Some violence in this chapter, but it has Itachi finally defending himself!

Hatake Kakashi was not a malicious person. Sure he felt the occasional smugness at a person he disliked being made a fool of but he never enjoyed people suffering. He just wasn't that type of person. He wasn't Ibiki or Orochimaru. He certainly wasn't Itachi. Yet, even as he attempted to remind himself of this he couldn't help the glee he felt as he ran passed Might Guy.

"Getting tired, Guy?" He called over his shoulder. He heard the man shout something and Kakashi laughed. His laughter was quickly cut off as the larger man began to swiftly catch up with him. He silently cursed and charged ahead. Guy however refused to relent. Soon, he managed to pass the Copy-nin throwing a large twinkling smile at him over his shoulder.

"The flame of youth shines brightly in some! But not for you!" He bellowed. Kakashi scowled and pumped his legs forward, yet Guy refused to allow the man to pass him again. The finish line was coming closer and closer. He charged forward, desperately hoping Guy would trip over his obnoxiously large feet. Yet instead, the man beat him over the line with a victorious bellow.

Kakashi soon followed, swooning dramatically as Guy began his victory lap. Yamoto and Genma who were taking bets began to give out change. Genma the obvious winner.

"Neh, Kakashi that was pretty pathetic." Naruto piped up as he approached. Sai stood close behind, looking fascinated with the activity. Kakashi offered him a mock glare.

"Rude." He rplied and Naruto shrugged.

"That shark guy that follows Sasuke invited us over tonight."

"Maaa, what's the occasion?"

"I dunno...he said there would be booze."

"I suppose I can stop by." Kakashi stated looking thoughtful and Naruto made a face.

"Neh, you just wanna make googly eyes at Itachi." He replied and Kakashi's eyes widened.

"What?" He managed, voice weak. Naruto tilted his head, face scrunching up.

"I'm not stupid Sensei. You act weird around him and he looks at you like Sakura looks at the Teme." Once again, Kakashi was floored by how observant Naruto could be. He attempted to shrug it off, glancing around quickly to see if anyone was paying attention Luckily, it was only the two of them. He glanced at Naruto.

"Whatever you think you've seen. Don't go telling anyone."

"Pfft. Like I would." Naruto snorted, crossing his arms and looking put out. "I don't wanna give Sasuke anymore of a reason to be an asshole to Itachi."

"You know what Itachi is right?" Kakashi began and Naruto shot him a glare worthy of his mother.

"Will you stop talking about him like that!? You're as bad as Sasuke!" He shook his head in annoyance and Kakashi sighed.

"I'm being realistic."

"No, you're being an asshole." Naruto shot back. "He hasn't done anything yet."

"Yet being the key word in this conversation." The Copy nin pointed out much to Naruto's annoyance. The two parted ways, Naruto quietly promising himself that he would make Kakashi and Sasuke see reason.

Itachi was pale when he approached Kakashi for their usual meet and kiss. There were shadows under his eyes, that spoke of restless nights. Kakashi had no doubt it was because of Shisui's suicide as well as the sudden promotion. Kakashi ached for the young Uchiha. He understood the difficulty of forcing yourself to keep going even when it seemed like your whole world died. He pushed off the wall he was leaning against and approached Itachi, a weak smile on his lips.

"Hey, kid." He greeted, voice softer than normal. Itachi offered Kakashi a weak smile and reached for him. Kakashi quickly drew Itachi into his arms and against his chest, hugging him. Itachi's face remained buried in the Copy nin's chest. He did not cry but the silence was just as painful. Itachi lifted his face to look up at Kakashi who tilted his head smiling weakly.

"If you need-"

"I love you." Itachi cut Kakashi off suddenly, lifting his eyes to stare up at the Copy-nin, expression so raw that it hurt Kakashi's chest. Kakashi's eyes widened.

"What?" He managed, wondering if he had misheard.

"I love you. I-I just thought you should know." Before Kakashi could respond, Itachi grasped the sides of Kakashi's face and dragged him in for a passionate kiss. Kakashi's surprise was quickly replaced with want. He hooked an arm around Itachi's slender waist. The kiss ended abruptly as Itachi pulled away, face unreadable. Kakashi fought for words but found himself unable to speak. Itachi offered him a slight smile.

"Goodnight Kakashi-sempai." He bowed deeply, reminding Kakashi of their earlier conversation when Itachi had been made captain. Kakashi shook his head and reached for Itachi who took a step back. "I have to go, Kakashi..." He murmured. Something felt wrong. The Copy nin could feel it in his bones.

"Itachi-" He began but the boy looked away.

"Goodbye." Kakashi reached for Itachi but the boy was gone, just as quickly as he appeared, leaving Kakashi alone. He stood staring at the spot Itachi had been in confusion. Kakashi never had the chance to say it back...they would have to finish this conversation later.

Itachi opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling. Was this just a dream? Or was this a memory?

The sound of a door bouncing violently off the walls, sounded throughout the nearly empty base. The noise did not startle the figure standing at the desk however.

"Is he safe?" Kisame Hoshigaki demanded as he pushed himself through the door. Tobi looked up from the map he had been studying and tilted his head.

"Ahh, Kisame. Good to see you."

"Cut the shit Madara. Is Itachi safe?" The large Kiri nin demanded, eyes narrowed. Madara pushed off the table and regarded Kisame.

"Why the worry Kisame? I thought your people were taught better than to get attached." Kisame did not reply, expression still set. The Uchiha shrugged and crossed his arms. "He lives if that is your meaning. But in Konoha, he will never be safe." Kisame's expression wavered as he mulled over Madara's words. The Kiri nin was unaware of the...change in Itachi. Probably for the best. Kisame approached Madara swiftly and Zetsu stood from the chair he had been sitting in, ready to defend the man. Madara lifted a hand halting Zetsu while staring blandly at Kisame.

"You seem tense Kisame."

"We're going after Itachi right? We're not leaving him with his crazy brother?" Kisame asked, voice uncharacteristically soft.

"All in good time Kisame."

"But-"

"Hush. I have a mission for you anyway. Both you and Zetsu." The two shared quick glances. Kisame frowned, obviously displeased with the change of subject. He grit his teeth and turned back to Madara.

"What mission?"

"A retrieval mission of one of our own. In the Hidden Leaf." Kisame's eyes widened and his heart skipped a beat. They were going after Itachi? Madara tilted his head. "You misunderstand Kisame. Itachi is not our mission today."

"Then who?" Kisame began while Zetsu's eyes widened.

"Not?..." He began and Madara nodded. Kisame frowned at the two in confusion before realization dawned on him.

"Hidan."

It had been Suigetsu's idea to bring the alcohol to the house. Of course the sound of free booze drew in quite the crowd and although Sasuke detested people, he enjoyed to dulling effect of alcohol. Before he knew it, Kakashi, Guy and several of his old classmates were at his house. He was surprised to learn that Naruto didn't drink. Something about the drink turned the blonde off and he declined the bottle offered to him. Suigetsu shrugged.

"More for me." He replied and took a swig. Naruto shook his head but grinned as Sasuke took a seat beside him.

"Why am I always the last to know of these things..." The Uchiha muttered and Naruto laughed.

"Cause everyone knows what a spoilsport you are." He replied, nudging Sasuke's shoulder. Sasuke offered the blonde a small smile and nudged back.

"Dobe."

"Teme."

They watched as Kakashi and Guy began a drinking contest. Naruto tilted his head.

"You ever see us like that one day?" He questioned and Sasuke turned to him offering him a slight smile.

"Sometimes." He admitted and Naruto beamed. Ino walked by and offered the teens a smile as she approached Sai and sat down beside him. Naruto glanced around the crowded room smiling before looking back at Sasuke.

"Only sometimes?" He prompted and Sasuke shrugged looking down at his own drink.

"Sometimes I see other things too." He whispered and glanced back at the Dobe whose nose scrunched up thoughtfully.

"Huh?"

"Nothing Dobe." Sasuke murmured, fighting down a smile. Lee was standing by the table cheering for Guy to win, Guy smashed down his forth cup and grinned.

"Prepare for defeat Kakashi!" He called out and Kakashi waved him off.

"Never." He replied. Guy laughed leaning heavily against his chair.

"Reminds me of our youth." He used loudly causing eye rolls all around. Kakashi snickered. Guy scratched his chin. He glanced towards Genma who was studying his own drink. "Surely you remember some of our escapades?" He asked and Genma laughed.

"Obviously." He replied, they noticed the younger crowd quieting down to listen. Kakashi swirled his drink watching Guy.

"Shisui was always the funniest when he drank." Genma mused softly, staring at his drink. "He came up with all these wild ideas and wanted to go on drunken adventures. We were all for it but someone...usually Kakashi or your brother was the voice of reason." He glanced towards Sasuke who rose a brow.

"Really?" Sasuke questioned bringing his drink to his lips.

"Yup although if you got them drunk enough they would go along." Kakashi rolled his eyes.

"As if Sasuke wants to hear about Itachi getting drunk with a bunch of adults."

"No no," Sasuke stated. "Go on. What did the perfect heir get into?" He asked lips twitching. Naruto grinned while Sakura and Ino looked on curiously. Guy snickered and took another sip. Genma grinned while Kakashi let out a sigh.

"Okay...he ran around the village in a dress once..." Kakashi leaned back at the memory. Sasuke nearly choked on his drink. Naruto leaned forward.

"He what?" Sasuke managed, voice cracking. Genma grinned.

"Well we needed someone pretty and Itachi's got nice legs and a gorgeous face." Kakashi shot a scowl at Genma while Sasuke stared unblinking.

"Why would you need him in-"

"Oh, hey Itachi!" Genma called and heads swiveled to the teen coming through the door with Juugo at his side. The young Uchiha glanced around at the drunken crowd and sighed.

"Genma. Why am I not surprised." He murmured. Genma grinned cheekily.

"I was just telling your brother here about your misadventures as a youth." The man drawled as Itachi was handed a drink by Sasuke. Itachi sniffed the drink curiously before looking up.

"Wonderful," Itachi deadpanned. "I wouldn't take anything Genma says too seriously." He shot a glance at Sasuke who fought down a smirk and lifted his drink.

"I dunno Aniki," He replied. "I'm learning all your little secrets."

"Really?" Itachi rose an eyebrow. "Like what?"

"Like you running around in drag." Itachi scoffed.

"Oh yes that. Well they needed someone relatively attractive to wear it and have you seen any of them?" He motioned to Guy who looked offended. Kakashi laughed. This comment eased everyone and even Sasuke smiled at that. Naruto pulled Itachi to sit next to him, beaming at the boy. Itachi offered a tentative smile, obviously expecting something to go wrong but Sasuke had drank enough that his mood had lightened around his sibling. In fact the whole rest of the night might have gone alright if not for where the conversation eventually went. Alcohol loosens tongues after all.

It had started with Guy and Kakashi getting into another competitive bickering match. Itachi had finished his drink and was feeling the fuzzy effects that followed, leaning against Naruto's shoulder as the blonde talked with Sasuke. Guy began lamenting his pack of romantic companionship and jeering, Kakashi pointed out that Guy had two hands.

"Not all of us can use our suave charm to impress the ladies." Genma sighed, shaking his head and offering Ino a wink. Ino snickered while Shikamaru shook his head.

"I was a perfect gentleman." Kakashi replied with a shrug. Genma snickered and muttered bullshit.

"You were the worst of us."

"I think you're just jealous."

"Of my unbelievably attractive looks and amazing talent on the battle field and in the sheets." Kakashi struck a pose while Itachi rolled his eyes. Genma shot Itachi a lazy grin.

"Was he any good, Uchiha?" He asked, instantly gaining Sasuke's attention as he looked to Itachi who flushed. Kakashi stilled, hand lifting to cut Genma off. Guy blinked slowly.

"I didn't know you guys were doing the deed! I thought you only made out!"

"Guy-"

"You guys made out?" Naruto looked from Kakashi to Itachi. Sasuke had gone very still.

"I believe you've both had a little too much to drink-" Itachi began. Guy however laughed.

"You're blushing Itachi!"

"You were involved with my brother?" Sasuke asked, voice no longer slurred. Kakashi slowly looked from Itachi who shook his head, looking mortified to Sasuke who was staring at him, expression unreadable.

"Yes." The Copy nin replied while Itachi closed his eyes. Sasuke stared at the Copy nin in silence for a moment. Everyone in the room waited with baited breath for the Uchiha to speak. Suddenly, the teen broke into a fit of laughter, leaning against Naruto's other shoulder and staring at Kakashi. Hinata and Sakura shared quick, nervous glances while Shikamaru rolled his eyes. Finally, the laughter trailed off and Sasuke wiped his eyes. He glanced at Itachi was stared back.

"Did father know?" He asked and Itachi nodded jerkily.

"He caught us." He admitted, voice soft. Kakashi smiled at the memory.

"He must have been pissed." Sasuke mused and Itachi glanced towards Kakashi.

"He banned Kakashi from coming here." His voice was cautious as he awaited the storm. Sasuke rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

"Hmmm...maybe that's why you killed everyone."

"Sasuke-" Itachi flinched as Sasuke threw his glass towards him. It hit the wall and shattered. Kakashi closed his eyes. Silence fell over the room as Sasuke then looked towards Kakashi.

"And maybe, Kakashi...that's why you were so eager to teach me Chidori. Was it because you used to fuck my brother or because you were pissed at him and wanted him dead as much as I did!" Sasuke stood, face placid and Itachi lowered his eyes. Kakashi however seemed calm in the face of Sasuke's accusations.

"Think whatever you want Sasuke." He replied genially. "My reasons are my own." Genma closed his eyes, regretting even bringing it up. He looked towards Itachi pitying the kid. Naruto shifted uncomfortably at the conversation. Itachi had not reacted as the trash talk began. The blonde shot Sasuke a glare in an attempt to shut him up. But the Uchiha did not spare him a glance. Genma's and Guy's attempts to change the subject were ignored.

"I shouldn't be surprised," Sasuke sneered. "You screwing around with Itachi explains so much."

"Don't mistake my actions as something more than they are." Kakashi muttered. "You know me. Once I got what I wanted, I would move on." He shot Itachi a cold glare while the boy stared down at his drink, lips pressed into a thin line.

"Kakashi!" Sakura hissed, disgusted with Kakashi's crass words. But she was ignored. Both Kakashi and Sasuke desperately trying to dismiss Itachi's importance in their lives. Both so prideful that neither considered the fact that this was not the Uchiha from their nightmares. That this Itachi was not hardened enough.

"Funny. You seemed so upset when I nearly slit his throat last week." Sasuke casually swirled his drink and Kakashi eyed him.

"What use would he be to us dead?" Kakashi asked. Itachi could feel eyes on him but did not look up.

"More than he is now. It makes me wonder how shocked Shisui must have been when Itachi turned on him."

"Poor Shisui was always so trusting."

"Kakashi." Guy began as Itachi suddenly stood attempting to slip from the room, but Sasuke was quick to grasp his arm and wrench him back.

"Sasuke don't be an ass." Kiba muttered, uncomfortable. Sasuke ignored him and stared blearily at Itachi.

"You seem uncomfortable, Aniki." Sasuke sneered, Itachi closed his eyes.

"Let me go, Sasuke." He managed softly. Kakashi took a sip of his drink, looking amused.

"Make me." Sasuke replied in a mocking tone.

"Sasuke." Itachi's voice was sharp but the teen was not bothered.

"C'mon Itachi. Fight back. I know you can."

"Sasuke let him go." Naruto snapped. Sasuke shot Naruto a withering glare.

"He's suppose to be so powerful." Sasuke squeezed Itachi's arm roughly. "Yet he can't even get away from pathetic, foolish little me. You must have caught Shisui by surprise. Did he even have time t-" Sasuke's voice was cut off when Itachi whirled on him, eyes blazing and suddenly the older teen was thrown clear across the room, people scrambling to get out of the way. Sasuke quickly lifted himself, prepared to retaliate but Itachi did not give him the chance. Sasuke's face smacked off the floor as Itachi attacked. Sasuke attempted to grab Itachi's arm but the teen quickly maneuvered out of his reach. Sasuke managed to get to his feet and rush art Itachi. Everyone else stood in shock, not knowing if they should intervene. Sasuke aimed an upward kick for Itachi who easily evaded him, jumping gracefully over the table. Before Sasuke could defend himself he was face to face with a kunai dangerously close to his left eye. Itachi stared at his brother with a cold expression, reminding Sasuke of that night years ago.

"A lot of big talk, otouto." Itachi sneered tossing the kunai away. Naruto raced forward, grabbing Itachi and dragging him off his brother. Itachi snarled at Sasuke. "Pathetic, Sasuke! You're still so slow! Shouldn't you be able to fight me off by now!? What did that sensei of yours actually teach you?" His glowing eyes turned to Kakashi. "And you! Let's not forget that you threw yourself on me from the start! You were the one so obsessed with me that any time another person showed interest you chased them off like one of your fucking dogs!" Naruto slowly released Itachi who stared at his brother, face pulling into a blank expression.

"You want a fight Sasuke? I'll gladly give you one. But I can assure you, if you can't fight me off when I'm a child without the Mangekyō Sharingan, You have no hope for when I'm an adult." He tilted his head, blinking slowly. "So tell me foolish Otouto should we finish this now or should we just wait until you're no so pathetic?" Before Sasuke could respond, Itachi vanished leaving Sasuke and Naruto facing each other and the occupants of the room in shocked silence. Naruto turned to Sasuke and shook his head.

"I warned you." He stated before heading for the door. Sakura shot both Kakashi and Sasuke disappointed looks before following her teammate.