? Nushi

Title: 主 (Nushi)

Chapter 6

Hattensei- The Possibilities


The next two weeks past quickly, in Itachi's absence. Naruto settled into his lessons, and though he didn't quite understand the reasoning behind it, he didn't argue. He did spend the time trying to understand Sasuke though, at least that he could do. Then maybe he could work out what was really wrong between Itachi and Sasuke, and then there was a chance that he could figure out some way to fix it. He knew Itachi would want at least that much. At least he thought so, neither Uchiha was very easy to read, with a tendency towards downright cryptic.

Most of the time though, he forgot about his orders, and the obligations laid on him. There really weren't many chores to do with only Sasuke and the main servants in the house, so most of his attention was focused on his lessons. Iruka taught him reading and writing, and he was picking things up fast. Kakashi taught him martial arts and meditation, and though he was far behind Sasuke, nowhere near as disciplined as the Uchiha, he was good enough that the two of them could spar without injury, Naruto's unpredictability and passion countering Sasuke's composed strategy and control.

They never fought seriously, though. Kakashi sensei was always there, correcting their form, and Naruto got better quickly. There came a point when he could even land a blow on Sasuke. It was hot outside, they were sparring on the wooden kata platforms in the garden. Naruto had shed his shirt long ago, wearing only the loose dark pants he had been given for this, hand-me-downs from Sasuke. The Uchiha, however, was still fully dressed. It wasn't that the boy wasn't hot, there was sweat dripping down his face, and spotting his dark clothing. Sasuke didn't want to take his shirt off because he knew he would burn, and burn badly, the minute he stopped paying attention.

Well, there was always the squirming little inadequacies in his gut too. Growing up with Itachi, he had never felt like the smartest, or the strongest, or the handsomest. He didn't let it show though, he hid it. Still, he didn't want to stand next to the blond's bronzed body, knowing that it would only make him feel worse, only draw attention to the way that, however hard he might try, he would always be smaller, more willowy and fragile looking.

Still, when Naruto landed that kick to his chest his mind had been wandering. Sasuke had been trying not to focus on Naruto's damp, naked chest. Instead, he was thinking about when Itachi would be getting home, which would be soon. When Itachi got home, things could go back to normal. Naruto would go back to following his brother around like some kind of obscene little puppy, and Sasuke could go back to sparring by himself and brooding over his self-imposed isolation.

Being knocked backwards, flat on his ass brought him back though. He scowled, twisting to the side, trying to spring back to his feet. He stopped short though, stumbling as he felt the pain in his wrist. He shook it out and started to try again but before he could Naruto was kneeling by his side, pressing him back down.

"Hold on, Sasuke-san. You could he hurt, let me look at it for a second." Sasuke wanted to disagree, but his wrist was still stinging, which only increased as he tried to roll it. He stopped quickly, Naruto's hands bracing it on either side of the joint. The boy's face was serious as he slid his hands over the tender area, making Sasuke wince a little.

"I think it's just a strain, but I think we should get Kakashi-sensei to look at it." Without a word, and with an expression that would permit no argument, Naruto helped the boy to his feet, making sure that nothing else was injured before leading a slightly dazed and pouting Sasuke inside.

X

Three hours later found Sasuke's arm bound and splinted, the injury a bit more serious than Naruto had expected, but not serious enough to call in the doctor. This left Sasuke to his lessons inside, though he was unable to hold a brush or pen as he'd injured his dominant hand. He could read though, and listen, knowing that Naruto took rather meticulous notes, even if the boy's handwriting was a little shaky, and his vocabulary not quite as broad as Sasuke's own.

The quiet scene was interrupted by the screen sliding open, and Sasuke, who was facing away from it in the large leather chair he preferred, could tell who was there immediately by the expression that flashed across Naruto's face before the boy rushed to stand and greet Itachi. Sasuke scowled, listening to the blond but not bothering to get up himself.

"Nushi, you've returned early. Did everything go well while you were away?" The boy paused, and Itachi must have waved him off because he spoke again. "Ano, I'm sorry, me and Sasuke had a little accident during our spar this afternoon. He's hurt, but not badly. I hope this does not displease you." Sasuke heard approaching footsteps and rose from his seat, sending a glare to his brother as he turned. Itachi was smirking at him, Naruto trailing close behind.

"Oh no, don't get up on account of me, Otouto. You're injured after all, sit down and rest." There was a teasing note to his brother's tone, and Sasuke scowled harder.

"I just sprained my wrist, Aniki. I'm not going to break. I just got caught off guard and had an accident." Itachi raised an eyebrow, but had no further comment. He turned to Iruka instead, who was packing his things into his satchel.

"Thank you for agreeing to take on another student, Iruka-san. I know Sasuke can be a bit ... difficult. I trust Naruto didn't give you as much trouble?" Sasuke scowled and flopped nosily back into the leather chair, wincing a little as the action jolted his still sore wrist. Iruka smiled.

"Neither of them were much trouble. Naruto-kun is so eager and enthusiastic, it more than makes up for his lost time. I believe he's been doing well with Kakashi-san as well, he's gone home for the evening though, due to Sasuke-san's slight injury."

Itachi smiled and nodded his goodbye as Iruka left, before sitting on one of the other library chairs, large and comfortable. He smiled and beckoned Naruto after him. Sasuke watched bitterly as the boy knelt automatically by his brother's knee, resting his head on the side of it as Itachi's fingers curled gently into his hair.

"Well, Naruto-kun. Tell me about what you've learned while I was gone." Naruto smiled brightly, like he was a small child with a new toy, and began babbling on about everything they'd been doing. Sasuke curled back into his chair, raising the book he'd been studying back over his knees, tucked in beside him. He scowled down at the words, but found he couldn't quite tune out Naruto's excited voice. When his brother excused himself to take a shower before dinner was served he found he was still on the same damn paragraph, not remembering anything he'd read in the past half hour at all.

He glowered, hurling the offending book across the room with a grunt. He was startled when Naruto popped a concerned head up from behind the chair. He'd been sure the blond had followed his brother out, like usual. His scowl only grew colder at that. He'd lost his temper in front of someone, someone likely to be his brother's tool. Itachi would hear of this, and it would just make him push Sasuke away more.

"Sasuke-san, are you okay? Would you like me to hold the book for you or something?" Sasuke wanted to punch the blond straight in the face, but he just couldn't bring himself to do it. Those bright eyes showed actual concern, more than he'd seen from anyone since he'd last seen his mother. The feeling that maybe someone really did care for him, even a little, was draining the anger and frustration from him, leaving him tired, almost hollow. He just sighed.

"I'm fine, Naruto-kun. Why don't you just go and see if Aniki needs any help, okay?" He tried to push some sort of spite or malice into his voice, but it just fell flat. He closed his eyes and leaned back a little, focusing his energy and calming his breathing. After a couple of seconds he heard the soft sound of Naruto's retreating footsteps, and the screen sliding shut behind him.

X

Naruto waited patiently outside of his Master's room. Though it was long dark out and a bit past normal supper time Naruto had arranged for something to eat to be sent up, in case his Master was interested. His mind was on Sasuke though, on how he'd thought they'd been so much closer than that. In his Master's absence Naruto had relaxed a lot, and he'd felt like Sasuke might just be the closest friend he'd ever had, not that he was very experienced in those things. He trusted Sasuke with any secret he might have, not that he had many of those either. He had just thought that maybe this bond went the other way as well, that maybe Sasuke would trust him as well.

The way that Sasuke had obviously been upset about something in the library upset him for a multitude of reasons. He didn't like to see Sasuke sad in the first place, especially when his brother was so clearly the cause of it in his return and Itachi had nothing but the best intentions where his otouto was concerned, but it only bothered him more that Sasuke wouldn't tell him what was wrong, what was making him so upset.

Naruto was startled from his thoughts by a cool hand on his cheek. He blushed, looking up into the smirking face of the older Uchiha.

"Ah, Naruto-kun, now what could possibly put such a look on your face. Surely you are happy that I have returned, ne?" Itachi's voice was warm and jovial, but underlaid with a current of strength. Naruto leaned into the touch though, and ventured a smile. He should be focusing on his Master right now, not his brother.

"I'm sorry, Nushi. I am ecstatic that you've come back." He paused, fiddling uncertainly with the hem to his yukata sleeve. He met Itachi's eyes, and his mouth opened again. He trusted Itachi, he'd tell Itachi what was wrong. "It's just that I'm worried about your brother. He still seems to me that there's something bothering him, and it's distracting him to no end but I can't get him to tell me what it is." Itachi smiled, and gathered the boy to him.

"Hm. I might have thought so much. It's not like him to let anyone catch him off guard during a spar, especially someone like you, though I don't doubt your skill Naruto-kun. In fact, I'd really like to watch you two spar sometime if you'd let me. Maybe tomorrow morning?"

Naruto's eyes lit up at that, and his worries about Sasuke's sulking and holding things back were pushed to the back of his mind. Itachi relaxed a little, and let the smirk crawl across his face as a babbling blond attached itself around his middle. He didn't like it when his new pet fretted about anyone else, especially Sasuke.

X

Sasuke felt a lot better the next morning, when he went out to the garden to warm up for his morning exercises and Naruto was already laying out the customary two sets of towels on the bench across the wooden platform. He found himself smiling as he stepped up, and even though it was early enough in the day that the air was still cold around them, Sasuke found himself uncomfortable in the thicker robe he'd worn out, and found himself slipping it off, letting his skin breathe underneath all the more. Naruto returned the smile as their eyes met, but he continued his preparations.

The younger Uchiha was feeling quite calm and centered, his stretches almost finished, when the screen leading to the garden slid open once more, and he felt himself tense. It was Itachi, he knew without even looking, and he couldn't understand why Itachi would want to come out and join them on the platform. He hadn't sparred with his brother in years, Itachi being too busy and liking to sleep in when the occasion of a free morning presented itself, and he didn't relish the thought of doing it now. He knew he could probably at the very least keep up with Itachi at this point, he was probably better at jui jitsu at least now, he knew Itachi hadn't been keeping up with it.

He watched Naruto smile and turn and his eyes widened a little. Of course, Itachi's interest in this had nothing to do with him, and everything to do with Naruto. The boy was his brother's new favorite toy after all, and they were closer than anyone he'd ever seen Itachi be close with.

X

Itachi watched the boys spar from his spot in the shade, the sun rising had warmed the air around him to a comfortable temperature. He enjoyed the tense anger in his brother's form as Sasuke and Naruto sparred on the deck. His eyes followed both boys as they moved, each blow and counter telling him a little bit more about their relationship.

Naruto was obviously very good at this, but Sasuke was better. That fact was not surprising, he'd been doing it for so much longer. Naruto was picking it up fast though, and with Sasuke's tense anger as a distraction the blond was landing more hits than he should have been able to. Itachi smiled a little as the action slowed, he could watch this all day but he did have to head off to work soon.

Naruto's foot flew out then, almost connecting with Sasuke's hip but the boy jumped out of the way just in time, dropping down and swiftly sweeping the blond off of his feet. He winced as he hit the wood hard, but smiled. Sasuke scowled slightly, and Naruto's smile faltered a little, the expected hand never coming to help him up. Itachi could read the small flare of hurt and worry in the boy's blue eyes before the blond stood, bowing slightly to Sasuke. His brother just nodded a little and turned to the little outdoor shower, off to the side shielded by a hedge of dense vines. Naruto remained on the deck for a second before turning to Itachi.

"Nushi, your brother and I usually have breakfast out here in the garden after a spar, would you like to sit with us today?" Itachi smiled, glancing at his watch. He shouldn't, but he figured he could afford to be late. He'd be working enough overtime with the merger to finish, he wouldn't be home much to monitor their interactions. The house staff were only so much help in this after all, never quite sure what he was looking for when he asked. He nodded.

"I would be glad to join you, if you don't mind. I think I have time to spare for my brother and you, Naruto-kun." The blond smiled widely before bowing to him and rushing inside. Itachi smirked, watching as Sasuke came back around the hedge to grab his towel, gi sitting loose on his shoulders, still dripping wet. Itachi felt a flare of desire.

"Hello, brother. You've been working hard I see, and helping Naruto so much while I was away. I appreciate that. I know the boy will be so much more useful if he is properly trained first." Sasuke scoffed openly, returning to sit on the edge of the deck as was his habit.

"I'm not sure what good this does you. Wouldn't you be better tutoring him in the baser arts, he is a pleasure slave after all." Itachi raised an eyebrow at his brother's back.

"Well, he may be my slave, Sasuke-kun, but he's more than that as well. Besides, I have enough simpering admirers as it is, and many more beautiful than him. What I want is someone who is intelligent and sharp enough not to embarrass me in public, yet soft and sweet enough so as to win the hearts of others. Naruto-kun may not have been educated well in his past, but he has a charisma that can't be taught, and that is more valuable, don't you agree?"

Sasuke scowled, and opened his mouth to snap out a reply when Naruto stepped into the garden and put a stop to the argument. He pulled a small cart out onto the porch, pushing it around as close to the deck as he could before stepping down and passing bowls and plates.

Breakfast went by fast though, with Itachi and Naruto talking animatedly, with the blond trying to pull Sasuke in every once and awhile, and the young Uchiha deflecting him gruffly each time. Naruto still managed to stay upbeat though. When the last dish was emptied he gathered them, stacking them back on the cart. He was just about to jump up onto the porch to bring them to the kitchen when a hand on his arm stopped him. He turned to find his Master looking down at him with a smile.

"Naruto-kun, you must be tired after the spar. We can get someone else to take care of the dishes, why don't you go take a shower instead." Naruto blushed a little, and nodded. Itachi led him to the outdoor shower Sasuke had used earlier, with little protest from the blond. Itachi just smirked, hiding it by facing away from the boy, adjusting the temperature of the spray until it was hot, but not too hot.

He waited until Naruto had stripped away the loose white sparring clothing before starting on his own loose clothing, and stepping in behind the boy. Naruto gasped and blushed when he heard Itachi's footsteps join him on the smooth rock bottom of the shower. Still, he relaxed as those arms wrapped around him from behind, and let himself be turned, the water streaming warm down his back now, and let his face be turned up, Itachi bending down to meet him but pausing halfway there, their eyes meeting and the Uchiha pushing Naruto's wet blond locks behind his ear once more.

He closed the space between them then, and their lips met. Naruto let his eyes slide closed, and melted into the kiss. He had been worried that maybe Itachi didn't want him anymore, that maybe he was set to fulfill a different purpose now. It was strange, but this new Itachi had made him feel colder inside, and a bit heavier. This kiss though, it dissolved that heavy coldness, made him warm and light.

The sound of a screen slamming open and then closed again made him jump though, as it echoed across the empty garden. Itachi stood straight, breaking the kiss, and Naruto flushed red, his heart skipping as he bolted out of impulse, dripping and naked, but Sasuke was long gone. His heart sunk heavily into his stomach, so much more so than before as he remembered those words Sasuke had spoken to him what seemed like ages ago now. You can't help me, not while you're still fucking here. He doesn't have time for me, even when it was just us he didn't, but now there's even less.

They twisted hotly in his gut as he turned back to the shower, back to Itachi standing there, naked and glistening. His breath caught. His Master was gorgeous like that. Still, he couldn't help but think that Sasuke was just as handsome, if a bit less imposing and serious, more supple and even for all of his brooding he was quicker to smile, at least he had been these past weeks. Even Iruka had seen fit to comment on it, one day while Naruto had stayed to help him put away the things from the days lesson.

It had made him feel so good, to hear that Sasuke seemed happier now, and he'd noticed it himself as well. They'd almost been real true friends these past weeks, but with Itachi's return those lines had been redrawn and Naruto felt his heart break a little for that. It must have shown in his eyes because even as Itachi drew him back under the spray, the man wasn't quite as he had been.

"If it bothers you so, Naruto-kun, then go after him. Go find my foolish brother and see what's wrong." Naruto nodded, stepping out of the spray and picking up a towel from the shelf beside it, his Master's words echoing like a command in his head, like permission to do whatever he felt he could.

He dressed quickly, but paused at the screen to even out his breath, wiping his damp hair behind his ear with one tanned hand, shaking slightly as it moved through the honeyed strands. Where would Sasuke be, when he was upset? The answer was simple, and Naruto turned towards the indoor dojo, where he knew Sasuke went to think.

He paused at the door when he reached it though, his hand resting unsurely on the handle. He could hear the soft thud of flesh against the padded sparring posts. Sasuke must be upset, the intensity he heard there echoed with anger and something else. Naruto felt tears prickling at his eyes. He'd done this. He'd made Sasuke sad again, and he still had no idea how to fix it.

Still he pushed the door open, and stepped through, eyes downcast and bleary with blinked back tears. The noises stopped, except for Sasuke's heavy breathing. Naruto did not look up though, trying to show as much respect as he could, fumbling through the formal training of his youth to try and mask the fact that he had no idea what he was doing.

"Sasuke-sama, something is wrong again, and I..." He was cut off abruptly.

"Oh I see. Weeks of us becoming closer, He returns and Sasuke becomes Sasuke-sama again? Forget it. Those titles of respect are obviously hollow now, it's obviously just your way of distancing yourself now that your bloody fucking Master has returned." Sasuke's voice was harsh, biting with anger, but there was sadness there, heartbreak and abandonment. Naruto flinched. He'd driven them apart once again, pulled Sasuke from his beloved brother. His breath caught in his chest, and Sasuke was suddenly in front of him, wrenching his head up so that their faces were even, their eyes meeting head on.

"And now what? I suppose you'll abandon this game for your first and favorite again, right? Well, I'm not going to just be his fucking substitute, when that bastard isn't around, do you hear me? Not now or ever. So don't expect things to go back, Naruto-slut. They can't go back, I fucking can't go back."

There was silence still between them, and Naruto felt the seconds drag on, but he had no idea what to say. This hadn't been his plan, he hadn't even had a plan. He did love Itachi, but Itachi was his Master and as such was it expected, even demanded. But he hated to see that hurt in Sasuke's eyes, and not because they were so close to his Master's.

He felt his heart stop then, Sasuke's fingers suddenly tightening in his hair and their mouths suddenly meshing harshly, the younger Uchiha's tongue thrusting sharply into his mouth and pillaging it, tasting every corner. Then just as quickly as it started, it was gone, and Sasuke was backing away, eyes wide, stumbling slightly.

"I can taste you both, right there. Oh gods." And the boy was gone, leaving Naruto standing there, unsteady on his feet, wondering what the hell had just happened, and feeling even more like crying. He let himself this time, scared and unsure and disappointed in himself. He'd done nothing to help, and screwed everything else again.

He slumped, stumbling slightly, landing on his knees, palms scraping suddenly against the soft reed matting of the floor. He felt like throwing up, but he couldn't do more that cry. He was still like that when Itachi found him, almost half an hour later. The older Uchiha cursed under his breath as he gathered the boy up. He would have to have a little chat with his brother before the day was out, this was not how the game was supposed to be played. The next two weeks past quickly, in Itachi's absence. Naruto settled into his lessons, and though he didn't quite understand the reasoning behind it, he didn't argue. He did spend the time trying to understand Sasuke though, at least that he could do. Then maybe he could work out what was really wrong between Itachi and Sasuke, and then there was a chance that he could figure out some way to fix it. He knew Itachi would want at least that much. At least he thought so, neither Uchiha was very easy to read, with a tendency towards downright cryptic.

Most of the time though, he forgot about his orders, and the obligations laid on him. There really weren't many chores to do with only Sasuke and the main servants in the house, so most of his attention was focused on his lessons. Iruka taught him reading and writing, and he was picking things up fast. Kakashi taught him martial arts and meditation, and though he was far behind Sasuke, nowhere near as disciplined as the Uchiha, he was good enough that the two of them could spar without injury, Naruto's unpredictability and passion countering Sasuke's composed strategy and control.

They never fought seriously, though. Kakashi sensei was always there, correcting their form, and Naruto got better quickly. There came a point when he could even land a blow on Sasuke. It was hot outside, they were sparring on the wooden kata platforms in the garden. Naruto had shed his shirt long ago, wearing only the loose dark pants he had been given for this, hand-me-downs from Sasuke. The Uchiha, however, was still fully dressed. It wasn't that the boy wasn't hot, there was sweat dripping down his face, and spotting his dark clothing. Sasuke didn't want to take his shirt off because he knew he would burn, and burn badly, the minute he stopped paying attention.

Well, there was always the squirming little inadequacies in his gut too. Growing up with Itachi, he had never felt like the smartest, or the strongest, or the handsomest. He didn't let it show though, he hid it. Still, he didn't want to stand next to the blond's bronzed body, knowing that it would only make him feel worse, only draw attention to the way that, however hard he might try, he would always be smaller, more willowy and fragile looking.

Still, when Naruto landed that kick to his chest his mind had been wandering. Sasuke had been trying not to focus on Naruto's damp, naked chest. Instead, he was thinking about when Itachi would be getting home, which would be soon. When Itachi got home, things could go back to normal. Naruto would go back to following his brother around like some kind of obscene little puppy, and Sasuke could go back to sparring by himself and brooding over his self-imposed isolation.

Being knocked backwards, flat on his ass brought him back though. He scowled, twisting to the side, trying to spring back to his feet. He stopped short though, stumbling as he felt the pain in his wrist. He shook it out and started to try again but before he could Naruto was kneeling by his side, pressing him back down.

"Hold on, Sasuke-san. You could he hurt, let me look at it for a second." Sasuke wanted to disagree, but his wrist was still stinging, which only increased as he tried to roll it. He stopped quickly, Naruto's hands bracing it on either side of the joint. The boy's face was serious as he slid his hands over the tender area, making Sasuke wince a little.

"I think it's just a strain, but I think we should get Kakashi-sensei to look at it." Without a word, and with an expression that would permit no argument, Naruto helped the boy to his feet, making sure that nothing else was injured before leading a slightly dazed and pouting Sasuke inside.

X

Three hours later found Sasuke's arm bound and splinted, the injury a bit more serious than Naruto had expected, but not serious enough to call in the doctor. This left Sasuke to his lessons inside, though he was unable to hold a brush or pen as he'd injured his dominant hand. He could read though, and listen, knowing that Naruto took rather meticulous notes, even if the boy's handwriting was a little shaky, and his vocabulary not quite as broad as Sasuke's own.

The quiet scene was interrupted by the screen sliding open, and Sasuke, who was facing away from it in the large leather chair he preferred, could tell who was there immediately by the expression that flashed across Naruto's face before the boy rushed to stand and greet Itachi. Sasuke scowled, listening to the blond but not bothering to get up himself.

"Nushi, you've returned early. Did everything go well while you were away?" The boy paused, and Itachi must have waved him off because he spoke again. "Ano, I'm sorry, me and Sasuke had a little accident during our spar this afternoon. He's hurt, but not badly. I hope this does not displease you." Sasuke heard approaching footsteps and rose from his seat, sending a glare to his brother as he turned. Itachi was smirking at him, Naruto trailing close behind.

"Oh no, don't get up on account of me, Otouto. You're injured after all, sit down and rest." There was a teasing note to his brother's tone, and Sasuke scowled harder.

"I just sprained my wrist, Aniki. I'm not going to break. I just got caught off guard and had an accident." Itachi raised an eyebrow, but had no further comment. He turned to Iruka instead, who was packing his things into his satchel.

"Thank you for agreeing to take on another student, Iruka-san. I know Sasuke can be a bit ... difficult. I trust Naruto didn't give you as much trouble?" Sasuke scowled and flopped nosily back into the leather chair, wincing a little as the action jolted his still sore wrist. Iruka smiled.

"Neither of them were much trouble. Naruto-kun is so eager and enthusiastic, it more than makes up for his lost time. I believe he's been doing well with Kakashi-san as well, he's gone home for the evening though, due to Sasuke-san's slight injury."

Itachi smiled and nodded his goodbye as Iruka left, before sitting on one of the other library chairs, large and comfortable. He smiled and beckoned Naruto after him. Sasuke watched bitterly as the boy knelt automatically by his brother's knee, resting his head on the side of it as Itachi's fingers curled gently into his hair.

"Well, Naruto-kun. Tell me about what you've learned while I was gone." Naruto smiled brightly, like he was a small child with a new toy, and began babbling on about everything they'd been doing. Sasuke curled back into his chair, raising the book he'd been studying back over his knees, tucked in beside him. He scowled down at the words, but found he couldn't quite tune out Naruto's excited voice. When his brother excused himself to take a shower before dinner was served he found he was still on the same damn paragraph, not remembering anything he'd read in the past half hour at all.

He glowered, hurling the offending book across the room with a grunt. He was startled when Naruto popped a concerned head up from behind the chair. He'd been sure the blond had followed his brother out, like usual. His scowl only grew colder at that. He'd lost his temper in front of someone, someone likely to be his brother's tool. Itachi would hear of this, and it would just make him push Sasuke away more.

"Sasuke-san, are you okay? Would you like me to hold the book for you or something?" Sasuke wanted to punch the blond straight in the face, but he just couldn't bring himself to do it. Those bright eyes showed actual concern, more than he'd seen from anyone since he'd last seen his mother. The feeling that maybe someone really did care for him, even a little, was draining the anger and frustration from him, leaving him tired, almost hollow. He just sighed.

"I'm fine, Naruto-kun. Why don't you just go and see if Aniki needs any help, okay?" He tried to push some sort of spite or malice into his voice, but it just fell flat. He closed his eyes and leaned back a little, focusing his energy and calming his breathing. After a couple of seconds he heard the soft sound of Naruto's retreating footsteps, and the screen sliding shut behind him.

X

Naruto waited patiently outside of his Master's room. Though it was long dark out and a bit past normal supper time Naruto had arranged for something to eat to be sent up, in case his Master was interested. His mind was on Sasuke though, on how he'd thought they'd been so much closer than that. In his Master's absence Naruto had relaxed a lot, and he'd felt like Sasuke might just be the closest friend he'd ever had, not that he was very experienced in those things. He trusted Sasuke with any secret he might have, not that he had many of those either. He had just thought that maybe this bond went the other way as well, that maybe Sasuke would trust him as well.

The way that Sasuke had obviously been upset about something in the library upset him for a multitude of reasons. He didn't like to see Sasuke sad in the first place, especially when his brother was so clearly the cause of it in his return and Itachi had nothing but the best intentions where his otouto was concerned, but it only bothered him more that Sasuke wouldn't tell him what was wrong, what was making him so upset.

Naruto was startled from his thoughts by a cool hand on his cheek. He blushed, looking up into the smirking face of the older Uchiha.

"Ah, Naruto-kun, now what could possibly put such a look on your face. Surely you are happy that I have returned, ne?" Itachi's voice was warm and jovial, but underlaid with a current of strength. Naruto leaned into the touch though, and ventured a smile. He should be focusing on his Master right now, not his brother.

"I'm sorry, Nushi. I am ecstatic that you've come back." He paused, fiddling uncertainly with the hem to his yukata sleeve. He met Itachi's eyes, and his mouth opened again. He trusted Itachi, he'd tell Itachi what was wrong. "It's just that I'm worried about your brother. He still seems to me that there's something bothering him, and it's distracting him to no end but I can't get him to tell me what it is." Itachi smiled, and gathered the boy to him.

"Hm. I might have thought so much. It's not like him to let anyone catch him off guard during a spar, especially someone like you, though I don't doubt your skill Naruto-kun. In fact, I'd really like to watch you two spar sometime if you'd let me. Maybe tomorrow morning?"

Naruto's eyes lit up at that, and his worries about Sasuke's sulking and holding things back were pushed to the back of his mind. Itachi relaxed a little, and let the smirk crawl across his face as a babbling blond attached itself around his middle. He didn't like it when his new pet fretted about anyone else, especially Sasuke.

X

Sasuke felt a lot better the next morning, when he went out to the garden to warm up for his morning exercises and Naruto was already laying out the customary two sets of towels on the bench across the wooden platform. He found himself smiling as he stepped up, and even though it was early enough in the day that the air was still cold around them, Sasuke found himself uncomfortable in the thicker robe he'd worn out, and found himself slipping it off, letting his skin breathe underneath all the more. Naruto returned the smile as their eyes met, but he continued his preparations.

The younger Uchiha was feeling quite calm and centered, his stretches almost finished, when the screen leading to the garden slid open once more, and he felt himself tense. It was Itachi, he knew without even looking, and he couldn't understand why Itachi would want to come out and join them on the platform. He hadn't sparred with his brother in years, Itachi being too busy and liking to sleep in when the occasion of a free morning presented itself, and he didn't relish the thought of doing it now. He knew he could probably at the very least keep up with Itachi at this point, he was probably better at jui jitsu at least now, he knew Itachi hadn't been keeping up with it.

He watched Naruto smile and turn and his eyes widened a little. Of course, Itachi's interest in this had nothing to do with him, and everything to do with Naruto. The boy was his brother's new favorite toy after all, and they were closer than anyone he'd ever seen Itachi be close with.

X

Itachi watched the boys spar from his spot in the shade, the sun rising had warmed the air around him to a comfortable temperature. He enjoyed the tense anger in his brother's form as Sasuke and Naruto sparred on the deck. His eyes followed both boys as they moved, each blow and counter telling him a little bit more about their relationship.

Naruto was obviously very good at this, but Sasuke was better. That fact was not surprising, he'd been doing it for so much longer. Naruto was picking it up fast though, and with Sasuke's tense anger as a distraction the blond was landing more hits than he should have been able to. Itachi smiled a little as the action slowed, he could watch this all day but he did have to head off to work soon.

Naruto's foot flew out then, almost connecting with Sasuke's hip but the boy jumped out of the way just in time, dropping down and swiftly sweeping the blond off of his feet. He winced as he hit the wood hard, but smiled. Sasuke scowled slightly, and Naruto's smile faltered a little, the expected hand never coming to help him up. Itachi could read the small flare of hurt and worry in the boy's blue eyes before the blond stood, bowing slightly to Sasuke. His brother just nodded a little and turned to the little outdoor shower, off to the side shielded by a hedge of dense vines. Naruto remained on the deck for a second before turning to Itachi.

"Nushi, your brother and I usually have breakfast out here in the garden after a spar, would you like to sit with us today?" Itachi smiled, glancing at his watch. He shouldn't, but he figured he could afford to be late. He'd be working enough overtime with the merger to finish, he wouldn't be home much to monitor their interactions. The house staff were only so much help in this after all, never quite sure what he was looking for when he asked. He nodded.

"I would be glad to join you, if you don't mind. I think I have time to spare for my brother and you, Naruto-kun." The blond smiled widely before bowing to him and rushing inside. Itachi smirked, watching as Sasuke came back around the hedge to grab his towel, gi sitting loose on his shoulders, still dripping wet. Itachi felt a flare of desire.

"Hello, brother. You've been working hard I see, and helping Naruto so much while I was away. I appreciate that. I know the boy will be so much more useful if he is properly trained first." Sasuke scoffed openly, returning to sit on the edge of the deck as was his habit.

"I'm not sure what good this does you. Wouldn't you be better tutoring him in the baser arts, he is a pleasure slave after all." Itachi raised an eyebrow at his brother's back.

"Well, he may be my slave, Sasuke-kun, but he's more than that as well. Besides, I have enough simpering admirers as it is, and many more beautiful than him. What I want is someone who is intelligent and sharp enough not to embarrass me in public, yet soft and sweet enough so as to win the hearts of others. Naruto-kun may not have been educated well in his past, but he has a charisma that can't be taught, and that is more valuable, don't you agree?"

Sasuke scowled, and opened his mouth to snap out a reply when Naruto stepped into the garden and put a stop to the argument. He pulled a small cart out onto the porch, pushing it around as close to the deck as he could before stepping down and passing bowls and plates.

Breakfast went by fast though, with Itachi and Naruto talking animatedly, with the blond trying to pull Sasuke in every once and awhile, and the young Uchiha deflecting him gruffly each time. Naruto still managed to stay upbeat though. When the last dish was emptied he gathered them, stacking them back on the cart. He was just about to jump up onto the porch to bring them to the kitchen when a hand on his arm stopped him. He turned to find his Master looking down at him with a smile.

"Naruto-kun, you must be tired after the spar. We can get someone else to take care of the dishes, why don't you go take a shower instead." Naruto blushed a little, and nodded. Itachi led him to the outdoor shower Sasuke had used earlier, with little protest from the blond. Itachi just smirked, hiding it by facing away from the boy, adjusting the temperature of the spray until it was hot, but not too hot.

He waited until Naruto had stripped away the loose white sparring clothing before starting on his own loose clothing, and stepping in behind the boy. Naruto gasped and blushed when he heard Itachi's footsteps join him on the smooth rock bottom of the shower. Still, he relaxed as those arms wrapped around him from behind, and let himself be turned, the water streaming warm down his back now, and let his face be turned up, Itachi bending down to meet him but pausing halfway there, their eyes meeting and the Uchiha pushing Naruto's wet blond locks behind his ear once more.

He closed the space between them then, and their lips met. Naruto let his eyes slide closed, and melted into the kiss. He had been worried that maybe Itachi didn't want him anymore, that maybe he was set to fulfill a different purpose now. It was strange, but this new Itachi had made him feel colder inside, and a bit heavier. This kiss though, it dissolved that heavy coldness, made him warm and light.

The sound of a screen slamming open and then closed again made him jump though, as it echoed across the empty garden. Itachi stood straight, breaking the kiss, and Naruto flushed red, his heart skipping as he bolted out of impulse, dripping and naked, but Sasuke was long gone. His heart sunk heavily into his stomach, so much more so than before as he remembered those words Sasuke had spoken to him what seemed like ages ago now. You can't help me, not while you're still fucking here. He doesn't have time for me, even when it was just us he didn't, but now there's even less.

They twisted hotly in his gut as he turned back to the shower, back to Itachi standing there, naked and glistening. His breath caught. His Master was gorgeous like that. Still, he couldn't help but think that Sasuke was just as handsome, if a bit less imposing and serious, more supple and even for all of his brooding he was quicker to smile, at least he had been these past weeks. Even Iruka had seen fit to comment on it, one day while Naruto had stayed to help him put away the things from the days lesson.

It had made him feel so good, to hear that Sasuke seemed happier now, and he'd noticed it himself as well. They'd almost been real true friends these past weeks, but with Itachi's return those lines had been redrawn and Naruto felt his heart break a little for that. It must have shown in his eyes because even as Itachi drew him back under the spray, the man wasn't quite as he had been.

"If it bothers you so, Naruto-kun, then go after him. Go find my foolish brother and see what's wrong." Naruto nodded, stepping out of the spray and picking up a towel from the shelf beside it, his Master's words echoing like a command in his head, like permission to do whatever he felt he could.

He dressed quickly, but paused at the screen to even out his breath, wiping his damp hair behind his ear with one tanned hand, shaking slightly as it moved through the honeyed strands. Where would Sasuke be, when he was upset? The answer was simple, and Naruto turned towards the indoor dojo, where he knew Sasuke went to think.

He paused at the door when he reached it though, his hand resting unsurely on the handle. He could hear the soft thud of flesh against the padded sparring posts. Sasuke must be upset, the intensity he heard there echoed with anger and something else. Naruto felt tears prickling at his eyes. He'd done this. He'd made Sasuke sad again, and he still had no idea how to fix it.

Still he pushed the door open, and stepped through, eyes downcast and bleary with blinked back tears. The noises stopped, except for Sasuke's heavy breathing. Naruto did not look up though, trying to show as much respect as he could, fumbling through the formal training of his youth to try and mask the fact that he had no idea what he was doing.

"Sasuke-sama, something is wrong again, and I..." He was cut off abruptly.

"Oh I see. Weeks of us becoming closer, He returns and Sasuke becomes Sasuke-sama again? Forget it. Those titles of respect are obviously hollow now, it's obviously just your way of distancing yourself now that your bloody fucking Master has returned." Sasuke's voice was harsh, biting with anger, but there was sadness there, heartbreak and abandonment. Naruto flinched. He'd driven them apart once again, pulled Sasuke from his beloved brother. His breath caught in his chest, and Sasuke was suddenly in front of him, wrenching his head up so that their faces were even, their eyes meeting head on.

"And now what? I suppose you'll abandon this game for your first and favorite again, right? Well, I'm not going to just be his fucking substitute, when that bastard isn't around, do you hear me? Not now or ever. So don't expect things to go back, Naruto-slut. They can't go back, I fucking can't go back."

There was silence still between them, and Naruto felt the seconds drag on, but he had no idea what to say. This hadn't been his plan, he hadn't even had a plan. He did love Itachi, but Itachi was his Master and as such was it expected, even demanded. But he hated to see that hurt in Sasuke's eyes, and not because they were so close to his Master's.

He felt his heart stop then, Sasuke's fingers suddenly tightening in his hair and their mouths suddenly meshing harshly, the younger Uchiha's tongue thrusting sharply into his mouth and pillaging it, tasting every corner. Then just as quickly as it started, it was gone, and Sasuke was backing away, eyes wide, stumbling slightly.

"I can taste you both, right there. Oh gods." And the boy was gone, leaving Naruto standing there, unsteady on his feet, wondering what the hell had just happened, and feeling even more like crying. He let himself this time, scared and unsure and disappointed in himself. He'd done nothing to help, and screwed everything else again.

He slumped, stumbling slightly, landing on his knees, palms scraping suddenly against the soft reed matting of the floor. He felt like throwing up, but he couldn't do more that cry. He was still like that when Itachi found him, almost half an hour later. The older Uchiha cursed under his breath as he gathered the boy up. He would have to have a little chat with his brother before the day was out, this was not how the game was supposed to be played.