So, a quick note to a recent anon. There are warnings throughout the story that it was a M/M fanfiction and the chapter you reviewed had a warning right at the top of the page, so I really don't know what to tell you.

There is also mentions of gore in this chapter.

There was a peacefulness in the hideout for the first time in weeks. Obito was gone with the Akatsuki, except for Kisame and Zetsu who were being given odd jobs by Madara. Things had been tense between Kisame and Itachi since the younger had snuck back into the hideout. They avoided each other as best they could.

But Kisame had kept Itachi's secret and with Madara buried up to his nose in planning, he had not taken the time to see Itachi much. Itachi did not mind this in the least. Itachi spent most of his time in his rooms, resting his eyes and waiting for news to come. Finally, Madara came to him. One evening, he approached Itachi. It had been four days since the avalanche and Madara's rage had simmered. He had muttered about Konoha and the foolishness of battling on a mountainside.

"Come." Madara waved his hand to Itachi who had been suffering a migraine that day and had been trying to stay out of sight. Itachi followed his sensei in silence. Madara led him down the corridor and to his private rooms, motioning for Itachi to enter.

"I thought you would have gone with Obito by now." Itachi mused as he walked into Madara's room.

"Obito has moved ahead with our plans. I am simply getting everything in order."

"Ahh." Itachi offered a weak nod. His eyes pounding behind his skull.

"Would you like me to tell you a story, Itachi?" Madara motioned for Itachi to sit down. Itachi did so slowly, face set in an expressionless mask. He could see Madara's shape sit across from him.

"Once a mighty falcon sought to make the world his. This falcon saw the lie that the world had become and sought to make it right." Madara ran his fingers on the edge of the table, watching Itachi who was sitting silently in his own seat.

"The falcon had his own little birds to do his will. The raven and the crow. The raven obeyed the falcon because the raven understood his role. The raven's goals aligned with the falcon's. But the little crow was always so…defiant. The crow naively hoped for peace in a world filled with darkness. The little crow, in his folly destroyed a nest that the falcon and the raven had worked so hard to build. So one evening, the falcon sat down with the little crow and he looked at him and he asked, Did you think you could fool me for long, little crow?"

Madara's eyes moved to the tabletop, smiling as he traced his fingers over the surface. Itachi stared at him, face ashen. Madara approached the younger Uchiha and knelt in front of him, taking Itachi's slim hands in his grip. He lifted his head to look up at Itachi, staring into his faded dark irises. Slowly, Madara smiled, the smile anything but kind.

"And the falcon came to the realization that it was not only peace that the crow was after. For the crow had a hawk he wished to protect, and he would peck at those who built him up to do so. And this hurt the falcon. He had thought that his crow was loyal to him. Why wouldn't he be? Had the little crow not been pecked and forced from his own nest? So the falcon stated, with a heavy heart that the crow as well as the hawk would need to be punished for the crow's foolishness. And what do you think happened then, Itachi?" Madara released Itachi's hands and stared at the boy who stood. They stared at each other in silently for a long moment. Itachi's fingers curved into a light fist and he lifted his chin to Madara, staring at him defiantly.

"The falcon aimed to high. And so history repeated itself and the falcon lost." Itachi croaked and turned on his heel, rushing for the door. He heard Madara move and the younger Uchiha did not look behind him.

Itachi barely made it ten feet out the door before he was roughly yanked back by a hand gripping his ponytail. For a moment he struggled, baring his teeth against Madara. The grip tightened painfully. He went with the hand, allowing himself to be dragged rather than fight against the sharp pain against his head. He was shoved bodily against the wall, and met Madara's glare with one of his own.

"Zetsu informed me of your actions." Madara's lips curved into an unamused sneer. Itachi watched his sensei with a cold expression. "You've single handedly destroyed years of planning. That was our main arsenal."

"I'm well aware." Itachi replied, his voice level. Madara yanked on the ponytail and Itachi's eyes clenched shut as the painful movement. Madara yanked him close, his lips brushing over the shell of Itachi's ear.

"You will regret defying me." He took a harsh grip on Itachi's arm and dragged him down the corridor. Their footsteps echoed in the eerily quiet hideout. Itachi could barely keep up. He kept stumbling, loosing his footing. Madara's pace did not waver. He moved forcefully, his nails digging into Itachi's flesh. Madara yanked open one of the doors and threw Itachi inside. Itachi stumbled, falling to his knees and Madara slammed the door shut behind him.

Madara approached Itachi as the younger slowly got to his feet. He moved around him in a slow pace, Itachi standing in tense silence. Madara rereleased a long disappointed sigh.

"You knew I could find out about your actions yet you still returned here. Why?" He asked in obvious curiosity. Itachi inclined his head, eyes falling shut and long lashes kissing his cheeks.

"As long as you stand as a threat against Sasuke, I will be here." Itachi was calm but the pinch in his brows had Madara slowly smirking.

"And what could you do against me?" Madara asked softly.

"Whatever I had to."

"Kisame tried to keep this quiet. Despite our best efforts, he still views you as his priority. Luckily, Zetsu remains loyal." Madara hummed.

"I had not realized Zetsu was there." Itachi admitted, cursing himself for having not sensed him.

"You can't even see me can you?" Madara mused. "Your eyesight is gone." He stood closer, inspecting his eyes before pulling away. His lips curled into a sneer and he stared at his student coldly.

"I managed to destroy your precious weapons vault without my sight." Itachi replied evenly, staring at the blur that Madara was. He did not flinch as Madara gripped his chin.

"You were easier to handle as a child." He turned Itachi's face side to side, studying him. Itachi remained silent, watching his sensei with narrowed eyes. All at once Madara's eyes lit up and he laughed softly. He pulled back and lightly pat Itachi's cheek. Itachi did not flinch, staring stubbornly at his sensei who took a step back.

"Oh, Itachi…you should have fled when you had the chance."

Outside the room, Kisame stood waiting outside of the room, arms crossed. Zetsu had ordered him to collect Itachi after Madara was finished with him. There was silence in the room and Kisame did not doubt that Itachi was being as difficult as possible. Minutes later, the door flew open and Madara swept from the room, his jaw set in an expression of displeasure. He did not spare Kisame a passing glance as he moved down the hall.

Kisame watched him go and once he was out of sight, Kisame walked into the room. The lights were dimmed and one of the chairs was knocked over in the argument. Itachi was standing at the desk, his back to the Kiri nin. His arms were shaking and his head lowered as he gripped the desk.

"Kisame." Itachi called out, voice tight and the man inclined his head.

"You okay, Itachi-san?" He asked smoothly, trying to push away the anxiety he felt at seeing Itachi, but the relief he felt to see he was unharmed was there as well.

"I'm fine. Madara's made it very clear that he will not tolerate my behavior." Itachi's voice was clinical.

"And will that change anything?" Kisame asked and for a long moment Itachi did not answer.

"No," Itachi murmured, voice suddenly shaky with emotion. His arms shook and he sank to his knees. "But I suppose it does not matter anymore." Kisame moved forward, reaching for Itachi.

"Itachi-san?" Itachi flinched violently.

"Leave me, Kisame." He whispered. Whatever Madara had said to Itachi had obviously greatly effected him.

"But-"

"Please, Kisame. I need to be alone right now." Itachi's voice was thick as if trying to suppress tears. It was so uncharacteristic of him. Kisame's fingers clenched as he fought the urge to ignore Itachi's plea. But that desperation in his voice had him nodding. Itachi began coughing, leaning forward as Kisame tried to pat his back. His shoulders shook with the force of them. There was something wrong with this whole situation. But Kisame's senses were fogged. He could be no help to Itachi. He could smell blood as Itachi continued to cough. He reached onto the desk where Itachi's medicine sat and handed it to him, Itachi's fingers fumbling for them.

"Thank you." He murmured and Kisame pressed his lips against Itachi's shoulder. Itachi slowly relaxed, a trembling hand reaching back to take Kisame's in a clammy grip.

"Don't keep me out, Itachi." He whispered against Itachi's skin. "I died. I know that. But I'm still me. I still love you and I will stand by you. You know I'm here for you." He reached to Itachi's face and kissed the back of his head. Itachi slowly relaxed against him but the trembling had not stopped. In fact, it seemed to have gotten worse.

"Kisame, I…" Itachi could not finish as he could not find the words. He allowed Kisame to help him to his feet, leaning his back heavily against him. And Kisame did not push him. He had never pushed him. Merely turning Itachi to face him, words of comfort on the tip of his lips.

Kakashi had barely reacted as Naruto approached. Itachi's letter laying on the desk. Naruto watched his sensei slowly glance towards him.

"Sensei?"

"Hmm?"

"Baa-chan wants us in her office." Naruto's voice was uncharacteristically soft. Kakashi blinked, brows furrowing unhappily. The stench of alcohol on his breath was obvious to Naruto who tried to ignore it. The letter's contents had greatly upset Kakashi. He had spent the entire night drinking.

The Copy-nin nodded, pinching the bridge of his nose. He was still shaken about Itachi's letter and learning that Tobi was...That Tobi was Obito. Half of him did not want to believe it. He waved Naruto off, assuring the boy that he would be at Tsunade's office soon. Groaning, he leaned his head against the wall and scowled at the ceiling. He hid the letter and left his apartment, still dazed.

Outside the sun was shining and people were bustling by without a care in the world. Did they not realize the threat that was approaching? Kakashi spotted Yamato by the cafe and lifted his hand.

"Kakashi." Yamato greeted with a wave of his hand.

"Yo." Kakashi murmured. They fell in step with each other, both asking if the other knew what Tsunade wanted. Eventually conversation, led elsewhere, Kakashi waving at Genma and Raido as they passed over the bridge.

"How are things going with Iruka?" Yamato asked softly, watching Kakashi carefully. Kakashi shrugged, his expression placid.

"Things are good." He stated. He didn't love Iruka. And he did not doubt Iruka actually loved him, but for the past couple of months they had offered each other a much needed distraction. They fell in step as they headed towards the Hokage's office. Kakashi opened the door and dramatically opened the door for Yamato to go ahead of him.

Sai and Sakura were waiting just outside Tsunade's office and Sakura smiled at the pair, her eyes lighting up. She approached them, Sai trailing just behind. Sai smiled, eyes closed and shrugged as Yamato asked if either of them knew why they were being called in.

"Naruto's already gone ahead to bother Tsunade-san." Sakura inlined her head towards the office. "I figured I would wait for you." Kakashi offered the girl a weak smile and the four walked into Tsunade's office.

Tsunade was waiting in her office, Naruto leaning on it with a large grin as he spoke to her. She waved him off and motioned for Team 7 to sit. Sasuke had yet to arrive. He had been extra moody since the run in with Itachi.

After his outburst on the mountain, Sasuke had gone silent. Refusing to engage in conversation. All the progress he had made in the months without Itachi had washed away with one look at the older Uchiha. All the progress everyone had made seemed to suddenly vanish. It had actually left a lot of people on edge, but Tsunade had been quick to use Itachi's information and dispatch various Shinobi to the hideouts. Itachi had been true to his word and the allied forces had taken the advantage.

The door opened again and Sasuke moved through the threshold, his forehead protector missing and his shirt crumpled as if he had been sleeping. Tsunade watched Sasuke approach and nodded for him to sit. She stared at the group, a small box sitting on the side of the desk.

"Zetsu appeared outside the village with this package. He said it was for our forces to see and do what we will with it. But he stated that you had to be the one to open it." Tsunade stared hard at Sasuke, who lifted a brow.

"What is it?" Naruto sat heavily on the bench. With team 7 all situated, Shizune handed Sasuke the package.

"We were not sure what it was and figured that we should keep the witnesses small." Tsunade folded her hands in front of her.

"Is it from Madara or...Obito?" Kakashi asked after a moment and Tsunade shrugged.

"For all we know it could be more information from Itachi, but I don't get that vibe with Zetsu." Kakashi drawled, looking at the box curiously.

"I don't have any interest in Itachi or his gifts." Sasuke stated coolly but Tsunade fixed him with a glare. He fell silent, face set into his normal unhappy scowl.

"We will have ANBU outside the perimeters in case Zetsu should appear again." Shizune piped up, earning another nod from the Hokage. Sasuke held the package in his hand and studied it. It was light weight and small.

He stood by Naruto who was watching him curiously. Sasuke opened it slowly, feeling the eyes of the team on him. The first was a folded piece of paper. Sasuke set aside the package and unfolded it. He glanced at Tsunade who nodded, telling him to read it out loud.

Sasuke,

You were offered the opportunity to join our cause and you refused us again and again. It saddens me that you would turn on your destiny. You would rather stand with Konoha and those who would see you fall rather than allow you to rise. It must be a family trait. Your brother has been defiant. He has gone against my orders and stubbornly refuses to stand at my side.

I realize that this battle will force us to meet at some point and I admit that I enjoy a challenge. Let this even the battlefield. We leave you this gift as a show of goodwill. Perhaps we shall meet face to face on the battlefield soon. I look forward to it. Give my regards to the Jinchuriki.

-Madara

Sasuke read the letter in a clear steady voice, glancing towards Tsunade who narrowed her eyes at the paper. She stood slowly, fingers digging into her desk.

"Sasuke, I'm not sure you should open that." She began slowly and Sasuke glanced towards her. It seemed the whole team were a bit lost on what to think. It sounded like Madara was giving Sasuke an advantage.

"Why?" He asked. Kakashi leaned back in his seat, watching Tsunade walk around her desk.

"I think I know what they've given you." She motioned for Shizune to ensure the door was locked. Shizune approached the door and checked the locks, nodding to Tsunade. Yamato and Kakashi shared long glances. Tsunade watched Sasuke closely.

"I'd suggest you sit down." She murmured and Sasuke frowned but did as he was told. He unraveled the package carefully, wondering if it was going to blow up. He nearly flinched when something fell from the package and onto his lap. He glanced down and lightly picked it up. His brows furrowed as he touched Itachi's necklace. He held the two broken pieces, and studied them. Was this their idea of a joke?

"Absolute shit." With a sneer he tossed it aside, allowing it to hit the floor. Naruto knelt down and picked it up, unsure on what to do with it. He noticed Kakashi looking towards him and the blonde offered it to the Copy nin, who took it in his palm. Sasuke did not spare him a glance and tore open the paper.

The jar fell in Sasuke's palm and nearly rolled onto the floor. Sasuke swiped it away and held it up. It took him a moment to realize what he was looking at.

"Oh, God…" Sakura managed weakly. Tsunade cursed and closed her eyes, pressing her head against his interlocked fingers. The office feel silent, everyone holding their breaths. Sasuke stared at the jar, unable to speak.

In the jar, two eyeballs stared back, floating lightly in the fluid, their dark irises dimmed by the green liquid it was soaked in. They floated lazily, staring accusingly at Sasuke as a single name rang through his head like a morbid mantra.

'Itachi, Itachi, Itachi...'