[Akira's stirred from his sleep by Itachi's movement. He's a very light sleeper. He sits up, wiping the drool from his mouth with the back of his hand, blinking at him.]
[Itachi internally reprimands himself for not being quieter. He knows Akira sleeps lightly. Normally he manages to control his actions after waking from one of his darker dreams...but this time he failed. He gives a light smile, reaching out to tap a finger lightly against Akira's brow before sliding his fingers up to card through his hair.]
It's all right. Not too bad of one.
[In comparison to some of his others, yes, perhaps.]
[Akira has bad dreams too. He doesn't talk about them. So he doesn't make Itachi talk about his, either. If the Hitomi broadcasted it, he won't watch it, either. He knows Itachi values his privacy and will tell him what he needs to know. He knows Naruto will already get pretty intensely into Itachi's business. He figures Itachi needs someone to crack him open at times, but he also needs someone who understands the importance of silence and secrets. Someone who will listen when you want to talk, but won't press constantly. Just maybe make the occasionally observation that you would feel better if you talked about it, dumbass.
He also know that 'not too bad' just means there wasn't much rape in this one. Ugh.]
[What can one say, when their best friend dreams of the tragedy that tore their family to pieces? It almost seems like it would be better form to just not respond at all; he always has been polite. But he also knows that he'd prefer to offer Itachi some support. After all, he knows what it's like, having those whispers all around, constantly.... He knows people hate without provocation. And so he only sighs.]
People will talk. Right or wrong, they'll always spread rumors. But you're strong enough to overcome them.
[Statement of fact, not a question. He knows Itachi is strong. And Itachi knows he's strong too--or at least, Kisame hopes he does. He did kill the shadow, after all, even if its voice returned to haunt him.... But the thing itself, it didn't come back, did it? This isn't his fault, he needs to believe in himself....]
[Itachi wishes Kisame hadn't respond, but appreciates the sentiment behind it. He wants to forget, and move on, to act as if the dream never occurred. He doesn't want to think of what it could mean, of the feelings he keeps stamped down inside of him and tries so hard not to let consume him.
Kisame says he's strong. Itachi knows he can kill, can break a man without even touching him, but the kind of strength Kisame speaks of...he is not so sure he contains.
But it helps to know Kisame has that faith in him.]
[Kisame knows it's in there, that strength. He can see it, even if Itachi can't--sometimes, he thinks he needs to be there to remind him, or his partner would try never to think of himself at all. That's why Kisame is always there--to remind him that he's strong, that he's valued, that he's human, (or if not human, then close enough, still a person) that he isn't alone. He's there to keep Itachi from going too far and spoiling (again) his own health, to make sure there's someone to fall back on. If Itachi was allowed to fully have his way, Kisame sometimes thinks his partner might be either a machine or a corpse, and that's just not acceptable. After all these years, he refuses to allow it.]
[Kisame also thinks that, whatever Itachi just said, he probably doesn't know. (Does he ever?) But the point has been made, and it's not something to badger him about, honestly.... Getting him just to think about it is enough. Getting him to remember that he has a place (one more place, aside from Akira and Naruto, if they don't take care of him
( ... )
[Kisame always shows so much care and concern for Itachi, that asks himself repeatedly what he ever did to deserve the friendship he's gained in him. He wants to thank him again, but can't bring himself to when the words would mean so much they might break him to voice them. Doesn't know if he could ever convey words with that much meaning in them.]
All right, I shall try. [He gives smile he hopes is reassuring.] I know that there are people here who would not be pleased should I dwell too long.
[Reaction // action]windsawakeningAugust 30 2009, 17:30:44 UTC
[It wasn’t you.
This is what Naruto wants to say as he sits outside the kitchen with a small cup of miso soup in one hand, and the Hitomi in the other. (Because Naruto has a fast metabolism, faster than most and Naruto often gets hungry in the middle of the night and because Itachi always provides for this, Naruto thinks nothing at all of slipping from beneath the covers and going to make something to eat, and sending a clone back to the futon while he does.)
It wasn’t you.
It wasn’t you.Because he remembers the whispers of the villagers, the rumours the followed those deaths, he remembers looking at Itachi (An Anbu at that age, he was a genius, and with those eyes? How could people not think so? But he was young, so young and no matter what anyone said he was still a boy then.) and he remembers thinking that sometimes Itachi looked too tired for someone so young, too world-worn and weary and he remembers thinking that there was no way Itachi could kill his family when he looked at his brother with such love in his eyes
( ... )
[Itachi had tried to remain in bed, to allow himself to the peaceful pleasure of Akira's body pressed against his own and the sound of Naruto's breathing just beyond him. If felt good, calm, and he knew that Akira needed the attention, but the thoughts in his mind were too loud, too vivid, and eventually he had to slip quietly from between the sheets, not bothering to change out of his night-clothes as he made his way from the room.
The house is so quiet, and all he can hear is the whispering of a gentle wind outside the windows and the nocturnal insects playing as the rest of the world sleeps.
He wonders if it is cold, or it he need even bother wearing his shoes as he is turns to exit his home, only to stop at the sight of a blond head bent over a small bowl--probably miso--out of the corner of his eye. He turns to look at his husband, expression calm.]
I see your appetite has drawn you from our bed once more. One would think it a demanding spouse.
[Naruto half turns around a small exhale and Itachi is facing the door, he thinks, because Itachi is leaving.
He does not need to wonder if the dream he has seen on the Hitomi is one Itachi remembers. Itachi is up and wandering around and that is enough for Naruto who shrugs one shoulder, gives the man a small smile (fake yes, but he has practised smiling for years and no one, not even Itachi should be able to tell the difference now.)
Only he can’t hide the worry in his eyes.]
Hey, you know food has a special place in my heart, Itachi.
[You’re leaving, he thinks. Where are you going…? Are you okay?]
[There's something in those eyes that Itachi can see and he wonders if Naruto as seen as well. The blond will be concerned for him, Itachi has no doubt, but he hopes he does not hinder his departure. He is not hurt, but time, a chance to think, accept, and move on, is something he needs at this moment.]
So you say, and yet I still see you glare at vegetables when I put them on your plate.
[It's all right, I'm all right. I just need some time.]
Private to Itachia_for_tioriAugust 30 2009, 23:14:38 UTC
[That.
That's not how it happened.
But that's what they all thought, isn't it. You remember the looks. The whispers. You were there, and you saw what happened. But you were just a child and Itachi was everything and everyone knew it, so they dismissed you. Genjutsu, they said. No, they said, he wouldn't even need it. He's just a child/so attached to his brother/easily swayed.
But Sasuke knows exactly what happened, knows it because he saw. He was there. And everyone else with their theories and their accusations, they never meant anything to Sasuke. He remembers being questioned, and how a woman with a gentle smile would ask him things like And you're quite sure you remember exactly what occured and Let's go over what you saw Itachi doing once more and he hated her because he knew what she meant but she didn't know a goddamn thing because she was not there.
There were words tossed around like patricide and sociopath and you heard people saying I always knew he was and shame he went bad and when you tried to speak your words were
( ... )
Private to Sasukeseeing_only_redAugust 30 2009, 23:30:59 UTC
[No.
Why did Sasuke have to see? Itachi had tried to keep this inside himself, knowing how much it would only upset his brother to know the thoughts in his head, or how the whispers he always told him to ignore--because they weren't important, they didn't need them, none of them knew anything--had affected him more than he let on. Because in the end, their whispers, the rumors, the distrust, had reflected on Sasuke, had made people look at him differently because he was Itachi's brother, because Itachi had raised him alone, in the same compound their family had died in.
He always wondered if those words hurt Sasuke more than Sasuke would admit.
And that was something Itachi couldn't bear to think about.
But now it is out in the open, Sasuke knows and Itachi can't hide from him, deny him, and act as if everything has always been alright, when so many times it hasn't been.
Sasuke is so strong now. So much more than even Itachi had vision him to become, so much better than Itachi thinks his influence should have made him
( ... )
[He doesn't bother calling Itachi back. Because he'll know he's coming. Sasuke can't not come after seeing something like that. So he slips into his clothes and out of the house and heads towards the lake where he used to look at his reflection in the water, searching for resemblances to his older brother, who was everything to him.
Now he looks at Itachi's face, and somehow, the way the moonlight shines across it makes him look very tired. The lines in his face seem a little deeper, or is that just the way the shadow has fallen?
Either way, Itachi looks like he's seen better nights. Undoubtedly has.]
Hey.
[He glances up at Itachi, out of the corner of his eye. Tentative, at first. Not sure if Itachi wants him there right now.]
The moonlight plays across the lake and the wind is such a gentle breeze, but Itachi can so easily focus on the presence standing beside him now. He could never not know that presence, the sight of that fell, the feel of the chakra the flitters just barely noticeable beneath the surface of his brother's strong control.
[Private to Itachi | Backdated to the Evening of August 30th]incisiveSeptember 5 2009, 17:21:38 UTC
[ It's difficult for Valeria to know how to respond to something like this, and whether or not she should. Although she would like them to be in the future, she and Itachi aren't particularly close in the present, and it's the present that matters; it shapes the future. The present itself, which is shaped by the past, and his is apparently a troubled one.
It's a tragedy, one she feels she honestly should know better. Was this why Kisame had been up so late? It must be. Her ears are sharp and Itachi's voice distinct; she recalls pieces of a conversation gleaned earlier that day, before the sun had even risen....
Itachi's likely already found comfort in his family and friends, but that doesn't mean she shouldn't put forward her own piece. Many times it's the thought that counts, even more so when the thought given is sincere, and how will he know if she doesn't tell him? So she speaks. ]
Should you desire ears, I have two. They are always available to you, Itachi.
[Private to Valeria]seeing_only_redSeptember 7 2009, 02:57:56 UTC
[Itachi has calmed down a great deal, but getting this response leaves him feeling confused.
He does not know this woman, beyond what he has seen through his partner's words and actions and her own conviction to stand up to him for her right to be with Kisame. He has not made a decision about her character as of yet, but it is even more disconcerting to have make such as offer.
Is this is way of trying to gain his approval? Or a way to please Kisame by reaching out to Itachi?]
Comments 49
Bad dream?
Reply
It's all right. Not too bad of one.
[In comparison to some of his others, yes, perhaps.]
Reply
[Akira has bad dreams too. He doesn't talk about them. So he doesn't make Itachi talk about his, either. If the Hitomi broadcasted it, he won't watch it, either. He knows Itachi values his privacy and will tell him what he needs to know. He knows Naruto will already get pretty intensely into Itachi's business. He figures Itachi needs someone to crack him open at times, but he also needs someone who understands the importance of silence and secrets. Someone who will listen when you want to talk, but won't press constantly. Just maybe make the occasionally observation that you would feel better if you talked about it, dumbass.
He also know that 'not too bad' just means there wasn't much rape in this one. Ugh.]
You're shaking.
[Akira takes one of his hands and squeezes it.]
Dunno how that's alright.
Reply
I guess I am. I didn't intend to wake you.
Reply
[What can one say, when their best friend dreams of the tragedy that tore their family to pieces? It almost seems like it would be better form to just not respond at all; he always has been polite. But he also knows that he'd prefer to offer Itachi some support. After all, he knows what it's like, having those whispers all around, constantly.... He knows people hate without provocation. And so he only sighs.]
People will talk. Right or wrong, they'll always spread rumors. But you're strong enough to overcome them.
[Statement of fact, not a question. He knows Itachi is strong. And Itachi knows he's strong too--or at least, Kisame hopes he does. He did kill the shadow, after all, even if its voice returned to haunt him.... But the thing itself, it didn't come back, did it? This isn't his fault, he needs to believe in himself....]
Reply
[Itachi wishes Kisame hadn't respond, but appreciates the sentiment behind it. He wants to forget, and move on, to act as if the dream never occurred. He doesn't want to think of what it could mean, of the feelings he keeps stamped down inside of him and tries so hard not to let consume him.
Kisame says he's strong. Itachi knows he can kill, can break a man without even touching him, but the kind of strength Kisame speaks of...he is not so sure he contains.
But it helps to know Kisame has that faith in him.]
Thank you.
Reply
[Kisame also thinks that, whatever Itachi just said, he probably doesn't know. (Does he ever?) But the point has been made, and it's not something to badger him about, honestly.... Getting him just to think about it is enough. Getting him to remember that he has a place (one more place, aside from Akira and Naruto, if they don't take care of him ( ... )
Reply
All right, I shall try. [He gives smile he hopes is reassuring.] I know that there are people here who would not be pleased should I dwell too long.
Reply
This is what Naruto wants to say as he sits outside the kitchen with a small cup of miso soup in one hand, and the Hitomi in the other. (Because Naruto has a fast metabolism, faster than most and Naruto often gets hungry in the middle of the night and because Itachi always provides for this, Naruto thinks nothing at all of slipping from beneath the covers and going to make something to eat, and sending a clone back to the futon while he does.)
It wasn’t you.
It wasn’t you.Because he remembers the whispers of the villagers, the rumours the followed those deaths, he remembers looking at Itachi (An Anbu at that age, he was a genius, and with those eyes? How could people not think so? But he was young, so young and no matter what anyone said he was still a boy then.) and he remembers thinking that sometimes Itachi looked too tired for someone so young, too world-worn and weary and he remembers thinking that there was no way Itachi could kill his family when he looked at his brother with such love in his eyes ( ... )
Reply
The house is so quiet, and all he can hear is the whispering of a gentle wind outside the windows and the nocturnal insects playing as the rest of the world sleeps.
He wonders if it is cold, or it he need even bother wearing his shoes as he is turns to exit his home, only to stop at the sight of a blond head bent over a small bowl--probably miso--out of the corner of his eye. He turns to look at his husband, expression calm.]
I see your appetite has drawn you from our bed once more. One would think it a demanding spouse.
Reply
He does not need to wonder if the dream he has seen on the Hitomi is one Itachi remembers. Itachi is up and wandering around and that is enough for Naruto who shrugs one shoulder, gives the man a small smile (fake yes, but he has practised smiling for years and no one, not even Itachi should be able to tell the difference now.)
Only he can’t hide the worry in his eyes.]
Hey, you know food has a special place in my heart, Itachi.
[You’re leaving, he thinks. Where are you going…? Are you okay?]
Reply
So you say, and yet I still see you glare at vegetables when I put them on your plate.
[It's all right, I'm all right. I just need some time.]
Reply
That's not how it happened.
But that's what they all thought, isn't it. You remember the looks. The whispers. You were there, and you saw what happened. But you were just a child and Itachi was everything and everyone knew it, so they dismissed you. Genjutsu, they said. No, they said, he wouldn't even need it. He's just a child/so attached to his brother/easily swayed.
But Sasuke knows exactly what happened, knows it because he saw. He was there. And everyone else with their theories and their accusations, they never meant anything to Sasuke. He remembers being questioned, and how a woman with a gentle smile would ask him things like And you're quite sure you remember exactly what occured and Let's go over what you saw Itachi doing once more and he hated her because he knew what she meant but she didn't know a goddamn thing because she was not there.
There were words tossed around like patricide and sociopath and you heard people saying I always knew he was and shame he went bad and when you tried to speak your words were ( ... )
Reply
Why did Sasuke have to see? Itachi had tried to keep this inside himself, knowing how much it would only upset his brother to know the thoughts in his head, or how the whispers he always told him to ignore--because they weren't important, they didn't need them, none of them knew anything--had affected him more than he let on. Because in the end, their whispers, the rumors, the distrust, had reflected on Sasuke, had made people look at him differently because he was Itachi's brother, because Itachi had raised him alone, in the same compound their family had died in.
He always wondered if those words hurt Sasuke more than Sasuke would admit.
And that was something Itachi couldn't bear to think about.
But now it is out in the open, Sasuke knows and Itachi can't hide from him, deny him, and act as if everything has always been alright, when so many times it hasn't been.
Sasuke is so strong now. So much more than even Itachi had vision him to become, so much better than Itachi thinks his influence should have made him ( ... )
Reply
Now he looks at Itachi's face, and somehow, the way the moonlight shines across it makes him look very tired. The lines in his face seem a little deeper, or is that just the way the shadow has fallen?
Either way, Itachi looks like he's seen better nights. Undoubtedly has.]
Hey.
[He glances up at Itachi, out of the corner of his eye. Tentative, at first. Not sure if Itachi wants him there right now.]
Reply
The moonlight plays across the lake and the wind is such a gentle breeze, but Itachi can so easily focus on the presence standing beside him now. He could never not know that presence, the sight of that fell, the feel of the chakra the flitters just barely noticeable beneath the surface of his brother's strong control.
He doesn't not deserve him. Never has.
But Itachi is so grateful that he is there.]
Such a peaceful night this should be.
[Should be, would be, could have been. Before.]
Reply
It's a tragedy, one she feels she honestly should know better. Was this why Kisame had been up so late? It must be. Her ears are sharp and Itachi's voice distinct; she recalls pieces of a conversation gleaned earlier that day, before the sun had even risen....
Itachi's likely already found comfort in his family and friends, but that doesn't mean she shouldn't put forward her own piece. Many times it's the thought that counts, even more so when the thought given is sincere, and how will he know if she doesn't tell him? So she speaks. ]
Should you desire ears, I have two. They are always available to you, Itachi.
Reply
He does not know this woman, beyond what he has seen through his partner's words and actions and her own conviction to stand up to him for her right to be with Kisame. He has not made a decision about her character as of yet, but it is even more disconcerting to have make such as offer.
Is this is way of trying to gain his approval? Or a way to please Kisame by reaching out to Itachi?]
Your willingness is noted, but I am fine.
Reply
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