Author's notes: This idea came from my friend's suggestion to write something bright and spiritual for a change, instead of tragic and dark stuff. Without even knowing where it might go, I decided to give it a try. I'm dedicating this story to her. Also I'd like to thank my cousin and my best friend for being my beta readers.
This is set in a non-massacre universe where Uchiha Clan joined forces with Konoha, which joined with other shinobi villages in order to stop Fourth Shinobi War from breaking out. Details of that aren't explained here, maybe they will be in future chapters, but I can't promise anything yet. I planned this as collection of one-shots set in this universe where I intend to focus on Itachi's and Sasuke's relationship in a world where they never separated.
Traveling through the world felt like true freedom to them. Just two of them, each other's company, each other's support, and they enjoyed moments like those.
After succeeding a difficult mission together, while heading back home to Konoha, to Uchiha district, they'll spend some time to enjoy the beauty of the world which is no longer being torn by wars.
Both of them gave their best to achieve that peace, along with their comrades. Sasuke can now walk shoulder to shoulder with his brother, accepted as an equal. Their father Fugaku didn't compare him to Itachi for a very long time. They were one, just like Itachi told him once ''I'm always going to be there for you'', but he also defined himself as ''an obstacle he must overcome...that's what big brothers are for''.
Itachi now tells him that he had surpassed him, but Sasuke says that it's not true; his nii-san is still very strong shinobi. He was called prodigy and the finest Uchiha their Clan ever had. Sasuke was just supposed to be like a second Itachi. However, the true fact is that they're equally strong and they make a perfect team. It's just Sasuke who never stopped admiring his older brother and Itachi who always wanted to be surpassed by his younger brother he loves so much.
Their hearts are filled with joy when Fugaku praises them: ''I'm really proud of both of you, you're my children indeed'', as they both sit next to each other, smiling at the same time.
However, Itachi did spend a big portion of his life taking care of his younger brother since he saw him for the first time. They were always together, their love and admiration for each other never faded away.
Today is warmer than usual.
Itachi took off his cloak, Sasuke did the same.
- You're right, it's very hot here. – Said Sasuke as a reply to Itachi's non-verbal action, then put his cloak and their bag on the grass and lies down in a shade of a big tree.
- I see. You're also tired. – Itachi lies down next to him.
They fold their cloaks and use them as a pillow, while their bodies rest on a grass and dry earth.
They enjoy that, it felt like they were one with the earth while burying their fingertips inside the soft earth like they're roots. Both are silent, it's a pleasant silence.
It's a silence of a present moment, silence of relief, silence of liberation.
Even shinobi, a member of Uchiha Clan, a prodigy, deserves moments of peace and total disconnection from all responsibilities to enjoy with mind set free. It's even more pleasant if it's shared with a beloved person.
They also feel connection to each other, even their breathing synced, without even realizing it.
Birds' chirping on a branch above them catches Sasuke's attention; he opens his eyes and observes tiny birds. They seem like they also enjoy this nice weather. He turns his head to Itachi who also looked at the branch before turning his head toward him.
- Maybe we could eat those sandwiches we bought before leaving Sunagakure.
Sasuke nods and reaches out for their bag.
Before they took bite of their sandwiches, they noticed small audience in front of them, both brothers kindly smile at them.
- Looks like they want to join us. – Itachi says while he tears small piece of his sandwich and flicks it toward the birds, Sasuke follows.
They ate while talking about what they could do next before they head to Konoha. They considered exploring the area and find a waterfall where they could stop and wash themselves in nice fresh water.
- That would be perfect. – Sasuke agrees while carefully flicking small piece of his sandwich with a thumb, without moving his arm, so it won't appear like he wants to chase birds away. They enjoy company of birds and always share their food with them; it strengthens the pleasant atmosphere of connection with nature and the atmosphere of a peaceful world.
After they finished their lunch, they leaned against a tree.
- I wish we can always be like this. – Says Sasuke.
Because, in the shinobi world, there will always be something that could go wrong, despite achieved peace.
- If something happens, we will figure out how to deal with it, don't worry. – His older brother replies.
Sasuke looks at him and his expression didn't only show love and affection, but also a confidence that he always feels when he is around him.
Itachi's self-confidence and optimism make him feel warm inside, he is proud to have Itachi as an older brother. Itachi shows the same expression to him, making his little brother smile widely while leaning against him, resting his head on Itachi's shoulder. Itachi tilted his head, resting it on top of Sasuke's head. Both brothers remain pleasantly silent.
Just as they agreed, they headed toward waterfall where they'll wash themselves. They found one where rocks perfectly concealed them, it almost felt like home.
They remove their clothes and get in fresh water. Both hum at the pleasant feeling of cold water making contact with their bare skin. It's one of the best feelings after a long warm day, bathing in cold fresh water. Both brothers sit on an underwater rock, next to each other, water reaches their collarbones, both silent, just wanting to feel water around their bodies, it's even better after they close their eyes. Hard work that today's mission required still left them slightly stiff, Sasuke a little bit more than Itachi and Itachi feels that.
- Your body needs to relax in order to completely enjoy.
- You're right; one part of me is still on that mission isn't it?
- Turn around. – Said Itachi while putting hands on his shoulders, gently guiding him to turn his back to him, and Sasuke does what Itachi wants.
Itachi starts to massage muscles on his back; Sasuke always enjoys backrubs his brother gives him, like there is some sort of magic and soothing energy radiating from Itachi's hands. He feels his body relax, Itachi smiled when he heard Sasuke's soft humming, he always knows how to apply perfect pressure on Sasuke's muscles. He slows down, only to feel his little brother's ribcage moving while he is breathing, by that he can tell if Sasuke is relaxed or tensed. Then he places one hand on Sasuke's left collarbone while he soothingly rubs his entire back in circular motions as if he tries to wash it.
Shinobi that allows the other one such intimacy makes them extremely vulnerable, but Sasuke doesn't feel like that at all, he completely leans on his brother's touch, because he trusts him with his life. He feels pleasant warmth with each inhale, even though he is in cold water.
After bathing, they head toward home, where new responsibilities might await them, but they won't think about them, for now.
Instead, they'll continue enjoying in this moment and each other's company.
After all, every fulfilled responsibility will award them with more moments like these, with a silence of liberation.