Black Swan (not at all connected to the movie)

Carousel: Thank you! Yeah, Sasuke is willing to let Kakashi go only so far, but he wants to take it further than Sasuke does. I should have Kakashi call him Sasuke-chan . . . I will have him say “Sas-uke.” Hehehe. I am considering letting him take things quite far.

This is a non-lemon, but it should still be interesting. We’re getting close to the voyeur part (I’m sure you’re all waiting for that and Kakashi nor Sasuke is the voyeur . . .).

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That brought them to their team flying through the trees and Kakashi making eyes at his young lover. No one knew about their relationship. Not yet at least. Kakashi had thought about it and he realized it was not a very good idea to be in this relationship, not so soon or ever. But he was content hiding their relationship; Sasuke didn’t seem keen on making it public anyway.

The Hokage found that Suigetsu and Juugo had escaped the Land of Iron during the war. No one had heard of either of them since. Karin was also still missing—though if she did return to the Grass Country they might be hiding her, unsure of what Konoha wanted with her. Team Kakashi was now looking for them.

They moved to a center point and spread out with two of Kakashi’s hounds each. They had no scent to go by, but the dogs could sense chakra and go by physical description. Sasuke also sent out his hawks who had seen the three before.

For four days. Nothing. They camped in a clearing as they had every night. As they were eating dinner, a large raven flew into the clearing to perch above them.

“That’s a really big bird,” Naruto commented.

Sasuke and Kakashi both looked at it more intently than the others. The raven looked straight into Sasuke’s eyes.

“It is abnormally big,” Sasuke agreed as he looked away.

Kakashi continued to stare. There was something not right about this bird. He was irresistibly reminded of Sasuke’s brother. He noticed Sasuke’s disquiet and assumed that his lover was reminded of Itachi as well. Kakashi wanted to ask Sasuke about his brother and his ravens and perhaps comfort him, but he thought better of it, they weren’t alone. The bird loitered for another few seconds before flying off.

Kakashi grew suspicious when Sasuke stared at Naruto and Sakura after they finished eating. His attention made them both look at him. There was really nothing Kakashi could see to suggest anything odd, however . . .

“We should turn in,” Sasuke said. “I’ll take the first watch.”

Naruto and Sakura nodded and went straight to their bedrolls and fell asleep. That was odd.

Kakashi was in the habit of taking his headband off and even opening his eye when alone with Sasuke; he did both now.

“You sure?” he asked. “I can take the first watch if you want.”

Sasuke looked in his eyes and said, “No, I can’t sleep right now anyway.”

Before Kakashi could respond, Sasuke’s eyes turned red. Kakashi experienced the genjutsu while still knowing it was genjutsu. It was simply that he was tired and should sleep for a few hours. His Sharingan fought it off. Kakashi’s suspicions were raised to a very high level, but he pretended to be under Sasuke’s influence and bedded down. He shut his eyes and pretended to sleep, even modulated his breathing properly. He would see how this played out, not wanting to think ill of his lover despite his history.

Sasuke sat by the fire for several minutes, apparently making sure all three of them were truly asleep. He raised his hands to make hand signs, hesitated, and decided against it. He quietly stood, sticking his sword into his belt. He looked down at Kakashi for a long moment before walking quietly into the trees.

Kakashi waited, then he followed Sasuke at a distance, but kept him within sight of his Sharingan. Sasuke suddenly broke into a run and practically leapt at something. Kakashi moved closer and shock nearly knocked the wind out of him. Sasuke was in Itachi’s arms.

It can’t be.

“I’ve missed you so much,” Sasuke said. They were still embracing, lost to the rest of the world.

“I’ve been worried about you, Otouto.”

“I think I’ve been more worried about you. Have you found a place to live?”

“A small village. I keep to myself and hunt. It’s actually a nice, simple life. I don’t interact much because of my eyes. It would be easier if I could pretend to be blind, but then, what could I do? I just use a simple transformation jutsu to hide my eyes; no one’s suspicious.”

“I wish you could have a more normal life.” They were still embracing, reluctant to let the other go.

“It’s really alright, I like not being a shinobi anymore. I’m content. I just wish I could see you more often.”

“I love you, Aniki.”

“I love you more than anything, Sasuke.”

They finally broke apart. “I put them all under a simple genjutsu; they will sleep for several hours. We have some time. I’ve been too afraid to try and send you a message until now. I’m glad my hawks were able to find you.”

“I didn’t want to attract attention to you by send you a message either.” Itachi stroked Sasuke’s face affectionately. “I do love you so much, Sasuke. We only had a short time before.”

“If it weren’t for those damn Hyuuga being able to see you for what you are, and maybe Kakashi, I’d insist you come home.”

Itachi shook his head. “It’s too risky,” he agreed. “I wish—” he broke off, then repeated, “I wish.”

“I know.”

“I’ll follow you for a while, or use my raven to follow you. We can see each other for a few nights. I’ll even help in your search. If your friend has anything in common with Kisame, I can help find him.”

“I asked my hawks to talk to all the other birds and tell them I’m looking Juugo. Juugo can talk to birds. Maybe your ravens can do the same.”

“Ah. Tell me what’s been happening in Konoha. It is rebuilt yet?”

At first Sasuke just talked about how he was pardoned and his pretty quick acceptance back into Konoha—his role in ending the war was as much to credit as Naruto for that. He also diverted to some local news and the progress in rebuilding. Kakashi found himself holding his breath; would Sasuke tell his brother about their relationship?

Sasuke grew quiet. Itachi let him consider in silence. “Aniki, I’m . . . I’ve fallen in love with someone.”

Itachi smiled. “I’m glad. Who is it? Not that pink-haired girl, is it?”

Sasuke laughed nervously. “No. It’s actually . . . a guy.”

“I can’t see it being Naruto.”

Sasuke was relieved by his brother’s smile when he said that. So his being gay didn’t ruffle him. “No, not Naruto; he’s too bright and sunny and loud and annoying. No, he’s actually quite a bit older than I am. That doesn’t bother me and it doesn’t seem to bother him.”

“As long as it’s not one of those damn arrogant Hyuuga.”

“He’s not. It’s actually . . . Hatake Kakashi.”

“Kakashi?” That ruffled Itachi. But after a second, he calmed. “Kakashi? I guess it makes some kind of sense. But he’s so much older than you.”

“He’s the one of the only people I was ever really close to, even closer than I was to Naruto. Sounds arrogant, but he’s the only one I feel is my equal. I love him.”

“Does he love you?”

“Yes.” Kakashi was heartened by the confidence and complete lack of hesitation in Sasuke’s voice.

“If you want my approval, you have it. I don’t really have a right to say anything really. But if he hurts you, I’ll give him another taste of my Tsukuyomi.”

Kakashi didn’t like how serious Itachi sounded.

“I could do that myself.”

“But as your older brother it would be my duty.”

Sasuke smiled and snuggled against Itachi. “Yeah.”

Sasuke looked so much younger and acting so much younger. He looked cute snuggling up against his brother. And Itachi looked far different than Kakashi had seen him in years; kind, face eased into a soft smile, and eyes warm. His eyes. They were dark, even darker than Sasuke’s. Kakashi used his Sharingan to take a closer look at Itachi’s eyes. As he looked closer he realized the sclera were nearly black. He recognized those eyes: the Impure World Resurrection jutsu. Kakashi wondered if Itachi could use his Sharingan anymore; Sasuke had his eyes and the ones he had now . . . he didn’t know about them.

The brothers sat there silently for a while, just enjoying being close to each other.

“I should get back. I’m supposed to be on watch.”

“I’ll stay close.”

Kakashi flew back as quickly and quietly as he could so he could pretend to be asleep when Sasuke got back. He heard Sasuke return. Sasuke paused to make sure no one had moved then stepped outside the circle of light created by the fire to sit and watch.

Kakashi’s mind would not allow him to sleep. He considered what he’s learned tonight.

Sasuke must have released all the resurrected shinobi except his brother. Somehow he had kept his brother in this world. That meant Itachi was immortal. Immortal and—without Kabuto alive to release him—probably trapped in this world. Or did Sasuke release his brother and summon him back? It sounded like something Sasuke might have done in light of his crazed grief.

All too soon, he heard Sasuke whisper “kai” to release the genjutsu. Kakashi didn’t move. Sasuke approached and touched his arm. “Your watch.” Kakashi got up and took Sasuke’s place. Sasuke didn’t look any different; he just went to his own bedroll and fell asleep after a few minutes.

By the time Kakashi fell asleep—after waking Sakura—he hadn’t decided what to make of it all and what he should do, if anything at all.

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Kakashi decided during the day to speak to Itachi himself. Sasuke once again took the first watch that night and ran off to see his brother. Kakashi lay there thinking about what he should say to Itachi. Sasuke returned, finished his watch, then ‘woke up’ Kakashi.

Sasuke fell right to sleep. Kakashi raised his headband and looked in the direction Sasuke’d returned from. Itachi was further than the range of his eye. He took off in that direction. And there he was. Rather than running, Itachi transformed, armed himself, and crouched. Kakashi landed a few yards from him with his hands open.

“I’m just here to talk, Itachi.”

Itachi narrowed his eyes and looked skeptical, but he lowered his weapons and released the transformation. “How’d you find me?”

“I followed Sasuke last night.”

“Did he tell you?”

“No.”

“Does he know you’re here?”

“No. Understand, I trust him, but I don’t like the idea that he’s hiding something like this from me.”

Itachi leaned back against the tree truck with his arms crossed. Kakashi was irresistibly reminded of Fugaku. Itachi took after his father, especially with those tear lines, and Sasuke took after his mother. “Sasuke told me about the two of you.”

Kakashi didn’t have to fake his discomfort. “Well, you are the one person who has the right to know.”

“I told Sasuke I didn’t deserve to have a say in his life—since I was the one who fucked it up the most already—but I find it hard to approve of it.”

“May I ask why?”

“Mostly the age difference. You were his sensei; seems improper. And because you were my sempai in ANBU. I really don’t have anything against you personally; I always respected you and I was happy when I heard you would be his sensei; but my sempai dating my younger brother? I might also add: you tired to kill him.”

“Don’t bring that up. That was the most painful moment of my life. Twice as painful as your Tsukuyomi. He was like a son to me. To lose him then be faced with having to kill him . . . I think you can appreciate that.”

Itachi’s eyes narrowed. “Perhaps.”

“Anyway, I’m actually glad you’re alive.” Itachi was surprised. “You didn’t deserve anything that happened to you. I admired you; the youngest ANBU captain ever. Thank you for sacrificing so much for the village.”

Itachi was a little off balance. “Thank you.”

“But I can never forgive for what you did to Sasuke.”

“I know. I didn’t foresee what it would do to him.”

“He killed Madara because of you, didn’t he? I’ve been thinking about it and it seems like the only explanation for why he betrayed Madara.”

“Ah. But you should ask him about that. Did you come to speak with me just to get me to suggest to him to tell you about me?”

“No, but that is a major reason. I wanted to clear the air. I still resent Tsukuyomi, but I understand the reasons behind your actions. I forgive you. Forgive me for trying to kill you and for being a jackass at times in ANBU.”

“I was an arrogant kid. I knew there was nothing personal in ANBU; it’s fine. You were trying to kill me because of what I did to the village and Sasuke. I forgive you. But you hurt my brother and so help me . . .”

“Yeah. Thank you for sending Sasuke back to us.”

Itachi didn’t answer, but inclined his head. He considered a moment. “You really love my brother?”

“I do.”

“You better be certain. Break it off now if you’re not. I want Sasuke to be happy.”

“So do I. I think I’m doing that. Making him happy,” Kakashi clarified.

“Good. Keep it up and I won’t have to come after you.”

“I’ll never give you a reason.”

“You were always so lighthearted and carefree when we weren’t in the field. You better take my brother seriously.”

“On the souls of my parents, teammates, and sensei, I love your brother and will not hurt him.” Well, in the sense you’re thinking about. “It’s hard not to take Sasuke seriously. He’s starting to take everything a little less seriously though.”

“Very well. I know you must be concerned, so let me assure you, I am still loyal to Kono—”

They both sensed someone approaching.

“You didn’t find me,” Itachi whispered. “He’ll speak to you.” He slipped into the darkness and disappeared. Ever the fine shinobi.

Kakashi turned when Sasuke got close.

“What’s wrong?” Sasuke was a little panicked.

“I thought I sensed someone out here, but I was mistaken.”

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Sasuke was a bit pensive two days later. Kakashi knew Itachi must have told Sasuke it would be a good idea for him to tell his lover everything.

Meanwhile, they had covered a great deal of land without a sign of the trio they sought. Sasuke was getting disheartened by that. The shinobi world was huge; could they really hope to find three people? Sasuke started sulking as usual. They continued their search.

Kakashi was able to sleep now when Sasuke was on watch. Even if he was off with his brother, he was sure Sasuke was still being attentive.

Sasuke woke him up early that night.

“Kakashi, I’ve had word from one of my hawks. He knows where Juugo is.”

Kakashi wondered—considering the timing—if it wasn’t one of Itachi’s ravens. “Where is he?”

“The Land of Lightning. I remember he was rather calm there when we were there. According to the birds, he’s alone. I sent the hawk back to ask him if he knows where the others are and if he wants me to come for him.”

“Great.”

“It’s a little early for your watch, but I needed to tell you.”

“It’s alright; I’ll relieve you.”

“But I don’t think I can sleep.”

“Stay up with me for a while then.”

Kakashi got up and took up position. Sasuke sat next to him. He looked back at the other two; Naruto was sprawled on his bedroll and Sakura was definitely fast asleep. Sasuke moved closer and put his head on Kakashi’s shoulder. He was silent and leaning heavily so Kakashi believed he’d fallen asleep. Only the nerves of a shinobi kept him from jumping when Sasuke spoke.

“I want to tell you what really happened to make me murder Madara.”

“Go ahead.”

“I wanted to kill all of you. I was so angry and consumed with revenge and my own brand of self-righteousness. I asked Madara to give me Itachi’s eyes. The war started while I was recovering. The bandages were removed and Zetsu told me what was going on. I don’t think he was supposed to let slip that Kabuto had resurrected my brother. I was blind with rage. But then I started thinking: ‘My brother is alive.’ I sought him out. Kabuto must not have known that he shouldn’t have let me see him.

“I lost myself. I didn’t even consider that I was aware that what I was doing and wanted to do was directly opposed to what Itachi wanted. I just told him everything. Everything. How much I loved him, then hated him, then about what Madara told me and what that had done to me. I told him what I intended to do and what was already done. He listened silently to everything. And then he slapped me. Hard. He talked sense into me.

“I attacked Kabuto. I used my Sharingan to make him release everyone he’d resurrected. Except Itachi. Then I killed Kabuto. I told Itachi to flee. But he didn’t. I could always feel him nearby, looking after me.

“I rejoined Madara, feigning ignorance of Kabuto’s disappearance. You remember us standing together?”

“That sight was more frightening than anything in my life. You and Madara. I knew we were all dead. And you looked perfectly evil.”

“My brother was nearby; I think he would have acted if I didn’t. I let Madara get comfortable and then . . . I severed his spinal cord and then stabbed him in the heart.”

“We were all too shocked to move.”

“I was certain I wouldn’t be welcomed back; I fled. Itachi came with me. Gaara had tried to convince me to come back before so I knew I had an alley in him. I fled to Suna. Itachi and I split up in the desert. Gaara did take me in. He and Naruto did an amazing job to bring me home.

“But the main thing I never told you, or the Hokage, or anyone, is that Itachi is still out there.”

“Is he trapped here?”

“With Kabuto dead, no, he can now release himself. I had to dig deep into Kabuto’s mind for that information.

“That person you thought you sensed the other night? It was probably Itachi. I’ve been seeing him almost every night for the past week. It was his raven, not my hawk, that found Juugo.”

“I appreciate your confidence.”

“Now I have to beg you: don’t tell anyone.”

“I won’t. Your brother was always really working for the benefit of the village. I trust him. And you.”

Sasuke sighed in relief. “Thank you.” Sasuke relaxed. “I told Itachi about us.” Kakashi stiffened. “Not everything, just that we’re together. He’s okay with it. Though he was a little shocked that it was you.”

“We knew each other in ANBU. I was in ANBU when he . . . If it hadn’t been Itachi, I might have been given the order. He was a good kid.”

Sasuke hummed. “He didn’t disapprove.”

“I’m glad. An angry Uchiha is a fearsome proposition.”

“I’ll try to get some sleep.” Sasuke moved to get up, but Kakashi held him down and moved him to a more comfortable position against his chest. “Compfy?” Sasuke hummed and relaxed into him. Kakashi put an arm around him. Sasuke fell asleep. Kakashi kissed his hair. “I love you.”

Itachi watched them from a distance. He could read Sasuke’s lips, though not Kakashi’s. But Kakashi’s actions said enough for him.

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Yeah, there was no sexual relationship between Kakashi and Itachi in this story.