Posted originally on the Archive_of_Our_Own at https://archiveofourown.org/
works/3730192.
  Rating:
      Explicit
  Archive Warning:
      Graphic_Depictions_Of_Violence, Underage
  Category:
      M/M
  Fandom:
      Naruto
  Relationship:
      Uchiha_Itachi/Uchiha_Shisui, Uchiha_Sasuke/Uzumaki_Naruto
  Character:
      Uchiha_Shisui, Uchiha_Itachi, Uchiha_Sasuke, Uzumaki_Naruto, Other(s)
  Additional Tags:
      Minor_Character_Death, Canon-Typical_Violence, Alternate_Universe_-_Non-
      Massacre, Post-Traumatic_Stress_Disorder_-_PTSD, Eventual_Smut, Other
      Additional_Tags_to_Be_Added
  Stats:
      Published: 2015-04-13 Updated: 2015-09-23 Chapters: 7/? Words: 15766
****** Grief is a Guest of Honour ******
by voxnihili
Summary
     Itachi's and Sasuke's parents are murdered over night. Shisui feels
     like there's nothing more natural than for him to foster the orphans.
     Though, he never thought it would be this complicated, nor this
     exhausting.
***** Chapter 1 *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
Shisui had always thought that Itachi was the most special child.
It amazed him how much he had to concentrate to keep up with the small, agile
body he was sparring with. It was something he was reminded of again as he not
a split second too late blocked the leg swung at him.
Itachi had only turned nine, and was already the strongest link in his own
team, even if the other teammates were four years older than him.
Itachi sure was something to wonder about.
Shisui caught the ankle, planning to pin Itachi down, but it turned out to be a
big miscalculation on his behalf when Itachi used the leverage and spun his
other leg around, the foot connecting to Shisui's jaw.
It didn't hurt. At least not as much as he was used to, sparring a lot with
other people, who'd take the advantage and really burrow their feet in Shisui's
face.
But Itachi had always had a gentle spirit, had always resented violence.
That's what made Itachi so special.
But that's also why Shisui so wanted to protect him, people always took
advantage of those who were kind.
This time was no exception either, Itachi left an opening for Shisui to really
hurt him if he had wanted to. To teach Itachi where he had gone wrong, Shisui
grabbed the other ankle and spun Itachi around like the kid he was, until he
let go of the mass.
It wasn't as if Itachi would get extremely hurt when he connected with the
ground, the little he weighed, and besides, pain was a great teacher.
Even if the weather was still warm and humid, the cold breeze made his sweaty
body shiver, a constant reminder of just how worked up this nine year old brat
could make him.
"Enough for today," Shisui declared, watching how the said nine year old brat
scrambled around on the ground to get up to sit, brushing the colourful autumn
leaves off his body, the scent of earth having risen now that Itachi had
disturbed the layers of foliage.
Even if Itachi was incredibly gifted, and the prodigy everyone claimed him to
be, Shisui knew that behind the facade he was still a child.
The boy only just having returned from a mission, he didn't see why Itachi
would have to be pressured like this. It wasn't what Itachi needed.
And even if Itachi's physical prowess was something Shisui admired, it wasn't
the only reason why Shisui thought of him like the most special kid.
"If you had kicked me harder, this wouldn't have happened," Shisui smiled,
extending a hand down towards Itachi, who refused it and instead lied down at
the moist ground.
"It was only sparring," Itachi said, his features calm and relaxed, eyes closed
and a small smile grazing his features. He was always graceful, even if he'd
just been spun around and thrown only moments ago. Shisui followed him down,
sitting next to him.
No, the carefree atmosphere they shared was something that made Shisui really
think of him as special.
Itachi was his best friend, even if he only was nine years old.
And that spoke for itself, because Shisui had never had difficulties making
friends. He had lots of them, but no one he wanted to spend time with more than
with Itachi.
"You're right," Shisui said, knowing not to start to argue with the stubborn
boy. It was too beautiful a day to ruin with arguments like that, he thought,
as he watched the colours painted upon the treetops.
However, he grabbed a fistful of rotting leaves, dropping them down on the
unsuspecting face of Itachi, laughing at how that small child surfaced and
protested.
Itachi definitely made him happy.
 
      Itachi had missed this a lot, he sentimentally thought as he slurped the
noodles his mother had cooked for him. Shisui had followed him home, and they'd
been greeted by an overenthusiastic Sasuke, who by now knew that Itachi had no
more excuses not to play with him.
Besides, as Itachi learned, Sasuke hadn't seen Shisui in a while either.
So Shisui stayed over dinner, spending most time talking to Sasuke who was
never satisfied with less than all attention. It didn't bother Itachi, the
familiarity made him smile and relax. He didn't need to participate in any
conversations, just listening to Sasuke bothering Shisui with whatever was more
than enough.
He never realized how far away from home he'd been with this mission. He missed
his father's pride, his mother's warmth. He missed everything about Sasuke, and
most of all, he missed Shisui's understanding.
Being on missions was something Itachi didn't enjoy. It was duty, yes, so he
did what he had to. But all that didn't include duty, that is the travelling,
the "bonding", was something incredibly anxiety-filled for Itachi.
The age differences seemed to create too great gaps between him and his
teammates, and to top it off they met him with cold resentment he was too young
to understand.
He always felt so alone, and he always wished Shisui would be there with him,
even if he at times could make Itachi feel like an idiot.
He wasn't allowed to be alone with his thoughts for much longer, Shisui leaving
and Sasuke dragging him outside as if he was a dog on a leash. Normally he'd
tell Sasuke to wait, to let the stomach rest, but he'd been away from home for
so long and couldn't deny his brother from happiness.
And that was all forgotten when they got enrolled in a game of tag, the
laughter soothing to Itachi's ears, the streets filled with life and rumble,
something he hadn't heard on his mission.
As they were catching their breaths, the noise much more distant for Itachi
now, the neighbour's cat was caught sneaking in the cool shadows of the fence.
Even if they were strictly prohibited to feed the cat, Itachi was ready with
meat and luring the cat closer. He had never seen why it was such a wrong thing
to do, the cat obviously enjoyed a treat while Itachi and Sasuke could enjoy
its company, a such joy of fur.
However, Sasuke was faster than Itachi was to think through, grabbing the cat
who still was wary around his little brother, the angle uncomfortable.
"Sasuke, dont-" was all he managed to squawk, but it was far too late as he saw
the blur of cat sprint away, up and over the face, hissing and shrieking
ringing in his ears.
Sasuke started to cry, but it wasn't the panicked wailing he was used to
hear.Had Sasuke grown that much while I was away?
He was quick on his feet to get to his brother, trying to assess the damage,
which wasn't that serious. Still, something in Sasuke's voice found its way
directly to Itachi heart and cut deep. He felt terrible, for not watching out
for Sasuke.
"Shh, you're alright.." Itachi tried to comfort, but Sasuke's crying quickly
evolved to cries after their mom. Itachi tried to shush him, knowing she would
know what they'd been doing the second she laid her eyes on them. Itachi wasn't
a child who thrived on being rebellious, no the thought made him shiver and his
stomach churn.
Still, it was only a matter of seconds before Mikoto appeared by the porch, her
eyes worrisome.
"What's wrong?" she asked, her small and nimble feet quickly carrying her over
to them, bending down to caress Sasuke. Her worrisome eyes quickly changed to
something more stern, something that Itachi confused with disappointment and
anger.
"I told you not to feed the cat," she scolded, Itachi lowering his head in
shame, Sasuke's crying still even. He wasn't disobedient on purpose, he just
knew how much Sasuke wanted to get close to that cat.
"I'm sorry," he confessed, having nothing else to say. Apparently the honesty
pleased Mikoto, her eyes softening and sending a smile directed at Itachi. She
picked up Sasuke, his crying dying down to small hiccups.
"Promise me this was the last time," Mikoto asked of them, and Itachi could
only nod as he followed them inside. They met Fugaku's questioning look on
their way to the bathroom, but nothing verbal was shared between them.
"Now let's see," his mother said in her calamity, putting Sasuke down on the
toilet seat. Itachi followed, still feeling incredibly guilty. She presumed to
clean the wounds, adding bandages despite very vocal protests by Sasuke, but as
she kissed it better he was healed as if by magic.
"I didn't mean to," he later confessed to Mikoto, trying to get rid of the
guilt he kept feeling.
"Don't worry about it," Mikoto reassured with a smile, but Itachi wasn't
relieved until Sasuke suddenly felt calm enough to speak again.
"Cats are meanies," he told them.
 
      Itachi's legs swung back and forth as he sat by the edge of Sasuke's bed,
already dressed for the night, while Mikoto was tucking Sasuke in. Itachi was
lost in thought, thinking of how Sasuke should learn to go to bed without his
brother with him all the time. Especially that he heard earlier how difficult
the evening ritual had become when Itachi was away on his mission.
Sasuke kept whining about the bandages, Mikoto trying to hush him, and Itachi
knew he wouldn't be going to sleep in a long time. Not with Sasuke this
impatient and restless. However, the fact wasn't bothering him as much as he
thought it would have.
He looked through the window, rays of sunlight illuminating the red autumn
leaves.
He listened to Sasuke bicker and Mikoto trying to soothe him, and Itachi smiled
for himself.
Their peaceful moment was disrupted by some noise coming from further in their
house. The sound that seemed to out of place had Itachi reacting immediately,
his nerves still jumpy from that mission.
He tried to push himself off the bed to go look at what had happened, but
Mikoto's hand stilled him. He sunk back on the bed, feeling real worry for the
first time, a small seed growing in the pit of his stomach.
"You wait here, I'll go look," she smiled at him reassuringly, and Itachi
couldn't do anything but nod, fists clenching the fabric of the sheets and legs
stilling. He dared not look away from the doorway, trying to keep his senses on
edge, to be prepared for anything.
His mother was a warming and soothing force, but even he could tell something
was off.
"What was that, nii-san?" Sasuke asked, his voice quieter than normal.
"I don't know," Itachi truthfully answered, hoping it wasn't anything bad.
Still, the more time he waited, the more it felt like it wasn't promising. He
couldn't seem to shut his brain off, shifting on the bed as he couldn't do more
but wait.
And when his mother returned, all warmth and smile gone, the seed of worry
sprouted.
"Get up," she whispered hurriedly, and Itachi was on his feet immediately. She
almost lifted Sasuke out of the bed, ushering them both further away from the
bed and to the nearest closet. She opened it almost clumsily, something
completely alien to Itachi, and he tried to grasp what was going on and figure
something out.
Something, he should be able to figure out something.
Still, he was frozen to the spot, his mother getting down to her knees, pushing
them both into the crammed closet, clothes draping them like shadows, making
Itachi's skin crawl.
"Itachi, remember what we talked about?" she asked him, and Itachi's mind was
wiped blank, adrenaline rushing through him and numbing out everything. He
nodded, swallowing nervously. He could see the distress in her eyes.
He tried to fight the panic rising in his chest, slowly transforming into fear.
"Don't make any sound, do not come out no matter what," she said, her voice no
longer calm. He blinked, nodding and grabbed hold of Sasuke who was uncertain,
quiet. He wanted to say something, ask her, he even tried to think of
something, anything coherent at all.
But before he could even register their position, his mother's clammy, cold
hands grabbed hold of his cheeks, placing hurried kisses on his forehead,
repeating the action to Sasuke.
"I love you," she said, giving no time for Itachi to answer as the closet door
was shut, the last warm rays of light dying, leaving Itachi in the darkness
with the shaky body of Sasuke.
He could hear himself breathe, as well as Sasuke. His hand clamped over
Sasuke's mouth, the warm and moist air hitting his skin. It was almost
unbearably quiet, and he tried to still his beating heart and racing thoughts.
He had to pull courage from somewhere, he was a genin, he'd have to be brave
before.
But he wasn't fooling himself, especially not when he heard unfamiliar voices
in the room with his mother. They were too distorted to comprehend, but that
only made his anxiety rise like a wave.
And then it was quiet. So quiet that Itachi wanted to weep, but ended up
gasping lungfuls of air. Sasuke started to whimper by this point, and Itachi
pulled him closer to himself.
"Let's play a game," Itachi suggested with fear poisoning his voice, finally
understanding the gravity of the situation, remembering the talk Mikoto had
asked him to. "Let's see who can be quiet the longest, ok?"
Sasuke never answered, and Itachi felt himself calm slightly. Still, he had to
keep sucking in hushed breaths, trying to still his thoughts that were raging
like a stormy sea. He felt so helpless, so guilty.
At some point, they both slid down soundlessly, things poking at their sides
uncomfortably.
And his spinning mind then turned blank, and it scared Itachi to no end. He was
the clan prodigy, they were all so proud of him, and now he was hiding in a
closet when danger loomed.
He wept.
At some point, Sasuke fell asleep in his arms, and Itachi's body ached, every
breath hurt, his chest constricted and tight.
He could see all kinds of scenarios in front of him, what had happened to his
parents, what would have happened if he was brave, what might happen to Sasuke.
And then, his mind lulled itself by chanting mantras, finding promises to make,
to feel less weak.
Keep Sasuke safe, keep Sasuke safe, keep Sasuke safe..
And then came the thoughts of what could have been done to prevent this, to
find a reason why this would happen to him.
It was that cat's fault, everything was that cat's fault. They shouldn't have
fed him, if Itachi had been obedient they wouldn't be here.
His train of thoughts were suddenly broken, his dulled senses awakened by
footsteps. He could feel the breath catching in his throat, his heart racing so
fast he thought it would stop any moment.
Now was the moment he had dreaded, and he activated his sharingan. He'd keep
Sasuke safe, no matter what. And this time, he purposefully emptied and numbed
his mind, and his emotions, ready for whatever was awaiting him.
But when the dreaded moment happened, the light that reached his eyes
momentarily blinded him, sending him covering further back in the impossibly
tight closet, frozen to the spot.
Why is he so afraid, so weak?
Sasuke woke up, startled, and he was no longer quiet.
"I found them!" Itachi could hear the male shout, sounding so distant even
though he was hovering over them. The voice wasn't malicious at all, not what
Itachi had expected, and as his eyes adjusted he noticed the jounin apparel.
They weren't enemies, but they weren't their parents either.
 
      Shisui was running through the house, footsteps barely audible to him as
his heart was beating furiously and blocking out any other sound, even if the
crowd filled house was eerily quiet. The house he knew so well seemed almost
hostile, unfamiliar.
This didn't have to happen. This wasn't allowed to happen, not to small
children. Especially not to someone innocent and pure as Itachi.
Immediately as the news reached him, being awoken in the middle of the night,
he'd made it his top priority to reach the estate as quickly as possible.
However, it was apparent that there was nothing to be done when he arrived. He
had only had so little time to glance at the scene in front of him. The bodies
littered the floor in the kitchen, barely illuminated by the moon. It smelled
foul, pungent.
He knew though, that the dead could wait. He had to find Itachi and Sasuke, he
had to know if they were alive.
Reaching the room where he heard they had found the children, he almost knocked
over a small body that so gracefully tried to slither around him, but he was
faster and caught Itachi's squirming and protesting lithe body in his arms.
"Let go of me!" the boy demanded, Shisui not moving a muscle. His eyes scanned
the crowded room, quickly finding Sasuke moving along the walls of the room,
obviously distressed by the atmosphere and amount of strangers.
"Let me go!" came the second demand, his voice shattered and hurt, legs
furiously kicking but Shisui felt the small tremors running through the body.
He was relieved they seemed unhurt. But even if the relief was there, it was
tainted. He remembered his parents' death, and he remember well how that pain
was more unbearable than anything physical.
"You don't want to see this," Shisui sighed, walking further inside the room to
emphasize that he wasn't letting Itachi out of the room any moment soon.
Letting go of the boy, he saw Sasuke quickly approach to seek comfort from
behind Itachi, hiding behind him. Itachi's fists were clenched and he was
shaking more by now. The anger in his eyes shifted to something absent, glossy
and distant.
Shisui hadn't yet calmed down either, the shock still clouding his mind to
think of any coherent plans but to wait for a new order and make sure Itachi
wouldn't escape to go find his parents, knowing that Sasuke would follow as
well. The scene was something he had to protect them from, the impact it'd have
would be too much for Itachi to handle.
"Tell me," the shaky voice brought Shisui back to the present, his eyes
flickering down to the sharingan glaring at him.
"What is there to tell?" Shisui asked, watching that usually composed face
scrunch up in emotions Shisui found hard to read.
It reminded Shisui of his initial thoughts, why someone like Itachi would have
to endure this.
"Why did they die!?" he yelled, Sasuke visibly flinching, pressing his face
into Itachi's back.
Shisui was quiet for a while. He was clueless about how to approach Itachi,
what Itachi needed right now, and what Itachi actually was asking.
"I don't know," he admitted truthfully though, and even if he knew that Itachi
wasn't satisfied with an answer like that, he knew Itachi understood the
situation.
Silence filled the room. Shisui could hear people shuffling about in other
parts of the house, but no words were spoken. There was nothing to be said in a
situation like this, almost as if saying anything would be a crime to be
punished for.
Time seemed to pass with them just standing there, looking at each other.
Even though Shisui's heartbeat finally calmed down, the sickening feeling in
his stomach was growing by every minute.
Irregular pants of breath hit and stroked his skin as he finally tried to
embrace the boys. Their bodies were tense and fragile, Sasuke covering, and
Itachi not returning the hug.
It was awkward, but Shisui didn't pull back. He knew Itachi was careful about
physical contact, but he didn't see why Itachi would be hurt by it in a moment
like this.
He held them until two Anbu came to fetch them to the hospital, to keep them
somewhere until this mess was sorted out.
They were lead out carefully, leaving without any words, without any energy.
And Shisui was left standing with his thoughts, wanting to move but finding
himself unable to.
 
Chapter End Notes
     there will be no sexual activities until the participants are at
     least 16, since that is the age of consent here. however, I tagged it
     as underage since the age of consent differs in countries and some
     may be uncomfortable with this.
***** Chapter 2 *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
Shisui watched the boys sleep soundlessly, through his own tired eyes. He felt
almost awful, watching them sleep so peacefully, their bodies pale and worn, as
if they were mere corpses.
It was all Shisui could think of after what had happened.
He just reached the hospital, being exhausted beyond his limits. He'd been
sorting out this mess ever since it happened, knowing that whatever came after
was always the worst. His head spun lightly as he entered the tiny room where
rays of sunlight shone through the curtains. That added to Shisui's anxiety,
how the usually alert boy didn't even stir in broad daylight as someone entered
their room.
Shisui felt the heartache numb his body as he thought of what horrors Itachi
went through to end up like this.
To the right there were two beds, one which was unoccupied, presumably Sasuke's
who was by now curled up next to his brother. Shisui approached the bed in
silence, placing down his belongings next to the foot of it, and lied down on
his back. He stared at the ceiling, deciding to give some time to organize his
thoughts instead of waking the boys. They needed rest, and Shisui hadn't have
time to think anything through, knowing he'd be required to any moment now.
He felt incredibly indecisive when it came to what actions he should take. He
knew he'd have to keep his head cool no matter what, because the consequences
of mistakes and bad decisions would demand a hefty price to be paid. Roused
feelings shouldn't blind him, nor should his spiritual needs. He needed to keep
his thoughts clear to help the boys with whatever he could.
And he really wanted to give the boys everything, but he was rather confused as
to what everything meant.
But at the same time, he was well aware of the fact that something more
sinister was going on, that needed attention. The execution had been clear,
even though Fugaku and Mikoto were skilled ninja, and above that a whole
village filled with skilled ninja had let the happenings go unnoticed.
Shisui was scared that if he didn't take any action someone else would be next,
or he, or the worst of them all, Itachi and Sasuke.
He quickly pushed that thought back to whatever void it surfaced from, feeling
his whole being shaking, stomach twisting and churning. He tried to calm
himself with the thought that if Itachi and Sasuke had been targeted, the
circumstances would have been very different from what they are now. It was
clear they weren't involved.
But Shisui also knew that that didn't mean they never would be.
He emptied his mind for a moment, staring at the mint green colours of the
hospital walls, the colour disgusting and nauseating. He was aware they were
supposed to lighten the mood, but by now everyone associated these colours with
hospitals. It, and the smell accompanied that stung in his nostrils, made him
wish that he'd never have to be here again.
Besides the obvious thought of no one getting hurt, of course.
Shisui's thoughts drifted back to the Uchiha compound, which he'd noticed
become rather hostile this morning. The negative energy seemed to latch onto
everyone like a foul smell, and it was almost frightening walking down the
streets. It was like a cornered animal, hissing and ready to lash out at the
next one to approach.
Even if it was so quiet it felt unreal.
However, many were calm, asking after the boys and seemingly worried for them.
Even auntie had given him a basket of fruit to bring to the boys, which was now
placed by the bed.
But the rest of them seemed to have forgotten about the boys. The distrust
blazed like fire, the thoughts of Itachi and Sasuke somewhere lost in there,
and he could feeling it only growing as the rest of the village didn't try to
extinguish it.
Wherever he went in the compound, in the midst of the silence he could hear all
kinds of accusations, words of revenge, demanding justice, truth - even if it
may not be the truth they wish for.
Everyone seemed to have come to an agreement in such a short notice that Danzo
was behind it all. And Shisui felt shameful that he agreed, even if it was only
to some degree. He wasn't ready to point fingers just yet, but somewhere in him
he couldn't find any reason to try and defend the old man.
Not after the old man had been so open about his suspicions of the Uchiha, and
even Shisui's bones shivered as he recalled the interactions he'd had with the
council earlier.
They'd been reluctant to do much to help the boys. They'd even called off all
investigations, leaving it to the police force which was now trying to
rearrange itself after the loss of Fugaku.
Shisui felt angered as he remembered how they had done nothing to help him when
his parents had died in the war. He wondered where this village's true
intentions lied, not caring of the next generation that was inevitably the
village's future.
Even if Shisui had protested, they'd been bent on having Itachi bounce back to
missions immediately. Which felt ridiculous for Shisui. Luckily, he'd been even
more stubborn, and demanded that they found a replacement for Itachi. And he'd
convinced them to do so, even if he'd only upped his amount of work in the end.
And he felt stupid for leaving even less time to be there for Itachi and
Sasuke. He'd been mostly alone when his parents died, and even if the support
of his clan and little Itachi had been there, he never had that someone. He
truly wished he could be that someone for those two, that rock that would keep
them at bay.
He sighed, eyes shifting to watch the objects of his thoughts, that he just
couldn't rid off, feeling so relieved that they were there, unharmed.
There was going to be a clan assembly later, and Shisui was really fearful. He
knew it'd be a big commotion, and chaotic. He'd definitely have to go, to see
whatever they'd decide, knowing no matter what it'd affect him and the boys
greatly.
The situation was so incredibly fragile.
He really wished they wouldn't do anything foolish.
 
      Shisui's whole body jerked in distress as he aggressively was pulled out
of sleep, the stress from earlier making him almost positive that he was under
attack. He took a sharp intake of breath and shot his eyes open, sighing out of
relief as he watched the tiny body bounce on the bed. "Shisui-nii!"
"Kami, don't scare me like that, Sasuke," Shisui breathed out, rubbing his
temples in attempt to make the tension in his body disappear. Meanwhile he
closed his eyes, trying to get his racing heart to calm down.
He was never supposed to fall asleep, but apparently he failed, greatly.
Still, perhaps rest was good for him as well.
Opening his eyes again, his gaze flew over to Itachi who by now also was awake.
He was resting his back against the headboard, hands in his lap. However, his
eyes looked tired, unfocused. Shisui chewed his lip in concern, until his
focused returned to Sasuke who climbed on top of Shisui, straddling his chest.
"Last night we played a fun game. Can we play it? Nii-san told me some other
time, but he always says that..." Sasuke pouted, eyes like saucers as he rocked
to the sides, squeezing the breath out of Shisui. Well, if the weight hadn't,
the words definitely would have. Shisui's eyes nervously flickered over to
Itachi, the boy now more distant than ever.
"Sasuke, we don't play in hospitals.." was all Shisui could think of saying, in
this short notice, trying to spare the feelings of the both boys.
"Why are we in the hospital? No one is bleeding," Sasuke asked, the child
definitely bringing out a tired smile of Shisui.
"You don't have to bleed to be hurt," he explained, ruffling Sasuke's already
messy hair.
"Are you hurt, Shisui-nii?" Sasuke asked with as much concern that little child
could muster.
"No," he smiled.
"Who then?" Sasuke asked, not satisfied with Shisui's answer.
"Your brother," Shisui said after a moment of thought, not sure whether Itachi
would appreciate that answer. And sure enough, he felt that cold glare directed
at him. Sasuke seemed to ponder the answer for a while, before he gently slid
down the bed and padded over to Itachi, lifting the pyjama shirt up that he was
still wearing, carefully inspecting his brother.
Shisui chuckled, feeling his worry of Itachi dealing with this alone being
unnecessary. Sasuke was still a child, they both were, but that innocence
couldn't do anything else but warm your heart.
Sasuke didn't seem to find anything wrong with his brother, but he didn't ask
anything further regarding the matter, which was what Shisui wanted. However,
the questions kept coming.
"When are we going home?" he asked, earning a flinch from Itachi who slid down
to rest on his back again.
"I don't know," Shisui truthfully answered, and wondered how many times more
he'd have to resort to that. "You should rest for a little longer."
"I'm not tired!" came the now restless reply. Shisui decided he wouldn't even
bother. He'd have to try and deal with Itachi as well, make sure he'll be fine.
But first, he'd have to distract Sasuke.
"Sasuke, come here, look what auntie sent you," he offered, sitting upright on
the bed to bend down and pick up the basket of fruit. Sasuke curiously walked
over, rummaging through the contents.
"Give some to nii-san as well," Shisui smiled, and Sasuke soon carried some
apples over to Itachi's lap, placing them neatly down. Shisui could see how
wary Sasuke was around Itachi, as if he would break if you made a mistake, and
Shisui wondered how much more aware Sasuke was of the delicacy of the situation
than he gave him credit for.
Itachi politely thanked Sasuke but didn't make a move to eat the fruit. Shisui
was a bit concerned, but wondered if they'd already been given something to
eat. 
"Sasuke, look at what else I brought," Shisui offered, bending down to rummage
through his own belongings, bringing out a few of Sasuke's toys he'd picked up
earlier. He handed them over to Sasuke, who was by now beaming.
"Will you play with me, Shisui-nii?" he asked, hopeful, but Shisui shook his
head.
"No, you'll have to play with yourself," he said with console, amused at the
look Sasuke sent him.
"But you said I can't play in the hospital?" Sasuke came to ask, and Shisui was
forced to curse his own words.
"Well if you play nicely no one will know," Shisui whispered, and as he hoped,
Sasuke settled with that and started to play by himself, the noises of his
games filling the room, soothing the uneasy feeling silence imprinted on them.
"Itachi, how are you feeling?" Shisui finally brough himself to ask. He was
expecting Itachi to be quiet, or the common 'I'm fine', so he was surprised
when this time this wasn't the case.
"I don't want to talk about it," came the quiet reply, Shisui taken aback.
He felt relief though, that Itachi was admitting he wasn't ok.
"You know you can talk to me any time you like," Shisui promised.
"I know," came the distant reply, and Shisui almost doubted that Itachi knew,
but he let the boy decide the pace.
It was quiet for a while, between them, Shisui knowing not to try and incite
Itachi further, him being in a sensitive position.
"Did anyone visit?" Shisui came to ask, out of curiosity, but also wondering
whether people cared in general.
"Yeah," came the blunt reply.
"Like who?" Shisui asked, probing a bit further, looking intently at Itachi.
"Like my team. They left soon," he managed to answer, and Shisui nodded.
"Did they tell you that you got temporarily replaced?" Shisui asked, carefully,
receiving no immediate answer.
Shisui was no fool, he'd known Itachi long enough to pick up on the subtle
changes, even if Itachi was in a wrecked state right now. He could still tell
there was a new tension in the room.
"Yes... but.. why? I-.. I mean, I'm strong.. I can handle it," Itachi ranted,
and Shisui let him. However, only silence endued.
"This isn't about being strong, Itachi," Shisui sighed. "I know you are. But
this is about you giving actual time to heal your wounds, which I doubt you'd
do otherwise."
"I'm fine," there it came, the answer Shisui knew he'd have to hear sooner or
later. Oh you stubborn boy.
"Don't lie to yourself," Shisui warned. "Who would be ok after something like
that?"
He knew it was somewhat harsh, but the truth was something Itachi shouldn't try
to escape from. He got no answer.
“Itachi, I know you're hurting, and I know you want to stop hurting, but that's
not something you have the power to decide. All you can do is to give it time..
you know I'm here for you, right?”
“Right,” he heard the answer, the poison in the voice not going unnoticed.
It once again turned quiet, and Shisui knew he shouldn't press Itachi to talk
about it. However, he feared that Itachi never would want to, and he really
hoped that wasn't the case.
"Come here," he said after a while, extending his eyes. Itachi eyed him warily,
and Shisui waited with patience. Then, slowly, Itachi removed the apples from
his lap and got up from his bed to join Shisui, carefully letting Shisui
manoeuvre him into a hug.
Shisui stroked Itachi's silky hair, the other hand resting on his lower back,
trying to somehow wash the pain off him. He could feel Itachi being tense, he
could hear him sigh in attempt to release frustration.
They both leaned back down on the bed, Itachi's head resting on Shisui's chest.
The moment was blissful, he could hear and feel Itachi calmly breathe, and
watched those eyes close through his own lidded ones. He could feel the need to
be protective return, even if there was no outright threat anymore.
He was almost going to fall asleep until he felt some uneasy feeling creep up
his spine, and he quickly opened his eyes to see whether it was his own mind
playing tricks on him.
He quickly spotted the factor, the tiny brat hiding behind the bed, eyes
smirking devilishly from where he could see them. Now that the boy's cover was
blown, he pounced onto the bed, the whole thing creaking terribly as he buried
himself under Shisui's arms, making Shisui feel warm to the core.
It was great being brothers, Shisui mused to himself. He wanted to be jealous,
but couldn't bring himself to think anything like that about his most important
people. And like that, he cuddled them both, knowing the moment would be short-
lived before he'd have to leave again, if not for anything else, the clan
assembly would definitely demand his presence.
 
Chapter End Notes
     thank you for your feedback! it helps and inspires me :)
     (damn this chapter felt a bit too sappy for my liking, but oh well)
***** Chapter 3 *****
Chapter Notes
     updates will be few and far between now, since life is busy ..
     however, life wont be busy forever!
     and on a sidenote, for those who are wondering, Sasuke will get POVs
     later on, and you'll get your Naruto as well by then ;)
See the end of the chapter for more notes
As Shisui predicted, the assembly was nothing but chaos.
Without a person with the position of a clan leader, without Fugaku, there had
been no one to actually keep the horde of people under control. Topics were
brought up and discarded, on repeat, and almost no decisions were made.
There had been discussions about choosing a new clan leader - but there was an
immediate lack of promising candidates, so the discussion was abandoned. There
had been heated arguments about their clan's position, how to secure it, who to
trust and what to make of all the hassle that had taken place. However, the
lack of any plans, and the lack of detail of the few they had, as well as
disagreements left them all scattered.
Even Shisui had been thrown into the spotlight countless times, having to
refuse tasks that he was given, receiving glares from fanatic clansmen.
Being the renowned Uchiha, they wanted Shisui to do dangerous tasks, for the
sake of the clan. And not only would those ridiculous requests be a danger for
him, but for the clan as well, and most importantly, for those two boys he so
didn't want to leave alone.
One of those missions would include prying into Danzo's life and spying on him.
And there wasn't even anything connecting him to the crime.
He knew they hadn't made any open decisions at the assembly, but he was still
aware that someone would take on the task, and he sure hoped the fool wouldn't
bring more trouble onto them all.
One decision that they were able to make was, however, what to do with the two
boys. Shisui had been wondering when these clan loving people would bring this
topic up, which somehow felt like the most important topic for Shisui, and he
felt relieved as they did.
And without a thought he'd agreed to take on custody, even as far as doing
paperwork in the Hokage's tower, even though the village almost didn't have any
organization at all when it came to things non-ninja.
Perhaps a decision that should have been put more thought into. But Shisui, now
that he had the chance to mull it over, would still agree.
Maybe less enthusiastically, he was aware, now that he faced another hard
decision.
Staring into his parents' dusty, untouched room, he found himself unable to
move.
His house wasn't exactly small, but it wasn't spacy either. A kitchen to the
right of the entrance, and a small hallway to the right, containing four rooms,
two of which included bedrooms, and then a bathroom and a family room. He knew
one room needed to be emptied to give the boys some space and privacy. And that
room had to be his parents'. After all, he couldn't cram them in his own tiny
room and explain why they couldn't move into his parents' room, while still
trying to help them overcome their parents' deaths.
It just didn't seem convincing. Besides, it had been over five years ago.
He couldn't even wait with doing the deed, as his friends were helping, going
through Fugaku's belongings, bringing whatever they thought necessary over.
So he sucked in a deep breath of air, fists balled as he gathered courage and
fought the feeling of betrayal, grabbing the first small, movable piece of
furniture. It was a drawer, tarnished and coated in dust, trying to make it
budge. It wasn't heavy, but his arms felt like lead.
He couldn't just throw it out without looking through the contents, right?
The dead don't need items, he told himself. He didn't think his own words would
hurt so bad.
Just as he gathered strength to move it, his own will betrayed him, letting his
emotions get the better of him. He was quickly rummaging through the contents,
frantically, his realization frightening him.
Why have I been afraid to throw away clothes?
Oh yeah, because throwing away items that reminded him of his parents felt like
throwing away all memories. As if their legacy was thrown away like an old,
used rag.
It was a terrible feeling, knowing that five years had passed and he still felt
stupid and immature and helpless like this. But it was worse, knowing that he
wouldn't feel like this if he perhaps had dealt with it earlier, or even
thought of it.
Instead, he left the room untouched, clouds of dust stirring to life as he
disturbed its sleep.
He couldn't do more than bitterly chuckle to himself. It was all he could do
because now he found no time to think anymore through. He could do it later,
together with Itachi.
That thought didn't make the pain go away, but he found strength to finally
carry out the small drawer.
To think that this material had almost owned him, yet he had done nothing with
it all these years, nor had his parents needed it for anything. It was only
time he got rid of it.
Perhaps change hurt, but the worst change had already happened. Maybe he felt
like he still had power over the situation, to prevent change, but he had only
been fooling himself.
So without much more thought, his friends returned and they emptied the room
together, sparing a few items that Shisui felt he had the right to still cling
to, and they proceeded to clean it out before getting the rest of the items.
A sparse amount it was, some necessary furniture like their tiny beds, some
clothes, Itachi's ninja equipment and Sasuke's toys, as well as other everyday
items and some things they might want to save, like Shisui had of his parents.
But the room felt now hollow, and empty, terribly empty.
Shisui hoped it would feel more light when the boys were here.
By the time he was done, it was dark outside. He wanted to go get the boys, but
he knew that if he woke up a sleeping Sasuke the boy would never get back to
bed.
So Shisui made the decision to go to see them in the morning, but as he was
woken up in the middle of the night, seeing them would have to wait. Leaving in
the middle of the night, he regretted leaving without a word. But if he
couldn't protect the village then, who would protect the boys?
 
    Itachi pretended to sleep as he finally heard the nurse slowly approach
their room. He'd been doing this all morning, closing his eyes and trying to
relax when he heard the clicking of heels or the sound of wheels move around in
the hallways. 
He knew well enough that when you were in a hospital, they would not only
listen to what you'd say, they'd monitor everything. And him not sleeping would
only worry the nurses more than necessary, more than Itachi would want. And
sitting wide awake, tapping his fingers against the metal frame this early in
the morning wouldn't seem convincing.
It would have probably gone better if Itachi would have thought more through,
but the nurse pretended not to notice.
"Good morning," she wished them politely as she waited for Sasuke to fully wake
up, the boy squirming and groaning, rubbing his eyes in annoyance.
Itachi wondered how a morning person like Sasuke had suddenly turned into a
don't poke the bear kind of person. But so much had happened of recent, and the
thought was lost with the others.
"You may leave the hospital today," she announced, and Itachi could only stare.
Sasuke was quiet, trying to figure out the exact meaning of the words why
Itachi wondered why those words had been chosen in the first place.
Sasuke's morning grouchiness seemed to dissipate into thin air as the words
finally went home. Itachi's arms flailed with sudden protectiveness as the boy
came flying over to Itachi's bed, fear that he'd go head first into the hard
frame. However, Sasuke landed only with an oomph at Itachi, and Itachi felt
almost embarrassed that he couldn't predict the movement.
He should have, being the ninja he is.
"Nii-san, we're going home!" Sasuke beamed, being just as tired of being stuck
in the hospital as Itachi. Itachi did felt relief, he wanted to go home just as
much as Sasuke seemed to. But then again, he wasn't sure whether Sasuke knew
that their parents wouldn't be waiting for them.
It hurt Itachi, not only the mention of home, but how it would affect Sasuke,
He wanted to forget, or pretend it didn't happen. But Sasuke made it so hard,
needing Itachi to be strong for him. Itachi was tired of always being the
strong one, a role he'd had to take when he was far too young.
At least he had had other support back then. He still had, he knew. Shisui
would be there, even if Itachi was too afraid to ask-
"- your legal guardian, you'll be moving in with him," Itachi had been too lost
in thought to even notice the nurse was speaking, something he was scared to
notice, and even though he missed a part of what she had said, Itachi knew.
And Itachi continued to surprise himself, traits he didn't know he had, or ever
would have, surfaced.
His parents had taught him to be mannered and polite, but Itachi couldn't bring
himself to answer the nurse, glaring at her.
"And where is he?" Itachi asked, not even trying to hide the bitter turn his
voice had taken.
Who did Shisui think he was?
Is he trying to smother me? I don't need a babysitter. I don't need help.
Why isn't he here to tell me?
Maybe his anger was fear in disguise, fear of Shisui changing into Fugaku,
changing into someone else but Shisui, Itachi losing yet one more important to
him.
He's not my dad. He won't be my dad.
He needed Shisui for who he was.
"Sadly, Shisui-san had to leave for an important mission."
Itachi could feel his teeth clenching, Shisui not being there to prove his
plaguing thoughts wrong, Sasuke obliviously pulling away from Itachi. "Come on
nii-san, let's eat so we can go home."
They did, with Sasuke first waiting for Itachi to set an example, and ate
without further fuss as they ate the dry, tasteless hospital food. Neither of
them had the energy to complain, Sasuke in a hurry to go home while Itachi
didn't want to worry the nurses.
Itachi didn't need their help, nor Shisui's. He never asked for it.
At least Itachi was convinced he didn't.
 
      "Why are we at Shisui's, why can't we go home?" Sasuke asked Itachi, now
that the nurse had gone home and Sasuke's shyness with her. Itachi didn't
answer, the quiet of the house disturbing him to his core.
Everything was so quiet now, as if it was a crime to disrupt it, as if it
demanded to be.
Itachi stood at the doorway by their refurnished room, he supposed. He
recognized the items, with an ache for home, as Sasuke ran into him and stilled
with the same realization.
The room was almost starving, needing to be filled with something. But at least
it fit with the theme of everything else, cold and hollow and helping nothing
to warm the dull and grey of Itachi's heart.
So was the rest of Shisui's house, Itachi never having been there without the
presence of Shisui, and it felt so oddly out of place. And so felt their room,
Itachi not able to put a name on the emotion he was feeling.
Perhaps shame, that he had gotten frustrated at Shisui for only wanting to
help? Itachi swallowed as Sasuke was the first to go in the room to go examine
everything, trying to understand just what had happened.
But the shame didn't make the anger go away. Perhaps it was one stable emotion
that he could hold on to and mask the hurt he was feeling.
And even if Shisui had moved items to make it seem more like home, at least how
Itachi saw it, he wanted to go to his real home. Nothing would keep him from
going there, not even Shisui, or the nurses, not anyone.
"Come, let's go," Itachi told Sasuke, the little boy's eyes lighting up, before
scrunching in confusion but said nothing as he looked at their furniture. He
came running however, reaching out for Itachi's hand who gladly accepted it to
tug the little boy along.
But once they reached their home, Sasuke's enthusiasm died down.
Itachi felt it too.
It was just as cold as any other place. Foreign, not welcoming, not filled with
life as it used to be.
It wasn't as tidy as Mikoto always made sure it was. Things were missing or out
of place, and it was quiet like everything else. Itachi was frozen, trying to
make sense of this, letting Sasuke rush away from him in search of their
parents.
Was this torment never going to end?
He moved to the kitchen, and the white outlining of his parents' bodies had all
the blood cooling in seconds. His parents weren't there, but it somehow felt
like their corpses were littering the room still. Itachi couldn't tear his eyes
away, not even if he wanted to.
He would never forget it.
Itachi could hear Sasuke calling out after mom on the backyard, and he was
moving without thought to go get the lost boy.
Maybe if he had listened he wouldn't have brought this upon both of them.
"Sasuke," Itachi whispered, watching the confused boy straying. It didn't feel
like Sasuke, having the boy look so lost with eyes filled with pain and
confusion stare back at him.
"Let's go back."
He carried the boy home in silence, hoping that Shisui would be back. That
feeling of shame was back, and it was suffocating the anger away. And hurt and
shame was a mix of feelings Itachi never wanted to know again.
The house was just as empty as when they left, and Itachi felt some uncalled
for fear that Shisui might not come back.
Don't leave me.
"Hey, let's play, what should we play?" Sasuke asked out of the sudden, as if
they hadn't been at their home, which wasn't home anymore, as if the questions
of why they were here, didn't matter anymore. He was tugging on Itachi's
sleeve, trying to get him to follow, but Itachi only poked his brother's
forehead and Sasuke scrunched up his face, like he always did, because he knew
what came after.
"Sorry Sasuke, some other time."
"But you don't even have anything to do."
Itachi didn't have anything to reply. It was true, but he didn't feel like
playing nevertheless. He felt tension, anxiety, that needed to be worked
through, to vent, and not by playing. He wondered how Shisui would do, in this
situation. Covering trees in shuriken? Itachi knew people dealt with
frustration like that, but Itachi didn't see it solving anything.
However, he followed Sasuke to their new room, wondering in jealousy how Sasuke
could be so happy.
Did he not hurt? Or miss their parents?
Itachi gave Sasuke a pen and some paper, and lied down to think things through.
He didn't though, as he finally fell asleep.
It was short though, Sasuke looming over him. "Itachi?"
"Otouto?" Itachi asked, pushing the boy off him.
"I'm hungry."
"Oh.." was all that Itachi could reply, now that it was mentioned he could feel
how much his own stomach hurt. He pushed himself off the bed, finding no other
solution than to go look what Shisui held in his fridge, his eyes however
catching the sight of papers spread all over the floor.
He couldn't mistake what was drawn onto them.
That goddamn cat that Itachi was sure was at fault. He was quickly gathering
the drawings, by mistake scrunching them up but not noticing, turning blank
page upside as he put them away.
Sasuke stood behind him, awaiting praise and feeling hurt as Itachi so messily
handled his work. Itachi didn't say a thing, padding over to the kitchen.
The fridge didn't hold any ready made food. Only ingredients Itachi couldn't
handle, and for the first time he felt deep inside him that perhaps he needed
Shisui's help after all. Nothing he would yet admit, though.
He had no other choice but to borrow some money from where he knew Shisui kept
it, and go out to get them some cheap food to eat.
And by the end of the day, Itachi found himself with Sasuke in Shisui's bed,
the scent of the older one comforting, and the room not being as out of place
as theirs.
Sasuke was sleeping deeply, but Itachi was once again snared in his thoughts.
He needed Shisui. Or as he wanted to say, he didn't need his help, but he
wanted his help. He wanted it so bad.
He was a ninja, he told himself, but not even Shisui's bed was enough to wash
away the uneasy in Itachi, shadows of trees towering over them in the moonlit
room.
He was scared.
Chapter End Notes
     alright, chapter feels roughly unfinished but I needed an update
     nevertheless xD hope it was alright anyway.
***** Chapter 4 *****
Chapter Notes
     alright, been busy! sorry for the long wait! the chapter was a bit
     tricky to write as well, hopefully it isn't too hectic xD and thanks
     for the feedback!
The mission hadn't gone too well.
They'd been sloppy, and Shisui cursed his luck. Luckily there hadn't been too
grave an injury, but one member would still have to spend some time at the
hospital.
Which meant even more trouble for Shisui, having to get accustomed to a
substitute. It always brought difficulty, trying to get the team work going
smooth when anyone new was introduced.
But it couldn't be helped, could it?
He was almost sleep walking back to his house, seeing nothing but his sweet,
soft bed, wanting nothing more.
He wasn't even sure when he'd had a full night's sleep the last time. Over a
week ago, definitely.
And oh yeah, he had completely forgotten the two boys, something he almost had
an heart attack over when he entered his house.
"Shisui-nii!"
Shisui was sure his head was going to explode.
"Hey you two," he smiled, not a very genuine smile but a smile nonetheless,
while picking up the fast growing kid in his arms. When had Sasuke become this
heavy? Or was Shisui turning into the weakest ninja in this village.
"Did you fight a lot of bad guys?" Sasuke asked, eyes shining bright with
something Shisui was sure looked like awe.
"Yeah," Shisui mustered, not feeling like trying to explain more. If things
only were black and white like that, bad and good. Never the truth, however.
"How have you been doing? I'm sorry I couldn't be here," Shisui sighed, letting
down Sasuke and watching Itachi who was apparently busy with something by the
kitchen table.
"We've been staying here," Sasuke answered, jogging up to Itachi.
"Yeah?" Shisui answered, trying to pretend he was listening to all the
"adventures" Sasuke apparently had gotten into.
While he gave short answers to keep Sasuke satisfied, he removed the
uncomfortable apparel, really craving that sleep.
"What have you two been eating?" Shisui asked, the thought of having to feed
them not ever having crossed his mind, but watching Itachi go about in the
kitchen somewhat made him realize it. And worry.
Watching Itachi trying to slice some apples made Shisui's own stomach growl. He
approached the fridge, rummaging through it in hopes of finding anything to
eat.
"I borrowed some money," Itachi said, finally saying something as well.
"Borrow?" Shisui blinked, "no, you don't have to pay me back... so, are you
hungry?" Shisui asked, frowning as he realized that the only thing he had in
his fridge that he actually had the energy to prepare was old leftover tempura.
"I have some tempura," he offered, but he saw Itachi's frown and couldn't help
but sigh. "Let me guess, one of you doesn't like it?"
Sasuke nodded.
Of course he doesn't.
Shisui pulled out the meat anyway, and judging by Itachi's look, he was either
very confused or hurt.
"Listen, I'm too tired to cook right now," he muttered while adjusting the oven
to heat his own food. He fished out some money and lightly slammed it on the
counter. "I suppose you can treat yourself to something you like. I'll cook for
you later.." Shisui mumbled, wondered if he has to keep a list of what those
two eat and don't eat.
Shisui felt the hesitation radiate from Itachi, who didn't even move a muscle
to take the money.
"Itachi, I'm really, really tired. Don't be difficult now," he growled, rubbing
his temple. He'd speak to Itachi later, later when he'd slept for gods know who
long and will finally be able think straight again.
He received the glare he expected, but what he didn't expect was that Itachi
left in silence.
He heated his meat, hurriedly chunking it down once it was ready, knowing he
should take his time to eat it properly but the bed was calling for him like an
impatient lover.
And as he hurried to his bedroom, and undressed, he noticed his bed was messy.
And he wasn't certain in the haze of exhaustion, but he still thought he had
made it before he left. And he spun around, peering through to the room he had
prepared for Itachi and Sasuke, and noticed it was untouched.
Weird, he thought silently to himself before straightening the covers and
wrapping himself up in them, finally, finally getting his sleep.
 
      Itachi kicked rocks that crossed his path, fuming silently to himself as
they went down the road. In one hand he held Sasuke's, which kept tugging as
the boy demanded Itachi's attention, while in the other he held a bag of fine,
sweet dango which he couldn't help but wait to get his hands on when they got
back...
... he almost called it home, but he'd be damned if he did.
They had treated themselves with some shabu-shabu, but the amount of money
Shisui had carelessly given them was more than enough for that. On any given
day, Itachi would have politely returned the excess money, but today was not
one of those days. Instead, he spent it all.
Who was there to tell anyway whose money he could or couldn't spend, and no one
was going to tell him not to have sweets.
Shisui didn't even seem to care anyway, not if his actions earlier was anything
to go by. And Itachi was dreadful to admit, that perhaps that part of his brain
that he wanted to shut up, was right all along.
Shisui was changing.
Shisui has become distant.
Itachi was aware though that their meeting had been brief, and was sure hopeful
that the old Shisui would be waiting for him when they got back.
"Nii-san, you're not listening again!" Sasuke pouted, and Itachi halted, aiming
for Sasuke's forehead once again. The boy blushed, could it be in
disappointment or anger, before Itachi flashed him a smile. "Sorry Sasuke, some
other time."
They finally reached Shisui's place, with a muttering Sasuke, and Itachi called
out to let him know they were back.
No reply, if you didn't count snoring, and Itachi couldn't help but feel as
disappointed as Sasuke seemed earlier.
Itachi thanked whatever force that had made him buy those dango. And once he
had distanced himself from the ever persistent Sasuke, he was finally left
alone with them.
 
      Shisui was tired. But apparently not tired enough to sleep through the
noise Sasuke was making.
Was he arguing with Itachi, or just playing by himself?
No, Sasuke was usually quiet if left by himself.
Shisui wondered why on earth he was analysing Sasuke's behaviour instead of
sleeping. His eyelids felt too heavy to be opened, and his limbs like stones.
Yet, he lied there, not able to catch more sleep.
And before long, Sasuke finally quietened, but Shisui found something else to
irritate himself on.
For how long had that meat been in his fridge?
He thought he was imagining his bowels move, and a wrenching feeling in his
gut.
But suddenly the bed dipped, and he was convinced he wasn't imagining anything.
The bile was rushing through his chest just as quick as he was rushing to the
bathroom, awkwardly pushing Sasuke who had climbed onto the bed away.
"Shisui!" the boy awkwardly squawked, and the noise sent a wave of nausea
through Shisui's body.
"Quiet!" he hissed before thinking, or rather before the content of his stomach
made a not so wished for entrance.
He scrambled to the bathroom, emptying his stomach, just in time reaching the
toilet. It took a lot of time for his retching to subdue, and once it had he
felt a huge headache creep up.
This was not how he had planned spending his day.
Kids were fun when you met them occasionally, and at the right time.
This was not the right time.
It was the first day they were staying at his house, and Shisui was already
sure he's never getting kids of his own.
He rinsed his mouth, stumbling back out of the bathroom to go fetch himself a
glass of water, and seeing Itachi munching down on some dango, empty sticks
littering the floor around him.
Had this become a madhouse?
"Itachi?" Shisui asked, staring at Itachi as if he were a ghost, "what are you
doing?"
The boy's eyebrow rose, but Shisui got no reply.
"How many have you had?" Shisui asked, and received no reply. He was losing his
patience, no screw that, he lost it a while ago.
"Itachi, stop that! You think that's good for you?" he hissed, wondering
whether Itachi would be the one hunched over the toilet this time. Or, even
worse, turn obese if it became a common practice.
"Who are you to tell me what to do? My dad?" Itachi spat, and Shisui was
counting to ten. And ignoring the sharp stab of pain in his chest.
"So now that your parents are gone you can do whatever you like!? What do you
think they'll think of you, disrespecting them?" he snapped, and it didn't take
him long to regret it when Itachi's defying look turned into something wrenched
by pain.
Shisui opened his mouth to say something, but something tugged on his shirt and
he forgot what he was about to say.
Sasuke looked just as hurt as Itachi, either from earlier or from hearing
Shisui yell. Whatever it was, Shisui felt extremely guilty.
Who would even want to be a parent?
"I'm sorry I yelled, I just feel really sick, ok?" he flashed a smile at the
boy, squatting down to his level and patting his head.
"I'll make it up to you later, I need to sleep now," he said, getting up to
leave to the bed, but he felt a chakra signature approach fast and he knew that
the bed would have to wait, again.
"Shisui-san, Danzou-sama requests your presence," the ROOT member announced,
and Shisui cursed his life as he reluctantly left the brooding boys once again.
What a mess. Would he ever get to sleep?
 
     "For how long will you keep that Itachi of yours off missions?"
Geez, he summoned me all for that?
"I'm not sure, Danzou-sama," Shisui answered honestly, and couldn't help but
feel a bit worried to where this conversation was heading.
"Is he training?" Danzou asked, and Shisui fought rolling his eyes.
"It's only been a few days. Leave him be."
"Shisui. This is a ninja village. If we treated every ninja like that special
Itachi, we'd be corrupt in no time."
Cut the crap already.
"Why did you summon me?" Shisui asked, wanting to be gone.
"What was decided during the clan assembly?"
Why me?
Shisui could only think of his own bed.
"Nothing," he answered, plainly but truthfully. But the look he received and
the experience he had from before told him that Danzou wasn't satisfied with
it. "No unity was reached."
"No new clan leader?" Danzou asked, and Shisui would give anything for that old
man to retire, or die from old age, or anything.
"No."
"Very well.. what else?" Danzou continued to pry, and Shisui couldn't help but
his foot to slide in an irritated manner, signalling how much he didn't want to
be here.
"A few accuse you of murder. Most think Konoha is being unjust. A coup d'etat
wasn't discussed openly but I think some are considering it."
Please let me go now.
"And what do you think. Of whether I'm involved or not."
Shisui let himself hesitate perhaps a bit too long.
"I think it's too soon to suspect you of anything," he answered, and hoped he
was polite enough.
"Hm.. you are well aware of the fact that I don't trust you Uchihas. However, I
know you're willing to listen to reason. And I trust you know what's best for
the village."
"Yes," Shisui nodded, wondering where on earth this conversation was heading.
"The moment you attack me, a member of the council, you declare yourselves
enemies of Konoha, and will be annihilated accordingly."
Shisui nodded, it might be true. Or not. The Uchiha were feared for some
reasons, perhaps they'd be victorious. But they needed Konoha.
"Shisui.. I want you to take the position of the new clan leader."
Shisui blinked. He hadn't been expecting this, and he somehow felt like he
wasn't getting his bed any time soon.
"I refuse," he harshly bit, and earned a dirty look from that old geezer.
"Why?"
"I don't want part in this," Shisui admitted, and it wasn't a lie. He had too
much to worry about already.
"Whether or not you want it, you already have a part in this. I know you're
waiting for Itachi to be the clan leader, but you can't wait that long. You
need to take matters into your own hands now, if you want there to be a clan to
lead for that special boy of yours."
Was that true? Was Shisui not willing to see someone else as a clan leader than
Itachi?
Perhaps. And Danzou had a chilling point.
"Why me?"
"Because I have direct contact with you. I also know you're not foolish. You
can keep the others under control."
Shisui considered it. It was true, that there was a turmoil starting within his
clan. Something that should be prevented, something Shisui wished someone else
would pretend. But perhaps Danzou was right. Most of his clan were foolish, and
what if someone lead the clan who was just as foolish?
It took a minute, but Shisui knew there was duty awaiting him, and all must do
their duty.
"I'll do it," Shisui said, and he loathed the smile that Danzou sent him,
"under two conditions."
The smile was gone.
"And those are?"
"First, reduce the number of my missions. I don't have time for both."
"Very well."
"And second, you tell me, right here, right now. We're you responsible for the
murder of Fugaku and Mikoto?"
Shisui didn't want to know. But he needed to.
As if he'd dare admit it anyway.
"Yes."
***** Chapter 5 *****
Chapter Notes
     alright, this chapter was demanding to write, I kinda gave up halfway
     there! that's why it took some time and that's why it will feel
     unfinished, but I'm past the point of caring rn xD
See the end of the chapter for more notes
Shisui couldn't believe what mess he found himself in.
He was once again in his bed, and it should feel heavenly. But after what he
heard, he wondered whether he'd ever find heaven again.
He had wanted to kill Danzou right on the spot, even though it would have been
the most unwise thing.
Even if Danzou had confessed, how would he prove him guilty?
He couldn't. And Danzou had been right when he'd said that if they attacked him
they'd declare themselves enemy of Konoha.
It would be even worse if Danzou had only been lying to have Shisui make this
mess even greater.
So Shisui faced a tough decision. Was he going to share this information to
Itachi and the rest of the clan, and have them demand justice – something he
himself wanted, but he knew how impatient and unsatisfied the rest would be -
or would he lie to his comrades, just for peace?
He was going to be the clan leader, something the council had decided and
something that the clan had no say in. Damn it all.
And a clan leader should be honest to his clan.
And what would Itachi think? Shisui had no idea.
It made his heart ache.
This was obviously Danzou's schemes, to cause more turmoil within the clan.
Shisui knew he had to wait before making any choices, but he was sure about one
thing. Danzou was going to pay, sooner or later.
And he found himself somewhat calmed down by the fact that no one could prove
he had found out today. He could pretend he hadn't know until much later.
Even so, he wasn't looking forward to the next clan assembly.
Well, at least something to make his headache feel less horrible, the
constricting anxiety in his chest definitely got all attention.
He groaned, sitting upright to drink the rest of the water, something he
definitely needed after the incident he had earlier, and as he placed down it
was like the boys had appeared from nowhere.
“Can we sleep with you?” he heard Itachi timidly ask, Sasuke rubbing his eyes
sleepily.
“Sure,” he said, wondering why Sasuke was getting dragged with Itachi.
He was sure Sasuke hadn't woken up by himself. He decided not to question it
though as both boys climbed onto his bed, having Itachi squeeze between him and
Sasuke.
They all lied there in silence, and Shisui kept wondering when he'd tell Itachi
about what he'd learned.
And as Itachi curled up next to him, tiny sobs escaping his lips, Shisui knew
he would have to wait.
He petted Itachi's hair, and swore Danzou wouldnt get away with this.
 
      “Itachi, Sasuke, come here for a second will you?” Shisui called out,
waiting for them to come running inside. And once he had their full attention,
decided to get this done and over with.
“So, your parents' funeral will be held this weekend.. you both can decide
whether you want to go or not, either way is totally fine,” Shisui explained,
scratching his neck awkwardly, his attention directed towards Sasuke who look
as puzzled as ever.
“Funeral? What's that?” he asked, and Shisui had no idea how to explain it to a
five year old.
“Eh, well, your parents' bodies will b-” he tried, but Sasuke seemed not to
understand as his eyes lit up.
“Mom and dad? Do you think mom will-”
“Sasuke, they wont,” Shisui warned, watching Sasuke still. “They can't use
their bodies anymore. And because of that, they wont need them anymore.”
If Sasuke had ever looked confused, it was now.
And Itachi angrily left.
“A funeral is when you say goodbye to those bodies and then they will be put in
a big fire, ok?” Shisui tried to explain, but he felt even more horrible by
every word he uttered. “You don't have to come if you don't want to.”
But Shisui knew exactly that it wasn't Sasuke's choice. He would choose
whatever Itachi chose, something he was proven right as Sasuke ran after his
brother.
 
      Shisui was massaging shampoo into Sasuke's hair with great fury.
Out of all days, today was the day Sasuke would throw the greatest of all
fusses.
It was as if the boy could sense the energy coming from a funeral, even though
he knew nothing of it.
Sasuke had refused to eat, Sasuke had refused to leave his brother's side,
Sasuke had refused to step into the shower and now he was refusing to get
clean.
Itachi said Sasuke was a “big boy” already and knew how to do most of the
washing, but Shisui wasn't convinced any longer. Perhaps it was the fact that
someone new was in the shower, and perhaps Shisui shouldn't give in this easily
and force Sasuke to get clean, but they were running out of time.
Who knew children could be this difficult?
And Itachi was the only one who had the capacity to control Sasuke, but Itachi
was so distant and lost in his own world that Shisui had to try to manage
everything on his own.
“You wont get shampoo in your eyes if you do as I tell you to,” Shisui growled
as the boy complained, eyes clenched and hands trying to pry Shisui's away as
Shisui tried his best to rinse the shampoo off of the squirming boy.
And trying to clean Sasuke in the more demanding areas was definitely no fun
either, he realized, as he tried his best.
The boy dashed away from the shower immediately as Shisui declared him ready,
and Shisui was trying to wash himself as fast as possible as he watched Sasuke
fumble with the towel.
“Itachi, help him,” Shisui fumed, but Itachi seemed just as incompetent as
Sasuke as he sat on the toilet seat, towel wrapped around him and hair dripping
wet, staring into the floor.
Shisui wanted all this to be over, right now.
So he hurried to get them all dry and ready, dressed in their mourning robes,
and out of there as soon as possible.
Thankfully Sasuke followed Itachi as they walked, if Shisui would have had to
physically drag Sasuke there he'd just had left him somewhere.
They walked to the Naka Shrine, and the atmosphere seemed to worsen as they
passed through the gate.
Most were already seated, and Shisui felt a bit embarrassed as he passed them
all to get a seat by the front, tachi sitting down next to him.
They were apparently the last ones to arrive.
By the back, the portraits of Fugaku and Mikoto stood, flowers assembled. And
behind the altar, were the caskets.
It was peaceful and though the silence felt heavy and sad, it wasn't crushing.
Still, Sasuke squeezed himself in between Shisui and Itachi, and Shisui could
feel the anxious energy drape the boy.
He tried to soothe him, but he'd never had that effect on Sasuke.
Itachi, familiar with funerals and granted the honour as oldest son to be the
first to pay his condolence, walked up to the altar as the sutra began.
Shisui caught Sasuke as he was about to run up after his brother.
“Sasuke, we talked about thi-” Shisui tried to reason, trying to make Sasuke
remember the talk he'd had earlier together with Itachi, where he'd explained
what they were going to do at the funeral, but Sasuke was fighting more than
ever and Shisui felt awful for restraining him.
“Nii-san!” he cried out, and even if the monk continued chanting, the guests
were all paying attention to the scene Sasuke was causing.
Even Itachi was stuck, listening to Sasuke bawl and cry, and Shisui faced the
choice of crushing Sasuke in his grip or letting him go.
So he released his hand and Sasuke ran up to Itachi, only to freeze as he came
face to face with the caskets.
Sasuke trembled as he stared at the caskets with wide eyes, all his shyness in
the world forgotten.
“Wh- what's wrong with mom?” the boy asked, but Itachi seemed as petrified
himself.
The sutra was still chanted, but it was distant as everyone watched the little
boy's world come crashing down.
But it was quickly over as Sasuke tried to reach down to touch her, but Itachi
snatched Sasuke's wrist, wrenching him away and pulling him back down to their
seats, away from all of the eyes in the room.
Shisui knew it was his turn to offer incense, but he wasn't sure if he wanted
to move from his spot at all.
They must all be cursed, he thought to himself as Itachi once again seated next
to him, Sasuke pale as a ghost, getting dragged down.
However, the funeral had to go on, and as Shisui's turn was over he tried his
best to comfort Sasuke, never guessing that the boy would have it this hard.
Even Itachi was shaking by now, and Shisui guessed that it wasn't only going to
be for one night that he'd have company in his bed.
And as all guests had offered incense, the sutra been completed and the priest
having left, Itachi nor Sasuke moved to place flowers in the casket.
Shisui did, and he couldn't help but feel a bit detached from everything.
He felt like he didn't belong in this moment, like he was interrupting
something intimate.
Itachi wanted no one.
And Sasuke only wanted his brother.
Later, every guest having left after Itachi, even after everything, had thanked
them for coming, they found themselves waiting for the bodies to be cremated.
“Why, why?” the Sasuke asked, but the more Shisui tried to find an answer, the
harder it became.
He held Sasuke, wiping the tears away, relieved that Sasuke allowed him close,
now that they were alone.
“What happened to her?” Sasuke sobbed, but Shisui had no words. “When will she
come back? When will she...”
“Sasuke, she's not coming back..”
Shisui swore himself one thing. Danzou was going to pay.
And by the end of the day, having carried the urns to the grave in silence,
Shisui felt like he was the worst person ever.
They all deserved revenge.
But the boys would still hurt.
Mikoto and Fugaku would still be dead.
And everything could yet become worse, so worse.
 
 
 
Chapter End Notes
     the funeral is a bit of a simplification, but I suppose they don't
     have time for grander things in Konoha? at least we never saw that in
     the manga/anime
***** Chapter 6 *****
Chapter Notes
     oh god sorry for the wait and sorry for the shit quality chapter I'm
     giving you now xD I just wanted to get this updated, I'm like Shisui
     in this chapter xD oh well, perhaps next chapter will be better?
Shisui was sure his body could not run any longer.
Or his mind, for that matter.
The gods were punishing him for something, something he had yet found out. But
whatever he's done, he's done something really bad.
Because he saw no end to his punishment.
Weeks having passed, with no moving forward at all.
Shisui's failing to establish leadership within the clan. The council's
involvement has put distrust and suspicion following him like a shadow, and
most refuse to listen.
Shisui needs to earn their trust, but at what cost?
But at the end of the day, the clan mattered less and less.
It seemed like the whole “family” deal he's been trying to build for them was
crumbling as well, mattering less and less all the time.
Neither of them seemed to sleep, and the tension was piling up like tons of
bricks, ready to collapse and crush them.
Sasuke had turned restless. Not only restless during night, the boy was even
shunning from Itachi.
And also involved a lot of play regarding his dead mother, which meant that
Itachi ignored him in turn.
And Itachi, Shisui had no idea what Itachi was doing up all night. He brought
Sasuke over by evening, but as Sasuke would fall asleep, Itachi would climb off
the bed and not return.
Shisui always found him in his own bed by morning, but Itachi seemed more tired
as the days passed.
And Shisui couldn't sleep because of those boys constantly keeping him awake,
as well as the pressure he received from every corner.
Going on a mission tomorrow would not be something Shisui would appreciate. At
all.
But perhaps he'd get an opportunity to vent, or get a vacation from his
troubles.
He groaned, turning his body, making the whole bed creak in turn, which was a
great mistake because the tiny body next to his twitched, disturbed from sleep.
He held his breath as he watched Sasuke whine, curling, relieved when he seemed
to continue resting.
He continued listening to the little boy breathe, hoping that he'd sleep
peacefully throughout the night.
 
       Itachi couldn't believe by how much he was missing his targets.
The more he missed, the more frustrated he grew, and the harder it became.
He wanted to cry out, or go punch the targets, but neither felt good to do.
It just wasn't his way to vent, and he couldn't help but slide down a tree and
hold back his tears as he failed to rid the frustration that kept accumulating
in his body.
Living had become hard when he didn't exactly know what to live for.
The only thing that seemed to be going forward was time.
Itachi was doing nothing. Not training, not missions, he didn't learn anything.
He was stuck with Sasuke who was doing everything he could to help Itachi's
frustration.
Same with Shisui. Shisui was nothing but someone who tried to replace his
parents, without avail.
He didn't remember the last time they had trained together.
Well, he hadn't even trained by himself, and it was definitely showing by the
way his hand was shaking as he held his kunai.
However, Shisui was still a calming presence to have around, and even that
would betray him as he was leaving on a mission tomorrow, leaving Itachi and
Sasuke in the care of auntie.
“Fuck, there you are!”
Itachi couldn't help but startle as Shisui suddenly hovered over him, looking
flustered and oddly upset.
“You can't just disappear like that, me and Sasuke have been worried sick!"
Itachi had nothing to say, as he threw the kunai, hitting his target this time.
“Well, are you coming home or not?”
Itachi huffed.
Shisui sighed.
“Well whatever, just go back so that Sasuke doesn't have to be afraid. I'm off
to my mission now.”
 Itachi looked up at Shisui, quick to tell him to wait but Shisui disappeared
in the blink of an eye, and Itachi could do nothing more than gather his
equipment and drag his feet back, feeling perhaps a bit too guilty.
 
      Shisui did not like being in charge right at this moment.
He probably should admit to his team mates that he probably wasn't fit to lead
or fight anything right now. He barely remember what their mission truly was,
he was unable to focus and he was feeling otherworldly.
As if he really wasn't in his own body any longer.
He knew he shouldn't be here but he was too tired to do anything about it.
And it really became apparent as their target approached.
 
      “Shisui, I know times are hard for you now but since we've already cut
down on your missions, you can't afford to err this much – Konoha can't afford
it.”
Shisui held his head low.
Yeah, he saw his mistake, now.
“If you keep this up you wont be doing missions at all.”
Shisui nodded.
“Perhaps it's time Itachi returned.”
Oh god, did they mean to replace me with Itachi?
The previous mission had left his friend hurt, and this time Shisui had killed
off an important source of information.
Someone who wasn't even that dangerous to begin with.
He had never enjoyed killing anyway, so he had no idea what drove him off in
the first place.
Or perhaps he knew what had been his intentions. And those were to get it done
and over with so that he could rest.
Instead he was here, getting scolded by the hokage himself and feeling pretty
awful.
He left with a warning, which he was grateful for.
Perhaps his new position as clan leader had some advantages at least.
He hurried back home, hoping Itachi and Sasuke were still away so that he'd get
at least a few hours' sleep.
***** Chapter 7 *****
Chapter Notes
     oh god, IT'S ALIVE. yup, talk about resurrection xD nah, it was only
     really difficult for me to know what this chapter would be about,
     that's why it took so long. hopefully it's alright! now, I am as
     clueless as you about the next chapter, so we'll see whether I get it
     up in a week or three months xD it shouldn't take three months
     though, now that I figured this chapter out and got a fresh start.
     Also, slightly rushed again, but you guys shouldn't be too surprised
     by this point xD
“I'll be like nii-san in no time!”
“Well, perhaps you need to learn how to dress yourself first...”
It was a difficult task, keeping the boy still and making him look presentable
as he was the most excited Shisui had seen him.
Sasuke had been going on about this for about half a year now, and the day was
finally here. Sasuke would now start his days in the academy.
The only thing bitter sweet about it was that Itachi was on a mission. Now,
Shisui knew that even if Itachi was still the sour, grumpy boy of them, he
wouldn't want to miss this.
Itachi should have been back by now, but as Shisui knew, missions didn't always
go like scheduled.
“I can dress myself,” Sasuke pouted, and Shisui threw his hands away from the
blushing boy in defeat, to let Sasuke prove himself.
If there was something that had changed, it was definitely Sasuke.
The fact that Itachi was mostly away on missions allowed Sasuke to deal with
his sorrow in his own way. Itachi wasn't there to snap at him, even if Sasuke
missed his brother dearly.
And that Itachi was gone gave Shisui a better opportunity at focusing on
Sasuke, who Shisui seemed to forget about most when Itachi was around.
Sasuke even slept in his own bed now, even though on occasions he'd appear in
the middle of the night in Shisui's.
And Shisui was not walking around snapping at either one of them. He rarely did
missions, now that he was in charge of their clan.
He wasn't doing too poorly, but he'd be glad if Fugaku returned to demonstrate
how exactly it was done.
The only thing that was wearing Shisui out was the fact that almost a year's
investigation had not led them any closer to Danzou. He hadn't told anyone, and
wasn't planning on either, even if it was eating him up inside.
He just didn't know when or how to.
Especially to Itachi, who seemed to have been glad to start his missions to
occupy himself with something.
Even though Shisui was sure that missions weren't something Itachi enjoyed too
much.
Itachi had become quieter and calmer, but it was frustrating Shisui to know
that he had no clue what Itachi was thinking or feeling.
“Hey, Shisui-nii!” Sasuke yelled with frustration, and Shisui realized he had
been spacing out again. He now let himself focus on the boy again, who upon
looking at, hadn't managed to get dressed by himself.
“Come on, admit your defeat and let's get going,” Shisui laughed, straightening
the clothes and getting up, waiting for the stubborn Sasuke to follow him.
It didn't take long before Sasuke bolted out of the house in excitement, and
Shisui had to be extra cautious to keep up with the boy who was running ahead.
And as they reached the academy, and Sasuke was waving back at Shisui and
joining all the other kids, Shisui wasn't too happy.
He didn't want Sasuke to become a ninja. He'd rather have Sasuke stay the way
he is for the rest of time.
Shisui kept his slow pace as he walked back home, taking in the peaceful
village and enjoying the weather, just to clear his mind of the thought of a
grown assassin Sasuke.
He hoped Sasuke wasn't as quick a learner as his brother.
When he reached home, he noticed something was different immediately.
Concentrating, he could tell it was Itachi's chakra, and Shisui felt relieved
that he'd not have to worry about that any longer.
“Itachi?” he called out, walking through the hallway to the bathroom, hearing a
shower running. As he approached, the sound stopped.
He lightly tapped on the door and called out again, but he could only hear
faint shuffling.
Shisui tried the door, giving Itachi a chance to call for privacy, but as he
heard none he pushed it open.
His eyes immediately met Itachi's red, puffy ones, and he stood frozen for a
minute, watching Itachi who was wrapped in an oversized towel, cheeks red as
roses and fresh tears running down them.
Shisui's gaze moved for a second to the sink, clothes soaked in red water and
he pieced it all together as his attention returned to Itachi.
Itachi was only shivering, hair dripping wet as he let out a heart wrenching
sob, and Shisui was quick on his feet to go embrace the boy, on his knees and
pressing the still body to his own.
He hadn't seen Itachi like this since that day when things went wrong.
Itachi was trying to hold back, but it made his shivers and sobs more so
intense, and Shisui was trying his best to make Itachi feel comfortable.
“Hey, what happened?” Shisui asked.
“I killed them,” Itachi whispered, barely audible, and without hesitation.
Shisui chewed on his lips. Itachi didn't discuss his missions openly, so Shisui
could only guess this was Itachi's first time.
“It's-”
“Am I like the ones who killed my parents?” Itachi continued, a little louder
this time, and Shisui felt a shiver run up his spine and make the hair in his
nape stand up.
He had no answer to that.
“We don't know who killed your parents, or why,” Shisui reassured, even though
he had to cringe inwardly.
He knew why, and he knew one person involved.
Well, it was no time to bring that up now.
His shirt was no soaking wet, and he stroked the damp hair of Itachi for a
while before he got up.
“Go on, get dressed, I'll clean this up,” Shisui said, and Itachi watched him
for a moment before he scurried out of the room, water dripping behind him.
Shisui took his time to carefully rid the attire of any traces of blood – for
Itachi's sake.
By the time he was done, he found Itachi fully dressed, feet dangling off the
edge of his bed.
“You hungry?” Shisui asked, but Itachi kept staring at the floor and shook his
neck.
Great, cranky Itachi is back.
In fact, Itachi had started to resemble his old self, but now it was as if all
progress had vanished. Shisui sighed and walked up to the boy, sitting down by
the edge of the bed.
He was no expert talker, but he could at least try and divert Itachi's
attention.
“Sasuke was pretty excited for his first day,” Shisui smiled, but he could only
frown when Itachi's head sunk further down.
“...Was he upset I wasn't there?”
Oh.
“I don't know, he was probably too excited to think about it.”
He watched Itachi fidget with his hands for a moment, absolutely unsure what to
say this time. Well, he could always divert again.
“I'll make something to eat, you can't starve yourself.”
Well, that only earned him silence, so he supposed Itachi had given consent.
“I deserve it.”
Shisui would live his life a lot easier if he had somewhere along learned how
to talk to grumpy Itachis.
 
      Shisui stood outside the academy amongst countless of parents, waiting
for the new ninjas to be to come.
He tried not to worry about Itachi too much, to not let his mood ruin Sasuke's.
The academy definitely brought back tons of memories in Shisui, and well, he
slightly missed the carefree days back then.
Soon the yard was filled with kids, and tons of noise, and Shisui had to dig
through the crowd to find Sasuke.
Sasuke didn't seem to mingle with the other kids, but it didn't surprise
Shisui. Sasuke was Itachi's brother, after all.
“Shisui-nii, piggy back me home.”
“I see, one day at the academy and you're a man already,” Shisui joked, but
Sasuke apparently had no clue what Shisui was talking about and only blinked.
Shisui sighed, gave in and got down so the boy could climb his back, and Shisui
carried them away from the crowd, on their way home.
“So, how was it?”
“They only gave us these papers,” Sasuke mumbled, and handed Shisui the
application for the academy, trying not to drop the boy in process.
“Oh,” Shisui exclaimed. He remembered less of the academy than he thought.
“Is nii-san back yet,” Sasuke asked, not keeping still as he clung to Shisui.
“Yeah, he's resting now.”
Sasuke didn't say anything, but Shisui didn't worry about it too much as he was
preoccupied with another feeling.
Where they being followed?
Whatever it was, it had a huge chakra.
He couldn't help his thoughts wander wildly, and immediately suspected Danzou.
Had that old man sent spies after him?
And as he thought about Danzou, he started to realize that whatever Itachi had
been through earlier, was definitely not something he should have gone through
regarding the level of mission he had been on.
Shisui would definitely have to discuss this with Danzou, even though he
dreaded going there to gossip with the old man.
Shisui couldn't resist looking behind him, and as he did he felt even more so
confused.
There was no root soldiers hidden from view, no threatening ninja, instead a
blond kid in Sasuke's age stood there, in an impish but shy manner.
Shisui knew who it was, it was the kyuubi kid. He didn't know much, but he'd
heard a lot around the village.
He knew how much trouble this kid got into, and he felt slightly protective
over Sasuke.
He didn't think twice as he sunshined away in a heartbeat.
When they reached home, Sasuke started to struggle and Shisui let him down,
watching the boy run in and call for his brother, application form in his hand.
Shisui followed, and both of them were confused for a moment when there was no
greet.
Shisui saw that Itachi's food was left untouched.
“Oh for crying out loud,” he groaned, hand rubbing his temple. He thought the
days of Itachi's hide and seek were over, but apparently not.
“You wait here, I'll go get him.”
Shisui wasted no seconds in getting to the training grounds in the woods that
Itachi always liked to hide out in.
It was slightly awkward that Itachi was behaving more childishly than Sasuke,
but Shisui let it be.
All Shisui had to do was make sure Itachi was safe, and hopefully things would
sort themselves out.
He did find Itachi, but surprisingly, he wasn't training like Shisui had
expected him to.
“Itachi,” he calmly announced his presence, and Itachi didn't seem affected at
all, sitting down by a tree.
“Let's spar.”
“Huh?"
“I want to spar.”
“No,” Shisui blurted out, really taken aback by Itachi's demand. Why now?
“We haven't sparred in a year,” the boy bit, and Shisui in a split of a second
struck out his fist.
Not very quick or with force, controlled enough to let it stop right before
Itachi's face.
Itachi should have seen it coming, more now that it was a slower one. But
instead Itachi's gaze went down as he blinked at the fist in front of his face.
“If we were sparring I would have hit you square in the face.”
“And?” the boy, who seemed to be challenging Shisui's patience, deadpanned.
Shisui wasn't sure he remembered Itachi being like this at all.
“I don't want to do that, not when you're like this,” Shisui defended, but
Itachi's eyes were definitely challenging him now.
“Like what?”
“Lost in your thoughts,” Shisui said, his fist turning into a helping hand as
he offered it to Itachi. “Now come, let's go home, or I'll drag you. Your
brother's looking for you.”
Itachi, unlike Shisui had expected, accepted the hand and willingly followed
back.
And during night, when Itachi was curled up, snaked in between Shisui's arms,
trembling with fear, Shisui went through a wave of deja vu.
 It was the exact same protectiveness and anger that had risen through him
about a year ago.
 
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