**Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or the quote below. I just own Sintary ^^ Also I do not own the other OC Kokuro. He's my friend's.
Well, I did it again guys. I took forever to post. But you know what? This time it's really okay. Why? Because I deliver. We have 17 pages of love, smut, family bonding, awkwardness, and well, of course a bomb at the end. Over 9,625 for my lovely 10,219 VIEWS. THANK YOU GUYS. I hope you've enjoyed this five month journey (11/14 will be the five month). Thank you again for the love and support. I hope you enjoy this next installment!
Hopelessly
I feel like there might be something that I'll miss
Hopelessly
I feel like the window closes oh so quick
Hopelessly
I'm taking a mental picture of you now
'Cause hopelessly
The hope is we have so much to feel good about
Oh this has gotta be the good life
This has gotta be the good life
This could really be a good life, good life
-One Republic, Good Life
"The terms of your freedom has been determined by the Kage," The General spoke as Itachi and Sasuke stood in the middle. "You will travel to each nation and accept whatever labor the Kage demands."
The two Uchiha brothers nodded, accepting their journey. It had been the right decision given the fact that they had just eluded death.
That had been a year ago.
Sintary smiled softly as she glanced over at her sleeping boyfriend and their son cuddled up next to him. She sat in the rocking chair next to the crib they had been provided. In her arms, she held their second child.
A bird flew into the room through the open window that let in the cool desert breeze. Sintary instantly recognized it as Kokuro's, and her heart lurched. She couldn't help but to remember the days leading up to her family's departure.
The journey home had been longer than trying to get to the Land of Iron. Despite the long journey, the group was still endlessly happy. Their goals had been accomplished. Itachi and Sasuke were free men, and there was a treaty between the five nations against the Akatsuki. The only piece to the puzzle was to complete these labors and finally settle down.
The group had been allowed to head to Konoha to rest, but were urged to head out sooner rather than later.
Upon reaching the gates, the ANBU guard was heavy. No one in Konoha were aware of the events that just occurred. Very little would accept the return of Sasuke Uchiha, but even less would welcome the infamous Itachi Uchiha.
The ANBU present went to attack the two ex-missing-nin, but were halted by the Hokage.
"There is no reason to attack. They are no longer our enemies." She started.
"But Lady Hokage, they have committed crimes against our village," one ANBU stated.
"The events you speak of have been looked at, and the circumstances were not in their true context," she explained vaguely. "I will speak more before the people this afternoon. Spread the word that I am holding an announcement at noon and say nothing more on the subject." She then spoke directly to a group of ANBU: "I want this squad to find and arrest Koharu and Homura immediately."
They were then allowed to quickly head home without many others discovering their arrival.
At noon, Sasuke and Itachi, along with the rest of the group, stood behind Tsunade on top of the Hokage Tower. The streets with shinobi and civilians a like. They had all come to see what their Kage had to say.
"People of Konoha," Tsunade's loud voice boomed across the town. "I bring good news from the summit. The Five Nations have come together, and made an alliance against the Akatsuki. We will no longer stand for any violence that threatens our people."
That got some cheers from the crowd, but those that remained silent spoke the loudest.
The Hokage waited until the cheers and whispering died down before continuing: "There is more you must know. Many of you know of the tragic events that happened five years ago. The Uchiha clan was murderer by Itachi Uchiha. But in the recent months, new information has come forward. The events behind that night were twisted and falsified before the public. Danzo Shimaru was the one who orchestrated this assault. The Third Hokage wished for a peaceful solution to the rising tension between him, the council, and the Uchiha clan. Fugaku Uchiha, the clan Patriarch at the time, was also left with a difficult decision. His clan was pushing for him to take power; to lead the clan to greatness and rule over the village after years of oppression. The clan made it very clear that they would continue forward with or without him. So, he planned the coup, hoping to quickly take power without bloodshed. With that in mind, the clan would not settle for anything, and thus no peaceful conclusion was in sight." Tsunade explained looking over the people. "We know this because clansmen like Shisui and Itachi Uchiha were loyal to Konoha. They worked for the Hokage and reported everything going on in the clan, but their original mission was to report to the clan about the Hokage's movements. They were double agents – double agents who remained loyal to Konoha over their blood relatives. They chose you over their family." The blonde woman emphasized. "Shisui Uchiha attempted to use his unique Sharingan against Fugaku to try and persuade the clan out of this path, but was thwarted by Danzo and was dying from his injuries when Itachi found him. Shisui committed suicide moments later, and it was a downward spiral from there. Days later, Fugaku revealed his plans, and Itachi with two other Leaf ANBU were sent to spy on the meeting. Itachi reported to the Third Hokage and the council of the events, and they believed no peaceful outcome could come about.
"It was then Danzo Shimaru put forth this plan. He told Itachi: he could either go forward with his clan and die with them, or he could annihilate every member and spare Sasuke Uchiha – who Itachi devotedly cared for his entire childhood, protecting him from the violent natures of the shinobi world. Days Itachi spent watching his younger brother at school, practicing with his classmates. It was then Itachi realized that he couldn't let his younger brother die such a fate. So, Itachi accepted Danzo's terms, and a week later, murdered his entire clan. Itachi also realized there had to be an explanation to give Sasuke. Itachi didn't want Sasuke to think negatively about their family or their village, and felt incredible remorse for the crime he had been forced into. He devised a plan in which he would put on the mask of a villain. He would proceed to make Sasuke believe that this act was a test to his prowess, and that if Sasuke wanted to avenge his clan, he would have to kill his older brother. Itachi would then proceed to plan his own death by his brother's hands when he saw fit."
"Itachi Uchiha is not a murderer," Tsunade told the crowd. "He is a shinobi like many of you who follows orders with the best interest of Konoha in mind. By this logic and new information, I moved to help the wrongly accused man, and lift the ban on his name. All five of the Great Kages have accepted this knowledge and have agreed to remove Itachi Uchiha from the bingo books and remove his missing-nin title."
The crowd cried out at that. Some moved by this new revelation while many were displeased with the notion.
"Quiet!" The Fifth Hokage commanded looking them over. "The decision is final, and is not without its strings. Itachi Uchiha is committed to repaying the Five Nations for his actions. He will go around to each nation and help in the ways the Kages wish." She explained. "While I am not asking you to have open arms with the decision, I am asking you to realize the facts given to you are true, and the conclusion has been thought through. I am asking you all to trust, that if I believed this decision would harm our village in anyway, that I would have not moved forward with this notion. Do you trust me?!"
The crowd cheered at that, and their Hokage nodded approvingly at that. She then went to step down when she side glanced the two Uchiha brothers standing behind her. She quickly turned back to the crowd.
"One more thing: Itachi Uchiha was not the only one who returned to us. Sasuke Uchiha has willingly returned to Konoha, and his status of missing-nin has been removed as well. He will be joining his brother on their quest to right their wrongs. That is all!"
Itachi bowed to his new Hokage. "Thank you, Lady Fifth." He said quietly.
"Yeah, yeah. Don't let me down." She told him walking passed him. "I need sake." She murmured to herself as she headed back inside.
"Lady Tsunade, you really shouldn't." Shizune insisted following after her.
"Daddy, you're free!" Kazuki exclaimed and jumped up for his father to catch him.
Itachi easily caught the young boy. "We still have work to do, Kazuki." He told him.
"But we get to be a family together, right?"
"Yes, Kazuki," Sintary said coming up behind them. "We'll be traveling as a family."
"Yay!" Their son exclaimed in joy as his little arms shot in the air as a cheer. He then leaned over to his mother.
Sintary smiled taking Kazuki from Itachi and holding him by her side. Itachi then gently wrapped his arms around her, encompassing them both.
"Awwww," came their comrade's voice. "Such a sweet picture. I wish I had a camera." He said.
Sintary smiled softly at Kokuro. "Maybe next time." She told him.
"We should head home and rest up. It would be better if we can leave as soon as we can." Itachi commented.
The mother nodded gently. "Let's head back. We'll rest up for a day, have Sakura remove the seal and repair your eyes, let you train a bit, gather our supplies and head out. Three days max here."
Itachi nodded and kissed her forehead. "Sounds like a plan." He said.
Sintary gave Kazuki back to his father to be carried, and Itachi settled the child onto his shoulders. The family headed to Sintary's apartment where they would rest up. Sasuke had chosen on the way to Konoha to live in a separate apartment… and Tsunade had "cruelly" put him with Naruto until the arrangements could be made.
Itachi looked around as he followed Sintary inside her apartment. His heart lurched at all the memories they had in this small area. The later part of their childhood laid in her apartment walls. This is where they hung out, relax; where he sought refuge when everything went astray; where they talked; where they made love... where they indirectly said goodbye. So much had happened in this place she called home…
And he called it home too.
Itachi felt that feeling he had always gotten when he came home to Konoha after a mission, or when he came with Kisame three years ago, or when he walked through her door. The feeling of the weight being taken off his shoulders; the feeling of being able to relax and not look over his shoulder all the time; the feeling of being able to let go. It was a feeling he hadn't felt in years, and he welcomed it with open arms.
"Mommy, can I show daddy my room?" Kazuki asked from on top of his father's shoulders.
"Of course, sweetie. I'm sure daddy will be very happy to see your room." Sintary told him.
"Okay! Daddy, put me down!" The young boy commanded.
"Kazuki, you know better than to just demand something." Sintary said in a gentle scolding tone.
"Please?" Kazuki corrected looking at his mother innocently.
Itachi felt a small smile spread over his lips as he gently placed his son on the ground. He was very pleased to see the interaction between Sintary and their son.
"Okay, this way daddy," Kazuki said grabbing his father's hand and leading him to the room.
The dark-haired shinobi gently looked around. This was the spare bedroom that Sintary had originally set up for Kokuro and storage space. He had read she converted it back into an actual bedroom for Sasuke. Taking in the room, Itachi saw that a little boy lived here. The comforter was navy blue with a shuriken and kunai pattern. Underneath, the sheets were a light blue to match. The room itself was very clean. It was clear that years of living in the same room with his mother had taught the young boy to put his toys away when he was done playing with them.
"In here daddy," Kazuki tugged at his father's hand. "Here are where my toys are – mommy likes them put away right away." He opened one of the lower drawers to a dresser showing only a few items.
"Why so few?" Itachi asked him gently.
"Snake man…. He… he didn't let mommy go and get me any. Uncle Sasuke would get me things on my… my birthday… and – and when he was in a good mood." Kazuki explained to his father.
"I see…" Itachi commented looking them over. "These are very similar to what I had as a child…"
"That's what Uncle Sasuke said too. Mommy said it's because he doesn't know what else to get me."
The older man nodded. "What else do you have, Kazuki?"
The two spent the next hour in Kazuki's room. The four-year-old showed how neat his clothing was put away – claiming he helped his mother fold and put them away. He showed his father where his books were tucked away, and even pulled out a few to showcase his reading and speaking skills.
A knock on the door interrupted a rhyming book about a cat with a white and red hat. Sintary peered from the doorway and smiled seeing them. The two sat on Kazuki's bed right next to each other. Their son curled up right in the crux of Itachi's arm that wrapped over the small boy's shoulders. The resemblance between them was striking. The same flawless skin tone, the same ebony hairstyle, the same face shape, and the same pensive eyes though different in color.
"Dinner's ready." Sintary told them softly with a small smile on her face.
"Oooh, yay!" Kazuki exclaimed hearing that. He sat up more and grabbed the bookmark from the front of the bed and placed it in their spot. "We can finish this afterwards, okay, daddy?"
Itachi nodded. "Before you have to go to bed," he told his son.
Kazuki nodded happily before hopping off the bed. The child was so agile for not being trained or any skill – it had to be genetic or instinct. He then grabbed the book and took it over to his little drawer and placed it in the "right" spot. Kazuki headed over to his mother once he was done and cutely looked back at his father who was still on the bed.
"Come on, daddy. We don't want the food to get yucky." Kazuki ushered his father.
"I'm coming," Itachi told him getting off the bed.
Again, he couldn't help but to smile at his son's mannerisms.
As Itachi followed the two back into the kitchen, he couldn't help but wondered if he was or would have been the same way if his father hadn't taken him to see the war, or if he wouldn't have been raised so formally. Fugaku would have not stood for the way at which Kazuki talked or even the bliss the child had.
No… Fugaku had wanted a grown man inside a little boy's body.
But Itachi didn't.
He wanted his children to keep their innocence for as long as they could in the unpredictable shinobi world. He understood that they would be traveling as a family and that Kazuki would be exposed to the outside world, but if Sintary managed to keep their son blissfully unaware of Orochimaru's true deeds, he was sure they'd be fine traveling.
Itachi was pleasantly surprised to see onigiri some with seaweed, some with tomato, some with green onion and miso, and some with kimchi. Sintary had made a variety for them all to enjoy.
The rest of the night went without much happening. After dinner, Sintary bathed Kazuki and got him ready for bed while Itachi did the dishes. Once Kazuki was ready, Itachi went in, and they finished the story before Kazuki had to go to bed. It was just a quiet, relaxing night.
Itachi tucked his son in like he had for Sasuke all those years ago before leaving the bedroom and heading to Sintary's bedroom. He could hear the shower running and decided to join her.
"Peeping Tom!" He heard her call.
A smirk slowly spread over Itachi's normally natural face as a nostalgic feeling spread through him as he headed over to the shower.
"How can I not gaze upon you when you are so beautiful?" He echoed from a simpler time as he slid open the door.
Itachi gazed upon his lover's form. He could see the slenderness still present even in her pregnant body.
"It's not polite to stare," Sintary told him gently as she looked over her shoulder at him.
"I cannot help it." Itachi whispered really looking her over the best he could with his poor eyes. "I cannot believe you're pregnant with our second child." He told her as he wrapped his arms around her.
"I can't either," Sintary admitted relaxing her head back on his shoulder. "I can't believe any of this. You're actually here… in my apartment… after everything that happened… it's unreal."
"I know…" Itachi whispered into her ear and gently kissed just below it.
He grabbed the soap and lovingly started to wash his beloved. He loved being able to slid his hands down her soft body, from her thin shoulders to the swell that carried their second child. His hands lingered there as his thumbs traced gentle circles on the sides.
It was truly a miracle he was here to witness any of this.
After they finished up, Sintary headed to one of her drawers in her closet and came out with a set of clothes.
"I hope these still fit you. They're all I have." She said showing him a pair of his old clothes.
Itachi looked at her with a slightly amused face. "I have grown since then Sintary."
"Okay, so the pants will be a bit short on you, and the shirt will be too small – but you don't really need a shirt anyway. You do need pants with a child in the house, unfortunately." Sintary told him with a sly smirk gracing her lips.
Itachi found it himself to actually chuckle. That in turned cause Sintary to smile even more.
They settled into the clothes – Itachi's pajama pants being too short as predicted and the shirt not fitting at all. Sintary settled in a maternity night gown that she claimed was easier than wearing a tank top and shorts which she usually adorned.
The couple retired to the bed and settled next to them. A soft glow of a shaded lamp illuminated the room.
"Itachi?" Asked the sweet voice.
"Hm?" He replied turning his head slightly so she knew he was listening.
"I sealed Kazuki's chakra…"
"I know."
"You know?" Sintary asked surprised.
"Ah," Itachi confirmed. "I read it in your journal. It somehow got left behind in a battle along our path."
"So you know everything?"
"Everything in that journal." He clarified.
"So what do you want to do?" Sintary asked him.
Itachi remained quiet for a moment. "He needs his chakra to be able to travel." He replied. "Whether or not he should be trained as a shinobi… we should leave that up to him."
Sintary nodded, staying quiet after that for a bit. "So… tomorrow… we'll head over to Sakura so she can undo the seals on your chakra, and your Sharingan – and hopefully give you your sight back, even if it's just a bit…. Then we'll unseal Kazuki's chakra… and maybe we can get a training group going again to get you back into shape…" she rambled on just thinking allowed. "What do you think about inviting Ko and his lover over for dinner?"
"His lover?" Itachi asked raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah. He's seeing someone." She said not wanting to give too much away.
"Sure… that sounds like a good idea." He replied looking down at her questioningly.
"Mkay, I'll swing by his place tomorrow to see if he can make the arrangements." Sintary said cuddling into Itachi.
Itachi lied awake as Sintary drifted into a deep sleep. He gently stroked her arm as he kept her close to him.
Today had certainly been different, he thought.
Today he had been publicly pardoned by a village he thought would never forgive him.
Today he had returned to a home he thought he'd never see again.
Today he played with the son he never imagined he'd have.
Today he spent time with the beautiful woman he had always loved.
Today he felt emotions he had buried long ago – amusement and laughter.
Tonight he was curled up with the woman he loved most.
Tomorrow his seals would be lifted.
Tomorrow his eyesight would hopefully be restored.
Tomorrow he would train with shinobi whom fought against him.
Tomorrow he would give his son the gift of chakra.
Tomorrow, he knew, would be better than yesterday, and that yesterday would just be a distant memory.
"Hold still," the pinkette murmured as she placed her hands on the sides of Itachi's head.
Reversing the effects of the Mangekyo Sharingan would be one of her greatest accomplishments. No one before her had ever been able to work on someone of this ocular power let alone actually be able to have a solution to its degeneration.
Sakura closed her eyes and just focused on her chakra connecting with his. She tried to let her chakra flow with his to see the difference between the phases of the Sharingan. They practiced this exercise for a while until Sakura finally saw the problem.
"Close your eyes. You're going to go blind for a minute or two, but I promise, it'll go back on." Sakura told him very carefully.
Itachi obediently closed his eyes and tried to relax as he felt her chakra mingling with his own. He felt his chakra fight against Sakura's as she tried to work, and he tried to control its defense. The Sharingan user felt his headache start to come on as it usually did with use of his ocular bloodline. As it came on, he slowly felt it ebb away. The pressure in his head was gone a couple of, what he believed, minutes. He could think with an actual clear head now. Along with that pain gone, Itachi felt the tension in his neck and shoulders slowly lift as well.
Sakura slowly pulled her hands away from the man's temples, and let out a deep breath. It had been tedious work, but her perfect chakra control had made it much easier.
"It seemed that there had been some chakra build up around your eyes which caused your immune system to attack it, thus attacking your eyes," Sakura tried to explain.
"So because the Mangekyo requires more chakra, it creates more build up which just makes my eyes worse," Itachi pieced together
"Yes, that is what I believe is going on." She told him. "So once the buildup is removed, I can stop further – current – damage from being done at the moment, and then heal the damage that has already occurred."
"But this isn't a permanent fix…. I will need to have this done to keep using the Sharingan…" Itachi quietly once again finished her thoughts.
The pinkette nodded. "Yes. It's just the nature of the beast."
"I understand, Sakura," Itachi told her honestly. "I appreciate the time you've put into this – and helping me."
Sakura nodded gently at that. "I do my best for my patients."
The sharp shinobi caught the all too formal tone and her implied message. After all she knew and had witness, she still couldn't allow herself to open up to him. He understood, he really did, but somewhere deep inside, he wished it hadn't needed to be this way – but that was unrealistic anyway.
"I am going to be gone for a long while. Is this something Sintary can learn to do?" Itachi asked as they were heading out.
"Actually, I'm going to be joining you." Sakura told him.
"Oh really?" The raven haired shinobi asked watching her.
"Considering Sintary's half way through her pregnancy, the uncertainty in your own health, and then the fact that someone has to monitor Sasuke's mental health…. Tsunade-Shishou is employing me to go with you guys."
"Is the rest of Team Seven going then?" Itachi inquired.
"No," Sakura told him. "With the threat of the Akatsuki, she can't allow Naruto out of the village's borders for extended periods of time. I'm sure he'll visit once we're in Suna, but until then, it's too risky. Kakashi-sensei and Sai will then stay here to ensure Naruto's safety."
Itachi nodded as they walked to the waiting room. "I suppose he's upset."
"Naruto? Yeah. He's not too happy, but he understands in his own way," Sakura stated quietly.
The raven haired shinobi nodded as he was joined by his lovely girlfriend.
"Sakura's joining us on our trip." He commented to her.
"Oh really? That'll be so nice." Sintary said smiling. "I'm assuming everything went well then?"
The medic nodded. "Yep. We'll be good to head out tomorrow."
"Awesome. We're actually going to set up a training session for Itachi and Sasuke later today. I know Naruto and Kakashi will be there, but I was wondering if you'd be able to get the time off to come join us?" Sintary offered.
"I'll have to see. Honestly, it depends when Shizune can come and take over for me." Sakura told them. "Hopefully, I'll be able to join. I think it would be an interesting experience."
The raven haired couple nodded. "Okay, hopefully we'll see you there. Thank you again," they said and left.
Sintary smiled shaking her head softly. She remembered the two of them had headed back to the house to relieve Sasuke of his babysitting duties. Once at the house, the couple removed Kazuki's chakra seal, and their son could finally feel his own chakra.
As a mother, the wonderment on her son's face had been heartwarming. Kazuki certainly had Itachi's curiosity.
The family then went to the training grounds where Sintary and Kazuki sat a safe distance away and watched the battles take place. It would be their son's first time actually watching a spare take place. He would be getting a feel of what shinobi could do – what he was capable off.
When it got later in the day, Sintary had left to see what Kokuro was up to, and if he and his plus one would like to stop by for dinner.
She went to his apartment first.
She hadn't thought he'd even been there.
She certainly hadn't anticipated him having company.
Sintary could only blush as she remembered what she had saw that day.
Sintary had done a quick jutsu and appeared inside her friend's apartment. An initial search of the immediate area showed the Kokuro wasn't there.
But then she heard scuffling coming from the bedroom.
Curiosity got the better of her as she headed to the door.
She sensed Kokuro's chakra immediately – her own almost calling out to his.
Without thinking, Sintary opened the door –
-and her blue eyes grew as big as saucers, and her face turned a deep crimson.
Before her was a scene she wished she could erase from her memory forever.
Her best friend was laying on his back in his own bed…. And on top of him was his boyfriend – Kiba Inuzuka. Kokuro had his shirt off and had clearly been working on getting Kiba's off while the latter had been nipping at the former's neck.
Both of them now locked eyes with her and were frozen in their spots.
Sintary didn't know what to say – in pure mortification upon walking in on them. It got worse the more she stood there as her heart pounded in her chest.
"So—um—I'mhostingdinnerifyouguyswanttoswingby—'kaybye!" She slurred together and immediately poofed out of there in a cloud of smoke, leaving the door open where she stood.
They had actually shown up at dinner later that day – and it was extremely awkward.
Not only because Sintary had walked in on them, but because this was the first time Itachi was meeting Kiba, and Kiba meeting Itachi.
Sintary had been preparing for dinner leaving Itachi to play with Kazuki a bit more after training all day. It had also left Itachi to be the one who opened the door when there was a knock.
The traditional Uchiha opened the door expecting Kokuro with a woman of his standards – but his best friend was always on the opposite of traditional it seemed.
So when Itachi saw the Hana Inuzuka's little brother behind his best friend, he was caught off guard.
But from what he saw, so was the younger male as well. He apparently hadn't expected to see the Uchiha standing there so relaxed.
"Hey, Itachi," Kokuro said trying to ease the awkwardness. "So, Sintary invited us to dinner tonight." He ran a hand through his short white hair.
"Ah… she did…" Itachi said before unceremoniously letting them inside and saying no more.
"Uncle Ko!" Kazuki exclaimed seeing him enter and running over.
"Hey, kiddo," his god-father replied and immediately picked him up.
After a minute of hugging, the younger boy turned to the new person.
"Uncle Ko, who's that?" Kazuki asked looking the dog loving shinobi over.
"This, is Kiba Inuzuka. He's, uh, a very good friend." Kokuro tried to explain.
"Why hasn't mommy talked about him?" The innocent boy asked.
"Well…." The white haired man started rubbing the back of his head.
"Because Kiba," Sintary said coming over, "is Uncle Ko's secret friend. Not many people know they're together, but you can rest assure that Kiba and Uncle Ko have a very special bond."
Kazuki reached out for his mother who immediately took him.
"So, you couldn't say anything because it was a secret?" The young boy reiterated.
"Yes. I made a promise not to say anything, and you know how important promises are." Sintary told her son.
"Oh yeah," he replied enthusiastically. "Promises are really important."
His mother nodded. "That's right. You know what else is really important?"
"What?" Kazuki asked clearly anxious about learning something.
"Dinner!" Sintary exclaimed. "Now go wash your hands and meet us at the table."
"Okay!" The boy said and after being put down, ran off to the bathroom.
The hostess turned to her other guests and tried to make it less awkward for them all.
"Well, why don't you guys come in and talk." She suggested.
"Um… yeah, sure," Kokuro replied still feeling the awkwardness. "Hey Sin, can I talk to you."
Sintary looked back at him. "Yeah sure," she said and headed to her room before closing the door after him. "What's up?" She asked him.
"Okay, when you invited us to dinner, I only came with Kiba because I didn't think it could be anymore awkward than this afternoon, but like," Kokuro sighed running both his hands through his hair. "It's so awkward. Didn't you… you know, tell him about us?"
Sintary rose an eyebrow looking at her friend. "You told me all those years ago not to tell him." She reiterated. "So no, I didn't. I wanted this to be your chance to tell him yourself."
"But like, how do we undo this awkwardness?" He asked his best friend.
"Ko, we're your family, and I know you're in love with Kiba." Sintary said. "Therefore, he's considered family too. Just tell him to be himself and you do the same, okay? It'll work out."
The dinner had gone on to be a success like Sintary had thought it would. Kiba had still been a bit weary of Itachi, but she had learned out from Kokuro later on that Itachi had warned Kiba what would happen if he broke Kokuro's heart. It had been something along the lines of Itachi stuffing Kiba into the deepest corners of his mind and being tormented for the rest of eternity.
The message had been received loud and clear. Kiba had treated Kokuro everyday like a king thus far.
Sintary shook her head gently. She shouldn't be so nostalgic. She had just seen Kokuro a couple weeks ago when he, Kakashi, Naruto and Sai had come to take Sasuke back home from the Sand Village.
Apparently, a lot had happened on Kokuro's end. He had recounted some major events – in much detail she must add. He seemed to be more confident, more self-assured than he had been when she left him a year ago. He was also very open about his relationship with Kiba.
One moment, he told her, had changed it all for the couple:
A few months had passed since Itachi's and Sasuke's trial. Kokuro had nearly collapsed under the stress of his own part in his companion's release. Those words, "Itachi Uchiha you are a free man," still rattled through his mind wildly. He could hardly believe what he was hearing. It almost didn't seem real at the time that he was hearing it. Then, Sasuke was pardoned, and Kokuro felt as if the world had faded off into some other place his worries were abated, and now his best friend and 'Adoptive' little brother were free men.
Kokuro had had to wait nearly a year to see his family again.
Those couple days he had with them in Suna were ones of joy and then ending in sorrow.
He had time to sit down with Sintary and the new addition to family and tell her everything that had happened after he had gotten home from a mission:
Kokuro flitted through the trees, heading towards his destination. Then he was falling, well he was tackled mid-flight; his grip at ease and his smile large as his hazel eyes looked into pools of dark brown.
Kokuro landed with his assailant and then briskly swung his arms around his neck. "Kiba you reckless ass." Kokuro's lips claimed his lovers and the pair settled against a tree. "I told you jumping out, and tackling me was bad idea."
"I know, I know," droned the burnet, "but I missed you and I caught your scent."
"I missed you too," whispered Kokuro as he kissed Kiba again, deeper.
Crackling leaves were all the warning that the pair received before both of them were tackled by a wall of fur. A wet tongue streaking its way across their faces as the pair laughed and groaned. Two-hundred fifty pounds of Inuzuka ninja hound pinned them to the ground barking happily and licking all exposed facial features.
"Gah down boy, down," laughed Kiba trying to assert a commanding tone in his voice and failing.
Kokuro laughed and suffered another barrage of licks, "Yes boy, Yes, I missed you too Akamaru."
The two-shinobi laughed and played with the ninja hound, settling into the autumn evening. The air crisp and cold. Auburn and lavender lazily swirled in the sky as the two reclined into one another at the base of a large oak.
Kiba wrapped his arms around Kokuro's waist and gently hummed into the back of his neck. The white-haired man gently leaned back his left-hand resting on his lover's, his right effervescently caressing Kiba's wild brown locks. The two sat for a moment taking in the light, finally enjoying a moment of peace and serenity. Kiba sat gently rocking them both, his breath slow and in time with Kokuro's, until his voice finally broke the silence.
"When did you know?"
"When did I know what Kiba?"
"When did you know that you had feelings for me, that you wanted to date me?"
Kokuro thought for a moment then a memory hit him, clear as day, "It was all those years ago at your graduation. You were handsome and headstrong, even more so now." The pair laughed slightly. "But you just were confident, eyes bright with youth and a compassion."
"Now you're just being a big flirt," teased Kiba as he playfully squeezed Kokuro's chest.
"No I am serious."
Kiba smiled and took Kokuro's jaw lightly in one hand. Lifting it slightly they kissed, shutting out the world and all other distractions, they kissed. Their tongues danced, and their warmth bloomed in the setting autumn sun.
Kiba broke away, "Hey let's go back to my place, it's kinda getting chilly."
Kokuro nodded and took Kiba's hand as they walked back to the village together, Akamaru happily at their side. Walking through the streets, the pair noticed that there were people about. Kiba went to pull his hand away, but Kokuro held fast. "No more hiding, I love you, Kiba Inuzuka I love you." In the middle of the street in front of everyone walking by the pair kissed.
Kiba was, at first, taken aback, but then he deepened the kiss caring not for anyone but Kokuro. People in the crowd began to whisper, but neither shinobi cared. The two-broke apart and Kiba looked at Kokuro who was as red faced as he was. Leaning in he whispered, "My place…now."
The pair locked hands and were gone in a flash landing on Kiba's window sill. The dark-haired shinobi pushed open the lock and sent them both tumbling on to his bed with a light thud. Kiba and Kokuro laughed lightly as Kiba sat, straddling Kokuro on the bed.
"So, sleepover?"
Such and innocent question, but no innocent qualities were left in its display, none of which were lost to Kokuro. The white-haired shinobi replied with a smirk, "should we check with your mother before—"
"Don't you dare," hissed Kiba, the not-so subtle hint of longing in his eye.
Persuasive fingers trailed a path cross the waistband of Kokuro's pants, edging their way forward until they rested on the bones of his sharp pelvis. "I want to finally be with you," Kiba blushed with a surreptitious smirk, his eyes nervous, yet yearning.
"…Oh yeah?"
Kiba nodded.
Kokuro feigned indifference, but then pulled Kiba close by his belt loops. The pair kissed and Kiba's hands mussed with Ko's hair, but Kokuro's hands slid down into the back pockets of Kiba's pants. Gently, but with light pressure, urging the brunet against him.
My boyfriend has a hard on.
"Yeah," rasped Kokuro, his grip pulling Kiba close to him, "I am ready for a sleepover."
Kiba kissed at him all eager hands and hungry mouth, tasting every inch of his lover's neck, eliciting deep moans with the grazing of edged canine teeth. Kokuro's scarf was the first thing to go, followed quickly by Kiba's leather jacket. Both landing with muted thuds on the wooden floor. Kiba restlessly pulled up Kokuro's shirt and froze. His sex addled brain trying to focus. The sight of his boyfriend's frame turning him on so much, he could barely think straight.
Kokuro ran his hands up the younger man's chest under his mesh protective T-shirt. Gently raking his nails over Kiba's abs, eliciting an intoxicating groan. Taking Kiba's hand Kokuro put it between them and ran it slowly over strained denim. Both men closed their eyes in a small exhale. Kiba's teeth bit into his lip as he gently rubbed the strained area. Kokuro hissed and pulled the mesh shirt off the younger man, leaving them both shirtless.
There were things life as a shinobi trained you for, being ready to sacrifice your life, martial combat, how to handle pain, but your boyfriend pressing your hand to his boner was definitely not on that list thought Kiba as he ground himself into the hand generously.
The pair kissed and Kiba, with fumbling hands, tried to work open his fly. Teeth clicking and desperate hands roamed.
Then they froze.
They had both heard the sound. The sound of someone awake in the house hold. Possibly more than one person.
"Kiba…I—"
"Shh, Okay, I've got this." Kiba said nodding to himself. "Just don't go anywhere."
The young Inuzuka quickly stepped up and moved towards his desk. Pulling out a record he set it lightly on the turntable, and placed the needle. The smooth crackle of static gave way to flowing sounds of suave, and sultry music. Kiba smirked to himself, always priding himself on his extensive old vinyl collection.
Kokuro sat back on the bed, the place of their first date and many share kisses. For all those years. This room witness to them both as they grew from gangly awkward limbs into young men, finally happy in their own skin—and maybe even mentally, too.
Kiba shifted and placed a chair under the locked door handle just for an added extra precaution. Kokuro wanted to speak, but when Kiba turned back to him with a sheepish grin, he gave him a warm and inviting smile. Music played indistinctly though the speakers, loud enough to afford them privacy and seclusion, but hopefully not enough to wake the neighbors.
"It'll do," said Kiba anxiously glancing at the chair wedged under his door, "It is going to have to do."
The words gave way streams of unhurried kissed; the brunet slowly lowering Kokuro down against the mattress. Breathless, Kokuro's legs hung off he bed; shoes discarded, his bare feet skimmed the carpet as Kiba joined him, pressing on the man beneath him. Passions were escalating, the noise of the house long forgotten, a simmer of worry on the fire of moment. Hunger was prevalent in the actions of both men; the restless way their bodies moved, stocking the fires in the pits of their stomachs. Wrapped in each other's affections moments passed slowly, their bodies a mess of shifting limbs as warm mouths and wandering hands claimed their prizes.
Up until now, their affection were, well not abated, not timid, but cautious, but time had shaped them and wore away the fear.
Kiba ground his hips lightly onto Kokuro pulling a deep, almost silent growl from the silver-haired man. His hands resting gently on the older man's stomach. Kokuro reached out to touch him, but his hands were playfully swatted away. Deft and nervous fingers made short work of the button fastening Kokuro's trousers before they froze, resting timidly just shy of his fly.
A nervous smile. An upward glance. A raised brow. Even now there was caution, asking instead of taking what, deep and down burningly needn't be halted anymore.
"Yeah…" Kokuro whispered nodding slightly, gently stroking Kiba's side. This was definitely totally okay.
Shifting slightly, raised hips aided impatient hands as they tugged and pulled away at, unwanted denim. With some shuffling, shifting and a few stolen kisses, Kokuro was sitting on the edge of the bed with his jeans pooled around his ankles. Tight mesh boxers doing little to disguised his aching cock. Kiba softly laughed and hooked his thumbs under the waistband.
"Now...?" it was a question and a statement all in one from Kiba's lips.
Kokuro nodded and soon more material was bunched around his feet. Cool air bit into hot exposed skin and he moaned deeply. Kiba gave him a lascivious look before wetting his palm with his tongue. A moment later, Kokuro closed his eyes and tilted back towards the ceiling, biting back curses as Kiba stroked him slowly.
The younger male smirked at this and then steadied himself on Kokuro's thighs. He opened his mouth and took the elder without hesitation. Kokuro swore and exhaled sharply, collapsing back into the bed.
Kiba liked seeing his lover like this, rather than his normal tense demeanor, he was unhinged and all emotion splayed before him. Every flick of the tongue, every twist of a lip evoked a delicious response from the man he loved.
Kokuro looked down at him leaning slightly to see Kiba's face. He was kneeling between his legs, eyes half-lidded in quiet concentration. The silverite's brow creased as he exhaled through pursed lips. The creases of the wood pressing small patterns into his lover's knees.
"Nn…Y-you look s-so hot right n-now," Kokuro murmured, trailing fingers though short brown hair.
The compliment did not go unnoticed. Kiba hummed in acknowledgement and then agonizingly slowly, he took Kokuro deeper into his mouth, where the tip of his nose brushed against a small patch of hair at the base of Kokuro's cock.
Kokuro cursed and collapsed back into the bed.
Where the fuck did he learn to do this. Fucking Kami. Holy shit.
A flash of dark and hungry eyes caught the soft exclamation of pleasure before closing again. If Kiba could have smirked, he would have. He worked Kokuro with his mouth and his hands, eliciting all manner of stifled desperate moans and cries. Right now, this was all about Kokuro, and that is just what he wanted. He wanted to give him something after all the chaos, give him something after all the madness. Okay, maybe this was for himself as well, he definitely couldn't say he wasn't getting off on it. Far from it. He took a moment to ease his movements, make them slow and deliberate, savoring in every whine, moan, or chocked back cry Kokuro made. Kiba felt himself strain against his own denim and ached at every outburst.
"K-Kiba…" the cry was muted and soft but the tightening of Kokuro's grip made it clear.
Kiba release the silverite with what should be considered illegally lewd pop. His smile loving, hungry, and nervous all in one glance. He stood and quickly stole a kiss before tearing off his own pants and underwear in a desperate fashion.
Kiba stood before Kokuro, his olive tanned skin flushed and red. A nervous smile played on his lips as he was looked upon.
Kokuro took in every inch of him.
The way that his frame was lithe yet had muscular definition, the small scars from more dangerous endeavors. His face nervous, yet burning with desire and a newfound confidence, his eyes wide under his lover's scrutiny. Shifting his gaze lower Kokuro could see his shaped chest and abs; legs and thighs all taught muscle. Just the perfect amount of dark hair drifting from his navel to his, very, erect cock. Kiba's cock stood tall against his frame curving slightly, and flushed at the tip.
"Kiba," rasped Kokuro, pulling his lover to his attention, "You are so fucking hot."
Kiba's mind raced at the compliment, "He wanted him, Kokuro wanted him. It was that simple."
The brunet walked up to the side of the bed and then straddled Kokuro's knees as he claimed his lips. Kiba's hand found them both and gripped them gently as he stroked them; Kokuro moaning into his mouth, and Kiba finding that he was doing the same. The pair shifted and Kiba found himself under Kokuro, his legs spreading as he thrust upwards, trying to coax any little desired friction.
For a moment, he had second thoughts, inexperience getting the better of him. His eyes met Kokuro's and found them soft and kind. In hindsight, he probably should have breached the topic, but the time for that had passed. This was his best friend, his boyfriend, if anyone could understand it would be him.
"I thought…" Kiba mewled, trailing off breathlessly, "…We don't have to. Just…if you…if you want to?"
Kokuro shifted slightly, and then kissed Kiba lightly on the forehead, "Do you want to?"
Kiba nodded and then kissed and Kokuro's collar, sucking on it leaving a deep purple bruise against the pale skin. Kokuro moaned and ground himself into the space between Kiba's legs, eliciting a sharp gasp. Kokuro returned his focus to Kiba's face, fingers trailing lucidly along his collar and shoulders.
"…How…how do you wanna…?"
Kiba's mined raced, and visibly his pulse quickened. In his mind, many times, he'd thought about the numerous, no countless possibilities and variations that this could play out. Then it hit him, simplicity like light. Kiba knew what he wanted.
"…I want…to see your face," Kiba breathed.
"Alright, um…do you have anything…I don't want it to hurt."
Kiba nodded wordlessly and gestured to a drawer on his nightstand. Kokuro leaned forward and opened the drawer. Inside, there was a small half used bottle of oil. Kokuro chuckled quietly to himself. Kiba, I can see you have been busy. Sorry to have not noticed this. Kokuro returned to Kiba, settling in the welcome space between his legs. A plastic cap clicked open, then fell away. Landing somewhere without the slightest sound. Careful fingers cool and slick, prompted a sharp gasp from the brunet as his back arched instinctually.
"Kami…" Kiba rasped, his voice cracking under the new sensation, "that shit is cold."
Kokuro smirked and looked down at his lover. Man, he looked pretty like this. How had I not known before. His face flushed, yet it still held his confidence. His skin splotchy with a rouge of arousal, his breath shallow, and hitching with each new tantalizing sensation. His hair tousled and askew, lips lightly parted, and eyes heavy lidded. He was perfect.
…And all mine.
Kokuro nestled in the space between Kiba's legs, anticipation burning through them both. He steadied himself, and gathered up the brunet's legs, lifting and spreading them ever slightly. Their weight warm and solid against his shoulders. The pair locked eyes.
"Say it."
Two simple words, but a powerful question and command all in one.
Kiba swallowed, "I want you."
Weigh shifted and Kiba gasped it hurt, but not in a bad way. Kokuro slowly, painfully slowly pushing in, the slow burn of being stretched swelled. Kiba cried out and then bit his own lip to mute himself. His voice sharp and dappled with unabated pleasure.
The set playlist of songs on the record stood little to no chance of masking the groans that came from the first movements of Kokuro's hips. Buried deep Kokuro began to shift faster, pushing deeper until finally the burnet had bottomed out. Kiba's mouth hung open in gasps of pleasure, his breath short and ragged. His lips found Kokuro's of their own accord and his eyes closed.
Thick strong thighs gripped Kokuro's sides, and Kiba's heels dug into Kokuro's ass egging him to move faster. Kokuro responded in turn by snapping his hip; slamming them faster and harder against the younger man. Kiba's normal eyes shifted, from his normal smirk and confidence to something raw and unfiltered. Possessive hands pulled Kiba close enough to have his aching cock grind against Kokuro's stomach.
Carnal moans escaped Kiba as he arched into the friction, pressing against Ko's cock. Kokuro shifted his hips and thrusted, Kiba's eyes widened as Kokuro hit a spark inside him.
"Kami fuck…oh fuck, yes, there, Kami fucking yes," howled Kiba.
That was loud. Definitely too loud, but that didn't stop Kokuro from doing it over and over again. Kokuro silently hoped that their neighbors wouldn't mind if they could hear through the walls. Kokuro leaned into Kiba's neck as the younger man bit his sharp nails into his back.
Kiba dragged his hands down Kokuro's back, leaving long red-scratched veins cross-hatching his pale skin. Kokuro bit into Kiba's neck, and the young man choked back a scream of pure desire.
"Nnh…Shhh…" Kokuro hissed feebly against Kiba's neck. The protest was unconvincing and weak, and thus swiftly ignored.
Kokuro found his own mouth making soundless shapes, and animalistic grunts against Kiba's neck. Gritting and harsh as he pushed more forcefully into tight virginal heat.
Kokuro thought perhaps it was a bit unfair for him to shush and fuck Kiba, sending out mixed signals for sure. Sure, it wasn't helping their predicament, but neither man was going to stop any time soon.
Kiba was being way too loud, they both were. But, then neither of them gave a damn.
Kiba's breath was hot and ragged against Kokuro's palm as he tried to quiet him, but sound still managed to escape from them both, primal and wanderlust. For master of the art of stealth, both of them sucked at it in this moment. Kokuro upped his pace and Kiba mumbled incoherent curses and slurs of desire. Kiba was lost, he could barely string a sentence together.
Their voices peaked at the new height, and the bed creaked and groaned in protest.
"Hohfuck…fuh…shit," Kiba panted.
Kokuro needed to slow…slow down…or…
A firm hand found Kiba's agonizing cock, it's head swollen and spilling rivulets of pre-cum. Kokuro stroked him slowly, then building to his own frantic rhythm. The pair gave in, letting themselves be taken by desire and their cries unadulterated.
Too loud. Fuck, this was all…this was… shit…way too…
Kokuro moved to shush Kiba again, but then blatantly realized that the burnet's face was buried in the crook of his arm. He was the one that was making those carnal gasps. It was in that moment that he came to the liberating decision that he officially didn't give a flying fuck anymore.
Arms buckling, they did little to act as support, as Ko leaned his weight into Kiba. The touch, the breath, the weight, the thrusting, it proved too much and Kiba felt as the fire pooled deep in his stomach. It spread though him like white light, and then he screamed. Warm jets of cum spilled out over his and Kokuro's chest splattering their lithe frames, as his climax ripped through him, darkening his vision.
My boyf…my boyfriend…is…is cu—
There was nothing Kokuro could do to convince himself to hold out any longer, not with Kiba digging his nails into his back, shouting his name, his body tightening around him as he shot rope after rope of hot cum. Kokuro managed a few more desperate thrusts before he succumbed to his own bliss, ignorant of his own ragged moan as he felt white hot pleasure course through him like fire.
Silence.
Static.
The distant sound of record buzz disquiet against the fog of labored breath and fast pulses. The pair took in the moment. Feeling the rise and fall of one another's chests, dusting the other in a cluster of airy kisses.
Kokuro shifted to his side, pulling the comforter over them both as he spooned against the panting Inuzuka.
"You okay?" asked the silverite as he gently stroked Kiba's chest, and kissed his neck.
"I think we…we definitely ruined…" Kiba trailed off into indistinct mumbling, muffled by blanket and pillow.
"You sure you're okay?"
"Yeah, m'just…mmm…" mumbled Kiba as he turned and snuggled against Kokuro's chest.
Kokuro smiled and hugged him close, "C'mere ya big softie."
Kiba shifted and the pair cuddled in bliss in the soft glow of the light of a full moon. Neither of them wanting the moment to end.
"I love you Kiba," whispered Kokuro.
"I love you to Ko."
Any thought about noise, or neighbors, or family, or anything beyond the confine of those four walls, beyond the comforter, were forgotten. A gently breeze blew in from the open window and soon the pair found themselves fading off into sleep, soft snoring sounding, content in the arms of the other, their weight reassuring the other, nothing else mattered.
Kokuro had also told her on the morning after where Tsume had woken the two of them up at four in the morning and worked them to the bone.
In just their boxers.
For every day after that until they finally admitted to her that they were in love.
Sintary had laughed at that because that definitely sounded like the "take no prisoners" Inuzuka woman.
But she had forced Kiba and Kokuro to be more confident in their relationship. She had built them up when she could have very easily torn them apart.
Sintary smiled more as she saw Itachi slowly open his onyx eyes.
"Hey you," he said quietly tiredly smirking at her.
"Hey." She whispered.
"How's she doing?"
"Who? Meisa? She's doing great actually." Sintary told him gently,
Itachi slowly got out of bed. He was gorgeous in the morning – or any time of day for that matter. The sun glistening down, highlighting all his best features. It was incredible what the light could do… what he could do.
Sintary's heart swelled in her chest.
He was the love of her life, and she was his.
Just as he was her fiancé and she was his.
He was the father to their two beautiful children, and she was their mother.
Itachi was on his way over to her when there was a knock at the door. He paused looking at her questioningly before heading over to it.
When he opened the door, he was met with someone from the near past.
His partner.
Kisame Hoshgaki.
"Hello, Itachi." The tall, shark man said looking down on his partner.
"What are you doing here, Kisame?" He asked.
"I've come to warn you all." The blue-skinned man said beating around the bush.
"What is going on?" Itachi asked trying to get answers.
"Oh not much."
"Dammit, Kisame. What is coming?" Itachi demanded as his Mangekyo Sharingan activated with his rage.
"Showing emotions now? Makes you even more scary I think," Kisame said trying to lighten the mood.
"Tell me what is coming. Now."
Beady little eyes dared to meet the feared Sharingan.
"It's not a what, Itachi, it's a who."
The raven haired shinobi tried to pick apart the puzzle his partner was putting forth.
"It's Pein, Itachi," Kisame told him after a few agonizing second. "He's going after Konoha, and coming for you."
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