This is less angsty than previous chapters. There will be smudges of angst though because it's a story about Itachi and Sasuke.
The next few weeks passed in relative peace. Sasuke and Itachi somehow managing to form a close bond despite everything. It was almost...sweet. Sasuke was very protective of his now younger brother and had chased Genma off the premise twice after catching the man trying to flirt with Itachi whould found the whole situation amusing.
"He's just being friendly." He told his brother as Genma raced into the distance.
"Friendly my ass." Sasuke muttered while Itachi shot him a dubious glare.
"Language!" He chided.
Sasuke currently stood leaning against the counter and watched Itachi and Naruto cook. Itachi's hair was pulled into a bun and Naruto was wearing an obnoxious apron with 'Kiss My Ass' Written in flowing letters. He crossed his arms over his head and fought down a smile as Itachi added an abundance of vegetables to the mix despite Naruto's pleas.
Itachi tossed a cherry tomato to Sasuke before turning back to the pot. Naruto fought down a grin as Sasuke popped it into his mouth, looking almost as pleased as Naruto looked eating ramen. Sasuke took a stool and sat down just as the door burst open and Suigetsu, Juugo and Karin barged in.
"We smelled the food!" Suigetsu announced before peering over Itachi's shoulder.
"What's all the green stuff!"
"Thank you!" Naruto declared dramatically. Itachi shot Suigetsu a stern glare.
"It's vegetables and they are good for you." He stated and Karin snickered from beside Juugo who was smiling pleasantly.
"I didn't know you cooked..." Juugo stated to Naruto who was glaring at the vegetables in distaste.
"Course I do!" He declared, beaming. "Food's great!"
"Yeah, just ask this fatty!" Suigetsu stated grinning at Karin who swiftly smacked him on the side of the head. "OI!"
"ASSHOLE!"
"HAG!"
"DOUCHE!"
'WITCH!"
"Shut up."
"Yes Sasuke-kun."
"Tch, whatever." Itachi and Naruto served bowls, Naruto waggling his brows at Sasuke who scowled and swiped the bowl from his fingers.
They all ate in relative peace before Sasuke's team began to trickle out for the day. Karin running a hand through Itachi's hair and commenting that she would like to braid it sometime. Juugo had been having less and less issues and it was relieving that he was able to go about his business with little trouble. He had come a long way. Once they were gone it was only Sasuke, Naruto and Itachi left. Of course this led to Naruto flicking his vegetables at Sasuke who quickly glanced to see if Itachi was paying attention. But the boy was gazing out the window so as a mushroom struck Sasuke's cheek the teen slowly turned to fac the blonde, an evil grin on his face eyes flashing.
Itachi turned and watched in mild interest as Sasuke tackled Naruto to the floor. The blonde let out an undignified yelp as Sasuke landed on him. The older teen quickly grabbed one of Naruto's arms and pinned it behind his back. Itachi slid out of his chair and danced around their struggling limbs to perch himself on the counter and sit cross legged.
"Teme!" Naruto hollered. "Fight me like a man!" He managed to free his leg and kneed Sasuke off him, switching their positions. They grappled for several minutes. Itachi tilted his head just as Naruto slipped forward connecting his lips to Sasuke's. For a moment there was utter silence. Naruto and Sasuke quickly parting, eyes huge. Finally Itachi broke the silence.
"It is good boys your age are so open with experimenting with your sexuality." Itachi drawled from where he was perched. "I could always give you some pointers."
"Itachi!" Sasuke gasped in mortification as Itachi continued to blink pleasantly.
"No!" Naruto shrieked.
The Uchiha shrugged, lips twitching into a smile.
"Kakashi and I were a bit more adventures." He began, tapping his chin and frowning. "We-"
"AAAAAAAAAALALALALALALAAAAAAAAAA! I'm not hearing this!" Naruto wailed as Sasuke shoved him off and cast Itachi a dubious glare. Hearing about your brother's and sensei's romantic exploits was not something he was interested in.
Ever.
Itachi shrugged and went about cleaning up the dishes. Sasuke yanked Naruto to his feet.
"Dobe." He nudged Naruto's shoulder while Naruto grinned back, waggling his eyebrows.
"That's what two kisses now Teme? When's our date?" He made kissy faces just as Sasuke shoved him back to the floor. The fight started anew.
Shisui stood near him overlooking Konoha, face impassive. Itachi turned to face him, smile weak.
"You seem upset Shisui." He noted and his cousin offered him a weary smile. He watched Itachi closely and the smile slowly slipped from his lips until there was only dark severity, unlike his usual cheeriness.
"I had a meeting with Danzō-sama." He stated softly and watched as Itachi's lips tightened softly.
"Oh." He looked back towards the village, well aware of Shisui's intense stare.
"How long has he been touching you?" He demanded and Itachi closed his eyes.
"So he told you." He muttered bitterly.
"Yes." Shisui's voice was soft. Not so much told as bragged, knowing that Shisui could do nothing to stop him. Not with where their family sat. Not with the danger and threat they all posed. It was like a punch to the gut. "Why didn't you tell me?" He asked and Itachi let out a bitter laugh.
"How? Oh by the way Shisui Danzō-sama has taken a liking to forcing his prick into me?" He shot his cousin a withering glare. "What does it matter anyway..."
"What does it matter-Itachi! Of course it matters!" Shisui sputtered. Itachi shrugged. He looked away from Shisui wishing he had never agreed to meet him here. Of course the boy would find out about the abuse. As touching as it was how much he cared, it hurt because there were those who saw it as an advantage. He met Shisui's stare, face drawn into a deep from, the lines under his eyes almost severe.
"Father isn't too concerned." He murmured and regretted it when Shisui's eyes widened.
"He knows!?" He demanded but Itachi was done speaking of it. He turned away from Shisui, ready to leave when he cousin reached for him.
"Don't-" He watched Itachi flinch at his touch and pulled back, breathing sharply through his nose. Of course Fugaku knew. Of course he would most likely use it to his advantage. It was disgusting, knowing that Danzō had done this and because of their position, neither boy could fight it. The peace was thin. They did not want it to shatter.
"I have a plan," He murmured finally, voice coming out like a pained croak. "I can't say what it is because it's not set in stone but I'm going to study on it some more. Just wait. We'll put all of this behind us okay? And once everything is settled Danzō will never touch you again. Ever." He hugged Itachi who flinched at the sudden movement before suddenly sinking into it.
"Thank you Shisui..." He murmured against his cousin's hair. Shisui smiled gently, eyes burning with tears he fought back.
"What are best friends for?"
Itachi stood by the treeline, arms crossed and watched this event unfold. No one else saw it. Not Sasuke who shot him concerned glances now and again. Not Naruto or Sakura who were bickering right across from where Shisui stood. Kakashi did not see what the Uchiha saw. Nor did Genma, Yamato or Sai who was sitting high in a tree. It was for Itachi's eyes only. When it ended he closed his eyes, wondering what part of the puzzle this would fit into. Shisui was so close yet beyond his touch.
He opened his eyes and met Sasuke's gaze, offering him a tired smile. Sasuke smiled back slightly before looking towards Kakashi who had his face buried in one of his book as Yamato peered over his shoulder. He stood slowly and Itachi watched in interest as he approached the Copy nin.
"Ooooo Hatake's gonna get it..." Genma murmured as he sat beside Itachi who observed him curiously.
"What's happening?" He asked and Genma offered the Uchiha a cheeky grin.
"Your brother's gonna defend your honor and try to smash Kakashi into the dirt." He explained and watched Itachi frown elegantly.
"I hardly need my honor to be defended." He stated. Genma nudged the boy and offered him a piece of gum which was excepted with a small smile.
"Kakashi." Sasuke stated, catching the Copy nin's attention. Kakashi sighed and lowered the book.
"Ahhh Sasuke. How may I help you?" He handed the book to Yamato who rushed off the read it. Sasuke narrowed his eyes.
"You and I need to talk about Itachi."
"Ahhhh," Kakashi closed his eyes and nodded. "The old don't touch my brother you nasty pervert or I will eat your eyeballs and shit them out before force feeding them to you routine." He drawled and Sasuke felt his eyes began to twitch.
"So you've had this discussion before."
"Maaaa, just in my books. It's nice to actually embrace and live one."
"You won't be embraci-"
"Speaking of which, shouldn't you be chasing off Genma?" Kakashi cocked a brow and Sasuke turned to see Genma sitting particularly close to his young brother, smirking teasingly as he whispered something in his ear. Sasuke forgot all about Kakashi as he swiftly zeroed in on Genma. The man noticed him moving forward and zipped to his feet.
"Nice chat Itachi-san. We'll have to finish it sometime!" He declared before swiftly moving out of Sasuke's sight. Sasuke glowered after him while Itachi blinked in amusement.
"Was that really necessary?" He asked Sasuke as the teenager heavily sat down beside him, arms crossed over his chest and scowling. he shot Itachi a glare while the boy merely smiled back presently.
"Yes. It was."
"You did that on purpose." Genma grouched as he approached Kakashi. Kakashi offered the other man a placid smile.
"I would never." The Copy nin declared before smirking triumphantly and rushing after Yamato to retrieve his book.
Kisame approached Hidan as the man sat on the edge of his bed, flexing his fingers and looking pleased. He grinned sharply at the Kiri nin.
"See!" He declared. "I'm all fixed!" He showed off his fixed limbs and Kisame couldn't help but grin back.
"About time." He replied, glancing at Zetsu who glowered at him.
"So what's the deal?" Hidan drawled. "What's happened since those fuckers buried me?" He leaned against the bed, crossing his ankles and regarding Kisame and Zetsu curiously. The two shared quick glances.
"Well..." Kisame began only to be cut off as Zetsu smacked his arm. They all turned their heads to see Konan drift into the infirmary lips pulled into a thin line. She offered Hidan a slight nod before taking a vacant seat.
"Any update on Itachi?" She asked looking to Kisame who looked to Zetsu who shook his head.
"Madara's not saying anything."
"Which one's Madara?"
"Who's Madara?" Hidan questioned. Konan rubbed the bridge of her nose, looking annoyed.
"No one bothered to fill Hidan in?" She asked, glaring at the two. Both shrugged and pointed at the other. She sighed and faced Hidan who rose a brow.
"What's this about Princess?"
"He hates when you call him that..." Kisame sighed. Hidan made a face.
"S'not my faut he had eyelashes and hair like a fucking lady. He's prettier than Deidara-chan."
"Not this again..."
"He shaves his legs for Jashin's sake!"
"He hates body hair!" Kisame quickly defended. Not that he was complaining about Itachi's smooth hairless legs...quite the opposite...he shook his head as he was pulled back into the conversation. Konan was pacing, looking incredibly displeased.
"We have the man power," She muttered. "But we're leaving him there." She whirled on Zetsu.
"You're his favorite. What is he thinking?"
"That you talk too much." The white side stated. Konan scowled and turned away.
"Why do I even bother..." She left them bickering, Kisame quick to defend his lover's honor. With them distracted the woman approached Madara's office. She knocked once before walking in. She spotted both Obito and Madara speaking at the desk, they turned and studied her.
"The boys are curious about our next move." Konan stated calmly. Madara pushed away from the desk while Obito leaned forward.
"We have a grand opportunity. The Nine Tails and Itachi so close together...sadly we are not yet prepared for the Nine Tails... tomorrow we will send Kisame, Hidan and Zetsu to Konoha to retrieve Itachi...there are however...complications."
"Complications?" Konan rose a brow curiously.
"Itachi has been changed in a way. They will see when they go to gather him." Obito waved the woman's question off as she opened her mouth the speak. She pursed her lips and nodded.
"I'll inform them." She muttered and turned on her heel, feeling Obito grinning at her back. She swiftly made her way back to the infirmary where they were still bickering among themselves. She marched in and snapped her fingers to gain their attention.
"Pack your things gentlemen. You have a retrieval mission." She announced and watched as a smile curved over Kisame's lips, his eyes lighting up hopefully.
"For?"
"That partner of yours of course." She swiftly clapped her hands once. "Let's move it! I want to see some action. I want Itachi back in this infirmary within the week!"
"Yes ma'am." Kisame called over his shoulder, rushing out of the infirmary while Hidan and Zetsu trailed behind. Konan smiled fondly. She loved her boys. She hoped she would not lose anymore of them. Sasori, Deidara and Kakuzu flashed through her mind and she shook her head in annoyance. Move forward. That was all she could do. Now...she needed to spent time with Pein.