Times With Them from Time to Other

A/N: to clarify, Itachi was having a wet dream in the last chapter.


"Are you sure you want to make dinner, Itachi?" Mikoto asked. She trusted him to do it, it just wasn't a thing men normally did in the household. Her son nodded at her, smiling faintly.

"Go rest mother. You make dinner every night, let someone else do it." She nibbled her bottom lip, before smiling.

"Alright. But come get me if you can't find anything, alright?" Itachi just smiled, nodding and motioning for her to leave. She shook her head fondly but did as told, chuckling to herself.

~~~~

Bouncing home, eager to tell his aniki about his day at school and the improvements, Sasuke hurriedly took off his shoes once inside the door and switched to slippers.

"I'm home!" He called softly, yet loud enough for someone to hear him.

"Not so loud, Sasuke." Itachi responded from the kitchen, using a voice just right so Sasuke could hear but no one on the upper floor would.

"But I didn't know where everyone were!" Sasuke pouted slightly, before brightening up and bouncing over to his aniki, giving him a hug, happy to be back for school.

"Mother is supposed to be resting, so try to be quiet." Itachi said, giving him a weak return hug, concentrating on the food. Knowing what Sasuke was like he decided to keep him focused on talking to him. "How was your day today?"

"Good!" Sasuke grinned. "I came over two other boys in the library today. At first I thought the one older than us was a complete asshole, but he wasn't so bad when we had finished arguing," he smiled, rushing on about his day.

"Sasuke don't swear. It's a sign of low vocabulary." Itachi said, chuckling a little. where had his brother learned that word? It couldn't have been him, he swore so rarely he himself had trouble remembering when he did.

"It's not a swear word!" Sasuke huffed. "It's just a word that isn't very nice when used about someone," he giggled. "But okay, if you say it, I won't say it again," he smiled happily.

"In place of a word like that learn a term that fits the person. Generic swear words are sentence fillers for the small-minded."

Sighing, Sasuke pouted. "Fine," he relented sullenly.

"It would make your aniki proud." Itachi added.

Looking down, Sasuke just nodded. Still, he thought to himself, Neji had been an asshole when they first met.

Itachi sighed slightly, glancing at Sasuke.

"When I finish making dinner and everyone's eaten, we can take that bath I promised."

Nodding, perking up slightly, Sasuke smiled a bit. "Okay, aniki," he replied, feeling a bit better, though he didn't feel like telling his brother he had made friends anymore.

"How long is it until dinner?"

"Not too long now." Itachi said. "Just under an hour. Don't wake mother until I say so, okay?'

"Hai," Sasuke nodded, a bit bored. "Wait... aniki?" He asked after a while. "Isn't it I that's supposed to make dinner to you, not the other way 'round?" He pouted slightly.

"Normally yes, but no good husband would be so insensitive as to make his wife cook dinner every single night. You need to give as much as get in a relationship." Itachi responded smoothly.

"Really?" Sasuke asked curious. "But mommy does most of the work at home..." he blinked and frowned. "Does that mean daddy is a bad husband?"

"He needs improvement all right." Itachi muttered to himself lightly as he took the skillet off the stove. "But he's busy with work and making sure you and I make something of ourselves."

"Oh," Sasuke nodded softly, looking down again as he remembered exactly what their father thought of him and his skills. 'Not good enough' was the best way to describe that

"Ignore him. It's what I do, mostly. Working under stress lowers performance so just eliminate the stress."

"I'll try..." Sasuke nodded slowly. "Is it long until dinner is done now?" He asked softly.

"Not so long." Itachi repeated amused. "You can go wake Mother in half an hour."

Nodding, Sasuke went to his own room, picking up his homework from his bag. He just didn't want to see anyone after getting scolded by his aniki. Pouting to himself, he started with the math. Half an hour later, he was still doing his homework, having forgotten about dinner.

Itachi finished making the dinner, setting out places for the three of them. He walked upstairs, listening for the sound of Sasuke waking their mother although he was sure his little brother had forgotten. He knocked politely at Sasuke's door before entering, sitting on his bed.

"Dinner is ready."

"Dinner?" Sasuke asked, looking up, surprised. Not only had he forgotten about it, but Itachi didn't often enter his room.

"Yes. The table is all set for the three of us." Itachi said, looking over the work he'd done. He smiled. He hadn't had to do busy work like this in a long time. "Number 4 is wrong. Want me to help you after our shower?"

Looking down at his homework, Sasuke flushed a deep dark red at having made a mistake. He pouted before he sulked slightly.

"Okay..." he nodded, still not happy about it, and he hoped his father wouldn't find out, otherwise he'd just hear a lot about "when Itachi was his age, he did those tasks correctly without the help from anyone else".

Itachi noticed his embarrassment. "Sasuke it's okay to make mistakes. Father makes mistakes even now and he's a grown up."

He looked down at the papers again, pointing to a certain problem. "I always forgot how to do this when I was learning. I got everything else perfect except this. Look, you're even better at it than me, you have it all perfect already."

"But I'm not supposed to make mistakes," Sasuke murmured, still embarrassed, though he felt a little better hearing Itachi say he had made some as well.

"You're setting yourself up for disappointment with that attitude." Itachi said. "Try your best is all anyone should ever ask of you."

Nodding sadly, Sasuke just slumped his shoulders slightly, frustrated with those that did expect more of him, and with himself for failing to do better than he did.

"I'll go wake mother." Itachi said, standing. "Go sit at the table, Sasuke. I hope you like what I made for you."

"Hai," Sasuke nodded, smiling slightly at the thought of Itachi making food for him. Walking off to the eating table, Sasuke's smile disappeared as he saw his father already sitting there. He just hoped he wouldn't just get another speech about how he could never hope to compete with his aniki.

Itachi strode to his parents room, knocking softly and waiting for his mother to answer before opening the door.

"Dinner is ready, mother." He said, not stepping in. His mother sat up in bed, yawning a little but smiling.

"Thank you Itachi." He nodded, closing the door and heading down to the table. He allowed himself to look mildly surprised at his fathers presence though he'd sensed it earlier.

"Father, I didn't know you'd get home early enough for dinner." Fugaku grunted.

"I can see that." Itachi didn't comment, setting a fourth place on the table before sitting beside Sasuke.

Squirming in his seat a bit, Sasuke looked curiously at the food, wondering what it was, and if Itachi really had thought of him when he made it.

Itachi waited until Mikoto had joined them to serve himself, remaining quiet as his parents began to talk idly amongst themselves.

Glancing at his aniki, Sasuke smiled at him, happy their father hadn't said anything to him. Well, that's not true. Sasuke wouldn't have minded talking to his father as long as he didn't have to hear about how inferior to his brother he was.

"Sasuke." Fugaku asked at length, Mikoto having subtly mentioned Sasuke to him. "What did you do in school today?"

"The usual, father," Sasuke looked up at his father. "More tasks in math, and we started on a new subject in History." He told his father a bit about what he really was asking about before brightening up a bit, remembering his new-found friends.

"And I made two new friends today," he said a bit proudly. Getting friends had never been his forte, and those two would be his first friends, though that went unsaid.

"Who are these friends?" Fugaku asked, not caring much for what he'd been learning in school so long as he passed at the top of the class.

"Nara Shikamaru and Hyuuga Neji," Sasuke smiled brightly, happily. Even though Neji was an asshole, he could deal with that.

Both Fugaku and Itachi gave Sasuke surprised looks, Itachi's much milder than his fathers.

"The Nara clan is weak, and the Hyuuga clan arrogant." Fugaku said disapprovingly.

"Father, leave him be." Itachi said before Sasuke could feel hurt. "No clan can measure up to the Uchiha and there are none in our family his age."

"He's right dear." Mikoto pitched in, giving her husband a look before smiling at Sasuke. "It's good to make friends outside of your own family anyway."

A hurt look flashing in Sasuke's eyes, the small boy looked down at his food before he faked a smile which he directed to his mother. "Thank you, 'kaasan, aniki," he turned to look at Itachi before he looked down at his plate again. It was all so unfair. He really did want the approval of his father, though he knew he should just give it up, as Itachi told him time and time again.

Taking another bite of his food, which tasted deliciously, he found, Sasuke couldn't help the small pout making it's way to his lips, even though his father always told him not to pout.

"He needs to at least make good friends." Fugaku pressed, ignoring his wife's disapproving look and his sons stoic eyes fixed on him.

"Father, Hyuuga is the second only to the Uchiha. Prey tell, what clan could be more worthy of his friendship?"

"None when it gets down to it." Fugaku said hotly.

"If none can measure up than it does not matter who he befriends." Itachi defended. Fugaku shook his head.

"Please, both of you, drop it." Mikoto said, giving the both of them a look. "It's not up to us to measure another's worth by name. Let Sasuke decide for himself who's a good friend and who's not."

In other words, Sasuke reasoned with himself, his father didn't want him to make friends at all. Sighing, he just looked down into his food again, having lost his appetite completely. He knew he wasn't the easiest to get along with in school, and he certainly didn't just befriend anyone, but... that didn't mean he wanted to be alone all the time either.

Itachi watched Sasuke long enough to notice he'd stopped eating. He pushed his plate away from himself, giving his mother a look before announcing that he was done.

"I'll take care of both your plates." She responded warmly, smiling. Itachi nodded his head, touching Sasuke's shoulders as he stood.

"I think I'm ready for a bath."

Looking up, Sasuke tried to smile as he nodded, getting up with a small bow to his parents before he followed his aniki up to the bathroom.

Itachi turned the water on before leaving to gather towels and clothes while it warmed up. He returned with the change of clothes and two towels, putting them on the counter before he tested the water with his hand.

"Is it too hot, Sasuke?" He asked, looking at the boy and indicating he test the water as well.

Stepping up to the tub, Sasuke carefully put a finger in, and when it wasn't burned, he put in his hand.

"It's fine, aniki," he smiled a little before he started to undress.

Itachi nodded, standing and slipping his shirt over his head. He turned before he got to his pants, locking the door. Paranoia and a dislike of even the thought of being caught naked by either parent.

"Aniki?" Sasuke asked after a while, stepping into the tub carefully, not wanting to slip and needing help. He didn't bathe with his aniki because he needed help, but because he liked it, and he didn't want to do something stupid to make him seem like he was 3 years old or something.

Itachi turned back around, slipping the rest of his clothing off easily and putting it on the pile he'd created.

"Yes?" He asked, stepping to the tub and easing himself in, facing his little brother.

"Did you have many friends in school?" He asked curiously after a while, chewing on his bottom lip.

Itachi looked at his little brother, weighing his choices. Truthfully, he'd been a loner, only making 'friends' when the teachers assigned group projects and they found he was polite, if not friendly.

"Yes. I never brought them here though. Father would view friends as a waste of time when I could be studying."

"Oh," Sasuke nodded, chewing on his lower lip before smiling brightly. "So I shouldn't tell father if I make friends," he nodded to himself before splashing slightly in the water, satisfied with having solved his problem. If Itachi had had friends, then it was okay for him to have as well.

Itachi reached forward and ruffled Sasuke's still dry locks.

"I'll wash your back for you." He offered, reaching for the soap.

"Thanks," Sasuke smiled happily before turning around and settling nicely between Itachi's knees.

Itachi only nodded, rubbing the wash cloth across Sasuke's small back softly. The scent of the soap wafted up to his nose, the supple feel of his brothers back inviting under his hands. He could feel every muscle as he worked and found himself fascinated in a way he'd never been. He'd never touched someone without the intent to kill, never for so long and never had he enjoyed it. He closed his eyes and without noticing found his reach extending, rubbing at Sasuke's ribs, washing along his upper chest, curling his own arms to clean the front of Sasuke's shoulder. He was utterly relaxed from the hypnotic feel of his hands on Sasuke, coming to rest with his chin on the top of Sasuke's head and his arms loosely curving across to rest on opposite shoulders and cross his arms. He breathed deeply, unfocused.

Shivering a bit at the light touch in the beginning, Sasuke's eyes widened as Itachi started washing more of him than he had said he would, but he didn't say anything, instead he just enjoyed the feel of Itachi's fingers sliding gently over his skin until the arms wrapped around his chest and he stilled, face buried in Sasuke's shoulder. Smiling happily as his aniki seemed to be happy just sitting like that, he closed his own eyes, enjoying the tender, gentle moment, feeling the warmth from his aniki behind him, safe and reliable.

Itachi opened his eyes again as the closeness brought forth a reaction he was coming to despise as of late. He prided himself on control and it would mock him at the oddest moments with stiffness, sometimes when he wasn't even thinking sexual thoughts.

"Sasuke..." Itachi said softly against the soft hair. "Are you comfortable?"

"Very, aniki," Sasuke nodded slightly, not wanting to disturb the moment too much. "Can we sit like this a bit more? Please?" He smiled as he snuggled closer to his aniki, happily unaware of his aniki's problem.

Itachi slid his hands away from Sasuke's shoulders, slipping below the water until he had his arms looped around Sasuke's waist. He gripped at the young boys hips lightly, keeping him from moving back onto his stiffness by accident while he leaned back.

"Sure."

Smiling happily, Sasuke sighed as he relaxed completely, feeling all safe and fuzzy in his aniki's arms.

"Are you comfy?" He asked after a while, closing his eyes.

"Of course." Itachi responded almost lazily, focusing on willing his hardened embarrassment away. "We need to continue washing soon or we'll become shriveled from the water."

"I know," Sasuke giggled. "And then we'll turn into raisins," he smiled happily, though he didn't move to wash himself up yet, still enjoying the embrace. It just felt so good to be held by his aniki.

Itachi smiled lightly at his younger brother. It took him longer than it should have to control himself, but when he was sufficiently softened he nudged Sasuke away from his body, turning him around.

"Wash your hair while I wash myself, okay?"

"Okay," Sasuke nodded before he frowned and shook his head. "Shouldn't I help wash you too in return?" He asked innocently, pursing his lips in thought. Wasn't that something a wife would do for her husband? Yes, he decided, it was.

Itachi looked at his little brothers determined expression. He sighed, resigning himself.

"Wash your hair and I'll let you wash my back, okay?"

"Hai, hai!" Sasuke nodded happily before he dunked his head under water, wetting it before he got up on his knees, leaning over the edge of the tub to reach the shapoo-bottle. Soon he was in the middle of lathering up his hair.

Itachi watched him for a moment before taking the cloth from earlier and putting more soap on it. He set about washing himself, rubbing at his arms and legs and torso, leaving only his back for Sasuke and then his hair when the boy was done.

Giggling softly, Sasuke looked at his aniki once he had rinsed his hair. "Turn around aniki," he grinned, grabbing the cloth from him.

Itachi did so, smirking at Sasuke's eagerness.

Immediately small hands started washing Itachi's back, using the rag.

"Wow...." Sasuke breathed softly. "Aniki don't have any scars..." he murmured softly, putting the rag down to touch the smooth skin on his back. Being in the academy, he was no stranger to what being a ninja involved, and few that rose to, or above, chuunin rank could avoid getting scars. The fact that Itachi was in the anbu with no scars told him a lot.

"Partly good healers as much as any skill on my part." Itachi stated in response to Sasuke's comment.

"But everyone else gets scars..." Sasuke smiled, proud of his aniki as he hugged him from behind shortly. Then he pulled back and continued to was his back thoroughly.

Itachi's skin shivered gently from the small body pressed against his back, soaking up the touch as much as the soap and water.

"Mmm. Remain calm and you do fine."

"I'll try," Sasuke nodded happily. "Nee, aniki," he asked a bit shyly. "Would you still like me if I got scars?"

"Of course." Itachi said, turning around at the waist. "A scar is just another part of someone, another part to touch, another part to remember."

"Okay," Sasuke nodded smiling. As long as his aniki didn't mind, then he didn't either where he to get one later on in life.

"Lean back," he giggled.

Itachi did so, shaking his head a little at Sasuke's actions. He didn't ask whether father would be displeased or mother disappointed, he just asked if he would still like him.

Smiling happily as he lathered Itachi's hair, Sasuke leaned flush against him as he did so.

Itachi concentrated solely on his hair, focusing on the small tugs and tangles as Sasuke rubbed the shampoo into his long locks. In the back of his mind the odd enjoyment of the contact was buzzing, but he didn't linger over it. It was probably just another annoying habit of a body in the midst of puberty.

"Nee, aniki... think I can get as long and nice hair as you?" Sasuke asked after a while, smiling as he started rinsing Itachi's hair gently, letting his small hands run through it in enjoyment.

Itachi tilted his head back to enjoy the touch more, thinking it over.

"You wouldn't look the same with my hair." He responded.

"So aniki wouldn't like it?" Sasuke asked curiously as he made sure to get all the shampoo out of Itachi's hair before hugging him closer to himself.

"I might, but it would be strange. Besides, I like you as you are now just fine." He replied easily, enjoying the embrace silently.

"Thank you," Sasuke beamed. "S... I like you as you are now too, aniki," he beamed happily.

"Neji said my hair would be considered 'indecent' in his clan though..." he added after a while. "Why?"

"Because his clan probably doesn't allow their males to cut their hair. It's a tradition, of sorts."

"Ah..." Sasuke nodded thoughtfully. Then he remembered something.

"Nee, aniki... Neji said he'd always be considered below others, because he was a branch member... I don't quite understand it... except that their logic doesn't make much sense..." he sighed. "Can you explain it to me?"

"Branch members are the family furthest by blood from the original line and are thus considered below those with more pure blood in their veins, the main house. They will forever think he is beneath them based solely on genetics."

"That's stupid," Sasuke pouted. "But if he raise above them, how will they consider him beneath them then?" He asked, still not understanding quite. Sure, he understood what Itachi meant, he just didn't understand how it could be like that in reality.

"Vanity, stubbornness, pride. All can be called Hyuuga traits and all would lead to such a stupid act." Itachi agreed.

"But how can that be?" Sasuke frowned unhappily. "It's not like they can beat him into place if he gets stronger than them..."

"They have a seal placed on the branch families foreheads. If they act out, it can be activated and cause....pain. severe pain."

"Seals?" Sasuke gasped, eyes widening. "That's... that's cruel!" He frowned unhappily, understanding Neji's frustration better now.

Itachi nodded, turning around a little. He was starting to feel a little light-headed from the warm water.

"It is. Uchiha doesn't do that to it's members."

"That's good... no one deserves that," Sasuke pouted. Especially not from their own family. It was bad enough that his father didn't like him too much, but he didn't know how bad he'd feel if a seal like that was placed on him.

"Isn't there anything we can do for Neji?" he asked.

"Never tell him you know about it, Sasuke." Itachi warned softly. "It's a matter of pride. If he wants you to know about it, he'll tell you. Other than that, there's nothing we can do. It's all politics, even the hokage can't stop them."

"Oh..." Sasuke nodded. "I won't tell him then," he smiled sweetly, even though he was disappointed that no one could do anything.

Itachi tilted his lips into a light smile, reaching to run his hand through Sasuke's hair.

"I think it's time to get out, Sasuke."

"Ok," Sasuke nodded, carefully climbing out of the tub, wrapping himself in a towel before holding one ready for his niichan.

Itachi climbed out after waiting for Sasuke, taking the offered towel and running it across his hair, letting it soak up the majority of the moisture there.

Starting to dry himself off, Sasuke stopped after a while as he began glancing shyly at his aniki's body.

"Nee... aniki?" He asked, not able to contain his curiosity. "Why is your ochinchin so much bigger than mine?" He asked innocently, looking up at his brother.

Itachi paused, allowing the towel to cover his eyes as he concentrated on remaining cool and collected. Sasuke was a child, obvious just from his wording, there was nothing embarrassing about him asking.

"It's because I've grown. The same as how I'm so much taller than you. Every part of your body grows, Sasuke, grows into an adult. You're not done growing until much later. I'm still not as tall as I will be years from now."

"Really? But aniki is so tall..." Sasuke giggled. "And.. and... yours is really big..." he mused out loud.

Itachi dropped the towel from his hair, deftly drying his body with precision, trying to not act like he was desperate to cover himself. These sorts of situations, although always having embarrassed him, had never been so hard to navigate through before. He prided himself on his control and here he was nearly loosing it to Sasuke's innoccent, personal questions.

"Each man has his own size. Some are...larger...than others, but size is no matter to most..." He trailed off. He did not need to get into that with Sasuke anymore than he needed to discus the size of his equipment.

"Oh..." Sasuke nodded, before he went back to dry his own hair, seemingly forgetting about it until....

"Nee, aniki?" He asked shyly. "Can I touch it?" His voice soft and curious.

Itachi paled, a light dusting making its way onto his lightened cheek bones before he shook his head, neck stiff as he forcefully kept it casual.

"Touching another's private areas is reserved only for medical reasons and things only adults should be doing." He spoke calmly, heart beating a little faster than normal. "It's not something people allow others to do lightly."

"Oh... okay," Sasuke pouted a bit disappointed. It had really been big and fascinating, and he really wanted to touch it, to see if it was much different from his own, much smaller one.

"Sorry aniki..." he murmured, finishing drying himself off. Though he didn't give up hope. One day, he hoped, he would be able to touch it.

Itachi nodded, finishing drying himself off and wrapping the towel around his waist.

"Do you have homework?"

"Hai, aniki," Sasuke nodded with a smile. "But it won't take long... it's really easy today," he giggled. Even more easy than usual, almost so that it was ridiculous to even do it.

"If you get it all done before I go to sleep, you may sleep with me tonight. But no cheating, I'll know it if you do." Itachi said, combining a bribe with a threat in one go.

"I'll get it done quickly!" Sasuke nodded. Of course he would do his homework properly, he wouldn't risk getting his grades down.

"Good." Itachi dressed and straightened his clothes, smiling lightly at Sasuke. "Go do that then. I'll be reading in my room."

Nodding as he started pulling on his clothes, Sasuke ran to his room, grabbing his bag so that he could start straight away.

About half an hour later he was done with everything, smiling happily to himself before he changed into a pair of boxers and a t-shirt to sleep in. Pulling his pillow with him, he tip-toed to his aniki's bedroom.

"Aniki?" He asked softly. "You awake?" He smiled, hoping he hadn't fallen asleep.

Itachi thought about lying and feigning sleep, but he knew how much it would hurt his brother and really...he liked the company.

"Come in, Sasuke."

Making a soft, happy noise, Sasuke bounced silently a bit before he entered the room as silently as he could, knowing his brother didn't like much noise. Crawling into the bed, still pulling the pillow with him, Sasuke snuggled under the covers and cuddled up to his brother.

"Nyu~" he murmured happily.

Itachi smiled down at him slightly, turning back to his book. It was a while before he put it down, turning off the light and settling down beside Sasuke.

"Good night, Sasuke." He spoke softly to the air.

"Mm~ night aniki," Sasuke replied softly with his eyes closed contently, burying his face in Itachi's side happily, surrounded by Itachi's scent.

Itachi draped his arms around Sasuke almost gingerly, calming his mind from any worries about what might happen while he slept. Even he needed sleep for optimum performance, anything below that and he could lose his head on the battlefield.

Hours after he'd gone to sleep he was moaning, softly but insistently. With luck he'd moved away from Sasuke earlier and now had no soft body to unconsciously rut against as his arousal spiked, his thighs opening invitingly to the phantom hand in his dreams.

"Mm, aniki..?" Sasuke murmured, waking up from the noises and movements, and soon his eyes widened as he caught on what was happening. That was going on with his aniki again... and the bulge was there again, he noted.

Itachi arched slightly, panting softly as a ripple of pleasure passed through his body and tightened his muscles. His hands fisted the sheets as his dream partner brought shivers up and down his body.

Biting his lower lip, Sasuke swallowed as he gathered courage. He would be so in trouble if his aniki woke up now... Pulling the blanket off them, he hesitated for a moment before he carefully pulled down Itachi's boxers, eyes widening as much as possible at the sight of his fully erect member.

"A-aniki..." he murmured, stunned.

A coolness washed over Itachi's body as his partner left him, stroking just enough to keep him ready but not enough to bring him over. He found his control lost to this person, weakened resolve bringing requests to his lips that sounded like soft murmurings outside of his dream.

Nibbling on his lower lip, he knew... he knew that his aniki had... had said he couldn't, but... Sasuke swallowed, really wanting to reach out and.. touch it. Especially as it was so much different now... he couldn't remember his ever being stiff like that. Reaching out, he gave it a soft poke before he took it into his hand, mouth open in awe that it was so hard, and yet so soft to touch.

Itachi immediately tensed, hypersensitive to the first outside stimulus he'd ever felt along his hardened shaft. His breathing deepened and he shook with tension, the pleasure pooling in his low belly as he made a soft, pleading noise.

Gasping softly at the reaction he got, Sasuke's grip loosened a bit, and his hand slid down along the shaft accidentally, startling him even further.

Itachi made a small almost-whimper, legs spreading and hips rising to encourage more of the touch. The person in his dream was laughing at him, teasing him to elicit more pleadings from the legendary Uchiha as he hovered on the brink of his pleasure.

Even more fascinated at Itachi's response to him moving his hand, Sasuke started pumping the member slowly, uncertain how to do it right.

Shuddering, Itachi's body bowed upward in an arch, his head tossing to one side where he panted against the pillow. His partner was going faster, leading him by his stiffened cock into the folds of pleasure that promised to rack his body for a few glorious moments.

Giggling softly at how Itachi was affected and ruffled, seeing as he had never known about anything that could ruffle or surprise his aniki, Sasuke liked this.

Itachi rocked his own hips just a few times before he was pushed over that last bit and his entire body was frozen, tight as his hardened length spilled into the open air and across Sasuke's little hand. He collapsed back afterwards, limp and relaxed, breathing deep.

Eyes wide at what he had seen, Sasuke shivered slightly, cheeks reddened and heart beating quickly. Pulling his hand back, he swallowed slightly, looking at the substance on his hand. Yeah, that had definitely not been pee, he swallowed again as he sniffed the musky scent a bit. Pulling Itachi's boxers back over his hips, he put the blanket back over him before he silently went to the bathroom, not liking having his hand sticky.

Itachi moved onto his side, hair splayed over his pillow. His breathing evened out and his pleasure leaden limbs curled around nothing.

One he was done cleaning his hand, Sasuke crept back into bed, snuggling into his aniki and giving his cheek a soft kiss.

Itachi's arms slid around Sasuke like he'd been waiting for him, holding the little body to his. He buried his nose in the soft hair, breathing deep, relaxed.

Letting out a small mewl of happiness as he was hugged close to his aniki, Sasuke closed his eyes happily as he buried his nose into Itachi's chest. It felt so good to be held like that, knowing that his aniki wanted him close, at least in his sleep. Then he started to slide back to sleep, still tired as he had been awakened again.

~~~~~~

Itachi awoke hours later, again with the little body held against his own. He sighed, pulling away gently, fully expecting the stains to be there as they had before. He was genuinely surprised to see a small amount on his boxers, none on Sasuke.

He got up to change, assessing the small amount that remained from whenever he'd fallen into that dream. Was his need lessoning, or was it a fluke? Was it because Sasuke was there or entirely random? The only way to know was to allow the boy to sleep with him more often, then not at all, to test it. He could already see Sasuke's disappointed face when that was through and he demanded a week alone.

Turning over in his sleep, rolling into the warmth lingering from Itachi's body, Sasuke hugged Itachi's pillow instead of his own, sighing happily.

Itachi came back to his room, looking down at the boy. Would it really matter if Sasuke did affect him that way? He was the only one in the clan he liked anymore, excluding his mother. But she was already a corrupt adult, not as pure to the world as Sasuke....

"... niki..." Sasuke mumbled softly into the pillow, having curled up all around it, making it very clear who he was dreaming about, a small, satisfied smile on his face.

Itachi turned from the bed and began dressing for the day, a small tightening in his chest and stomach almost drawing a blush to his cheeks. He knew that wasn't the appropriate reaction one should have in this situation, but if he had it he had it and he would simply ignore it rather than tell himself lies.

"Aniki?" Sasuke asked tiredly, opening his eyes half-way as he peeked up at his brother, obviously having woken up. "Where're you goin'?"

"Missions don't get done by themselves." He lied, finding it easier to do this than climb back into the bed with his soft, warm, loving brother.

Pouting, Sasuke reached up, wanting a good bye hug before his aniki left.

"...love you lots and lots," he murmured, not protesting even though he wanted to, knowing his aniki wouldn't appreciate whining.

Itachi humoured him with a hug before leaving, not sure what to say in the face of his maybe-discovery. He couldn't quite stop thinking about his reaction to Sasuke and how he'd only ever had the wet dreams when he was near.

Hugging his aniki tightly before he snuggled back in under the covers, Sasuke yawned and quickly fell asleep again, the comforting scent of his brother all around him.

Leaving the house all together, Itachi went for the hokage towers. He didn't have anything to do for at least 2 hours and it would allow him time to himself, rare in and of itself without the added weight of what he'd be thinking about.

A few hours later Sasuke, after having been woken up by his mother, was on his way to school, smiling slightly to himself, which was rare. Sasuke rarely smiled outside his home, but today was different. He had friends now, and he was looking forward to spending more time with them.

Neji found himself in the library again during lunch, sitting not quite beside the younger Nara boy but not as far as the last time. He was burning to talk to him, actually, since he'd finished his work already and knowing a sentient being was just feet away was distracting him from getting even more ahead of the class.

But he restrained himself. Hyuuga's did not go out seeking company. Company came to them.

Eyes closed, Shikamaru was well aware that the Hyuuga was sitting rather close to him, and it amused him to no end to watch him, sneakily of course, from time to time, itching and fidgeting a bit, though not in a very obvious way. He was pretty sure the older boy wanted to talk to him, but was too stuck up to actually do it. The young Nara was very amused. He'd talk to him eventually, but as it was now, he'd rather wait and see if the Hyuuga would crack and talk to him first.

Neji caught the devious glance at one point, turning his head with a huff. He didn't know how long he'd been watched, but it was only under the light of scrutiny did he notice he'd been showing nervous habits. He squashed it all down, picking up his book and pretending to read, all of his attention focussed on Shikamaru as he stared resolutely at the pages.

Snorting, Shikamaru kept his eyes closed.

"If you want to talk to me, just do it. A 'hi' would suffice," he smirked, obviously talking to Neji, since there weren't anyone else in the entire library.

Neji flushed a little, turning the page until he found a picture he could stare at instead of the rows and rows of text.

"Whatever do you mean?" He said flatly, eyes fluttering a little as he glanced at Shikamaru. It was a nervous habit stemming from how fixated on his eyes everyone seemed to be.

"You're not stupid enough not to not know what I mean," Shikamaru smirked. "It's not going to 'strip you of your pride' or anything to approach me or say a simple greeting, you know," he chuckled again.

Neji's lashes fluttered again, appearing coy in a gesture he didn't yet understand or he would have broken himself of the habit long ago.

"Who said I wanted your company anyway?" Neji said softly, hoping the Nara didn't believe him. "I come in here without you as well as when you're here."

"If that was the case, you'd sit further away from me not to be disturbed," Shikamaru smirked, his stomach making a strange motion as he watched the other looking almost shy.

"Your eyes looks like clouds by the way," he remarked with a small smile, just as the door opened and Sasuke came into view, having just done what he could without the help of books from the library in the classroom.

"Hi," he smiled, almost happily, at the sight of his friends as he sat down by their table. "Hi," Shikamaru nodded towards the Uchiha, happy he was less shy than the Hyuuga somewhat. Trying to beat sense into both stubborn, prideful boys would be just too much trouble.

Neji didn't acknowledge Sasuke yet. He didn't know what to say about the comment on his eyes, whether it was good or bad. He tilted his head just slightly, eyes narrowing before he decided that since no Hyuuga was anywhere near it wouldn't hurt to be blunt.

"You like clouds, Shikamaru?"

Shikamaru's lips twitched slightly at the blunt question. It was good that the Hyuuga still acted like a child sometimes.

"Mm, why do you ask, Neji?" He asked, deciding to stretch it out for a little longer.

Just refraining to pout at Neji's lack of acknowledgement, Sasuke just watched the two of them, wondering what was going on.

Neji's lashes flickered as a small knot formed in his stomach at the thought that he'd gotten it wrong. He didn't want to sound like he was full of himself, but what could he say?

"Not many compare me to clouds." He supplied, closing the book and smoothing the cover in a subtle show of nerves. Why he cared what Shikamaru thought he didn't even think to ask himself, but he found himself doing it anyway.

"Mm, I watch clouds all the time," Shikamaru chuckled amused at Neji's small show of nerves and uncertainty.

Neji gave him an irritated look, eyes narrow as he tried to pin the other with his gaze.

"You could have just said yes."

"What would be the fun in that?" Shikamaru just shrugged and smirked as he leaned back and closed his eyes again, much satisfied with how worked up the Hyuuga would get by the smallest things.

Neji turned from him, lips almost falling into a pout before his shifting gaze found the little Uchiha. His lips thinned instead, nodding his head to the boy.

"Hello."

Blinking at the confusing interaction between his friends, Sasuke just nodded his head towards the Hyuuga. "Hi," he replied, attempting a small smile, hoping that the other wouldn't be so... haughty when he looked at him. It wasn't like he was attempting to hold him down like his family did.

Neji adopted a bored look, leaning back in his chair as he kept his gaze off Shikamaru, shunning him for embarrassing him.

"What brings you in here again?

"Same as you I suppose?" Sasuke tried acting a bit older, more sophisticated, seeing as the Hyuuga didn't seem to let his pretences fall, and he, as an Uchiha, couldn't be any worse.

"Studying."

"I've finished studying, actually." Neji said, tapping a nail on his book lightly. "I was reading...and talking with Nara."

"Good for you," Sasuke shrugged a little, missing Shikamaru's highly amused expression at their conversation. "Were you reading something interesting?"

"More or less." Neji said. Truth be told he'd been more interested in talking with Shikamaru than reading.

Nodding, Sasuke gave it a small thought. "If you're interested, I have a few books I could suggest," he offered.

Neji didn't want to say yes. He actually didn't like reading, as much as he liked the quiet people always granted people who were reading. He found himself nodding, untrained mind not able to think up a tactful way to refuse.

Happy he could help, Sasuke listed a few books that were interesting, not too childish and not to adultish and boring, hoping Neji would find them interesting. Finishing writing them on a piece of paper that he neatly tore from a page in his note-book, Sasuke handed it to the older boy.

Neji took it, face blank as he folded it and put it in his book. He turned to Shikamaru, cocking an eyebrow.

"Do you like to read...Nara?" Calling him his first name just slipped out when they were alone, but it felt awkward with the little Uchiha now present.

Raising an eyebrow at the Hyuuga, Shikamaru snorted. Going from calling me by my first name to my surname, hm?

"Mm," Shikamaru nodded. "I do."

"What kinds do you like to read?" Neji pressed boredly. Books might have been great stimulation of the mind, but to him it was the ultimate passtime for the lazy. He'd mush rather go out and do the jutsu's than read about them.

"I read most things," Shikamaru shrugged. "My clan has a whole library on medical stuff and psychological stuff. Some of it is actually interesting," he shrugged, admitting to find something interesting for once. He'd still rather watch clouds though.

So that's why you get under my skin so easily... Neji thought with a small twitch to his mouth in amusement. Psychological stuff indeed.

"Have you ever read any fiction?" Neji questioned, turning his eyes to Sasuke to include him in the conversation. His lips quirked again as his eyes flicked to Shikamaru. "You seem like the type to like the tales of knights and dragons."

"I do," Sasuke nodded, smiling at being included. "I usually borrow my aniki's books, he's got a few of them around. That and crime books."

Lips twitching up a little, Shikamaru nodded in agreement to what Sasuke said. "As long as they make a bit sense and isn't too stupid, I like it," he said.

Neji's lips did curve into a small smirk, eyes glinting a little as he looked at Shikamaru. He'd read some fairy tales once and he was taking great pleasure in imagining the lazy boy as the princess, almost laughing out loud.

"Sense can only be as sensible as the person trying to understand."

Shikamaru gave him an irritated look. "Logical then." He muttered. "I like logical things."

Neji's pleased grew in proportion to Shikamaru's irritated look. He decided the younger boy would be good as one of the legendary females that wore pink all the time.

"The same can be said of logic though."

"No it can't," Shikamaru replied. "It's actually a subject on its own, and it can't be changed." He shrugged. "Of course, logic can seem illogical to those that can't see the connection, but that's not an issue," he stretched, bored of the subject already.

Neji thought about arguing the point, but let it slide. Argumentative Hyuuga's were frowned upon and he was breaking enough rules as it was.

"So, what are you learning in class now?" He asked, letting the subject drop as he looked at Sasuke again.

"Boring stuff," Sasuke huffed. "Too easy stuff. The feudal era, and finding the volume of things... The geography around konoha and about chakra control..."

"In my grade we study the hand signs and their meanings for half the year." Neji's tone said what he thought of that.

"... you're kidding?" Sasuke looked horrified. "You mean we won't get into that before next year..." he sighed at the thought. He had already mastered the knowledge of hand signs and knew what they meant... and he had already started learning the katon - the fire jutsu of his clan.

"Do I look like I would want to study the same thing for 4 months?" Neji said a little bitterly.