Happy Valentine's Day!!! I was feeling rather inspired, so I FINALLY finished the chapter and posted… More to come very soon (if anyone is still reading ^.^').

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"You let him go?!" The Hyuuga's glare intensified as the man before him nodded sheepishly and scratched the back of his head. What the hell happened to his determination?! Does he think this is a game? Sasuke's a missing nin and could be extremely dangerous to Konoha… He almost laughed aloud even as his anger deepened. Who am I kidding? I need to get him back so I can have closure, not to save the village. Besides, he's made it more than clear that he isn't interested in us.

Kakashi couldn't really explain the smug mood that had settled over him when his teammates caught up. I feel like I need to keep him from them... I still think of him as mine after all of these years; in fact, it's almost as if it's up to me to let him have a chance to flourish. "Itachi Uchiha made retrieval impossible… As much as I hate to admit it, he's more powerful than I am. And with Sasuke on his side… Well, I doubt I could have held them off long enough for you to bring in the reinforcements." Neji didn't seem to believe a word of it, Shikamaru didn't seem to care, and Kiba didn't seem to be listening at all; his eyes had slipped closed and he was inhaling repeatedly, clearly enjoying whoever's scent he had caught.

Considering Inuzuka's enjoyment, something happened here… Though that was obvious as soon as the barrier went up. I guess I really can't let that pervert out of my sight. "So I assume we're going to withdraw?" To his annoyance, the copy nin refused to acknowledge his glare and merely smiled happily behind his mask.

"Well, yes, I think that's best… Good plan, Hyuuga. At least now we know the rumors are true; there's something to report to the Hokage." Kakashi couldn't help but chuckle to himself as he was given various irritated gestures. But they're under my command whether they like it not, so whatever I say goes. "So… Let's head back."

XXXXXX

As soon as they were out of earshot and safely far from the Konoha nin, Itachi let his curiosity get the best of him. "What did he say?" I'm sick of cloaking my emotions for him; I did enough of that when I encountered him in Konoha, and it hurt me far too much. That look he gave me… He was sure I hated him. I could never hate him.

The raven glanced at his brother, noting the unclouded anxiety his sharingan eyes seemed to reveal. I won't deceive you unless it's the only way to save you. "He said that I always have a home with him, even if you leave me hurt and broken when your lust runs out… He said that he'd always love me, no matter whose whore I chose to be; that part of my heart would be his forever." Sasuke's tone was dead as he recited his sensei's words; he didn't know what to make of them. He meant to both comfort and warn; I'll have somewhere to go if things get bad, but he's sure they will. He's sure that Itachi will tire of me; that's why he let me go.

"Hn. He's too arrogant for his own good; I should have killed him back there." The Akatsuki tried to catch Sasuke's eyes, but it was no use; he was steadily avoiding contact of any sort. If I move the smallest bit closer, he moves further away to accommodate me. So he's afraid that the old dog knows what he's talking about… But can I blame him? My latest actions haven't been in his best interest; they've been in an attempt to have him to myself again. Could it be true that I'm just lusting after him? As soon as I satisfy my fantasies and make the conquest I desire, will I leave him?! "Stop running."

The pale nin obeyed, but kept his gaze downcast. "What is it? They aren't following us… We should return to the lair as soon as possible." I can't deal with all of this at once… Losing him, and maybe losing you too… Please let it go. He looked to the sky to notice that dark storm clouds loomed overhead, ready to burst at any second. Itachi continued to look at him, nearly begging him to drop his shields. … I know what you want, but- If I can't trust you- He blinked slowly in realization. If I can't trust you, I can't trust anyone. As if echoing his despair, drops of moisture began to fall steadily from the sky. The raven was vaguely aware that Itachi had taken them down to the forest floor for more shelter, but focused on the weather as he spoke mostly to himself. "The last time I remember it raining like this was when I left the village. I beat my best friend unconscious and fled to Orochimaru; I wanted to kill you more than anything then."

"I remember it well. That was the day that I thought I'd lost you forever, Otouto." The older Uchiha wanted to hold the vulnerable looking boy in his arms, but resisted. We'll never get past all of this if I don't let him recount his pain; if I try to help, he'll just distance himself again.

Sasuke smiled faintly and seemed to stare more intently at the raindrops pelting the ground. "I denied it all up to the painful end, you know… And, in a way, Orochimaru was almost good for me; he made me come to terms with my lack of hate for you." He paused in reverie, then resumed speaking, his tone almost fond. "He turned it against me, of course… He used you to break me." I can appreciate the irony now; he used the force that drove me to him to control me… And it was too much. He drove me to betray him with the same thing he used to make me loyal. "But, as usual, he was greedy… And so here we are." The raven finally glanced back to see the pair of sharingan eyes that seemed to see nothing aside from him.

The older Uchiha cleared his throat, suddenly uneasy about the question he had to ask. "Do you regret coming with me, Sasuke?" I've made myself a mystery to him all my life… I refused to train him when we were young, then I slaughtered our family and raped him before I left. I came back to get the nine-tailed beast, then beat the shit out of him and told him to hate me. It isn't a surprise that he has no idea what to expect now; I've sent so many mixed signals over the years. The teen raised an eyebrow at his question, prompting Itachi to re-clarify the facts. "Fine, I didn't really give you a choice… But I know you could have stopped me; you could have run away-"

"I did run away, remember? I went back to Orochimaru." Sasuke closed his eyes and stepped away from the sheltering tree, into the rain. "And then I ran away again, a few hours ago, when you angered me enough to bring out his curse." I could have killed him if I had stayed there… God, and it's such horrible luck that I'd run into Kakashi on top of it all. "I'm sorry, Aniki, but I'm not sure that this can work…" His voice was shaking completely against his will; he hated the possibility that seemed to be steadily becoming a reality.

"Don't say that, love; don't even think it." He finally strode forward, noticing that there were more lines of moisture on his otouto's face than there should have been; the rain was only now beginning to pour. He's so vulnerable… And all I want is to hold him and never let go. "I promise you; this can and will work. I love you, Sasuke; there is no foundation for his accusations… They are spawned solely from his selfish wishes to possess you for himself." But I won't let him have you… Ever. The raven didn't move away, so the Akatsuki bridged the gap between them.

Sasuke felt warm arms surround him as a gentle hand came to brush the tears away; he hadn't noticed they were there. His first impulse was weakness as he leaned into his brother's embrace, but he realized that this was what he needed; he had to let the tears fall. "Ita… I love you too." Soon his head was buried in the other's strong shoulder and he was sobbing. He mourned for all he had lost, all he had done, all he been forced to do. Finally he could feel the stiffness of his limbs loosen up, finally he felt the release he had craved every time he'd been taken by another man. I understand now… I've been restlessly itching not only for his touch, but for his consolation and acceptance as well. He'll give it to me the way no one else ever has…

Itachi held the lithe form as tight as he dared, cringing at his helplessness; there was nothing he could do to ease the pain. The body in his arms wracked with sobs that were swallowed by the pounding of the rain all around them. "I'm sorry, Otouto… I'm so sorry that it took me so long to find you… Fuck, I'm horrible for leaving you there, for letting you go…" I should have protected him. I knew what was bound to happen if he took off to gain power… I hoped I could find him as soon as he left, but by the time it had happened I was too late; the filthy snake was already slithering all over him. "I'll never leave your side, love… You are all that I live for."

The young Uchiha was shuddering now, his cries completely silent as tears continued to grace his pale cheeks. For the first time he seemed to realize that they were both soaked to the bone, living only off of the body heat they gave to each other. With great difficulty he composed his voice and spoke softly, nuzzling the collar of the once warm cloak that now clung to his brother's skin. "You're wet, nii-san."

"It's raining, Otouto." Itachi found he didn't mind his drenched state, but suddenly realized how cold Sasuke must be; he was half naked, after all. Well then perhaps I'll have to warm him up. "Come on; we should get you some clothes… Only until you get warm, though; then they're coming off."

Sasuke smiled seductively and leaned up to kiss the other, easily drawing the hot tongue into his mouth. His brother's tongue plundered against his own before withdrawing to lap at the salty remnants of sorrow on his cheeks. The raven chuckled and wove his fingers into Itachi's wet hair to pull him closer before whispering into his ear. "Forget the clothes… Body heat works the best, you know." He sealed his idea with a nibble to the cool earlobe, breathing hotly against it in the process to earn him a shiver.

He returns to the physical so soon… Is he trying to cover up his insecurities? No… It's the best, the only way to release the passion. And the fact that he opened up is monumental; he seems to genuinely feel better… He practically giggled for god's sake! "Are you sure you don't prefer a warm bed to a dark cave, Sasuke?" He held the raven tight to his chest and easily teleported them to a nearby enclosure that was frequently used by Akatsuki members for shelter.

"I think I even prefer the cave, Itachi… It's so much more exciting." He soon occupied himself with removing the bothersome cloak. It wasn't like this before… It was too rehearsed… This is real; so fucking real and it still feels too good to be true. As soon as it was gone he buried his cold nose in Itachi's neck and kissed the straining muscles, tracing them with his tongue.

The way he said it made the older Uchiha's insides churn with desire while the talented muscle now worshiping his skin had a different effect, despite the cold. "Well perhaps you can have both." He glanced to the opposite wall and was satisfied to find a soft makeshift bed covered in black and red silks illuminated by candlelight; Madara was a sucker for luxury and insisted that even the humblest refuge have its posh furnishings. And for once I agree with him. He groaned as the raven's tongue lapped at his lips, asking his permission to invade. Itachi grinned and allowed his brother's tongue to give him a taste of the damp rain-soaked moisture he had collected in his ardent exploration. "Mnmm… But you taste so much better than I…" He immediately felt down slim hips and grasped the firm ass as leverage so he could transport his beautiful lover to the bed.

Sasuke let out a startled moan as he was lifted off the ground and responded by wrapping his legs tightly around his nii-san's waist to emphasize how much he liked the idea. I feel like something should go wrong… I haven't been this happy for so long. "Aniki…" He was set down carefully on the edge of the soft comforter while Itachi removed his shirt. The raven reached up to run his hands along firm abs. "Enough foreplay… I need you to complete me."

"Not yet, love… Let me cherish your adorably horny state for a while longer." He's smiling… For the first time since childhood, he looks to be in bliss. I always feel it when I'm around him, but now he can too; his doubts are gone, and nothing can stop us now.

The younger Uchiha laughed again and undid his pants. "Well, I'll just have to tempt you without mercy until I get what I want, then…" He licked his lips and stood to peel the wet clothing from his skin. Itachi grabbed his shoulders and yanked him into another kiss that had him literally bending over backwards as an arm wound around his lower back to support him. Fuck… I want him so bad that it feels like I'll fall apart if I don't get as much as I can. "Ita… God, please… I love you." He sweetened up his next request with another enthusiastic kiss. "Now fuck me."

Itachi rolled his eyes. He'll go to any length to get what he wants when he wants it. But that's okay; tonight I'm going to give him all the pleasure he can handle. "Soon... But you'll have to be patient and moan your heart out." He grinned devilishly and dove at the raven's neck, only to run into the curse mark. Whether I like it or not, there will always be that reminder of my mistakes. After a brief pause, he kissed the tattoo lightly with his lips.

He actually touched it instead of avoiding it like the plague… Sasuke gasped and tugged on his brother's hair to get him to look into his eyes. "I'm sorry… I promise you that he never meant anything to me. If I ever see him again, I'll kill him myself." How can you ever forgive me? "Ita… I could cut it out if you-" The raven was silenced with a soft kiss as a thumb rubbed over the seal.

"That won't be necessary, love." I'd never let you hurt yourself like that for my sake. "Let it be a reminder that we will never make such foolish mistakes again." They stood still for a moment, each lost in thoughts of the past. Itachi was the first to return to reality, and began analyzing the new set of binding symbols surrounding the mark, using his sharingan to see how effective it could be. It seems a bit unfair, actually… A lot of his power has been restricted. I wonder if he knows how much-

"Come back to me, nii-san... I still need you to warm me up." Sasuke shivered before turning away and throwing himself on the bed. As his back made contact with the silk, goosebumps arose on his flesh and his nipples hardened in anticipation of the thrashing that was bound to occur on the sensuous material. A small gasp escaped his lips as Itachi's gaze moved up his body. I can't stand him being so far away...

The older Uchiha quickly slipped out of his remaining clothing and climbed on the bed to join the lonely raven. "Mnmm you look so delectable... I'm going to lick you from head to toe, starting with your creamy white thighs." Sasuke's back arched as he spread his legs for his lover, groaning as wet lips kissed just above his knee. "That's it, babe; I want to hear every one of the luscious noises you make."

"Fuck... I can't..." Sasuke threw his head back against the pillows and twisted from side to side as smooth teeth nipped closer to his throbbing cock. "Ah!" Instead of lapping up his shaft, Itachi had moved down to tongue his entrance.

He wasn't expecting that... "Did you want something else instead, Otouto?" He smiled expectantly as the raven's lids fluttered open and eyes dark with pleasure met his crimson ones.

"N-no keep... Ngh." Itachi was running his fingertips up and down the pale thighs as he gathered enough saliva to push one of his digits into the tight hole while he alternately sucked each ball. "Oh god..." The older Uchiha shifted his attention to the leaking member and tasted a fair amount of precum as he traced the bulging vein to the tip with his tongue. As another finger was added to his entrance, the raven protested. "Ita... I'm too tired to-"

"I know. You've been through a lot today." I know he can take it; besides, I'm on the edge of my control. "Just relax, Sasuke." I'll do all the work. Itachi smiled softly at the panting body beneath him as he aligned himself and plunged into the perfect heat with a grunt.

The younger Uchiha inhaled sharply as he was penetrated in one deep stroke. "Ahh..." No one compares to this; no one can understand what we have... Kakashi was wrong. He quickly rid himself of thoughts of his former sensei and concentrated on the sensations ricocheting up his spine. "Move... Go fast and hard."

"Oh don't worry, Otouto, I know exactly what you like." Itachi pulled back only to thrust forward and strike his brother's prostate with unique precision as the other arched up and wrapped his arms around the muscular neck.

"I love you... Only you."

The words were whispered feverishly as Itachi produced a steady rhythm for them both, grabbing Sasuke's hips to gain better leverage. The confession made him pause, panting, and hug the lithe form to his chest. He actually means it this time. He resumed thrusting and saw that the raven was looking deep into his eyes.

"Nii-san, kiss me." The older Uchiha immediately brought their lips together and smiled into the kiss as fingers wound into his hair. I'm never letting go.

They parted with matching moans as Itachi increased their pace. "So tight…" The feelings intensified for them both as the world around them blurred and disappeared into bright white as they climaxed in unison.

"Itachi!" A muffled 'Sasuke' was his response as teeth sunk into the muscle of his neck, causing the raven to whimper excitedly at the sensation. Every inch of his body alternately throbbed and relaxed as the form above him collapsed and groaned as he withdrew. "Mnmm, Nii-san… I feel like I'm going to pass out."

"Wait Sasuke, love, there's something I have to tell you…" I need to make sure he knows how much of his power has been compromised by Kakashi's binding seal.

The younger Uchiha snuggled further into his brother's arms and slurred a reply. "It can wait until morning, Aniki. I promise I'm not going anywhere..."

He's right… I'm not letting him out of my sight, so it can wait. He smiled as the beautiful raven's breathing automatically synchronized with his heartbeat. His innocence returns in sleep; he's so lovely. With one last deep inhalation of the intoxicating scent nestled all around him, Itachi let his eyes slide shut.

XXXXXX

If anyone is still paying attention to this story, I totally appreciate your patience and support!!! I'd like to thank Twin Fox Tails in particular; your reminder messages were so wonderful! I finally got past the part that was giving me difficulty, so I decided to give a mildly fluffy addition in honor of the holiday (even though I hate it).

Point of interest, this story is far from over, but I do have a definite plot and ending in mind (no longer will I wander along between fleeting fancies; the past few months have given me time to plan intricately for the future).

Thanks for reading! The manga has been inspiring me as of late, so I'm sure there'll be a oneshot on the way shortly… (this time I might actually mean it O.o)

Much Love,

VioletIntoxication