“ i don’t belong to anyone. ”(Utakata)
"Those are a lot of words to say you're alone," Utakata says, flippant, but when he tips his sake cup in Sasuke's direction, there's an understanding look in his amber eyes. A genuine relief, deep down below the dismissive air and the cynicism. He knows what Sasuke's talking about. Freedom.
Utakata sacrificed everything for his freedom. He'd do it again in a heartbeat, too; but he's learned since then that freedom and pain are a bonded pair. If Sasuke has embraced the one, the other will knock at his door soon enough. There's a reason why Utakata drinks.
Utakata tosses the drink back, then pours two more and slides the second to Sasuke. A silent invitation the Uchiha can take or leave.
He flicks his wrist; his pipe appears in his hand. He blows a flurry of iridescent bubble out of it, and they swirl about them, between them, the summer sun painting each in oil slicks and rainbows. Utakata watches Sasuke's swirled reflection through a particularly large soap bubble. Utakata's lips curl up slightly.
In the kaleidoscope light, Sasuke almost looks at ease. Free.
"So. You've broken your chains," he says, tilting his head slightly to take Sasuke in. "Do you feel free? Or," he taps the tip of his pipe against his temple with a knowing look. “Are there a few left, rattling inside?”
