Caged Birds

by PlasticRoses79

Neji could tell by just looking at Itachi that this -whatever this was- it was going to turn his entire world upside down. Itachi seemed to promise nothing but a roller-coaster life, never knowing the next weave of the track or the direction it would take. What else was there to do but take the seat next to him and strap in? (AU)

24. Epilogue

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---

Itachi removed the porcelain mask, and unceremoniously tossed it on his passenger seat. For the past two weeks, he had the misfortune of accompanying the Hokage to the Land of Iron for the Kage Summit. The only good thing about the trip was that he was able to see Kisame again. Well there was also the fact that the new Kazekage was the youngest to ever hold the position. Listening to Rasa's youngest son, Gaara, hold his own against the other Kages was quite entertaining. Other than that, it was an incredibly dull event. Not one person tried to make an attempt on Kakashi's life or any of the Kage for that matter. If he'd known that, he would've just sent one of his subordinates in his place.

It was an hour until midnight, and the drive home would be a long one, but nothing was going to stop him from returning to his husband. Not even the Hokage. Behind him, Kakashi tried to convince him to wait until the morning.

"Iruka would love to have you over." Kakashi said while he watched the man remove his ABNU gear. "Come on Itachi, it's late."

"Thank you for the offer, Hokage-sama. But I'll have to pass." Itachi climbed in his car and closed the door. Before he pulled off he rolled down the window. "Send Iruka my regards."

Kakashi just stood there, and watched the car drive off. Only Itachi would turn down an offer from the Hokage without a second thought. Anyone else would be honored to spend a night in the Hokage mansion. Though, that was what he liked about the Uchiha. While majority of the people that worked for him only told the Hokage what he wanted to hear, there were those, like Itachi who didn't mind being straightforward with him. Sighing, Kakashi shook his head and headed to his car so he could get home to his own husband.

Maybe it was a good thing that Itachi turned down his offer. That meant he and Iruka could be as loud as they wanted. Kakashi smiled at the thought.

---

Leaving the city of Konohagakure always left Itachi feeling weightless. As though he were leaving all of his past mistakes, and regrets behind. The Uchiha Estate was still in his possession, but it had been vacant ever since Sasuke graduated high school. That was six years ago. So much had changed in only a short period of time. Now, he and his husband lived in a two story home, with a perfect view of the coastline, on the outskirts of Kamakura. Commuting to Konoha wasn't much of a hassle seeing that he was only needed for escort assignments or monthly ANBU meetings. After spending a year as the supervisor to new recruits, he was promoted to captain, but politely declined.

Instead he quit ANBU altogether and devoted all of his free time to Neji. That was until Kakashi was elected as Konoha's Rokudaime Hokage three years ago. The man personally asked him to become one of his personal guards - only when he left the country for diplomatic trips. The job was easy, flexible, and Itachi honestly didn't mind working for Kakashi. Despite his laziness, and obsession with poorly written erotica, he respected him and even considered Kakashi to be his friend.

After assisting his family in restoring the Hyuga clan back to its former glory, Neji was able to finish up his last two semesters at the university. Thanks to an anonymous sponsor his tuition was taken care of. Neji was still under the impression that it was Itachi's doing, but he had his own suspicions.

Once he was out of the city, the scenery changed to verdant woods, and the roads were darker. Turning on his radio, Itachi adjusted the station to something that he could tolerate for the remainder of the drive. He was honestly dead on his feet, only the desire to see Neji's face kept him awake. There was never a dull moment whenever he was in the man's presence. Each day his love for Neji grew and their fifth year anniversary was next month.

Five years.

Itachi couldn't believe that they even lasted that long. Mostly because he still had his own issues, and there were times when he would slip, but Neji was always there to keep him from falling. It was times like that when he wondered how differently things would've turned out if he didn't kick Neji out of his hotel room. Or worse what would have happened if he went through with his suicide mission to Otogakure.

Blinking rapidly, he dispelled the negative thoughts, and focused on what was important. He was happy - genuinely and irrevocably happy. Sasuke, Naruto, and Saki graduated from Todai University last month. Saki was currently doing humanitarian work in Amegakure alongside her girlfriend. And the way things were looking, Naruto and Sasuke would be the next to tie the knot. Of course they had Itachi and Neji's full support.

Yes, everything was as it should be. The horrors that they all endured because of Madara, felt like a distant memory. Though there were still nights when Itachi would dream about his first assignment; he concluded that it was just one of those things that he could never run away from.

-o0o0o-

All of the lights were out when Itachi pulled into the garage an hour and a half later. Opting to leave his travel bags in the car until morning, he climbed out of the car and headed inside. Even in the dark he could easily maneuver his way through the house. The exterior and interior of their home was a mixture of modern and traditional Japanese decor. Above the fireplace, their portrait adorned the wall. While framed pictures of his parents, and the Polaroid of Neji with his father, sat on the limestone fireplace.

When he neared the staircase, Itachi stepped on something hard. The silence in the room was shattered by the most annoying song that he'd ever heard.

...bus go round and round. Round and round. Round and round!

Frantically Itachi searched for the power button to turn off the dreaded music. Instead he snatched the batteries out of the toy. With a sigh, he placed the contraption on the nearest table. Itachi had completely forgotten that Neji was babysitting their godchildren.

Kaminari and Hiruko were Tokuma and Tenten's one year old twins. The couple had been married for two years, and were vacationing in Kamakura for a few days. It wasn't their first time keeping the twins. They actually took the role of godparents very seriously. And although he loved the children as though they were his own, Itachi had really been looking forward to waking Neji up and ravishing him.

Covering his mouth to stifle a yawn, he chuckled groggily to himself. Who was he kidding? Babysitting or not he was far too tired to make love to his husband.

Now that's a first.

Although it was a rather dull affair, the Kage Summit has drained him. Because of his position, he needed to be on high alert at all times - as if Kakashi couldn't take care of himself. Really, anyone who was insane enough to take him head on was forging their own death warrant.

Opening the door to their bedroom Itachi saw that Neji was still asleep despite all of the racket he'd made downstairs. Then he reminded himself that the man spent the entire day with the mini tornadoes. Seriously, the twins were so full of energy, it was remarkable. He walked over to Neji's side, and brushed a few strands of hair out of his face. Beside him the twins were soundly asleep.

The years had truly been great to Neji; his facial features were more prominent, his hair longer and finer - if that was even possible. Neji's entire physique was a testament to how much he had matured throughout the years. Unable to resist, he leaned over and placed a kiss on his husband's forehead. After all of the noise from that blasted toy, Neji didn't stir one bit, but his eyes snapped open once Itachi kissed him.

Neji was slightly disoriented so he just stared blankly for a few seconds before smiling drowsily. "Welcome home..."

Those were the exact words that he'd wanted to hear. Itachi placed another kiss on Neji's forehead, and then claimed his lips. Their movements were languid, their kisses light, but that contact was everything. Though it was brief, it was satisfying enough - at least until tomorrow when they would have the house to themselves. It was with that thought in mind that Itachi finally ended the embrace. Without another word, he walked to the other side of the bed, and discarded the extra pillows that served as a makeshift barrier to keep Kaminari from rolling off the bed. She had a habit of fighting in her sleep.

Once he climbed in, and made sure he wouldn't smother his goddaughter, Itachi shared one last look with his husband before fully succumbing to his fatigue.

---

"Open your eyes."

Obeying the sensual command, Itachi opened his eyes to see Neji wearing a pair of black cat ears, a collar with a gold bell, and a pair of black gloves. It was just like his twenty-seventh birthday all over again. That night, his husband showed him a side that he never knew he possessed. Who knew that Neji could dance? Not ballroom dancing, but raunchy, obscene dancing.

After the man's little show, Itachi fucked him all night long - literally, all night long. By the time he was done with Neji the sun was rising. And he was going to do the same tonight. It had been weeks since he'd been home, and he intended on showing Neji how much he missed him.

"Come here," Itachi motioned with his index finger. His cock jumped when he saw Neji twirl a black furry tail in his hand, as he grinded his hips to the sultry song.

"Now answer my question." Neji purred as he slowly made his way over to the man.

So mesmerized by the display, Itachi didn't notice that the song had changed. "What question?" he absently asked. His mind was filled with the things he planned on doing to the sexy little kitten.

'The wheels on the bus goes round and round. Round and round.'

Frowning, Itachi looked around the room for the source of the atrocious song that was ruining the moment. "Neji, could you turn that off?" Why was it even on in the first place?

Instead of answering, Neji straddled him, and smiled at Itachi with a goofy grin. "Get up 'Tach!" A string of drool dripped on his chin.

Itachi screamed in a mixture of horror and disgust.

. . . . .

Opening his eyes, Itachi stared into pale orbs. He was immediately greeted with a nearly toothless grin and a light slap on the face. "'Tach!"

Sitting up, Itachi scooped Kaminari in his arms. On the floor her brother quietly played with the same toy that he stepped on last night. That would explain him hearing the song in his nightma - dream. He felt a gentle tug on his ponytail, and he looked down to see his goddaughter smiling at him.

"Good morning, Nari and Hiruko." He allowed her to squeeze his pinky as she chatted happily. Some of the words he could comprehend, but the rest was gibberish. But he engaged her in conversation nonetheless.

Neji stepped into the room holding a diaper bag. "She asked about you yesterday," he picked up Hiruko and placed a kiss on the top of his head.

Both of the twins had a head full of honey colored curls, and pale lavender eyes. While Nari was a mixture of her mother and father, Hiruko reminded Itachi of how Sasuke was as a baby. Then again, Neji told him that the boy actually acted like Tokuma did when he was younger. Aloof with a very bad temperament.

"Of course she asked about me," Itachi got out of bed with the girl in tow. "I'm her favorite." He followed Neji into the bathroom where he was already changing Hiruko.

"Don't start that." Neji chuckled. "How was the summit?"

They fell into an easy conversation about his trip while completing the routine that they'd perfected. One would think that the twins were their own from the way they expertly changed, and dressed them. At first, it had been a rather difficult task, but now it was a piece of cake.

"Can't believe you drove here that late. What if you would've run off the road?" Neji scolded.

"I had to see you."

Neji focused his attention on dressing his godson. "That's not going to work this time. Next time don't drive while you're tired like that." Sighing, he picked Hiruko up, and rested him on his hip. Hiruko played with the ends of Neji's hair - like always. Tenten once mentioned that she feared her children were already developing a complex towards him and Itachi.

In the mirror, Itachi stared at their reflections. Unlike his dream - before it morphed onto a nightmare - Neji's hair was in a messy half bun; his hair was too long for a complete bun, and the hairstyle was necessary when he was holding Hiruko. He was dressed in a pair of sweats, and a t-shirt. There were bags under his eyes, and faint stress lines around his mouth. Still attractive, but he looked exhausted, and his natural spark was dimming. The only time Neji seemed content those days was when he was sleeping.

"How is your studying coming along? You've been taking enough breaks right?" Itachi asked. They both walked out of the bathroom, and headed downstairs.

Neji scowled. "The Bar exam will be the death of me. I actually have a reoccurring nightmare of me failing and being laughed at by dwarfs dressed in tailored suits."

Itachi laughed at the mortified look on his husband's face. "You're going to pass, Neji. Besides the exam is next month, don't overdo it."

After placing the twins in their high chairs, Neji gave them their favorite toy while Itachi started breakfast. Overall, the twins were well behaved; they didn't cry all of the time or throw unnecessary tantrums. Probably because Tenten had perfected the infamous "mommy glare". Of course they were tiny bundles of energy, but so were most children. Neji wasn't surprised that his bestfriend was a great mother, or that Tokuma was an overprotective father. The man swore that his 'precious baby girl' was being wooed by Itachi because she constantly asked about him. When Itachi told Tokuma that it was simply, his Uchiha charm, he banned him from seeing his daughter. Not really, it was just an inside joke between the two.

"Nari and Hiruko kind of make me wonder." Neji said while his eyes scanned the newspaper. Though he wouldn't openly admit it, reading the paper daily was something that he picked up from his uncle. His father had preferred to watch the news rather than read it.

"Wonder what?"

"What it would be like if we had kids of our own."

Skillfully flipping the pancake, without a spatula, Itachi glanced at his husband whom was still looking at the newspaper. That was the first time that Neji ever mentioned kids in that context. "You want to adopt?"

Looking up, Neji glanced over at his godchildren. Hiruko was trying to steal his sister's toy because he dropped his on the floor. "Maybe in a few more years," he said. He handed the boy his own toy, and was rewarded with a cheerful clap. "It was just a thought."

"Hn. Breakfast is ready."

-o0o-

A day ahead of schedule Tenten and Tokuma returned from their brief vacation at a local beach resort. They really needed the break, but majority of their time there was spent worrying about the twins. Not like they had anything to worry about; Itachi and Neji were great with the kids.

"I just couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong," Tokuma said. His arms were crossed over his chest as he mock glared at Itachi. "And I'm glad I trusted my instincts. Unhand my daughter, Uchiha."

On the floor, Kaminari was kissing - gnawing - on Itachi's chin while her brother was contently playing in Neji's hair. At first, Tokuma was under the impression that his son was just being a typical child, fascinated by peculiar things, but so far he only enjoyed playing in Neji's hair. He was far too young to be developing an infatuation like that. Or was he? Tokuma never did read any of those baby books Hinata gave them.

"As you can see, it is Nari who is attacking me." Itachi sat up, and wiped the drool off of his face. "Okay Hiruko, hands off my husband." He untangled the boy's fist from Neji's hair. When Hiruko glared at him, he was again reminded of Sasuke as a baby.

Tenten finished snapping a few pictures with her phone and pocketed the device. "I don't know who's more possessive. Itachi or Tokuma." She rolled her eyes as she picked up her son.

"I'm not possessive."

"Do you remember our honeymoon, Itachi?" asked Neji. "When the scuba diving instructor tried to help me with my gear, you almost broke his hand!" The man insisted on, assisting Neji because it was first dive, but Itachi politely (very rudely) told him that his assistance wasn't required.

Picking up his daughter, Tokuma held her protectively against his chest. "That's not possessiveness, Neji." He chuckled derisively. "It's called caring." Instantly his smile faltered when he saw the look on his wife's face.

After silently promising punishment later on, Tenten turned her attention to Neji and Itachi. "Thanks for watching the kids. You guys are the best."

Neji smiled. "No problem. Are you sure you want to end your trip so soon?"

While they talked, Itachi and Tokuma went upstairs to gather the children's belongings. They discussed Itachi's trip to the Land of Iron and his thoughts on the new Kazekage. Simple small talk to pass the time.

Tenten watched her husband go up the stairs. "We're needed back at the compound," she saw the expression on Neji's face. "Oh it's nothing too serious. The elders are always calling Tokuma in for last minute meetings and things like that."

Her annoyance was evident in the way the woman spoke about the elders. Neji always wondered if Tenten truly enjoyed life as the clan head's wife. Well the wife of the joint - clan head. Either way, Tokuma was given all of the responsibilities that his uncle once possessed. Even with the help of Hinata, there were still times when the role was overwhelming. Neji understood why his uncle had been so corrupt. That was the only way for him to keep things under control as long as he did. However, just because he understood his motives didn't mean he agreed with them.

"But, I knew what I signed up for when I agreed to marry the head of a prestigious clan."

"How are things going with the Dojo? Is the grand opening still scheduled for December?"

"Yes. Those old cunt-" Covering her mouth, Tenten smiled sheepishly at her son. "Sorry sweetie. Mommy meant to say those old prunes. But yeah, those guys tried to give Tokuma a hard time about me wanting to start my own business."

Neji also recalled how Tokuma calmly informed them that his wife' was none of their concern. "They're not used to having so little control. Since the reformation, the council is pretty much obsolete they only serve as mere advisers."

"Serves them right. Anyway, Lee and Haku are moving to Konoha to lend me a hand and Sensei also volunteered."

"With those instructors you'll have yourself a very successful business. I'm happy for you." Neji took in the woman's appearance; she didn't even look like she was the mother of twins. Even Tokuma practically looked the same, except for his hair; it was past his shoulders now.

Glancing up at the stairs, Tenten saw her husband and Itachi carrying the babies' travel bags. "Hopefully I can see you soon. Or will I have to wait until the grand opening?"

"I'm sure you'll see me before December. Maybe after my exam."

. . . . .

The twins were asleep, and in their car seats. Tokuma thanked Neji and Itachi again before getting in on the driver's side. He patiently waited while his wife said her goodbyes to Neji. It was an hour until dusk, and by the time they made it to the compound, he would have to meet with the council. More than likely, it was regarding Hiashi's current physical condition. A secret that only he knew about. He really hoped that he wouldn't have to be the one to break the news to Hinata or Neji.

"Oh and Neji," Tenten tightened the hug. "You're going to nail that exam. Don't sweat it."

Neji returned the embrace. "Thank you." It would appear that everyone was able to notice how stressed out he truly was.

---

Finally the moment he'd been waiting for. Hungrily, Itachi raked his eyes over Neji as the man casually lounged on the sofa. His hair was still in the partial messy bun; he couldn't wait to reach over, free the silky tresses, and kiss the man senseless. Three weeks. Three long weeks without so much as a blowjob and he was going insane. Before he left for the summit, Neji was in Konoha sitting in for Hinata for a week. So he didn't really get a proper sendoff before he left.

But none of that mattered now because he was back, and they finally had the house to themselves. That meant...

"...'Tachi."

Itachi smiled wickedly at the pet name that was only used when Neji wanted something. "Yes, Love?" All he had to do was say the word, and he was going to pounce on the man. Fuck him right there on the couch.

"I think I'm in the mood for..."

This dick. Itachi leaned forward expectantly because he just knew that Neji was about to say that.

"...Onigiri. I'm going to go call it in." Neji stood up from the couch, unaware of the dejected look on Itachi's face, and headed into the kitchen.

Getting up from the couch, Itachi followed the man into the kitchen. Maybe he just needed to change tactics. In the kitchen the television was on, a broadcast of the Kazekage's press conference was playing. He watched his husband talk on the phone with the restaurant while his eyes were glued to the screen. Once the call was ended, Itachi wasted no time in closing the distance, and wrapping his arms around Neji.

"I've missed you." Itachi nibbled on Neji's ear. His fingers slipped under the man's shirt and went straight for his taunt nipples.

Neji kept his eyes on the screen. "I'm watching this, Itachi. Stop..." he groaned.

Glancing at the screen, Itachi scowled. "You're depriving me of sex just to watch the same press conference they've been airing for days?"He lowered his head, and kissed the man's pale neck.

"There's just something about Gaara. He really has a way with words and I think he's kind of cute."

Halting his ministrations, Itachi saw that his husband was still watching the redhead on the screen. "Love, he doesn't have a single eyebrow on his face. Trust me; I've seen him up close."

"Eyebrows or not, he's hot. Did you know that Temari is his sister?"

Growling, Itachi picked Neji up and tossed him over his shoulder. He had to result to basic caveman tactics all because his husband wanted to play games. "I'll let you fawn over your little crush later, but right now I want you."

Neji laughed; his head was close to Itachi's ass, and he gave it a playful slap. "I see you're getting better. A few years ago you would've been pissed if I admitted that I found someone else attractive."

"Neji, I don't care if you think the Kazekage is attractive." Itachi tossed him on the couch and then joined him. His hands with straight for the black band that was holding the man's hair in place and he pulled it out. Freeing the hair from its confines. The tresses were wild, tousled, giving Neji a more sultry appeal. "So fucking sexy..." he growled.

Lifting his hips, Neji assisted the man in removing his sweats pants. In all honesty, he'd been waiting for that moment all day, but he couldn't pass up the chance to at least tease Itachi a little. "We're going to need to make this quick. Food will be here in half an hour." Grabbing the man's shirt collar, he forcibly crashed their mouths together.

His hands slid to Itachi's ass, and he pulled him closer causing their erections to touch. Hissing at the contact, Itachi pulled back. Not giving him a chance to form a coherent word, Neji straddled him. He removed his shirt, hastily slung it over the couch. Fully naked he kissed his husband with such sweet passion, that Itachi found it difficult not to skip all of the preparations and just fuck him.

"I have a little surprise for you," Neji husked in between kisses. "Guess...guess what it is." Instead of giving the man time to answer, he grabbed his hand and pulled it behind him.

Gasping, Itachi rubbed his fingers against the anal plug. "How long have you had this inside of you?"

Neji smiled coyly. "Since our guests left. Think about that, Itachi," he reached into Itachi's pants, fisted his erection while he spoke. "This has been inside of me, even when I was straightening up the house..." His voice was thick and raspy. "Brushing against my prostate with every movement. It's been driving me insane..."

The smooth cadence of Neji's words, painting the erotic image, the hand that was slowly pumping him - all were Itachi's breaking point. He wrapped a strong arm around Neji's waist, hoisted him up slightly, and used his other free hand to slide his own pants down. Far enough to get the job done. Neji sucked on his neck, marking the flesh, claiming it. Feeling the plug being removed, he bit down, hard, reveling in the tiny taste of blood in his mouth. With the the sound of a vicious snarl, Itachi was inside of Neji. The man's inner walls gripped him so tightly that he feared he would come right then and there. No matter how many times they fucked, every time inside of Neji was like a new experience for him. His intentions were to give his husband time to adjust, but Neji had other plans. Neji wrapped the ends of Itachi's hair around his hand, and yanked the man's head back as he rode him.

This was no gentle love making; it was rough, painful yet pleasurable, fucking. Their loud groans filled the living room, the euphonious sounds of skin slapping against moist skin reverberating off of the sand colored walls. They were a single operating entity. Both solely dedicated to transcending to new heights of pleasure together. As one.

Itachi didn't know where he began, and Neji ended. The only thing his mind could comprehend was more, faster, harder. He cupped Neji's ass, spread him and plunged deeper. Yet it wasn't enough. Hands still on the man's ass, he stood up. It was difficult, trying to step out of his pants and keep his hold on Neji, but not impossible. Never missing a beat, Neji tightened his hold around Itachi's neck and threw his head back as Itachi thrusted into him ardently. Their movements were hurried, desperate even. As though if they stopped, for even a second, the moment would be ruined.

Over his husband's demands to be fucked harder, Itachi almost didn't hear the doorbell ringing. As if on cue, Neji came hard against his stomach. A few seconds later, he followed his husband's lead. His legs felt like jelly, and they barely made it over to the couch. Breathing heavy, the couple looked at each other and laughed tiredly.

"That..." Neji shook his head dazedly. "You were amazing, Itachi. I don't think I can walk." He chuckled at the notion.

Itachi kissed his husband's nose tenderly. "How are you feeling? I didn't hurt you too much did I?"

The doorbell rang again, ruining the tender moment. Sighing, Neji moved to sit up but immediately regretted the action. "Yep, can't walk." Momentary immobility was a minor consequence of rough sex with Itachi. But it was totally worth it.

"I'll go." Itachi stood up on shaky legs. He grabbed the throw blanket from the love seat and covered Neji with it. Then he slipped on his sweatpants.

When Itachi opened the door, the delivery girl's eyes widened at the sight of his tousled hair, the bruises on his bare neck and chest - the undeniable attractiveness of him really. She mumbled the price for the food, and when Itachi turned around to ask Neji where he'd put the cash, the girl almost fainted. On the couch, covered only from the waist down, was another fantasy made flesh. With the sounds that she'd heard coming from the house earlier, and the sight of the two men - her brain was fried.

Raising an elegant brow, Itachi gently tugged the takeout bag from the girl's grasp. "Thank you." He paid her for the food and gave her a tip. "Have a nice night." She was still staring blankly, in catatonic shock, long after he closed the door.

"Kids these days are so strange." Itachi mumbled to himself.

-o0o-

After a long soak, Neji was able to walk on his own again. The smell of sex still lingered in the living room, and he had to burn a few candles. Dinner was eaten on the floor in the den, and they watched a movie. Actually the movie watched them because they were too enthralled in each other to pay the screen any mind. Itachi's back was against the couch, and Neji's head rested on his lap while they talked about the past two weeks. There wasn't much to discuss because they'd kept in touch via text or the occasional phone call. Also, Itachi sent his husband a rather, obscene Snapchat while he was at the public library. Neji was so embarrassed, and turned on that he left the library earlier than planned.

If it wasn't for Naruto they wouldn't have known anything about the phone app. The blond had a new app to show them every time he and Sasuke visited. Neji didn't care for social media, mainly because he had a hard time keeping up with the latest trends. His husband was just as bad, Itachi didn't even have a Facebook account. Then again, Neji was glad that he didn't. He couldn't have creeps messaging his husband.

"You act like I'll actually respond." Itachi wished that people would realize that Neji was just as possessive as him. It was also during their honeymoon that his husband showed his true colors.

That poor masseuse; she only tried to help Itachi get the kinks out of his back. But Neji wasn't fooled.

"Konan sent us a postcard from Tokyo. I think they'll be staying there from now on." Neji pointed to the scrap book on the coffee table. So far, Konan had sent over fifty postcards from various cities all over the world.

Leaning forward, Itachi reached for the black scrapbook and flipped it opened. Sometimes, Konan would send pictures of the family along with her postcards. Mainly for the holidays. In the last photo Konan sent, her hair was longer, Karin's sides were shaved, and Yahiko still looked like a retired rock star. All three of them together looked like members of an indie rock band rather than a typical family.

Yahiko and Konan were the only Akatsuki members that Itachi communicated with frequently. Mainly because Konan sent all of the members postcards, and family portraits during the holidays. He only spoke to Kisame whenever he was in Kirigakure or the man was in Konoha. Last he heard, Sasori and Deidara were living together. They had finally stopped denying that they were in a relationship. It took them three years to do so.

Itachi smiled at the postcard of Tokyo's Red Light District. "Konan and Yahiko went to a Host Club together." Karin was nineteen now, and he wondered if she'd picked up any of her parents' habits. He put the postcard back in the book and placed it on the table.

"I bet that's exciting. They have such an adventurous relationship." Neji commented absently.

Itachi noted the man's wistful tone, and the somber expression on his face. In a blink of an eye, Neji was smiling at him again, as though it had all been a figment of his imagination. "Do you want to go to a Host Club?"

"No," Frowning, Neji shook his head. "That's not the kind of adventure I was talking about. You once told me that Yahiko let's Konan...peg him. And they have threesomes at bath houses. I can't imagine them ever getting bored with each other."

The last sentence was spoken indifferently, but Itachi didn't take it that way. Self-consciously, he reflected on the dynamics of their relationship. Up until now he was under the impression that things couldn't get any better. The sex was phenomenal, they were perfectly synchronized; he didn't think that he could feel as connected with anyone else. However, that was from his perspective. For all that he knew Neji was ready for something different. And maybe he'd always known that - that Neji was growing tired of the way things were.

Neji was no longer a novice when it came to the ways of sexual pleasure. Over years he'd matured beautifully, and sometimes Itachi felt as though he were looking at a different man altogether. He was tall, almost as tall as Itachi. Neji's shoulders were broader, and his voice deeper, more commanding. His entire presence made Itachi's insides quiver in unadulterated longing. There were moments, minuscule instances in time, when Itachi would ponder on the possibility of Neji topping. Versatility in the bedroom wasn't a bad thing - in fact it was what kept most marriages afloat.

But was Itachi truly ready for that?

"Itachi."

The call of his name snapped him to the present. He blinked, and lowered his gaze to see Neji staring at him with an unreadable expression. "What's the matter?"

Mischievously, Neji rubbed the palm of his hand against Itachi's clothed erection. "You're so hard. What were you daydreaming about, Itachi?" Keeping his eyes on the man, Neji slipped his hands in his pants.

Itachi shifted uncomfortably. "I'm going to get some more Dango. Want any?" He removed Neji's hands from his pants and quickly sat up. Without giving the man a chance to answer, he stood up and hurriedly walked into the kitchen.

Looking down at the tent in his pants, Itachi grimaced. He was really hard. Painfully hard at the mere thought of being fucked by Neji. Shaking his head in attempt to clear his thoughts, he walked over to the counter and picked up the box of sweets. Incongruously, he thought back to last month when they were taking a shower together. Neji was washing his back; his erection - which was nothing to bat an eye at - kept brushing against Itachi's ass. He could remember fighting the urge to push back, and fully accept the contact.

"Is everything alright?"

Itachi recoiled from the touch of the hand on his back as though he'd been burned. Turning around, he saw bewilderment all on Neji's face. "Everything is fine. I have the Dango." Nervously, he picked up the box and waved it as proof.

"I can see that." Neji deadpanned. "You're acting really strange." Narrowing his eyes, he crossed his arms. "What has you so jumpy?"

"I'm not jumpy."

"You made the ugliest sound when I touched you just then. Clear indicator that you're hiding something."

"Neji, you're overthinking things."

"Were you thinking about someone else? Is that the reason for the dodgy behavior?"

Itachi lowered the box. "What?" How in the hell did Neji draw that kind of conclusion? Men. They were always coming up with the most ridiculous accusations. He shook his head, and then frowned. He was also a man, so did that mean that the same went for him as well? No, of course not.

Irately, Neji took the box of treats, and placed them on the counter. "Answer the question."

"No I wasn't thinking about anyone else. I was thinking about you, as always."

"Doing what?"

"Really it's nothing."

Smirking, Neji took a step closer. "Nothing has you like this?" He rubbed Itachi's erection, and then gave it a light squeeze.

Sweat accumulated on Itachi's palm, unconsciously he took a step back. The smooth timber of Neji's voice made his knees weak. He needed to regain control of the situation. "I was thinking about our little quickie earlier."

"Hn." Neji closed the distance, pressed his body against the man's, but he didn't kiss him. Their lips were so close, only a few inches apart. "You're lying." Any hint of a smile faded, and his pale orbs crystallized.

Itachi opened his mouth to speak, but Neji walked out of the kitchen without a backwards glance. And he was left standing there, alone, sporting a massive hard on.

"Nice going, Itachi." He muttered to himself.

Upstairs Neji was lying on the bed, reading from his practice exam textbook. The Bar exam was separated into two stages. Next month he would have to take the short-answer portion of the test. As of now he didn't think that he had a snow ball's chance in hell of passing the exam. It was by far the hardest in the country yielding the least number of successful candidates worldwide. Everyone thought that he would pass without a problem because he - along with Shikamaru - was accepted into Law school immediately after high school. But having perfect marks in high school and at the university didn't mean that he would necessarily ace the exam. Neji had never been under so much stress in his life.

Neji tensed when he saw Itachi standing in the doorway, but he ignored the man.

Itachi was neither shocked nor deterred when Neji kept his eyes on his book. Instead he climbed on the bed and laid next to his husband. Playfully, he poked the man's cheek, then his forehead. The Hyuga didn't even spare him a glance. Itachi decided to switch tactics.

Neji was in the middle of a vitriolic rant - inside of his head - when he felt two strong hands rub his back. Behind him Itachi was kneading the tense muscles. His hands slipped under his shirt, and Neji bit his lip to muffle a groan.

"You're tense," Itachi whispered.

Ignoring the comment, Neji tried to keep his eyes open; he couldn't reveal how affected he was by the man's touch. Not yet anyway.

But of course, Itachi saw right through him. Moving down the man's body he rested his hands on the waistband of Neji's pants. He slid them off just enough to reveal a delectable bare ass. Lowering his head, Itachi licked his lips in anticipation.

"You can't eat my ass every time I'm upset with you."

The dry statement stopped him dead in his tracks. "Well what do you want me to do?"

Slamming the book closed, Neji tossed it aside and turned on his back. "Talking helps." He mumbled crossly while pulling his pants up.

"There's nothing to talk about."

"Okay," Neji moved to get out of the bed, but Itachi grabbed his arm. "I need to study. Can't concentrate while you're trying to molest me." His tone was unnecessarily harsh.

Itachi knew that the man hated to be lied to, but it was just a small lie. "Do you really want to know what I was thinking about?" Then again, after what Neji had been through he viewed the concept of little white lies differently. It was understandable.

"I was just genuinely curious. You know, it's been a while since I've seen you that turned on." Neji sighed. "But if you have to lie about it, I doubt I even want to know."

Itachi released Neji's hand, and stared at the comforter. "I was thinking about you..."

He saw the way Itachi's gaze was lowered, like he was...embarrassed. No? Itachi didn't get embarrassed. "Doing what?"

"Fucking me."

"Like me actually..."

"Yes."

The information filled Neji with a mixture of emotions. To think that Itachi had been turned on by that. He'd been curious to know how it would feel, actually being inside of Itachi. And the level of trust it implied. The intimacy and permanence. But at the same time, Neji understood that it was more than just a simple change of roles, or trying new things in the bedroom.

"What made you think about that?" asked Neji.

"You mentioned something about an adventurous relationship."

"So tonight was your first time thinking about me topping?"

Itachi contemplated on his answer. "No, but tonight was the first time that I was really turned on by the thought."

It was too soon. Neji could tell by the uncertainty underlying Itachi's tone. Just because it aroused him didn't mean that he was mentally prepared to take that step. Which was a major step, in Itachi's eyes.

"What are you thinking?"

Looking up, Neji also noticed a hint of apprehension in his husband's eyes. Now he felt like an ass for even making a huge fuss over the matter. In truth he wasn't really upset with Itachi. The dreaded exam had him on edge. But it was wrong to take his frustration out on Itachi.

"I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable." Neji wrapped his arms around Itachi's waist and hugged his midsection. "It's nice to know that you're more open to the idea. That's major progress."

"We could give it a try if you want."

Neji snapped his eye opened, and peeked up Itachi. "Really?"

Instead of answering, Itachi laid back and pulled Neji on top of him. "But first I'll need to give you a few pointers."

No snarky comeback or even a frustrated growl. Nothing to warn Itachi of what would happen next. His face was pressed into the pillow, and Neji's had his arms behind his back with barely any effort. Smirking Neji bit the man's earlobe. "Just let me know when and I'll be ready."

Involuntarily, against his better judgement, Itachi pushed back against the hard ridge of Neji's erection. Groaning at the contact, he could feel all of the blood in his body head south. His entire body shivered at the sound of Neji's deep chuckle in his ear. When did his husband become so...aggressive? Every second that passed the thought of letting Neji top was looking more and more tempting. Finally, Neji released him and he found himself missing the warmth.

"Itachi," Neji sat back. Afraid that his boldness may have had the opposite effect that he intended. "Sorry, I didn't mean -" He was silenced by a set of hard lips smothering his own.

"Soon," Itachi promised breathlessly. "I'll take you up on that offer."

---

The salty breeze from Sagami Bay made the smoldering August heat bearable. For a great view of the coastline, Hinata opted for a seat on the balcony of the restaurant. While she and Hanabi waited for Neji to arrive, Hinata admired the grandeur of Kamakura. It was a lovely change of scenery; anything looked better than a dull office teeming with her father's memory. She rid her mind of the negative thought as soon as it came. Everything was as it should be. Her father was serving time for his deeds, the tolls on his sins showed even in his appearance.

And his health. The state of her father's health was one of the reasons why she was in Kamakura. Visiting with Neji, was of course the other reason. Speaking of the man -

"Hanabi, he's here." Hinata smiled at the look of excitement on the girl's face. Her phone was easily forgotten as she stood up to greet the man.

The last time Neji was in Konoha, Hanabi was at a kickboxing competition in Suna. So it had been eight months since she last saw her cousin. He almost didn't recognize the girl - well woman. She was nineteen now, and steadily surpassing Hinata's beauty. "You better not be dating." Was the first thing he said to her during their hug.

"Too late for that." Hinata murmured loud enough for Neji to hear.

"Who is he?" Neji demanded. "I need to have a word with him."

Rolling her eyes, Hanabi returned to her seat. "Can we not talk about that?" She picked up her phone and smiled. "Let's take a selfie!"

Neji's protests fell on deaf ears. The two women flanked him on either side, and instructed him to smile for the camera. Of course he did no such thing. Unfortunately, instead of one picture, Hanabi took several. All with different poses - Neji kept the same indifferent expression in every single shot. Until the last picture; his cousins caught him off guard by kissing him on either cheek. Neji couldn't help but to smile a little; he'd always viewed the girls as his younger sisters more than anything.

"Neji you look so cute!" The girls loudly squealed much to his horror. "Look at that blush!"

Neji peered over Hanabi's shoulder and looked at the picture. "Send me that. I don't have many pictures with you two."

Afterwards the trio took their seats. As they waited on their food, Neji listened to Hanabi talk about her team's victory in Suna, and how she planned on spending her summer break in Amegakure with Saki doing volunteer work. She was so different from the self-centered spoiled brat that she was at fourteen. Though, Neji kind of knew that Hanabi would grow out of that.

Hanabi picked up her phone mid-sentence. "Wow Neji you have a few admirers." Her thumb moved across the screen so fast as she responded to the ton of comments all aimed at her older cousin. "I tagged you so be looking out for a lot of friend requests." Some of the comments were kind of vulgar and she made sure to set them straight.

Over his glass, Neji caught Hinata staring at him apprehensively. "What's wrong?" he lowered his drink and set it on the counter.

Hinata's wariness derived from her not wanting to ruin everyone's mood. "How was your exam?" Definitely not what she was going to say, but everything was going so good.

"Grueling. I won't know my results until the end of the month." Earlier that week he finished the second stage of the exam and slept for two full days afterwards. Today was the first day that he even stepped one foot out of the house. "You're fidgeting, Hinata."

Noticing the slight change in the atmosphere, Hanabi placed her phone on the table and looked at her sister. On the way to the beach town, her older sister told her about their father's condition. "Just tell him, Hinata." She nudged her sister's arm. There was no point in prolonging things.

Hinata lowered her head, and stared at her clasped hands in her lap. "Father was released three weeks ago." She didn't need to look up to know that her cousin was not thrilled about the news.

"Three weeks ago? And I'm just hearing about it now?"

Lifting her head, Hinata wiped away a single tear. "He's sick, Neji."

"People get sick all of the time," Neji muttered indifferently. So what if Hiashi was sick? That didn't get him a get out of jail free card. Bad enough, instead of an actual prison, he was being held at an up class "holding cell" in the countryside. It was where all the privileged criminals served their time. In his opinion, Hiashi got off pretty easily for all of his crimes.

"Neji don't be harsh." Hinata pleaded; she made sure to keep her voice low because they were in a public setting.

"He's a murderer."

"So is Itachi." Covering her mouth, Hinata shook her head apologetically. "Neji, I'm sorry..."

Their waitress approached the table with their food. Hanabi was the only one that thanked the woman. She kept her eyes on Neji, expecting him to get up from the table and leave without a word. Instead he shocked them both by calmly taking a sip of his beverage. It was mildly unsettling, waiting to see what he would do or say next.

"Is that how you feel, Hinata? You think because I can forgive Itachi for his past mistakes, doing the same for Hiashi should be easy?" Neji spoke quietly, his tone flat and emotionless. "Itachi didn't have my father murdered." He picked up his chopsticks and started to eat.

"But, Neji-"

"He's right," Hanabi picked up her chopsticks as well. "You can't expect Neji to care about our old man being sick." Her opinion on the matter was still unclear, even to herself. She could still remember the day when her father pulled them to the side and told them the truth about Neji's dad - her uncle. The man that she didn't remember but heard plenty of stories about. Either way, what her father did was wrong. Neji had a right to not give a damn about the man's well-being.

Valiantly, Hinata persevered. "People make mistakes." Yet it was futile, she realized that the only thing that she'd succeeded in was pissing her cousin off.

Neji chuckled, it was sardonically hollow. "Ordering a hit on your own brother, doesn't classify as a mistake, Hinata." Quietly, he commended himself for keeping it together that long. Normally he would've lashed out by that point.

"He wants to see you, Neji. I know that he has sent you a few letters, and I'm sure you haven't read any of them. A part of getting over a traumatic experience is forgiveness. You can't hold a grudge forever."

Sucking his teeth, Neji tossed his chopsticks on his plate. Appetite completely obliterated. "Do you think I give a damn about what Hiashi wants? I want to see my father, talk to him and have him actually talk back to me! But I can't because your father had him killed." Even after all those years, he still yearned for that. For a stronger connection to his father. "Forgive me for not being so willing to forgive and forget. That's not who I am, you know that."

Hinata did know that. Besides five years was not a long enough time to get over something like that. Frankly, she didn't know half of the things that Neji went through when he was held captive. It was unfair of her to assume things. "I'm sorry, Neji. You're right. Handle things however you see fit."

"Well so much for a nice lunch," Hanabi complained under her breath. It kind of annoyed her how her older sister always wanted everyone to get along. Life didn't operate like that. People made mistakes, but that didn't mean that those mistakes had to be overlooked or forgiven.

"I ruined everything, I apologize."

A tense silence followed. It wasn't until Hanabi showed Neji all of the comments that they were getting for their selfie that the tension gradually receded. They all fell into an easy conversation as they ate. Hinata discussed her relationship with Kiba and his reluctance to tie the knot. Of course, Neji reassured her that he could have a talk with the man. As promised he took the girls to the aquarium after lunch. Neji wasn't going to allow the mention of Hiashi to ruin the day that he'd planned for his cousins.

---

Sasuke slipped his hand in his pocket, and touched the black velvet box while he watched Naruto fire up the grill. They were in town for a few days, visiting with Itachi and Neji. He thought that it would be the perfect time to talk to his brother about a few things. Conversations between them were usually short, everything that needed to be said was discussed accordingly. It had been like that even when they were kids. Sasuke couldn't really explain how it worked, but it just did. The moment he stepped over the threshold, Itachi probably noticed that there was something on his mind.

Right on cue, Itachi came and stood by his side. "Do we need to step inside," he asked, face forward, admiring the Koi pond he'd had installed for Neji's past birthday.

Wordlessly, Sasuke turned on his heel and walked in the house. His boyfriend was too focused on not setting himself on fire to notice them leave. He'd once thought that college would change them for the worse because it was what he'd heard from a few friends. Apparently college was where some people found themselves - whatever the fuck that meant. Often, Sasuke secretly worried that Naruto would discover a new part of himself; a part that didn't love him. But instead of tearing them apart, those four years in Tokyo changed them for the better.

After graduation, Itachi admitted that he'd been too lenient on him. Which Sasuke thought was bullshit because whenever he got out of line Itachi had no problem with kicking his ass. However, the older man was referring to other things like teaching him the value of hard work, integrity and things like that. So Itachi only gave him enough trust fund money to cover tuition, and housing. Everything else he had to work for. During his brother's 'lesson', Sasuke learned more than he thought he ever would in only a short period of time.

The main thing that Sasuke discovered was that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with a certain blond. "How did you propose to Neji?"

Itachi took a seat on the sofa, he waited until his brother was seated before he answered. "I presented him with a contract and he signed on the dotted lined."

"That's it?"

"Yes."

Itachi smiled, and Sasuke frowned.

He'd thought his older brother was a little more suave than that. "You didn't do anything romantic?"

"We made love that night."

Sasuke blinked.

"I cried during sex."

"That's not romantic, Itachi. It's just weird." Sasuke deadpanned. He couldn't believe he had always looked up to the man. "If that's the case I should just go with my original plan."

Lowering his gaze, Itachi stared at the black box his brother was holding. Picking it up he opened it. "Father's ring." He continued to stare at the gold band.

Naruto kept his parent's rings on a gold chain, that he never wore. The blond mentioned a few times that he would like for his husband to have his father's ring. So Sasuke decided to return the gesture by giving the man Fugaku's wedding band.

"You have my blessing." Itachi handed him the ring. "But you already know that."

"I just don't know how to ask him."

That was a surprise. Sasuke actually planned on seeking Naruto's consent rather than forcing his hand in marriage. Itachi felt like a proud parent.

"What was your original plan?"

Sasuke handed his brother the ring, and when he took it, he nodded his head. "That was my original plan." He narrowed his eyes at the judgmental look on his brother's face. "It's better than an ink pen."

"I didn't propose with an ink pen." Itachi chuckled. "If it were under different circumstances my proposal would've been a little more thought out. When do you want to ask him?"

"As soon as possible."

Impatient as always. "I could help you make a few arrangements tomorrow."

"Thanks," Standing up, Sasuke slipped the box in his pocket. "It's been too quiet. I'm going to go check on the idiot."

He was about to stand up as well but heard the front door being opened. A few seconds later, Neji stepped into the living room carrying a few bags in his hands. Their eyes locked, and Neji smirked, but Itachi could see the tightness around his eyes, it was a forced smile. That was when he noticed his husband's eyes were red and glassy, as though he'd been crying.

Itachi was in motion before his brain could issue the command. Taking the bags in one hand, he took Neji's hand in the other. They didn't say anything as they made their way up the stairs. Once the door was closed, Itachi sat the bags on the floor. Facing Neji, he placed his hands on his waist, pulling him flush against his body.

"I don't want to talk about it." Neji whispered into the crook of the man's neck.

"Later?"

Nodding his head, Neji slipped his fingers through the belt loops of Iatchi's pants, and lead him to the bed. "Do you know what last week was?"

Settling his body between the man's spread legs, Itachi wracked his brain for any important dates, but came up short. "Tell me," he rested his elbows on either side of his husband's face.

"Five years have went by and we never paid the date any mind. It was the first time we met." His fingers idly fiddled with the man's zipper, debating on if sex would get his mind off of the things he didn't want to think about.

"How could I forget? You begged me for a dance." Itachi joked.

"No, you watched me all night, from the shadows."

"You make it sound as if I stalked you." Although, he did practically stalk the man, on several occasions. "What made you think about that?"

During the drive home, Neji thought about a lot of things, mostly the earlier conversation with Hinata. Every time he reflected on an event that occurred when he was younger, he couldn't help but over analyze it. Whenever his uncle was kind to him, or they were doing something together as a family, he would try to search the memory for anything he'd missed. A gleam in Hiashi's eyes, or a sly remark - anything that he was too blind to see as a child. There had to have been a moment when his uncle revealed the truth, either through an expression or during one of his lectures.

But Neji's search was fruitless. The only thing that he could remember was an uncle that took him in, treated him as a son. Harsh child rearing, and rarely any heartfelt discussions, yet he couldn't deny that Hiashi had taken care of him. Which only made matters worse. To think that if he'd never had an encounter with Hidan he would've lived his entire life thinking that his father's death was an accident. Hiashi only confessed because he had no other choice.

"I can't forgive him."

Frowning, Itachi brushed Neji's hair out of his face, and cupped his cheek. "Forgive who?" He noted the faraway look in his pale eyes.

"Hiashi is dying and I still can't forgive him."

Itachi rolled over to his back, switching their positions, allowing Neji to rest his head on his chest. "Tell me what's wrong."

Neji started with the lunch with his cousins and learning about his uncle's release from "fancy" prison. At the time, Hinata only said that he was sick, but it wasn't until they were departing that she informed him that by sick she meant Cancer. Why she didn't just tell him that in the first place, Neji didn't know. Maybe she was having a hard time coping with the fact that her father was dying a slow painful death. Of course she was. Hinata and Hanabi were both distraught by the news, but handling it in their own way. The former was making it her duty to right all of her father's wrongs, as if that could somehow cleanse his tarnished soul before he left this world. It was a noble cause, but a vain one nonetheless. Hanabi had always had a more realistic outlook on life, and was private with her emotions. One could never know what she was truly feeling or thinking.

Intently, Itachi listened to his husband rant about his uncle. The last time he even heard Neji mention the man was - well he couldn't recall. It had been so long ago. They didn't spend any time reminiscing on the past, everyday was dedicated to the people that mattered. Itachi telling Neji to forgive his uncle would be the highest form of hypocrisy. He'd butchered his uncle with an axe without a care in the word. Who was he to speak on forgiveness?

There were just some things that couldn't be forgiven. That was what he told Neji. Not out of spite or because he and Hiashi didn't really hit it off, but because it was the truth. Simple as that.

"You can still be there for your cousins during this time. Don't shun them because of him."

"I didn't plan on it." Neji admitted. "They'll have my full support." He closed his eyes when he felt Itachi's lips on his forehead, the gesture never failed to send warmth all through him.

"Come on, Naruto is cooking and you remember the last time he tried to cook."

"There was so much smoke we had to sleep with the windows open."

"Exactly."

-o0o-

Thankfully Naruto's cooking skills had improved greatly since the infamous "birthday fiasco" last year. The blond wanted to do something special for Itachi, but only succeeded in ruining several pots and pans. Neji was shocked that Itachi allowed him on the grill. With all of that lighter fluid in his possession, who knew what kind of chaos could ensue? However, dinner was great - much to everyone's surprise. Even Naruto's.

"So what are you guys gonna do for your anniversary?" Naruto asked, he leaned back in his chair and rubbed his stomach happily. "Besides fuck like rabbits?"

Leave it to Naruto to speak so freely at the dinner table. "We don't have any plans this year." said Neji. They hadn't really discussed their anniversary, and it was vastly approaching.

Last year, they did a little role playing. Neji was the mysterious assassin, while Itachi was the ANBU operative that captured him. Tons of bondage, and fucking under the stars pretty much summed their fourth year anniversary.

"You guys should go skydiving in Suna. Me and Sasuke went last month."

Itachi took a drink of his wine, he held the glass in his hand as he spoke. "We're not going to Suna anytime soon. Neji has a crush on the Kazekage." his lips quirked in amusement.

"You too?" Naruto exclaimed.

The Uchiha brothers shared a look from across the table. A subject change was in order.

"We should go waterboarding tomorrow," Sasuke said to his boyfriend. The blond had a thing for extreme sports; he was glad he was over his parkour phase.

Naruto perked up at the suggestion, and turned his attention to Sasuke. While they - Naruto - chatted excitedly about other things they could do, including cliff diving, Itachi stood up to clear the table.

"I'll help," Neji stood up as well.

"Have you been thinking about how you want to celebrate our anniversary?" Itachi asked. They were in the kitchen; he washed while Neji dried.

Along as they were together, Neji didn't really care about how they spent their evening. Five years didn't seem like a long time, especially to couples that were nearing the twenty year mark. Then again, half of those couples hadn't experienced any of the things that they'd been through. Against all odds, Itachi and Neji were happily married. An overly romantic evening was unnecessary because that fact alone was more than enough.

---

August 27th

No matter how many times it happened, Itachi would never get tired of waking up next to Neji. Eyes still shut, he basked in the warmth radiating from the man next to him. That small instance in time, before the alarm clock went off signaling the start of a new day, meant everything to him. Even though Neji's hair tickled his nose, and a few times he would wake up to a strand in his mouth - Itachi wouldn't trade it for the world.

Naturally, they planned on spending the day celebrating each other. How they planned on doing that was still unknown. It had been another hectic week: Itachi was called in to escort the Hokage to a brief meeting in Iwa. Sasuke and Naruto had their engagement dinner. And Neji had been - and still was - on edge, awaiting the results of his exam. Mainly because Shikamaru had already received his, and wasted no time in boasting - rather dryly - to Neji about passing.

Yesterday, Konan sent them two dozen red roses, to commend them on reaching five years. A note was attached to the bouquet and Itachi was still inwardly seething at what it read. Leave it to Konan to plant insane ideas in his husband's head. Basically, she made it known that they were more than welcomed to a threesome - with Yahiko. Of course, Konan wouldn't participate; she was a true voyeur at heart. Later that evening, while they were in bed, Neji asked him his thoughts on a threesome. The man played it off as simple curiosity, but Itachi wasn't fooled. Although, he was far better than he used to be, in terms of possessiveness, Itachi wasn't too keen on the idea of sharing Neji with anyone.

Beside him, Neji stirred. His warm breath ghosted across the back of his neck, causing goosebumps to race across his skin. Itachi felt Neji's strong hand slide over his stomach, mapping out every ridge and muscle. The closer the hand made its way south, the lighter the caress. Ultimately, Neji rested his hand mere inches above the place Itachi wanted him to touch.

"Happy Anniversary..." Neji's voice was deep, and rough from sleep, but succeeded in intensifying the stirring of Itachi's morning wood. Waking up next to Neji always had his body burning with need. Idly, Itachi wondered if the heat would ever dissipate.

Clasping Neji's hand, Itachi brought it to his lips, placing feather light kisses on his knuckle. Sunlight crept through the blinds, the titanium wedding band glinted under the faint light of the sun's rays. His gaze was pulled from the ring, to the other hand that was slowly descending into his briefs. Out of the corner of his eye, Itachi noticed Neji watching him, innocently, as though he wasn't casually giving him a handjob.

Itachi closed his eyes, becoming lost in the moment, so he didn't notice his husband slide under the covers. No longer feeling the man's body heat on his side, he opened his eyes. Neji was still under the covers, hands on Itachi's hips as he teasingly nuzzled his hardening erection. Burning a hole through the fabric of his briefs. It built his expectation - having the man's mouth so close to his cock, as Itachi waited for what would come next. What Neji would do next. The man's patience drove him insane. The hands on his hips holding him in place, the moisture from Neji's mouth that was close, yet so far away. Every move was gentle and languid while his body wanted faster, more, everything. He raked his fingers through Neji's hair, a silent plead for the man to stop torturing him.

Answering the unspoken request, Neji reached for the hem of his briefs and slid them down. Itachi tried to assist, but his hands were swatted away. He lifted the covers, their eyes locked. Neji's pale orbs seemed to glow abnormally bright under the shelter of the comforter. It was a sight that he didn't want to tear his gaze from. But once Neji opened his mouth, and started to expertly suck him off his eyes rolled to the back of his head.

. . . . . .

While Itachi was in the shower, Neji was in his upstairs office, that he rarely used. The bookshelf was filled with everything from Law textbooks to Manga. On the large desk were pictures of their godchildren and a few photos from the honeymoon. There was also a picture of Neji, Lee, Tenten and Guy taken during the woman's wedding reception. Guy was so ecstatic about walking his precious student down the aisle that there were still tears in his eyes in the photo.

Similar to the rest of the house, the office was decorated in neutral tones of grey and black. It had been Neji's project when they first moved in; he'd been excited about having his own space where he could study and work on future cases. Now, he was going through emails, trying to see if there was any news regarding his exam. Neji's hair was still damp from his shower, and he hoped that Itachi would be up to the task of detangling it.

Sighing, Neji continued to scroll through a shitload of junk mail. Thanks to Naruto's constant pranks, his inbox was swarming with offers for free hair care samples. He was about to exit out of the browser and call it quits when he saw an email from Hyuga Hiashi. How did the man even get his new email address?

He knew that Tokuma had taken the twins to see Hiashi a few weeks ago. Tenten had no objections, she just refused to accompany him. According to Tokuma, despite Hiashi's dwindling health, the man still had a commanding air about him. It would seem even Cancer couldn't damper a Hyuga's pride.

The cursor hovered over the delete option; he didn't even want to read it. If he deleted it now, Neji could act as if he never received an email. Then again, reading it wouldn't hurt. Besides, just because he read it, didn't mean he'd have to respond. What could his uncle possibly have to say to him? Sorry? Did he want to guilt trip Neji into forgiving him because he was dying?

A soft knock on the door yanked his attention away from the screen. Looking up, he saw Itachi standing in the doorway, shirtless, holding a comb in his hand.

"It'll be a lot more difficult once it dries," Itachi smiled.

Neji returned the smile, he closed his laptop and stood up. Today was about him and Itachi. But tomorrow, he would sit down and read his uncle's email. Though he was still unsure on responding, or even seeing the man. A small part of Neji knew that no matter how much he denied it he couldn't keep ignoring Hiashi forever.

They were in the den now, Itachi was on the couch, while Neji was seated on the floor, nestled in between his legs. "A letter came in the mail for you," said Itachi. He handed his husband the envelope, when the man took it, he proceeded to detangle his damp hair. Which was not as easy as it sounded.

It was the letter that he'd been waiting for. Inside were the results of his exam, in a small way, the fate of his future. Okay, maybe he was being a little over dramatic, prolonging it wouldn't change the results. If he failed, it wouldn't be the end of the world. Neji knew that he could simply take the exam again. Although, that would honestly suck. Reliving all of that stress, and the sleepless nights would surely drive him insane.

"Do you want me to open it," asked Itachi, he kept his attention on the task at hand. Although he loved Neji's hair, it was such a pain to maintain and since he had the job of detangling and trimming it, he had a right to say that.

"No." Neji ripped the ends of the envelope and pulled out the letter. Quietly, he read the header first, and then the custom greeting - still stalling.

Behind him, Itachi glanced over his shoulders. "You passed!"

Startled, Neji's eyes quickly skimmed the letter. How in the hell did Itachi read that before him? His eyes finally landed on the words he's been waiting to read. "I passed." his voice was flat, more than likely from shock. He couldn't believe it, he actually passed one of the hardest exams in the entire country.

"I knew that you could do it," Leaning forward, Itachi placed a tender kiss on the stunned man's temple.

"Now I just need to open my own practice before Shikamaru does," Neji smirked in smug satisfaction. "This is proof that today is going to be a great day."

"Did you ever have any doubts about today being great?"

"Not really." Anytime he could wake up next to Itachi qualified as a great day in his book.

---

Itachi was tense.

That was what Neji thought during their drive to Tengoku Village. It was Itachi's idea that they spend their anniversary there, and Neji didn't mind at all. Per usual, the drive was relatively silent, with the radio on, but set to a volume where conversation could be heard without straining their ears to hear.

He noticed how tightly Itachi was gripping the steering wheel, his mouth set in a grim line, and his eyes distant. All clear indicators that the man was thinking about something unsettling. There were times ,not often, when Itachi's mind would venture into the darkness of his past. Moments when Neji would catch a glimpse of the coldblooded killer that his husband used to be. Once, Itachi told him that sometimes it felt as if he was at constant war with himself. Struggling to keep that part of him in control, because he didn't want to lose Neji. But Neji assured him that he would love them both. The good and the bad parts of him.

Reaching over, Neji rested his hand on Itachi's knee, in a comforting gesture. Instantly, Itachi loosened his hold on the steering wheel, and his entire body seemed to relax. When he tried to move his hand, Itachi laced their fingers together, and kept it in place. Itachi didn't release his hand until they parked at the entrance of the bamboo forest that led to the mountain village. Despite how close they lived to Tengoku, they hadn't visited in years. Neji was surprised when Itachi even mentioned the place.

"I didn't know what to get you. So I didn't get you anything." Itachi admitted while they were unloaded their overnight bags.

"Same here," Neji chuckled. "I gave you head this morning as an apology."

"I guess that means I owe you."

Closing the trunk, Neji looked over to see a hint of something vague and unfamiliar in Itachi's eyes, but it was gone before he could fully register if it were truly there or not. "You don't owe me anything." he slung his bag on his shoulders and followed the man into the forest.

The hike was short, but long enough to be enjoyable. In the forest the sky vanished almost completely, the bamboo stalks were so tall, only a few fragments of blue remained to be seen. Worn stepping stones forged a narrow path through the verdant plants. The further they approached, Neji could make out the boisterous sounds of the villagers.

"We can check in first and then change." Itachi calmly tossed over his shoulder.

Neji frowned. "Change?"

"There's a festival today."

"I don't have a Kimono."

"Hn."

Was that a good or bad, "Hn"? Five years later and Neji still couldn't correctly interpret his husband's grunts. But he could tell that there was something on Itachi's mind. His back was rigid as he walked, and if he gripped the straps of his suitcase any harder they would probably snap. Now that Neji thought about it, after the blowjob that morning, Itachi had been acting strange. He had assumed that they would have morning sex, to commemorate five years of unconditional love. Or simply because morning sex was great, and it had been a while since they'd had sex - period.

Which wasn't too bizarre. Contrary to what their friends thought, Neji and Itachi didn't fuck like rabbits. Not anymore at least. It wasn't always about sex, but that morning in particular Neji wanted to have sex.

After giving an exceptional blowjob - well he thought it was noteworthy - Neji was expecting Itachi to pounce on him. He was going to gladly lay back, or bend over, and let the man do as he pleased. But none of that happened. Instead Itachi...hugged him. Tightly. As though he were afraid Neji would slip away. Don't get him wrong, Neji was all for tender moments with his husband. He would even go as far as to say that they made him feel all fuzzy inside.

Don't judge him.

But there was something different about that embrace. It was the kind of hug that you gave someone when you were afraid that you would never see them again.

"The last time that we came here was before you left for Otogakure." Neji said quietly.

They stepped out of the forest, and approached the large wooden carved gate. Like last time it was opened, unguarded. The villagers of Tengoku were very welcoming to outsiders. Beyond the gates, Neji could see the festival was already dirt roads were crowded with people dressed in colorful kimonos, and different vendors were on the sidewalks.

"This is where I realized that I was in love with you."

Remember what Neji mentioned about tender moments with his husband? Yeah, that statement alone had him swarming with fuzzy giddiness. Being in love was making him soft. To make matters worse, Itachi poked his cheek.

"You're blushing," Itachi said, amusement evident in his voice.

Neji swatted the finger away. Itachi had an odd habit of poking him and he secretly liked it more than he let on. "I wasn't blushing," Neji stated haughtily, head titled up pridefully. "If you haven't noticed the weather is stifling and we just hiked up a mountain!"

"Sure, Neji."

Conveniently, the Ryokan was closer to the village's gate. It looked exactly as it did during their last visit except now the inn keepers' eldest daughter showed them to their room. Neji explicitly told his husband that he didn't have to go all out of his way that year. Did Itachi listen? Hell no. Apparently, Itachi's suggestion to go to Tengoku wasn't as random as he'd previously assumed.

Picking up the black yukata, Neji scowled at the red and white fan proudly adorning the fabric. "Did you forget that I kept my last name?" It had been laid out on the futon when they stepped into the room.

"No, I just wanted everyone to know that you're mine." Itachi said, he saw no point in lying. He started to undress so that he could put on his matching yukata.

"What's on the agenda for today? I know that you have every single thing mapped out." Neji started to undress as well.

"I only booked a room, and had these delivered here. The rest of the day is solely up to you." Itachi slipped his arms through the yukata, it was a perfect fit. "I'll follow your lead."

Absently, Neji pondered if that was in regards to all aspects. At least that was what it sounded like. But he rid his mind of the thought; he didn't want to overthink anything. Honestly, he was looking forward to attending the festival with his husband. On their last visit, they didn't get a chance to utilize the Onsen, and he really wanted to enjoy a nice bath under the stars with Itachi.

Fully dressed, the couple headed to the festival.

. . . . . .

The Nidaime Festival was held in honor of the second Hokage Tobirama. When Neji asked a local shopkeeper the exact reason for the festival, he was told about how the Hokage was responsible for saving the village. He'd expected a valiant tale of how Tobirama slayed a dragon(according to a children's puppet show, that was what happened) but instead the man only kept the village from being turned into a ritzy mountain resort. Which was a great accomplishment seeing that Tobirama helped a lot of people keep their homes. Even though it wasn't the thrilling story that the villagers depicted through song and dance, it was still something to be recognized.

They were seated on a picnic blanket, in the center of the town, watching a play that was very loosely based on Tobirama's courageous efforts. Behind the small stage, the sun slowly sank beneath the horizon, and threads of light lingered in the sky, mingling with the rolling clouds. With the loss of the sunlight, the vibrant colors of the stage's backdrop shone brighter. Lanterns were strategically placed around the entire town, giving off a faint glow.

There had been so much to see and do at the Nidaime Festival that time seemed to fly. Or maybe it was because Itachi and Neji were so in tuned to each other, they didn't notice how quickly the say seemed to end. Even though they were surrounded by hundreds of people, Itachi only saw the gorgeous man donning his family's crest.

"I didn't know the second Hokage could teleport," whispered Neji. He finished eating his onigiri that was in the shape of Tobirama's head.

Itachi blinked; he'd been staring at Neji for so long he didn't even realize it. "He was on the track team in high school. I heard that he was really fast."

"You know a lot about Tobirama." His husband told him more about the second Hokage than the villagers even knew.

"My cousin Kagami was close friends with Tobirama when they were in high school."

"It's kind of interesting hearing about how all of them practically grew up together." said Neji.

A few meters in front of them, Neji watched a homosexual couple happily play with their son. He felt a sense of longing swell up in his chest, it was painful and he had to avert his gaze. For all that he knew the child could've been their nephew or godson, but either way it made him think of the possibilities of having children with Itachi. Of course he wasn't going to have an ass baby(as Naruto so eloquently stated once).

Neji never thought that he would ever think about wanting to have children of his own, especially at such a young age. Perhaps it was just the fact that he was in a great mood that day. Besides, he was still young and there was so much that he wanted to accomplish. When the time was right, he wouldn't mind adopting a child.

Signaling the end of the play, fireworks exploded above, vivid colors ignited the darkening sky. It was a grandeur sight to behold but the two lovers saw something in each other that was far grander. While everyone in the field awed at the bright sparks, Itachi and Neji shared a kiss. Just a slight brush of their lips was all it took to ignite the searing passion that was at the core of their relationship.

Once Itachi worried that one day that flame would dwindle, and eventually die out. People were fickle. Itachi knew that; he'd been a victim of that. But there, in that moment, as they kissed on the tawdry picnic blanket, he didn't have a care in the world. Neji made him feel safe, loved, and appreciated.

And every day Itachi strived to make the man feel the same.

Long after the kiss ended, they gazed into each other's eyes. Around them people started to pack up their things, and move on to the night time festivities.

"So what's next on the agenda," asked Itachi, in a hushed tone. Their faces were so close there was no need to speak barely above a whisper.

In an act of self-preservation, Neji moved away. He didn't want to straddle Itachi in public. "It's been a long day. A bath sounds great."

A bath did sound great. Though it was pretty obvious that his husband was ready for more than a bath.

-o0o-

For obvious reasons, the couple had to request a room with a private Onsen. It was an open air bath, giving them a perfect view of the shimmering stars overhead. Neji rested his arms on the ledge of the wooden tub as Itachi washed his back. Every word the man spoke seemed to reverberate through every bone in his body. Through half lidded eyes he admired the rocky mountain ridges in the background. If the concept of perfection did not exist, how did one explain that day? Better yet, their relationship as a whole. Neji was so happy that it scared him. Usually bad things happened whenever anyone was actually enjoying life.

"You're not going to desert me and go on another suicide mission, are you?"

Itachi froze momentarily at the question, but remained silent.

"If you ever tried to do something like that again I would bring you back myself."

"And what would you do once you've captured me, Neji?" Gently he turned Neji around to face him. The man wasted no time in circling his waist with his arms. It was at that moment when Itachi remembered that Neji was just as tall as him now.

"Kick your ass," Neji ran the palms of his hands up Itachi's back, until he reached the nape of his neck, his nails felt like silken claws on the sensitive skin."Then I'd make sure that you never even thought about leaving me again."

"I told you once before, I don't make the same mistakes twice."

Opening his mouth Neji touched his tongue to the seam of his lips. Itachi groaned and kissed him, deeply, with fervent abandon. Itachi placed his hands on the man's hips and rested his back against the wall of the tub. Gradually his hands lowered, until he was cupping Neji's ass, and he brought the man closer, until their groins were touching. Water sloshed around in the tub as they moved against each other in search of that extra fraction of an inch.

Breaking the kiss, Itachi gripped Neji's hand in his, his grip tight but trembling in need. "I'll follow your lead..." he reminded Neji of his earlier statement.

Mind hazy from lust, Neji didn't quite understand what Itachi was saying, at first. Gradually realization settled in, and his heartbeat quickened. Now he understood the cause of Itachi's strange behavior throughout the day. He searched Itachi's face, for any hint of doubt and he saw none. Only firm resolve, and under that, swimming to the surface were a flurry of emotions. Love was the first emotion with lust coming in at a close second.

By that point talking was pointless. Neji knew that Itachi wouldn't have even mentioned it if it wasn't what he truly wanted. A major part of Neji wanted it too, not just because of the pleasure or the completion he would feel, but because he wanted to replace Itachi's bad memories with happy ones. He knew that what happened on his first assignment still haunted Itachi, and he wanted to wipe every single trace of that event from his husband's mind - his body.

Leaning in, Neji's lips moved down Itachi's face slowly, lightly placing kisses upon every inch of the man's jaw as he reached his mouth. The first kiss was chaste and light. The next had the barest touch of Neji's tongue to the seam of his lips. Itachi opened his mouth, tilting his head so that Neji could deepen the kiss. And he did. Neji kissed him harder, desperate to taste Itachi on his tongue long after that night was over.

True to his word Itachi followed Neji's lead. Years ago he told the man that they were equals. That the laws of dominant and submissive no longer applied to their relationship. And tonight he wanted to show him, really show Neji that his love for him was unyielding. All week he wracked his mind for anything that would recognize that commitment - that Itachi would harm for Neji, kill for him, even die, just for him.

So he decided to give Neji a part of him that he wouldn't even think about giving to anyone else. It was the last part of him that he had left to give to Neji, and he gave it willingly. And though it wasn't Itachi's first time, it was the only time that mattered.

Fin.

---

AN: There you have it! The conclusion of Caged Birds! Writing this was so hard, and I had the hardest time trying to figure out how to end this. I put a lot into this fic, and I don't think I could've finished it without the support from everyone that reviewed, faved, followed, or even took the time out to read this. I understand that I probably didn't please everyone with how this ended, but I can't please everybody and I never aim to. I just wanted to write something different. Something that made people actually feel! If anyone has questions about anything that I may have missed feel free to PM me and I don't mind criticism in reviews, but being logged in helps. I can't respond to Guest reviews, obviously. This will not be my last ItaNeji fic, there are a few on my page, and a lot of upcoming stories so stay tuned.