Love's Lies

Rating: NC-17 over all
Warnings: incest, language, violence and Itachi being Itachi.
Disclaimer: Allie is a college student, and Suukou has a baby. Do you think we could even afford to hope we own it? Nope
Authors Notes: This is written in RP-style, set 6 years in the future, so it's officially an AU fic. PLEASE review!!! It's a chaptered story, and kind of long, and we're not even done, so let us know what you think and if you want more!


Lies Form

His hands were shoved comfortably in his pockets as they walked. Sasuke was grateful and content as always to spend time with Kakashi after a mission. "It went well, took longer than expected, but..." Sasuke punctuated his statement with a small shrug and looked up at his former-sensei.. "Copied another technique with the Sharingan that I want to go over with you, if you have the time."


Black eyes searched Kakashi's masked face questioningly before looking in front of them again, watching other people on the street. Still unsure after six yearsknowknowing the older Jounin if that sort of request didn't bother him. Scowled at himself for being tentative.

Kakashi grinned down at Sasuke, his eye curving into it's normal shape at the scowl. Some things never changed. "Sure I've got time. It's not like I have anything else to do. Well... besides go on missions and train my new team," he looked thoughtfully ae gre ground in front of him. "Can't have them thinking I'd show up on time, so how does sometime in the morning sound?" he asked, amusement in his voice. He'd have to actually get up early, but it would be worth it.

Sasuke eyed him with annoyed amusement. "That would be good... but, Kakashi-sensei, only if I't 't end up waiting around for hours." Attached the honorific automatically, because that's what Kakashi would always be to him. Smirked and eyed him, "How is your new team doing?" Remembered their first meeting and his smirkned ned into a small smile. 'I don't like any of you', drifted into his mind and he eyed Kakashi with amusement, wondering how his new team was dealing with him.

Kakashi did his best to look affronted. "Me? Leave you waiting for hours? I thought you knew me better Sasuke." He thought about his new team, the first one since Team 7, and it was hard for him not to compare the two. "Well they're not as far along as you were, but they should make it." He shook his head ruefully. "I almost wish I hadn't handled Naruto so well, I got stuck with another trouble maker."

He almost laughed at that, but rolled his eyes and shrugged instead. "Of course you would and then you'd tell me you got lost again." Sasuke tilted his head arrogantly up at Kakashi and replied, "That's only to be expected, and with you as their sensei they should improve in no time." Considered the last words thoughtfully, remembering what a pain Naruto had been and asked, "As bad as Naruto?"

Shaking his head at the haughty lift to Sasuke's chin, he said jokingly, "Flattery won't change the fact that it's your turn to pay for lunch," and elbowed Sasuke's arm. "And I don't think anyone could come close to being as bad as Naruto was. Although, I am glad I missed out on getting Konohamaru on a team."

Sasuke smiled again and shrugged. "It was worth a shot," he grumbled back lightly. "You did luck out not getting Naruto Jr., Kakashi-sensei. The Hokage just s tos to give you rowdy students because she doesn't want you getting too comfortable in your old age." Eyed Kakashi slyly at the jab and smoothed his face back to calm disinterest, inwardly grinning. "You were already old when you had us... and it's been six years." Sasuke enjoyed this, though he might never say as much to anyone else but Kakashi. The silver-hd Jod Jounin was the closest person he had, Naruto coming in at a close second... but there were some things he'd never share or do with the blond. Buying lunch for one thing, and he smiled a at at that thought.

Kakashi grabbed at his heart and fake stumbled. "Oh Sasuke, that hurt. And if you keep talking like I'm over 60 I might just have to start thinking about retiring. Then who's going to help you out?" He poked Sasuke's arm for emphasis. He wouldn't really quit helping Sasuke unless the boy asked, he enjoyed the bond they had formed and still managed to keep after all these years. His gaze caught the small smile and he looked away, forcing his mind away from places it shouldn't be going.

Sasuke grinned fully at Kakashi's profile and he punched him lightly. "Not my fault you're getting to be an old man," his heart lurching slightly at the idea of Kakashi no longer being there and he continued, voice a little more serious, "You're the only one I ask for help, so you can't go anywhere." Flushed a little at his words and looked straight ahead, smoothing his face once more.

"Thirty two and I'm an old man. Can't wait to hear what you call me in 10 years," Kakashi grumbled. His eyebrow arched slightly as he studied the young Uchiha. "Well if I'm the only one you can ask, I guess I *can't* go leaving you huh? Don't want you having to ask someone like Naruto for help. Who knows what would become of you then." He was glad for the mask that hid his small smile, happy to hear Sasuke say, or as close as he could come to saying anyway, that he enjoyed spending time with him.

Sasuke grinned a little and nodded, inwardly relieved to hear Kakashi say the words. "I would never ask Naruto for help," he commented half-disdainfully, half-amused at the idea. Watched as the restaurant came into view and hoped that he'd be able to spend more time with Kakashi tonight. "tomotomorrow morning we can meet at the training grounds?"

Kakashi smiled to himself, knowing that even though he had never asked for help, Naruto had ended up helping Sasuke a lot in the past. But Sasuke would never admit it of course, Uchiha that he was. "That would all depend on what time tomorrow you wanted to meet. I might get up early to help you, but I'm not crazy."

"Let's make it six." Sasuke figured if he said six, Kakashi might make it by seven. Or seven-thirEithEither would give him ample time with Kakashi -training, he corrected himself quickly- before he had to leave on his next mission the next afternoon. He glanced up at Kakashi, eyes dark and amused, thankful that he'd never changed too much.

Kakashi groaned inwardly. Sasuke must not understand the concept of early. Oh well. He was probably figuring he would be late anyway, and that's why he said it for so early, Sasuke would be the one to think like that. "Six sounds fine," he commented, stopping in front of the restaurant. "Ready to eat?" he asked, smiling down at the Chuunin.

Sasuke nodded. "Definitely, I'm starving." Opened the door and walked in, holding it behind him. "Don't be later than eight Kakashi-sensei, I've got things to do," he added, grinning back at him.

"Later than eight?" Kakashi repeated walking through the open door. "I don't know what you're talking about! I said six didn't I?"


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Sasuke leaned back against the couch and pulled his knees up, facing Kakashi on his couch. "So, what was it like being in ANBU?" He asked slowly. They'd been sitting here for hours, it seemed, and Sasukd ned never felt more at ease. It was always this way with Kakashi, though. "I mean, if you don't mind telling me," he added quickly. Knew there were boundaries, remembered Itachi never talking about his missions.

Kakashi studied the couch a tho thought of his answer. There wasn't a real way for him to put his legs on the couch and still look cool, so he settled for just leaning against the back with his arm out to the side, feet propped up on the table. "You know Sasuke; they have us wear masks for a reason. You're not supposed to know." He grinned slightly. "But everyone in the village always finds out. I don't mind telling you." He thought about the question seriously. "You have to be unattached to a lot of things whou'ou're in there. Able to leave at any moment. Able to kill without any hesitation. It's tough for some to get adjusted to, even as ninjas."

Sasuke flushed a little and mumbled, "You had your shirt off once, I saw the tattoo." Shifted a little bit, not fully sure of why saying that made him uncomfortable. Considered Kakashi's words carefully before replying. "Was it hard for you? Is that why you don't have anyone... I mean, you know, a wife?" Naruto and he had just gotdonedone discussing Kakashi's se ste status, both of them confused as to why their former teacher hadn't married. Realized he was probably overstepping his bounds and shifted his weight again and looked down at the table. Itachi had been ANBU, Sasuke was positive he'd never had a problem adjusting.

Kakashi stared down at his feet for a while, thinking. "It's hard for everyone at first, but after a while it wasn't so bad for me. As for the other question...." he hesitated and shifted slightly. "I know what it is like to lose someone close to you and wouldn't wish it on anyone. I guess I just have a tendency to try and distance myself from causing others that same pain." Obito......

"Sorry," he muttered softly, regretting asking him when he saw the hesitance and regret color Kakashi's movements. Remembered yelling at Kakashi while tied to the tree so long ago, and drew his legs closer to his chest, peering over them at the Jounin silently for a moment. "I wanted to join ANBU," he said finally, voice colored with regret. Cursed the seal that prevented him from doing so.

With a small shrug Kakashi replied, "No need to apologize. Nothing can be done about it." He studied the dark eyes looking at him over the tops of knees. "You would have done well if had been able to. The Uchiha clan has always been some of the best ninjas in ANBU. I wouldn't expect anything different from you from based on what I've seen."

Sasuke's eyes grew colder at the compliment and he turned his head aside. He *hadn't* been able to, that was the problem. Itachi had been ANBU captain at 12, the younger Uchiha thought bitterly. He was still a Chuunin at 18. He narrowed his eyes slightly before smoothing his features into a calm mask and looked back to Kakashi. "Did you... did you ever go on missions with Itachi?" His voice was hesitant, the name falling from his lips like venom.

"No, we never went on a mission together." Kakashi replied gently, letting the subject stay open if Sasuke cared to go into it more.

"He didn't have any friends, huh?"

Kakashi turned his head and looked over at the boy sitting next to him. "Well, no."

"Are we... a lot alike?" Sasuke asked this quietly, voice rough. Hated the face that he wanted -needed- to know.

The silver-haired Jounin's face turned thoughtful, considering the question as seriously as it had been posed. "A bit. Here and there. You have friends though... a warmth that Itachi never had."

Sasuke snorted at the warmth comment a bit. Wondering which parts were the same. Stared up at Kakashi's profile, wanting to ask about the Sharingan he had. Wanted to ask him how much he'd improved. Desired that firm hand ruffling his hair in affection, like... a brother almost. Unaware that his eyes shone with need and loneliness as Kakashi angled his face at the boy as he leaned back onto the sofa. He drank in the way Kakashi hooked his hands behind his head, the easy grin that shone in his eyes. "You'd... make a great brother." And Sasuke's a little disturbed by the fact that even as he's saying this, he's watching Kakashi's hands, noticing how strong they are, thinking about those long fingers.

"Well, we have the same type of relationship. I think of you that way, sometimes." As he said this, his mind flipped over all the reasons why he needed to leave right *now*. "All of you guys are special to me." He pulled back physically and mentally, forcing the smile to the fore and ruffled the black hair.

Sasuke's eyes grew darker and he nodded. Boundaries. Not understanding the true line Kakashi walked. "Well, thanks for dinner and stuff." He stood abruptly, wiping his suddenly damp palms on his shorts. Not realizing how desperate he looked.

Kakashi couldn't stop the fluid rise of his body, the hand that gripped the small, white wrist and tugged him forward into a hug. Rubbed his face in the silky black strands and forced the hug on the shocked boy. Thin arms wrapped around his waist tentatively, like Sasuke wasn't sure how to do this. It occurred to Kakashi that Sasuke actually *didn't* know, and his stomach clenched. He was amazed at how his life seemed to orbit around the Uchiha clan, no matter how much they pushed everyone away it only sucked Kakashi in further. "Sasuke," He said, softly, "You're very important in my life.\
Th
The words were oversized and clumsy in his mouth. Wanting to reassure the Chuunin, but didn't want to open any doors for himself. Felt the small nod against his chest and the arms tighten slightly as Sasuke eased himself into the idea of physical affection.

"You are too."

He could feel Sasuke mumble that into his chest slowly, the vibration crackling through his vest, into his chest and it curled in his stomach like lead. "Itachi never felt that way." For not the first time in his life, Kakashi cursed Itachi silently and pulled back, keeping a grip on Sasuke's upper arms.

"You're a talented ninja, Sasuke. You know that." Grinned down and added, "Besides, you are one of my first students, I only choose the best."

Sasuke smirked and rolled his eyes, the heavy mood broken. "If that's true, then how do you explain Naruto?" He just got another hair ruffle that he wanted to rub his head into and they both walked to the door.

"Good night, Sasuke. See you soon." Kakashi let his finger follow the fine lines of Sasuke's face before he realized what he was doing. Pullack ack sharply, and tried to look like he was smiling, acting like he'd brushed something off.

Sasuke turned into the house, rubbing his cheek thoughtfully. "Yeah. Thanks, Kakashi-sensei."


~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Sasuke stood in his living room for a moment before moving to the couch, sitting where Kakashi sat, feeling the warmth from the older man's body still there, rolling Kakashi around in his mind, not realizing s gos got a small smile on his face. Felt like things might actually be okay, because Kakashi cares, he *said* he cares.

"An important person," he mused thoughtfully, leaning back fully against the couch, closing his eyes, replaying the day, little things, not realizing they're all revolving around his former teacher.

It felt a bit like betrayal in his mind, comparing the two completely different ninjas. Sasuke was infuriated with the fact that he can't quite figure out who it feels like he's betraying. Not that Itachi ever gave him anything except 'Tomorrow', and he was furious with himself for feeling like that. Torn, as if Itachi had any right to even *exist* like that in his mind.

"Not Aniki anymore." He muttered this staring up at the ceiling, focusing on memories. Thinking back to all the times he'd asked Kakashi a question, and not only gotten a reply, but... time.

Attention.

The time he'd been sick and Kakashi had come over with food, the smile he could see from his eye. How even when Kakashi was scolding him, it was still brotherly, still because of affection and a need to make him stronger. Not weaker. Never weaker.

He sighed and stood, making his way into his room quickly and to the dresser. Picked up the picture of his former team almost reverently, tracing the faces with a long finger. Noted his scowl and mirrored it.

He hated pictures.

Traced Kakashi's face once more before beginning his night time ritual, he felt something but he was too innocent to define it. There was a gratefulness mixed in with his emotions, knowing that if it hadn't been for them, for Kakashi, he would have been lost long ago. Soaking in the silence around him, this was always soothing to him, considering he’d listened to Naruto all mission long.

He's habitual and knows it, needing the routine to center him. It's almost a meditation at this point. He stared in the mirror, trying to figure out which parts of him were like Itachi. Was it just the Uchiha looks? Black eyes peered back at him intensely, or was there more? The exsionsions, the mannerisms... some were Itachi. Most were. But... other than appearance, was he in there too?

Sasuke shook his head, pushing down the questions and walked to his alarm clock, setting it, though he didn't need to. He'd wake up, it was habit. Flicked off the lamp and laid on his bed, watching the shadows play across his room.


~~~~~~~~~


Itachi stood with his back to the kitchen door as Kakashi left and his eyes narrowed in thought at the interaction the Jounin had with his brother. If his suspicions proved right, and he was never wrong, this could prove to be an interesting little twist. He listened carefully as Sasuke walked back into the living room for a moment. He would have to fix his plans around this now...

A smirk jumped to his lips as he heard Sasuke mutter "Aniki," and then move to his room. Itachi paused for a small moment, making sure he didn't show himself to Sasuke until he had everything prepared, and silently stepped into thel, al, angling himself to where he can see Sasuke as he stood in his room.

Watched as his brother slid a finger across the picture. He almost grinned in delight when he recognized the person Sasuke was touching almost reverently as Kakashi.

So much more interesting indeed, he thought to himself as he slid out of the house, heading for the street his information says Kakashi lives on. Stopping on a rooftop he looked up and down the street. Nothing so far.

He settled back to work over this new addition to his fun, eyes trained to detect the slightest bit of movement watching for the silver haired man to make his way home. There was no way he was going to let Kakashi have what he had already claimed as his own. True, the prize wasn't won yet, but Sasuke was easy prey. Itachi's smirk returned as he thought of how many times Sasuke must have replayed every memory he had of him, how many times he couldn't sleep because of what Itachi had done to him. All it takes is one small twist... one little nudge... And if Kakashi truly cared about his brother... oh the possibilities were endless...

All he had to do is show it to Kakashi... Show him that he holds Sasuke in his hand... can do what ever he wants with him. Itachi's smirk grew even wider at these thoughts.

If there was one thing he loved more than mind games that brought someone pain, it was mind games that brought two people who cared about each other pain. His head snapped up as Kakashi strolled into view and headed in a doorway to his apartment. He followed the man's movement as best he could to discern where his room is. He stepped back even more into the shadows as the new plan fully formed in his mind. This was going to be even more fun than before...

~~~~~~~~~~~~


It was dangerous thinking about the young ninja this way, years of mentoring and friendship could easily be thrown away if he gave into ridiculous impulses like the one that led him to touch deceptively soft skin. He made his way through his empty apartment not bothering to turn on lights, knowing the route by heart.


Sasuke was evoking feelings inside of him that he had successfully ignored until Iruka had innocently brought up how adult their 'kids' were. Something that echoed in his head when Sasuke looked at him with deep black eyes, when he discussed his annoyance with the girls in the village, when he and Naruto had successfully stolen his Icha Icha Paradise book a few months back and Sasuke had blushed for weeks.

Adult?

Kakashi wanted to laugh. He was pure as rain in some ways. It was ridiculous, acting like a brother in one moment and noticing the way his hair fell into his eyes the next. He was too old for this.


He sighed, tugging off his clothes somewhat haphazardly, letting the hit the floor in a heap, but placing his weapons carefully away in their place.

He had priorities. Never failed to notice the way Sasuke would watch him during their weekly get-togethers. If Kakashi met that gaze, Sasuke would rip his eyes away quickly and try to pretend it didn't happen. Or the way Sasuke still jumped during their rare hugs. Would stiffen and freeze at casual touches, as if his skin wasn't sure what to do. Which was more due to the fact that the boy hadn't been hugged regularly for ten years. He sighed, pulling his mask up and off, rubbing his face slightly and shaking his head at himself.

"Letting yourself get too close to the boy is a mistake." The words hit the air, raw and annoyed. Said it out loud so he could cement it into his mind, so he could make them a truth.

Got into bed and slipped himself into a meditative state, trying to clear his mind. Too much emotion, he thought tiredly, gets ninja's killed. Remembered the boy at 12, angry and haughty and pissed off that he was stuck with who he considered to be idiots. Fighting with Naruto at every turn, annoyance and rivalry eventually turning into a strong friendship that contained... annoyance and good-natured rivalry.

He grinned, fes oes of Naruto trying desperately to impress Sasuke coming to his mind. Sasuke pretending not to be impressed or jealous as Naruto quickly advanced in skill level on the Uchiha boy. Sasuke struggling with the seal, with the temptation of power. Weeks spent training him, inserting small lessons about how earning power is always better than receiving it.

The months of fear that Sasuke would leave in search of something he couldn't attain. Then his team becoming Chuunins, and they weren't his team anymore. Realized they still sought him out for random reasons, how Sasuke would be standing there at his front door, looking unsure and questioning as he'd quietly ask if Kakashi had time to do some training, or if he wanted to hear about his latest mission. The weekly visits becoming frequent and eventually a tradition between the two of them. Kakashi swore softly as he realized he was still thinking about Sasuke.