Author's Note: Itachi is a complex fellow with long dark hair. I thought to myself, "He must be in one of my stories!" So that's how this came about. But in reality, I just admire his relationship with Sasuke. And Sasuke's angst makes good writing material. -shrug-

Disclaimer: The characters, setting, and anything related to Naruto all belong to Kishimoto, not me. I own none of this. I'm only a humble fan.

No other landscape captivated Itachi quite like the ocean. Perhaps it was because he didn't live near one that it impressed him so. The first time he visited the Land of Water for a mission was also his first time watching the waves crash and roll on sandy ground. The rhythmic rumble of the tide lulled him. He longed to touch it, play in it, and even get lost in its abyss. But he had a mission to complete and no time to spare. For a second he felt jealous of the people who could enjoy this scenery every day. That's why he chose to paint the ocean that afternoon: to pin it up on his wall and escape.

Itachi was busy lining his illustration when he heard a knock at his bedroom door.

"Yes?" he said calmly though he didn't want to be disturbed.

"Are you busy?"

It was Sasuke. He sounded serious and a bit worried, which worried the older brother more.

"No, come in."

Sasuke closed the door as quickly as he opened it, not wanting to be seen. He leaned against the door and sighed, closing his eyes.

"We need to talk." he said sternly.

Itachi surveyed his younger brother, who was now 17, with a neutral expression on his face.

"Okay. What do you want to talk about?"

Sasuke took a deep breath causing the elder Raven to anticipate the worst.

"My feelings." he exhaled "I want to know what's wrong with me."

"Your feelings?" He didn't expect to hear that from his reserved baby brother.

"It's a long story."

"Do tell."

"Before I do, promise me you won't tell anyone, not even mom."

"Fine. Take a seat. You look exhausted."

Sasuke sat on Itachi's neat bed and gazed at the ceiling, seemingly lost in his thoughts. Whatever was eating the young man had to be serious. Itachi put down his pen to give him his full attention.

"It all began a month ago when my team and I were training." whispered Sasuke, not wanting to take his eyes off the ceiling. "Sakura left early so it was only me and Naruto on the field. Kakashi was off to the side reading one of his books as usual. Like always, I one-upped Naruto in a spar and we argued over who won when it was clearly me. He just can never accept he's low-rate. But this time I felt sorry for him. Why?"

"He's your friend and you felt some sympathy for him." said Itachi simply. He didn't understand why that was so perplexing. Of course, this was Sasuke: the man who could find trouble out of nothing.

"I get that, but then more stuff happened that made me think it wasn't. After our next training session, my team and I visited Ichiraku Ramen to unwind. Naruto cracked a stupid joke, a real lame pun, and I laughed."

"Heaven forbid."

Sasuke looked down to glare at his brother. "It's not funny." he spat.

"Not at all." said the elder raven though the amusement in his tone was unmistakable.

"I never laugh at his jokes. They're childish and sometimes crude. What's worse is that he noticed. He smiled at me, which almost made me want to smile back. Luckily, I didn't or he'd get the idea that we're best friends."

"You're not best friends?"

"We're rivals first and friends second. He pushes my buttons and I ignore him. But at the end of the day I get the feeling we don't truly hate each other."

"I see. Well, he must be rubbing on you."

"I blushed, Itachi. I blushed." Sasuke deadpanned.

"What?"

"Last week we hit the hot springs with Sai, Kakashi, and Yamato. Everyone changed out of their clothes to jump in the water. I was the last one to take off my top. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Naruto wearing nothing but a towel. It's not the first time I saw him shirtless, much less without anything in these circumstances. However, this time I blushed."

"You…blushed?"

Sasuke nodded.

"I don't understand. My heart pumped so quickly like it does in the heat of battle. My throat became dry. And ever since that day I've been thinking about him nonstop. His presence calms me and at the same time drives me insane."

Itachi knew the day would come when Sasuke would finally admit there was someone more important than being number one. Only, for what it was worth, he never once thought it would be Naruto. He shifted in his seat uncomfortably.

"Have you told the boy you love him?" he said quietly.

"How could I? I'm not even sure of my feelings much less his." said Sasuke with a hint of a pained expression on his face. He was trying hard to keep his composure in front of Itachi, but the mask was wearing thin. Itachi looked on, unsure of what to say next, and turned to his painting. The ocean that was supposed to give him peace was unfinished. Frowning, he picked up his pen and lined the remainder of the waves.

Intrigued, Sasuke peeked over his shoulder.

"I never knew you could paint." he smirked.

"I never had the time. But the Hokage promised me a week off as thanks for my service. Apparently, mom complained that I never sleep."

"That's why you have those lines."

"No, these are inherited. You'll get them too someday."

Sasuke traced his cheeks and imagined what it was like to have premature wrinkles marring his smooth skin. "You're kidding." he scowled.

"Don't believe me? Ask dad."

"I'll pass. Anyway, let's cut to the chase. What do you think?"

"About what?" said Itachi as he opened the bottle of blue ink. It was time to color in the ocean.

"About me and Naruto. What should I do?"

"Sasuke, you love him. What more is there to discuss?"

"I don't know. Can you put yourself in my shoes for once? I think I'm gay and find my teammate attractive. It's unexpected." he said pitifully. He really looked lost.

The elder boy sighed. He didn't know what to do in situations like these. He tried to see things from his brother's perspective, but the boy who he thought he had pinned down to the letter was surprising him more and more.

Author's Note: The end of chapter one. I'm thinking of making the next chapter much longer to really progress this story. I have many ideas so prepare for the drama! And as always, thank you for reading. Reviews are welcome and encouraged. :D