Disclaimer: Only Kishimoto owns Naruto/Naruto Shippuden. Last time I checked, my name wasn't that.

Dedication: To my beautiful, amazing, intelligent, girlfriend Phillipa (Shadow Spirit Dragon-wolf) for being there for me through not only my writing (both fanfiction and my original story) but real life in general. You have been my inspiration and my support through everything.

Warnings: the usual, weirdness, m-pregnancy, violence, suicidal attempts, explicit sexual content, and just the overall weirdness.

Pairings: ObiRin, SakuOro, KakaIta, and various other canon pairings.

Summary: So often bird's wings are clipped before they learn to fly, but when wings are healed they will not only flutter but soar through the sky.

Enjoy! :)

Chapter Six: Flared

Itachi

"Come on; Itachi. Orochimaru is expecting us for dinner."

"Just a moment, Mom. Sasuke needs a diaper change," I say as I proceed to change my crying one month old brother's diaper.

He only lets me hold him. Unless he's hungry that's the only time Mom can hold him. And even then it's only just until his tiny belly gets full.

"Is that better, Sasuke?" I ask after putting some fresh clothes on and picking him up.'

He claps.

I smile, grabbing his bag and head into the kitchen where Mom is gathering some food we had prepared earlier that day.

"Good. You're ready." she says, turning around once she's gathered everything.

I nod. And we head out.

The whole way, Sasuke smiles and points to birds. "Your father and I are most impressed with your performance in the academy, Itachi. You'll graduate in no time."

"I'm doing my best."

"Yes. It's all you really can do."

We walk in silence. Honestly, I find idle chit chat to be dull. I look around as we walk through the village. So many clans. What do they mean? Why did these clans, who once were enemies, assemble here instead of another village? Why do we have to fight? If only…

"I'm being put on Lord Fourth's team, so we can't play too much, Itachi. Sorry," Shisui says, poking me in the forehead.

I blink. "But doesn't it have all its members?"

"Oh, right., You don't know. Obito was nearly killed by a boulder."

"How awful."

"Yeah, he should be dead. Apparently, he slipped through the earth."

"Interesting."

"Yeah, the clan is having a fit about his sharingan. He gave his left to Kakashi Hatake."

"Father would be upset…"

"Apparently not."

"Father has been acting… nice."

"You should ask him to let you see Obito."

"He'd want me to earn it."

Shisui laughs, patting me on the back. "Well, get busy with that."

And I did. I trained day in and day out. I made sure that my grades were kept up. When the time came where I was able to ask for what I wanted, this was it.

Mom arranged for us to go to Orochimaru's, the man inviting us for dinner. Sakumo, Rin, Shisui, and Kakashi are supposed to be there. I can't help but be excited.

Sasuke points to a hawk circling the sky.

When we arrive, we're lead to a room down a flight of stairs by Kakashi, who takes our food and sets it in the kitchen.

My eyes widen as I watch a bandaged Obito try and punch Orochimaru with his left hand. The Sannin grabs the boy's arm, twisting it, and pinning him to the ground. Knee jabbing between his shoulder blades.

Obito growls.

"I told him. He never learns," Kakashi sighs, crossing his arms.

"S-shut up, Kakashi!" my cousin pants, sweat covering his face. "I have to train!"

"Yes, but this hard?" Shisui asks. "Oh, hi, Mikoto, Itachi, Sasuke!"

Sasuke turns his nose up, pouting.

"Now Sasuke, what have I told you about being nice?" I say gently, rocking him.

He giggles.

Suddenly, Sasuke's face becomes wet. He blinks.

I look to see the Snake Sannin's tongue returning to his mouth. He smirks.

"That still is so weird," Obito says as Orochimaru gets up, helping him get up.

"Lovely is very weird," Sakumo chuckles, coming in with some drinks.

"Father, when do you want me to prepare dinner? Miss. Mikoto brought some food."

"Mikoto is fine, dear."

"I suppose whenever you wish."

"I'd like to help." I say.

"You like cooking?" Kakashi asks.

"Itachi is a great cook," Shisui says. "I make bark stew compared to him."

"Hm. I heard bark stew was good for healing the soul. But Rin would know more about that."

Rin laughs as we walk over to Obito, healing him and helping him into the bed. "Mom should."

"You're from the Nohara clan, aren't you?" Mom asks.

"yes ma'am."

"They specialize in field surgery," I say.

Rin smiles. "That's right. Many people don't know that."

"Itachi is quite bright. Lord Fourth believes if he keeps this up he'll graduate in no time," Mom beams.

Obito looks away.

I walk over to my cousin. The stories I've heard about him… apparently, he's stupid. Father used to say that. Well, until recently.

"You're not stupid. You see things that our clan is too blind to see."

"Itachi." Mom says.

I look over my shoulder at her. She knows I'm right. I turn to Obito again only to see Sasuke reaching down for him.

"Seems Sasuke likes you, Obito. He doesn't like being held by just anyone."

"Yes. He gets mad when even Father holds him. So you must be special."

"Me? But I'm…"

"A Hootie."

"What?" Shisui laughs.

"Orochimaru has the ability to taste chakra, much like a snake can taste its surroundings. He associates chakra with different types of plants or animals. Seems Obito is an owl."

"Lovely smelled Obito out before either I or Byakuya did."

"That's amazing." Shisui says.

"You're from the Yashagoro clan then?"

"You sure have done your research. They don't talk about my clan in the academy."

"Well they should! I'd be dead if it weren't for you!" Obito exclaims.

"And me!"

"Shut up, Swirly!"

"So mean! And here I was gonna let you wear my body to kick the snake's ass." the creature called 'Swirly' pouts, sitting on the edge of the bed.

"Don't get too excited, Tobi."

Mom looks over at Kushina. "You've gotten big! I bet you're excited!"

"Sure am! Minato is too, you know!"

I gently give Sasuke to Obito.

Obito shakily holds him. Sasuke giggles, pointing to his missing eye.

Obito blushes, covering it up. "Kakashi has it…"

"I told you I'd-"

He shakes his head. "No, Kakashi. I told you it was a gift."

"I know, but…"

I get on the bed, helping Obito support my baby brother.

Obito looks down at him. He reaches up shakily, poking him in the forehead.

Sasuke giggles.

"I just love babies," Orochimaru sighs dreamily.

"You should get a wife, Mr. Orochimaru," Rin says.

Sakumo chuckles.

Obito and Rin look at him, confused.

"Lovely has no interest in women."

"I thought he has none in humans," Kushina smirks.

"Hm. Perhaps he'll find a way to lay eggs like his snakes?" Mikoto grins.

"I will eat all of you."

"Now, now. No need to be rude to the guests."

"Is it always like this?" I ask.

"Pretty much," Obito laughs. He pokes Sasuke again then stares at Rin talking to the two mothers in the room.

"Itachi, do you want to help me cook?" Kakashi asks.

"Sure. I'll have to take Sasuke with us."

I try to get Sasuke, but he starts crying.

"Sasuke?"

He points to Obito, gripping his shirt.

"Mom?"

"I'll help if need be, Itachi."

I nod and head upstairs.

Kakashi

Itachi start preparing dinner. We put out what he and his mom prepared then I get to work on the fish I had caught earlier today. Itachi working on making bread rolls.

"How old are you now?" I ask.

"Five."

"Do they think you'll graduate this year?"

"Possibly next year. So I'm not as cool as you are."

I blush under my mask. "I'm not as cool as people think I am. If I were then…"

"Obito doesn't see it that way."

I sigh, seasoning the fish. "Unfortunately. He and Father do too much for people."

Itachi sets the oven. "isn't that what being a shinobi means? We protect our comrades? Our village?"

I turn my head, watching as he puts the bread in after the oven is ready. "you're not like other Uchiha."

"no, but neither is Obito."

"True, but…"

"I don't defined myself as an Uchiha."

"Then what do you identify as?"

"I'm Itachi Uchiha of Konoha. The clan doesn't identify me, but I'm still an Uchiha. Like you are Kakashi Hatake, but you are not the Hatake clan. Clans are family units, but we are not the unit itself. The clan isn't the most important thing."

"Oh? Then what is?"

"The village. Protecting it and everyone in it."

"You speak like a Hokage."

Itachi stirs the stew we have heating over the stove. "Perhaps. I just don't understand why I have to limit myself. If I'm to awaken the sharingan one day, then I need to open my eyes to reality. My clan, though important, isn't what is most important. Our feelings and thoughts matter, but my family tends to believe they're the only ones who do."

"Arrogance does that to a person. I should know."

"Yes. It's quite sad."

"I heard your father is changing."

"Father has a lot to learn. He cares about the village, but the clan would come first. I suppose I can't blame him, but I would hate to have to choose between the two." Itachi says, taking the rolls out.

"He's mad that Sensei is Hokage." I say, placing the fish in the oven.

"Mom said he's more upset that the Uchiha never get to be Hokage."

"That's all Obito talks about. That and Rin."

"Obito can be Hokage and marry Rin."

"I believe so too. What does your father think of Obito?"

"Honestly? He thinks he's a fool. But a kindhearted fool with potential just waiting to be realized. Of course, he has his doubts since the incident. What even happened?"

I tell him as we set the table and keep a check on the food.

"Damn."

"I opened my eyes. I shouldn't have taken my anger out on Obito. It's just…"

"You didn't want him to go through what your father did."

"If Orochimaru hadn't…"

Itachi takes the fish out as I get the drinks.

"Are they…?"

"As much as we're over here and Father flirts, they may as well be. Father likes to joke a lot, but when it comes to relationships, he's shy."t

"Then shouldn't Orochimaru make a move?"

"Orochimaru is even worse. He's just now understanding it's not okay to cut up people."

Itachi stiffens. "I see."

"Lord Third set it up where they have to be on missions together and watch each other."

"Seems they balance each other out."

"Like you wouldn't believe."

Orochimaru

Rin and Shisui help Obito to the second level in my house and into the kitchen. The boy has made great progress, but is still much too weak to do real training. Though, he's tried on numerous occasions. That's why I had to clip a Hootie's wings.

We gather at my table. It's a shame Tsunade and Jiraiya aren't here. I nearly let out a sigh.

"Oh wow! Look at all this food!" Obito beams. "Thanks, Kakashi, Itachi!"

"Just don't get choked."

"You're welcome," Itachi says, bouncing Sasuke on his lap.

I lick the baby again.

"Lovely, if you want babies, all you have to do is ask," Sakumo whispers seductively in my ear.

Before I can respond, Kushina grabs the wolf summoner by the ear, forcing him down in the chair. She lets go, pointing a finger at him. "Down, boy!"

Sakumo grins, lopping his tongue out and cocking his head to the side. "But I need a treat!"

"Just give him a bone, Kushina." Mikoto giggles.

"Aww but I want Lovely," he pouts.

"Father, you're such a dork."

"that's why Orochimaru loves me!"

"I love no one but snakes and babies." I tease.

"I love poo!" Swirly exclaims.

"Why are you up here, Swirly? I thought you didn't have to eat."

"Neither do you."

"You don't have to eat?" Itachi asks.

"Nope! Though, I love Kakashi's cooking too much."

"Obito, Mikoto and Itachi cooked some of this too," Rin reminds him.

"Yeah, I know. It's great!" Obito cheers, digging in.

"Just don't get choked," Kushina says, sitting back down.

"I-" he cuts himself off, coughing harshly.

"Obito!" Rin exclaims, jumping up and rushing to aid him.

He gasps, chugging down some water once she's taken care of the problem.

"Easy. Don't push yourself too hard."

"I…"

Rin feels his forehead, keeping her hand there longer than needed. She lets her hand guide down his face. Obito's face heats up.

"You have a fever. Eat up then we'll take a bath."

"T-together?" he squeaks.

"I better not hear anything," Sakumo teases.

Obito burns up even more.

Rin blinks, confused.

I point to the baby who is currently putting mashed potatoes in his brother's hair. "Rated B for baby."

Everyone laughs.

"Only you'd come up with such a rating system, Lovely."

"Indeed."

"I wish Fugaku and Minato could be here."

"What are they even up to?" Obito asks, blush slowly leaving.

"Fugaku is trying to get a day off to see you," Mikoto says.

Obito blinks. "M-me? But-"

"Father doesn't hate you."

"Oh, but…" the little owlet looks down.

Rin titles his head up and stares into his eyes. "Obito, people do care."

"Yeah…"

"Obito…"

He shakily gets up, barely managing to push the chair in. He falls forwards, Rin catching him. "Rin…"

"Stop. Obito, you're in no condition-"

"Can you just help me to the bed? I just… I want to be alone..."

"Obito…"

Everyone exchanges glances.

"Okay, but we're taking a bath."

Obito's blush returns.

Sasuke laughs, pointing at the Uchiha.

"That's rude, baby!" I tease, licking him.

He babbles, grabbing my tongue.

"Now, look what you've done, Lovely. Not even the baby can keep it rated B for baby," Sakumo laughs.

Preview

Obito

Tears well up as I spill my heart out. "I just… i feel so useless! No matter what, no matter how hard I train, study, whatever, I just can't! I used to brag about being an Uchiha, but what's the point when they all hate me?! I thought if I activated my sharingan things would be better. Well, look at me now! I'm in a fucking bed, can barely move without getting exhausted in a house I've barely been to! I barely know you or Orochimaru-sensei, yet you guys are helping me even though your son hates me! The Uchiha all think I'm weak, and have stated they want me dead, so when they found out the boulder didn't kill me, I know they were pissed! I don't understand why Lord Fugaku and Lady Mikoto actually want me around! What good can I do for them? Their sons are already perfect! I bet Sasuke can even change his own diaper now! Itachi already can do more shit than I still can't do! I'm basically a half dead mummy bitch who can't even help the grannies with their groceries anymore! I should be training, but all I do is get lectured and told to "take it easy"! Well, I don't want to! I want to do something, but I can't! I can never do anything!"