A/N: So I know this is WAY overdue. Like seriously. I even like died a little bit on the inside. And now I'm freakin' out that it's not that good..but you can be the judge of that. But again, I'm sorry. It's just been a little rough. But I just want to always remind you that I'll never drop this. I'll just feel too guilty. Plus I'll feel like I failed..
I'll try..typing more often, but honestly I don't have hundred percent guaranteed. Also, to those who PMed me. I'm really really really sorry for not responding. Like why can't I just respond since I'm typing now? But I don't know. I just can't. But Happy New Year..a month later. Sorry I'm kinda spazzing out, it's so late.
I did not proofread..this. I know that sounds really bad, but when I have time I'll try going back. I just wanted to get this out as soon as possible. I'm sorry if this feels oddly placed, choppy, or just weird. It's..still relevant obviously, but I just felt a little out of it. Okay end of rant.
Thank you all..for sticking with me, and having so much patience.
Disclaimer: I do not own anything.
Time had passed since their last meeting with Minato and the others. Kyuubi had felt much better than he did in a long time. He ended up spending more time with Minato, eating dinner with each other. Kyuubi often hung out at the office during the day as well to help. This lead Itachi to feeling a bit lonely, but he didn't say anything. He didn't want to cause any trouble. He occupied his mind by spending time with Sasuke, but at the same time, Sasuke spent a lot of time with Naruto.
Itachi was able to spend all the time he wanted with Sasuke during the day, but he helped with cleaning as well. He found himself missing company. Naruto was first to notice this.
"Hey what's up?" He found Itachi sitting at the kitchen table just staring at food he was eating.
Itachi was startled since he was thinking. He didn't hear Naruto approach.
"Ah, sorry. Didn't mean to scare you." Naruto sat down of the chair next to Itachi.
"It's okay, where's Sasuke?" Itachi asked,
"He's napping." Naruto softly smiled. "Anyways, I've noticed you've been sort of..down lately. You okay?"
Itachi nodded but then paused.
"When is Kurama going to come back..? I mean..he's here..but he's been leaving a lot..and.." Itachi looked at Naruto grinning. "W..what."
"You miss him." Naruto continued to grin. "Don't worry, he'll get tired from it soon. He's just really happy right now that he can't really control it."
"Okay.." Itachi quietly said before looking away.
"Itachi, Sakura's been telling me that you've been working around the house a lot. I knew you were helping, but you need to take a break."
"I'm okay master, I've been doing this all my life and—"
"That's exactly why you need a break. Wouldn't it be nice to just do what you want?"
"But..I already have what I want.." Itachi said softly. "And isn't it bad if I'm not doing anything? I'm content that I have Sasuke with me. You even got a tutor for us..I can't ask for anything more. You've given me and Sasuke a life we've never imagined."
"Itachi, I know you're grateful, but please..it's okay to take a break. I don't want you to think that you have to work like this for the rest of your life. I'm allowing you to have your freedom. I understand that you want to work so you feel justified with the things you've been given, but you've been doing this for so long. Don't you ever wish you could just laze around?"
"I don't know what you mean.." Itachi's ears started to fall. "Do you mean like sleep?"
"Ah..well kinda..I mean like, Sasuke lazes around a lot. Maybe a little too much, but every since he's been playing with you, he's been more active. But I'm just talking about you having fun, or maybe just not doing anything?" Naruto had a hard time explaining what it meant to just be lazy. "I mean, how bout right now? You're sitting here."
"But I was eating." Itachi said softly. "Are you trying to say that..it's okay to just do nothing..?"
"Yes!" Naruto somehow managed to make Itachi understand.
"It doesn't feel right.." Itachi shook his head. "If I just do nothing..I feel like I'm just being useless.."
"What about Sasuke? He's not doing anything, is he useless?" Naruto knew this would almost irritate Itachi.
"Sasuke is different..he's just…" Itachi looked downwards. "He's special, he doesn't need to do anything as long as I take care of it..and why would you say that about Sasuke. I thought you loved him."
"No I do! I'm sorry, I was just trying to get a point across."
"I still don't understand.."
"Itachi, this is an order as your master then. Tomorrow you will not lift a finger working or helping with the chores. Sakura and the others get paid Itachi, unless you want to get paid as well."
"No..! I couldn't accept money from you master!" Itachi quickly shook his head.
"Actually, that's not a bad idea." Naruto started think about giving money to Itachi and Sasuke so they could buy their own things. Maybe Kyuubi would take them shopping while he worked. It'd be good for all three of them.
"Master please.." Itachi started, but he heard footsteps coming down the stairs.
"Naruto..? Aniki..?" A tired Sasuke came down to the kitchen while rubbing his eyes.
"Did you sleep well Sasuke?" Naruto asked.
Sasuke nodded while he yawned. He sat down at the nearest chair.
"W..what are you talking about..?" Sasuke was curious.
"Would you like to earn money Sasuke?" Naruto asked.
"M..money..? For..?" Sasuke tilted his head.
Naruto felt this was going to be harder than he thought.
"Stay here." He told the brothers. He ran upstairs upstairs and grabbed his wallet. He quickly made his way back to them and sat down.
He opened his wallet and gave twenty dollars to both Sasuke and Itachi. Sasuke took it out of curiosity, but Itachi didn't even touch it, so Naruto had to place it on the table.
"W..what do I do with this?" Sasuke asked.
"Sasuke, it's money. You spend it."
"B..but how..?" Sasuke started to flatten it, not liking the creases. "It smells..bad." He bent down, and stuck his tongue out.
"Don't lick it Sasuke!" Naruto covered the money.
Sasuke jumped.
"H..how come?"
"It's dirty Sasuke. A lot of people touched it."
"Th..they touched your money..?" Sasuke was confused.
"Nevermind Sasuke." He patted Sasuke's head. He didn't feel like explaining.
"C..can I keep it..?" Sasuke asked as he was still flattening it.
"Sure."
"I like it." Sasuke started to grin.
"Sasuke.." Itachi took the money from him and gave it back to Naruto. "We can't accept this."
Sasuke tried grabbing it again, but Itachi lightly smacked his hand.
"Stop it." Itachi hushed Sasuke as he started to protest.
Sasuke sulked and he crossed his arms. He wouldn't stop staring at the money.
"Itachi, why are you so against having money?" Naruto asked as he put one of the bills back into his wallet. He gave Sasuke the other one who gladly took it and continued to flatten it.
"Sasuke..!" Itachi harshly whispered.
Sasuke's ears fell. The tone in Itachi's voice scared him. Itachi only became like that if he was serious and Sasuke knew it. He put the bill down on the table.
"S..sorry.." Sasuke whispered. He started to play with his fingers on his lap, not looking at anyone. His eyes were brimming with tears.
"We are never allowed to have money..my previous master said so. They said they can take us away..and we'll live in brothels." Itachi's voice was shaking from post traumatization.
"What..? There's no rule or law saying that." Naruto started, but Itachi wasn't listening.
"Please don't let them take Sasuke away..!" Itachi got up and hugged Sasuke tightly. "Y..you can take me..just not him..please.." Itachi started to cry as he hugged Sasuke away.
"A..aniki..?" Sasuke was scared and confused.
"Itachi..listen to me." Naruto slowly got up. "Nothing's going to happen to you or Sasuke." He said as he slowly approached them.
"I..it hurts.." Sasuke was being squeezed by Itachi a little too hard.
"Itachi, calm down." Naruto said softly, not wanting to trigger Itachi in anyway.
Itachi was panting at this point. Tears were falling down his cheeks as memories were continuously coming back to him. Fear of losing Sasuke, fear of being sent away. It all still haunted him.
He trusted Naruto, but he was still traumatized. He thought he was doing better. He took
deep breaths and loosened his grip on Sasuke. He stared at nothing in particular, just trying to calm himself.
He suddenly let Sasuke go and ran out of the kitchen.
"Itachi!" Naruto ran after him, afraid of a repeat of last time.
He entered Itachi's room and found him sitting on his bed crying. Naruto walked to him and sat next to him, making Itachi flinch.
"I..I'm sorry master.." Itachi couldn't stop crying.
It was honestly weird seeing Itachi cry so much since he was a lot older than Naruto. Sasuke came shortly after and nearly tackled Itachi down onto the bed.
"I love you aniki.." Sasuke squeezed Itachi.
Itachi couldn't help but smile, while tears still trickled. He wrapped his arms around Sasuke and hugged him back.
"Pl..please don't cry.." Sasuke looked at Itachi.
"I'm sorry for worrying you Sasuke.." Itachi closed his eyes and continued to hug Sasuke. "It's just hard adjusting..I know I've been here for a bit, and I know I'm safe here. But sometimes the past just gets to me. I've already lost you once, it was a miracle to be reunited with you again..I just get..scared."
"Itachi, I'm sorry for pushing it onto you so much. I shouldn't have done that." Naruto apologized, realizing that that trauma was something he could never understand first hand.
Itachi nodded and pried Sasuke off of him, making him sit on side. He quietly apologized, but he needed a little space. He wiped his tears and simply stared at his hands.
"If..you really want to give us money..I..I think I can try.." Itachi started. "Y..you're positive that they can't take us away..?" Itachi looked at Naruto.
"Who's they?" Naruto asked. "Do I need to remind you that my dad's the Hokage, and I'm his son?" Naruto started to grin. "Don't worry yourself like that. Those bastards just lied to you."
"Can you just promise me..I still feel unsettled." Itachi felt a little embarrassed for acting like this, but he just wanted to feel safe.
"I promise Itachi." Naruto firmly said.
Itachi stuck out his pinky, wanting Naruto to pinky promise.
"Man, you guys are too cute with that." Naruto gave his pinky and pinky promised with Itachi, stamping their thumbs together after.
Itachi softly sighed in relief.
"Itachi, I won't force it on you, but I think you'll like it. Don't you want to earn something for all the work you've done?"
"You've given me so much already.." Itachi softly started. "You have me a room to stay, free range, food, clothes..you've given me my life back." He touched Sasuke's hand.
It was hard to argue with that, Naruto truthfully thought.
"C..can I still have it.." Sasuke softly asked, ears a bit sullen.
"Of course you can, but are you willing to work for it?"
Sasuke ears perked up.
"Yes!" He said excitedly.
"Why don't you just tend to the flowers out back? You and Itachi can both do that. It's getting cold, and they'll be sad if they have to be by themselves."
"Okay..!" Sasuke enjoyed being out in the backyard.
"But tomorrow you two just enjoy yourselves and have fun."
Suddenly both of Sasuke's and Itachi's ears perked and they both looked at the door.
"Eh what?" Naruto noticed the unison in the two and looked at the door as well.
"Sasuke!" Sakura's voice came closer and Naruto could hear her now.
Sasuke scampered to the door and opened it. He saw Sakura in the hallway.
"Ah there you are." She smiled. "Someone named Mine called and they asked for you. Do you know him?"
Sasuke gasped and quickly nodded, a grin appearing on his face.
"Well he's on the phone right now, why don't you go and talk to him?"
Sasuke started to run downstairs to get to the phone.
"You don't have to use that phone!" Sakura tried telling him that all the phones were connected, but it was too late.
"So Mine called?" Naruto came out with Itachi.
"Sasuke's friend?" She asked.
"Yep, we met him when we stayed at the inn."
"Itachi are you okay?!" Sakura came over to him and inspected his face.
He took a step back from her sudden movement.
"Were you crying?" She asked in a careful tone.
"I'm okay." Itachi replied softly.
She squinted her eyes at Naruto.
"You didn't do this did you?"
"W-what?" Naruto scratched his head. "I mean..I didn't really mean to..?"
"Let's go Itachi, I'll give you hot chocolate to cheer up." She grabbed his hand and started to lead him.
Naruto found himself suddenly alone. He went to his room and picked up the phone. He heard nothing on the other lines, meaning they probably heard him pick up the phone and paused.
"Sorry to interupt, this is Naruto. Hi Mine."
"Hello!" He sounded happy to hear him.
"Mine asked if he could come over!" Sasuke couldn't contain his excitement.
"Oh, that's fine by me." Naruto said with no hesitation. He was glad Sasuke had a friend.
"R-really?" Mine sounded unsure.
"Sure, why not? If your guardian's okay with it, then I am. But I'm thinking if you do come, you should stay here for a bit since it's a long journey. How are you going to come here?"
"Ah, uhm, auntie said she could bring me here."
"Auntie?"
"Oh, I call her that when we're not working. She doesn't like it when I call her that in front of others. She said it made her feel old, but when it's just us she doesn't mind." They could hear Mine softly laughing.
"You sure it's okay?" Naruto knew it was a long way, and if he had to, he didn't mind picking Mine up.
"Yep, she wouldn't have it any other way. She said she wanted to make sure I get there safely. And she wanted to meet you, she's really protective."
"Then that's fine. How long do you think you can stay?"
"Hold on, let me ask." They heard Mine's voice in the background.
"Are you excited Sasuke?" Naruto asked through the line.
"Y..yeah..! I..I've never had a friend to play with really..except Itachi! Wh..where are you?"
"I'm in my room."
"Hello?" Mine had picked the phone back up. "She said I can stay a max of two weeks."
"What about the inn?" Naruto asked.
"She said she can handle it. She said she's happy to let me go." Mine sounded happy. "When will I be able to come?"
"I'm fine with whenever. We're not doing much. If you want to come, you can come this weekend."
"Hold on!" Mine put the phone down for several seconds before coming back. "She said I can come this weekend!"
"Great, then I'll see you this weekend." Naruto told Mine where they lived, making sure Mine had it correctly. "I'll let you and Sasuke continue talking now."
"Thank you!" Mine's happiness could be heard through the phone.
"You're welcome. Thank you too." Naruto smiled to himself and then hung up.
Naruto couldn't help but feel how sudden it was. Mine was coming this weekend. It's been awhile since they've had visitors beside his dad. As long as Sasuke was happy then it was fine. He didn't mind having Mine stay over. It would be good for Sasuke and Itachi to have extra company.
He went downstairs and saw Itachi indulging himself in the chocolates Sakura gave him. He also heard Sasuke talking on the phone.
"Sasuke's friend is coming over this weekend." Naruto said to both Sakura and Itachi as he sat down.
"I'm happy.." Itachi smiled softly. "Mine sounds like a kind person."
Itachi continued to eat chocolates until he was full from it. He was very satisfied eating the sweets. Sasuke shortly came over with a smile on his face.
"Did you have fun talking to him?" Naruto asked.
"Yeah..! I..I've never had a friend like him." Sasuke was still smiling. "I..I just..didn't know friends were..this n..nice..to have.." Sasuke's smile disappeared and his ears fell.
"What's wrong Sasuke?"
"I'm just..so happy..!" Sasuke blurted out with tears falling down his face.
"Don't cry Sasuke." Naruto quickly got up and wiped his tears. "If you're happy, you should smile more instead of tears."
"You always seem to make everyone cry." Sakura tsked.
"Don't say that.." Naruto said under his breath.
Sakura bent down to meet Sasuke's eye level.
"Sasuke, friendship is a very special bond. If Mine's really important to you, then make sure you treasure him and that bond. And the best thing is, is if Mine thinks the same way as you, then he'll treasure you back. That's what makes friends special." She smiled.
Sasuke nodded and wiped his remaining tears. He gave a small smile to Sakura.
"Well, I'm going to finish washing up the dishes now." She chirped after smirking at Naruto.
"It's not a damn competition." Naruto grumbled to himself.
They hung around the kitchen for a little bit before they decided to get ready for bed. It was Naruto's turn to sleep with Sasuke and he had other motives than sleeping.
If Mine was going to be here for two weeks, then that meant no sex for two weeks. There was no way he was going to suffer through the same embarrassment as he did with Itachi again. It was bad enough Itachi saw them in the middle of it, but if Mine saw them in the act, he wasn't sure if Sasuke would be able to handle it.
Naruto turned to Sasuke and watched him brush his teeth. Sasuke noticed this and turned slightly away as if embarrassed.
"You're brushing your teeth without me having to tell you." Naruto grinned.
"I..I'm not a baby..!" Sasuke said with a mouthful of toothpaste and a slight glare.
This was a little shocking to Naruto. Was Sasuke retorting back to him? What happened to the cute reaction he usually got? It wasn't that Naruto didn't like it, but something about it seemed more fierce than usual. It turned Naruto on.
Naruto finished washing up, and he couldn't stop looking at Sasuke. He went over to and hugged him from behind.
"Mine's going to come over this weekend, are you excited?"
Sasuke was drying his face with a towel, but he nodded.
"But do you know what else that means?" Naruto licked Sasuke's human ear.
Sasuke flinched and quickly covered his ear.
"Ah, but you also have this ear." Naruto started to nibble on Sasuke's cat ear.
"S..stop it.." Sasuke quickly ran out of the bathroom and hid under the covers.
Naruto followed him and took off his shirt.
"Maybe you should've stayed in the bathroom." Naruto lifted the blanket and climbed on top of Sasuke.
He bent down and kissed Sasuke's lips. He slipped his tongue in and started to lick inside Sasuke's mouth.
"W..wait..!" Sasuke pushed Naruto's face away.
"What is it." Naruto didn't want to wait.
Sasuke put his hands down and turned to look at the door.
"Wh..what if aniki can hear.."
Naruto hugged Sasuke tightly.
"Then why don't we keep our voices down then." Naruto whispered.
Naruto proceeded to lift Sasuke's shirt, revealing his chest. He immediately went for Sasuke's nipples, teasing him by pinching them.
Sasuke squeezed his eyes shut. Although he's had sex with Naruto several times, he was still not used to it. He didn't hate it, nor did he exactly love it, but he did like the meaning of it. He felt he could feel Naruto's passion, and it was just different from the everyday. At first it's a little painful, but after a while he got adjusted to it.
Naruto started to rub Sasuke's ear since he noticed the little discomfort. He kissed his chest gently and slipped his hand inside Sasuke's pajama pants.
Sasuke gave a slight shudder when he felt himself being touched. He started to dig his nails into Naruto shoulders.
"S-Sasuke..that really hurts.." Naruto got up, out of reach from Sasuke's nails.
"S..sorry.." Sasuke's ears fell.
"Don't worry yourself, it's not your fault." Naruto messed Sasuke's hair. He pulled Sasuke's shirt down and sat next to Sasuke. He suddenly fell out of the mood.
Sasuke sat up, wondering why Naruto stopped.
"Sometimes..I feel out of place." Naruto started. "I love you Sasuke, understand that, but sometimes I feel I'm not fit. I can't stop thinking about you and Itachi's past. I don't know if you know it, but you guys are pretty traumatized by even the smallest things. I tend to ask myself; am I really reliable to take care of you two? But then I realized I'm probably the best option out there, considering what you've guys been through.
"You've grown so much from when we met, to now. I'm really proud of you, you know. We've been through a lot of crap together. I know..how I was, and I still don't forgive myself. But what's in the past, stays in the past. I can't do anything to change it. Sometimes I feel chained to the past, and I'm sure you know first hand, that kind of feeling.
"Anyways..I can't help but feel guilty now. I kinda feel like I'm going behind your brother's back. Especially from what happened earlier..I realized that it just didn't feel right. Sorry, I didn't mean to randomly turn this into some type of lecture, but I think about you and Itachi a lot. All I want is the best for you two now, and hopefully in the future, I can help others when I take over as Hokage."
Naruto sighed.
Sasuke listened to every word Naruto had to say. He wasn't mad that he stopped, more like..he understood why.
"U..uhm.." Sasuke quietly started. "Thank you.."
Naruto messed Sasuke's hair again with a smile.
"You thank me enough Sasuke. It's really me who has to thank you for shaping me into a better person, so thank you."
Naruto gently kissed Sasuke's lips.
"Sorry about that. I even initiated it.."
Sasuke shook his head.
"How about I make it up to you. I'll brush your hair until you sleep. How does that sound?"
"O..okay..!" Sasuke loved his hair being brushed.
"Good, I'll go get the brush. Wait here."
Naruto got up and picked up his shirt he took off earlier and put it back on. He went to the bathroom and retrieved the brush. He returned back to Sasuke who was happily awaiting.
Naruto had Sasuke lay on top of him, so he could brush his hair.
Sasuke laid his head on Naruto's chest and looked to the side. He could hear Naruto heart beating softly. It was a nice sound to hear. He could feel Naruto starting to brush his hair, and he closed his eyes.
A soft purring emitted from Sasuke as Naruto brushed. He loved pampering Sasuke, but a lot of things were on his mind. As much as he loved Sasuke, he felt that Itachi was the one who needed help. Naruto could tell Sasuke didn't suffer as much as Itachi, due to the fact Itachi probably protected him his whole life.
This lead Naruto to believe that Itachi had suffered way too much. It was unsettling that Itachi was that traumatized over having money. How does someone get another that scared from such a small thing? Naruto didn't wish to know exactly, but he wished to be able to help.
It seemed easier for Sasuke to get over the past. He guessed it was because of Sasuke's mindset and the fact his mind is younger than his age. Sasuke still didn't fully understand, but at the same time he did.
Itachi on the other hand, it was burned into his brain to never be forgotten. And now Naruto felt it was his job to help heal that.
Then it hit him.
Kyuubi.
He already knew Kyuubi and Itachi strangely got along. Naruto never expected Kyuubi to be tamed by Itachi, although Sasuke did start it. He wouldn't push it on Kyuubi, but he felt they could help each other. They've already spent so much time together, and he had a suspicion that they possibly liked each other.
Naruto sighed to himself and rubbed Sasuke's ear. Sasuke was still purring, so that meant he was still awake.
"Hey Sasuke?" Sasuke's ears perked slightly, so Naruto continued. "I really, really love you."
Sasuke sat up and looked at Naruto.
"I know.." Sasuke said softly. "Y..you tell me a lot." He laid back down and hugged Naruto. "I love you too." He mumbled.
"Tomorrow..can we..do it?" Naruto hesitated. "Uhm..because..since Mine's coming so quickly..we won't be able to do it..?" Naruto felt a little selfish now.
Sasuke looked at him.
"W..what about aniki..?" Since it would be Itachi's turn to sleep with Sasuke.
"Right.."
"I..I'll ask..!" Sasuke sat up.
"No, it's okay Sasuke. I'm being kind of selfish." Naruto regretted bringing it up.
"B..but.." Sasuke started to flush. "I want to.." He quietly whispered, he didn't realize they wouldn't be able to do it for those two weeks.
"I'm sorry." Naruto hugged Sasuke. "Tonight was a mess, let's just go to sleep okay?"
Sasuke nodded and laid back down, and as promised, Naruto brushed Sasuke's hair until he fell asleep. He repositioned Sasuke so he wouldn't lose blood from Sasuke's weight. He wrapped his arms around Sasuke and closed his eyes to sleep.
The next day, Kyuubi came home early in the morning when Naruto was about to leave.
"Did you stay at dad's?" Naruto asked as he put his shoes on.
"Yeah, we had dinner last night. It was nice."
"Come outside for a second." Naruto grabbed his things and dragged Kyuubi outside.
"What is it?" Kyuubi yawned.
"Itachi had another outburst last night."
This seemed to wake Kyuubi up.
"What? Is he okay?" Kyuubi asked.
"I'm not sure to be honest. Can you just stay here and watch over him. He misses you."
"He missed me?" Kyuubi couldn't help but feel a little happy.
"Yeah, he was wondering when you were going to come back. Which reminds me, why are you coming home so early?"
"Dad told me to leave. He said I've been doing too much work for him and he said to spend time back here."
"Well, I'm glad to have you back. It's been weird without you grumbling about things."
"Whatever. I'm going back inside." Kyuubi stretched his arms. "Also, Sasuke's been waiting for you to notice him." He pointed at Naruto's window and saw a startled Sasuke.
"Bye Sasuke!" Naruto yelled and waved his hand.
Sasuke waved back and disappeared from the window.
"Bye Kyuubi. Make sure to take care of Itachi."
"Bye bye." Kyuubi said as he walked back into the house.
Kyuubi took his shoes off and headed upstairs.
"Hey Sasuke." He saw Sasuke peeking out of Naruto's room.
"H..hi." Sasuke greeted and watched Kyuubi go into Itachi's room, so he followed him.
Kyuubi opened the door to Itachi's room. Itachi was still sleeping. It looked like he didn't get enough sleep. But when Sasuke entered the room, Itachi started to stir awake.
He jumped when he saw Kyuubi sitting on his bed.
"Welcome back." Itachi instinctively said. "Sasuke..? Uhm..what time is it?" Itachi was a little confused and dazed.
Itachi sat up. The first thing Kyuubi noticed were the bags under his eyes, and that they were red as well. Was he crying?
"Hey Sasuke, can I speak to your brother alone for now?" Kyuubi asked in a gentle tone.
Sasuke wanted to argue, but he knew he shouldn't. It would just be causing trouble and he didn't want to stress out Itachi. He hesitated before nodding and quickly left. He went back to Naruto's room and buried his face in the pillow, frustrated that he felt like he was treated like a kid.
"Hey Itachi." Kyuubi started. "I heard about what happened yesterday. Naruto told me." He got right to the point.
"Can..can we please not talk about it.." Itachi looked downwards.
"I'm not going to judge you, but you need to stop hiding yourself from us. Just looking at you, it looks like you barely got any sleep."
Itachi didn't respond.
"You know Itachi, I feel really comfortable with you." Kyuubi gave a toothy grin. "I'm sorry I haven't been here to spend more time with you."
"W..what.." Itachi stuttered. "I..I don't know what you mean.."
Kyuubi gave a disappointed look.
"Damn, and here I thought you actually missed me." Kyuubi shrugged.
Itachi felt his chest feel tight. In a way he felt bad for saying that.
"I'm just messing with you. Don't give me that look." Kyuubi turned away. "Can you tell me what happened last night?"
"I thought master told you." Itachi whispered softly.
"Naruto? Well..he didn't really tell me everything." Kyuubi sighed. "I know you don't want to talk about it, but I just want to help you."
"You weren't even here.." Itachi quietly retorted.
"Are you mad?" Kyuubi seemed surprised. "If you wanted me to be here, why don't you just say so?"
Itachi realized what this was leading to. He quickly got up and headed to the bathroom.
"I need to shower." He tried making an excuse not to talk to Kyuubi.
"Why're you being like this?" Kyuubi got up and followed him. "I can smell soap on you. You showered last night. Perhaps, after everyone went to sleep? Did you cry while you—"
"Shut up..!" Itachi swung his arm, prepared to hit Kyuubi.
Kyuubi reacted instantly as he grabbed Itachi's wrist and twisted it behind Itachi's back. He pinned Itachi against the bathroom wall. He managed to grab the other wrist and pin it as well.
Itachi hissed in pain. He swung his leg, lurching his body to the side to give him more momentum.
Kyuubi let go of Itachi's arms to block the kick. The instance Itachi had his arms free, he spun around with his his fist aimed right at Kyuubi's stomach. Kyuubi decided to take the hit, but he instantly regretted it. He groaned in pain, but he grabbed Itachi's wrist once again. He sweeped Itachi's legs, toppling him over. And once again, Itachi found himself pinned but on the floor this time.
"What the fuck was that?" Kyuubi sat on top of Itachi to make sure he wouldn't try anything.
"Get off.." Itachi hissed in pain.
"Are you going to hit me again?"
"No.."
Kyuubi got up, but instantly Itachi's sharingan spun wildly and he tried attacking Kyuubi again. Kyuubi cursed as he fought against Itachi. He really didn't want to hurt him, but it looked like he had no choice. There was no way he would lose a fight. His pride wouldn't allow it.
They fought with each other for a while. They banged into things around the bathroom, and soon they brought it to the room where Kyuubi landed a punch on Itachi's cheek.
They both were panting, but that seemed to be the end since Itachi just sat there holding his cheek. Itachi's sharingan slowly disappeared, and he simply stared at the floor, catching his breath.
"Have you calmed down." Kyuubi sat against the wall, across from Itachi.
"I'm sorry." Itachi said softly.
"That's it? Sorry?" Kyuubi expected an explanation. "What the hell's happening with you? This is not like you at all. And what the fuck was with that fighting? Though..I do have to admit you're stronger than you look."
"I've..just had alot built up.." Itachi whispered.
"Are you okay." Kyuubi noticed Itachi's cheek starting to turn red and swell.
"It doesn't hurt.."
"Don't lie." Kyuubi was fed up with Itachi's attitude. "You need to be honest with us. How the hell are we supposed to help you if you just hide everything."
Itachi lifted his knees to his chest and hugged them.
"I..I was fine..why did you..have to come here..did you just want to make fun of me and my weaknesses." Itachi's voice shook.
Kyuubi sighed and got up. He felt horrible when he saw Itachi flinch. He sat down next to Itachi, but he made sure to leave room between them.
"I'm sorry Itachi. I was the one to provoke you first. I guess I got upset that you would hit me. I never expected that from you."
"I didn't mean to.." Itachi hugged his knees tighter. "The last time I did this..I got beaten..are you going to punish me now..?" Itachi voice was barely audible.
"Are you still thinking about things like that despite how long you've been here? Do you still not trust us..?"
"I..it's unexcusable..I deserve to be punished..I..I even hit you..I..I'm s..sorry.." Itachi's ears fell. "Pl..please forgive me.."
"You don't deserve to be punished. Please Itachi, look at me." Kyuubi gently lifted Itachi's chin, revealing a teary face.
Their eyes met, but Itachi was first to avert them. Kyuubi brought him into a hug and rubbed his back.
"I'm really sorry Itachi. I'm not mad at you, nor will I punish you. No one here will ever do that to you. Please understand that. I..like you Itachi. None of this should've never happened, but I did learn a lot. So please let me help you so you can move away from the past. I know it's going to be hard, but we'll do it together okay?"
Itachi's chest felt full. He didn't know how to describe it, but it felt satisfying. It was a soft, warm feeling that he never really felt before. It was soothing. He hugged Kyuubi tight and let his tears run.
"Come on now, don't cry. It's unlike you to cry. It's more like..Sasuke's thing." Kyuubi let go of Itachi.
"Sasuke used to tell me that you were scary and mean back then.." Itachi said as he wiped his tears.
"Wh..what? He said that? What did he say?"
"That you scared him half to death, but he said he forgave you. He also mentioned about you turning into a small fox.."
"Wait wait wait, how did this become about me all of a sudden?"
"I'm just..grateful that we live in a place..where we are accepted.." Itachi softly sighed. "But it's still a little difficult..it's not easy to forget the past, but I promise I'll try.."
"I know it's hard..we both had some pretty terrifying shit happen to us."
"I've..never really heard about your past.."
"It's not that interesting. It's more depressing and upsetting. I was really different, like a monster..but that doesn't matter anymore."
"But I'm still interested.." Itachi softly admitted. "And I wish to see you as a fox."
"No way in hell." Kyuubi instantly said.
Itachi gave a disappointed look.
"Plus, I can't change into that form whenever I want. It just..happens if I..threaten another with my..powers..I guess." Kyuubi didn't like remembering what he did to Sasuke. "Also, it hurts like hell. It feels like my bones are breaking when it happens."
"Then maybe it's best that you never turn again.." Itachi was still disappointed. "I feel like one day I'll get to see it though."
"That sounds like you want to try making me change by provoking me in a way."
Itachi shrugged.
"I'm going to keep that in mind." Kyuubi made a mental note to watch out for Itachi in the future. Whether he could do it or not was a different story.
Itachi stood up and laid back down in his bed.
"I'm tired.." Itachi turned his back to Kyuubi, pulling the blankets over him. "Thank you.."
"You sure you're okay."
"Yes, but can you do me a favour and check on Sasuke for me.." Itachi turned and faced Kyuubi.
"Fine, but I'm pretty sure he's sleeping."
Kyuubi headed out the door and into Naruto's room. He checked the bed and saw Sasuke softly snoring. He repositioned Sasuke so he could breathe better and then headed back to Itachi's room, but on the way he bumped into Sakura.
"Are you two okay." She asked in a worried tone.
"Uhm, yeah. We just fought a little.."
Sakura sighed and muttered something under her breath, even Kyuubi couldn't catch what she said.
"Just don't hurt those two so much okay?"
"I'm trying.." Kyuubi felt a little sullen that he had to be told that.
"I'll have breakfast ready in an hour." Sakura didn't say anything else. She spun around and headed back downstairs.
Kyuubi went back to Itachi.
"Is he okay?"
"Yeah, he's sleeping." Kyuubi sighed and laid next to Itachi on the bed.
Itachi moved over a little bit to give him room.
"You fight well." Kyuubi started. "I'm guessing it's because you've hunted animals?"
"Yes..although I didn't like it at all..those poor animals. When they first started training me, I refused to kill them..but then they would beat me. So it was either be beaten everyday..and still go through my training..or go through my training and not get beaten..but I had to kill them. They started out with a small bunny..I still remember it. I had to chase it down. I purposely took a long time in hopes they'll stop me for reasons I don't know..I guess I just hoped the life of this young bunny would be spared.
"They knew what I was up to, so they threatened to hurt Sasuke. I..I immediately did my best to catch it..and when I did, they ordered me to kill it. I..It was so hard. I remembered those terrified eyes looking at me. I remember it struggling, trying to get out of my grasp. I had no idea how to do it. I remember I was sweating so much. I remember each beat of my heart going faster and faster. They once again threatened me to hurt Sasuke..s..so I just..took my claws..and stabbed it.
"I remember hearing the little creature screech from terror..and I didn't know how to properly do it..so it died a slow painful death. I regretted not killing it instantly..then it wouldn't have suffered. So much blood was pouring from the small body. It made me sick. I vomited from the shock. I felt disgusted with myself.." Itachi quietly trailed off.
"How old were you?" Kyuubi asked.
"I..I don't know..fifteen maybe..? They never told us our age..but Sasuke was still young."
"That seems pretty young..I'm guessing they wouldn't let you stop?"
"No..they made me kill more and more. I was just grateful Sasuke didn't have to witness any of it. I don't think he could've handled it at all. But they started making me perform in competitions. I couldn't avoid it, and they would constantly threaten me using Sasuke. But this was when I discovered my sharingan..I didn't let them know I had it, but I used it to my advantage. Soon I found myself get stronger and my skills got better."
"Well I can confirm that you're pretty good."
"I'm sorry..I didn't mean to attack you."
"I know, you told me already. I'm sure it felt good to let that all out."
There was a small pause before Itachi started to speak again.
"Yesterday.." Itachi started. "Master offered to give me and Sasuke money."
"Oh?"
"I told him we couldn't accept it.."
"Why not?"
"I've never owned money before..but one time I managed to find coins on the ground when master and I were shopping.."
"Hurry up Itachi! I don't have all day to wait for your slow ass!" Itachi's master roughly pulled Itachi's leash.
"Yes master!" Itachi quickly caught up with his master, carrying all groceries and bags.
Itachi arms were starting to get tired, but he knew he couldn't rest until his master wanted to go in another store. Thankfully he didn't have to wait long. His master chained him to a designated post outside, and Itachi was able to sit down.
He patiently waited for his master to come back, keeping his gaze on the ground, but at the door so he could get up when his master came back. But something shined from the sun, and his eyes picked up on it. He slowly turned and looked for the source. He saw a small coin on the ground not too far from him.
He slowly approached it, hoping his master wouldn't come back anytime soon. He also hoped no one else would question him. When he was close to it, he quickly picked it up and went back to his spot. He felt like he was doing something wrong, but he wanted it. He had very few things of his own, and those things were just necessities. He wanted to show Sasuke, but he was afraid master wouldn't like it. Itachi didn't want to give him any reason to punish them, so he decided to keep it to himself.
He examined the coin, noticing the number ten on it. He knew that it was money, but he's never really had it before, so it was new to him. He liked the cool feeling of it, but he noticed his master coming back with more things. He panicked, not knowing where to put the coin. He was barely wearing anything, only tight shorts with no pockets. His master claimed that he liked showing him off.
Itachi quickly put the coin in his mouth and under his tongue. He did not like the taste of it. He got up to take the bags from his master, and then got the rest of the bags.
He waited for his master to unchain him, and then they finally went home. He quickly put everything away and then went to his small room he shared with Sasuke. He spat out the coin, dried it using his shorts, and then hid it inside of their pet bed. It easily zipped open and close since there was stuffing in it.
Twelve year old Sasuke bursted through the door and hugged Itachi tightly.
"Aniki!" Sasuke gave a big grin.
"Hello otouto. Where were you?" Itachi hoped he wasn't getting in any trouble.
"I was eating, but I'm still hungry.." Sasuke's ears fell.
Itachi hugged Sasuke tighter.
"I'll bring you some more food okay? Just wait here." Itachi hated seeing his precious brother starve.
"Okay..!" Young Sasuke gave Itachi a big smile. "I love you aniki!"
"I love you too." Itachi smiled back. "Now just stay here okay? Don't leave."
"I won't." Sasuke never knew the reason why he wasn't supposed to leave, but he listened to his big brother.
"Good." Was all Itachi said before leaving.
Right after he left, he hoped Sasuke wouldn't find the coin. He knew it was very unlikely, but the lingering thought of doing something potentially bad worried him. He shook that thought away and went to search for his master.
"Master..?" Itachi cautiously said as he approached him. He found him sitting in the office room.
"What is it Itachi." He said in a low tone. "I'm working."
"I'm sorry master, but Sasuke's still hungry..I was wondering..i..if I can please have more food for him..?" Itachi started to fidget under the tense atmosphere.
"You bothered me for this?" He put his pen down and turned around to look at Itachi.
"Ah.." Itachi quickly got down on his knees and lowered his head.
"I was about to take a break anyways." He sighed. "Come here." He patted his lap.
Itachi got up and straddled his master's lap, knowing what he wanted. He could feel those coarse fingers make their way down his shorts, touching his backside.
Itachi couldn't suppress his tears when he was violated. He was still young and unused to it. But even when he was younger, he was already tainted. He never wanted Sasuke to suffer through the same thing. Never.
When they were done, Itachi was bleeding, but he did his best to ignore it. He quietly waited for his master to finish fix himself. He was confused when his master simply went back to work.
"M..master..?" Itachi softly called out.
"Why are you still here."
"Uhm..May I have food..for Sasuke..?" Itachi didn't like the feeling of asking again.
"If he's so hungry, why don't you just feed him your food. He eats too goddamn much."
"He is..a growing child.." Itachi softly replied.
"Are you talking back to me?" He turned back around, terrifying Itachi.
"N..no..! Sir..m..master.." Itachi stuttered. "Please forgive me..thank you..I'll take my leave now.."
Itachi quickly bowed and left the room. He went there for nothing. His backside hurt so much, but he ignored the pain. He went to the kitchen and took the last portion of their small canned food. All of their food were numbered one through seven for the week for each day. They were given two portions each every day which they could take whenever they wanted. But if a number was missing that was meant for later, they would be punished.
Itachi opened the can and poured the contents into a paper bowl. He threw the can out and took the bowl, leaving the kitchen. Before he went back to Sasuke, he sat down against a wall. He winced in pain, but he once again tried ignoring it.
He stared at the bowl of food, and then at his stomach. He could see it concaving from his hunger. He slowly ate some of the food for himself with his fingers. Tears suddenly appeared from the stress he was feeling. It was those darker thoughts he wished he didn't have to take care of Sasuke, then he wouldn't have to suffer so much. But he loved him to no ends. He couldn't imagine a life without Sasuke. His precious brother always brought a smile to his face, and he let him escape from reality, even if it was a second.
Itachi was just tired. Why was life so unfair. It frustrated him that he was fucked, in hopes he would get something in return. He knew he shouldn't have gotten his hopes up. He wiped his tears and ate just a little bit more of his food. It was enough to just get him through for tomorrow. He headed back to Sasuke, who greeted him with a smile.
"Aniki!" Sasuke jumped up to hug him.
"Sorry it took me a while." Itachi sat down on their small pet bed.
Sasuke sat between Itachi's legs, and was given the bowl.
"Thank you!" Sasuke wouldn't stop smiling.
"You're welcome Sasuke." Itachi envied the happiness Sasuke had.
"Did you already eat?" Sasuke asked as he scooped up food with his fingers.
"Yes." Itachi half lied.
Sasuke gave a grin and then shoved food in his mouth.
"Sasuke, close your mouth when you chew." Itachi wiped the sides of Sasuke's mouth.
Sasuke ate the rest of Itachi's food, satisfied. Itachi was glad Sasuke was happy, and he was also glad that Sasuke didn't find the coin.
Itachi never told Sasuke about the coin throughout the passing days. Many times he wanted to, to bring some entertainment to his younger brother, but he knew he shouldn't. He realized after picking up his first coin, when he went shopping with his master again, there were a lot of loose change on the streets and sidewalks. Everyday he'd manage to at least find one. He continued to collect them and hide them in the bed.
It was all fine until one day he overslept. Their master came storming into their room and picked up their bed so they would wake up, but he heard all the coins Itachi collected clink together.
"What the fuck is this?"
Itachi was still trying to understand why his world suddenly turned. He quickly grabbed hold of Sasuke trying to calm him down. He could already see the discomfort on Sasuke's face. But what scared him most was the coins falling out of the bed.
"Where did you get this." He threw the bed on the ground.
"Master.." Itachi hugged Sasuke tightly. "Please don't punish Sasuke...I..I did it. He didn't even know about it..!"
"Who said you can have money?!" He yelled, frightening the brothers. "Did you steal this? Of course you did, how else would you get this?" He scoffed.
"I..I didn't steal..I just found them on the ground.."
"Well it was someone's money, am I wrong?" He came over to Itachi and grabbed his hair painfully.
"N..no sir.." Itachi had to let go of Sasuke.
"Do you know the consequences of you slaves owning money?" He hissed.
"No sir.." Itachi could feel the grip on his hair get tighter.
He nearly threw Itachi to the floor and he grabbed Sasuke instead. He dragged Sasuke out of the room. He sat on the nearest chair and forced a terrified Sasuke over his lap.
"Master..!" Itachi tried stopping him.
Sasuke's scream could be heard as he was brutally smacked on his backside. Tears overflowed Sasuke's face.
"Master please! He didn't do anything!" Itachi tried grabbing Sasuke away, but was met with a punch, dazing him for a bit.
"Listen to me carefully! You are NEVER to own money you understand?! Don't think you have any status at all! How many fuckin times do I have to remind you that you're a slave! Do you know what happens when you do shit like that?"
"N..no.." Itachi couldn't stop his tears from coming out.
"Little shits like you will get sent to brothels. You know how that is. You're lucky I don't fuckin turn you in. If this ever happens again, I'm going to make sure you and your useless brother will get sent to the worst brothel out there. You will never see your brother again. Do you understand?!"
"Yes...yes sir.." Itachi was trembling at the thought of being separated from Sasuke.
"And you." He grabbed Sasuke's hair, forcing him to face up. "Stop your damn crying. You're such a fuckin baby."
He pushed Sasuke off of his lap, not even caring for him. He cursed and went back to his office.
Itachi scrambled to Sasuke and gingerly picked him up. He gently rubbed his back, trying to calm Sasuke down.
"I'm sorry Sasuke.." Itachi started to sob. "This was all my fault.."
Sasuke didn't fully understand why he was punished. He simply cried in his brother's arms confused.
Itachi felt horrible. He felt that he punished Sasuke. He felt extremely guilty.
"I apologized to Sasuke so many times." Itachi stared downwards.
Both Kyuubi and Itachi were now sitting against the headboard of the bed. Itachi couldn't sleep, and Kyuubi wanted to listen to Itachi's story.
"He knew..Sasuke was your weakness." Kyuubi started to understand the damage Itachi and Sasuke's been through. "But what he said was total bullshit."
"I know..master told me."
"Why don't you give it a shot?"
"Do you really think I should..?" Itachi questioned.
"Of course. How did Sasuke react to it?" Kyuubi was curious.
"He..wanted to have it. But I don't think he really cares for the value..I just think he wants to collect it."
"But I mean, he was okay with it?"
"Yes. Sasuke..sometimes I feel he doesn't remember certain things. Like how I can't remember when I was a baby. But I feel for him that time is just a blur now. He's really..positive and happy with his life. He manages to find the simple joys that makes him happy. To me, he was my happiness and joy."
"You're a great brother you know that Itachi?" Kyuubi put his arm on Itachi's shoulders. "Not many people would sacrifice so much for another person like you did. Sadly that may even involve family, but everyone has their ways. All of our situations are different, meaning we can't exactly compare ourselves to each other, but we can always empathize. It took me a while to understand this, but enough of that. Why don't we start heading downstairs to eat breakfast. We'll wake up Sasuke on the way as well."
Itachi nodded and started getting up.
"Thank you..for listening. It made me feel much better."
"'Tachi, if you ever need to rant or get something off your chest, I'll listen anytime okay?"
Again, Itachi felt that warm, soothing feeling return and it felt nice.
He felt welcomed.
He felt safe.