[Lying is too easy... like sliding on a pair of worn, well-loved gloves for the first time in months, even if the reason now is highly stupid. He can tolerate a dog—for Stiles.]
The short answer is that animals are not simply animals in our world, at least not in all cases. For example, ninneko are a species of cats who live in their own separate, organized community unaffiliated with any village. They have some similar skills to human shinobi, such as erasing their scent to move undetected and enforcing security around the perimeter of their domain. They're well-known to provide various tools and items unobtainable anywhere else but within their own black markets.
The Uchiha clan once relied on a woman living in this community for supplies. Growing up, I visited her — and the ninneko as well — several times. Once Sasuke was older, I occasionally took him with me on these errands. I kept him occupied with games that involved the ninneko, such as compiling an encyclopedia of paw prints. I suppose it's still a sentimental memory for me.
[ “…animals are not simply animals in our world,” Itachi begins, and Stiles braces himself for yet another round of shinobi world bullshit breaking his mind. It starts off that way too, with Stiles growing increasingly incensed at the idea of there actually being a legitimate ninja cat clan. But then Itachi continues. Stiles finds his frustration and aggravation seeping away, scrubbed out of existence by the anecdote of the two brothers and the paw-print encyclopedia. It’s all so painfully endearing that he has to sit there for a few moments, just helplessly smiling, heart full of genuine love for both Itachi and Sasuke. ]
I bet it’s a sentimental memory for him too.
Wish I could have seen this encyclopedia, though. Sounds impressive. How embarrassed do you think he’d be if I asked him about it? 😉
[ But through the hilarity of learning this fact, Stiles wonders if that need for attention from Itachi stemmed from the lack of attention Sasuke received from his father. The thought is sobering. ]
The paw-print encyclopedia was a cute idea though. Clever way to distract him.
Too bad tricks like that won't work on me. You're stuck with my tantrums for attention.
... I haven’t seen you throw a tantrum for my attention.
[Now he’s suspicious. Stiles would definitely be more wily and creative than his younger brother as a child, if their early interactions were any measure.]
I like cabbage, and onigiri with seaweed. What is yours?
Itachi, this has to be the blandest food I've ever heard of. Are you seriously telling me THIS is your favorite? Not something savory or sweet or spicy or sour?
[ Why do all those words begin with "s." Stiles blinks at the message, a little perplexed. ]
Well, anyway... The Ruby Underground serves Asian-style cuisine. We might be able to find you onigiri down there.
As usual, that thoughtfulness brings him pause, uncertain how to respond. Perhaps it's effortless on Stiles' part. But more importantly than his tendency to ruminate over other people's actions and intentions:]
Not sure if I have a FAVE. I miss pizza more than I thought I would, honestly. Onion rings too. Even the shitty ones from Sonic.
(Pizza is flat, rounded dough baked with toppings of tomato sauce and cheese. You can add other toppings like meats or veggies or even pineapples. Onion rings are the exactly what they sound like, but dipped in batter and bread crumbs and deep fried. You’d probably hate them. And Sonic is a fast-food restaurant chain across the United States where I’m from.)
Thank you for the explanation. I would recommend sharing this pizza with Sasuke — it may be more to his taste, if his preferences haven’t changed. He enjoys tomatoes.
Pineapple seems like an unusual [disgusting] choice. And you’re correct. I don’t understand the desire to do that to onions.
[Like somebody’s committed a horrible crime.]
Stiles, it isn’t my intention to interrupt your line of questioning, but I was reminded recently: have you been able to obtain ‘Adderall’ here?
[ Well, that explains the bowl of tomatoes casually sitting in Sasuke’s kitchen.
The comment about his Adderall gives him pause. To anyone else, it might seem like Itachi is making a snide comment about Stiles’ current line of questioning and behavior – but he knows the other man lacks the context about his ADHD and medication. ]
I managed to get it back in Hell. In exchange for a favor, one of the demons enchanted it so it’ll never run out. Probably the best trade I’ve ever made. Anyway, the Adderall came with me to Noctium, so we’re good.
I wouldn't blame you if it was. But that is a convenient and useful enchantment.
Nothing specific. [Time to be evasive as fuck, the Uchiha way. Fortunately this is common enough behavior that he doubts it will raise any flags with Stiles.] On the subject of decaffeinated tea, I thought you avoided coffee due to your disorder. Were you drinking it a few weeks ago?
[He had forgotten to ask, on that occasion, considering Stiles' hands around his throat were a worthy distraction.]
[ Oblivious as to the real reason Itachi was reminded of his medication, Stiles happily accepts the excuse without suspicion. ]
Yep. It intensifies my medication. I was trying to reverse engineer the network devices and needed the extra boost to my focus. But that combo tends to have unpleasant side effects, like making me really jittery and nervous, so I try to avoid it.
[Of course, he's not oblivious to what a date is, however out of touch he may be with normal society. More than once he'd been teased in relation to any time spent one-on-one with Izumi, back during bleak childhood. Yet the comparison of memory stands so pale against this offer.]
Why surprised? I was serious about what I wanted when I asked you to commit to a relationship with me. I want to take you out, do something fun, just spend time together.
We could see a movie and get dinner. Or go shopping. Oooooor check out what kind of activities they have in the city. You can watch me embarrass myself ice skating. If you’d rather do something lowkey, we could grab a pack of playing cards and spend the night in. I’ve been learning how to cook better, so I can always make dinner.
[ He’s nervous, Stiles realizes. He wants so desperately for this to go well, for Itachi to enjoy the experience. ]
[For as long as it lasts, Itachi is not certain he'll ever fully grasp what Stiles sees in him enough to warrant the desire for a relationship. But it's clear now the consideration he's put into this request.]
I know. I admit that I have little experience with what is involved in such a commitment.
[Except for the sex, which may as well have been his gateway drug.]
I'm amenable to whatever you would most like to do, but spending the night in is... somewhat appealing. To start, perhaps. I could help you cook.
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[Lying is too easy... like sliding on a pair of worn, well-loved gloves for the first time in months, even if the reason now is highly stupid. He can tolerate a dog—for Stiles.]
Was that the real reason for this conversation?
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[ But if Itachi is supposedly "fine" with dogs, then... ]
How come you prefer cats?
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sighs
The Uchiha clan once relied on a woman living in this community for supplies. Growing up, I visited her — and the ninneko as well — several times. Once Sasuke was older, I occasionally took him with me on these errands. I kept him occupied with games that involved the ninneko, such as compiling an encyclopedia of paw prints. I suppose it's still a sentimental memory for me.
[A long-winded "I like cats."]
laughs
I bet it’s a sentimental memory for him too.
Wish I could have seen this encyclopedia, though. Sounds impressive. How embarrassed do you think he’d be if I asked him about it? 😉
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[Get wrecked, otouto.]
Sasuke might know more about whatever happened to the book.
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[ But through the hilarity of learning this fact, Stiles wonders if that need for attention from Itachi stemmed from the lack of attention Sasuke received from his father. The thought is sobering. ]
The paw-print encyclopedia was a cute idea though. Clever way to distract him.
Too bad tricks like that won't work on me. You're stuck with my tantrums for attention.
What's your favorite meal?
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[Now he’s suspicious. Stiles would definitely be more wily and creative than his younger brother as a child, if their early interactions were any measure.]
I like cabbage, and onigiri with seaweed. What is yours?
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[ Stay suspicious, Itachi. ]
Before I answer what my fave is, what's onigiri?
[ That'll determine whether or not he's going to dunk on someone listing CABBAGE as their favorite food. Like, come on. How dull can you be? ]
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[ Why do all those words begin with "s." Stiles blinks at the message, a little perplexed. ]
Well, anyway... The Ruby Underground serves Asian-style cuisine. We might be able to find you onigiri down there.
[ A perfect idea for their first date! ]
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[Wow, don't diss it until you try it.
As usual, that thoughtfulness brings him pause, uncertain how to respond. Perhaps it's effortless on Stiles' part. But more importantly than his tendency to ruminate over other people's actions and intentions:]
Tell me yours.
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Not sure if I have a FAVE. I miss pizza more than I thought I would, honestly. Onion rings too. Even the shitty ones from Sonic.
(Pizza is flat, rounded dough baked with toppings of tomato sauce and cheese. You can add other toppings like meats or veggies or even pineapples. Onion rings are the exactly what they sound like, but dipped in batter and bread crumbs and deep fried. You’d probably hate them. And Sonic is a fast-food restaurant chain across the United States where I’m from.)
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Pineapple seems like an unusual [disgusting] choice. And you’re correct. I don’t understand the desire to do that to onions.
[Like somebody’s committed a horrible crime.]
Stiles, it isn’t my intention to interrupt your line of questioning, but I was reminded recently: have you been able to obtain ‘Adderall’ here?
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The comment about his Adderall gives him pause. To anyone else, it might seem like Itachi is making a snide comment about Stiles’ current line of questioning and behavior – but he knows the other man lacks the context about his ADHD and medication. ]
I managed to get it back in Hell. In exchange for a favor, one of the demons enchanted it so it’ll never run out. Probably the best trade I’ve ever made. Anyway, the Adderall came with me to Noctium, so we’re good.
And before you ask, it wasn’t a sexual favor.
What reminded you about it?
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Nothing specific. [Time to be evasive as fuck, the Uchiha way. Fortunately this is common enough behavior that he doubts it will raise any flags with Stiles.] On the subject of decaffeinated tea, I thought you avoided coffee due to your disorder. Were you drinking it a few weeks ago?
[He had forgotten to ask, on that occasion, considering Stiles' hands around his throat were a worthy distraction.]
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Yep. It intensifies my medication. I was trying to reverse engineer the network devices and needed the extra boost to my focus. But that combo tends to have unpleasant side effects, like making me really jittery and nervous, so I try to avoid it.
Hey, wanna go on a date?
[ Point blank, no build up. ]
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A date.
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[ Helpful. ]
With me.
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Yes, I assumed. I'm just surprised.
What did you have in mind?
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We could see a movie and get dinner. Or go shopping. Oooooor check out what kind of activities they have in the city. You can watch me embarrass myself ice skating. If you’d rather do something lowkey, we could grab a pack of playing cards and spend the night in. I’ve been learning how to cook better, so I can always make dinner.
[ He’s nervous, Stiles realizes. He wants so desperately for this to go well, for Itachi to enjoy the experience. ]
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I know. I admit that I have little experience with what is involved in such a commitment.
[Except for the sex, which may as well have been his gateway drug.]
I'm amenable to whatever you would most like to do, but spending the night in is... somewhat appealing. To start, perhaps. I could help you cook.
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[ The idea of Itachi helping him cook is...appealing. Stiles is determined to see it through. ]
A night in it is then. Wanna try to make onigiri?
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You may wish to bring additional food, as onigiri isn’t usually considered a full meal.
[Plenty enough for his own bird-picky appetite, but he doubts the same is true for a healthy teenager.]
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