The Weight of the Heart

Warning boy X boy, don’t read if you don’t like.



The Weight of the Heart



Chapter Six



Naruto shivered as the cool desert air teased his damp skin. The bath servants had fought with each other to be the one to rub oils on his skin but Naruto flashed a bright smile and opted to forgo a massage and simply retire to his quarters for the night. The pouts that graced the faces of the bathers made him smile. They certainly were enthusiastic about their job.



“Master…do you require anything else before I retire?” asked Intef.



“No, I’m fine. Thank you for showing me the baths.”



“It was my pleasure, Master Naruto.” The boy bowed low to his master before exiting the room to seek his own bed.



Naruto shrugged the robe from his shoulders and walked naked to the dais. Slipping between the cool linen sheets, Naruto reclined back and watched the flame of the lamp flicker back and forth in a seductive dance.



Naruto’s body still thrummed from Itachi’s touch. His body longed to be filled by the dark prince. Never in his imagination had the expected to have such a potent reaction to the man that was his mission. It was both exciting and frustrating.



Rolling on his back, Naruto huffed out his breath. Unlike many of the gods and their children, Naruto had never been with another person, be they male or female. He found both sexes attractive but none drew him in as deeply as Itachi. The tiniest touch from the prince and Naruto was nearly clay in the other man’s hand.



To become involved with the prince was dangerous and it put more than Itachi’s heart on the line. He wanted to say that his body’s reaction to Itachi was an unacceptable response but he couldn’t bear to. He longed for the touches and kisses. In just a short while, he had become a slave to the man’s touch. In truth, he had nearly become the pet Itachi called him, seeking his owner’s touch like one of the palace cats.



Tossing yet again, Naruto struggled to find sleep that would not come. His body ached but his heart pained him all the more. In two days, Itachi would fulfill the promise he made in the bath. Should he resist, his mission could become compromised. Should Naruto bow to the prince‘s and his own desires, he might be the one paying the price.



Already, he found himself drawn even more to Itachi. Naruto feared what would happen when Itachi took his body. He had always imagined that his first time would be with someone that loved and cherished him. Was he willing to use his body to accomplish his mission? Would his heart survive the loss of Itachi if he did? His mind spun with the possibilities, exhausting itself with what could happen.



Gradually, the weariness of the day began to take its toll on the blonde and he drifted into a restless sleep. His dreams were haunted by midnight eyes, sinful kisses, and heated touches.



The occupant in the adjoining set of rooms was not having an easy time sleeping either. Itachi’s tired eyes scanned the room before stopping to watch the play of shadows on the walls. His body was heavy with exhaustion but his mind churned with the events of the day.



In just one day, his locked down emotions had been beating at their prison seeking escape into the word. It had been years since he’d had such a difficult time reigning in himself. Everything seemed to lead back to the blonde. Who was Naruto? Where lust had reigned supreme, now curiosity ruled his thoughts. Unlike the rest of the priests, Naruto’s head was unshaven. Priests of Anubis were always clean shaven. Why not Naruto? Was he a member of the temple or something else?



The high priest acted as if he was more than just a low ranking priest. Why would the head of the order have such affection and concern for the little blonde? There was also his unusual hair. It wasn’t dyed with henna or any other color. It reminded him of the tales of the barbarians that resided in the artic realms far to the north.



Growling in his throat at the thought of Naruto taking up so much of his thoughts, Itachi turned onto his stomach and buried his face in the fragrant linen. What was it about the blonde that created turmoil while at the same time soothing him? Even Sasuke seemed drawn to the blonde and that annoyed Itachi even more. He feared what he would do, should Sasuke ever fancy taking Naruto from him.



Closing his eyes, Itachi felt exhaustion tug at him. It pulled at his consciousness so strongly that he had no choice but to give into the call. Instead of blood and death, his dreams were haunted by sapphire eyes and warm, tan skin.



“Itachi.” The words were whispered in his ear, but he ignored them. His body felt heavy and his mind was foggy. All he wanted was to be able to drift back into the deep recuperative slumber that called to him like a siren.



“Itachi!” The words this time were harsher, effectively pulling him from sleep and into wakefulness.



“Sasuke, there had better be an extremely good reason why you have disturbed me.” The words held barely contained malice. Sasuke flinched but didn’t back down.



“Madara is here.”



Itachi jerked fully awake, lunged from the bed and walked naked across the room towards one of his clothing chests. Pulling a pleated kilt from the ornate chest, Itachi wrapped the fine woven linen around his waist and secured it with a golden belt. Pulling a gold chain from which a gold and lapis lazuli inlaid eye of Horus hung to fall just over his sternum. The gold sparkled in the sunlight. As the only adornment, it drew attention and declared his position as the heir to the kingdom.



A knock at the door was answered by Sasuke. A servant bowed and entered carrying small box. Itachi sat in a nearby chair and closed his eyes. The servant opened the box and began to line the prince’s eyes with the blackened cosmetic. The lines of his eyes were extended past the corner as a symbol of eternity. The black lines stood stark against Itachi’s naturally pale skin, framing his obsidian eyes perfectly. Picking a brush from the mirrored table, the servant brushed the long thick hair and tied it with an ornate broach.



Finishing his duties, the servant bowed and exited the room, leaving the two princes alone once more. Sasuke’s eyes were shadowed and he looked more like his brother than ever before. The pain of the loss of their father coupled with lack of sleep and now the appearance of their traitorous uncle facilitated a change in the younger’s eyes.



Itachi narrowed his own eyes at the black aura that surrounded his brother in a dark embrace. This was not what he wanted for his brother. He wanted Sasuke to remain untouched by the darkness that lived so deep in his soul. Sasuke was not meant to be a part of this.



“Where is he?” If Madara had come to kill him, Itachi would be sure to send him the afterlife with all the warmth that he had shown them.



“He is in the receiving chamber.” Sasuke scowled as the words left his lips.



“Repeat that.” Itachi wasn’t sure he’d heard his brother correctly.



“He’s here in the receiving chamber. Brother, we should kill him and be done with it. He will murder us and take the throne for himself.”



To hear Sasuke suggest murdering the uncle shocked Itachi immediately into action. “Sasuke, go to Naruto’s chamber and wait for me. If I find out that you left that room I will be extremely displeased.”



“No, I’m going with you. He’s made attempts on my life as well.”



“You will go to Naruto’s chamber. If Madara tries something, I don’t trust the guards to keep him safe.” Itachi wasn’t stupid. He knew that Madara had spies in the palace. He also knew that his uncle would use any trick in his arsenal against them.



“Why do you care so much about him? He’s easily replaced.” Sasuke crossed his arms and glared at his brother.



“Just do it, Sasuke. You are the only one I trust.”



“Tch…fine.” Sasuke stomped from the room, closing the door with a slam. Itachi winced internally at Sasuke’s childish performance. Madara was not to be underestimated. If Madara knew of Itachi’s infatuation with the young blonde, there was no doubt in his mind that his uncle would use that to his advantage.



Clasping golden bangles around his wrists and tying a golden dagger to his waist, Itachi exited the room and walked calmly towards the receiving chamber. His eyes remained forward and his aura radiated deadly calm as he approached the massive double doors leading to the where he would meet eyes with the man who was tied to him by blood.



Two Nubians opened the doors and Itachi strode into the room. His eyes were careful to take note of every person within the walls. Several advisors, the royal guard, and standing before the royal dais was Madara. Itachi’s insides chilled as he stared into the crimson eyes of his father’s brother. For long moments, they faced each other, sizing up strengths and searching for weakness. Madara was the first to speak, his deep voice echoed on the walls.



“Nephew.” Madara bowed his head in acknowledgement.



“Madara. Why do you show you face before me? Do you seek to challenge me for the right to lead my country?”



“Quite the contrary, I am here merely to mourn the loss of my brother.” The cultured tone added a hint of condescending to what would normally be words spoken in grief.



Itachi was off the dais and in front of Madara with the golden dagger pressed dangerously close to jugular before anyone could deter him. The older man didn’t flinch as the blade bit into his skin. Both men stared deeply into the other’s eyes. Itachi’s black flashed dangerously as he pressed the blade even firmer against the warm flesh, watching as a bead of blood trickled down to pool at the base of Madara’s neck.



“Prince Itachi!” cried out the advisors but one glance at them silenced their cries.



“I should kill you now and save myself the trouble of having to do the job later.” hissed Itachi into Madara’s ear.



“Hmm, but you won’t, will you. You, who are cultivated by my brother to be prepared to use any means to your ends, will do nothing in order to keep those simpering nobles out of your business.” Madara smirked and sent a telling stare towards where the royal advisors stood watching the affair with barely veiled fear.



Itachi pressed harder, feeling the blade press millimeters deeper, the single bead of blood turning into a small trickle. His jaw clenched as he continued to stare into the crimson orbs of his uncle.



“Why. Are. You. Here?”



“To mourn my brother.” The same words were spoken and Itachi watched as the laughing eyes turned dark with malice. Itachi’s hand tightened on the blade.



“You would kill me, the brother of your newly deceased father? What message would that send to your loving subjects? I stand before you unarmed and yet you attack me unprovoked.” Itachi suppressed the urge to growl at the smug words. The man was playing with him.



“In honor of my father, I will spare you life just this once. You will be escorted from my lands. I warn you, uncle, if you dare step foot in this land again, I will destroy you.”



With those words, Itachi turned and left the room. Madara watched his nephew leave the receiving chamber with a smirk.



“You think that you will destroy me but it will be I who will drive you over the brink and into insanity before I destroy you.” Madara smiled darkly to himself before he was escorted away by the guards.



“Lord Madara…” gasped a young woman as she ran up to begin keeping pace with his long steps.



“What have you learned, Nefra?” Madara asked without slowing his pace or losing a step.



“Prince Itachi keeps a pet, a young slave with unique coloring. The servants spoke of how Itachi watches the boy and how he is extremely possessive of him.” Nefra whispered the words while eyeing the guards that trailed several feet behind them. Madara didn’t appear concerned at all with their presence.



“Interesting. Perhaps my nephew has a weakness after all. Very good, Nefra.”



“Thank you, Lord Madara.” simpered Nefra.



Madara smiled. ‘Yes, very good indeed.”



~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~



Itachi left the receiving room before he lost all control and killed the man. It was one thing to kill a man found guilty of treason; it was another to kill a man with no proof of traitorous acts. It was especially difficult when that man was the dead pharaoh’s brother. Madara took a great chance by coming before Itachi.



Pushing open the door, he entered Naruto’s room. Glancing at the bed, he noticed the blonde was still sleeping. Naruto’s tone chest rose and fell in a natural rhythm. A cough from the corner of the room forced Itachi to tear his eyes from the blonde.



“Did you kill him?”



“I don’t believe this is something that should be discussed here.”



“What? You think he will hear anything? The idiot sleeps like a rock. He hasn’t so much as moved since I’ve been here.” Sasuke gestured to where Naruto lay softly snoring.



“We will talk about this later, Sasuke.” Itachi felt his eyes drawn once again to the dais.



“You let him go. You stupid bastard…you had him in your hands and you let him go.” Sasuke’s voice rose with each word. His distress and anger at this revelation was evident in the rising timbre of his voice.



“Be quiet. I said we will talk about this later. Madara is smart. He knows we have no proof that he sent the assassins. I had no choice. Until the coronation, my position is not secure. I have to be very careful.” explained Itachi.



“So you just let him walk away to do whatever he pleases?”



“I had no choice. I lost control in the presence of the advisors and guard. I don’t have the power of the pharaoh. Not yet.”



“And if he sends more assassins?”



“We will take care of them as we always have. You and I are not easy to kill.”



“What of Naruto? It’s not hard to notice that you are possessive of him. People will talk and if Madara strikes at you through Naruto, will you be able to live with the consequences of today? If I‘d been an assassin, the idiot would have long since been dead.” Itachi’s eyes hardened to gleaming obsidian at Sasuke’s words. Growling low in his throat, Itachi glanced back at Naruto.



“This is going to come back to haunt you, Itachi.” warned Sasuke before giving Itachi a withering look and exiting the room.



Turning his attention to where the blonde slept on unaware of the heated words spoken, Itachi wondered at the late rise of Naruto. Perhaps Naruto’s sleep had been just as slow in coming as his own. He continued to watch as Naruto’s nose scrunched up and curled into a tight ball, nuzzling the soft linen sheets that had become tangled around his nude body during what looked to be a long night of tossing and turning.



Walking to the bed, Itachi stroked a hand down the sleep warm skin of Naruto’s arm. The blonde giggled and shrugged away from the touch. Itachi’s lips quirked upward at the endearing sight.



“Stop…tickles…” mumbled Naruto before dropping back to sleep.



“I won’t let anyone take you from me. You say I don’t own your heart and soul? I’ll take them by force, then. I will own every part of you.” Itachi traced the whiskers on Naruto’s face, before silently leaving the room.



Naruto’s eyes blinked sleepily as he sat up, struggling to untangle his limbs from the twisted linen. He could have sworn someone was in the room. Rubbing the last traces of sleep from his eyes, he rolled from the sleeping dais and padded across the floor to the table that was laden with the fresh fruit and breads that Intef had placed there before he woke.



Perhaps it was Intef that he’d felt. Shaking the feelings of uncertainty, Naruto finished his meal and pulled a clean kilt from the chest. His body was clean from the bath the night before and Naruto felt ready to begin his day.



Tying the supple leather belt around his waist, Naruto walked to the doors of his bedroom, pausing before exiting. Would he be able to leave the room? Feeling a bit of claustrophobia being trapped in this room, spacious though it was, Naruto decided that if the guards refused to let him through, then he would sneak out.



Poking his head through the doors, Naruto noticed the same guards as before. They continued to keep their eyes trained forward. They were as still as statues and yet they knew every move that Naruto made.



“Hey, umm can I leave?” The guards said nothing and continued stare ahead. Naruto pouted and crossed his arms across his tan chest.



“Can’t you guys answer a simple question? Can I live the room?”



“They’re mutes, you idiot.” Naruto swung around to see Sasuke standing in the shadows, looking at him as if he was stupid. ‘What makes him think he’s so smart?’ Naruto pouted to himself.



“Well, how was I supposed to know? They can’t tell me.” Sasuke blinked a few times at pouting blonde.



One of the guards released something that sounded suspiciously like a laugh, earning a death glare from Sasuke. The guard remained facing forward but a faint smile curved the harsh line of his lips.



“What are you doing here?” Naruto looked over the youngest prince cautiously.



“I live in the palace. I have a right to be everywhere. The only rooms forbidden to me without invitation are my father’s and Itachi’s.”



“Yes, but that doesn’t say why you are outside my room.”



“Perhaps I was going to offer to show you the large palace gardens; however, if you are going to be annoying, I think I will just go find something else to do.” Sasuke shrugged and walked down the hall.



“Wait!” Naruto lunged for the prince, clutching at his arm in desperation. The chance to go outside, dangled before him was too much to resist. It seemed like forever since he’d had the chance to bask outside. The small garden adjoining his room, while pleasant, wasn’t large enough to stave off the feelings of claustrophobia that had begun choking his spirit.



“Don’t touch me!” snarled Sasuke, pulling his arm from the clinging grasp of Naruto.



Naruto jerked back as if slapped. His eyes blinked in confusion and not a small amount of hurt. The dark haired prince sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. Itachi had him nervous about even being around the blonde. He didn’t even want to think what Itachi would do if he saw Naruto clinging to him. Brother or not, he was a dead man if Itachi even thought for a moment that Sasuke was interested in Naruto.



“Just don’t cling to me. Itachi wouldn’t like it.”



“Huh?”



“Don’t be an idiot. Itachi would kill me in an instant if he thought that I wanted to take you from him.”



“He doesn’t own me.”



“Keep telling yourself that if it makes you feel better. I can tell you that he prizes you above all else. I wouldn’t be surprised if he was willing to die for you. The gods only know what he sees in you. It’s so unlike my brother to care about anything.” Sasuke lead Naruto down a series of halls, the door guards trailing faithfully behind.



“It’s not such a bad thing to treasure others.” Naruto smiled.



“Itachi isn’t other people. Listen and listen well. Something inside Itachi is ruined, not broken, ruined. You can’t fix him, if that’s what you were planning. He’s dangerous. I’ve warned you before but for some reason I like you so I’ll say it again. Don’t cross him.” Sasuke watched as Naruto’s face became determined. His blue eyes darkened and took on a gleam. It was almost as if he was preparing himself to accept a challenge.



“He’s not ruined, Sasuke.”



“I love him. He is my brother but he doesn’t feel things the way that we do. Just be careful, Naruto.” Sasuke’s eyes became shadowed and he said no more the rest of the walk.



A large gate marked the end of their journey. Pushing through, Sasuke led Naruto into a massive series of gardens. Fragrant flowers lined marble walkways. Several benches dotted the landscape. This garden dwarfed the one beside his room by at least ten times.



“It’s massive.” Naruto stood in awe of the view.



“So I’ve been told.” muttered Sasuke to himself.



Naruto snorted at the comment. So the younger brother had a sense of humor. He wondered if he could pull one from Itachi as well. A few cats, lazing about in the sun, jumped up and began to curl themselves around Naruto’s legs, seeking his attention.



Naruto crouched down and began to caress the soft fur, savoring the happy purrs that radiated from the small chests. Closing his eyes, Naruto soaked up the mid morning sun. The rays warmed his skin and gave him hope for his mission.



Breathing deeply of the floral scented air, Naruto left Sasuke standing at the gate and walked through the garden. The flowers danced in the light breeze, releasing their fragrance through the garden. In a land soon to be ravaged by war, taking a moment of peace was welcome.



Naruto laughed happily. He’d never gotten used to being indoors. He preferred to spend his time out in the open. Perhaps it was some of the animalistic blood from his father or perhaps it was the fact that his mother was the goddess of the sky.



“How can you be so happy?” Naruto turned to see Sasuke standing beneath the shade of a large tree.



“This day is a blessing of Nut. You should rejoice in its beauty.” Naruto approached the younger prince. Sasuke said nothing but turned away to stare blankly into the garden.



“I see. You mourn for your father.” Sasuke swung to face the blonde at the words.



“What do you know?” Sasuke snarled out the words, bitterness and loss tainting the words with their malice.



“Your father will have been escorted safely to Osiris by now. Your father’s heart will balance. You shouldn’t grieve his loss but instead wait patiently until you join him in the Fields.” The priests all spoke similar words. Your father will pass into the Fields, we will include all the appropriate charms and spells. All this was told to Sasuke and yet only with the words coming from Naruto’s lips did his soul find peace. Naruto’s words rang truer than any priest.



Sasuke smiled, not a smirk, but a smile. His heart lifted and his soul felt lighter. “Thank you, Naruto.”



Grabbing Sasuke before he could pull away, Naruto pulled the prince to the large fountain located near the center of the garden. “Look at this, Sasuke.” Scooping up the clear water in cupped hands, Naruto offered his hands to the dark haired prince.



Sasuke leaned over to look into the hands when he suddenly got a face full of water. Rearing back and wiping wildly at his face, Sasuke turned an incredulous face towards Naruto. The blonde burst into laughter, pointing a finger towards Sasuke’s face.



Sasuke reached up and wiped his cheek with a finger. Pulling it back, he found it covered in black kohl. The water from the fountain had caused the thickly applied kohl around his eyes to run down his cheeks.



“You…look…like a…drowned…raccoon.” gasped Naruto between bursts of laughter.



“You little shit.” snarled Sasuke before lunging after the blonde. Naruto wasn’t a fool and didn’t say still long enough for Sasuke to catch him. Running quickly along the path, Naruto looked behind him to see how far ahead he was when he ran into a hard chest.



Glancing up quickly, Naruto saw Itachi’s confused gaze before hearing Sasuke round the corner yelling obscenities in Naruto’s general direction. “You little shit; I’ll tan your hide for doing something like that…Itachi?”



“What’s going on here, Sasuke?” Itachi’s voice was dark and smooth. Naruto felt himself falling under its spell.



“Look what that little idiot did to me.” Itachi looked at the running kohl. He blinked a few times before the corner of his lip turned upwards in the beginning of a smile before being hidden once more but not quick enough for Naruto to miss it.



“I’m sure Naruto is properly contrite after being chased by such an interesting looking face. Aren’t you, pet?” Sasuke blinked at his brother a few times before scowling and stomping out of the garden.



“I hope he’s not too mad. I was only playing.”



“Sasuke might not show it, but I think he was enjoying your little game. I suspect he was more upset at having me put an end to it.” commented Itachi as he watched his brother disappear from sight.



“I have a present for you, pet.” Itachi lifted a hand and brushed his fingers along Naruto’s smooth neck. The breath stilled in Naruto’s throat.



“I’m not your pet.” Itachi didn’t comment. Unwrapping the parcel in his hand, he removed an intricately carved golden collar, inlaid with sapphires of the highest quality. Naruto’s eyes widened at the masterful craftsmanship of the collar before scowling at what the object was for.



“You are not putting that on me.” shouted Naruto as he turned to run. Itachi was having none of that. Grabbing the blonde with a firm hand, the prince clasped the gold around Naruto’s neck, careful to avoid pinching the skin with the metal clasp. Stepping back to admire his pet, Itachi smirked at the defiant look Naruto sent his way.



“I will be the only one to take this collar off of you. I want to show you off at the coronation tomorrow. Everyone will look at you and know you belong to me.” Itachi trailed his fingers around the edges of the collar before taking Naruto’s chin between his fingers.



“Tomorrow, you will behave and I will reward you.” smirked Itachi.



Naruto’s lower lip poked out at the words. Itachi felt his eyes drawn to the movement. Running his thumb across the moist protrusion, Itachi felt heat coursing through his body. His body cried out for him to just take the blonde and work him from his system. It cried out for the release that the warmth of Naruto’s body could give him.



“Prince Itachi…The advisors are calling for you.” Closing his eyes, Itachi caressed the lip one last time before lowering his hand and turning from Naruto. Without a word, Itachi left the blonde standing in the garden feeling more confused than he ever had in his life.



To be continued~



Thank you nikkie, Onikage, fairietayle and Pixie for the reviews they are very much appreciated.