So we still have a ways to go! I have quite a few plans for the next couple chapters, so be prepared!

KakaIta and hints of KisaIta in this chapter.

The return to Konoha was slow. Neither brother were quite ready to face what was to come. Kakashi could understand that. Sasuke had refused to leave Itachi's side during their journey back, staying close throughout it all. Itachi seemed to drawn into himself the closer they got to the village. His skin was ashen and his eyes empty. He was scared. Truly frightened of returning to Konoha after everything that had happened. With Sasuke still wounded they had to stop and apply new bandages, despite Sasuke' insistence that he was fine.

They reached Konoha by midday. Naruto had told them that Pein had fixed the village but to see it...it was as if the attack had never taken place. Itachi slowed his pace, falling behind Sasuke and Kakashi who quickly noticed and stopped walking. Sasuke looked towards his brother who was staring at the gates blankly. The spiky haired Uchiha released a sigh and nodded for Kakashi to go on without them.

Once Kakashi moved ahead, Sasuke approached his brother. Itachi's eyes shifted from the gates to his brother.

"Aniki." Sasuke murmured. Itachi looked away, gripping his backpack.

"I'm not sure if I can do this Otouto." He murmured. The gates were foreboding and forbidden. He was not suppose to be here. Not anymore.

"Itachi..."

"I was never suppose to come back. I don't belong here Otouto." His voice was calm but Sasuke could sense the small spark of uncertainty that he had never seen on Itachi before. Itachi had always know what his plan was. He had always known where he would go. Now everything had been scattered and for the first time in a long time, Itachi did not know what he was suppose to do. No clan to give instructions. No Danzō to give him orders. Was this freedom? Why did it feel so stifling?

Sasuke's hand reached out to Itachi's shoulder and gave it a light squeeze. He forced his lips into a smile, despite his own fears about the future. Did he really want to be back in the village after everything they had done? Could he walk down these streets without hating them? If Itachi had died, there would be no chance of Sasuke returning. Perhaps with Itachi, they could make something of themselves.

"You belong with me." Sasuke stated firmly. His eyes flickered between Itachi's eyes. "I will be with you the entire time. You know you don't need to hide from me." Sasuke murmured and reached for Itachi's hand. Itachi stared at the interlocked fingers.

"Okay." Itachi's voice came out stronger than he felt. But the warmth in Sasuke's eyes had him moving forward. The gates came closer, but Sasuke held firm to his hand. Each step felt heavier than the last. This was it... Itachi passed through the gates, hand in hand with Sasuke.

An orange clad teenager stood on a lower wall, pacing back and forth as he awaited the Uchiha brothers. When he sensed their chakra he stilled and quickly turned on his heel. He glanced over the heads of busy civilians and easily leaped from the wall. Naruto's blue eyes brightened as he spotted the brothers. He broke into a sprint, long legs easily launching him forward. He passed by Kakashi who had his face buried in his book.

"Teme!" Naruto called out, throwing his arms around the Uchiha who stumbled back, eyes wide. The Uchiha did not move for a moment and look to Itachi, who he was still gripping. Itachi inclined his head, amusement clear in his eyes. Kakashi approached, book in hand.

"Dobe." Sasuke muttered in annoyance but wrapped his arms around the blonde none the less. Naruto smiled, tightening his hold on his friend.

"I'm glad you're back." He murmured against Sasuke's shoulder and Sasuke grunted, hiding his own smile.

Kakashi and Itachi watched the exchange.

"Sickening isn't it?" Kakashi drawled, turning a page.

"Kakashi be nice." Itachi chided. The Copy nin snorted.

"Have I ever been nice?" Kakashi quipped and Itachi tilted his head, suddenly feeling playful.

"I can think of a few times." He replied and Kakashi dropped the book, quickly turning to Itachi. He could not hold down his own grin.

"Oh really?"

"Yes, and I-"

"Aniki! No!" Sasuke moaned, staring at Itachi in open horror along with Naruto. "Not again."

"Hush Sasuke. It's rude to interrupt." Itachi waved his hand at his brother.

"Aniki..."

Sasuke was cut off from saying anything else, when he spotted a head of familiar copper hair approaching. Close behind Juugo, Suigetsu and Karin followed. Suigetsu caught Sasuke's eye and grinned toothily.

"Oi! Naruto!" Suigetsu called out. "You never told us that Sasuke was back!" He sauntered over to the Uchiha and shoved at his shoulder. Karin followed, smirking at Naruto. When her gaze landed on the brothers, she beamed.

"YOU'RE HOME!" Karin shirked and Sasuke cringed prepared for the assault. It never came however, instead she was going for Itachi who smiled pleasantly. Karin threw her arms around Itachi, crying dramatically into his shoulder.

"DON'T EVER LEAVE ME WITH THESE IDIOTS AGAIN!" She gripped the boy while Sasuke slowly shook his head. Karin pulled away from Itachi and threw her arms around Sasuke, who silently allowed her. When she was through with all the affection, she nodded to Naruto.

"Hey cuz." She greeted and Naruto beamed back while Sasuke's brows furrowed.

"Wait...you're related?" He pointed between the two.

"Yep! Cousins!" Naruto declared happily.

"Can't you see the resemblance?" Suigetsu stated with a smirk, earning scowls from Karin and Naruto.

"Sasuke-kun." A familiar voice greeted and Sasuke lifted his eyes to stare into Sakura's jade green orbs. She stood with Rock Lee at her side and she smiled at the Uchiha.

"It's good to have you back, Sasuke-kun." Sakura stated and greeted Kakashi who waggled his fingers.

"Tsunade is awake." She stated, watching as Kakashi's eyes widened.

"Already?"

"Mhm, she's walking and everything." Lee offered the girl a fond smile which was returned. "She'll want to see you when you have the chance." The pinkette added and Sasuke fought down a scowl.

"What does she want?" He asked and Sakura shrugged.

"Probably wants to spank you for running off." Naruto chimed in, waggling his eyebrows. Suigetsu snickered and Karin sighed dreamily. The spiky haired Uchiha shot the blonde a glare.

"Shut up Dobe."Sasuke shoved at the blonde's shoulder. Sakura smiled softly, her green eyes warm. She looked to Itachi who caught her gaze. Loosening her grip on Lee's hand she stood next to the Uchiha. They stood watching Naruto and Sasuke bicker. The pinkette sighed and shook her head.

"Some things never change. Glad you'll be around to see it." She murmured and the boy nodded.

"So am I."

Naruto's eyes landed on Itachi.

"You here to stay?" He asked, face hopeful.

"Yes." Sasuke answered before Itachi could. "He is." He stared at Itachi meaningfully. Naruto looked towards Itachi who shrugged.

"I suppose of Sasuke says so..." He replied. Naruto beamed, wrapping an arm around Itachi's shoulder.

"I'm glad to have you back, 'Tachi!"

"I'm glad to be back Naruto-kun." He replied softly.

"You know what? I'm going to take you out for ramen. You like ramen right?" Itachi's brows furrowed.

"I-"

"Of course you do. Everyone loves ramen!" The blonde declared loudly. He moved ahead, taking Itachi with him. "C'mon Teme. You guys need to eat!"

"It's good to see you two in once piece." The Hokage sat at her desk, fingers interlocked and gaze sharp. Sasuke and Itachi faced her quietly. Sasuke's face was pulled into an annoyed scowl. Itachi was blank. The Hokage released a sigh and slowly pushed away from her desk. Tsunade walked around her office, her pace was slow but her back straight.

"In lieu of recent...revelations I thought it would be best if we talked." She began and could practically feel Sasuke bristle. His gaze was sharp, his posture stiff. It seemed once misstep and the Uchiha would lose it. His anger barely held together.

"Itachi is not going to be punished for what happened!" He barked out and Tsuande blinked.

"Did I say he was, brat?" She replied far more calmly than she actually felt. She glanced towards Itachi who remained silent. Awaiting her decision. She wondered how the Third must have felt about the massacre. How powerless he must have felt when he realized he could do nothing to stop it. How had he been able to face Itachi after it was all over? Knowing that one innocent boy was damned for all eternity and another would never be the same.

She tried to imagine herself in his position as Itachi informed her of the success. She thought of Dan. Wouldn't she do the very same to protect her brother? She had no doubt that she would have done anything to protect him. But looking at Itachi...did no one think to protect him?

"He won't be punished for the massacre. I would however like to speak to him about it in private. I need his insight." Sasuke relaxed at Tsuande's words and looked to Itachi. The Uhiha looked pasty. He wants to be punished... Sasuke closed his eyes tightly. Tsuande's eyes flickered between the brothers, who both seemed lost in their own heads. She sat back at her desk and her gaze focused on Itachi who looked towards her in quiet compliance.

"I may have found a way to return you to your original age." She did not bother beating around the bush. Itachi stared and the other Uchiha's gaze shot to his sibling.

"Really?" Sasuke blinked at this and the Hokage nodded, her honey eyes stern.

"You can change me back?" Itachi managed, voice soft. His mind was suddenly at a blank. He could not think straight. He could barely hear what Tsunade was saying. Meanwhile, Sasuke was having much the same issue. He nodded absently when the woman would look at him but his own thoughts were far away. Change Itachi back to an adult? Could Sasuke still protect Itachi as an adult? Sasuke had learned how to face and interact with a young Itachi...but to do so with Itachi as older?

Even when Tsunade dismissed them he could barely pay attention. He walked out of the office in a daze, Itachi close behind and bidding Tsuande a good day for them both.

"It feels...emptier here." Sasuke's voice seemed to echo through their home as they walked through the door. Both stood staring into the darkness for a long moment, both unwilling to take the first step.

"It feels the same. Everything is as it was..." Itachi murmured. True, it was as if Pein had never attacked. Everything was as they had left it their final days together. Itachi shifted his bag on his shoulder, suddenly apprehensive. His eyes found the blood stains and he found himself unable to look away. Sasuke reached out for Itachi's shoulder but slowly pulled back.

"Karin is cooking tonight. I think she's trying to fatten you up." He stated, trying to distract Itachi from their parent's blood stain. He could recall, months ago how he had literally shoved Itachi's face into that very stain and rubbed it in it. The thought had Sasuke feeling nauseous and he grasped Itachi's wrist. Itachi looked towards his brother, eyebrow raised.

"Otouto?" He began and the spiky haired Uchiha cleared his throat.

"If you need anything..." He began awkwardly. "I'm going to try to clean out my room for a bit, before everyone gets here." Itachi nodded at this, shifting his backpack onto his other shoulder. Sasuke rubbed the back of his neck, realizing that he was still wearing Itachi's necklace. He moved to take it off but Itachi's hand shot out.

"Keep it for me, okay?" Itachi stated and Sasuke's hand fell away. Itachi smiled and teasingly pat Sasuke's cheek before he slowly headed to his room. Sasuke smiling slightly after him. He moved to follow Itachi, despite the boy's claim that he could manage on his own. Sasuke tched and moved on ahead, taking the backpack from Itachi as he moved. The boy sighed. Sasuke was behaving just like Shisui.

Itachi's room was trashed. Drawers were thrown open and papers scattered. Sasuke blinked and looked to Itachi who made a face.

"Danzō was here." He muttered, plucking the bag from Sasuke's weak fingers and setting it down. Sasuke slowly moved into the room. Disgust clear in his features.

"What was he looking for?"

"Any evidence I may have left behind. He found nothing. I cleaned up my tracks." Itachi replied dismissively. He went through his papers and items, collecting them up as Sasuke stared after him. The taller Uchiha released a sharp sigh.

"Meet me by the deck later, okay?" He requested and Itachi nodded, setting the papers on his dust covered desk. Sasuke backed out of Itachi's room, lightly closing the door behind him. Once he was gone Itachi threw the paper had had been holding. The old man was still causing trouble even in death.

Itachi moved Kisame's box onto his bed and set the forehead protector on top of it. He stroked his fingers over the shiny material and closed his eyes as memories of the Kiri nin flashed through his mind. A fond smile spread across his lips.

"Should I return to my real age? What if...what if Sasuke..." He trailed off. An unspoken fear in his mind. What if Sasuke couldn't find it in himself to forgive Itachi as an adult? What if as a child, Itachi had garnered his pity but as an adult the memories would be too raw?

"You'd know what to do, wouldn't you Kisame? You knew people. You knew how they worked and what made them tick." He lightly touched the forehead protector and swore he could see Kisame grinning at him through the reflection.

That night Sasuke slept fitfully. His dreams plagued by visions of his clan.

They fell around him like marionettes with no strings. Sasuke was helpless to save them. Their blood coating him. He could see Itachi in the distance, held up by strings as he attacked the clan. Sasuke ran to him, calling out his name. Itachi faced him, his expression blank. the strings threw him forward towards Sasuke. The spiky haired Uchiha could hear Danzō laughing from above.

Danzō laughed, his eye glowing as he dragged Itachi's limp body around the bloodied compound. Sasuke raced after them, desperately reaching for his brother.

"Aniki!" He screamed and Itachi lifted his head.

"Otouto-"

Itachi began to change. He turned from a thirteen year old into his twenty one year old body. Still too thin...he was bleeding...from the eyes and mouth, his skin ashen as he stared at his brother in confusion. As if in a trance, Sasuke pulled out his katana and began to approach the adult Itachi. Itachi stared after him with milky eyes. In his head, Sasuke screamed at himself to stop. Yet, Sasuke lifted his katana high above his head and stared down at the adult Itachi.

Itachi collapsed, the strings supporting him cut away. In slow motion, he fell. Sasuke screamed. He ran forward catching Itachi before he sit the dirt. His head lolled back, eyes open and empty, staring at the endless red sky. He was thirteen again. Sasuke's shoulders shook, he ignored Danzō's laughter and touched Itachi's face weakly. Then, Itachi was gone. Everyone was gone. Sasuke was alone in the compound, holding air. A new laugh broke out and Sasuke slowly turned. Obito moved forward, towards Sasuke who backed away.

"You think it's all good now? The big baddie is dead?"

"What are yo-" The ground beneath Sasuke shook violently. He stepped back, lifting his eyes to glare at Obito when he spotted Itachi standing just behind the masked man. He was an adult again. He was wearing his Akatsuki cloak and it hung on him like rags. Instantly, Sasuke began to move towards Itachi, needing to get to him and protect him. Obito let him pass, following at a lazy pace.

"You don't even realize what you've walked into. You think once Itachi's older things can return to the way they are." He drawled as Sasuke reached Itachi and grabbed his shoulder. Itachi slowly lifted his head, as if it took too much energy to do so. He ignored Obito and draped Itachi's arm over his shoulder, suddenly afraid that if he picked Itachi up the elder would fall apart.

"You think of yourself as his protector now." Obito laughed. "You think you're stronger than he is now. You like to forget just how powerful he really is."

"I think you need to go." Sasuke shot over his shoulder, hauling Itachi's sluggish body forward. Obito suddenly laughed, taking another step forward. His one eye wild.

"He's going to die, Sasuke. Your brother will die and you cannot stop it!" He declared and Sasuke stopped walking. He turned to face the masked Uchiha but he was gone. His grip on Itachi tightened as the elder suddenly went limp.

"Itachi!" He grasped Itachi before he could fall, both standing in the deserted compound. Itachi was limp in Sasuke's arm, his head once again tilted to the sky.

"He was dying during your final battle..." Obito's voice hissed. "He was nearly blind..."

"Shut up..." Sasuke growled, still trying to rouse his brother.

"He was sick. Dying of a disease no one could cure. You only gave him some extra time. Once he's an adult again...he'll fade." Before Sasuke could say anything more, Itachi burst into a cloud of dust. Sasuke cried out, the dust billowing around him and floating into the air.

"You're lying!" Sasuke called out desperately, hands in fists as he watched the dust fly away. "You're lying..."

Itachi sat on the edge of his bed, fiddling with some loose string on his blanket. It unraveled beneath his fingers and he twirled it around his thumb absently. When he felt the familiar charka approach he slowly smiled but did not look away from the string. Kakashi sat in Itachi's window and offered the Uchiha a cheery wave.

"Yo." He greeted and Itachi released the string.

"Come here." Itachi sighed and the Copy nin silently slid into the room and approached Itachi' bed. He moved to kneel next to Itachi but Itachi scoffed and grabbed Kakashi's arm, yanking him into the bed. Kakashi fought down a laugh as he maneuvered on the bed to curl around Itachi. Itachi's head found the juncture of Kakashi's neck and he pressed against it quietly.

"You alright?" Kakashi questioned, linking his fingers with Itachi's. Itachi hummed in response staring at their interlocked hands. Kakashi watched him quietly. Awaiting him to speak up.

"Would you still want me as an adult?" Itachi suddenly asked, feeling utterly foolish. Kakashi blinked at this.

"What?"

"As an adult...would you be able to look at me...without hatred?" Itachi's voice was calm and collected despite how nervous he was. His face held no emotion. Kakashi caught this and his own face pulled into a grimace.

"Itachi..."

"I know...I know I shouldn't be asking. I knew what I was getting into. But suddenly I'm here...and you're here. I fought you as an adult. I-"

"Look at me."

"Kakashi-"

"Look. at. me." Kakashi stated slowly and Itachi met the Copy nin's eyes. Kakashi pressed his forehead against Itachi's, staring into those dark eyes.

"I fell in love with you, Itachi. Not your name, not your face. You. I would never stop wanting you. I never truly did. You will still be Itachi, even at twenty one." He spoke with finality and this brought a weak smile to Itachi's lips. He kissed the man's covered cheek before settling back against him, body relaxed in obvious relief. Kakashi released a small sigh, stroking his fingers down Itachi's shoulder.

"This is not how I pictures things turning out." Itachi muttered, eyes cold. "I am not sure what my future self had planned but I am him and I would have gladly died."

"I know." Kakashi murmured softly. "Call it greed but...I'm glad that things turned out the way they did..." He watched as Itachi tilted his head to meet Kakashi's gaze.

"That makes two of us." He admitted softly, as though fearful someone would overhear. Kakashi chuckled and stroked a finger down Itachi's cheek.

"I forgot to mention..." Kakashi began and Itachi tilted his head curiously.

"Yes?"

"Once you're at your regular age, you'll be legal..." Kakashi cooed and Itachi sighed.

"Come here you pervert."

"Maaa, so bossy." Kakashi drawled.

"Now Hatake." Itachi stated and pulled the man's arm. They kissed languidly, Kakashi rolling them over so Itachi straddled Kakashi. Their lips moved against each other lazily. Kakashi's hands rested on the Uchiha's lips, eyes closed. When Itachi felt Kakashi's hardness through his clothing he released a low moan. At this, Kakashi tensed his eyes widening. He pulled away from Itachi, feeling like the lowest piece of scum imaginable. Itachi stared after him in confusion.

"Itachi-"

"No." Itachi cut Kakashi off. The boy moved forward and grasped the man's face, kissing him. Itachi's lips brushed over Kakashi's as the man leaned forward. Both seemed desperate to control themselves, yet both yearning to take the plunge. Kakashi's touch was reverent and tantalizing. Kakashi hooked an arm around the Uchiha and pulled him against his chest, his other hand reaching to bury itself in Itachi's hair. He pulled his mask out of the way and his lips trailed down the boy's throat as Itachi gripped his shoulders. His grip on Kakashi's shoulders tightened. He kissed the man desperately. All his pent up frustration finally pouring out into this kiss. Kakashi pinned him against his wall and lifted him up to better reach his lips. Itachi's legs hooked around the man's waist, earning a strangled moan from the Copy nin.

"Kakashi..." He began slowly, voice breathless.

"Hmmm?" Kakashi's lips were connected to Itachi's shoulder.

"I want...I can't let him be the last one to have touched me." Itachi closed his eyes as he continued to speak. I want it to be you." Kakashi's eyes widened.

"Itachi..." Kakashi began. He lightly pushed Itachi off him and studied him closely. "You can't be serious." Even as he said this he knew Itachi was. Itachi wanted to wipe away Danzō's stink. The only way he knew how... The Copy nin released a sigh.

"Come here."

Kakashi's lips lowered to Itachi's throat and the boy closed his eyes, tilting his neck so the Copy nin could reach it.

"Kakashi..."

Kakashi brought his lips up to Itachi's hovering over them. Itachi's eyes remained closed as he awaited the kiss. He was surprised when he felt Kakashi's lips lightly brush against his forehead. Itachi's eyes flew open and met Kakashi's, who smiled. His dark eye so gentle.

"Goodnight, Itachi." Kakashi whispered and gently pulled away.

"Kakashi-" Itachi reached for the man who kissed him once more, a light peck on his lips.

"When you're twenty one again, I will do whatever you ask. I will be whatever you want and need me to be." Kakashi's voice was husky and he peppered Itachi's face with gentle kisses. "But until then, I will remain your friend." Itachi smiled shakily at this and took Kakashi's hand. He looked up at Kakashi who watched him tenderly.

"I'll hold you to that promise Hatake." He teased and Kakashi gave a deep bow. He took Itachi's hand in his own and pressed a chaste kiss on his knuckles, his eyes never leaving Itachi's.

"I would expect nothing less from Uchiha Itachi."