Sasuke really hated that mask even if he couldn't see much of the face beneath it due to yet another mask – but the face was still familiar. He could have a slight inclination of what his teacher was thinking, but the painted feline blocked off all possibilities. He couldn't tell how his sarcasm affected the other.
"Are you suggesting that your acquisition of the Mangekyo Sharingan implements her in some way?"
Sasuke shook his head, his chains rattling. "Not directly, more like it affects the entire village and – more specifically – the council." He could barely mask his bitterness, but Kakashi picked it up.
"So it should be the council who is worried but not you?"
The bitter, insane laugher reappeared. "Frankly I don't give a damn what they think. I just thought I would give Tsunade a heads up, seeing as even she isn't in the know. I'm surprised she hasn't looked at the files; they are bound to be there."
"Tsunade prefers to hear it from the person, not records if she can help it. So, will you tell me Sasuke?"
"If I don't will you beat it out of me?" The arrogant smirk on Sasuke's face knew that Kakashi wouldn't. "Sadly I'd rather not haste my execution, as I'm certain once the council learns that I've discovered their lie – they would not hesitate to kill me."
"Why would that be?" Sasuke detected a protective fraternal tone in those words. If it was anybody else, he was certain he would laugh mockingly at that, but it was Kakashi. Hearing the caring tone in his ex-teacher's voice made him feel touched. He didn't know why.
"Isn't that your job to find out?"
In the end, Kakashi fed him his now-cold supper before leaving. Nothing more was disclosed, but every day, the jounin would return and ask more questions. However, Sasuke would remain obscure in his responses, not letting go of any of the information. He made an internal deal – the information was sealed in a bank and the only way Kakashi could withdraw was if he deposited his own information.
In the dark cell, Sasuke easily lost track of time. His only measure was when Kakashi visited him. Even then, after about the tenth visit, he lost track.
Sometime around then, Sasuke noticed something different about the jounin. The way he held himself was too lax (even more so than in their Team Seven days). He seemed almost exhausted.
The temptation to goad the other was almost irresistible, though Sasuke wasn't particularly fighting it either.
"Are you certain you are even capable of feeding me?" Yes, Sasuke was playing up the arrogant prick act again.
"Well why don't you feed yourself?" There was a slight irritation in Kakashi's voice. He heard it once before – when Kakashi scolded Naruto on his behalf. The scene flashed in his mind and lost him the moment to respond to that statement.
Kakashi signed before lifting the spoon to Sasuke's mouth. They set up a routine now – Kakashi would feed him a spoonful and ask a question while Sasuke answered after chewing the food. It seemed like Kakashi wanted to finish this as soon as he could today too. "Are you over your overpowering obsession with your brother?"
They had ended off with the topic of Itachi last time, but it was a casual subject: Approaching his previous knowledge on how to obtain the Mangekyo Sharingan. Nothing close to the truth. As Sasuke digested the information and food, he smirked. There it was – the tiniest slip. Barely noticeable but it was still present. He didn't want Kakashi to notice it, so he answered and gave the other information in return. "I'll never be." Let the man interpret it how he will.
"Is it because he killed your clan?" Another spoonful, another question.
After eating, Sasuke chuckled. "Perhaps, perhaps not." Kakashi needed more than just that tiny slip up to approach that territory.
"Awfully cryptic don't you think Sasuke?"
"Haven't I always been?"
"Hmm, how would I know?"
Damn, it seemed that Kakashi wasn't that tired. "Well, you seemed to have past affiliations with me, or you wouldn't have asked me if I killed Naruto – or was it Naruto whom you knew?" Sasuke knew he had cornered Kakashi – who would he choose? Even so, it felt wrong to resume this rivalry between his old friend. He had some respect for the deceased, and felt as if he had crossed some boundary. However, this game was too intriguing, and Sasuke refused to believe it was because it was with his teacher.
The man considered the answer thoughtfully. "My best friend was an Uchiha, and I wanted to know if they had all fallen or not."
A dark gleam entered Sasuke's – no Itachi's eyes. "I dare you to repeat that sentence around me again! I dare you!"
Kakashi shuffled back a couple centimeters, forming a slight stance.
Tilting his head, Sasuke smiled darkly. "Oh? You won't? Good, because I would have to kill you if you did. It would be a shame to do that. You are interesting company after all." The malicious aura around Sasuke faded and he sighed. Hearing people call Itachi akin to the scum of society blew a circuit in him. The man had spared his life, had killed on behalf of Konoha (at the orders of Danzo and the council however) and they called him a traitor! Why did Itachi have to be a ninja! Why couldn't he have lived a normal life? His brother's face flashed in his mind and tears slipped past the eyes – Itachi's eyes. Ashamed, he turned his head. Kakashi never saw him cry, never saw Sasuke this weak and he didn't want him to,
"So you can still feel Sasuke…"
Immediately, Sasuke knew it was an allusion to the day before he left, but he didn't know what to give Kakashi in return. Looking out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Kakashi's back was to him. It… He couldn't explain the relief he felt at the respect the other was showing. Perhaps tomorrow would be a better day.
"I'm no longer hungry."
"Alright." Kakashi took the bowl and left the cell.
I know you were intending well brother, but things never turn out as planned do they?
Finished it and typed it up n.n Knew it wouldn't take long.
Wow, didn't intent that angst to be there haha. What can I say, this fanfiction writes itself. Might work on it later today, but certainly no more updates today, have work :P. And, eh, if you want to squint there can be Uchicest. Not intended though :P