Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of the characters.

For all you ItaSasu haters out there, go fuck yourselves. (That means you LOVEYAOI) you prick.

Please enjoy if you are an ItaSasu fan, love you all!

Chapter 1: That brother of mine

A young man stared out into the landscape as he stood inside the hallway. He crossed his arms low over his waist, hugging his elbows. He was dressed finely. His embroidered silk shirts tucked into the belt looped riding pants. His boots were made of a unique leather, tied halfway up to his shins. He reached up and smoothed back some of his dark hair, some of it catching on his stud earring. He sighed deeply as he watched roves of soldiers pass by on horseback. Dark pools of ebony watched them go out the gate to the world outside. His other hand reached up and felt for the amulet touching his skin on the open part of his shirt. He fiddled with the small trinket, the metal cold against his fingertips. Growing bored with it, he released it and leaned on his hip while he stood. In the distance, he could hear laughing, no doubt of maids spreading gossip or bickering. How he despised them and their mindless chatter.

He dreaded the day ahead and wished he could just remain in his room. Unfortunately, being the crown prince required that your attention and attendance were necessary. He rued the day his queen mother ever brought him into this nauseating world. Ever since he was born, nothing was made by his own, everything was decided for him.

Prince Sasuke Uchiha clung to the false hope that someday, his mother would let him make his own decisions. The woman was the supreme monarch of their nation. Sasuke had never met his father, but he knew the man had never been a king. He walked down the hall slightly, passing by the windows that overlooked the training grounds. Soldiers lined below him walked in unison as they practiced with their swords. Their gleaming armor was freshly shone, no doubt by the squires. Reaching behind his collar, the prince rubbed the sore skin on the back of his neck bone. He had a bruise there from yesterday's training exercise. Guaranteed if his mother ever knew of his activities, she would not approve.

Before he could walk further down the hallway to his destined area, he heard heavy clanking behind him. His breath caught for a moment, but he steeled himself. He turned halfway as he hugged his elbows again, some of his hair falling onto his pale face. The clanking got louder and Sasuke dare not move. Sure enough around the next corner a tall black armor-clad male walked toward him. His head was covered by his helmet, the only signs of human life being seen through the slits of his face mask. His cape flowed powerfully behind him, shades of yellows like their nation's flag. Sasuke couldn't help but have the tendrils of intimidation coating his spine. He also couldn't help but feel loathing toward this man. The man in armor stopped before him, his boots coming to a halt on the carpet. His armor looked like it had recently been shined. It gleamed magnificently, engraved with the nation's symbols and swords. Easily, the other male reached up and removed his helmet.

Sasuke's face relaxed somewhat from its usual frown but still held its shape. Long dark hair fell from the man's shoulders, escaping the black cage it was ensnared in. Shaking his head, the man's slightly slanted eyes blinked open, taking in the sunlight. Itachi Uchiha stared at his younger brother, holding his helmet against his hip. His strong face was covered in a light sheen of sweat. He looked massive in the armor, but it did nothing to disguise the built body underneath. Sasuke's eyes roamed his brother's face, the lines under his eyes looking much darker than normal. Compared to Sasuke's own features, Itachi's face was slightly more broad and moderately tanner.

"Sasuke," He almost purred in acknowledgment with a tilt of his head.

The younger felt his breaths quicken at the way his name was spoken. His face set into an angry frown as he faced his brother sideways. As much as Itachi was his brother, he couldn't help but sometimes resent the man.

He also couldn't help but be terribly attracted to him.

Since he had turned the age of courtship, his own brother had sought his hand. Twelve years was the age proper for marriage, and ever since then, Itachi pursued him relentlessly. There have been so many instances in which Sasuke could recall that sometimes his brother went overboard The older always chased off suitors, admirers and potential lovers. When Sasuke was only thirteen, he had fallen for a foot soldier who often walked the hallways. Itachi, upon discovering his infatuation, immediately bullied the man out of the castle. Sasuke had been heartbroken and spent over a year refusing to talk to his brother.

At first, he had been disgusted by the bold attempts; he still was in a way. Itachi would've been the right choice, and his mother certainly encouraged it. He had been surprised at how his mother had dropped hints about how compatible he was with Itachi, how well they would rule together. His own mother encouraged him to submit and bond with the older. It was pure stubbornness that kept him from giving it. He loved Itachi, but he wasn't in love with Itachi. He put up with his brother's attempts, the sometimes crude innuendos and of course, the flirting.

Itachi tilted his head and smiled at him, not in a mocking way, but simply out of interest.

"What are you doing Sasuke? Standing all by yourself in this hallway? I thought you would come to see me; I will leave for battle tomorrow," He said in a deep monotone voice. Sasuke refused to make eye contact or acknowledge him though. Itachi might've been a pain to him, but the thought of his brother leaving for battle, left him feeling weak and sick. His brother was more than capable of surviving; it was the fear of never seeing the other again that got to him. No doubt though, the other side would have more losses than he ever would.

"The queen mother requested my presence, she said she had news of the utmost importance. It is best not to keep her waiting," Sasuke said. Unintentionally, he reached up for his amulet again and started toying with it. He had a look of solidarity on his face as he watched more troops assemble below. He only flinched slightly as Itachi approached him, closely. Sasuke was left frozen as his brother's hands settled themselves on his shoulders and slowly ran down to the crooks of his elbows.

"You look terribly unease, what is troubling you?" Itachi asked softly, charmingly. Sasuke's heart quickened in his chest as he struggled to contain a blush on his snow white skin.

"Nothing. . . Nothing bothers me brother. I should be going; our dear mother is waiting," he said, trying to pull away from the man's grip. Itachi though, only tightened his hold on the boy's arms. Sasuke dared not try to struggle anymore; his brother was not going to let go, and he knew it. Cautiously, he looked up into the other's eyes, the most terrifying feature about him. Unlike anyone Sasuke had ever met, Itachi's eyes were crimson, two swirling masses of what could only be described as freshly spilt blood. He nor his mother ever saw such ruby eyes like Itachi's. Sasuke had always concluded that he had inherited them from either his own father or his mother's first concubine. Combined with Itachi's pale features and black armor, many thought on the battle field that Lucifer himself came to ride and conquer.

Those eyes drew closer, and Sasuke was caught in that powerful gaze. Ensnared and powerless, Sasuke did nothing to dissuade the other male's movements. The younger swallowed some saliva as he felt the bottom of his feet on the carpeting tremble. He hated how he reacted whenever Itachi came too close to him.

The grip on his arms pulled him forward and upward, the younger being a head shorter than the other. Sasuke bit his bottom lip as Itachi closed his eyes and brought his face closer. No words were exchanged, and Sasuke hated how his body was reacting. His mouth opened automatically as Itachi leaned down and pulled him in for searing kiss, his body molding against the other. Sasuke closed his eyes as a tongue immediately entered his mouth and twisted with his own. He let out a weak moan and was poor in resisting temptation.

He had at no time coupled with Itachi; this was as far as he would ever allow. He would never allow the other to win the battle he so desperately fought with him daily. Itachi maneuvered his hands as one wrapped around the younger's waist, the other crawling up Sasuke's back and nestled against the back of his head. Fingers combed through black hair and gripped in the coarseness but at the same time still being gentle. Sasuke set his hands on his brother's breastplate, nails scraping over the designs. Sasuke made a small noise as his back was pressed to the window, the cool glass making his hair stand on end. Realizing how far he was letting Itachi go, he made a noise of protest and tried to push the other away. Turning his head, he broke the kiss, making his brother growl. Instead, a pair of lips kissed his neck, right below his ear and slid down to the collar.

"I leave tomorrow morning. . . You should come to my room. . . Tonight and give me a proper good-bye," He husked with heated breath. Sasuke took in the words with a sour face as he opened his eyes.

"I will not," He said, voice hard and resolute. Itachi chuckled as he tightened his arms around his brother.

"We'll see," He whispered to the younger.

Footsteps came down the hallway and Itachi was smart enough to release him. Sasuke shot Itachi a glare as the other only smirked at him. Fixing his clothes, Sasuke watched as his mother's assistant, Kakashi Hatake walked down the hallway toward them. He was dressed in some of his armors, some of it his regular clothes. He wore his breastplate, which hugged his chest tightly while he wore normal boots and riding pants. He approached the princes and put a hand to his chest, bowing.

"Your highness, I was sent to find you. We were getting worried that something had happened to you," Kakashi said lightly, his eyes closed. When he opened them, Sasuke couldn't help but shutter, like he always had when the man looked at him calmly. Kakashi's left eye was not his own; it had once belonged to another warrior, but no one knew who. It was as blood red as Itachi's, a long gray scar running from the top of it to the bottom, grazing the top of the man's cheek. His silver hair was wild at top his head, held back only by a black band. His armor unlike his brothers, was a golden yellow, similar to his mother's color. Sasuke closed his eyes and stepped away from Itachi.

"I've dawdled long enough," The raven said, walking past Kakashi. Itachi made to follow when Kakashi stepped in front of the other. His smile was only plastered as he gave a small bow to Itachi.

"Forgive me my prince, but your mother specifically said that your presence was not needed. She wants you to rest before you will ride out tomorrow," The silver-haired male said lightly. Itachi looked annoyed, and he curled his upper lip.

"And why can't I be there?" He asked lowly, glaring Kakashi down. Sasuke watched the exchange with interest and couldn't wonder what his mother had deemed so important that even Itachi would not be able to attend. He lost interest after a moment when all the men did was stare at each other, one still smiling and the other conversely glaring. Sasuke turned and walked down the hallway, leaving them there to feud. Kakashi noticed Sasuke leaving and gave Itachi a nod as he left the other prince in the hallway.

"Good day your grace," He said smoothly. Itachi didn't like the way Kakashi had spoken to him. He watched with narrowed eyes on Sasuke's back as the youth walked away and didn't turn back to look at him. He sneered as he grabbed his cape and turned around, heading to his room for the day.

Kakashi followed close behind the young prince as he headed for his mother's lounge room. Passing servants stopped and bowed but Sasuke paid them no heed. His mind was spinning around what this possible conversation could have been about. He didn't speak to his mother in weeks, her being busy running a nation and all. His footsteps echoed as he hit the stone floor of the second level and approached a large oak door. The entrance was decorated with ivy, carving of the plant crawling up the wood to the ceiling above. He didn't stop to admire it as Kakashi stepped around him and opened the door. Sasuke blinked and realized he had forgotten that Kakashi had been walking behind him.

"Thank you," Sasuke muttered as he walked past the man. Kakashi said nothing as he simply stood there and waited for the younger male to pass. They entered another hallway that led to his mother's lounge. He already smelt the overpowering scent of incense, his mother's favorite flavor of freshly fired rosemary. He took a deep breath into his lungs, feeling the familiar burn he had remembered since childhood. His mother unfailingly smelt of this, one of the fond memories he did have of her. Itachi's aroma was different, and Sasuke was consistently reminded of sulfur.

He approached a wooden ordinate door, the handles shining as if they had been freshly bronzed. He didn't wait for Kakashi as he put his hand on the handle and turned it. In a selfish thought, he probably reasoned that he should have knocked first. It was too late to take it back as he entered his mother's most private place in the castle. It was bright, sunlight streamed immensely through the tall canopy windows. His eyes traveled to the figure sitting behind the white desk, fingering through a thick book. The figure at the desk looked up, and Sasuke was met with his own eyes. Kakashi came in behind him, closing the door and standing in front of it with his arms crossed.

Sasuke faced the woman he had not seen in quite a while. She was beautiful; he always remembered that, but she was also extremely terrifying. She sat in her golden armor, covered head to toe in elegance and scarves. Her hair was free, flowing in rivulets off her shoulders. She looked up at him, and Sasuke was caught in reminisce. Growing up she was the definition of a fine mother. She never let them see danger, violence or the cruelty of the real world. She raised him properly, a gentleman and a scholar. It wasn't until he was older that he saw her true nature, a Grim Reaper in disguise. He had first witnessed her cruelty when he had turned thirteen. He long ago saw her slit a man's throat, he couldn't remember why. All innocent images he had of her as an angel had shattered. He had now admired her in cautious optimism.

Sasuke walked toward her desk, and she stood with a look of adoration on her face. Her cape, purple, floated around her. She worked her way around the desk, hair flowing behind her as she opened her arms to greet him. He couldn't remember how old she was; he had heard tales that she had become pregnant at a very young age, fourteen when she was carrying his older brother. Her youthful face was as pale as his, sleek with a long swan like neck. Her boots made her taller, so she towered over him by a head.

"Sasuke, my diamond, it has been too long since I have held you," She smiled, wrapping him tightly in her arms. He felt the warmth and couldn't help but be calmed by it. No matter what atrocities he had seen of this woman, she was still his mother, his anchor. He hugged back and felt the silk of her hair between his fingers. She gently rubbed the back of his head, smoothing down his spikes affectionately. She pulled backward after a moment and reached up to use a gloved hand to push a back his bangs.

"Precious, you really shouldn't let your hair cloud your eyes. They are your most benevolent and attractive feature," She cooed. Sasuke couldn't help but feel an embarrassed flush come to his face. He reached up and gently caught her hand with his own, ceasing her actions.

"Mother, don't tell me you called me here to ridicule me?" He asked softly. She gave a light chuckle as she took his hand in her own.

"Forgive me, it has simply been so long since I've seen my baby. Can you blame me for being a little... Touchy-feel?" She winked. Sasuke looked to the side.

"And where is your brother? That man, I'm surprised, he didn't follow you like a lost puppy," She said, this time giving a meaningful glance to Kakashi. The silver-haired man remained silent as he closed his eyes and leaned on the door.

"He tried; I assure you," He simply said. Sasuke scoffed as he took his hand back and turned toward the windows.

"He's becoming a pain, maybe some war will calm him down," He said in a stiff tone. Sasuke crossed his arms as he heard his mother's boots hit the floor behind him.

"Now now, my diamond, is it so wrong of him to want to be close to you? His intentions are pure I assure you," She said, setting her hand on his back. She reached up and gently fingered the gold stud Sasuke had in his ear. He turned to look at her, and her smile remained serene.

"I can't give you what you ask for, mother," Sasuke said softly with a resigned face. Her lips twisted but not in a cruel way, more like contemplation. After a moment, she shrugged her shoulders and turned to look toward her foyer. Sasuke followed her gaze and was surprised to see a man sitting there. The boy's back suddenly went stiff, and he was surprised to have not noticed the man before.

And what a man he was.

Sasuke felt his heart beat escalate at the mere sight of the creature sitting on his mother's couch. And creature seemed like the appropriate definition. He swallowed some saliva in his mouth as the man sat there casually, legs crossed with a glass of wine hanging loosely from his fingers. His eyes must've grown bigger because the man gave him a seductive smile. It seemed his mother was watching his gaze as she smirked herself.

"Sasuke, my diamond. . . I want you to meet someone. It is the purpose in which I asked for an audience with you. This is Orochimaru, one of the legendary Sanin and leader of the Suna Serpent clan, our allies to the south," She encouraged. She put a hand on the small of Sasuke's back and ushered him toward the stranger. The man named Orochimaru set his wine glass down and stood. He wore parts of silver armor. Half of his clothing housed robes looking like that of a mage. His breastplate shone with serpent's teeth and tales. His boots lined neatly up to his strong legs, also containing designs of cobras. His jewelry was indeed of tribally made; bones of some unknown creature hung from his neck and earlobes.

His skin was nearly white, his eyes the ultimate color of gold. His jaw was strong as long midnight hair fell from his shoulders. Purple tribal makeup lined the part of his eyes that ran from his nostrils, only enhancing his features. He was tall and built, carrying himself on an air of power.

The younger raven couldn't help but feel intimidated, and he looked to his mother for guidance. He felt his inner child come through at the assurance that this stranger was safe. She gave him a warming smile and walked him right up to the man. Orochimaru smiled down at him, a mere turn of lips, but it did everything to change his face.

"Mikoto, I know you told me your youngest son was handsome. . . Even so, instead he looks rather. . . Ravishing if I may say so," Orochimaru seemed to purr with a small bow. He stepped forward toward them both and reached meticulously down to take Sasuke's hand. The raven's arm felt like a limp noodle as Orochimaru cautiously raised his hand face level and kissed it. Orochimaru's lips weren't quite cold, but they lacked the normal warmth of an average person. His lips were smooth, almost seeming nonexistent on his face. Sasuke curled his fingers into Orochimaru's palms, feeling the skin a bit rough but smooth to the touch. Orochimaru's nails were long, tipped in more of what Sasuke could assume to be tribal paint. The snake leader locked gazes with him, and Sasuke felt as if his soul had been taken in by those molten golden pools.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Prince Sasuke. I have only had the opportunity as of this moment to visit your fine capital. I do hope you, and I will be able to. . . Talk more? At some point?" He said, his voice low and as smooth as his face. Sasuke managed to activate his brain in order to compose a reply. He blinked several times and cleared his throat.

"T-thank you, forgive me if I seem a bit put off. I was thinking I would only be having a mere talk with my mother today. She didn't mention anybody. . . Being introduced, you see. I hope you find the capital pleasurable," He managed to say in a slightly wavering voice. Orochimaru didn't release his hand as he gently brought it down to waist level and simply held it.

"Oh yes, I find it quite . . . Pleasurable, indeed," He answered. Sasuke knew his face was red, but he tried to cover it up by stretching his collar. Mikoto smiled as she reached up and set a hand on Sasuke's shoulder.

"Sasuke, starting tomorrow, I'm making it your personal duty to see to Lord Orochimaru's needs. He will be a guest with us, as long as we require the aid of our allies. Be sure show him around and make him as comfortable as possible," She instructed him with a tap at the end of his nose. Sasuke blinked as her finger made contact, and he reached up to rub his face.

"Yes mother, I will make sure. . . Lord Orochimaru, is made as comfortable as possible," He said formally. He looked up once more to the man and felt his chest tighten.

What is this feeling? I've never felt it before. . . It feels strange.

Kakashi walked him back to his room, but Sasuke was lost in thought. His eyes were glazed over as he walked, each step feeling hollow as he made his way to his room on the third floor. He acknowledged nothing and no one as he went by them. When he reached the door to his room, he numbly set his hand on the handle but didn't turn it. His head was spinning, his heart confused. He felt the burning in his belly, something he had never encountered before. The soft breaths he took were short, and he felt faint and a little sick. Kakashi must've seen something that concerned him because he approached Sasuke with a wary look.

"My Prince, are you all right? You look pale and you're quiet," He asked. Sasuke closed his eyes for a moment until a pained look came over his face.

"Kakashi," He almost whimpered out. Waiting no more, Kakashi decided to act. He ushered Sasuke into his room, half carrying him. The Prince was set down on his day couch, the younger male throwing his face into his hands.

"I'm fine. . . Just a little. . . I'm just feeling a little sick right now. Leave me be I will be fine," He said shakily into his hands. The aching in his chest only grew the more he thought of that stranger in his mother's lounge. Why did that man have such an effect on him? What was this man's purpose here? Sasuke didn't know the feelings going through him as he lifted his head away from his hands. Kakashi knelt down in front of him, examining him with lazy eyes.

"I believe you've had enough excitement for one day. Had I known you'd get this excited, I would've carried you back to your room," He said cheerfully. Sasuke gave the man a glare before he rolled his eyes and lent backward on the day couch.

"As if I'd let you, sometimes I feel like you'd crave that kind of attention," He commented lightly. Kakashi shook his head as he stood from his position and went over to the windows. He undid the hinge that kept them closed and let them freely open. A soft breeze came in, and Sasuke had to admit that the air tasted good. It did wonders to clear his thoughts and his over heated body. He reached up and undid some of the buttons on his embroidered shirt. Getting about midway down his chest, he cast a glance at Kakashi, who had been watching him out of the corner of his eye. The guard turned toward the door and made to leave.

"I should get back; your mother is expecting me to show our new guest to his quarters. Not like he's able to follow directions or anything," The silver-haired man mumbled. Before he could take a step, Sasuke had left the couch. The silver-haired man didn't tense as the younger raven hugged him from behind, his arms wrapping around the older man's chest.

"Kakashi. . . Must you leave so soon? I remember the days you were eager to stay and linger in my room, you no longer come to me at night," The younger whispered against his back. Kakashi said nothing and didn't turn to look at the youth.

"I'm afraid those days are over my Prince. As much fun as they were, I'm frightened now they would be frowned upon," He replied in a monotone voice. Sasuke not liking the tone, squeezed his arms around Kakashi's body.

"What is your real reason? You were the one who used to beg me to stay longer, to linger. What changed your mind? Am I no longer attractive? Have I gotten too old for you? Am I no longer the little boy you used to like to take in bed?" Sasuke asked. Kakashi let his body sag in place.

"Your age has nothing to do with it; I'm afraid now it's more of. . . Your status," He said lightly, waving a hand in the air. Sasuke scowled as he looked at the carpet.

"That never stopped you before. Tell me the real reason, or are you too much of a coward?" He asked the guard. The silver-haired man took a deep breath before he gently took Sasuke's wrists and made the boy release him.

"If your brother ever found out. . . I do daresay, he would skin me alive. He would toss me from the highest tower and watch me plummet to the rocks below with joy in his heart," the silver-haired man said secretly. Sasuke took back his hands with a hard tug and sneered at the guard.

"So you're afraid of my brother, is that it? Why is it that everyone in this place pushes me toward him? He's a black hole it seems, sucking everything in and spewing about the castle like a thunderstorm. Forget it. I am no longer attracted to cowards. You were simply a bed warmer, something to fill my cold nights. Go now, run to my mother, I know she treats you well as you hold her at night," Sasuke hissed, walking back to the couch. Kakashi remained silent, but he did turn to look at Sasuke.

"I'm not sleeping with the Queen; I would never trick a son to comfort a mother," He replied with a reserved face. Sasuke buttoned up his shirt again and chose to ignore him.

"Whatever, your purpose is done here. Go find a church boy. They are young and naive. I am sure one of them will be attracted by your looks soon and throw themselves at you, just as I did. You may leave now," He said coolly. Sasuke didn't turn to see Kakashi's face as he headed for the washroom. The door slammed and resonated throughout the room as Kakashi didn't move from his spot. He watched the washroom door for a moment, lost in thought and memories. He sighed and ran his fingers through his wild hair.

"Why dear God did I ever get involved with that boy? I guess those pretty eyes just floored me," He whispered to himself. He contemplated no more about it as he headed for the bedroom door and left through it, closing it softly behind him.

TBC

R&R