When the time comes to do something it certainly doesn't go unnoticed, it makes a noise, the eyes automatically turn in its direction, anyone who claims not to have noticed is certainly pretending. The fear of change still comes back into play, the fear of closing one door to open another for which you have been turning the keys between your fingers for a long time now. On some occasions these doors can appear more than one at a time and involve several people at the same time.

The time is now.

Kisame had understood the meaning of this from a very young age, when, out of love, he had defied people's judgment and even his own family. Every choice in his life had been difficult, calculated, thought about and rethought. Many had had painful consequences both for himself and for the people around him, however he had never regretted any of them.

Kisame was completely sure of what he was doing by bringing Kakuzu back to his house. He had decided to accompany him to the gate of that large red brick house immersed in its large garden, the red light of the late sunset revealed a white gazebo placed under two large oak trees, a table with two wooden benches had been positioned underneath. Kisame had come down because he had the impression that he hadn't thanked Kakuzu enough for the proposal he had made to him that afternoon. Just as he took a breath to begin speaking, his icy eyes fell upon a phosphorescent yellow sign hanging on the gate that read for sale. Kisame looked for a moment at the white face of Sasuke who remained in the car in the passenger seat, judging by the brunette's expression the shock must have been clearly visible on his face even though he had tried hard to hide it.

Kakuzu came to his rescue smiling: "this house is too big for me, after all I'm alone; think that I have never used that table you see. Unfortunately, it is only recently that I understood the importance of having friends."

"Kakuzu, don't talk nonsense, if I had known how things really were I would have thought about it for a moment before saying yes immediately."

"Don't worry, Kisame, I've been thinking about the idea of getting a smaller apartment for a while now, I'll be able to invite my friends there too, right? I already have several proposals that I am evaluating, this is the most important auction I have had in my life."

The big man winked at him before disappearing behind the gate. Kisame was frozen, yet he had to try to appear as normal as possible. Sasuke and Itachi certainly had no secrets from each other, if now the younger one had been assailed by hesitations, Itachi's infinite altruism and goodness would have prevented him from adhering to the projects that Kisame and Kakuzu had about of the gym. On the road that was leading them to Sasuke's house, they had both been silent for a long time. The dark-haired man listened to the soft rustle of the road under the wheels, he decided to speak before it was too late, the moment to get off couldn't come without him expressing his thoughts. The times of missed opportunities due to fear or too much pride had to be archived as soon as possible.

"Kisame, Kakuzu didn't need to go this far. Itachi, Shisui and Yahiko would have found a worthy place anyway, they are all three young, beautiful and gifted, I believe that perhaps this is not the case."

"Here we come to the point, Sasuke, you speak as someone who doesn't know what it means to have friends. Mine is not intended as a reproach, I am perfectly aware of the trials that life has forced you through, I would only like this to serve as a lesson to you now that you have friends. This is how you behave, life hasn't had the chance to teach you so I'll explain it to you. Nagato is the best example of how doing something for others helps us too. Kakuzu is also now discovering the value of friendship, what he is doing for Itachi, Shisui and Yahiko will transform into happiness for him too. Now do me a favor, Sasuke, start with your family. Madara also came back to meet you, and this is also his brother Izuna's wish, I think the younger one doesn't even know Itachi and Shisui. Give and receive all their warmth and love, you all deserve it; Itachi considers you his life, every time he falls asleep he says your name" on those last words Kisame's eyes had become shiny.

In the meantime they had arrived, Sasuke was observing the door of his house through the window of the Land Rover Defender, feeling Kisame's large hand resting on the exposed skin of his thigh, the lights were all off, Itachi must still have been knocked out by the drops that he himself he had trimmed. Sasuke knew very well why his brother often called his name in his sleep, that day would haunt him for the rest of his life. Even though that memory could never go away, love could ease the pain.

"Thank you, Kisame."

The man nodded, smiling, followed the dark-haired man with his gaze until he disappeared behind the wooden door. Sasuke's tone had been sincere, that day he had learned a lot of things from which he could only benefit. Kisame, once again, felt satisfied that he had helped change someone's life for the better.

Well, Itachi, I brought it back to you, just like you wanted.

He sighed as he started the engine again, his immense patience would still be useful to him.

Sasuke had the impression of flying as he walked on the parquet floor of the entrance, he was realizing how empty that house still was. The day Itachi had returned, when he had gone to pick him up at the hospital where Nagato had been taken, he had been convinced that the two of them could be enough to fill that silence, that they could be enough for each other as if this could exclude all the rest of the world without being affected. Sasuke had been firmly convinced of this until just two days before, making that little film in the living room. However, those words that Kisame had spoken during that afternoon were already there, pushing inside his head without him having the courage to admit them or even just look at them. Once again he found himself a prisoner in a cage that he had built himself. It had been a golden prison this time, even more subtle, the wrong love towards his brother by which he had been blinded had made him believe he could be happy again in the most absolute solitude. Climbing the wooden stairs that led to the bedrooms, still enjoying that slight creak that would never bore him, Sasuke had finally understood that enriching the lives of friends and the good of his family would certainly not take away his brother's love . Itachi's room had the door ajar, as always, it was a habit they had since they were children; in the event that one of the two had been attacked by nightmares during the night, he could find comfort in the closeness of the other.

Before falling asleep, Itachi had had time to take off those beautiful clothes with which he had gone out to go to Kisame, folding them neatly on one of the two chairs that constituted the simple furniture of that room. The phone with which he had written the last message having guessed Sasuke's intentions, was abandoned on his chest, escaped from his completely limp right hand, it had been so urgent to warn Kisame that he hadn't even had time to pull the covers up to the top. Sasuke smiled as he took the phone from him and covered it properly.

"Nii – san?" Sasuke had called him rather loudly however Itachi was still under the sedative. His lips slightly open, his long hair loose and messed up on the pillow, he slurred slightly with his mouth but nothing more.

"Okay, I went a little too far." Sasuke kissed him gently on the forehead before heading back downstairs.

Is it possible to organize a last minute dinner without having practically anything at home?

Certainly. What really mattered were the people, the family. That's why Sasuke stopped paying attention to the empty fridge and cupboard and happily grabbed his phone. He would have ordered everyone's favorite food by looking them in the eye and asking them directly, after all no one had ever had the chance to know Madara and Izuna's tastes.

The first to arrive was Shisui, he entered quietly since Sasuke had left the door open, from now on it would always be open for family and friends. The youngest had just finished setting the table, certainly seven people would have had to squeeze in a bit between the chairs and the corner chest against the wall, however Sasuke was experiencing a new, incredibly exciting sensation having the house completely full of his family.

It had never happened.

He turned to his older cousin who had popped his head into the living room, with a dazzling smile. Shisui was so happy to see that expression that had never appeared on that beautiful face, that he only almost fell prey to emotion. They hugged immediately, without the need for words or pleasantries. Even the eldest had changed, his beautiful, very sweet look, a simple denim jacket, just to defend himself from the coolness of an evening that was not yet fully summery, had a light and discreet scent. Sasuke couldn't tell if it was deodorant, soap, or laundry softener.

"So, are you ready?"

Shisui placed a hand on his shoulder, with the same expression he had when he and Itachi were kids. The two older ones had always had an almost paternal behavior towards him even though he did nothing but be jealous.

Sasuke sighed, "if I can say so."

"Itachi?" Shisui had asked fearing that he wasn't there. Although their relationship had changed over the years, its intensity had not diminished, it would not have been possible to erase with one stroke of the sponge all their past and the strong feelings that had always united them.

Things were changing for everyone, happiness finally seemed to knock on their doors after a lifetime of pain, Shisui had decided to stay close to those two boys who had been unluckier than him and became their rock. He was ready to be so for Yahiko too, his distance from Nagato would soon end and both would be overwhelmed by a cascade of emotions. Despite all the red, that evening he had shown himself to be very happy to let him go to that reconciliation with the family decided at the last minute.

Now no one has the right to stop you from being happy, don't worry, I will always be with you.

Enjoying the joy of others when it is thanks to you was fundamental for Shisui and Sasuke to understand too.

" Itachi, as soon as I manage to wake him up, I'll make him come down. He still doesn't know anything about this dinner, I thought of everything so suddenly."

They both laughed as soon as the youngest had finished telling the story of the drops, Shisui affectionately ruffled his hair and Sasuke hadn't reacted annoyed as had happened previously.

A polite and light knock on the door made them serious again. The two cousins looked at each other in those eyes so large and similar, Shisui's eyelashes slightly longer and curved outwards. Sasuke swallowed before going to open the door, in the end he was the one who organized the evening so it was his duty to welcome the guests.

A simple, smiling Obito appeared in the doorway, a purple polo shirt with gray decorations on the sleeves, jeans the same color as that thin stripe. The eldest of all might at first glance appear to be dressed completely casually, however that small combination made it clear that this was not the case. The eye marked by old scars narrowed in sincere joy. Kisame had said that Madara and Izuna were guests at his house, Sasuke sensed that not only had their relationship resumed in the best possible way, but that his idea of that reunion had also been greatly appreciated.

Rin's shrill and crystalline voice broke the silence, she kissed Sasuke on the cheeks leaving light traces of that bright and natural lipstick that she used to wear. She was wearing one of her usual flared skirts, it was plum-colored, ballet flats of the same shade and a black t-shirt with shiny microfiber fabric. Amazing how she always managed to look like a high school student. He handed Sasuke the gift he had brought him to thank him for the invitation, it was a composition of various delicacies, sweets and two bottles of prosecco in a wicker basket, the brunette wondered if he already had it at home or if he had managed to put it together with her own hands in that short time. Either way she looked great and Sasuke thanked them with twinkling eyes. The woman had also greeted Shisui with the same energy and positivity, no one could have any doubt anymore about the reasons why Obito had fallen in love with her at first sight.

This house is very picturesque, a touch of class in the city.

Um…

It certainly stands out, and then I appreciate the classic style.

You are surprised while I have never had any doubts about the good taste of our family.

Obito and Rin turned smilingly towards the outside as they heard those two voices, one youthful and enthusiastic, the other calm and calm; although it was already evening their faces seemed illuminated by the sun. Sasuke and Shisui had exchanged a surprised but, at the same time, impatient look. Waiting to know, waiting for them.

"Come on, what are you waiting for? The evening is in your honor."

Obito urged them by taking a step inward to clear the entrance. Sasuke had felt frozen when he found himself practically in front of him, only from small details did he now realize that he was not in front of a mirror. The other entered like a festive earthquake, his sugar paper-colored shirt tucked into his black trousers, his same face with slightly fuller lips and slightly sharper eyes. Since Izuna had cut off his long ponytail, his hairstyle was similar to that of the younger one, with the difference that Sasuke paid more attention to keeping everything perfectly styled.

"Here's the chick of the family!"

Until recently, Sasuke would have felt very annoyed at being addressed like that by a person he didn't know even though he was a relative, but Izuna certainly couldn't be practically identical to him in every way, right? Such a cheerful character could only be good for everyone's mood. Sasuke smiled, abandoning himself in the embrace that the other gave him. Shisui was also her first time meeting him.

"By golly, these silky curls are a rarity" Izuna had placed a hand on Shisui's hair: "forgive my comments about the house just now, but I'm a photographer, so I love observing everything."

"And in fact you are crazy like all artists!"

General laughter was the backdrop to Obito's joke. Only one person remained serious with a serene and calm expression on his face; Sasuke could see his silhouette in the shadows still motionless in the doorway. He was tall, perhaps taller than all the others even if only slightly, Sasuke's eyes had always avoided resting on him until now. Obito turned towards the new man with an indulgent expression, looked at him intensely tilting his head to the side, his right hand reached out to gently grab him by the arm. He tugged lightly to convince him to move forward.

Sasuke had imagined meeting Madara dozens of times. He had dreamed it in different variations, in each of these the major always appeared in a dominant position; on some occasions he had seen him at the top of a staircase while he was below him, on others his face was distorted by an expression of profound contempt with a sarcastic smile that he even seemed pleased with. In still others there was a completely black sky as the background to the scene, this scenario appeared more than anything else in dreams, in those dream images Madara even wore red armor similar to a samurai. Now Sasuke was petrified by that sense of unreality that was in stark contrast to what had always been his imagination. He had never fantasized anything like that: Obito and Rin smiling, Shisui who had placed his hands on his shoulders perhaps sensing his amazement and his difficulty, once again he had that paternal attitude towards him that he had never appreciated .

Thank you, Shisui, for everything. You will see that it is not too late for a new life.

Only Madara's appearance had never been a mystery to Sasuke, over time Obito had shown him some photos. He had tried with several people, actually, in the hope that it would help him find Madara. Sasuke knew that he had a statuesque physique and very thick hair, certainly a very energetic and confident man. However, Sasuke would never have said that he saw that good-natured smile curving his lips similar to Itachi's, he would never have thought of observing those dimples under his eyes accentuated by the joy of having found his family again, No pride, no arrogance, once again Sasuke he had been deceived by those explanations that he had wanted to give independently.

Madara looked very elegant, a dark gray vest and trousers of the same fabric and color, a light white shirt. He came closer, words were useless. He held both Sasuke and Shisui in a single hug, his body was warm and protective. Sasuke let himself go, burying his face in that incredibly soft mass of hair, he had the certainty of being able to count on someone now, the security and joy of a solid, outstretched hand whenever he needed it, even just for a moment. advise. He no longer had to rely solely on himself. The young man heard the light creaking of the parquet that he had always loved so much, Madara loosened his embrace to look in that direction, Sasuke couldn't believe that his eyes were shining. He chastised himself for having imagined him completely devoid of feelings for a long time.

Itachi stood about halfway up the stairs, looking flawless again. He had prepared himself that morning as if he had guessed what Sasuke had organized even though he had been in the world of dreams until recently. The magnetic gaze expertly highlighted without exaggerating.

Eh, no, Nii – san, I can never do it to you, I never managed.

That thought brought a smile to the lips of the youngest of them all. Itachi went down, sliding his gaze from Izuna to Madara and then stopping on the face of the older, calmer one. Sasuke was aware of what happened that morning at Kisame's house, however he saw no anger, pain or resentment in his brother's eyes. Madara decided to pick up where they had left off at the beginning of that intense day, holding Itachi in his arms as soon as he had left the last step. He didn't feel that thin body stiffen or even become cold, but he just felt him enjoying that hold. Following his instinct, Madara placed a kiss on his temple.

"You must be Itachi, my brother has told me a lot about you."

Itachi looked pleasantly surprised at the boy who was practically identical to Sasuke who had spoken. The fact that Madara had told Izuna so much about him was proof of how he had always loved all of them despite the long distance.

"How about we order some sushi? Don't worry Nii – san, your beloved onigiri are also provided."

The joy had enveloped them with his warmth, as if it were something soft and tangible. It wasn't just Madara's return that was the protagonist now, but also the change that had emerged in Sasuke, he was finally enjoying life as it should have been, Itachi affectionately put an arm around his shoulders as they headed towards the living room.

The place at the head of the table was occupied by Obito, it would have been Madara's, however no one had wanted to put him in even more trouble despite his apparent serenity. Obito and Rin began to liven up the evening by telling funny anecdotes about their life, Izuna followed closely with his open and loud character, definitely the opposite of most of the family.

Their gazes rested on Madara's face in turn, but they were careful not to all stare at him in unison, they succeeded perfectly as if a sort of unconscious telepathy had been established. Madara knew that they were all waiting for him, to hear his story, the reasons for his absence. They were anxious to receive confirmation of the good that he had always wanted for them but which he had not been able to demonstrate in the best way. They were willingly giving him time, everything he would need.

When Madara finally decided to start speaking, his eyes all focused on him, they were curious, smiling looks, there was no pain or reproach. Madara told the truth, every little detail of his life, if people love you they have to do it for who you are, there is no point in appearing different, resembling someone else or omitting parts of yourself that would then end up coming to the surface anyway. Izuna nodded understandingly hearing him talk about the difficult relationship he had had with his father, his mother and with himself when he was a child, the minor's happiness increased hearing him declare that he wanted to reconnect with everyone even if unfortunately the two elderly parents were not there there were more. Another hard blow that Madara had to take.

How many things had happened in that old house! Madara looked at Obito as if to make him understand that there would be nothing wrong now in talking about a Christmas like many before, after all they were family and if confidences weren't made there with who would it be possible? The major's eyes became shiny, the way of absolute love had led Madara into an abyss of intense suffering which remained in silence until that evening.

Madara, before continuing, took a long pause and a deep breath, now the painful memories would involve three people. Kisame had been an important part of his life, it was there that he had made the decision to isolate himself. Obito listened to him intently, he even reached out to grab his hand, he would have made the same gesture with Itachi if he had been sitting next to him; he was replaced in this by Sasuke. Madara let out two slow and liberating tears once he finished giving this explanation, Obito and Itachi got up to go and hug him.

"Madara, you don't have to feel guilty, if there is anyone who made a mistake here, it's only me. Unfortunately I was young and the pain ended up swallowing me easily" Obito had placed a kiss on the head of his newly found cousin.

"You don't have to blame me for my mistakes either, I neglected Kisame for almost two months and you couldn't have known anything. You are both people who have suffered a lot and I have done my part" Itachi had whispered those words softly to him, squeezing his hand tightly.

"Madara, you made the right decision tonight, and so do you, Sasuke. I am honored to be part of this wonderful family" Rin was illuminated by her own smile.

The most difficult moment had been overcome however its intensity would remain forever. The toasts they made immediately afterwards were the best of their lives. Madara at this moment found himself in a bit of a stalemate, the years that he had spent away had inevitably ended up leaving him with large gaps; he would have to start his life practically from scratch. He had lost a lot of things but not his family, they were so extraordinary that they welcomed him back and understood as if not a single day had passed, he decided that from here he would draw the necessary strength to start a new life. Never before had Madara had the absolute certainty of being able to do it like in that moment.

Relaxing after dinner had come naturally, Shisui, Obito, and Izuna had sat down on the low sofa to laugh and joke. Rin crouched on the carpet with her legs crossed looking even more like a girl, Sasuke managed to converse with them even though he was busy clearing the table, taking the dishes to Itachi who was washing them in the kitchen.

"Leave it, Sasuke, I'll finish. We must all be grateful only to you for this evening."

The younger smiled without making any objections, Madara's intentions were all too clear. Ultimately, even if he hadn't been present at Kisame's house that morning, it was enough for him to look at the state his brother had returned home in to understand the intensity of the emotions that had been at play. Okay, it was a misunderstanding. However, if Madara hadn't left there with a heart at peace that evening, Sasuke would surely have felt consumed by remorse for not having done his duty.

Itachi wasn't surprised to see other hands now placing his dishes on the sink, he had realized that it was no longer Sasuke already upon hearing him enter. Both were confident, but he was able to make a lightning-fast distinction between mature confidence and naive confidence.

"Itachi, more than telling you that I'm terribly sorry I don't know what to do, it also pains me to see how your health has worsened."

The sigh that Madara had let out behind him had been laced with sadness. Itachi turned around smiling, grabbing both of his hands, those of the younger one were made cool and soft by the contact with the water.

"Madara, what I told you before in front of everyone was the truth; you knew me practically nothing, even if you learned what job I was forced to do until recently, you certainly weren't aware of how stressful the situation was. I was a survivor of a relationship that ended dramatically and all this stress made my symptoms worse. You simply wanted to pick up your life where it left off and I certainly can't blame you for that, I assure you that I would have done the same. This morning you only saw the cover of the book and you know that it is not right to judge only by this. Promise me just one thing, Madara, consider this evening as the beginning of a new life, the one we all deserve. I assure you that things are already changing and will certainly not go back."

This time it was the smallest one who held Madara in a hug.

"Thank you, Itachi."

"Thank you for never stopping loving us."

Madara left the small kitchen relieved, he wasn't at all surprised to find a smiling Sasuke in front of him and not at all sorry for eavesdropping on him.

"Otouto, can you bring me the phone please?"

"Nii – san, I thought you had stopped making trouble for today"

However, Sasuke had obeyed and was now in front of his brother who was drying his hands, taking off his light blue kitchen apron to remain once again with his red leather trousers and black vest.

"I know, Otouto, but this family is so wonderful that it would be a shame to leave it incomplete, don't you think?"