Disclaimer: no ownership here

Pairing: Itachi x Sasuke

Destiny Rewritten

By: yukuro

Phase Two: Restored Beginnings

When Sasuke opened his eyes, the sight of a dark cave ceiling greeted him. He winced slightly when a drop of cold water dripped from the ceiling and landed on his face. Dizzily, he sat up and surveyed his surroundings. Nothing looked familiar, nothing felt familiar, even his thoughts and memories, Sasuke realized, felt empty.

He had no idea where he was, why he was there, and whom he was with. The moment his eyes opened, the only thing his mind processed was his own name and the fact that he was alone.

Closing his eyes, Sasuke let out a soft sigh. He brought his hands up to his head only for his fingers to meet cool metal. Slightly confused, he reached behind his head and untied his headband. Holding it in his hands, Sasuke observed the headband quietly, the Konoha leaf staring boldly back at him.

Konoha. So that was where he was from.

Hearing a shuffle of feet, Sasuke looked up quickly to see a shark-like man in the mouth of the cave. Although some vague memory within him called for him to get as far away from the man as possible, or at least charge and attack, Sasuke simply sat on the cold ground with his headband in his hands. He had no idea who the other person was.

"Itachi-san," the person called over his shoulder, a razor toothed grin shaping his fish lips, "your brother's awake."

Itachi, his mind searched fuzzily. The name was definitely familiar. Dizzily, he gazed forward and squinted as a shorter figure came into view to slowly make his way forward. Finally able to see the face in shorter range, a sea of images crashed into his mind.

"Nii-san?" Sasuke blurted without thinking, his mind still hazy.

Bending down slowly to sit on his knees before the smaller boy, Itachi gazed evenly into Sasuke's confused eyes. Without warning, he smiled the slightest bit, surprising Kisame but jolting Sasuke into ease.

"Aa, Sasuke," Itachi said softly, reaching forward to touch the boy's face. For a moment, he watched in contentment as Sasuke sighed in relief and practically nuzzled his hand. "Sorry I had to leave you alone before you woke up."

"Where is this place?" Sasuke asked groggily, relaxing slightly but mind still a daze. "What's going on? …Who's that guy?"

Itachi was silent for a moment before closing his eyes. "Sasuke," he began quietly, the boy staring back at him rather innocently, "Do you want to kill me?"

"No," Sasuke replied instantly, actually rather surprised. Slowly, he brought his eyes down to the rocky ground again before muttering, "You're my only brother, and I…love you…"

Satisfied, Itachi rose to his feet again, face impassive.

"…Nii-sa—…iya, aniki?"

"Don't go anywhere, Sasuke," Itachi said gently, turning to walk towards the mouth of the cave again. "I'll be back soon, and I'll explain what's going on later. Just stay here and rest first, understand?"

Seeing the younger boy nod, Itachi continued walking for a moment before pausing again. Turning back, he took the hand that Sasuke held his Konoha headband with. Carefully, Itachi guided the younger boy's hand to stuff the headband into his pocket. Rising again, Itachi turned to walk away again. Over his shoulder he called, "Just keep that away for a while, Sasuke."

Once out of the cave, Kisame fell into step beside Itachi as they continued their morning scouting. Smirking, he commented, "For a skill you just developed recently, your hypnosis and memory erasing abilities are quite impressive, Itachi-san."

Itachi simply closed his eyes and continued in silence.

---

The sun was high in the sky already, but Naruto still lay on his bed with his arms set comfortably behind his head, his eyes concentrated on an invisible spot on his ceiling. He had spent the entire day contemplating what had happened last night. As much as he hated to admit it, Naruto felt slightly guilty for upsetting Sasuke, even if he may have deserved it.

A knock suddenly sounded at the front door before it was pushed open, and in his room, Naruto closed his eyes and rolled onto his side, pretending to be asleep. It was probably Sakura, after all, on her daily rounds to her teammates' houses to make sure the boys were properly fed and still alive.

"Naruto, you slacker," Sakura grumbled through clenched teeth as she made her way into her teammate's room. She glared at the back of the teen's blond head. "Pretending to be asleep isn't going to work on me. It's almost noon already anyway!"

Groaning, Naruto opened his eyes again and rolled over to sit on the edge of his bed. He rubbed the back of his head with a grumble as Sakura made a fuss over the sloppy state of his room. Over the years, Sakura had practically become his mother or at least an overprotective sister.

"Alright, alright, I'm sorry," Naruto mumbled, rising to his feet. He brushed past the fuming girl quietly and made his way towards his kitchen. "I'll clean it later."

When Sakura gave up on attempting to clean his room and returned to the kitchen, Naruto was still hopelessly browsing his empty refrigerator. Letting out a sigh of exasperation, Sakura pointed over at a bag she had brought with her. "I knew you'd be hungry," she sniffed, rather annoyed. "I brought some leftovers from the party yesterday. Eat up. I'm going to see Sasuke-kun afterwards."

Grudgingly, Naruto accepted the food and slumped down into a chair at the table. "It wasn't my fault."

Sakura shot him a glare.

"…ok, so maybe I said some things I'm willing to take back," Naruto finally admitted with a frown as he poked at the food with his chopsticks. It was almost dangerous how unsettling Sakura could make him feel with that icy glare. It was obviously a sign that told him not to mess with her.

Seeing the upset and somewhat upset expression on Naruto's face, Sakura softened slightly and sighed. Taking a seat across the table from her teammate, she said quietly, "I'm not saying that perhaps Sasuke-kun wasn't out of line either, Naruto. It's just…I know how hard it's been for Sasuke-kun."

"He's not a child," Naruto stated seriously, bringing his eyes to meet Sakura's. "He knows how to deal with things himself. Even if you love him, it's not like you can solve his problems for him. Sasuke knows were' his friends and we'll be there for him, so if he really needs us, he'll say so."

Humbled, Sakura gazed down at the table as Naruto silently began to eat again. Of course she knew Naruto was right, which was somewhat strange, but it was hard not to worry anyway. Smirking, she lifted her green eyes again and commented slyly, "In your own way, you love Sasuke-kun too, don't you, Naruto?"

Eye twitching, Naruto nearly choked on his rice. Outraged, he fumed, "Sakura-chan…"

"Only teasing," Sakura laughed, pouring herself some tea. "But honestly, I know very well you're actually good friends even if you try to hide it. As friends, Naruto, you definitely love each other."

"Can we please not discuss such sappy topics while I'm eating?" Naruto scowled slightly, his grumbling returning. Somehow, his complaining had made Sakura beam even wider in a knowing manner. Guiding more rice into his mouth, Naruto chewed in frustrated silence before softening significantly. Finally, he quietly muttered, "I'll go with you to see Sasuke. I…have to apologize to him for being a jerk last night."

Sakura grinned in triumph. Cheerfully, she declared, "Good boy, Naruto. I'll bring you more food tomorrow. I can see you need help with grocery shopping too."

Naruto only sank lower into his seat.

"You should be glad you have a female friend that's willing to take care of you," Sakura huffed, whapping the other teen over his head with another pair of chopsticks. "Now, hurry up. You still have to get properly dressed as well."

Just as the blond opened his mouth to protest, Sakura cut in again, "There is no way you're leaving the house in pajama pants and the shirt you wore yesterday."

Frowning, Naruto placed his chopsticks down on the table and grumbled quietly before retreating to his room to change, "Gouchisousan."

Naruto was just tying on his headband when he heard Sakura answer a knock at his door and greet Shikamaru and Neji. Finishing tying the knot hastily, Naruto grabbed his weapons pouch and ran out towards the door.

"Is something the matter?" Sakura was asking when Naruto dashed into the room. Both Shikamaru and Neji looked rather grave, making Naruto slightly suspicious.

Closing his eyes for a moment before opening them again, Shikamaru began slowly, "Naruto, Sakura…"

Neji glanced at his partner before turning to the younger teens. Flatly, he announced, "Uchiha Sasuke has been reported missing."

---

Alone in the cave, Sasuke flexed his sore muscles out, bending and testing his legs to be sure the wobble had been suppressed. Hours had already passed since he had woken up, and he was just now getting used to the feeling of being in complete control of his body again. His memories were still a buzz, and the only clear image he could see through the haze was Itachi.

Other than that, Sasuke was in good condition. More out of boredom than for the sake of training, Sasuke set up a piece of wood against the far wall of the cave as a target before returning to sit on the ground against the floor against the target. From his sitting position, he, with much boredom, casually threw his skuriken and kunai weapons at the block of wood, occasionally making it jump from impact. By the time he had used up all his weapons and retrieved them again three times, Kisame finally poked his head back into the cave.

"Sasuke-kun, right?" the shark man asked with a smirk, seeing the boy tense slightly and prepare for a fighting situation if needed. "No need to be nervous. I'm Itachi-san's comrade."

Sasuke still looked doubtful, but relaxed his body slightly anyway. His eyebrows remained in a crest downward as his eyes followed his company's movements.

Kisame began setting the wood he had gathered in a small pile on the floor of the cave. The sun would be setting soon and they would need something to eat. He had not the slightest clue what Itachi was up to all alone in the forest, but Kisame would still abide to his word of "looking after" Sasuke, or so Itachi had said.

Grin revealing a row of sharp teeth, Kisame went on with the attempted conversation, "So you're Itachi-san's brother. The resemblance is rather shocking. It's strange though. Itachi-san is always concerned about you even though he hides it well."

These were words of attempted comfort, Sasuke realized. The words sounded somewhat awkward and made Sasuke wonder about his brother, but he silently decided to just accept them. His guard lowering just another slight notch, Sasuke sniffed, "Your name. What is it?"

Grin widening, the shark man replied, "Kisame. We'll be comrades from now on, Sasuke-kun, so don't forget it."

Comrades.

The word struck a chord in Sasuke's mind, stirring up a terribly hazy image of a face or two, but none that he could make out well. Although he had a bit of an aversion to too many people about him, Sasuke found no choice but to accept Kisame. This person was Itachi's comrade, after all.

Closing his eyes, Sasuke finally released the majority of his guard and relaxed. His sudden calming made Kisame look almost cheerful. When he opened his eyes again, Sasuke saw that Kisame was bringing filled containers of water towards the cave. It seemed as if they were camping in this cave for the night.

Noting out of the corner of his eye that the sun had disappeared behind the mountains, Sasuke turned towards the pile of wood. With a few quick hand signs, he blew out a blast of fire from his mouth to set the campfire alight. Just as he was releasing the extra smoke from his mouth, Kisame made a comment.

"I think I rather like you, Sasuke-kun. Partially because you're very similar to Itachi-san, and partially because you're quite cute."

Sasuke turned to glare before letting out a soft scowl, making Kisame snickering at his actions. He hated it when people called him "cute." Before Sasuke could properly retort, Itachi stepped quietly into the mouth of the cave, gaze directed solely on Sasuke.

"Come, Sasuke," Itachi beckoned quietly. "Time to catch supper. The fish are more plentiful at this hour."

Rising to his feet as Kisame made a face at the notion of eating fish, Sasuke dutifully made his way towards his older brother without much complaint. He remained silent as he followed Itachi, barely noticing out of the corner of his eye that Kisame had also left the cave in search of his own food.

Itachi was silent the entire walk through the woods towards the small lake. There was little to say anyway. Sasuke simply followed his brother a few steps behind, eyes set down on the feet before him. Somehow, although he could not remember ever having it or being without it, Sasuke had missed this sensation.

The sensation of being in his family's presence, the feeling of comfort in hearing the soft, rhythmic steps of a familiar person walking before him, but most of all the somewhat odd sensation gaining something he felt as if he had somehow lost before. Even though some dark part of his mind told him it was supposed to be wrong, he could not help but constantly crave Itachi's presence, to be with him, to hear his voice, and to feel his touch… Sasuke could hardly understand his own desires, yet he secretly hoped time could always be spent just like this.

When Itachi suddenly stopped, Sasuke did likewise, lifting his gaze to meet the back of his brother's head. Beyond Itachi, a small but shining lake stretched out before them, its clear waters ideal for drinking. Slowly, Itachi made his way toward the water before walking on the water completely. Turning slightly, he silently beckoned the younger boy over.

Sasuke did as he was told, walking on the water easily with chakra applied to his feet. He glanced at his older brother standing at his side. Itachi had his eyes closed and head lifted slightly, as if he were enjoying the gentle breeze upon his face. Suddenly, without warning, the older boy threw three kunai knives back towards the shore, effectively spearing three fish swimming in the shallow waters.

Itachi turned slightly again to gaze at his younger brother, silently urging him to go on as well. Watching as Sasuke closed his eyes in concentration, Itachi felt his blood surge in his veins. Just like this. This simple silence and ease in company; this was how their childhood probably would have been spent, Itachi thought to himself, closing his eyes again.

This, however, was not their childhood, and both Itachi and Sasuke were no longer children. Sasuke was an adult, Itachi mused to himself, eyes still locked on the younger boy's concentrated expression. In just a few years, Sasuke would no longer be a teenager. Itachi had to wonder in silence, would he be sticking around to further watch Sasuke grow?

His desires were jumbled. Long ago he had abandoned the notion of Sasuke being his clingy little brother. Now, as he further examined the teenaged brother he had been long separated from, Itachi's desires ached again. His craving to taint the boy would not fade.

Eyes snapping open, Sasuke smoothly threw his own kunai knives into the water, hardly creating a ripple as he as well successfully speared three fish. Triumphantly, he turned to face his older brother, only to be stunned by the deeply laden desire in Itachi's eyes. The desire was not a childish one, but driven by guilty adult lust. Somehow, Sasuke was not entirely bothered.

Silently, Itachi reached over to brush a few dark bangs out of the younger boy's eyes. His fingers trailed feather-softly over the soft skin of Sasuke's face, lingering for a moment at the flushed lips. Just as Sasuke's eyes fluttered closed responsively in pure lust, Itachi closed his eyes and drew his hand away, quickly turning to walk towards the shore.

"We have enough, Sasuke," Itachi said quietly, plucking the weapons out of the water along with the fish. "Let's go back."

Eyes opening again, Sasuke glared at the rippling surface at the water for a moment. Yes, it would always be just like this, his desire complained. Pushing his feeling of dissatisfaction away at the unfulfilled almost-kiss, Sasuke quickly strode after his brother in silence. Together, they retreated into the forest and back to the cave where Kisame awaited them.

"Did you both kill enough of my friends?" Kisame asked with a somewhat childish frown and folded arms. Seeing the brothers dump a small armful of fish near the base of the fire, Kisame felt his frown deepen. Grumbling, he plucked the branch roasting the small woodland animal he had caught for dinner from the fire and made his way towards the outside of the cave to eat alone.

After the fish had been roasted, Sasuke sat against the cave wall opposite of the one his brother sat against and ate in silence. Occasionally, he looked up and through the fire at Itachi, and each time he had looked up by chance, Itachi returned his gaze evenly with the faint expression of unfulfilled desire radiating from him. Sasuke was unsure whether to feel relieved or disappointed when Kisame returned, breaking their silence.

"Where will we be going in the morning, Itachi-san?" Kisame questioned, taking a seat against the way next to Sasuke. Out of the corner of his eye, he glanced at the boy and smirked slightly. "You've finished your personal mission after all."

Sasuke turned slightly to direct a tight frown at Kisame's smirk. He did not like the implication he had heard.

Closing his eyes, Itachi gave a slight nod in agreement. "In the morning then," he stated quietly, "we'll be returning to Akatsuki headquarters."

Tsuzuku.

A/N: Shorter, and not to mention weird, chapter, I apologize. Even more than the first chapter, this was more of a filler to get to the next… Heh, I even admit it. I'm in need of brushing up on my Akatsuki info, so hopefully the next chapter will finally start to get more interesting. x)

Thanks for reading! Oh, and please review if you can. :D I really do love reviews.