Another reincarnation story

10.

Itachi wondered if normal people always waited for something to happen, or if they waited for the quiet time. Because in Itachi's life, he was either craving for a day, or dreading it. Or mostly, he was doing both.

Like his time being appointed to ANBU. He craved it because it meant the end of his boring chunin life. It also was the day when the tragedy of the Uchiha started in his other life.

Or the day he was summoned to Danzou. He dreaded it because of the violence he had to resort to. He also craved it, because he knew he could finally change something.

Then there was the day he left Konoha for the Maiko mission. He loved leaving Konoha, knowing that he could return. He loved not being grounded anymore but hated being a girl.

The day of his birthday was similar. He craved it for the end of his grounding and dreaded it for his betrothal.

Why couldn't there be a day he simply was happy because something good would happen? Why must it always be a day packed with a upside and a downside? If it simply would be a bad day, Itachi could prepare for it. He could put on his mask of indifference and pretend nothing affected him. He would know that there was no reason to smile and simply didn't smile.

Or one the good days, he just wanted to be happy because of the day. He wanted to chuckle and smile and eat a lot of sweets. He could be free and be himself and let his gentle side win.

But not on a day he both dreaded and craved. How was he to supposed to feel? He couldn't smile one minute and be emotionless the next. He couldn't be happy and sad at the same time, could he? Why must life be so confusing that even his heart didn't know what to do?

Today was the worst of all those days. He was placed on top of the gate of Konoha, his team within his sensing distance. No less than four ANBU teams were gathered here since dawn, waiting for the arrival of Kirigakure's Mizukage. They had received the reports of their scouts patrolling the road half an hour ago and every ANBU was ready to intervene.

Itachi's eyes moved down to the open gate where Hokage-sama and his assistants were waiting. Some of the Jonin were also present, appearing as if they were simply welcoming new guests. Itachi knew that everyone of them was ready to kill, should the Kiri-nin have any mischief in mind.

But that wasn't the real reason why the Uchiha genius was nervous beyond reason. Word came in with the scouts that not only were the genin taking the exam traveling with her, at least one of the seven swordsmen of Kiri was also with her. When the scout brought that message Itachi's hand almost broke the railing he was supporting himself on.

No matter what he had tried, his heart just wouldn't calm down. The closer the approaching party drew, the harder Itachi's heart was pounding against his ribcage. He had stopped noticing the pain a while ago. He wondered how long he could hold on until his heart finally broke free of his bones. Wouldn't that be a welcoming sight? The Uchiha-heir, the genius of Konoha, the master of illusion dying from his heart jumping out of his chest because he wanted to see a certain swordsman of Kirigakure.

When the party came into view just on the horizon, Itachi began panting. He could hardly breathe, as nervous as he was. He didn't remember ever being this nervous and also, he didn't remember ever missing someone so badly. He gripped the gate tighter and slipped further into the shadow. He kept his Sharingan fixed on the coming party, not daring to look away for one second. Right now, he didn't really care about ambushes or sudden attacks.

He only wanted to see Kisame. He knew Kisame was there. He could feel it. Not in the chakra, only a gut feeling. Kisame had to be there. He had to see Kisame or he would die.

And then, there he was. Tall, strong, fierce, blue and absolutely stunningly gorgeous and finally, Itachi could breathe again. A smile sneaked onto his face as his eyes followed Kisame. The sharkman looked so different and yet so familiar. He didn't wear any cloak, but was dressed in the jonin uniform of a Kiri-nin. The grand-sword Samehada was on his back, completing the image Itachi so loved. Kisame was talking to someone hidden behind another big man. Itachi saw a smirk appear on Kisame's face and instantly felt blinding jealousy inside himself.

It surprised the usually collected genius. He tried to tell himself that it didn't mean anything when the person receiving Kisame's smirk was revealed. And he failed. Itachi had not hated someone with this much passion for a long time now. The woman earning his wrath was young and perhaps pretty to most eyes. She had long auburn hair which fell against her bright blue dress. She swayed her hips when she moved while her eyes didn't leave Kisame. She chuckled at something he said and Itachi tasted blood on his own tongue. He quickly closed his own eyes, afraid he might unintentionally send flames her way.

He waited until they were close enough and signaled his team that he could hear them. He watched from the gate, seeing Sandaime shaking hands with the young Mizukage. He then introduced the Jonin at his side and saying something about their promising students. Mizukage turned to introduce her own assistants.

"This is Ao, my guard" She said, her voice being shriller and resounded further away. "And this is Hoshigaki Kisame, also my guard."

"My pleasure to meet you," Sandaime replied and added some small talk.

On top of the gate, Itachi was about to faint. He listened to what Sandaime said and held on with all force, because he knew that once he finished speaking, Kisame would reply.

"The pleasure is mine, Hokage-sama," Itachi felt a stab of pain in his chest as he cherished every syllable of what Kisame said. He looked down on himself and was surprised that his heart hadn't jumped out. He felt tears coming to his eyes as his emotions finally caught up with him. He pressed his lips tightly together, refusing to make any sound. He watched the party walk along the main road as his hand came up automatically to signal his team to follow. He rose from his post which he hadn't abandoned since dawn. His young joints made no protest, yet Itachi still felt weak on his feet.

As he jumped over rooftops, following Kisame but staying at safe distance, he was quickly joined by his former captain.

"What's wrong?" Kakashi said with a voice plain of any humor. "I felt your chakra spiking."

"Nothing," Itachi lied. "It was nothing."

"Really?"

"I was being careful."

"Good," Kakashi nodded. "Hokage-sama requested our presence at the meeting, while our teams patrol the perimeter. We didn't expect her to take the swordsman with her."

Itachi nodded and turned right to relay the orders to his team. After he spoke to his second in command, Itachi joined Kakashi and hurried for the Hokage tower. Once inside, he placed himself in the corner, melting into the inconspicuous plant. He saw Kakashi doing the same with a scroll-holder and waited.

Not five minutes later, Sandaime entered his study accompanied by Nara Shikaku and his cousin Shisui. Mizukage followed, while Ao held the door open for her. Kisame was the last to come in, his eyes glued on Shisui. Itachi wondered why the man was so interested in his cousin, but couldn't think far for Kisame sat down right in front of Kakashi, facing Itachi.

The genius felt another wave of hurt inside himself, that was almost strong enough to make him wince. Kisame even sat the way he did, casual but always on guard with Samehada in his reach. Staring at him, Itachi barely listened to what was spoken. He heard something about friendship and good intentions. Something about Konoha's chunin exam being too easy for Kiri-nins, spoken by the thief Ao. Shisui then actually made a comment about knowing where Kiri-nins got their power which again caused Ao to snap.

Kisame's hand immediately landed on the handle of Samehada when Shisui's hand went to his tanto. Ao was held back by the Mizukage, while Shikaku got a hold of Shisui. But Kisame was still free and so was the Hokage. Reacting solely on instinct, Itachi abandoned his cover and dived in front of Kisame's grand-sword. He missed that feeling. Facing Kisame, Itachi felt as if nothing had changed. As if they were still partners and this was only a spar. His katana met Samehada when Kisame growled. The clone he had made before merging out of the plant appeared behind Kisame and carefully placed a kunai on his throat.

"It's over," he said and saw Kisame's eyes widen. For a moment, he swore he saw recognition in there.

"Really!" Mizukage laughed. "Konoha shinobi are not bad all all! Kisame, that's enough."

"Hai, Mizukage-sama." Kisame swung his grand-sword back, making the clone behind him dodge. He sat down with a glower, his eyes still fixed on Itachi, who slowly sheathed his Katana.

"That's enough, crow." Sandaime said, waving his hand.

Itachi nodded and knelt down behind the old man. That was too close. By a threat, he might have to duel with his partner, only this time the winner might become a killer. He fought down the urge to cry out or to throw himself at Kisame. He was now close enough to the man he could even smell the scent that had been on him for years.

His eyes moved to Kisame without his control. He watched that hard jaw-line and burned it into his own mind. In his mind, he was all over that already. He wanted to lick that chin and bite at that neck. He want to release Kisame of his clothes and press himself against that god-like body. More than anything else, he wanted to kiss that man and tell him what he never could in another life. He wanted to say all those things he was too afraid to say and stop being the coward he was. Kisame deserved to know it. He deserved to hear it. Kisame needed to know, that Itachi loved him.

But this wasn't the one Itachi loved, was he?

This was another Kisame, like this Shisui was another Shisui. This wasn't the murderer who eventually saw through Itachi. This one before him wasn't the monster that had shared his darkest moments. He hadn't spent eight years by this man's side, had he? This wasn't the man who had held Itachi at night when his vision faded. This man didn't bring him medicine when his coughing fit didn't want to stop. This man didn't love him.

This was another man, only in Kisame's image. This was not Itachi's partner.

Before his thoughts came to an end, Itachi noticed the tension shift around him. He quickly directed his focus back to his duty and noticed with discomfort that Shisui was staring at him. He listened to the last of Hokage-sama's words and remained unmoving when the guests stood. He followed Kisame with his eyes only, when he and his comrades and Kage were led out of the office by the Nara and Shisui. When they were alone, Kakashi merged out of the scroll-holder and came to kneel before the lord.

The Hokage sighed. "We're lucky nothing worse happened. Your intervention was too rushed, Itachi. His blade was not aimed at me."

"I take no chances at your safety, Hokage-sama." Itachi replied.

"Your loyalty is noted," the old man drew a deep breath from his pipe. "Altogether, you performed well as usual. But I fear your cousin might be a problem. Like many his age, he had fought against Kiri. His resentment runs deep. Try to talk to him, appease his temper."

"Yes, Hokage-sama."

"You're dismissed." the older man said.

The two ANBU agents bowed and made their exit through the door. Itachi let out a relieved breath when he was in the hallway. He felt suddenly very, very tired. He just wanted to go home now and hide inside his futon, shutting out the world. No other solution came to his mind. With Kisame somewhere in the village, how could he possibly focus on his job?

"Hey," Kakashi's hand came down on his shoulder, startling him. "What's wrong with you?"

"Nothing."

Kakashi bowed down and lowered his voice. "I can see you shaking, what's wrong?"

"I don't know what you mean."

"Is it that swordsman? You didn't let him out of your sight. Seeing something we can't?"

"I'm just being careful."

"So careful you exposed our cover?"

"That won't happen again."

"I know Shisui-san fought the Kiri-nin for a while, did he mention that monster?"

"Monster?"

"I know of him," Kakashi said. "He's one of the seven swordsmen. He has a reputation of being brutal and very skilled. They call him the Monster of Kirigakure. I don't know what you have in mind, but be careful alright?"

"I will." Itachi used Kakashi's temporary silence to flee. He rushed over rooftops with exceptional speed without knowing where he was headed. He just needed to run for a while, to clear his mind and focus. He needed some fresh air and some time without emotions overpowering him.

It was almost sundown, when Itachi returned home. He entered through the courtyard-wall, not wanting his brother or mother to see him. He dragged himself into his room and collapsed on the ground. Even after running for the entire afternoon and training until all of his kunais were used up, Itachi's thoughts were nowhere near clear. He was still debating over whether he should make Kisame love him or leave the man be. In the end, who was he to decide where that giant heart should be?

He crawled to his drawer and pulled out a clean set of clothes. He changed into it without shower. He didn't really break a sweat training, so Itachi thought he'd cheat today. He then made sure no one was in the hallway and sneaked into the kitchen. He wasn't really in the mood for conversation. Especially not with his father, who would definitely want to know what happened at the meeting today.

"There you are," Shisui sounded far from amused.

Itachi choked as he held his head under the tap. He wiped the water from his face and coughed.

"What's wrong?" Shisui asked with serious voice. "Nervous?"

"What the hell was that in the meeting?" Itachi demanded, not really up for a game. "You almost caused an incident!"

"You don't know those Mist-bastards!" Shisui spat. "Three years ago, we fought against them. Now, they come to our homes, pretending nothing happened."

"You're talking about that Ao? He's the one with the Byakugan."

"I chased him away from Konoha for months," Shisui sat down. "Now, he's right here in front of my face."

"The war is over, Shisui." Itachi reminded him. "If we want this peace to last, we must believe in it."

"Don't you lecture me, too!" Shisui huffed. "My suspicion of them is well founded. They are up to something! They always are. You can't trust them!"

"I'm not talking about trust," Itachi shook his head and leaned against the kitchen counter. "I'm asking for more... restraint."

"That's rich, coming from you." Shisui threw him a knowing glare. "You have your reasons to be wary of them and I have mine. Wouldn't have minded if you put an end to that monster."

Listening to Shisui speak of Kisame this way sent shivers down his spine while a knot tightened in his gut. Sighing, Itachi made a last offer. "If they bother you that much, you can request to be transferred. I'm sure the Hokage will understand. Besides, with me close to him he wouldn't need your Sharingan."

"To what end?" Shisui shook his head in frustration.

"If you can't deal with them, then avoid them. Isn't that a welcoming alternative?"

Shisui glowered and shook his head. "You don't understand. I mean, they're here. They are in a meeting with your father."

"What?" Itachi jumped to his feet faster than a startled cat. "They are in this house?"

"Yeah, down the hall, in the big room." Shisui jerked his head. "I came out to get some air. Can't stand that stench. Hey, Itachi, where are you going?"

Itachi couldn't stop his feet. Kisame was in this house, at his home and talking to his father. Kisame was here. Kisame was here.

This one thought sounded in his ears again and again, until he was right in front of the room his father used to receive honored guests. He could hear the Mizukage and his mother chuckling and his father talking. If he wasn't completely wrong, he could even sense Kisame's familiar chakra signature.

He wanted to knock on the door but something stopped his fist midair. He wondered what he would do once the man looked at him without any kind of recognition. Could one die of disappointment? Would his heart break? Would he cry? Would he be able to control his feelings? After all, he had not loved anyone as much as he loved Kisame right now.

"Come in, Itachi," his father's voice dragged him out of his thoughts.

Trembling, Itachi' hand reached for the door and he slid it open. It took him all of his composure to ban the emotions from his face. He stepped into the room, ignoring the presence of his old lover and knelt down before his lady. He bowed before the leader of Kirigakure and said the words appropriate for the situation. From one minute to the next, Itachi transformed from the love-struck teenager to the dutiful son of a noble clan.

"Itachi," his father said. "This is the Mizukage of Kirigakure. I'm sure you know she's here for the joined chunin-exam. We will grant her all of the hospitality of the Uchiha Clan. It is a great honor."

"You're so generous, Uchiha-dono." Mizukage smiled. "So, this is your eldest son, I presume. How old are you, Itachi-kun?"

"I'm thirteen, Mizukage-sama," Itachi replied, eyes lowered as courtesy dictated. Inside, he wanted to call her names. He hated her because she could be close to Kisame everyday and he was forced to love that man from afar.

"And you are already a shinobi?" She asked again, apparently intrigued.

Itachi didn't answer. What a stupid question was that? Why would she know of him, if not for his shinobi reputation.

"Itachi, don't be shy." His mother encouraged. "Answer Mizukage-sama."

"Yes, Mizukage-sama." Itachi thought he might beat her without moving. Maybe he should make her taste Tsukuyomi.

"What a handsome boy," she chuckled. "Will you be participating in the exam?"

Itachi wanted to roll his eyes. His mother chuckled and Itachi could almost hear his father's pride swelling. "No," he said, voice plain and face lowered. "I passed my exam three years ago."

"A chunin?"

"Oh no," Mikoto chuckled. "Itachi is an ANBU captain already."

"Astonishing!" Mei exclaimed. "You wouldn't happen to be the Konoha genius, the child many call Master of Illusion?"

"Indeed, that's me." Itachi said truthfully, without any trace of modesty. She should praise him. She should fear him.

"Your son's reputation precedes him," Mei said to Itachi's father, who looked suddenly a lot bigger. "My congratulations."

"Thank you, Mizukage-sama." Fugaku said. "Itachi has come far despite his age. We are very proud of him."

"I'm sure girls are knocking down your door now that he is to be engaged." Mei chuckled. "I hope you'll consider my offer?"

Itachi tensed. What offer? What was going on?

"Itachi," Fugaku's voice was suddenly stern. "Take Hoshigaki-san for tea, please. I'm sure he will appreciate the refreshment after a long journey."

"Ao, please go enjoy the garden, it is beautiful. Oh and Kisame loves tea," Mei said, as if she was well accustomed with Kisame's habits. "Especially served with sweets. "

As if Itachi needed to be told. He knew Kisame's tastes better than anyone. He knew all about Kisame, every little detail. He wanted to punch that woman for treating him like a child and claiming Kisame.

He bowed like an obedient son would and stood up. He didn't dare look at Kisame but only held the door for him. "This way, Ki... please, Hoshigaki-san."

With the bigger man following him, Itachi walked down the hallway with a pounding heart. He felt the fierce stare in his nape, but didn't dare turn around. His legs were shaking and his hands sweating. His breathing was too quick and his eyes blurred with tears. He wanted to turn around and kiss the man senseless , but all he could do was open another door and gesture Kisame inside.

He turned his head around while speaking. "I'll be back with the tea."

He rushed into the kitchen and searched his mother's cupboards for Kisame's favorite kind. It also happened to his own favorite. Thinking about it, Kisame never voiced his own taste. He just always took what Itachi made him.

When Itachi returned with a tray of tea, Kisame was sitting casually at the table, staring outside. Itachi shakily sat the tray up and breathed out. The moment it took him to focus his mind was the moment someone attacked him.

Strong arms appeared out of nowhere and enveloped him. A giant hand was over his mouth while another went for his eyes. Another pair of hands came up to grasp his hands, preventing him from making any signs. Itachi felt his chakra being consumed by the grand-sword now pressed against his skin. He felt his own limbs weaken as a most sensual breath reached his ears.

"One wrong move and I'll snap your pretty neck, Itachi-san."

Thank you all for reading!