Argh! The dreaded author's note!! Hopefully you see this. Not supposed to upload A/N's as a new chapter and all that jazz.
Yeah...if you're wondering why this hasn't been updated in a good few weeks, well, it's because I'm working on something that's kinda important to a story...a plot. I was scanning over it, and the first thing out of my mind was: 'wow, this is crap. did i really write this?'. So until I get a decent plot sorted out and completely rewrite the crappy older chapters, no updates.
So sorry if you actually enjoyed reading this rubbish.
Kasanete
Look! Shameless advertising! Feel free to check out the other fic that I'm writing (hopefully it'll last a bit longer than this one).
Once again, I'm sorry.

Summary: After Itachi's death, Sasuke has been shipped off to go and live with his guardian's friend's adopted, a sucessful author. Sasuke wants to find reason behind his brother's strange behaviour prior to his death, and for some reason, his new guardian seems to have a connection to Itachi.

Yeah, pretty generic title but I couldn't think of anything else. Besides, it kinda stuck in my mind for a while...and the song is nice too. If you haven't heard it yet, I suggest you do.

Disclaimer: No, I don't own Naruto. I also don't own the song 'A Whiter Shade of Pale' by Procol Harum (I think), I'm just borrowing the title because I can't think of any other one that'd fit.

Parirings: None.

A Whiter Shade of Pale
Chapter 1

It was a simple, flat door, one of many identical doors that lined the white-washed corridor. A generic, metal handle was on the left side of it with a keyhole that was probably never used and a small window was cut into it, the hole filled with glass covered in a film to stop it from shattering it struck. Or at least that was what Karin had told me. Along the bottom there was a metal strip that was covered in marks made by rubber-

"Aren't you going in, Sasuke, or are you going to continue to admire the door?" I didn't even have to turn around to know that it was Kakashi, my guardian, standing behind me with his nose buried in his garish-looking novel.

I merely grunted before reaching up and twisting the handle, allowing the door to swing open.

The room itself was simple: white walls, laminate flooring and a large window that allowed the setting sun's light to stream in. A bed was against the wall, surrounded by machines that clicked and bleeped rhythmically, crisp and white.

I despised this room; I hated everything about it. From the doctors and nurses that bustled in regularly to the bright 'get well soon' cards that were displayed on the table and windowsill, but what I hated more was what the room implied.

To me, hospital rooms were associated with pain and death. Both of which were words I tried to avoid thinking about, because every time I did an image of the person lying among the sheets would burst into my mind.

A hand on the small of my back pushed me forwards and I staggered into the room, the noise enough to have attracted the attention of the dark-haired male resting on his pillow.

"Sasuke?" Itachi rasped weakly, his head lolling to the side. My chest and stomach lurched as I saw his pale, gaunt face framed by his usually-kempt hair that was splayed amongst the white.

"It's me, Itachi," I murmured, walking towards the bed to grasp the bony hand that lay atop of the covers. Dark eyes blinked blearily before a soft smile spread across his face.

"Hey, Sasu, how was school?" he asked quietly. I heard a scraping behind me and I turned to see Kakashi dragging a chair over. To my surprise, the little orange book was nowhere to be seen. I thanked him as I sat down before replying.

"It was interesting. We had a test in history."

"I want to see an A on your next IA," he smirked and I scowled. Even sick, Itachi was always trying to prove that he was better than me.

"So…how are you feeling?"

"Fine, fine," Itachi replied, his gaze leaving my face to gaze at a spot on the wall opposite. I knew he was lying, I could see the pain etched on his prematurely-aged features, but I said nothing as he squeezed my hand comfortingly.

We lapsed into silence, giving me a chance to think about these past two months. I had always known that Itachi was ill, always taking time off school though it did little to dent his grades. This meant that I spent a lot of time with him before I started full time education.

Life was good back then. My brother was my idol, someone who I aspired to be like. However, like always, good things were never meant to last. For the past two years, Itachi had grown distant and was rarely in the house. He told me nothing, quickly changing the conversation or ignoring me when I mentioned it.

Along with his sudden disappearances, his health began to decline. Just over two months ago, Itachi had collapsed and was admitted to the hospital where he had remained.

I felt as though I no longer knew my brother, replaced by a stranger in his skin. I didn't know the person lying in this bed, clutching my hand.

And I didn't want that. I wanted my brother to come back; the one who play in the garden for the entire day, the one who would dress my cuts and bruises and the one who would comfort me without a second thought.

Tears pricked at my eyes that I squeezed tight in an effort to hold them back. My efforts were in vain, as I could feel their warmth slipping down my cheeks.

"Sasuke?" came Itachi's slight quavering voice, and I could feel him shifting in the bed. I released his hand before wrapping my arms around his chest as harsh sobs wracked my frame.

I didn't know why I was crying. It was silly really; one moment I was mourning the loss of my brother and next I was blubbering over him. But there was one thing that I knew.

When Itachi was released, I would do anything to regain the relationship we once had.

I felt his arms wrap around my back as his soft voice whispered soothingly in my ear. I can't recall exactly what it was that he said, but it didn't matter.

He was simply there.

I eventually let go of him and took a step backwards, wiping my eyes on the sleeve of my school uniform.

"I'll come see you tomorrow," I said, squeezing his hand in reassurance.

"Of course," Itachi replied, a smile on his suddenly not-so-gaunt face. "Good night, little brother."

"Good night, Itachi." Kakashi bade his farewell before we both exited the room, shutting the door behind us.

Little did I know that that would be the last time that I would see Itachi.

Well, that's it for the little prologue thing. I know that Sasuke's a little OOC (actually a lot), but he'll be his usual cold self next time. Hopefully...

Next chapter will skip ahead a few weeks or so until Sasuke's going to his new home.