Throughout the history of the world, there have always been beings accustomed to living in groups and others to being alone by choice or by force of circumstances. Those who live in company usually do not need large dimensions, infallible weapons and equipment, nor even vast and lightning-fast intelligence; they are used to relying on each other. Often, when traveling, they are not even aware of the destination they are headed towards, it is the leader who decides for them. They have no thoughts, the single individual can eat peacefully since, if a danger of any kind materializes, some member of the group will certainly notice it and promptly raise the alarm. They don't need a proud and feisty character, the presence of others acts as a constant shield for them.

For those who have to fend for themselves, however, the situation is different; appearing cynical in front of others is a risk that they must accept. Since no one taught him to catalog and distinguish the various dangers, he learns to never underestimate who he has in front of him. He must learn to understand the situation in a few fractions of a second, being aware that a small mistake could be fatal. For this reason, the preference is often, especially during the phases of youth, directed more towards personal survival, both physical and psychological, rather than in the direction of human relationships and relationships.

Those who have always had to fend for themselves cannot afford the luxury of wasting time studying the best way to appear nice, pleasant and acceptable in the eyes of others. Over the course of their lives they have had to develop an ardent, energetic character, too often interpreted by others as aggressive or hostile, when in reality behind this lies a boundless loneliness. Those who have always been able to count on an ever-present network of friends will never be able to understand the time it takes for a single person to learn to understand and manage life. Those who are alone ask themselves questions that they must answer independently without anyone to tell them whether they are making a mistake or not, the consequences of these inevitable mistakes will fall solely on them.

Falcons are solitary animals, which is why nature shaped them to be proud, strong and beautiful. One could very well say that they are the rulers of heaven. However, despite their showy and superior appearance, their life is anything but simple. Those who observe them will never be aware of all those who have failed due to lack of help, judge what they see without going beyond the threshold of the nose.

Sasuke had always identified with these beautiful animals, he too had had to adapt to fend for himself in any aspect of life. There were days when he was grateful and proud of his strong character, this had allowed him not to succumb crushed by the difficulties that he had not been able to share with anyone. But there were also occasions in which he realized that he had lost so much due to the fortress, both protective and breakthrough, that he had been forced to erect around himself.

My enemy was me, I didn't have them around me, it wasn't you, Nii – san. Now I finally understand.

He wasn't dressed in black that day, he was wearing a military green sleeveless shirt and short but elegant jeans. He had decided to remove that enormous fringe, finally revealing the look that now appeared sweeter, the rest of the hair was always well combed and shiny, held high by the gel in an impeccable shape with those tips slightly moved to the right, A necklace made with beads wooden. He had the day off but if that hadn't been the case he wouldn't have hesitated to ask Genma for one.

Itachi had come home as if he had just walked under a steamroller. Sasuke had wondered why he had dressed so elegantly that day, however his question was swept away by the sight of his brother destroyed like that. Sasuke didn't remember ever seeing him cry, maybe not even the day their parents died. However, that tragedy was almost removed from Sasuke's mind, the faded memories, the incomprehensible and echoing sounds, the intense pain had taken care of removing that event from his mind or the child he was at the time would certainly not have withstood such torment such. All that remained was the resentment that had been harbored for years and began to be understood during a New Year's party that began without any hope. Yes, he had cried that day, almost to the point of hurting himself, but not Itachi. That evening at the restaurant the older brother had shed a few tears while maintaining his unshakable self-control.

That morning, however, Itachi seemed like a different person. An inconsolable desperation had taken hold of him so much so that Sasuke feared more for his mental balance than for the event that had triggered it all. He had listened to him as he confessed the truth about that job he had done for six years hiding his face and tattoo, he had confided in how much his heart had bled seeing Sasuke sitting at that table week after week, and not only his, Obito's and Rin's too. The minor, sitting next to Itachi on the sofa, had to concentrate on the gesture his brother was making while eating his beloved sweets or he would have gone mad upon learning of the tears that had often wet the inside of that hideous weasel mask and which had promptly turned into indifference or even smiles every time he took it off. It was almost as if Itachi felt more comfortable wearing it than him.

"Otouto, I'm sorry to confess all this to you, if I could have chosen something different I would have. Just promise me you won't feel guilty now."
Sasuke shook his head forcing a smile, it wouldn't be right to give Itachi more pain now. The major had taken a sip of tea with shaking hands, slowly catching his breath before revealing to Sasuke that the same news he was now giving him had almost killed Nagato. The minor blanched without being able to do anything to hide it, Itachi had been in the grip of a deep depression for over a month due to what happened to Nagato. He didn't eat, he didn't get out of bed, and now Sasuke learned that the real reason had been Nagato's incomprehension towards the difficulties of his former partner.

"Nii-san, this isn't right, he should have understood you."

"We are the ones who have to understand him, Otouto, Nagato already had a lot of problems, I gave him the final blow. Maybe he hasn't yet learned that his brother Yahiko was also a colleague of mine, I confess to you that I am very worried."

Itachi had gently placed a hand on his leg.

My poor brother, so good and understanding towards everyone even when they don't deserve it, that's why you always feel so bad. You too have the right to be loved and understood. I have had years of shortcomings but now you can count on me for everything.

"If you want another cup of tea I'll bring it to you" Sasuke had sighed and smiled making this kind proposal, however a powerful spring had just been triggered inside him. The minor knew that by now it would be unstoppable.

Only half an hour later Sasuke was walking briskly down the street in his army green shirt and wooden necklace. His fiery character now no longer robbed him of his reason and sent him into overdrive, that flame now served to make him see everything more clearly. He no longer needed his imagination to be carried away by the music, his step was firm yet silent, it was as if a dam channeled the strength of his river without annihilating or hiding it, it simply directed him in the right direction. His eyes sparkled with the confidence that he was finally doing the right thing. He didn't know why Itachi had gone out so well looked after that morning and then returned completely destroyed, he hadn't told him and he hadn't asked for anything, most likely he had attempted a reconciliation with Nagato which obviously didn't go well. The brother was still hiding something.

You do it for my good as you have always done everything. Now I have the duty to show you the right love.

If Kakuzu hadn't come that afternoon Kisame would have risked going crazy. Usually the intense training sessions had the power to chase any thoughts from his head, however it was difficult to accept the life that ends up destroyed in a few hours.

Furthermore, it was my fault, Madara's disappearance had happened so suddenly that I hadn't had time to process anything, especially that "I love you".

He was certain that Itachi would never go back to him again, not after that unpleasant episode. Kisame would have to resign himself to never seeing him again. At the beginning he would survive by living on the memory of those few contacts they had had, of how that beautiful story that died just before being born was born. Afterwards he would absolutely have to try to forget him or there would be no future for him.

I'm sorry my love, the thought of having inflicted so much harm on you will end up killing me, I hope I can handle it.

Tears had begun to blur his vision, he put down the chest bar before he risked letting it slip and catch it in the face. He got up from the bench to avoid being seen crying like a baby by all the people in the gym even though everyone had noticed his pale and shocked face that afternoon. Karin and Deidara then knew very well that something had happened, Kisame just had time to see the blonde's worried face before managing to disappear into the locker room. He locked himself in the bathroom to prevent anyone from entering. The previous day he had also been contacted by Naruto, the mayor had announced to him very perkily that he would soon come to train in the company of Nagato, Kisame hoped it wasn't exactly on that day.

Even if it were tomorrow or next week he wouldn't change absolutely anything, the only person who would have made everything perfect I lost in such a stupid way. If I died of pain it would be a liberation.

Tears dripped into the sink, Kisame felt the eyelids squeezing his eyes as if they wanted to push them back into his skull. There would never be another person as perfect as Itachi, someone else capable of giving him a reason to live, ever again even if he lived two hundred years.

"Itachi, I need you to realize, I know I haven't been an exemplary person but now I would like to dry all your tears, undo the mistake I made. Only in this way can I be what I was destined to be, the real me. You have to give me a chance and you will see that I will not disappoint you. I love you, damn it, I love you!"

He had said those words out loud even though he couldn't breathe. A loud knock on the door made him jump. Inevitable, his friends wanted to know how he was doing.

I love you. What would I do without you?

He caught his breath but was unable to hold back his sobs, the person outside had probably also heard his desperate words aimed at nothing. What did it matter? Now his life was over, they could think what they wanted.

"Who is he?"

"Hi, Kisame, I'm Kakuzu, I wouldn't bother you if I didn't have something important to tell you, however I can come back tomorrow if you wish."

He wasn't expecting this visit, he certainly wanted to talk about Itachi. They had met thanks to him and this was the glue that still bound them: "I'll be right there."

That man was only apparently rude, now he had had confirmation of it, he didn't seem to bat an eyelid when faced with Kisame's shocked appearance. However, his red eyes could not escape anyone.

Kisame had asked him to follow him outside, melancholy assailed him again when he was hit by the warmth of the imminent summer which he had considered the best of his life until a few hours before. Luckily Kakuzu had immediately started explaining the reason for the visit. His voice had pulled Kisame out of the abyss he was slipping into by grabbing him by the hair. Under normal circumstances, learning that Shisui, Yahiko and Itachi had finally left that job that was definitely not suited to them would have filled him with joy, would have made that year the best of his life. But he could only sigh, fighting back the nausea as he looked at the man who was now asking him to accompany him to look at the rest of the building which had remained unused for now.

"Damn, Kisame, you have more space here than in the rest of the gym" Kakuzu's voice boomed in that empty room as he lit the second cigarette immediately after putting out the first: "also organizing modern dance or work dance courses out you would attract a lot more people."

"In a couple of years I will be able to fix up this place too, obviously you will be the first one I will think about" Kisame didn't even know where he had managed to get the strength to speak from, however seeing new people could certainly lift his spirits a little humor.

Of course, until the evening comes and I find myself home alone.

"Don't even talk about it, Kisame, these guys need immediate help, especially Shisui, knowing his character he would end up on the wrong path again. I know that something serious has happened to you, I can see it, I'm not blind. But I also know that your big heart is always there, no one ate it. I'll take care of the arrangement of the premises, you can do your part by hiring all three as instructors, I know they can do it. Shisui modern dance, Yahiko dance work out, while Itachi could teach acrobatic dance with his eyes closed. Think about it, Kisame, I'm sure it could be an opportunity for you too, not just for them."

Despite the boulder under which he felt crushed, Kisame was amazed to hear that man, always described by everyone as an incurable miser, make such a proposal. If Itachi had accepted he would have seen him again, maybe he could have talked to him perhaps making him understand the terrible misunderstanding. Kakuzu had guessed everything before him, seeing him come out of that bathroom in tears.

Kisame heard a message arrive on his cell phone while Kakuzu's calloused and tanned hand rested on his shoulder and his green eyes were penetrating him in search of even a non-verbal response. He reluctantly took the phone from the pocket of his suit, mostly to have the excuse to think for a few seconds about what Kakuzu had proposed to him. He regretted having done it, in his life he had only fainted once and that wasn't the second just by a miracle. Itachi had written to him.

Kisame, I have just enough time to write this message since soon I won't be able to move anymore. I need your help. Sasuke has just left the house, he was apparently calm but I know that he is not like that, he has recently learned the truth about the work I did. Besides being rightly upset about this he is also blaming Nagato for causing me to be severely depressed and unwell. He's going to look for him, I know him like the back of my hand and I'm sure of it. I didn't tell him about our meeting this morning so Sasuke must be holding Nagato responsible for the state I was in after that too. He doesn't know where Nagato lives at the moment so he's headed towards our old apartment, he's not stupid and when he sets a goal in his head he doesn't stop until he achieves it. I only ask you to stop it, Nagato has no responsibility, if there is anyone to blame it is me for not having made things clear immediately. Find it and bring it back here, I'm only asking because I can't do it. Remember that Sasuke is acting in good faith, it's his way of loving and right now he does it for me. Don't attack him, be understanding, thank you.

"What's up?"

Kisame realized his mouth had dropped open as he read.

"I need you, Kakuzu. Come, I'll explain it to you in the car."

Kisame had started running, he didn't care if, passing in front of the window where his friends were training, he would throw them into the deepest apprehension. He didn't even think about it. He wasn't worried about what Sasuke might do, he wasn't worried about Nagato either, it was unlikely that Sasuke would find the red before him. When cornered he might even have warned Naruto. No, it wasn't that. Kisame was troubled by the way Itachi had begun his explanations.

I have just enough time to write this message since soon I won't be able to move anymore...

He trembled as he explained to Kakuzu where they were headed and why, he had omitted that detail hoping that he had misunderstood Itachi's words or that his mind was so worn out by recent events that he was seeing things that didn't exist. Itachi had specifically asked him to bring Sasuke back to him. Maybe Kisame could have talked to the minor to understand what had pushed Itachi to write such a phase.

"There's no reason to get so worked up, Kisame. Sasuke is certainly a boy who has suffered, however he is intelligent even if impulsive. If there is something else to him you can confide in me without problems."

Yes, there was more. And a lot too. Kisame tried to swallow it with a dry throat but didn't respond. He tried to drive as fast as possible, the sooner they would find Sasuke the quicker he would hear from Itachi.

My love, if you don't want me anymore I understand, but I need to know if you're okay.

Kisame had only been to that noisy street once before, the day they saved Nagato's life. He felt a pang in his heart parking in the same spot he had been with Itachi. He and Kakuzu passed under that splendid locust tree which the previous time was full of white flowers, simple but delicate and beautiful. Kisame had hugged Itachi in tears down there, the brunette was desperate at the thought that Sasuke would soon have to know the truth about his profession, worn out by the thought of Nagato not responding and by his thousand feelings of guilt. Kisame had just revealed to him about his history with Madara, their life was beginning, their love was born.

You are like this, Itachi, extraordinary without knowing you are.

Kisame had tried to make him understand this that day. After just over a month the black locust had matured its leaves to a deeper green preparing to capture the summer sun. He and Itachi would have to hug each other again under his shadow remembering the spring day when it all began.

Instead our seed fell on the stone because of me.

Quickening our pace while keeping our eyes down on the pavement had been the only salvation. When they were hit by the infernal noise of the road to Kisame it was another hard blow. Any little detail related to Itachi turned into a dagger.

Who would have thought that in life I would find myself having to reevaluate a ringing street like this and a decrepit building?

Kisame focused on something else, he had a friend by his side and a very important issue to resolve. They approached the door, the same one that Kakuzu wanted to open by force.

Where you stood with a disconsolate face waiting for an answer on the intercom.

The old stairs with the trumpet no longer up to standard reverberated with excited voices.

I don't have time to waste, I'm not leaving here until I get my answer!

I am the new tenant, the person you are looking for I have no idea who he is...

Don't kid me, you're all covering it up and I don't understand why.

Dammit, I'm calling the mayor now. He was here once before because of that madhouse on the third floor.

Lady, mind his business!

The chaos became clearer with each step, Kisame and Kakuzu passed the lady on the second floor.

"You again? Not the mayor, this time I'm calling the police."

"Ma'am, I assure you that this is the last time we will disturb you" Kakuzu uttered those words that the pain made Kisame miss. The large man had once again demonstrated how much life had hidden his natural empathy under that rudeness perhaps made necessary by the desire to no longer suffer.

A few more steps and the two friends saw a dark-haired man with a sleeveless military green shirt giving a violent shoulder to the door that the occupant of the apartment wanted to close once and for all. The man fell backwards with his upper lip bleeding. Sasuke burst into that living room that Kisame and Kakuzu could never forget, shouting at the top of his lungs: "Nagato, show yourself, you coward, I think we need to say a few words to each other!"

"Sasuke, Nagato hasn't lived here anymore since that day. If you want, we can take you to talk to him later but first you have to calm down and listen to us."

Kisame spoke for the first time since he left the gym after reading Itachi's message. If it had to be sincere, the thought of the person he loved gave him the strength not to succumb.

The dark-haired man had turned attracted and surprised at the same time by that calm but peremptory tone. His eyes burning and sparkling. The pout that distorted his fine mouth this time was not disconsolate and surrendered to pain, but animated by a new strength coming directly from his heart.

He remembers that Sasuke is acting in good faith, it's his way of loving and right now he does it for me. Don't attack him, be understanding.

It was true, Itachi knew him even better than himself.

Kisame had to force himself not to lose his composure and keep his cool. He hadn't seen Sasuke for a long time, the last time he had caught him staring at him from the Susanoo table while he followed Itachi into the private room. Sasuke had changed, he no longer had the thick fringe to hide his eyes, he no longer wore completely black. These few details made a big difference, basically an Itachi without defects, with bigger eyes, a little taller and more muscular but with a completely different character and way of acting. Ardent and passionate, he would have dared to call him Kisame.

"It's you, I can't believe it, first you come to talk to me at the table so friendly and understanding and then, years later, you fucked my brother with impunity practically before my eyes. Did you even like it? Did you think I wouldn't remember you? Now come here to defend another person who contributed to harming Itachi. Just because you're big doesn't stop me from telling you what I think to your face!"

Sasuke's black eyes were now burning, his mouth pouting even more, his eyebrows furrowed. But all this didn't stop Kisame from seeing the tears pushing to come out and that tremor that was starting to take over his voice.

"Sasuke, whether you believe me or not doesn't matter because it's the truth. I know I did the right thing and I don't regret it, that time in the private room I only spoke to him. Rin had told me who you were and I just wanted to help you. I still want it."

Sasuke's gaze had shifted to Kakuzu. The two friends had confirmation, only from this, that Kisame's words had hit the target even though Sasuke wouldn't have admitted it even in a million years: "and you should just be ashamed, Kakuzu. Selling people like cannon fodder thinking only of inflating your pockets as much as possible!"

Kisame let out a loud sigh before answering Sasuke for his friend. It was his duty, for both of them, for Itachi and for himself: "Kakuzu had come to my gym a little while ago to ask me to hire Shisui, Yahiko and Itachi as dance instructors, he loves those boys so much that he offered to take care of them personally. of the renovation of the premises without asking for anything in return, only your happiness. I told him yes, Sasuke, without even thinking about it."

Sasuke seemed to hesitate for a few moments, he couldn't deny how right Kisame and Kakuzu's words and decisions were, however the powerful energy that had pushed him there and his feelings towards his brother certainly couldn't go out on command. He turned back towards the inside of the apartment, clenching his fists, Kisame was sure he heard a suppressed cry in his voice as he shouted, "Nagato, what do you have to say in your defense, huh? Come out or I'll come get you!"

"Sasuke, how should I tell you? Nagato never set foot here again."

Kisame grabbed Sasuke from behind, immobilizing his arms, and began to drag him towards the door without saying anything more. Noticing the tears that were now streaming down his face with perfect features, he didn't want to rage further knowing that he was a proud person. Kakuzu closed the door as soon as they were both back on the landing.

Sasuke had started to struggle violently like a fish caught on a hook, Kakuzu intervened to help his friend immobilize him. Together they began to practically drag him down the stairs.

"Leave me, cowards, I know how to get off myself!"

The military green eyes of the lady downstairs remained focused on the stairwell until she had the chance to hear the boy's sobs. She remained motionless with the phone in her hand undecided about what to do, then the certainty of how great the good that the dark-haired boy wanted for her brother was made her smile with melancholy as she went back into the house, slowly closing the door. She was an only child.