Vanitas: Alright. I finally finished editing this fan-fic I've been working for a while. I got greatly hooked on KakaIta or ItaKaka, whatever. Absolutely

love the pairing.

Kakashi: Do I get to kiss Itachi in this one?

Itachi: *whimpers*

Vanitas: NO! You won't kiss sweet Itachi. You have to win his trust and love first after being a moronic and pride-loving douche. *Pets Itachi*

Itachi: :3

Sasuke: Vanitas does not own us or anything related to Naruto in general. Otherwise, this anime would be nothing but Yaoi. Naruto belongs to

Masashi Kishimoto.

Itachi: *smiles* On with the story.

Summary:

Sasuke realizes his mistake in killing his brother after being told the Truth by Madara Uchiha (Tobi). Feeling his guilt devouring his heart, Sasuke races back to the

ruins of the Uchiha Hideout, and finds his brother alive, but barely clinging to to save Itachi, Sasuke risks his freedom as a missing-nin by traveling to

Konoha, and has an unexpected reunion with his former team and sensei. Itachi Uchiha, upon recovering from his injuries, crosses paths with a lover that abandoned

him eight years ago, several days before the Massacre of the Uchiha regret for what he had done years ago, Kakashi Hatake attempts to win back the

heart of former lover, but must win his trust first, and prove to a certain brother that the love he has for the former Akatsuki is nothing but pure and true.


~Sasuke's P.O.V. ~

I have never been so disgusted with myself. I had nearly killed my only family, my

older brother, Itachi Uchiha. All this time, Itachi had been the gentle brother I always

loved when I was a child. For years, I had seen my brother as nothing but a criminal,

who must be destroyed by my hand. However, now, I know the truth behind the

Massacre of the Uchiha Clan. Itachi killed our clan to prevent a Fourth Shinobi War;

Shimura Danzo was the one ordered him to carry out the deed. My brother had tried to

convince our father to reconsider his decision in attacking Konoha. Sadly, Fugaku

refused, he wanted everyone to suffer the same pain he faced when the Uchiha Clan

had been accused of summoning the Nine-tailed Fox to destroy The Leaf Village.

It's dishonorable. I had never knew my father had plotted to do such a thing, and

to think that I had yearned for his recognition. When he had at last praised me and

acknowledged my skills, it was only to see if I was capable of being his "Trump Card"

when Itachi turned against him. I had been foolish. I believed all the lies my mother

told me about father speaking only of me when the two were alone. Plus, if I had

become father's Trump Card, what would have become of Itachi? Would father have

disposed of my brother? I rather not think what could have happened if Itachi had not

slaughtered our clan. I suppose I should be both grateful and saddened. Grateful that

my brother was loyal enough to Konoha to protect it from our father, and beg the Third

Hokage to keep the truth from me and ensure my safety as well, but saddened knowing

that our clan is gone, and I had desired to kill my only brother because of it.

A member of Akatsuki, Konan, offered to cure my brother of his illness, but in

exchange, I would look after Itachi and help him adjust to his new life. I did not know

what the blunette meant by those words, but once she cured Itachi's illness with Karin's

help, she relieved that my brother had gone blind in the midst of our battle. My heart

had froze at the news, I knew there had to be a reason for Itachi's fail in dodging much

of my attacks successfully; however, I did not expect that the reason would be that he

was blind from overusing his Mangekyo Sharingan. 'Take care of Itachi. He truly loves

you.' Konan had said. By the glimmer in her amber eyes, I could tell that she had

developed romantic feelings towards Itachi after her beloved Pain had disappeared. I

promised the beautiful blunette that I would take care of Itachi and protect him with

my life. Before taking her leave, Konan smiled and said "When Itachi awakens, and

you both are safely in Konoha. Tell him Pain and Konan had never seen an Akatsuki

member shine as bright as him." With those simple words, Konan disappeared in a

whirlwind of paper butterflies, leaving me with my precious brother unconscious in my

arms. Night had fallen, and we had yet to reach Konoha. Karin informed me that

Itachi would need to be hospitalized for a few days in order for him to fully recuperate

from the surgery she and Konan had performed on him.

I love my brother. I always have, I just never realized that all the hate I kept inside

was a disguise to keep the love I still had towards my brother locked away. I could

never truly hate Itachi even after everything he had done. I guess, the bond we created

years ago, is still as strong as it was before, if not, perhaps it has grown stronger. "I'll

get you to Konoha safely, Itachi. Count on it." I knew I wasn't going to receive an

answer from him, but speaking to him even though he is unconscious reminds me that

I am another step closer to having my older brother, my hero, back. The truth I had

been told changed the way I saw the world. A world I would have lived in all alone if

Madara had not revealed Itachi's secrets to me. The world I know is cruel and ugly, but

now that I have my brother in my arms, it appears to be beautiful and fair to all. Had

the world always been this endearing, or was it my thirst for vengeance that caused me

to see the world as a cold and dark place? "Not matter what happens...I'll protect

you...Aniki." I whispered softly, burying my face in my precious brother's soft raven

hair, drinking in his scent, which never failed to comfort me.

The sun had risen, and we continued our journey to The Village Hidden in the

Leaves. The morning was beautiful and serene, but it did not ease the burning pain in

my heart each time I gazed at my brother's face. The bruises and sword slashes I had

left on his once flawless complexion had yet to heal. He looked at peace, how long has

it been since I had seen him so innocent and vulnerable? "Hey Sasuke. We got

company." I heard Suigetsu say, in his usual semi-non-caring tone. I grimaced when I

met stunned bright blue eyes and a pair of emerald hues. Ironic that I would meet with

my former teammates with my brother lying unconscious on my back.

"So it's true...You did not kill Itachi after all." I tightened my hold on Itachi when

Kakashi lazily stepped into the clearing, reading that ridiculous novel, Make-Out

Paradise. Sometimes I wonder if he would become a serious perv from the influence of

that book. However, who am I to judge, I have never even read the book, nor do I plan

to. "I'm not here to hurt Itachi. Judging by the glare of your eyes, it would seem you

know something we don't." Kakashi never failed to read me like an open scroll. I

suppose he is not called "a genius" for nothing. Still, that does not mean I would not

hesitate to attack them if they as much as harm a single strand of raven hair on Itachi's

head. Juugo, Karin, and Suigetsu had understood my body language, and positioned

themselves before me. Karin on my left, Suigetsu, sword at the ready, on my right, and

gentle Juugo stood protectively between me and my former team. The trio were

graciously loyal, and could see that Itachi was very precious to me, in short words, they

would do anything in my name and benefit. "Sasuke. Believe you me. If I had wanted

to hurt Itachi, wouldn't I have done so in mere seconds." I can hear the honesty in his

words, Kakashi would never attack anyone unless they were deemed a threat to his

students and/or Konoha. Yet, I cannot let my guard down. Itachi's life is in my hands,

and I do not intend to disappoint my aniki.

To my surprise, Kakashi, Naruto, and Sakura discarded all of their weapons across

the forest floor. I was even amazed to see Kakashi's perverted book lying on top of the

pile of kunais and shurikens. So, Kakashi was not lying. He must be serious to even

toss his beloved book on a pile of weapons; Kakashi has never lied about not harming

anyone, and perhaps he never will; therefore, I can only assume it is safe to trust my

former sensei and teammates. "How do I know you won't attack Itachi when my back

is turned?" I did not care if what I had said offended them, but I cannot fully trust my

former sensei and teammates knowing my brother is labeled as a wanted S-rank

criminal in Konoha. "Sasuke. You have every right not trust us and believe anything I

say, but believe this when I tell you that we will not harm Itachi in any way. We will

even listen to what you have to say, and try to understand your reasons for protecting

your brother." Kakashi was sincere as were Naruto and Sakura. How could I not

believe his words. The honesty that signed in his eyes was proof enough. Sakura has

not attacked me in a fit of frustration for leaving the village, and Naruto has not

attempted to drag me back home by force. They all still had faith that I would come to

my senses and return to Konoha, or backtrack there with them willingly. "Alright...I

trust you...However, if I even see one scratch on Itachi's face, and discover that it was

one of you. I will be forced to take drastic measures."

Since arriving in Konoha, I had never left Itachi's side. Tsunade had allowed my

brother and I to return to the village when I revealed the Elders' secret to her. I had

assumed she would have desired us to prove ourselves loyal to Konoha, but the

sympathetic glow in her eyes showed how much she truly understood. Many of the

village's citizens were not pleased with the last remaining Uchihas returning, especially

Itachi. They do not know the truth behind the Massacre of the Uchiha clan, nor

did they believe Itachi deserved the medical treatment Tsunade had been giving him.

However, no one attempted to go against her, she was the Hokage after all, and is

considered the most powerful kunoichi in the world. Even I, an Uchiha, would not go

against such a gentle but commanding woman. "Itachi will be fine. Whoever gave him

these injuries meant business; however, a bit of rest, blood transfusion, and my medical

jutsu, and he will be back in top form in no time." Spoke the Godaime in an assuring

tone. I was grateful that my brother would recover, but ashamed of myself. It is my

fault he is in the hospital in the first place, and in need of Tsunade's superior medical

skills. I have disappointed my mother and father, disgraced the Uchiha name, but worst

of all, I had severely injured the one person who acknowledge me, and only thought of

me all his life. 'Forgive me, Itachi. Forgive me.'

~Flashback (Normal P.O.V.)~

"Big Brother. You're amazing. I want to be a strong shinobi just like you."

Gleefully chirped a young 8-year-old Sasuke. His onyx eyes staring admirably at his

older brother, Itachi. To him, Itachi was the greatest shinobi who ever lived. No one

could surpass his older brother in terms of strength, speed, intelligence, and skill in

Taijutsu, Ninjutsu, Genjutsu, and weapon coordination. Itachi was the definition of

perfection. Sasuke loved Itachi very much, but sometimes felt greatly jealous of his

brother's genius, and the undivided attention their father gave him. He wanted

recognition from Fugaku as Itachi received, yet Sasuke never received the praise he

deeply yearned from his father. "Become a strong shinobi in your own way, Sasuke."

Spoke Itachi, snapping his younger brother out of his thoughts. "Remember this one

thing, Sasuke. You do not need the praise of others in order to prove you are skilled

shinobi. All you need is prove to yourself that you are and will become a powerful

shinobi. Plus, in my eyes, you are and will be an outstanding ninja, Otouto."

~Flashback End~

Itachi had fallen into a coma after we had arrived in Konoha, so Tsunade says. She

had clarified that it had been because of the massive amount of blood he had lost, and

the injuries he had sustained as well. I had not realized how much I had injured my

brother until Tsunade had surveyed the damage. Five broken ribs, burns bordering

both forearms down to the palms of his hands, a deep sword wound in his abdominal,

a deep gash on his right thigh, a small cut on his right cheek, and a sprained ankle.

These were the injuries I had given my beloved older brother. Consequently, it will be

my responsibility to tend to Itachi's every need when he awakens. The Godaime had

promised me that she would try and discover a cure for my brother's blindness, until

then I had decided to be Itachi's eyes. "Don't worry, Aniki. As your Otouto, I will

protect you as you protected me, no matter what." I held my brother's hand tightly in

my own, grimacing at the feel of the bandages around his hand beneath my palm. I

shakily ran my opposite hand through his long raven hair, which had been freed of its

hair tie. My brother's hair was softer than I imagined, beautiful in other words,

perhaps beautifuler than our mother's ever was.

Six weeks went by, and Itachi had at last awakened. I remained by his side, never

once leaving this room. The blood I had donated to my brother had been enough to

replace the ounces of blood he had lost in our riot. He was frightened, looking

feverishly around the room, too afraid to acknowledge my presence. Itachi had grown

more anxious when he touched the bandages around his eyes; the trembling of his

form, and the water droplets trailing from beneath the bandages stabbed my heart. I

had never seen him so mortified. "Aniki..." I gently called to him, carefully placing my

hands on the sides of his face. My eyes softened when he cringed under my touch. I

did not move any further until he slowly relaxed, his shivering barely visible, and

hyperventilation completely disappearing.

"Otouto?" His voice was cautious with a hint of anxiety. His bandaged hands

shakily found my face, palms brushing my cheeks lightly. "I'm here, aniki." I assured

him, taking his hands from my face and clutching them gently in mine. He shivered

slightly, but soon relaxed when I pulled him slowly into an embrace. "No one is going

to hurt you. All of Konoha knows the truth. You're safe now." I felt Itachi tremble in

my arms, and soon found my shoulder soaked with his tears. I could clearly see that he

Had been under a lot of stress, and keeping his emotions locked away for so long had

finally taken its toll. I allowed Itachi to let everything out, he needed this

enlightenment, and I was going to be the pillar that kept him steady, and the one to

comfort him when he cries. My big brother needs me, and I will not abandon him. No,

not how our parents, Konoha, and his former lover, who I have yet to discover and

learn the name of, had done years ago. "I love you, Itachi, and I won't let anyone hurt

you. Never again." Itachi's cries begun to die down, and I felt his arms tighten. He was

like a child, clinging to a parent, begging for protection, kindness, and love. This is

what my mother and father had failed to give him, they never treated him like a son;

Itachi felt as though he was only paid mind because he was "The Pride of the Uchiha

Clan". It was all everyone had seen him as, a genius, and future leader of the clan,

everyone except me.


~Kakashi's P.O.V. ~

"Why...why was I not good enough?" I heard someone say beneath the large tree I

was reading in. I peeked below the branch I had sat myself on and saw him. Itachi,

sitting near the tree, his legs pulled to his chest, and arms wrapped around his knees.

The wind caressed his beautiful long raven hair. Why had I abandon such beauty all

those years ago. I had known his father had not allowed him a glimmer of happiness in

his life, and I had selfishly left him, taking the joy I had given him with me.

"Kakashi..." I cringed at the sound of my name, did he know I was here? I remained

silent, watching my beloved raven pull a small plush from inside his coat. The same

plush I had given him on the day of our 7 month anniversary. I had long thought he

had disowned the mini me plush years ago, but there it was, in his hands, being stroked

by smooth slender fingers. "...Did...Did you even love me?" There they were. The very

words I never wanted to hear from his lips. I loved him, I truly loved him, yet I

dispassionately abandoned him. Left him alone in the cruel world his father laid before

him.

I watched silently as my little raven lifted a beautifully crafted ebony flute to his

smooth and soft pastel pink lips. The melodies that left the flute were beautiful, but

filled with such sadness. I chose my pride as a shinobi over an innocent child who

longed for affection. He was only thirteen at the time; however, that was no excuse for

what I had done to him. My heart tightened at the sight of the tears streaming down his

beautiful face. "Kakashi..." His voice was so broken and empty. My little raven

shouldn't be suffering this way. I realized the very same night that leaving him was the

gravest mistake I ever made. I can still remember his crescent fallen gaze when I told

him we could no longer be together. He may have been a child back them, but now, he

is an adult, a beautiful man lost in the world that had once shun him. I felt greater

guilt after witnessing what my actions had caused.

~Flashback (Normal P.O.V.) ~

Itachi was frozen in shock. His mind still attempting to process what had just

occurred. The clouds roared as rain commenced to drown the training grounds.

"Itachi. We can't be together anymore." Kakashi had said in a calm tone.

"Wha-What? But Kakashi I thought we-" Responded Itachi, trying his best to control

his emotions.

"Itachi. I am 22-years old. Nine years your senior. I am a shinobi, and I won't

jeopardize it by fooling around with a child." Confessed Kakashi, brushing his spiky

silver hair back with his fingerless glove hand.

"Kakashi..." Whimpered Itachi. He shivered not only from the cold, but in pain as

well. He clenched the front of his anbu vest, attempting to dull the pain in his

shattering heart. "Please Kakashi. Don't-Don't leave me." Begged the young anbu

captain. "Please Kakashi, I love you." Cried Itachi, gripping his beloved lover's arm.

"I'm sorry, Itachi. I don't love you." Kakashi said, pushing his now former lover's

hands off his arm, and began to walk away. Leaving the beautiful raven-haired ninja

broken hearted under the harsh storm.

Kakashi stopped near the door of his apartment. Realization dawning him. What

had he done?! He broke the heart of a gentle child who loved him, and told said child

'he did not love him'. "Itachi..." Mumbled Kakashi, jumping across the rooftops in

haste, going as fast as he could, back to where he had abandon the young teen. In the

storm, heartbroken and alone. Kakashi raced to the Uchiha Compound after finding

that Itachi had left the training grounds. He halted several feet away when he caught

sight of his former lover standing in the rain, drenched to the bone.

"Nii-san?" Called Sasuke, noticing his brother frozen outside. He stood a few feet

away from the house unmoving. "Aniki? Are you okay?" Asked the small Uchiha. His

soft onyx eyes growing wide when his older brother swayed and soon collapsed

unkindly onto the cold ground. "Itachi!" Screamed Sasuke, rushing out of the house

to his brother's side. Fugaku and Mikoto hurried out of the kitchen upon hearing their

youngest son's cry. The Uchiha couple found Sasuke outside in the rain, shaking his

brother, who laid unconscious o the ground, and screaming at the top of his lungs for

Itachi to wake.

"Itachi!" Cried Fugaku and Mikoto in horror. The two rushed to their sons,

anxiety growing within their hearts as they took in their eldest son's form. Fugaku

gathered Itachi in his arms, and held him flush against his chest. He cringed when his

hands met his son's icy shoulders; Fugaku felt his heart sink as Itachi shivered in his

arms. His breaths coming out as small clouds and tears flowing down his young face.

"Itachi." Softly called Fugaku, resting his hand against Itachi's forehead. The leader

of the Uchiha Clan cursed under his breath, feeling his precious child's forehead

burning under his palm. 'He has a fever.' Fugaku thought bitterly, slipping his forearm

beneath Itachi's legs, and quickly carrying his sick son into the house.

Sasuke watched sorrowfully at his aniki. Itachi laid beneath several blankets to

warm his shivering body, cheeks a rosy hue, and sweat drenching his raven hair,

causing his bangs to cling to his face. The youngest Uchiha dipped the cloth in the

bowl of water his mother had placed by the nightstand, wringing it lightly until the

water droplets ceased; Sasuke dabbed at his brother's face and neck, trying his hardest

to cool the burning skin. "Sasuke?" The small Uchiha stopped and gazed into his

brother's half-lidded obsidian eyes. He brushed his brother's sweaty bangs from his

face. Sasuke dipped the cloth into the water once more, and placed it gently over

Itachi's burning forehead.

Kakashi stood in the tree near Itachi's room crying. He felt so ashamed of himself.

The young anbu captain was now sick with fever for standing in the freezing rain.

Itachi was ill and it was all his fault. Kakashi sobbed softly, covering his tear-filled eyes

with his right hand and balancing himself in the tree with the other against the trunk.

"I'm so sorry, Itachi. Forgive me, my little raven. I do love you." Cried Kakashi, his

voice breaking at the sight of his ex-lover's flushed cheeks and tired eyes. He had

carelessly left Itachi, and this was his punishment, seeing his beloved raven bedridden

with fever. Kakashi could see the look on his sensei's face through the dark sky. Minato

was utterly disappointed in Kakashi. These were the consequences of his actions.

Watch his young anbu captain suffer from fever, and never be able to hold the

beautiful raven-haired ninja in his arms again.

~Flashback End~

Even to this day, merely seeing him in pain stabs my heart. I had tried to get close

to him after he recovered from the fever, but he always turned and ran away. The night

when he was to slaughter the Uchiha Clan, I had tried to make it to the compound

before he begun, but it was already too late. Itachi had vanished from the village after I

arrived. I had lost him once again. My beautiful raven had slipped through my fingers,

running from the life he had lived, and keeping a great distance from me. I wished to

take it all back, but one cannot change the past, they can only shape their future. The

future I envision is with Itachi by my side, as it should have been years ago.


Vanitas: Phew. That was exhausting. Alright please review and be nice. It's my first ItaKaka. Peace out Fan-fictionists.