The Weight of the Heart

Warning Yaoi (Boy x boy relationships) don’t read if you don’t like. There is some violent imagery in this chapter that some might find disturbing. You have been warned.



AN: For anyone interested in execution methods in ancient Egypt, burning was the method for those that had done grievous acts against royalty or the temples. The burning of the body prevented proper admittance to the afterlife, a very important aspect of the culture. Wow, all I can say is very difficult chapter to write. Keeping Itachi a bit dark is definitely a challenge.



The Weight of the Heart



Chapter Three



Itachi breathed deep of the fresh night air as he stepped from the ornate doors that lead to the personal chambers of the Pharaoh. The smell of sickness still lingered in his nostrils despite the heavy incense that was burned day and night or perhaps it was the overpowering smell of incense that lingered. Either way, he was glad to be away from the room.



The many priests and healers that had been paraded before the sick pharaoh had offered no remedy for his illness, if anything, they made his illness worse. The most they offered was advice to begin preparing himself for the afterlife.



Itachi snorted. His father feared for his soul just as did every member of their society. Itachi believed none of it. If there were truly gods and goddesses, then why did they not take more of a hand in the lives of those that idolized them instead of hiding away and leaving mere mortals to their own devices?



He felt a twinge at the thought of his father’s death. He supposed he loved his father or at the very least felt some affection for him. He wasn’t sure though. Itachi wasn’t the sort to feel much of anything. He had felt very little for a long time. Not since that day had he allowed any emotion through the thick wall he’d erected around his soul. Even now he could remember the smell of burning flesh and the screams for mercy that fell on deaf ears.



Itachi thought back on the day that had shaped him into what he was today. In an effort to teach his son about the roll he would take upon his father‘s death, Pharaoh Uchiha had decided to bring his son with him to witness the execution of tomb robbers. His brother was still suckling at their mother’s teat and was spared the ‘pleasure’ of seeing death. The pharaoh had pried his young son from the skirt of his wife and forced the boy to follow him to the site of judgment.



The condemned, a tomb robber family, were brought before the pharaoh and priests. To rob the tombs of royalty was one of the most heinous crimes that one could commit against society. Once judgment had been finalized, the condemned were to be burned, effectively destroying their bodies and therefore any chance of being allowed into the hereafter. Only the most severe crimes warranted this punishment and tomb robbery was such a crime.



Itachi recalled the cries for mercy as the family was lead to their deaths. He could still smell the acrid scent of burning bodies and the screams of the child that was no older than himself continued to echo in his ears. When he’d tried to turn his eyes from the horrendous sight, the pharaoh had struck him across the face and ordered that he not turn his eyes away, threatening severe punishment should he look away even once.



So, Itachi had looked on as the flesh bubbled and peeled from the bodies of the criminals. He’d watched as the small girl went limp, her young body no longer able to withstand the heat of the flames. He’d wondered if the gods were so cruel to deny someone so young the afterlife because of the actions of her family. A silent, single tear had trickled down his face, the only tear shed for those dying before his eyes.



“You must not wear your emotions, Itachi. Bury them deep. There should be no sign of weakness visible as pharaoh. You will take my place as pharaoh one day and you must be prepared.” The words still rang in his ears to this day.



After that day, Itachi effectively shut off any and all emotion save the most basic. He became as the stone statues that lined the temples. He trained himself to feel nothing and in doing so, opened the door to the madness within.



It was so easy to let the darkness rule him. As long as he didn’t feel anything, it didn’t matter. Then one day his eyes caught a flash of yellow in a crowd of black. The blonde seemed to draw everyone around him like flies to honey. The contrast between the two of them was so distinct that from the moment he had seen the blonde, he knew that he was meant to be his.



Striding down dark halls lit only by flickering flames that danced shadows on the walls, Itachi once again approached the heavily guarded room of his newest acquisition. Pushing open the doors, he strode into the dark room once more.



The servant jumped at the presence of his lord and fell to his knees, brow touching the cool marble floor. “Lord Itachi…H-how may I serve you?”



“Leave…seek your bed and return to his side tomorrow.” Itachi wasn’t in the mood to deal with a doting servant.



Intef scrambled to his feet and fled the room with quickness. Lord Itachi was not known for his patience. He felt a twinge of pity for his sleeping master. He prayed that Master Naruto had the strength to withstand the madness of the first prince.



Itachi glanced at the food that had been placed on a table before looking towards the dais. Again, Naruto was sleeping soundly as if he had no fears. Intrigued, Itachi approached the sleeping blonde and stood over where he lay.



Running slender fingers across the whisker-like marks that graced each cheek, Itachi watched as the boy’s nose crinkled and a hand rose to brush absently at his face, attempting to relieve the tickling touch.



Waiting until the blonde relaxed once more, Itachi trailed fingers down a long smooth neck, following the line of his throat until he reached the pulse that thrummed at the base. Resting his fingers over the thrumming pulse, Itachi felt the life flowing through Naruto. It would be so easy to snuff out that life as the boy lay trustingly before him. Unlike himself, Naruto represented innocence and life. He wanted to own every part of the boy, not destroy him. He wanted that light that burned so bright to soften his own darkness.



“Who are you that you have bewitched me with your presence?” whispered Itachi to the silent room.



Withdrawing his fingers, Itachi settled himself in a chair near the dais and watched the sleeping Naruto. His eyes never wavered in their intensity. His mind memorized every visible line on the sleek body before him. Every valley, every curve, and every visible inch of skin was committed to his memory.



Just being in his presence eased the emptiness a little. The darkness seemed a little less consuming. Whatever the cause, whether it be the blonde or not, Itachi didn’t want to lose this subtle feeling of humanity that being around Naruto gave him. And so he remained, sitting quietly until Nut, goddess of the sky, prepared to birth the sun and start the new day.



Just before the dawn, Itachi stood. His obsidian gaze slid one last time over Naruto before he exited the room. He knew he would return again and again.



Naruto blinked his eyes open as the first rays of sun shot across the horizon, spreading color across the sky in hues of pink and orange. ‘Such a beautiful sunrise, Mother must be in a good mood.’



Stretching sleep sluggish muscles, Naruto climbed from the dais and shivered slightly as his feet met cool marble. Glancing around the room, Naruto noticed an array of fresh fruit and a pitcher of cool water on a small table. Popping a few grapes in his mouth, Naruto walked slowly around the room.



Now that the dawn had broken across the sky, the palace was filled with light. The lavishness of the room surprised Naruto. Smooth marble floors met intricately painted walls, decorated with various scenes of gods and goddesses. Naruto grinned at how appropriate this room was.



A large doorway, covered by only a thin material, led into a spacious private garden for Naruto’s solitary enjoyment. High walls prevented thieves and bandits from sneaking in the palace. A small fountain gurgled softly as small birds washed themselves in the cool water. Lilies and chrysanthemums littered the garden providing beauty and color.



“Master Naruto?” chimed Intef from the interior.



“Here, Intef.” Naruto was reluctant to leave the garden.



“Master, I have brought you fresh bread as well as honeyed dates and figs.”



The rumbling in his stomach would not be ignored. Grinning, Naruto made his way inside to where Intef was setting up the food next to the fruit. Plucking a date from the platter, Naruto relished in the sticky treat. Breaking off small bites of bread to accompany the fruit, Naruto ate his fill.



Once his appetite was satiated, Naruto stood and took the sprig of mint and water offered by Intef. Chewing contemplatively on the herb, Naruto wondered what he would do now.



Guards were posted at every door that led away from this room. He could possible sneak out but leaving would not help him in what he was sent to do. However, leaving Itachi with the upper hand wouldn’t help either.



“What are you doing?” Naruto turned to see Prince Sasuke lounged in a chair. Dressed much similar as the day before, the prince gave off an air of superiority that grated on Naruto’s nerves.



“Thinking.” Naruto cast a glimpse at Sasuke before continuing his contemplations.



“It thinks?” chuckled Sasuke evilly.



“What do you want, bastard?” sniped Naruto.



“I will have you know that my father and mother were married at my birth, idiot.” Sasuke was seriously developing an annoyed twitch whenever in the presence of the blonde though he could only blame himself for coming back for more.



“I call them as I see them.” grinned Naruto; he really did like riling the younger prince.



“Hn. I suggest you learn to hold your tongue around Itachi. He’s not to be trifled with. Trust me when I say, you don’t want him showing you your place.” It appeared to Sasuke, that the blonde didn’t realize just how precarious of a position he was in. He would learn soon enough.



“I’ll be the judge of that.” Naruto really hated being told what to do.



“Suit yourself.” smirked Sasuke.



Sasuke left Naruto to think on his words. Was he really so bad that even his brother felt the need to warn him?



“Master? Are you well?”



“I’m confused, Intef. Is Prince Itachi really so bad?” Naruto wasn’t sure if the servant could help but any insight into the object of his mission was welcome.



“I’m not sure…” Intef struggled with indecision. He wanted to help his master but he also didn’t want to draw the ire of the prince.



“It’s alright if you don’t want to say anything.” Naruto smiled.



“Lord Itachi scares me. He‘s…” Intef attempted to describe the feeling he got when in the same room as Itachi.



“I’m what, child?”



Intef released a small whimper and prostrated himself before Itachi, who had entered the room as silently as a shadow.



“Forgive me for speaking of you in such a way, Prince Itachi.” The fear radiating from the boy was nearly palatable.



“Such a crime is punishable by death or perhaps I should have your tongue removed so that you can never speak ill again.” Itachi gazed down at the quivering boy with emotionless eyes. The servant’s whimpering became louder.



“Leave him alone.” Naruto stood from where he sat and strode to where the boy was beginning to cry with terror.



“You dare speak to me while I discipline a servant?” Itachi lifted his lifeless eyes to Naruto.



Naruto sucked in his breath. Never in his existence had he ever seen such emotionless eyes. What had happened to him to create such blankness in his soul?



“He was only answering a question I asked of him.” sniffed Naruto, pushing Intef behind him.



“I see, so it is you who should be punished?” Naruto felt a trickle of fear shiver down his spine. He had seen some of the darkest things in the world but never had he been afraid until now.



“I frighten you?” smirked the prince.



“Nothing frightens me.” Naruto said, firmly.



Itachi smiled. Never in his memory, had another person stood up to him. All fell before him in either fear or death. Even Sasuke gave him a wide berth, always allowing Itachi to make the first advance.



“No one has ever stood their ground with me.” mused Itachi.



“Maybe they should, then you wouldn’t think you should always get your way.”



“I’m the first prince, son of the pharaoh. I always get my way.” Itachi was beginning to really enjoy this. It was amazing how determined the boy was. The servant remained quivering on the floor while Naruto stood his ground, eyes firmly locked with Itachi’s.



“What would you give me if I was to forgive this little incident?” smirked Itachi.



“Pardon?” Naruto’s brows shot up into his longish bangs.



“You heard me.”



“What do you want?” asked Naruto, cautiously.



The smile that crept on Itachi’s face was similar to that of a beast that had just cornered a prey. Keeping his gaze steady, Naruto refused to allow him the pleasure of seeing him sweat.



“I want all of you. I want your skin and your hair. I want your laughter and your tears. I want every inch of your entire being to belong to me.” Itachi watched as surprise spread across tan features.



“I’m not yours to own.” Itachi frowned at the statement. In a movement nearly too fast to see, Itachi had Naruto pressed against the cool stone wall. His long fingers encircled the slender tan neck and squeezed slightly, though not enough to cut off blood or air. Itachi stared deep into the blue orbs shining defiantly up at him. A smile crept along the corners of Itachi’s lips. Such fire hidden behind innocence, it was going to be fun bringing that fire to the surface more often.



“We shall see. You are free to roam the palace, but you can not leave the grounds without my permission.” Itachi watched the wheels spinning in Naruto’s mind. Taking this moment of distraction, he traced his fingers along the line of Naruto’s throat, once again savoring the feel of the smooth skin.



“And Intef?”



“He’s your servant. Do with him as you please.” Itachi regrettably released Naruto and walked towards the door before turning his emotionless eyes back to Naruto. “Don’t disobey me. I can be cruel.”



Naruto slumped as the door slid shut behind Itachi. His heart was racing and his knees were weak from the altercation with Itachi. Pressing a hand to his throat, Naruto followed the touch and shivered as he recalled Itachi’s eyes and the flash of something he couldn’t name.



Glancing at Intef, Naruto noticed the quivering boy still knelt, as silent tears trailed down his face. Kneeling beside him, Naruto pulled the shaking shoulders into a warm embrace, his hands rubbing gently on the almond colored skin.



Slowly, the shivering stopped and the boy pulled away from Naruto’s arms.



“Forgive me, master.”



“I told you to call me Naruto.”



“Forgive me, Master Naruto.” whispered the boy, his voice slightly stronger.



“That will do for now, I suppose.” Naruto smiled. “He said I could explore the palace? Do you want to come with me, Intef?”



“I will remain here and await your command, Master Naruto.” said Intef firmly, having regained his composure.



“Alright. I’ll be back in a little while.” said Naruto, before exiting the room.



Opening the door and poking his head through, he saw two guards stationed at the door. Both guards were facing forward but he knew they were aware of his presence. Arching a brow, Naruto walked out of the room and turned to face the two guards. Neither moved, standing as if statues.



Both guards were dark skinned and probably of Nubian decent. Their armor shone brightly in the light. Naruto stood watching them for several minutes, his head tilted to the side similar to that of a curious puppy.



Walking forward until he was toe to toe with the guard on the right of the door, Naruto shoved his face directly against the guard’s until their noses touched. A slight snicker was heard from the second guard but when Naruto turned his head to face the other, the guard was once again facing forward, unsmiling.



Grinning, Naruto abandoned the guard and looked around the hallway. His eyes widened. Even the halls were intricately adorned with carved and painted scenes. Wandering the halls, Naruto watched as servants eyed him warily.



Frowning, Naruto began to stroll aimlessly through one passage and another. He couldn’t shake the feeling that Itachi was more than what he seemed. Once graced by a goddess, one wasn’t naturally taken in by the darkness the dwelled in the deepest caverns of the heart.



Before Naruto realized, he was standing before huge ornate doors. They looked to be solid gold and depicted the sun shining behind the image of the pharaoh. Like his own door, this one bore two guards, each of them watching him like a falcon.



“What business have you here, boy?” asked the taller of the two.



“Where’s here?” Naruto was confused. Was this some special room belonging to the pharaoh?



“What’s your business here?” repeated the guard.



“Uhh I was just…” Naruto never got to finish the sentence. Both guards looked at each other and began to converse in a tone too low for Naruto to distinguish. He was only able to catch phrases here and there.



“…bit strange in appearance…”



“…must be from the temple…”



“Anubis…”



“…prepare the soul…”



“…looks young…”



“Pardon me, but could you tell me what you are discussing?” Naruto was even more confused and was about to turn and leave the two when large hands gripped his biceps.



“Hey…what are you doing?”



“You must be who the temple sent to help the pharaoh put his affairs in order. Please come with us.”



Naruto was in such a state of shock that he could do no other than be pulled by the two into the darkened room. The smell of sickness, barely covered by the thick scent of incense nearly knocked Naruto to his knees.



“Great Pharaoh Uchiha, a priest has been sent by the temple of Anubis.” Both guards knelt before the draped dais, drawing Naruto along with them. Naruto watched wide eyed as a nearly skeletal figure drew up from the scattered pillows and raised a weak hand in acknowledgement.



“Leave us.” The voice was weak and raspy.



“I think there has been some mistake. I do come from the temple but…”



“Come to me, son of Anubis, child of Nut.” Naruto felt his widen to almost comical proportions at the words. How did this human see his lineage?



The raspy voice chuckled and gestured for Naruto to approach. Walking gingerly towards the body lying upon the soft linen, Naruto gasped at the sight. It was apparent that the man had once been handsome. A ghost of who he had been passed before Naruto’s eyes and he nearly cried as the virile image faded into the skeletal form before him.



“How do you know who I am?” whispered Naruto.



“When you live on the edge of the living and the afterlife, you can see more than what is on the skin. I know you do not come for me. I may be Pharaoh but I know that not even I am worthy to be escorted by the son of Anubis.”



“No…I do not come for you.” The pharaoh’s body seemed to convulse as his body attempted to expel the thick mucus that had taken up residence in his lungs.



Naruto grabbed a goblet of watered down wine and offered it to the pharaoh. The man sipped lightly of the drink before waving it away.



“You honor me, son of Anubis, though I think you would be more appropriately called, son of Nut. You favor her more than your father.” Another coughing spell interrupted the words before the old man collapsed in exhaustion.



“Lord Pharaoh, you must rest. I’m sorry to have bothered you.” Naruto turned to leave.



“You come for my son?”



Naruto froze. His heart stopped in his chest and his eyes shot to meet the watery black eyes of the pharaoh.



“I…”



“Don’t speak, just listen to me. I need this to be said before I am no longer able.” Naruto nodded and sat in a chair near the dais. After a few moments of gathering his energy, the pharaoh began.



“I am to blame. I pushed my oldest son. I forced him to become the emotionless man he is today. I know that I destroyed what was one of my two greatest treasures and I know that such a deed may cost me my heart but I am willing to pay that price if my son can be saved.” Coughing again, Uchiha lifted at stained linen cloth to his lips and dabbed at the blood that began to dribble down his chin.



“It isn’t your fault.” Naruto attempted to comfort the man. The pharaoh shook his head adamantly as his body was once again wracked by coughs.



“The blame is on my heart for wanting to create a leader that would not be run by his emotions. Instead, I created a being that had none. All is lost and I am doomed to die knowing that I destroyed not only myself but my son as well.”



“Lord Uchiha, I have been sent to save your son. I promised my father that I would succeed and I never break my oath. That is my way of the heart. You may rest easy knowing that.” Naruto stated firmly.



“You are as ferocious as your father. I see he gifted you with his determination.” smiled the dying pharaoh. Naruto smiled at the complement.



“You still have some time in this world. Allow me to ease it, if only slightly.” asked Naruto.



The pharaoh nodded and Naruto laid his hands upon the bony chest. His body shivered at the pull of death. He, like his father, felt death very easily. To them it was like a living essence that flowed through every living thing. Running fingers along the bony protuberances of ribs, Naruto felt some of his power leak into the weakened body. He couldn’t save him, such talents were out of his grasp, but he would be able to ease the suffering of the man.



Slowly, as the warmth faded into the pale skin, Naruto noticed the easier breathing and more relaxed appearance of the pharaoh. Stepping back and smiling gently, he watched as tired eyes glanced up at him with relief.



“I can’t heal you, that is not within my power. I merely eased your suffering. When my father’s servants come to escort you before Osiris, fear not, for the weight of your heart will balance. Trust me to see to your son in your absence. I promise that his heart will balance as well and I always fulfill my promises.” Naruto was determined to fulfill that promise. The man’s lids began to droop, comforted by the words, and he nodded lazily before slipping into the first restful sleep he’d had in months.



“Take care of my son.” whispered the man, before completely falling into slumber.



“I will.” Naruto stood at the bedside for several minutes going over the words spoken as well as those left unspoken.



Watching the slow rise and fall of the thin chest, Naruto sighed and sent a prayer to his father for the safety on the journey that the pharaoh would take very soon.



Naruto stayed by the sleeping man until he was certain that he was resting peacefully. Walking from the bedside, Naruto stepped lightly towards the double doors and pushed through. Taking a breath of fresh air, Naruto froze as his gaze locked with those of the blackest obsidian.



“What are you doing in my father’s room?”



To be continued~



Thank you to everyone that reviewed. I’ll use this section to answer any questions or certain reviews that might need addressing. Even if I don’t answer your review directly, know that I do read each and every one and cherish them all. If you do have a question though this is where I will answer it.



ILuvShikamaru I will alternate chapters between this and What Dreams May Come so both will prolly be updated once a week.



Alyneese Naruto will not be submissive in the sense of letting Itachi treat him as inferior however Naruto will be the main uke for this story. Naruto will not be a blushing bride, stars in his eyes uke like some write but he will be the bottom during sex. Like my other fic, sex will be a small part of the story. I can’t say for sure that Itachi wont bottom at all but at this point in my head I don’t see it in the foreseeable future.



Thank you to bonnenuit, sonotgoingthere, weaselchan, BumbleBee, and SneakyFox for your kind words.