Whatever It Takes

Chapter Six

Sasuke hated Naruto so much right now.

Did his cousin not understand that he wanted to go see Itachi? It was very nearly bedtime; he did not want to talk to the blond knucklehead. He had wanted to spend the last of his moments talking with Itachi, about what; it didn't matter to him at all. Sasuke's irritated thoughts were interrupted suddenly when his cousin began to talk once again, annoying him further, "You know I am getting married soon, right, and thanks to my parents, I have to cruelly be separated from Kyuubi. And I have no one else to spend my time with so I was wondering if for those two days you can spend them with me" Naruto turned wide blue eyes towards Sasuke.

Sasuke growled in annoyance, "Hell no, I don't need you hanging around me every single minute of the day!"

"Come on cousin!" Naruto whined, looking like he was about to burst out in tears. Sasuke did not care. He glanced around his room for anything that would distract him, and spotted his tarantula. There was still that which he needed to do. "Cousin," Naruto said but then blinked in confusion when Sasuke walked past him and grabbed something from the side of his bed. He felt his skin prickle at the thought of what it might be.

"Would you help me pull a prank, then?" Sasuke tilted his head and Naruto pouted. He was the only one that always helped Sasuke get away in his need for mayhem around their boring palace. Often times he would even join Sasuke in his little pranks, but lately he was tired of committing such things. He was about to marry, and he was deemed an adult, childish things had to end. But he had asked for it. He wanted to spend time with Sasuke, and that meant striking a deal with the devil himself. He was going to have to help Sasuke cause some mischief.

"Who wronged you this time?" he asked, almost warily as he shifted his feet.

Sasuke gave Naruto a hard look, "The servant, Iruka" Naruto's eyes widen. Sasuke knew that Naruto had some sort of respect in particular to this servant, so he might stop him. He hoped Naruto would pick his side though, and let him pull the prank. After all, Iruka was nothing to them and Sasuke was Naruto's cousin. Sasuke pushed past the astonished blond man, but was soon being followed.

"What did he do?" Naruto demanded, struggling to keep up with Sasuke "Iruka's the kindest servant there is!" His eyes widened when he spotted the object in Sasuke's hands.

"Kind, my ass" Sasuke hissed, remembering how he had slapped him. It had hurt, and now he wanted Iruka to hurt as well.

"I won't let you hurt him Sasuke, whatever he did to anger you I know he didn't mean it!"

"When you are angry, things you say are usually regrettable, but true!"

"Oh god, Sasuke, really, you must be special to anger someone as kind as Iruka!" Naruto yelled, feeling angry. He was ready to pull Sasuke back and take away the tarantula, if only he was not so afraid of the creature, "You are so childish! For someone that is nearly of age and seventeen, you act so much like a child"

"Will you shut up" Sasuke hissed, his tone quieted, and Naruto realized that Sasuke had not been listening to him. Naruto only then noted that in their brisk walking, they had made it to the servant's quarter. The place was slightly dark with little light, and terrifyingly silent. Sasuke was quick at walking, and knew the shortcuts around the palace, but it did not stop Naruto from keeping up with him and worrying. Shifting in his stance as Sasuke looked around, he wondered if for once, his cousin was lost.

A moment longer and Naruto started look around as well.

"What are you looking for?"

"I never asked Itachi where his room was," Sasuke said in a soft tone, trying to be careful in his walking. At this time, many servants took it as time to themselves and returned late to their beds. Still, he was wary that Itachi might be in bed already, or something. He did not want to wake anyone one up and Naruto's loud talking was going to give him away.

"I don't know where it is, Iruka assigned it to him" Naruto smirked when Sasuke glared at his loud tone.

"That bastard" Sasuke muttered darkly and once more Naruto was reminded of Sasuke's purpose.

"Don't curse him like that! I'm telling you Iruka is a kind man"

"I don't give a fuck what you think about him; to me he is evil and deserves to die!"

Naruto gasped at his cousin's choice of words, "You have to be kidding, and there is no way. You can't kill anyone, you are way too much nice to actually kill anyone," Naruto said as he rushed after his cousin again.

"I never said I would kill him!" Sasuke reached Iruka's door and was about to open it, when another room door opened, about three doors down the hall.

"Sasuke" The sharp edge on that tone sent pleasant shivers down Sasuke's spine. The small raven turned, and narrowed his eyes at Itachi. Naruto had halted as well, terrified that he had not even noted when Itachi opened the door. Itachi's tone of voice scared him. The tall, longhaired male had heard them talking loudly, and decided to come see what was going on. When he saw Sasuke at a particular door, he understood.

"What do you want, servant, shouldn't you be in bed already?" Sasuke snapped feeling frustrated that he was willing to listen to Itachi. He had not wanted Itachi to catch him, or even learn of what he wanted to do. He wanted to know why he was there, at the same time he was making a mental note to keep in mind where Itachi's room is. Itachi frowned deeply but he looked at Sasuke with calm eyes.

"Don't speak like that" he scolded, "what are you doing?"

"Nothing that concerns you" Sasuke snapped, like a child turning his head to the side.

Itachi kept his cool, "Really,"

Sasuke pouted, to Naruto's complete utter shock Sasuke pouted! Sasuke never pouted at anyone that tried to ruin his fun. "I told you, I am going to set this tarantula's in Iruka's room," Sasuke muttered reluctantly.

Itachi sighed, "You really don't have to do that, you know"

"But I want to,"

"And what will you gain from this?" Itachi asked, "I'll let you do it, if you can tell me what it will accomplish for you,"

Sasuke felt at a loss of words to that. All he wanted was to scare Iruka, even hurt him, but he did not see how that would benefit him at all. It really did make him sound childish, he realized. For a moment, he recalled when Itachi told Iruka, how he dared hit a child, and that felt wrong. Itachi should not have to be calling him a child, because he was not. Also, if he tried now that Itachi was here, everything would just backfire on him. "It won't benefit me at all," he reluctantly said.

Naruto was shocked once more. Usually when people tried to stop Sasuke from pulling a prank they were the ones that ended up hurt. But then again, Itachi had not been like the others. There was nothing explosive about Itachi's reaction to Sasuke pulling a prank like that. He did not give fire to Sasuke's short temper, nor did he fan the flames that already burned there.

"But, you still want to find a way to punish him, right?" Itachi asked.

Sasuke nodded.

"Don't you think is enough that he lost his title as a teacher, and now has to work in the barn, in the hot sun with Kakashi?"

Sasuke scowled, "He deserves a lot more"

"No one deserves to be treated badly," Itachi, said with a solemn tone. "Even if they anger us" Itachi reached out a hand "Give me that"

Sasuke hesitated, but did not know how to respond to Itachi anymore. Sighing, he walked over to him and handed him the spider, still inside its cube. "I still hate him" he said, and walked away. His promise was clear, he still wanted revenge on Iruka. Naruto glanced from Itachi to Sasuke, and then followed his cousin, scared of being alone with Itachi. What in hell had just happened! There had been no fighting, no arguing, and certainly no bloodshed. Sasuke had submitted to Itachi's wishes. There was no other thing that came to mind other than Sasuke valued Itachi's opinion.

On the other hand…Oh no…Sasuke liked Itachi!

There was no other explanation!

As soon as they got back to Sasuke's room, he turned to his cousin whom started getting ready for bed. As Sasuke was finishing, he finally decided to state what he was thinking. Naruto couldn't help it, he was bursting with the need to say it. "You like him, don't you"

"Like who?" Sasuke asked, absently.

Naruto sneered, "Itachi, you love him! I saw the way you were with him; you have a crush on him!" Sasuke's face went beat red, and with that look his glare failed to meet its level of promised pain.

"I-I do not!" Sasuke could not believe that he stuttered, "I don't like him at all!" he snapped, to reassure himself. However, he could not deny that his heart skipped a beat at the mention that he might like Itachi. There was no doubting that the found Itachi attractive, but to like him in such a way was going too far!

"Hahaha, look at you blush! You are in so much denial. You so like him," Naruto grinned, liking the reactions he was getting from his cousin. Sasuke had never stuttered, and he had never seemed clumsy in his movements as he finished dressing and turned to him with a furious look on his face. Naruto was sure his cousin was blushing from embarrassment more than from fury.

"Shut up you idiot, you don't fucking know what you are talking about"

"SASUKE HAS A CRUSH ON ITACHI!" Naruto yelled, at the top of his lungs. It was sure that it shook the whole palace.

Sasuke fumed, "Shut up" he yelled. He wanted Naruto to shut up and leave him alone. Naruto laughed, and ran around as Sasuke followed him. Finally running around the bed, Sasuke grasped a pillow and threw it squarely on Naruto's face as he started once more to chant how Sasuke had a crush on Itachi. It irritated the hell out of Sasuke.

"Sasuke has a crush, on Itachi; Sasuke is in love with Itachi!" Naruto danced, never missing a beat to his made up tune.

"Shut up, you imbecile" Sasuke snapped, his rage getting the best of him.

"Sasuke"

"I said shut up"

Naruto laughed, having too much fun with his words. He was not certain if his cousin even liked Itachi, since Sasuke never showed interest in no one. However, the idea was sort of nice. Sasuke could love, and there was hope in that.

"Get out of my room, you moron!" Sasuke hissed.

Naruto grinned and rushed towards the door, "As you say, but," Naruto smirked, "You better be careful, falling for a servant is not the wisest of things to do, especially when you are you"

Sasuke flung a pillow again towards Naruto, but was not able to reach him as the doors closed. Sasuke moved forward to lock the room door and sighed, leaning heavily against it. Finally, he was alone. At that moment he just gave up and slid down to his knees, his fingers curling into the soft material of his pants. Why would it make him blush that Naruto saying that he liked Itachi! It was foolish. Even his flustered heart was foolish! It was not like him either. Yet what bothered him was the sinking feeling he got at what Naruto had said.

He falling for a servant would not be wise, but Itachi was not just any servant. Damn, why did Naruto have to say such things? Sasuke had never thought about it that way. He had never thought about his own feelings towards Itachi, but they were clear.

He was unknowingly, and slowly, falling for Itachi.

The next morning, Sasuke came down for breakfast with a passive look on his face. Once he entered the dining area, where they ate all their meals, he noted that Naruto and Kyuubi were already there having breakfast. Right now, he was not in the mood with dealing with anything they had to say so he prayed that they would stay silent and ignore him. Walking to his usual seat, he sat down and waited for his own breakfast.

Naruto looked over at him and grinned.

Sasuke narrowed his eyes.

"Sleep well?" Naruto asked.

"Shut up" Sasuke seethed.

Naruto gave him a sly look, "ITACHI, SASUKE NEEDS BREAKFAST!" Naruto yelled at the top of his lungs. Sasuke covered his ears and turned a glare to Naruto.

"What the fuck you dumbass, you don't have to yell!" Sasuke snapped. He was sure Itachi would have come and looked for him on his own to see if he needed breakfast, but it was something else he and Itachi would have to discuss.

"Well, it was not like you were going to go and ask for breakfast" Naruto said, looking concerned for his cousin. He thought that Sasuke was getting better at eating, but he was concerned that Sasuke was going to start starving himself again. Sasuke was looking so much better these days and even Itachi since he first came.

Sasuke scowled, "I hate you so much right now," Sasuke, snapped, making a hurt look cross Naruto's eyes. Although Naruto knew Sasuke did not mean it, he was just embarrassed. Sasuke was fuming mad. At that moment, Itachi entered and walked over to Sasuke. Sasuke instantly felt his anger melt away and looked up at Itachi, shyly.

This did not go past Kyuubi and Naruto.

"What would you like to eat?" Itachi asked. He was not sure what Sasuke's favorite foods, or what he might like for breakfast. He was trying to learn more about Sasuke.

Sasuke blinked, in confusion to Itachi's question. It was just like yesterday when Itachi had asked what he would like for lunch and dinner. Sasuke had felt clueless. No one had ever asked him what he wanted eat in general, so it felt a little awkward. Sasuke didn't know what he wanted. "Can I have some warm milk," Sasuke said. Itachi raised an eyebrow at him.

"That's all?"

Sasuke looked at Itachi with a mild glare, "You do realize I have no idea what I might want to eat, right"

Itachi sighed, he figured Sasuke would respond he same. "Alright, but don't complain with what I bring you" with that Itachi left and Sasuke turned to glare harshly at Naruto.

Naruto was grinning from ear to ear, "You-"

"Not a word!" Sasuke snapped, cutting him off.

Kyuubi looked at the both curiously, before turning to Naruto completely. He figured he could spare Sasuke from any teasing Naruto would dish out. "Naruto, today we have to start the rituals. The first one to prove our readiness to proceed with our ceremony or marriage,"

Naruto looked at Kyuubi and nodded.

"Rituals?" Sasuke asked.

"Yup, they are a custom in Kyuubi's beliefs, and we have decided to follow them." Naruto smiled softly, "It'll help me understand the part of his beliefs better, you know, as well as come into his world" Sasuke watched his cousin closely for a moment and then shrugged.

"Have fun, I guess"

Naruto sighed, "Wait until you have someone of you own. Then you'll understand what it'll mean to give a part of yourself, and sacrifice as well, to get in return"

Sasuke rolled his eyes, "all a bunch of bull crap"

After breakfast, Sasuke found himself at the training field with Itachi. The training field was where the knights sharpened their sword skills, and maintained them in the need of battle. The reason they were here was that after asking him everything he knew in Japanese, English, Art, Math, and History Itachi had asked him if he ever had any Physical education.

Sasuke had shaken his head and answered no.

When Itachi told him that he would start teaching him basic sword fight, as well as defense tactics when he had no sword, Sasuke had grinned. That was something no one would ever indulge him in, and for Itachi to know that, and even want to teach him, Sasuke felt himself inwardly dance in joy and pride. Happily, he had followed Itachi to the training area, and the knights, and fighters there had looked appalled to see The Prince Sasuke there.

"What is going on here," Head Knight, Surotobi asked before anyone else.

"The prince shouldn't be out here," Knight Genma added, he was partner to Surotobi.

Neither Sasuke nor Itachi were in the mood to deal with overly stuck up Knights, and their pompous beliefs. They also knew that for a prince to be out on the fields was something rare, but then again, Sasuke was not like any other prince. "I don't believe we asked for your assistance," Itachi responded, surprising Sasuke a bit, but the boy smirked.

"Itachi is my new teacher," Sasuke's tone was smug, making both Knights to look at him curiously, "He will be teaching me to fight" Their eyes widen and they looked horrified.

"Are you sure about that?" Surotobi asked, not wanting to think what would happen if Sasuke ever learned to fight. Genma shared his feelings. Then again, neither of them knew if Itachi was even suited enough to teach Sasuke anything. For all they knew Itachi did not know anything about fighting and it would be just a huge mess up.

"Certain" Sasuke answered.

That was when someone scoffed. The Knight Orochimaru looked incredibly pissed off as he approached them. For one, he had always had his eye on the young raven, hearing Sasuke was coming of age had pleased him and pushed him to work harder to gain his own land and title, so he could claim the prince. He sure as hell did not want anyone to teach him to fight. If anyone were to do that, it should be him in his own accord, and his own acceptance. But frankly, he thought that someone as gorgeous as prince Sasuke shouldn't have to be out in the field, getting bruised and dirty. "You must jest in thinking you can teach the prince something as unruly as fighting, it's just not in his delicacy."

"Are you calling me fragile?" Sasuke's tone was as sharp as his glare.

"Of course not my prince, all I am saying that such royalty should not taint their own hands with dirt," Orochimaru said, a smile crossing his oddly pale face. He looked like he wanted to come as polite towards Sasuke, and that pissed Itachi off. He knew when a man flirted and had their eye on someone and to know that Orochimaru wanted Sasuke's attention. Itachi was not the only one that was pissed off.

To Sasuke, Orochimaru was looking like the hugest idiot and jerk he had ever met. "Shut your mouth, the only one who is dirt here is you" This man was nothing but the scum on his shoe. "Go away, scumbag"

The words that left the little prince's mouth were so rude that they shocked Orochimaru. He had heard that the boy was rude, but he never thought that he had such bite. Orochimaru also thought it might be something he could control, but it seemed it was far worst than he ever anticipated it to be. "You brat," Orochimaru snarled, baring his teeth and long tongue. The look in his eyes was angry and insane.

"Back off Orochimaru" Surotobi said, trying to get the man to calm down and back to his sense. He knew that Orochimaru had no tolerance for rudeness, and that made him honorable, but in this situation Orochimaru had no right. However, it was too late, Orochimaru moved to hit the young prince. Sasuke's eyes widen. But before anyone could blink, Itachi had caught the man's fist. Sasuke was right behind Itachi, safe, but at the same time startled, as he watched Itachi twist Orochimaru's fist and push him down into the dirt with fluid and effortless moves.

His heart skipped.

"Wow" Both Genma and Surotobi said, neither of them having seen Itachi move.

"Sir, Orochimaru! Are you alright" Orochimaru's page, Kabuto came rushing to his side. He helped his master up, and was taken aback when the man hissed in pain in just a light movement of his arm. Itachi, in one swift movement, had dislodged it. "Allow me to take you to Tsunade, to have a look at your arm," he offered, sending a glare towards Itachi over his glasses. He did not know who the young male was but he proved to be dangerous.

"Bastard, my arm" Orochimaru hissed in pain as Kabuto helped him to his feet, his glare going to Itachi, and then turned to a smirk, "You will pay for this."

Itachi did not flinch and neither did the look on his expressionless face change. This unsettled Orochimaru greatly, as he patted Kabuto to get him out of there. There was something not human about that boy, and fear ran down his spine. He had to get away from him as well as he did not want prince Sasuke around him.

"That was incredible," Surotobi said, looking at Itachi perplexed. To Itachi, that had been nothing.

"Yeah, it was," Sasuke, said, "I want to try that," he looked over to Surotobi and Genma with a look of mischief and murder. Both men paled at the thought but were glad when Itachi reached out and restrained Sasuke from doing much of anything. As experience as they were, to hurt Sasuke was the last thing either of them wanted to do. By this time, everyone else had started to mind their own business, trying not to draw attention to themselves like Orochimaru foolishly had.

"I still have a lot to teach you" Itachi sighed when Sasuke pouted at him. Seriously, the boy is seventeen! He should not be pouting like that, it was sin, "But, before I do, you have to make me a promise,"

Sasuke's face lit up once more, such an expression had not been seen from the prince, by anyone so it scared them. To Itachi, it pleased him. "What would that be?"

"You have to promise not to use what I teach you to harm anyone just because they annoyed you, only in defense of anyone trying to truly hurt you. If I ever find out differently, I will stop teaching you and we will just work with books" Sasuke narrowed his eyes at Itachi's words, but nodded his head. He knew that it was Itachi's way of teaching him properly, and the least he could do was keep that one promise.

"Promise" His tone was reluctant.

Itachi smirked, "I'd keep you at your word, and hope that it's honorable"

Sasuke glared, "It is!"

"Then how about introducing you to a sword" Sasuke grinned, and nodded. Itachi turned towards Genma and Surotobi, "Is there any way we can get a sword that no one uses, for Sasuke and myself," both men jumped, feeling as though Itachi had authority in his voice. It confused them, but they were compelled to do as he asked, as well as respect his every wish.

"Right this way," they said, leading them to where they kept the swords. All swords were different and well made, but never used. Sasuke listened to Itachi intently as he told him what a sword meant as well as to choose wisely. Sasuke looked at each blade intently as Genma and Surotobi proceeded to explain the origin of each.

It was not until they came to two special blades. One silver and the other one a black color. "Those blades are brothers, both made of the similar material. It is hard to tell what that is, but both are light and incredibly sharp. It makes them hard to work with for that main reason." Genma's voice was solemn in his explanation.

Both ravens reached for a blade each. Sasuke choose the silver one and Itachi grabbed the black one. Sasuke could not tell what the material was that made the blade but Itachi had an idea about his. He turned towards Sasuke's and concluded, "These blades have obsidian in them," he said. "As to what else they have, is hard to tell, obsidian alone does not last"

"How do you figure" Surotobi asked, perplexed.

Itachi tilted his blade, "its form is glossy, with conchoidal, Obsidian breaks and is typically like glass, coming in colors as black, red, and dark gray, but in other words making the blade weightless." Itachi run a finger through it, cutting his digit without having to place pressure on it. "Of course, that would also make it easy to shatter, but to place something in it that'll make it strong enough not to, and sharp enough, is really ingenious." Itachi blinked when his hand was suddenly grabbed, and his finger was surrounded by wet warmth.

The two other males that had been listening to Itachi intently were also shocked by the sudden turn of events.

Sasuke paid them no attention as he gently sucked the finger and ran his tongue around it, pressing it to the wound before pulling it back out of his mouth. Seeing that there was no more blood he was satisfied. The stunned silence did not bother him one bit, "Come on then Itachi, teach me how to use it" Sasuke said, pulling Itachi back from his lost thoughts.

He did not know what to say to Sasuke, especially not after that little stunt. He could still feel the tingling warmth of Sasuke's mouth surrounding his finger. Sasuke gave Itachi a half-crooked smile and an innocent look. Itachi narrowed his eyes, obvious now that Sasuke had wanted to catch his attention. "I'm going to get you for that"

Sasuke laughed, and ran out of there. Itachi close behind him. Surotobi and Genma both sighed in defeat. "Kids" they simultaneously muttered and dropped their heads.

Back out on the field, Sasuke had turned and raised his new sword at Itachi to stop him, but Itachi skillfully used his own to disarm Sasuke. The small raven scowled at that, but Itachi dropped his own blade as well, and came after Sasuke. Noting this, Sasuke moved away, his eyes wide, but at the same time feeling completely elated. He ran without looking, and before he knew it, he had been tackled to the ground, with Itachi on top of him.

Sasuke struggled, and Itachi leaned intimately low to him "Is that all you can do?" Itachi teased.

Sasuke felt himself blush, "No," He scowled, and continued to struggle. He brought one hand up and tried to punch Itachi, but his fist was easily grasped, "See, this is why we need to learn the basics" Itachi said, as he pinned Sasuke's hand helplessly down.

"Then teach me," Sasuke urged, kicking out with his legs. Itachi chuckled, thoroughly amused.

Naruto and Kyuubi found themselves surrounded by both their parents. Minato and Kushina were with Naruto, and Kyuubi's mother, Mito, and his father, Hashirama was at his side. It felt odd, but it was the moment that Kyuubi would hand over to Naruto a hand ring that proved the promise, and the eternal connection he was willing to give. Naruto was to give Kyuubi an earring that would signify the same thing.

The ring had been an easy process.

The ritual consisted of the blessing of both Kyuubi's parents, and then Kyuubi's own vows. Naruto had felt his heart pound so loudly in his chest, as the words drew out the largest smile he could pull out. There were happy tears in his eyes, and his mouth was sore from all the grinning, but he could not stop himself.

He was so incredibly happy right now.

When it was his turn to the same, his hands shook. He did not think he could actually pierce Kyuubi's ear, the thought of hurting him killed him. Kyuubi drew him close, and cupped his face, "I'll be alright, there is nothing you can do to hurt me," he whispered against his ear.

Naruto nodded, and spoke his own vows. Each word he spoke weight so much in the sincerity of his heart. He brought his hand up, and pressed the sharp end of the diamond stud into Kyuubi's left ear. Since Kyuubi did not flinch, he continued, and pressed it all the way in. There was no blood, so Naruto finished clasping it at the back so it would not fall out. After that, he pressed a kiss to it and hugged Kyuubi tightly.

Kyuubi pulled him close as well.

He wanted to kiss Naruto so badly, but he was not allowed to do that. Not until all the rituals were complete. Before both knew it, ice cold water had been dunked on their heads and their parents left laughing loudly, and pleased with the ceremony going on so well.

That ruined the mood completely.

"Ah!" Naruto screamed, throwing himself back on the floor, frustrated. Who knew getting married was such hard work!

It was dinnertime when both Sasuke and Itachi returned to the palace, having skipped lunch. Eating had not crossed their minds as Itachi taught Sasuke how to punch, kick, and alter moves. He had also started teaching him how to use smaller knives, and to practice on his aim. Sasuke had proven to be a quick learner when it came to aim, but not a hundred percent. Sasuke was also amazingly flexible and light, that some of the moves came easy to him.

As for their swords, they managed to keep them. Itachi had taught Sasuke how to sheath it, as well as how to tie it to his waist so it would not fall. Usually servants were not allowed to keep swords, but Itachi is Sasuke's own personal servant, meaning that he only had to listen to Sasuke. Sasuke did not deny Itachi the weapon. "We are going to continue this tomorrow, right?" Sasuke asked.

Itachi gave a thoughtful look, "Well, I still have to teach you proper etiquette for your cousins wedding."

"But that's not until next Monday, I wish for you to teach me more,"

"True, but you are known to rebel when learning" Itachi stated, pointing out their messy attire, and hair. Sasuke had dirt on his cheeks, clothes, and hair. Itachi was not fairing any better either. "We should go wash up before we have any dinner"

Sasuke was glaring, but then gave a pleading look to Itachi, "Can I join you in the kitchen?"

Itachi frowned, "Why would you want to join me in the kitchen"

"So I don't have to talk with anyone, Kyuubi's parents are here" How Sasuke was aware of what happened in the palace all day, Itachi would never know.

"You can't escape it,"

"Itachi"

"You are a prince,"

Sasuke stopped walking; he did not want Itachi to reason with him. Sasuke was tired of this life. "I'm not," he snapped, "I'm nothing but a bastard child mother had." If everyone knew, Itachi should know as well.

"Sasuke,"

"Don't you dare pity me!" Sasuke snapped, glaring harshly at Itachi. "I'm not telling you this for you to feel sorry for me," Itachi walked over to him and pulled him into his arms, hugging him tightly. He had not expected Sasuke to throw such words his way. At that moment he could see all of Sasuke's pain laid bare for him. It also looked like Sasuke had not meant to let it out, and the boy was drawing back into himself. Itachi was just glad that Sasuke did not pull away from his embrace.

"I don't pity you, Sasuke." He whispered into his ear. Itachi felt the boy shiver in his arms, and that caused him to smirk. Sasuke's reaction pleased him for a reason that he himself could not understand. "I know it sucks, but that's just life. A million other people have it worst and you have a second shot. What are you going to do with it?"

Sasuke blinked back tears, feeling extremely comforted by Itachi. All this time he had been so angry, to just feel it melt away as if nothing was strange. Why was it that Itachi made him act out of character and feel so many different things! It wasn't like him, but at the same time he found himself not caring. He brought his arms tightly around Itachi middle, and buried his face into Itachi's chest as he shook his head.

"I don't know"

Itachi was a little surprised when Sasuke hugged him back, but then he pulled the boy back and tried to clean some dirt of his face. His fingers lightly brush over a soft cheek, the skin as soft as silk. Sasuke looked at him shyly. Itachi found a smile tugging at his lips as he brushed some of Sasuke's hair back, "How about a bath, and then we can go and get ourselves something good to eat. And yes, you can join me if you still wish," Itachi found himself wanting to indulge in Sasuke all over again. He was a brat.

Sasuke's face lit up, and tackled Itachi into another fierce hug.

He could not explain it, but ever since Itachi came into his life, Sasuke felt so completely happy. The feeling was so sudden, and yet Sasuke did not feel like questioning. He truly hoped Itachi felt the same with him.

Thank you for all that review! and...Ah, I'm starting to think that this story has no structure...but as long as you enjoy it, I think I can come up with something. So, again, school has started, so slow updates.