destined for martyrdom

Uchiha Itachi (うちはイタチ) ANBU (暗部) Captain Age 13 Independent Semi-Selective Theme Art By: Lily Icon Art By: Lily & malignedaffairs

[anbucaptain]

Even when he didn't get a definite answer to what is wrong, Shisui waited in the center of the village as promised. It was the night of the festival, and he said yes to spending it with Itachi, conflicted as he might be, deep down he wanted Itachi to be the one.

So he waits dressed in his festival robes without his headband with the mask of kitsune on his face. Itachi arrives, and kitsune takes him to the festival. Kitsune gives him sweets, leads him between the stands, laughs and eats with him, and shows him how to cheat and win every single prize. Kitsune shows him how to be free, be just Itachi, and live like a simple lad with no heavy burden on his shoulders. Kitsune gave him a beautiful illusion, just this night forget all...

Before the fireworks started Kitsune led Itachi up on Hokage mountain, where the look over the village is the bet, they were in the dark hidden but they could still see all. All the village was washed in red and orange lights, people walking music roaring, and waves of laughter.

The fireworks started with beautiful colors exploding over the darkness of the night sky, looking so close like in the hand reach. The Kitsune watches Itachi with admiration and fascination, as colors wash over his pale face, as colors dance in his dark eyes.

Kitsune at that moment realized that its in love. Kitsune shed its animal form becoming Shisui again. Shisui met Itachi's gaze, reaching out he cupped his face and stole one kiss. He always wanted to do that, to feel his lips, to taste Itachi's lips. He will beg for forgiveness later if Itachi gets angry.

The festival was more than he could have asked for. It was some of the most fun he had ever had with Shisui. Unfortunately, Itachi hadn't mustered the courage at any point during the evening to inform Shisui he had invited him as a date, so Shisui had acted like Shisui always did. Unbeknownst to Itachi, he had always acted that way because he had loved Itachi at least as long as Itachi had loved him.

So, oblivious, the Uchiha heir watched the fireworks burst overhead and wondered if he would ever be able to be the friend Shisui deserved. Would he ever be able to see him as just a friend? Would he be able to let go and be happy for him when he found someone he loved? If Shisui was happy, he supposed he couldn't be anything but happy, right?

Just as he resolved to strive to let Shisui go, for the older prodigy's sake, said older prodigy guided him into a kiss. At first, Itachi thought he was being pranked by him, but as tender as the kiss was, and as peaceful as Shisui's face was, he realized it was a real kiss. Relief washed over him, and Itachi brought his hands up to his bes--beloved's face to hold him in the kiss. After all, he had waited so long to feel his lips that he wanted to savor it.

[shisui-uchiha-anon]

"Shisui..." Itachi wanted to say something, something important, but he hesitated. Eventually, he just dropped it and smiled warmly. "I know you're usually busy in the afternoon," with a certain Hyuuga, "but there's a festival this weekend that I would like to go to with you."

Shisui lifts his gaze at the familiar voice that called out his name. Always so unable to hide his happiness when the younger Uchiha would come to his home when the younger would come to visit or stay. Shisui was cleaning his kunai knives and Anbu arm and leg shields, on his left side was a plate and a few crumbs left that he ate outside, and on the right side of him was his favorite mug, still warm from the last gulp of tea that Shisui had. That mug Itachi got him for his birthday, mug had a small brown rabbit on it eating dandelions.

Shisui had this habit of collecting mugs he had a big collection in his house. Every month he would drink from a different mug, it was like a ritual, but once Itachi gave him this one, he never switches. He still gets new mugs but never switches. Itachi has his favorite too, both mugs when not used can be found in Shisui's kitchen, on top shelve above the sink.

Shisui reached out and hugged Itachi welcoming him in, he held him tight almost lifting up in his arms the younger Uchiha. He missed him, missed him dearly, lately they were never together sent on missions, one always at home other always sent away. And with all that Shisui was still training Neji and working with the Hyuuga clan.

"I missed you so much, please come inside. When have you returned? I can make us tea are you hungry? I have so much to talk about with you"

Shisui went in first with his wrapped leather bag in which he stored his kunai knives. He took off his shoes and put on slippers moving so that Itachi could do the same. His slippers were always in hallway, like warm reminder that he is always welcome in Shisui's house

"a festival this weekend? It's this weekend? I knew that it was approaching but not that its on this weekend" Shisui called out from the bathroom, washing his hands and face. "I would love to go with you, I can finally try that festival robes and mask"

"I changed the refrigerator in the kitchen as you suggested the old one was done for it. Oh, you should open it I have something for you in there" Shisui giggled leading him into the kitchen.

[anbucaptain]

Shisui's hug breathed life back into the part of him that shrivelled up and died whenever he lost confidence. He wanted to ask about the rumors, about why Shisui spent so much time with that other clan's prodigy, but he was asked so many questions himself. As he toed his sandals off, he answered them. "I returned last night. I would have come here sooner, but I had a gift for Sasuke that I couldn't wait to give him." There was a bit of a blush on his cheeks, embarrassment from doting on his brother at his age. "You don't have to make me tea."

Shisui retreated to the bathroom, and Itachi watched him through the bathroom mirror while standing idly outside. He wanted to tell him he didn't have to clean up, not if it was for him, but he liked how his friend looked with a few wet curls hanging over his forehead. When Shisui accepted his request to go to the festival together, he smiled. So he still had time for Itachi...That was a relief.

Then, the older Uchiha guided him into the kitchen with a promise of a gift. Fine brows lifted as Itachi opened the refrigerator. Was it dango? He had passed some while on his mission and still regretted it.

[anbucaptain]

Itachi is talking, and Shisui usually listens with rapt attention. But the sun setting on his back is warm, the tree leaves casting shadows across stretched legs are near mesmerising and Itachi's voice became background noise some time ago. He blinks slowly, head falling forward, and then sits up suddenly, straightening his back. This happens a few more times before Shisui finally succumbs to the gentle yet persistent pull of sleep and slumps sideways, head dropping on Itachi's shoulder.

Time passes and it could have been five minutes or thirty, but fingers in his hair startle him awake all the same.

“I’m not sleeping!” His statement would’ve been more believable had he not been drooling, open-mouthed, on Itachi’s pant leg a second prior. He doesn’t remember being moved to this position, but his neck muscles are grateful. The fog in his mind hasn’t quite lifted and Shisui mumbles incoherently while twisting his body into a more comfortable position. “Five more minutes.”

Itachi wears such a warm smile for the older boy while combing his fingers through his hair. Part of him wants to give Shisui those extra five minutes, but a bed is far more comfortable than his lap. Gently, he gives the soft strands a tug. "Shisui...Let me take you home," he offers. As always, the offer doesn't specify whose home he's talking about. He's always welcome to sleep at Itachi's, though they risk a surprise guest if he does. Sasuke will crawl into the futon between them just to cuddle with his big brother.

[shisui-uchiha-anon]

Mission after mission without a break and rest. He tries to obey and let Itachi take him home, but his head now rested on Itachi's shoulder. He can't remember the last time he was this tired. Was Itachi enjoying watching sleep? Same as Shisui himself enjoyed watching Itachi sleeping-- enjoyed watching him sleep, that calmness on his face, that precious dreamless sleep. He is breathing evenly. What was Itachi talking about before he fell asleep? He is too ashamed to ask.

Parting to sit on his own taking a bottle from his backpack, Shisui sobers up a bit. But he could stay like this forever. By Itachi's side, he felt safe enough to lower his guard and even fall asleep. Despite all the horrors that happen between their clan and the village.

The thought comes unbidden as Shisui finally opens his eyes fully, gaze still unfocused and soft. He doesn’t know how long it’s been, doesn’t ask, doesn’t care to know. But the gears in his mind start-up regardless, rousing each of his senses one by one. The grass under him is cod and a bit wet, and his mouth once terribly dry, now washed with water he finally spoke, groggy but...

"Itachi...What were you talking about before I drifted off?" he croaks, voice dull and heavy still.

[anbucaptain]

The irony pulls a chuckle out of Itachi. “We were talking about how you need more sleep.” Literally. A comment about some subtle bruising under Shisui’s eyes turned into a little advice to get a full night’s rest, but the teleporter managed to fall asleep on Itachi during the conversation.

Shisui might have drooled on him, but, honestly, the younger Uchiha is just thankful he got some much needed rest. Now, his personal mission is to get him into a futon for a full night's sleep. "I do too. You should join me, Shisui."

[anbucaptain]

Itachi is talking, and Shisui usually listens with rapt attention. But the sun setting on his back is warm, the tree leaves casting shadows across stretched legs are near mesmerising and Itachi's voice became background noise some time ago. He blinks slowly, head falling forward, and then sits up suddenly, straightening his back. This happens a few more times before Shisui finally succumbs to the gentle yet persistent pull of sleep and slumps sideways, head dropping on Itachi's shoulder.

Time passes and it could have been five minutes or thirty, but fingers in his hair startle him awake all the same.

“I’m not sleeping!” His statement would’ve been more believable had he not been drooling, open-mouthed, on Itachi’s pant leg a second prior. He doesn’t remember being moved to this position, but his neck muscles are grateful. The fog in his mind hasn’t quite lifted and Shisui mumbles incoherently while twisting his body into a more comfortable position. “Five more minutes.”

Itachi wears such a warm smile for the older boy while combing his fingers through his hair. Part of him wants to give Shisui those extra five minutes, but a bed is far more comfortable than his lap. Gently, he gives the soft strands a tug. "Shisui...Let me take you home," he offers. As always, the offer doesn't specify whose home he's talking about. He's always welcome to sleep at Itachi's, though they risk a surprise guest if he does. Sasuke will crawl into the futon between them just to cuddle with his big brother.

[black-as-ice-blog]

❛ i’ve been cold, i’ve been merciless. ❜

The silver haired Copy Ninja nodded a little to the Uchiha standing before him. “Indeed you have.” he said, voice gentle. He was so calm as he watched the raven haired teen before him. “What made you come to me?” he asked, head tilting to the side. 

[black-as-ice-blog]

The copy ninja no longer played fairly. He ate his Ramen in silence, using it as a distraction. He was shocking when it came to forgetting to eat, so this was a rare occasion for him.

[anbucaptain]

Itachi ate in much the same manner, occasionally peeking over at his companion in case he wanted to speak. After all, he was no good at starting a conversation himself.

[malignedaffairs]

Based on (x) by shisuicune

[black-as-ice-blog]

❛ i’ve been cold, i’ve been merciless. ❜

The silver haired Copy Ninja nodded a little to the Uchiha standing before him. “Indeed you have.” he said, voice gentle. He was so calm as he watched the raven haired teen before him. “What made you come to me?” he asked, head tilting to the side. 

[black-as-ice-blog]

Kakashi simply nodded. “Gotta have some fun. I wanna see if you capture a bell off me these days.” He was so calm and needed something to do. Life was boring without anything to do.

[anbucaptain]

His smile grew as he lifted the ramen to his lips. “I see.” A challenge. Well, he wasn’t known to fail. “I think I will.”

[black-as-ice-blog]

❛ i’ve been cold, i’ve been merciless. ❜

The silver haired Copy Ninja nodded a little to the Uchiha standing before him. “Indeed you have.” he said, voice gentle. He was so calm as he watched the raven haired teen before him. “What made you come to me?” he asked, head tilting to the side. 

[black-as-ice-blog]

“I wouldn’t recommend it.” Kakashi said, not even peering up. He was actually getting a little pent up. “What do you say to a small game after this?” He questioned, noticing that their food had arrived. Be pocketed his book and grabbed his chopsticks and spoon.

[anbucaptain]

Caught, he leaned out of Kakashi’s space, his face a bit pink from embarrassment. He busied himself with breaking his chopsticks apart as he tried to will away the extra color from his cheeks. “A game?”

[anbucaptain]

[ I’m totally not doing the thing. You can’t prove it. ]

[anbucaptain]

"Your Otouto really irritates me sometimes, you know that?"

“Your otouto irritates me.

Are we going to argue about this a day after we barely survived an argument about our brothers?”

[blind-uchiha]

“Deal. And I’ll help do some extra work too when we get back.”

[anbucaptain]

“Alright. I’ll do it.”

[anbucaptain]

"Your Otouto really irritates me sometimes, you know that?"

“Your otouto irritates me.

Are we going to argue about this a day after we barely survived an argument about our brothers?”

[blind-uchiha]

“Oh come on. Pleeeeeeease? They have plenty of other people to help if something happens. They won’t need us.” 

[anbucaptain]

“Maybe. If I agree to this, I’m going to work extra hard when we get back.”

[anbucaptain]

"Your Otouto really irritates me sometimes, you know that?"

“Your otouto irritates me.

Are we going to argue about this a day after we barely survived an argument about our brothers?”

[blind-uchiha]

“Alright, alright! We’ll think of something else…”

[anbucaptain]

“It would be irresponsible to leave for a week. A lot can happen in a week. They might need us.”

[anbucaptain]

"Your Otouto really irritates me sometimes, you know that?"

“Your otouto irritates me.

Are we going to argue about this a day after we barely survived an argument about our brothers?”

[anbucaptain]

“What about ANBU?…What about my father? He would never allow such a thing.”

[blind-uchiha]

“We will just have to make it look like you were kidnapped.”

[anbucaptain]

“I don’t want to kill my parents with a heart attack.”

[anbucaptain]

"Your Otouto really irritates me sometimes, you know that?"

“Your otouto irritates me.

Are we going to argue about this a day after we barely survived an argument about our brothers?”

[blind-uchiha]

“I say you and I just run away for a week or so. Forget we even have brothers. It would probably do us some good you know.”

[anbucaptain]

“What about ANBU?...What about my father? He would never allow such a thing.”

[anbucaptain]

"Your Otouto really irritates me sometimes, you know that?"

“Your otouto irritates me.

Are we going to argue about this a day after we barely survived an argument about our brothers?”

[anbucaptain]

“I wish I could join you.”

[blind-uchiha]

“You can, you know. Just stop worrying so much.”

[anbucaptain]

“Until the next time we talk about our brothers. Then, it’ll be the Fourth Shinobi World War.”

[anbucaptain]

[ Sasuke would never make it to the war. 

With Itachi’s eyesight fading so quickly, he would keep him nearby, restrained, blindfolded. Hell, he’d probably take the eyes and just keep his brother alive in case he needed to replace an organ. 

He would manipulate him just as he did when Sasuke was a child, become that treasured brother that Sasuke couldn’t fathom killing everyone they loved. He’d lie to him. Make him love him just as he canonically made him hate him. So, if the day came when Naruto came for his obsession, let’s be real, Sasuke wouldn’t leave Itachi willingly. ]

[black-as-ice-blog]

❛ i’ve been cold, i’ve been merciless. ❜

The silver haired Copy Ninja nodded a little to the Uchiha standing before him. “Indeed you have.” he said, voice gentle. He was so calm as he watched the raven haired teen before him. “What made you come to me?” he asked, head tilting to the side. 

[black-as-ice-blog]

Kakashi had no idea what to actually say, so he pulled out his book and began to read again. He was a shocker when it came to reading those terrible romance novels.

[anbucaptain]

Curiously, the thirteen-year-old peered over at the page he was on. What was really in those books?