Title: Deep Within

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or any of the characters. I also do not own any of the lyrics used within this fic. Don't own. Don't sue.

Warning: First Fic. of a one-shot. ITASASU. Don't like it, don't read.

Flashbacks: italics

Thoughts: '....'

Speech: "..."

I was running for my life. Faster and faster I went as I felt his presence near. The walls sped past me, carrying memories of the life I had before. The one before this... new him. The life before it was just cracked and thunder boomed, shaking the nearly empty house. He was gaining on me, walking with his stealthy grace, not bothering to speed up; he knew he had me. And then, like a mouse in a trap, I was caught between two monsters– him and the one place I have sworn never to go into.... their room.

"Trying to run, foolish otouto? You should know, best of all, that never works." heeerily stated, smirk adorning thoseflawless features.

I wanted to scream so badly. I wanted him to know how much pain and suffering he put me though. But I could never degrade myself that way, I'll never show him weakness. And yet, here I was. Trapped between a possible sanctuary that would assault all senses, or my very assured death. I tried to swallow around the painfully tight constriction of my throat, but it seemed as if all function had fled my body. I was tired, frightened, and most of all, I was near him again. Hatred, love, fear, and remorse filled me with renewed courage as I, finally, stood my ground, reaching into my pocket where my newly sharpened pocketknife should be.....my eyes widened in response as my fingers closed around....nothing. This was not a good way to stand up to him.

I felt his eyes drilling holes into my head, wishing me to make eye contact, so he could be the dominant of the two of us, as usual. But I was smarter now, I knew his tricks. I closed my eyes, but tilted my head up... but the slight whisper of breath across my face caused them to snap open. And finally, finally, my eyes met his,– those ever-knowing, every-destroying, beautiful eyes... Chuckling, he traced his fingers over my cheek, whispering of the torture soon to cover my body.

"Ah, my sweet little otouto. Mine." he whispered "All mine."

With the part of lips, everything went black.

I was running, again.. Always running, Running down the halls of the darkened mansion. I spotted my him and tried to cath up, but came to no avail.

I shouted, silence filled the air- he couldn't hear. I reached my hand out to him, but he didn't stop or look back. I kept running.. Always running after him.. Towards him.. Never truly catching up...

I began to crumble with despair. Sinking to the ground, I felt a few stray tears fall from my cheeks. Now, at the worst moment, he looked back at me. I shuddered as he stared. He smirked, and his eyes bore into mine. Something silver shone in his grasp, and I gasped as a bullet clipped into my right shoulder. I gasped and stepped back, clutching my bleeding shoulder. His eyes...they weren't normal.

"Come here... Come closer." He whispered. I stumbled, backing up to the far wall.

"You're not Itachi-nii. Wh-what did you do to him?" I stuttered.

He chuckled quietly at my fear, making my ears ring and eyes tear. He faded into the shadows, red eyes the only visible beacon in the darkness. Those, too, faded quickly and I shivered in the sudden draft. I shut my eyes and covered my ears, sobbing violently on the floor at the sound of my mother's scream in the other room.

A loud struggle, several gunshots and another scream erupted from the depths of the mansion. I cried out in anguish and backed up, fearing the shadows that were slowly consuming my family. Tracing light, unknown patterns in the dark flooring, I heard the oncoming rhythms of bare feet padding against a hard-wood floor.

The feet came into my line of sight and I was not surprised to see them again, so soon.

"Y-yo-you've c-come back for m-me." I stated nevertheless. It was not a question. I tensed, preparing for the ungodly pain I knew was to come. I deserved it– I was no use to anyone I met. Crying silently, I knew then that I was damned. That even if there was a minuscule hope of me surviving, I would find some way to avenge my family for this night.

"Ah.. Why are you still so weak?" he questioned, pulling me up by my hair and pushing me against the wall. His hand ventured around my neck in a stranglingly tight grip."Look me in the eyes, otouto." he spit out, tightening his hold ever-more so. "Show me that you are strong enough to do even that simple task."

Struggling to get a breath, my hands clawed at his arm and my legs kicked the air aimlessly. I vowed never to look into those eyes again, but if I wanted to live, I feared I would have to. Prying my eyes open, I met those horrible blood-red ones again.

"No!" I gasped out, as everything started to fade into a grey haze.

"I will spare you." he said, lips almost caressing my ear. "But promise me this. You will become stronger and kill me one day. Promise me that, my foolish little otouto." And with those last words, I passed into unconsciousness, relieved of the harsh reality of life for a moment.

Gasping, I awoke from the nightmare that haunted me every time I thought of him. This couldn't be happening. I clawed at my face, wondering if this was reality, or another nightmare scene. I scrambled into a standing position, hands up and defensive once again. The rain poured heavily, rattling against the windows and roof, giving his face a silhouetted appearance. He chuckled lightly, stepping back into the shadows until only his blood-red eyes burned through the darkness. The nightmare that I tried to banish was happening all over again. But now there was a twist; now I was the only one left.

I couldn't face him. There were too many feelings. Hatred, love, fear. It all seemed the same. All too jumbled to be deciphered. They were not very noticeable, but they were there and weren't leaving any time soon. Stepping back, my spine connected with the cool metal of the doorknob. Putting my hand behind my back, I slowly went to turn the handle when he spoke, startling me to stumble backwards, and into the footboard of their bed.

"My, my! Able to face the fears of the past now, otouto?" hemocked, eyes roaming dangerously close.

"No..." I whispered, fear constricting my throat. I threw the door open and scampered backwards and over the footboard, resting on top of the crisp sheets. Searching for something to ward him off, I grabbed a.....pillow....and hurled as hard as I could muster. It was easily deflected, as expected, but I grabbed one regardless– maybe I could protect myself. At this point, I didn't care if hesaw my fear or not. I wouldn't mind if I were to be killed tonight, actually. And while it would be an ironic death, there would be no more suffering. However I looked at it, though, my conscience chided me– it reminded me of the vengeance I should be taking. It reminded me of my hatred for that man and those eyes of his.. It reminded me of that love for that man and I found myself without a resolve for the situation. Slowly I lowered the pillow, a small wall of courage trembled between us.

"Onii-san...." I whispered, memories flooding back into my head. Memories of the time before the murder. From a time when I looked up to him.

"Ano! Nii-san! You said you have the day off! Please train with me!" the young Uchiha whined, clinging to his beloved brother.

"Next time, otouto." he said. "Now come here."

Stepping forward, I was congratulated with a sharp poke on my forehead. "BUT ANIKI!" I pestered, sticking out my lower lip for emphasis. "Pleasee??" I clung to him tighter, not wanting to let him go. I was afraid because I was getting the impression that he was going to leave soon. And when he left, I would be alone, left to fend against them by myself.

"Otouto." he sharply stated, giving me a stern look.

"But ANIKI! You PROMISED! You ALWAYS promise or say 'next time'; there's always an excuse for you. Its like you don't want to play with me...." I trailed off, sheepishly looking down at my feet.

"Ah, outouto, I promise. One day I will come and...'play' with you." he stated, tone implying something completely different..

"Thanks aniki!" I squealed with glee.

"Oh..it's my pleasure.." he said before chuckling lightly.

Grimacing, I came to a realization of what was going to happen next. And before I knew it, I was being held down by the weight of my brother.

"A-aniki!" I gasped, shocked at the awkward position we were in. Flat on my back, I laid, legs sprawled out and wrists pinned above my head by a powerful grip. He was sitting on top of my stomach, chuckling under his breath.

"Foolish little otouto. How many times will I have to remind you to never let your guard down?" His head was, once again, next to my ear. Tilting his head to the side, I felt his warm breath caress my cheek. "Well, what shall I do about your lack to keep our promise? I have obviously kept mine...." he trailed off, raising his head to stare me in the eyes. He took in the sight of me with pleasure. I know he loved watching fear send shivers down my spine. The memory from before started to make sense now...

"Ah, otouto, I promise. One day I will come and...'play' with you." he stated, slightly mocking me. My eyes widened while he chuckled. He was laughing at me, as if he could read my thoughts.

"No..." I managed to squeak out as his head dipped lower.

"No what, otouto? Haven't you always wanted me to 'play' with you? Ever since you were a child?" Dropping his head even lower, he stated the last part in a whisper; "Well, here I am."

And with those last words, his lips descended upon my own in a flurry of emotions.