and make me dinner and I'll be happy, house wife." Yeapp, they were nuts but it felt good to be nuts and to be it in a good way rather than how they usually were.
Itachi: Itachi laughed. "With tender words like that, how could I refuse?" He wondered then if he might be able to catch Kisame off guard while he stayed with the man by actually cooking dinner... It was a habit of his to cook for others anyways. He had done it enough for Sasuke and Naruto, even Kurenai. Itachi was accustomed to cooking, having lived on his own for some time now. The slipper fetching, however, he probably wouldn't do. He didn't event think Kisame owned slippers...
Kisame: "Well a promise of flowers and candy, I guess that's what it takes to make you compliant enough or is it really my words that lure you to do my biddings." Gah, where did all those words come from and why were they spilling out of his mouth? Kisame couldn't really care less, he was amused, Itachi was amused so what did it matter.
Itachi: "I think, perhaps, it is a combination of both words and the promises of your gifts," said Itachi. Thoroughly amused, he most definitely was. It had been a long time since he felt this level of amusement, and after events last night with his brother, it was very much so a relief. Not only was Kisame successfully prying Itachi's mind away from depressing thoughts of his brother and Uzumaki Naruto, but he was also relieving Itachi's mind, if only temporarily, of thoughts governing his actions with the Akatsuki which could be just as stressful. "Keep it up, and I might just fall head over heels for you, husband of mine."
Kisame: "Oh, like what? Want me to sweep you of your feet or shower you with even more gifts. Will a frilly, pink dress do?" Kisame had seen one the other day when he was crossing town in order to get home from school. The pink color of the dress was strong enough to have been noticed even if it had been pitch black outside.
Itachi: "Mmm, the thought of you carrying me around like my own personal sedan chair is mighty tempting," Itachi replied lightly. "Can I trust you to hold tight and not drop me?" He made no comment upon the dress idea, because he had a feeling Kisame would buy him such a dress just to dumbfound him.
Kisame: "Come now, house wife. Do I look like the kind who would just drop you without giving you a warning? Well maybe I would, but just if I hadn't gotten my coffee for the day." That did pose a question, would he be able to carry Itachi around, or more like how long would he be able to do that without getting tired. Maybe he should try that sometime.
Itachi: "Oh really? In that case, I'll remember to hold on extra tight if I ever neglect to feed or water you," Itachi teased. He didn't question that Kisame probably would drop him for a good laugh, the other man was like that. Hell, if he could actually lift Kisame, he might do the same thing.
Kisame: "That might be the best thing to do, though something tells me I wouldn't get fed if I did drop you so I guess I'll have to try and keep from doing that. Besides wouldn't want you to accuse me of hitting you if you happen to fall on your face or something." Kisame doubled over and started laughing again as he tried picturing Itachi in the frilly dress with his hair tied back, a cup of coffee in one hand and a pair of slippers in the other. It was just too funny.
Itachi: "...Yes, you wife beater. You wouldn't want that at all, less some much more charming devil who knows how to be kind to me come and wisk me away from you, hm?" Now what is he laughing about? Itachi's left eyebrow climbed his forehead as he watched Kisame curiously. What was so funny that it had the other man doubled over snickering and snorting? Itachi poked Kisame's side. "What exactly are you so bubbly about now?"
Kisame: "You... pink dress.... slippers!" He was having far to much fun and every time he tried to calm down he did the foolish thing of glancing over at Itachi and instantly relapsed in his laughing fit. "But please... house wife. You can't leave me, I'd be lost without you!"
Itachi: Itachi's eyes widened ever so slightly, this time in actual alarm. Had he caused Kisame to lose his mind? -_-; It seemed that way. "Oh dear, I'd never leave you. But... you don't think pink would make me look fat, do you?" And yes, he fully intended to continue joking around. It was good to Kisame enjoying himself as much as he was.
Kisame: "I think red would be more your color, it'd go better with your hair. But I'm pretty sure you'd look absolutely adorable in pink as well." Taking a long, deep breath Kisame tried to quell the urge to keep laughing.
Itachi: Itachi was finding it quite hard to believe that he and Kisame were indeed sitting here and not only discussing fashion, but other similar things. It made his other eyebrow climb his forehead. "Goodness. Red, so you say? And perhaps I should wear some ribbons? Lace? Frills? A little bow? And maybe I'll even ask you to dress me up yourself." He laughed.
Kisame: "A red dress with black lace and a little bow in your hair, yes. Now that would be absolutely adorable. Do you want one of those little lapdogs as well?" Kisame was starting to thing all this laughing was a bad idea since his sides were beginning to cramp up and he could swear there was moist gathering at the corners of his eyes.
Itachi: "I thought you would be my lap dog, dear." Itachi wasn't laughing as hard, having reigned in most of his control again, but he was rest assured, fully amused. However, even despite his amusement, he did not attempt to imagine himself in such a dress. The very notion of it made him want to shiver. Bad enough he'd be dressed as Frank-N-Furter.
Kisame: "I'm a bit large to be a lap dog, don't you think?" he shook his head and chuckled. "I'd be more inclined to say that you would be my lap dog."
Itachi: Itachi blinked. "Are you insinuating that you would want me to sit in your lap?" Oh, that was rich. Providing on what Kisame answered with, he might just try it some time to make his friend sputter again.
Kisame: "I'm just saying I wouldn't want to crush you, while trying to please you and acting lap dog." By now Kisame actually had to wipe his eyes as he was still trying to calm down. Maybe he needed to get some more sleep...
Itachi: "And how... I think you've hurt my feelings. Suggesting that I couldn't withstand your weight. Just how weak and frail do you think that I am?" Itachi leaned back, stretching his arms behind his head casually.
Kisame: "Oh not at all, I have no doubt you probably could hold my weight for a while though I rather not push it but if you do insist I guess I can be your lap dog. Anything to keep my house wife happy." Kisame got off the couch and walked into the kitchen taking a look in his fridge before raising his voice slightly. "Soda?"
Itachi: "Sure, that would be appreciated," Itachi responded, grinning at his husband's back as he went into the kitchen.
Kisame: Grabbing two cans Kisame made his way back into the room and sat down on the couch, tossing one of the cans to Itachi before opening his own. Somehow all that laughing had made him very thirsty "Or was there anything else you wanted me to get you once I was up? Besides slippers or a dress?"
Itachi: "...How about some lingerie?" He accepted the soda can, opened it and took a sip, grateful for the drink so that now he could wet his mouth.
Kisame: "Sorry, don't think I have any at home. Want black, red or white ones?" Placing the now empty can down on the table Kisame leaned back and once more spread out like he had before.
Itachi: Tapping his chin thoughtfully, Itachi said, "White. If you want a good wifey. Or black if you'd light a naughty one." He was rather impressed with himself, saying this sort of thing with a straight face.
Kisame: "I'll get you one of each then, or maybe I should just try and find some grey once. Less trouble." Yeah, sure. He could almost imagine the look on the shop keepers face if he did go and try to buy something like that.
Itachi: "Grey is preferable, to be honest." Though it wasn't a color, it was Itachi's favorite shade. Colors weren't something he was too fond of. He drank some more of his soda and then stifled a yawn behind his hand. His mind sobered down from the laughter, he began contemplating the party and events surrounding Gin that would occur.
Kisame: "I'll try and find you something grey then. Worn down already?" Kisame had noticed the half stifled yawn that Itachi tried and hide and almost had to bite back his own. Laughing was tiring, probably why he usually refrained from doing it.
Itachi: Itachi lightly shook his head. He wasn't tired per se, merely overwhelmed with things lately and... over burdened. "I'm fine. I could do with a vacation, mind you." Ah, sunny Florida, or perhaps to Paris or Italy...
Kisame: "Maybe once everything is settled we'll be able to get enough time to let you get a way for a while. I'll stay behind, keep everything in check seeing how the others apparently can't. But that's to worry about for later I assume." In a way Kisame understood Itachi's want to get away, though he himself liked when things were happening. It kept his restless streak from blooming up.
Itachi: "...Perhaps. It may not be necessary upon moving out of the manor," said Itachi honestly. If he didn't have Sasuke to focus on directly, he could be more concentrated and less stressed out. It wouldn't be too hard on him then, providing Sasuke wasn't difficult about it.
Kisame: "Do you need any help in getting all the stuff you need out of there?" Kisame wasn't sure just how much of his things that Itachi was planning on bringing but he might as well offer to help either way.
Itachi: "I'm sure that I can manage," said Itachi liberally. "Though I have a lot, I need very little. I am only taking with me what I need, and when I get my own apartment, then I will move the rest of my belongings. I appreciate the offer for help, however." He finished his soda then crushed the can between his hands.
Kisame: "Yeah wouldn't want my house wife to go break his back as he's about to move in so he can take care of me, now do I?" Kisame raised a brow and smirked.
Itachi: Slightly caught off guard, Itachi cleared his throat to keep from stammering out a confused sound. "...No, we wouldn't want that at all. How ever would I keep my darling happy if I was injured?"
Kisame: "Guess that would mean me having to wait on you. Maybe that wouldn't be too bad, I mean how demanding can you be... really?" Not that he really wanted to know but what the heck.
Itachi: "You'd be surprised what a kitten I am," Itachi mused thoughtfully. Truth be told, he didn't ask much and usually tended to himself. "All I require from time to time is a little tequila, and I'm usually fairly content." A little, or a lot. He did have a rather nasty habit of drinking.
Kisame: "Well that I can take care of that." He did have a rather large stash of strong alcohol in the apartment, and it had increased with a few bottles when he'd taken in Kurenai's stash as well. Not that it seemed to have helped her much.
Itachi: "Well then, you'll have a happy, healthy, albeit drunk, wife on your hands." Itachi suddenly wished he wasn't talking of alcohol. He hadn't had a good drink in a few days. Long days. "Mm... I might just head out to the bar shortly."
Kisame: "Bar on a Wednesday Itachi-san?" Oh, and Kisame thought he was the one with a almost too high desire to get drunk, though it had been too long since he had gotten really drunk.
Itachi: "It's much better than home, Kisame. Much better, indeed." He stood up, grabbing his coat from the arm of the sofa. "Care to go out for a few drinks?"
Kisame: "Now, that sounds like a good offer. Anywhere special you intend to go or just first place you come across?" Getting off the couch as well he stood and stretched, trying to loosen his muscles some. Sitting around all day was not good and he mentally berated himself for skipping out on the gym that morning.
Itachi: Beginning on his way over to the door, Itachi recalled a half-way suitable bar down along the harbor that he preferred. He wasn't clear on the name of it, but he remembered the whereabouts well enough. "I have a place in mind," he told Kisame honestly, tossing the soda cans into the recycling before he went to slip his shoes back on.
Kisame: "Okay, you lead the way." Not bothering to toss his can away Kisame grabbed his keys and the coat that hung over a chair the entrance of the small hallway. Pulling on his boots he donned the coat and slipped his hands into the pockets as he made his way out the door after Itachi, locking it behind him as he went.
Itachi: As the weather was still rather morose, and Itachi had his Maserati with him, he decidedly opted for taking his car instead of walking the distance to the harbor front. Exiting the building with his companion, Itachi led Kisame to his car, pulling out his keys and unlocking the vehicle with the small remote attached. As they climbed in, he slipped on his seat belt and started the car, they were soon out of the parking lot and on the road. "If you want music, in the glove compartment there is a CD case. Go nuts."
Kisame: Kisame and cars did not mix, really. He disliked them strongly and tended to avoid them the best he could, unfortunately he wasn't always able to do that so he concentrated on the road ahead rather than anything else. It was best that way. "I'm fine, I think I've gone nuts enough as it is. But thanks."
Itachi: "...Are you all right? Not afraid of my driving are you?" Itachi deliberately swerved a little on the road, from his side view watching Kisame closely.
Kisame: Keeping his eyes fixed on the road a head of them Kisame just shrugged, trying his best to keep the sinking feeling in his stomach from taking over. "Car sickness, so I wouldn't do that if I were you. There's a reason I walk everywhere."
Itachi: Itachi laughed lightly and decided to listen to his passenger. He was quite certain he didn't want, nor need vomit stains upon the upholstery. '_';; "Are you really that bothered? I would have walked, but I didn't think you would want me laughing at your flat hair again after it got wet from the rain." And he really didn't want to look like a drowned rat going to a bar.
Kisame: "Nah, I'm fine and thank you for being so concerned about my appearance. If I didn't know better I'd say you wanted me to get soaked so you could laugh. But perhaps you've laughed enough today." His tone was surprisingly light as he spoke and he wasn't sure if it was the earlier events that were the cause of if it was just from concentrating on the road.
Itachi: "Someone has to keep after you, otherwise you'd let yourself go. It's a wife's job, isn't it?" Moments later they had arrived at the bar Itachi had mentioned, a small estabolishment with wide windows and what seemed to be a fair amount of patrons judging by the cars in the parking lot. Grabbing one of the spaces nearest to the doors that he could, Itachi parked the car and slid off his seatbelt, pulling the keys from the ignition. "Well, here we are." He climbed out of the car.
Kisame: "I think I've found the best wife a husband could wish for." Chuckling Kisame got out of the car and looked around trying to pick up on familiar landmarks just incase he decided to find his way here again.
Itachi: "I'm flattered, really." He locked the vehicle with the remote, then gestured for Kisame to follow him inside. Walking through the heavy oak door and inside, there were tons of people playing pool and talking over drinks, a few arguing quietly, the usual scene that they were used to. Itachi waved to one of the serving girls, and took Kisame to a table in the back, noticing the girl coming over to see what they wanted.
Kisame: Deciding to go with a beer this time Kisame told her so as he made himself comfortable, his eyes scanning over the room and the people in it. "Seems like a nice place."
Itachi: "It's half-way decent," Itachi corrected. "On the weekends it's particularly chaotic. It's a good place to hear things, though, not that there's been much floating around this place lately. It's been quiet." Itachi was tempted to order his usual tequila shots, but this time went with ordering some fireball whiskey.
Kisame: "Going for the strong stuff today Itachi-san?" Kisame gave him a half curious look and grinned. He had to admit that he was tempted as well to order something stronger but it was still early in the day so he refrained from doing that.
Itachi: He gave a firm nod of his head. "Why not? It isn't as though I have anything planned for this evening. I can get trashed without worry." And he planned to do so, or at least get feeling good. And then he'd have himself a good long sleep and be back on schedule tomorrow.