Hello! Ah! It's been so long! Happy belated holidays to everyone! I wanted to put out a couple chapters for Christmas, but I was stuck in my grandma's house in Georgia, in 4 degree weather I might add which I am severely unused to, and without computer access. And plus, these next few chapters I don't think would go very well with the cheery feel of Christmas and other holidays.

I always listen to music when I write, so I'm gonna start jotting down everything I listen to when I write the chapters. Okay! I needed darker music for this, basically I went through the entire album Bara no Seidou by Malice Mizer. Also all three of Otep's albums: House of Secrets, Sevas Tra, and The Ascention.

Disclaimer: Don't own them!

--

"Kazumi, I want you to watch over Itachi."

"Hai, Uchiha-sama."

"Don't let him catch on to you. And if he ever goes out riding again, you're to come straight to me. Wakarimasuka?"

"H-hai Uchiha-sama."

"Good. Now leave."

The young girl gave a deep, silent bow to her master and turned, leaving the room silently and swiftly. Feeling a bit weary, she sat down on the side of the walkway, her feet dangling. She gave a deep sigh and drooped her head.

"What are you doing out here so late?"

Startled, Kazumi looked up to see the younger of the two Uchiha heirs looming over her. She quickly stood up and straightened her kimono.

"Oh, Sasuke-sama, you startled me. I didn't hear you walk up."

"Believe me, it was not my intention to do so."

She bowed for the younger boy, "Its quite alright. Daijoubu desu... Sasuke-sama, is something the matter? You look as if you've been crying."

"No. Nothing at all. My eyes have been a little itchy lately. I've rubbed them quite a bit," he gave a small smile to the girl, "Well, I think its time for us both to be off to bed. Oyasuminasai."

"Oyasuminasai, Sasuke-sama."

--

The days seemed to pass like years for Itachi. He was more than ready to leave everything. He had everything packed away and hidden. It was nearing nightfall.

This was the day. The day he and Deidara would leave both of their lives to start a new one together. On the outside, he seemed cool and collected. On the inside, he was bursting.

Excitement, joy, love, anticipation, spite, anxiousness, and nervousness.

He couldn't wait to live happily with his beloved blond. And how he wished he would be able to see his father's reaction to the realization of his departure. But must of all, he was nervous. Hoping everything would go as he'd planned.

If it were up to him, he would've left days earlier. But Deidara was more nervous than he, even though that seemed impossible to him. He needed Deidara to be comfortable with what they were going to do. If not, it would be much harder to be secretive and not to mention unfair to the blond. For the one he loved, Itachi would wait as long as it takes.

Itachi acted as though there was nothing different. He only acknowledged his parents when they addressed him. He ignored the servants. That's how it usually was. However, he couldn't seem to look Sasuke in the eyes. He couldn't bear to be around him for longer than a couple of minutes.

Sasuke acted normally as well. But when he looked at Itachi, his eyes screamed for him. Cried out for his brother to stay, not to leave him alone. The look of utter turmoil and distress in those obsidian orbs made the older raven want to rip his heart out and collapse on the ground weeping.

Itachi loved his little brother more than anything.

Nightfall couldn't seem to take longer to arrive. Itachi sat in his room quietly awaiting the midnight hour when everyone was asleep and he would run away to Deidara. He lit a single candle to give himself some light as the sun was gradually devoured by the darkness of night.

A meek knock sounded signaling to Itachi that Kazumi had come to offer him to come down to dinner with the rest of his family. He would usually refuse the offer and take his supper alone in his room. Tonight would be no different. Although the stress that had taken over him had also utterly destroyed his appetite. He adjusted his position slightly to appear a bit more relaxed and nonchalant.

"Come in, Kazumi."

The door creaked open slightly and the small girl poked her head inside, "I-Itachi-sama, your parents would like to know if you would be joining them for dinner."

"What is my answer always, Kazumi?"

"Hai, I'll let them know..."

The girl just paused at the door, not seeming to want to leave.

"Yes, Kazumi?"

"Um...you've been seeming much more cheerful lately, Itachi-sama. But I couldn't help notice you don't spend as much time with Sasuke-sama as you used to."

"Its nothing, Kazumi. I believe your mistaken. I still spend time with Sasuke, but its more secluded than before. He's growing older. Its just more to talk about personal matters than to actually indulge in physical activities."

"Oh, okay. Well, I'll go and bring you your dinner then."

"Kazumi."

"Hai, Itachi-sama?"

"No need to bother. I'm not really hungry."

"Again, Itachi-sama? You haven't been eating much lately. Are you feeling ill?"

"No. My mind has just been on other matters lately."

"Like what?"

"How unnaturally bold of you, Kazumi."

The girl flinched slightly at the hard and accusing look she received from the man.

"G-gomen nasai, Itachi-sama," she gave a bow so quick and deep she had to reflexively catch herself, "it was not my place."

"Its alright Kazumi. Now, please go."

"Hai, Itachi-sama."

Kazumi left slower than usual and gave a last almost longing look into the room at the silent raven. Once he heard her footsteps fade away, Itachi let out a deep sigh. He drew up his right leg and rested his arm over his knee. Kazumi had no idea what was going on, right? She couldn't. Not exactly at least. But even if she was a bit suspicious, she was completely infatuated with him. She would never tell anyone anything knowing it might upset him. He put the idea out of his head and let his thoughts return to his blond and their plans for later that night.

When it came time for everyone to go to bed, Itachi blew out his candle. He didn't want others servants to notice he was still awake. He sat in his bed for hours. The time seemed to creep by; much too slow for Itachi's liking.

After a while, he opened his door and peered at the night sky. The moon was full and high overhead. Midnight. It was finally time.

He grabbed his bag and stepped outside. A gentle breeze blew. He scanned the area and, confirming there was no one there, made his way to the stables to grab his horse.

--

Kazumi had been ordered lately to watch over Itachi's room to make sure he didn't leave during the night. It was growing cold out. The breeze didn't help. She crawled underneath the walkway and behind the stairs up to the raven's room. The wood of the stairs shielding her from the cool wind.

There was nothing to do to keep her eyelids from growing heavy. She fell asleep after a few minutes. She was awakened by the soft sound of footsteps overhead. She heard him step into the grass and stop. He was looking around for anyone. She his behind the stairs, holding her breath. When she heard him start to move again, she let out her breath and looked around at the raven. He was heading toward the stables with a bag in hand. He was leaving. For good.

'No, Itachi-sama! Please! Don't go!' the girl screamed in her mind.

This is what was making him happy! He was planning to leave! Desert them all!

Kazumi loved Itachi. More than she really loved herself. She couldn't go against him. Especially if it made him unhappy.

But he was leaving. This makes everything different. She needed him here. No matter what. Even if he was unhappy. She would die without him.

When he was far enough away that he wouldn't notice her, she got up and swiftly ran to Fugaku.

--

Fugaku was awakened suddenly by a harsh, desperate knock on his door. Mikoto moaned softly prompting him to see who it was for she refused to answer it herself. He sighed and stood up, walking over to the door. He opened it to find Kazumi on her knees, panting slightly and her eyes welling with glistening tears.

"I-itachi-sa-sama! He's leaving...Uchiha-sa-sama!"

"He's gone out riding again?!"

"No! He's, he's leaving! Running, running away!"

"What?!"

"What's going on, Fugaku?" Mikoto asked, coming to her husband's side.

Fugaku turned to his beloved wife, a false look of worry on his face, "Itachi's running away."

"What?! Why?!"

"I don't know. We'll figure it all out when we bring him back," he turned away from the horrified woman, "Mikoto, have a room prepared for when Itachi comes back. He's not going back to his room."

"Hai."

"Kazumi!"

"H-hai, Uchiha-sama?"

"Wake some of the other warriors."

"Why would you need their assistance, Uchiha-sama?"

"Itachi is a strong man. Stronger than myself. He could fight me off and still escape. He can't fight off three or four other warriors as well as myself. Get rope as well. We might need to bind him."

"Hai, Uchiha-sama," Kazumi spoke, a sense of determination in her voice, and ran off to do as she was ordered.

Fugaku quickly changed out of his sleeping kimono and stepped out into the night, raising his gaze to the moon; its light casting a sinister glow on his face, an evil smirk plastered across it.

"Now, Itachi. Now is the time I can finally punish you for all of the shame you've caused this family."

He opted not to take his horse, knowing he would be quieter on foot. He met with the small group of warriors and they made their way to track down Itachi.

--

Itachi rode his horse hard. The cold wind stung his face and powerfully whipped his hair about. He never felt better. He was free. Free to live happily with his beloved.

He made his way into the forest and down the path to the secret clearing where his blond beauty was already waiting for him.

"Deidara," Itachi spoke softly dismounting his horse, and tied the reins to a tree branch.

"Itachi!"

Itachi held his arms open for the boy to run to him and embrace him.

"Oh, Kami-sama! I can't believe we're actually free, un!"

"We're not free yet, my love. Soon though."

"Hai. Soon," Deidara slowly snaked his arms up the raven's chest and around his neck, pulling him down for a deep and passionate kiss.

The kiss was hot. Itachi felt like his whole body was on fire. He wrapped his arms around Deidara's waist and pulled him close, deepening the kiss, if that actually seemed possible. He ran his tongue lightly along the blond's lower lip and, without hesitation, was granted access. He roamed that hot mouth, exploring every nook and cranny. He'd already memorized everything about that deliciously sweet mouth. He rubbed his tongue along Deidara's, coaxing it into action. They battled within each other's mouths, seeming sometimes to become knotted together. Finally, Deidara gave up and allowed the raven to ravage his mouth once again. The kiss was so sweet, needy and passionate. Itachi lost himself in it completely, until he was ripped away.

He was jerked back harshly, strong arms around each of his. Deidara was subdued without much effort, only one man holding the flailing blond. Itachi was tense but didn't necessarily struggle against his captors. He wanted to find out exactly what this was about.

"Itachi, Itachi," the raven turned his gaze to the bushes where Fugaku emerged, "Oh, Kami-sama, Itachi..."

"Otou-san," he growled low, through gritted teeth.

"Your father, un?!"

At this point, Deidara stopped struggling and opted to stare at the father and son, anxiety gripping at his heart and mind.

"My, my Itachi. You know, everyone was happy for you to know that your disposition become more cheerful and less brooding. But you know what? I didn't think you would just change for no real reason. I know you too well to let the situation end at that. I knew you were up to something," his evil smirk stayed, permanent on his face, only now growing wider, "and I find this," he motioned toward the worried Deidara, "You, haha, you were going to run away, weren't you? Completely forsake your family; those who have raised you, who cared for you, who only wished for the best for you, and you shit on us."

Itachi narrowed his eyes visciously.

"But, what I can't believe," Fugaku continued, words like venom, "is that you turned down every single nice young girl, completely disgracing and dishonoring your family might I add, to try and run off with a boy. And if that wasn't bad enough," he stepped over to Deidara and gingerly ran a finger along the blond's jawline. He harshly pinched his chin and forced his head up to look him in the eyes, "yellow hair...and blue eyes. I must say, Itachi, you have some taste in boys. You were going to leave us for an absolute freak!"

At that single word, Itachi pulled up his right arm and rammed his elbow into the man's chest, successfully knocking the wind out of him. The man let go of the raven's arm to try and regain his breath. In that moment, Itachi wrapped his free arm around his other captor's neck and pulled him down, slamming his knee into the man's abdomen. Once free, he ran toward his father, a fist ready to strike. Before his fist could actually make contact with his father's face, one of the warriors yanked on his foot, tripping him up and knocking him onto the hard earth. Both of the men climbed on top of him and pulled out rope to tie his wrists. He was pulled up again, his head forced down, his arms stretched out behind him.

Itachi looked up to see Deidara staring at him, tears pouring down his cheeks. He could hear Fugaku laughing menacingly.

"You honestly think you could attack me so brutally? You really must be out of your mind," he stepped over to Itachi now and cupped his cheek, "Now, you'll be punished for everything you've done against this family and for everything this family would've gone through if youhad successfully escaped."

Fugaku pulled his hand back and struck Itachi's face. The force behind the blow caused Itachi to fall and the men holding him to temporarily lose their footing. The fresh metallic taste of blood filled Itachi's mouth from where his teeth had cut the inside of his cheek. He could feel it swelling and knew a dark bruise would form. Deidara was sobbing.

Fugaku gently rubbed Itachi's already bruising face and crouched down to look his son in the eyes, "I believe you owe me an apology."

"Fuck you!"

"Well, if that's how you'd like to play it, then...," he stood up straight and rammed his knee into Itachi's abdomen hard enough to make the raven cough up a mouthful of blood and collapse into the other men, unconscious.

"Itachi! No, un!"

"Oh, so you actually do something other than cry and whore yourself out to my son," Fugaku turned toward Deidara, "This is mostly Itachi's sin. But you, you're something else. So strange you are. You'll be suffering for my son's disobedience. But don't worry, Itachi and the rest of the world will be much better off without you."

Fugaku gently pulled a piece of yellow hair behind Deidara's ear. He gave an obnoxiously fake innocent smile.

He stood up straight again, "Take Itachi and lock him up in the room my wife will have prepared. As for this one, lock him in the dungeon."

--

This one is kinda bad. I wasn't happy when I wrote this. Not because it sucked, I hope it didn't suck. Just, the content; it kinda kills me inside a little. This whole next week is almost all half days at school for me, so I'll have the next chapter out soon. Love you all! I'm glad to be back! Jaa!!