Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"I'm not sure about this Itachi," Complains Kisame as they pick their way down a rocky slope behind a roaring waterfall. Their target had bolted into the cavern, turned around to taunt them, then slipped and fell into the hole.

Itachi ignores his partner because he's aware that Kisame has excellent chakra control and he's just trying to get out of the extra work.

"Itachi," He says again when they come to a steep drop off. "That guy's definitely dead."

"Perhaps." He replies, easing down with chakra channeled to the soles of his feet. It's harder to gain purchase on the wall but Itachi is no genin.

Kisame follows at a much slower pace. He seems to be more apprehensive than normal.

Halfway down, Itachi spies more water but no body. "There must be an outlet, somewhere."

"How do you mean?"

"He's escaped." Shifting to carefully climb back up, the Uchiha calls, "How do you feel about cave diving?"

"Like it's a lot of work for someone who's got to come into town eventually."

Kisame has a point. Returning to his regular haunt would save them energy, even though he's well aware that the Hoshigaki has chakra for days.

A steel cable with a heavy ball at the end appears, circling about his waist and the shaft trembles, making connection to slick limestone his only focus.

"Itachi, come on!"

Against the heavy weight on his midsection, he leaps, reaching for Kisame's hand and missing by inches. The older man follows as far as he can go before the wall completely crumbles and he's forced to retreat.

The water is cold, soaking into Itachi's cloak as he tries to free himself from the metal binding him. It doesn't budge against anything he tries, pulling him further towards the pitch black bottom.

He catches glimpses of Kisame looking for him before the dark completely swallows him. Itachi pushes against the cable again and strangely, it unwinds, letting him free and he swims to the surface.

Bursting out on the other side and looking around, there's no sign of the cave or his partner. The waves gradually push him ashore and he sheds his cloak as he reaches the bank. It's too heavy.

"Leave him alone!" Shouts a woman nearby. "He didn't do anything!"

Wet and miserable, he figures it can't hurt to ask the locals where he is and reorient himself. He leaves his cloak behind, wandering into thick brush.

And finding a pair of men swinging shovels at someone who's rather light on his feet and hard to catch. The third member of their party is keeping the young woman captive.

"Excuse me." Itachi says and everyone pauses, looking up at him from his place on a gentle hill.

"Nii-san?" Says the man who'd been dodging the makeshift weapons. "How'd you find us?"

This perplexes the older Uchiha two fold. Not only is his little brother dressed in civilian clothes, he seems happy to see Itachi.

Something is not right.

The pair of men turn on the Akatsuki member. "Oh. It's you. How about we kill you first in front of your precious baby brother, ah?"

Just when he thought things couldn't get any more surreal. "You're welcome to try."

They charge him, shovels cocked with not a single ounce of fear and make the mistake of eye contact.

"Is that all you're capable of?" He wonders aloud when they drop their weapons and hit their knees. "I thought I might actually have an opponent."

A loud noise shatters through the crisp air and Itachi turns to find a strange metal object in the hand of the man who'd been holding Sasuke's companion captive. "I don't know what the fuck you are. But none of you are leaving alive."

"Interesting." Itachi replies, creating an overwhelming illusion similar to what he showed Deidara. Striding down the hill towards shaking hands, he plucks the metal piece from its wielder. "I'll be taking that, thank you."

"Uhm," Sasuke draws as he slowly approaches. "Do you know how long it'll be before everyone else arrives?"

Turning to look at the teen prompts him to pale and quail slightly. "I don't think that's a symptom of shock."

"Everyone else?" Itachi asks him.

"What the hell..." Mutters the redhead as she digs through the pockets of the men who attacked them.

"Karin," Sasuke says, tone exasperated. "Stealing is bad. We've talked about this."

"Does your brother have a working phone?" Karin asks. "Because he looks like he just climbed out of the swamp."

"Touchè." Looking back to Itachi, he asks, "Do you have your phone on you?"

"Sasuke, I'm growing tired of your games."

"Any luck? I definitely think he's in shock."

"Yeah," Says Karin as she tosses a strange device to Sasuke.

He hems and haws over it before walking back to where the girl found it and pressing the thumb of the unconscious man against it. "Idiot."

"Why don't you sit down, Itachi-san?" Asks Karin as her hands come to either side of his waist and he snatches her wrists.

"Do not touch me."

"Okay," She says with not a hint of the trepidation his existence has inspired the entirety of his life. "That's fair. But you need to sit down."

"Hey, Shisui?" Asks Sasuke, catching Itachi's attention. "I got into some trouble and-- No, I'm fine. Nii-san came to get me. But I need you to send an--" He pauses, looking back at Itachi before turning around again. "What do you mean Itachi is with you?!"

Slowly, Itachi adheres to Karin's anxious nagging, sitting on a fallen log. "You're behaving as though I am injured."

"Ooooh," She says anxiously, clasping her fingers together. "You're, uh, not. We just need you to stick around, okay?" He begins an inventory of his body because she's giving him the impression that he actually is injured but she panics, waving her hands in his face. It's all he can do not to break her arm in response. "Tell me how you found us?!"

"Found you?" He repeats. "It will make as much sense to you as all of this does to me."

"I've seen some crazy things," Karin insists. "Really. So tell me about it."

"I am not from here."

Lightly pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose, she says, "Nobody is from here. We're in the middle of buttfuck nowhere because Sasuke can't keep his head down."

"I heard that."

"Estimation?"

"Shisui's on his way but the nearest..." Sasuke trails off, looking for the right words. "Place we need. Is twenty minutes from here."

"Shit."

"I have a couple of alternatives, but I really hate the idea."

"Sakura?"

"Yeah, probably Sakura."

A cough tickles at the back of Itachi's throat and as hard as he tries to subdue it, his lungs spasm into a coughing fit. Blood makes an appearance on his palm and both of the teens have wide-eyed stares by the time he's finished. At long last, he catches of glimpse of his shirt, slightly torn with a growing stain.

A trickle of concern begins and he softly prods at the wound, startling the two into yelling, "Stop!" And "Don't touch it!"

"I never saw the weapon," He says more to himself than to them.

"It's whole ass in your hand!" Sasuke says, taking it from him. "Who the fuck are you, anyway?!"

But Itachi can't answer because now that the wound has been noticed, the pain is intense. Not what he's used to but not more than he can take.

"We're going to have to wait," Karin says, tugging off her shirt and pressing it against the bleeding. Applying pressure. Itachi knows how this works. "Is there an exit hole?"

He can't let Sasuke out of his range of vision. It's ingrained in him, even though he's coming to the conclusion that this is not genjutsu and this version of his brother is not his enemy.

"If he would stop moving, I'd be able to tell you."

"It's fine," The redhead replies. "Clearly, he's not in the right state of mind."

"My state of mind, is--" He looks up to see Shisui sprinting towards them.

"Holy shit!" He says as he comes to an abrupt halt, kicking up the thick layer of leaves and dirt. "You weren't kidding."

"Right?" Sasuke says. "Are they close?"

"Yeah. I..." He sighs. "I called Sakura."

"You should give her a shot," Says the younger man. "She really likes you."

"Thanks. But no thanks." Softly, he takes Itachi by the arm, hooking it about his shoulders and lifting him to his feet. "You're looking a bit pale, friend."

But the Akatsuki is lost for words as he takes Shisui in. He has so many things he wants to say. To tell his mentor. The person who'd loved him more than anyone else.

"Almost there, Itachi. Just hang on, alright?"

A woman jumps out of a big metal contraption and she slides the door open, revealing seats. Izumi. "You did good, Karin."

"Thanks."

"Should we lie him down?"

"I don't know what the best option is," Shisui admits as he tenderly hoists Itachi into what he can only assume is a vehicle. "Let's just get him to Sakura."

In the front passenger seat, his own reflection stares at him.

xXx

"And he just," Asks his own voice as he begins to surface into the conscious world, "looked at them?"

"Yes," Sasuke says. "I'm telling you he had some weird eye thing going on and as soon as he looked at them, they became zombies."

"Testing came back," Says a woman's voice that isn't Karin's. "He's you. His fingerprints were hard to take because they're so worn away and his dental records are a touch off, but it's undeniable. There's no way he could impersonate you to this level."

"And why would he?" His double agrees.

"You are one of the most powerful men in the city..."

Their footsteps echo as they leave his room and he opens his eyes, taking stock of his environment. The sounds of the machine tracking his vitals are reminding him that he is not safe here.

Hospitals are never safe. Removing the clip from his finger creates an offended whining but he uses it as further incentive to get out. The sticky circles on his chest uncomfortably peel away as he rises to his feet. He keeps the IV needle in place, searching through cabinets and drawers for gauze and compression wraps.

"I don't believe it's wise to touch things that do not belong to you."

He startles, wondering when he lost his edge as he turns to meet his own gaze. Uchiha Itachi has never been caught off guard by a civilian.

Other Itachi watches him but makes no move to usher him back into bed. He merely crosses his arms when the Akatsuki returns to hunting for medical supplies. "I see you haven't met Tsunade."

"The Godaime?" He replies absently. "I didn't think she'd continue to run the hospital."

"Out of curiosity," His reflection asks as Itachi unrolls the very edge of the wrap and prepares to remove the needle. "What are you doing after this?"

"I don't know what you mean." The little metal piece moves under his skin, creating a painful pinch as he removes it, quickly placing the square of gauze and beginning the wrap with well practiced singlehandedness.

"You're still recovering from a bullet wound, have no identification, and as I understand it, nowhere to be."

This gives him pause. The civilian version of himself is right.

"Stay in the hospital until you're discharged. Then you can stay with me while we get you sorted out."

He quirks a brow at the other man and realizes that if he'd met Other Itachi on the street, he likely wouldn't recognize himself.

How odd.

Itachi paces back across the room, looking for his clothes. Pulling on his dry and overwhelmingly floral scented undergarments, he tries to be grateful that he is clean. Regardless of the fact that too much smell could make or break a situation such as his.

"What?" His double asks. "Is something missing?"

His pants are next and he takes off the flimsy gown that had given him a false sense of decency. The shirt, necklace, and ring are next but he doesn't bother with his hair tie.

"What are you doing?!" Demands Other Itachi as he opens the window and slinks out of it. "Are you fucking insane?!"

His chakra is unsteady, but he can focus just enough to begin his descent while his mirror image watches from the window with an open mouth.

A pane slides open, painted nails grabbing his ankle. "DID I AUTHORIZE YOU TO LEAVE, SIR?!"

Itachi resists but her free hand mercilessly jabs his still healing wound, sending him reeling as he's dragged back into the hospital by an angry woman with breasts the size of his head. "NO. I DIDN'T THINK SO."

Tsunade doesn't even bother to right him, hauling him by his leg to the elevator in front of onlookers and passers-by. Double checking to make sure his hair is out of the way, she punches the button for his floor and they sit in awkward silence and shitty muzak as it rises. The doors occasionally open but people opt for the next one at the spectacle that seems to last forever.

When the elevator doors open, Other Itachi is standing there, patiently waiting.

"Did you let him leave?"

"I couldn't stop him if I tried."

"Try harder."

He's slid out of the lift and the doors shut, Tsunade vanishing back down to the level she started.

"Oh, dear!" Shouts a nurse as she runs towards them. "You've torn yourself open!"

Kabuto strides over to lift him into a nearby wheelchair but he does not want that slimy snake touching him.

Kicking the medic in the face, he rolls to his feet and bolts towards the stairway.

His double just watches the mayhem, unamused but not invested enough to interfere.

Itachi dodges and weaves male nurses who are bound and determined to sedate him and he'd rather die.

Leaping up to the ceiling causes everyone to stop and stare.

"Okay, that's really fucking impressive," Says a voice he hasn't expected to hear again. "But why don't you come down, now? You're freaking us normies out."

He looks about the hallway, gaze landing on Shisui.

"I don't know if you've ever seen The Exorcist but I can assure you no one here wants to call a priest. They're expensive, make a lot of old man noises for no reason, and usually have an underage girlfriend."

Itachi isn't sure how to respond to that.

"You don't want to put me through that, do you?" Shisui asks, hands extending upwards. "I don't know what our relationship is like where you come from, but I know I'd always look out for you. Help me out, here."

The Akatsuki's face prickles with heat and he takes his time, allowing himself into Shisui's hands.

He's expecting the taller man to help the nurses sedate him but Shisui waves them off. "He's okay. He's not going to try to run again."

They don't appear to believe him, but he's obstinate, gently guiding Itachi back to his room to sit on the bed. "Did they give you anything for pain?"

Looking at the hanging bag and trying to recall anything they might've said, he comes up with nothing.

"That's probably why you're so upset, ah?" He crouches, hands resting on Itachi's thighs before turning to Other Itachi, who's hovering in the doorway. "Can you ask Sakura for the heavy stuff? Tell her I sent you."

"You must genuinely care if you're willing to pay that price."

"Love does that to a motherfucker."

With an eye roll, his alternate self wanders down the hall.

The machine has been shut off. Only the low level noise of medical staff gossiping, televisions droning, and families coming and going can be heard.

"Can we get you out of your shirt so you can get that evaluated?"

Itachi hesitates. There's a part of him that wants to immediately comply.

To give Shisui everything he couldn't when they last met.

"You must be pretty terrified, huh? Sasuke and I found all those ninja weapons you had. Was that black and red cloak yours, too?"

The idea that he might have to explain himself to the man who set him on this path creates a tangle of feelings and words that catch in his throat. The only thing he can do is throw himself into Shisui's arms and try to hold it together until he's completely alone.

His hair and back are stroked. "You're safe. I'm not going to let anything happen."

Shisui's heart beat is steady and he's lulled by it the same way that he had been when he was small and lost, looking for something -- Someone to cling to.

Other Itachi returns with Sakura and Tsunade's first disciple.

The breath of the older Uchiha is sweet when it stirs softly through inky strands. "They're going to look at your arm, okay?"

Reluctantly, Itachi lets the brunette woman unwind the compression band.

"It's clotted. Which means sticking him again is going to be uncomfortable."

"Can you be quick?" Shisui asks.

The tourniquet is tight around his bicep but he trusts the man holding him.

He knows Shisui would never put him at risk on purpose.

"I'll try."

The needle glides under his skin and he jolts. Struggles to hold still as it's shifted around once, twice, three times, and pressed deeper into his vein. It throbs as the plastic piece is taped into place.

"They're going to hook you up now, okay?" Shisui tells him. "You probably won't be able to feel your face. It's going to be really fun, I promise."

Sakura adjusts the bag so it hangs closer and neither of them have to move, replacing what he assumes to be saline with what Shisui's bartered for him.

"Sooo," Asks the pink haired woman. "Where are you taking me for our date?"

Giving her a peevish side-eye, Shisui replies, "Where do you want to go?"

"That new Akimichi restaurant that opened last month?"

"Oh my god. We haven't even gone on a single date yet and you're already trying to rob me."

The beating of Itachi's heart begins to slow, pain subsiding as his head starts to feel fuzzy.

This activates survival mode and he moves to rip the needle out once more but Shisui blocks him. "You're safe. It's just for a little while and then you can come home, okay? I'm going to stay with you the entire time."

"The entire time?" He manages, looking up at the older man with eyes that can barely stay open. Itachi can't help but feel small and lost. Off kilter and wanting to be as close to Shisui as possible.

"Yes. I'll keep watch and make sure the nurses are plenty annoyed."

xXx

The city is nothing like he's ever seen before. Cars fill the streets and he's awfully curious at the different sizes and shapes. What motivates someone to choose a car or an suv. A truck or a van.

Itachi would have preferred to travel on foot, but Shisui had insisted a vehicle would draw less attention and it was already bad enough that he'd scared the shit out of the nurses.

Except Tsunade, for some reason.

Expecting that Other Itachi's house will be empty and quiet, he's shocked and appalled at the group waiting for them.

Shisui's hand, which had been firm but gentle between his shoulders pulls away as Izumi tackles him in a hug. "I'm glad you're alive!"

The irony burns but he's too overwhelmed to respond. Sasuke hugs him, too as Shisui hangs back and talks to Fugaku and Other Itachi but he can't hear what's being said over Izumi talking loudly in his ear and his mother -- Other Itachi's mother, talking to Sasuke.

As if aware that he's becoming overstimulated, the younger man pulls away. "Mimi, did you bring the cake?"

"I thought you were going to bring it."

"Never fear!" Says Obito as he comes through the door. "I've got it." He turns to Mikoto. "Where do I put this?"

"This way, dear," She replies, leading him to another room.

They don't ask him where he came from or what happened that began the domino effect of him saving Sasuke and Karin from being murdered by Fugaku's enemies.

Instead, he's handed cake and instructed to sit while they play board games. Sometimes, they encourage him to join and he reluctantly plays a round or two if he thinks he's learned the rules of the game.

Occasionally, he plays against his twin and is surprised at the other's quick wit and uncanny ability to predict him -- In spite of his awareness that they are the same person.

Slowly, their group dwindles. Mikoto and Fugaku give him goodbyes that are strangely affectionate. Sasuke squeezes him tight before leaving.

Obito pats him on the head with playful condescension and sees himself out.

"Is there still alcohol?" Shisui asks once things have wound down.

Shuffling the deck of cards, Other Itachi replies, "I believe so. I hid it from Obito so he wouldn't pilfer it and get smashed again."

"I wish he did. That would have been funny."

"Hmm."

The older man pads into the kitchen and Itachi watches his twin deal, subtly glancing at the cards and arranging them so Shisui starts with a losing hand.

He wonders how long it will take Shisui to notice.

Cups are distributed, sake poured, and the oldest of the trio sits opposite of Other Itachi, picking up his cards and frowning. "Goddamn."

"What?" Asks their shady dealer.

"I've already got a trash selection."

"Oh," Comes the light reply as Other Itachi looks at his own cards. "That's a shame."

Slapping the game pieces face down and taking the sake like a shot, Shisui accuses, "Are you cheating again?"

"I would never."

Glittering obsidian pierces Itachi. "He's cheating, isn't he?"

Looking between the two of them and not wanting to betray either, he's at an impasse. And this feeling of damned if he does and damned if he doesn't immediately blooms into a full on anxiety attack.

Their expressions become mildly concerned as he stares at them and barely breathes, completely unperturbed on the outside.

His lungs spasm and he's thrust into a coughing fit that hurts while they pat him and apologize.

Once he's calm again, Shisui commandeers the deck and both dealt hands. "Itachi, I knew you were cheating."

"I was not. You merely have terrible luck."

"Uh-huh. Right."

They empty their cups and the Akatsuki feels pleasantly warm. Normally, he'd stay sober but he trusts his alternate self and Shisui not to make an attempt on his life while his guard is down and it seems as though it would be rather hard to attack him and get away with it due to the leaps and bounds in technology that had been made.

Wiry but no less muscular, Civilian Itachi wraps his arms around Itachi's waist, he'd seen it coming so he wasn't surprised. But he is a touch confused.

"Thank you for looking after Sasuke. I don't think anyone loves him as much as we do. Not even Shisui."

Across the game table, long lashes become half mast. Cupid's bow lips thin in the mildest annoyance but their companion doesn't correct him.

"Sasuke is everything to me," Itachi agrees.

"What's your brother like?" Asks his double. "Is he also a wall-walking super human?"

"He's the brightest and most skilled member of our family." Practically the only member of their family, but Itachi isn't ready to have that conversation and might never be.

He does hope that Sasuke is okay and that Hebi is keeping him safe.

The shinobi has no idea how to return to his own place and time and has no hope to even begin an investigation.

Unless he stumbles upon fortuity again, he's effectively stuck.

Other Itachi's head rests against his chest and he can see, in his peripheral, Shisui's elbows folding on the table. The older man's chin rests on his palm as if he were bored but Itachi is all too acquainted with that look.

There's not much time for him to process because as soon as his mouth opens to chide Shisui in a friendly manner, lips cover his own, tongue taking advantage of his surprise.

The bored expression immediately drops but he seems as lost as Itachi feels when his mirror image throws sleek limbs around his neck. Their tongues slide and twist and he isn't entirely sure which one of them moans.

"Hey, Shisui--" Sasuke looks like he has all sorts of questions from his place in the doorway.

Both Itachis are too mortified to move.

Clearing his throat, the oldest Uchiha tries to sound casual like he wasn't heatedly voyeuring harder than Jiraiya ever could. "What's up, Sasuke?"

"Uhmmmm," He still sounds like he's trying to comprehend what he's just witnessed. "I was wondering if you could let me check to see if I left my charger in your car. But you seem... Busy." It becomes all the more awkward when he says, "Also, you're bleeding."

"Yeah," Shisui sounds frazzled as he stands, looking for his keys in a daze. "Did you want me to drop you off with your friends?"

"I'm waiting on Karin..."

"It's not a big deal and Itachi's house is kind of out of the way. I don't mind."

"Well," Stutters Sasuke, "I didn't want to interrupt."

"Nah," Shisui assures him. "One of them is bad enough for my health. Two of them, and I might die."

Seemingly embarrassed, the younger Uchiha says, "Bye, Nii-san. I'll uh, see you tomorrow."

It's all Itachi can do not to cringe when both he and his double reply, "By Sasuke." At the same time.

Other Itachi finally turns to face him, kneeling on the couch to lean over the backrest. "Don't bother Shisui, too much. He's probably not able to have a coherent thought, currently."

"I can wait for Karin. We really don't--"

"Bye Sasuke." Other Itachi says again. "Be safe and stay out of trouble."

"Yeah, okay," Says their brother before following the flustered Uchiha out the door.

"So," Asks Itachi, "you and Shisui?"

"Complicated." Comes the vague reply as he stands, offering his hand. "Are you and Shisui together in your reality?"

Having never had a single clue that his mentor might have been interested in him, he shakes his head. The hints Kisame had been dropping every time he'd opened up about it click into place.

"What happened?"

Taking the hand offered and allowing himself to be hauled up, he says, "I'm not really interested in talking about it, tonight."

"Understandable." He turns, leading Itachi back to his bedroom.

The door is shut behind him and he watches Other Itachi's clothes come off. He idly wonders if it's narcissism to enjoy the way his double looks. Smooth, unblemished skin, sans a scar here and there from what Itachi assumes to be childhood exploration or roughhousing with others for fun instead of survival.

Musculature that is leaner than his own and facial expressions are a bit flat but not guarded.

This version of himself has nothing to hide and not a care in the world.

At least, not in this moment.

There's a playful light in those obsidian depths when he asks, "Did you change your mind?'

Taking in his healthy weight, generally happy neutral expression, and the tell tale heat in his cheeks almost hurts.

This version of himself is everything he could have had.

His thoughts derail when Other Itachi's arms wrap around him again. "You can sleep in the guest room if you want."

"Do you think this is wrong?" He asks out of pure curiosity.

"No," Says the other man, walking around him and making himself comfortable in the western style bed. "I consider it masturbation with extra steps. Although, admittedly, I never quite understood all the noise over it."

Hesitantly, he banishes all dark thoughts to the deep places of his mind and begins to undress, hyper aware of his many discolored scars and built up callouses.

As someone who typically fights at a distance, injury is a rare occurrence for him.

But nonetheless, inevitable.

Normally, he would be proud of his own skin. A testament to his accomplishments and power.

However, in light of Other Itachi, his own life rings hollow.

He comes within reach, watching in no small amount of confusion as unmarred hands trace over him with something akin to curiosity and awe.

"Stay here. With me," Whispers his own voice against his skin where full lips string kisses along his collarbone in a way Itachi might almost consider worship. "You'll no longer have to live in fight-or-flight to survive."

"Your family has enemies."

He's tugged closer, straddling Other Itachi. The thin skin on his neck is sucked, tongue swirling over marks that are undoubtedly going to be visible in the morning. "What happened with Sasuke was a one-off. An oversight. Everyone else has been easily neutralized."

"I--" He starts but his mouth is claimed. Long, nimble fingers draw delicate designs over the skin of his back and chest and shoulders. Itachi's nipple is teased and stroked but he dare not move unless he choose the wrong thing.

Itachi knows his own body, but he can't be completely sure that he knows the body underneath him.

As if reading his mind, his hands are grabbed and guided. One against a racing heart and the other in inky locks.

He gasps at the soft nip to his bottom lip and they part. A lull starts between them and Itachi becomes dimly aware that they're both used to receiving -- Or, at least he is and judging by the way his partner is looking at him like he isn't entirely sure how to speak his mind, Itachi can make an educated guess.

Deciding they can hash it out in the morning and find an equitable balance, he asks, "Lubricant?"

A sense of relief breaks over the both of them that he's made the first move and Other Itachi gestures to the nightstand.

Rising up enough that there's enough space for him to roughly flip his lover over, he reaches across to procure the lube. Knowing that they're extremely similar, regardless of their different backgrounds, he assumes prep isn't necessary. His arousal is slicked and everything leftover gets spread on the twitching hole before him.

Pillows are positioned under narrow hips and Itachi rests his hand on the left one as he nudges inside. No sooner has he decided to go slowly do long fingers reach behind to grip at him, meeting him with a single, smooth thrust.

They stay still for a moment before Itachi gathers his lover's hair in his right hand and pushes aside any remaining awkwardness. If he was really all that affronted with having himself as a sexual partner, he would have already went to the guest room.

Masturbation with extra steps, he reminds himself.

He withdraws, sheathing himself completely with his next thrust. He listens for the noises escaping as his hips piston, yanking on silken stands and letting himself merely exist. He's a bit unsure that he'll be able to keep a straight face using his own name.

Keeping his pace rough and deep, the vicious sound of skin on skin makes it hard to resist pinning his pretty lover by the hair, leaning over him so his mouth can touch the shell of a delicate ear. "Only a slut like you would be so eager for cock."

Already breathing hard, he reaches up to grip Itachi's bicep. "Yes."

Itachi pulls his fistful of hair to emphasize his question, forcing the arching of his lover's neck. "Is there anything you don't put in your mouth?"

Thick, dark lashes flutter. "God!"

His own hair sticks to his neck and shoulders as he keeps his grip tight, hips angling as deep as he can get. "I expect you to call me that from here on."

The witty remark Other Itachi had been formulating dies on those red lips when the Akatsuki finds what he's looking for. Hips jerk and his lover squirms, grinding into the pillows placed for support. "I -- Ah!"

Fucking his partner into the bed as if they were at war, is the last straw that sends his lover screaming his release, Itachi coming not too long after.

He lies atop Other Itachi, chin in the crook of his neck as they precariously shift the pillows out from underneath him.

"Alright, god," His partner's neck cranes to kiss him. "It's official. You're staying."

Chapter Text

Itachi jolts awake to the sound of a door shutting across the house but does not move. Choosing to wait until he knows who it is before giving away his advantage of surprise.

Chakra is much harder to sense here than in his own alternate reality. Telling people by their energy is now at the top of his priority list.

The mattress beside him dips but he keeps his breathing slow and even. Lips whisper randomly across his skin in no particular pattern. He realizes when his bed partner kisses a white, jagged scar that careens down his thigh, what the intention is.

He sits up, elbows providing support, to look at his double.

Meeting his gaze, Other Itachi asks, "What happened here?"

"A tanto," He replies. Explaining that he'd gone to cover for a squad member and then was promptly stabbed by that squad member would likely go over a pretty dark head.

Or, he'd be explaining the entire system and he doesn't really have time for that.

"And this one?" Long fingers stroke over a faded scar on his side.

The conversation is starting to sound a bit like the ones Kisame would have with the women he'd bring around and he debates entertaining such things.

Finally, after a moment of contemplation, he says, "Shrapnel."

Moving up Itachi's body to kiss him, inky strands making swirling designs on his chest and shoulders and neck, Other Itachi's fingertips touch his ANBU tattoo. "I've seen this before."

A once over tells Itachi that his lover doesn't have the same mark. "It's a sign that someone has made it into the highest echelon."

Other Itachi leans back. An almost smile tugs at the corners of his mouth. "So you are the best of the best, then."

"Do Not Engage in the Bingo Books."

Dark brows furrow incrementally, head tilting as the information is processed and seemingly filed away. Pulling charcoal colored hair to one shoulder, his double says, "I do enjoy the company of dangerous men."

A huff of exasperation escapes him as he pulls his partner down. It has to be a twisted form of narcissism but he's never felt so at ease with anyone else.

Playfully, Other Itachi throws his weight and rolls them so that the Akatsuki is over him, hand cupping the back of his neck for a kiss. There's no intensity, only lazy affection as he gets lost in the warmth and tenderness of his twin.

"I want you," Is breathed against his mouth and he notes that he's going to have to lay some ground rules that he can't always be the top between them. His thoughts come to a sudden halt at the hand that slides down his body.

They're the same height, requiring a bit of adjusting in order for those nimble digits to reach their goal.

Index and middle fingers are worked in slowly. They're a touch chilly from lubricant but he tries to relax, having been in recovery for the last few weeks means that he is not as easily filled as his partner.

He licks and sucks along his lover's jaw, caught up the the steadily growing impatience between them before Other Itachi tangles the fingers of his free hand in silken tresses and pulls Itachi up to lock lips once more, hips lifting and hand withdrawing in a wordless request.

At the feeling of his hole being nudged, he pushes down with a languid persistence, careful not to hurt himself or the man underneath him. He rises up to ease the shaft inside again. Leaning down to brush their mouths together, their bodies move like a gentle tide without any of the heat that had built between them the night before. Hands roam, mindful of sticky fingers and ticklish spots.

Only Kisame had ever touched him so delicately and yet, this somehow feels different. The swordsman's always held affection for him.

But this feels akin to reverence. Longing. Like two sides of the same soul having finally met after an eternity apart.

When he's spent, he lies his head on Other Itachi's chest, lulled adrift to the rhythm of his heart.

A comfortable silence settles over them as they rest in the afterglow. They don't require pillow talk or any amount of searching for a better position because, somehow, they fit together perfectly.

His attention snaps to the other person in the house he'd momentarily forgotten as they approach the bedroom door.

"It's just Sasuke," He feels more than hears in the rumble of Other Itachi's chest.

Sure enough, their brother's voice comes through. "Stay here, Mimi. They're probably butt ass naked."

"Butt... Ass?" Asks Izumi. "T-together?"

The door pops open, Sasuke coming in like he owns the place. "Nii-san~! Wakey wakey."

"Go away, Sasuke."

He seems to take this as a challenge, climbing up on their bed and jumping like a rambunctious toddler. "Get up, Nii-san! Rise and shine, Nii--"

Other Itachi leg swipes him and the Akatsuki watches the raven haired teen topple to the floor with no small amount of concern.

The younger man pops back up and they begin to bicker between them, completely ruining Itachi's mood. With a sigh, he stands, pulling on the nearest pair of pants and wandering into the kitchen.

As he's pouring juice into a cup he found on the drying rack, Izumi draws closer. He catches a glimpse of scarring on her neck when she reaches around him for the candy bowl Other Itachi had left out the night before.

She leans against the counter, unwrapping a piece with practiced fingers. "Never took Itachi to be the type to suck his own dick."

He contemplates his juice, quietly sipping it.

"Mimi," Says Shisui as he joins them, "did you eat something real today?"

"Probably."

"I'm going to take that as a negative. Have you eaten, Itachi?"

"I haven't."

"Alright. This means that Itachi Two--"

"This is Itachi Two," Izumi corrects him. "Itachi One is fighting with Sasuke."

"Surprise, surprise." Broad shoulders roll and shaggy hair sways when his head shakes. "Come on, Itachi. Let's go hustle them out of bed so we can get to our errands."

Following Shisui down the hall, Itachi sneaks glances at the older man. He's attempted the math to pinpoint how old his mentor would be to no avail because every time he catches sight of Shisui, his brain derails and runs circles around him.

"While it's just us," Shisui says, "I... Have something I need to tell you."

Heart picking up and attention rapt, he waits.

"And you can't tell Itachi I said this, okay?"

This gives him pause. But he trusts Shisui. He's always been able to trust Shisui. "Alright."

"Sasuke is a shit-stirring, deal-making, snarky little troll. He attracts trouble at every opportunity."

That was not at all what Itachi had been expecting -- Or maybe, hoping for?

Although, following this trail of thought, he isn't ready to give any breath to what he may have actually thought was about to unfold.

"Don't get me wrong, I love him. I've gone through hell and high water for that kid, but he and Itachi are vicious to each other. Sasuke even pulls pranks on other people and no one's allowed to get him back, so they target Itachi, instead."

"But if I'm not supposed to tell Other Itachi, why are you telling me?"

"Because he'll use your ignorance to his advantage. You're the key that unlocks doors that let him get away with murder, so to speak."

"Thank you for alerting me."

Shisui's hand touches his back and he finds himself leaning into the meager warmth on his bare skin. "Yeah. I said I'd look out for you. I meant it."

"Can I ask why you and.." He trips over his own words, "I didn't work out?"

The taller man worries his lip for a moment. "We both had different goals."

It's a nebulous statement coming from someone who tends to be rather specific.

Any attempts at pushing for more information are thwarted when they enter the bedroom and find Sasuke in a headlock, flailing and swearing. If Shisui feels awkward about Other Itachi's nudity, there are no tells. "Put your clothes on, already. Your mom's going to start calling me if we don't get going."

He releases Sasuke and the teen once again falls to the floor.

Deciding on an outfit, he tosses a set of clothes to Itachi. "I need you to look presentable, today."

It almost sounds like an insult. And maybe it would be if he weren't so inherently aware of his own bossiness.

He's quick to change clothes, feeling a bit exposed but not wanting to seem easily spooked.

Then, they all get into Shisui's car. His twin sits in the back seat between himself and Sasuke. Izumi has claimed the front passenger.

As they pull down the drive, Shisui asks, "How'd your new book deal go?"

"Better than expected," Izumi tells him. "And I wasn't expecting much."

"You're an author?" Asks Itachi.

"Aa!" She replies. "I'm pretty surprised they accepted it."

"Of course they would," Replies Other Itachi. "Your ideas are very creative."

Leaning around his brother to look at the Akatsuki, there's an undeniably crafty gleam in Sasuke's eye. "You'll have to read it. It's really interesting."

Dark eyes glance back at him shyly from the front seat and Itachi begins to wonder what Sasuke's getting at.

He picks up the faintest of discomforts in Izumi's gaze before she turns back to Shisui. "I've been kind of thinking about adding velociraptors."

"What?" Laughs their chauffeur. "That seems like an out of the blue twist."

"Or like," She seems thoughtful. "Aliens?"

"Mmmm." Says Shisui like he's trying to be nice but thinks it to be an incredibly stupid idea. "I'd talk to your editor."

The brunette sighs, leaning against the seat and staring out the window. "I just don't know how to end it..."

Itachi catches obsidian staring at him in the rearview. In his peripheral, Sasuke is practically vibrating. Hardly able to contain whatever's on his mind.

However, his twin seems to subtly be trying to reign the teen in.

It's barely been twenty-four hours and his bed partner is hiding something from him.

A painful reminder that he can truly trust no one.

As if aware of his thoughts, Other Itachi's arms slink around his waist. He shivers when full lips brush the shell of his ear. "You're safe. Have you done grounding before?"

He tugs away, startling when his lobe is nipped. His double refuses to be ignored and he acquiesces, making sure his lover knows his displeasure in incrementally downward lips and a drawn brow.

The car rolls to a stop and Izumi pops open her door. Sasuke and Shisui follow at a slower pace. After an assertive squeeze, Other Itachi slides from the vehicle.

There are too many people in the house and Itachi decides he's going to dodge further get togethers if it's the last thing he does.

Fugaku's nose in buried in the newspaper, Mikoto's chattering with Obito.

Feeling shakey and almost sick, he follows the gentle direction of Other Itachi to sit at the table.

"Congratulations on your deal," Fugaku says. "I know you were hesitant about sending it in."

"Thank you," Izumi says quietly, playing with the ends of her hair. "I really wouldn't have done any of this if you and Mikoto hadn't supported me."

"How long until they make a movie out of the first one?" Obito asks but it sounds like he's teasing.

Under her breath, face red, she says, "They're doing casting right now."

"Really?!"

"I can't believe it, either..."

Breakfast is dispersed between them but Fugaku's still reading, letting Mikoto fill his bowl before setting it before him, hashi balanced on the rim. "Your father and I were talking and I think I'd like to take Itachi to get some of his own clothes."

"Oh," Splutters the Akatsuki, never having felt so flustered in his life. "No, that's not--"

"Regardless of sharing fingerprints and dental records, you are your own person shaped by your very own experiences. You deserve to be able to express that."

"I," He stutters breathlessly, "I can't--"

"Let her do it," Other Itachi tells him. "I'll pay for it and you can pay me back at a later date."

"That's not necessary," Says their mother. "You're both my boys, after all."

That they've just accepted him like it's nothing after he killed them leaves his skin crawling and a knot in his throat that he can't clear or swallow.

It clots in his lungs like the blood that's steadily been building there over the last few years.

"Itachi?" Asks Shisui. "Are you okay?"

There's a cold hand softly rubbing circles over the skin of his back, under his shirt. Other Itachi's family is looking at him with concern.

Even Fugaku's set his reading material down.

That puts him in a tizzy all over again. Rarely had his own father spared him the time unless he was meeting milestones and goals.

And he'd been quickly discarded the moment Fugaku saw the cracks starting to form in his docile veneer.

The Wicked Eye wasn't necessarily cruel, so much as overwhelmingly demanding.

Those expectations were all he'd ever known.

Itachi's face is cupped by those same cold hands and turned to face his mirror image. But looking into bottomless depths, he wonders if they're really two parts of the same soul.

Or if he'd been so wrapped up in their similarities that he'd overlooked their differences.

Their mouths brush and he holds his breath. Overstimulated and overborne to the point of wanting to scream and leave and destroy.

It would be easy to take out the hatred he feels for himself on the man before him, touching their foreheads together and assuring him that he is, in fact, okay.

Insisting that the Akatsuki will never be in danger again without understanding that he is the one staring danger in the eyes.

Technology has made Other Itachi too comfortable. Too soft. Too confident.

"Why don't you show him the garden, Dear?" Asks Mikoto. "Maybe he needs some air."

"I'll do it," Chimes in Sasuke, springing to his feet and grabbing the Leaf nin by the wrist. "This way, Itachi-Nii."

"Be gentle!" Their mother -- Other Itachi's mother -- calls after them and for a moment, he's reliving the times he and his own brother had gone to play in the grass or rest on the porch.

He glances over his shoulder to see Sasuke's family looking after him with worry and hints of fondness.

"I wonder if a Xanax would help you," Murmurs the teen as he drags Itachi through the door and into the grass. "Although, I've heard good things about Paxil and Valium." He gives pause, looking to the older man. "You ever take any of those?"

Their gazes meet and Itachi hopes to convey that he has no idea what the hell the boy is rambling about.

"They don't have those where you're from, huh?"

Rays of sun trickles through the white, fluffy clouds that have closely grouped together and birds chatter amongst themselves. A dog barks in the distance.

He tries to fill his aching lungs but can only manage short breaths.

Glittering obsidian measures him, mouth quirking. "Want to know a secret?"

"Sasuke..."

"No, no," He insists, tugging Itachi deeper into the grass to stand underneath a maple with blood red leaves. "It's a big one."

"... Alright."

Out of the tree's hollow, Sasuke draws a book and offers it to him with a wordless request. Tentatively, Itachi takes it, skimming the cover and finding nothing all that odd.

"Shisui said you were a shit-stirrer." The older Uchiha informs him.

"Yeah, but you have trauma. So that means we have to work together because I can't fuck with you like I do everyone else. However, I thought this might be important, you know?"

Aside from the mystery of what's in the book, Itachi knows a deal-maker when he sees one. "What do you want for this?"

The softness in his would-be brother's eyes becomes razer sharp, as if he were channeling the Sasuke from his own reality. "This is a freebie. Everything else is a trade."

"For someone so forthcoming, you're awfully conniving."

Delicate hands clap onto his biceps. "A good informant never reveals all of his cards. Right, Captain?"

Befuddled, he tilts his head. "I don't understand."

Turning back to the house, Sasuke's voice is playful as he sing-songs under his breath, "You sound awfully dumb to be an ANBU lead."

"How do you know that?" He demands before he even processes his reaction or the teen's half-taunt.

The younger man's expression is back to his innocent façade. "I know everything about everyone. They're all preoccupied. But not me."

He knows.

Sasuke knows.

The words stick in his dry mouth. "And yet, you're not angry with me?"

"I have more important shit to worry about." The teen tells him and a pang of guilt strikes him that both his Sasuke and this one are weighed so heavily with responsibility. "Honestly, what are you going to do? Kill us again? Maybe we deserved it last time, but we've done you nothing but kindness."

"It," He manages, "That's not entirely accurate."

"We can talk about it later. You're on the edge of another panic attack and if we take any longer, mom's going to come yell at us."

"Sasuke," Itachi presses onwards. "I didn't kill you."

His arms cross and he turns to fully face the Akatsuki. "Aw, Itachi-Nii. Did you really just try to lie to me?"

"Since you know everything, you should know that I did it all so your life would be spared."

The boy quiets but Itachi's now aware that Mikoto is set to come and quarrel with them if they don't make an appearance. Stepping past him, the older Uchiha asks, "Why am I not romantically engaged with Shisui?"

"Oh," Says Sasuke with a laugh. "If you want that sort of information, I'll need you to do something for me first."

The audacity catches Itachi completely off guard. "Alright."

"Great. This favor is going to go in my back pocket for now. Don't forget."

He doesn't like the sound of that.

"You and Shisui didn't work out because--"

"Sasuke!"

Their attention snaps to Mikoto who's darkened the doorway with the very beginnings of wrath. "Get back in here. You're making it worse!"

xXx

Having always just purchased standard issue military wear and not giving anything else much thought, he's overwhelmed at all of the choices at his fingertips.

It's hard not to merely sit on the rim of the decorative pond encircling a fountain that's far too intricate for its surrounding stores.

His mother's fingers -- Mikoto's fingers curl into the bend of his elbow gingerly guiding him around the strip. "My Itachi tends towards soft fabrics and neutral tones. Sasuke enjoys looking like a rabid raccoon with a crack addiction."

"I'm sorry?" Itachi asks, extremely confused at such a comparison.

She gestures to a set of advertisements on the wall of the store nearby. Teens with sideswept bangs and heavy eyeliner. Spikey accessories or multiple necklaces. Their clothes are all dark, sometimes with purple stripes but more often tee shirts with some sort of skeletal design.

"He says it isn't goth," Mikoto continues. "But he sure looks like one of those edgy kids who play in graveyards and fantasize about fucking corpses."

Thinking about the last few weeks, Itachi supposes he has seen Sasuke wear a toned down version of this Not-Goth style. Not that he's entirely sure what goth even is. "People are interested in the dead?"

His chaperone seems to suddenly remember that he is not her son and is a bit clueless. "No, it's just children seeking attention and all that."

"I see."

She leads him through various stores. Insisting he try on different things she's picked out for him.

Standing in front of the full length mirror, he tries to fathom the image of himself in jeans and a tight navy blue top. The black over shirt is oddly cool against his skin.

Even though he can see Mikoto approach, he can't staunch the flinch when she pulls his hair from its tie to comb her fingers through. "You know, I'm a bit surprised at the way things are panning out."

"How so?" He asks.

"I thought my boy would never find someone. Perpetually off and on with Shisui until he got tired of the shenanigans." She pauses at the sight of another customer milling behind them. His hair is forgotten in favor of a hug, her face squished against his left shoulder.

He can't remember the last time his own mother had treated him this gently. Itachi had been so small when they began sharpening him into a weapon for Clan and Country.

"It's a little unorthodox," She says into his shirt. "But no one could possibly understand him the way that you do."

"Hey!" Bellows a man across the racks. "Uchiha Itachi, why the fuck have you not returned any of my calls?!"

"Go away, Hikaku." Mikoto calls back. "If you had anything interesting to say, he would have gotten in touch by now."

Itachi takes a sharp breath at the long haired man that bursts from one of the clothing racks like an enemy in tall grass. "I knew you had mommy issues, but this shit is ridiculous."

At his confused expression, Hikaku continues. "How are you going to spend a whole two weeks love bombing me like a sociopath and then vanish? Huh?"

"If you knew it was love bombing," Says the raven haired woman, "Why'd you suck it all up like a lamprey?"

The anger dissipates to a deadpan expression. "Mikoto-sama. Did you just call me a leech?"

"We both know that's why you were licking my boy's boots like a puppy for attention. Even though Fugaku's the only one you should have been worrying about."

"Your boy this, your boy that." Hikaku mocks. "But when's he going to man up and speak for himself?"

"I apologize," Itachi says, gently breaking away from Mikoto. He doesn't know what happened between this man and his counterpart, so he's just going to navigate the best he can. "My brother almost died and it's been very difficult."

As if a switch has been flipped, even the smallest shreds of annoyance twist into concern and the Akatsuki actually feels a bit bad for him. "Is he alright?"

"He is. But he would be dead if I hadn't found him and it's left me rather shaken."

"Understandable. If you need something, I'm here. Just," His hands dip into deep pockets. "Call me, okay?"

"Thank you for your patience."

The moment Hikaku is out of hearing range, Mikoto starts in again. "Some nerve he has to make such baseless accusations. Itachi is nice to everyone and people tend to misinterpret it as flirting."

But regular people don't get upset like that with minimal niceties. Itachi might be terrible at navigating human relations, but he isn't bad enough not to see the obvious.

"Don't worry about it," She insists. "Our family enjoys drama. They thrive off it. I'm sure I don't have to tell you that, though, do I?"

xXx

His fingers trace the watercolor art splayed on the pages tucked into the beginning of the book Sasuke gave him.

Itachi is simultaneously honed in and yet feeling very checked out. Dissociating while trying to comprehend the information handed to him.

The television jumps to life and he stands, book dropping to the floor.

"Sorry," Says Shisui. "I sometimes forget how flighty you are."

"It's fine," He murmurs, picking up the reading material and settling back into his spot on the couch.

The older man sits beside him, flipping through channels. "What's it like? The other side?"

Itachi glances at him, but those dark eyes are focused on looking for mindless, trashy entertainment. Why he's doing it at Itachi's house is beyond the Akatsuki.

They must still be very close if Shisui has a key.

"Have you read this book?"

Cupid's bow lips break into a smile, attention turning his direction. "No fair. I asked you a question first."

"Did you?" He insists.

Shisui's head tilts, grin incrementally slipping as he tries to parse what's going on in Itachi's head. "Some of it. Mimi's a great author, but her choice to have the love interest kill literally everyone kind of ruined it for me."

"Love interest?"

Dark brows raise. "Did you already read it?"

"No..."

"I guess I spoiled the ending then, huh?"

Taking a chance, he turns the book around to show his friend the map of the Five Shinobi Nations and the page of a detailed likeness of Konoha. "This is where I come from. This is my village."

"That's not possible." Shisui's tone doesn't imply that he doesn't believe it. Only that he doesn't know how it could happen. "Mimi has never said anything about it. She's talked about some of her ideas but..."

Shaking his head, Shisui continues, "Could it be a coincidence? A lot of fictional continents look the same."

At his stony silence, the older Uchiha looks past the book to him finally. "So then, who is this person, if not Mimi?"

He takes a deep breath. If no one has actually read the book, then it means no one -- Other than Sasuke -- knows who he is or what he's done. "You said that the love interest kills everyone?"

Shisui's eyes become a touch squinty like he's looking for the trap. "I don't want to spoil the twists if you're going to read it."

"It's not going to spoil the twists," Itachi tells him, "because they aren't true."

Suspicion turned up to eleven, the curly haired Uchiha caves. "Yeah. There was a lot of foreshadowing where he started talking crazy but nobody did anything and then the main character wakes to her family being murdered in front of her."

"And his best friend had died a few months before?"

There's an uncomfortable understanding that seems to dawn on Shisui. But it takes an even more frustrating turn. "So you survived it, too? How?"

Itachi can't tell if he actually knows or if he's genuinely barking up the wrong tree.

Closing the book and setting it on the back of the couch, he sits a little straighter.

"You don't have to talk about it. I imagine it to have been a nightmare. Especially since your family," Shisui's arms cross, "our family was clearly killed in all of this. It must be a relief that Sasuke came out okay."

Itachi feels stuck. Desperate to explain the truth but terrified that Shisui will not receive his truth kindly.

He doesn't want to lose Shisui again.

"Did you ever find a motive?" His companion inquires. "Why he did that? Because from what I've read, he seemed like he really loved our family."

Anger at himself flares when he hears how small and afraid his own voice sounds. "My village. The elders told him to do it or they would carry it out with much more brutality."

Slowly, Shisui moves towards him, tucking him under a strong arm. His cheek rests on the top of Itachi's head. "I'm glad you got closure. Does your Sasuke know?"

"I don't know."

"Well, if he's anywhere as tough as you, he'll be okay."

Looking up at Shisui, the words crowd into his mouth. He wants to confess. He has to explain, lest his friend make assumptions that are wrong and untrue.

Shisui is one of the most laid back people in existence.

Until he's lied to.

With shaking hands and a racing heart, he braces himself for the response to the truth he's about to tell.

Eyes growing wide and lashes fluttering when their mouths softly brush, his mind drops into nothingness.

They are all that exist.

His fingers tangle in Shisui's rough, thick sweater and it creates an itching on his palms. Earthy cologne sends Itachi reeling and he gasps at the strong hands that pull him to straddle narrow hips, chest-to-chest even though he's positioned higher.

They separate only for Shisui's mouth to find his neck, licking at the marks placed by his counterpart and creating some new. His ass is cupped over his clothes and he grinds down, enjoying the pleasure that sparks and the noises the older man makes in reply.

His shirt is pulled over his head and Shisui's is awkwardly tugged off next. Itachi takes a moment to marvel at his mentor's body, eliciting a shy quirking of lips. He hadn't expected Shisui to still be in shape. After all, there's no reason for him to train in this world.

Other Itachi is rather fit, too...

The shock of skin on skin when Shisui pushes against him fans flames he hadn't even realized they'd ignited.

Designs are drawn featherlight on his lower back but there seems to be no intent beyond that. His arms wrap around Shisui's neck and he presses their mouths together.

They both startle at a loud and obnoxious chiming.

Reaching over to pick up the device his twin has gifted him, he turns around to rest his back against a firm, warm chest.

Opening the message sends him into the very beginnings of a panic attack as he looks about the room, chakra searching. He can't believe he let his guard down so easily.

Strong arms hook about his hips and hold him still. "Lemme see."

Shisui's chin settles against his shoulder and he grabs his phone, tapping in the code and opening the same message from the same sender. "Oh, god damn it." Turning slightly in order to see behind them, Shisui calls, "How'd you get in here, Jigsaw?"

Sakura giggles as she comes from the kitchen. "Itachi sent me to drop off," She points at the Akatsuki, "Itachi's prescriptions."

Itachi can't help his wry tone. "The Xanax?"

"Mmm," She says, looking at the labels on the bottles. "Looks like something to help you sleep, yes to the anxiety meds, aaannnd something to help clear out that nasty shit in your lungs until we figure out what the hell is wrong with you."

"But instead of making yourself known like a normal person, you decided a photo shoot was necessary?" Shisui asks.

"At least I got your good side."

"I don't have a bad one."

"You really don't." She says, coming to lean over the arm of the couch in such a way that her chest is inches from Shisui's face. "I've been thinking..."

"You?" Retorts the bigger Uchiha. "Capable of conscious thought that doesn't exclusively revolve around dicks?"

Shifting to sit on the arm of the couch, she continues, "If there's an alternate Itachi, is there an alternate Sasuke? And should we be looking out for him?"

"No," The Akatsuki informs them. "He doesn't know I'm here, so I doubt he would be able to cross."

Sakura pats his knee. "I bet you miss him, huh?"

"I do."

"What's alternate Shisui like? Is he hot? Does he actually have the common sense to date me?"

Hesitantly, Itachi says, "He's dead."

Slim shoulders droop, lips curving downwards and parting. Her brows draw together and up. "Oh."

Shisui's heart is racing behind him, against his back. Gently, he's squished against the wall of muscle that is his mentor. "I'm sorry you went through that."

There's no way his friend doesn't know Itachi is the culprit of their family's massacre. If he read the book then he has to because there's no other way things could line up.

Then again, Izumi never did have the full picture. So maybe he's at an advantage.

"I'm not going anywhere," Shisui tells him. "I'm going to annoy you and Itachi One for a very long time."

The front door opens and shuts. Itachi perks to see his twin set his coat and keys on the rack by the door. "You're still here, Jigsaw?"

"I was showing him his meds, Itachi-nii."

"Oh. Thank you. Did you distribute them into the pill separator yet?"

"Weeeeell," Says Sakura. "I kind of thought you might be a bit leery of me handling your boyfriend's meds."

"Fair point." He strides over, pausing when he sees both Uchiha topless. A myriad of micro expressions surface but instead of saying anything about it, he turns to the pink haired woman and holds out his hand. "I'll do it."

"He probably knows how to work a pill separator. You can just sit down for a minute."

Other Itachi hesitates. "It's been a long day."

"Awww," Whines Sakura. "C'mooon! Sasuke's sucking face with Kari-chan, Naruto forgot his phone at home so it died, and Ino's acting like a bitch."

"Ino acting like a bitch isn't anything new." His mirror image tells her. "Didn't you recently get yelled at for fighting it out in the hospital parking lot or did I dream that?"

"You dream about me getting yelled at by my supervisors?"

He shrugs. "I dream about a lot of things. Like Sasuke going whatever the opposite of emo is and talking like a valley girl."

"Ew. Oh my god." Says Sakura. "I did beat her ass a few weeks ago but I didn't get in trouble."

"See?" He says patiently. "You're both bitches."

She pouts sliding down onto the couch in order to dramatically wilt over the arm she'd been perched on. "Be nice to meeee. My parents are divorced."

"Are you high?" Other Itachi asks her. "Drunk maybe?"

She pops back up. "No, but are you offering?"

With an eye roll, the man pads down the hallway. "Go home, Jigsaw. It's not our job to entertain you."

"Why is she called Jigsaw?" The Akatsuki asks.

Flipping around to face him, the pink haired woman says, "Do you like games, Itachi-san? I'm sure as a warrior, you're probably creative. Right?"

"No, we're not asking the traumatized man to help you set up your games," Shisui cuts in. "He's having a hard enough time not crying every time Mikoto speaks to him."

"Shisui!"

With a big, heavy sigh, Sakura stands. "I guess I'll just leave then."

"K, bye~" Shisui replies.

"I'll see you tomorrow."

"Alri-- Wait, what?"

The door shuts, leaving them alone with their thoughts and the chatter of the television.

It appears Hebi has launched another attack. This time, on a prominent author.

Shisui makes to turn the channel but Itachi stops him, turning up the volume.

"Do you know him?" Asks the older man.

Jiraiya blubbers all throughout the interview about his online bookstore being hacked and riddled with advertisements for some sort of celibacy camp before Hebi crashed it entirely.

"I can't really feel bad for the guy," Says Shisui, "He has a history of being a peeping tom but has money so nobody, sans Hebi, is willing to make waves."

As you probably know, this isn't the first time Hebi has created chaos. Starting with breaking into the account of a prominent lawmaker then distributing the money to the homeless and a string of other crimes in between, this is likely not the last time they will strike.

"Who was the lawmaker?" Itachi asks.

"Shimura Danzo." Shisui replies. "I'm not entirely sure why, but Hebi goes out of his way to ruin that guy's life. It's kind of funny, really."

I know everything about everyone, Sasuke had said. It makes Itachi wonder what the hell motivated him to hate Danzo so much.

"Do you know who Hebi is?" The older man asks again. "You look like you know."

"No," The Akatsuki lies. "I haven't a clue."

"Is Hebi back to his regular shit-stirring?" Asks Other Itachi as he returns, sitting beside them on the couch.

"He's decided to target Jiraiya this time."

"Someone needs to."

"I'm a little bit worried he's going to come after the Uchiha." Says Shisui. "We have a lot of sensitive information and a lot of our security stuff is run by forty somethings who can't figure out how to use the navigation app on their phone."

"Rai's got it."

"Yeah, but he's been big mad lately because his co-workers keep talking shit and then, in the same breath, asking him how to open spread sheets. I think he's going to quit."

"He needs a raise."

Shisui nods. "And to probably work from home."

Other Itachi's head tilts one way and then the other. "Maybe."

All of this information goes over the Akatsuki's head. However, he doesn't really find it pertinent because he's already figured out that Sasuke is Hebi and he wouldn't sabotage Itachi.

Chapter Text

The leaves crunch under his boots and he can't shake his discomfort at how loud his movements are.

However, they're downright silent in comparison to Sasuke as he tromps through piles of leaves, kicking some of them up for fun. Ingrained instincts warn Itachi to look out for potential enemies because of this and the fact that the younger Uchiha isn't watching at all.

The inkling only gets worse as they approach a rundown shack in the middle of the woods between where he'd found Sasuke and the city he's now residing. His identification sits heavy in his wallet. They'd had to change a few things so they didn't get flagged for fraud, but the story agreed on is that he and Other Itachi are twins who had been separated at birth.

Most people aren't going to think anything of it as he'd chosen a different first name to be used in public.

Sasuke's palm comes up to face him. "Stay back there for a second."

Confused, he acquiesces to the request. Watching the teen look for something around the door and its frame. He still seems leery as he punches a code on the keypad beside the frame.

Slowly, he inches the door open. "Jigsaw?"

"You're good!" She calls from somewhere in the dimly lit building. "I'm expecting a lot of coming and going today so nothing is set up."

"Oh, good." He waves Itachi into the shack.

The building has the feel of a neglected and abandoned doctor's office. "This is where I was stabilized before being taken to an actual hospital?"

Sasuke shrugs. "Better than nothing. You were in good hands." They go past what Itachi assumes to be the waiting room and down stairs. The building is far bigger than it looks from the outside due to this.

Many doors are closed. The open ones reveal vacant rooms.

"Hang on," Complains a voice Itachi recognizes. "What happened to my right to medical privacy, hmm?"

"Forfeited when you came here because this is the most private it gets. Now shut up."

A blonde head tilts when they come around the entry of the room, revealing both bright blue eyes. "I didn't know you had friends in such high places."

"How do you think I do this work without getting busted, dummy?"

His hand raises to pop her on the head but she yanks at one of the stitches on his arm and he hisses, jerking away from her. "You bitch!"

"Waah, waah," She mocks him. "You want this done or not?"

"Do they have to loiter like that?"

Sakura looks over her shoulder. "The front room? The snacks in my far right drawer with the little flower painted on it are okay to eat."

"You got it," Says Sasuke and they walk back to the waiting room. "He sure does complain a lot."

The bell on the door jingles and the person who opened it seems to hesitate like Sasuke did.

"You're good," The teen tells them. "She was expecting me. My brother is here, though. Just so you're aware."

It's Kisame that steps inside with the hinting of a frown. "Isn't he usually too... Prim for places like this?"

"It's a long story."

"It always is when he's involved." Big hands slide along Sakura's desk as if looking for something.

"Far right with the flower."

The drawer is slid open. "I don't know why everything needs to be so difficult with her."

"It's because her parents are divorced or something."

"It definitely is something, but I'm pretty sure she's the reason her parents split in the first place."

"I could fix her," Sasuke admits, idly running his finger underneath his eyes to check for smeared kohl. "But whatever's wrong with her is way funnier."

"Concerning."

He tosses Itachi and Sasuke both a little box of Pocky before shutting the drawer and sitting on the other side of the younger Uchiha.

The Leaf nin is still in awe of how his features have changed. A tribal tattoo is etched into one side of his face where his gills had been in the alternate universe. Strangely, the left side of his face is plain.

His staring must've weirded Kisame out because he nudges Sasuke. "Why's he looking at me like that?"

Between bites of his snack, the youngest of the trio replies, "He's gay and horny."

Spluttering in embarrassment that increases two fold when the Hoshigaki quirks a brow at him, he thinks he might just die.

Eyes that have lost their beadiness but are no less dark turn back to the door when the bell rings again.

This time, it's a woman and she doesn't hesitate to strut inside. "Where's Jigsaw?"

"In the back," Sasuke tells her. "But she's in a mood, so I'd leave her alone."

Wandering over to a large filing cabinet, the long haired woman pulls it open and starts looking through documents.

"I see Orochimaru didn't tell you not to touch her stuff."

"What's she going to do? Yell at me? I work for the most powerful man in the city."

Sasuke laughs. "Okay. Suit yourself."

Finding what she's looking for, she tries to take the folder out and the cabinet snaps shut, trapping her arm. "What the fuck?!"

"I would stop moving from here. We dunno what else she has set up."

"Jesus Christ what the fuck is wrong with this psycho?!"

"I think she's more of a sociopath, in all honesty."

Leaning over and pitching his voice loud enough for the Uchiha brothers to hear, Kisame says, "Neither are really that great to be."

"You would know, huh?"

The big man heaves a sigh, pulling his phone out of his pocket and typing away at the screen.

"You should really put a lock on that."

Without looking up, Kisame says, "Shut up, Sasuke."

At long last, Sakura makes an appearance. "Ooh, Hoshigaki-san."

"I'm just here for Deidara."

"What?" She asks as she puts her hands on her knees and leans forward. "You don't like talking to me?"

"Sasuke, you better get your friend."

"Friend? I hardly know her."

"You're a shit head," Kisame tells him, gently pushing at the teen before standing.

Itachi notes Deidara is trying very hard not to plant his foot on her ass and push her over.

Straightening out to her full height, her flirtation pauses for a minute. "Keep him on light duty and don't let him take out the stitches. They'll dissolve on their own."

"I'm not his babysitter."

"Well, you're the most responsible one. So don't let him pick or you all get the stick."

Grumbling, he ushers the blonde out the door, glancing over at Itachi and giving him a teasing eyebrow raise as they exit.

"Sasuke, I can't believe you said that." Itachi whispers to him, face still hot.

"It's harmless," He replies playing with the longer of the two necklaces he's wearing. "He and my brother used to almost-flirt before Nii-san got promoted and he couldn't be associated with people from the underbelly of society."

"Your brother's fast, isn't he?"

"Mmmm," Says Sasuke. "Yeah. He goes through guys like Naruto goes through ramen. You know Naruto, right?"

"I'm acquainted."

"I don't think he means to be a player. I just think he gets bored." Sasuke explains. "A lot of guys have this crazy idea of what he's like and then either can't keep up or feel resentful when he isn't what they thought."

"What do they think he's like?"

The teen takes a moment to watch Sakura help the other woman get free from the cabinet. "For someone who exclusively bottoms, he's got mad top energy. You both do. Which is hilarious because, not that I want to think about it, but I have no idea how you two work at all."

"I know you know how physical intimacy works, Sasuke."

His eyes roll. "That's not what I'm saying."

Itachi waits for him to expand further but instead, his brother says, "Anyway, he gets drunk, tells a bunch of dudes he loves them and then always finds a reason to delete their numbers out of the blue and forget they exist. He doesn't even recognize them when they confront him."

"I'm starting to see why there's friction with Shisui."

Sasuke shrugs. "He's always treated Shisui nicely. The problem is that he wants to pay his dues and relax while Nii-san can't be content with something so simple."

"You're saying your brother is a power hungry whore?"

"I'm sure there are other ways to word it."

"And you didn't warn me at the beginning of this?"

"Come on, Itachi-Nii, cut me some slack. I can't do all the work around here."

The woman is freed, her arm is red and tender. She holds her limb close as she watches Sakura adjust her traps and flick through folders. Pulling out a few, she hands them to the brunette. "Here, Kin. Stop touching my shit because the last guy lost fingers."

Kin sees herself out, throwing glares over her shoulder.

Sakura turns to Sasuke. "Did you bring the right one?"

"If I brought the wrong one, you would know by now."

She beckons to them. "Come on."

They follow her through the underground facility and into a pristine room at the very back. "Leave the door open. I have some high profile people I'm supposed to be holding and need to be able to see."

"Which ones?"

"You know I can't give that information, Sasuke."

He crosses his arms and pouts.

"What is all of this about?" Asks Itachi.

Clipping a set of photos onto a bar attached to the wall, she asks, "Do you know what these are, Itachi-san?"

"Imaging of some sort." He replies, a touch worried because it looks like the main subject in these photos are eyes and their attached nerves.

"Can you tell which ones are yours versus which ones are Itachi's?"

"They're both Itachi," Sasuke cuts in.

"Semantics. Let him answer the question."

Itachi stands, looking over the photos. His vision isn't all that great to start with and he has a feeling Sakura is very aware of that. Touching the photo in which some of the structures look damaged and slightly deformed, he says, "This one."

Red lips quirk. "Can you tell me who the fourth one belongs to?"

He steps back. Sasuke is getting restless but he wants to take his time.

The first and third photos are similar but different than his own in a way he can't quite pinpoint. The fourth one looks like his but far less worn and he makes an educated guess. "Izumi."

He glances back to see her expression and knows he guessed correctly. "One and three are Itachi and Sasuke for a control group. Itachi still needs glasses but not to the sheer degree you do."

"We'll stop somewhere and get him lenses on the way home."

The medic nods. "The reason for this big production isn't just because of your abilities -- Which I would like to see, by the way. But it's because I noticed that the nerves attached to your eyes and Izumi's eyes carry the same trait. Our Itachi doesn't have it."

"It's from the eye thing he has, right?" Asks Sasuke. "What's the deal?"

"They're connected differently than ours. Everything is seemingly set up for easy removal."

"How do you mean?"

"Sakura's right," Itachi says. "It's very common for our eyes to be harvested or traded for a variety of reasons."

"I think the Uchiha on your side have..." The pink haired woman begins taking down the photos. "Developed a sort of defense where as little damage as possible occurs with removal. The issue is they're more likely to pop out under certain conditions."

"Oh. That's fun," Says Sasuke.

"The nerves are thin to start with but the damage done makes them fragile. Replacing a wandering eye is difficult. Replacing your wandering eye is going to make me want to eat glass."

"Noted," Itachi replies. He's not particularly sure what else to do with this knowledge. "Thanks, Jigsaw."

"Anytime." She says as one of the people she's responsible for attempts to make an escape. Her gaze doesn't waver from Itachi as her charge screams. In pain, fear, or frustration, he isn't sure and he doesn't think he really needs to know.

xXx

"I'll be here," Sasuke tells him from the driver's side as he begins to reapply and fix his eyeliner. "Is your phone on you?"

"What?" Itachi asks him.

"Your phone? Nevermind. I'm just gonna sit and wait."

As he walks up to the house, he checks his pockets and comes up with nothing sans wallet or keyring. With some contemplation, he can't quite remember what he did with the device and assumes it likely got left at home.

Hesitantly, he presses the bell and waits.

The door swings open. "Itachi! I'm kind of surprised to see you." Izumi steps to the side to let him in. "Is Sasuke not going to come in?"

"He's on the phone with Kari-chan."

"I hope she's alright. Things have been kind of weird for her lately, you know?"

He nods in agreement.

"So what brings you by?" She asks, padding into the kitchen to heat up water that Itachi assumes is to be for tea.

"I read your books," He tells her. "Both the first and second."

"If you're here to see the rough draft for my third, I can't do that for you. I like to keep the originals just for me so I can measure my progress."

Banking on the fact that she's assuming he is civilian Itachi and both his scars and tattoo are covered, he says, "I don't think I've ever asked where these ideas come from. I'm curious."

Pulling out boxes with different brands and flavors of tea, she says, "Dreams. Wild stories my friends have told me but twisted to suit the circumstances."

"Really?" He asks. "Because the way you describe the scenes are so very familiar."

One of the boxes topples from the shelf and she pauses, looking at it for a second or two before reaching down to pick it up. "The layout is kind of based on our city. They always say 'write what you know,' and we did a lot of exploring as kids. I can hardly believe Fugaku let us roam so far for so long."

"I was thinking about having Itachi read it," He hedges. Watching her reaction moment by moment. "He and I, obviously, enjoy reading the same sorts of material."

"It might be too much for him." She says. "He's been through some pretty tough times. We probably shouldn't put him in situations that will remind him."

Itachi steeples his fingers, elbows on the table. "Remind him of what, Izumi?"

The brunette paces to his left to pick up a pair of mugs. The scar on her neck almost looks like a wine colored birthmark. "As you know, the book begins in the middle of a world war."

"You must've done a lot of research. It's rather detailed."

"Itachi," She says as she returns to the stove. "I'm starting to feel like I'm being interrogated. If you didn't like the series, you can just say so."

"Do you think Itachi has seen war?"

"Maybe," She says, turning away from him. "But why risk it, right?"

"Izumi, do you miss Konoha?"

"No," She tells him. "How could I miss a place I've never been to?"

Izumi tosses the boxes onto the table, filling the cups with hot water and coming back to sit across from him. "Why are you asking all these weird questions?"

"I merely," He draws out his words as he chooses a teabag to put in his mug. Chamomile seems like the best choice. He rolls up his sleeves to his elbows and watches recognition dawn on her with no small amount of satisfaction. "Enjoy hearing about the inspiration authors use for their work. That's all."

"Oh," She says as she chooses a bag from the box labeled Cinnamon apple. "I see. Your questions just seem more pointed than usual."

Chapel bells chime in the distance. Someone is blaring music a few houses down.

"If you try to claim the events in my books are real, no one is going to believe you."

He looks up to meet her piercing gaze and she continues. "You're a traumatized battle veteran with bad vision and half functional lungs."

"Why monetize the suffering of our family, Izumi? Of all things?"

"I needed to tell my story. I wanted the world to know that I faced death at the hands of the person I idolized and lived."

"Where is the Izumi of this realm?"

She shakes her head. "I don't know. I thought I died in the Uchiha District and woke up in a hospital from what everyone said was a car accident."

"That's the scarring on your neck?"

"I have no idea." She insists. "Also, fuck you."

"It seems you tried but I turned out to be gay."

Her tea sloshes, making semi circles around the mug when she pushes it away from her. "I hope there is no cure for that shit in your lungs and you wither away like a plucked flower in the summer sun."

"Poetic."

"Fine," She says. "If you try to claim the events in the book are real, I will out you for what you did and you will lose everything."

"Because..." He says as he connects the pieces. "Everyone will know you're an imposter."

"And you have our blood on your hands." Izumi reminds him. "You're a traitor."

He stands, leaving his tea untouched. "Half of those events aren't even accurate."

"Don't try to say you aren't the one who killed Shisui. Everyone knew it was you."

"It wasn't."

"Yes, Itachi. It was. All those kids whose lives you cut short? People who didn't deserve it because you were power hungry and nothing was ever enough."

Feeling wounded and unable to string together the words to explain that she doesn't know what really happened, he pivots, walking towards the door.

"I knew you were a fucking coward." She calls after him. "Run away, Itachi. You never could accept when you did something wrong."

As he steps into his shoes, her voice becomes only noise. He can't parse her words above the buzzing in his own head as he strides down the walk and gets into Sasuke's car.

He's distantly aware of his brother talking to him but his only priority is getting away from this particular situation because he wasn't prepared for her to have such blatant disdain.

The hand that appears in his peripheral is snatched and held in place until it's clear that he wants to be left alone.

Itachi isn't sure how long he sits in the passenger seat with his eyes closed and forehead resting on cool glass but he's brought back from his intrusive thoughts and memories by the car being shut off and the driver's side door opening.

"Sasuke?"

A dark head pokes into the rolled down window. "I'm still here. Do you want to come sit with me?"

It takes strength to climb out, feeling a bit shitty that he hadn't been wearing his seatbelt and put Sasuke at risk of a ticket.

They sit on the trunk of the teen's car, looking out over the city as the setting sun reflects off the glass and metal, creating a warm glow while street lamps gradually kick on.

"You and Mimi really had it out, huh?"

"She said that if I told anyone that what happened in the book was true, no one would believe me and she would make me look crazy."

Sasuke opens a solid white bag of bird feed, tilting it towards Itachi in askance. His black nail polish stands in stark contrast.

Anxious and feeling altogether unsteady, he's slow to reach into the bag, tossing the mix of seeds and dried fruit a short distance from them.

Crows immediately descend to feast.

"My brother and I used to do this every day after school."

"Why did you stop?"

Taking a handful and tossing it towards the flock, he shrugs. "He's pretty busy these days. I hope things will slow down with you around but who knows."

The bag is offered in his direction again and he obliges.

"I believe you," Sasuke says. "Shisui believes you. And I think that's kind of the important part, right?"

"I didn't tell Shisui that I'm the one who did it."

"Did you kill Shisui?"

He shakes his head. "No. I..." He isn't sure how to explain this in a way that makes any sense. Because, Izumi saw the fox attack. Her mother was grouped together with them and labeled part of the problem.

Izumi had lived in the ghetto that had been built to be shaped more like a prison. She knew there was discontentment in the Clan but not entirely what that meant as she hadn't been invited to the meetings.

Most womenfolk weren't. She'd seen his anxiety eating away at him but he could never explain why.

She'd been present for a lot of the rumours and the gossip about his coming undone.

But her knowledge stopped there and he doesn't know if Sasuke knows about the political storm that had been brewing.

Izumi certainly hadn't.

"You don't have to say anything else," Sasuke tells him. "You and Shisui have a bond that appears to transcend time and space. I don't think you could do it if you tried."

"He died in front of me." Itachi admits. "I attempted to stop it but he'd been poisoned. There wasn't anything I could do."

"That old guy? The one that moved you guys to the shitty side of town?"

"There were two old guys."

"Yeah, yeah." Says the teen. "Fuckin' old man Sarutobi and Shimura Danzo."

"Why do you hate Danzo so much?"

Setting the feed down between them and lying back against the window, Sasuke replies, "He used to start shit with our dad. We were really scared for a couple of years because he'd randomly try to get all of us taken away."

"What do you mean?"

"Mimi's dad died in the wreck and that kinda broke her mom. So she dumped Izumi in our part of the city with a backpack and skipped town. Shisui's mom is in jail and set to get out sometime next year. Obito was a runaway at the time."

"And your parents took them in with no qualms?"

"It wasn't fun for anyone but our parents kinda tout that Family sticks together shit." He plays with one of the group of bracelets on his arm. "Danzo used to run the city's orphanage and he was dead set on Shisui, Obito, and my brother. He would send social workers to bother us. We moved at least six times."

"Did you ever find out why?"

"Probably to spite our dad. I don't know what caused their feud but it's been a thing as far back as I can remember."

The birds suddenly scatter, catching their attention and Itachi watches nearly black masses of clouds circle slowly in the sky. "I don't remember seeing rain in the forecast."

"I don't remember having ever seen anything like that at all," Sasuke says. "That's practically an act of god."

A bolt of lightning strikes the middle of the city. It's intensity is so bright Itachi momentarily forgets it isn't the middle of the day.

"That's not god," He realizes. "That's Sasuke."

Chapter Text

"That's me?" Whispers Sasuke. "Fuck, I'm awesome."

"Where's your brother?" Itachi asks. He's sure that it's going to take Hebi's leader a bit of time to find himself or his twin, but he doesn't want to risk something happening to his counterpart who never did anything wrong.

"Probably working," Sasuke replies. "Should we go get him on the way to get..." The teen shrugs. "Me?"

The Akatsuki is torn. Going towards his partner might put him at risk.

But he might be at risk if Sasuke were to stumble across him.

"Can you take me to where the lightning struck?" He asks Civilian Sasuke.

"Yeah."

With shaking hands, he lets himself into the car. Sasuke hops into the driver's side.

The vehicle roars to life, igniting an uneasiness he can't assuage.

As they speed down the winding road, Itachi rehearses everything he wants to say. How he's going to get his brother away from people who can't defend themselves.

He grips the car door as Sasuke weaves through traffic and zips through the city towards the arrival of his death.

It hurts that he isn't going to get the chance to say goodbye to the family that has warmly received him.

They come to an abrupt halt at the scorched road and Sasuke who immediately locks onto him.

Unsheathing his sword as he storms over, he ignores everyone but Itachi.

Slowly stepping out of the car, he tries to remain as unreadable as possible. "Hello Sasuke."

"You thought you could hide from me, didn't you?"

"I wanted to see if you were smart enough to find me."

Electricity humming through his weapon, Sasuke darts in to swipe at him. Itachi leaps back, throwing the metal belt clip that he'd taken from the car as if it were a shuriken. It clatters against the blade, redirecting some of the energy away from his brother's sword.

Other Sasuke comes around the end of the car with wide eyes and an open mouth.

The chirping of birds begins as his brother's hand takes a bright glow. "Ruining me wasn't enough, huh? You had to fuck up his life, too?"

"Oh, no," Says Civilian Sasuke. "I was born this way."

Shinobi Sasuke turns to look at him. "What?"

"Yeah. If anything, I ruined our brother's life. He just, uhm, doesn't know it yet."

"Sasuke," Says Sasuke. "Just because your brother didn't fuck everything up for you doesn't mean mine won't."

Dark brows furrow. "He doesn't know?"

"No," Itachi confirms. "There's... A lot more to it than even you know."

Shinobi Sasuke looks back and forth between them. "What the hell."

"Sasuke!" Shouts Mikoto as she comes from somewhere behind Itachi to throw her arms around his neck. "We've been waiting for you!"

His anger starts to crumble as he looks between the three of them.

Chidori dissipates and his knees give way. Mikoto goes with him, holding fast and squishing him against her.

He seems too entrenched in shock to continue.

"So," Whispers Other Sasuke as he gets closer. "He's come to kill you?"

"I lied to him about why I killed our family and made him watch so that he would hate me and be protected from the powers that be."

"I'm glad Jigsaw knows some trustworthy therapists. You both need it."

"Is Jigsaw really trustworthy to begin with?"

The raven haired hacker laughs. "If no one else, she will always show up for you. My big brother is the reason she was able to go to med school."

"Really?"

"Sooo," He rocks back on his heels. "No one except Nii-san and I know this, but her dad spent her college fund on the girl he left Mebuki for. You went and menaced him into selling all the frivolous shit he spent on the side chick so he could pay for most of it and you covered the rest."

Having never met Sasuke's teammate, it baffles Itachi that his counterpart swooped in to save Sakura like a white knight.

"You don't usually do stuff like that. But you saw something in her no one else did. And you knew she would gladly return the favor."

"He can't keep a man but he'll rescue and buy the loyalty of little girls?"

"You have really got to stop wording your commentary like that."

His actual brother rises again, disentangling from Mikoto. "I don't know why you're here but I'm not going to let you waste any more oxygen."

"Stay out of the way," Itachi tells Other Sasuke before darting to the left. He needs more space than they have, enclosed by buildings and people who think they're performing a publicity stunt.

Sasuke is hot on his heels.

He springs up onto the trunk of a car idling in traffic as there are too many pedestrians on the sidewalk. They move from roof to roof. A shadow clone leaps onto the car in front of him and he's forced to jump and keep pace on the side of a building to his right. His lungs are starting to burn. He'd hoped to avoid cardio. The hideout he'd originally planned their battle to take place in had just the right amount of space for movement but not too much.

Shuriken sink into his thigh and he can't help but be annoyed upon seeing his blood spattered onto the windows of the office spaces.

"Where do you think you're going, coward?!" Sasuke shouts. "Afraid to face me now that I'm your size, aren't you?!"

The urban jungle gives way to a park. It's not his first choice but it's got the space he needs. Springing to the grass, he rips the sign stating its hours from the earth and spins to face Sasuke. Sparks ignite between them when he fends off his brother's sword that carries an electrical hum.

It's going to be difficult to make the younger man take him seriously without going too far. There's too many variables.

It's out of his hands. Taking a life of its own as Itachi's plans are wont to do.

They meet again and the metal of the sign screams as it bends, becoming more and more useless with each strike.

"Did you think being here would give you the upper hand, Itachi?"

"I don't need an upper hand," He corrects Sasuke. "I just wanted to see if you could pass one last challenge. To see if you wanted to avenge our family bad enough."

Someone's frisbee is unlucky enough to pass between them, impaled on his brother's blade and he dips in to wrench the flimsy plastic and Sasuke's sword with it.

It's twisted from carefully wrapped fingers but the younger Uchiha appears to have been ready for this, Chidori sparking to life. He's taken advantage of Itachi's proximity and the Akatsuki has to think fast to keep him from making contact, opting to replace himself with the crows Shisui gifted him.

They're durable. Practically immortal. He wishes he knew what his friend bestowed them in order to achieve such a feat.

He's easily located and Sasuke unwinds the thin white fabric on his arms, preparing for his next move but Itachi is ill equipped to be facing what he's fairly sure to be an arsenal.

Itachi knows he can still push his brother to his limits but he's not thrilled at the need for creativity in a place where he doesn't have much to work with.

Working the shuriken from his thigh with a grunt and resisting the spasms beginning in his lungs, he widens his stance. Activating Sharingan, he accepts that he's going to have to get mean all too early.

But Sasuke does not have Mangekyou.

Would he still need it if he never returns to his own place?

The challenges here are not nearly so volatile and it's not exactly good form to use their doujutsu on people who have no defense whatsoever to them.

Sasuke's signature burns bright directly behind him and he whips around to meet the katon with one of his own.

"No, Sasuke!" Comes his own voice.

But not from him.

He glances over his shoulder to spy his counterpart standing between them.

His brother looks conflicted.

"Whatever's happened, we can figure this out."

"It's so fucking cute that he thought he could come here and play Happy Family after what he's done. Please move."

"All of this," Says Other Itachi, "it's a misunderstanding. He's not--" He collapses and the Akatsuki knows Sasuke's put him in a nasty genjutsu.

"How long were you going to lie to them, Itachi?"

His chest aches but he's unable to tell if it's from physical exertion or his brother tearing his life asunder as he deserves.

Maybe it's the realization that he could have had this life but it was stolen from him.

His fingers trace the sorrow lines that had given Danzo the belief that he'd only ever meant to exist in misery. He'd been born for the sole purpose of being his brother's spare parts. Of being the reason Sasuke got up in the morning because Itachi had been too afraid that his brother would be left adrift.

Aimless and alone with no reason to stay alive.

Everything Itachi had done would be for nothing.

And he desperately needs it to be for something.

Breathing deep, he walks over to a family that had been having a pleasant barbeque before he and Sasuke imposed upon them. "Thank you," He says, taking a pair of metal tongs off their table and returning to Sasuke. His brother watches him with a mix of amusement and confusion.

Itachi will probably be dead by the time his lover wakes and his counterpart will hurt for a while. But he will look out for Sasuke.

Sasuke will heal.

He will grow from where Itachi has cut him down time and time again like a tree that refuses to die.

He'll know what it feels like to be safe and have a brother who hadn't made all the wrong decisions.

A dart sticks Sasuke in the arm. And then Itachi as he looks for the source.

"I have to be honest," Says Jigsaw from her place in a nearby tree. "One Sasuke is a big enough pain in my ass."

As Other Itachi stirs, the Akatsuki moves to approach him but Other Sasuke has climbed up into the tree beside Sakura. "Hang on! Hang on! Nobody move!"

The pink haired girl cringes as her friend audibly gathers his spit. "I hope your parents can afford your cremation."

"I hope I get an open casket." He says with a full mouth, letting it go when Other Itachi sits up and into range.

Already traumatized from whatever Shinobi Sasuke has done, he jumps back when his brother's saliva lands on his shoulder, trying to parse together what's happening before his gaze lands on the teen in the tree. "You did not just do that."

Other Sasuke cackles with glee as his brother's face grows red with what the Akatsuki assumes to be anger.

But Itachi doesn't get to see it to the end as tranquilizers kick in.

Sakura crouches over him, a pair of gleaming green eyes in the shadow of her face that's turned away from the sun. "You're okay. You and Sasuke-kun are going to take a little nap and then you guys can have a nice, long chat."

Chapter Text

Itachi only has to take a single look around to know he's in a room of Sakura's makeshift and rather questionable hospital.

Across from him is Sasuke. His wrists sit in metal clasps above his head. Rubber mittens cover his hands. He's eyes are wild as he glares. His ankles are bound to a plush carpeted floor.

Itachi's legs are not bound. He assumes it's because Jigsaw trusts he isn't going to do anything crazy.

However, his own wrists are also locked in metal that has warmed from his skin.

"Did you really think they'd never find out?" Sasuke asks him. He's rather menacing in spite of his restraints.

Itachi isn't sure how to respond. He'd wanted to spill his sins but couldn't bear to see the look on their faces.

He doesn't think he could stand to lose them again.

"Were you going to kill them, too?" Sasuke asks, eyes bright.

The question burns his lungs down to the miniscule alveoli.

"Answer me, you bastard!" His brother bellows, struggling against unyielding steel. "I'm not going to let you hurt them!"

The door swings open. "My, my. The tranq hasn't even worn off and you're already so aggro."

"Shisui," Sasuke says, Sharingan whirring as evidence of his anger. "You need to release me and then get away."

"Mmm," Says the oldest of the trio as he sits equal distance between them both. "Maybe. But I want to clear up some things first."

The avenger's brows draw up and together. "Do you want him to kill you again?"

"What's he going to do?" Shisui asks. "He's all tied up over there."

"That's probably how he got you before -- You underestimated him."

"Itachi?" Says his mentor. "What do you have to say to that?"

He clenches his fingers as if in a last ditch effort to hang on to his secrets.

But he trusts Shisui enough to let them go. "I didn't kill him. It was my fault he died. But if I could have changed it, I would in a heartbeat."

"He killed our family, Shisui. And then he forced me to relive it on repeat after beating me."

"I'll give it to you. That was not okay. And Itachi can never make that right."

Itachi feels like he's been punched in the gut. Did Shisui hate him, too?

"However, I have to inform you that he did this to protect you from the government that sought to crush our family. Your family."

Sasuke's gaze flicks over to the middle Uchiha. "So you did lie to them."

Shisui's hand raises. "I wouldn't have necessarily believed him. But Izumi's story pretty much confirms all of the things he's said."

"Izumi??" Sasuke asks. "Who the fuck is that?"

The oldest of the trio blinks. "You... Don't know?"

"She was the girl I was betrothed to," Itachi supplies him. "You didn't see her very much because I wasn't interested and you didn't like her."

"And she somehow got transported here." Shisui continues. "It's all a mess."

"So let me get this straight," Sasuke tells him. "Itachi's future wife came here and told you that Itachi was telling the truth. Itachi came here and said he had a good reason to slaughter our family."

"From what I understand," Shisui says, "it was kill them or lose you and possibly be killed himself."

The youngest Uchiha looks to Itachi for confirmation. "This is the truth. I planned to die by your hand so that you might receive my eyes."

His brother's confused and wounded expression hurts. Sasuke's voice crackles, squeezing his heart with painful shocks. Crushing what little is left into dust. "Why didn't you take me with you? Why would you hurt me like that if you claim to care so much?"

He has to accept that, as much as he loves his family, all they'd ever understood was violence. And even someone who was intelligent as everyone claimed him to be was susceptible to it. Unable to see past the gospel everyone else lived and died by.

Itachi was a child ensnared in the words of people who he thought saw him as he was. "Because I didn't know there was another way."

Sasuke struggles against his bonds. "This is all a lie! You convinced everyone you're the victim but you can't convince me."

"If," Itachi says as he looks at the dark, blood stained carpet, "you'll have them, I'd like to give you my Sharingan."

"I don't want shit from you!"

"That's okay," Says Shisui. "Here's where we'd like to go from this."

Sasuke incrementally calms.

Looking between the both of them, he says, "You're going to be staying with Sasuke One--"

"Can I be Sasuke One?"

"We'd like you to stay with Sasuke Two's family. Itachi's staying with me, so you don't have to see each other if you don't want to."

"Okay," He agrees softly.

Shisui's movements are slow, hands always visible as he frees Itachi from his bindings and guides him into the hall. The long haired Uchiha is only able to get one last glance at his brother before he's closed away.

"It'll be fine," Shisui tells him as he's guided to his mentor's car. "Everything is going to smooth out, okay?"

"Is Itachi okay?" He asks.

The older man hesitates. "Yeah. He's fine."

"He doesn't want to see me, does he?"

"Everything is going to be just fine." Shisui assures him, gently shutting the door and returning into Jigsaw's hideout.

That his partner is avoiding him and his brother won't hear him is rattling his nerves.

He meets Sasuke's eyes as he's walked to the car that has Mikoto and Fugaku waiting.

They're eager to bestow him hugs and affirmations and Itachi feels cold as he watches them.

Shisui plops into the driver's side, reaching over to rub his back but gives pause when he pulls away from his mentor's gentle touch.

He's happy to have Shisui. But at the same time, he would have liked to have died instead of watching his family behind a thick wall of glass.

"Sasuke showed him what happened. He's pretty shaken up but Itachi does still care about you." Shisui says. "So everyone is going to take a breather and come back in a few days."

Chapter Text

The flower shop is nearly dead. The Yamanaka are talking amongst each other in the front as he meticulously loads their deliveries into the van in the back.

It's peaceful and quiet with no drama. Sai usually helps him but something related to his brother has come up.

Jigsaw had put in a good word for him and, with everyone already knowing his civilian counterpart, they'd happily taken him on. He'd tried to explain what happened so Sakura understood who she was helping but she merely empathetically nodded and patted him on the shoulder.

Nothing fazes the Haruno.

But maybe she's desensitized to terror and violence in a way that no one else here is.

Perhaps, she feels like she owes him after what his twin did for her.

A sapling rose bush snags in his shirt, pricking his arm when he tries to disentangle himself. Blood springs to the surface and he watches it gather. It overwhelms the initial cut, tumbling down his arm and leaving a red trail in its wake.

It would be good form for him to make sure he doesn't become a biological hazard but he can't bring himself to move just yet

It builds at the bend in his wrist in order to make its final home in his palm.

He wonders if it's an omen. A warning of things to come. Quite possibly a solution to the problem.

After all, it is only fair that his blood be spilled at the height of his modicum of contentedness.

Everything must complete its cycle. Life. Death. Birth.

Itachi wonders when the next part of his cycle will come.

A wet wipe appears in his line of vision, dipping into his palm to follow the streak up to the initial impact. "Just standing here, bleeding. I didn't expect that."

He's slow to meet the gaze of Other Itachi. But the man before him doesn't spare him a glance. "You're looking for me?"

His counterpart tosses the wipe into a nearby trashcan and sits on the edge of the truck.

The uncertainty makes a sickly butterfly feeling in his chest and stomach.

"I was." His twin says.

Simultaneously, those two words mean nothing and everything. Carrying no inflection but a myriad of messages.

Turning to pick up a hanging planter, he eeks out onto the metaphorical ledge. "I'm sorry Sasuke showed you that."

"It was important that I have all of the pieces before assuming I could understand the entire picture."

"I imagine it's not something you'd be interested in seeing."

"I..." Starts Other Itachi. "Came to ask you to do the same thing. I want to be privy to what happened from your perspective."

"I could show you something that isn't true," The Akatsuki tells him as he places the pot inside the truck. "And you'll never know."

"I'm trying to open an avenue for reconciliation. Do you want it or not?"

He hesitates. Of course, without a doubt, he wants himself back. He misses his counterparts smile against his own lips and the press of his body when he wants affection.

Shisui's lovely company and an attentive lover.

But civilian Itachi shares his soul.

If they even have souls.

The idea that they're just meat sacks piloted by hormones and half accurate information the brain has gathered bothers him.

He tries not to sound too eager. "Yes."

"Come on then." His partner demands, rising to his feet and offering his hand. "I already informed the Yamanaka you're leaving early."

Softly, he takes Other Itachi's hand and allows himself to be guided to the car.

"Hows Sasuke?" The once shinobi asks. He expects to be berated and told never to speak the name of their brother again.

"Still attending appointments to find a compatible therapist. His prior circumstances make things a bit more difficult and he isn't very talkative to strangers."

Guilt weighs heavily on his shoulders. How does he explain his intentions? His motivations?

"Shisui said you found someone, already?"

"I did," He agrees. A too friendly Inuzuka with the patience of a saint and plenty of paper so that he can diagram the important things and she can take notes.

She'd sat down across from him at the end of his intake and many assessments to tell him the road ahead is going to be long. And some things will always be broken, but she would teach him how to manage and cope.

He's rather afraid of what she has planned but his counterpart had already said he wouldn't come back if Itachi didn't try things his way.

"Good."

They reach the safety of Other Itachi's house and slip back to his bedroom.

Memories that are now tarnished play. The way his twin had cried out for him. The tender touches they'd exchanged.

Smooth, cold palms cup his face and turn his attention outwards. "Show me your side. Hide nothing from me."

So he bares his entire being from the very first second he became aware of the burden on his shoulders to that very last moment that he'd taken to irreparably destroy Sasuke. Shisui's final words and his illness that his brother was unwittingly in an arms race with. How lost and scared he'd been without his mentor and how narrowly he'd come to unavoidably kidnapping Naruto.

And Madara.

The Akatsuki almost can't breathe when his twin finally sits up, long lashes fluttering open. He looks sick. Overwhelmed. Exhausted.

"Come here," Says Other Itachi, waving at him from where he'd sat himself at the edge of the bed to wait for his partner to rouse.

Anxiously, he draws near. Mouth dropping open when a fist connects with his abdomen. His twin is stronger than he expected. "That's for Sasuke."

Bony knuckles crash into the side of his face, taking advantage of his being stunned and sending him to the soft mattress beneath them. "That's for lying to me."

Weight sits heavy on his hips and he doesn't bother trying to fend off the attack he knows is coming. He deserves it, after all.

He deserved to die.

Other Itachi's mouth is gentle on his own. His split lip bleeds between them, darkening pink to red.

Itachi tangles his fingers in his lover's shirt and their tongues glide and glance. The tangy scent of copper and the sting of his wound curl against his senses in a pleasurable way.

"Nii-san?" Calls Sasuke. "Are you home?"

They part and he expects his twin to hide him. "In the bedroom."

"Seven is racing tonight. Are you--" He cuts himself off at the sight of the pair. "Hey, Itachi-Nii. I'm glad to see you back."

He's speechless at how friendly Sasuke Two is being.

"You might want to wash your faces when you're done. I don't know if that's some sort of kinky lipstick roleplay or blood fetish, but mom is definitely going to ask."

"Who are you talking to?" Asks Sasuke's voice.

But it doesn't come out of the civilian.

The hacker looks a touch nervous, looking between the origin of the question and Other Itachi. "Our brother."

There's an incremental pang in his heart that Sasuke Two would lie but he knows why.

They're trying to protect Hebi's leader from having an explosive kneejerk reaction.

He shifts in the doorway as if trying to use his body to block them from sight.

Moving to sit at the foot of the bed, Other Itachi says, "It's okay, Sasuke. Let him come. I don't want him to think I'm being dishonest."

Sasuke Two timidly edges out of the way as his shinobi version comes to stand beside him. There's a stark difference between the two and it isn't the eyeliner and fidget jewelry.

Civilian Sasuke seems smaller, somehow. But no less confident.

"Why would you see him after you know what he did?"

"Because he was telling the truth. I know myself well enough to know when I'm lying."

Dark brows furrow, hand resting on his sword. He's abandoned most of the clothes that single him out as different from the regular population. Opting for a partially unbuttoned white shirt and what Itachi's fairly sure to be black skinny jeans.

If it weren't for the weapon on his hip and the darkness in his eyes, the Akatsuki might perceive him as civilian.

But he'd stolen that life from Sasuke in his blind ignorance.

"I'm sorry," He says. The silence is sharp, tearing into him for daring to break it. "I was too young and misguided to make the decisions placed in my hands. It's painful to admit because I've always perceived myself to be wiser than most."

"I don't know if I can forgive you." Sasuke tells him. "If any of this is real in the first place."

"I have no expectation of forgiveness. But I do ask that you receive my eyes."

"What would that do?" Asks Sasuke Two. "Level them up or something?"

"My Mangekyou creates blindness the more it is used. He's at risk of the same should he ever achieve it and I want to ensure that he keeps his light as long as he lives."

Both Sasukes share a look before they turn back to him. It warms Itachi's heart that they're already so close. The hacker says, "What about you? Are you expecting him to give you his?"

"I am not," He admits. "I've made peace with losing my light as long as Sasuke keeps his."

"Jigsaw could probably do it," Other Sasuke says. "With a lot of complaining."

"No." Says Sasuke. "I don't want them. I refused Mangekyou before I faced you and I refuse it now."

"That's a pretty cool technique though."

"Then why don't you take them?"

The hacker pouts. "Our eyes developed differently and are incompatible. Otherwise, I would trade and give him mine."

Hebi's leader picks him apart with an analytical gaze. "I'm willing to let you work on amends. But if you so much as breathe wrong, I will put an end to you."

"Is there something I can do?" Itachi asks him. "I deeply, deeply regret every second of our life before."

Anger sparks to life in charcoal eyes and Sasuke looks away. "Should have thought of that before traumatizing me at every available opportunity."

He takes a risk, letting his feelings wedge through the cracks. "I know that now."

Other Itachi stands, walking slowly enough that shinobi Sasuke can turn away from him. When he doesn't, the older man wraps Sasuke in a hug. "I'm sorry that you both had such a terrible go. But you're safe and no more harm will come to you."

"You can't guarantee that."

Cupping his cheeks and peeling back that cold exterior to reveal the mortally wounded boy inside, Other Itachi says, "I will do everything in my power to keep you safe. Anyone who wants to lie a finger on you will have to kill me first."

Sasuke looks genuinely concerned, "I don't think you realize how easy that would be."

"I'm tougher than I look." He says, pressing his lips to the teen's forehead. Marking him with the Akatsuki's blood. Something about this feels oddly familiar. Like a parody of what could have been. "I promise."

This creates spiderweb cracks in Sasuke's defenses. Itachi can see it and assumes his counterpart knows, too.

"No," Sasuke insists. "You don't know what the fuck you're talking about."

Other Itachi's only response is to squish him into another hug. "I am your brother. I will always defend you."

The Akatsuki can't see the teen's face but his knees go weak like they did when Mikoto latched onto him. Other Itachi goes with him, reaching out to his actual brother. The hacker crowds in as well. Watching his twin love on them both creates a jealousy that twists in his stomach.

He's so envious it hurts.

Then, Other Sasuke reaches out to him.

He'll have to be careful not to disturb his own brother, but he sits close enough for the other two to touch and rub him.

They're his family too.

They love him and want him around.

Even though he and Sasuke have a long, long road to recovery.

Chapter Text

The lights come up in the crowded theater. Everyone who'd come to see the debut of the movie adaptation of Izumi's book seems to find it a masterpiece.

Itachi can't say he agrees.

Thankfully, no one in the family expects him to. Happily celebrating her achievement, even though they're aware it's a depiction of their deaths.

He assumes it's likely because they didn't experience it up close and personal that it's easy for them to distance themselves from it.

Hesitantly, Itachi glances over at his brother who has also opted out of praising Izumi. Karin rubs his back, talking to him softly.

She'd struck it big, getting both Sasukes and taking the trauma of the new one in stride. Kindly providing him space and gentleness to come out of his shell.

Credits roll and they filter out of the auditorium.

"Okay," Says Shisui. "I have to admit I thought it was going to end up a B-movie."

Izumi glares, smacking him on the arm.

"So what's next?" Asks Mikoto.

"Well..." The brunette looks to the Akatsuki and he already knows what she's going to say. "I was thinking a different point of view..."

Itachi opts not to respond. She should know better than to even imply that. He startles when his lover takes his hand. Shisui and Sakura are bickering ahead of them as they walk to the restrooms.

"So does this mean you're not going to help Mimi write her next book?" Shisui asks. Itachi can't get over how casual he is, making conversation while doing his business.

Civilian Sasuke has picked a stall and Itachi doesn't blame him. "Maybe."

His counterpart peers into the stalls around Sasuke as if looking for something.

"What are you doing?" Asks Shisui as he washes his hands.

"Nothing," Replies Other Itachi. "I just thought I forgot something."

This perplexes the Akatsuki and their mentor. "Wha...?"

Satisfied with whatever he was looking for, Other Itachi waves them out of the bathroom and shuts off the light.

"Hey!" Shouts Sasuke. "Nii-san, you dick!"

The rest of their family is at the end of the hall that widens into the snack area but Other Itachi is still lingering by the door. Holding it shut when his brother tries to open it and provoking colorful language from the hacker.

Civilian Itachi doesn't stop smiling for even a half-second. Cracking it open when Sasuke finally gives up.

"Asshole." Their brother pouts.

"Maybe you shouldn't start fights you can't finish, hm?"

Itachi's own brother refuses public bathrooms and has avoided the ruckus between the other two.

He lingers at the back as they start towards their cars.

The Akatsuki slows his stride and no one else notices. They're all caught up in their own conversations.

Except Other Sasuke. His gaze is curious as a kitten but he doesn't pry, choosing to keep up with his brother as they discuss Naruto's newest win in his street race.

"Aniki doesn't know Sasuke Two has taken down Danzo's security grid. Does he?"

Hearing his own brother refer to Other Itachi as his actual sibling burns but he takes what little he's bestowed by the avenger.

At least Sasuke is talking to him.

He's even willing to be near Itachi in family functions.

"Sasuke is Hebi," The Akatsuki confirms. "He crashes the websites of Itachi's enemies, too. But he doesn't know and it isn't my place to tell him."

"Hmm."

They separate into cars and Sasuke chooses to ride with him to drop him off at his apartment that his lover had helped him procure. He can't see himself with anyone else but he wants some time to live on his own and taste all the silence civilian life can offer.

To be alone for a little while until he and his twin move in together for good.

Civilian Sasuke had gone with his parents. Itachi's own brother gets out of Shisui's car, following him to the stoop.

The Akatsuki can't help but wonder if his death is finally upon him while he stands in the deepest pool of shadow. Underneath the stairs leading to the upper floor and blocking Shisui's range of vision.

He will not fight this time. He will surrender.

Sasuke's hands move and Itachi closes his eyes, stepping closer to his brother for better access. His breath completely catches in his throat when lean arms hook around his waist and a smooth forehead knocks against his chest.

"I am still. So. Angry at you." Sasuke says into his shirt. "But I understand that you were fucked up long before I was born. Izumi said dad used to take you out to see death all the time until you stopped reacting to it."

Tenderly, he strokes unruly locks. "It was necessary if I was going to succeed."

His brother pulls away slightly to look him in the face. "No. It wasn't. He never should have done that. Sasuke Two's dad started fucking crying when he found out."

"Sasuke Two's father did not experience the same circumstances." Itachi reminds him. "He would have done the same in the shoes of our father. He merely denies it because he's in a position to."

The teen blinks at him like he thinks the Akatsuki is an idiot.

Perhaps he's right.

"Can you please just admit that your childhood was fucked up?"

Realizing that this is likely part of Sasuke's healing process and that it doesn't matter if he perceived his upbringing to be problematic or not, he concedes. "My childhood was fucked up."

His brother doesn't look like he feels any better and he grasps for something to say. Something that will contribute to closing his wounds. He falls back on the things he'd said before. "No one helped me with a real solution. I was only ever given ultimatums and lies."

"Thank you," Sasuke tells him softly, completely pulling away and passing Other Itachi on the walkway as he approaches.

"Is everything okay?"

"Is it ever?" The Akatsuki asks his twin.

The other man makes a sympathetic noise, nudging him to unlock his apartment and then pushing him inside it. "Is there anything I can do?"

Itachi doesn't have an answer. Which appears to be an answer on its own because his partner languidly pushes him against the wall of the entryway. Their lips brush and he twists his fingers tight into the hair of his lover.

A tongue slides against his own, cold hands glide underneath his shirt and he rips away. "I--" He gasps when his bottom lip is bitten.

"Focus on me right now. Let go for tonight," His lover tells him.

For a few hours, he allows himself to feel nothing but soft kisses and tender caresses

Chapter Text

The anniversary of their arrival is a big event. Mikoto even invites their extended family.

Itachi doesn't mind it.

He's happy to be received by his precious people, his past sins wiped away.

His brother comes over, sitting in his lap and squishing him. Sasuke is a welcome weight and he wraps his arms around a narrow waist, breathing the scent of spring and sunshine.

Things are not always perfect between them but Itachi is elated that he and his brother have rebuilt their bond.

Other Sasuke and his friends are being wretched little gremlins at civilian Itachi. Avidly telling a story the Akatsuki can't hear the words to with glinting eyes and fingers curled as if imitating claws. His lover seems unimpressed with whatever it is.

"I think," His Sasuke says. "I'm going let Mimi help me tell my side."

"Oh?" Itachi asks. He can't help but feel trepidation that for the second time, he'll be portrayed as power hungry and hellbent on the death of all who cross him.

"I'd like you to tell it with me." The younger man continues. "For the full picture."

This catches him off guard. He isn't sure how to respond. If he's ready to face his past so blatantly.

"It doesn't have to be right now," Sasuke tells him as if he's able to read Itachi's mind. "Just... As long as it happens."

Then he stands, opting to playfully annoy Mikoto as she and Kushina discuss their current obsessions and goals.

Everything feels okay.

Other Sasuke's identity will eventually be revealed, but that's a problem for another time.

Fugaku comes to stand beside him, hand hovering in his line of sight before slowly moving to rest on his head. "You feeling okay?"

"How do you mean?"

"You're just a bit," The hand moves from his head to his shoulder. The back of his neck is a no-touch area but a place Fugaku typically goes for on his twin. "Quieter than normal. I wanted to make sure that you and Sasuke are still getting along."

"We're fine."

"Good," Says the older man, gently sliding his hand over jutting shoulder blades to cup the opposite arm and draw him into a gentle hug. "Your mother and I are very proud you and Sasuke have made amends. We're very lucky to have the two of you."

Itachi's face prickles and he relaxes, leaning into the tender touch of his father. It's been hard to let himself consider them his parents because he still doesn't feel like he deserves them.

Like he deserves any of this.

He should feel guilty about Madara undoubtedly running amok but he just feels warm. Safe and content.

And, after a lifetime of balancing precariously on the knife's edge, he just wants to rest. To breathe the scent of his father and listen to the voice of his mother. To see both Sasukes bully Other Itachi and know that it will never escalate to real violence.

To know that Shisui and Izumi are alive and well. That they aren't going anywhere any time soon.

He's still a bit leery of Obito but assumes it's merely because he isn't very well acquainted with his older cousin.

It will fade with time, considering how much Shisui likes him.

His father's lips press delicately against his temple. "If you need anything, I'm here."

With this said, he joins Mikoto, resting his arm across her shoulders. Sasuke has moved on to playing Guess Sasuke Two with their unsuspecting family members. Itachi had an inkling that would be their agenda when they showed up in the exact same outfit. Civilian Sasuke's makeup is incrementally darker, but both are just on the other side of the emo threshold. Shinobi Sasuke isn't as into the look as the hacker is.

Shisui gives up on trying to accurately guess and picks up Sakura to carry her away from the younger men. Tucking her under his arm like a football while she squirms and laughs. A tentative romance has been building between them under the condition that she lay off the tricks and traps everywhere else but her clinic.

The Akatsuki catches the eye of his lover and they share a smile.

Other Itachi's contentedness is like a beacon. A lighthouse in the pitch dark as he guides those little wayward ships to dock.

After everyone is all socialized out, he and his twin call it a night.

If Sasuke has found his relationship with Other Itachi weird, he's kept it to himself. He does, occasionally spare them strange glances but hasn't given a single protest.

"I think tonight went well," His partner says. "I noticed that you and Sasuke One had a little interaction that put you off kilter. Did he finally ask for your eyes?"

"No," He replies. "He wants to help Mimi write her next book. And he wants me to join."

"I support whatever decision you make. I can imagine such a task to be overwhelming."

"Thank you..."

They arrive home and flop into bed together, exhausted from being with their family. Introverts at heart, both of them are excited for a quiet, uneventful tomorrow.

As they lazily slide from their clothes, tossing them into the hamper, his lover asks, "Are you interested in...?"

Itachi cups his jaw and brushes their lips. Neither of them have the energy for anything long or strenuous. Deft fingers glide along his waist and their tongues slide together.

Their newest toys are pulled from the nightstand drawer and he nudges his partner to his knees. With the both of them having a rather intense itch that is difficult to scratch at times, they'd gotten a bit more creative.

Other Itachi pushes back in response to his balls being gently sucked and the Akatsuki moves to bite the junction of ass and thigh, enjoying the gasp and hiss he receives.

The plug is slicked with lubricant and he teases the tip at the entry of his lover. Long, bony fingers grip at his thigh but Other Itachi remains patiently impatient.

He pushes it in slowly before withdrawing, reveling in the soft moans he provokes as he presses it almost completely inside. The hand on his leg tightens as the plug is pulled out again then returned until it's deep and snug. Smooth, lean legs tremble and his lover's cock drools.

The once shinobi strokes down his pretty, narrow waist. Enjoying the flush of his skin and the delicate, bitten bottom lip.

"Do you want me to place yours?" The other man inquires.

Itachi shakes his head, keeping his lover still while adding lubricant to his own toy and slipping it inside.

He lies beside the willowy form and Other Itachi prowls on top of him. They both gasp when the plugs start a low vibration, pressing their foreheads together. They take a moment to focus only on the sensations, shrouded in dark hair that creates a barrier between them and the outside world.

They grind unhurriedly, tongues playing and mouths leaving love marks on arching necks. He sucks on a dusky nipple, gently using his teeth and watching Other Itachi's blissful expression.

The vibration picks up in intensity as they return to grinding, sharing heavy breaths between kisses. Itachi cries out in surprise when his own hair is grabbed and pulled. He hits his peak, leaving a mess between them and on their stomachs. Other Itachi comes to his own release moments later and drops completely onto the man underneath.

They clean up with the last dregs of their strength and snuggle together, his arms lock tight around his partner.

"Well, god," Other Itachi murmurs sleepily, "I'm glad you stayed."