Welcome back! Sorry for the wait! Have fun with the new chapter!

Another reincarnation story

25.

When Itachi once stated that being a Chu-nin was boring, he had forgotten to account for being a civilian. He could not remember the last time he wasn't a shinobi. It had been almost 20 years since the Uchiha genius last walked anywhere without at least a full set of kunai on him. With the loss of his rank, he had also lost the privileges of a shinobi such as carrying weapons within the village. He could of course hide some under his clothing but didn't want to risk discovery and be further punished.

If three days of being a civilian was enough to nearly drive him mad, Itachi didn't want to think about what would happen to him should he find himself forever without duties. In that case, he might as well take up with the geisha business and become a maiko, a profession he already mastered and loathed no less.

He had tried to make himself as useful as he could. With no intention to return home or making himself an easy target for Kakashi, Itachi commissioned for his own apartment at the shinobi bureau, only to be told that it normally took up to three months to find the first vacancy. It would be better for him just to camp out at Kakashi's place and then move into his new home when he was married.

That was the other thing that managed to change his mood as fast as May weather in the last three days. Though all parties had promised to keep it quiet, it still seemed that everyone in Konoha had learned of his upcoming betrothal to Kisame. So much for not stealing the thunder. Within three short days, Itachi had become a Konoha sensation, unable to walk down any street without being gawked at.

The reactions were wildly different. Some sneered at him from behind their hands, claiming that he was weak to allow himself to be pressured like this. Others threw him pitiful glances, not believing that such a kind child would be married off to that monster. When Itachi was buying groceries the other day, he was ambushed by two elderly women who held his hand and thanked him for his sacrifice, saying they understood the price of peace.

The worst one was a girl Itachi had often seen on his own tail. She was waiting for him at his favorite dango shop, clutching a big box to her chest. She cried, actually cried and said a lot of nonsense Itachi didn't want to hear. In the end, she pushed the box full of dangos towards him, saying that if Itachi was to suffer she would do her best to make it at least a little bearable. Though Itachi really, really wanted to accept his favorite sweets, he refused by stating that he didn't consider his marriage to Kisame a hardship.

Itachi's refusal was made especially difficult since Kakashi ate his dango reserve in their currently shared apartment. Even after Itachi had explained the full extent of his own involvement with Danzou, to which the silver-haired man nodded and shrugged. The only thing Itachi had let out was that he'd been reincarnated from another life. But Kakashi had suspected something similar anyway. To his credit, he did allow Itachi to use the bath first.

Itachi halted his steps when he arrived at the designated location. After weeks of observation, Itachi thought he could find his way here even while asleep. The man tasked with watching the front door was Izamu. He nodded at Itachi when the former captain looked up, signaling that the house was safe to enter. Ao opened the door before Itachi knocked, giving the teenager a tight nod. He led him through the open interior of the house towards the room Terumi Mei used to receive her guests. Itachi braced himself for the first of many awkward situations he will face in the coming month.

To his great pleasure, the room was empty save for his giant partner. Kisame rushed to greet him as soon as the door was closed behind them. He caught Itachi in his arms and pressed his lips to Itachi's. Weak from the relief of seeing his partner for the first time since his interrogation, Itachi did not struggle. Not even when he knew that one of his teammates was watching from a tree outside. Instead, he gladly let himself be kissed and embraced, returning the gesture with equal depth.

"Your father sure doesn't make it easy!" Kisame whispered into Itachi's neck. "It seems we saw each other more often when we were apart."

"Be grateful that we are here," Itachi replied, wiping a tear from the corner of his eye. "I would take all the time we are granted and not tempt fate."

"Tempting seems all that you do," Kisame hushed at his ear. "But we don't have much time and I would not waste it on words." Pulling Itachi closer, he resumed to devour the teenager until a slight cough behind them startled the lovers.

Terumi Mei chuckled from the door, her expression soft and her eyes curved. "I hope I'm not interrupting."

"Your timing could be better," Kisame said, releasing Itachi. Showing proper respect to his lady, he moved aside to let her pass.

"It is an honor to meet you again, Mizukage-sama," Itachi said and bowed.

"Thank you for agreeing to meet me this early in the day, but let's not stick to such tedious etiquette from now on," she said, sitting down at the table. She waved him closer with a smile then very bluntly stared at him. "You must have a lot of questions for me, Itachi-kun."

He did. He had been thinking about her assistance for days now and had yet to find the most likely explanation. Combining all that he knew about them, he had suspected that it was the so called favor Terumi owed to Kisame. Not looking at his partner, Itachi sat to face the Lady of the Mist.

"What is your true purpose here in Konoha?" He started.

Terumi laughed. "Oh Kisame, you were right. He is dutiful." She shook her head as if towards a small child. "Itachi-kun, rest assured. I mean no harm to your village. I am indeed here to negotiate a potential alliance. Konoha is the village consisting of many great houses with precious Kekkei Genkai. It is very different from Kiri and I hoped that we could benefit from each other. My intentions are sincere."

"Then what is your gain in supporting me? You have no reason to. Despite all the pretenses, it is unlikely that I ever set foot in Kirigakure. Neither the Hokage nor my father would ever allow my Sharingan to serve someone that isn't Konoha. But I believe you knew all that before even coming here. Thus, your actions will result in nothing but you losing Kisame."

Her eyes darkened slightly. She studied him, then resumed that curve-eyed expression. Itachi did not miss that the joy was faked, nor that she was more angry than she let on. "So you do realize that I will lose my strongest warrior," she asked. "Do you also realize what Kisame has to sacrifice in order to be with you?"

Itachi had not given much thought about it. Until now, he had solely concentrated his effort on the political aspect of their match. Noticing his pause, Terumi Mei changed completely. The intent to kill was strong as her temper flared. She reached across the table, grabbing the front of his shirt.

"Kisame is one of the best men I've ever known!" She hissed, her eyes blazing. "He is the strongest to ever fight by my side. I owe him my life many times over. And if you mistreat him in any way, I will kill you."

Itachi swallowed. Was she giving him a shovel-talk?

"He deserves better than what he gets from your clan. And he deserves better from what your Hokage offers. Once he is here, Kisame would not be allowed to serve as a shinobi any longer. By marrying you, he is giving up his purpose, his goal in life. Do you understand what it means to ask a man like Kisame to lay down his sword? Do you?"

Shame hit him in full force. Even after all this time, Itachi still failed to consider Kisame first. She was right, Kisame deserved more. More than his cursed clan, this foreign village and perhaps even more than the broken man Itachi was. Something must have shown on his face for Terumi's hand slackened around his collar. She returned to her friendly self just as quick as she turned on Itachi.

"Forgive me Itachi-kun, I only have Kisame's best interest in mind." She said, smiling, "it's hard to comprehend why he would go to such lengths for you."

"If you oppose, why did you support me?"

"Because I asked her to," Kisame cut in.

"You?" Itachi frowned, waiting for the explanation.

"Why so surprised, Itachi-san?" Kisame chuckled, "I am offended."

"Kisame," he warned and winced when Terumi growled at his tone.

His partner seemed to enjoy this. At last, someone was protective of Kisame for a change. "Mei knows that I have been waiting many years for you, Itachi-san. Not knowing who you really are, I had no choice but to wait. And in order not to betray my village, I made a deal with Mei."

"It was actually a bit more colorful when you first told me of this," she chuckled, "'love given by the gods'. How could a woman not melt at the tale of star-crossed lovers?"

Did she actually believe this?

"So Itachi-kun, are you his destined partner?" She grinned at Itachi, almost daring him to deny it. "Are you the lover given by the gods? Is your soul intertwined with his? Are you the One?"

He must not blush! He must not blush! He must not blush! And he blushed, deeply. "I cannot speak for Kisame," he started.

"Now is not the time to be modest, Itachi-san," Kisame said from beside him, not giving voice to the other half of his thought.

Not when I've not been modest with you for so much as a day.

Itachi couldn't stop the glare he gave Kisame. It was both affectionate and irritated. Why must they pressure him so when Kisame clearly knew Itachi did not handle emotions in public very well.

"I cannot speak for Kisame and won't presume what is in his heart, but I can speak for myself." When he turned towards the lady of the mist, he was as fearless as he used to be. She needed to understand this. "I have been waiting for him ever since I opened my eyes in this world. Not one day passed when I did not think of him. The pain of his absence was constant and has robbed me many night's sleep. When he finally entered my life, I have been made into someone unrecognizable. In only short weeks, I have turned on everyone close to me on his behalf. Yet, I do not regret it. It is as he claims, I am his partner and forever will be."

"Why can't you say it to me?" Kisame smirked at him, clearly roused by Itachi's speech.

"You already know what is in my heart," Itachi reminded him.

"Better than anyone. We are partners." He lifted Itachi's hand and kissed the finger where a ring used to be. Sometimes, Itachi still wished that he had that ring. As much a symbol of Akatsuki that was, it was also the token that marked them as what they were to each other.

"Alright, alright," Terumi sighed, wiping a dreamy tear away. "I know when I'm beaten. I wish you both the best of luck, may you find happiness together."

"Thank you, Mizukage-sama. We wouldn't have achieved this without you."

"Well, I didn't believe in soulmates in the past. But I can't deny what I see here. Just wish me the same and let's hope that there is one for me too somewhere." She sighed again, waving her hands at them. "I have taken enough of your time now, Itachi-kun. Kisame, I won't be needing you today. Send Ao in on your way out, would you?"

The partners stood and bowed before the lady. It wasn't until they were safely outside the room that Kisame leaned down to whisper in Itachi's ear. "About what you said in there..."

"Do not make me say it in public again." Itachi snorted, almost pouting. "Those were words meant only for your ears. I tire of justifying myself."

"What a shame! Mei was only the easiest of our opponents." He said as they walked, "I have been reminded that your father expects me to pay respects to your clan and ask for your hand in proper manner. I'm sure you will have to express your heart again."

"Clearly you don't know my father," Itachi frowned. "He expects you to swear fealty to him."

"And that just irks you the wrong way," Kisame chuckled.

Itachi halted in his step and snapped his head around towards Kisame. "You are mine." He said, his tone steady and strong. "I will not allow anyone else having power over you."

"But only you."

"Only me."

Kisame grinned at that and kissed Itachi's hand again. Were they not in the hallway heading for the exit, Itachi might have strived for something more intimate. But here, in a place so exposed, he only pressed his lips against Kisame's hand.

Outside of the kiri-house, the village around them was already buzzing with activities. Itachi nodded toward the street leading them into the heart of Konoha, away from his team that would undoubtedly recount this story to all of ANBU. Itachi couldn't blame them. He and Kisame were like celebrities; everyone wanted to know their story. At least those who believed them to be true lovers.

Feeling unashamed for the first time since he discovered his feelings for Kisame, Itachi lead them towards the teashop. As they strode through the street, Itachi felt as if nothing had changed. Not holding hands and not looking at each other, they relied only on their senses to know the other was there. Sometimes, Itachi still expected to see Kisame in his black cloak with red clouds when he turned. No words were needed to make their will known. Recognizing every little tell of his partner, Itachi noticed the tension in Kisame's body the same moment he noticed the carefully conceived chakra of their pursuer.

"Itachi-san."

"I noticed," he nodded.

"Your cousin has been shadowing me for days now. Clearly he still seeks to separate us." Itachi did not miss the anger in Kisame's tone.

"He doesn't trust you, which is also his right."

"He's not alone, though."

"It's... my friends. They have been urging me to introduce you."

"Oh?" Kisame grinned. "Would those by any chance be the legacy of the first Hokage and the infamous Sharingan no Kakashi?"

"Do you wish to mingle or duel?"

"You know me too well, Itachi-san."

Perhaps it wasn't such a bad idea. Unlike Itachi, Kisame enjoyed interactions with other people. As far back as Itachi remembered, his partner never shied away from populated places or talkative patrons. In Itachi's absence, Kisame often spoke to Deidara as well as other members of the Akatsuki. To think that Kisame wanted nothing to do with a village he would be living in was something only Itachi could consider.

But how much of this life does Kisame want to share with him? When he thought about it, there was still so much he didn't know about Kisame. Regardless of how confident Itachi was in his partner's devotion and love, that alone could not placate the leaders of this village. To assure Kisame's position here, Itachi needed to be prepared for all eventualities and that included all questions he would be asked of his future husband.

"Let's ditch them, Kisame." Itachi said, his eyes already merged into crimson red. "There is a place I want to show you."

Kisame smirked, his concentration focused on their surroundings. Despite his appearance and size, Kisame was fast. Years of traveling and training with Itachi had taught him things that couldn't be learned anywhere else. With Itachi's own knowledge of Konoha's urban streets, it wasn't hard to escape the prying eyes. Should Kakashi truly want to track him down, he would have summoned Pakkun.

They arrived at the Uchiha training ground an hour later. It was satisfying, jumping through the forest with Kisame at his side. Every step his partner made was a heartbeat from another life. Even after all this time, Itachi still only felt like himself when he was with Kisame. How couldn't he? After everything, the good and the bad, Kisame was the only one who knew the whole truth about him.

"I trained here a lot when I was a child," Itachi said, leading Kisame towards the river when he learned his first water jutsu.

"You came here with him?"

Itachi's lips twitched. "Jealousy doesn't suit you. It has been decided, you can let go of that grudge now."

"You don't know what you're asking of me."

Itachi frowned. Why was he so unsure of himself these days? Why must he question himself whenever his fault was addressed?

"I've never seen you like this, Itachi-san," Kisame approached him, coming to stand at his side, "as much as I appreciate seeing emotions on your face, I'm also worried. You were always the strong, silent type, but this is something else. Frankly, I've never known you to be so indecisive before."

The genius sighed, sitting down to watch the water flow. "I have been humbled, Kisame. To know that I have failed, it was... humbling."

"What do you mean? It was your choice as I understand it." He sat down next to Itachi and placed Samehada into his lap. "You remain undefeated."

"Yet I failed. You know better than I do what became of my plan." He sighed heavily and closed his eyes. "My purpose, my schemes, they were flawed. In the end, I couldn't save Sasuke. Instead, I drove him down a dark path."

"I must say, your brother was impressive. I would have loved to fight him."

"He was insane," Itachi shook his head, "and unstable. But what else could he have been with me as his guide? Few were given the chance to witness their legacy. Perhaps it is a blessing. When I looked upon what I created... I was ashamed of myself. It felt like salvation when my soul was released. Then, I woke up here..."

"So what did you realize in the end? Did you find your true self?"

Itachi chuckled bitterly. "How ironic that I am both a genius and a fool?"

Kisame did not reply to that. For a while, they just sat next to each other watching the water. Then, Kisame shrugged. "That day, I discovered something about myself. When I chose to die instead of betraying my comrades again, I felt as if I could be more than I was. I realize it was illogical, but in that moment I wanted to prove you wrong. That I wasn't just a thug lost in the mist. That I am a better man than you thought."

"I noticed," Itachi snickered. "I have heard of your deeds. Quite impressive and honorable if I might add. I believe it wasn't only for me."

"I believe in Mei's vision. How could I not? After spending so much time with you, how could I think that the persecution of Kekkei Genkai was a good thing? She is leading the village on the right path." Kisame nodded to himself, his eyes fixed on the distance. "It's good for the village. She's good."

A wave of jealousy attacked Itachi. He swallowed it and tried to hide his discomfort. "So," he cleared his throat, "do you have feelings for her?"

"Jealous?" Kisame grinned.

"I am not blind," Itachi glared at him, "in fact, my eyes have become even better. But I don't need Sharingan to see her feelings for you."

Kisame barked out a laugh. "Mei doesn't mean it that way." When he saw that Itachi wasn't quite convinced, he added, "she knows that I've been waiting for you for years now. But she is also a woman. What greater pride is there to claim what already belonged to another?"

"I don't understand this logic," Itachi snorted. There weren't many things he didn't understand.

"She wants to be pursued, desired," Kisame explained patiently, "I've told her on the day we met that our time is limited. I promised her my loyalty, but only until the One comes along."

"So she was trying to capture your heart in order to secure your loyalty. A sound strategy."

"Mei and I both know that it would not happen," Kisame said, then sighed, " but it's sad that I have to leave her."

"I understand that you care for her. And she cares about you as well," Itachi mumbled, "she was right. I never thought about you first. I cannot ask you to lay down your sword for me, not if that's what you live for."

Kisame laughed loudly. It seemed he was laughing at Itachi.

"What is so funny?"

"Has it not occurred to you..." He started softly, cupping Itachi's jaw, "I live for you."

"Kisame..."

"I died for you," he continued, "as stupid as it sounds, I couldn't betray Akatsuki because it was the only thing that belonged to us. Do you understand? Even after I learned the truth about you, I didn't want to believe that everything we did was for nothing. In a way, Akatsuki was our home. You might have been with us under false pretenses, but I really believed in the plan. And I was ready to die for it. For the world without lies we were supposed to build together."

Itachi frowned deeply. How was he to tell Kisame that the dream he believed in was a lie after all?

"I know this look," Kisame said and looked down at him. "If there's something I should know, please don't keep it from me."

"How much do you really know about Akatsuki?"

"I know of his plan," Kisame said, "not just Pein's plan."

Itachi nodded. "Did you know he's of my blood?"

"I did."

"There's no easy way to say it, but you've been lied to." Itachi said, avoiding Kisame's eyes. He could feel his partner tense next to him and conjured his resolve. "He used us, telling us each a different story to ensure our loyalty. He seeks to destroy the world as we knew it. By capturing the tailed beasts, he would be capable of achieving something that would give him the power of enveloping the whole world in an eternal illusion. He could make the world of his dreams, make it without lies, but it would still only be a lie."

Kisame lifted a brow at him. "How did you know that?"

Itachi gave him an irritated glare. Kisame seemed alarmingly relaxed considering he just learned of Madara's treachery. "Other than him, I am the only one to achieve this sight," he placed a hand against his eyes, feeling their power rise within him. "I see the world as he did. Combined with what Pein confessed to me, it wasn't difficult to work out his ultimate goal."

After a long pause, Kisame sighed heavily. "When you died, I lost hope," he said. "But I kept on fighting because that's what we were. I fought for that world hoping I would see you again."

"Kisame..." Itachi swallowed. "Who was your opponent?" He decided to ask eventually, trying to change the subject. Kisame must have been pushed pretty far if death was the only option. In their old world, not many could have achieved it.

Kisame chuckled. "Maito Gai."

"What a surprise," Itachi suppressed a chuckle. "It just had to be him."

"It was quite a spectacular fight. I wish you could have seen it." Kisame admitted, his tone slightly more cheerful. "I really hope I can face him again someday. Is he still around the village?"

"He's around, though I don't have a lot of contact with him." In fact, Itachi just didn't want to get involved with Kakashi's eternal rival. That man was too intense for his tastes. How Kakashi managed to deal with him was still beyond Itachi.

As they watched the water flow and listened to the wind howl, Itachi thought about what their future would be. Now that he had revealed the truth to Kisame, would the sharkman leave him to seek vengeance or find something else to fight for? For once, he couldn't predict what his partner would do and that frightened him.

"Kisame," Itachi started uncertainly. "Are you alright?"

"I will be," the swordsman replied. "This is a good training ground. I think I will like coming here more often."

"So you've decided to stay?"

Kisame chuckled affectionately. "It was decided a long time ago," he said, placing his strong arm around Itachi's waist. "There are so many lies in the world I don't know what's real anymore. But I know that we belong together, as partners or lovers, I don't really care. Otherwise this wouldn't happen. I'm not sure I understand what this world is. It could be a dream or Madara's perfect world and for a change it doesn't really matter. It is as you said, we accept our reality defined by what we perceive as true. This could be a fantasy, but it is real enough for me."

Itachi smiled. Of course Kisame saw his fight with Sasuke. Zetsu was there for just that purpose. "I don't think that this is a dream. I've been here for three years, if there is any crack in the fabric I would have found it. Also, there isn't a genjutsu potent enough to hold me. Not even Madara's."

Again, Kisame chuckled. "This must be real, then! You're still that arrogant."

Itachi gave him an ugly glare but nonetheless leaned into Kisame's steady shoulder. "We are what we are, Kisame. No matter how peaceful this world seems to be, we have blood on our hands. We can't simply forget what we did and who we used to be. I don't know if there's redemption for men like us, but I'd like to try. After I realized who I really am, I want to make up for my mistakes. And that includes you. I've never apologized to you properly." He turned to face Kisame. "I'd like to do it now."

"Don't let me stop you, Itachi-san."

"I am sorry for all the hardship and pain I've caused you." He started, taking Kisame's big hand into his. "I've been thinking about this since we met at the river. In all those years, I've never thought about you first. The things I made you do and see are both unspeakable and unforgivable. I was an arrogant, selfish fool." He swallowed, his face slowly heating with shame. "But I still ask for your forgiveness. I promise I will never lie to you again. Aside from my duty as a shinobi, I will not withhold any secret from you. I will share my life and my thoughts with you. As your partner, your lover and perhaps your husband as well."

"Still too blind to see yourself," Kisame shook his head.

"What?"

"You're the most selfless person I've ever encountered," He took Itachi's cheek into his hand, "you have never thought only of yourself. You've wronged me not because you're selfish, it was because you never considered me yours. Unlike them, him and your brother, I was just an outsider. You thought that loving me meant betraying him, didn't you? Don't bother to deny it, I know you loved him. You might not anymore, but back then, you truly loved him. And I know that you loved me as well, that's why you never accepted me. Because being with me would have made you happy and you thought you didn't deserve it. Thus you stole your moments, lying to yourself that I meant nothing. In the end, you decided to leave me only to convince yourself that you didn't betray who you thought you were. That is how you wronged me."

Tears fell down from his eyes right before he could close them. He pressed his hand into Kisame's palm, kissing it. He shivered although Kisame shielded him from the wind. The chill was in his partner's words and how true they pierced into his soul. Only Kisame could know him like that.

He pressed his face into his partner's chest and clung to his large form. "I am so sorry!" He sobbed, "I was a fool! There isn't anything else I could say, only that I would never ask you to let me go. Never again!"

"Never ask that of me." Kisame kissed his forehead. "Itachi-san, I can give up anything but you. Do you understand? You bring out the best in me, you let me believe that I too can be good. I know there are many battles to be fought in the future and many sacrifices to be made, but I have a limit. And that limit is you."

"I would never leave you again." Itachi promised, "I am miserable without you. I didn't know how much I need you until I left you. Not having you here was like losing myself all over again. I..." Itachi reached up towards him,his heart pounding too hard. "Kisame, please don't cry. I can endure many things but never your tears."

Kisame caught his hand and kissed it. "You are the only one capable of such a feat. You should be proud."

"What nonsense!" He had to smile, but tried not too. He wasn't a child anyone who laughed and cried at the same time. But too many emotions attacked him at once, making Itachi weak. To hide his confusion, Itachi again pressed his face into Kisame's shoulder. He climbed into Kisame's lap and kissed the man deeply.

In all of their years, Itachi had never kissed Kisame in broad daylight before. It was always in the safety of an inn or under the cover of darkness. They had always needed to hide how they felt about each other, never allowing the smallest moment of vulnerability. When Itachi drew back from his partner, Kisame was grinning. He shifted under Itachi, reaching for something under his jacket. Lifting a brow, Itachi directed his eyes to Kisame's hand.

"I know better than to seduce you here," Kisame chuckled, "I wanted to do it the other night, before we were so rudely interrupted. But since we are being so mushy here, I thought this might be a good time." He retrieved a small black casket from his jacket and placed it in Itachi's hand. "Open it."

"What is it?" Itachi asked. He let his finger stroke over the smooth surface and smiled at the simple beauty that was so much like Kisame. He dared not hope, but he had a few ideas. When he opened it, he smiled. "Kisame..."

"I never properly asked for you hand," he took Itachi's right hand in his, "so Itachi-san, would you do me the honor?"

"Anata," Itachi whispered and watched as Kisame slid the ruby ring onto his finger.

"I know they aren't the exact same, but considering the circumstances, I find them more suitable."

Itachi took the other ring set with a round amber and slid it onto Kisame's left ring-finger. He lifted both their hands up and watched as their matching rings glistened in the sunlight. "They are beautiful."

Kisame caught Itachi in a flourish of arms and pressed him down to the grass. Then, he assaulted Itachi's lips as his hands wandered all over the boy's body. Itachi happily returned the passion. His legs came up to wrap around Kisame's hips and moaned at the sensation.

It was too good to be true.

When the sun rose higher towards its Zenith, Kisame finally pulled away from Itachi. "Shall we get back?" He asked, his hands gently moving over Itachi's black hair. Itachi instead shook his head and pulled the man closer. He situated himself comfortably against Kisame, hand on his chest and his new ring directly in sight.

"Let's stay here for a while," he whispered, "we have time."

I think this is the fluffiest thing I've ever written. XD

See you next chapter. :-)