[0038]
A change of plans. I will not be returning until Monday. Business is going well. Deidara, I do hope you and your vespa can wait.
Itachi: Fukuoka, in Kyushu, Japan, was a strikingly modern city divided in two by the Naka River. Itachi had found himself loathe to his visit there, and loathe to the business dealings he was embarking upon. The close to a beneficial deal required he take one of the opposing businessmen's daughter's out on a date, something of which was the base of his loathing. The girl, a sixteen year old who called herself Ayu - though, this was not her real name - wasn't particularly law abiding, nor was she attractive mentally, or physically. With a voice like nails on a chalkboard, bleach blonde hair and make-up that must have made a cement finish to her face, Itachi was somewhat embarrassed to even be seen with her... but it was for a good cause. So he put up with her excessive dope smoking and took her to a club, where she used an illegal identification card to get herself in. And slipping the doorman some money probably helped as well. And the entire night, Itachi had found himself being unsocial, drinking until he could hardly stand up right. And then he'd had a cab take them both away. Ayu went to her home, and he to his own hotel. The trashy date got him thinking about better times and, well, a topnotch date he'd had once with a certain dark haired vixen. A few thoughts ran through his mind... and he picked up his cell phone, making one special call before dialing Kurenai's number next and waiting as the phone rang.
Kurenai: Having just gotten off of a particularly nausea-inducing night at work, Kurenai had just walked in the door when she heard her cell phone start ringing. Smirking as she threw her keys on the table, she sat on the couch and opened the phone, wondering what possessed Itachi to call her after the response she sent to his email. Sighing, she spoke into the phone, trying not to sound as surprised as she felt. "Talk to me." She wasn't exactly going for congeniality here, more concerned with getting the torment of a conversation with him over so she could see if Shunsui got her message. She rested the phone on her shoulder, bending forward with a slight grunt to unlace her boots and start getting comfortable.
Itachi: "That's exactly what I plan on doing," Itachi responded slowly into the receiver of his cell phone. His fingers were clenching the phone device much harder than he intended to, and he felt warm and light headed. That was exactly what he got for switching from Tequila to Vodka, a drink of which liked him less and treated him horribly. Pacing the wide expanse of his hotel of splendor, moving to the ceiling-to-floor windows and looking out over the river, free hand running through his hair, he tried to remember why it was he was calling Kurenai.
Kurenai: "Really now? Then I guess it's good that you called me." Her voice was light as she pulled off her boots, laughing softly. "So, I thought you were on some big deal business trip. Did you miss me or something?" There was a touch of bitterness lingering in Kurenai's voice as she asked herself again why the Hell he would be calling her. "I mean come on Itachi, most guys in your position would be calling the guys or something, not their ex."
Itachi: Itachi leaned against the window, the cool glass feeling good against his head, cooling his skin, or so it seemed. Softly sighing into the phone, he grumbled something under his breath about maybe missing irritating her about her job, then spoke up and said, "They'll not want to hear anything I have to say... Kisame and the others, 'specially considering that I got... have... something to tell you. Just you. If you want to hear it." He felt a smile forming on his face, and then bit his lip to try and keep it down. His bare feet were tingling a little on the cold, hardwood floor, something of which he tried to ignore.
Kurenai: Having walked into the bathroom and wet a face cloth, Kurenai was beginning the rather annoying task of removing the heavy make-up she wore for her job. "Something just for me? Do tell, I'm all ears." She raised her eyebrows at her reflection in the mirror, wondering if she had heard Itachi correctly. She had a feeling that he was drunk, and wondered just how amusing this could get. "I do have to warn you though, if this is just about you being bored and wanting to pick a fight, I will hang up." She really was not in the mood to put up with him giving her any shit tonight, especially if he had called her specifically to do so. Still, what could he honestly have to say just to her? She tried to figure it out as she rinsed the face cloth and took another swipe at her eye shadow.
Itachi: The streets below were busy and lit up, the lights reflecting off the river, looking almost like fireflies over the rippling black surface. Itachi was intrigued by the appearance the city took at night, but he still did not much relish it. "Tickets," said Itachi lightly, the hand in his hair falling to rub his eyes a little. "You can pick them up at the airport. Not going to pick a fight... but I picked a flight." Had he been sober, he would have hit himself for such a lame joke. Really hard.
Kurenai: She blinked, pulling the phone away from her ear and staring at it as if it had bitten her ear. Shaking her head, she held it back up and began speaking. "I’m sorry, I didn't get that. Something about tickets?" Kurenai tried not to sigh into the phone as she continued, not giving Itachi time to answer. "Why would you get tickets, and a flight where, Itachi?" She wanted to point out that he was obviously plastered, and wasting money in light of recent events, but just couldn't think of what else to say. "Seriously, why did you call?" Her voice was much more firm this time, although it trembled slightly as she headed into her room and flopped onto her bed with a happy sigh.
Itachi: His feet, still tingling, were moving about the floor now and carrying him along with them. It felt better to walk. They tingled just a little less, felt a little less like he was standing on pins and needles. "Nn... you think I'm lying?" he asked her with a dry chuckle. Coming down off of the small landing into what was set up as a little, unwalled lounge in the hotel suite, Itachi stumbled and made a surprised sound into the phone before catching himself on the two-seat sofa and leaning against it. "Fukuoka. You can call the airport and confirm it... I'm not kidding. I thought you could use a vacation. And you're good company. How often will I have to keep telling you that?"
Kurenai: Her hand started to clench around the phone as Kurenai became certain that Itachi was indeed messing with her. Still...she couldn't be sure. Loosening her grip, she sat up and thought for a moment before answering. "Wow, uh, you weren't kidding when you wrote about us not vacating each others' lives in that email, huh?" She was slightly shocked at the thought of him getting her tickets anywhere, let alone to where he was staying on business. Figuring if he was joking she could have a little fun too, she stood up and walked over to her closet. "So you're bored, and flying me out to keep you company? That's sweet that you would, even with all the arguing we seem to do. So, what should I pack?" She smirked, looking down at her current attire. "Wait, I get what this is...you figured why not fly in some cheap entertainment for your business trip, to show off to those older businessmen, and figured 'hey, I know a girl who probably would do that', am I right? Cause if so, I'm pretty sure I could wash up my school uniform, and a few of my more demure work outfits..." She was playing with him, and enjoying it.
Itachi: Itachi was stunned. He hadn't quite expected Kurenai to retort with something to that degree, much less sound a little playful over the phone. Not that he was complaining as he settled himself down onto one of the sofa cushions, nestling the phone between his cheek and shoulder and letting his hands go to rubbing his feet. Business shoes looked great, but were not so comfortable. He missed his fuzzy slippers -_-; "I was not intending to use you for business entertainment purposes, Kurenai," said Itachi in a voice that bordered him laughing a little. "Pack what's comfortable. There's a nice river and some interesting clubs here. I swear... it looks like hundreds of little fireflies are dancing on the water with all the lights. You might like it. Of course... you could always have me waste my non-refundable ticket..." He was now using a tone of voice that was bordering an obviously poorly acted sadness. He threw in a little sniffle just for show as well.
Kurenai: "Mmm, but for all you know I could help you 'seal the deal', or whatever it is you business-types say." Kurenai laughed, Itachi's little sniffle working it's way past her remaining armor of bitterness as she found a small suitcase, just in case he was serious. She still wasn't sure. "Fine, your ticket won't go to waste. How many days should I pack for?" She pulled out her favorite jeans and a few skirts, thinking she could narrow down her choices after finding out how much she would need. "Should I bring a dress...oh! Where would I be staying?" This was the kicker, since if he could give her a legitimate answer she'd have no choice but to trust it. Pulling a simple white spring dress out, she laid it on her bed before grabbing socks, undergarments, and even pajamas. She had no idea what would happen once she got there, but for now she couldn't help but be both pleasantly surprised and even a little touched that he had thought of her. "You know, you still have time to change your mind and call Kisame. Considering that you've been avoiding me for the past few days I won't hold it against you."
Itachi: His fingers on his toes were beginning to tickle. Ah, yes, it was the one place Itachi was ticklish. Not that he would ever tell. So he stopped fiddling with his feet, a bit baffled that the pins and needles had stopped and he hadn't noticed. Clearing his throat, Itachi thought about Kurenai's questions... "Well, I'm supposed to be heading back Saturday evening, but I can always change my ticket... We can stay for a couple of days, come back Monday, how does that sound? And, as for packing..." he began drumming his fingers on the sofa cushions as he thought, to the tune Ring of Fire. "Just bring a carry-on, s'all you need. And... if you want a dress, I'll buy you one. Any one you want, hm? How's that sound? I think I'd rather buy you a dress than Kisame." Stretching out a bit, Itachi rested his head on one of the arms of the sofa, and quietly added, "I hadn't thought about where you'd stay... but I'll just let you bunk with me, so-to-speak. 'Less you want your own room, in which case, I can get one for you. Complimentary chocolates on your pillows too. I'm sure your doctor would approve." He chuckled.
Kurenai: That...was not the answer she expected. In fact, for a few moments Kurenai opened and closed her mouth rather like a fish would before answering. "Whatever's clever, on both the room thing and the staying. It's up to you, as I'll be your guest, although I think Kisame might fill out a dress better than me, four whole new pounds or not." She repeated that she would be his guest to herself as she put away the suitcase and pulled out a decently sized bag. She, Kurenai, would be flying somewhere with a ticket that he, Itachi, had purchased specifically for her, to be his guest in some hotel in some city she had never been to. This was surreal. She was obviously dreaming. Taking a moment to press the back of her hand to her forehead, she was amazed to discover no signs of a temperature. Odd. "I've never flown before, what's it like?" She began to pack, starting with a pair of nicer shoes, thinking she could wear her everyday ones. After that she packed the under garments, and other smaller bits of clothing, then, pajamas and actual clothes. "Is there anything you forgot that you'd like?" She most certainly was not going to bring up his offer to buy her a dress, wanting so badly now to ask him what had changed from earlier. Instead, she decided to play it cool. "You know, if you keep surprising me with things like this, I might think you actually dig me, sort of."
Itachi: Itachi was beginning to nod off, comfortable as he was on the sofa. His breathing had changed to something slower and more easy paced, quiet and not noticeable in the receiver of his cell phone. "You'll be flying first class. I don't want to spoil anything for you, as it'll be your first time and all. What I will tell you, is that you'll like it, trust me." His hand was holding the phone again, the other nestled somewhere across his chest and under his arm as he turned on his side to face the back of the red upholstered sofa. The room was warm. Itachi missed the cold window pressed against him. "Friends buy friends gifts. Rich friends buy friends vacations. Don't complain, nn...? We'll have a blast. Drink a little, dance a little, and if it's warm enough..." He trailed off, mumbling something incoherent with another soft chuckle. Itachi contemplated having room service bring up some tequila. He was feeling better now, and that drink he knew would make him feel great.
Kurenai: Kurenai couldn't help but laugh at that. "Wow, and here I thought I was a really good friend for giving free lap dances and possibly even head if you're good. Damn, I need to get me more rich friends." She was really starting to pray that tomorrow, when she got there since she had already decided to go, he wasn't going to suddenly remember that they were not on the best terms. She didn't want to be stranded in some city she had never been to before. "That sounds awesome, the flying and the plans. You know me, play some music and I'll make a dance floor." She wanted to ask him to repeat that last part, but decided against it as she checked the time. "So what time is this flight, and how am I getting to your hotel, oh wonderful amazing rich friend?" She really wanted to shower, and change out of her skank gear, but she knew that getting to the airport early was important. Finally giving into the urge to ask him, she let out a soft sigh. "You're kind of drunk, right? So...how do I know that tomorrow, when I get there, you won't suddenly forget that you invited me, leaving me stranded?" There, that was phrased well enough to not give any hint of their recent issues, at least not too deeply.
Itachi: Itachi grumbled and sat up, slipping off the couch with a little thud. Itachi was quite drunk. Drunk to the point Sasori and perhaps Kisame as well would be disappointed and consider it a problem. Though Hell would freeze over before Itachi ever admitted that he was anything less than fine and stable, despite having tumbled about his hotel the last little while, and despite the small slur he was beginning to add on to some of his sentences. "I'll... write myself a note. Right now." He pushed himself up and carefully staggered towards where the hotel phone was on a finely carved wooden end table near a small bar. There was a pen and paper there, and he began to speak the note he was writing. "...Itachi. Kurenai is here. Before you ask, you invited her." There was a soft chuckle. "Pick her up at the airport... nn... at 11am. Don't be late. Bring flowers. And no ditching her. Signed... me." He lidded the pen, then set it down and leaned against the wall. "That solves all the problems. Be up by... let's say, 7am and at the airport by 9 and they'll have all your information ready... 'kay?"
Kurenai: The sound of Kurenai's cast hitting the table reverberated around the room with a resounding thud as she nearly fell off her chair from shock. "You don't need to bring flowers, and if you do want to ditch me at least leave me near a mall." She was instant messaging with Reno, explaining why she would not be in over the weekend. She made sure to add that if he saw her calling she probably needed to borrow money to come home. "Up at 7am, just like for school, I can do that. Wow, you've got this all worked out, even down to knowing I would accept. Aren't you so smart." Her voice was slightly bitter again as she tried to figure out how it was Itachi knew her so well. She snorted at the response from her manager, muttering what she was typing without realizing it. "Look, regardless of how I might dress and even act, I'm not a materialistic bitch. I could give a shit about flying somewhere, but he snaps his fingers..." She hit the enter key, wanting nothing more that to slam her head on the table after reading Reno's next response. "My manager wants me to ask you if there will be any possibility of me getting laid, because if not he feels I shouldn't go. He's a pervert, have I mentioned that. Jerk thinks it's funny that my calc teacher is now one of his best customers..." She remembered what she was saying before and laughed softly. "Anyway, yeah, uh, no flowers. There's just no need for that. It'll be a friend getting ferried up to entertain her buddy, nothing more. Right?"
Itachi: "Unless of course you feel like tying the knot. We've done practically everything else. Wonder what your manager would say to that." Itachi really did sound thoughtful for a moment, her words going through his head... and right back out again. God, he was tired. And light headed... He almost felt like he was swimming... or rather just floating and drifting off. "And I never said you were a bitch... nn, speaking of that, you shouldn't use that dirty language. And... neither should I, heh."
Kurenai: "Well hell, we bicker like an old married couple anyway, so why not? I'm sure I could even find a white dress somewhere in my closet, although maybe white is a bad color for me." She snorted again, unable to stop herself from imagining his reaction once sober if they actually did as he suggested. "I didn't say you said that, now did I? Besides, what's wrong with a little dirty language now and then? It spices things up. If you hate it so much then why not wash my mouth out with soap, hrm?" She was a little giddy, wishing she could stop feeling as if this was all a long and messed up dream sequence.
Itachi: "Why not." It wasn't a question, but repeat of her words turned into a statement. Why not. Indeed, why not? There were plenty of reasons not to tie the knot and grow old together, living somewhat happily ever after like that couple in The Notebook or something. They could be just like all the people throughout history who missed their one chance. A sober Itachi might have preferred missing that one chance. But a drunken Itachi? The word marriage on it's own was almost enough to make him titter. He withheld from such an embarrassing action however, chewing on his lip thoughtfully. "Ah... why not. Why not, what? I forgot the question... Never mind, it doesn't matter. Bring some soap and we can call the mouth washing a date. And... so I'll see you tomorrow. Dress for the weather, Sunshine." And, as was usual of him, drunk or not, he pulled the phone away from his ear and hung up. Moments before wandering back to the couch, sitting down, and passing out once he found a comfortable position.
Kurenai: Kurenai had the most insane urge to call him back, if only just to hang up on him. She would so do that one day, and she'd make it good too. Instead, she called the airport and was shocked to discover that Itachi really wasn't kidding. Well, a vacation sounded nice, and it was a free trip, so what the Hell? She set her alarm for 7am, showering and getting everything ready for tomorrow morning. She idly wondered what other people would think, concentrating mainly on Shunsui and her recent apology. She wasn't concerned, everything was on the up and up, and this was just Itachi being her extravagant rich friend. She showered, and as she crawled into bed she thought about their conversation, really hoping she didn't end up stranded anywhere. Anything else she could handle, just not something that cruel.
Itachi: Fukuoka, in Kyushu, Japan, was a strikingly modern city divided in two by the Naka River. Itachi had found himself loathe to his visit there, and loathe to the business dealings he was embarking upon. The close to a beneficial deal required he take one of the opposing businessmen's daughter's out on a date, something of which was the base of his loathing. The girl, a sixteen year old who called herself Ayu - though, this was not her real name - wasn't particularly law abiding, nor was she attractive mentally, or physically. With a voice like nails on a chalkboard, bleach blonde hair and make-up that must have made a cement finish to her face, Itachi was somewhat embarrassed to even be seen with her... but it was for a good cause. So he put up with her excessive dope smoking and took her to a club, where she used an illegal identification card to get herself in. And slipping the doorman some money probably helped as well. And the entire night, Itachi had found himself being unsocial, drinking until he could hardly stand up right. And then he'd had a cab take them both away. Ayu went to her home, and he to his own hotel. The trashy date got him thinking about better times and, well, a topnotch date he'd had once with a certain dark haired vixen. A few thoughts ran through his mind... and he picked up his cell phone, making one special call before dialing Kurenai's number next and waiting as the phone rang.
Kurenai: Having just gotten off of a particularly nausea-inducing night at work, Kurenai had just walked in the door when she heard her cell phone start ringing. Smirking as she threw her keys on the table, she sat on the couch and opened the phone, wondering what possessed Itachi to call her after the response she sent to his email. Sighing, she spoke into the phone, trying not to sound as surprised as she felt. "Talk to me." She wasn't exactly going for congeniality here, more concerned with getting the torment of a conversation with him over so she could see if Shunsui got her message. She rested the phone on her shoulder, bending forward with a slight grunt to unlace her boots and start getting comfortable.
Itachi: "That's exactly what I plan on doing," Itachi responded slowly into the receiver of his cell phone. His fingers were clenching the phone device much harder than he intended to, and he felt warm and light headed. That was exactly what he got for switching from Tequila to Vodka, a drink of which liked him less and treated him horribly. Pacing the wide expanse of his hotel of splendor, moving to the ceiling-to-floor windows and looking out over the river, free hand running through his hair, he tried to remember why it was he was calling Kurenai.
Kurenai: "Really now? Then I guess it's good that you called me." Her voice was light as she pulled off her boots, laughing softly. "So, I thought you were on some big deal business trip. Did you miss me or something?" There was a touch of bitterness lingering in Kurenai's voice as she asked herself again why the Hell he would be calling her. "I mean come on Itachi, most guys in your position would be calling the guys or something, not their ex."
Itachi: Itachi leaned against the window, the cool glass feeling good against his head, cooling his skin, or so it seemed. Softly sighing into the phone, he grumbled something under his breath about maybe missing irritating her about her job, then spoke up and said, "They'll not want to hear anything I have to say... Kisame and the others, 'specially considering that I got... have... something to tell you. Just you. If you want to hear it." He felt a smile forming on his face, and then bit his lip to try and keep it down. His bare feet were tingling a little on the cold, hardwood floor, something of which he tried to ignore.
Kurenai: Having walked into the bathroom and wet a face cloth, Kurenai was beginning the rather annoying task of removing the heavy make-up she wore for her job. "Something just for me? Do tell, I'm all ears." She raised her eyebrows at her reflection in the mirror, wondering if she had heard Itachi correctly. She had a feeling that he was drunk, and wondered just how amusing this could get. "I do have to warn you though, if this is just about you being bored and wanting to pick a fight, I will hang up." She really was not in the mood to put up with him giving her any shit tonight, especially if he had called her specifically to do so. Still, what could he honestly have to say just to her? She tried to figure it out as she rinsed the face cloth and took another swipe at her eye shadow.
Itachi: The streets below were busy and lit up, the lights reflecting off the river, looking almost like fireflies over the rippling black surface. Itachi was intrigued by the appearance the city took at night, but he still did not much relish it. "Tickets," said Itachi lightly, the hand in his hair falling to rub his eyes a little. "You can pick them up at the airport. Not going to pick a fight... but I picked a flight." Had he been sober, he would have hit himself for such a lame joke. Really hard.
Kurenai: She blinked, pulling the phone away from her ear and staring at it as if it had bitten her ear. Shaking her head, she held it back up and began speaking. "I’m sorry, I didn't get that. Something about tickets?" Kurenai tried not to sigh into the phone as she continued, not giving Itachi time to answer. "Why would you get tickets, and a flight where, Itachi?" She wanted to point out that he was obviously plastered, and wasting money in light of recent events, but just couldn't think of what else to say. "Seriously, why did you call?" Her voice was much more firm this time, although it trembled slightly as she headed into her room and flopped onto her bed with a happy sigh.
Itachi: His feet, still tingling, were moving about the floor now and carrying him along with them. It felt better to walk. They tingled just a little less, felt a little less like he was standing on pins and needles. "Nn... you think I'm lying?" he asked her with a dry chuckle. Coming down off of the small landing into what was set up as a little, unwalled lounge in the hotel suite, Itachi stumbled and made a surprised sound into the phone before catching himself on the two-seat sofa and leaning against it. "Fukuoka. You can call the airport and confirm it... I'm not kidding. I thought you could use a vacation. And you're good company. How often will I have to keep telling you that?"
Kurenai: Her hand started to clench around the phone as Kurenai became certain that Itachi was indeed messing with her. Still...she couldn't be sure. Loosening her grip, she sat up and thought for a moment before answering. "Wow, uh, you weren't kidding when you wrote about us not vacating each others' lives in that email, huh?" She was slightly shocked at the thought of him getting her tickets anywhere, let alone to where he was staying on business. Figuring if he was joking she could have a little fun too, she stood up and walked over to her closet. "So you're bored, and flying me out to keep you company? That's sweet that you would, even with all the arguing we seem to do. So, what should I pack?" She smirked, looking down at her current attire. "Wait, I get what this is...you figured why not fly in some cheap entertainment for your business trip, to show off to those older businessmen, and figured 'hey, I know a girl who probably would do that', am I right? Cause if so, I'm pretty sure I could wash up my school uniform, and a few of my more demure work outfits..." She was playing with him, and enjoying it.
Itachi: Itachi was stunned. He hadn't quite expected Kurenai to retort with something to that degree, much less sound a little playful over the phone. Not that he was complaining as he settled himself down onto one of the sofa cushions, nestling the phone between his cheek and shoulder and letting his hands go to rubbing his feet. Business shoes looked great, but were not so comfortable. He missed his fuzzy slippers -_-; "I was not intending to use you for business entertainment purposes, Kurenai," said Itachi in a voice that bordered him laughing a little. "Pack what's comfortable. There's a nice river and some interesting clubs here. I swear... it looks like hundreds of little fireflies are dancing on the water with all the lights. You might like it. Of course... you could always have me waste my non-refundable ticket..." He was now using a tone of voice that was bordering an obviously poorly acted sadness. He threw in a little sniffle just for show as well.
Kurenai: "Mmm, but for all you know I could help you 'seal the deal', or whatever it is you business-types say." Kurenai laughed, Itachi's little sniffle working it's way past her remaining armor of bitterness as she found a small suitcase, just in case he was serious. She still wasn't sure. "Fine, your ticket won't go to waste. How many days should I pack for?" She pulled out her favorite jeans and a few skirts, thinking she could narrow down her choices after finding out how much she would need. "Should I bring a dress...oh! Where would I be staying?" This was the kicker, since if he could give her a legitimate answer she'd have no choice but to trust it. Pulling a simple white spring dress out, she laid it on her bed before grabbing socks, undergarments, and even pajamas. She had no idea what would happen once she got there, but for now she couldn't help but be both pleasantly surprised and even a little touched that he had thought of her. "You know, you still have time to change your mind and call Kisame. Considering that you've been avoiding me for the past few days I won't hold it against you."
Itachi: His fingers on his toes were beginning to tickle. Ah, yes, it was the one place Itachi was ticklish. Not that he would ever tell. So he stopped fiddling with his feet, a bit baffled that the pins and needles had stopped and he hadn't noticed. Clearing his throat, Itachi thought about Kurenai's questions... "Well, I'm supposed to be heading back Saturday evening, but I can always change my ticket... We can stay for a couple of days, come back Monday, how does that sound? And, as for packing..." he began drumming his fingers on the sofa cushions as he thought, to the tune Ring of Fire. "Just bring a carry-on, s'all you need. And... if you want a dress, I'll buy you one. Any one you want, hm? How's that sound? I think I'd rather buy you a dress than Kisame." Stretching out a bit, Itachi rested his head on one of the arms of the sofa, and quietly added, "I hadn't thought about where you'd stay... but I'll just let you bunk with me, so-to-speak. 'Less you want your own room, in which case, I can get one for you. Complimentary chocolates on your pillows too. I'm sure your doctor would approve." He chuckled.
Kurenai: That...was not the answer she expected. In fact, for a few moments Kurenai opened and closed her mouth rather like a fish would before answering. "Whatever's clever, on both the room thing and the staying. It's up to you, as I'll be your guest, although I think Kisame might fill out a dress better than me, four whole new pounds or not." She repeated that she would be his guest to herself as she put away the suitcase and pulled out a decently sized bag. She, Kurenai, would be flying somewhere with a ticket that he, Itachi, had purchased specifically for her, to be his guest in some hotel in some city she had never been to. This was surreal. She was obviously dreaming. Taking a moment to press the back of her hand to her forehead, she was amazed to discover no signs of a temperature. Odd. "I've never flown before, what's it like?" She began to pack, starting with a pair of nicer shoes, thinking she could wear her everyday ones. After that she packed the under garments, and other smaller bits of clothing, then, pajamas and actual clothes. "Is there anything you forgot that you'd like?" She most certainly was not going to bring up his offer to buy her a dress, wanting so badly now to ask him what had changed from earlier. Instead, she decided to play it cool. "You know, if you keep surprising me with things like this, I might think you actually dig me, sort of."
Itachi: Itachi was beginning to nod off, comfortable as he was on the sofa. His breathing had changed to something slower and more easy paced, quiet and not noticeable in the receiver of his cell phone. "You'll be flying first class. I don't want to spoil anything for you, as it'll be your first time and all. What I will tell you, is that you'll like it, trust me." His hand was holding the phone again, the other nestled somewhere across his chest and under his arm as he turned on his side to face the back of the red upholstered sofa. The room was warm. Itachi missed the cold window pressed against him. "Friends buy friends gifts. Rich friends buy friends vacations. Don't complain, nn...? We'll have a blast. Drink a little, dance a little, and if it's warm enough..." He trailed off, mumbling something incoherent with another soft chuckle. Itachi contemplated having room service bring up some tequila. He was feeling better now, and that drink he knew would make him feel great.
Kurenai: Kurenai couldn't help but laugh at that. "Wow, and here I thought I was a really good friend for giving free lap dances and possibly even head if you're good. Damn, I need to get me more rich friends." She was really starting to pray that tomorrow, when she got there since she had already decided to go, he wasn't going to suddenly remember that they were not on the best terms. She didn't want to be stranded in some city she had never been to before. "That sounds awesome, the flying and the plans. You know me, play some music and I'll make a dance floor." She wanted to ask him to repeat that last part, but decided against it as she checked the time. "So what time is this flight, and how am I getting to your hotel, oh wonderful amazing rich friend?" She really wanted to shower, and change out of her skank gear, but she knew that getting to the airport early was important. Finally giving into the urge to ask him, she let out a soft sigh. "You're kind of drunk, right? So...how do I know that tomorrow, when I get there, you won't suddenly forget that you invited me, leaving me stranded?" There, that was phrased well enough to not give any hint of their recent issues, at least not too deeply.
Itachi: Itachi grumbled and sat up, slipping off the couch with a little thud. Itachi was quite drunk. Drunk to the point Sasori and perhaps Kisame as well would be disappointed and consider it a problem. Though Hell would freeze over before Itachi ever admitted that he was anything less than fine and stable, despite having tumbled about his hotel the last little while, and despite the small slur he was beginning to add on to some of his sentences. "I'll... write myself a note. Right now." He pushed himself up and carefully staggered towards where the hotel phone was on a finely carved wooden end table near a small bar. There was a pen and paper there, and he began to speak the note he was writing. "...Itachi. Kurenai is here. Before you ask, you invited her." There was a soft chuckle. "Pick her up at the airport... nn... at 11am. Don't be late. Bring flowers. And no ditching her. Signed... me." He lidded the pen, then set it down and leaned against the wall. "That solves all the problems. Be up by... let's say, 7am and at the airport by 9 and they'll have all your information ready... 'kay?"
Kurenai: The sound of Kurenai's cast hitting the table reverberated around the room with a resounding thud as she nearly fell off her chair from shock. "You don't need to bring flowers, and if you do want to ditch me at least leave me near a mall." She was instant messaging with Reno, explaining why she would not be in over the weekend. She made sure to add that if he saw her calling she probably needed to borrow money to come home. "Up at 7am, just like for school, I can do that. Wow, you've got this all worked out, even down to knowing I would accept. Aren't you so smart." Her voice was slightly bitter again as she tried to figure out how it was Itachi knew her so well. She snorted at the response from her manager, muttering what she was typing without realizing it. "Look, regardless of how I might dress and even act, I'm not a materialistic bitch. I could give a shit about flying somewhere, but he snaps his fingers..." She hit the enter key, wanting nothing more that to slam her head on the table after reading Reno's next response. "My manager wants me to ask you if there will be any possibility of me getting laid, because if not he feels I shouldn't go. He's a pervert, have I mentioned that. Jerk thinks it's funny that my calc teacher is now one of his best customers..." She remembered what she was saying before and laughed softly. "Anyway, yeah, uh, no flowers. There's just no need for that. It'll be a friend getting ferried up to entertain her buddy, nothing more. Right?"
Itachi: "Unless of course you feel like tying the knot. We've done practically everything else. Wonder what your manager would say to that." Itachi really did sound thoughtful for a moment, her words going through his head... and right back out again. God, he was tired. And light headed... He almost felt like he was swimming... or rather just floating and drifting off. "And I never said you were a bitch... nn, speaking of that, you shouldn't use that dirty language. And... neither should I, heh."
Kurenai: "Well hell, we bicker like an old married couple anyway, so why not? I'm sure I could even find a white dress somewhere in my closet, although maybe white is a bad color for me." She snorted again, unable to stop herself from imagining his reaction once sober if they actually did as he suggested. "I didn't say you said that, now did I? Besides, what's wrong with a little dirty language now and then? It spices things up. If you hate it so much then why not wash my mouth out with soap, hrm?" She was a little giddy, wishing she could stop feeling as if this was all a long and messed up dream sequence.
Itachi: "Why not." It wasn't a question, but repeat of her words turned into a statement. Why not. Indeed, why not? There were plenty of reasons not to tie the knot and grow old together, living somewhat happily ever after like that couple in The Notebook or something. They could be just like all the people throughout history who missed their one chance. A sober Itachi might have preferred missing that one chance. But a drunken Itachi? The word marriage on it's own was almost enough to make him titter. He withheld from such an embarrassing action however, chewing on his lip thoughtfully. "Ah... why not. Why not, what? I forgot the question... Never mind, it doesn't matter. Bring some soap and we can call the mouth washing a date. And... so I'll see you tomorrow. Dress for the weather, Sunshine." And, as was usual of him, drunk or not, he pulled the phone away from his ear and hung up. Moments before wandering back to the couch, sitting down, and passing out once he found a comfortable position.
Kurenai: Kurenai had the most insane urge to call him back, if only just to hang up on him. She would so do that one day, and she'd make it good too. Instead, she called the airport and was shocked to discover that Itachi really wasn't kidding. Well, a vacation sounded nice, and it was a free trip, so what the Hell? She set her alarm for 7am, showering and getting everything ready for tomorrow morning. She idly wondered what other people would think, concentrating mainly on Shunsui and her recent apology. She wasn't concerned, everything was on the up and up, and this was just Itachi being her extravagant rich friend. She showered, and as she crawled into bed she thought about their conversation, really hoping she didn't end up stranded anywhere. Anything else she could handle, just not something that cruel.