Itasasu AU.

Itachi smiled as he walked into his little brother's high school. Sasuke was graduating today and he had come down to see it. Since he had been off to college for the last few years their time together had gotten a bit sparse, but there was no way he was going to miss this. He remembered when he had graduated and his little brother who was in 5th grade had come and cheered for him mortifying their parents as they pulled him back down into his seat. Itachi smiled at the memory. He adored his little brother, he wanted to always protect his little Sasuke. Itachi knew Sasuke wanted to be him, do everything he did, strive to be as good as he was. It all came naturally to him, Itachi did it because it fit into his plans for himself not because he wanted the praise or the awards. He saw their parents sitting a few rows down. The high school was fairly small so the whole affair fit in the city civic center.

"Mother. Father." Itachi slipped into the seat next to his mother.

"Itachi. I've been wanting to see you. I want to speak with you about coming to intern at Uchiha Corp from Kono." Itachi kept his face smooth. He had known this conversation was coming, he was ready with a reply but the lights dimmed and the sea of square hats began to move. Just as Itachi had been Valedictorian so was Sasuke. Ever striving to be like his big brother. His now taller more mature little brother walked to the podium. Itachi mused to himself that since he had been away Sasuke had grown and changed faster then ever. So poised and adult now, so different. Sasuke's speech was pretty good. He talked about his motivation and finding a motivation for your life. Something to drive you, something to make you move forward, become better. Itachi smiled softly as Sasuke talked about having a role model. He knew who his little otouto's was. After his brother had walked the stage and they had moved onto the hundreds of other names Itachi's mind wandered. He knew the conversation that was coming up with his father and he didn't want to have it. He had no desire to go into Uchiha Corp or take over the branch. His father had always wanted him to take over the family business but the company made his stomach turn. There was no mercy, nothing philanthropic about the organization or the family. They cherished their precious R&D copyrights. Many stayed tucked away never to see the sun when they could be used to help people or make some needed improvements. Pride, his father's hubris stood in the way or everything. Not just his father though, the whole clan. He knew about the tax evasion, the payoffs. He knew most of it at least. As soon as the ceremony was over Itachi slipped into the crowd. He wanted to find Sasuke first so he could slip out and avoid their father. He finally caught sight of Sasuke's spiked hair stuffed into his cap, as he approached through the crowd Sasuke turned and caught sight of him.

"Aniki!" Sasuke beamed at him as his tassel bounced. They hugged briefly, "Hey. I'm so proud of you Sasuke."

Sasuke blushed lightly, "Thank you. I'm glad you could make it. Are you coming to eat with us?" Itachi gave an inward groan, he didn't want to since he was avoiding his father, but on the other hand how could he not when Sasuke was so excited. "Of coarse otouto."

They sat together at Sasuke's favorite hibachi place. The onion flame tower was burning nicely as their food cooked. Sasuke was chatting to him happily about the last few weeks of school asking about Itachi's classes and thesis. Sasuke was seated between Itachi and their mother. Fugaku leaned over and looked at Itachi, "Before I forget I need you to come to a meeting Monday evening at 6:00. We're going to talk about some long term plans for the company."

Itachi mentally grimaced but nodded, "Of coarse."

Their mother tapped her glass, "No business today. We're celebrating Sasuke's graduation."

Sasuke hid his face in his food. "So Sasuke I was thinking you could come up and spend a few days with me at the university. Maybe get a taste of college since you'll be there next year." Itachi was part way into his graduate degree, as long as things went to plan they would both be there for a year before Itachi finished.

Sasuke grinned at his brother, "Yeah, that would be awesome." He glanced at their parents, "That is ok, right?" Their mother smiled and answered, not giving their father a chance, "Of coarse hon, I know you two haven't seen much of each other."

"Thank you mother."

The plan had been that he was going to make the drive back up school after the lunch, but Sasuke was the one person that he would crumple everything up and rewrite it for. They were about to separate after lunch when Sasuke grabbed his hand like he had when they were younger and he was going to ask for something he really wanted, "Itachi, since you're meeting with father Monday, would you stay this weekend? You would have to drive back down to get me anyway." The family rule being no car until college.

"I know it's boring but I want to use some of my graduation money to get some clothes that will actually fit in. I just don't want to be too obviously high school." That pause where Sasuke always held his breath even though the answer was always yes.

Itachi sighed, "Sure Sasuke. We can do that." His fate was sealed and Sasuke was ecstatic.

"That's great! Would you like to watch some movies maybe? We could go out to a movie. It doesn't even have to be a movie." Itachi stopped and smiled as he poked Sasuke right in the center of his forehead.

"Movie in my old room is fine. But we will have caramel popcorn, not just your plain salted." Sasuke made a face but quickly agreed, "I'll see you in a bit then." Itachi gave a half wave as he headed to his car. Mentally he fumed at his brother, but with a heavy sigh he accepted and braced himself for his father.

Sasuke greeted him at the door. "Hey, we have stuff for you to use if you didn't bring things." Itachi nodded to the small bag he carried, "I always come prepared foolish Otouto."

And I thought this might happen.

Itachi walked past him into the house. He nodded to their mother as he passed on the way upstairs to his old room. When he had first started college he had come back on a regular basis. Undergrad classes were easy and he had plenty of time to come home, do laundry, see his brother, and meet up with friends. As time passed there was less time to come back and fewer friends to see. Sure he still wanted to come see his mother and Sasuke, but he just couldn't seem to get away. Now, almost done, there seemed to be a never ending stream of things to get finished. He dropped the bag on his bed, noticing that it had been freshly made. Trinkets and books that wouldn't fit in his graduate dorm room still sat dusted on the shelves. I wonder who dusted, Sasuke or Mom. He smirked as he noticed some of the things had been moved and used. Books out of his meticulous order. He knew Sasuke was watching for him to come down, how long had it been since he had been home? Six months? Something like that. Itachi ran a tired hand down his face.

Suck it up, you kind of brought this on yourself being gone so long.

He headed down to grab a drink and some caramel popcorn he picked up on the way over. "Coming Otouto? We'll have a marathon. Then you can drag me around shopping tomorrow." Sasuke snorted, "Don't make me sound so prissy." He ran a hand through his hair puffing up a bit in indignation. "Grab your prissy caramel popcorn and let's go watch a movie." Sasuke grabbed his bag and headed up the stairs. Itachi couldn't help a small chuckle as he followed Sasuke up the stairs. Sasuke was digging through movies and seemingly at random picked one and popped it in. Action movie...plenty of explosions, great for popcorn. Their parents were downstairs settled into the living room. After Mikoto's moratorium on work talk he was feeling better and could even manage to enjoy the movie. Sasuke kept glancing over at him, looking like he was worried Itachi was having a good time. Itachi caught him and poked his forehead. Sasuke grimaced and rubbed the spot.

"Stop worrying foolish Otouto, I'm not going to disappear."

Feeling mushy he wrapped an arm around Sasuke's shoulder and let him lean against him. Sasuke blushed lightly, "Ok."

Itachi wasn't normally this touchy, but it had been forever. It wasn't like he had a lot of people he was spending time with at school either. He really missed this, just spending time with his little brother.

They watched a string of movies they both liked. After each a break and popcorn refill. It was getting late. They had chatted off and on. Sasuke about his plans, Itachi about his studies.

"Any girls?" Itachi asked after Sasuke had talked about their graduation party. Out of his periphery Itachi saw Sasuke tense.

"Girls, yeah."

Itachi was confused but Sasuke didn't say anything else, he casually scooted away instead. They watched the rest of the movie in silence, when the credits rolled Sasuke stood and headed for the door. "I'm beat Itachi, I'll see you in the morning." Itachi shrugged and let it go.

In the morning Sasuke was back to himself. Itachi wanted to poke at it, but whatever it was belonged to Sasuke.

"So where to first Otouto?"

Sasuke rinsed his bowl out in the sink.

"I don't know...where do you buy clothes?"

Itachi looked down at himself, just a basic long sleeve shirt that fit him well and jeans. Itachi smiled, "Come on, I know where to go." He knew Sasuke was being silly but it would make him feel more secure. Itachi didn't understand the sudden doubt he was seeing in his Otouto.

After the 7th outfit Itachi stood, pushed past Sasuke into the dressing room and grabbed the things that had looked good. The pants that hugged well, the shirts that emphasized his lean stomach. He grabbed Sasuke's hand and dragged him to register.

"Nii-san! Hey, I can walk!"

Itachi plopped the clothes down, "But you apparently you can't make a decision." Sasuke pouted and dug into his pocket to pay for the clothes. Itachi put a hand over his, "I owe you a graduation gift Otouto."

"Ah, thank you."

"Come on, I owe you more then some clothes. I've been gone far too long."

Sasuke looked away, "It's ok. You're trying to finish your degree, and I know you have a lot of pressure." Itachi gave him a quick one arm hug, "But I should never be too busy for my Otouto."

"Pfff, whatever." Sasuke grinned and half shoved him, "Let's go spar."

In their backyard Sasuke and Itachi stood shirtless wearing loose pants. Both moving, sizing up their now unfamiliar opponent. Itachi made a testing strike Sasuke only made the barest of movements to avoid it.

"You've gotten better."

Sasuke smirked, "I wonder if you've gotten rusty."

A quick foot sweep, Itachi flipping out of the way giving him distance.

"Not that rusty Sasuke."

Sasuke, feeling confident, went in for a strike, Itachi used his momentum to move it, flipping Sasuke onto his back and into the soft grass. "Umph!" the air whooshed out of Sasuke as he bounced off the ground. Itachi smiled and leaned over him, "More?"

Sasuke glared, "Your turn!" Sasuke made a grab for him, Itachi took his arm and rolled him pinning him to the ground.

"More with a proper start?" Sasuke tapped the ground, "Fine fine." They stood and parted, this time when Sasuke came at him Itachi just blocked and made testing strikes.

"Damnit Itachi! You're not even trying!"

Itachi stood down, "I think you need better sparring partners Sasuke."

"Hmm. If you were ever here I would have." Itachi was stunned, it would never show, but the hurt in Sasuke's voice caught him off guard.

"I'm sorry Sasuke. I didn't realize."

Sasuke calmly brushed at his pants and went back in the house without a word. Itachi looked up at the fading light of day, the sky streaked purple and orange. He gave his brother a moment before heading in too. Going up to his old room he passed Sasuke's closed door. Itachi couldn't help but feel he was missing something. He wanted to talk to Sasuke, but...

Sasuke sat in his room not sure what to do. He wanted to talk to Itachi, tell him everything that had happened since he had been gone. But he couldn't get past the fact that Itachi...had been gone. That instead of being there, he had missed everything. Practically the last three years. Sometimes it was like no time had passed. He was so excited. And then something would happen, a rush of anger. A bitter harsh feeling rising up, how dare he come back and act like everything was ok. Itachi didn't know though, and Sasuke wasn't going to tell him. Sasuke laid back letting his iPod play and trying to not think of anything.

In the morning Itachi dressed quickly and headed downstairs, his father was already at the office. He had plenty of time to get there and still be early for their meeting. He passed Sasuke in the hallway. His brother seemed...deflated somehow. As he passed, a hand reached out and grabbed his arm. Itachi stopped and looked at his Otouto. Sasuke stood looking at the floor holding onto his brother for dear life.

"Itachi."

The hand trembled, "I've missed you."

As quickly as that his arm was dropped and Sasuke was gone. Itachi nodded to the empty hallway, "I missed you too Sasuke."

Their father's office was huge. Itachi took a seat across from his father's desk. Fugaku turned from the window to look on his oldest son. "So Itachi, I know you've been working at Kono, but this summer I would like you to move to Uchiha. I've been giving a lot of thought to where to have you working. I think for the first few weeks we'll have you moving around to get an understanding of the daily workings of the company. Do you know what day you can start?"

Itachi sat impassive, "Father. I'm staying with Kono Industries."

The silence was menacing, then his father processed what Itachi had said, "You what?! That is unacceptable Itachi. We have plans that need you here, not at the parent company."

Itachi stayed calm in his chair, "That is my decision."

"No. You are going to be part of Uchiha Corp."

"No Father."

Before he could realize what happened Itachi's face was stinging from his father's backhand. "You have no idea what you are messing with. You must come to Uchiha Corp. Plans are in place and you are part of them."

Itachi rose calmly even as the redness spread on his cheek.

"No Father."

Itachi blocked the next slap and before Fugaku realized what had happened he was on floor.

Itachi turned, leaving. "That's it Itachi! You're cut off! I'm tired of this attitude of yours, come back to me when you're ready to be part of this family. If you're not going to help the family, the family isn't going to help you."

"I know."

Itachi left. He drove straight home. "Sasuke, it's time to go, take your things to the car."

"Ok Nii-san, I'll be down in a second."

Their mother came out of the kitchen, "How was your meeting?"

Itachi kissed her cheek. Her face fell as she looked at her oldest child. "That good then..." His mother cupped his cheek and gave it a pat. Sasuke came bounding down the stairs.

"Stick it in the truck Sasuke. I'll be out in a moment. Don't forget to say bye to mother."

Sasuke gave Mikoto a quick hug and kiss on the cheek before dashing out to Itachi's car.

"Be safe Itachi."

"I will Mother, I'm sorry about Father."

She shook her head, "He'll get past it."

Itachi slipped into the car next to Sasuke. Sasuke was going to burst, he hadn't seen Itachi in months and now he was going to be staying with him for a while. Sasuke planned to milk his vacation with his brother for as long as possible. Itachi was a little nervous about suddenly having his little brother so close to his actual life. There was so much going on that Sasuke wasn't aware of. Neither knew how oblivious they both were.

Itachi pulled into his graduate dorm apartment. One of the few dorms open year round.

"It's only one room. You can sleep on the couch." Sasuke rolled his eyes, "Oh man, the couch. You know how to spoil me Aniki."

Itachi pulled out his keys and turned quickly poking his little brother in the forehead.

"Foolish Otouto."

Itachi opened the door and hit the light. It was tasteful. Everything was neat and in its place.

"Geez, neat freak."

"Everyone looks like a neat freak compared to you Otouto."

Sasuke stuck out his tongue at his brother's back.

...only to realize his brother had it pinched between his fingers.

"mururh!"

"Sasuke. Don't stick your tongue out at me. It's unbecoming."

Sasuke fumed as set his things beside the couch. Itachi stretched, his shirt riding up a bit. "I'm going to hop into the shower. Make yourself comfortable. There's some stuff in the fridge, probably a few things you don't hate even."

Sasuke looked around the apartment. He could hear the water running in the background. The books were mostly texts for classes. Some poetry. Poetry? Since when did Itachi get into poetry? Sasuke shook his head, maybe his brother had changed too.

Itachi came out of the bathroom, pajama bottoms on as he rubbed a towel through his hair. He knew it was going to tangle, but he didn't feel like dealing with wet hair. He tossed the towel on the counter and ran a hand through his hair as he reached into the fridge and took a drink from the pitcher of tea.

"Hmm. Remind me to not drink anything from the fridge." Automatically Sasuke had gotten up and pulled out a brush. Old rituals coming back quickly. Itachi slipped onto one the two chairs at his small round dining table. Sasuke brushed his brother's hair. "Thank you Sasuke. I get tired of brushing it all the time."

Sasuke snorted, "That's why I ended up doing it."

Itachi smiled as he enjoyed the pampering. When finished Sasuke set the brush aside, his hand unintentionally brushing down Itachi's neck. For some reason it made Sasuke nervous. He realized he didn't want to be done. Instead of walking away he squeezed at his brother's shoulders, thumbs working into his back. An appreciative grunt told him the attention was welcome. Itachi reached a hand back over his shoulder placing it on Sasuke's.

"You don't have to."

"I know." Sasuke continued his ministrations. They both could feel this was a crystalline moment. It could easily shatter at any wrong motion. Sasuke's hands continued to work. He appreciated how much time his brother must have taken to stay in such good shape. The subtle ripple of muscle as Itachi tried to relax. He'd only felt this strange excitement a couple of times with his brother. Like he couldn't touch him enough. Like...he was waiting for something. Sasuke gave Itachi's shoulders a squeeze and left him to grab a drink. Itachi rolled his shoulders appreciating the unexpected attention. "Thank you Sasuke." His reply was a grunt as Sasuke got the tea out of the fridge and took a swig. Itachi smirked, "I thought you weren't going to drink from the fridge?" Sasuke put the tea back without comment. Without a word Sasuke hugged his brother tightly then,

"I'm glad you invited me."

Sasuke came out of the shower in a towel. He had been so distracted he forgot to grab clothes. Sasuke wrapped the towel around his waist and walked out with his wet hair drooping. Itachi was on the couch still in his pajama pants with a stick of pocky in his mouth. Itachi smirked, "You look like a wet kitten when you're hair's flat." Sasuke glared at his brother as he dug around in his bag for a t-shirt and pants. Taking his loot he disappeared back into the bathroom only coming out with hair set and clothes on. "I'm not a kitten and I don't look like a drowned one." Sasuke tackled Itachi off the couch and pinned him on floor. Itachi smiled and slipped his leg over Sasuke to drag him off. "Umph!" Sasuke was rolled under Itachi who had his hands above his head. "Give up?" Itachi still had a hand free. He smiled softly and poked Sasuke in the forehead before letting him up. Sasuke rubbed at the spot and stood. Itachi turned to go to his room when he felt a sudden weight on his back. "I didn't say I give!" Sasuke leapt onto his back, pulling Itachi down. Itachi spun so they fell onto the couch with Sasuke under him. "Otouto!" The impact knocked Sasuke's hold loose and Itachi rolled off him.

"Seems you're already in bed then. I'll see you in the morning Sasuke." He kissed Sasuke's forehead and turned the light out heading into his own room.

Itachi laid in bed staring at the ceiling. Sasuke was acting strangely. If he hadn't said as much Itachi would think he didn't want to be there. Itachi climbed out of his half sleep as he heard his door open, "Aniki?" Itachi leaned up on his elbow rubbing at his eyes, "Sasuke?" His brother took a step into his room, "I know I'm too old to ask, and I know it's silly, but...can I sleep in your bed?" Itachi pulled open the covers. Sasuke quickly slipped in and hugged his brother pressing his head into his chest. He couldn't bear to look at Itachi, not when he was being weak like this. Sasuke risked a glance up, but all he saw was concern and love. Itachi saw a wash of emotions flood across his brother's face, uncertainty, insecurity, and some residing fear. But as soon as he saw it the mess of soft spikes appeared again. Itachi sighed and stroked his hair until he felt Sasuke's breathing even out and knew he had fallen asleep, only then did Itachi drift off.

Sasuke woke confused. Where was he? Who was...it smelled like Itachi. He opened his eyes and lifted his head. The splay of hair confirmed it. If it wouldn't have woken Itachi, Sasuke would have smacked himself. I can't believe I was so weak...Sasuke slowly started trying to slip out from under his brother's arm that had wrapped around him, but as soon as he moved it tightened and Itachi shifted. Fuck. Sasuke decided to just go for it. He lifted his brother's and and started to move off the bed. An iron grip on his wrist stopped him, "Sasuke." His brother's eyes opened. All that black hair and pale skin against the cream sheets. Sasuke heard the question in his name. He dropped his hand to the bed, his brother's grip remained. "I can only be weak with you." Itachi's hand dropped and Sasuke left.

Itachi gave Sasuke a moment before he went into the living room, "So I was thinking today I could take you around the campus." Sasuke took another bite of banana, "Sounds fun."

"Do you want to do anything else? You're eighteen. We could go to a club if you want, no drinking though."

Surprise flashed across his face, "A club? Do...do you go to clubs?"

Itachi shrugged, "Not usually. But I thought it might be fun to take your first club."

"Umm, Nii-san...I've been to clubs before."

"You've what? When?"

Sasuke chuckled, "Don't be so shocked brother. Did you think I sit at home and cross stitch?"

Itachi had to take a moment. His brother really was growing up, of coarse he had gone out and done things. How naive could he be?

"Should I assume you're wise to the ways of the world now? Can I at least get you your first drink, or is that covered too?"

Sasuke laughed again, "That you can do." Sasuke held his hands up, "I swear I haven't been going down a dark path, I've been to a club only a few times with friends. I don't drink or smoke."

Itachi grimaced, "I'm not mother, it doesn't bother me, I'm just surprised. Ok, I'll take you to a college party."

Sasuke perked up, "Really?"

"Yeah, I know a frat that has a few regular 'gatherings'."

That night Itachi was helping Sasuke get ready. "Otouto, you're trying too hard. People can smell that."

Sasuke adjusted his shirt for the 8th time, "I just don't want to stick out."

"If you keep doing that you will. Look, just tell them you're a transfer student who's starting here this summer. You're going to be taking chem. You're undecided on your major. Now stop fidgeting and you'll be fine."

"Easy for you to say. You're never nervous."

Sasuke checked himself in the mirror again. Itachi walked up behind him putting his hands on Sasuke's shoulders, "Calm down."

It wasn't just words, it was an order and Sasuke felt himself following it. He took a breath and stilled.

Itachi headed for the door and Sasuke followed.

Itachi parked a couple blocks down from the frat house. It may have been summer but apparently there were still enough people to get a party together.

"Sasuke, you may already know this, but I'm going to tell you anyway. Don't leave your drink alone."

"What?"

Itachi looked for the words, "Sasuke, you're cute."

"Wait...are you suggesting..."

"If we get separated at the party, don't leave your drink and don't leave with anyone but me."

Sasuke nodded, a little taken aback.

They could hear the music from outside pounding away happily. People sat smoking on the porch. As Sasuke passed through the smoke, he realized it wasn't cigarettes.

Inside was a press of people in tight groups. Halo on the tv with a group cheering the match. Girls dancing in the center of the room, rubbing on each other. Hands playfully touching. He followed Itachi into the kitchen. A giant keg was up on the counter with a sea of red solo cups spilling out of the cupboard. Itachi grabbed two and filled them handing his brother one, "I hate beer, see what you think."

Sasuke took a sip. It was bitter. He wasn't sure how he felt about it yet.

"I'm going to find someone I know, go mingle Sasuke."

Sasuke took a few more drinks then headed into the living room. He found a spot on the couch and people watched. Guy hitting on a chick, then getting shot down. Guys playing beer pong, with seven people watching. Angsty thinking guy looking at him. Take a drink. Now coming towards him. Take another drink. Now sitting down beside him. Drain the cup.

"Hey."

Sasuke looked up, slender build, long hair like his brother's but lighter hiding half his face.

"Hey."

They chatted. Names hadn't come up yet, but he was a bio chem major. Sasuke fed him the story of transferring in. He knew someone that went here. Yeah, he was an undecided major. So many options, he wanted to be sure. He was well into his doctorate. They talked about philosophy, religion, everything. He got Sasuke another drink, it tasted different, but whatever. Sasuke mostly listened. His party friend liked to talk, he was feeling a good buzz, like the edges of the world were fuzzy. He realized the guy's hand was on his leg, but for some reason he was ok with it. It felt like forever since he had been hit on, well, at least that he noticed. The hand was going higher. When had he moved closer? Such a comfy couch. He just wanted to close his eyes.

Another drink finished, wait, how many was that?

"Hey, we could continue this upstairs."

Sasuke looked at him with bleary eyes. Wait, was this guy about to kiss him? The hand was higher...about to touch him.

"Sasuke."

The voice was an order and his cloud wrapped brain responded. Without even thinking Sasuke was pushing the guy off him to get to his brother.

"Hey Itachi, we were having a conversation."

Itachi didn't even respond, just took Sasuke by the hand and pulled him up. Sasuke fell against his brother, fingers gripping his shirt as Itachi half led half carried him out.

"I give you one instruction."

Sasuke was too drunk to care that Itachi was mad. He just wanted to find somewhere comfy and sleep.

Itachi dumped him onto the couch. Oh crap, his stomach didn't like that. An instant later he was being sat up with a drink shoved in his face.

"Drink it all."

Only when he had finished was he lowered back on the couch.

Itachi went into his room. Well, looks like he gets to learn about hangover too.

Sasuke was going to die. Well, at least he was going to cut out his stomach. Oh fuck...Sasuke rolled off the couch and made a dash for the bathroom. Itachi woke to the sounds of his brother being sick.

Great.

Itachi went and made himself some breakfast and poured Sasuke another glass of water. When Sasuke came out of the bathroom he crawled back onto the couch.

"Drink it."

Sasuke sipped at the water trying to not move too much. Itachi came and sat next to him. He handed him two aspirin. Sasuke took them gingerly before swallowing them down with another drink.

"You left your drink alone."

"No I didn't."

"Did Oro bring you a drink?"

"Who?"

"That guy who was feeling up your leg."

Sasuke blushed, "Yeah."

Itachi just sat with him as he tried to not move.

"Lay down Otouto and enjoy your first hangover."

Itachi grabbed his laptop and started some work on his thesis as Sasuke drifted off again.

Sasuke blinked, then realized he had fallen asleep. Itachi was still at the end of the couch with his laptop glowing softly.

"How are you feeling?" Sasuke groaned and ran a hand through his hair. His eyes were crusty and his mouth tasted awful.

"Terrible." He got up and disappeared into the bathroom coming out clean and brushed.

"Lesson learned. Always handle my own drink at a party." Sasuke turned on the tv with another drink in hand and some crackers. A few crackers and half the glass later Sasuke laid with his head on his brother's leg. Itachi looked down at the adorable mess of hair in his lap and sighed. Things could have gone so much worse. What if Sasuke had gone upstairs with him? What if he had been too late? He could have walked in on his brother in a situation Sasuke had never intended. The thought of someone like that laying hands on his Sasuke was sickening. His hand found its way down to lay across Sasuke holding his brother gently. He felt Sasuke relax against him. This was nice.

"Sasuke. Tell me."

His little brother tensed. "I don't know..."

Itachi ran fingers through Sasuke's hair. He took it for the warning it was.

"I've been having some problems."

Sasuke let the silence stretch as he picked at Itachi's pants fabric.

"I came out to our parents."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"You weren't there. What would you do? You can imagine father's reaction."

Itachi started rubbing his thumb in little circles on Sasuke's side.

"I handled it badly, obviously I kept my grades up, but I started going to some clubs with D, Pain, and Ko. I didn't drink, but I took stuff a few times."

Sasuke felt the hand grip him harder. "Snuck in late...got caught a couple times. Dad beat the shit out of me. He...called me some things."

Itachi pulled Sasuke up holding him tightly. Sasuke gripped him, clinging to his safe place.

Itachi pulled back a little and pressed his forehead to Sasuke's.

Sasuke sighed and slid down to lay with his head on his brother's chest. They stayed there until Sasuke was snoring softly. Itachi arranged him on the couch then went into his room. It wasn't long before the door swung inward and Sasuke snuck in slipping in beside his Aniki.

It was Itachi's first day back at Kono Industries, the main company. He was on an orientation tour with a bunch of other interns of a new department. Shizune was explaining how it worked, chain of command etc. Afterward people drifted off to their work stations. Shizune turned to him, please come with me Mr. Uchiha." She took him back onto the elevator, up to the top floor, down a few hallways then to a pair of giant doors. Shizune pushed them open and waved Itachi through. Cool as a cucumber Itachi walked in and stood before an expansive desk stacked with papers. The blond woman behind the desk didn't look like a CEO. Her clothes were too comfortable, she wasn't polished or put together enough, but when she looked up Itachi got it. Her eyes shone with an iron will.

"Itachi." She stood and reached across to shake his hand. Itachi took it and nodded to her.

"Call me Tsunade." She sat back down and gestured for him to take one of the chairs in front of her desk.

"I'll be blunt. I want to know why you wanted an internship here instead of your family's branch company. You've been with us for a while, and I know your father put in a transfer request. I wanted to talk to you first."

She watched him over steepled fingers.

"Why did you refuse the transfer?"

Itachi was blank, "I don't necessarily agree with everything my family's company does."

Tsunade nodded, "You'll understand if I put you in a less sensitive department for now. I won't ask you for information on your family, and I expect the courtesy of you not poking around. While we may all be under the same head, that doesn't mean everyone gets along."

"Of coarse."

Itachi dropped his stuff onto the couch opposite Sasuke.

"Hey. How was work?"

"Dull. I'm not going to get to do any real work since our family in a currently competing department."

"I didn't even think of that." Sasuke glanced at his brother.

"It's ok, I expected this. I just want the experience."

As if on cue Itachi's phone rang, he pulled it out only to see it was his father.

"Speaking of." Itachi ruffled Sasuke's hair and answered the call, "Yes Father?"

"I understand you refused the transfer request."

"Yes."

"Itachi, I realize now that provides us with a unique opportunity."

Itachi remained silent waiting for his father to continue but knowing he wasn't going to like this.

"Having you on the inside will prove to be quite useful over the next few months as we take over."

"Take over?"

"Yes we're in the process. This time next month everyone will be branches of Uchiha Corp. Itachi you can help us. Help your family take its rightful place at the head of the company."

Itachi was furious, with his father and himself for not realizing sooner. Now all the pieces he had seen came together and he understood.

"No Father. I am not a corporate spy."

"Itachi! Do you understand? This is your family."

"You told me I was no longer a part of it."

"I was hasty."

"Goodbye Father."

"DAMNIT ITA..."

Click.

Itachi pondered what to do as his Otouto stared at him wide eyed.

"Itachi?"

"It's nothing. Just Father being his usual pleasant self."

"Corporate spy?"

Itachi sighed, "Father feels my internship could serve his purposes, but I find I am quite fond of Kono."

Sasuke nodded and ate some more of his cereal. "Cereal for dinner Sasuke?"

His little brother shrugged, "Lazy."

Itachi dropped onto the couch. He knew eventually this was going to blow back onto his little brother. He was doing the right thing, but this was going to destroy his life. He grasped the back of Sasuke's neck and pulled him close touching their foreheads, "No matter what Sasuke, I love you."

His brother blushed, "I love you too Itachi."

The moment was over as soon as it had begun leaving Sasuke confused.

Afraid to pry, he started thinking through things to figure out what the hell was happening. Itachi was distracted too, he sat on the couch absently playing with Sasuke's hair. It was starting to distract Sasuke,so he decided to enjoy it now and think later. Strong fingers in his hair gentle rubbing and scratching, he didn't care how mussed it got it just felt so freaking nice. He felt his whole body relaxing...before he could stop it a small sound of happy pleasure snuck out.

Itachi continued as if he heard nothing and Sasuke was like a purring kitten. A small happy mewl, Itachi finally noticed the stupor he had put his brother into. Something about the sound caught his attention. His brother had his eyes closed, mouth slightly open. Itachi pulled his hand away, uncertain about the reaction he was having to his brother. If it wasn't his brother he would think he found it sensual. Sasuke, still with his eyes closed, pouted up at him. Itachi smiled at him, "Were you enjoying that?" Sasuke stretched, "mmmmhmmm."

He flopped over onto Itachi's lap, "More."

"No Sasuke." Itachi quickly moved not wanting to have his random feeling discovered by his body's reaction.

Sasuke leaned facing Itachi, "Fine." They both knew Sasuke wasn't pissed about not getting petted.

Sasuke got up and went to the bathroom, after a moment Itachi heard the shower going. He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. Too many confusing feelings at once. Itachi took a moment to flash through his brother's sounds, his expression and yeah...it did something for him. He pushed the thought aside and turned to his more immediate problem of what to do about his father. He knew once Sasuke went home his father would find a way to keep Itachi away. Probably force him to go to another university, at the same time he liked Kono Industries, he had done a lot of research before deciding he wanted to work there. The thought of Uchiha Corp taking over...Itachi struggled with himself. He knew enough to stop this...he could save Kono...but the price would be very very steep. But wasn't he planing on stopping Uchiha Corp anyway, hadn't he decided a long time ago he was going to stop them?

He was frustrated with his situation, his brother, his father, everything. Itachi grabbed his keys and left while Sasuke showered away. There was a bar Itachi liked. It was far off campus, a local favorite. He slipped onto a stool and ordered a brandy. Lots of sides to this, lots of outcomes. He had done his research after his time with Uchiha Corp. He didn't want to walk into a company that looked good, but had the same rotten core. Kono had stood up to his intense scrutiny, including the CEO. He stays quiet and he will end up working for the family business either way. His father had cast him out, but then an opportunity presented itself. That more then anything made him want to tell Tsunade everything that would crumble the Uchiha Corp branch. Sasuke. The thought that always addled him and destroyed all his plans. If he took down the family business, how would his little brother feel? The family fortune choked at the source, it would turn his future into a spiral, but that would happen anyway once he had to take over the company. The things he would know about and be forced to continue to do. He couldn't do that to Sasuke, he would rather his path be hard then his path be wicked. What was it he had felt? When had Sasuke gotten as tall as him? His body so toned, hair so soft...Some crazy infatuation. He wanted to touch him...taste his lips. No, wait...Itachi took another drink. This was going to be an issue.

When Sasuke got out of the shower, Itachi was no where to be found. "Jerk." he said to the empty apartment. Screw him, I'm not going to just sit here. Sasuke got dressed and left. There wasn't a plan, he just needed to not be there. At least the campus was nice. He picked a path at random. After a short walk it led him to another dorm. People were sitting in a few groups in the courtyard he could see through the doors. He continued down the dark path when his phone started ringing. Should have left it at home. Of coarse it was Itachi, "What."

"Where are you?"

"Out."

"Don't be immature."

"I'm out, and I'll be back later."

"Sasuke. I need to talk to you"

Sasuke looked up noticing the looks of a party at a house down the street.

"I'll be at the house at the end of Athens st."

Click.

Itachi wanted to throw his phone in annoyance, but that would be useless. His baby brother was acting out and had no idea what was going on behind the screen. Even then he called his brother a lot of things as he grabbed his keys again to go get his ignorant little brother.

Sasuke walked in like he was supposed to be there. He had to stop and raise an eyebrow, apparently they started early since most people were already sprawled on the couches and chairs. Alright then. Sasuke went into the kitchen and helped himself to a few shots. When he set the bottle down again, a girl stood in the arch way back to the living room.

"Hey, there."

Sasuke nodded to her, "Hey."

"I know you hear this all the time, but you're really hot."

Sasuke took a moment to appraise her. Tall, long curly hair, knee high boots with heels that made her ridiculously tall, her lips were full and pouty. Her skirt was short, attention wanting short. He was surprised she hadn't already disappeared with someone.

Sasuke watched her walk towards him. She was putting her all into that sway. Well, he did have some time to kill. He let her move him against the counter, her hands slipping under his shirt. Eh. He slid his hands to her waist, then down to her thighs. Soft skin, higher...no panties? No wait, thong. Her skirt hiked up as she pressed against him. Her hands were running over his chest, "You're so toned." She purred and kissed along his neck. Sasuke sighed...

"Stop."

She pulled back giving him a confused look. Sasuke's toes were tingling. He really shouldn't have taken those shots. Through the arch he saw his brother come in and look around. Sasuke moved past the girl. Itachi caught sight of him and stood waiting. His eyes flicked to the hot girl that was eating Sasuke with her eyes. Itachi's eyes narrowed, his brother was looking fuzzy around the edges.

"Were you drinking?"

"A little, were you drinking?" Sasuke asked back.

Itachi couldn't help but smirk, "A little."

When they got home Sasuke collapsed on the couch. He was really feeling it now. Like his body was made of jello. Itachi sat down next to him, "Sasuke, we need to talk."

Bleary eyes look at him. Itachi growled, "So of coarse you get fucked up. Forget it, I'll talk to you when you're sober."

Itachi moved to stand but a sudden grip on his wrist held him. "Wait."

Itachi sat still as his brother pulled addled thoughts together, "Itachi. Something's wrong."

He sounded so small it melted Itachi's heart. He stroked a hand down Sasuke's soft hair and stayed quiet letting Sasuke talk.

"Something is different." He looked up at his brother, "And I know I won't have the courage to talk about this later."

Itachi waited, whatever his brother wanted.

Sasuke reached up and stroked his brother's face. Itachi willed himself still.

"I don't even know when it changed. It's crazy."

Sasuke moved closer, his breath warm and laced with whatever he had been drinking.

"Please. I just need to do this, then we never have to talk about it again, and please don't hate me. Just let me..."

Sasuke kissed him.

A small sound escaped Itachi at the feel of his brother's lips on his. Soft, warm, sweet, trembling. He returned the kiss lightly, lips moving a little against those trembling unsure ones.

Sasuke pulled back staring at Itachi in wonder. Breath coming short and fast, pupils dilated. The room was bathed in shadows, only the kitchen light casting onto them. Itachi studied his brother's face.

"Do you hate me?"

Itachi smiled, "I love you more then anything Otouto. Never doubt that."

Sasuke smiled and leaned against him. After a moment he was snoring softly, fingers curled in Itachi's shirt.

"Foolish Otouto, what are we going to do?"

Itachi kissed his hair before he lifted his precious load and carried Sasuke into his room. Sasuke whined a little as he pulled away, Itachi kissed his smooth cheek before getting ready for bed. As soon as he slipped under the covers with him Sasuke latched on for dear life.